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Reviews
Disclaimer (2024)
Apple does it again
There are admittedly some great Apple shows like For All Mankind, Ted Lasso and Slow Horses but a lot ( especially of late ) have the same distinctive problem. They meander about for a whopping, exceedingly dull 50 minutes or so. Disclaimer knocked that out of the park with its narrative about absolutely nothing. After the first episode we still have zero idea what the show is about and have zero inclination to find or care about. It's not that I couldn't follow the plot. I just chose not to because the characters were incredibly unlikable and uninteresting. There are zero thrills in this. Anyone saying otherwise is delusional. I've admired some of Cuaron's other works but here it's paint by the numbers. If you want to see people have random, nonsensical dialogue for an hour then this is your dream show. Unlike other times when we've stuck to a show hoping it improves we're not watching it anymore knowing this is pure trash. Apple do better.
Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft (2024)
It took less than 1 minute
I was really hoping that the action scenes would be somewhat grounded. Yes as an animated show they tend to bend the laws of physics but I thought.......anyway in the very first scene she jumps over a 60 foot chasm and uses her knife to cut through stone. No human can reach even half that. Gets bitten on the foot by an alligator without any noticeable injury then proceeds to easily move around a half dozen men fighting them without any noticeable injury. I can't stand stuff like this. Show was over for me for the most part. The acting is ok and some nice animation but I can't take a show seriously when they do Road Runner cartoon stuff. Fail.
Caddo Lake (2024)
Stick with it. It's worth it!!
Now this may not be a great movie but it's definitely a good one. And once all is revealed highly original. I did guess it before ( after a couple of clues ) I knew the whole story but that didn't ruin the good twists toward the end. Two stories run parallel to each other and both get better and better. As many have said the movie starts of slow and uninteresting. During the first half hour my wife kept asking me what the heck the movie is about but after a couple of plot reveals the story tightens and weaves to come together in the end. O'Brian as always does a good job and is helped by an earnest supporting cast. Pacing also picks up in the second half. As aforementioned stick with it and you should enjoy it as much as we did.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)
Who wrote this utter trash??
After the last horrific movie we decided not to see this in a theatre. Extremely wise choice. This is the worst movie I've seen in years. Probably since the last one. It's starts off with a cop racing unsafely through the streets because he's late for something and goes downhill from there. I knew immediately who the betrayer was and how most scenes would go down because that's just how unimaginative the filmmakers were. Terribly directed and acted and I didn't even a crack a smile once. The action scenes might have been halfway decent if it didn't look like the cameraman was having seizures while filming it. I'm a huge Smith fan but my patience was sorely tested here. Martin as always continues to be one of the most unlikabke actors of all time and here he takes it to another level ( we were pulling for the gator to eat him ). The two saving graces were my city ( Miami ) looked stunning and Dane made a good villain. The utter pits of moviemaking. Let's hope this is the last one.
Salem's Lot (2024)
Best vampire movie I've seen in a while.
I've seen hundreds and this is really good. I saw the original back in 79 and the remake 04. Both were very good and this one is equally if not better. The movie doesn't take its time getting to the good stuff like many lousy horror movies do these days. The last half is almost non stop action, horror and suspense including the final unique battle. The effects are top notch and the movie does what a good movie is supposed to do; make you care about the characters; especially when they die. Ignore the detractors who hate just about everything these days and judge for yourself. My wife and I had a good time watching this being surprised at how entertaining it was.
Doctor Odyssey (2024)
Can't remember the last time I saw such a bad show
And I mean truly bad. The first lines were a joke and it went downhill from there. Even Johnson couldn't save it. So all the nurses and doctor went to the first island port. What?? So who was on the ship in case of an emergency or even any medical problem. Yeah that would be no one. On top of that they were drinking. Nothing like having inebriated medical personnel. Surgery is against protocol but he performs not one but two on his first day. Doctor and nurse are already making out on the second day and that's literally right after finding out that the other guy nurse likes the female nurse. The dialogue was excruciatingly awful. I usually scoff when people protest about the writing but in this case it's one of the most abysmal pieces of writing I've ever witnessed. At the end two patients who had horrible experiences are telling the doctor that they had amazing experiences on the cruise. Judge for yourself. I will be amazed beyond anything if this becomes a hit but then knowing American audiences............
Wolfs (2024)
Two stars elevate the proceedings
Make no mistake, without one or both stars the movie most likely, would have been an endurance test. But they're stars for a reason and there never ending banter made us laugh or chuckle quite a bit. Engaging movie that never pretends to be more than it is. We weren't bored for one second watching the two guys give surprising and disapproving looks at one another throughout the movie. Ryan albeit the small role she has is also fun to watch. The kid while being a good actor is a stretch as any woman immediately wanting to bed such a scrawny looking guy, even a middle aged one. Don't look for a movie with some depth; just one that is fun and has engaging stars that are increasingly hard to find.
Doctor Odyssey (2024)
Can't remember the last time I saw such a bad show
And I mean truly bad. The first lines were a joke and it went downhill from there. Even Johnson couldn't save it. So all the nurses and doctor went to the first island port. What?? So who was on the ship in case of an emergency or even any medical problem. Yeah that would be no one. On top of that they were drinking. Nothing like having inebriated medical personnel. Surgery is against protocol but he performs not one but two on his first day. Doctor and nurse are already making out on the second day and that's literally right after finding out that the other guy nurse likes the female nurse. The dialogue was excruciatingly awful. I usually scoff when people protest about the writing but in this case it's one of the most abysmal pieces of writing I've ever witnessed. At the end two patients who had horrible experiences are telling the doctor that they had amazing experiences on the cruise. Judge for yourself. I will be amazed beyond anything if this becomes a hit but then knowing American audiences............
Alien: Romulus (2024)
If it wasn't for the last 20 minutes this mediocre movie
Would get 3 less stars. Absolutely nothing new. The two main actors are ok and decent but fairly unremarkable. She's certainly no Ripley ( not that that's achievable ) but I liked her more toward the end. But the movie just doesn't have characters to really root for. Aliens ( the greatest sci-fi movie ever made ) among almost everything going for it has Ripley, Hicks, Vazquez, Hudson, Bishop and even Newt. Nothing like them here. It doesn't help having a generic looking gen Z cast. The first two films had interesting mature adults ( something Hollywood will rarely understand ). As a matter of fact the character Bjorn was so repulsive and unlikabke that I was actually pissed off the first hour till his well deserved demise. The jump scares are laughable and did not work. The packed theatre was deathly silent during each one. The effects are top notch and the face huggers and Aliens are fairly well executed. As aforementioned the action scenes at the end make up for most of the early drivel. The film fails again at the very end, somewhat ripping off the first and 4th Alien movies. Those who know their movies will know how. Watch it if you're a massive Alien fan but you won't miss anything ( and save a few bucks ) waiting for it to come to cable or streaming.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
Wow am I glad I didn't see this trash in the theatres
After reading several reviews I opted not to see it in the theatre. First time since I even saw Mad Max back in 79 but this was pure trash. Immensely unlikable characters and that includes Furiosa and Demonus. Joy is totally wrong for the role. She weighs what? 70 pounds. I don't mind women in action roles but it should be ones that won't bowl over in a stiff breeze. Theron was perfect. The action scenes here are mediocre compared to the last one and take forever to happen. I tend to be forgiving of even not so good CGI and rarely complain but the GGI here ( like the Flash movie ) was glaringly bad. This movie was one massive disappointment and a failure as an action movie. And those speeded up scenes were horrendous to watch. They should never be done. Ever. We thought the movie would never end. Watch if you're only a fan.
Bad Monkey (2024)
This is how you make an entertaining series
I'd thought this'd be junk and Apple has a tendency to stretch out shows double what they should be and end up being incredibly boring. That may happen here but so far there's zero indication of that. The first two episodes were incredibly well paced ( ignore the ADD Fast and Furious loving reviewers ), funny and incredibly entertaining. Vaughn is not always likable but he definitely is here. He's also aided by a good supporting cast; primarily Natalie ( the second sexiest Latina actress after Salma ). There are several good and nefarious characters to keep things interesting and the acting is top notch. The narrator ads some good subtext and humorous additions. My wife and I were chuckling throughout most of the episodes. Nice locations and since we live in Miami, several places we've been to. The two hours were over in an entertaining flash making the only drawback being we have to wait a week for the next episode. Great new show.
The Umbrella Academy: End of the Beginning (2024)
Are most of these reviewers mental
Excellent series finale with flawless CGI effects, good pacing and action. The siblings go out together ( certainly not in anyway anybody wanted but you can't have everything ). Season started out slow but came back strong in the second ep. Didn't particularly care for Jean or Gene which is why it gets one less star. Nevertheless the season was good and what's great song when Luther and Diego were fighting the CIA nubes. This show was never as good as The Boys but entertaining throughout; primarily due to most of its cast. Didn't care for Klaus or Victor. It was showing that it should end before it became maudlin like many shows tend to suffer from. Fairly good send off.
Outlaws and Angels (2016)
Without a doubt one of the worst Westerns ever made
Do not listen to any reviewer praising this awful movie where literally nothing happens except watching ( nearly every single ) characters depraved actions. The family is just as bad as the outlaws with religion again proving how ignorant it can make you. If you're looking for any action , look elsewhere. If you're looking for some of the most unlikabke characters in movie history, attempted homosexual rape, actual rape, sibling murder, incest, patricide and gibberish dialogue; punctuated by excruciatingly scenes that never end then this is your dream movie. I FF to the end to see if there was at least a shootout but nope; at least not one you expect. There are zero twists and turns so ignore the delusional rantings of praising reviewers. Comparing this director to Tarantino is like comparing Ed Wood to James Cameron. I will keep a lookout for future movies from this director to avoid like the plague.
Love Lies Bleeding (2024)
As awful as awful gets
I should have known when the critics praised this utter trash movie. And speaking of trash that pretty much describes literally all the characters in this movie. Unlikable characters are the theme of this movie. Action thriller? While I certainly didn't see all of this junk movie what I did see contained absolutely no action. Drugs, random sex, adulterous wife beaters, greasy weirdly haired octogenarians and massively unattractive and bulimic Kristin Stewart are the kinds of people populating this utterly junk movie. I'm so tired of these overly praised movies that have horrific characters. What kind of person enjoys a movie like that. And yes that was one incredibly stupid ending.
Cobra Kai: Best of the Best (2024)
That last scene........
Was 100% predictable yet it didn't lessen the impact one iota. Especially with that music reminiscent of the show Spartacus. And speaking of music the music that was displayed in the last two episodes fight training scenes was made for martial arts. After a fairly bad episode 2 the show bounced back in tremendous form with each succeeding episode. Throughout the season you expect some of the characters to revert back to their old ways but every time we are surprised that they don't. Except of course for the aforementioned spectacular final scene. The faces of the group was heartbreaking after all the positive strides taken beforehand. As usual some great fights throughout the season and the new villains look like a terrifically, credible threat. One caveat. Unfortunately we're going to have to wait a long 4 months to see the next batch of episodes and who knows how long after that for the final five. But man that music was epic.
The Boys: Season Four Finale (2024)
Spectacular beyond words
SPOILERS THROUGHOUT:
Finally we get to see Butcher's new powers ( though who wouldn't know what they were by now ) but it was still great to see in action. Unfortunately he killed Newman who I liked and probably would have helped the Boys in their plight against Homelander and Vought. Alas. Great fight between Annie and her double. Obviously they're setting up Ryan with his eventual takedown of Homelander; or will it happen and will he become just another Homelander. The acting this season has been stellar and practically the entire cast has had their moments to shine. One thing we didn't see is what happened to Ashley but at least Starlight got her powers back. The episode ends in great cliffhanger fashion with most of the cast caught but two highlights stand out. Kimiko regained her voice and looks like Soldier Boy will be back. It's going to be an agonizing long time before the final season. A long time.
The Acolyte: The Acolyte (2024)
Excellent finale leaving much to want a second season
That light saber fight is hands down one of the best ever done. SPOILERS: As I foretold Osha ended up killing Sol though not in a way I cared for though it looks like Sol let it happen at the very end. If we were to ( unfortunately unlikely ) get a second season there's a lot to look forward to with the Sith becoming two and Venestrae seeking out her former pupil. It was finally explained how Mae survived the fall, similar to Luke's fall on Bespin. This was as far away as you can get to the terrible season finale of Anbore which mystifyingly ( despite being the worst SW show ever made ) did get a second probable dreadful season. Also great final scene with a glimpse of Yoda. Look for a quick scene of Darth Plagues ( who I know from one of the best SW books ever written ).
Vikings: Valhalla: Seven Years Later (2024)
Great spectacular start
I'm a little mad that this wasn't advertised at all. I came upon the third season because I went to check what's going on on Netflix. Anyway halfway through the season and it's turning out to be the best. Great writing, some well done action set pieces, beautiful cinematography and spectacular sets are making this a complete winner. Enough that I'm liking it more than the last few seasons of Vikings. The three main characters acquit themselves well in ones you are invested in their journeys. It looks like Leif's well on his way to the Americas as he supposedly did in real life but I don't think they'll complete Haralds ultimate quest by season's end. All three have had substantial dramatic and action scenes and the show has a great supporting cast. Too bad this may be the end.......for now.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024)
Gotta say that was mighty entertaining
I'd thought this would be ok but it was an immensely fun ride. Murphy acquits himself well reprising his biggest hit role. Better than the last two sequels put together. Murphy looking a good 15 + years younger quips some genuinely funny lines and most of the rest of the cast has some funny bits too ( except Serge who was mostly cringe ). Some of the funniest lines came from the real estate agent. I found myself laughing quite a bit. Perhaps the last Bad Boys movie ( which I haven't seen ) might not be bad either since the one before that was atrocious. Some good action scenes and great pacing make this a very watchable affair. The ending feels a bit rushed with the usual nonsense of cops with handguns liquidating a bunch of bad guys with assault rifles but whatever.........one of the best things ( if not the best ) is the great theme music. Enjoy.
The Acolyte: Teach/Corrupt (2024)
Wow has this show improved
I liked it initially but the last two eps have been stellar. One action packed. The other dramatic. The villain is really selling it here having several layers to his methods. Still in suspense as to Sol's secret and the origins of Osha. Why do I keep thinking that she will kill Sol and not Mae. Some really good writing this ep. I'm sure to the whiners it's not as riveting as the endless scenes from Anbore of unlikabke characters talking about nothing consequential or the scintillating conversations talking about the economy in that horrific, nothing happening show. As for this ep it had some beautiful cinematography and great effects. I really look forward to the eps as I'm sure the whiners do to. After all many of those are the first to critique. Good job Acolyte.
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)
Quiet Place: The Quest for the Holy Pizza
Pizza: the most disgusting food ever invented. Cardboard with nauseous cheese. Anyway where was I. Yeah if you see this in a theatre with really good sound like we did you might get some of your money's worth. My wife who rarely gets frightened jumped several times during some genuinely tense scenes but this still pales compared to the first two. It's mostly the characters. Lupita is fairly unlikabke ( I don't even know her characters name ). Hounsou's character should have headlined the movie despite knowing his fate in the second one. Eric fairs a little better but we get to know zip about him. The best character was the beautiful but remarkably docile cat who not once but twice gets dunked in water with nary a screech or even meow. We learn nothing new about the aliens, why or how they got there. At this rate we might find out by the tenth movie but I'm not betting on it. As others have said half the good parts are in the trailer. If you're a huge fan of the other two movies or are cat people then go see it........otherwise.
The Acolyte: Night (2024)
Exceptional episode
This is what Star Wars is about. Absolutely stelar light saber fights; not endless babble about the galactic economy and banal conversations with a character's mother like the unbelievably, awful Anbore consisted of with atrocious writing and characters that no one cared about. This episode was wall to wall action. The villain unmasked which many had already guessed but still nicely done. We can also put to rest the absurd theory that Osha and Mae are the same character. Some truly shocking deaths of characters that were likable ( again unlike Anbore ). I've been liking the show more with each succeeding ep ( even the much hated 3rd one ) and this episode featured an outstanding display of light saber fights. Bravo.
Evil: How to Fly an Airplane (2024)
Best episode of the season
Unlike the other reviewers we enjoyed this episode immensely. Fun from beginning to end. Fortunately we only viewed one of those silly demons briefly. Was it logical for the Vatican to send the trio to Rome? Probably not but in a show that features silly looking demons who cares. I laughed uproariously when Kristen was singing that insulting song. Some people just don't have a sense of humor. I tend to like most of the shenanigans the 4 girls go through and rarely find them overbearing. Their escapades were also fun in this episode. Will they tell Kristen about their brother? Of course not. At least not initially. Kristen is not acting like a12 year old. Everybody acts differently in any number of scenarios; sometimes oddly or against norm. Its what makes us individuals and not cattle. She's trying to hold it together with the mysterious illness her husband has. It was also great not to see the usually, dominating silly hallucinations that the trio or other characters endlessly have since what David saw was a real apparition. Like most good shows Evil is ending it in its 4th season. For some reason 90% of shows tend to make a marked decline in quality after the 4th.
The Boys: Wisdom of the Ages (2024)
Amazing awesome episode
So much for this season being weaker than the others after this outstanding episode. Tons of emotion and drama and just the right amount of action. Great to see Firecracker get that beat down from Starlight though it cost her. Starr really outdid himself this time showing the depraved ruthlessness that governs Homelander. That woman was right. He'll never get past his ego and narcissism which dominates his life. And what's going on with Butcher and his secret power. Fantastic action scene with Kimiko and Hughie who finally let loose what almost all of us have deep down. What a relief knowing that there's still another season coming after this one.
The First Omen (2024)
A Celluloid Abomination
I knew it was going to be bad because it had too many good reviews for a horror movie. Terrible bad horror movies like Get Out and Hereditary also ridiculously received good reviews so there was no surprise here. No one lucid could possibly think this was good. After the only good part ( the intro ) it's all way downhill. The first half is more like Nuns go Wild. Then it just becomes a boring, awful miasma of nonsensical scenes. After last years also awful Exorcist sequel I didn't think I'd see another high profile horror movie that bad but I stand corrected. This was pure unwatchable junk that I unfortunately entirely watched thinking it couldn't get worse. Again I was corrected. Watch the original again or if you want to get scared a Scooby Doo episode, not this trash.