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The Americans (2013)
Keri Russell is Outstanding and SEXY!
It is very rare that you have a near perfect episode, especially of a series on commercial television. But FX has done it here with The Americans. It is nearly flawless. Great mind candy for the thinking person, with something to come back to after the first viewing. I credit the success of The Americans to 3 things: Great script, great music, and Keri Russell!
The script is adult, no-nonsense storytelling built on an original premise, the Cold War. Those of us who are old enough remember this period, a period of the Russians-are-coming hysteria that was second only to the Civil Rights movement the decade before. An era very under- represented in film and ignored on the small screen, comes to life for a new generation.
Of course this era would be nothing without the music of this time and again, The Americans is flawless with that, the set, music, cinematics and of-course acting!
Must mention these disguises too, which are not your silly, unrealistic mission-impossible disguises. No, the disguises in The Americans are really disguises and surprisingly, with very little disguise. What makes these disguises work for the Jennings is that the Jennings can act. With each disguise is a new personality.
Elizabeth, played by Keri Russell, is special! Russell takes the art of disguise to the next stage. she is authentic, smart, gorgeous and just plain savage!
Keri Russell is wonderfully dangerous, stellar, sexy and I can't get enough of her!
I think Keri Russell's presence in this series is the key to everything. Only she could have this cold outside look hiding a wounded soul that hangs on to what she believes in.
It is not only about the plot, but also the human toll the Cold War claimed in its path.
I think the series is very well rounded in terms of casting and writing. It has a rhythm that keeps the audience on edge.
The series has everything: originality, sex, espionage, suspense...did I say originality?
Better Call Saul (2015)
Bob Odenkirk Delivers!
Bob Odenkirk Delivers!
The Storyline, Music, and overall acting from all actors is phenomenal!
So here it is at last: one of the most highly anticipated new TV- shows of the year, the spin-off from probably THE most highly praised TV- show in the history of Television. Naturally, expectations were over the roof - and it was a forgone conclusion that meeting those expectations would be next to impossible. Well, here's the good news. Judging from the first couple of episodes, 'Better Call Saul' will be good. Just how good remains to be seen, but as far as promises go, those first episodes made a big one.
For those who haven't seen it yet: relax - I won't spoil a thing about the storyline. Instead, I'll concentrate on all other aspects of the show. The first thing you notice (as was the case with Breaking Bad) is the camera. The photography is simply gorgeous. All the visual trademarks I've grown to love so much in BB are there: the playful camera angles; the creative ways to establish even a simple scene with unusual, interesting shots (yet without ever distracting from the storytelling) - it's just beautiful to look at.
Then there's the music. From the wonderful introductions (before the opening credits) to the last scene of an episode, music is not just used as background "noise": carefully picked songs are there to give clues and are as much an integral part of the story as they help establish the tone of certain scenes. And the original music by Dave Porter feels as organic to 'Better Call Saul' as it did in 'Breaking Bad'.
The writing, directing and acting (so far) are on par with BB; anyone afraid this would be a rushed production trying to surf on BB's success can relax; not for a second did I get the feeling this was somehow not well thought through or cheaply constructed by a committee of writers - and although we do of course get some of our favorite characters back, new ones are introduced that promise to be just as original and interesting as the ones that helped turn BB into a cultural phenomenon. And adding high calibre actors such as Michael McKean ('This Is Spinal Tap') to the cast is probably an indication that Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould will not content themselves - or us - by mainly exploring the characters we already know.
And then, finally, there's the magnificent Bob Odenkirk. Starting off as a slightly one-dimensional character and comic relief in BB, the character we've come to love as the sleazy, slick Saul Goodman has already shown more layers in the first half of the first season of 'Better Call Saul' than over his entire run on BB. And that's as much thanks to Odenkirk as the fantastic writing: the actor obviously relished the opportunity to show what he's capable of as his character charms, squirms and threatens his way through his scenes, but - somewhat unexpectedly - he also manages to move you during the more quiet moments.
To sum up my overall impressions: 'Better Call Saul' is a darkly comic, multilayered story that could end up being just as unusual and exciting as we all dared to hope. The tone may be consistent with 'Breaking Bad', but make no mistake: this is very much its own thing. The writing, directing and acting - as well as the production values - are top notch, and if what we've seen so far is anything to go by, we're in for a great first season of a very promising new show.
10 out of ten stars!
The Revenant (2015)
Outstanding Film by Leo & Iñárritu!!!
**Three Golden Globe Awards for The Revenant.** Congratulations to Inarritu for his two Golden Globe awards for the Revenant, he took home "Best Motion Picture – Drama" and "Best Director", while Leonardo DiCaprio won "Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama" The Oscar's are next Leo, go get it!
I'm not going to state the synopsis or any details about this film as there are probably countless reviews on IMDb and so forth!
I'd like to start off by saying when i first seen this film's trailer, i already knew it was going to be an EPIC adventure of a film regardless if it is a remake, and a great remake it was!
Outstanding director Alejandro González Iñárritu's film "the Revenant" is leaps and bounds better than the original film "the man in the wilderness"! This film not only exceeds in executing a savage and wild story but does it with such an artsy an breathtaking style!
The landscape and visuals are top notch work, not to mention they filmed this with pretty much no set and with all natural lighting during freezing conditions! That right there is an accomplishment in itself, and they nailed it superbly! Big props to cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki for such great camera work! More on that in a bit!
Leonardo DiCaprio as always delivers a great performance and makes you feel as if you're in his shoes going through all that chaos and cruelty people in the 1800's would have gone through, not to mention the UN-merciful wilderness!
Tom Hardy was equally exceptional acting as a villain! You could feel the savageness through his performance! Hair raising emotions on his part!
The key factor in this film was also the great visual eye of Cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki who like i stated used only natural lighting and did superb "long-shots" with no cut-scenes which knocked you right off of your feet! The intro of the film got me so hyped! Being a photographer and a somewhat inspired short video hobbyist, i could only dream of being as great as Mr. Lubezki! Such a great inspiration to us amateurs!
Out of this world directing from Inarritu!
Breathtaking cinematics by Cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki!
Superb acting performance by DiCaprio and of course Tom Hardy, not to mention Domhnall Gleeson who did an amazing job as well!
This is the type of film you must see in the theaters, the experience is just heart pounding and exciting!
I can't wait for this to come out on Blu-ray! I will definitely be the first to grab me a copy!
-Scott S.
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)
Outstanding!!!
I'm not going to say much about this outstanding sequel film, but this Episode 7 alone rips the last three apart with the force! LOL!
The last three were pretty good, but this one Jedi crushed em all! I can't wait for episode 8!
A mash up on the classic film and the new ones, which in turn is absolutely amazing!!
The cast were phenomenal!
Story and action are perfect!
Im not a big fan but i think i am now!
Definitely getting this on blu-ray!
The X Files (1993)
All Time Best SciFi series!
I started to watch this phenomenal phenomena of a program since its first airing in '93, i was just 9 years old and totally in awe and excitement!
Since then i myself became a believer and a skeptic!
The writing and storyline's were so intriguing and interesting, i instantly got drawn into it all!
The UFO and alien conspiracies were my favorite! But those other crazy and weird plots are so entertaining and in most cases down right spooky!
I enjoyed both performances by Mulder and Scull, and also Doggett and Reyes!
Now they rebooted this series and I'm just a little kid on Xmas! Can't wait!
In all honesty i think the X-Files was FOX network's best TV series next to Slider's and the Simpsons!
The Walking Dead (2010)
Best Horror Drama Series!
Robert Kirkman sure did shake the industry with his excellent graphic novels and executing it perfectly to a TV show, make that two TV shows! I love how there's nothing tacky or phony about it, it feels so dark and serious which i love! 2 guns up for Robert Kirkman and pulling off the "infected/dead/zombie" genre, i hope it lasts as long as it can!
When is the last time you cried during a zombie movie? Honestly, AMC's new series "The Walking Dead" (based upon the successful cultish graphic novel series) is, after Breaking Bad and Mad Men, their third show poised to be a remarkable and heavily awarded television series. Graphic in its gore content and violence, the pilot nonetheless presented a plausible and terrifying "end of the world" tale that is surprisingly personal with moments of great poignancy.
The central character, Georgia Deputy Sheriff Rick Grimes, is shot nearly fatally spending a long (unknown) amount of time lying in a coma, awakening from it and, barefoot and clad only in his hospital gown, stumbles through and emerges out of the hospital to discover a world devastated by some mysterious catylcismic event; a world nearly devoid of life.
Once again a fairly unknown British actor takes the lead in an American television series, but having watched Andrew Lincoln as Rick in this series, I fully believe the guy was made for the role (or the other way 'round). For nearly 70 minutes, Lincoln's Rick is mostly on his own, but his face - a magnificent mirror registering every emotion from self doubt, fear, grief, utter despair but also the hope of finding his wife and boy. Lincoln's is a tremendous performance of made all the more remarkable considering the genre and thus a rare opportunity for subtlety and introspection.
Rick's interactions with another father and son who capture, but ultimately rescue and aid his return to health, has a deep resonance in a world where men are considered stulted in understanding or expressing their emotions (a topic which is introduced nicely in the shows opening scene with Rick and fellow officer Shane Walsh (Jon Bernthal).
If you love zombies (and who doesn't?) this new series is a must see. I honestly was blown away after the premiere, powerfully moved and properly scared to death!
Fear the Walking Dead: Pilot (2015)
Pilot was Awesome!
Do not, i repeat, do not let these One Star reviews spoil the fun of this show! It is extraordinary, and by next season it will be such a beautiful creation!
Robert Kirkman sure did shake the industry with his excellent graphic novels and executing it perfectly to a TV show, make that two TV shows! I love how there's nothing tacky or phony about it, it feels so dark and serious which i love! 2 guns up for Robert Kirkman and pulling off the "infected/dead/zombie" genre, i hope it lasts as long as it can!
There was a lot of buzz surrounding the companion series and prequel to AMC's wildly popular The Walking Dead. Was it worth the hype though? Absolutely! Fear the Walking Dead's premiere snagged an staggering 13.96 million viewers, the highest ranked debut of a cable series ever. By the show's 3rd episode, that number had dropped to 11.6. Still an impressive feat for a show's debut season. All the buzz hits a boiling point in the first season finale.
People complained that the show's debut season, comprised of 6 episodes, moved at too slow of a pace, but people seem to be forgetting that Fear the Walking Dead is set during the early stages of Kirkman's zombie apocalypse. The Walking Dead didn't pick up the pace until the show's third season. Showrunners Robert Kirkman and Dave Erickson had to take a new approach to a storyline that we've all become accustomed to having seen 5 season's of The Walking Dead. We, as viewers, are witnessing the beginning of the apocalypse through the eyes of a dysfunctional blended family, even more dysfunctional than The Walking Dead's Grimes family. For viewers of the show that haven't read Kirkman's comic books on which the show is based on, it wasn't until the end of the series' second season that we found out anyone who dies comes back as a mindless, flesh eating cannibal. This revelation was brought to light during Fear the Walking Dead's pilot episode. This is a focal plot point of the series. Our cast of survivors on Fear are still learning the ropes, and, on more every occasion, try to reason with their friends who've died and came back as walkers.
While The Walking Dead focuses on what Rick Grimes would do to protect his family, Fear the Walking Dead shares a similar focal point but shifts the focus to a point in time where society is beginning its downward spiral. By the time Grimes' finds his family in The Walking Dead's 3rd episode, the apocalypse has been going on for a few months. Fear the Walking Dead, being set during the initial outbreak, gives us a chance to witness these characters come to terms with life as the lights are going out.
The Pilot episode i thought was right on the money! Not moving too fast nor too slow!
I enjoyed every second! Keep it coming Robert Kirkman!
Fear the Walking Dead: The Good Man (2015)
Wicked Finale! AAA Grade!
Do not, i repeat, do not let these One Star reviews spoil the fun of this show! It is extraordinary, and by next season it will be such a beautiful creation!
Robert Kirkman sure did shake the industry with his excellent graphic novels and executing it perfectly to a TV show, make that two TV shows! I love how there's nothing tacky or phony about it, it feels so dark and serious which i love! 2 guns up for Robert Kirkman and pulling off the "infected/dead/zombie" genre, i hope it lasts as long as it can!
There was a lot of buzz surrounding the companion series and prequel to AMC's wildly popular The Walking Dead. Was it worth the hype though? Absolutely! Fear the Walking Dead's premiere snagged an staggering 13.96 million viewers, the highest ranked debut of a cable series ever. By the show's 3rd episode, that number had dropped to 11.6. Still an impressive feat for a show's debut season. All the buzz hits a boiling point in the first season finale.
People complained that the show's debut season, comprised of 6 episodes, moved at too slow of a pace, but people seem to be forgetting that Fear the Walking Dead is set during the early stages of Kirkman's zombie apocalypse. The Walking Dead didn't pick up the pace until the show's third season. Showrunners Robert Kirkman and Dave Erickson had to take a new approach to a storyline that we've all become accustomed to having seen 5 season's of The Walking Dead. We, as viewers, are witnessing the beginning of the apocalypse through the eyes of a dysfunctional blended family, even more dysfunctional than The Walking Dead's Grimes family. For viewers of the show that haven't read Kirkman's comic books on which the show is based on, it wasn't until the end of the series' second season that we found out anyone who dies comes back as a mindless, flesh eating cannibal. This revelation was brought to light during Fear the Walking Dead's pilot episode. This is a focal plot point of the series. Our cast of survivors on Fear are still learning the ropes, and, on more every occasion, try to reason with their friends who've died and came back as walkers. While Travis Manawa is trying to protect his biological family, he unintentionally puts his new family, Madison Clark and her children Nick and Alicia, in danger more than once. Add the Salazar family, Daniel, his wife Griselda and their adult daughter Ophelia, to the mix and things only get more complicated. Add Nick's heroine addiction to the mix and things get shaken up to a boiling point early on.
While The Walking Dead focuses on what Rick Grimes would do to protect his family, Fear the Walking Dead shares a similar focal point but shifts the focus to a point in time where society is beginning its downward spiral. By the time Grimes' finds his family in The Walking Dead's 3rd episode, the apocalypse has been going on for a few months. Fear the Walking Dead, being set during the initial outbreak, gives us a chance to witness these characters come to terms with life as the lights are going out. One of the most harrowing scenes was in Fear's 3rd episode as the Manawa family are finally reunited and driving back to the Clark home. Chris looks out over the Los Angeles valley and we see huge sections of the cities' electrical grid shutting off. We saw similar situations in flashbacks' on The Walking Dead, but no on Fear's scope. Even though the Army puts up fences to protect the civilians, the soldiers have ulterior motives. We're given hints and glimpses during the series' fourth and fifth episodes. "I can do whatever I want. I have guns," one guardsman tell Travis. The big reveal of the series comes in the fifth episode when we find out what Operation Cobalt is. Cobalt was the original working title of the series, and serves as the WTF revelation in episode 5.
By Fear's third episode, the series' cast tops out at 9 members. When the first season wraps, we've lost 2 of the main cast, but gained one more. Our survivors numbers could have grown, but the Clark/Manawa/Salazar family hope to flee the armies' Decontaminated Zone for the supposed safety of the desert east of Los Angeles. "You can't save everyone," Alicia tells Chris at one point during the finale. A more important questions remains; What defines greed when you're trying to keep your family safe? Over and over again in both Fear the Walking Dead, and The Walking Dead, this question is posed. By turning Daniel's prisoner loose, Travis thinks he's being the good man. This act of kindness comes back to bite Travis in the ass, figuratively. Army doctor Bethany Exner also brings up a few excellent points. As she and Liza Ortiz, Chris' mother and Travis' ex-wife, are tending the to the wounded, she tells Liza that she's trying to save six thousand while Liza is trying to save six. Exner also questions Liza, asking her "What's family? Blood or bond?" Exner brings up an excellent point. The acting continues to be spot on. Each of these actors brings to life on screen a character that we can relate to in some way. Whether it's Nick's addiction, Alicia and Chris' resentment towards their family, or Liza and Madison's love for their children. Through the course of the season, we are drawn to these survivors and their struggles to maintain their relationships and their safety in a world that has literally gone to s***. As the season ends with uncertainly, it opens the doors for where season two will take us. Season 2 is going to be one helluva ride.
The Season Finale is Super Awesome and Delivered 100%! Keep it coming Robert Kirkman!
Fear the Walking Dead (2015)
The Best Drama Horror!
Do not, i repeat, do not let these One Star reviews spoil the fun of this show! It is extraordinary, and by next season it will be such a beautiful creation!
Robert Kirkman sure did shake the industry with his excellent graphic novels and executing it perfectly to a TV show, make that two TV shows! I love how there's nothing tacky or phony about it, it feels so dark and serious which i love! 2 guns up for Robert Kirkman and pulling off the "infected/dead/zombie" genre, i hope it lasts as long as it can!
There was a lot of buzz surrounding the companion series and prequel to AMC's wildly popular The Walking Dead. Was it worth the hype though? Absolutely! Fear the Walking Dead's premiere snagged an staggering 13.96 million viewers, the highest ranked debut of a cable series ever. By the show's 3rd episode, that number had dropped to 11.6. Still an impressive feat for a show's debut season. All the buzz hits a boiling point in the first season finale.
People complained that the show's debut season, comprised of 6 episodes, moved at too slow of a pace, but people seem to be forgetting that Fear the Walking Dead is set during the early stages of Kirkman's zombie apocalypse. The Walking Dead didn't pick up the pace until the show's third season. Showrunners Robert Kirkman and Dave Erickson had to take a new approach to a storyline that we've all become accustomed to having seen 5 season's of The Walking Dead. We, as viewers, are witnessing the beginning of the apocalypse through the eyes of a dysfunctional blended family, even more dysfunctional than The Walking Dead's Grimes family. For viewers of the show that haven't read Kirkman's comic books on which the show is based on, it wasn't until the end of the series' second season that we found out anyone who dies comes back as a mindless, flesh eating cannibal. This revelation was brought to light during Fear the Walking Dead's pilot episode. This is a focal plot point of the series. Our cast of survivors on Fear are still learning the ropes, and, on more every occasion, try to reason with their friends who've died and came back as walkers. While Travis Manawa is trying to protect his biological family, he unintentionally puts his new family, Madison Clark and her children Nick and Alicia, in danger more than once. Add the Salazar family, Daniel, his wife Griselda and their adult daughter Ophelia, to the mix and things only get more complicated. Add Nick's heroine addiction to the mix and things get shaken up to a boiling point early on.
While The Walking Dead focuses on what Rick Grimes would do to protect his family, Fear the Walking Dead shares a similar focal point but shifts the focus to a point in time where society is beginning its downward spiral. By the time Grimes' finds his family in The Walking Dead's 3rd episode, the apocalypse has been going on for a few months. Fear the Walking Dead, being set during the initial outbreak, gives us a chance to witness these characters come to terms with life as the lights are going out. One of the most harrowing scenes was in Fear's 3rd episode as the Manawa family are finally reunited and driving back to the Clark home. Chris looks out over the Los Angeles valley and we see huge sections of the cities' electrical grid shutting off. We saw similar situations in flashbacks' on The Walking Dead, but no on Fear's scope. Even though the Army puts up fences to protect the civilians, the soldiers have ulterior motives. We're given hints and glimpses during the series' fourth and fifth episodes. "I can do whatever I want. I have guns," one guardsman tell Travis. The big reveal of the series comes in the fifth episode when we find out what Operation Cobalt is. Cobalt was the original working title of the series, and serves as the WTF revelation in episode 5.
By Fear's third episode, the series' cast tops out at 9 members. When the first season wraps, we've lost 2 of the main cast, but gained one more. Our survivors numbers could have grown, but the Clark/Manawa/Salazar family hope to flee the armies' Decontaminated Zone for the supposed safety of the desert east of Los Angeles. "You can't save everyone," Alicia tells Chris at one point during the finale. A more important questions remains; What defines greed when you're trying to keep your family safe? Over and over again in both Fear the Walking Dead, and The Walking Dead, this question is posed. By turning Daniel's prisoner loose, Travis thinks he's being the good man. This act of kindness comes back to bite Travis in the ass, figuratively. Army doctor Bethany Exner also brings up a few excellent points. As she and Liza Ortiz, Chris' mother and Travis' ex-wife, are tending the to the wounded, she tells Liza that she's trying to save six thousand while Liza is trying to save six. Exner also questions Liza, asking her "What's family? Blood or bond?" Exner brings up an excellent point. The acting continues to be spot on. Each of these actors brings to life on screen a character that we can relate to in some way. Whether it's Nick's addiction, Alicia and Chris' resentment towards their family, or Liza and Madison's love for their children. Through the course of the season, we are drawn to these survivors and their struggles to maintain their relationships and their safety in a world that has literally gone to s***. As the season ends with uncertainly, it opens the doors for where season two will take us. Season 2 is going to be one helluva ride.
Keep it coming Robert Kirkman!