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Reviews
Wrecked (2016)
As refreshing as coconut milk on a hot summer day!
Having been a big fan of Lost, I was a bit weary seeing the first few previews for Wrecked in 2016. It was hard to gauge from the previews as to what to expect from the show. The starting events seemed pretty much like those of Lost, a show I very much missed, but nothing else seemed comparable. I was intrigued and set my DVR. In all honesty, I didn't expect too much and even forgot the premier date. I was only reminded of the show when I checked the DVR and it had recorded the first episode.
I was in love with the show by the end of the first episode. Yes, I fell a bit quickly for it and was worried the rest of the season couldn't keep up with the premier episode, but it did.
The show is quirky. It is nothing like Lost, which you probably already knew. The cast really jives well and seem to enjoy working with one another. The plot, often times, is so outrageous, but there is heart in the writing and soul in the acting, that you just buckle up and enjoy the ride.
As a quick parallel to Lost, I was always worried in the early seasons that the show would never have a resolution, as they may never make it of the island and the show could stretch into twenty seasons. However, with this show I laugh so much with every episode, that I actually fear them going home too soon and the show ending. I was very much relieved to read that it was renewed for season three.
What I appreciate the most about this show is the writing and its humour. It makes many reference to pop culture and current issues without being obnoxious and in a light-hearted manner that you simply get sucked into the show.
Wrecked doesn't take itself too serious, which makes it so appealing. It's an easy watch with each episode clocking in at 30 minutes and the seasons count 10 episodes each. One can argue that seasons and episodes should be longer, but there is a fear that some of the novelty would wear off. I find it just the right amount of Wrecked and at the end of both seasons I have looked forward to the next.
If you are looking for a new group of friends to care about on TV and don't mind television that is a bit outrageous then this is the show for you. If you are looking for a Lost replacement, this isn't really it. Though I would still suggest giving it a try, because this may be just what you need without knowing it.
The Exception (2016)
Middle of the Road Romance War Drama
I didn't read the 2003 book The Kaiser's Last Kiss, on which the movie is based. So, I am simply reviewing the movie without critiquing its loyalty to the book.
Let me just say, the movie wasn't exceptional in either the good or the bad way. It was middle of the road. You could tell it was a quick stop for both Jai Courtney and Lily James in their careers, before they make it onto the A-List via another movie.
In a nutshell the movie checks some big ticket items. Good looking, young, promising main cast. Strong supporting actors with long resumes (I am looking at you Christopher Plummer). A plot taking place around a major historical event. And romance. What more could you want? Well
The main problem I had with this movie, and which is the building block of the whole plot, is their love affair. It starts out so promptly, that I thought I may have missed something. As it turns out, I don't think I missed anything, Lily James' character simply shows up one night at Jai Courtney's door and the rest is history from there. It still doesn't make sense to me, but I gave up and gave in and just went with it. In turn, I was able to enjoy their love story.
Historically speaking, if you are looking for a World War II movie, this isn't your movie. Yes, everyone is there surrounding a real life historical person during a real life historical event, but that is about it. It is actually Kaiser Wilhelm II, who is the exception in this fictional romance tale. Overall, there isn't too much on the action front in this movie and is accurately described as a "romance, war drama" (Wikipedia).
One last thing on the historical front, I do think the movie tried to confront the hard truth of German soldiers during World War II. Just because you belonged to the military, did everyone agree with the overall mission of the Reich? After all, Jai Courtney's German soldier falls in love with a Jewish woman. Maybe love is the exception, but maybe it isn't after all. Who really knows? Instead of the movie taking an in depth look into the mind of a German soldier, it takes the route of romance, which I was completely alright with.
As for the acting, I thought they did a good job. While Jai Courtney isn't a stranger to lists ranking poor acting skills, he wasn't horrible. I actually had never heard of him before this movie (clearly I was living under a rock during the Suicide Squad frenzy) and was surprised to find him on such lists. Sure, "wasn't horrible" isn't saying much, but he is getting by on more than just his good looks in this movie. I thought Lily James did an exceptional job portraying her complicated character with the tools she was given. Quite frankly, I thought the two of them were a nice pairing. She brought the compassion to his cold demeanor.
There are highs and there are lows. You do end up rooting for the couple, who manage to stay alive due to luck and a questionable plot. Overall, I enjoyed the movie and actually liked the ending. I won't spoil it, but it seemed appropriate.
At 6.7 stars I expected a bit more, but tend to agree that it is a fair rating. If just looking over the summary of the movie, you would think it could have the potential to be an Academy Award nominee. However, the movie just never gets that deep. It doesn't keep you at the edge of your seat, but it lets you escape into a world where possibly the only exception is love.
Peaky Blinders (2013)
Great Television Series
Peaky Blinders is essentially the television show that every cable network wish it had. It is smart, fast moving, and cinematic art.
I did not think I would love the show as much as I do. The great thing (but also unfortunate) is that every season consists of six episodes. Every episode is another important piece in the story of the Shelby Family and the screenwriters really pack it with a lot of umph. There really has not been an episode yet, that I have been disappointed with. In fact, I actually find myself wanting to watch the next episode after finishing one, because I just need to know the fate of the characters.
As mentioned, six one-hour episodes are rather quick to get through, and you find yourself wanting more. (But really it seems like the perfect length, as every episode is a fundamental stone in the foundation of the story).
From a cinematic standpoint the series is beautifully done. The set looks great and you feel taken back in time to England in the 1920's. It is definitely this artistic work that is hard to find in television today.
The writing on the show is incredible and mixing that with the cast makes the show explosive. You will find yourself rooting for one of possibly the worst gangsters on television and that is no easy task, as the Shelby Family has more than a few skeletons in their closet. But it is this talent of the cast that makes you care about these characters. Overall, the cast seem to really be enjoying themselves with the characters they play.
If you are looking for a smart television show that keeps you on the edge of your seat - this is the show for you!