Zeyders Reviews

Chernobyl (2019– )

Feature film about the Chernobyl disaster

[9/10 · 29 April 2024]

It's important to realize that this miniseries is not a documentary, but it is extremely accurate in everything it shows. This applies to absolutely everything: plot, characters, footage, atmosphere, and so on. Of course, there are various kinds of mistakes or exaggerations in it, not to mention the artistic parts, but the miniseries does an excellent job of conveying the big picture in great detail.

The miniseries is done at a very high level. The staging of the scenes, the clothes, the people, the graphics, the plot and so on. Authentic sounds with music and visuals convey the atmosphere of horror of what is happening. The visuals and scale are pleasing.

Some people will be able to get to the various faults of the series that would be true if it were a documentary series, however this is not the case. Despite this, people's interest in finding out what the series shows wrong only motivates more interest in the topic. In terms of the series itself as it is, I would say that it does feel a little dragged out at some points.

This series perfectly conveys the disaster that occurred at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. It fulfills its purpose - to show and tell the world about the disaster in an entertaining format, to show the heroes who gave their lives for the sake of others and to show the price of lies.

Fallout (2024– )

Mediocre with good visuals and a bad script

[8/10 · 21 April 2024]

Let me say right off the bat that I'm not a fan of the video game series and only partially know about it. Watching this series, I was learning about the universe from scratch. And I liked something, but mostly not.

I want to note the good visuals. A lot of different visual details related to the universe. Music and atmosphere in the spirit of the game. Good acting. And... that's it.

I found the first episode terrible in so many ways, namely: the dialogs are strange, it looks dragged out, it's done well enough at the same time, but also with amateurish moments; the performances are clumsy, the soundtrack in some places didn't like, there are illogical moments of the script, and most importantly - the world doesn't seem natural. I can't believe in this world given the fantasy of what's going on until the very end of season 1, although it became more interesting to watch as the plot progressed. Sure, the script is pretty okay at some points, but for the most part it doesn't shine with reason. The graphics towards the end of season 1 are of lesser quality than in the beginning. To me, as a person completely unfamiliar with the universe, hyperbolizing, not explained from the first series about this world and how everything is arranged in detail. Having watched 1 season to the end, I'm sure that I don't understand all the things in the universe.

The series is extremely overrated by video game fans, in my opinion. I don't see why the series has an 8.6 except for the visuals matching the universe, characters, music, and atmosphere. The authors tried to recreate the universe, and judging by the fans they succeeded, but the script of the series itself brings it down to the level of mediocre series, destroying the interest in such a story.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Putting WW2 in your face

[8/10 · 12 April 2024]

Watching the movie a second time after a large amount of time, it became less emotional, perhaps because of my own experience, but no less quality and scope. It is important to realize that despite a very and, as far as I understand, historically accurate beginning, after that the fictional part based on real events begins.

For 2024, the movie looks and is done very well. The scale and filler scenes are impressive. The sound is excellent. The plot is good as well. It's nice to see actors who have become significant figures in the future. Great job by the production designer, actors and many other people.

Regarding the flaw, it's hard to say anything. You realize that a lot of effort was put into this movie, but after watching it, there's no sense of cinema greatness, although it is definitely a legendary movie. It shows the war and its surroundings, if I may say so. And there is nothing more to add.

This is definitely one of the classics of WW2 feature films. With a dose of American patriotism. And a first-person view of the war.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

A24's new breath of cinematography

[8/10 · 5 April 2024]

Having received a lot of general acclaim, I'm not surprised why this movie got them. To come up with an overall concept like that is a lot of effort, but to come up with a plot like that and all that visuals, I have no idea.

The movie embodies a strong drama that I'll be honest, I cried a bit at, which is rare. Everything is done on some other level of production, although one amateur movie gaffe caught my eye. For such a dynamic visuals separately praise the directors, who are the screenwriters, and the whole team that dealt with it. The action looks livelier than many action movies, and satire only adds color and fun.

Despite this, unfortunately, it has its disadvantages. In a separate part of the drama, which is probably the main drama in some ways, it's weak in some places throughout the movie. Or, more accurately, more trivial than the other, which is more important but presented as secondary. The concept on which the movie is based has some illogicalities. This combination of satire and drama makes the movie feel more amateurish towards the end, rather than as serious as I would like it to be. In the middle it seemed a bit dragged out.

Even though this picture has some minuses that prevented it from being one of the significant films, it is still a strong film among many, and can stand honorably among good films.

The Pianist (2002)

WWII as seen from Warsaw

[8/10 · 4 April 2024]

The movie is based on the memoirs of the main character and directed by a filmmaker who witnessed the events in Warsaw. There are no doubts about whether certain actions in the movie will be shown correctly. Despite some inaccuracy with the original memoirs, this motion picture fully reflects the plausibility in Warsaw.

Everything is filmed to a high standard. From the actors, to the costume designers, to the production designers and the story. Quite clearly shown the events that took place at that time.

With all due respect to the picture, but as I think, the movie couldn't immerse me completely in its story. Probably due to the fact that I'm experiencing these events myself in a very alienated form shown in the movie, and it works as a protective mechanism. I also found the movie a bit dragged out.

This historical drama perfectly conveys the events that took place in Warsaw during the WWII.

Barbie (I) (2023)

Didn't realize what they were trying to do

[7/10 · 3 April 2024]

I had no expectations for the movie and only the marketing parts of it reached me. What can I say... I think the director of the movie didn't fully understand what she wanted to show in the movie and for whom it was created. It has things that are usually typical for younger audiences, but at the same time it touches on adult themes that will not be understood by younger audiences. Let me be clear.

The movie as a whole is well-made. The music is cool, they put a lot of effort into it. Costumes, scenery and many other things are very good. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling are excellent. The idea of what's going on is generally interesting. The manner of the movie and the plot are not complicated, which is good for the younger audience. The comedy makes you chuckle at times. The adult themes touched on in the movie are interesting to me in this way, but it didn't come out quite fully realized.

With this, not complicated plot tries to reveal adult themes. If one part can be called a family comedy, the other part is a drama, raising existential questions and other issues of society (the latest is quite generalized and can be suitable for all audiences). Thus, it is something of a sort of trying to sit on two chairs audiences. I personally, was interested in watching the adult part, when on the more comedic part, after about half of the movie, I was already bored and dragged out. And considering myself an adult audience, watching this kind of family comedy was just okay, but connecting it to adult themes is not really the right thing to do.

To summarize, I would say that this is a movie for a more adult audience. I can't say it's for an adult audience that would like to be younger, as this format of movie plots are not appealing to them.

The Lobster (2015)

Hypertrophied melodrama unlike any other

[7/10 · 3 April 2024]

This is one of the first movies that was unlike anything else. I'll be honest, when I watched this movie for the first time, I didn't understand what the hell was going on here at all. I was confused by many things at the time: the direction, the camerawork, the plot, one single joke and the incomprehensibility. But even then I marked to myself that I didn't understand the movie and it was worth re-watching. And now, about 5 years later, I started to understand the movie.

The main feature of the movie is its unusual, non-standard presentation of the plot and idea, applying techniques that mock the format of melodrama. Also, worth mentioning that the movie also mocks sociality as such. It's made cinematically enough, but it doesn't look like it. Everything is done on purpose to emphasize the director's intent, which came out awesome.

As for the negatives, it's partly the director's intention itself which is complicated. You don't get the feeling that this is a great movie. Unique - yes, understandable and easy to follow for the first time - no.

The movie may seem boring, incomprehensible, fairy tale of some kind. But if you don't concentrate on that, and note different things that the director wanted to say, then this movie deserves a special mention. It is not for everyone, but it can give a new movie experience.

Past Lives (2023)

A beautifully cinematic romantic drama

[8/10 · 1 April 2024]

This movie is very pleasant to watch, as the story shown in the movie, not only indirectly concerns me, but also a lot of people who have former friends after the relocation. The movie itself raises a lot of different themes about the various difficulties that modern people often live with.

It is done perfectly cinematically not quite standard, which gives the movie a fresh take on cinema and visual presentation. In that respect, one has only to commend A24 company for the idea and the movie. The actors are good. The plot is riveting. The music is harmoniously supportive. The ending seemed worthy.

The main plot is revealed throughout the movie and doesn't have much depth from this point of view. It is beautifully simple in its plot, which doesn't make it into the greatest movie. For a really tiny part, the movie seemed dragged out.

It's a very nice romantic drama, the themes of which I don't remember being shown in this form before. I enjoyed watching it on a topic that is close to me.

Drive (I) (2011)

Drive, god damn it, Gosling

[7/10 · 1 April 2024]

A good thriller that makes you smile, and to some extent sad. Feels like a small snippet of a life story from a bigger piece that could have been shown, but what it is, is what it is.

The soundtrack is memorable, what to say about the acting of Ryan Gosling and the other actors. The character of the main character is conveyed very well. The plot is okay, but not to say bad or great. Pleasantly surprised not superficial context. Everything in general is done well.

As mentioned earlier, the movie feels a bit understated, not because of the ending, but because of the possible breadth of the story that could have been shown more if not for the plot based on the book. Despite the good realization of the plot as a whole, the actions that take place are partly incomprehensible to me, possibly wrenching, and somehow everything lies as it happens.

Overall, the movie is enjoyable to watch. It doesn't feel dragged out or tedious, but it doesn't feel like a unique movie. This movie is a great middle ground that can be separated from the general mass of average movies for casual and enjoyable viewing.

Fear the Walking Dead (2015–2023)

Another story from the Walking Dead universe

[6/10 · 18 March 2024]

This series is a sort of different story taking place in the universe of the main series The Walking Dead. I was pleasantly surprised to meet one of my favorite characters from the main series in this one.

The characters are developed quite well, memorable. The staging of scenes, costumes are done very well. The quality of the production is pleasing. The scale of what is going on is appealing, as in the main series.

But the serial is absolutely not joyful. The series itself is dragged out. A lot of uninteresting dialogs that you want to listen to 1.25x. The characters speak their endless dialog about their worries and motivations. Sometimes the actions or inactions with the motivation of the characters makes you bang your head against the wall, especially the ones in s4e7 and s4e8. The script in season 5 makes you grin with its illogicality of what is going on. What is happening on the screen in the last season, looks like a theatrical production from which you want to experience facepalm.

Despite this, the series can catch on. Especially if you want to know the full history of the zombie universe, but it is definitely not a great series. It is difficult to distinguish good and bad series, because it happens that the first half seems terrible, and the second half is interesting, and vice versa. I can only mention the s4e5 series, which I like the style of the s6e4 series from the main series.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

A classic of postmodernist cinema

[8/10 · 26 February 2024]

You know, as a teenager I watched this movie for the first time, and I'll make it short - I didn't understand it then. I found it very boring, uninteresting, with a lot of dialogues that don't move the plot in any way, and generally strange. But watching it now at a more conscious age, I began to understand why many people love this movie, although not all.

The movie can rightfully be called a classic and a masterpiece of postmodern cinema. A great set of actors, comedy, plot, non-chronological story, camerawork and visuals, and definitely music. Despite the action in the movie, it's as if the characters' conversations have absolutely no impact on the movie, but they don't. They give the movie something that most movies don't have - human dialog and stories, creating sometimes comical moments.

It's very hard to pick on this movie for anything specific globally, but there are always flaws. You can pick on some camerawork shots that would not be "right" for today, although a large number could be called revolutionary. You can pick on the dramaturgy, which isn't like many movies, although that doesn't make the movie empty. For me, personally, the movie seemed incomplete without a clear beginning and end to the stories. I don't feel the fullness of what I saw, feeling the meaninglessness of what is happening on the screen.

The movie shows a lot of horrible things - drugs, murders, violence. That said, the movie does not become scary in and of itself. I am among those people who do not praise this film to the heavens, but recognize the high value of this picture in the history of cinematography.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Normal movie with good graphics and spectacle

[7/10 · 12 February 2024]

The third part, surprisingly, retains its atmosphere of the previous parts. It features both comedy and drama, great fight scenes and much more. Here's a quick summary of what I noticed for myself.

The quality of the movie is excellent. The comedy is not so much hilarious as funny in places, which is good. The drama is fine, but I wouldn't say it's very original. The action and battles don't make you bored.

Maybe I don't remember how it was in previous parts, but I thought there were a lot of songs under the video sequence, but it kind of makes the movie simpler. Rarely, but it can get boring. The plot as a whole is silly in places, which can basically be said for the antagonist.

Overall, it's a good movie. It's hard to say what it's bad at, but it doesn't claim to be a masterpiece. It feels like it would be good to watch in company, but for one time. I would say that for me, this is the weakest part of the three parts.

Ahsoka (2023– )

Boring series about a character from the Star Wars universe

[6/10 · 9 January 2024]

Another fan service series based on the Star Wars universe. This time with the character Ahsoka who was in the original trilogies and shone in some spin-off series. Let's get to the breakdown.

The series is done Star Wars quality, which is to say very well. The picture is great, the graphics are great too. The music is good, as are the sounds in general, but some things were questionably dubbed.

However, for me there are a lot of different flaws, while not being a Star Wars fan. The dialogs are very weird and dumb, the plot twists are also. Very drawn out episodes where every frame stretches like infinity (a bit of hyperbolizing). I don't understand what's happening on the screen. Maybe it's my personal problem, but the picture is quite dark, and I turned the brightness up.

If you're a fan, you might be okay to watch the series, but I didn't really like it.

The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

Normal with some flaws for a Christmas movie

[7/10 · 1 January 2024]

After the New Year, my family and I decided to watch this movie to raise the New Year mood. Overall, it is okay with good family comedy without black humor, but many moments were not so funny.

The movie is surprisingly not drawn out. New Year mood is present. Filmed normally without pretensions. I liked the comedy. The actors, especially Kurt Russell, played well.

But there are many different questions to the movie. First of all, the movie has some overdone drama, which one time during the action is out of place at all. As a result, this drama somehow degrades the movie as a whole, and it could have been made somehow less dramatic. Secondly, there are illogicalities in the plot. And thirdly, one plot twist was strange in itself, somewhere without a quarter of the movie.

This movie should be rated for Christmas viewing only. You can watch it, but it's hardly worth revisiting. It's barely a 7, but I wouldn't say it's a 6 out of 10.

Andor (2022– )

Normal series on the early beginnings of the rebels in Star Wars

[7/10 · 21 December 2023]

This series is a prequel to "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story", which itself is a prequel to episode 4 of the main Star Wars movies, "A New Hope". I found the series quite controversial, but pretty okay to watch.

To begin with, certain plot actions of the main character are interesting to watch. I would say that these are the kind of topics that will never be boring if you are able to realize them properly, which they did well. Pretty clear plot that doesn't seem simple. Pretty nice picture. In general, the series is done at a good level.

But, I was confused by a lot of different things. From illogical different moments, drawn out episodes to uninteresting and pointless plot arcs. The beginning of the season is sluggish, but it gets better as time goes on. The series takes a long time to prepare viewers for the main events, although these events themselves are well done, but for their preparation could have been made conventionally one series instead of two. And in general, except for these protracted preparations for several important events, as well as some arches lasting the entire series and not leading to anything, the series does not show anything exciting.

Despite the strong disadvantages, I found the series okay to watch, but the score of 8.4 is obviously overrated.

Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi's Return (2022)

Retrospective on the making of the Obi-Wan Kenobi mini series

[6/10 · 10 December 2023]

This documentary is a retrospective on the making of the Obi-Wan Kenobi mini-series. It features various archival footage, impressions of the main actors and directors, describes the importance of the series in the Star Wars universe. Actually, as befits a documentary.

In the documentary there are new footage, as well as footage from the shooting, and archival footage, which is good. It's nice to observe the story told from the first person. The narrative is well written.

However, it can not boast anything special, which may surprise. Just pleasant to watch, no more.

As for special fans or just wanting to watch a documentary about the watched series - okay, but no more.

Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)

A mini series of an important character from Star Wars

[7/10 · 10 December 2023]

While this series can't be called great, it's a good one for fans, especially the younger generation. As I saw it, the whole mini series is aimed more at the younger family audience with the simple plot, dialogues and direction (Disney+ as it is), but adult fans will also enjoy watching an old favorite character.

The mini series is done well. There are some minor flaws in the graphics, but they are not so critical and you can admire it. Pleasant coloring with all the favorite leitmotifs. Good for younger fans as it teaches different things.

Regarding the shortcomings, we should say about the usual and simple plot with child-friendly dialogs, which will not be particularly interesting for adult audiences. It will not provide any new experience, but rather just a good pastime. There are a huge number of different omissions.

Overall, the mini series fulfills its purpose. Fans will have a good time, but nothing special should be expected from it.

Formula 1: Drive to Survive (2019– )

Good streaming series about Formula 1 racing

[7/10 · 6 December 2023]

Being a Formula 1 viewer, it was interesting to see what a Formula 1 series could give you, and surprisingly it did. But I wouldn't say it's a series for everyone. Let's get down to the details, having watched 5 seasons.

The series shows the seasons from an exciting viewer's point of view, trying to tell any important details. More importantly, it gives a peek behind the scenes! And that's an excellent thing, which is great to watch. It creates dramatic chains by showing us seasons that the viewer can latch onto in each episode. It's done with quality. And in time, this will be a pretty good documentary series about the seasons as a whole.

However, let's move on to the bad things, and there are plenty of them. The main one is that the series is in flux where nothing, in fact, changes. There are different changes in Formula 1, but the series itself operates according to one method, which eventually gets boring with its form, stretching, different dialogues/comments/scenes for drama and other things repeated from time to time throughout the seasons. Most of the dramatic sequences are strained and boring and often uninteresting to watch.

This series can hook new viewers for a while, but I think for a certain time only. It's definitely a good series that talks about Formula 1 racing, but the format itself can't be rated higher as it's just chewing gum. I wouldn't recommend this series to a stranger for sure, unless he/she is interested in racing. There are series that are built around an interesting story and their narrative spins around regardless of the proper order of the races without focusing on the races themselves, which only makes it better and more interesting to watch. However, they are usually taut stories with a focus on the process of the races rather than based on captivating relationships behind the scenes.

Better Call Saul (2015– )

A different prequel to the TV series "Breaking Bad"

[8/10 · 5 November 2023]

I thought for a very long time, how I would rate this series on a 10-point scale comparing it to the series "Braking Bad", and came to the conclusion - differently. The directing is very similar to the main series, but this series has become a kind of a separate series being a natural spin-off, and it's done surprisingly well! Which is very rare nowadays, but let's get to the details.

The camerawork cinematography makes the series more of a masterpiece. The color graders fulfill their roles perfectly. The script is done very well on the level of the main series and with other themes that unfold throughout the series until the end. The actors acting is excellent, it's nice to see familiar and pleasant faces, but not everyone has stayed the same over time. Sounds don't stand out, and neither does the music, there is nothing outstanding to say about it.

But most of the series is fixated on one main idea that is captured in the first half of the series. Throughout the series there are series that are well memorized, and there are quite a few "usual-episodes" that are like chewing gum. It seems, at some points, less realistic than the main series.

Overall, I enjoyed the series, but it feels less than the main series as a whole. It is different, but connected to the main series being a prequel. You should watch this series after watching the main series.

El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie (2019)

The afterword of the ending of the series "Breaking Bad"

[6/10 · 11 September 2023]

This movie, released 6 years after the end of the main series, is a continuation of the events of the series finale, and is itself a reminder of a series that will delight its fans. It's certainly not the level of the series, but it's a worthy final word from the director.

The movie harmoniously continues and completes the plot of the main series. The plot is logical and good. The atmosphere of the series is well conveyed. It is nice to see familiar faces.

However, the movie is quite dragged out to be honest. There are noticeable flaws in the actors, who do not visually match the characters of the relative finale. Even though it's been 6 years, it looks rather irreverent in some things that could have been fixed.

If you've watched the main series, and decide to watch this movie to close the gestalt, it's quite watchable. Without an understanding of the series, the movie has very little to offer.

Breaking Bad (2008–2013)

One of the greatest TV series that launched the era of serials

[9/10 · 11 September 2023]

This is undoubtedly one of the greatest series that have ever been created, and with it began the era of TV series. It is the type of series that even after a while you can rewatch with great pleasure and fully feel the masterpiece of the series. Not only thanks to the interesting plot twists, which you can not predict, but also developed characters that are interesting to watch. If by some miracle you haven't watched the series yet, and especially if you haven't caught spoilers, you are lucky to feel the first emotions from the first viewing.

The series is made flawlessly. How good the direction, camerawork, sound, music, actors and much more unites this series, just a titanic effort. And that's just what lies on the surface, because underneath the series has superbly developed characters, plot, visual styles, philosophies, and that sort of thing you can think of. The series from start to finish is made to make a masterpiece, not to pour water on.

Minuses are very hard to find, but I think everyone will find something to dig into, as you can't please everyone. I, from my bell tower, can only warn that I personally found season 3 and the first half of season 5 a little less cool/tightened. That doesn't mean they're bad, don't get me wrong, it's just that you can't be perfect everywhere and it's definitely not necessary to change anything. It's just that the directors decided on, my guess, a slightly different direction, or maybe it just happened, but they go right back to being perfect. I only noticed this after a second rewatch after a long time.

This is a series everyone should watch when the time comes. Absolutely no regret for the time spent. Not only will it keep you from getting bored, but it will leave a wonderful aftertaste and give you a new experience to think about.

Breaking Bad: Original Minisodes (2009–2011)

Walkthrough minisodes for the series Breaking Bad

[6/10 · 26 August 2023]

Having just started revisiting the main series for the second time, I learned that there are minisodes to the main series that were released before seasons 2, 3, and 4. The minisodes don't affect the plot of the main series in any way, except in one case that gave additional information to one small episode in the next season's series, which generally doesn't affect anything.

I enjoyed the first half of the minisodes the most, but I can't say that I enjoyed them all that much. There were a couple of funny moments, but nothing more.

On their own, the minisodes look like some clips that just exist, and that's it. That makes them questionable to watch in the absence of a new experience from them.

By not watching these minisodes, you don't lose or miss anything. Although the entire duration of the minisodes is about 36 minutes, but except for general familiarization and fan service it is not worth watching.

Black Mirror (2011– )

Cool and unusual series with new stories

[8/10 · 13 August 2023]

This is definitely a quality series where each series is a different story with its own concept and actors. Some series are definitely very interesting, some are ordinary, some are not particularly interesting, but the desire to continue watching remains all the same.

As a rule, each series has a well-developed plot with an interesting idea that fits into one series. The cast is always different, and sometimes there are famous actors, and they all play well. Everything is done at an excellent level.

Of course, each series with different stories and directing can not just be for everyone, so something will look uninteresting.

The series is worthy of attention. Everyone will be able to find an interesting series with the problems revealed in them, and in case of what just skip the uninteresting series without any consequences to watch the next series.

Under the Helmet: The Legacy of Boba Fett (2021 TV Special)

Short documentary about the character Boba Fett from the Star Wars universe

[6/10 · 27 July 2023]

For people who want to learn more about the universe and the characters in particular, and here it is about Boba Fett, this documentary can basically tell about him in general. For ordinary viewers, it will not be particularly interesting, as it is more of a fan theme.

It's done well on its own. It uses archival footage and information I've never seen before about the character and his history in a simple story, so it was new to me. Not to say that it gave me anything, but the fact of the matter.

If you're a fan of the Star Wars universe, and the character of Boba Fett in particular, you might want to check it out. For the average viewer, it's unlikely to be useful.

Disney Gallery: Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett (2022)

Documentary about the making of The Book of Boba Fett series

[6/10 · 25 July 2023]

It feels like they made a documentary just to exist, and to some extent for themselves and fans who want to see the story behind the creation of the Boba Fett series.

If you watched the documentary series about the creation of The Mandalorian, you won't learn much here, except for one moment and other similar stories like The Mandalorian and its creation. Made in the form of a one-episode story about the creation of the entire 1 season in 1 hour is enough, as there is nothing more to talk about and to put a check mark.

You can watch it if you really want to, but it is unlikely that you will learn something new for yourself.