Praetorius1980 Reviews

Heart of Invictus (2023)

Wonderful

[10/10 · 31 August 2023]

I loved every minute of this series. The highlight on veterans and recovery from the wounds of war and life was an emotional roller coaster of the best and most relatable kind. The bravery of the people who participated in the series, in telling of their struggles so publicly is incredibly brave. In seeing some of the reviews here, I find them even more brave.

The growth shown by the participants is remarkable. What the Invictus games gives to veterans is incredible. I am so happy this series was made to show the resilience of people.

The parts involving Ukraine were heartbreaking and so touching. The ending of the series was amazing. I cannot recommend watching this series enough. Support veterans.

1939: Secrets of Hollywood's Golden Year (2023)

Wonderful

[9/10 · 9 June 2023]

I watched this Documentary on a whim. It isn't my usual documentary fair but it might become so. It was a wonderful look back that showed the glitz and glamour along with the tempers, mistreatment of stars (especially female stars) and gossip rags making things worse for everyone.

I enjoyed the details about Bette Davis and Judy Garland. It was a very humanizing look at what they were dealing with in 1939 and the pressures they were under.

1939 was a great year for film and changed the scale and scope of what was possible in the industry. I hope there are more documentaries like this one to come. I will be there to watch.

The Black Demon (2023)

Good Movie

[7/10 · 9 June 2023]

This was a good shark movie. It had more substance than some of the big shark movies and tried its hand at a more nuanced message. The acting from the main cast was good and so was the writing. I wasn't expecting much from this movie so I was pleasantly surprised when there were moments of actual suspense and a bigger concept than just "shark". Some of the underwater scenes could have been better, but given the budget I understand. I liked the oil rig as a backdrop. The supporting cast were better than should be expected on a film of this size and budget. All in all, a nice way to spend an hour and fourty minutes.

Murder in Big Horn (2023)

Bad Cops

[7/10 · 9 February 2023]

I thought this documentary is very well done. It managed to provide cultural and historical information in a way that showed the lived experience of the indigenous people in general and specifically in that area. It also illuminated the relationship between the police and indigenous people historically and currently. Without that context, the documentary wouldn't have made as much sense.

The cops sure have a lot to answer for. The amount of people missing or murdered in the area is astounding. Though the police and medical examiner want to list all deaths as unknown or hypothermia. So many people dying of "hypothermia" in that area should be a health crisis for the state. But they are indigenous so government and police don't care. They do not interact with the families and do little to no investigation. They don't care about press pressure or community pressure. They are unbothered by the amount of death surrounding them.

Live to Lead (2022– )

Enjoyable

[9/10 · 1 January 2023]

I enjoyed watching this series. The interviews are well done and personal, giving a better view of the people being interviewed.

The stories presented are meant to inspire and they do. They are meant to remind us that human are capable of great things, things that connect us to each other and make the world better.

I know some people wont watch because of the producers and that is unfortunate. The people highlighted are worth a watch and a listen. I highly recommend this for anyone in need of a little positivity and inspiration in a world that seems lacking of both most of the time. Give it a chance!

Harry & Meghan (2022)

Illuminating

[10/10 · 1 January 2023]

I was not sure what to expect when I first put on the documentary. I had followed some of the drama with the Royal family and knew that the British press was trying to eat Harry and Meghan alive so the documentary had me curious.

I really enjoyed the 6 part series. The behind the scenes shots and video from the couple where beautiful. It was lovely to see them finally able to share their story their way without the press choosing what goes out.

Then came all the tabloid press and royal family info. There were a few bombshells and they were eye opening. The amount of racism at play is just crazy, not to mention the misogynoir and patriarchy. It is wonderful that Harry sees with educated eyes now.

I highly recommend.

Hasan Minhaj: The King's Jester (2022 TV Special)

Dangerous Clout Chasing

[5/10 · 5 October 2022]

The special was alright. Somewhat entertaining but breaks down to him being a dangerous clout chaser who had to stop because he has a wife and kids now and she wants him to be less dangerous or something. Really trying to post W's and ending up mostly L's. Trying to take credit for speaking truth to power and getting push back but it was mostly toothless and he received regular hate mail. Some of it was funny but not much. I'm giving it a 5 because he did it all in his regular style of comedy and storytelling so he was true to form. It felt a lot like cover for his show getting canceled too. 5 stars.

Marcus Wareing's Tales from a Kitchen Garden (2022– )

Not Worth It

[2/10 · 31 July 2022]

Another rich guy running a "farm" off of the labor of others without giving credit. The pandemic forced some of these rich chefs to remember the properties they own in the country. Marcus adds nothing to the show itself and it is the duplicate of every other chef show out there now. The arrogance juxtaposed to his lack of knowledge of his holding is ridiculous to watch. Hes not an inventive chef either. Very terrible show.

The Great Muslim American Road Trip (2022– )

Interesting

[9/10 · 29 July 2022]

A great show with plenty of interesting info about Muslims in America and the contributions to American identity. Well worth a watch. Another good show from PBS.

America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston (2022– )

Fantastic

[10/10 · 22 July 2022]

I watched this series based on the description. PBS has a winner with this one. Excellent and engaging host. Wonderful, scenic outdoors. Interesting, inspiring guests and interactions. I look forward to each new episode and hope the series runs for many years.

Shoresy (2022– )

Hilarious

[10/10 · 16 May 2022]

Such a funny and well written show. I'm glad Jared Keeso is doing this spinoff both for his acting as well as his writing. One of the funniest shows I've seen in a long, long while.

The Biggest Little Farm: The Return (2022)

ugh

[1/10 · 11 May 2022]

What a scam. They should really check on this farms labor relations with current and past employees. There's a reason they can't keep help. Show farm in front, scary stuff in the back. Mostly just for tourism.

Cheaters (2022)

Great

[8/10 · 11 March 2022]

Great acting and writing. The episodes felt the right length for the story. The story was an engaging and interesting. I hope it gets a 2nd season. I want to watch more!

Janet Jackson. (2022)

Lets Joe off easy

[5/10 · 1 February 2022]

Joe Jackson apology tour out in full force. They let all the physical and emotional abuse go. It's all ok because their father loved them. Terrible message.

We Need to Talk About Cosby (2022)

Ambiguous

[3/10 · 31 January 2022]

A lot of talk that all seems to be leading to divorcing the art from the artist. A lot of people interviewed can't seem to back the survivors because hes BILL COSBY. Terrible.

Abbott Elementary (2021– )

Wonderful

[10/10 · 30 January 2022]

This show has the perfect amount of laughs and heart. Terrific writing and engaging, realistic characters. I can't wait to see what the rest of the season holds.

The Motive (2020–2021)

Not Worth Watching

[4/10 · 26 January 2022]

The story goes nowhere. It doesn't answer any questions. He's a sociopath plain and simple. They keep looking for motive outside of him just wanting to kill his family. There is no there there. Sociopath.

The Matrix Resurrections (I) (2021)

Great!

[9/10 · 7 January 2022]

Loved it. It was just meta enough. It made me enjoy the first 3 movies even more. I thought the conversations were perfect and that the movie didn't over-rely on action as it did in some of the earlier films.

Jay's Yorkshire Workshop (2021– )

Inspiring

[10/10 · 26 August 2021]

I enjoyed watching this show. I loved all the craftspeople and how they worked together to create something personal for a person in the community who had done something worth being celebrated for. An all around heartwarming watch.

Miracle Workers (2019–2023)

Season 2 and 3 are so much better

[10/10 · 26 August 2021]

I found season one good but a little boring. I loved season 2 and 3. You do not have to have watched season 1 to understand the next 2 seasons. It is a great show full of humor and heart. Well worth watching at whichever season you start at.

Clarkson's Farm (2021– )

Knows Nothing

[2/10 · 4 August 2021]

He knows nothing of what he's doing and is proud of it. He continues to want a pat on the back for blundering along messing things up and having others have to go behind him fixing things. I kept hoping he'd show some real growth or change and I was disappointed. His 1000 acres would be better off in someone else's hands or many someones.

Soul of a Nation (2021– )

Wonderful

[8/10 · 3 June 2021]

Informative with great segments, hosts and topics. Definitely worth a watch.

The Me You Can't See (2021– )

Helpful

[10/10 · 22 May 2021]

Very inspiring and uniting. I hope people see it and feel seen in their struggles.

Exterminate All the Brutes (2021)

Necessary

[10/10 · 11 April 2021]

Incredibly in-depth and well researched. A must see. A hard truth to watch but worth it for the information and perspective you can gain.

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)

Holiday Wonder

[9/10 · 17 November 2020]

Great movie! Wonderful actors, incredible sets and costumes, and heartfelt songs. Not to mention dancing! A very enjoyable family movie.