Change Your Image
JT2022
Reviews
Die by the Sword (2020)
Absolutely Atrocious
First, I have "no horse in this race". I came across this in a hotel on a business trip.
To say this is atrocious is to give the word atrocious an even worse reputation.
The acting is more lousy than a middle school play that only 25% of the cast bothered to turn up for rehearsals for. The "cinematography" reminded me of a bad home movie that your sketchy uncle made, and the script must have been written by taking words out of the dictionary in a completely random order.
Anyone giving this higher than 0/1 must have been directly associated with the production, because this has absolutely NO redeeming qualities at all. Should be consigned to the bottom of a swamp somewhere.
Invasion: Cosmic Ocean (2023)
Decent progress
Moving along quite nicely. The only problem I have is the actor who plays the billionaire Nikhil Kapoor - his acting is extremely wooden, and his mannerisms and vocal pattern are jarring; it's almost as if he's in a school play. He doesn't bring any credibility to the role, and thereby detracts from the performances of all the other actors in every scene he's in. It's a shame, because the story and tempo are building well, but they take a step-back every time the Nikhil character is in a scene.
The kid actors are great, and doing a really good job, especially India Brown who plays Jamila - she is an actor to keep an eye on for the future!
The Wheel of Time: Daughter of the Night (2023)
Listless season
4 episodes in and I still have no idea what the compelling theme is for this season. It is listless and doesn't seem to have any unifying goal. I haven't read the books, but that doesn't mean that I shouldn't be able to get a feeling for what is going on. At least in season 1 there was a common goal everyone was heading towards...not obviously so this season. There is also way too much talking - by characters that I don't feel any connection to - and not enough plot development. The writers need to find a way to this show more engaging otherwise I'm just going to stop watching. The show needs a complete reboot.
Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet: Sarian (2022)
A thoughtful detour
Every season, the MQ team seems to create an episode that provides a detour into character backstories. This episode, which goes back to Ian and Poppy's childhoods is thoughtful and at times sad (particularly for Ian). It is written and acted well, especially the actress playing young Poppy who is the exact younger likeness of the older character. The plot was nuanced in places, and provides a great portrayal of their childhoods, what shapes them, and eventually jumps to the point where they first meet.
Definitely one of the better episodes this season, and stronger for the writing and acting.
Foundation (2021)
Ignore the negative reviews
This is a complex, winding and deep saga, which at times is confusing. It is beautifully shot, and the acting is great. All in all, I was impressed by the sense of breadth and dynasty that was achieved in the series, and will be excited to see season 2.
Yes, there are changes from the original Asimov books, but quite frankly, they needed updating. (Also, don't listen to the cries of this being "woke" - totally untrue and a distraction).