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grimandpie
Reviews
Hannibal (2013)
Average fare - surprised by the good reviews
TV and movies, is there anything more subjective? I am honestly surprised by the high ratings on IMDb for this TV series. I am a huge fan of the books and the movies so was very much looking forward to watching this show. To say I am disappointed is an understatement.
It is definitely a slow burn, perhaps a little too slow for my taste, but the most annoying aspect for me is the choice of actors for the main roles. It's difficult for me to take Hugh Dancy seriously as the case hardened FBI agent Wil Graham when his physical appearance is more akin to that of a garden gnome.
As for Mads Mikkelsen, who has the unenviable chore of portraying the deliciously sinister Hannibal Lecter... quite frankly, I can hardly understand a word he mumbles. Note to director: delivering dialogue in a soft mumbling monotone does not equal sinister!! In fact, it detracts hugely from the overall effect.
I am probably being more critical than is warranted but, as a die-hard Thomas Harris fan, I am a little annoyed that what is such a fantastic basis for a TV series has been reduced to merely "average" per medium of poor casting.
Obviously many disagree with my assessment, but that is the nature of the beast.
Orphan Black (2013)
Promising - Well worth a view!
The premiere episode of this new TV series was a mixed bag. The acting was so so, the script was quite good, and the storyline was... well... intriguing. I like the premise very much and the show moved along at a good pace. If not for the acting being just a little off kilter here and there I would have rated Orphan Black a solid 8
It's a young cast and they did a fair job, I fully expect their performances to improve as the series progresses and they grow in confidence and into their roles.
Orphan Black presents an interesting concept, a hot young cast, mystery and intrigue, all with just a smidgen of sci-fi element... it's a good mix, something different, and has a great deal of potential.
Well worth a view!
Transporter: The Series (2012)
Great concept, badly executed!
I watch TV to be entertained, this show tries hard but falls flat in that most basic of areas.
If you enjoyed the Transporter movies and are looking for more of the same, this series will surely disappoint.
The main actor plays the role in a much different way to Jason Statham's original surly and uncompromising character. With a perpetual twinkle in his eye and a quick quip seemingly always at the ready, Chris Vance's interpretation is more akin to a rich playboy type than the teak-tough 'Transporter'. Still, it is just an interpretation and as such entirely subjective.
The main issue lies within the scripts, and I did watch 4 episodes before finally calling it quits. Car chases and fight scenes alone do not make for entertainment, the whole thing needs to be glued together by an interesting and/or intriguing storyline. Sadly, that is not the case here.
Lights Out (2011)
Ruined by the writers.
Just read the news that this show has been canned....I'm disappointed but not surprised.
The writers had an excellent premise to work with but unfortunately blew it...big time!! The actors are fine (especially Holt McCallany) and the plot is rich with potential. So what went wrong?
The characters that make up the 'Leary' family are so unsympathetic, especially brother Johnny who is supposed to add a 'bad boy' element but just comes off as totally annoying. Added into the mix are the wife who spends most of the time pouting over her husband's projected return to the ring, a domineering father who just won't let go and an interfering sister. The entire clan come across as a bunch of selfish parasites sucking the life blood out of poor old Patrick.
As if the writers realised the error of their ways, about half way through the series they introduce a new influence in Patrick's life; a new trainer who recognises the Leary family for what they are and tries desperately to extricate them from Patrick's boxing affairs....he partially succeeds too. At this time I thought things were really looking up...then, inexplicably, the new trainer is written out of the plot and we go back to the same old same old.
It's a shame; 'Lights Out' had all the ingredients for a potential hit only to be ruined by totally inept scripting.
Cyrus (2010)
Comedy??
***This review may contain spoilers***
John C Reilly plus Jonah Hill = comedy, right?? Wrong!!
I was surprised to find practically zero moments of mirth in this movie. Not saying it was not still enjoyable, just not at all what I expected.
Even the plot line spelled humour; middle aged single eccentric man + bubbly single mother + even more eccentric son should provide plenty of opportunity for comedic moments but the movie actually takes itself and the subject matter quite seriously.
I did nonetheless enjoy this movie; it would never rate in my top 100 of all time but it was definitely worth the view.
The cast all handled their rolls admirably and the underlying message that we must learn to cast aside selfish motives and make the necessary adjustments in order to ultimately find happiness is a thoughtful touch.
As always Marisa Tomei is absolutely gorgeous. A solid 6 from me.
The Next Three Days (2010)
Excellent movie!!
***This review may contain spoilers***
This would have to be the best movie I have seen in some time; storyline, direction and cast are all high quality. It is a difficult one to categorize; the underlying theme is that of a true love story but it is certainly no romance. The movie also contains elements of intrigue, mystery, and nail biting suspense.
Russell Crowe's performance is excellent; he transforms the somewhat unrealistic character shift, from mild mannered teacher to desperate husband and prospective savior, into a wholly believable scenario.
Elizabeth Banks is also excellent as the selfless wife and mother.
How far would you go to 'rescue' and be re-united with the one you love?
One of the best features of this movie is the way in which the 'who dunnit' element is handled. Viewers are kept guessing right until the very end and that adds enormously to the overall intrigue.
Highly entertaining and highly recommended!!
Boardwalk Empire (2010)
Good and bad!!
Started out with high hopes for this one, how could you go wrong with Steve Buscemi in the lead role? First couple of episodes held the interest and I was looking forward to more of the same, unfortunately it all went down hill from there.
The Good: Excellent cast and fantastic 30's ambiance created by outstanding sets, costumes and props.
The Bad: Bland scripts, lack of action/intrigue, in short....Boring!!!
Seems to me those behind Boardwalk Empire have assembled a stellar cast working in a truly realistic 30's environment and overlooked one of the most important ingredients needed to hold viewers' interest.