I was quite pleased with the season finale; the few days that have passed since have made me grow to love it all the more. It all boiled down to the resurrection/redemption of Jimmy McGill and the death/exit of Saul Goodman - not because of his circumstances, but for the life of his soul. The show had phenomenal artistic direction, as well as strong character arcs/development, plus a captivating sense of storytelling. Most who have watched the series from start to finish will most likely agree on its masterpiece status. Those who didn't or don't think so ...well, that's unfortunate. Some prefer the Marvel Universe, others Citizen Kane.
Reviews
8 Reviews
Happy!
(2017–2019)
Rated "R" Television
30 April 2019
9 star ratings for TV shows should be a rare occurrence, but "Happy!" floored me with its original, left field, cynically quirky content. The venomous drippings of shows like "Dexter", "Shameless", "Dream On" and the movie "Ted" hint at its structural foundation while its visual flair nurses itself from the stylistic bosom of the "Crank" franchise. Totally cool, totally entertaining. Despite its cute blue unicorn, this show is not for everyone, especially children or the faint at heart (think of that cartoon "Happy Tree Friends"...same sentiment applies here). Rather, it's a jacked up ride that delivers laughs, violence and a guilty good time.
It
(I) (2017)
"It" Overthrows "The Exorcist" As The #1 R-Rated Horror Movie of All Time?!?
23 September 2017
It's hard to believe this film surpassed "The Exorcist" as the #1 R-rated horror movie of all time. Seems like audience goers of today have no standards when it comes quality. "It" was a huge letdown. The made for TV movie had more juice than this 2 hour computerized dreck. The acting was okay, but one can find decent performances anywhere, even in cartoons. Those giving this 8 or more stars have no sense of taste. You can embrace the hype if you want and spend good money on this mediocre film, but I wouldn't if I were you.
Never Lay Down
10 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I've often found the best endings for any film or series are the ones which hunker heavily on the mind once it's over; True Detective's "Omega Station" season finale achieved this with great heights.
I have no objections to the writing, as the acting, symbolism and tone can communicate more than just mere words. We got to see what drove Frank Semyon (Vince Vaughn) to not "Lay down" despite the grim circumstances (being alone in the desert with the "Mexicans"). The ghosts of his abusive father and neighborhood bullies as he limped through the blazing sun in the middle of nowhere shed light (no pun intended) on his strengths and weaknesses, both of which simultaneously led to his demise. I truly thought he would make it out alive, at least I hoped he would. If it's any consolation (and it is), he did get what he set out to do - take vengeance on those who screwed him out of his millions and the ultimate business deal, plus recovered his losses. Vince Vaughn was a top notch choice for this role, indeed.
I believe in the end, Detective Ray Velcoro (Colin Farrell) atoned for his bad choices and that Detective Ani Bezzerides (Rachel McAdams) got her form of justice from not only Woodrugh's (Taylor Kitsch) & Velcro's death or the set up they were all placed into, but her own (the molestation, the sexual debauchery at the party). Bezzerides was/is a strong female character in every sense of the word. It was refreshing to experience this kind of woman in such a chaotic world. I hope Rachel McAdams is nominated for an Emmy and/or Golden Globe.
To sum it up with a quote from Velcoro, "We deserve the world we live in." ...and in that world are very few happy endings.
I have no objections to the writing, as the acting, symbolism and tone can communicate more than just mere words. We got to see what drove Frank Semyon (Vince Vaughn) to not "Lay down" despite the grim circumstances (being alone in the desert with the "Mexicans"). The ghosts of his abusive father and neighborhood bullies as he limped through the blazing sun in the middle of nowhere shed light (no pun intended) on his strengths and weaknesses, both of which simultaneously led to his demise. I truly thought he would make it out alive, at least I hoped he would. If it's any consolation (and it is), he did get what he set out to do - take vengeance on those who screwed him out of his millions and the ultimate business deal, plus recovered his losses. Vince Vaughn was a top notch choice for this role, indeed.
I believe in the end, Detective Ray Velcoro (Colin Farrell) atoned for his bad choices and that Detective Ani Bezzerides (Rachel McAdams) got her form of justice from not only Woodrugh's (Taylor Kitsch) & Velcro's death or the set up they were all placed into, but her own (the molestation, the sexual debauchery at the party). Bezzerides was/is a strong female character in every sense of the word. It was refreshing to experience this kind of woman in such a chaotic world. I hope Rachel McAdams is nominated for an Emmy and/or Golden Globe.
To sum it up with a quote from Velcoro, "We deserve the world we live in." ...and in that world are very few happy endings.
Second Season: Off To A Good Start
29 June 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Please excuse my lack of using a more gripping review titled, but so-called fans of the show drove me to it. Stop your whining already - SEASON 2 HAS JUST BEGUN! Now that's out of the way...
I had to think about this episode after having watched it, and it dawned on me - maybe the ending was an insight into how HUNGRY Vince Vaughn's character of Frank Semyon happens to be when it comes to getting what he wants. His and Ray Velcoro's (Colin Farrell) last encounter had various undertones. And Ray did not take the money as the waitress tried to remind him of having left it. Coincidence? Ray was going to play ball with his team (i.e. the other Detectives) instead of the man who had recently lost everything because Casper's murder (not to mention he believes Ray is indebted to him). Just a theory of mine as I wait to find out what the hell is going to happen next and why.
True Detective is worthy of its name. If you're reading too much into it too soon /or comparing it to last season, then you're really not watching. Keep up the nice work
signed,
A Loyal Fan
I had to think about this episode after having watched it, and it dawned on me - maybe the ending was an insight into how HUNGRY Vince Vaughn's character of Frank Semyon happens to be when it comes to getting what he wants. His and Ray Velcoro's (Colin Farrell) last encounter had various undertones. And Ray did not take the money as the waitress tried to remind him of having left it. Coincidence? Ray was going to play ball with his team (i.e. the other Detectives) instead of the man who had recently lost everything because Casper's murder (not to mention he believes Ray is indebted to him). Just a theory of mine as I wait to find out what the hell is going to happen next and why.
True Detective is worthy of its name. If you're reading too much into it too soon /or comparing it to last season, then you're really not watching. Keep up the nice work
signed,
A Loyal Fan
Stranded
(2013– )
Haunted Hunt
7 March 2013
There is something familiar yet refreshingly different about Syfy's new show Stranded. It combines some elements of MTV's Fear (no camera crew) and fuses them with the investigative panache of TAPS. The end result is a fast hour full of paranormal suspense experienced by brave amateur ghost hunters who are left 5 days to explore locations which are deemed haunted. At first, I was skeptical as to the show's credibility, authenticity and merit due to those behind its creation were also responsible for the gimmicky Paranormal Activity films; this is no longer the case. My suspicious doubts were obliterated once I realized that the first two locations were previously investigated by TAPS and certified as haunted or at least containing paranormal activity. I respect Ghost Hunters, so I figure if something's happening to Stranded's stranded "cast" then the happenings are apt to be legit. All in all it's a fun ride and I implore you to watch further.
Wit of the Wild Horses
15 July 2012
What an outstanding episode!! The humor, suspense and relatable human behaviors grips as much as it compels. The emotional jargon between Will McAvoy, Mackenzie MacHale, Jim Harper, Maggie Jordan and her boyfriend Don Keefer reaches a level of honest tension that is refreshingly addictive. An added plus is the show's use of real current events to assist in making this world believable. Aaron Sorkin has really created a gem here and I hope it continues to grow into the valuable vault of watchability it has already become. I believe it will. "I'll Try to Fix You" has sealed the deal for me. "The Newsroom" is by far one of the best new shows on television right now and its subject matter is long overdue.
Foreshadowing the Darkness
10 October 2011
Wow! I was blown away by season 4's finale. What I love about this show (and what keeps me awaiting the next episode) is how every little detail foreshadows what's to come. And it isn't until things are revealed through the journey of each of the show's characters do things fall nicely into place. I didn't see any of what went down coming in this episode. I know I sound vague, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it yet. I will say each story line is like a game of chess and the payoff is always worth the wait of anticipation. I suspect the next season is going to pick up where the I.R.S. incident left off, but at this point who can really know. Every award 'Breaking Bad' has been nominated for/won is deserved in my humble opinion. This show is spectacular and I hope it keeps going for a few more seasons.
Tell Your Friends