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Invasion (2021)
The Long Haul Ride
I love alien invasions and end of world narratives, so this seemed right up my alley and I have to say that I'm surprised by the low overall score. However, this is a slow burn in the sense that the first several episodes are used for character building with the occasional reveal - just enough to remind you that there is indeed something unsettling going on. There are 4 distinct character threads occurring simultaneously which may seem superfluous at first, but watch on; there is a purpose.
The way the show progresses reminds me of Independence Day (1996) in the sense that, for the first hour or so or the film, characters were introduced while tensions built; things start escalating around the 80 minute mark. For this show, that happens around episode 6, which is undoubtably longer than many want to wait, but I found the payoff to be worth it.
I personally enjoyed the core cast in the show and felt they did a great job; their reactions and emotions seemed, for the most part, believable given the circumstances (with one notable exception). The character threads span across 4 international regions, too, which I found refreshing as alien invasions don't just affect the United States.
Apart from the characters, special effects were generally good throughout which is a requirement for me to enjoy a show like this. Apple clearly put a solid budget behind this.
Give it at least 4 episodes before writing it off; if you aren't at least intrigued by that point then chances are it's not your type of show. There are also quite a few subtitles to read, so something to keep in mind if you aren't a fan of reading while watching a show or movie (worth mentioning - season 2 has far fewer).
I'm glad Apple renewed it for a second season which I just started watching - unlike the first season, it ramps up almost immediately, so take solace in that if you're the impatient type.
ZeroZeroZero (2019)
Cinema in a Mini-Series
This is one of the most well shot, well written miniseries I have ever seen, and yet nobody I talk to has ever heard of it (I myself heard of it from a podcast completely unrelated to tv/movies). Amazon definitely needed to promote this better.
To me, this felt like one really long film rather than a miniseries, and I mean that in the best way possible; there is very little discontinuity or downtime as each episode rolls on. The story itself is a tightly woven tale of 3 parties from 3 different countries involved in an international cocaine shipment, and it is executed wonderfully. The suspense is high and action nearly constant after the first episode, which admittedly takes a minute to get going, so be sure to give it a chance as it has to set the rather complicated story up.
The thing that shocked me the most was the production quality; Amazon must have spent a fortune on this because the set pieces, camera work, cinematography, acting etc. Are all top notch, and each episode feels like a film production. There are some rather breathtaking hover shots over exotic landscapes, and the locations felt authentic.
The show utilizes a "rewind" cinematic technique throughout that I thought was rather unique and well executed. At certain points the story will seemingly jump forward in time, and as things begin to converge and confusion sets in (as in, "what the hell did I miss?"), the timeline will rewind and you are given the missing details from a different character's perspective. It's executed extremely well, and adds additional suspense to an already wild show. You'll know these moments are about to happen because the camera slows and cued music begins to play for great effect.
If you don't mind reading a lot of subtitles (roughly 2/3 of the show) and this sounds interesting, definitely check it out. It's the best kept secret on Amazon.
The Expanse (2015)
The Tale of Two Halves
Overall, "The Expanse" is an excellent show. I had reservations about it after 2 seasons, but after finishing the 4th recently, I have to say I'm really excited for the 5th season coming to Amazon in December.
The premise is excellent, and the world building aspect is executed flawlessly. Set roughly 200-300 years in the future (I can't remember exactly), Mars and the Kuiper belt have been colonized, and Earth is run by the UN. Earth and Mars are in a cold war over the resources provided by the belt, and the whole scenario sets up a really interesting political and social dynamic between the three entities. This is one of the areas where the show really shines, and I found myself completely immersed in the struggle across 4 seasons.
Unfortunately, the first 2 seasons are not the best the show has to offer, and I found myself struggling to get through it at times. The first season takes a while to get going, but at times it's necessary to set up the broader aspects of the plot. The second season was pretty good overall, but occasionally felt like it lost direction with regard to the plot. Luckily, things improve substantially in the 3rd and 4th seasons; I literally tore through the episodes as the intensity ramped up. I also felt like the narrative became much more interesting, and the show really found its stride.
Unfortunately, the acting is not always the best, and there is one particular culprit I have in mind. Cas Anvar, who plays Alex Kamal, is hard to stomach most of the time, and is by far my least favorite character in the show. The writing for his character is not particularily good, either; everytime he said "hoss" in this weird pseudo Texan accent, I cringed. With that rant out of the way, I found the rest of the central cast to be quite good. Amos, played by Wes Chattam, was my favorite overall, and his arc felt realistic as the show progressed. Thomas Jane was also tremendous as the hard boiled Joe Miller; some of my favorite moments were with him on screen. Honorable mention goes to Cara Gee's Camina Drummer; I really enjoyed her pessimistic, fiery attitude.
Special effects aren't the best through the first 2 seasons, but that can be forgiven as CGI is expensive, and this show has a lot of it. With that being said, it gets much better with the start of the 3rd season and continues to improve. Costume design, however, is fantastic from start to finish, and I was especially fond of the Martian space suits.
Overall, I'd give the first 2 seasons a 6/10, and the following 2 a 9/10, which amounts to a total of 7.5/10. Considering how captivated I was by the show's final two seasons, I felt a round up was in order. If you are a fan of the sci-fi genre, definitely check this one out. if you enjoy the world and atmosphere but aren't a fan of the first few seasons, trudge on; it gets a lot better.
Epidemiya (2019)
A Surprisingly Excellent Pandemic Thriller
I had been looking for something new to watch, and randomly stumbled on a blog post gushing about this show. I decided to give it a shot, and could not stop watching over the course of 2 days.
If someone asked me to describe this show, I would say that it is a mix of "28 Days/Weeks Later" (2002, 2007) and "Contagion" (2011), with a uniquely Russian flair mixed in. I have never been exposed to a Russian producton before, and this show certainly set the bar high.
"To the Lake" follows an unlikely group of survivors as they attempt to battle their way out of Moscow, fleeing from a deadly virus that kills everything in its path within 3-4 days. The virus itself is shrouded in mystery, but the concept reminded me a lot of the aformentioned movie "Contagion". There are no zombies or supernatural entities found here; just a bleak depicition of mother nature's most efficient killing tool as it runs unchecked throughout Russia and beyond. I really appreciated this approach, and in my opinion, the show has a more realistic feel when compared to other pandemic shows that came before it (one AMC show in particular comes to mind...).
The editng and camera work were often reminiscent of the "28 Days" series, with hard cuts and shaky camera shots to help emphasize the horror and confusion of the situation. The cinematography was also excellent, and included some breathtaking shots of Russia's wilderness.
I only have a few minor gripes with the show. While the acting is excellent, there are moments where characters make some rather bewildering choices. My second issue is with the music; there are times where it feels out of place, or perhaps doesn't have the emotional impact that was intended. There are also times where the music is excellent, and reminded me (again) of the "28 Days" movies. Overall, it's a bit of a mixed bag.
With that being said, I definitely recommend this show. It's intense and bleak, but also has a uniquely human element to it that can be hard to capture in shows like this. If you like post apocalyptic movies/shows, definitely check this one out. For English speakers, I highly recommend watching this show in Russian with subtitles.
How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) (2019)
Fun, Funny, and Decidedly Unique
I stumbled on this show having low expectations, and it ended up surprising me quite a bit!
The show gets a lot of information correct regarding drugs and technology, too. In fact, I was pretty shocked that the writers were able to channel that information in a fun, captivating way. I'm a software engineer myself, so it's nice to see IT stuff (mostly) portrayed correctly. The only other show I can think of that also does this is Mr. Robot.
The editing is fast and flashy, often with music to match. I generally don't like that style as it feels overproduced, but it works really well here. The acting is convincing as well; I found myself caring about what happens to the show leads, and legitimately wanting to know what happens next. The humor is dark, and very German; I enjoyed it a lot, and frequently found myself laughing out loud.
Im from the US, but I also know a good amount of German so I watched this in German with English subtitles. I try not to read them, though, as it's good practice for me, and the show is pretty easy to follow. Only when they start speaking really fast do I have to go back and read the subtitles (some of the slang used is unfamiliar to me). English speakers will find this show easy to watch as some of the dialogue and all of the text is in English, so it's very accessible.
Anyway, if you're reading reviews, you're probably already interested. Check it out! The episodes are short, but they keep you engaged.
For All Mankind (2019)
A Great Fictional Show with a Unique Premise
When I first heard of this show, I wasn't sure if I would like it. The premise sounded interesting, but i also read a lot of criticism regarding the historical aspect of the show. I'm happy to report that I sincerely enjoyed it, and I can't wait for the second season.
Many people have complained about the historical accuracy of this show which, to me, seems hilarious as it is a fictional drama after all, and not a biography (although there are many real names pulled from history, they are used only as a basis point, and not a true re-creation). The show creators simply asked the question, "what if"? The answer to that question is what makes this a great show, as it explores some really interesting ideas about how the space race in the 60s and 70s may have played out if Russia beat the United States to the moon. Some suspension of disbelief is definitely needed to enjoy this show, though, as not all of these ideas are historically or scientifically plausible.
The writing feels genuine, and I thought the pacing was excellent. The show starts off relatively slow as it introduces you to the characters, but as it progresses, the tension level rises slowly. You also become invested in the characters and their relationships which, in my opinion, is a sign of good character development.
The acting is on point as well. This is probably Joel Kinnaman's best performance to date, and he leads the way with a stoic swagger as Commander Ed Baldwin. I also really enjoyed the performance of Wrenn Schmidt as Margo; I thought she did a fantastic job. Honorable mention goes to Sarah Jones as Tracy Stevens; I really enjoyed her character and all of its complexities. The rest of the cast was good as well...too many good performances to list here.
I thought the special effects were impressive as well. Obviously there is a lot of CGI involved, and overall it felt convincing. Sometimes shows get this stuff wrong, and it can completely break immersion; not the case here. Costumes/makeup felt accurate for the time period, although I was born in the 80s so I may not be the best judge.
TLDR; This show has a great premise, fantastic acting, impressive special effects, and good pacing. It is not historically or scientifically accurate, though, so don't watch it if that's what you want out of it.
Bombshell (2019)
A Solid Film About Fox with Excellent Costumes/Makeup
I thought this was a really interesting film. The topic of Roger Ailes is always a polarizing one, and this film does a pretty good job of capturing that animosity.
The costumes and makeup in this movie were absolutely on point. Both Nicole Kidman and Charlize Theron looked the part, and had some striking resemblances to Gretchen Carlson and Megyn Kelly, respectively. In some films, these transformations can be distracting rather than immersing, but I am happy to say that is not an issue with Bombshell. The only person who didn't feel 100% authentic was John Lithgow as Roger Ailes, but that's tough to pull off and they did a convincing job nonetheless.
The acting was mostly good throughout. Nicole Kidman was fantastic, and Margot Robbie did a good job as well. Charlie Theron was....about 75% excellent in my rough estimation. There were times when I felt that her acting slipped a bit in wake of the Kelly impersonation, and it distracted me from what was being said (I felt this way a lot in the beginning of the film, and it improved as things progressed). With that being said, she did get nominated for an Oscar so what the hell do I know?
My biggest issue with the film was its continuity and directing. The plot seemed to really speed up in certain parts, which was a bit jarring. There were also some strange editing choices which I did not like. Lastly, the film used some fourth wall monologues which felt "cheap" in my opinion (also poorly edited), and I generally love that medium of storytelling.
Overall this is a good movie with an important message. The acting, makeup, and costume design provide a level of verisimilitude which feels very authentic. I did have some issues with the film, but they weren't distracting enough to really hurt things. I did not feel incredibly impressed after watching Bombshell, but I definitely enjoyed it and will most likely watch it again.
Altered Carbon (2018)
Falls a Bit Short of Expectations
This show has all the ingredients to be excellent. Unfortunately, I found it lacking in several key areas.
First I'll start off by saying what I liked about the show (and what ultimately kept me watching). The show's premise is absolutely awesome; in the distant future, everyone has their consciousness stored and can swap out their body like a snake sheds skin. The world building aspect of the show is also implemented quite well, and I must say that learning about the environment, technology, and social structure is what kept me reeled in for the duration of season 1. Altered Carbon is aesthetically pleasing, too; the universe has a unique cyberpunk feel which keeps you wondering and guessing about all the elements you see on screen. These aforementioned traits are the best part about the show, and are executed extremely well.
Unfortunately, the acting and the plot are not held to the same pedigree.
The acting was ok, but certainly nothing extraordinary.I thought Joel Kinnaman, playing the role of Takeshi Kovacs, did a solid job, and helped keep me engaged as the episodes rolled on. I also thought Martha Higareta did a good job as well portraying Kristin Ortega; the chemistry between those 2 on screen are some of the better parts of the show. The rest of the cast was...mediocre. I'm not revealing spoilers here but if you watch the show you will see what I mean.
The real issue with this show, in my opinion, is the plot. There are plot holes everywhere and very little continuity between scenes (or episodes). For a relatively simple "whodunit" premise, there are a lot of story elements missing that I felt the show needed. Some episodes were better than others so it may be a directing issue, but overall I felt that the pacing and story elements were the most lacking aspect of Altered Carbon.
Believe me when I say that I wanted to love this show. Aesthetically, it has everything I could ever ask for in a cyberpunk Sci-Fi show. Unfortunately, the plot and character progression (as well as some acting) ultimately end up hurting the final product...a lot.
I am still excited to see what they plan to do for season 2, but I will not be revisiting season 1 for a refresher. If you want to watch season 2 but haven't watched season 1, I recommend skipping most, if not all, of the episodes in favor of the synopsis.
EDIT FOR SEASON 2:
Well, it turns our my excitement was wrongfully placed. If anything, season 2 is a bigger disappointment than season 1 was, and I only made it through 4 episodes. The show-runners cast another great lead in Anthony Mackie, yet somehow failed to deliver again. Despite the fact that Kinnaman and Mackie are supposed to be playing the same person, Takeshi Kovacs, the performances felt detached. I'm lowering my review from a 5/10 to 4/10, as the second season is definitely a step-down. It's too bad because this show has the potential to be fantastic...
Tomb Raider (2018)
Not Completely Terrible
Let me preface by saying that i've played most of the Tomb Raider games, both new and old, and I am completely in love with Alicia Vikander; thus I may be somewhat biased. However, i'll try to be as objective as possible.
I'll start by saying that this movie is pretty predictable; I found myself guessing plot events before they even happened. Ususally this is a big turnoff, but in the case of this film it was not.
What makes this movie interesting is the set pieces, locale, and the origin story. Those who grew up destroying dudes with duel pistols as Lara will probably want to, at the very least, give this one a look. You can definitely see the parallels between the games and this film, which I enjoyed. There are also some pretty cool similarities between the 2013 reboot video game and this movie, which I also enjoyed.
The acting is ok; Vikander does a good job as Lara and Dominic West does a fine job as Richard Croft. The screen time shared between the 2 are perhaps some of the best moments of the film. The rest of the cast is, well, mediocre. They get the job done and i'll leave it at that.
The ending is probably the least predictable portion of this entire film and I enjoyed that. It broke the chain, so to speak, of me guessing what would happen next.
In conclusion, there are some awesome set pieces, lots of explosions, and Lara running aroung shooting fools with a bow and arrow. The acting all around was pretty mediocre (sans a few actors mentioned above), and the plot is relatively predictable. With that being said, it's not a terrible movie at all and is worth seeing if you are a Tomb Raider fan. Also, there will most definitely be a sequel. At the very least, this film is leagues better than the ones starring Angelina Jolie which were pretty awful.
Logan (2017)
The X-Men Movie We Have All Been Waiting For
I absolutely applaud the creators of this film; finally, we are provided a mature, interesting take on Wolverine which has been long overdue. This film touches on themes of family, unity, and most of all, minority treatment wrapped in a relatable, superhero driven package.
I've been especially critical of superhero movies in recent years. Often, in my opinion, these films feel watered down as they are pumped out faster than we can watch them. I've always had a soft spot for X-Men, though, and this is by far the best of the bunch. Wolverine is one of my favorite superheros of all time, and we are finally rewarded with a mature, explicit movie that shows wolverine exactly as he was always meant to be shown.
This film is not meant to be a sequel machine; in fact, it is quite the opposite. "Logan" is meant to be a farewell to the character as we know it, and I must say that it was done in exceeding fashion. I did not expect this movie to be as incredible as it is, simply put. The characters are complex and mature and the plot is believable and exciting. Those of us that have been waiting for an adult superhero movie with a halfway decent script are finally rewarded with "Logan".
Hugh Jackman, as usual, does a fantastic job in his role. In fact, the entire cast does a great job. This film, though, more than any of the others, has a genuine, relatable feel to it. While there are obviously mutants involved, I think this is one of the most relatable superhero movies to date. With themes that touch heavily on the treatment of minorities and discrimination, "Logan" tells a story more impactful than any superhero film made before it.
If you are an X-Men fan, then you will absolutely love this one. If you aren't, there are plenty of other reasons to see it. With excellent acting and a memorable script, "Logan" will most certainly resonate with viewers long after the credits have rolled. The themes I mentioned previously aid fantastically to the already great plot and give us something else to think about apart from action and conflict. To top it all off, there is blood, gore, and swearing to boot. This is a Wolverine film done right, and I think it is a fantastic farewell to one of the best characters in Marvel's illustrious history.
Interstellar (2014)
A Film Which Will Transcend Generations
So many people have already reviewed this film, but after my most recent viewing, I now feel compelled to write a review as well. Films like "Interstellar" come along very rarely; but when they do, they transcend generations.
This film, deep down, is about love and how it can penetrate barriers we didn't even know existed. While the science behind this film may not be completely accurate, the concept is spot on; Nolan's writing compels us to see the value in the most confusing and powerful of all emotions which human beings share. I simply cannot applaud him enough for bringing us a story which teaches a real lesson about the human condition. He also brings us a story that can be enjoyed on many different levels; if you aren't one for the sentimental stuff, then take solace in the fact that there is plenty of thrilling moments within this film. If you want an intense sci-fi experience, then this will certainly deliver; however, it is my feeling that this story is about much more than the end of the world and space travel. Thus, those who seek a deeper meaning will be rewarded as well.
The acting in this film is nothing short of sensational; Matthew McConaughey is brilliant, simply put. This movie, along with "Dallas Buyers Club", have significantly changed my opinion of him as an actor. His recent body of work clearly shows that he is more than just an attractive rom-com star. Anne Hathaway also delivers a great performance, and showed range that I did not know she had. Perhaps the best of them all, though, is Mackenzie Foy as 10-year old Murph. Her performance was so genuine that it moved me emotionally, which is something that doesn't often happen for me in movies. There are many other noteworthy performances as well; I could go on and on. This film has some of the best supporting actors in the business (Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine, Casey Affleck, ect...).
Lastly, i'll touch on the plot. While it can be boiled down to a few simple constructs, overtly it is quite complex. It may take a few viewings to truly digest everything that happens in this film, but I think this is one of the things that makes it so great. Not unlike Nolan's other masterpiece, "Inception", one can take away different things from each new play through of "Interstellar". This, along with the themes of survival, love, humanity, and faith are ultimately why I think this movie will go down as one of the greatest of all time (and transcend generations to come).
Ultimately, this film isn't perfect; it very close, however, and the flaws that it has can easily be overlooked by everything it does well. While the sentimental undertones or the extreme science fiction backdrop may be a bit too much for some (those familiar with quantum mechanics may find it a bit too unrealistic), I think most who view this will find it remarkable. Christopher Nolan continues to revolutionize cinema with his bold stories and ideas, and "Interstellar" is yet another notch on his belt. Don't miss this one folks, as it will most certainly be a film that resonates with generations to come.
Short Term 12 (2013)
A Well Shot, Well Acted Film Lacking Substance
I'm going to keep this one nice and short. While I notice and applaud this film for the story it tells, I just didn't find it all that interesting. Many will probably disagree with me on this, but I simply could not stay engaged throughout this movie.
I will say that the cinematic style and acting in this film are top notch. The ambience of this film is spot on for the content; ultimately, I was very impressed with the way this film was shot. The overall "feel" of this movie is anchored in realism; the shaky camera shots and lack of filters do a great job setting the tone for the bleak environment these characters live in. I applaud the director for portraying this world in a believable fashion.
I will also say that the acting in "Short Term 12" is impressive overall. With memorable performances from Brie Larson and John Gallagher Jr, the entire film feels very authentic in it's own right. The supporting cast does a fine job as well; Rami Malek contributes a solid performance as the new guy at the facility and helps set the tone with the rest of the cast.
When it comes down to it, I just didn't find the story in "Short Term 12" very engaging. This is just my humble opinion and should not sway others from seeing this film, but I thought the script left much to be desired. In the midst of all the great acting and ambience, the story and script is ultimately what brings this movie down from greatness.
While I did not enjoy the story (I fell asleep 3 times) I must give credit where credit is due. The acting, directing, and cinematography in "Short Term 12" are all top notch, delivering what I felt was an authentic experience despite my criticisms of the plot. Definitely check this one out as it may be one that resonates with you more than it did with me.
Split (2016)
A Solid Thriller That Derails at the End
Overall I enjoyed this film, despite it's flaws. The concept is very intriguing in my opinion and has a lot to offer from a story telling perspective. For the majority of the film I was captivated and invested in the character's wellbeing...until the end. This movie is a shining example of how an ending can diminish what was an otherwise enjoyable experience.
I will start by saying that James McAvoy was brilliant in "Split". He has, over the years, proven his worth and this film is yet another notch in his belt. While the script is inconsistent at times, McAvoy carries the load with his protrayal of a young man suffering from split personality disorder (23 to be exact, and thus we are given the title "Split"). The acting is definitely one of the bright spots of this film, and McAvoy does not disappoint; he delivers a truly memorable experience from start to finish. The rest of the cast does a fine job as well; I was especially impressed by the performance of Betty Buckley who plays the therapist of Mcavoy's character Kevin.
With an interesting premise and good-to-great acting, what could have possibly went wrong? Well, M. Knight Shyamalan is what went wrong. While i'll give him credit for rising above his recent disasters (and lets be honest, he hasn't made a halfway decent film since "The Village"), he again attempts to be a bit too clever with this one. The "twist", as it's become known as in his works, is downright terrible and threatens to derail the entire movie. In fact, the first time I watched this I did not like it because of this "twist". It wasn't until my second viewing that I was able to appreciate this movie for what it does well.
While the climax of this film is pretty disappointing, the actual conclusion is somewhat interesting. For those who have seen Shyamalan's (good) films, you will know what I speak of when you reach the end. Many did not like this, but I found it to be a pretty cool conclusion. Watch for yourself to see what I mean.
I originally rated this film a 5 simply for the disappointing aformentioned climax, but after a second viewing I have decided that it deserves a better score than just "average". You must suspend disbelief if you wish to truly enjoy this film, but that isn't uncommon in the movie world. While the climax of the film leaves much to be desired (as well as some of the over-arching plot), overall this is a solid thriller worth watching in my opinion. Kudos to M. Knight for making another film actually worth watching (and one that doesn't make the list for potential worst movies ever).
Wonder Woman (2017)
An Above Average Superhero Film
I'm incredibly surprised by all the 1 star reviews on here. Is this really the worst movie you reviewers have ever seen? "Woder Woman" has it's flaws, sure, but is far from the worst movie i've ever seen. In fact, I found this to be one of the better superhero movies i've seen recently.
As I stated before, this movie has it's flaws; the beginning of the film, while necessary I suppose to explain the backstory, felt fairly contived to me. The acting was mediocre at best (Robin Wright's character, Antiope, most of all) and the "Amazon kingdom", where Diana (Wonder Woman) is from, felt hastily pieced together. Once the film leaves the island, however, things improve quite a bit.
Now on to some positives. I felt that the supporting cast did an excellent job in this film. Chris Pine delivers another solid performance, which is to be expected these days. Danny Huston puts in a believable performance as the evil German general and, in my opinion, served as the best antagonist in the film. Ewen Bremner also does a good job in his usual "silly character" role which has seemingly followed him since his first big performance in "Trainspotting". Gal Gadot does a fine job in the leading role, delivering what I felt was a fairly authentic performance overall.
This film takes place during the Great War of 1918 which was an intriguing choice in my opinion. The setting seems pretty believable considering the context, which helps draw you into the film. The action scenes are, for the most part, well executed and aren't so frequent as to compromise the plot. This film does have a semblence of a plot, too, which is a big reason why I liked it. Many superhero movies forgo the plot for constant action, which luckily "Wonder Woman" does not do. This allows us a chance to spend some time with the interesting characters. I felt the humor in this film was really well done as well, and did not seem forced like so many movies do. It also fit the time period fairly well.
The ending has it's issues, but overall I felt it climaxed at the proper time and ended at the proper time as well. While the runtime is quite long (2 hours 20 minutes), it never felt dull apart from the first 25 minutes or so. There is one particularly emotional scene right before the end that I felt was really well done, especially for a movie such as this. The conclusion leaves room for sequels like all superhero movies do, and while I don't really care for these types of endings, it was expected nonetheless.
Overall this film is indeed flawed, but I still enjoyed it as a whole. it is certainly not worthy of all these 1 star reviews it is receiving (is this movie seriously on par with Battlefield: Earth? I think not). While I was hesitant to watch it, in the end i'm glad I did. Watch it for yourself before passing judgement and see if you agree with me. This is the best DC movie thus far in my opinion, and well worth the chance.
The Purge: Election Year (2016)
A Below Average Film With Some Redeeming Qualities
This is definitely a mediocre film at best, but despite the mostly poor acting and cliche script, I felt the need to actually watch the entire thing. Despite the aforementioned issues, this movie does have some redeeming qualities worth enduring through.
The first big issue with "The Purge: Election Year" is the writing. The script is filled with cliches, some which were borrowed from the first film (I guess it is a sequel though, to be fair). While there are a few interesting characters, many of them seem very forced. Some unfortunately follow some pretty stereotypical archetypes (the store owner and clerk come to mind here) which end up hindering the overall experience. Beyond character development, the plot often feels pretty ludicrous. The concept of the film is very interesting in my opinion, but the scenarios presented seem contrived. Watch for yourself and see if you agree with me or not.
The acting in this movie is decent overall, but many of the lesser roles were terrible. Some scenes were downright cringe worthy. The central cast does a pretty solid job, though, considering the script. I found myself invested in their story arc, even if some of the lesser actors failed to meet the performance of their peers.
The primary redeeming qualities of this film seem to revolve around the concept and imagery. For whatever reason, the idea of a "purge" is a very creative and interesting concept for a film in my opinion, and the imagery that accompanies this fictional world is very interesting as well. Costumes, special effects and music were all done quite well in "The Purge: Election Year", are are a huge reason why this movie doesn't fail completely.
Overall, this is a below average film. The concept is unique, but the overall execution leaves much to be desired. There are a few qualities that prevent this film from being downright terrible, but there are many other films I would watch before this one. If you're bored, check it out.
Black Sails (2014)
Surprisingly, This is one of my Favorite Shows of all Time
Friends have been telling me to watch Black Sails for years, yet I put it off because I did not have Starz (and also because it didn't look that appealing overall). I recently earned myself a few free months of Starz and decided to give this is a shot, and I am so incredibly happy I did.
Throughout the show, I found myself utterly surprised by the overall quality of...everything. The ship battles are sincerely epic, while not occurring so often as to make them seem dull. The costume design, set design, ships, location etc. are all extremely well done. The creators also got many of the historical aspects of the time correct, much to my astonishment. I found myself fact checking things said or done in the show only to find that they were indeed real or at the very least, plausible. This is not a children's story; Black Sails portrays pirate life much differently than we are used to seeing in present standards.
The acting in this show is truly captivating as well. While some of the lesser characters don't deliver their best at all times, the mainstays of the show are always at their very best. From the badass captain Flint to the nefarious Charles Vane, every character feels impactful. This is very much a show about anti-heroes; you will find yourself rooting for the bad guys more often than not. I tip my cap to all the actors involved, as the central cast does a truly fantastic job.
Luckily, Black Sails also improves as it progresses. Midway through the first season, I was left with mixed feelings. By the end of the 4th season, I was stunned and utterly upset it was over. You really become attached to these characters throughout the seasons, which to me is a sign of great character development. Black Sails does it better than almost any show out there, matched only by the very best.
I rarely give out 10s, but this show is most deserving of it's rating in my opinion. From everything I stated and more, Black Sails will go down as one of my favorite TV shows of all time (and probably the best damn pirate saga we may ever get).
Silicon Valley (2014)
Hilarious, Intelligent and very Original
I rarely write reviews for TV shows, but considering how incredible "Silicon Valley" is, I felt like sharing my 2 cents on the topic. Many of the reviews for this show were after or during season 1, so i'm happy to say that the show is still amazing halfway through season 4.
Like many other reviewers, I am a programmer myself so I have a great appreciation for the show's technical content, even if it is sometimes unrealistic (it is a comedy first and foremost, after all). While there is a variety of computer science related topics discussed on this show, you do not need a technical background at all to enjoy it's content. A lot of people I talk to seem uninterested in "Silicon Valley" simply because they feel like they won't understand it, but that simply isn't the case; while a background in IT/computer science will certainly help you understand some of the jargon used, it is not at all necessary to enjoy it.
What makes this show so special is the characters; each character is hilarious in their own right and together, they make for some pretty fantastic moments (particularly the back and forth banter between the characters Dinesh and Gilfoyle). T.J. Miller is absolutely hysterical as the weed smoking Erlich Bachman and I highly doubt anyone could pull off the dialogue better than him. The writing is also very witty which definitely helps bring the characters alive. Those who follow the tech world will notice that some of the characters are archetypes of real people (i'm thinking of you, Mark Cuban) and helps bridge the gap between the fictitious world these characters operate in and the world we see around us everyday.
I'm so glad this show has not lost it's way since the first season, and one could argue that it has gotten better as the years have progressed. The cast feeds off of each other so well, and coupled with the fantastic, intelligent writing, this may be the best comedy on TV right now (my opinion of course). If you don't know anything about computer science or IT, do not worry; it simply acts as a vehicle for the plot and in no way affects the comedy happening on screen.
If you have not watched "Silicon Valley" yet, definitely give it a shot. It may not be for everyone, but I certainly think that most people will find it hilarious.
The Void (2016)
Decent Potential Wasted
After watching the trailer, I had decent hopes for this film; unfortunately, "The Void" falls flat in a variety of ways.
The one positive thing I will say about this film is that the imagery is quite intriguing. Without giving too much away (if you do decide to attempt this one), "The Void" seemingly draws inspiration from h.P. Lovecraft and John Carpenter style films and often feels quite authentic in it's own right. This is one of the main reasons I finished the film, and is by far the most redeeming quality "The Void" has.
Unfortunately, that is where the positives end. "The Void" starts off interestingly enough, but due to poor writing and major pacing issues, things fall apart quickly. Major plot points are not explained in detail whatsoever, and character development is poorly fleshed out as well. To make things worse, the characters aren't all that interesting anyway, which makes it incredibly hard to care about their motives and fate throughout the film.
To sum things up succinctly, this is a poorly made film with some decent cinematography and some unique and shocking imagery. The mise-en-scene qualities of this film are ultimately what kept me watching, but due to poor pacing, bad characters and an absolutely horrible ending, "The Void" is something most people can, and will, skip.
Mr. Robot (2015)
Simply One of the Best TV Shows Out There. Period.
Where do I start? Perhaps by stating what I feel is important; forget the fact that Mr. Robot airs on USA network, as it is HBO/Showtime quality material from start to finish. The writing is fantastic, the acting is generally good throughout, and the music is uniquely fitting for the world these characters live in. Mr. Robot is a show of many twists, some more obvious than others, but more importantly it bucks the trend of storytelling found in most modern cable TV shows.
What I found interesting about this show is that the producers/writers are quite willing to push the proverbial envelope for network television. There is plenty of sex, swearing(although it is "silenced" out, it's still quite obvious what the characters are saying), violence and backstabbing to keep even the most grizzled Game of Thrones vet interested.
More importantly than that though, is the content that the show brings. For once we have an intelligent show about not just hacker's lives, but hacking in general. Most of the hacks found in this show are grounded in at least some reality, which is a far cry from what we are used to seeing in movies and media over the last several decades. Notice Elliot booting up a Kali Linux distro on his computer to "own" one of his targets? That's about as real as it gets in the hacking world, and I truly appreciate the realism the show brings. As a Computer Science student who is currently focusing on Cyber Security, I really appreciate the level of detail Mr. Robot brings in regard to cyber security/attacks. Even the computer jargon used by the characters is nearly always accurate, which is even more surprising for a TV show.
If you don't care about all the techie stuff, there is plenty of twists, intrigue, and backstabbing here for everyone. While the show certainly focuses heavily on computers/hacking, you certainly don't need a background to understand whats going on. It sure does make it more interesting if you do, though ;)
Overall this is a show that deserves all the credit it is getting, and more. I waited until season 2 came out before I started watching season 1, mostly because I thought USA wasn't capable of delivering a show of this caliber. This is my humble opinion obviously but if you are like me, don't let the network turn you off. This show has a lot to offer for most, if not all, adult audiences, and should be given at least the first 3 episodes before judgment. I just cannot applaud the creators/producers enough for creating a smart, accurate, show about the modern technology world. If you haven't watched it yet, well, you have 2 seasons to catch up on. And for that, i'm very jealous.
Ex Machina (2014)
One of the Finest, Most Thought Provoking Sci-Fi Movies of All Time
"Ex Machina" is one of those films that has resonated with me heavily. I've now watched this film 3 times in the last week and I have to say, no sci-fi movie(or any genre for that matter) in recent memory has impacted me quite like this one has. I almost NEVER re-watch a movie more than once a month unless it's an instant favorite, and while it may not be my favorite movie of all time, it has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of my 10 favorite films of all time.
I'll skip the synopsis since you can read it above(and I don't want to give too much away, either) but this is a movie best watched with little to no knowledge about the subject material going in. This may seem like a strange concept but I think it vastly adds to the viewing experience. You can probably guess, based off the title and other hints, that this is a film about Artificial Intelligence which is a topic that I am extremely intrigued and somewhat terrified by. "Ex Machina" chooses to focus on the more philosophical side of AI which is a nice change of pace when comparing it to films of similar subject material.
Currently, I am a Computer Science student working on my undergrad and i've also written several college essays about Artificial Intelligence and the impacts it has/could have on the future of mankind. Because of this, the subject material in this film is something that really hit home for me. Writer/director Alex Garland did a fantastic job portraying Artificial Intelligence not as sci-fi but as something our world is facing NOW, which I give him a lot of credit for. Before, AI has been fictionalized as something that will occur hundreds of years from now, when the movement is in fact happening now. It may be a while before we start seeing sentient robots walking the streets, but the fact of the matter is that advanced AI is right around the corner and something we should all be aware of.
As far as special effects go, "Ex Machina" is a real treat to watch. The effects are very subtle yet extremely realistic looking and, because of this, it netted itself an Oscar for special effects. Again, I don't want to give too much away, but the amount of realism Garland was able to achieve on a relatively low budget is nothing short of stunning. The cinematography in this film is also a real treat to watch; the film takes place in the vast wilderness of Alaska, and some of the scenic shots are breathtaking to watch.
Lastly, i'll touch on the acting. All 3 of the main actors deliver stellar performances in "Ex Machina", and i'm actually surprised Oscar Isaac didn't get a best supporting actor nod for his work in this film. I've become a big fan of Isaac over the last year, and I think this movie is a fantastic example of what he can do. His character is nothing short of hilarious at times but also displays a vulnerability that is difficult to portray for a movie like this. Domhnall Gleeson and Alicia Vikander are both terrific in this film as well, and the screen time they share together shows fantastic chemistry. All 3 deliver extremely memorable performances which is key to a film like this because if any one of them was less than stellar, the movie would have suffered greatly for it.
I know my review is rather vague, and as I stated above, I did this on purpose. You will want to know as little as possible about the plot of this film heading in as it will drastically improve the overall viewing experience. From start to finish, "Ex Machina" delivers laugh out loud moments, fantastic cinematography, and absolutely stunning special effects. The subject material is very cerebral as well, and will probably have you thinking about the ending long after the final credits roll. Movies like this don't come along very often and, when they do, they deserve to be celebrated. "Ex Machina" is simply one of the most thought provoking films i've seen in recent years, and I will continue to think about the message it delivers as our society continues to advance further in the technology era.
I rarely hand out 10/10s but in this case, It doesn't deserve anything less. "Ex Machina" isn't just one of the best films of 2015 but, in my humble opinion, one of the best films of this decade and one that I will continue to ponder as the years roll on.
The Pyramid (2014)
"The Pyramid": Worst Movie I've Seen in the Last 5 Years
Let me preface my review of this nonsense by saying that I am a fan of the horror genre, and more specifically, the "creature feature" sub-genre within the horror universe. I'm also a huge fan of the "found footage" style of filmmaking when it is done correctly, as it can add a layer of realism that cannot be found elsewhere. The reason i'm prefacing with these statements is to show that, despite all the negativity surrounding it, "The Pyramid" was a movie I thought I might enjoy. Unfortunately for me and my precious time, this was not the case.
I could go into a verbose, analytical breakdown of why this movie is so bad but I won't, simply because this movie does not deserve the time or effort. I'm only writing this review so that I will, hopefully, save some of you folks an hour and twenty-nine minutes of precious time which can be spent doing something far more enjoyable.
The script of "The Pyramid" is ludicrous, filled with horror clichés which have been rehashed a thousand times over, and none of which are done even remotely well. The special effects utilized in this film rely heavily on CGI, which in turn severely diminishes the realism the director was going for with the "found footage" style. The CGI isn't particularly good, either; scenes in which it is used feel overly cheesy and quite unrealistic. The painful special effects, along with bad writing and acting that oscillates from mediocre to terrible, come together to form the laughably incoherent experience that is "The Pyramid".
And laughable is what this film is, whether it was intended to be or not(it wasn't). I found myself having a few "lol" moments during scenes that were meant to be scary, which obviously detracts from the whole horror thing the movie was aiming for. If "The Pyramid" was a marksman and horror was the bullseye, then the bullet hit the trees somewhere behind the target. If you still intend to watch this movie after all this, then take solace in the fact that you should get a good laugh or two along the way.
In the end, there is no reason to mince words; "The Pyramid" is a bad movie, no matter how you draw it up. Seriously, you could spend your time doing almost anything else and receive more gratification from it(prison seems to be the only notable exception I can think of at this very moment). Please don't do anything that will land yourself in prison folks. If you do, however, at least you will be free from exposure to this movie.
I give "The Pyramid" a 3/10 simply because it is not the worst movie I've ever seen. That isn't exactly a ringing endorsement, either.
Kill the Messenger (2014)
Fantastic Period Drama Bringing Light to a Little Known Issue in US History
I'm so glad "Kill the Messenger" was made, as it sheds light on a little known debacle that occurred in the not too distant past. Focusing on the C.I.A. Contra scandal and the writer who originally broke the story, "Kill the Messenger" is a gripping period drama from beginning to end, and one that I feel all Americans should familiarize themselves with.
Many of us, especially those in the younger generation, have heard the name "Rick Ross" before, but not for the right reasons. We know him as a famous hip-hop artist, but the fact of the matter is he stole his stage name from one of the most controversial American drug figures in history. What many do not understand is how Rick Ross, or "Freeway Ricky Ross" as he was known in the 80s, ties into the Contra scandal. "Kill the Messenger" starts off by addressing Mr. Ross in court for his cocaine dealings in Los Angeles, which ultimately proved to be just the tip of the iceberg. Gary Webb, an investigative journalist for the San Jose Mercury Times, finds himself in the middle of a rather precarious scandal when he discovers that the C.I.A. was at least partially aware that drug smugglers were bringing cocaine into the US to fund the Contra rebellion in Nicaragua during the 1980s. With this is mind, Webb goes on to write the series famously known as "Dark Alliance", shedding light on this issue and inevitably changing the landscape of American politics forever. "Kill the Messenger" follows the story of Webb (Jeremy Renner), from his investigation of these allegations, the series he wrote about it, and the backlash that ensued in the years following.
Now that i've spoken on the history involved, let me discuss the overall film. "Kill the Messenger" does a fine job chronicling Webb's discovery and subsequent actions of this scandal and the fallout that happened shortly afterwards. Jeremy Renner does a fantastic job portraying Webb, and may just be his finest acting work to date. This film is literally stacked with great supporting actors and actresses who all do a great job reinforcing the overall story. I found myself completely locked in from beginning to end, and I learned a great deal about Webb and the controversy that I did not know previously. Some liberties were taken, sure, but overall I felt like this film was pretty accurate in it's portrayal of Webb and how the Contra scandal unfolded.
Overall, this is a very well made film about an important issue that is often overlooked. The writing and acting are both fantastic and will keep you interested from beginning to end. If you are unfamiliar with the Contra scandal of the 1980s, then this would be an easy and entertaining introduction to the topic. For those who are familiar, you may learn a thing or two that you did not know previously. Regardless, if you are interested in this topic at all, "Kill the Messenger" is a tremendous medium to familiarize yourself with it, and ultimately form your own opinion on one of the best kept scandals in the modern era.
Peaky Blinders (2013)
A Stunning Period Drama with Premiere Television Quality
Having never heard of this show prior to seeing it on Netflix, I must say I was quite intrigued right off the bat. With a rather unusual name, it stuck out like a sore thumb in my recommended section. After finishing the first season, I immediately watched all 6 episodes again. Now that I've finished it twice, I can easily say this is one of the best shows on British TV currently and can stand toe-to-toe with anything HBO or Showtime has to offer. "Peaky Blinders" touches on a relatively unknown and fascinating portion of British history, and is supported by some of the finest acting I have ever seen on TV.
Let me preface this by saying I am an American living in the midwest, so the subject material in this show is something I never knew existed. "Peaky Blinders" takes place in post WW1 Birmingham, which is a time and place I can't say I was very familiar with prior to watching this show. Following a street gang who runs various racketeering and gambling enterprises called the Peaky Blinders, the show unfolds as a northern Irish detective (Sam Neill) comes to Birmingham to sort out a case of stolen machine guns. Things immediately start off with a bang, and rarely let up throughout the 6 hour show. Cillian Murphy plays the stoic, admirable leader of the Peaky Blinders, Tommy Shelby, and is easily one of the most likable anti-heroes I have seen both in TV and film. His character is smart, savvy, and equally ruthless, and despite all this, you find yourself rooting for him throughout the show. This is a phenomenon similar to that of The Soprano's Tony Soprano. That is, no matter how many terrible things these characters do, we always find ourselves championing them and hoping for their success. Knight does a fantastic job humanizing these larger-than-life characters, making them relatable to the everyday person.
Next, I'll touch on the acting. Sam Neill and Cillian Murphy easily steal the show here, making both their characters incredibly fun to watch. Neill does a fine job with his northern Irish accent, and while not entirely perfect, it gets the job done. Cillian Murphy, on the other hand, nearly knocks the very difficult to impersonate "Brummie" accent out of the park; while not perfect, it is definitely believable for someone who isn't from the Midlands (seriously though, this guy can do accents better than almost any actor I've seen). The supporting cast does a great job as well, and Paul Anderson's Arthur Shelby is easily my second favorite character. Honorable mention goes to Helen McCroy's Polly Shelby, who brings some much-needed pragmatism to the table.
Apart from the fine writing and acting, "Peaky Blinders" also has some pretty incredible set pieces as well. Birmingham is well portrayed as the industrial giant it was after the war, and throughout the show you see some period sets that will blow your mind. From narrow, cobblestone streets to steel mills shooting fire into the streets, you really get a feel for what this time may have been like. From my understanding, Birmingham has been leveled since WW2, either by bombs or city planning, so there was some artistic interpretation as to how the city would look. Despite this, the show does a tremendous job building the city from the ground up and making it seem believable. For me, this brought the time period to life and gave me some insight on what the city may have been like in 1919. In "Peaky Blinders", Birmingham is a character itself, which adds a rather interesting backdrop for the actors to work in.
If you are a fan of crime dramas, you should definitely give this show a watch. It has quietly become one of my favorite TV shows of all time; my only complaint is that there aren't enough episodes per season.
UPDATE: Season 4 was just released in the states on Netflix, and I had the pleasure of binging it in two days. "Peaky Blinders" is still a fantastic show, even with a slight drop-off in season 3 (in my opinion). Season 4 came back much stronger, though, and I give Knight a lot of credit for keeping this show alive and interesting across all these arcing seasons. Without giving anything away, I must say that Adrien Brody did a fantastic job in season 4 as the primary antagonist, which is something I thought season 3 lacked. This show is still top-notch, and Cillian Murphy continues to impress with his acting ability as the nefarious Tommy Shelby. If you haven't watched this show yet, or perhaps haven't completely followed along, do so "by the order of the Peaky Blinders".
Mystery Road (2013)
Another Intriguing Australian Outback Film
I must say that I am fascinated by the Australian outback, so this movie immediately had my attention. There have been many good Australian films to come out in recent years(The Proposition, Animal Kingdom, and Snowtown come to mind) and Mystery Road is another quality film to add to that list. With some unbelievable cinematography and good to very good acting throughout, Mystery Road was an inherently different take on the mystery genre that I quite enjoyed.
The overall tone of Mystery Road is what sets it apart from other movies of similar type. From the camera shots all the way down to the dialogue, everything is depicted with realism. There is a real awkwardness to the conversations between characters in this movie, almost like you would see in real life. While obviously still scripted, the way Ivan Sen went about depicting these scenes made for a unique perspective. From cinematographic standpoint, this film is stunning. Utilizing both top down angles of the town and low-angled sunset shots, Sen really brought the outback to life quite beautifully. This film really reminds me of the Coen Brother's No Country for Old Men, both in tone and the way the scenes were shot. Also like No Country for Old Men, Mystery Road features a soundtrack nearly devoid of music. This adds a somber, gritty feel to the already stoic nature Mystery Road portrays.
The acting in this movie is pretty fantastic throughout. Some of the supporting characters weren't as convincing, but they played a rather minor role in the overall scheme of things. This movie focuses heavily on the main character, and rightfully so, as he's a total bad-ass. You can read the synopsis above so I won't waste time here. I must say, however, that Jay Swan(played by Aaron Pedersen) is pretty enjoyable to follow as he attempts to unravel the mystery of a dead girl in his hometown. Mystery Road shines a spotlight on race relations in Australia as well, and with Jay being an aboriginal detective, he faces a lot of adversity throughout the film. It is interesting to see this as an American, since we are not often exposed to such things that happen in Australia. There always seems to be a layer of tension below the courtesy between Jay and his fellow townsmen, either due to him being an aboriginal himself or because he is a detective.
Now to the negatives, which there are a few. First, this movie starts out quite slow. I almost gave up on it as I fell asleep twice in the first 40 minutes. Had it not been for the fantastic shots of the outback and a few intriguing individuals, I may not have made it through. Things begin to pick up around the halfway mark but this will most definitely turn some people off. There are also a few plot holes, but I won't give them away as they may ruin some of the ending. Many of the characters are sadly under-developed as well, which detracts from the overall intrigue of some very interesting individuals. While Hugo Weaving was quite good and his character interesting, he role was particularly undeveloped in my humble opinion. Instead, Sen decided to focus more on Jay, which is OK for the most part, but it would have been nice to see some other characters get more screen time.
Overall, this movie offers some fantastic shots of the rural outback of Australia with an interesting plot to boot. Things do start off slow but it also, quite literally, ends with a bang. This ending is not one to miss, and has one of the most impressive gun battles I have seen perhaps ever. If you are a fan of gritty mystery movies, definitely check out Mystery Road.
Cheap Thrills (2013)
An Indecent and Twisted Thrill Ride
If you like shock value in your movies, then look no further than "Cheap Thrills". I must say I haven't cringed in a movie for quite some time, but this film had me writhing in disgust on multiple occasions. But you know what? I loved it. "Cheap Thrills" has everything you could want in a gritty, grotesque thriller, with some extremely dark comedic undertones to boot. Supported by some very convincing acting and writing, this movie certainly delivered a unique viewing experience.
The premise of "Cheap Thrills" is rather relatable; A mid 20s man struggles to pay the bills for his wife and young son, and finds himself facing eviction from his apartment. After then losing his job, he seeks an out at a local bar where he reunites with an old friend from high school. Here, the two old friends meet a rather precarious couple who seemingly like to party hard. The couple puts the two friends up to some friendly dares for big money, with each dare pushing the boundaries that the men are willing to endure. Soon things aren't so friendly anymore, and the two friends find themselves in an all out war to compete for the couple's money. The reason I found "Cheap Thrills" so relatable is simple; the right amount of money can sway even the most reasonable people to do the most unthinkable things. People are capable of doing unbelievable things when faced with survival, and "Cheap Thrills" captures that essence perfectly. This movie is a dark, twisted take on the human condition, and what we as people deem important in society.
The writing in "Cheap Thrills" is solid, but what really made it come to life was the acting. I've seen Pat Healy in a few previous works(Magnolia, Rescue Dawn), but I will always remember him for this film. Watching his character, Craig, progress through the movie is quite incredible, as you see a seemingly normal and level headed man consistently test his personal boundaries to ensure his family's wellbeing. Ethan Embry, whom I had not heard of prior to seeing this, also delivers a very impressive performance as Craig's friend from high school, Vince. It's obvious Vince has lived a rough life since his high school days, and Embry does a magnificent job portraying those nuances. David Koechner, whom i've mostly seen working in comedy, is solid as the wealthy party man, and showed me that he has some range in this film. Sara Paxton's character, Violet, is pretty forgettable, which seemed by design. She has very few lines and seems to serve mostly as sex appeal. Overall, however, the acting is very good throughout, as it needs to be in my opinion to make such a crazy story seem plausible.
"Cheap Thrills" is one of the most unique movies i've seen in a while, and managed to capture the despair and greed that people endure in life perfectly. While shocking, and sometimes grotesque, "Cheap Thrills" is also very approachable and relatable. The characters in this movie seem very human, and I think many who watch this will find themselves connected to these people in some way despite how twisted the subject material can be. At it's core, "Cheap Thrills" is about the everyday man, and what he is willing to do for the right amount of money. With one of the most shocking finishes i've seen in a while, this movie will also have you thinking well after it's conclusion. I wouldn't recommend this to those who have a weak stomach or don't enjoy taboo material. This movie is meant to be shocking, so if that isn't your thing, I probably wouldn't recommend it. For those who enjoy the twisted and extreme, however, this movie will be right up your alley.
For some great acting and awesomely unique subject material, I give "Cheap Thrills" an impressive 8/10. I really didn't expect this kind of experience.