lobsterindc Reviews

We Were the Lucky Ones (2024)

Not bad, but not good?

[4/10 · 29 March 2024]

The series has a great cast but something is missing. Better writing? More character development? I'm not sure.

I'm great at putting my phone down when watching a show, but this series is failing to hold my attention - which given the subject matter should be instantly.

I recognized quite a few of the actors and have liked them individually in other films but the lack of character development in this series makes it hard to fully immerse myself in their situation and empathize with them.

As another review mentioned, it's possible because I've seen this story many times before and it's been written, directed, and/or acted much better.

The Wolf of Snow Hollow (2020)

I thoroughly enjoyed this.

[8/10 · 26 November 2020]

I didn't come into this expecting a Lycan tribute, reboot, I came for a character study and it delivered. I writing was on point, the direction and cinematography were both excellent and the acting from most of the characters was great. I can't remember her name but I've seen her in a couple of shows - the female cop - stole or came very close to stealing most of her scenes. At the end of the day, I just look to a couple of points, was I entertained? Solid yes. Did I care about the characters? Yup. Would I watch another film from this actor director? 100%.

The Twelve (2019–2023)

Excellent Drama

[9/10 · 14 July 2020]

I'm posting this at the end of Episode 6, before I start 7, so my thoughts aren't swayed by the ending. I don't mind foreign shows, correction, I kind of prefer them because each actor is a blank slate (for the most part) and I only have the story to focus on and enjoy. This series drew me in very quickly because of the compelling story, excellent acting and the outstanding cinematography. The Flemish (Belgian) court system is very different from the US one and seems to treat the accused much more humanely but that civics lesson takes a back seat to just a well-written story. I care about the characters, their motivations and struggles (Delphine with the psychotic jealous husband who alternately enrages and fascinates me stands out in particular). Each episode carefully unwraps another layer of truth and she ain't pretty. Mh jaw dropped a couple of times when the truth was finally revealed (long hard side eye at you Ms. Super Professional Police Sergeant). It's definitely worth the time to watch and unlike most series, it doesn't come with the caveat, just give it a bit, it gets good. This one reaches out and grabs your attention and doesn't let it waver. Audio: I didn't watch the dubbed version so no comments there. The sub-titles are easy to read, and the way they inter-mingle Dutch and French is charming and a linguist's nightmare.

I can't give it a 10 because I haven

The Bridge (2011–2018)

Everything you want plus a little more from a Scandi-Noir

[10/10 · 11 June 2020]

Positives: I care about the characters, they look like real people with real bodies (Long hard side-eye at you Hollywood - Nicole Kidman wearing a a plastic nose is not courageous). The story is engaging and the lead actress convincingly portrays someone with a slight touch of Aspbergers? without comedic effect. In Danish & Swedish, and though the differing accent bit comes up fairly often in the dialog, that bit of humor is intended only for native speakers. For us non-natives, a huge shout out to the sub-titler for not making the color the same as the background! So basic and vital, but so overlooked sometimes. The story sucks you in passing my biggest test - am I tempted to pick up my phone? Answer here, no. Negatives - If you have a problem with nudity, violence, and a female character who approaches sex with same mind-set as most men (which I think is just a manifestation of her aforementioned position on the spectrum), then a good Murder She Wrote re-run might be a better choice. Personally, that's one of the many reasons I like the Nordic films, the human condition is not always pretty and their lens is unblinking.

Into the Night (II) (2020–2021)

Ignore the science and just enjoy

[8/10 · 2 May 2020]

Are there plot holes, yes. Can a helicopter pilot fly a commercial airline, no. Can a home health care aide perform surgery, of course not. Is it enjoyable to watch and am I engaged and care about the characters? Yes. This is not for the "Must be 100% accurate, or it's trash"! critics viewing from Mom's basement. Suspend your disbelief and just enjoy a nice Friday/Saturday night on the couch movie. The episodes fly by because I'm entertained (and they're short- 38 minutes-ish) and I have no desire to multi-task with a phone game or whatnot.

Full disclosure, I watched in French because I can speak French (it's not entirely in French though) and subtitles don't bother me. I don't know how the English dub sounds, but that always destroys a movie for me when the audio isn't matching the actor's lips. Plus, the dubbed script never quite matches the real nuances of what's really being said.