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Darrell_H
Reviews
Goliath (2016)
Season 1 a 9 but season 2 only 7 stars
Season 1 was great. Season 2's ending was in a word unsatisfying, at least for me. Up until then it would have also been 9 stars. Apparently this is a common conception since on Amazon as of this review season 2 is rated a whole star less.
This is very unfortunate because at least for me season 2 was as good or better and maybe even more compelling up until that unsatisfying ending. That's not to say there weren't some liberties taken in the storytelling that didn't quite make sense but at least some of those could have been overlooked with a more conclusive ending
The acting was superb however. Especially season 2 newcomers Ana de la Reguera (Marisol Silva) and Mark Duplass (Tom Wyatt). As was Diana Hopper as Denise McBride in an expanded and more challenging performance. I wouldn't be surprised if she has a very successful career. And it was especially great to have Tania Raymonde as Brittany Gold back since you might question her return after season 1.
I do strongly hope there's a season 3 but that there are less storytelling liberties that don't make sense and a satisfying ending.
Red Hill (2010)
Well worth watching but has some shortcomings
A very likable film with good acting but it does have some believability issues. When it adds drama to the story a shooter can't miss. And then when it adds drama to the story a shooter can't hit someone right in front of them or wont even take the shot that might save them. The story also starts off with the relocating police officer misplacing his gun in the move. These along with a mountain lion that is unnecessary to the story just result in too many distractions. A great movie will keep you so engrossed and free of distractions that you forget you are watching a movie. That Red Hill had a chance at being great if not for these shortcomings still says a lot though. It was otherwise very well done and entertaining with a very rewarding plot.
Hard Candy (2005)
Some reviews unjustifiably too critical
I am talking in particular here about the reviews that basically criticize the content of the film even though it is as described. Torture is used in the IMDb storyline. Victim, predator and prey are also used in the marketing. The storyline is also clear that it involves a fourteen year old and a possible pedophile. Despite this some of the most critical reviews take issue with the storyline for these very reasons. It is hardly fair to criticize a film for being what it says it is.
Hard Candy is worth watching just for the great performances by Ellen Page Juno) and Patrick Wilson (A Gifted Man). The provocative title hardly does the film justice, it is a very intelligent psychological thriller that keeps you engrossed.
The Unborn (2009)
Underrated, compares well to Drag Me To Hell
Certainly a lot of unfair reviews. So it is not original, what horror movie is anymore. It did a very good job of weaving the done before haunting with a believable back story and believable actions by the characters. If you want mindless horror this is not it, Unborn is more intelligent than that. There is not a lot of blood and guts but it is effectively creepy.
The acting is very good, compared to most horror movies it is excellent. Odette Annable certainly was believable. And Gary Oldman, Idris Elba, James Remar, Carla Gugino and Jane Alexander provided their typical quality work. Meagan Good and Cam Gigandet were also believable as the best friend and boyfriend. If you want an intelligent supernatural movie more in the vein of Drag Me To Hell this is it.
Prometheus (2012)
Far too much that is unbelievable
For a big budget movie with a previously successful story line, highly regarded director and very good cast it has far too many B movie believability issues in the writing and direction. They are only worth about a 3 by themselves.
Mostly it is that the crew behaves like it is on vacation in a tropical paradise instead of in an alien environment even after the dangers are apparent. In a well done movie I will forgive one or two believability issues but unfortunately the drama in Prometheus relies on this repeatedly throughout.
My rating was only as high as it was because it still managed to be fairly entertaining despite it's shortcomings. That and I at least found the ending somewhat redemptive and believable, otherwise the story would just be that human beings should avoid space travel because they are far too naive or stupid to survive it. It just pales in comparison to something believably written and directed like Joss Whedon's exceptional Serenity.
Restraint (2008)
Excellent, extremely impressed, definitely underrated
Restraint is a very original take on the couple on the run story. More importantly though it is well crafted in every aspect and the acting is superb. The characters are very layered and oftentimes emotionally raw and the actors are definitely up to the task.
Travis Fimmel is great as Ron being both violent and manipulative but also playful and even sympathetic. Stephen Moyer is also great as Andrew being a fearful victim that as time goes by becomes more bold with his captors. Both definitely brought the characters to life.
Teresa Palmer as Dale had the most challenging role. She is conflicted over the deaths she has been a party to and her feelings for Ron and growing feelings for Andrew. She is not the least bit modest physically but is emotionally unsure of herself, even innocent. Palmer was not only capable but flawless in her portrayal.
I did not recognize her as Number 6 in I Am Number Four until I checked her credits. That someone can immerse themselves in two such different characters so as to not be recognizable is a testament to their acting ability. She reminds me of a cross between Kristen Stewart and Naomi Watts.
Now if they would just make I Am Number Six. Whoever has the rights to that should realize they have a star for the lead.
As for Restraint I am still thinking about it the day after and I can't think of a higher compliment than that.