BoringJoe Reviews

How Disney Built America (2024– )

Not Walt's Disney anymore...

[6/10 · 5 June 2024]

Like all the Built America series this one delves into how Disney took shape and the different iconic elements that helped position it to become the Disney most of us knew growing up.

The casting of Walt is different than the Walt Disney many of us were introduced to as children when he would introduce us to fantastical movies and characters to get us in a mindset to enter the world he created for us.

You will see many of the traits of past Built Americas giving you frames of reference for what was actually going on behind the scenes of a particular idea.

Even though the current state of Disney has been destroyed by political ideology and elements children should not be introduced to, this is still a great way to remember better days when it was actually fit to be watched by children and make you nostalgic for those magical times.

The Food That Built America: Planet Mars (2024) Season 5, Episode 8

Recycling episodes AGAIN?!

[6/10 · 25 April 2024]

They did this on the last episode of Season 2. Now here we are at the end of Season 5 and they've stripped all of the scenes of the Mars father and son scenes from the candy bar episode of episode 2 in the second season. All they did was add more filler scenes and more interviews from the food historians in order to eliminate the Hershey and Reeses parts.

There are so many great food brands, innovators, and genius stories of food and drink that we all grew up with. It's sad to see such a great series resort to the unneeded rebooting of an episode. If you look at the reviews from the last episode of Season 2 you would think they'd have learned their lesson.

Do better History Channel. Your fan base deserves that.

John Carpenter's Suburban Screams (2023)

They're scary because they actually happened.

[10/10 · 9 November 2023]

I don't understand the low ratings. The actual people who these verified stories actually happened to are walking us through the events which have been dramatized for us in order that we can experience it through their eyes.

These are not made up fictional stories meant to scare you. These are based on historically documented events that actually occurred.

Would you downvote the History Channels docudramas on Rome and Greece or the "____ that Built America" shows? How about the old school Unsolved Mysteries (those were scary af)?

Does this show MAYBE take liberties here or there? Probably, just as the shows listed above do as well.

I rated mine a 10 because other ratings here are a bit ridiculous. It may be a bit campy, but the stories are creepy and it does the job it set out to do in my opinion.

Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities (2022)

What a fun series!

[10/10 · 18 November 2022]

Guillermo Del Toros Cabinet of Curiosities has such a great premise on how each story is derived, which he will explain in the first episode. To me the series reminds me a lot of Tales From The Crypt from the 90s, with a higher production value.

Just like that series you will have a lot of great actors who appear in some episodes. The writing is really well done. It is not corny like the recent TZ remake, nor does it bring in anything political. It is classic, unique, original horror stories that really pay off, and they are not shy on gruesome details.

I feel this series deserves higher than its current 7 rating. Every story is fun and original. If you are into horror then you will love this.

Power Book III: Raising Kanan (2021– )

Can we stop with the female bosses.

[6/10 · 15 November 2022]

Not a single person I've talked to buys into this SJW fantasy of women bosses in the hood running a drug empire and commanding soldiers. They all laugh at the notion, especially here where this is a representation of the 90s. Yes there was a woman boss in the cartels who ran it with her brothers, but making it a signature aspect of your spinoffs has become eyerolling at this point.

The show itself is decent bit does not possess any 90s feel to it. You wouldn't be able to tell the time frame apart from now if not for subtle injections of 90s paraphernalia like cassete tapes, beepers, and 1st gen cell phones. Was kind of hoping for more.

Kanaan and his two uncles Lou and Marv are the best part about the show. Its still a good popcorn flick to watch so I gave it a 6.

Yo! MTV Raps (2022– )

Millennial Generation needs to stop biting off other generations and create their own stuff

[1/10 · 24 June 2022]

Call it whatever you want, but stop naming shows and movies the same as prior generations because you aren't creative enough to create your own NEW creations. Yo MTV Raps belonged to Generation X. Rap was just breaking out. You had Dre, Ed Lover, and Fab Five Freddie cracking you up and introducing you to the artists who were bringing it.

Today's rappers will never be as good as 90s artists. So don't reboot our generations show and fill it with todays rap. Its bad enough seeing them do it with movies and shows.

Have an ounce of self respect and create your own stuff. Quit being a lazy generation too afraid to take chances or be creative and stealing past generations creativity to bite off their success. This show is an insult to a legendary and groundbreaking show.

Titans: The Rise of Wall Street (2022– )

Was great until the last 2 episodes

[7/10 · 12 May 2022]

The majority of this series takes place in the late 19th and early 20th century. It focuses on Wall Street magnates like JP Morgan and his son Jack Morgan, Lehman, Merrill, Lynch, Goldman, Sachs, Kennedy and the formation of Wall Street.

It delves into the 'Wild West' of its formation before government regulation and how the bankers themselves took on the responsibility of propping markets in rocky periods, much as the Federal Reserve does today. It pushes through both crashes in 1917(?) and 1929 and the ushering in of the SEC.

Then for some reason the last two episodes jump into the 1980s to focus on 2 people, who though they may be well known by many, I myself had never heard of them: Ivan Boesky and Mike Milken.

I just felt there are several other well known Wall Street Titans that have legacy and familiarity who could have fit earlier in the 20th century to finish the series. What about Warren Buffet? Charles Schwab? Peter Lynch?

I suppose they wanted names that would allow them to tell multiple coordinating storylines between them, but honestly they should just have ended it at 6 episodes or delved into more depth with the current storylines to fill the extra 2 episodes. There is enough fascination with those Wall Street Titans that it could have easily been accomplished.

Jumping from 1940 to 1980 to focus on a couple of mundane characters that certainly don't fill the same strength of name as those in the first 6 episodes was just a bad choice and totally changes the atmosphere.

Also, whose idea was it to put a rap song as the intro to each episode? Totally out of place.

The Offer (2022)

Screw The Haters. This Is Great Television.

[10/10 · 30 April 2022]

I'll keep this short and sweet. Being a huge fan of The Godfather I already had insight into a lot of the mayhem that went into making this masterpiece. I mean the powers that be did everything they could to keep it from happening, and yet, through a lot miracles it made it through the fire. I'm 3 episodes in and am getting to see several of those instances play out, as well as getting better insight into them with a more nuanced play of the facts.

Having seen a professional reviewer take a dump on it somewhere else I tell you pay no mind. I've learned to stop relying on paid critics. Too often they have an agenda, and in this day and age I'm tired of the agendas when it comes to my entertainment, aren't you? Give this one a watch. It's a beautiful thing seeing what went into one of the greatest movies ever made.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)

A rare example of how a sequel movie should be

[10/10 · 3 March 2022]

What a really fun and nostalgic movie. If you loved the original you will love this movie. Definitely has a multitude of hidden gems within it as well as letting the audience share the moment with the original cast members. I was sad Rick Moranis didn't come out for it, but everyone else did. I don't want to say anymore, but you are definitely in for a treat with those who show up to share it with you. I absolutely loved every minute of it.

Power Book IV: Force (2022–2024)

Probably the best since original Power, but clichéd and cartoonish.

[6/10 · 1 March 2022]

Everything is far too neat in how things seem to work out to the point it becomes completely unrealistic. Yes I know it's a fictional show, and yes I know we must suspend or unbelief, but there should be an element of authenticity. Yet Tommy just happens to come into contact with all the most powerful people in Chicago in what's supposed to be a random sequence of events.

Then the Flynn daughter who has never met him, and vice versa, and really still has no clue (as does anyone) who Tommy really is, just randomly runs him off the road and tells him she's got some new secret product just because.

It's lazy writing. Everyone is super gangster to the point it is cartoonish. I don't blame the actors, I blame the writers. Everything flowed in the original. Sequences played out into plotlines. They need to do better.

Servant (2019–2023)

The acting from all involved make the show worth it.

[8/10 · 22 February 2022]

I'm not very skilled in the art of linguistics in putting together a review of the shows actual synopsis as others here have undoubtedly done to a much higher degree than I ever could have.

I do want to say every person in this is perfectly cast and has done a phenomenal job in their roles, from main characters down to the supporting cast. From subtle mannerisms to comedic injections the show keeps a smile on my face every episode. I really think it is these small injections that make the show so good while keeping it fresh as I wait for the subtle comment or scene that's going to make me bust out laughing next.

These comedic interactions mixed with tense storyline as you try to anticipate what will happen next make for a really great show that I continuously look forward to.

The Food That Built America: Breakfast Barons (2021) Season 2, Episode 16

Really? Pure Laziness from the History Channel.

[1/10 · 2 July 2021]

It would have been better to just end the season then recycling an entire episode from Season 1. Why not have delved into the 20th century as all of the new cereals came about and talked about which cereals took the companies to new heights. This is just pure laziness.

Caliphate (2020)

What a phenomenal series

[10/10 · 31 March 2021]

This thriller series is not only superbly acted, but will have you on the edge of your seat the whole way through. These actors put such emotion in to their roles they will have you feeling as though you are right there with them in every gut wrenching scene you experience. Definitely worth investing your time in.

Downton Abbey (2010–2015)

I'm A Man Into Actions and Thrillers

[10/10 · 1 March 2021]

...and yet this is a Top 5 all time for me. The writing and storyline is just so intricate and compelling. Every character is so detailed you could easily be interested into a spinoff show surrounding any one of them down to a maid. This isn't even a relatable show to an American such as myself, and yet I can relate to the hard choices and situations each character is constantly thrust into.

This is more than just a 19th Century English aristocrat story of a wealthy family surrounded by servants. This is an every person story showing that no matter what station of life you are born into you can still be high born and compassionate or low born and conniving to your fellow man.

Animal Fight Night (2013– )

Exploiting Animals?

[1/10 · 12 January 2021]

We live in a world where people already fight animals to the death for profits. Making a show about it and feeding that energy and desire into people doesn't lessen that disgusting act. It increases it. Animals are such beautiful creatures. Exploiting them and their pain for profits disgust me. Perhaps if the show weren't clearly geared towards feeding into that desire I might be less appalled, but I highly doubt it.

Gangs of London (2020– )

I'm actually kind of aggravated

[10/10 · 28 December 2020]

I take the IMDB rating as my 2nd highest criteria on whether to spend my time watching any show or movie, the first being genre/ summary. I pretty much only watch those that are rated 8 stars and up. I also read both good and bad reviews because some bad reviews line right up with my line of thinking when it comes to a title's pros and cons.

For the longest time I have avoided watching this because many of the reviews said there was no storyline and only extreme amounts of blood and gore. That the only reason this had a high rating was because of those people who just liked a lot of violence with no substance.

I put the storyline of a title over action or big budget effects. I'd rather watch something that really makes me think and analyze over a $100 million dollar CGI fest with little substance.

Well the reviewers that critiqued Gangs of London were completely wrong. There is a very interesting plot that keeps you guessing and analyzing the entire way. The action is amazing as you navigate subplots intermingled with the main plot with some amazing footage and depth.

There are plenty of reviews here that delve deep into the actual plotline of the story itself that have done a far better job than I could have. My main motivation was to help those who may think like myself so as not to be deceived as I had been. I've really enjoyed both the action and the storyline, and would easily say it has been worth investing my time in watching, something that does not always hold true. Give it a watch. It is definitely worth investing your time and energy into.

The Plot Against America (2020)

Great show great acting

[10/10 · 30 July 2020]

Taking place during WW II thi is another great piece of writing on alternate history. The only part that seems to be off is that the current anti semitism stems from the liberal left and the Democrats, yet in this show they have Lindburgh who the anti semitism stems from as a Republican running against Roosevelt from the Democrats. Other than that inaccuracy the show is great and definitely worth watching.

Home Before Dark (2020– )

What a fantastic show!

[10/10 · 10 June 2020]

I have no words. What a great ride. Thoroughly enjoyable. The acting from everyone, especially young Hilde and her father. So impressive. There is no transparent storyline. The writing here was fantastic. I literally had no clue the entire series, and I was right there with little Hilde trying to put together the pieces.

I dont usually expect the best from a 7.5 IMDB rating. Usually above 8 is where you get superb. This show deserves to be above 8 imo. I watch a TON of shows, and it takes a lot for me to start one without checking to see if it's worth my time. I had this one in queue, but it was definitely worthy of being at the front. Watch this show. It's worthy of your time.

Sneaky Pete (2015–2019)

What a Great Ride

[10/10 · 5 October 2019]

Show was a fun show and easy to binge. Plot is simple enough. Con artist gets out of prison and hides out in a family who hasn't seen (who they think is their grandson/ cousin) since he was a child. His unique skills as a con artist are helpful in aspects of their family business as a family run Bail Bond company.

What originally starts as a mark to use for personal enrichment becomes a group who gives him something he's never had before...a family.

My description makes it sound cheesy and one dimensional but it's not (obviously or it would not have such a high rating). I was reluctant to watch season 2 as I feared it may lose a bit of its luster as season 1 events concluded, but it didn't. Season 3 was just as great.

Finally, it DID NOT commit the mother of all sins so evident in many shows, a crappy ending. The ending leaves you fulfilled and with a sense of completeness that will leave a smile on your face.

If you're wondering if this show is worthy of your time in a time when there are soooooo many other things out there you have yet to watch...yes! The premise may sound simple, but it is a ride you will enjoy throughout every episode and every season.

Creepshow (2019– )

I'm a kid again

[10/10 · 28 September 2019]

When the original Creepshow movie came out I was just a child. Sure it was cheesy horror, but the stories were original and the comic book imagery helped bring out its creative appeal. These same sequences are still present in this new show. Will the stories be edgy, horror induced productions? Probably not, but when was the last time you saw a show or movie billed as a horror or scary movie that actually scared you? At least Creepshow doesn't regurgitate the same scary stories over and over. They actually flex their creative muscles and keep you entertained.

Mr Inbetween (2018–2021)

Hidden Gem

[10/10 · 21 September 2019]

I got lucky and stumbled onto this show in IMDB recommendations. It's definitely a hidden gem. It's funny, but not built as a comedy. It's just great dialogue between characters and instances that keeps a smile on your face.

I'm not a fan of shows or movies billed as comedies. I enjoy it where comedy is interjected in sequences between characters as opposed to genres whose entire existence is built to try and force laughs out of you. This show has the perfect balance of action, thriller, and comedy.

If I had to complain about one thing it's that it's so short and you want more as soon as it ends. Give the show a watch. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Cobra Kai (2018–2025)

No words to describe just how awesome it is.

[10/10 · 9 May 2019]

This is definitely one of the best revivals of a classic movie. The characters are naturals. It blows my mind they have not played in much (that I can remember) since The Karate Kid. They do such a tremendous job in their roles. This show will give anyone who enjoyed the movies a warm feeling of nostalgia. The acting, writing, and directing are astounding. LOOK AT THE RATING OF 8.9!! That should tell you something.

Black Summer (2019–2021)

Disregard TWD fanboy haters and their negative reviews...

[10/10 · 14 April 2019]

...because I almost was. This series deserves somewhere between a 7.5 - 8 star rating. I rated 10 to help counter The Walking Dead fan boys sharting all over it. I seriously considered skipping this show because of the low reviews. I have an intense disgust with low IQ shows/ movies, a term I use when there is zero creativity or substance in storyline and everything is geared towards explosions or mindless action sequences. While this show still Carrie's plenty of that they do a great job in character development and interaction. They create strong conflict sequences that help build intensity between characters.

I'll be honest and state they didnt build anything new in creating this series, but in the EXACT same way The Walking Dead did not either.

The cinematography and directing were excellent. There is some of the shaky footage element, but not in any way distracting from the show as some movies/ shows have done.

You may be one of those people, such as I am, that ask yourself if this show is worth investing your valuable time in. I watch quite a bit of movies/ shows and have high standards. While this isnt a groundbreaking new series I enjoyed it the entire way through. Think of the movie 28 Weeks Later (the sequel), and the beginning sequence when all hell breaks loose, that sequence and intensity best describes this entire series (at least this 1st season).

Give it a shot. Disregard the hater reviews. It's definitely worth a watch.Don't be fooled by TWD fanboy 1 star reviews.

Dragged Across Concrete (2018)

WOW!!

[10/10 · 23 March 2019]

This was a great movie. The writing, directing, acting were all top notch. It has an old school vibe to it, like before everyone got offended about everything. If you haven't seen his other movie "Brawl in Cell Block 99" it's another great film. I will be keeping this director's name close. His movies are as great as Quentin Tarantino imo. That original and creative 'feel' that you just don't see much from Hollywood anymore. It makes sense why Mel Gibson would want to work with him. Both brilliant directors.

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

One word to describe everything about this movie...

[10/10 · 28 January 2019]

Brilliant!!

Rami Malek is one of the best actors of this generation, and his performance as the late great Freddie Mercury was masterful. Not only him, but everyone involved. The directing and cinematography were a fine dining experience. This movie will make you laugh. It will make you cry. No matter whether you were a Queen fan or not, whether you knew who they were or not, this movie will move you.