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Reviews
Alien: Romulus (2024)
David Jonsson Saves This Movie
With nods to Prometheus, alien and the wider universe this starts off with good intent. A cameo that lasted too long and a take on a famous line from Aliens that was all unnecessary.
When will the final shot of a aliens movie end with a xenomorph punching through a skull of a hero looking up to see a ship descending with the audience knowing what horror awaits the crew and the credits roll leaving us wanting more?
Romulus isn't a bad film, it just doesn't do anything unexpected. The end scenes are disturbing but no more so than ressurection. A retread of alien isn't what we needed but its what we got.
Andy, well Andys portrayal was fantastic and Mr Jonsson did for alien Romulas Sigourney did for alien.
Watch it with an open mind but don't expect a new classic.
Star Trek: Discovery (2017)
The acting is good, premise to far out
I have tried 4 seasons, and really wanted to like the direction. Taken aback by the use of the F word, which I don't think landed well. Introduction of Pike and Co was excellent. All of a sudden a leap to the future offered new possibilities, and it did... for production.
By separating the show from any of the history, the stories can go in new directions, new technology, new directives and new ships. It freed the production team of any odd legacy contradictions. However, the new direction also lost the heart of Star Trek, and in the wake of Picard S3 and Strange New Worlds it has too much to live up to.
New transporters, new warp drives means we are watching the Amazon Generations Star Trek; everything delivered immediately!
I love Star Trek, but I don't think this is for me. Wobbly cameras, JJ's lense flares at every opportunity and no forethought to design ideas. E.g covert missions shouldn't have lights on suits, kind of removes any stealth manoeuvres!
Oh and Sa'ru in S4, his makeup is... poor. I will stick with it, but it's Star Trek but not as we know it 😔
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)
Enjoyed it but mixed feelings
This feels like a second act of a three act show. This bought the franchise home, and gave the original actors a subtle way to be involved in the future.
Patton was unnecessary as Ray could have been the font of knowledge, Winston is set up to be the money behind the ongoing business which is great. The introduction of James Acaster made me smile with a bit of English pride and would welcome more of his input.
If this is indeed a second act of a trilogy, you can forgive the exposition, the next movie could be supported by the new cast with very minor nods to the original members of the team.
Some editing choices were a little choppy, but I have seen worse. Attention to detail on the sets was incredible and made the film gel well with the originals.
An explanation of why people accept the presence of ghosts would have also been a good addition.
Overall I enjoyed it, not the best film out there, not as good as afterlife, but I do hope they do more and lean into the scary and occult aspects a bit more.
The Marvels (2023)
The MCU fans need to get over thier own expectations
This is a fun movie, it ties two TV shows into the lore and does a good job of having fun.
Does it add anything to the overall Narative, no!
Does it highight Ms Marvel as a fun addition, hell yes. Once you get over its not adding anything or revealing any easter eggs, you can enjoy it for what it is.
All three main characters deliver on their role, and it improves on captain marvels solo outing. Sit down take any preconceived ideas you have, remove any anticipation of easter eggs and enjoy it for what it is.
Has marvel lost its way, yes. Have the glorious days of intertwined writing and on screen narrative been left behind, yes, but as a movie its fun.
The Flash (2023)
ignore the effects and enjoy the ride
After being totally disappointed with Warners attempt at the recent DC movies, I have to say my expectations were low. My only draw was that Keaton was my Batman and I wanted some nostalgia.
That being said, this is by far the best DC movie since Wonder Woman. The effects are typically appalling (why Warners do spend more on effects I don't know!!) but if you can get past the uncanny valley, bedroom driven graphics and some Snyder colour grading it's great.
The character arcs are great, the story is fun, not too serious and hits nostalgia hard. Without spoiling it for yourself if you know what may have been in the DC universe of movies. This will make you smile like a kid at Christmas
Well done Warner just sort your CGI.
Extraction 2 (2023)
Golshifteh Farahani Needs her own Movie
Hemsworth puts in a great performance with some innovative camera work by the directors. The action is non stop and some John Wick vibes going on.
Golshifteh Farahani As Nik Khan is incredible and delivers some heartfelt and powerful moments. Her action scenes play really well and she holds her own alongside Hemaworth.
A slightly jarring cameo from Heimdal but it plays well once you make the connection. Extraction is one of Netflix's watchable franchises which if managed properly could be their bourne identity style cornerstone.
Settle down and enjoy the scenery, explosions, hand to hand combat and some Holy cow moments.
Arnold (2023)
The ego has a heart
Thhis is a very honest and open look at the legend that is at Arnold Swarzeneggar. His ego led the way through the 80's, rivalries, ambition making headlines all over the world.
In this mini series we see where his ambition started, the drive to eliminate emotions to win. Arnold succeeded in 3 very distinct fields.
Throughout the series, we see Arnold in a new light. The machine has a heart. He has a vision of the future and he has made mistakes. Mistakes that in the end shaped the old man Arnie.
Love him or hate him, this is an insightful look at the man behind the terminator with interviews with friends and rivals.
Tulsa King (2022)
Sapranos lite but great
Each episode digs a little deeper, gets more complex, and more things get out of control.
Stallone is great in the role, and the rag-tag mob he employs elevate the usual Mafia drama.
Tulsa is a great backdrop for a 25 year plus convict to start over, using his skills to keep the Don and other capo's happy.
Mild infractions soon become murderous revenge and empire building. Binge worthy TV with superb writing and a brilliant cast.
If you don't know Tulsa King, it's about a mafia member who took the rap for a crime and spent 25 years behind bars. This is a story of his return to normal life, and how he manages the impact of his incarceration.
Die Hart: Hart Broken (2023)
Kevin's Action Star Status is in jeopardy
Kevin returns for another round at quick cuts and choppy action. Joined by some familiar faces Kevin seeks funding for his own action movie to prove his tradition as a leading action star.
Things get a little out of hand when a unknown producer (Karl) drops Kevin into the plot of something more ominous.
Nathalie Emmanuel is back as Jordan and casual ally acts her ass off (underrated actor IMHO).
The 10min episode concept is odd, but works with the material. The series won't set the world alight but if you enjoy Kevin Hart and his over eager style you'll like this.
Roku are carving out a little niche and this fits the bill.
Star Trek: Picard (2020)
Season 3 10/10
I'm judging this on season 3. Season 1&2 were a nice revisit of the character, and on their own, I would give them 6/10.
Season 3 is a stand-alone masterpiece.
Anyone who appreciates Star Trek will enjoy this; any Star Trek fan will love it. The writers have given fans a deep dive into all the universe characters. Picard, Riker, Worf, Geordie, Crusher, Deanna, Moriarty, Data, seven of nine, B4, Lore, Ro Laren, Odo, even a glimpse of James T Kirk and much more.
The cinematography is fantastic, the storylines integrated wonderfully, and the ships are, well, majestic. They even provided a quick look at NCC1701-A, the downed bird of prey from star trek 4 the voyage home.
I'm judging this on everything I've seen up to episode 5 and so far there have been so many well crafted nostalgic goosebumps moments. This is the movie the next gen cast should have been given.
We all age, we all see time slip away and the fresh take on the next gen lives is welcome. Episode 5 discusses the need to let things be, and dont hang on to what was, let it be something new.
This is new, this is interesting and it's brilliant.
Wolf Pack (2023)
CW quality with unnecessary f bombs!
So it's not a bad production, early episodes struggle with bad CGI. It improves as the season progresses, but the story holds up in a typical teen drama sort of way.
Unfortunately the writers seem to think adding F bombs make the story more griping or edgy but it doesn't. All it does is alienate younger viewers who may enjoy the non horrific gore. LBGQT themes are handled we'll and integrate well with the stories.
The cast have potential to go on to other more serious dramas in the vein of CSI or SEAL team but overall have good chemistry and act well with what they are given.
In short, older viewers will tolerate it but has lots of room to improve.