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10/10 - So perfect that I never get tired of seeing
09/10 - Brilliant with some minor flaws but I happily rewatch
08/10 - Very strong and I would happily rewatch
07/10 - Good and I would eventually rewatch
06/10 - Hit and miss, that I found mostly enjoyable but would not seek to rewatch
05/10 - Distinctly average and I would not seek to rewatch
04/10 - Mostly did not enjoy and would avoid rewatching
03/10 - Strongly disliked for a variety of reasons
02/10 - I either switched off, walked out of the cinema or was close to doing either
01/10 - So bad that I would describe it as not professionally made in any way
I appreciate all scoring is highly subjective to the tastes of an individual.
I take into consideration the writing, cinematography, editing, acting, sound, visual effects and general production values along with the era the film or television show was made.
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
Breaking Bad: Full Measure (2010)
Bleak but classic episode
There is little I can say about plot details without major spoilers, but it's safe to say that the Breaking Bad writers excel at painting themselves into corners and finding solutions that do not feel like contrivances. Full Measure is a fine example of this. It follows up Half Measures by wisely focusing on the situation involving Walt, Jesse and Gus. Plus the character Mike is used effectively and also a previously introduced character.
Filmmakers are adept at manipulating audience emotions, particularly when it comes to keeping you onside when their characters do awful things. This episode not only does this effectively, but in a way that develops the central characters. Certain key moments and decisions made by Walt and Jesse are portrayed very cleverly.
All actors are on great form as always, but for me Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Bob Odenkirk and David Constabile stand out for me.
The visual storytelling is fantastic as always, with the cinematographers making great use of the beautiful landscapes and set design. The editing adds an appropriate level of slickness and urgency to certain scenes.
Breaking Bad: Half Measures (2010)
Enthralling episode with memorable scenes and a hell of a finish
I remember when I saw this one shortly after it's original release it made me immediately want to see what happens next and seeing it again 14 years later it still made me want to see the next one, only these days I do not have the time.
There is little plot details I can mention without spoiling, but it is safe to say that several character have memorable moments. Season 3 has shown Walt slipping back into a lifestyle that, although a mile away from where he started the show, finds him once again subservient to and heavily influenced by others. In this episode his character reacts and develops again in spectacular fashion. For me the writers do a great job of portraying it in a suspenseful way and with a shock conclusion (even if the detail of it relies on one pretty big contrivance of luck).
The character Mike is used in a pivotal way and his scene of dialogue is one of the strongest moments of the episode with Jonathan Banks having what is for me his best moment of the show so far with great material from the writers.
It is generally a very nasty 47 minutes with moments lot of anger, betrayal and violence that can feel pretty bleak. However there is a ray of light breaking through the darkness in the shape of Marie and Hank. Their "Groundhog" scene is one of funniest in the show and much needed here.
Visually it is outstanding as always, with great cinematography, art design and editing.
All actors are on great form, particularly Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt and Jonathan Banks.
Breaking Bad: Abiquiu (2010)
Bob Odenkirk on top form
I think this is generally a strong episode, but there are a few aspects that standout for me.
I love Saul's banter with the Whites which is very funny and incredibly well delivered by Odenkirk as always. Having a certain third character in one scene adds another layer of humour as the premise of them meeting him for the first time funny enough. It works right from the opening shot of the waiting room to the end. Plus the follow up scene and resulting "Danny" and "Kevin Costner" related dialogue is great.
On the theme of humour, I also think the concept of what happens with Badger and Skinny Pete is also funny and quite ironic. Their "steps" related banter with Jesse is hilarious.
It has plenty of drama, with the scenes involving Jesse and a newly introduced character being the strongest material for me. The writers cleverly link back to previous episodes and finish it on a pretty tense moment.
All actors excellent as always, with Odenkirk, Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris and Aaron Paul standing out for me.
I think it's an 8.5/10, but round upwards.
The Thin Blue Line: Rag Week (1995)
Solid episode with all actors on form
I vaguely remember this being the first episode on the series I saw on its original BBC broadcast and feeling slightly disappointed. The reason was because I compared it to Blackadder instead of judging it on its own merit.
I have seen Rag Week several times over the years and appreciate much more now. Yes the material is not on par with Blackadder, but the likes of Rowan Atkinson, David Haig and James Dreyfus are incredibly good, lift it to a very good standard with their hilarious performances.
The concept of what happens in the bank is the highlight for me and Atkinson is fantastic. I also love the earlier scene involving both he and Dreyfus bantering in the queue.
For me it's a 7.5/10, but I round upwards.
Breaking Bad: Fly (2010)
Very strong reflective character episode
Fly is a very strong example of what can be done with limited resources.
It could have just been the two actors exchanging dialogue for the running time, but it is a lot more.
Thanks to the cinematography and editing, the visual storytelling is excellent throughout. Walt's obsession to control everything down the minutest detail is brilliantly captured, along with a realisation that somethings cannot be. Some of the related slapstick moments are very funny.
The more serious reflective dialogue between the two characters is very good. It is made plausible by the portrayal of Walt's lack of sleep and use of sleeping pills. Certain moments fill you with anticipation about how much information he is going to spill about certain events.
The content of Better Call Saul does put a new spin on any scenes set in the lab, the watching this the second time round is even better.
Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul are on great form, but the whole crew deserve plaudits for making such a simple premise work so well.
The Abyss (1989)
Outstanding technical filmmaking and lead performance
The Abyss is a very strong entry in the James Cameron collection and a great example practical filmmaking in difficult circumstances.
I think it has a solid plot with relatable characters that works well. Certain elements feel quite familiar. If you have seen movies like The Day the Earth Stood Still and Close Encounters of a Third Kind you will recognise certain aspects. Familiar themes of communication and the state of humanity, particularly in the Cold War era are evident and come through well.
First and foremost though it is an underwater thriller and the scenes depicting various disasters occurring are brilliantly made. They not only look real, but you feel the sense of danger so much it is incredibly suspenseful at times. The cinematography, set design, practical effects and editing are consistently excellent. The entire sequence of the crane drop and resulting impact on the rig below is for me one of the greatest action sequences of all time. Personally I think it all stands up to modern filmmaking where you know these days that a large percentage of it would be animated.
What gives it an extra edge is having Ed Harris as a lead actor. He has the perfect balance of humanity, likability and intensity. He is supported perfectly by others like Michael Biehn and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio.
It could be argued that Cameron packs so much into the movie it feels marginally overlong, but I personally find all the content interesting. It held my 8 year old daughter for the duration, so that for me a a big positive.
Breaking Bad: Kafkaesque (2010)
Strong episode with standout moments
This episode has some interesting themes, particularly around certain characters place in oppressive economic systems. The writers use the likes of Walt, Gus, Hank, Jesse and Saul very well in certain scenes.
Jesse's reaction to his current situation fits well with his emotionally driven character and it lays the foundations of potential future events well. Some of it includes some great humour, some of it pretty dark. The scene involving Saul is hilarious thanks to Bob Odenkirk's delivery and the one with Badger and Skinny Pete is outrageously twisted.
Walt's scene with Gus is the highlight of the episode for me. I think it is an all round brilliant dialogue exchange that is wonderfully acted and filmed. I love the half darkened faces and Cranston's delivery feels real.
Skyler has been portrayed as changing over the past few episodes and it has all led to what happens here. The writers have clearly developed her character in an interesting way and it keeps you intrigued in what will happen next. As this is my second watch of Breaking Bad since it's initial release and I know what's coming, it's fun to have the hindsight that allows you to pick up on foreshadowing.
Star Trek: The Next Generation: Shades of Gray (1989)
Nobody can say they were not warned its a clip-show
Shades of Gray is a budget and strike affected clip show with minimum plot and character work.
That being said, there are some reasonably good character moments. I like Riker's stoic attitude towards what happens to him and I think it is a pretty defining quality that is portrayed here. I also like the effort shown (as much as the budget allows) by certain crew members to rally round and help. The idea of the infection responding to different types of brain activity is pretty good, but cannot be visualised in anything other than those monotonously repetitive close-ups of Riker's unconscious face.
Naturally, the stakes are way too high for anybody to get caught up in the potential death of a central character, so you can never be gripped by the plot.
The clips are the clips. There is only so much to choose from the first two seasons and they are hit and miss. I liked certain ones, but others are not worth seeing again as they were just as poor in the original episodes.
Breaking Bad: I See You (2010)
Some of the most awkward awkwardness
I See You is a very strong follow up to an incident portrayed in the previous episode.
The writers cleverly reveal the long term strategy of a certain character and portrays them in an intriguing light for future episodes. These are shown in a series of slick and ruthless moments that a big impact on the plot.
You can probably tell from the review title I love the awkwardness of many scenes, particularly the ones involving Walt. Certain concepts and character interactions, especially those involving his attempted subterfuge make you cringe. There is a great deal of deception in this episode with one character portrayed doing it exceptionally well, whilst the other doing it clumsily and we have a good contrast of the pair.
All actors are great as always, but for me Bryan Cranston, Betsy Brandt, Anna Gunn and David Costabile are the standouts for me.
Visually it's great as always. Although it's not a pretty sight the "crawling" scene is a great callback to the associated character's introduction to the show and is a great Terminator tribute. I also love one brilliant knowing look that Skyler gives Walt that requires no words to explain what she's thinking.
The Acolyte: Destiny (2024)
Struggling, but just about still with it
For me this episode follows in the same vein as the opening two. It expands on a reasonably interesting mystery with a concept of how the Jedi recruit Younglings. Children living away from their families as part of the Jedi Order is not addressed in the prequel trilogy, so for me it is a worthwhile subject.
I think the existence of other cultures centred around the phenomenon of the force, albeit with a differing perspective to the Jedi is also an interesting idea. It works for world building in the Star Wars universe and developing stories outside of Jedi/Sith perception of the force that we already know from the movies.
As for how the story is told and the portrayal of the central characters I think this is where The Acolyte falls down. This episode involves a flashback, and the filmmakers do little to visually distinguish between Mae and Osha, which makes certain scenes confusing. Plus the reaction of one twin to a decision made by the other for me feels extremely contrived to bring about dramatic events and spectacle. Much of the dialogue is quite simplistic (e.g. "Both of them; her sister too") and makes certain scenes feel drawn out in my opinion.
Arguably there did not need to be an entire episode dedicated to giving us this backstory, especially as it alludes to things referenced in exposition dialogue provided in the previous episodes. If so why mention those backstory aspects previously when it could have been left a total mystery and just shown here?
That being said I think the tension created by a scene that involves a confrontation between two groups of people works fairly well.
I think most performances are okay given the material the actors have to work with. However, nobody stands out as especially charismatic with any obvious star quality.
The general cinematography, editing and art design is strong as you would expect from a Star Wars production.
Again many comments on IMDB are exaggerated extremes (as always with SW) saying it's either the best show ever or comparable to something you wipe off the bottom of your shoe. In reality it's neither. Never trust the opinion of one-time reviewers (press the menu button (3 dots) to the right of the up/down vote button and select "see all reviews by" and you can find out) and always be suspicious of those who do not qualify statements (positive or negative) with actual reasons or specific aspects of the film/show.
For me it's a 5.5/10, but I round upwards.
Breaking Bad: One Minute (2010)
Nasty but captivating episode
This is a memorable episode for a number of reasons, particularly one central scene that the plot builds towards.
The writers again do a great job when seemingly painting themselves into a corner with certain plot details, but then managing to overcome certain obstacles in clever ways that develop characters like Walt and Jesse. Both actors are on top form, but Aaron Paul in particular is brilliant in some of Jesse's angry and emotional moments.
Hank is central to much of the plot and this is the best use of the character so far in the show. Dean Norris gives one of his best performances so far.
It is a powerful episode visually, particularly in the more violent scenes, which is highly stylised at times. There is a perfect build-up to that final sequence, which is incredibly suspenseful and plays out as mostly plausible. That being said you do arguably have to suspend the disbelief in certain moments where I think the filmmakers get carried away with making it as cinematic as possible.
One Minute is a generally a mean spirited and vengeful 47 minutes to be fair. Thankfully the comedic presence of Bob Odenkirk periodically lifts the perpetual cloud, but even his character talks "options" at one point.
For me it's a 9.5/10, but I round upwards.
Breaking Bad: Sunset (2010)
Memorable episode
This for me is the best episode of Season 3 so far, particularly in the standard of writing and suspenseful filmmaking.
I cannot give too much away with spoiling the plot, but it is safe to say an important new character is introduced well and iconic "character" is bid farewell in dramatic fashion.
The writers are particularly good in how they can seemingly paint themselves into a corner with certain situations that are high drama, but then find plausible solutions that work exceptionally well. They not only overcome certain obstacles, but do it in a way that develops characters. There is a moment where Hank has to make a decision after a receiving a certain communication that contrasts with a similar moment that Walt was in during the previous season and it contrasts the two situations very well.
For me the characters Walt, Hank, Jesse, Saul, Gus and Gale are used particularly well be the writers and filmmakers. All actors are on top form as always.
For me it is a 9.5/10 for me, but I round upwards. The only reason I do not score it as perfect is that Walt is arguably depicted as walking into a pretty foreseeable situation, considering that Jesse has been prone to reacting emotionally and irrationally. The writing of how the situation unfolds though is undeniably excellent.
Breaking Bad: Más (2010)
Very strong episode
This is another example of great visual storytelling alongside memorable character moments.
Breaking Bad is consistently great when it comes to cinematography and editing, but this one contains some of my favourite uses of the camera to tell the story. Some of my personal standouts include: the opening sequence and how it ties into a later use of a photograph; the shots of the White family with the thick dividing line between them; the shots of Hank in his office with the party in the background; the various uses of colour and lighting, particularly in certain locations like the laundry site and Saul's office.
The writers do a great job of developing characters like Walt, Jesse, Gus, Styler and Hank. Getting Walt in to a certain mindset was tough one for the writers to do in a plausible way, but they did a great job using Gus and Jesse at catalysts. Skyler's scene with the lawyer is very reminiscent to Carmela Soprano in a similar scene with her therapist and in creates plenty of intrigue about what might happen.
All actors are on great form as always, particularly Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, and Bob Odenkirk.
The Thin Blue Line: Honey Trap (1995)
One of my favourite episodes
There are elements of several Rowan Atkinson comic personas in this one. The slapstick routine during the opening scene is pure Mr Bean. There are also brief moments of Blackadder's sharpness from time to time, but he generally embodies the nerdy, anorak tendencies of Raymond Fowler brilliantly as always. The idea of the pub quiz is superb for bringing out this side of the character and his obsession with it is very funny.
The farcical humour of misunderstanding between Fowler and Dawkins is good, but slightly drawn out. Serena Evans generally plays her fairly one-note character well, but strays over the top from time to time.
Grim is good value for his screen time as always. His banter with Fowler and latest ambitious scheme makes for a good subplot that has several funny moments. David Haig is outstanding as always.
Other characters like Goody and Habib are used well.
Breaking Bad: Green Light (2010)
Strong and humorous episode
There is a good level of humour in this one with Walt's meltdown over Skyler's "I. F. T." and resulting behaviour at the centre of most of it. The scene of him attempting to confront this situation is hilarious, along with the associated scenes involving Saul and Mike. Bryan Cranston is fantastic as always and is supported well by Bob Odenkirk and Jonathan Banks.
The writers seem to be working their way through the problem of how to plausibly get Walt back in the business cleverly, as they lay good foundations for this with the scenes involving Jesse and likewise Gus Fring.
Hank's scenes continue to explore his character nicely and increase the intrigue around his potential discovery of the truth behind Heisenberg's identity.
The Thin Blue Line: Fire and Terror (1995)
Enjoyable performances and concept
This is another good episode with reasonably good material that is enhanced by some great performances.
I like the premise of the hoaxer who is plaguing Gasforth with his attention seeking shenanigans. This is worked very well into the plot involving Grim and Special Branch. Rowan Atkinson and David Haig are brilliant as usual embodying these characters, especially Haig who lights up every scene. Atkinson again channels his Blackadder sharpness at times before going back into the silly pompousness of Fowler.
The scenes involving Goody and Habib are quite predictable, but lead to a pretty entertaining conclusion.
Breaking Bad: I.F.T. (2010)
Strong episode with memorable character moments
There is a good focus on the supporting characters affected by Walt's behaviour in this one. The writers use the likes of Skyler, Hank, Jesse, Saul, Gus, and Tio very well to show this.
Skyler has the most focus and her very difficult predicament is shown in the most excruciatingly awkward way possible. How the writers portray Walt handling certain situations makes him seem so single minded and delusional it's quite funny. Eventually her "I. F. T." response to this is depicted in a hard hitting way, and shows how the writers have been laying the foundations for this in previous episodes. Both Anna Gunn and Bryan Cranston are fantastic in all their scenes.
The fallout from Hank's PTSD continues to be depicted in a nasty scene that works well to show his state of mind. As most of this is indirectly caused by Walt, it only further increased the tension associated with him potentially finding out the truth.
Both of the above character arcs tie in nicely to scenes involving the drug cartels which are creating more intrigue about what carnage might be coming to Albuquerque.
As always the visual storytelling is fantastic with the cinematography and editing being top drawer.
For me it's an 8.5/10, but I round upwards.
Breaking Bad: Caballo sin Nombre (2010)
FP's favourite episode
This is strong episode with memorable character moments.
Walt and Jesse are at opposite ends of the self awareness spectrum in this one, with numerous memorable scenes that show them coping with life in very different ways.
Walt's scenes are darkly funny as he tries to act like everything is normal with spectacularly bad results. Some moments are hilarious and Bryan Cranston is on top angry-funny form when the character loses his s***. (Glad I don't live in the Breaking Bad house or I'd probably lose it too if randoms kept throwing pizzas on my roof)
On the theme of humour Bob Odenkirk makes a great contribution again with more great examples of Saul Goodman pragmatism. His character is used well by the writers, seemingly as a catalyst for bad behaviour from the lead characters.
Jesse's scenes feel more serious, with his new attitude being quite noticeable. Aaron Paul is excellent in playing this character in various states of mind and this feels like a new dimension that works well. One situation he is involved in results in a very satisfying outcome (although it shouldn't) and is very slick in its portrayal.
The writers also expand the plot involving the drug cartels and the character Mike in away that lays good foundations for what is to come.
It's an 8.5/10 for me but I round upwards.
Breaking Bad: No Más (2010)
Strong start to the third season with standout moments
This is good follow up to the fairly gobsmacking events portrayed in ABQ that addresses them in both dramatic and darkly humorous ways.
The contrasting mindsets of both lead characters in the wake of the tragic circumstances is very well worked by the writers and made more compelling by the performances of Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul. Plus the foundations laid for future plot line by the scenes involving Gus Fring and also the two introduced characters serves to keep intrigue very high.
My favourite moments include the scene in the school hall with teachers and students. There is some great cringeworthy dark humour here and also some good moments showing the state of Walt's mind. Plus the confrontation between Walt and Styler is brilliantly done.
Visually it is outstanding as always with the camera telling the story throughout. The final scene does feel excessive for the sake of cool looking spectacle, but you have to admire how well it is set up, filmed, edited and performed by the Moncada brother, who very much look the part. It feels almost ironic how much emphasis is placed on talking and forcing individuals to share and confront feelings, when it is then contrasted by two brutal silent killers.
For me it is an 8.5/10, but I round upwards.
The Thin Blue Line: The Queen's Birthday Present (1995)
Enjoyable, but hard not to compare it to Blackadder
This is a good start to a generally enjoyable BBC comedy.
All the elements are there such as a great setting, a good writer and some incredibly good performers.
Rowan Atkinson is shows elements of Blackadder's wit in Raymond Fowler, but overall he is a very different character. His performance along with the likes of James Dreyfus and David Haig carry the best comedy moments with their mannerisms and delivery of dialogue.
How funny is it? The answer as always is that comedy is in the eye of the beholder. I find certain situations very funny, such as the jumper, the confusion over the birthday presents and most scenes involving the characters Goodey and Grim. It is quite prolific in the frequency of jokes throughout the episode, but personally I think the material is generally average, but enhanced by the performances. I probably feel this way because my mind cannot help compare it to Blackadder, which is unfair.
The Acolyte: Revenge/Justice (2024)
Slightly better second episode
The writers move the plot along through scenes that mostly work, but for me they should be a lot more compelling than they actually are. I am just about still held by the central mystery, but unfortunately so far it is the characters that stop me from consistently enjoying it. Nobody so far has stood out as charismatic or particularly worth investing in their outcome. In fact most feel a bit bland. For me the few attempts at humour do not work and feel quite forced.
That being said the important arc involving Amandla Stenberg's character does make me want to find out where it's going. It's concept of the old Jedi order is a pretty good one so far, but I will hold off on judgement until the story unfolds. I have a slightly bad feeling that if it does not take us to something that cleverly relates to some of the movies I will be disappointed.
It does though end on a new hope with the introduction of what has the potential to be a cool new character, but it's still early days.
The Acolyte: Lost/Found (2024)
An okay start, but way too early to judge
As always with Star Wars you mostly get extreme comments that either describe it as one of the best or worst productions ever. In reality in my opinion it is neither. There are positives and negatives for me so far, but judging it all based on the first episode way too early.
As a long time fan of the original movies, the premise of The Acolyte is undeniably interesting. I like the setting, with its time period, world building and depiction of the Jedi order. I also think the writers have come up with a relatively interesting concept for a story so far.
Unfortunately this opening episode relies far too much on exposition dialogue written in an incredibly obvious and jarring way, to the point it feels patronising in the moments where character backstory is addressed. Very little goes unexplained. There is even a sequence of dialogue that explains what we see in a previous scene.
It is a bit early to say whether the characters work or not, so the jury is out for me, but nobody has stood out with any real charisma or a dominant presence so far.
The martial art scenes are well done if you are into that type of spectacle. It does feel very Matrix and like a variety of Kung Fu movies. Certain scenes also remind me very much of The Fugitive, but they are reasonably good tributes. Generally the visuals are high quality, as you would expect from a Star Wars project.
It did make me want to see what happens next, but this might just be due to curiosity about another entry in the franchise.
For me it's a 5.5/10, but I round upwards.
Breaking Bad: ABQ (2009)
Bleak but unforgettable
There is virtually no plot details I could reveal about this one without spoiling, but it safe to say that it contains some truly horrendous concepts to behold, but does it with phenomenally good writing, filmmaking and performances.
There are several cold openings to episodes of Season 2 that prompt huge intrigue and I admit when I first saw the show on its initial release that I did not predict where it would go. We get a big reveal in this episode and first time round (even though it's a work of fiction) I was gobsmacked. On a recent second watch, it works incredibly well, but in a different way as you are watching all details of the story, plus the foreshadowing closely.
Although the contrivances are huge and somewhat unlikely, the writers and filmmakers put everything across in such a clever and cinematic way, you cannot fail to be impressed with the production. Even the lower key (if you can call them it) moments are full of instances of cleverly thought out dialogue and storytelling that calls back to previous episodes and sets up plot threads yet to come.
All actors are immense, particularly Aaron Paul, Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn, Jonathan Banks and John de Lancie.
Visually it is absolutely brilliant, with massive credit to the visual/audio effects and editing.
Breaking Bad: Phoenix (2009)
Brutal and disturbing episode
There are hardly any plot details I can mention without spoiling, except there is very little about it (due to the subject matter) that I found enjoyable. However, it there is no denying it is an immensely powerful piece of filmmaking that is very well written and performed. The attention to detail, particularly regarding previous events and dialogue is exceptional.
It all unfolds in a series of memorable scenes involving Walt and other characters like Jesse, Jane, Skyler, Jane, Donald, Saul, Walter Jr and Holly. Some of the moments that tie together themes involving fathers and daughters are cleverly and ironically written in the build up to a brutal final scene that will likely stay with you forever. I find it a thoroughly disturbing experience, not just for the shock scene, but also for the casual dishonesty each character seems to show towards each other.
It is a crucial episode in the character development of Walter White and one that has ramification for other characters and events depicted in later episodes. Overall it is one of the most important episodes in the overarching narrative of the show.
The one ray of light in it all (in a darkly funny way of course) is the banter between Walt and Saul Goodman. Bob Odenkirk is on hilarious form in this scene and Bryan Cranston plays off him brilliantly.
The visual storytelling is a credit to cinematographers and actors. I also love the early scene that involves a particularly effective reveal of a certain character standing in the background at an important event.
Cranston is generally amazing throughout and is supported wonderfully by the likes of Krysten Ritter, Aaron Paul and John de Lancie. Hard to believe it's the same actor who played Q.
Breaking Bad: Mandala (2009)
All the wrong decisions
The plotting of this one feels fairly contrived in certain moments, but nevertheless they are powerfully effective. They showcase a number of characters exercising what Gus Fring would describe as poor judgement in scenes that make you put your head in your hands for them and those around them. It is strong filmmaking to produce emotive reactions from the audience.
It is memorable for introducing Fring in such an effective way. I remember these scenes clearly from my first viewing many years ago, so credit to all involved for making the moments stick in my head.
For Sopranos fans there is some common ground with the casting of Sam McMurray as cancer surgeon and another incredibly uncomfortable Marilyn Monroe impression by a cast member.
Everything leads to a highly suspenseful cliffhanger ending that makes you want to find out what happens next.
All actors are on great form, especially Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, and Anna Gunn. Giancarlo Esposito has one of the most cinematic faces ever and uses it to great effect.
Visually it is excellent as always. The scenes of drug use stand out, but pretty much every shot is top drawer.