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Alan Partridge Live: Stratagem (2022)
Very underwhelming
It has its moments, if by "moments" you mean very light laughter or smiles at some of the jokes and references. In most places though, it's just a cringeworthy performance from one of the greatest comics and finest character actors of our generation (in my opinion).
I wasn't expecting it to be as funny as the Partridge we all know and love, but this is almost like a different character altogether. The sharp wit and awkward charm that made Alan Partridge an iconic figure seem to be missing here. Instead, what we get is a diluted version that leans too heavily on forced gags and an odd attempt to translate the character into a live show - which, if you've seen any of Coogan's live shows in the past you know is certainly possible.
Coogan is quite an underrated musical comic, but the musical numbers here really don't make sense and seem like filler.
The live interaction with the audience, a hallmark of any great comedy special, feels stilted and awkward. There are moments where the cringe is palpable, not because of Partridge's trademark social faux pas, but because the humour falls flat and the attendees seem to be forcing themselves to enjoy what they likely had higher expectations for.
While it's always a pleasure to see Steve Coogan step into the shoes of his characters for live shows again, this special feels more like something to fill the gap in his schedule.
Hideo Kojima: Connecting Worlds (2023)
Alright...not the biography you were expecting.
Rather strange. It dives into his childhood and creative vision, all while showing behind the scenes footage of the development of Death Stranding. The overall pacing and formula is really off. It makes absolutely no mention of Silent Hill and briefly talks about Metal Gear Solid but glosses over what was clearly a huge part of his career. As someone who only knows a bit about his contributions outside of Death Stranding, I was left without any sort of clarification or information about where he started out and how he got to be such a respected member of the gaming community. At just under an hour in length, it felt like a YouTube special or a bonus unlockable from the game.
Ted (2024)
Surprisingly not bad
I went in expecting this to be pretty crap, but it's not bad at all. It's nothing revolutionary and I can't say I've had anything more than a "sensible chuckle" but it's actually alright. Sometimes the jokes fall flat, but it's not too awkward or cringeworthy like most modern American sitcoms are (in my opinion at least)
Sometimes it's a bit stupid and the jokes become so crude that they're unnecessary, which is definitely down to bad writing but if you don't go in with high hopes and stick with it, you won't be disappointed.
Overall, its nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be and the trailers don't giv it justice, so win win!
Ricky Gervais: Armageddon (2023)
It's nothing particularly fresh, but it's not bad!
There are far worse ways to waste an hour or so of your life (especially on Netflix) but it's a decent enough show with some hilarious moments if you don't go in expecting anything groundbreaking. In fact, it's a little bit like watching the extended or cut content from his other specials. It's not bad, just nothing truly mind blowing. It does the job and should be celebrated for the fact that it's intelligent, yet will upset the snowflakes who can't sit back and have a laugh or turn off the thing that upsets them without causing a scene about how offended they are. Ricky doesn't go out of his way to offend people just for the sake of it or to cause outrage and offense to gain views, and that's why even his less-than-stellar specials are well worth a watch!
Shock Docs: Alien Abduction: Betty and Barney Hill (2022)
Okay if you don't expect more than the story-telling
There's a bit of new research and new recordings but if you already know the Hill's story then this doesn't really add much.
There are a few strange omissions such as how some psychiatrists wrote the entire abduction off as one big hallucination due to the difficulties of being an interracial couple and how the hypnosis sessions were criticised for "prompting" Betty and Barney, despite that not always being the case -- especially where important detailed scenarios are described by the abductees.
As in most of these types of documentary series', the over-use of spooky alien eyes and repeated transitions of a ship flying over or an alien looking at the camera with some glitchy effects is prominent. There's also a lot of AI upscaling used for old photos of the couple -- these images would have been better with basic noise reduction tools as the upscaling creates artifacts that make the couple's faces look hilarious (think silly misshaped mouths and eyes)
The doco finishes off with a clip of a much-older Betty where she claims that they were the first couple to be abducted -- a bit of a silly thing to include if you want to push their credibility as it makes it seem like they were proud of the publicity the abduction caused.
As Dusk Falls (2022)
Strange art, great game
It's a great game with brilliant writing but the art style will likely put people off. It's a little bit like the storyboard prototype of the game we could have had. It doesn't destroy the game, but I don't think it helps it =(
The Quarry (2022)
Until Dawn is better, but this is still a great experience
I'm a sucker for narrative and while this is a fantastic game with some great moments, actors and script - it falls short of Until Dawn in terms of gameplay, amusing cliches and overall twists and story.
Old Henry (2021)
A really good film with story
No political messages, no agenda, just a good story with good actors and a good film. If you're not a fan of Westerns or American frontier films then you'll still enjoy this.
Tiger King: The Doc Antle Story (2021)
Filler content, but not bad.
It's worth a watch if you're intrigued and want to know more on these big cat fanatics and some of their odd and dodgy antics, but it's really just a supplementary filler with a bit of overly dramatic suggestions that Doc Antle is also a murderer. All characters in the Tiger King debacle have power and control issues, and this is just another piece of the puzzle. It's nothing fantastic, but it'll quench your thirst if you were intrigued by the other Tiger King articles.
Until Dawn (2015)
Fantastic.
One of best exclusives on the PS4 if you're a fan of interactive stories / walking sims.
The story, gameplay and acting has some minor flaws at times, but overall it's a fantastic experience. You feel yourself wanting these stupid teens die all whilst hoping they make it out alive. A great game with loads of replay value.
The game animations are a bit quirky at times but for a 2015 release, it still looks stunning in 2021.
Free Guy (2021)
Surprisingly not bad
For a kids / family film it's surprisingly not bad at all. There are a whole bunch of gamer references and some little adult jokes too. Plenty of subtle additions and dialogue throughout. Definitely worth a watch and it's refreshing to have a "young people" movie that isn't filled with toilet humour and stupid falling over / getting hit gags.
Help (2021)
Was going great... Then drops off
I'm not the only reviewer saying this, I know, but the final act of the movie / series is really unnecessary which is a shame. The writing is perfect up until that last part which seems a little rushed. I was hoping that the authorities were going to blast in and demand to know why Sarah was using a patient when she had no assistance and lecture her about the lack of PPE and various thins that she was unable to obtain due to the negligence of the health system... Instead we we end up with strange set of events that make us feel less supportive of the lead character.
Ojing-eo geim (2021)
Awesome show but there are quirks
The American voice actors don't really have the passion that the real actors have, so if you can live without the English dubbing then watch it with subtitles. Trust me, you'll understand why if you rewatch parts with the English overdubs. Also, there's a fair few writing issues and plot holes that may be just due to the way it was translated so it's not a flawless series but it's still a great series despite these letdowns.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (2013)
Games as an Artwork
This is one of the few games I've truly felt emotional about. I felt like clapping as the credits rolled.
If you haven't already, then give this game a go and after you've finished it play What Became of Edith Finch and Life is Strange 2.
A stellar masterpiece.
Need for Speed (2015)
Good enough
Decent enough game hampered by terrible acting.
Faye Marsay is the only decent actor in the cast, but she's a Brit playing an American so even she can't save the cinematics. Other than that the game is a typical Need for Speed street racer with fun game play elements.
Mortal Kombat (2021)
(Nearly) Flawless Victory
Finally a movie from a game that doesn't suck.
This is definitely for fans of the game and the original cheesy 90s film. If you haven't played MK11 then you'll miss out on quite a few things.
Josh Lawson steals the show as Kano but thankfully not enough to dominate the film and distract from everything else.
It's a good film. It has the gore, over-the-top dramatics and ridiculous story that Mortal Kombat deserves with plenty of Easter eggs and subtle hilarity.
The Complex (2020)
Not perfect. Not bad.
Some of the acting is a little awkward and the music isn't always seamless between the scenes and choices but it's definitely an improvement over Shapeshifting Detective and Doctor Dekker.
COBRA (2020)
One hell of a comedy
Easily the most cringeworthy thing on TV this year and that's saying something. A damn shame.
GLOW: The Good Twin (2018)
Cool premise.
Bit of a filler in an otherwise great series but tends to miss the mark. Could have been a really cool episode but instead tends to be silly instead of being a cheesy nostalgia hit.
Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father (2017)
Season 4 will be the best way to end on a high note
Whilst there is plenty of the series that is clearly scripted or exaggerated, the fourth season manages to balance everything out. Hopefully it's the last one they do as I feel it has run its course but ends well with the 2 episode season that manages to be the better of the series' and close out the episodes prior with dignity.
Don't expect the entire premise to be 100% authentic and you will enjoy it. It's not as scripted as many American shows featuring family and there are always some sweet moments that carry genuine emotion.
Cane Toads: The Conquest (2010)
Educational but hilarious
I've watched this a few times. You've got the extreme anti toad folk and the cane toad sympathisers but inbetween the humour from the two 'wings' are the frustrated politicians, farmers and pet owners. It's hilarious and tongue in cheek but at the same time gives a fascinating insight into how Australia became inundated with an animal that can survive even the harshest of conditions. Fantastically done.
Lenox Hill (2020)
Fascinating
I'm not usually into this type of series but it's a great insight into the health system in America and a sad showcase of balancing business with people's health.
My only criticism is one of the staff members seems to wallow on about life as a black woman and it seems like she focuses only on gender and race. If I'm racist and misogynist for tiring of hearing someone blab on about how hard it is being of a certain race and gender then guess I'm a scum bag but given the horrors surrounding her in this hospital, it's a little rich.
Great show though. Don't let that put you down.
Lords of Chaos (2018)
Don't take it too seriously
Surprisingly good film. Plenty of decent gore for a modern flick. Some good jumpscaring thrown in too.
It's not a biopic and in some ways it's actually a bit of a parody of the "brutal trve kvlt" metal competition. Ignore the fact that Norway is filled with American actors and that the plot is VERY LOOSELY based on reality and you have a great film. Rory Culkin is fantastic too. Very underrated actor.
Quiz (2020)
More of a slapstick than drama
It's good but don't expect a biopic or gripping drama. This is basically a little bit of a laugh that successfully takes the story and turns it in every way possible. It's inaccurate and there are a few moments where it seems like you're watching Mr Bean but it's good fun. Sheen is uncanny as Tarrant.
A Way Out (2018)
Uses nearly every cliche in the book
But it's a great game and there's sadly nothing like it.