damian_hoy Reviews

High Country (2024– )

Wasted potential

[4/10 · 23 April 2024]

I so wanted to love "High Country"! I've travelled this region for decades and was so excited to see a mystery set in the Mansfield region.

"High Country" is a disappointing TV series marred by lackluster acting and uninspired writing. The performances are wooden, with characters failing to evoke any real emotion or depth. The dialogue feels forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the storyline or the characters' motivations.

Despite these shortcomings, the series does boast stunning scenery and locations. The Australian landscape is showcased beautifully, providing some much-needed visual appeal amidst the mediocrity of the rest of the production.

Overall, "High Country" falls short of its potential, failing to deliver engaging performances or compelling storytelling. While the breathtaking backdrop may momentarily captivate viewers, it's not enough to redeem the show from its significant flaws.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022– )

A Stellar Voyage Back to Classic Star Trek - Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Delivers

[10/10 · 5 September 2023]

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a triumphant return to the essence of classic Star Trek storytelling. This latest season continues to explore the uncharted territories of the Star Trek universe while staying true to its roots, and it does so with exceptional finesse.

The ensemble cast, led by Anson Mount as Captain Christopher Pike, Rebecca Romijn as Number One, and Ethan Peck as Spock, delivers outstanding performances. They effortlessly embody the iconic characters, capturing the spirit and gravitas that made these figures beloved by fans for decades. The chemistry among the crew members is palpable, drawing viewers into their shared journey of discovery and adventure.

Visually, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds continues to impress with its top-notch production values. The attention to detail in the set design, special effects, and makeup is nothing short of spectacular. The show seamlessly merges modern aesthetics with the nostalgic charm of the original series, creating a visual feast for both longtime fans and newcomers.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a shining star in the Star Trek galaxy. It boldly goes where the franchise began, celebrating the enduring themes of exploration, unity, and hope while introducing fresh perspectives and characters. Whether you're a die-hard Trekkie or someone new to the final frontier, this series is a must-watch. It not only pays homage to the legacy of Star Trek but propels it into a promising and exciting future.

The Resort (2022– )

Brilliantly entertaining

[10/10 · 1 September 2022]

Wow. This was such a surprise. I absolutely love every minute. It's clever and funny, with fantastic scenery and production. The writing and acting are fantastic. This was not what I was expecting when I watched the first episode.

William Jackson Harper is such an awesome actor. He plays his part perfectly. I'd love to see more of TV series like this! 👏

The plot keeps you guessing, but it's doesn't try too hard either. And the music is so good! The soundtrack compliments the story and adds to the fun.

If you're looking for something entertaining, smart, fun and engaging - this is the series for you.

Mystery Road: Origin (2022– )

Brilliant drama

[10/10 · 27 July 2022]

This is what top Aussie drama looks like. Well done to the ABC. Brilliantly written, filmed and acted.

Mark Coles Smith is outstanding. He will be a big name actor. I can't wait to see what he does next.

The Good Place (2016–2020)

So underrated - brilliant show

[10/10 · 22 May 2022]

Smart, funny, touching, ridiculous...one of the most underrated shows ever made. Brilliantly written, produced and acted.

The Good Place is a unique and different sort of comedy. 10/10.

Time (2021– )

Powerful and brilliant drama

[10/10 · 2 April 2022]

Thanks god for the BBC. This was brilliantly written and acted. Powerful and moving. Fantastic!

Keeping it to 3 episodes kept it tight and engrossing the whole time.

Greenland (2020)

Wow! So very very bad

[3/10 · 23 July 2021]

Terrible film! The characters are so unlikable that you root for the asteroid. So very very bad...

The Circuit (2007–2010)

The last good show by SBS

[10/10 · 4 June 2021]

Brilliant series. Nothing matches it these days unfortunately.

Mystery Road (2018– )

Terrible writing - waste of Aaron Pedersen's talents

[5/10 · 4 June 2021]

Aaron Pedersen is one of my favourite actors, but the writers give him nothing to do but wander around looking grumpy. Boring story. Such a wasted opportunity!

Rams (2020)

So very very bad

[1/10 · 17 March 2021]

I'm the biggest fan of both Sam Neil and Aussie films, but this was one of the worst films I've ever seen. Complete waste of time. Boring story. Bad acting. I don't understand why they even made it.