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Reviews
From (2022)
Starting to wear thin
I saw some reviews on this show and the first two seasons were free on Amazon Video so I decided to tune in. The first season was interesting but the story is already starting to wear thin in season 2. Some of the main characters are great and I enjoy watching them i.e. Boyd, Donna, Kenny, Fatima, Kristi. It's just that the mystery isn't going anywhere and too many of the characters are just rotten for no reason. Also, the so-called smart characters just act annoying, no wonder no one wants to believe what their saying. I hope the third season is better. Hope I'll be able to watch it without having to get a subscription to another streaming channel.
The Acolyte (2024)
Disappointing
Why do they keep making these Stars Wars shows where you would have had to read some obscure comic or saw some animated show? Why can't they make a cohesive story that anyone can understand. This could have been so good if they had started from the beginning and really built a story, instead of jumping into some fight scene, with characters you know nothing about. I tuned into this show for Carrie Anne Moss and Amandia Stenberg. Only one of them has remained in the story and I don't think her character is all that interesting. This is why I didn't like the character of Rey in the Star Wars revivals. No interesting backstory and annoying side characters. Now another failure, sad.
Dark Matter (2024)
Could've been interesting but ultimately boring
I guess someone thought this was an interesting idea, and maybe it could've been if it had starred a better actor. I just don't garner much sympathy for the lead actor and his plight. The premise, though filled with scientific babble, doesn't really explain what is going on very well. It hard to be focused with so many alternate realities and so many of the same characters in them. I just got bored toward the end and really didn't care any more. The only character I thought had an interesting story was the psychologist. Her story made sense. Her journey was meaningful. Don't think I'd be willing to watch another season except to find out what happens to her.
Fallout (2024)
Surprisingly good
I don't have any prior knowledge when it comes to this show, so my enjoyment of it was quite a surprise. The writers did a great job setting the stage and giving novices a sense of this world. The acting is stellar with interesting characters that grab you right away, especially Cooper, Lucy and Maximus. Gets really nice to see Leslie Uggams on screen again, she is great. I haven't finished the season; it will be interesting to delve more into Lucy and Cooper and the groups in the bunker. I'm really glad they went through Cooper's backstory, and I hope that we get more about Lucy's father, if and when she finds him.
Tracker: Off the Books (2024)
Really enjoyed this
I am a fan of Tracker since my daughter turned me on to it. Also, a huge Jensen Ackles fan. I thought this episode was great, especially after we meet Colter's other sibling. I hope we find out more about Russell cause he's really interesting. Of course, Jensen brings grade A acting every time and he and Justin play well together.
It will be really great when we get to delve into the family history. Their mother is definitely sketchy, so is Russell and his job. It will be interesting to see where it all goes. I like the side characters, especially Reenie. Hope they get a few seasons out of this show and Jensen gets to play Russell for a while longer.
3 Body Problem (2024)
Interesting but just not interesting enough
3 Body Problem starts out as something very interesting with a lot of science behind it and some interesting characters. I was really intrigued at first by the group trying to solve the nature of the problem. There are a lot of interesting characters, problem is after each episode I didn't remember any of their names. That's a problem, no one grabbed me enough to remember them. As the episode evolved the science was interesting but the characters and situation became less so. I really dislike that it started with a scientific problem that needed to be solved and turned into a race to stop something totally lame from happening. I don't know what's going to happen in the next season, if there is one, but I probably will watch if there is. I just didn't love it and I really love sci-fi.
Shogun (2024)
Just not as enjoyable as I hoped
I saw the original Shogun with Richard Chamberlain and though not the best depiction of Japanese culture, it was enjoyable to watch. This remake was less enjoyable. Starting with the muted tones and sometimes difficult to follow dialog, the characters are less than engaging. There are only three standouts, Mariko, of course. The story was more hers than Toranaga's to me. Yasbushige was another standout and Lady Ochiba.
Overall, it was just lot of long sad scenes, with exposition. The worst character was Blackthorne. Nothing about the character or the actor's portrayal endeared me to his plight. All in all, a beautiful look into Japan but a less than enjoyable story.
Elsbeth (2024)
Not as impressed as I thought I would be
I loved Elsbeth on the Good Wife and the Good Fight, but so far I'm not impressed with this solo effort for her. It's like Columbo without the suspense, and I should add that on Columbo you knew who the killer was in advance; back them the killers were a whole lot smarter than the characters in Elsbeth. That fact makes it a bit boring after a while. We've seen her hijinks before and after a while they just irritate you.
I will probably continue to watch till the season ends. But I'm not enjoying it as much as I hoped I would. Really disappointed. Maybe it will get better when they reveal more.
Damsel (2024)
Enjoyable
Though Damsel projected almost its entire story in the trailer, I found it enjoyable. I always love seeing Robin Wright and Angela Bassett, Millie was also great. But the real standout is the Dragon, voiced by Shohreh Aghdashloo who's voice I just adore.
The visuals in the movie are stellar and what they are able to accomplish with just Millie on screen is fantastic. I do wish the backstory had been better fleshed out and I think they should have done more with the prince. I have read that the book does a better job with both.
This is definitely a B movie but it's a good time and people should watch it in that vein. It's a fun movie with a nice ending.
American Fiction (2023)
Enjoyable movie
I couldn't wait to see this movie. The casts are some of my favorite actors. American Fiction is an enjoyable and thought-provoking movie, especially to a closet writer. Jeffrey Wright, Sterling Brown, Leslie Uggams and Erika Alexander are great. It's funny and poignant without being in your face preachy. I think it's a movie anyone would enjoy. That being said I really don't find its story Oscar worthy nor are the performances in particular. Don't get me wrong Jeffrey Wright should have been recognized long ago and Sterling K Brown is good in everything he has done. But the story itself if lacking. Origin should have been given a chance to compete. It's an Oscar worthy story and the lead performer gives an Oscar worthy performance.
But I get off subject. For a good time and something to discuss with your Black friends and your true White friends, so see America Fiction.
Role Play (2024)
Just dumb
Someone in Hollywood really likes Kaley Cuoco. I tuned into this movie cause I liked some of the others with this premise, but after watching this one I think its time they stop. Why David Oyelowo wanted to star in produce this nonsense I will never know. The only interesting characters are Bill Nighy and Connie Nielsen who are not in the movie nearly enough. The children are really irritating. The character Emma could have been interesting if we had her story told better. Also I would have liked to see how the couple really met. I thought is was funny how many times a year she did her job. I would like a job like that. Again, these streaming movies are deteriorating one at a time.
If You Were the Last (2023)
Not fun to watch
I love Anthony Mackie so of course I had to try this movie, but it really wasn't much fun to watch. Sure, it's a popcorn flick and the two leads are cute together but in a non-romantic way.... and that's the problem. I just didn't get them as a couple, as colleagues yes, but romantically no. Also, I just didn't like the silly cartoon take on a science fiction film. If they wanted to use those kinds of antics, they should have gone for more of a Lower Decks vibe. I was so bored of the whole thing by the middle of the movie I fast forwarded to the end. I beginning to think these straight to streaming movies are mostly silly faire.
A Murder at the End of the World (2023)
Did I like it? Not so much.
I thought this movie might be interesting when I say the previews. Clive Owens usually stars in some relatively good movies. I started watching and was intrigued by Darby's story and Andy's story. Then the story got ridiculously complicated and nonsensical, and I started tuning out during episodes. The closer it got to the end, the more irritating the story and the dialog got. By the end, I didn't care anymore who did what. The end was also extremely predictable.
The visuals were striking, and the actors put in good performances for the sloppy material they were given. I just don't think the plot was very well thought out and the ending was disappointing.
Origin (2023)
Brilliant
I have been waiting to see Origin since I heard about after it got a standing ovation at a film festival. I watched for days to see where it was going to be shown and finally it came to my local theater. I had read good reviews and bad ones, but I knew I had to see it. And I was right. I haven't ever been moved so much by a film as I was moved by this one. My husband, who usually doesn't pay attention to artsy films, paid attention to this one. You have to get use to the time jumps but they work effectively. The movie is brilliant, with a stellar story, gut wrenchingly beautiful performances from the cast, and a message that hits you, whether you want to think about it or not. I agree with one reviewer who said everyone in the world should see this movie.
All the Light We Cannot See (2023)
Could have been way better
When I watch shows which are adapted from books that I haven't read I always wonder if the book was better. This story of French resistance featuring a blind radio operator and a German boy who is also festinated with radios should have been extremely engrossing and enjoyable. But this limited series was not. The production spent too much time on overly dramatic dialog and objects that were the least important to the story. I wish they had concentrated on the characters more especially Etienne. His story should have one of highlights of the story. This was just a missed opportunity. We all know how bad the Nazis were this should have been a story about the good people in a terrible war.
The Marvels (2023)
Written by a 12-year-old for other 12-year olds.
Went to see this movie with my 17- and 11-year-old granddaughters. One is a Ms. Marvel fan and the other is now. For me I was hoping for something that children and adults could enjoy. But, no only kids will enjoy this silly mess.
I enjoyed the Captain Marvel movie and thought the criticism was not warranted. I also loved Wanda Vision and the introduction of Monica Rambeau and I was hoping for at least a good continuation of her story. I didn't watch Ms. Marvel because I'm not a teen and I knew it wasn't for me; and after watching her parts in this movie I'm glad I stuck to that.
All three actresses are good and of course Samuel L in always a pleasure to see, but none of the other characters including the so-called villain were the least bit interesting. Most of the scenes were just downright silly. I hope they continue Monica's story with better writing and I wish Marvel would stop being silly and go back to making movies for adults and kids.
Found (2023)
Could be really good
I started watching this after I saw a preview. It looked really interesting, and the first few episodes of Season 1 were interesting. But as the season progressed the stories have become less interesting to frankly boring.
I the show is about the relationship between Gabi and Sir but the show is called found, so the people they need to find should be interesting too. So far, they've been less than interesting.
The acting is top notch especially the two actresses that play Gabi and the actor who plays Sir. Margaret, Zeke and Dhan are also interesting characters. Lacey should be an interesting character, but she isn't, and Mark Trent is kind unnecessary and boring.
I hope the stories get better because I would like to see the conflict between Sir and Gabi continue to grow. It would be nice if the people their looking for get more depth to their stories.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)
Gives no insight into Snow
I enjoyed the original Hunger Games movies and especially since I thought President Snow was one of the most interesting characters. I didn't read any of the books, so I didn't compare the movies to them. But I hope that the book this movie is based on was better than what was presented. My major beef is that the characterization of Snow gave us zero insight into what made him what he was in the future. The acting is good, but the characters are mostly unlikeable. Things are just thrown in without any thought to cohesiveness. Yes, the actress who plays Lucy Gray can sing and the atmosphere was definitely reflective of the capital and the districts, but for the most part the story and Snow were hollow. Just average to bad entertainment.
Gen V (2023)
Just okay
I started watching this because I loved The Boys and I was hoping for a Soldier Boy cameo. Got that, but really didn't think the show itself was that great. A few of the characters are interesting: Marie, Shetty, Andre and Cate. But the rest of the superhero students are just annoying. Also, the adults like Shetty and Dr. Cardosa are more interesting than the kids. I would have loved to see more of their stories. Even the parents, especially Polarity and Emma's mother deserved more screen time than some of the students. Also, the big build up to the mediocre ending was really disappointing. May or may not watch their season two. I'd rather stick with the grownup Boys.
Invasion (2021)
Really great
Apple+ now has five great series: Invasion, Silo, Hijack, For All Mankind and Foundation.
I think I put this series and Foundation in the same great SciFi category as the Expanse. Movies have done alien invasions to death but this is a fresh take to me. Yes it's not perfect, I wish there weren't subtitles which are really hard to read quickly. And yes some of the scenes are so dark it's hard to see what's going on. But for the most part the story is engaging and the characters are extremely well written and drive the story. It's very different and I think that's a good thing. I think people who make movies are finally getting it, character is everything.
Ahsoka (2023)
High hopes dashed
I had high hopes for Ahsoka because I loved the animated Clone Wars. I even binged the whole seventh season so I could remember what happened. But, my high hopes were dashed with the first episode and never got any better. Though the actors are good, they are given really a boring, tedious story to work with. By the end of the season, I really didn't care what happened. This is the same thing that happened with Bobba Fett and the second season of the Mandalorian.
There was one good part, seeing Anakin with Hayden getting better dialog than he got in the two movies he was saddled with. The young Ahsoka was infinitely more interesting than the Rosario's character was. Too bad.
This show cemented for me that the only successful Star Wars series is Andor. I sure hope they don't mess it up when it comes back.
Hijack (2023)
Great blend of procedure and action
Hijack is a great blend of procedural TV and action. I watch anything that Idris is involved with. This surprised me in its depth of character and storytelling. It goes to a place I didn't expect and that's a good thing.
Some of it is a little over the top but for the most part it reminds me a lot of the old Airplane disaster movies where you go around learning character backstories in the plane and on the ground. The visuals are great and the dialog spot on for the situation. I do wish they had done translation for all of the dialog, at least for the audience to better understand what was being said. A great show, but I don't know how they will carry it into a Season 2.
Secret Invasion (2023)
An unfortunately sad and boring show
I had high hopes for Secret Invasion since I am a Nick Fury fan, but sadly the storyline just didn't go down well and the villains, especially Gravik were not well fleshed out.
Samuel L was his usually great self as an older Nick Fury, his time on screen were some of the best parts of the show. Too bad the storyline didn't do him justice. My other favorite characters were Sonya and Priscilla. These two would have been great additions to the MCU before this show. I can't say the same for G'ian. The climatic end between her and Gravik was overly lengthy at best and silly at worst. I really don't care to know how the MCU is going to carry her character forward; but I guess it'll give Sonya more story time. Too bad this turned out to be another missed opportunity for Marvel.
They Cloned Tyrone (2023)
Could have been way better
I saw the trailer for this and thought it would be fun to watch. I'm a fan of the actors and the storyline of cloning a black guy has to be interesting, right? Well not so much.
I'll start with the good. The acting is stellar and the costuming and cinematic tone is spot on for the genre. Teyonah Paris was so great she outshined the boys (Foxx and Boyega who were good). The music was also great and even the small characters were fleshed out.
It was the story I had a problem with. I know there was a message, and the message was semisolid; but the plot holes were too large to ignore. I'm not going to go into them since it would create spoilers, but logic was missing. But maybe it was supposed to be, since it's a fantastical story.
On a personal note, it was hard for me to watch since it was difficult to hear and understand what the actors were saying a lot of the time. Plus, I think the movie could have been better without all the profanity, but I guess they were trying to make it real. I might have to try and watch it a second time to see if I get it better than I did the first time, but the language might stop me.
Citadel (2023)
Not great but pretty interesting
I decided to watch Citadel after I watched Jack Ryan. I hadn't heard very good thing about it but for me it was pretty interesting. I really like some of the characters. Nadia for one and Tucci's computer genius. Also, the story has an intriguing villain. The visuals are good except for a few really bad CGI moments. The action is top notch. The dialog isn't always great but no worse than anything else i.e the Night agent, The Recruit. Teh story is really interesting but sometimes it's hard to tell who's who. I think people should watch it and make up their own minds. If you liked those other two shows I mentioned, you'll probably like this one. I hope they continue to the story. I would hate to see it end with just one season.