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Reviews
The Sympathizer (2024)
Utterly and brilliantly enternating
Excellent casting and all brilliant actors. Fun, intense and with some slightly surreal twists and a nice touch of dark comedy in addition. A nice and fresh take to the usually fairly cliche spy genre. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen for a second in fear of missing a point or quirky twist of events. Robert Downey Jr is brilliant in 4 (or is it 5?) slimy roles, and he does each one brilliantly. But every single actor, main and others, are so well cast and brilliantly portraying their characters. I haven't read the book and don't intend to, so I've had the pleasure of being entirely unprepared, hence free/unbiased and able to just lean back and enjoy the ride. This is the best I've seen in a long time.
The Crown (2016)
Why in the...did I wait for so long...
People have been on about this show for years, and I've been "neeh- monarchy is not my thing". A few days ago I was waiting for my favourite shows to air the weekly episodes and decided to check this one out whilst waiting . I'd already watched a couple of episodes and apparently abandoned it there after. What a mistake! Since then I've binged - and still only in season 1 - I am hooked! I do realise, that I've always fancied shows about historical figures or events, so I should have realised it would catch on. When history can be connected to one's own experiences even more so (old enough to have experienced a somewhat younger Elisabeth). This is indeed an utterly great, fictionalised show about recent historical events. If your interests are similar to mine, don't abandon. Watch a little more and you'll be captivated!
The Changeling (2023)
Captivating!
Reading the last review, and having waited for this series since they announced it, I was so happy to see that there are 3 episodes ready. I would have rated this a 10 at 20 minutes into the first episode. Slow and pleasant build up, with a wonderful feeling of it building up to something exciting - but exciting is what I got from all of episode 1. This is as good as I expected from the trailer- and so worth my time! The casting is perfect (the first date left me a bit teary eyed), the storyline (I haven't read the book so I can't compare) and , ambience of it is magic to me - exactly the type of content I really like. The series is probably an acquired taste- you have to be into fantasy (which I've discovered the last few years that I definitely am). If you are - get ready for a real treat! Enjoy the ride!
Magic Mike's Last Dance (2023)
I wanted to like this...
I've seen the other films in this series - and I loved them. Simple, but engaging and sexy stories. Sexy dancing (although men are always somewhat embarrassing to watch in "sexy" dances) This one? Not so much... I love Salma Hayek and I love Channing Tatum, but in this poor storyline both of them are cringe, really cringe. Both of them come off as really bad actors, which most of us know from other films that they actually are not. Salma's supposedly dreamy, longing gazing is just bad, really, really cringe. The dancing in this film though, they are exceptional as always, but the storyline is so utterly bad it's just so very cringe in the end. The ending dance of Mike is gorgeous dancing, but the hint of it symbolising an earlier "real" experience is just poorly executed. We get the message, but no.. sorry, but it's exceptionally poor. I have no other words for it. The only reason to watch it is if you want to enjoy watching beautiful people, but the story in itself is just a bad novel written to try to earn money on a dead franchise. Sorry, but I found this a total waste of time, and really, really bad. Sad way to end it. The rest of this is only to fill 600 characters: rest of this is only to fill 600 characters:one.
The Idol (2023)
The world exploits women...story
Only two episodes aired so far (at least where I'm located). What I take out: a vulnerable young and very beautiful woman (universal story), lost in life and seeking comfort and security- seem to be taken advantage of. Whether that's true or not, she does not see any of the signs we certainly do, at least they're not worrying her. She's obviously lost in life and very sad, looking for comfort and belonging - and initially seems to find it. Her assistant - a little more inquisitive about her own affairs than those of Jocelyn - seems to also be somewhat lost, and finding some comfort... If you've ever been a lost and hurt young woman, maybe even lured into drugs or situations you in retrospect would never have agreed to, this series will so far probably resonate with you. Yes, theres a lot of sexynes and Paradis half naked - which actually helps tell the story of vulnerability better than anything if you get it. But enjoy that, it's actually of importance to the topic of being taken advantage of, in every shape and form. A somewhat naive young woman (two actually) is unfortunately always a sitting duck. I'm way off the target group at 58 yrs of age, but recognise the essence of this storyline from my youth. Ignore the reviews. Acting is great, sexy, emotional, intense and real (except for the fake Hispanic accent... a bit unreal) Watch these two episodes and judge then. For me this is an 8, but with further eps it might be a 10.
The Last of Us: Left Behind (2023)
Sweet
The whole series is such an unexpected version of an apocalyptic zombie series - as I don't know the game. But I've definitely been pleasantly surprised by this more slow paced version, with side stories of love, coming of age and sadness. The emotional turmoil being a 14 years old adolescent means under ordinary circumstances, is even more touching in this apocalyptic setting. To me the episode felt so bittersweet and kind of touching. I am a huge fan of The Walking Dead, but a different spin like this on the zombies is definitely a welcome change. Feels like the fungus zombies are just a footnote, and the feelings and experiences of the characters the actual content. I'm a fan!
Toscana (2022)
Sweet, slow and cosy
Yea there are lots of cliches on this film, but I have found it nice and cosy, with beautiful scenery and a sweet and rather naive story. It's one of those films you need when you're not in the mood for something demanding, but more something to relax by. Not master art, but very nice anyway. It's nice to see Anders in more "serious" roles. I get the bad reviews if you expect genious art or mad thrills - but don't; just sit back, make yourself a coffee or cuppa, dish up some snacks and relax. I need more characters to submit this review som I'm just going to end by saying, lower your expectations and just watch.
Calls (2021)
Strangely captivating ...
I'm from the age of radio plays but never listened to them. I hear some podcasts, but generally it hasn't caught on with me. I still sometimes like watching flow tv. I think this feels like a mix between listening to a podcast and watching live tv, but the tv being the Winamp feeling... I couldn't take my eyes off the screen, watching the graphics, reading the subs and listening to the conversations. The fact there's so much retro about this doesn't make it unoriginal, quite the contrary. It's original, a creative and captivating experience. But, to be quite honest, I listened to the first episode, the second last and the last one and felt I had all I needed :-)
I Know This Much Is True (2020)
Fantastic!
Although I can see they look alike, and know Mark Ruffalo is playing both brothers, they are so different from each other. Really well played down to mimics! His acting and is so good! Although all the cast play well, Mark R stands out.
It's touching to see how well he portrays the vulnerability of those with mental impairments. The storyline portrays brilliantly - how little they are understood and accepted as they are. The struggle of the healthier brother also hits you where it hurts.
This was a true gem !
Penny Dreadful: City of Angels (2020)
The more episodes you watch...
...the better it gets! The first episode was mind blowing, although surprising as I wasn't aware it was a spin off. I expected a follow up season. It's no where near the same, but still same kind of eerie feeling. No spoilers here, but I urge you to look more than once in ep 4 for the young, lovely Mexican/American couple of episode 4. It touches very much on a very current issue - and is very painful to watch! I definitely recommend this spin off while I'm hoping for the original to air another season
After Life (2019)
British at it's best, Gervais at his... "surprisest"
In general I find British shows more real life, less Hollywood money machine like. I expected Gervais in his usual provocative, controversial and lovely (for lack of better words) kind of role. Hence this was a surprise (like Bruce Willis in The Sixth sense...you know what I mean). And: I love it! Lovely, realistic, fun, sad, melancholic, hopeful, filled with sadness, filled with optimism. A super surprising and utterly pleasant surprise! THAT is how you make good tv/series !
The Real Housewives of Orange County (2006)
No words..
My review is about the the real housewives...of Orange County, but Also actually about every single show of " the real housewives..." First world 70 IQ level problems with blown up distorted faces and lips - leaving nothing of quality to the after life. American first world low IQ shows - at the worst... wish we didn't follow in Europe. Sadly, we do... Go read some Sartre, Camus, Hemingway - just don't watch this trailer trash-ish dumb entertainment... Watch something which will make you more intelligent!
El hoyo (2019)
Americans: learn to read!
On Netflix this is dubbed to english... For f*'s sake, Americans, learn to read subs! Ruins the whole experience to not hear the original and brilliant language.
Swamp Thing (2019)
Honestly, had it been a movie...
...I'd have called it a B. And, it honestly is. Dialogue is poor, acting so-so ( Virginia Madsen wonderful though) - but this still caught me and I love it! Couldn't wait to get home from work to watch 3 more episodes. Beautiful scenery - just the right eerie feeling. So as a B it gets a rating of 5, which is high for a B. I definitely recommend it! Hope you'll enjoy this as much as I am!
Swamp Thing (2019)
Honestly, had it been a movie...
...I'd have called it a B. And, it honestly is. Dialogue is poor, acting so-so ( Virginia Madsen wonderful though) - but this still caught me and I love it! Couldn't wait to get home from work to watch 3 more episodes. Beautiful scenery - just the right eerie feeling. So as a B it gets a rating of 5, which is high for a B. I definitely recommend it! Hope you'll enjoy this as much as I am!
The Affair (2014)
Dostojevskij style in last season!
I've considered this series a bit slow, but still interesting enough to make me anticipate the next season. I haven't rated it here before, but if I had it would have been a 7 or 8. I love how they illustrate how the actions of regular people have consequences that ripple through life in pleasant or unpleasant ways. Any action has a consequence, and I think that has kept me interested throughout the seasons. The actors are perfectly cast - genuine! The final season (I think I've read that the current one is) contains so many interesting turns, that I am completely and utterly flabbergasted! Dostojevskij tells his story about "the idiot", who by his naive way of being inadvertently creates a lot of hostility in others, being provoked by his naive and very honest and non-manipulative way of being. The Affair - in this last season - gives me that very same vibe...the poor honest, regular, sweet person takes a fall by not seeing the rest of the manipulative politics around... I'm hoping the rest of the episodes will set the record straight - but this gem of a series season 5 can go any which way it wants. Very exciting! So now I'm rating. And it's now a 10!
Euphoria (2019)
If you've been there...
I didn't spend my youth wisely... so if you - like me - have been there, you'll recognise the emotions, the thoughts, what happens along the way.. The story is told and filmed in a very captivating way - caught me from the start!
Clique (2017)
Surprising
I read the description and expected it to be a banale teenage seeries. What I saw was an excellent Scottish crime drama. It's about young people yes, but then not only. Good plot, good actors.
The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
Excellent storyline!
I'm not a fan of horror, but I am of psychological thrills - and to me this has much more of that than of horror. Super actors, super storyline and caught me from episode 1. It's such a good mix between them and now, and of using "everyday" problems the characters have in a mix with the reason they have those issues. I am now at episode 5 and such a fan!
Fear the Walking Dead (2015)
Excellent build up...
I don't get the bad reviews, from the very start I just felt this was a slow build up, the view of the world before apocalypse and how people - theoretically- act and behave has been tremendously exciting to me from the start of episode 1. Even as a huge fan of TWD that is still what I saw, and found interesting. In the latest season I've been thankful characters from TWD have been pulled in, which to me makes the series even more compelling. It's different from TWD given the slow build up, but after that it includes all the nerve wrecking scenes you need and are used too. I love the series - and recommend it highly!
A Discovery of Witches (2018)
Completely agree with the rest
Every second packed with intensity in this first episode - I'm flabbergasted! Ending of the episode left me yearning for more instantly! I haven't felt like this about a series since first time I watched True Blood (not that they compare in any way). Very catching! I certainly hope the rest of the series live up to this first episode!
The Handmaid's Tale (2017)
Mind blowing!
If you're from Europe and you learned about the Second World War, you're going to feel as if this was what the Jewes experienced! Not intended I reckon (or was it?!) , but so much the eerie feeling I get. Frightening, terrifying and mind blowing - and so true an image of what mankind can be - at it's worst, What happens in the series is an image of what we have done, and still do, to each other every day, every month, every year. We aren't kind...nescesarilly - I highly recommend it!
Lost in Space (2018)
Brilliant!
I haven't seen the original - so my eyes and ears are wide open, just soaking it up. This is some of the best space stuff I've seen! It's got all the cliche stuff: villains, shady characters, good and righteous people, robots and crash landings in new turf in space. The stranded Robinson touch is sweet. It's good acting (not bad as some have claimed) . These stranded in space stories have only so many strings to play, and this series plays them in such a nice way that it actually feels sweet and all new. I would honestly give it a 10, if the music didn't feel like taken out of the 70'es version of space films or series. That sounds awkwardly corny to me. Not sure if it's intentional, but to me that's just utterly corny sounding. But all the rest: acting, characters, storyline, filming - makes it possible to ignore and to just soak in a very sweet, exciting and lovely storyline!
The Square (2017)
Boring
I'm sorry, with the positive reviews in here I apologise for a bad review, but I found this film utterly boring and way too long. Being a Scandinavian- not really into Scandinavian films - I'm used to the prolonged emotionally signalling scenes, and they are : boring. They have something at heart, but it just dies in prolonged - but pretty - scenes. I don't need a fast paced Hollywood movie, but this one just didn't do it for me
Z Nation (2014)
I'm sorry
I wanted to give this a shot- but having been a spoiled with the well thought out plots, the thrills and the stories behind the lines of TWD - this is a complete B-series with what feels like B- actors, even though they've been okay in other films and series. I gave it a chance, but nope - too bad a narrative for my taste