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Reviews
Pirates: Behind the Legends (2024)
If you loved Black Sails Don't Miss This!
The true stories behind the pirates. Excellent maps and animations show routes sailed and explain story progression. The recreated characters involved and dramatic scenes are done well without being over acted or too lengthy.
I would have liked to have seen Anna O'Malley play Queen Elizabeth, since she produced the show there would have been irony and perhaps even poignancy in the second episode about Grace O'Malley.
The show gives us insights and stories that give us helpful context. Why was piracy so successful and better still why we retain such romantic positivity about them.
Many were murderous psychopaths and they built no schools. But they did prove that leadership can be kind and successful. They broke up monopolies and broke down barriers to success. Black pirates were equal and treated as such, although they had no qualms about selling slaves. Fascinating.
Well done!
Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial (2024)
Brilliant but Anti British
My goodness but Netflix doesn't like the British. This show and its use of AI for sound and visuals is absolutely sublime. It also includes material and information that is new. But.
I got over Episode 3 that blamed Britain in so many words over Poland. Not too bad and it's Netflix.
But then came Episode 4. The British apparently were lucky to get some soldiers to escape at Dunkirk. Those sly Brits then tried to, quote, "sell it to the British people" and then {no mention of the Battle of Britain} were able to "inflict some losses on the Luftwaffe". Mind blowing.
Cut next to "So Hitler {presumably bored} turns his attention to Russia. No mention that Hitler expected Britain to settle. No mention of Churchill (anyone heard of him?) No mention of Williams Sheerers broadcasts from London?
No mention of Hitlers rampage against Britain for bombing Berlin?
Netflix please stop it. It's bias. It's hurtful. It's inaccurate and takes away from an otherwise brilliant show.
Dark Matter (2024)
Very Entertaining. Would Love to See it Done Right
So let's get this right. You can move forwards or sideways into alternative lives and versions? Awesome. So we get stuck with the mother Teresa of goody goodies who just wants to get back to EXACTLY what he had which he knows isn't possible anyway.
Meanwhile he's stuck with hot alternative 2 willing to go and do anything with him. Which of course, of course he keeps turning down.
Does he have any tostesterone whatsoever? It just does not make sense. Why can't he use the black box to get rich, get the best version of whichever or whatever life he wants, the girl or girls he wants and the kids he wants? Of course he would.
That could have then turned into a Photon version of Dorian Grey. I just couldn't get why Alik Sarkharov was trying to make us care about versions of people who just don't matter.
Id love to see the black box be used to eliminate civilizations, groups, political parties, science and/or then add them or create them. Then show how the main guy/version would use the power.
The whiny do gooder and his whiny wife irritated me to death. The later blonde fun one was awesome, develop the theme Alik!
The Tattooist of Auschwitz (2024)
If only the students marching for Hamas
Could watch this.
To think this was within the time of my grandparents. To think of all those who fought so hard against this evil and then to see the protests at our universities is just so heartbreaking.
This DID happen. The production value for this show is not high but the acting is excellent. The authenticity so far as I know from friends and family and all that I have read is too gentle.
Random violence is far uglier and more horrible than we know. The show is original in showing that the descent into madness was not instant. Over time the guards were more severe more brutal. It also doesn't stint from showing how Jewish guards were willing to punish and kill other Jews if they thought it could spare them.
But this rating is for the show itself. It manages to embroil us in a story we think we know already but do not. I liked it very much.
Suits (2011)
Worst Ever Example of False Reviews
Good gracious. Charlie Gipson, a former associate client director at Edelman, and Kyle Boulia, ex-corporate comms manager at United Talent Agency, have joined the office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. They report to Ashley Hansen, the couple's global press secretary.
Haven't they been hard at work. This show was previously a minus 5. It ranks alongside any other daytime soap and would get zero attention whatsoever without Hissy and Missy applying their charity funds to this distortion.
The show itself wouldn't have made even Joey proud. A low production who dunnit spiced up with office romance. Let's be honest no one watches this except to see the Princess of Nigeria.
Civilisation (1969)
Superb Reminder of all we Deserve to be Proud Of
Totally superb. The truth is that for all the current foolish complaints about the patriarchy and white privilege etc, etc ad nauseam the facts will outlive the children's current outrage.
Here is a reminder that the west has so much to be proud of. Britain especially. We are where we are today because of the success and adoption of the British and the wests systems of government, an independent judiciary, standardized weights and measures, universal education, invention, financial institutions, etc, etc.
Without the west's civilization life will be nasty, brutish and short to quote Hobbes. This cracking documentary shows the results of supporting "from the river to the sea" and the superb developments that resulted from the terrible colonizers.
The Long Shadow (2023)
Nearly Excellent.
Just fast forward all the over egged and exaggerated sections on Jean Jordan. Yes it's to be expected that we will see absolutely any aspect of anything that promotes "the message" exaggerated. But her screen time is out of any reasonable proportion to the story.
This is an important story that highlights how interdepartmental rivalry allows bad players to literally get away murder. All the way up to and including 911. The sexism and expectations on women is realistically shown.
I remember the case. It was, still is shocking. To have such a powerful and gripping story detracted by the message is frustrating. Still the show is excellent despite this and I'm happy to score it a 7. Worth watching.
Unthinkable (2010)
Authentic. Brilliant. Rare.
Hollywood can and does produce real, authentic films that can ask us the toughest questions and this is one of them.
Just how far would you go to save millions of lives? Do we continue to worship at the altar of the individual, do we maintain the view that every life is equal and precious? Even when weighed against the probability but not the certainty of mass murder?
I'm glad I don't have to make the choice.
This film changed my opinion of Michael Sheen. He was fun in Masters & Johnson but I just never took him that seriously. He doesn't convince as a die hard lunatic fundamentalist but when he refuses to give in he leaves you wondering.
In doing so he wins big.
Samuel L Jackson starts out as we expect him to but then goes deeper. It's as if the actors themselves spent time thinking about the characters and roles and you can visibly see them develop.
Another 10 for me. Watch it.
The Zone of Interest (2023)
Wanted to like this.
A serious topic I wanted to watch and gain insight from. The war continues to keep revealing new stories and insights even eighty years after its end.
The fact that these people lived seemingly normal lives so close to such horror is at once horrendous, shocking and fascinating. The film is without question 10/10 for historical accuracy, costumes, behaviors and buildings, etc, etc.
So what's wrong?
It is just too slow. Agonizingly, desperately, teeth gnashingly tediously paced. This becomes frustrating fast. But then the other issue is that we never get to learn or understand what led them to be able to live like this.
Deutsches Haus Or The Interpreters Silence tells this story better and gives us greater understanding.
The Tourist (2022)
Season 1 was so good. Danielle deserves better.
It really was terrific. Something new and refreshing. Jamie is so talented and versatile as an actor and the writing by Harry and Jack Williams felt genuinely exciting.
Then season 2 breaks our hearts. Going back to Ireland was great and the story initially makes sense but as viewers we are constantly confused and distracted by the relationship between Danielle MacDonald as Helen and Jamie as Elliot.
Because we are all screaming at the screen saying Jamie just would not ever be with her. So instead of paying attention you end up in arguments with your partner about how horrible you are because the match between a 9 and a large 5 just does not add up.
But then episode 3.
Ha! The director Chris Sweeney shows Jamie coming out of the shower topless looking fabulous. Now I said let's see Danielle even modestly wrapped in a towel. Of course not.
Danielle is a lovely lady and a fine actor but juxtaposing her into a non sensible relationship it is unfair.
The Patriot (2000)
Mel Gibson in Braveheart Part 2
He really does not like the British our Mel Gibson does he? From Braveheart to Gallipoli it's "the British are bad" over and over.
Maybe it's the Australian convict thing. Maybe it's just he is cross about the British support for the establishment of Israel.
This film is so rediculous and insulting that I couldn't stand more than a few minutes. No mention that the British were trying to maintain an agreement with the Indians not to keep settling in the Delaware valley.
Or the fact that the settlers, the colonists were paying the lowest taxes in the world at the time. Or that the British were protecting them from the French and Indians. Or that by the written description "a person who uses unlawful violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims." the founding fathers were in fact terrorists?
It wouldn't matter so much if so many didn't think this real history.
Gomorrah (2014)
For me the best TV show ever made
My god not easy to watch. At times sincerely heartbreaking. You wonder how can I care so much about these terrible awful people.
It is the skill of Robert Saviano that we do. Plus the perfect acting of, not just one or two but so many. The main stars. Marco De'Amore as Ciro and Salvatore Espisito as Genny are simply superb. I never once not ever doubted them in their roles or their journey.
Cristiana Dell'Anna as Patrize is chilling and authentic and always leaves us wandering if she had sex with Chanel to convince her. But I especially loved Arturo Muselli as Enzo.
The locations, the pacing, individual motivations and again authenticity never faltered. That it managed to be poignant is incredible.
The show is a journey that rewards. Don't miss it.
Sniper. The White Raven (2022)
Skip the first 30 mins. Then it's not bad.
Takes thirty minutes to start the film. Nothing preceding it explains how come our hero can strip and rebuild a rifle blindfold.
The first thirty minutes also has all the propaganda. Depending on your viewpoint this is OK or not. I liked the female sniper character and the Russian military (was Ukraine/is now) does have a history of successful women in the role, most famously Lyudmila Pavlichenko.
But we never get to understand her or learn much. Shame.
His motivation is revenge and was covered by Charles Bronson in Death Wish in 1974 or Straw Dogs in 1971. But you didn't come here for the acting did you?
Lots and lots of unnecessary shouting. Drove me crazy. Finally the film gets started properly 52 minutes in. It is what it is and less enjoyable for that.
World War II: From the Frontlines (2023)
Superb. Sometimes hard to watch.
A really excellent documentary that is not only superbly updated and remastered it also contains a very large amount of new material.
I've been watching WW2 documentaries and film/TV since Granadas "World at War" and often see the same content reused. Very little of that here.
The maps showing territorial expansion and loss are really good and help explain the scale of the war.
The content is also very well balanced between viewpoints and experiences. But it doesn't shy from some of the really harrowing things that happened and it can be difficult to watch.
Oddly I found the Italian civilians punching and spitting on the British POWs really upsetting. It also made me angry given how they changed sides so fast months later.
My only criticism would be that like so many others the series does not report on the worst atrocities and barbarism of the war. By the Japanese. Ordinary Japanese soldiers raped, mutilated, threw babies in the air and caught them on bayonets, chopped the heads off civilians and POWs equally. Practiced evil medicine on children, pregnant women, etc.
Unlike in Germany it was all covered up.
Payback (2023)
Easy to Guess. Enjoyable despite the tropes.
Only the women are sympathetic and the minorities are the "goodies". This trope is getting monotonous and makes every show predictable.
There must be lots of black and minority actors who want to play the baddie at least occasionally. Look did there need to be balance? Yes! Damn right there needed to be. But does it now have to be so automatic that the white guys are always evil, hiding dark secrets whilst any minority is an icon of perfection?
We don't even get flawed black or minority heroes so the character depth for the actors is restricted. Andi Osho is terrific as DI Joan Royce for the limited time she's on screen. The brilliant IT hacker dude is,.... Let's guess, Indian. Sigh.
But I enjoyed it very much. Morvan Christie is superb as Lexie Noble, credible, and with a depth and range that makes us wonder if she is actually involved or just disintegrating.
Tropes aside I liked it very much.
Black Sails (2014)
Great show. British Empire Justified, Explained
Chaos, theft, murder, random cruelty, why we are romantic about pirates is a mystery. This show exemplifies why the British Empire was a force for good.
An independent judiciary, education (I didn't see any pirates building any schools) hospitals, formal weights and measures, ownership and property laws and on and on. I kept wanting the British to win the whole time.
Still it's a heck of a fun romp, Rackham is a hoot. Charles Vance is an original real man who would have any modern snowflake in hysterics. The writing is strong, the CGI utterly appalling, they looked like they used the video game "Total War" for the ships but it is a great show I enjoyed.
Volkswagen Joe (2013)
Moving and Superb
I was very lucky to see this as a result of a friend having a copy. It manages to convey a strong narrative and understanding of the key characters quickly which is difficult for any film maker. I was immediately drawn and wanted to know what would happen next.
That it manages to deliver pathos and also creates a question of "why" is a further testament to the team that put it together. It really is superb and should anyone get a chance to see it I would strongly suggest watching.
Well done to everyone who gave their time and creativity to make this wonderful short film. It's very special and I hope it gets recognition one day.
Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing (2018)
An antidote to our stressful world
The most beautiful yet ridiculously simple idea executed to a level the exceeds the sublime. That Paul and Bob are absolutely genuine and authentic in their banter is clear and comes across immediately. "don't wind" is often shouted at Bob with unrestrained frustration!
But it is also gorgeous to watch, the cinematography makes your heart ache at the beauty of the British countryside. It should win awards just for it alone. Then there is the music so well matched to it that you feel your heart rate drop and your stress go down with a quiet joy.
In case it comes across as syrupy be reassured by the unintended comedy of Bobs inability to stand up and the fun of listening to two of Britains best comedians "going at it".
I think what sets it apart for me is the poignancy of their moments and reflections which often move me to gentle tears. I just don't want them to ever stop. Thank you Bob and thank you Paul.