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Missing: Geudeuli Itseodda (2020)
Have the tissues ready
This is an awesome series in 12 neatly-written and directed episodes.
The number and diversity of characters was unusually large and their development fully fleshed-out. No 2-D characters here. The actors all did a fine job of presentation.
Has the plot been done before. Kind of, kind of not. There are very few totally original concepts these days. I don't judge a movie by concept, but by execution.
That said the one issue I had with the show was the core premise: that the dead could not "move on" because their bodies had not been found. That's a little hard to swallow, even if one believes in an afterlife. That odd premise remained a sore-thumb that for me affected the entire series.
Beyond that, be prepared for repeated tear-jerkers, emotional moments, subtle and enjoyable humor, and an overall well-done series.
Breaking Infinity (2023)
Decent basic time travel film
With the current 4.8 rating here, I'm becoming increasingly disappointed with overall IMDB user reviews, which are showing an entire generation that is becoming so immersed in fast-action, CGI-heavy films that they can no longer appreciate a good, basic story line. This film isn't the best ever made, but it deserves better than the low score we see here.
It is difficult to review this film without spoilers, so what can be safely reviewed is the cinematography (quite beautiful), the sets (done well enough for a sci fi film), the acting (decent on the part of all actors), the music score (which fits well with the story), and the story-line itself... which holds together from the beginning to the end. That story may be a bit over the head of some viewers (quantum entanglement, light / time relationship and universal harmonics), so perhaps that's why some didn't like it. But this is science fiction-- and one should expect a bit of science.
In all the entire film holds together, tells the story, end of show. If there is any flaw in the show it is the paradox of complex concepts mixed with a film that overall is not fleshed out well enough (thus my rating of 7 rather than higher). They really needed to provide a bit more closure in the last 20 minutes, needed to end it tighter, needed to tie a few strings together (even if they're unnecessary to the overall plot).
The relationship between the two main scientists needed to be better-developed, and the romantic relationship better evolved so the viewer can relate better to the two main characters. All films have their flaws.
But despite those flaws the story is decent, the time-travel theme is neither boring nor ridiculous (as we see in so many such films), and the movie has an actual ending rather than just leaving the audience up in the air. These days, that alone deserves a few stars. ;D.
Inside Out 2 (2024)
It's just simply the best
I have always hesitated (as I do now) to say a movie is "the best" of anything, but I can say this is the best animated movie I have ever seen.
That doesn't mean there aren't other "the bests" out there. I'm sure there are equally good animated movies. But this one touched my heart in so many ways.
I understand there are diverse tastes and people have different opinions, but how this Pixar film doesn't have solid 10-stars straight across the board is beyond me. One person wrote, "It's just not funny." Not all animation is intended to be funny, by any means. I still laughed at parts of this, but this intended to tell the story of the changes that occur during formative years, not be a laugh riot. Another person wrote, "It's just like the first movie!" But we all know if it hadn't been, they'd have been complaining about it being totally different from the first film. Right? A third parson wrote, "Anxiety is more important and takes over Joy?" If you've ever had a panic attack, or been depressed or worse... you'd understand exactly how that can happen-- especially during inexperienced teen years. People don't have nervous breakdowns or even take their own lives because Joy rules everything.
No need address similar negative comments, but I will mention that a movie isn't made to cater to individual whims or personal thoughts of what the plot SHOULD be. When we watch a movie it's good to open our minds to what's being presented and the purpose behind it, not try to shove our personal bias into the storyline-- 'cos that's just not going to work. Some of the low-star reviews indicate simply that the reviewer needs to switch their viewing choices. (One just has to wonder how some viewers think.)
Perhaps some have never gone through the anxieties of teen years and just sailed through. I knew a man once who had never been depressed in his entire life, and just took it for granted it was a real thing. Perhaps those people would have difficulty identifying with this movie. But at the same time, the majority of us identify with the main character all too well.
The animation is great, of course (it's Pixar). The character development is terrific-- even though they were dealing with LOTS of characters. (If that all seems jumbled at times... welcome to the world of human emotions. I have to believe that was intentional.) The main plot and story line is absolutely awesome from beginning to the post-credits end. But seriously, how can anyone not identify with the main character? Have any of us not gone through the trauma of teen years and the changes they bring in our life? If not, you were extremely lucky. Or maybe some didn't learn early lessons that are greatly needed in later life.
There are so many good lessons and observations in this film, but I'm taking the "no spoilers" route here. I'm just going to say Pixar hit it out of the ballpark with this one, several times. This is one of the best flicks I've ever seen, with great messages for children, teens and adults alike. I don't see any way they could have done better.
P. S: I really loved the "sarcasm". Saying nothing more... but what a brilliant idea. ;D.
Suki demo kirai na amanojaku (2024)
Disappointingly pointless story
This movie started with promise and held interest until the last 20 minutes or so. At that point very strange things started happening with no rational explanation or relation to the plot (such as people suddenly falling through the air for no reason... and without dying, as a start). There was such an extreme amount in this movie that is totally left unexplained:
Why the mother left in the first place.
What are Oni? (The girl and her village definitely doesn't fit traditional explanation.)
What are the Snow Gods and why are they attacking Oni?
I would go on with several more items but that would get into spoilers... if it's possible to spoil a movie with no actual plot.
There are so very many strings left dangling at the end of this movie, and it is so disappointing after a promising start. I don't really understand why anyone would like this movie, nor why anyone would think it has exceptional animation, because the animation is merely average.
I would have to call the concept uninspired, the story-line unfulfilling and lazy, and the overall movie a waste of viewer time. I will never understand how scripts like this ever make it to production. Evidently the writers/director had something they saw in their mind and just took it for granted the audience would "get it". But there's not enough substance to this movie to even call it a story. It's pointless and without satisfying explanation of mysteries presented throughout-- with the audience left hanging at the end.
Madame Web (2024)
So many self-indulgant haters
Reviewers here are becoming so jaded and opinionated they can't take a break and just enjoy a super-hero movie. One reviewer wrote in his bold-faced title, "I am filled with hatred, it can't get any worse." IT'S A MOVIE. Some people have seriously lost touch with reality.
You don't go into a "comic book" movie expecting award-winning material. This is simply an origin story based on a polar opposite of Spider-Man, with a little bit of Birds of Prey forecast as well. This is obviously a VERY alternate universe... and thus should not be judged by any pre-conceived notion of what the story should or shouldn't be.
Since it's basically a super hero film, no one should be looking for cerebral drama. This is action-adventure, and a fairly decent story. Yes, some will find it a little slow because they're so hyped on adrenaline they never come down from the rush, and there's just not enough CGI and huge robot battles in this to satisfy their limited tastes.
This is just an interesting tale of yet another super hero... and if anyone expects anything more out of such films they really need to get a clue. We've all seen what Marvel and DC has been coming out with lately. If a person doesn't like that kind of thing, why put yourself through the torment of watching more? Serious Duh.
The movie is well-written, decently-acted, well-directed and filmed. The music is appropriate and the story sensible (for a super hero film). Those who gave this 1 & 2 stars need to move on to another genre.
Haters. Can't please them. I enjoyed the film. Best film ever made? No. A reasonably-crafted super hero movie? That's all anyone should have been expecting. If you didn't like it... seriously might wanna stop watching super hero movies.
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)
A lot of the reviews seem to be missing the point
As I read the reviews here I see quite a bit of negativity. Most of that seems to be based on the same droll complaint: "It isn't what I wanted it to be." People were looking for an explanation of why the aliens attacked, one guy mentioned wanting a tank battle (hey, go watch Transformers), others were upset that they didn't delve into the agenda of the aliens. Basically, these reviewers wanted an origin story... and were disappointed that's not what they got. While I can understand their complaint... they didn't write the story, make the movie, and weren't in charge of the plot line. If they had been, we'd have all missed what this movie really presented.
This is not an origin story, nor was it intended to be. It wasn't created to fulfill personal whims. They don't explain why the aliens invaded or their agenda BECAUSE THE CHARACTERS HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING THAT. That's the bottom line of that issue. Maybe the next in the series will tell more about the aliens but frankly, that's not really necessary. All three of these movies have been about ordinary people dealing with the unknown as best they can. That's the premise, en total. The imagined origin of the aliens has never been the main point of these movies. The aliens appeared outta nowhere, attacked for unknown reason, are very dangerous but not invulnerable. People learn how to cope. That's it. The origin of the aliens is completely irrelevant to the plot of all three movies.
Every one of the negative reviews seem to be missing a very vital point in this movie: it is about a very ill woman dying of a disease (likely cancer) with evidently little time left... while at the same time dealing with a deadly alien invasion. This paradox is the entire crux of this movie, and is very important to the overall plot. Imagine yourself in this situation... facing death no matter what... and what would be the most important thing on your mind? Most of the reviews reveal this: pizza. Her "last wish" so to speak. Last wishes are something we all totally understand. This strong desire was established very early in the movie, and that remains the fulcrum throughout the film. The movie even explains the reason... and it's a very good one.
This isn't a deep probe into alien psyche. It's about two people who have just met, trying to deal with one very drastic day as best they can. They don't have time to plan. They aren't "die hard" samurai warriors. They're just regular people with their own problems: one has cancer and the other is evidently suffering from PTSD and doesn't know how to cope by himself. There's no telling what he'd already seen that day, what he'd had to deal with. So now... how are they going to cope with this situation?
This film catches the viewer's attention from the start and holds it to the very end. No, it's not the best movie ever... but it's very good and far above the jaded 1 & 2 star ratings we see here. The scene is set, the characters are presented, and the director proceeds to take us on two people's journey that single day... from the primary viewpoint of those two characters. They hold true to this premise throughout the film.
This is primarily action / adventure... but a step above as they reveal more about the characters themselves (which for once are very well developed and acted). Whether one "likes" how this resolves or not, the resolution is realistic and understandable. This is basically a slice-of-life sci-fi about the very first day of this alien invasion, no explanations other than "Here they are, now what do we do?". From that standpoint, it works.
Burakku Kurôbâ: Mahôtei no Ken (2023)
Yet more of the same
If you've seen the series, you've seen this movie. Absurdly powered villains. The main character yelling and screaming all the way through. Loudly broadcasting every move before they make it.
This is nothing but one huge boss fight after another, with both sides wielding unbelievable powers and getting up from death-blows and shaking them off like they were nothing.
We see a ridiculous number of 10-star ratings here, but don't be fooled; this is far from being the best of the best in anime. As Wikipedia states: "Shonen targets an audience of adolescent boys." That's exactly the definition of this movie. But for those who like a little more than basic slash and hack, save yourself the time and damaged brain cells.
This is a film that appeals strictly to adrenaline / action junkies. It's all flash-bang and almost no substance. This is the pro-wrestling version of anime, but with less story content.
If you feel like spending a couple of hours letting your brain cells be blasted with bright colors, sounds and flashy pretty lights... this movie is for you. If you prefer anime that has substance and makes a point, you'll need to look elsewhere.
Black Clover (2017)
Typical boss fight anime
As I've grown older I find I'm becoming more discerning about the quality of "entertainment" and what I'm feeding my brain. But one must realize this is Shonen, and as Wikipedia states, "Shonen targets an audience of adolescent boys." One should not expect more than that.
If you like hard-core action repeated in over 150 episodes, this may be your cuppa tea.
* Numerous quirky, over-the-top characters bordering on psychotic (or way over that line). Check.
* Almost constant "boss fights" and adrenaline-pushing action scenes to the point one's brain begins to vegetate. Check.
* Scenes moving so quickly it's difficult to tell what's going on. Double-check.
* Tedious lengthy monologues... especially right in the middle of said boss fights... while the bad guy obligingly and patiently just stands by and lets them finish what they're saying. Check.
* Numerous flashbacks just to take up screen time and lower production costs. Check.
* Characters broadcasting loudly to the enemy exactly what they're going to do before they do it. Check.
* Trapping an uber-powerful magic character with the delusion that binding is going to hold. Check.
* Avoiding killing a bad guy who has just murdered dozens of people in cold blooded evil. Check.
* Deux ex Machina rescues. Triple check, repeatedly.
* Way beyond the limits of believable uber-fights that would instantly kill anyone... yet the heroes just get back up and keep fighting. Check.
* Both guys and girls who are terrified of admitting their feelings for one another (even to themselves). Check.
* Characters having totally unrealistic viewpoints of relationships and romance (such as an obsession with marrying a nun). Check. Check. Check ad nauseam.
* Memes, cliches, and tropes galore. Quadruple check. Interestingly, that's likely the best part of the series.
There are some good elements of this show. "Never give up". Interesting characters. Occasional decent writing (but rare). But there's only so many boss fights I can handle before it becomes tedious. These days I demand more than overly-large swords and ridiculously-powered villains. But then, I'm not an adolescent.
Black Clover is heads above a lot of the gory, over-sexed, demented anime we see so prevalent on the market today. But I found myself wishing they would tone down a bit on the constant boss fights and add a little more story substance to the plot line. This show quickly becomes a one-trick pony ("I'm gonna be the WIZARD KING!")... repeated among different characters. For anyone who is actually past their pre-teens, that kind of thing can get tiring pretty quick. For older viewers who give this ten stars... well, humans are diverse creatures. To each his own. Just don't think people are wrong in giving this 1-5 stars. Such reviewers have matured and now require more than repetitive flash-bang, in-your-face anime.
Dune: Part Two (2024)
Long live the FIGHTERS?
With over 2k reviews another is probably not even needed. Nevertheless...
While some folks will enjoy this movie for the cinematography alone, I require a bit more. Like a decent script and directing.
Likely most of us have read the books. Why then, isn't the fact that Paul is the Kwisatz Haderach much featured at all in this film? And him getting stabbed in the fight with Feyd? His premonition would have told him every move Feyd would make before he made it. Failing to establish this was failure to establish the entire concept of Dune.
And then we have "LONG LIVE THE FIGHTERS!"... instead of "LONG LIVE THE BITERS!" ??? There was a reason for the original words in the book, but this movie didn't provide that foundation so lost that entire concept. That is the dominant flaw of both of these movies: not enough foundation and explanation. For a two-part, lengthy pair of movies, that's unacceptable. Directorial stupidity.
Then there is that incredibly lame ending of Chani's "dirty look" and "Okay folks! That's a wrap!" Seriously, couldn't they come up with a better ending than that? How about the actual ending in the book?
This movie just felt so... emotionally empty. There was none of the fascination of the original book, so very much left out and unexplained. So much was not explained that was fully detailed in the book (and included in the 1984 version)-- which they surely could have covered in two lengthy movies if they weren't so filled with pointless, lengthy monologue. What a sad excuse of story-telling, especially from such a story-rich source as the book.
I greatly preferred the portrayal of the sandworms in the1984 film. In truth, while I found the 1984 film pretentious, gratuitously gross and contained really terrible acting, it at least told the basic story better than this one and did a far better job of stirring the emotions. This movie had better acting, but the story seemed to leave out the real heart of Dune.
One could list issue after issue of this lengthy two-movie attempt at re-creating DUNE, but in all honestly people are either going to love it, hate it, or have mixed feelings. Those who could see past the glitter and glam of yet-another-DUNE-movie are already aware of the storytelling short-comings in this one.
This was a huge disappointment for me. I promised myself to never watch the 1984 version again (gross, gross)... this film actually made me want to re-watch the prior film as a brain-cleanser for this very bad job of directing and story-telling. How could they leave so very, very much out of two movies of this length?
San ti (2023)
Incredible premise, but oh, so slow
After watching all 30 episodes, I am both intrigued by the premise, but appalled that it was 30 episodes long. Just wow. I give it 2 stars not because it's a "bad" series, but because it takes so extremely long to get where it's going. Seriously, they don't even establish what's really going on until episode 21... then it's 9 more episodes until they DON'T resolve the story. Yes, this is another "You figure out what's going to happen at the end" series. And while they don't do a bad job of it... this is a very long road to get to such an open-ended conclusion.
This has the slowest moving plot of any sci fi I have ever seen. You'll get sick of hearing about turkeys. The characters are 2-dimensional; the viewer doesn't really care about them, doesn't identify with them, and with the sole exception of the detective and "ten-people"... the acting isn't all that great.
The first 11 or 12 episodes are just extremely vague and pointless. Truly, the story in these episodes could have easily been condensed to 1 or 2 episodes at most. Around episode 12 or 13 it starts to get somewhat interesting, especially as we get into "the game". But even then it continues to plod along, taking several episodes to establish that this isn't just a game.
But the real problem is the core premise of the show. Physics isn't real? That concept is never really established, is it? If a man tears down a house, that doesn't mean the house wasn't real. What is that even supposed to mean? By the end of the tenth episode we still don't know. And while it may be true that humans are a bunch of clueless turkeys (they'll not get any argument from me in that regard)... it's a poor premise for a TV series that runs on way too long and doesn't explain anything that is going on until very late in the series.
Many people will find the science complex. Many will turn it off in frustration, unable to understand the fast-moving and quick scientific discussions that are way over the head of the average person.
I love slow-burning stories... if they're done well. I can't say this was done poorly; they just took far too long to get where they were going. What a waste of viewer time. I could have watched three good shows in the time it took to watch this single mediocre one. I was still yawning at the beginning of episode 13. Only then did their writing and characters become more interesting.
I really do not know how this has a 7.6 rating (as of this writing). Usually people won't tolerate a series like this long enough to see if it gets better. Having just ended episode 30 I can say it does get better... but only just. I won't spoil the ending, but it will surely leave many people sitting with their mouths open that someone has the audacity to take 30 episodes to make such a lame point.
Testament: The Story of Moses (2024)
Yet another botching of the story
One can't properly discuss this 3-part series without discussing scriptural accuracy and Biblical concepts.
The story of Moses and the exodus from Egypt is one of the most basic, clear-cut, black and white accounts in the Bible. So one may rightly wonder how "learned" professors, religious leaders and "Bible scholars" can't get it right, can't answer the most basic questions, and that film makers seem mentally incompetent to get the account correct-- especially in a self-proclaimed "documentary".
This is supposedly a docu-drama, part presentation and part oration by educated authorities. So it's reasonable to wonder why one guy says, "Why did God kill innocents in Egypt? We don't have a good answer to that." Seriously?
While the documentary lightly touched on this, is this authority unaware that just 80 years prior the Egyptians showed no mercy in slaughtering babies of the Israelites for at least several months (perhaps years)? Is he unaware of the scriptural law of "An eye for an eye, tooth for tooth, life for life"? So how is it that this "scholar" says we don't really have an answer for God's decisions in these things? The Israelite babies were "innocents" too. "Whatever you sow, this you will also reap." Universal judgement and consequence does not alter and deviate according to individual human whims, opinions and perceptions.
The Egyptians could have spread blood on their doorposts and been spared as well. They were surely aware of what the Israelites were doing. News travels fast; all of the Israelites knew these things-- and they vastly outnumbered the Egyptians. But the Egyptians showed no respect for God's authority (even after 9 plagues had already happened), and so paid the price of their stubborn arrogance.
How did that supposed Bible scholar not understand any of these things? Pharaoh and indeed all of Egypt were taught a lesson that would reverberate throughout history, even thousands of years later: don't mess with God.
That is just one fallacy of this "documentary"... and there are many similar issues.
This poorly-conceived series presents Moses as someone who is clueless, who is at times very haughty and who regularly "argues" with and denies God. That is not what the Bible presents. Yes, Moses is presented in scripture as having a temper and at times erred, even seriously, as we all do. It also states that he followed God's directions to the letter, that he was the greatest prophet in the history of Israel, and calls Jesus himself the "greater Moses". This is not a title that would be given if Moses were haughty, rebellious and clueless.
People can choose to agree with the Bible or not, believe it or not... but if one is going to make a supposed documentary of a prominent Bible figure, they should get it right, according to the Biblical account.
They state that Moses "never reached the Promised Land", which is true. But they left out what lay ahead for him in the resurrection that is spoken of all through the Bible. From Moses' standpoint, he closed his eyes in death and immediately reopens them in a "Promised Land" far superior to that of the ancient Israelites. Yet all those religious authorities and the documentary itself totally omitted that significantly important point. It made it look like Moses' life was useless, that his death was the end for him, and only his offspring benefited from his faithfulness. What a pitiful account.
They talk about the Egyptian Army and Pharaoh-- who were stupidly charging through the Red Sea, totally determined to wipe out the Israelites. Then someone's daughter asks, "Weren't they God's children too?" and her father says, "What an amazingly astute observation." His failure to reply and explain the matter to her was not so astute.
Were these "God's children too?" No! They were Israel's enemy, bent on genocide even after personally witnessing the ten plagues. They worshiped false gods and were intent on wiping out God's chosen people to the last man, woman and child. How more ungodly could that army have been? That is the answer he should have given his daughter.
It seems these authorities were too busy focusing on the meanings of Hebrew words to understand the basic principles of Biblical justice and the simple concepts of good and evil.
The filming of this was rather nice, and it was refreshing to see actual miracles for once (rather than attempted "scientific explanations"). But this 3-part series is just as inaccurate and senseless as any Hollywood presentation to date. Although claiming to be a documentary, it doesn't accurately stick to the Biblical account and seems quite oblivious to concepts of faith and divine justice. They present Moses as an unfaithful, incompetent bungler who was just stumbling along. In reality he was the person who God used to bring the Israelites out of bondage from the most powerful nation on Earth, and is considered Israel's most prominent prophet in history.
They just never get it right. Frankly, if all you want is a fictional rendition of this account, I'd stick with Charlton Heston. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS is shorter and more entertaining. ;D.
Night Court (2023)
Sorry, but it's kinda lame
If you're looking for a reprisal of the original Night Court with its wit, twists, slapstick humor and genuinely funny lines... might want to look elsewhere.
I don't like to compare shows, but in this case comparisons with the original are predictable and nigh unavoidable. Neither the cast nor the scripts they have to work with come close to the original Night Court.
The scripts seems like they're written by 5th graders. As has been noted by many other reviewers, the forced laugh track is phony to the point of being obnoxious. The actors aren't given good lines to work with (not even Dan Fielding), and their characters are so 2 dimensional that they'd ordinarily be a Saturday morning cartoon.
I had high hopes for this series, but having seen 12 episodes I'm ready to turn it off. Its only saving grace is that it's just 23 minutes long. I really would like to compliment this series... but it needs better writers, better directing, and more fleshed-out characters with actual personalities. The prosecuting attorney isn't funny, Dan Fielding seems almost restricted in his role, and the supporting cast are just that. The bailiff is one of the more enjoyable characters, but even her character development is somewhat stilted.
Overall a disappointing series that will likely leave original Night Court fans cringing.
Sight Unseen (2024)
Let's write goofy reviews
I have to really wonder why anyone would come to a show that is advertised as a blind detective solving cases, and then rate it one star because it's about a blind detective solving cases. Seriously.
First of all, this is television. It is supposed to be entertaining, not uber-realistic. This is a story about an unusually intelligent and observant detective who uses a third party to be her "eyes" and tell her what is going on. Agreed that is a stretch. Perhaps more than a stretch. But that is also what it's advertised to be, so what was everyone expecting?
Kudos to those who had the sensibility to rate this 7+ stars. This has good acting, good directing, an interesting plot and story line, and while yes, at times it may jump the (very small) shark, it holds together pretty well. The characters work well together and the story is FICTIONALLY plausible. (You 1-star people do realize this is fiction, right?)
Overall an entertaining and enjoyable show for those who are not so jaded they've forgotten how to enjoy a good TV show. One thing I do wish: I wish they had hired actually blind actors to play the parts and make them more convincing. The show is still enjoyable.
I recognize this series isn't perfect, which is why I give it 8 stars. People giving it 1 star isn't indicative of a bad show; it's indicative of a bad review. On the plus side, I notice such negative reviews themselves received negative reviews. Justice is served. ;D.
Pantheon (2022)
Good until the last episode
I saw this as a 16-episode (45 minutes each) series. It starts off slow, almost boring, then becomes very interesting very fast. It carries the plot and story all the way through, having numerous twists and turns as the story unfolds. This is one of those series that actually needs to be 16 episodes long to tell the entire story. Everything in the series held up well, was well-written and excellently produced.
But then we get down to the very final, 16th episode... and the storyline becomes very complex and convoluted. It's not impossible to follow what's going on, but it just seems way out of sync with the rest of the series. Things start moving very quickly (literally), too much happens all at once, and normal characters very suddenly become very not-normal characters.
The result is a show that many will proclaim to be brilliant cerebral science fiction, but for me simply tried to cram far too much into the last episode and thereby somewhat derailed the series. I found the final episode contrived and disappointing, bombarding the viewer with too much too fast and expecting the viewer to simply ride the roller coaster. The final part of the ride is too full of itself. They needed to slow the roller coaster down quite a bit and deliver a less-uber-existential conclusion.
The Exodite (2022)
Well-crafted but dumber than Asylum
This is a graphically well-crafted show with somewhat interesting characters. What is totally lacking is plot of any kind... even within the WH40K universe. The script is droll, the plot pointless, and a rational ending non-existent.
Warhammer 40K started out as a fun and even humorous game, but as the years have passed it has become darker and more horrid in concept. While that is likely more "realistic" within the concept of the WH40k universe, it makes for really horrid stories and videos. There are no heroes; even the humans are fanatical psychopaths.
I'm sure a lot of fans will rate this video highly just because it's WH40K... but that fact doesn't make it good video. This was basically nonsense, an exercise in video graphics without plot, purpose or conclusion.
La Brea (2021)
Too many drivel sub-plots, ends abruptly
Sub plots are fine if done well. This has enough sub-plots to make five television series, all of them uber-dire, and none of them developed well enough to carry the series.
The basic character design and actors are fine. They all do a very good job and the characters themselves are interesting. There is just too much going on all the time and none of it focused on for any length of time. There is constant jumping back and forth between one subplot and anther, and story lines constantly interrupted by other story lines.
Then they just sort of mash it all together by having a very abrupt and unexpected one-episode ending on Season 3 episode 6. It's very obvious the studio decided to shut things down and "graciously" gave them one episode to do it. All of the string ends were tied, albeit far too quickly as if someone was standing off-stage with a big sign that said "MOVE! MOVE! MOVE!".
It all boils down to a series with good actors and potential, but thrown together like a poorly planned stew and seasoned badly. The disappointing hyper-ending where everything is going on in bam bam bam fashion did nothing more than emphasize the overall failure.
It wasn't 1-star terrible nor the "worst sci fi ever made" (seriously people, how many "worst ever" can there be?), but it's a 3- to 5-star mediocre. However, those who are into constant action and binge watching might find it moderately entertaining... if they can stomach the "everything thrown in a pot" final episode.
Orion and the Dark (2024)
Kind of okay but...
This was a kind of okay movie but... this is not a movie for children.
First, the story is a bit convoluted and can be difficult for younger ones to understand. As other reviewers have noted, it contains psychological concepts far too complex for children to understand and enjoy.
For a movie designed to help kids not be afraid of the dark, the support characters were actually somewhat spooky. "Strange Sounds" and "Insomnia" are definitely not the best of what night has to offer... and there were even worse characters (no spoilers but... pillow, hammer-- seriously?). Not. For. Children.
It was an interesting concept for a film, but it needed a better overall plot and storytelling. It definitely needed better and less-scary main characters. The ending was rather neat but overall, they really didn't pull this one off as well as they should have. This movie is supposed to help children be less afraid of the dark, not more afraid of it.
Timescape (1991)
Focuses on good story-telling
This film succeeds in that it goes where it goes and doesn't take itself too seriously science-wise. It doesn't try to figure things out, doesn't try to explain paradoxes, doesn't attempt to fit all the pieces together. It just takes us where the story-teller wants it to go... and I'm fine with that.
We've seen soooo many time travel films, and the majority of them share the same issue: logic problems. The real problem though is that they try to make an illogical subject logical, so when they stumble all over the plot with time paradoxes and other drivel, it spoils the film. This show doesn't do that. It just shoves paradoxes to the side and dismisses them... and gets on with the storytelling. Kudos.
It's a simple rule of science fiction: accept the fiction part. Don't try to answer unanswerable questions; just tell the story.
I found this "scientifically opaque" film rather refreshing, because of the very fact they didn't try to explain everything. They just kept it interesting. It was a fun watch. Good for them.
Kevin James: Irregardless (2024)
Almost kinda funny but...
Let's get right to it: I've never enjoyed comics who spend an inordinate amount of time making fun of their wives... and I'm a guy. It's just not classy.
Following that... if you are looking to watch an entire hour of complaining, boy is this the guy for you... because that's pretty much what he does all the way through.
Now mind you, once in a while he comes up with a kinda funny line. Almost. Once in a while.
Most of the show found me sitting here looking at my watch to see how much longer this routine is going to last, because although his language is clean (KUDOS!) and the subjects are original and his timing is good... he's just not that funny. I didn't laugh out loud once. About the most he got was a mild chuckle. An hour of time burned.
Wonka (2023)
Evidently people liked it but...
With a current 7.6 approval rating it's evident the general audience liked this film. I usually very much enjoy family films. But I have to admit I found this a bit underwhelming.
The only actor I really liked was Calah Lane, who played Noodle. The other actors just weren't given much script to work with.
The songs were disappointing and the choreography worse. Add to that the general dismal and depressing sets, and there's very little in this that felt like Willie Wonka.
The villains were cliche, the authorities corrupt, and the "wonder" of Wonka really wasn't that wondrous. What was seriously lacking was the sense of mystery that was in the original film, the eerie feeling that Wonka was just a little... odd.
The main actor (Wonka) didn't really impress me in performance, singing or dancing. Of course that could be because the songs and choreography were sub-standard to begin with.
In the end the film just barely held my attention, which really surprised me. I was expecting to sit down and fully enjoy this, but simply didn't. It was a disappointing presentation of a beloved character and simply didn't live up to expectations.
I'm glad people generally enjoyed it. But I feel this could have been a whole lot better, especially with today's movie making tools and by today's standards. This felt like a cheaply-made film from the 90s, and that definitely wasn't what was expected.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
Some decent moments, but too much DC
While the adrenaline addicts may absolutely love this, this film simply did not appeal to me. Sure, it captured attention all the way through, but there were so many cringe moments I found myself constantly aware of "bad writing syndrome".
First that comes to mind is that terrible accent of Aquaman's "general" (?). Guy sounds like he came straight outta Alabama. This is supposed to come from an ocean kingdom? Every time the guy spoke it was solid cringe.
I can say that the first half or 2/3 of the film, the script lines weren't terrible. But then came that "DC" moment where it turned from a movie script into a comic book script written by fanboys. Ouch. These writers actually got paid for such drivel? And then there's that very last few lines of the movie, where they just can't resist portraying Aquaman as a country hick. Seriously DC, what is wrong with you?
Something else that bothered me from early-on in the movie is the CGI overkill of the underwater Atlantis Kingdom. It is so alien in its appearance I found my brain having difficulty processing what I was seeing. It was all blue and green and white lights and incomprehensible shapes and (evidently) roads and travel tubes that were just so cobbled and thrown together it was hard to tell what was what.
No matter how alien a civilization, the viewer still has to be able to recognize what is going on or we develop what's known as cognitive dissonance. This movie was full of that kind of stuff-- CGI so weird it was difficult to mentally fit the pieces together.
I had some difficulty deciding whether to give this 3, 4 or 5 stars, but I figure they put enough effort in the thing to at least label it "mediocre". But long before the end of the movie it was pretty obvious that DC has blown it again. (Wow, the script in the final half hour or so. It was just awful.)
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)
I don't understand the low ratings
At this review, the average rating is 5.6. I do not understand this. What are people looking for in movies these days?
This is not the original Nutcracker story, nor was it intended to be-- as should be obvious from the title. Those expecting a plot recap maybe should watch another Nutcracker presentation.
What this is... is one of the most visually stunning productions I've seen. It is of course very difficult to tell which are real sets and what is CGI, but the sets, the costuming, production and cinematography are all excellent. And the mouse CGI is cute and well done.
The basic plot and story line are creative, sensible, and have both purpose and moral. They teach a lesson... several in fact. The acting and choice of actors was great. Clara was very well presented, as were all of the actors, without exception.
So while I have become less and less of a Disney fan over the years, I'm giving this a rare but solid ten stars. This is a brilliant production. And for the haters out there that rated this one star, well... you're morons.
Headspace (2023)
Wow, what a stinker
The only high point in this movie is the cute kick-tail alien girl and the white-haired hacker; their characters were at least entertaining.
The rest: bad script (seriously boring... and I don't bore easily), clumsy animation not even worthy of Saturday morning kid's shows, and a bulky, slow-moving plot that had me yawning less than halfway through the movie. I'm surprised I managed to stay awake through this cliche-ridden snooze fest.
Large chunks of the movie consists of scenes such as mind-controlled teachers wandering through the halls, and wandering, and wandering. Students hiding in classrooms. And hiding some more. Maniacal laughter from the bad guy. Yawwwwwn.
Little kids might enjoy this... or they may be bored as well. Even the action scenes in this are dull. I don't require adrenaline in my films and I love a good slow-burner, but it is just poorly done on every level.
Strawberry Mansion (2021)
Surreal is fine, but
To say this dream is surreal is an understatement. Surreal is fine; it has its purpose. But that's the problem with this movie; it seems to have no purpose. A brainwashed man waking up to reality? Real life is actually the dream? Who knows... they never really say.
The movie starts off showing all the promise of a true masterpiece, and raised my expectations due to the excellent acting, directing and choreography. But about halfway through the skill and professionalism suddenly turned into something that had all the appearance of a college project running out of funding and time.
The ending is a disappointment as the viewer realizes throughout the entire film no actual point has been made. Is there too much commercialism in our lives? We already know that. Is our society brainwashed by ads and lead to believe we need to buy things that we don't need at all. That is pretty obvious. This film is a long way to go to make obvious points.
In the end what we're left with is a big question mark as to what the writers and director are intending to portray. And despite the enjoyable surrealism-- that surrealism is without point. (The Blue Demon holding a captive really makes no sense at all, as it ties in to absolutely nothing else in the film.) The ending just kind of flops. One hopes to the bitter end they have a purpose to all this, but too late we figure out that if they ever did... they didn't get it across to the viewing audience.
Some people will love this for the art and abstract nature. That's fine. (The solid pink room was a solid start.) Others will dislike it for its totally disjointed and pointless final half... and they won't be wrong. Go into this one with both eyes open and a strong drink.
La La Land (2016)
Almost perfect
The first time I tried to watch this I was definitely not in the mood for that very strange traffic jam opening sequence, so I didn't try to watch it again for years. Today I decided to give it a second chance, got through that odd opening sequence, and discovered an incredibly good movie.
To discuss that opening sequence: once I realized they executed this entire sequence with one continuously-moving camera, I realized how amazing it was. Heavily-choreographed. Did they do that amazing bit of work just to show off a bit and then simply decided to go for an excellent slow burner? Possibly, I don't know. But filming that opening sequence in one moving-camera shot was astounding... and lead to a totally different but equally captivating movie.
This is a near perfect film. I give it 9 stars rather than 10 because of the single gratuitous F-bomb that is so very out of place in this film. (You don't spoil a gourmet meal by putting a dead mouse on the side of the plate.) Beyond that one bit of writing / directing stupidity, the rest of the film was flawless.
I am not ashamed to admit that two parts of this film had tears streaming down my face (I'll let viewers figure out which two hits them in the heart). Near the ending I thought they were going to blow the whole film, but when it was over I realized it couldn't have ended better.
A marvelous film with excellent directing, choreography, music, cinematography, and good acting.