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Reviews
Daisy Jones & the Six (2023)
One thing that partly ruins it...
There's one thing that I can't get over... and that's the sound of the original songs. They don't sound at all like they could have come from the 60's or 70's. Instead they sound like mid 2010's indie/folk/rock music. It really ruins my immersion as the story and acting surrounding the show is rather good.
The story is intriguing so far, however there was one moment that turned very tense, and I was hoping it would go in a very shocking direction. Instead it went in a very cliche direction.
I'll have to update the review after I've finished the series but as for now the fictional songs just don't fit the time period that it's set in.
The Last of Us (2023)
I'm intrigued...
Having thoroughly enjoyed the first game I was interested in what direction they would take this adaption. I felt some pretty strong nostalgia when I realised that the start follows the game pretty much beat for beat. I suppose it's to be expected with the same writer as the game.
The acting here is strong, as well as the production quality, which is a big relief knowing that it doesn't seem (so far) that they are just trying to cash in on the franchise.
My only real criticism so far however, is the directing/cinematography. It feels a bit B grade/uncanny, as if it's actually a video game that's playing. There's some shots that just completely took me out of the show, which is a shame because of how strong a lot of the performances are, and it feels like the actors are being let down. I'm not at all a fan of it and really hoping it's just for the first episode and the directing style will take on a more traditional feel in later episodes. Otherwise it would be more of an 8 or 9 so far.
This aside, I'm definitely going to be watching this as the new episodes come out, I have high hopes!
Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun (2020)
As a fellow Aussie...
Stumbled across some clips on YouTube and got curious. Being from the same city in Australia as them, I was curious the quality of comedy they had set. I'm not a fan of fellow Australian comedians or our comedy style in general. I've never found it to be too clever or witty, it mostly irritates me.
These guys though, breath of fresh air for Australian comedy imo, the best thing to come out of the Aussie comedy scene in... maybe, forever?
All that being said, as much as I wanted to LOVE this show, it falls flat or the jokes are too trying sometimes. It's almost there, it's almost flawless but still only 9/10 jokes land for me.
Hoping the quality only gets better, I can see these guys getting massive, keen to see where they take things next!
Would I Lie to You?: Episode #15.7 (2022)
Social distancing ruining the vibe
Not enjoying the latest run of shows. The social distancing and every guest being separated makes for a 'cold' atmosphere, and I don't feel the guests are riffing as well because they're so far apart from each other. Hoping it returns to normal soon.
The Walking Dead: Start to Finish (2015)
Equal parts the best, equal parts the worst.
Amazing to watch that annoying idiot Sam get torn to shreds and for Ron to be sliced in half, but it's a shame their mum had to die (no thanks to Sam...)
Army of the Dead (2021)
It's all been said except..
Just about all the reviews here sum up how painfully sub-par this movie is, but just wanted to add something I haven't read so far. And that's the awful bokeh effect on every. Single. Scene. It's horrible.
It's as if they shot the entire thing using the iPhones "Portrait Mode". The background is constantly and blindingly out of focus, making it so tough on the eyes and hard to really get a feel of the environment.
This coupled with all the other issues people have noted made this an unpleasant experience.
2 stars because it helped kill some time I guess..
Nathan for You: Private Investigator/Taxi Company (2013)
Incredible
One of the best, mind bending, thought provoking and down right hilarious things on TV for quite some time.
Dead Set (2008)
Made for a particular time and place
Can't help but feel like Dead Set would have been more enjoyable when it was released and in the cinematic climate of the time.
More than 10 years later and, to be brutally honest, the directing, effects, dialogue, story and painfully frustrating tropes all help to make it just not as enjoyable as I'd have hoped.
That's not to say that there's nothing to enjoy here, and it's clear that those involved cared about this project. But the show hasn't aged well, the characters make dumb decisions, the plot requires suspension of disbelief and it all feels like I should have been watching this years ago. It's a shame as like some have said, had this have been made in today's climate in light of all the "zombie" related movies and shows since, it may have been really good.
I can list numerous moments that just make for insanely frustrating viewing, but i'll only mention one to serve as an example.
In the second episode where they visit the supermarket to pickup "pharmacy supplies" for their friend who was bit and needs urgent attention as the infection "is fast acting and turns you quickly" (how does everyone else turn so quickly but their black friend seems to last hours?). They arrive at the supermarket and upon entering throw a loud metal object to attract the attention of any zombies. They then proceed to spend some time inside chatting and whatnot and upon leaving one of them drops a crowbar, and suddenly, only a few feet away a zombie appears??? They run outside of the supermarket to find their friend who was waiting for them by the car has been met by 2 passing policemen. The policemen then proceed to unleash what seems like a rather large clip on 2 zombies, only hitting them about once or twice each using roughly 20-30 bullets or so. Apparently they are the worst shot policemen in the country. One of the zombies manages to rush one of the policemen holding a pistol and jumps on him when he fails to shoot him in the head point blank. The other cop then puts 1 single bullet directly in the bitten cops head after realising he can shoot straight.
I could go on but I simply don't have the time and I doubt anyone wants to read it.
The show is worth a watch if you have the spare time and I wouldn't right it off entirely, just be prepared to be annoyed by stupid characters making stupid decisions and some far far beyond belief story writing.