Scotslad_007 Reviews

Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver (2024)

A Single Village Against a Galactic Empire, Either a Very Inept Empire Or Super Human Village?

[4/10 · 21 April 2024]

This is a story you want to love but logic must be thrown out as the beginning premise is a very small against a well trained, well equipped oppressor. Stories should be believable in order to be drawn in, we love underdog stories... something against all odds! But you have to believe its possible to for that underdog to win, which at NO point do you see any evidence no matter HOW NOBLE the reason they can. The technology of an empire that can restore broken bodies, fly between planets, supposedly a formidable force... against a village that INTENTIONALLY plow their fields with animals.

Regardless of the inspiration help from a handful of skilled hand-to-hand fighters... before the fight starts you know you have to suspend reasonable logic.

After saying all this it does create beautiful stories within the very unbelievable fight, but the fight itself it the big miss.

The Signal (2024)

Don't They Have Psychiatric Evaluations for Astronauts in Germany?

[3/10 · 9 March 2024]

This limited 4 episode still feels too long. A very promising concept but so many empty, wasted, dialogs that you get frustrated waiting for the next significant advancement of the story.

The mother/astronaut has serious mental issues before going on the mission that you wonder if they ever checked her health records, she was danger to herself and others prior to being on ISS. Then for her to make a discovery that she pretty much went into psychosis\paranoia with just a little prompting. Knowing that in first 2 episodes then makes her unreliable in anything that comes in the final 2 episodes. I suspect that regardless of how good the last 2 episodes may be, many will quit the series before getting a chance to find out.

Yesterday (III) (2019)

Genius Followed By Genius

[10/10 · 2 March 2024]

I watched this movie in 2019 and for some reason didn't review it. After watching this movie several times over the years I strongly felt the need to recognize the pure genius of this movie. The underlying concept of a singer song writer attempting to find success and ultimately acknowledging it wasn't going to happen, nobody was connecting with his lyrics, music. Then in a freak event all the world forgets the Beatles.... Jack appears to be the only person to share the brilliance of the plethora of Beatles music, it's a gold mine. It gave us all an appreciation of what the Beatles gave us and through this event we get to listen to all these classic songs like we are listening to them for the FIRST time. With new ears we find new appreciation of what these songs meant to us and the love they share.

I will always be grateful for giving us this new shared experience of mixing a love story with our love of music and our love of each other.

Code 8: Part II (2024)

Should Be TV Episodes Not Movies

[5/10 · 1 March 2024]

When you put that much time between movies you expect more juice. It is slowed paced, and doesn't take advantage of all the possibilities in this dystopia. The story felt disjointed and often conflicting with itself as it dances around the idea of those with power claiming to help but ultimately its a battle grab of who is running drug business in the poorest parts of the city. It doesn't address the bigger issues of drugs taken from those with power kept them drugged up due to the poverty.

In the end of this movie it's a minor win that would be more suited to a TV series where bigger stories can play out. I think 5 stars is fair!

Fool Me Once (2024)

Fool Me Twice, Shame on Me. If I was to invest my time without checking reviews first.

[6/10 · 2 January 2024]

Seems to be a trend making limited series that don't need 8-10 episodes! First episode gets you hooked but you see the signs of the long drawn-out development being framed.

Being fooled in the past from other shows, I now look for reviews that recommend the episodes to skip, that don't provide critical information. The reason for the 6 is the unnecessary episodes.

If you watch episode 1, and skip to last two 7,8... the rating goes up to a 8 for me. No critical information is missing and I like the ending, they tied up most of the plot lines.

Overall a great show, a little overly dramatized for a UK show which tends to be ground compared to US TV.

Leave the World Behind (2023)

An Appetizer, Something You Watch Before the Main Course.

[4/10 · 9 December 2023]

A interesting beginning and overall idea but it quickly loses momentum as the characters POV is caught in very affluent, naive response. As the characters witnesses, experience very intense situations there responses don't match typical American family(s) response. The event is completely washed out by the characters childlike dialog. As you keep watching you realize if such an event happened they would not survive a week.

The elephant in the room though is when you see who the executive producers are and of course that will influence how you watch it. I love those guys but this movie came across as a fear based method of communicating this type of threat which I find very uncharacteristic of them.

At the end you don't feel that the premises was not truly played out and explored as the characters distracted from arch and were unconvincing in their reactions overall.

Awareness (2023)

Great Premises But Ultimately Fails

[3/10 · 12 November 2023]

Awareness is a great idea and starts with a brilliant premises but diminishes as it unfolds. The story starts with a young boy protected by a father figure barely making it and stealing alcohol of all things. The father figure ultimately is drunk who they attempt to make us feel compassion for but did little to earn the title an actual father figure.

The most frustrating part of this movie is its potential, such a great idea wasted. The main character, Ian, we learn has an ability to alter perception and it attempting to evade an organization which is tracking him for this gift. Initially you have compassion for Ian but ultimately I found myself giving up on him as he comes across as a spoiled brat.

This is a movie of potential but ends with making bad choices and asking yourself, what was the point of the story? Seem the bad guys triumphed and the idiot kid who can project ideas into others was duped.

A Beautiful Life (I) (2023)

Elegantly Integration Life's Story with the Story of Song

[10/10 · 10 June 2023]

This has a slow complicated burn but builds beautifully exploring the messy and beautiful parts of our life. The songs come at poignant moments and show the resilience when those around you believe in you more than yourself. There are moments you want to turn away as it represents our own personal demons and toxic relationships.

The songs by themselves, each on there own are on point and I will be adding to my Spotify list. But how they merge with the story give me hope that such beautiful movies like this exist.

This movie is well worth making it to the end and experiencing the up and downs through music, ultimately you are rewarded with a well rounded movie.

Shadow and Bone: No Funerals (2023) Season 2, Episode 8

Rating Season Up to this Episode 10, This Episode 3!

[3/10 · 24 April 2023]

My overall review of the season up to this episode was excellent, as basically you could have ended with just a season with just part of this final episode. But NO, like an artist who created a magnificent painting but can't stop thinking of ways to adjust it the wheels fell off in not just one storyline but multiple. If I was to guess these guys are not sure season 3 is guaranteed so they decided to get an early start but instead of getting us more intrigued they burned all they built in the first 2 seasons to the ground? What amazes me in how well they built up so many story lines and interweaved them over all of season 1,2 but rather than celebrate let the end breath and let us enjoy it... they quickly trigger a whole new set of dark and foreboding storylines.

Reminds me of Lost, so much potential built with the end being the defining moment!!! BAM with the snap of a finger within the last 20+ minutes they attempt to T everything up for another season and cast all the journey's into disarray and doom. How are you supposed to walk away from that and say "That was a Great season!?"

I enjoyed all the characters and the world that was created before our eyes. I enjoyed the depth of each character and the complexity of each' s journey.

A disappointing final episode will give me pause to attempt to watch another or recommend the show.

The Power (2023)

Power To The Minority, Not Appreciated by Those in Power.

[10/10 · 14 April 2023]

I'm surprised by the low reviews when the whole series has not been release yet? I'm a big critic of slow pacing, this show is not one of them. Each episode has a purpose and is building the narrative of the "why" this is happening. Jumping between countries, cultures, stories old as time as to the why. You feel each different each story and see a well paced realization of the what the power means to them. This is a narrative of what would happen if those who have been suppressed would react if there was a balance of power. Sometimes though to get the balance it has to tip the other way!

Worthy of your time.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)

Easiest 10 Star I have Given - Inspirational

[10/10 · 25 December 2022]

I have a very new respect for Korean writers, such insight into the human condition. How they arched the theme of an autistic female lawyer, interweaving each characters journey. I loved each character, the complexity and unpredictability was very refreshing from western writing. I knew very little of South Korea but now feel an immediate connection and appreciate of them.

Also an incredible job on english dubbing voice characters, I attempted the original a few times but interestedly the voice actors appear to match my idea of the characters perfectly.

I look forward to many more seasons and what to say "Thank You!" for the Great journey while being immersed in this masterpiece.

Speak No Evil (2022)

Negative Stars If IMDB Would Allow!

[19 September 2022]

I've written many IMDB reviews and I pause as I word this review as I don't want to any idea that what I say tempts somebody to watch this. My short review, this movie is not worth A moment of your time and will leave you less of a human being, with regret.

I need to add more to meet IMDB 600 character limit but NO more needs to be said. I just hope that my low review causes ONE less person to watch this. If you have kids, don't watch it. If you have a soul... don't watch it. Not because it creative in creating horror but because you will feel like something you will not like at the end, bitter disappointment.

... simply avoid!

The Nightingale (I) (2018)

Truth of The Southern Hemisphere - Great Historical Piece

[10/10 · 30 May 2022]

This is an intense story of the history of Australia, not for the light hearted but these atrocities did happen. A beautifully delivered combination of the plight of the prisoners who were sent there and the aborigines who where also displaced. When it comes to certain acts against women I find it very disturbing but we cannot turn and ignore that this did not happen. The same is also true for those who's land was stolen and the way they were demonized. This movie collides these stark differences and shows that a common truth of liberty and truth can be found.

Warning! Only watch this movie is your want a story that reveals the harshness of our past. It will cause you to pause and reflect and fight for others freedoms.

Dual (2022)

Very Strange Acting Method Happening in This Movie

[2/10 · 28 May 2022]

Big fan on the actors but in other movies, for some reason in this movie they all did this blank, non-emotional method of speaking. Almost felt like they were ALL doubles or doubles of doubles but it was very distracting. Still stuck with it as it could have potential of a good finish, Sadly "No"! The end, which is crucial when your suffering through the bad dialogue and delivery, simply fizzled to no real end at all.

Needle in a Timestack (2021)

Interesting Idea But Really Drawn Out

[4/10 · 17 February 2022]

It's OK but attempts to rely on these long drawn out dialogs that really make you want to switch to another show. The first 40 minutes Nick is instantly into jealously and paranoid but with no explanation as to why until way later in the movie comes across as obsessive rather than "in love" with the love of his life. You don't see any of that love because she is constantly dealing with his "I'm going to lose you" which in any relationship is a sure way to lose somebody. Meaning the foundation of the rest of the movie is marred with the undertone of the first 40 minutes. They really overplay the "love is a circle" line. Showing them in love would have worked better and then adding the rest would have worked better, and reducing it from nearly 2 hours.

To other comments, this is for sure a Sci-fi show just a very slow one.

Other comments on there suspicious of why they think other have rated it low, after reading the comments I see no evidence of that and certainly just a deflection. Making hints of other people motive for comments just because they didn't love the movie as you did is no helpful.

Kimi (2022)

Meh! It's was fine until the other actors appeared.

[3/10 · 13 February 2022]

It get some nice tension at the beginning but the poor acting that lets you know your watching a movie because it feels like they are audition for the part they already got. From the moment when she goes to the downtown office, it appears high tech with retinal scan to walk in a building that air spays you. Then the wheels fall off and the immersion in the movie is gone. Office is plain and unimaginative, very poor set design. Dialog is forced and the goons I think are a comical.

You want to like the movie but the way it is presented keeps making you stop and go.. "really?". I got to the end and there are so many "really'" that the fight scene was a joke. Also if somebody who just try to help you is stabbed and bleeding on the couch, maybe move faster and get them help... that alone was a good example of the frustrating moments. Final the idyllic moment of her being outside had no context or rational.

Overall it felt like a low budget, non-immersive attempt that gets in its own way due to all poor dialog (acting).

Last Man Down (2021)

I Think All The Gym Work Buddies Made a Movie Together

[1/10 · 22 January 2022]

Very difficult to watch, very predictable from the very first 5 minutes to how the last 10 minutes would play out. I think these actors would work in another style movie but this format reveals all the flaws from writing to acting.

For All Mankind (2019– )

Compress Into 5 Episodes, Very SLOW on the Science/Moon Aspect. USA Today... Really?

[5/10 · 1 January 2022]

If you have time on your hands but it was just painfully slow in the build up and execution, as I read in another review "more of a soap style drama" than a cool exploration of man's limits. It touches on good topics like women, race, sexual preferences which great but it takes up most of the show and this is supposed to be about our adventure to the moon but its not the "hero" as Gordon Ramsey would say in this dish.

Not sure why USA Today put this as the best of 2021, several other show that easily have better writing, pacing and heart felt episodes each and every time !

The Last Duel (2021)

Lot of Repeating Moments-Take 1 hour Out

[5/10 · 19 December 2021]

A great time piece and a honest look into our history, just to long in the telling. Story told in chapters from multiple points of view but several of those repeated moments offer no new layers to the story.

My Dad's Christmas Date (2020)

Darker Side of a Christmas Theme

[5/10 · 18 December 2021]

If you have had the pain of loss of a loved one you will appreciate this movie but for those who have not it will be hard to watch. It's a difficult, awkward journey which is mildly saved at the end, just not enough to make up for the pain beforehand. Not to be classified as a Christmas movie for most as it presents as a comedy but it has to many dark moments.

I enjoyed watching it but it will not be a movie I will watch again.

The Tower (2021–2023)

Would Not Recommend To My Friends

[9/10 · 17 December 2021]

Good thing its only 3 episodes so its not drawn out to the bad conclusion. The writer appears to emphasis 'truth' but only when it works in the character favor, which is multiple police perverting justice. Going to be very hard for any good DSI to get any truth when even her partner is part of the misdirection. And the end you are left with a very deep mistrust of the police which is NOT a good message. Show did appear to have great potential but compared to something like "Line of Duty" it was lacking in procedures and properly handling all the lose ends left behind.

You will be disappointed after the first 3 episodes and there is a teaser with more to come but I would not recommended just being disappointed again so find another UK crime show, there are plenty which are worth your time.

Silent Night (I) (2021)

10 Star Acting, 10 Star Story UNTIL the final 5 Seconds?!

[5/10 · 5 December 2021]

A beautiful thought experiment on "what would you do in these moments?". Well paced and great use of all the characters in speaking to the multiple point of views in this scenario. I very much appreciate it all the way up to the final 5 seconds? But the final 5 seconds completely deflate all the beautiful work and killed it, the reason for the 5 star review. The most obvious questions being asked by a child and the writing appear to make it clear "there is NO other choice" which ALL the adults agree as they commit to the choice. So why, Why, WHY complete blow up all the previous information with those final 5 seconds? If there is a chance of survival and possible "misinformation" people will hesitate and see what happens, but the writing made it very clear "there was NO other way?" So a big fail from me due to the 5 seconds that completely made the end FLAT and illogical.

The Syndicate: Episode #4.1 (2021) Season 4, Episode 1

Review for Season 4. Best Way to Watch It, Watch Ep1 and Final Episode.

[7/10 · 3 November 2021]

A great series. This got the lowest ratings on IMDB, knowing that I decided to go with watching episode 1 and skipping to the final episode, the rest is noise. I didn't regret the choice, which is why I gave this a 7, closer to an 8. You don't miss any key plot lines you save yourself a lot of slow burn writing.

Great Season!

Dune (2021)

Newer Not Always Better Just Different

[6/10 · 24 October 2021]

Have not read the book so this is a comparison of the 1984 version, which I imagine is true of the majority of people. Not a review of how it differs from the book, but I read that making a movie from this book is a real challenge if not impossible and only really through interpretation can it be done. So this review is of the screen writer's interpretation. My initial reaction is 1984 is a classic which I've re-watched many times so know it very well, and when you have come to know a movie well you will critique the next to a higher standard. You want them to take what worked and improve upon it.

Character and dialog: The first thing I missed was the 1984 use of communicating inner dialogue at key parts of the movie, the hand in the box test, the attempted assassination of Paul, etc. 1984 Paul from acting to dialog is just far superior, same for his mother which has an even wider gap. 2021 Duke Leto character/script was very good and I would say better. 2021 Duncan, The Baron, etc, are all very muted compared to their 1984 counterparts. Which really then takes away from the story its trying to tell when you have this in the back of your mind.

Story telling: Again the 2021 just didn't do as well of a job showing Paul even in the few comparable scenes on his home world. Those same scenes in the 1984 are very intense although the CGI is not comparable 84' did it way better.

The Baron is very toned down in the 2021 version, trying to make it palatable I imagine for today's audience. Well, it killed the bigger than life character provided in 84'.

The Doc, even worse in building this character and providing any depth as to his closeness with the family and to his betrayal.

Lady Jessica is simply bigger than Life in the 84' version, 21' I'm not sure how but this is not a close comparison.

What I really like from the 21' and they did a better job was making the worlds feel so much bigger and immersive.

Finally how Paul and Lady J meet the Fremen is a big part of the 84' version and nothing clicked in the 21' interpretation of the same events.

I know this is part 1 and I will always appreciate attempts to interpret this book. I'm hoping part 2 changes my mind :-)

Kate (I) (2021)

Female Version of "John Wick" Japanese Style

[9/10 · 19 September 2021]

Great movie with a lot of layers and subtle intricacies but with the level of John Wick intensity. It also reminded me of "Kill Bill" as well with the extra, over the top violence but with a pure focus to right a wrong.

Enjoy!