robert-b-norby Reviews

One Piece (2023– )

Well acted clichés, and wonderful manga-styled crazyness

[7/10 · 17 September 2023]

(This review is coming from someone who has not seen the manga or read any comic books)

Season 1 is as much a journey through the East Blue as it is a journey through an amazing cast. Monkey D. Luffy, our main protagonist, dreams of becoming King of the Pirates. For this he needs a crew, and a boat, and throughout the season we follow him along as he meets up with more and more characters. More than 1 villain too. Everyone with their own dreams, or their own evil agenda. Luffy himself is a bit weird and naive, overly optimistic and good to a fault, and that - along with his rather formidable superpower to bend and stretch - is just the right combination of good and powerful to recruit some of the best pirates out there. And by best, we mean "good". It's time pirates starting acting a little nicer, don't you think?. The story is told in a linear fashion, and utilizes character flashbacks to great effect for both character depth and story arcs in present time.

Minor criticism: The story is perhaps a tad bit thin at first, with the plot primarily being moved forward by Luffy and his dream of being a great pirate, and some minor seemingly random events that needs to happen for him to meet more people and get a ship to pursue his dream. But I' not really criticizing this, merely mentioning it, as I'm probably not the only one heavily conditioned by typical tv shows to expect a great big injustice that needs redemption, or a great evil that threatens the whole world which must be stopped. But those elements do come with it's perks of drawing in the viewer, and this shows start very light on that front, and is instead character driven. Nothing wrong with that! AT ALL. But it means it will take some time for the show and the characters to grow on you.

There are plenty of bad guys though, but they pop in and out as beautifully extravagant freak shows that functions more as speed bumbs for the main story progression, and as a way to showcase some perfectly decent choreographed fight scenes. The only

The clichés are both amazing and a small drawback. There are some, at times, very on the nose story arcs for some of the main characters. This is a drawback because it feels like you have seen it before, and takes away the guesswork. You'll predict most of the outcomes before they happen. But the upside? Clichés are clichés for a reason. When done right, well written and acted, the result can be very powerful and captivating. And One Piece does them very well.

The great: I find every single main and supporting character in this show to be pretty darn amazing, both acting wise, but also style-wize. This IS based on a manga after all, where you can expect stereotypes to be very loudly portraited. It is not often you see these kinds of character translate as well into live action as some of the performances from the cast manages to do in One Piece (and I don't even have the built in forgiveness of someone who has seen the original). It is over-the-top manga-styled madness, but through character story-telling and good writing, it remains heartfelt and grounded at the same time. All actors bring uniqueness to their characters that they then stay true and consistent to. All (good) characters are very different, but also very likeable. A true ensemble of character fun, and glory.

Summary: Its a character driven show, packed with plenty of japanese manga-styled fun, with a larger than life message to follow your dreams - that take its time to draw you in with little to no intrigue. Give it a few episodes and allow the characters to be built up even further, and there is tons of charm and fun in this for most I dare say. The somewhat loose story plot does tighten in towards the end of the season, with a impactful and satisfying finale. It leaves you feeling excited for the characters, and their journey to come. And you'll probably want to join, when the next season comes.

It started out a 6, turn into a 7 halfway, and ends as and 8 for me = 7 average. If you already love the characters (from the original show), I totally get why this show has a strong 8 rating! :)

The Gray Man (2022)

It's an ACTION FLICK

[7/10 · 8 August 2022]

Its rare to see reviews so mixed I think. People hear Goslyng, Evans, the Russo brothers and a big budget, and get their expectations up. Im not all to easy to please, but I thought this was an action flick, it was, and to a decent score of 7. I feel like the entire point of «flicks» is to be easy entertainment, and that it was. Very much from start to finish. Are only actors like Jason Statham allowed to do movies like this and get a decent rating? Cmon. Why not let Gosling in on all the fun?!

Can you dissect the movie down to a series of flaws and missed opportunities and compare it to the best of all films? Sure, and then it's a 4-5. But let movie makers have some fun with it, and make some badass characters that does badass stuff and shrugs of some stab wounds that didnt hurt, pay the most expensive actors to do it, and roll with it. I normally don't let those things slide to easily, but it felt obvious to me the movie confessed it sins and said «I know, but hey, it looked cool, right?», and thus I forgave.

The movie is fast paced, jammed packed with action - some good, some bad - some cool and funny characters, Gosling in particular, a few momorable scenes, and a great child actor. Some questionable camera work at times, sure, but mostly top notch. A very decent action flick, which it clearly intended to be. And in that category, I think it deserves a 7.

The Tomorrow War (2021)

Better than the rating

[7/10 · 28 November 2021]

If you want a good sci-fi time-travel to fight aliens movie, you can't go wrong with this one. It's highly entertaining and fast paced, and for it's genre, it's a strong 7.

To critize first: It has some plot holes, the occasional cliché explosion, and you might think they don't always make the smartest disicions in every situation they are in. But it's not riddled with flaws like this, and there luckily plenty of well directed scenes and situations that does seem really realistic, which helps balance it out.

The good: It's entertaining from start to finish, well acted (Pratt and Strahoviski both impressed me here actually), solid emotional stories are developed seemlessly with the fast pace of the movie (without long and slow scenes), some of the best done CGI I've seen in a long time, a decent chunk of humor, and a cool plot involving time travel - along with believable efforts in rooting it in science (within the movie). The ending is both long, and rushed at the same time, in that the last third of the movie is like a sequel within the movie. It almost feels like the movie ends twice. One can easily critize the writing and directing here, but I personally didn't mind. That is of course because of what took place in that part of the movie, and I won't get into details on that:) I'd like the movie less if the "second ending" wasn't there, is what I'm saying.

I am a true slave to the IMDB-rating, and I don't think it's current 6.6 is justified. For it's genre, it's a strong 7. Possibly an 8. As a movie in general, it's a weak 7.

Eternals (2021)

Important film for the MCU, but unfortunately quite boring

[6/10 · 7 November 2021]

I am quite the MCU fan, but never read any source material. So I judge this film accordingly.

What we learn in this movie is clearly going to be important for the path forward within the MCU, so it needs to be watched. But watching it was a bit of a chore.

The movie spends a looong time giving us the backstory to the Eternals role as they were placed on Earth 7000 years ago. A LOT. We're talking 45 minutes of flashback from thousands of years ago.

But unfortunately, instead of coloring the characters, making them relatable, giving them personal goals and challenges and making us care whether or not they can overcome them, its all just visually stimulating history-channel material. When you don't feel for the characters, so much falls flat and becomes dialogue that simply becomes informative, and not compelling.

The actions scenes are fun, and very well made. Several quite spectacular scenes occasionally redeems the watchability. But they are so far apart that it doesnt even come close to making me want to watch this again. And that becomes the case when the actions scenes are the only part worth re-watching, which itself is a bit sad.

The movie kinda does the dual bad-guy thing, with one bad guy getting a very solid build up, and the other sort of on the sideline until the end. The actual interesting bad guy story arc (with a build up) is very abruptly finished off, while the other takes over. Im sorry, but this is just so unsatisfying, and I dont understand what the writers were thinking about here.

I really wanted this movie to be great. Its story, as said, is something you need to know if you want to stay up to speed with the MCU, but with so much plain information-talking, backstory that feels mandatory to watch but does nothing for the build-up, and cool action scenes miles apart, I think this could become the first of all MCU movies that I will only watch once. It's not the worst of the lot (*cough* Iron Man 2), but it would still be the most painful to rewatch.

I don't want to rate this out of frustration, so I give it a 6. A 6,5 perhaps, but that's not an option IMDB gives us.

All in all, this movie is like a story told where the storyteller needs to explain a bunch of terms and backstory before he can actually tell it, and then failing to make all the pre-explanations feel worth the time it took to listen. But as said, all that information will surely be useful later; it just didnt do much to make this particular story very interesting.

Beforeigners (2019– )

Off to a great start!

[8/10 · 22 August 2019]

Norwegian television and movies are very typically slow when it comes to dialogue and plot development. Not bad, but slow. Yes, we see it here as well, but this is much more American-ized than normal, and I mean that in a good way!

There hasn't been much that impresses me from an acting standpoint yet - but I do like the characters with what little build up they have gotten so far, and look forward to seeing them develop. I do place my money on Krista Kosonen to be the one to carry the show, and she does definitely bring entertainment value from the very first second. She is a prehistoric viking shieldmaiden now joining modern day police as she clearly was quick to adapt and rushed through the police academy. Then she is paired with a grumpy veteran police officer / single dad. I mean - what's not to like about that setup?!

I don't normally review titles this early, because it can truly go both ways from here - so take it with a grain of salt. But so far, the show delivers a weird and entertaining plot, clever and frequent tidbits of humor relating to old vs modern times, and solid acting. Let's hope it all holds up, and this could surely go down into history as Norway's finest - maybe even competing with "The Bridge" for the throne of Scandinavian television.

Edit: After completing all episodes of season 1, I stand by my rating, and can confirm an intriguing plot development and more depth to the characters in a well written way. There was also some side characters that struck an emotional chord with me, which is always welcome. Again, for Norwegian standards, it impresses. But I might say it is somewhat lacking in the storytelling aspect regarding the underlying "main mystery" that typically is supposed to carry the intrigue, and it can easily be forgotten between scenes of less overall importance. But then again, you rarely put on anything from Hollywood where the mystery ISN'T showed down your throat in episode one, so I find myself welcoming the change a little and enjoying interesting characters instead, which works great for this show if you ask me!

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

I'm really impressed.

[9/10 · 2 May 2019]

Where to begin. Endgame needed to do A LOT in terms of "landing" characters, and drawing conclusions. After all, this movie is leaving you with impressions that for many of the characters, will be the final one (I'm not calling out deaths here, simply that we don't at this point know if Marvel will make more movies including a lot of the characters here). The stakes have perhaps never been higher for any movie ever made. Do they succeed? Oh yes. Yes they do.

One of the reasons, I believe, is because the actual plot of the movie is genuinly plain and simple: Can we reverse what Thanos did, and also kill him? While this is by no means an easy task, the simplicity of it allows for the movie to work towards a finale with a 2 hour build-up, that largely centers around quick, well thought out and highly rewarding "dives" into our beloved heroes and their own personal stories, while they try to "solve the problem". And this was a REALLY smart strategic move from the writers/directors, I think. This type of character-first type of approach, makes it easy to bring in a lot of references, which to anyone who's even just seen half of all previous Marvel movies, should result in a permanent mini-grin from beginning to end in fan-service galore. No matter who your favorite hero is, chanced are you'll be very pleased.

In all fairness, the movie is a bit slow in the beginning. At least I can imagine it is for those that don't appreciate all the references as much as I do. But man does it pick up. I don't know who you are or what you have seen before from Marvel, but as said, the plot and the "mission" is simple enough - and the real actual endgame of Endgame will not disappoint you in terms of action, humor, or heartcrunching twists and turns. I laughed, and I cried, all while at the edge of my seat.

I'd say there's no question about whether you should watch it or not. If only to witness a movie never before created, that wraps up 21 others - go watch it. But besides just telling you this, I do want my review to be "helpful" (even though people will anways click those buttons below based on whether they "agree".) But in order to try and be helpful: If you have seen all or most of the movies leading up this and wonder if you should rewatch something before watching Endgame, then I suggest Spiderman Homecoming and Guardians. Maybe even Guardians 2. I won't say they are in any way important to understand any major plot points, but there are references and relationships from these movies that might give Engame a stronger emotional grip on you if you have them fresh in memory. With THAT said, you'll get tidsbits from possibly every single movie from the Infinity saga, so nothing will be wrong in term of warm-up-movies. Those are just my personal recommendations :)

Have fun!

Glass (2019)

The problem with this movie is Split/Unbreakable

[7/10 · 15 February 2019]

I have but one key input to those willing to read, but let me just get this out of the way first: James is amazing with all of his personas, and the entire rest of the cast is great as well. Shyamalan does wonders for the storytelling aspect of it, with immersive camera transitions and all of the above. It's truly a great movie.

But to my point.

As many critics yell out: this movie didn't utilize its full potential. I agree with the premise, but not the arguments. The movie does exactly what the movie sets out to do; which is to center around Mr. Glass, and HIS agenda. HIS story. And HIS ending. The problem as a viewer arises when you just saw Split (or rewatched Unbreakable - my GOD that is a great movie), or saw both, and then went to see this movie hoping for a grand finish to those two previous movies. Yes yes, you get plenty of "finish", but perhaps not as much as you hoped. And that is because this movie is Mr. Glass's movie, and then at the same time, it also wraps up all 3 movies. And then it's kind of its own movie as well.. I dont know.

Whatever it is, it seems a bit too much to do in one movie, at the expense of expectations. And that's what I believe is the downside. You come in with your mind and interest centered around Unbreakable or Split, and then the final keystroke of the plot places Mr. Glass in center - whom you are slightly less interested in.

Finally; as I always try to do with my reviews; If you read this before watching the movie - and you are a bit like me - I hope this will adjust your expectations and make the movie even more enjoyable. Whether or not I succeed with that, you should still watch the movie - if only for McAvoy's performance and the great camera work :)

Aquaman (2018)

Pretty decent. Just a little tacky.

[7/10 · 7 January 2019]

Aquaman has more going for it than most of the latest contributions from DC.

I'd say Wonder Woman has a clear upper hand on Aquaman, and I do not for the life of me understand anyone saying otherwise. But Aquaman is a well litt hope for the DC universe, and I definately want to see more of him! The good:

Arthus/Aquaman is a cool guy. Straight out, and hands down. His character also has a great backstory, and great development in this movie. In my opinion. And I must say that DC did him justice (no pun intended) by the way they presented this backstory. I believe Batman Vs Superman went a little too deep, and too far back with a lot of backstory/buildup - but Aquaman did it just right for me. Deep, emotional, thorough, but not wasting anyone's time. Just the important stuff that hits you in the heart.

Then there is action, cinematography, CGI, colors and all of the above - and the movie is pure eye candy. Maybe not the coolest fighting scenes, but definitely cool fighting scenes. Some original camera handling/rotations made for a nice little twist to certain close combat scenes. When it is not close combat, it's underwater Star Wars. I... think I can dig that.

The bad: I'm sure this is all very true to the original material and all, but I'm not all that into having 2 bad guys in one movie. Not like this anyhow. One of them was great, the other was not (hint: it's Black Manta). A massive cliche if you ask me, and (and watch this get down voted by the comic book nerds! :O). For the record, I do recognize that he did play a significant role in the plot development. But I still didn't like him - so there! To me, Black Manta got the same effect on this movie as Team Rockets gets in every pokemon episode (if you get that reference).

Furthermore, while the plot is good "per se", it is utterly without plot TWISTS, so you will probably never go "Whaaaaaat?!" anytime during this movie. You'll predict most of the movie plot development and ending by the time 20 minutes have passed, and you'll most likely be correct in all your major predictions. But this stuff is totally possible to roll along with and enjoy despite of, and most movies these days are just like this. So, I'm not pulling too many points because of it.

If there is one more tiny setback I feel the need to mention mention, is that I find some of the humor misplaced. The movie has good humor, and strong emotional scenes, both frequent, and well done. Separately. But sometimes the movie just missed my emotional state - which itself is responsible for putting me in. I'm brought half way to tears, then served a joke that feels inappropriate. And visa versa. It's not like this the whole movie, but enough times to for me to make note of it.

All in all: 7 / 10 is GOOD. It's Aquaman, he's cool, and its all pretty. Many good actors btw - I forgot the mention that. It's worth the watch, but no minds will be blown out of the park.

In Bruges (2008)

The only movie I have ever given 10 stars

[10/10 · 27 September 2017]

It's hard for me to start reviewing this movie, and I actually don't think I can explain why I give this a 10. But I will sure as hell try.

The first time I saw this movie, I was delighted. 8 out of 10! Entertaining, strong and funny. I was delighted at the originality, but still, there's not so much of it that the movie becomes only watchable for the specially interested. I am not that type of person after all. It got the basics down (and down hard) for what makes a good movie: A good intriguing introduction, a "problem" that needs solving(comes perhaps a bit late), characters you like and can sympathize with, a steady build-up/drama curve until the end, very welcoming visual display, camera work, a powerful finish, and magnificent music all the way. But this alone doesn't make it reach the very top. There are a few other movies that delivers that too. Somehow I liked it more than I was aware of at first, and so I had to watch it again (and again, and again).

What puts this movie over the top for me, I think, is the incredibly entertaining, humorous, and mind puzzling dialogue that will make you think "that would be so cool to actually say to someone in real life!" or the kind of opposite "what a horrible thing to say to someone". The dialogue script for this movie is brilliant, and it invites emotions on so many levels. It took me several viewings to appreciate it at the level I do now (but please don't be scared off, this is still a kick as movie regardless of how many times you watch it! It's probably just me that's a bit slow).

Along with the dialogue, the characters performing them is what makes this movie re-watchable - a trait not many movies have today in my opinion. They will bring up those emotions and that intrigue (and sell it to you), over and over again. And if that isn't good enough, did I mention magnificent music and imagery? Did I say humor? I believe it to more, but I can't put my finger on it.

You cannot make a mistake by putting this on, and I am betting my entire integrity as someone with a often way too critical mind towards movies never having given out a 10 before, that this deserves so much more praise than it has gotten (and it has gotten quite a bit). I have my suspicions that the simple plot description of the movie makes people think they are gonna watch an action shooter, and the simple minded gets disappointed, which could explain the "only" 7,9 rating. So know this, while it has minor elements of action in it, this is not an action movie. It's a masterpiece of characters and drama/emotions, acting, integrity, humor and f**king inanimate objects, and if you have not seen it, you got yourself a gem to discover.

This has been the go-to movie for me when I ask friends "hey, have you seen this one?", because it has against all odds escaped the radar of the major crowd. I leave you with this: I have not yet showed it to anyone who didn't directly thank me afterwards.

Ghost in the Shell (2017)

Nice visuals, but very lacking in the storytelling department.

[4/10 · 23 September 2017]

(If you are not familiar with the original material - like me:)

As any movie with a futuristic reality, the way such a reality is presented to you means a lot. This movie presents almost nothing, which makes it all quite dull in a sense. I won't spoil anything you can't read in the plot description, but if you are going to watch this, know this: In the first 2 minutes of this film, you will learn the following -

A woman damaged her body, they saved her by putting her brain into a robot. She's first of her kind; strong, fast and can use a gun. Skyline photos of Tokyo shows hologram commercials and flying cars (I think), and that's all you get.

That's literally all you get of an introduction to the reality of which this films take place, including the main character (Johansen) and her (complete lack of) story or personality. She plays an expressionless half-robot person that has some thoughts of her own but mainly does what her company tells her to do. Her face doesn't seem like she cares much, and since she doesn't, I don't.

Perhaps I'm being a bit harsh. The movie is visually very pretty, and there are a few good characters along the way, but I unfortunately found myself not caring one bit for anyone, or their "missions". Everything I saw, everything the characters said, and everything the characters were fighting for, meant nothing to me watching it. This - as mentioned - is for me largely because the main characters gets no pre-story, and not much character development throughout the movie either (she is basically a robot, so I guess it makes sense she doesn't change much.) The bad guy is the type that nobody really sees or knows who is until the end (another person we won't feel anything for or against, until perhaps the end), and a reality I am not properly introduced to (so I have no idea whether or not what I am seeing is "unusual" or "groundbreaking", "normal" or whatever). It's all just running, jumping, hitting, small talk, guns shooting, guy speaks Japanese, bad guy, finish.

This movie could have been so much better if they added 7 minutes in the beginning, showing us Mira (Scarlet Johansen) before she damaged her body and became mechanical. They could perhaps have made the good guys or the bad guys connected to the government or politics, and easily slipped in some society-defining information to the viewer. Don't we all love to dive into a new world or a futuristic society? Won't get much of a dive here. Instead, the two major parties involved in this movie is Mira and the unique, and borderlining criminal private company that made her (and thus a horrible representation of this reality/society), and a rogue criminal belonging to .. nobody. Put in a futuristic Tokyo you won't learn anything about. This movie is clearly made for the fans of the original stuff (just watch them downvote this review as they disregard all their integrity by NOT acknowledging the movie sucks, even thought THEY liked it. And even though I specified this review being from a non-fan perspective). The movie is an insult to those that are not fans. If not an insult, then just pure failure from the director who neglects so many storytelling aspects that today counts as "basic" in order to lay the ground work for a decent movie.

I gave it 4 stars for having some OK/cool supporting characters and pretty visuals but (nothing extraordinary), and you'll miss absolutely nothing by never putting this on.

Atypical (2017–2021)

Beautifully warm and funny

[9/10 · 12 August 2017]

This is a show about the everyday life of a family with an 18 year old boy with autism. Not the extreme kind, but the kind that makes it just bearable for him to go to school and keep a part time job - and wanting girls hehe.

I fell in love with all family members (and a few others) in the very first episode, and the love just grows. I have to give kudos to the writers and actors for portraying a "normal" family with such real challenges given their situation, in such a realistic and beautiful way. Nothing is overly exaggerated like most other sitcoms, and this is not comparable to the Big Bang Theory and Sheldon. This is far more realistic, and thus touching. It's not funny because of punchlines, it's funny because of situations. And no background laughter.

Sam - the main character with autism - is brutally honest (I guess, like Sheldon), and is (like most people on the spectrum) highly fixated on a few key subjects, that he naturally is an expert at. Que laughter! :D But he seems real. His challenges are in fact very real, and I know this first hand from having a brother at his age with autism as well. It is clear that the creators of this show has some deep personal experience with this condition (sorry if that's the wrong term to use:S English is not my first language). To me, this ads a huge emotional thumbs up.

Whether or not you are invested in the subject of autism, I will be shocked if you don't fall for this show. The story follows all the characters, and so the show doesn't become too monotone in it's depiction. We follow the younger sister's challenges with having a big brother that depends on her at school, along with sports and guys, and the parents and their challenges with getting time for themselves, and dealing with their social group as the ones with an autistic kid. And a whole bunch of other things.

When I am watching this show, I feel like I am watching the evolution of sitcoms that, instead of making foolish situations and punchlines with background laughter that drive the show through humor, I'm instead learning and reflecting and smiling my way through each episode with, if possible, deeper respect for all people that have to make special sacrifices in order to create their every day lives. I almost feel like a better person, and kinda want to thank the creators for that.

I hope this places your expectations exactly where they should be, and that you put it on and enjoy it as much as I did! :)

The Prestige (2006)

Magnificent. Brilliant.

[9/10 · 14 March 2017]

I don't know why I don't give this 10. It's perhaps a principal. This movie deserves all the praise in the world.

This movie combines so many satisfying elements. It's an extremely well written movie that will turn and twist the plot several times, and make sure you are left with a million questions.

But at the end, all those questions are answered. Ahh, and the satisfaction.

An emotionally strong, deceptively clever, star class performed, visually stunning, and magic induced movie that perhaps shows us the very best of Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale, in a vicious battle of rivals as two magicians will do anything in their power to outperform the other.

Also, "sophisticated", I believe, deserves to be mentioned as a key keyword for this movie. Beautiful.

I don't care who you are, or whether you like "these kind of movies" or not, it's still something you must see. The world of movies would not be the same without The Prestige.

The OA (2016–2019)

Original, exciting, emotional and disturbing!

[9/10 · 20 February 2017]

This is a different show, as many has said before; with a somewhat similar strangeness to it like "Stranger things". I loved it.

What I'd like you to do if you haven't watched this, is to just let go, of sorts. Allow your instincts and emotions to affect you while watching, and don't try and over-analyze. Say "Huh", then let go, and keep watching. Listen to the music.

There is so much in this show that can (and probably will) move you, and some thing will just gross you out. It's a mental play on many levels, love/hate, mental sickness, science pushing boundaries and even overstepping "the line", and a weird ending that emphasize unity. It's powerful.

You get supernatural and the unexplainable, and you get riled up, and you're kept there. But despite keeping a lot of mysteries to the very end (and then still some), it feels highly rewarding to watch, and I can't wait for what comes next.

It Follows (2014)

Great and bad, depending on what you compare it to.

[8/10 · 30 July 2016]

People either rank this as a great movie, or simply horrible. I think it's great.

Most of the bad reviews I read seem to compare this movie to all other horror genre movies. Yeah, then this movie doesn't quite cut it.

What this movie do deliver, is an original phsycological thriller, with a somewhat ridiculous plot, different but awesome old school music, and a very low budget. You could film this entire movie simply with access to a cabin, a house, a high school, and a bunch of extras. If you compare movies based on budgets, this is a great one. The actors are not A-class, but they carry the movie great. What I liked the most, is that their behaviours seem realistic, something that bugs the hell out of me when it doesn't. You can see something that nobody else can see, but you don't even try and make your best friend believe you, so you keep it to yourself? Not in this movie.

Don't expect gore, don't expect jump scares (though there are some of it), and don't expect to be scared shitless. Just imagine you're watching a low budget film with a creepy thriller-vibe to it, and let all the rest surprise and delight you.

Lights Out (II) (2016)

Worth the watch!

[8/10 · 30 July 2016]

This movie will get your pulse up fast, revealing the "horror" very early on. Interestingly enough, it keeps that pulse up throughout the movie despite of this. The concept of something that can only appear and be seen if it's dark (and with a somewhat supernatural ability to destroy light bulbs) is bound to lead to a jump scare or ten whenever it appears. Towards the end you've almost gotten so used to it that the scare effect wears off a bit, and is one of two reason I don't rank this a 10. But thanks to a good story and good actors, the movie still holds its ground to the very end.

The characters are really good, well written and performed, and with a young boy that if not before, totally kick started his future acting career with this movie. Who doesn't love a young prodigy? The plot has some weight and emotion to it, and with a solid ending that wraps things up in a much more satisfying way than most similar movies.

The other small drawback with this movie for me was mostly because of slightly unrealistic behavior from our main characters, occasionally. Like when miss heels from Jurrasic World is worried that when she releases T-Rex it won't be able to follow her if she runs. So, she waits for it to come close, walks for a bit, then runs. Those kinds of unrealistic behaviors. But I've seen much worse, and this movie doesn't take the "unrealistic" very far, or often, so I suggest you just put this on and roll with it!

All in all you get everything you want from a jump scare movie with Lights Out, with a good plot and good actors that deliver, and a scare factor we all can relate to. You might not be so happy with turning of your lights going to bed later that night, so if you have a weak stomach you might wanna sit this one out.

The Raid 2 (2014)

Good movie, but slightly disappointing.

[8/10 · 11 July 2015]

I'm giving this 8/10 for simply being good, but if you like the first Raid movie and want a sequel of a similar caliber, you are in for a disappointment. The first movie is unique, first of all for it's amazing fighting choreography, but also - in my opinion - for being a movie that has a 10 minute intro, and then the rest is pure adrenaline, with a story line that progresses simultaneously with a task force fighting and killing their way through a big building. The curve goes straight up from start to finish. It worked REALLY well. The second movie is, as said, good, but it's not the same by a long shot. The story plot is far more developed, and while it has interesting characters and plot turns, I was finding myself a little bored, just waiting for more fighting scenes.

The adrenaline curve goes up and down, and there is no "raid" like in the first movie, just the same main character. Unless you call one person going 1 vs many in a hostile environment a raid. While I might come of a little negative here, not very open to change and all that, I'm simply writing this to adjust the expectations for whomever is reading this, so you can enjoy the movie more. I managed to rid myself of expectations early on in the movie as I understood and accepted it was going to be different, and enjoyed myself quite a bit. The fighting is just as awesome and brutal as in the first movie, but you are in for a more up-and-down type of build up, and a lot more talking. Enjoy! :)

Helix (2014–2015)

Original, well performed and thrilling show!

[8/10 · 23 August 2014]

This show finds a perfect balance between science fiction and reality. You might think this is the walking dead all over again, or some poor zombie thing. Far from it. Virus? Yes. That much you get from the simple plot on IMDb. But what this show does so beautifully, is that everything is "based on science", at least IN the show. It seems realistic.. somehow. Anywho; the episode builds up perfectly and gets more and more interesting throughout the first season, so don't just watch the first episode. Watch a couple. I rated this a 8, not because it can match breaking bad, but, in its genre of syfy virus must- find-a-cure-race-against-time kinda deal, it's original and exciting in the best of ways.