Change Your Image
wangtoast
Reviews
American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders (2024)
Disorganized & disappointing
A dignified print journalist who was investigating a potential worldwide conspiracy dies under mysterious circumstances. His work is hijacked by a couple of Woodward & Bernstein wannabes--the director and main "investigator" in this docuseries--who I will not dignify by listing their names. The investigator insists on brandishing a smug grin during most of his time on screen-as if a slain journalist, government corruption and multiple murders are amusing matters.
The late journalist's brother was somehow snookered into providing heartfelt commentary throughout this hodgepodge of hunches. I truly feel for him, as he was done a disservice. Yes, there is an intriguing element to the subject matter...but the execution is just plain juvenile: porous structure, confusing chronology and worst of all: No. Questions. Answered. Speculation and style are prioritized over standards and substance.
An overbearing, contrived score and distorted audio only add to the underwhelming viewing experience. I couldn't even finish the final episode, and I would implore you to not even begin watching the first.
Untold (2021)
Too much face time for a narcissist
A person lies, deceives and destroys...yet is given carte blanche here in a documentary to justify their deplorable behavior-and doesn't seem to show much remorse while doing so. I do think there were aspects of this story that were worth re-examining in a feature or a mini series...but not like this...I think the focus should been more so on the way the media handled everything and what their motivations may have been. Instead we are forced to consume many thoughts & words of a despicable deceiver, who selfishly tarnished the legacy of a fine young man.