esjacobs Reviews

The Idea of You (2024)

Everything

[10/10 · 2 May 2024]

I don't care that that sounds cheesy or you might think it's overrated. As a 40 year old women myself, I thoroughly enjoyed this! Loved the romcom vibe (although romcom doesn't do it justice, more just a heartfelt story), it made my heart so happy and brought me back to the old days and realised, with all the content coming out, that I haven't enjoyed a movie like this in a long time. Anne is wonderful, she displays emotions so well without it being overdone or unbelievable. I was moved by her and her performance. Nicholas was great too, it all felt very natural and easy. And maybe that's why I loved it so much, I mean that first kiss scene was epic! Man, talking about chemistry! And a real kiss! I loved that the story was really about the two main characters and their chemistry and the natural execution of it sucked me to the screen. And there does not need to be much happening, because these two carried the film. It made my heart happy, I felt giddy, emotional, it's sexy, it made me laugh here and there, I mean what more could you ask for?! The same ingredients could be in any movie and I still could not feel anything. And then there is this one, which it just works. It made me feel it, believe it and I love it when a movie does that.

Past Lives (2023)

All the ingredients were there, yet lacking depth

[3/10 · 3 February 2024]

The title spoke to me, the premise is something I would watch and the thought of past lives is not strange to me. It seemed to have all the ingredients for a great experience and story. And I have lived a life, so I don't mind a tearjerker and I don't mind slow movies (as they call it). The problem I had with this movie is that in my opinion, you are not taking along enough as a viewer with the characters emotions and the lack of development in their relationship. What I mean by that, is that I did not felt anything for these characters or what they are going through. The main characters were kids when they met, but that is just briefly explored and I mean, really superficial level. And then you are taking on this ride of being in and out of contact. Which it sounds good, but you are not taking along enough to be feeling anything for them or their relationship. It's just presented to us in these very few clips, and then assumed that the viewer cares enough to be immersed. The depth of their relationship was not explored enough, to be caring for or taken along in the story. Which I thinks is a big missed opportunity.

Oppenheimer (I) (2023)

Not good

[3/10 · 20 December 2023]

I really wonder if some other unknown producer made it, it would've gotten the same praise as now, people knowing it was a Nolan's production. The subject seems very interesting, but it falls very short. The visuals are great, but for example I don't understand the black white theme going on every now and then, seemed unnecessary to the story. And there were more things like that, that seemed made to impress but did not make sense or add to the story. Also the music is so annoying, it's a constant in the background of ALMOST EVERY dialogue, who does that. I want to focus on the dialogue, but it was there in almost every scene. Storytelling wise it just could not captivate me, it was a lot of back an forth, which made it a bit chaotic. It just was not done well. I felt it tried to hard to impress with the chaotic music, the flashy back and forth, the visuals that the actual storytelling was supressed. Even Cillian could not save it, the actors were all great btw.

And Just Like That... (2021– )

I was very hesitant, but I completely changed my mind!

[9/10 · 19 October 2023]

Started with season 1, just the first 4 episodes and could not get into it. Untill many people recommended watching season 2, and they were right. Season 2 felt different, I just felt like we were back in the old show. The vibes were very similar to what I liked about the show back then. Sure everything looks more polished, more 2023, with some topics that are relevant today. But unlike season 1, it's not that in your face. It's more natural woven into the story. The chemistry is still there between the 3 main characters, the other additional friends I find very fitting and are very well integrated. I completely changed my mind and opinion on this show I actually went back and continued season 1 as well. The mannerisms of Carrie, Charlotte and Miranda are still there and their chemistry is very natural, they are so well played into each other, in that case it's like picking up where they left it. And all of the other old cast members who are there as well! It made me laugh, the dialogue is fun, the uncomfortable situations. And no I'm not just saying this only because of the nostalgia, but I honestly find it a good and entertaining show to watch today. I could even easily continue watching a more episodes of this, that's how of an easy and fun watch it is. Again, I completely changed my mind and had to humbly admit that I was wrong and I'm so glad other people convinced me to continue watching because after a few episodes, I found myself grinning from ear to ear. The topics are more mature, because they've grown, just like their viewers and I found it very well done. I'm so glad they are continuing to season 3. Please give it a few episodes, you might end up loving it!

Reptile (2023)

Don't let the slow start turn you of, full of suspense and thrill

[8/10 · 16 October 2023]

Turned the movie on because of the premise and (honestly) the cast. Had not heard much about it, but watched it now and this deserves more popularity. I read that people find it a slow burning movie which I somewhat agree with but there is still plenty of stuff hapening right from the start. I like a slower pace series or movie, so that did not put me of but I know for some it will and that is a shame because I was hooked form beginning till the end. Benicio del toro plays very well the quiet and tough police officer. The film has eerie vibes, especially the last hour or so. Music added beautifuly to the already very suspenseful scenes. It was the right pace to build up that suspense and it was like a snakes tail; then it was going this way, and then another twist and turn. It was thrilling and it just captured me, and because of that perfect build up and pace, it sucks you right in and you want to follow along the story. Great perfomances overall and I am really impressed by it.

Lupin (2021– )

Such a good show, holds up all seasons

[10/10 · 7 October 2023]

Loved it, it is gripping, entertaining, smart with many twists and turns. Sure there are some loopholes but I don't care about it at all. And it did not make it any less fun to watch. Just have fun with it! Same as you go to a magician show, you know it's not real magic but you like to be fooled anyway. And that's the same feeling I had with this one. There was a long time between seasons, and each time I wondered if it will hold up and each season I was hooked, just finished the last and it was just as compelling as the previous seasons. And I think it'a very clever for a show to keep it consistent like that. Love it that it's French, Omar Sy lights up the screen (speaking about charisma). It keeps you on the edge of your seat, because you want to find out how he fooled the people again. All in all, very entertaining and something different.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Such a good movie, even for a non marvel fan and great to watch on it's own

[10/10 · 12 September 2023]

SO surprised by this movie. I have not watched the other ones (or any Marvel film) started them but wasn't captivated so never finished them so I didn't followed the storyline. Still I had no problem enjoying this movie on it's own. It's such an emotional film and that's what I wasn't expecting at all from a Marvel movie. I cared for the characters, in this one the storyline of Rocket is central and we follow along his journey where he came from and how it ties with the threat they (the guardians) have to face right now. As a animal lover, this hit me right in the feels. Loved the message it brought across. Also the music is so good and gives a light touch to the whole somewhat emotional ride. Loved the humor, the witty banter between the characters and I was just entertained the whole time. So even for the non Marvel or Guardians of the galaxy fans, this is such a recommendation. The rating is so deserved and I'm so glad I gave it a chance and pressed 'play'.

Full Circle (2023)

At lost for words

[3/10 · 11 August 2023]

Altough it's a solid cast, the acting felt off for me. It was just pretty bad in some scenes, which put me off and took me out of the story. I also didn't felt the urgency of the black magic 'ritual' and the urgency of the kidnapping of the boy. It was just there for us to assume that it was important, but I didn't felt it at least. Also Mahabir, who many are working for, should be this feared leader of whatever this is. But she doesn't embody any dominance or fear, just a lady sitting at her desk. And maybe that's why I didn't liked this series; I did not felt anything, for the story, the acting, the characters. The premise sounds like it should be thrilling, on the edge of your seat, but I did not experience any of that.

The Black Phone (2021)

Really good! Surprised me

[9/10 · 13 July 2023]

The premise is not new, nor is the story but there is something about this movie that makes it stand out and while also being scary at times and has eerie vibes, it's also very moving. I think the young cast made it that way, excellent performance by the kids, especially the lead boy and girl. It plays in the 70's, I liked that, the friendship the two siblings have is special and the young boys help each other when one of them is trapped in a special way. It has tension, a beautiful story about friendship, the love of the two siblings have for each other and some mystic about how the boy who is trapped, is being helped. All of the above ingredients together made that I liked it a lot. Don't want to say too much and give anything away. Also found out that the film is based on a short story 'the black phone' written by Joe Hill who is the son of Stephen King. All in all, pleasantly surprised, give it a try.

Nope (2022)

Best to go in unexpected

[8/10 · 11 July 2023]

Turned this movie on, not knowing to much about it and glad I did. Right from the first clip it drawes you in and takes you along. I would not describe it as horror though, more a sci fi thriller. Even tough there were not many scary scenes, I was engaged the whole time untill the credits roll. The lead actors bring a lot to the character, very well executed. I don't want to say much about the movie, it really is best to just go in and not know too much about it beforehand. It's original, engaging, vey well executed and if you change the genre to sci fi it makes much more sense. I personally think this movie rating is not really fair, it deserves a higher rating. All reviews are subjective, so see for yourself. I was really pleasantly surprised.

Triangle of Sadness (2022)

Did not know what to expect, and was not dissapointed

[8/10 · 3 July 2023]

What I like about this movie is that I did not know what to expect, there are 3 chapters troughout the film and each time I was suprised to what will happen. We know the premise of the film but it still took me on a stroll and I was just going along with it. The actors were very well cast in my opinion, the first chapter we meet the model couple who we see struggling with some (from the oustide) petty differences which we probably all know and have experienced. I like that they took the time to let us know this couple. We are kind of zooming in on them and their relationship, but then zooming out we come to the next fun chapter where we meet the rest of the people on a yacht and you can kind of anticipate what kind of people, but that does not make it less enjoyable. This movie is enjoyable if you can let yourself just be taken along for the ride, there is satire, cringy, shocking moments and it did not bore me altough it is 2 and 1/2 hours. I was very much entertained, I watched it by myself but this type of movie also lends itself to watch it with somebody else or a group of people and gasp, laugh and cringe together. Glad I watched it.

Scream VI (2023)

Not very good, but enjoyed some bits

[5/10 · 27 May 2023]

I really think they should put the Scream franchise to rest. I enjoyed the first 3-ish but ones but they were movies of that time and I have some nostalgia there.

I liked the setting in NY, it gets right in the action and there were some scenes that were somewhat thrilling.

But the build up is you are wondering who it is this time and then in the end it just disappoints. Just like the other ones, it's some very far thought killer because they have to make up new ones every time. Also some things I get really tired of seeing in these kind of movies. Like having a history of being chased by a killer and survived and now you don't own a gun??? The killers are like teenagers, yet they have the stamina and strenght of some very well trained army guys or something?! And there were some other weak things, which I get you have to create some tension but still some chases are so stupid and you would really think they would come up with something clever by now. You're probably going to watch it anyway, because the franchise still feeds on the very first Scream movie many of us saw and remember.

What We Do in the Shadows (2019–2024)

So fun, if you like dry 'the office' - like humor, this is for you

[10/10 · 12 May 2023]

Was strongly recommended by a friend to watch this and so glad I did! The vampire characters are each so fun in their own ways. It's like The Office vibe, except it is not based in a an office. But the very dry humor, the in between talking and looking in the camera reminded me of that. Nadja is probably my fave. One of them is actually an energy vampire, so he does not feast on blood but can function in broad daylight (and actually goes to the office) and bore people to death which makes up for hilarious situations. It has sweet short but very entertaining episodes of 30 minutes and I laughed out loud many times in the first two seasons I watched. I also loved how the vampires keep referring to the camera and sound crew as 'the documentary makers'. Again, lot's of physical comedy and dry humor and strongly recomend to give it a go, if you are into this kind of humor and show. In this case, the many positive reviews are wel deserved and there is nothing much to add besides go watch it!

Tiny Beautiful Things (2023)

Perfect combination of depth, heavy subjects and comedy

[8/10 · 30 April 2023]

I have not read the book, I was attracted to it because of Cheryl Strayed and listened to her podcast named 'Sugar' so I was familiar with the idea. Katrhyn Hahn portrays her role splenidly. Loved her performance, kuddos to her for portraying all the emotions without it being over the top and just very believable. I was very moved by the story, even though I have not yet lost someone that close to me like a parent, the thought of it is always present every once in a while because you know that some day that day will come. And even though it is a heavy subject, the series combines it with comedy and lightness. And the narrative by Katrhyn Hahn character is beautiful, almost poetry-like words. The flashbacks were well done, and shows the puzzle pieces as why her live has become the way it has and her struggles in her current live. Nice rounded up story in 8 30 min episodes.

House of Cards (2013–2018)

Entertaning show even if you are not into politics

[6/10 · 21 April 2023]

I stayed away from it, cause politics are just not my genre I look for in a series. Started this and was pleasantly surprised. And altough the lead actor is quite unlikeable, same as his wife but there is still enough nuances to the character to keep it interested. I liked his bits when he is talking (sarcasticly) to the camera, made me laugh a few times. So why a 6 (in my opinion)? In the beginning there are a few storylines to follow. But then, when certain things have accomplished and some other storylines have ended, it is moslty about the president and all the politics that come with it and I lost my interest. It becomes very dry at that point so I watched it till the end of season 3 and left it at that. I wasn't interested anymore and there was nothing new happening or working towards something. Still it was entertaining for 3 seasons.

Swarm (2023)

Should I continue watching?

[3/10 · 26 March 2023]

The lead actress is great, loved her in other series too so I was excited to start this one.

She plays a extreme fan, which there is no lead up to why or how she is. It bothers me that it's just there, you know it cause that's the premise but I don't feel it and its not explored. So the killing feels off because you don't feel or see the depth of her delusional mind, its just there for us to assume it. It makes it unbelievable and I'm almost finished and it is not a good sign that you have to wait that many episodes for some context. No amount of great visuals and acting make up for not taking us along in the story and her mind. At least for me personally it's lacking in that area. It falls flat. The plot seemed great but it turned out not that captivating.

The Deuce (2017–2019)

So good, what a gem

[10/10 · 2 March 2023]

How was I sleeping on this?! So much content coming out these days, but still in my humble opinion, this is one of the better ones. First of all the vibes are so well put, you really feel like you are in NY of the 70's. Not that smoothed over but raw and real. There are a lot of great in depth reviews of what the story is about, so don't have much to add there. All I can say is, it is so well thought out, the cinematography, the characters, the acting, the storyline. I cared about all of the characters and you follow each one of them, and I think the character and storyline of Maggie Gyllenhaal is my favorite! And man did she played that well. In the first episode you're meeting the characters and once you dip your toe in, you're going to want to know more and follow each storyline and character. And it all starts on The Deuce, the street where it all happens. I think the quality of the show is top notch, and that quality shows from season 1 trough the end. I just had to come on here and show my appreciation for this show.

You (2018–2024)

Having a hard time to finish the first part season 4

[3/10 · 11 February 2023]

Penn does a great performance as always, a joy to watch him. And I liked that they went with a different direction in season 4, so far because only the first 5 episodes has come out. I had a hard time tough getting trough the episodes tough, the narcissistic friend group are suddenly just there and Jonathan (Joe) becomes a quick 'friend' that gets to go away with them on a weekend. It all just seems a bit hasty and therefor unbelievable for me. It just didn't has that same wow factor it had the first three seasons. Also the first seasons were more relationship focused and they took the time to develop it, this time it's more rushed and flat, also lacking a little in the intimacy scenes and I find it hard to believe something is there when everything is more platonic and flat. Really had to push myself to watch trough the end of episode 5 that maybe it reveals something to keep me watching, but no there wasn't a big cliffhanger and I do not care for any of the characters so I'll just keep the first 3 seasons in mind and leave it at that.

Bad Sisters (2022– )

So clever, drama, suspense and lots of comedy in one

[9/10 · 2 February 2023]

Was recommended this show a few times. They were right! So good, I had to get into it trough the first episode, then I was sucked in all the way to the last minute. I loved the Irish background and accents. Right from the start you already know the "Prick" is dead, and they show you backwards what led up that. I liked all the characters, even the prick was well played, altough very over the top but I guess that's what you need to get it why they want him dead. The clever thing is, you think you made up where it is going, and then there is another twist and turn. And THAT is what I liked so much about this show. So don't go in just thinking you already know, let yourself be surprised and you'll be in for a fun ride!

Under the Banner of Heaven (2022)

More about extreme Mormon church than true crime

[5/10 · 21 January 2023]

The pace is indeed on the slow side and I don't mind that at all. I prefer to let the story unfold, so that wasn't my hiccup. The story and atmosphere is great. Few great actors. The Laffferty family is centerpoint, and it shows you how some of the family members get more and more radicalized. The story starts with a who done it after a women and child were murdered. As the episodes go on, it turns a lot more about the extreme beliefs of some mormon people. So be prepared if you are up for that. I thought the acting was a little off. Some actors did not do a good job imo of portraying the weight of carrying these beliefs and did not make it believable for me, it was shouting or overdoing it when they were preaching or sharing their thoughts. It was very overdone, I wonder why they did not just talk, instead of shouting or spewing all the time. I'm talking about the lafferty brothers, and they are in each episode. And there is a LOT of talking by these brothers who are getting more extreme beliefs. (Which I thought got exhausting!) I didn't like the flasbacks I did not think they added much to the story.

The episodes are quite long, and with most about al these repeated 'lord guided me to this or that...' I was really ready for it to be over. And maybe I'm just so far away from these kind of ideas and beliefs to be able to enjoy these kind of stories, as real as they still are in some places of the world.

Andor (2022– )

Enjoyed it very much, as a NON star wars fan

[8/10 · 7 January 2023]

Was recommended this show and was hesitant to start. I'm not a star wars fan (gasp) and I have only watched the first movie and season 1 of the mandolorian. Both, with the best intent, I just could not get into. It's just not my thing, but boy how I enjoyed Andor. I find it to be so well done, the story was compelling, liked the characters and they were well build up. It had me clued to the screen, good variety of action and dialogue. The story is well told and good to follow, if you stay focused which is easy with this one. There are many other in depth reviews so I'll just leave with this; if you are not into the star wars universe, try Andor and maybe you'll enjoy this one. In my opinion, the rating is fair in this case and worth a look.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022– )

Very well made, sucked me in from the start

[10/10 · 18 November 2022]

Okay, maybe not directly from the start, but at the end of episode one, I was hooked! Very well made, great acting, especially the young girl Nori and her friend but from the whole cast as well. Major plus I find, is that there are different story lines you follow which may take a little while to get into but so fun, cause there is a lot happening because of that. I cared for the characters quite quickly and wanted to see where each character's story is leading upto. Very well made, it definitely does the Tolkien world justice. I hold it off for a while, because the other series that came out at the same time (we all know who it is) was such a turn off for me. It's very hit or miss with trying to create a prequel from a big movie or series. But so glad I decided to try, and I encourage anyone who is debating whether to start this, just see for yourself. It does not take long to get into it.

The Devil's Hour (2022– )

Clever, dept, high level of suspense but not in the way you expect

[10/10 · 4 November 2022]

Wow! Recently finished this and I was very impressed, especially with the ending. I saw a short clip on social media and was intrigued so gave it a shot. Was sucked in from the first episode in and as said, such high level of suspense. I do agree with other reviews saying to watch this with focus and attention, but that's not hard as it is a very compelling story. It has a unique side to it, so don't expect a traditional drama/thriller mystery. It has some sci fi but that sounds to scientific for what it actually is. It is SO DEEP, so I think it really suits for people who like to reflect on life, spirituality etc. It makes you think, while you are watching it and I love it when a series does that. If you are looking for entertainment alone, this is not for you. It kept me guessing till the end and was blown away with the ending, so clever! The less you know, the better with this one. So smart and unique, a gem.

The Undoing (2020)

Good for a who done it story

[6/10 · 29 October 2022]

I understand the mixed reviews on this one. Started it earlier this year, but gave up on it quickly. Gave it a second chance. I liked it better the second time, and still though the cast and story is great, the excution of it all didn't quite get to me. I did not mind that it is slow, I like it when a story is unfoulding and told properly. But it did not make me feel anything, for the characters or the story. Enough to keep on watching and still be it entertaining but I was not really sucked in the story which is a pity. I just didn't believed it, and the zooming in on all the facial expressions was bit over the top for me. Overall, a good 'who done it' story.

The Watcher (2022– )

The plot seems great, bad execution

[4/10 · 19 October 2022]

The plot seemed great, great cast, the whole thing seemed my cup of tea. It turned kind of cheesy pretty quickly, but continued watching it. It did not hold the story well, can't even pinpoint why exactly except the word cheesy, everything seemed so far fetched. Like they wanted to set a certain vibe, with the neighbors and all but it just wasn't believable at all. I don't even mind the ending, it's just the quality is so bad of this, such a shame with that cast and story to work with. I went in open minded, not reading into the story beforehand, but still was disappointed with how it was made. I was almost doubting that it could be a satire?!