mike-cochran5 Reviews

Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)

Logic not needed

[4/10 · 4 February 2024]

For such a great cast and usually direction this miss is as big as the continental divide. Too many sub plots, twists that you have to suspend reason to follow. Of course could have been great but just is not, as it drags slowly into the story trying yo create back story. Fond yourself not caring about the characters out of limited connection to who they are or what they matter. The acting is solid but again so what? If the characters aren't people we can cheer for nothing matters and the background of the characters isn't solid so the entire movie just lands flat as a wasted experience. Key events lack any realism. Thought about less then a 4.

Dexter: New Blood: Sins of the Father (2022) Season 1, Episode 10

Disagree with the popular view

[10/10 · 20 September 2023]

Frankly not certain why so much hate on this episode. Understandably fans wanted more BUT after the way the main series ended (agreeably poorly) this put the writers conclusion in place. The reality is this show was always about family bonds, good and evil, right and wrong, and father son relationships. This episode ties all that together plus follows all the presented themes of this series. The writers were brilliant with the symmetry of the series with this episode. Yes, you might have wanted the blood letting to last into eternity (as in reality it seems to) but this let's our hero have his say, and plays frankly perfectly against the backdrop of the entire Dexter context. I say BRAVO.

Mayor of Kingstown (2021– )

Could have been great but it's real good

[7/10 · 10 August 2023]

Way to many loose ends on sub plots! Goes for the big moments vs playing out the story. Love these actors and Taylor is usually spot on, this at times seems rushed. Ok, maybe that is harsh because it is a really good show and was gripping, as the performances are really great. Just wish on the could have been, as this Shield meets OZ show had more of a chance to be the Wire type series. Worth the watch for certain and if they are thinking of season 3 should wrap it up in a bow and finalize the characters. With Jeremy on the mend they could use his recovery as story and finish on the right side of the story. My 2 cents.

The Bear: Fishes (2023) Season 2, Episode 6

Wow!

[10/10 · 8 July 2023]

The performances in this episode are some of the best in history. Jamie Lee Curtis is an American acting treasure. What a powerful episode by world class actors. Standing ovation to all. I kept imagining this on a broadway stage as the episode popped off the screen. Would love to see the behind the scene shots of this as this ensemble of actors and direction is a master class. This show is a gem but this particular episode makes it can't miss television and the character portrayal is on point by the entire cast. John Mulaney shows off his acting chops and hope we get more of him in dramatic roles.

The Bear (2022– )

Bear hug

[9/10 · 28 September 2022]

Fantastic show! Tremendous acting, especially by Ebon Moss-Bachrach. An authentic look at family, loss, and the pursuit of real happiness. This story has a bit of everything we look for in a great story, it has struggle and triumph combined with the need for support from others.... I can not wait till the next season and may there be many seasons to follow. Television/streaming needs this show. So greatly to see something truly original done in a fantastic way. Terrific cast who each stays true to their characters and the story, with writing that builds in a direction you will want to go..............

Black Bird (2022)

Fantastic story telling and amazing acting

[9/10 · 25 August 2022]

Paul Hauser is brilliant! His portrayal of Hall is fantastic acting and makes the series; the series is very good and all the cast put in outstanding performances but Hauser is a WOW. Great casting, acting, writing and directing. The fact this story is true and frankly told in a tamer way then reality is a bonus that gives the watcher more research after the fact, but this would stand on its own. Congrats to all who worked on this as it was great story telling. Now, Ray Liotta... This performance will make you even more sad we lost an acting GIANT. 100% recommended as this show is excellent.

Don't Look Up (2021)

Great actors... the end!

[3/10 · 7 August 2022]

Great actors were sold a mediocre script and a director who did his best work on other projects. Disappointing, unless you need to kill 2 hours, little redeeming qualities.

Euphoria (2019– )

When?

[2/10 · 15 February 2022]

When did we think it was art or interesting to watch pedophiles, child porn and drug use of high schoolers? Off the rails that this got funded by HBO and worse it has a wide audience. Depressing on so many levels.

The Problem with Jon Stewart (2021–2023)

Only for a few not many

[2/10 · 19 October 2021]

I find Jon funny and smart, but this show is sometimes funny, occasionally smart and almost always smarmy. The focus is make fun of what he disagrees with, be little people through a narrow world lens and then pander to those who already agree. Just not entertaining or effective we have cnn for that minus the funny but my guess is the rating will be similar after the audience misses the old daily show Jon.

The Little Things (2021)

Paid the right $0

[4/10 · 31 July 2021]

Disappointing story telling, with great acting. Had so much promise and never delivered. Writers shouldn't direct their own work and this is an example of why.

The Outsider (2020)

Solid show terrific actors

[9/10 · 18 April 2020]

Ben Mendelson, Jason Bateman, Billy Camp all fantastic. Truly anything Cynthia Erivo is a treasure, sign me up to watch anything she is in as every project she has elevated!