zentro Reviews

The Watcher (2022– )

Could have been good

[4/10 · 1 December 2023]

This series had its moments. It had an interesting premise, believable characters, the potential to be a solid mystery/thriller.

But it simply did not deliver at the end, and the end is the most important part of a mystery. All of these intriguing twists and turns, all these clues from left field, all plot twists and jolts, all for naught.

I was getting wary about the time we were supposed to believe that the principals of an LLC are secret, and that someone could stage some deaths for two weeks to collect on life insurance. Pure nonsense, both.

When the end came very little was resolved, very little was explained and to be honest I felt like I had wasted 7 hours. Don't waste your time.

Dear Child (2023)

Excellent work except the ending

[7/10 · 12 October 2023]

I enjoyed this mini-series a lot and the writing and acting were top notch. Lots of layers carefully revealed at the right time. Many plot twists and sudden revelations that cast everything in a brand new light. Like a good mystery should do, done quite well here.

The acting of the Hannah character was particularly notable for its almost chilling realism.

My only complaint is that the ending seemed really rushed and there were lots of questions left unanswered. I see this as largely a mystery effort, not wrapping up the loose ends is pretty unsatisfying. But all things considered this is a worthwhile viewing.

You Don't Know Me (2021)

Started out great

[6/10 · 8 February 2023]

The first two episodes of this fascinating drama were fantastic. But then, something that should have gotten a definitive wrap-up went off track with an absurdly complicated and convoluted script.

Then, instead of an ending we get a cop-out. I realize that the writer probably thought his ending was an edgy nod toward the uncertainty of life, but I think to most of us it was merely a dodge. The whole series was about facts but the most important fact was denied the audience.

The acting was first rate, zero complaints. I guess my problem is that this series had immense potential that was squandered for ineffable reasons.

Maid (2021)

Not as bad or as good as most here say

[6/10 · 11 October 2021]

I agree with a lot of the points the negative reviews make, and I understand that a lot of other reviewers are right when they defend the sometimes simply absurd decisions the protagonist makes repeatedly. I understand the point of the protagonist doing whatever she had to to get out of an abusive situation.

That said, to me Andie MacDowell stole the show acting-wise whereas her daughter has limited range and basically came off as catatonic most of the time.

This was a flawed story but worth watching IMHO, there is a lot to like here.

StartUp (2016–2018)

Good enough to watch...

[6/10 · 23 May 2021]

.. lets start with the good. Acting, pacing, directing, score, art direction, cinematography - all just fine. But, if you know anything about technology or business the unending cringeworthy errors make huge suspension of disbelief something you are just going to have to get used to.

I'm not going to bother to enumerate them, there are typically 2-4 in every episode. But this is the only thing that separates this from something like Breaking Bad, where everything that happens could actually happen and the science and tech are correct.

Just don't expect too much attention to reality and this is quite enjoyable.

Real Rob (2015–2017)

First time I've seen Schneider be funny...

[8/10 · 3 September 2020]

... I don't know why all the horrible reviews. Sure the cutaway to standup is ripped straight from you know where, the situations are ridiculous as most sitcoms are, but only the prudish would say this isn't funny. It's funny.

The Trip (I) (2010)

A not funny film that goes nowhere..

[3/10 · 16 August 2015]

I realize I am supposed to be in awe of the protagonists' witty impressions. The problem is I just didn't find them funny or even that good. And I kept expecting there to be some kind of relevant plot or point but there was none to be found. I am normally a fan of all things British but this film left me feeling like had wasted time.

The only redeeming value for this film was the beautiful countryside. The cinematography was quite nice. One did get the "feel" of rural England. Foodies will perhaps vicariously enjoy the indulgent dishes served. Watch if you want to see two guys who are both annoying go at each other. Watch if a plot or a point is not important to you.

Drive (I) (2011)

Not a great movie but...

[7/10 · 15 March 2014]

Not the unmitigated disaster so many reviews here would have you believe either. Is the pacing slow? Yes. Does every movie have to be swirling vortex of continual action? No. Sure, there where a couple of times when I wished Gosling would just say something, anything. But it didn't ruin the whole movie for me.

I found this movie entertaining with the occasional slip. Some of the violence was a bit gratuitous, but it was also cartoonishly fake in its own way so it didn't bother me. Also, most of the people who got killed richly deserved to die.

The ending was a bit strange in that why would Gosling bother to meet with the bad guy at all knowing he'd be attacked? Why did he leave the money there as he should have known that virtually anyone could abscond with it and he would be blamed anyway? And finally, the ambivalent ending (did he survive) was bound to bother the kind of folks who couldn't stand the pacing but that is life.

Niagara, Niagara (1997)

A crazy film you can believe

[9/10 · 18 March 2006]

I tuned in to this movie because there was nothing else to watch. I was immediately sucked in by the characters.

Robin Tunney is nothing less than spectacular in this film. Her portrayal of a mentally ill woman is both moving and 100% believable. Really, this sort of thing is not easy to do. She pulls it off fantastically.

We know early on this film is going to end tragically, but you cannot take your eyes off of it. The characters do stupid things, but unlike most Hollywood movies where people do stupid things because the plot demands it, these people do stupid things because the are not right in the head - and the things they do are completely consistent with their characters.

This is just a great example of film making IMHO. Great writing, great acting, great directing. A film for people who think film can be more than mindless entertainment.