kierran89 Reviews

Dune: Part Two (2024)

Hope for Hollywood?

[10/10 · 4 March 2024]

People far more elloquent than me have already explained why this movie is so good.

All I will say is that I can count on one hand the number of times I've left a cinema feeling like I was part of an experience. I can't remember the last time I experienced so many spine-tingling moments from truly astounding scenery and cinematography, harrowing depth and gravitas, immersive action sequences, and epic Fremen dialogue.

After so many years of being lectured by hollywood with poor scripts and miscast actors, Dune is a welcome reminder that all is not lost. Hopefully film studios take note and realise what happens when you trust a director and his team to understand source material and do their best to accurately put it on the big screen (although I will say that it wasn't 100% accurate).

In summary, amazing movie. Go watch it.

What Is a Woman? (2022)

Reality Check

[10/10 · 22 August 2022]

Matt does an amazing job of letting the content do the talking, and I think that what's people need to see.

And the content of this documentary told me that there is a disconnect from reality and, alarmingly, the disconnect is perpetuated by people in positions of authority; doctors, surgeons, professors, etc.

At one point, Matt asks a pediatrician whether 4 year old children believe that Santa Claus is real and the doctor says "yes". Matt then asks the pediatrician that if a 4 year old believes that Santa Claus is real, can they distinguish reality from fiction/are they capable of understanding gender identity (I'm paraphrasing), and the doctor literally said "Santa Claus does deliver presents to them".

Just pause for a second and take this in. A pediatrician responsible for supporting children genuinely thinks that adults should allow children (who believe in Santa Claus) to dictate their gender identity.

This is but one example of many from the documentary that demonstrated a widespread issue that, we as a society, need to address (with open and honest debate). Many people are brainwashed from a young age by delusional people in positions of authority, and we are heading down a dangerous path if we don't speak out against it.

Thank you Matt, this is a documentary that society needs.

The Terminal List (2022– )

It really is this simple...

[9/10 · 27 July 2022]

This is all we want. No politics (left or right), just bloody good story telling!!

I thought we were losing the war against Hollywood/TV studios but shows like this give me hope that the fight hasn't been lost yet.

I wasn't a fan of the amazingly named 'Tomorrow War' but The Terminal List shows that Chris Pratt was let down by a poor script in that film, because he puts in a very solid (serious/gritty) acting shift in this show.

Pretty much everything has been covered in other reviews so I'll just say that The Terminal List is a very good TV show that provides the few hours of escapism that is usually sorely missed in the 21st century.

The Wheel of Time: The Eye of the World (2021) Season 1, Episode 8

The Wheel...Fell Off

[4/10 · 24 December 2021]

I will preempt my review by saying that I've positively reviewed a couple of episodes this season (despite often fast and loose source material deviations).

I'm not hating on this episode because of politics (even though it's in your face at times), I'm negatively reviewing this episode because the arrogant and egotistical show runner thinks his story is better than the story of a novelist who put his heart, soul, and nuance into creating a beloved book series that has, and will continue to, stand the test of time for generations.

I've enjoyed some of the small changes made throughout the 1st season - it's completely understandable and expected for changes to be made when adapting a book into a TV show. But what I don't enjoy or find acceptable is widespread story archs being amended to suit a political narrative, and characters behaving like alien versions of themselves.

Message to the show runner: if you think you are genuinley so amazing at telling stories, why don't you create your own book series or TV show and fill them full of your amazing ideas? Why do you think it is appropriate to co-opt an already amazing story and strip it down to fit your agenda? In particular, why do you think it's appropriate to do this under the false guise that you are a fan of the books and intended on doing a (in some way) genuine adaptation?

Bottom line: this season has shown a lot of promise at times and there were some genuinley great moments. But it is essentially Game of Thrones from season 6 onwards (although this show runner actually has the benefit of amazing source material to hide his inept story telling abilitiy, but has chosen not to use it).

The Wheel of Time: Blood Calls Blood (2021) Season 1, Episode 5

The Wheel Weaves an Unexpected Thread

[10/10 · 3 December 2021]

Episodes 1-3 bolted out of the gate (too early), episode 4 finally got the pace and tone right, and episode 5 was...different (in a great way).

For the last few weeks, I've tried to differentiate The Wheel of Time from Game of Thrones (and rightly so), but I find myself in the strange position of comparing this episode to Game of Thrones...in a very pleasing way.

Things felt a bit more subliminal for the first time - character interactions seemed to be alluding to more than what was actually said, and there was a hint of politics and intrigue in the air... but you know what? That's not what stole the show in my opinion.

I never thought I'd say this (as an avid fan of the books) but there were lots of elements in this episode that were not in the first book and...they enhanced the experience. In fact, this episode perfectly conveyed what the (earlier) books failed to do (in my opinion) - the deep bond between Warders and Aes Sedai.

The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills and, so far, the threads have been perfectly woven to satisfy both readers of the books and people who haven't. The slower pace in this episode gave us a chance to soak in the world around us and the characters, and it set up multiple interesting character archs.

I, for one, couldn't be happier.

** I should also note that I rated the episode 10 stars to counter the ridiculous 1 star reviews. Otherwise, I'd score it 8.5. **

The Wheel of Time: The Dragon Reborn (2021) Season 1, Episode 4

Welcome to Robert Jordan's World

[10/10 · 26 November 2021]

As a huge fan of the books, I enjoyed the first 3 episodes simply because it was amazing to finally see Wheel of Time characters on screen for the first time, but I did understand some of the complaints and reviews (that gave them 5 or 6 stars - giving them 1 star was insane).

However, episode 4 truly captures the essence of Robert Jordan's world for the first time, and boy is this an extremely promising sign for the rest of the series. It felt like a catterpillar transforming into a butterfly in every sense... from the pacing, tone, book lore, story, acting, visuals, and more).

People really need to stop comparing every fantasy series to GOT. The Wheel of Time isn't GOT, and it isn't trying to be. But after this episode, there's a spark of belief for me that the Wheel of Time can invoke similar feelings of shock, awe, and epicness.

Brace yourselves people, it's going to be a fun ride!

The Wheel of Time (2021– )

Small Hopes can Grow Surprising Fruit...

[10/10 · 19 November 2021]

Firstly, I should say that Wheel of Time is my all-time favorite book series, so I'll perhaps be a little biased with my review.

Let's get the obvious out of the way...the Two Rivers is a town in the middle of nowhere and is rarely visited, so it makes absolutely zero sense for the people to be multicultural. With that being said, I don't care if every person in the Two Rivers is pink, orange, blue, black, white, green, yellow, or purple...cultural identity should at least be consistent. There's a reason why the Wildlings and Dothraki (and other races) in Game of Thrones have unique cultural identities, and it is no different in Robert Jordan's world. I know we live in a clown world where gender and diversity quotas are at the forefront, but creating a multicultural word to appease the PC brigade just detracts from the story, especially later on when politics becomes an integral part of the story.

Anyway, moving on to more important things. Politics aside, they generally got the casting right. Rand, Perrin, Moraine, Egwene, Lan, Nynaeve, Thom, and others...mostly spot on. The only casting choice that doesn't seem to fit is Mat (who has already been recast, thankfully) because the actor lacks natural energy and playful humour. I'm not 100% sold on Perrin either because the actor is a bit gormless and in the books Perrin is an absolute beast of a man (physically), contrary to the actor who plays him.

Fellow book fans will probably agree with me when I say the first book (which the entire first season is based on I believe) has pacing issues and is a very slow burner at times, although it does a great job of world-building, fleshing out the characters and creating a foundation to build from. My initial concerns with the TV show were 'how are they going to translate the first book into a watchable series that an average viewer (who hasn't read the books) will enjoy?'. Thankfully, and impressively, they've done a great job of this (based on the first 3 episodes anyway).

There are some pacing issues at times but they definitely get in enough action to appease the casual viewers, while also doing a great job of fleshing out character stories and adhering to lore from the books. Truly, it is very impressive so far and it should give books fans the hope that this show won't be a one or two-season wonder (like the awful 'Legend of the Seeker' series).

Bottom line, very promising so far after 3 episodes and balanced enough to create a good experience for both hardcore fans and casual viewers. To the casuals - please get through the first season (even if pacing might be slow at times) because sh*t really does hit the fan (in a fantastic way) from book 2/season 2 onwards!

Dune (2021)

A unique experience in an age of remakes and wokeness

[10/10 · 21 October 2021]

Wow, I haven't been this impressed by a movie for a long time.

This movie won't be for everyone because of the slow pacing but, if you're the type of person who enjoyings soaking in atmosphere, emotion, and nuance, then this is a the movie for you.

Judging by some of the reviews, it seems that in the 21st century people can only dial in to fast-paced actions scenes, shaky cameras, and quick edits, but Dune is a real character and world-building experience that almost makes you feel like you're there in the desert, and it's a welcome reminder that Hollywood isn't quite dead yet.

Truly amazing.sound score and great acting.

I really enjoyed the Children of Dune TV series when I was younger but this movie truly does the book justice. Can't wait for part 2!

American Gods (2017–2021)

A Uniquely Bad Show (that could have been great)

[5/10 · 27 March 2021]

Just finished season 3 and...I've come to the end of my tether with this show. I can't recall ever watching a show that willyfully wastes amazing potential season after season.

The premise of the show is amazing and there are some great characters but after 3 seasons we still have zero pay-offs!! I get it, you want to be abstract and mysterious, but for heaven's sake, you need to tie up storylines/events at some point!! At least give us a mini pay-off at the end of each season!! But no, the (much talked about) war still hasn't started yet and we still don't know who or what Shadow really is. But hey, at least we get an entire episode (season 3 episode 8) dedicated entirely to the LGBTQ community. Screw answering any questions about the storyline, we'll give you identity politics instead.

I really really wanted to like this show and there are some great elements (hence the 5 stars instead of 1), but I refuse to spend any more of my time on self-indulgent nonsense. American Gods is Lost version 2, without the good drama between.

Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)

This chicken came before the egg (a realistic review)

[7/10 · 21 March 2021]

Let me preface my review by saying that I'm a fan of Snyder and I'm glad he was given the opportunity to undo Jock Whedon's studio cut. I always know when I sit down to watch a Snyder film that I'm going to get a 7 or an 8, and it's going to be a fun 2+ hours (300 is probably a 9 and Watchmen is criminally underrated).

Anyway, with that out of the way, let's avoid a fan-boy review and briefly summarise why this film is only rated 8.5 (at the time of writing) because it's being compared to the original, which was sabotaged by a guy who considers Mein Kampf a self-help book.

The good: . Improved special effects . Added context which gives more of a "why" to the main narrative, and makes you feel like the boxes aren't just random macguffins that exist because the junior script guy blurted it out . Added scenes with a certain character that actually bring genuine humour to the film (can't believe DC finally managed to achieve this) . Added certain characters to add weight to the DC universe and actually make it seem like there's a bigger (cosmic) picture going on behind the scenes . Longer running time (4 hours) which I absolutely loved. I hope we see more of this going forwards. . A consistent tone with appropriate cinematography

The bad: There's only one major problem with the film but it's so major that it unfortunately undermines a huge part of it.

This film tries so so so hard to create emotional pay-offs with characters that... we just don't care about. And why would we? Justice League was always going to have this problem because DC rushed it through fear of being left behind by Marvel (which they have been). Why would we care about Ezra's the Flash when we haven't seen him before? Why would we care about Cyborg when we haven't seen him before? Why would we care about Ben's Batman when our only experience of him was the abomination that is Batman vs Superman? The film makes so many bizarre attempts to invoke emotion from us with scenes of "the team" together as though we should have any type of emotion for them. We never got to see the egg hatch and grow into a chicken. Instead, a chicken has been thrown at us and we're supposed to be emotionally invested in it instead of simply throwing it in the frying pan and enjoying a decent meal. Sorry, but no. Marvel's Endgame isn't a 9 or a 10 because it has great special effects, it's a 9 or a 10 because we were introduced to the characters over time and the emotional pay-offs at the end were amazing (backed up by great special effects).

In summary, Snyder manages to add a few cool scenes to the film and the special effects are better, but the underlying issue with the film remains the same; there's no reason to care about a "team" of characters we've never seen before. A good film with lots of fun action scenes and well worth 4 hours, but that's all you should expect; fun.

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

All the writers got COVID and their kids stepped in to finish the script

[1/10 · 26 December 2020]

This is honestly one of the worst films I've ever seen. And no, not because I had high expectations and it was a mediocre film, but because it genuinley must have been made by children. It's honestly THAT bad.

It should be renamed to Gossip Woman because it would make a lovely sequel to the Gossip Girl TV show. It's basically teenage drama.

There's so much to say about this film but many people have already covered it so I won't go on. But just to double check, this is a parody right? The real film is coming out next year?

Raised by Wolves (2020–2022)

Something original during an era of remakes and repetitive storylines

[6/10 · 4 September 2020]

If, like me, you've been looking for something truly original and thought-provoking, this is the show for you.

Aside from the great CGI and very high production value, the storyline is intriguing, suspenseful, and makes you think about some core elements of humanity and relationships that, when you think about it, aren't really that farfetched when the reality of humans setting up a colony on Mars could happen within our lifetimes.

I'd also recommend ignoring some of the bizarre 1 star reviews on here. Reading through some of them, it seems as though most of these people dislike the sci-fi genre in general, not just this show.

I've given it 9 stars so far because the first 3 episodes were amazing but 10 stars should be reserved for something truly epic. I imagine I'll be coming back when the season ends to upgrade it to 10 stars.

**UPDATE**

Wow, dropped this from 9 stars to 6.

So much potential turned into...what? I have no idea what this show is trying to be. The last few episodes were a drag to get through.

Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich (2020)

A pathetic...

[1/10 · 30 August 2020]

Attempt to link Trump with Epstein when it should have been a sprawling documentary covering celebrities, politicians, and leaders from all spectrums.

But hey, this is Netflix after all.

Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2019)

The Fall of Franchise

[2/10 · 29 December 2019]

I could spend a couple of hours listing everything that was wrong with this movie, and Disney's Star Wars a whole, but I think it's been covered in great detail by many people.

All I will say is thanks to JJ for at least giving the middle finger to The Last Jedi but, rather sadly, your execution was absolutely terrible.

It seemed as though the movie tried to pay off a few story archs but the fact of the matter is that there weren't any story archs. The only time I felt any emotion in this film was manic laughter at the comical ending, followed by utter dismay at the treatement of so many cherished characters throughout the sequels.

As far as I'm concerned, Disney's Star Wars are non-cannon.

John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019)

John Wick and Halle Berry

[5/10 · 16 August 2019]

I loved the first two John Wick films and was really excited to see this one...but jesus christ, did they ruin it with Halle Berry.

As with every new films these days, there has to be an enforced feminist angle which you have no choice but to get used to, but they wen't too far by basically adding the female version of John, only without any back story and Halle Berry was noooooowhere near the level of Keanu with choreography,

One particular long scene half-way through the movie just ruined it for me. They literally had the extra doing nothing for 5 seconds while she tried to reload her gun. Add that to the other slow motion fight sequences and lacklustre choreography. It was almost as bad as when they had to edit out the weapon that was clearly going to hit Rey in The Last Jedi.

The other reason I've given it 5 stars is because there comes a certain point where you have to either establish that it's a science fiction/fantasy film or dial down the unrealistic action. In particular:

• No human being, not even John, can get up and fight after being slammed by a car
• You can't just keep having extras walking up to within 5 yards of John when they could just stay where they are and shoot him
• Having your head slammed against walls and glass windows multiple times is going to knock you unconscious and make you bleed

The first two films certainly pushed the boundaries but there was at least a small element of realism.

I think this film is guilty of trying to outdo itself, but it only ends up undoing itself.

The locations, cinematography, and overall style to the film is top-notch though. It's a fun film and worth a watch despite its downfalls.

Game of Thrones: The Last Watch (2019 TV Movie)

Come on people...

[10/10 · 31 May 2019]

There's a difference between how crap the show ended (because of the script) and the sheer hard work and technical skill that went into the sets, extras, acting, and direction of the season.

I actually enjoyed The Last Watch more than the final 2 episodes of the season.

The last part with Kit and the extras was very touching as well.

Game of Thrones: The Iron Throne (2019) Season 8, Episode 6

Potentially the best ever TV show...reduced to ashes like the innocent citizens of Kings Landing.

[1/10 · 20 May 2019]

I haven't been this disappointed in a TV show finale since Lost. But whereas Lost invoked a disappointing feeling of being underwhelmed, the Game of Thrones finale invoked profoundly bitter anger.

7 seasons of amazing world building. 7 seasons of amazing character development. 7 seasons of amazing story lines and genuine subversion.

All undone in 6 episodes of inexcusably pi*s-poor writing.

What happened?

The show-runners ran out of source material and were exposed.

Sadly it came at the cost of all the fans who'd been loyally following the show for 8 years.

Just feel so utterly disappointed and angry.

A Discovery of Witches (2018–2022)

One of the best 21st century attempts on witchcraft/vampires

[8/10 · 17 May 2019]

This show was a very pleasant surprise.

I've always loved the witchcraft/vampire/demon genre but the last time I enjoyed a vampire/witch film or TV series was probably the Constantine film, first Underworld film, and Interview with a Vampire, + perhaps Supernatural (at times).

A Discovery of Witches is full of suspense and intrigue. It's low on the special effects side of things (although there are some cool magic moments) and heavy on the storytelling.

I've knocked 1 star off because the pacing at times was a little off (a tad slow).

I've knocked another star off because it tries to throw feminism and race down your throats (seriously, can I please just enjoy a TV show/film without identity politics being so goddamn blatant?!). The "for 9 centuries vampires have appointed a white male on the council" line was particularly disgusting.

And yes, we know you're a strong woman who can open a car door. But we don't need you to shout about it to make out that being polite is patriarchal.

Other than those two gripes, the show is well worth a watch!

Legion (2017–2019)

A very bizarre montage of abstract visual psychological babble

[1/10 · 6 May 2017]

I'll keep this short and sweet.

After reading the reviews and seeing the 8.6 rating I thought I was going to be in for a treat with this show! Disappointingly I can only describe it as a complete and utter mess.

Not sure how I made it to the end.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

There was nothing Rogue about this film - it truly belongs and adds depth to a promising Disney Star Wars universe.

[8/10 · 4 January 2017]

I very rarely write reviews. The film has to either be so horribly tragic - enough to warrant warning people off, or a film that transcends a conventional movie experience. Thankfully, Roque One is the latter.

Firstly I will clarify this; Roque One has some flaws. They're not glaring, but they are there. But at no point during the film did I pause and explicitly curse "why the f*** did that just happen?!". Just the inevitable Jame's Bond-esque bullet dodging (or in this case, laser dodging) amongst a couple of other minor things.

Anyway, moving on.

If you are a moderate to extreme hardcore Star Wars fan, this film is emotional and nostalgic, and something which I think we needed (especially after the three initial prequels). It really is. And the reason I say this film transcends a conventional movie experience is because this film bridges the gap on so many levels leading up to episode IV. It makes you feel the pain, despair, loss and the sacrifice it took to kick start the demise of the Empire. It's a film that isn't just a throwback trying to milk the cash cow Star Wars franchise. It's a film that adds real depth and context, and at least for me, immersed me more into the Empire versus the Rebel Alliance than I ever expected.

Without going off on too much of a tangent, we live in politically unstable times. This is a film that myself, and I believe many people will be able to relate to - because a large aspect of the film (and the original Star Wars films) is fighting the establishment and fighting against oppression. Rogue One captured the pure emotion, desperation and anger of the small people fighting against the immovable object. it was beautiful.

Without giving any spoilers away, there were some moments in the film which I think would bring a tear to the eyes of any legitimate Star Wars fan.

To sum up... a truly nostalgic and emotional film, and everything that I could have hoped for in a meaningful Star Wars story. This is the film we should have had instead of Episodes I-III.

Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)

Sigh

[1/10 · 18 October 2014]

Dear oh dear. Where do I start? It is so depressing watching the demise of the Transformers franchise when it has so much potential to be an all time epic.

I have loyally trudged on through all the Transformers films so far, and although being utterly disappointed, could at least pin point a couple of positives from each film. This film is the worst of a bad bunch, which is the only achievement it makes.

Why oh why does Bay insist on portraying the Autobots as idiots with ape like brain power when he could have created a real depth and story line between them. Why does he insist on pathetic and incredibly shallow human story-lines that have no realism, depth, or real purpose.

There are so many plot holes in this film that I'm not even going to spend hours of my time listing them. I'm still sat here wondering what the actual plot was to this film to be honest.

I quite enjoyed Wahlberg's performed in the boxer and thought that he might add some seriousness to this and get away from the corny humour of previous Transformer films. Unfortunately his performance was cheesy and weak. At least Shia LeBeouf forced me to laugh a few times in spite of myself. Nicola Peltz should go back to modelling (I can only assume that was her job before this film) - her face was literally stuck on one expression for the duration of the film. I was going to give her the benefit of the doubt and peg it as severe botox until I realised that yes, she really is just that bad of an actress.

I hate to be so negative and wish I could put something positive, but all I can think right now is that I have just lost 2 and a half hours of my life and rather annoyingly can't rate this film with 0 stars.

The Leftovers (2014–2017)

Finesse

[10/10 · 8 October 2014]

I never write reviews but felt that I had to with this show because of all of unjust negative reviews.

This show is amazing. Nothing is spoon fed to the viewers - there is a LOT going on which is difficult to wrap your head around because of half-truths, mystery, and underlying meanings. I was intrigued from the get go and my always felt that I could never quite put my finger on the big picture - I was getting a small piece of the jigsaw after each episode but always had the feeling that there is still so much more to come. I cannot wait for season 2 for more of the same.

The sound track is also sublime - adding to the overall feeling of profundity of this brilliant show.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Touching film with a great script and good casting.

[9/10 · 8 September 2013]

While this film might not be for everyone I think it's great for the time that we are in. For me the film excellently portrays a story about being socially disconnected. It touched me because I can relate and I'm sure (especially based on other reviews) that is has touched a lot of other people as well.

Acting was very good if not great. Emma Watson clearly has potential and put in a good shift. Ezriel Miller was the standout in my opinion and adds more depth to the film with his character contributing so the overall story line and message of the film.

Definitely a must watch film for anyone looking to see a good storyline and take a break from all the big budget movies.