Change Your Image
p-26680
Reviews
Joe Rogan: Burn the Boats (2024)
Childish Bantering, Little to No Humor, a Plagiaristic Dumpster Fire
While one can enjoy, at times, Rogan's studio interviewing skills, coupled with his life long observations, unfortunately, his stage presence, or lack there of, coupled with his style of add-libbed sophomoric humor, on stage, is nowhere as appealing (I felt as if I were watching "open mic night"). This NETFLIX special, isn't really special at all, and will likely only appeal to a niche audience; the easily amused, perhaps simple minded racists, bigots, conspiracy theorists... This clearly wasn't food for thought. Rogan's topics centered upon tired, recycled topics, including obvious notes of plagiarism, which may work for others, just not Rogan. The second aspect to his "performance" was extremely poor timing, endless, pointless story telling, his use of Neanderthalish linguistics; defining his true comedic abilities. If he indeed had writers, oh boy, there's obviously no accounting for taste, but if he indeed decided to write (some of) his own material, he'd be better off sticking with his studio schtik. 20 minutes in, I was spent... Lastly, this is a man who continues to endorse OrangeBabyJesus; perhaps his objectivity is a bit skewed...?
Atlas (2024)
Painfully Incompetent "Cry Baby" Feature
Was Marc Anthony on set the entire time...?!! You typically can tell when an actor insist's on becoming a producer, within the same project, and hasn't a clue what they're doing or have done... The film feels as if it's more about Lopez's innate narcissism, than the story itself. Everything is about her, coupled with her abhorrent performance, over compensating, whinging cartoon character - she's more of a distraction, than a focal point. Her backseat dictatorial control likely influenced everything and everyone involved; typically happens when surrounding oneself with only yes people. To witness Mark Strong's muted characterization, indicated something was clearly amiss...
If Netflix continues to produce such big budget flops, influenced, seduced by fading stars, they'll simply produce more noise, not entertainment, akin to Disney and all other attempted players. And now, Netflix wants to add live sports to their platform... Further evidence they appear to have lost their way... I'm not interested in subsidizing the production of astronomically expensive NFL sporting events, WWE and the like, with ensuring price increases. Let other's do what they do best, and try to stay in your own lane...
Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal (2024)
Approach this from a journalistic perspective, and you'll appreciate the accolades.
While many of us are utterly appalled by the mere thought of this being acceptable behavior, one has to understand, we're all wired differently... Who are we to judge others...?
But if one looks at this project for what it is, an extremely interesting investigative piece on an utterly blatant internet scam, for which I believe, no one really quite understood, least of all me. I knew of Ashley Maddison from TV and internet ads, and their subsequent hack, but had no idea just how dysfunctionally deceitful, blatantly corrupt their CEO, business model, and operations were...
There's a story in here, which is somewhat incomprehensible; Ashley Madison being blatantly careless, intentionally deceptive, woefully destructive...
While running a bit longer than necessary, I thought overall production values were stoic; research, writing, production, cinematography, direction, interviews, locations, editing, pacing... It's a fascinating train wreck to witness, which apparently, has no end...
Invasion (2021)
Too Much Soap...
The plot has far too many detractors, so much so, I find myself fast forwarding through much of it, as of late. Art is very much in the eye of the beholder, but filling scripts with fluff, pointless filler, unlikable, unrelatible characters, coupled with sub standard set designs, poor continuity, doesn't help anyone, nor, IMO, is worth paying for. If I were producing, I'd have writers spend less time on meaningless dialogue, plot and focus on more the intellectual; it's becoming more and more about seemingly nothing.
CGI, conceptually, is well done.
Severance is Apple's diamond in the ruff, while Ted Lasso was brilliant in the first season, but quickly fell from grace. It appears, at times, Apple exec's are simply throwing things against the wall and hoping something will stick. This isn't working from a business perspective, as much of these Apple productions are far less than stellar.
Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell: The High Heel (2019)
Funniest Episode Of All
A mockery of organized religion takes aim at Scientology and others. I laughed so hard I was crying.
Mulan (2020)
Another Well Deserved Failure For Disney
It's difficult to comprehend how this film ended up as such a train wreck (aka JOHN CARTER). It comes off as utterly unbelievable and unrelatable. As a remake, conceptually, this was a disaster and I'm not sure who would actually find this appealing.
The New Pope (2020)
Wow!
This has turned into something significantly intriguing; looking forward to next season.
Ozark (2017)
Phenomenal
Utterly phenomenal! Brilliant writing, direction, acting..! All is connected yet each season is somehow better than the previous. Not for the faint; stressing.
The Crown (2016)
Absolutely Brilliant and Enlightening
There are those rarities among television series where occasionally one truly stands out. This is one of them. Historically revealing, touching, insightful...
Yes, at times I found my way slipping away for a break when a chapter or two were not quite as engaging. But on a whole all the other chapters reveal more fascinating insights; such as the story of Prince Philip's mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg.
One cannot be unimpressed by this series storytelling, superb production values, brilliant writing, direction, sets, costumes and above all else, superb casting and acting...
An exceptionally talented cast and crew bring their absolute best A game to this fascinating and telling series.
Uncut Gems (2019)
Controlled Chaos
The hated the music score; detracted significantly from the films energy.
Star Trek: Picard (2020)
Here's hoping it gets better...
For something so anticipated this sure disappointed.
Joker (2019)
Brilliant! 10
Given all the hype I wasn't sure I'd enjoy what turned out to be a brilliant piece of cinema. Every single aspect of this film worked phenomenally well; Superb characterization, script, casting, direction, cinematography, blocking, editing, scoring, music craft, sound, location, sets, costumes... Deals with mental illness on a level one can truly comprehend and the elements which compound Joker's perceptions and perceived reality.
Ad Astra (2019)
Interesting yet Questionable
This film is without question slow and methodical. There are aspects of this film which are seriously intriguing yet when coupled with other events within the film, becomes entirely unfathomable and disappointingly unrealistic (ie: pirates on the moon and how easily they seemingly sacrificed their own lives, akin to Mad Max and the Wild West, but on the moon where it was virtually impossible to survive. Given hostilities, how one so easily approached and accessed the Mars launcher. The unstrapping of crew members during the launch and the ensuing battle and obvious deaths which resulted... I feel these things actually robbed the essence of the story and its believability, IMO. Was it really necessary to cut corners in the plot to water down, simplify the story...? This could have been so much more.
The Two Popes (2019)
Intriguing Insight But Disappoints in Cinematography
While I enjoyed the films overall attempt at this fascinating story, I found myself distracted at times at just how utterly underwhelming the film's overall cinematography, coming off as a lower budgeted film; I felt there was , at times, a real loss at intimacy.
The Mandalorian (2019)
Juvenile Fodder
Poorly written, directed. Low production values. Uninteresting, thin plot.
Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood (2019)
Long Winded
The film doesn't begin to become truly interesting until about 1 hour and 39 minutes in (1 hour remaining); which means more or less an hour and 40 of character development.
There are important elements in the character development, just a bit too long winded for me; I had to finish the film in 3 sittings.
It does have an interesting historical twist to well known historical characters...
But the setup IMO is long winded... If Tarantino had managed to whittle this down to say somewhere around 2 hours, I think it would have received far more acclaim and acceptance for this piece of work.
Hats off to everyone involved.
Downton Abbey (2019)
An Enjoyable Continuation of the Series
I've enjoyed this episode of Downton Abbey and hope there will be more to come...
The Man in the High Castle (2015)
An overall review of MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE
Although this SciFi-History thriller isn't perfect, perhaps particularly in its initial season, given time, it rises above itself; providing an excellent opportunity - allowing us to draw exceptional parallels into two possible outcomes of WWII and their distinctive ramifications.
I found redemption in its 4th season's exceptionally powerful portrayal of John Smith's seeming confrontation with his past, in both worlds; especially his responsible for the further perpetration of the Holocaust in America upon Jews (Danny, his ever faithful brother in arms), Blacks (the horrible, demeaning and illegal treatment the couple in the cafe were continually subjected to)... and all people of color... (The so-called euthanasia) of the disabled (and the distinct parallels of witnessing his own son escorted twice from his home)... His daughters... How he was locked in to a dual existence... Seemingly unable to give up one for the other...
The exemplary actions of the BCR, giving Black People a significant role in changing hearts and minds of all peoples, uniting, while fighting all enemies...
Japanese eventually succumbing to a truer, more rational definition of honor and loyalty... But at what cost...?
Season 4 is a grand culmination of all its integral parts rife with reminders of what could have been...
Be prepared to be emotionally moved and reflective, as there will be much to atone for...
But it is all so deeply rewarding, in the end...
This is a reminder of just how heinous humanity can be, but how one can always find reason to redeem oneself no matter what the odds...
I believe it is imperative you watch the entire series in order to fully appreciate its powerful and substantive conclusion...
We as a people should never, ever forget what Nazi's were and remain capable of... And just how petty and unforgivable racism is; there is absolutely no excuse for disrespecting one another, ever.
The King (2019)
A Political Maelstrom
Deeply moving and enticing story depicting history and legends. I found it most entertaining, with an excellent cast.
The Punisher (2017)
First Season: 9 - Second Season: 6
The first season should be seen; it's well crafted. Unfortunately something is amiss in season 2, be it writing and/or direction... The Punisher doesn't hold the same logic or panache, standing out as irregular - illogical, devoid of cautionary mannerisms we were accustomed to in season 1 - Continuity and the lack there of... Hence why viewers lost interest and the series abruptly canceled.
The Boys (2019)
S:1 E1-8 Surprisingly Captivating
Well written, produced, directed, acted. I wasn't sure where this was going but I was very much surprised at what direction this series has taken. Let's hope the original team has the same unique perspective in S2.
Pennyworth (2019)
I'm Chuffed to Bits!!! What an Adventure!
Fantastical, surreal, realism, political, satirical, witty, all the time relatable and by no means not too far fetched from reality (unlike Gotham and the earlier cynical Batman TV and films)...
Set in an alternate, post WWII GB era (perhaps 1950-60's) the show contains gratuitous violence, language, sex, alternative life styles - it embraces every facet of life which makes this series all the more enjoyable.
With a plot still unfolding, it appears Germany had won the war in Europe with England appearing free and independent thus far...
Reminiscent of a meld of Secret Agent Man, The Avengers, The Prisoner, Bond... Very, very British with some of the best British, Scot, Welsh, Londoner, Midlands... slang you'll ever hear!
With Pennyworth there's no real backstory, no connection to Batman (per say) other than his his developing interactions with Wayne which will eventually will bring him into the fold.
So the show thus far stands almost entirely on its own.
Inclosing, please don't take me wrong, this isn't a put down; I never was a real fan of comics nor the Batman franchises (just too cheeky for me) with the exception of 'The Dark Night' which I thought was utterly brilliant (the late Heath Ledger as The Joker absolutely made the film a clear standout). But this series is seemingly independent and unrelated from the comic world and has serious legs of which it appears it can carry itself upon.
I believe there's a very good chance you'll enjoy Pennyworth and hope you'll give it a try.
Please do enjoy!
Another Life (2019)
Big Brother in Space
4 episodes into this mediocre Netflix production and I've simply had enough.
Yankee (2019)
Ridiculous English Dialogue; Horrible
S1:E1 English dialogue is ridiculous, sophomoric, costume design horrific (police shoulder patch 'Arizona Police' while wearing US badge), direction amateurish, production values subpar... Dubbing...! Netflix should to be ashamed.
People in the US do not interact the same as those in Mexico. Cultural differences in law enforcement are not observed.
American bikers do not talk or behave as depicted...
Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
Abysmal Plot, Dialogue, Direction
It's unfortunate but Besson's only film I have truly enjoyed was 5th Element. He was seemingly able to tie most of the elements of picture making together in 5th Element. But for some reason he has been unable to achieve the same since in his English film makings.
ESL
One thing which stands out in his English speaking films is his lack of comprehension of basic language interaction skills between characters. I believe his principal language (French) and its grammatical syntax prevents him from making essential dialogue appear anything les than contrived. And the same could be said for an English (or any other language) speaker attempting to accomplish the sitter nuances of the French language. It's very difficult for an individual who's principal language isn't the language used in the film. If the director truly misses the nuances of English communication he or she will have difficulty hitting the mark.
The Kursk suffered from the same story telling fatigue. The dialogue just doesn't always click - missing the emotional aspect from script to actor to director to scene. It's lost somewhere in translation and becomes contrived.
Alita is more of the same. The voicing, tone, pitch, pacing of the entire cast is mindful of a dubbed movie; awkward and unconvincing.
Visually stellar, although familiar, Besson does paint the sets with very similar style which also becomes somewhat tiring in his sci-fi films.