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Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Coral Palms, Part 1 (2016)
Don't eat the burrito
Holt and Peralta AKA Greg and Larry. Season Premier in their OWN episode! What's not to love.
Obviously they'll get back to the nine-nine soon enough but it is so much fun watching Greg and Larry survive the suburbs of Florida. I almost on't want it to end. Pinning for their old lives it doesn't take long until they are both back on the case to get back home. But between this are moments of comedy gold. Jake in a hot tub eating a burrito, Hot dog Holt getting flipped, Jake stealing Holts walking group but best of all DJ Fun Zone, he raps...and dances. Oh and Holt has a tattoo, that's one mystery that needs to be solved.
The premise was simple but the gags were rolling thick and fast. It looks like we are getting at least one more episode like this and I am loving it. Easily the shows top two characters getting to shine bright. A bold move to open a series, minus most of it's regulars, but it is working beautifully.
More of the same Greg and Larry!
The Big Bang Theory: The Conjugal Conjecture (2016)
Who's ready to get married...?
....Wait there was a wedding?
The Finale of season 9 set us up nicely for Leonard and Penny's second wedding. The premier of season 10...did nothing with it. Just about as poor an opening as I have seen to a season.
The episode should have evolved around the happy couple, but they barely had any lines, the wedding was over in minutes and when they did take centre stage Bernadette and Sheldon overshadowed them. Why was Bernadette officiating? This has been done so many times now on TV that it just felt like a copy. The Sheldon speech was nice but he shouldn't have hung around, this should have been about them alone, it felt like a forced Sheldon highlight, which it wasn't. Even the structure of the ceremony was rushed. They should have stuck with just the one wedding as this follow up was frankly embarrassing.
The episode did however give plenty of time to Mary, Arthur and Beverly. Why give characters who rarely show up 2 full episodes of screen time, Sheldon and Leonards parents getting it on was a nice little touch last time, but the fallout didn't deserve a full episode. Now the parents are gone and probably won't be seen again for a while. Thrown into the mix was Penny's family who we see in full for the first time, even they got more screen time than the main couple. Penny's brother was a highlight however and the opposite of what I would have envisioned.
Howard's pursuit by the government was briefly touched upon but again left dangling with no progression.
It really is hard to find any positives here (being a massive fan of the show). Leonard and Penny were lost in the background, Howard and Raj barley featured, Bernadette only getting screen time to officiate the wedding, not one mention of her pregnancy and Amy playing a harp. Emily was missing all together.
A big loss for me where the elder generations, all minor characters were given main billing, simply baffling.
To shine some light on this, there were plenty of gags throughout, most were quite funny, but unable to save a dire episode. Leonard and Penny I think have officially had the worst TV wedding, even their first was better.
If this were a mid season episode it would have passed for OK, but for a season premier and a wedding it failed on both counts.
4/10
Stranger Things: Chapter Two: The Weirdo on Maple Street (2016)
Episode 102: The Weirdo on Maple Street
Toned down slightly from the opener but never short of surprises. The biggest comes right at the end following a pool party. I wasn't bothered about the character involved, having made little impression so far but the moment is still a shocking end to the show. The scene of the show for me however is down to Joyce who receives another phone call, this one with more of a reason to get hysterical which she does fantastically. Her character is blossoming now and she just makes all the crazy stuff going on feel real. After the phone call some lights flicker and the boom box turns itself on in the bedroom. This leads to a shocking discovery sending her fleeing her home. This segment was done brilliantly and the tension was unbearable. This should have closed the episode since it happened to a dominant character rather than a secondary one.
Outside of these events the kids set about keeping Elle a secret from their parents with her and Mike sharing some nice scenes together in an otherwise darker episode. Lucas freaks out later on and is ready to give her up but is stopped in his tracks with another show of what Elle can do. She later goes on to reveal she knows where Will is. But what she reveals actually seems quite terrifying. For all their good intentions I don't think the boys have a clue what they are heading in to. The dynamic between all 4 is great and the reactions from the boys especially during an "undressing" spot is hilarious.
Elsewhere Hopper continues his investigation, finding his fallen friend in the diner and learning of the girl who was there. He later finds a strip of her gown and the scary as hell place she came from. If the forest wasn't spooky enough, this place will get you going.
Jonathan also goes on a little side journey of his own to find Will when he comes face to face with easily my least favourite character thus far. He really is in a world of his own and I don't expect any cooperation as the series continues.
A fun light episode that turned very dark, it's left me wanting more but I do hope there are some light hearted scenes thrown in along the way. Strong follow up to the opener and this world is now really coming alive.
Narcos: Our Man in Madrid (2016)
Episode 203: Our man in Madrid
Our man in Madrid is an old friend. Colonel Carrillo. The first sight of him brings an air of excitement to the episode. He is given full reign this episode shaking up the ground troops and leading 100 men to show Pablo that he is back. Pablo's facial reaction is one rarely seen and goes to show that perhaps there is one man he is afraid of.
For the most part Pablo took a back seat in the episode but Carrillo lit up the screen and on two distinct occasions, shocked the viewer with despicable acts of violence. The first act was actually tough to watch, even the evil Escobar may have drawn the line here. This guy in a matter of moments proved that while on the side of the good guys, he may be as despicable as the rest of the series villains. His second act aboard a helicopter wasn't as shocking as you could clearly tell what was to come. But it will have a big impact on Escobar who will be sure to retaliate. Pena and Murphy are witnesses to the above and are clearly shaken by the events. However if they want any part of the investigation I guess they are going to have to go with it. But breakdowns for one and both are pending if Carrillo continues his ways. My bet is on Murphy who has a touching final phone call to close the episode, the first time this series he has really felt in the game.
Elsewhere Judy visits Orejuela, Leader of the Cali Cartel to plot a plan to take down her enemy. The Cali's are eager to keep a clean front and so hatch a cleaver plan to catch some of Pablo's men, at a cost to Judy which she willingly sacrifices.
Not as much excitement as the previous two episodes, more used as a platform to welcome back Carrillo. But for me the second act of violence could have been saved for another day, the first was terrible enough.
Narcos: Cambalache (2016)
Episode 2...Cambalache
Cambalache is the second episode of Narcos second season and for me felt better than the first. Politics and Violence in equal measure.
Titled Cambalache for the song playing both in opening and closing the episode. The episode begins with Pablo happily singing along in the shower as La Quica and Limon set out to find the rat amongst the prostitutes, gunning them down one at a time. The music returns again as Pablo romantically dances with his wife as his men lead an attack on the soldiers meant to be hunting him. Both violent scenes but to watch Pablo so happy in time with the music further proves his outer warmth is covering a deeply cold hearted man.
The song isn't just used to bookend the episode but has a much deeper meaning. In English it ultimately means "we are the same, gentleman and thief". This is precisely how Pablo see's himself which is why he conducts his own interview offering himself up in exchange for being trialled fairly in his own country. Another man who shares this view is the Attorney General. Elected by the people and acting separate from the president. He also believes Pablo is entitled to fair trial and is willing to go against the President to meet with him. Further continuing this analogy the final scene of the battle between Pablo's men and the soldiers highlights that maybe the "good" are the same as the "bad". They want Pablo and his men dead just as Pablo wants the soldiers who threaten his freedom dead.
The only people in this episode who seem to be clear cut good guys are the Americans as a new Ambassador and DEA chief are instated. George Bush wants Escobar brought to American soil. Maybe finally Pena and Murphy can make a solid push to win the war. Murphy is reinstated following last episodes breakdown and is warned by Pena that it can't happen again which he replies "I don't know". Which surely means that down the line it will. Murphy to me still doesn't feel like a solid lead. He is combustible and really feels out of his depth against Pablo's exploits. But maybe this is a plot device to add a great surprise IF he does bring him down.
Another man at risk of bringing down Pablo is Limon. He lets Maritza live when ordered to take her out and is later forced to kill a soldier. Pablo warned him that he cannot tolerate rats and already Limon is going against orders, it is likely that this could lead to trouble for Quico and Pablo but more likely Pablo taking him out. He's on a very slippery slope from here.
A strong followup episode which i felt in many ways was better than the opener. Pablo was in harmony in this episode but I Imagine it won't be long before he has to get dirty "the same" as anyone else.
Narcos: Free at Last (2016)
Free at last
Before the opening credits roll, Pablo Escoba presents us with an incredible show of power. In the subtlest of ways he told the viewers and Colombian forces alike that he was back.
The early scenes with his family are emotional and touching, but this feeling soon leaves as Pablo attempts to reestablish his dominance, not hiding in the shadows but in plain sight. The way he goes about this is genius. La Quica (Catano) is at the centre of Pablo's revival and while his role is kept brief he is given an incredible scene at the end where he proves he is just as sly as Pablo himself. I hope he is given much more screen time than he was here.
Enemies come thick and fast primarily from forces embarrassed by the failure to contain Escobar. The streets are flooded with soldiers as President Gaviria (Mendez) puts everything he has into the re capture of his great nemesis. Pablo reaches out later in the episode but this season Gaviria isn't interested in any deals.
Trying to navigate these armies are Murphy and Pena (Pascal and Holbrook) who are having to jump through hoops just to dip their toes in the investigation. Meanwhile Murphy has the toughest episode of all juggling the investigation and his marriage. He opens the episode glad that the chase is back on and by the end...not so much.
As if running and empire and avoiding the authorities isn't enough, Pablo must deal with enemies made from last season as Judy Moncada (Umana) plots her revenge for the death of her husband. She lays the ground work for an army of her own. She is enraged as Escoba makes his most shocking appearance yet in the episode and has plans of his own for her retaliation. This only riles her up more and she closes the episode with an ominous warning.
If there was any doubt that season 2 wouldn't be as gripping as the first they are long gone. Pablo is out, the chase is on to find him as he juggles his own agendas and navigated his enemies. Lot's to develop as the season progresses. And the scenes featuring the main man are all must see. The only weak link for me are the two cops, especially Murphy who seemed to get lost in the shuffle this episode and need to break out from their on screen restriction to feature more predominantly.
Great opener, sets the tone of the season nicely and Pablo shines bright as always.
Toy Story (1995)
You've got a friend in me
"Reach for the sky"! The opening statement of Woody (Hanks) a toy cowboy during a boys playtime. A statement that proves to be ironic when he later looks up at a toy from space, Buzz Lightyear (Allen). Woody's owner is growing older and Woody struggles to accept the change as Buzz becomes Andy's new favourite toy. Leading from the once strong leader into a bout of jealousy and even malice as he tries to take Buzz out of the picture. Woody is then separated from Andy via a fight with Buzz and has to find a way home. Further change occurs as Woody is forced to align with Buzz to escape the toy antagonist Sid. It takes 3/4 of the movie for Woody to finally change his ways, and work with Buzz for the final great escape.
Woody's journey from leader to outcast to redemption is intriguing to watch unfold. His final monologue with Sid was beautifully written as the toy out wits the boy. The whole irony of his story is that a child's mind is fleeting and 10 minutes of playing with Buzz and Woody would have been in the game again.
For me it is Buzz that follows the greater path of change. Noble and confident throughout mostly due to being under the illusion he is an actual space ranger. Kudos to the writer who decided to take a toy from this world and make him believe he is real! Simple but incredibly compelling. Buzz's final realisation that he is a toy is arm breaking for him but heartbreaking for us. For a family movie Buzz's breakdown is surprising and well delivered and the journey back to being he hero has Buzz literally "Reaching for the sky". With us the viewers figuratively as we are up there with them cheering the final events.
Woody and Buzz's journey home is supported by a cast of toys, each with a filled out personality. Loyal Slinky being one of my favourites, always reluctant to turn on his buddy Woody like the others.
It's the direction of John Lasseter that puts us into this world. When Woody shouts "You are a toy". It's John speaking to us. From the beginning the camera is at ground level. We are not supposed to be a child watching his toys come to life but an actual toy, low level shots panning up throughout give a feel to the vastness of a toys world. We are right there through each playtime, adventure, triumph and failure and by the end Buzz may be flying but we are falling for these toys, in style.
The story and characters are a success but the triumph is the medium in which the story is told. Through 3d animation, never before seen feature length. The Pixar animators made a bedroom and a pizza planet truly realistic. They brought toys to life in movement and texture. But most astonishing of all, they made us care for a bunch of 3d shapes put together through countless hours of rendering in a computer. The result is a metaphor for change, not just in the story itself and it's characters but in the medium it is told. The great change from 2d to 3d animation which is now common place for feature animation.
This movie is a game changer for cinema and animation alike. Walt Disney and co did it in 1938. 54 years later John Lasseter and co did it again. The possibilities for 3d animation in film are Infinite, and Beyond...?
Stranger Things: Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers (2016)
Coffee and Contemplation
Mornings are for coffee and contemplation says Chief Hopper (Harbour). And the debut episode of Netflix'd latest offering certainly leaves a lot to contemplate.
The setting is 80's Indiana as the show opens with an ominous scene and notable presence which sets the tone nicely leading to the vanishing of Will Byers (Schnapp).
The stars are 3 three dungeons and dragons loving kids embroiled in their own quest to find their missing friend. The three boys Mike, Dustin and Lucas (Wolfhard, Matarazzo, McLaughlin) are at the centre of the show and fill their roles brilliantly. The chatacters are the usuall high school nerds seen many times before, but it's their combined comradeship that is their strength. The bounce off each other seamlessly and they really out shine the adults of the show at times, often showing more eagetness to find their friend. Mike especially has a breakout scene before the boys initiate their search.
The adult cast compliments the kids nicely. Joyce (Ryder) plays the panicked single mother. She spends much of the episode almost not facing the gravity of the situation, but following a mysterious phone call she breaks out her shell and the hysteric mom comes flooding out, in an emotional scene with her elder son Jonathan (Heaton). Chief Hopper is reluctant early on to get involved the story but this grows greatly after a revelation to his back story. He is a lot more subtle against Joyce's panic driven mum but no less valuable to the cast and has a lot of room to grow in the story.
The final notable cast member is Elle/11 (Brown) and my pick for the most exciting entity of the show. Shows up (not alone) as Will goes missing, very little to say but it's her actions that build intrigue into the character.
There is a minor teenage love story here with Steve and Nancy (Keery and Dyer) which I am sure will connect to the main plot soon enough.
From the Poltergeist-esque opening to the Goonies style friendship. This is a direct throw back to the 80's. Even down to the music and credit font's. Some may say it is outdated in 2016. But giant walkie talkies and biking adventures will always be cool.
The opening and closing minutes were faultless and with about 10 minutes combined outline the entire show leaving this writer eager for more. I can't fault any of the cast who each gave us a good idea of what their character is about. The Chief remains the adult with the most potential with Elle clearly being positioned at the centre of all these Things which by design promise to get even Stranger from here.
There is definitely a lot more contemplation to come...i'll grab the coffee.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Simple story, Beautiful telling
The Good
A great ensemble cast who play their roles perfectly. But it's the stand out performances of Williams and especially Damon that keep you hooked. Their immediate portrayal of polar opposite characters is the cornerstone for the film and watching their characters and relationship change is nothing short of brilliant. Many stand out moments from both but then Damon has his breakout moment and steals the show. The writing from the young Affleck and Damon is transferred very well to screen. They take a simple premise and slowly pull it apart until we have something beautiful to watch. It's dramatic, it's funny, it's sad. The writers make us relate and the actors make us believe in equal measure.
The Bad
While the writers work the premise well, there are moments that are somewhat predictable. We know where the film is going and have worked out early on how it will end. They gave us great moments of drama, but no big twists in the story, it is very linear and i never felt like the route of the film would change. Also I felt it ended a whisker early. One more shot would have ended it well.
The Ugly
This is nit picking by now, but William's introduction followed the rather cheesy and much used line "Well there is one more!". This line wasn't needed. We knew Williams was coming and such an important character deserved a non cliché'd welcome.
2012 (2009)
Catastrophe on screen and behind the camera!!!
It's been a while since a decent "end of the world" movie and this was a breath of fresh air to the back of our seats. From start to finish you are on the edge, waiting to see what gets destroyed next and how the characters are possibly going to survive.
There is everything you would expect: Great visuals fast paced action, world destruction and nail biting suspense. These make the film what it is and bring its success; which will keep all viewers happy and put bums in seats. However there are some very big holes created which aren't results of the end of the world but the making of the event.
The calibre of actors is a bit flat, a couple well known people but none who have the big Hollywood status right now and so lack star quality. Bigger names would have drawn bigger audiences however I suppose putting in top action stars would have eliminated the peril as you would expect them to succeed. With these actors you are constantly wondering.
However the big problem is in the story telling is there is none of it. The 2012 doomsday theory is a preconceived idea so the film makers already had that in place. They simply destroyed anything that hasn't already been blown up. And the rest of the story surrounds the relationships between the characters, which we have seen a thousand times. This film lacks originality and you constantly feel like you've seen it before. Everything has been put into blowing s**t up and the visual effects. The other factors to the film have been put on the back burner with little or no effort to address.
While this film won't win any Oscars for its story telling or acting it will get endless honours for its colossal creation and groundbreaking effects. There is enough going on to keep everyone occupied and the majority of people will simply pass over the lack of story.
The only way I can rate this is to say it is not as good as Independence Day, but better than Day After Tomorrow. A great action packed movie which delivers again and again and so succeeds at its goal; creating a movie spectacle worthy of destroying the world.
Overall Summary: Bit hit on screen with dramatic action and effects. But a disappointment off camera with lack of story telling and originality.