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Reviews
Reacher (2022)
Delayed Pleasure
When Reacher was first released, I saw all the advertisements, & assumed it would be the typical testosterone-fueled action series, predictable with no character development & only minimal human interest. Just stoic men in continual combat, fighting drug cartels or gangsters or other low-lifes, made for male consumption. Not my cup of tea in any way. So...I just skipped over it, time & again. In just the last week, I saw or read something, somewhere, about Reacher being a #1 choice for a high % of viewers. That review caught my eye & peaked my curiosity, just a tiny bit. This morning, I did my usual scroll-around, trying to find something to watch, & failing miserably. As I get older, it takes something special to hold my attention & stimulate my jaded interest.
Reacher showed up in my feed as usual, & as usual, I scrolled on past. I started several movies, but exited each within the first 5 minutes. In frustration, I restarted my search & there was Reacher again. OK, I told myself. I've already tried several films that failed to draw me in. Let's just do the same with Reacher, & see what the hype is about. I could always exit in 5 minutes, & try another search. Am I glad I took that chance? Yes!
As I had assumed, there is lots & lots of testerone, & stoic men. But there is a purpose for it, & interesting, unfolding backstories that give credence to it.. There is an abundance of combat, but necessary to the story. Character development is satisfying, & provides amble reasons to root for the good guys. There are several strong, interesting female characters that that expand the character universe. Only one incident occurred that annoyed me, with one female acting out-of-character, along the lines of "don't go in the basement," but that incident proved essential for future plot twists. And, there is humor!
Several reviewers rated the finale poorly, stating that it is underwhelming, disappointing, or some other such negative. I couldn't disagree more. Can't imagine what those reviewers were expecting. For me, it was totally satisfying.
I highly recommend Reacher. I binged season 1 today, & look forward to watching season 2.
W jak morderstwo (2021)
Delightful Murder Mystery
Such a fun little movie, with the potential for a continuing series. I'd watch it.
An ensemble of interesting characters, a little awkward & clumsy & heartwarming, but all intelligent with quirky (but not silly) personalities. Lovely nostalgic settings; one of those inviting little villages, perfect for bicycle riding, in which I'd like to live. Interesting camera angles. A joy to watch.
What struck me the most was the very familiar, haunting music. Not sure where I've heard it, but seems most likely from poignant Hitchcock scenes. I'd watch again just to enjoy the feelings engendered by the soundtrack. I'll be researching to see if I can locate the original source.
This is not a masterpiece, but it's the perfect little movie for a rainy Saturday or Sunday afternoon. You won't regret it.
The Devil's Hour (2022)
Brilliant
This is my first review. I'm not easily impressed, & I don't have the eloquence in writing of frequent reviewers. But I give this series my wholehearted approval & recommendation. I watched this with no expectations, and how glad I am that I did. I saw no shortfalls that distract from this brilliant, clever, intense mystery.
The casting is impeccable, from the main characters to the least of the supporting cast. Jessica Raine carries this story, with an amazing range of emotions & strengths, with sympathy & grit. Young Benjamin Chivers brings Isaac to life (so to speak), with pathos & intensity. I'll be watching for him in the future. Peter Capaldi is, as expected, riveting & brilliant. Nikesh Patel was an unexpected & pleasant surprise. A dashing hero.
I was unable to take my eyes off whichever one of these characters was onscreen at the moment. Just mesmerizing.
Watch this, & give it all your attention. There are mindbending threads that are somewhat confusing, but if you give it the attention it needs, you won't be disappointed, and you won't be left unsatisfied. The final episode is worth watching the entire series. Can't wait for a season 2. 🤞🏻