Nikar4 Reviews

Tracker (2024– )

Simply fun

[9/10 · 14 February 2024]

Edit** episode 2 had no reference to statistics whatsoever. Action scenes slightly paired back.

This is a welcome change to the dark and convoluted shows that have become popular in recent years. This is lighthearted and easy to follow.

Only one show so far but I like the premise. It has the same vibe as many of the popular shows of my childhood, think littlest hobo, one man a-team etc.

Like these shows the writing can be a little corny, eg. The character's need to give statistics in situations they would elicit panic?

But so far it's a lovely, feel good kinda show you can watch to wind down and relax without any effort.

I'd have given a better review but I can't get past those really annoying stats!

A Jazzman's Blues (2022)

Nothing new and feels incomplete

[6/10 · 24 September 2022]

It's starts with someone reporting a 40+ year old murder making Bayou's fate pretty clear from the beginning. His relationship with Leanne goes pretty much along the lines I expected it to. Traumatic, yes but nothing new or exciting there.

We know the fate of the main character early on. We're introduced to a multitude of other interesting characters too. However there are a number of times character flaws, past traumas or current conflicts are mentioned to further along the story then never brought up again. Never explored in depth which left me deeply unsatisfied.

By the time it's confirmed Bayou was indeed the one murdered, yes it was because of who we thought and the person we expected to betray him does do so, it's just so anticlimactic. No big revelation, no twist. Just empty and depressing.

Its such a strange thing, to find myself so wrapped up in each character but not actually enjoying the storyline at all. The actors and actresses are all immensely talented unfortunately the writing just didn't do them justice.

I'd have loved this as a series where we get to learn, why Leanne lived with her grandad, explore that horrendous situation. What made him send her away, when he was *shudder* What made her mother such a sociopath? What happened to the brother in Chicago? Did he ever find his dad? How did his mother come to run the blues bar? More focus on what happened to them back home after he had to run? What happened to his family, Ira, the cruel mob? Does the child know the truth?

Sooo many questions. Too many great characters and opportunities.

After waiting months to see this, I doubt I'd recommend it to anyone. Though I will be checking out other projects the actors and actresses were involved in.

Shining Vale (2022–2023)

Give it time

[8/10 · 14 April 2022]

I spent the first few episodes unsure whether I liked it or not. I kept thinking "I'll watch one more to decide". Honestly, I've one episode to go and realised I'm hoping for a season 2.

I'd still be hard pushed to explain it to anyone. Love the whole tongue in cheek storyline.

The Irregulars (2021)

Disappointing

[4/10 · 30 March 2021]

Saw this advertised on Netflix having never heard of it before. I loved the dark, atmospheric trailer. The actual episodes don't seem to carry this aura throughout.

I do love the spin on Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson and am also enjoying the supernatural aspect. I can forgive this being mis-sold as dark and mysterious given its a teen show. However the writers are relying on a lazy audience. They cannot on one hand say these kids can outwit most adults and people with immense powers then on the other, make it believable they would be so easily bowed into working for Watson.

Likewise the "romantic" storyline is so poorly executed and unbelievable.

Unlike others, I don't dislike the acting. I think the cast are talented and making the most of poor writing.

I'd normally binge watch shows but I'm getting through this half an episode at a time. I really really want to like it, I'm just not sure I can.

The Outpost (2018–2021)

Better with each episode

[6/10 · 6 August 2019]

The 1st episode is awful, the potential of the story lost to seriously awful effects and acting. I didn't give the show another thought until I heard it had been renewed!?

I couldn't make it through the 1st episode again but ep 2 was much easier to watch. I've just finished the 1st season and truly did enjoy it. There are still moments when the acting is so poor its laughable and a little difficult to watch but overall its still enjoyable.

The supporting cast really do carry this show at times but the lead is improving with each episode and I'm finally beginning to invest in her. I'm really looking forward to season 2.

Hellboy (2019)

Could've been deeper

[7/10 · 4 July 2019]

Huge fan of the original so I expected this to fall flat as so many remakes and sequels do. But I actually really enjoyed this. It had the fun and charm of the original but the characters and background did lack depth.

I feel they tried to squeeze so much in that they had to make sacrifices. For me there were plot holes and a huge lack of character build up. They relied heavily on spoken "explanations" for this that could've been shown visually and with more detail. Maybe they felt hellboy is already so well known or the other characters didn't merit such attention but it made parts of the story feel pushed or fabricated rather than the characters truth.

For example the hog, we get a few lines about how Hellboy ruined his life but nothing to show how or why the life he had was so bad.

Some cult try to kill him based on a vision but we don't see the vision or why they would turn on him so easily as in their own words "he's done so much good and had so much potential"

Any other film they would get away with being superficial but given Hellboys cult following I think they missed the mark and I understand why many fans feel robbed.

With that said the actors were great, David Barbour filled Ron Perlmans shoes well. I agree they relied a bit too much on cgi but the quality of it was amazing.

Taken on its own I still enjoyed the movie but I won't be rushing to rewatch it anytime soon. I can't see this gaining the same status as the original ever

Turn Up Charlie (2019)

Draws you in

[9/10 · 20 March 2019]

I'm a huge fan of many of the actors. Angela Griffin was a particular highlight for me, haven't seen her in anything for a while.

As others have mentioned the chemistry between the cast was spot on. Each relationship was absolutely believable. Elba and Hervey had me hooked from episode 1.

I agree the plot isn't highly complex but I don't think it needs to be. I didn't feel there was anything missing when watching. Although with that said I'd have loved to see more of Auntie Lydia but that's just a personal preference.

I love that these characters are closer to my own age but arent yet bogged down by life etc. Most British dramas would have u believe there are two options for over 30, either u have it all completely together and cast off any youthful abandon to live perfectly or life ends at 30 and its all doom and gloom from there on out. In this they have issues and grown up problems but it also shows the little joys and fun moments us grown ups have. These characters are still evolving despite their adult status and that is so refreshing to watch.

Juanita (I) (2019)

Alfre Woodward almost saves this

[5/10 · 10 March 2019]

This began strong. Juanita is stuck in a rutt and feels somewhat lost and disconnected from her life. Like many women she seems to have been swept away by her responsibilities and lost who she is and what she wants along the way.

I loved that it wasn't a relationship breakdown that sent her on this adventure. Too many of these movies portray women as simply reacting to the males around them, rather than as being capable of forming our own thoughts without provocation.

I found how they portrayed her internal thoughts was really interesting and effective. It was a pleasure to watch right up to where the "romance" began. I wish they had spent time expanding on their bond growing. It seemed very much, they met, she gave him one home truth he'd likely heard 1000 times before and he fell in love, she.... I never quite figured out how she felt. She leaves, to return, not to return?

The romance and end just seemed so forced, so rushed.

Cast was great, acting was great, story started strong but ended on a whimper

Coroner (2019–2022)

Inconsistent at best

[4/10 · 31 January 2019]

I loved Roger Cross in Dark Matter so when I heard he was in this I decided to check it out. The trailer implied this would be the quality of Silent Witness unfortunately it doesn't live up to this at all.

I agree with a previous review that the casting is good. All actors are talented and doing their best, unfortunately the writing is pretty unbelievable at times. The first few episodes it was small reactions that seemed wrong for the lead. It's almost like she has a split personality. Here is a woman intelligent enough to become a coroner and confident enough to fire someone her first week. She has the ability to read people and interact with them when the story requires it to move forward but is completely naive about people at other times, because that then moves the story along.

Still I decided not to take it too seriously and did kinda enjoy the 1st few episodes. However I may have just lost patience for this series. The end of the latest episode saw her find an unconscious girl. Despite all her medical training (pretty sure it was mentioned in an earlier episode she'd work ER before becoming a coroner) , she simply cries over her limp body, shouting for help and occasionally shaking her and stroking her face? Wth...

Aquaman (2018)

Am I the only one disappointed?

[6/10 · 26 January 2019]

I had such high hopes for this movie and it just fell short. I think mostly this is down to my age. I had hoped the movie would be slightly more adult than it is.

Jason shines in this role and is by far my favourite aquaman. Yahya also did really well in his role as black lantern. Unfortunately I found the cgi used on other actors facial features somewhat distracting. They all looked like they'd had bad plastic surgery at times.

The underwater scenes were fantastical and the movie is visually beautiful. But for me that isn't enough to justify adding stars. I came for the story and to be entertained. In this respect it failed for me. I felt there were a few holes in the story and his abilities seemed inconsistent.

Another failure was in marrying the comedy with the serious. At times I was watching a dramatic action film at other times a cheap comedy sketch. It never quite pulls off either. I think this was to please the younger audience (since the jokes were both childish and predictable)

One aspect I loved was the ocean throwing out its garbage. Pollution was a theme throughout the movie and I loved this. Hopefully some fans will take note of the message being sent.

Overall I think kids, teenagers and young adults will love this movie. But those of us hoping to finally see an aquaman for grown ups will be disappointed.

Roswell, New Mexico (2019–2022)

Same characters / different universe??

[2/10 · 23 January 2019]

OK so I kinda enjoyed the first one though didn't make it through the entire run so I'm not a diehard fan. I saw this and thought I'd give it a go.

I'm normally able to watch a book to TV or remake as a separate entity but in this case it seems at least most of the leads have been given the same names as the original leads. This works as a constant reminder of the original characters making it near impossible not to compare the shows.

As mentioned I didn't watch the last few series of the original show so perhaps I'm missing something but this show is based years after the original and completely different background story lines as far as I can tell. Which would be OK but we're back to the same names and lookalike characters so this is rather confusing for me.

The actors themselves aren't bad and I could've probably enjoyed this is they had changed the characters names or followed the story on from the original series. Although maybe they all lost their memories at the end of the original and I simply didn't see it? Who knows but this show doesn't tempt me to go back and watch the 1st to catch up that's for sure.

If u haven't watched the original you'll probably like this. If you have watched the original all the way through, maybe it won't be confusing. If like me you watched the original but either can't remember how it ended or didn't watch it all, this will confuse the hell out of u

The Passage (2019)

Surprisingly good

[8/10 · 22 January 2019]

OK so the whole small group of innocent people against a huge government agency isn't new. Neither is the experimental side nor the hero being exforces. But this has been done quite well. Maybe it helps I'm not from America so it's easier to imagine this as possible.

I only two episodes in but so far it's kinda plausible and I'm enjoying the plot.

I like how it cuts back and forth, feeding u little bits of each perspective to help push the story and explain people's characteristics/ behaviours.

The acting is really good, much higher standard than this genre usually gets. Though this is kinda in line with how popular its become over the last few years. Mark Paul(?) is very believable as the hero and its making me wonder why I haven't seen him in much since saved by the Bell. Could I have simply missed his other work? Will defo be checking that out.

The little girl is definitely a rising star. The chemistry between her n Mark is great and feels like a proper paternal bond. She has great comic timing too.

I hope this series continues in the same vein as it has been but I'll definitely be looking out for the leads in any other shows/ movies they are in.

I should say, I'm not so keen on the "baddies" but I haven't made up my mind if it's because they are so good at being bad I don't want to watch them, or, if they are just bad at acting which is difficult to watch.

Mary Poppins Returns (2018)

Should come with subtitles

[3/10 · 7 January 2019]

Hmmm. I love Mary Poppins and was so looking forward to watching this with my kids. I really thought the modern fx would bring them around to loving it too.

Unfortunately although it was a very beautiful film with better effects (obviously) than the first. I didn't feel there was anything new. It really didn't add anything to the legend that Mary Poppins has become.

The leery was by far the best performer and my kids faces really lit up when he was on the screen but the rest was rather boring. It doesn't help that while Emily Blunt has a beautiful and clear talking voice, her singing is very difficult to decipher. My children asked me what she was saying over and over again, rarely could I tell them. The only songs clearly sung were by the leery and when they sang about leery slang (ironically, we all understood everyword of this song).

I thought maybe this disappointment was partly due to my expectations but both my girls said it was "rubbish" and were unhappy I made them sit through to the end.

The Little Mermaid (2018)

Not what I expected

[3/10 · 9 December 2018]

This version of the little mermaid could've been fantastic with a larger budget. I enjoyed it in the way I enjoy a hallmark movie but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone nor would I watch it again. Cheesy, predictable and lackluster.

The Immortal Wars (2017)

Could have been so much more

[2/10 · 2 December 2018]

This film would have been great with a better script and more talented actors.

I'm a huge fan of fantasy and dystopian thrillers so this should have been a hit for me. Unfortunately while the world created is interesting, we only get snippets of how they got into this situation and it's only through talking. This could've been expanded a little, along with the back stories of the fighters. I was never really invested in any of the characters as I didn't know any of them.

The dialogue between fighters was unbelievable and there was no chemistry between any of them. It was all rather wooden.

Likewise there were a few good fight scenes but the majority looked more like dancing than fighting.

The dress was almost as laughable as the script.

I really wanted to like this but it was a huge no. I'm embarrassed I made it to the end.

Venom (2018)

Great Movie

[9/10 · 2 December 2018]

While I'm a comic fan, I don't always appreciate the movie adaptations. This one though... turned out to be glossy and fast paced with a bit of dark humor. I really enjoyed it. I'm not sure why its received such a negative response.

There were few times I'd think something was gonna happen but it would go a different way. It was small things but still refreshing not to predict every scene coming up.

Tom Hardy was made for this role, really can't imagine it with anyone else. Definitely a film I'd say you need to watch for yourself.

The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018)

Another cloned kids horror movie

[6/10 · 1 December 2018]

Wow, if you've seen any kids halloween movies over the last few years, you've seen this one. 10mins in my daughter was convinced she'd seen it before. Im amazed how much this reminded me of dozens of other kids movies and it really made me realise how little choice there is for kids. When I was younger my friends and I would argue over which movie to see as different movies catered to different tastes. But seems they have a specific formula they can make any story fit into these days!

My daughter also commented on how "annoying the bearded man is" I don't disagree. I'm rather tired of Jack Black playing these characters and going for the cheapest jokes. Seriously, one fart and poop joke per movie is enough, unless the movie is about house-training a pet!

I did enjoy Cate Blanchetts performance. I'll admit there was good chemistry between her and Jack Black but also between her and Owen Vaccaro. Only saving grace this movie had.

8 Remains (2018)

Generous 3stars

[3/10 · 1 December 2018]

I'm not sure how to rank this film. I liked the basic plot. Girl meets domineering male who somehow traps her in his mind and she has to escape. I wish his ability had been explained better, more background was needed to bring characters to life and make us invest in them.

There were massive plot holes as well. sometimes they were in her memories sometimes his but how or why they switched when he was supposedly in control was never really explained. Apparently in his memories what he says or wants just happens, but this isn't so for the female lead when in her memories? Again, not explained!

He had how many victims and one minute they are separated by an invisible force then not. Somehow the lead is past, present and future.... I mean what? Story is all over the place and makes very little sense.

The most convincing actress/ actor was his wife.

This really could be a good movie if the story was straightened out, script adapted and a few decent more understated actors being hired. The concept itself reminds me of a few great movies but this is so far from great.

The Good Fight (2017–2022)

Brilliant show

[10/10 · 26 November 2018]

The Good Wife had become pretty run of the mill by the time it ended. I continued watching the last few seasons but was bored of Alicia and found myself forwarding through her scenes. I was so happy when I realised they were doing a spin off and with Diane! The new characters are absolutely brilliant. This has not failed to impress me. The only downside is I cant think of anyway the writers could bring back Kalinda. I had been disappointed when they kept Julian, I'd always felt his character was somewhat annoying but the interactions between him and Adrian are so entertaining. All the characters seem to have great chemistry. I find myself liking this better than the show it came from. It definitely stands its own ground.

Looking Glass (I) (2018)

ZZZzzz

[2/10 · 26 November 2018]

Ok,so I should admit this review is based on probably 30 minutes of the film... not sure I even got that far in. I'm a huge Nicholas Cage fan and normally enjoy watching him act, even if the scripts and other actors are rubbish. I'm also one of those annoying people that have to watch / read something to the end once I start it, I have NEVER stopped watching a movie before the credits before - no matter how bad but I had to go for a nap after watching the start of this. Slow paced and predictable, though maybe it would have gotten better. I'll never know since I gave up and went to bed!

I Still See You (2018)

Good ghost story

[8/10 · 21 November 2018]

I really enjoyed this. Though I was suspicious about a few of the twists so they weren't a complete surprise, didn't take away from the movie.

Few people mention the end not being set up but I feel it was. Granted it was small scenes that built to the ending. It was somewhat cliche but for me it explained much of why remnants existed.

I liked the end scene left it open to a sequel. I'd enjoy another.

The Happytime Murders (2018)

Kept my attention

[6/10 · 21 November 2018]

Ok, I'll admit if this didn't have McCarthy as the lead I'd probably not have given a movie with puppets a second glance. The laughs are immature but what else would you expect from a movie starring puppets? There were moments when a joke fell flat for me and it wasn't McCarthy at her best but it would have been far worse without her.

It's not a movie I'd recommend to strangers, maybe only a few select friends would understand the humour.

I also have to say, I'd not recommend anyone spend money to watch this. It is funny but not part with your hard earned cash funny.

Charmed (2018–2022)

Teens only

[5/10 · 18 November 2018]

I was around for the original show which my own daughter actually likes and still finds relevant. Unfortunately I feel this show isn't created for as wide an audience. I feel way too old to enjoy the show but my daughter (10) is too young to understand some of the references and finds some scenes too scary. I feel this is only for teens.... quite a narrow audience if it wants to be as successful as it's family orientated predecessor

Midnight, Texas (2017–2018)

Really enjoying this

[8/10 · 18 November 2018]

Can't say I've read the books and I'm late to the tv series. Came across this just as the second series began and binged season 1 in a few days. Only few episodes into second and I'm hoping for series 3!

Siren (2018–2020)

Almost perfect

[8/10 · 12 September 2018]

I loved this show from the beginning, however the further into the series we get I did begin to lose a little interest. The main actress is AMAZING I truly believe her but the more convincing she is the less so the other characters are. Alex Roe doesn't maintain the same consistency. There are times I absolutely believe him and other times he's just a little too wide eyed. Likewise I found Rena Rowan the same, although there was a slight twist with her that makes me think her wooden performance may be somewhat intentional. Still I found her scenes difficult to watch. I really like the idea behind this and feel the show is really original. I enjoyed the first season though overall it should get 6 stars, the other 2 are award for originality and on the hope that season two will see them improve on the few shortcomings and the actors feeling more at home in their characters lives.