unator Reviews

Fifteen-Love (2023)

Another in the long line

[3/10 · 10 August 2023]

Poorly written, directed and acted, but this series still had the opportunity to do something actually brave - provide an example of a FALSE allegation of assault.

It seems that the long line of 'male-predator' series (and movies) must continue without any challenge to its central theme - ALL women tell the truth about sexual assault and violence.

The Amber Heard-Johnny Depp case provided an insight into this issue, as do many, many actual criminal investigations where false allegations result in a jail sentence for the accuser. For a variety of reasons, there are a few Amber Heards out there.

A truly challenging series would address this real issue.

Hijack (2023)

Two stars for Idris alone

[3/10 · 8 August 2023]

If you really like Idris Elba (as we do) then you might enjoy this illogical nonsense. If not, give it a very wide berth.

Again and again the writers of TV series ignore the need to do any homework about the subject matter they are writing about. How do people actually do the jobs you are writing about? What are the chains of command? What are the legal issues? Nope, I will just wing it. After all, my audience is so stupid/forgiving that I can write whatever the hell I like.

Here we have an air traffic controller taking over airport operations and a counter-terrorism operative taking control of the biggest terrorism event in British history. Needless to say, they are both 'powerful' women. (Follow the formula - 'strong women' or no series!) And the audiences continue to swallow this rubbish.

The Diplomat (II) (2023– )

Ridiculous plot and shoddy writing

[2/10 · 10 May 2023]

Here is another Netflix insult to viewers. Two decent episodes - well written and directed, and hence decent acting - followed by 8 episodes of dross. This seems to be the Netflix MO. Get the viewers in and then feed them rubbish because, hey they are subscribers!

The central theme itself is really absurd, Without adding a spoiler, suffice to say that it would be an unrecognizable alternative universe where things would unfold like this.

The role of the protagonist mirrors Wonder Woman. The smartest, toughest, you name it and this girl can do it! As a spoof it would be entertaining. As a serious take it is laughable.

Ava (II) (2017)

Unrealistic and exploitative

[2/10 · 24 April 2023]

This is a really bad movie. The coming of age of the young female protagonist is simply unconvincing.

The amount of unnecessary nudity is exploitative of all concerned. The male nudity especially appears to have been included by the (female) writer and director to titillate. What is it with female writers and directors and their desire to exhibit full frontal nude males? If I took a guess I would have to say they are trying to emasculate under the guise of 'edgy'. It is simply a sad reflection on their own psychological hang-ups.

If you have the time to waste on a movie like this you are very bored indeed.

Minx (2022–2023)

Love Jake but this is bad

[3/10 · 5 April 2023]

I really love Jake Johnson and really wanted to enjoy this series, but it is very bad. Even Jake cannot save it!

It is more of the 'women as victims of the evil patriarchy', which would be bearable if it was well done. But this is not well done.

The writing is very bad, using modern sayings which did not even exist at the time the series is set. It is also 'by the book' with the so-called comedy bits very predictable.

There is a lot of male nudity which looks like it has been included to draw attention away from how bad the series is.

Poor Jake. He deserves to be cast in a real comedy so that he can showcase his talent.