Aesafern Reviews

Interview with the Vampire (2022– )

Not bad. Not great.

[2 April 2023]

I specifically signed up to AMC watch this TV show, I was excited. I like the reimagining of the story to fill the diversity quota. However, although this is supernatural TV show, it's not believable. There's no depth; no intrigue. I'm being told what's happening as I'm watching it and the characters are doing what they're doing. There's nothing for me wonder what will happen next. This is a show that I wouldn't mind watching an episode each week because binging it would be too much.

Visually the show is good, the ambience and moodiness draws you in. The biggest problem I had was the acting. I didn't like Lestat or Louis. I mean, we're talking about creatures that have lived hundreds of years but the actors and the directing didn't give me the sense of an intelligent being who has had worlds of experience. I just lost me there.

For all that was invested in this TV show, I expected really more.

Goliath (2016–2021)

I want to like it but it's a bit cliché.

[11 March 2023]

I've just started this series as I've run out of things to watch. Initially I was excited. The ratings were high with Billy Bob as the lead. Maybe the show hasn't aged well, maybe it takes a bit to get me excited, but every episode is a drag and I'm falling asleep. I can't continue watching this series because I can't keep my eyes open.

I found everything to be cliché, including the characters. And is Billy really acting. Don't get me wrong, his character is believable but doesn't he play the same kind of roles in other shows? I'm going to try get through more episodes but right now I'm unimpressed and if I find something else to watch, I'll probably forget about this show altogether.

The Terminal List (2022– )

High rating for a good story.

[8/10 · 7 March 2023]

I think I would very much enjoy reading this book. The TV show follows a good story line. Ice rated it a seven because I want to see more. But the casting, I just don't know. Chris Pratt is an alright actor but I'm not feeling him as the main character Reece. He just doesn't have the grit and he's missing that extra special stuff that makes a character special. If I'm honest, a lot of the casting seems off. Maybe it's the directing.

I was expecting more dirt, more oomph, but it feels more like NCIS style. As a show The Terminal List doesn't stand on it's own. It's fun to watch but it's not unique, and I suspect it may not be a completely honest representation of the book. I'll update this review once I've read it.

The Consultant (2023)

Talented cast and that's it.

[6/10 · 1 March 2023]

I really wanted to like this show. It looks good, the acting is fantastic, the writing is... Ok.

At end of the first episode, Sang signs some papers and gives Patoff a blow job. That's when I rolled my eyes and knew this show had hit it's peak. It's outdated and naff to use sex scene for intimacy, power, or to show a character is flawed in some way. It's not good writing and really lazy.

Moving on, the show doesn't get much deeper and with each episode, I'm finding it harder to care at all about any of the characters. Let's take it back to the beginning, owner of the company dies, guy comes in to take care of business, and for some reason employees care about said business enough to investigate the mystery guy running the show. I'm not connecting with this show on any level.

Dexter: New Blood (2021– )

Give the people what they want! No.

[7/10 · 9 January 2023]

This Dexter revival is a slow burn before getting red hot and then nosediving into a disappointing end. If you're like me and you love Dexter and was looking forward to watching this limited series, don't do it because you might not like the ending. I didn't, it was uninspiring and weak.

It's not until you get half way through this show that you really start to feel any semblance to the original series. Sure, they got Deb but the way she's portrayed in Dexter's mind is aggressive and annoying, and she keeps changing attire. Maybe that's Dexter's inner turmoil and he really does imagine her in different clothing depending on the weather.

The character that annoyed me the most was Angela Bishop. Her morals are wishy-washy and she he constantly rides a wave of emotion. I can't understand how she's a good cop. Every single piece of evidence falls into her lap, she really doesn't have to do much. But don't worry, she's bad-ass because she's got an axe to grind. That's a lot of lost potential for that character.

Snowpiercer (2020–2024)

Watch it before you write it off.

[8/10 · 9 January 2023]

A perpetual train that travels on an endless loop--what is this rubbish? That's what I was thinking but I've watch all the seasons and I can't wait for the fourth season. It doesn't make sense and the idea is bonkers but the cast are good actors and, as wacky as it is, you believe the messed up characters they're portraying.

As an obligatory post about the production, looks like a bit of money went into it so visually it looks pretty good.

I really have this show a hard time and my friends were saying I should stop watching it, but it was like looking into the sun (don't do it, you'll go blind), this weird show imbedded itself into my brain and I just want to know what happens next.

Reginald the Vampire (2022– )

Easy watch vampire show within thrills.

[7/10 · 9 January 2023]

When I first started watching Reginald the Vampire it was a bit what-the-heck am I watching. However, given some time, I think I like this show. It's definitely not thrilling and it's definitely cheesy.

The budget for this show doesn't look massive but they do a good job with what that have. And it's true, some of the acting is questionable. This could be the directing? Maybe it's meant to be this way. I've seen some of these actors in other productions and they're good actors.

I don't think this show is meant to be taken seriously, it's a light-hearted fun watch. And if you're a person who gets anxious easily, you'll be able to enjoy this show without feeling like you need to leave the room.

I'm hoping for a second season. Watch a few episodes before you write it off. Reginald the Vampire has potential.

Surface (2022– )

Predictable but good, but not a satisfying ending.

[6/10 · 26 December 2022]

On the whole, the series is beautifully done. It's moody and mysterious, visually intriguing, and the acting is good. The script, however, could have been better. It was a bit cheesy in parts. Another reviewer described it as a Lifetime movie, they're not wrong. The characters lack depth and scratches of redeemable qualities which makes them relatable and likable. When Surface finally concludes I let out an audible groan, it's one of "those" endings (I won't give away too much but if you're a fan of drama thriller/mystery , you'll know what I mean). I was left feeling jilted after eight episodes as I'm not a fan of open endings, but it does leave the doors open for a second season.

Archive 81 (2022)

Very slow and not interesting.

[4/10 · 19 August 2022]

I like horror, I like thriller, but I thought that this was supernatural soap opera. And not an interesting one at that. Not giving away any spoilers, it starts off with a guy being asked to do something which he reluctantly agrees to. And he goes and starts the task and weird things happen, weird "cult-like" things. There's no reason for why any of this is happening, why was he asked to do this? Why was/did any of it happen/happening? Do we even care? I know I didn't. I just couldn't connect with any of the characters and the whole devil cult stuff is a bit over done; it's not original. And I really felt that too much information was held back for me to even become invested in the story. I needed a morsel of intrigue! I watched it until the end, but if I'm honest, it just became background noise while I had other stuff to do.

Servant (2019–2023)

A bit mundane.

[3/10 · 26 July 2022]

Great cast, beautifully made, but the story gets old and doesn't really go anywhere. It's so mysterious that it's confusing and you're left looking for a kernal of intrigue. You know the gist of what's going on but it never gets to why... Well, it does eventually and it has something to do with a cult. And that's where I turned it off, the cult cliché. Shrouded in dark mystery that's so obscure that unless you were a pure cult member, you'd never understand. The characters are difficult to like and you don't really care what happens to any of them in the end. I can't believe there's three seasons of this.

Resident Evil (2022)

Resident Evil inspired but it's not for the fans.

[3/10 · 16 July 2022]

I've been a fan of the RE franchise since the games humble release in 1996 and it's been a fun storyline to follow over the years. I was excited to see it come to line in a TV series. Unfortunately, what you'll be watching on Netflix in NOT Resident Evil. There's flashes of the Umbrella Corp logo, a version of Wesker, and zombie dogs but it's not Resident Evil--it's RE inspired; it's a whole new story. If you can get your head around that, this not the worst thing you could be watching.

Lance Reddick is the only good thing about this show, he is a phenomenal actor. He plays Wesker and it's a departure from what we know of who Wesker is, but he's believable and it's easy to accept. Though the writing and character development need a lot of work. It's hard to believe that characters surviving in such a world could be so stupid and naïve.

Also, the set is too "clean" and it's hardly a believable dystopian future of a world over run by zombies and zombie monsters.

I'm not a fan of Resident Evil Netflix. It's not the original story but the one that's been created is so boring and cliché. It's not thrilling or exciting. Even the soundtrack doesn't get you in mood. Netflix screwed the pooch on this one; definitely a missed opportunity.

Breach (IV) (2020)

Shambling and unimaginative.

[2/10 · 12 June 2022]

How can a movie that has the opportunity to get together a bunch of quality actors be that bad. The truth is, is the actors can only do so much with the direction and lines that their given. And a movie doesn't have to have a big budget to be interesting, that's all up to the storytelling which is non-existent in this movie. There's a lot left to be desired in the script, it's boring with no intrigue to draw you in. There's no atmosphere. Is it dark and gritty, no. Do you believe these guys are in space? Also, no. You could probably film something like this on your phone.

I wanted to like this movie but it just feels like an elaborate game of laser tag.

Invasion (2021–2024)

Where is Sam Neill?

[3/10 · 30 May 2022]

Well, Sam Neill is ONLY in the first episode, so if you're looking to see more of him, prepare to be disappointed. Invasion is so incredibly slow. The slow scenes used for dramatic effect are tedious. There's no intrigue. And when finally something happens... nothing does. The character development is cliché and, I feel, gave so little to develop connectedness with the audience. And that might mean nothing to some people, but I like/want to know what happens to a character/s I like or dislike. In Invasion, I really couldn't care about what was going on and forget I was actually watching TV, and go stand in front the fridge to see what's happening there instead.

An alien "invasion" is what's happening but the show isn't about that. It's about characters in their own "mini show" within a show that we get see a bit of in each episode. If you're not really interested, skip to episode eight and watch until the end because that's where things finally come a head. Some of the characters come together, the plot thickens, and you finally get to see the aliens. I was pretty disappointed with the aliens. But, to the developers credit, they're not what you expect. I got at "Stranger Things" vibe in the last five minutes of episode ten which made me groan because it was anticlimactic.

Don't expect things to get too exciting in the final episode, however, you do get some intrigue that might leave you wanting to know more. Which is great, because Invasion has been renewed for season two and I can't wait to watch the final three episodes of that season too.

Mr. Corman (2021)

Well made but it's just sad.

[7/10 · 25 April 2022]

I don't know what to make of it. AppleTV lists Mr Corman as a comedy and I couldn't discern what kind of comedy it is. The show is tragic and left me feeling sad. The acting is good, visually it's nice to watch, but the content--sad, dysfunctional, hopeless, and egoistic. Mr Corman is not happy with his life, he's stressed out because he wants more; to be more, have more--just more. He wants love, he has love but the choices he makes are the opposite. If this is a reflection of the "human condition", then it's probably true for a lot of people. In episode 10, Mr Corman learns some hard truths. My take: if you're looking for fulfilment outside yourself, you're never going to find it.

Dietland (2018)

Started well and then descended into a steaming pile.

[3/10 · 24 January 2022]

The series begins with Plum Kettle who's overweight and depressed, and is a ghost writer for a fashion magazine. Through each episode she gets roped deeper and deeper into a dangerous feminist movement where men are punished by being killed. It sounds interesting but it's not. The writing is cringeworthy and tacky, and can't help but scrunch my nose up at some of the dialogue. The characters are exasperating and I'm struggling to find a connection with any of them; they're so unlikable, even Plum. The show tries to be edgy and empowering but it misses the mark. There's no wit but a lot of crude. There was one episode that went on and on about being "bangable" where Plum is taken on a rollercoaster of being waxed and having some makeup slapped on her. It was weird and it didn't add to storyline. As I'm writing this review, the word "relevance?" keep popping up in the back of mind. I'm glad this show didn't get a second season, it's terrible, and the only reason I'm up to episode 9 is because I'm doing some paperwork and saving the other shows on Prime that deserve my full attention.

The Wheel of Time (2021– )

Started watching with friends, now I watch it alone.

[6/10 · 15 December 2021]

The dangers of reading a review can either lead to disappointment or the absolute opposite. The review said something about The Wheel of Time being of similar calibre to The Lord of the Rings... You can probably see where I'm going with this. The Wheel of Time does NOT have the depth of Tolkien. It's as I'm just suppose accept that what happening is happening because it is. There's no why things are happening, only that there is good and bad which results in conflict. Honestly, it's a bit lazy.

The actors vary in skill, some are great and others make some scenes feel unnatural and awkward. This could be because of the script, directing, or just ability. The story is what you see as it's happening, there's no depth and I'm not given the option to "wonder" or think about what it means or why it matters.

My friends are less forgiving than me, they've written The Wheel of Time off so I'm left watching it alone. So, why am I still watching it? It's not bad, I think there's potential and if you forget everything you know about Tolkien, magic, and the like, it's a bit fun to watch. Just think of all the other crazy shows out there that make no sense (like, Snowpiercer (so weird but I like it)). I just hope that the writers fill in the gaps next season and add some depth to the characters and the story.

The Tomorrow War (2021)

Good action film, but that's it.

[5/10 · 22 July 2021]

It's true. When you watch this movie, it is better than expected. But it falls behind in quality of some of the TV shows we have these days.

Without giving anything away, the plot is not bad but predictable. And the "goofs" mentioned on IMDB are obvious. I remember sitting on my couch thinking wth...

Anyway, the acting is also not bad, you can only do so much with what you've been given.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's an average film. Not bad, not great, and a bit fun.

Clarice (2021)

Unlike any of the Hannibal series.

[5/10 · 29 June 2021]

It has potential but the script falls short. The conclusion was anticlimactic. After watching the entire season, I can say I did not connect with any of the characters, felt no emotion, and if there was something better to watch I would but I've exhausted all the streaming services I have.

Clarice (2021)

Not bad but not great, and a bit slow.

[5/10 · 24 June 2021]

There's a lot to unpack. Clarice is a TV show with a lot to say but doesn't say it well. Clarice is clearly suffering the after effects of Silence of the Lambs but I feel like the jumping from the present to past could have been done better. And it's not just Clarice, Catherine too, the lady she saved from Buffalo Bill. It's frustrating to watch and boring at times, I actually find myself disengaging then having to rewind to see what I missed. As it turns out, not much.

There's so much going on. Clarice, who is clearly the main character, there's no depth or discovery to who she is and it's hard to connect with her. I think much of it is lost when the show tries to tie in the stories of other characters who are important to the story line.

NOS4A2 (2019–2020)

The potential was there.

[5/10 · 5 January 2021]

Some of the supernatural ideas were intriguing but the storyline fell into a cliché: family problems, bad parenting, etc. It felt as though I was always waiting for something to happen, something unexpected or original, it just never got there. And there were times where I thought, that's kind of stupid, are people really that dumb, who wrote this? For example, there's a scene where one of the characters id being chased by a car, and she runs in a straight line, avoiding obstacles and making it easy for the car. Spoiler alert: she gets run down. The teenage angst was off putting. It took away from the storyline, there was nothing to gain from those scenes, and they were so long. It's not bad but it will become a show that I'll forget I ever watched.

Edit. So, I've finally made it through Season 1. Was it worth it? If you had nothing else to watch, then maybe. One of the problems I had with the show was how unlikable every single character was. The only time I felt anything was the scene when alcoholic father decided to quit drinking. The rest of the characters, pitiful, ego driven, and not very smart. The premise of the show sets you up for the goal of this story, and that is saving the children from evil Charlie but, honestly, they're better off in Christmas Land. Performance wise, Ólafur (Bing) and Zachary (Charlie) were good. Ashleigh (Vic), was fine but there were a lot of missed moments and her character was unbelievable. Imagine a sociopath pretending to be remorseful. As the main character, I expected more. Now, the title is NOS4R2, obviously a play on words for "vampire". I read a review which states, "will change what you know about vampires". Watching the show, I completely forgot it had anything to do with vampires and thought it was about monsters. If you want to watch something that will blow your mind about vampires, watch Tru Blood or The Strain. There was so much potential and good writer's must be hard to come by. And book to TV adaption needs talented writers.

Hanna (2019–2021)

The first season was excellent, second season was disappointing.

[7/10 · 4 October 2020]

I thoroughly enjoyed the first season. Cinematics were fantastic and the dynamics between the cast worked so well. I wasn't sure if I'd like this show but I settled in quickly and wanted to see more when it ended. Come season two. Wow. What a let down. There were some great moments but core of the story lacked depth. Introduction of new characters kept the show fresh but the relationship between the characters in the first season could have been further developed. My feelings after the second season is that I wouldn't be bothered if there was no subsequent seasons. If you're interested in watching Hanna, watch the first season but don't watch the second season unless there's a third to follow up.

Utopia (2020)

Average at best.

[5/10 · 4 October 2020]

Visually, Utopia is appealing but I feel like it went awry in storytelling. It just didn't capture my attention. I know this because I got up a few times and did other things because I forgot I was watching TV. Not the best or the worst show I've ever seen, it's okay. I realise that sometimes it takes a few episodes to become invested in a show but this is a drag. I've never seen the original but if it's anything like the current attempt, it's just not a for me.

Little Fires Everywhere (2020)

Never mind the stereotyping, it's just so boring.

[4/10 · 7 August 2020]

It was a grind to get to the end, and when you get there you've learnt absolutely nothing and you like none of characters. A season two would be pointless.

Cursed (2020)

When you pause an episode to see how long is left...

[3/10 · 25 July 2020]

The previews showed so much promise. However, when you're actually watching the show it's clear that something is missing. There's no magic, no whimsy, and I'm not buying it. It all feels a bit cliche. There's no time taken to explore the characters, there's no depth, you're just watching them "do" things. The show looks like it's taken a bit of work, and the story is unique, but it's misses the mark. Maybe it needs another season to grow.

Locke & Key (2020–2022)

The story has potential. Acting is a letdown.

[6/10 · 29 May 2020]

The story is unique enough to keep you interested but I feel the story telling could be better. Maybe it's the directing, key moments feel forced. The lead cast leaves a lot to be desired as the supporting outshine them in ability. Jackson Robert Scott is a true star his character is fun to watch. Petrice Jones does quite well as a supporting actor as well. The cinematics look good, a fair amount of effort has gone into it. There's room to grow.