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Reviews
The Union (2024)
Just realised how boring this is
I figured I'd watch this as a mindless popcorn movie, and for a while I managed to watch fairly mindlessly as planned.
But the feeling that it's actually a vacuous, cliche-ridden 2 hours of garbage had been building, and now I'm wondering whether I should just stop watching. It's getting kind of painful.
The macguffin is rather pointless, the setup of a ragtag collection of kick-ass outsiders has been done so many times before, and the action sequences are getting tedious.
I should really try to do a proper review of this, but I just can't be bothered.
Watch if you like the occasional junk-food, empty calorie movie, otherwise try to flex your movie muscles on something else.
3 Body Problem (2024)
Lazy writing but the source pulls it through
Why lazy writing? Because I'm only halfway through episode 2, and half the characters (the so-called "Oxford Five") seem to have to decorate every sentence with the f-word. I'm no prude, but this to me is just lazy writing. Yes, you could argue it's an attempt to bring some "reality" to the work, but this is meant to be an epic tale of hard science and cosmic survival.
The British scenes, with the Oxford Five (who are all portrayed by very self-consciously "actorly" types), are incredibly irritating. This typical BBC Doctor Who cheap TV dialogue, acting and directing style clashes with the more cinematic Chinese scenes set during the Cultural Revolution (which they do manage to get right).
And though the source material helps carry the show (please read the books if you haven't), there's very little tension or sense of wonder generated. The Chinese show, despite being slow (or perhaps because of it) managed this much better.
I'll keep watching, since I was excited when I heard about this remake, but unfortunately right from the first few minutes I knew it would be a disappointment.
Shinobi no Ie: House of Ninjas (2024)
Looks interesting, but awful music almost ruins it
I'm just on episode 1, and the show's looking pretty cool and interesting. A bit of janky wire work (jumping into a building), but nothing too bad. Atmospheric and stylish in a Netflix kind of way.
But the music! It's like they thought the story was a bit dark and wanted to lighten the tone to appeal to a wider audience by adding a stupid score that constantly undermines what's happening. Little comic glockenspiel style runs, oompah oompah beats, clarinet trills. Even when trying to be serious, the music gives the whole thing a cheap, B-movie feel. It gets very irritating.
But maybe others like it. I could be missing something, and there *are* some comedic elements (though usually deadpan).
On the whole, very promising. Just put on some headphones while reading the subtitles.
Seuwiteuhom (2020)
Season 2 all over the place, literally
It might just be me, but the older I get, the less able, or willing, I am to grapple with multiple apparently unconnected characters doing apparently unconnected things. Season 1 is great. A close-knit group of people surviving a monster outbreak in a single, claustrophobic environment, where (as the title suggests) home becomes somewhere strange and terrifying. Monsterization is closely linked to human desire. Every monster is unique, and almost sympathetic. But inevitably, the filmmakers decide to expand the storyline, go bigger, move outside those constraints. The Matrix did it. Countless zombie movies and shows have done it. But it rarely seems to work. Involving the military might seem logical, but it kills the uniqueness of the premise, and turns an intense, personal drama into yet another generic post-apocalyptic mess. Monsters look the same, hunt in packs, have no personal connection to the main characters. Lots (I mean lots) of guns. And by the end of season two, I have no idea what's going on. Like I said, that might be me, but I don't think so. It's as if they're throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks. Not much, I'm afraid. I really hope season 3 goes back to a smaller, more intense storyline, but I doubt it.
The Killer (2023)
Vacuous and unnecessary
The point of this movie? I have no idea. I watched it because of Fincher, and though I had an increasing urge to switch off, I kept watching because of Fincher, expecting something might happen. I don't mean action, or some twist, or even a proper ending. Just something other than complete cliche. A bit of juvenile philosophical rambling. Dislikeable characters. No tension. No drama. A bit of dominatrix titillation at the start, with, predictably, the sexual woman being the one who ends up dead. Do we need another movie about a psychopathic, emotionless hitman? I'm seriously reconsidering Fincher's status as an auteur. Boring. Bland. A real disappointment.
I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016)
A masterpiece!
Ignore the low ratings, from people who obviously want another Exorcist. I was completely rivetted. Every shot is slow and lingering, and almost every shot is perfect. The soundtrack complements the visuals perfectly, too. The tension rises like a tightening string about to snap. The horror, when it comes, is telegraphed but still shocking. Not at the end, but about two-thirds of the way through. The lead actors are remarkable, but it's almost a one-woman show. I can't help but think of Tarkovsky crossed with Lynch. Perhaps not as symbol-laden as Tarkovsky, nor as weirdly horrific as Lynch, but the same disturbing intensity and careful attention to detail in everything from makeup to costume to set design, editing and cinematography are there. Like the title says, a masterpiece.
Bom Dia, Verônica (2020)
Stopped watching after episode 7
Some things go beyond the line of entertainment. Burning her alive was sadistic and uncalled for. Not edgy or disturbing, just sensationalist and brutal. Too bad, because it was actually a pretty good show up to that point.
Some things go beyond the line of entertainment. Burning her alive was sadistic and uncalled for. Not edgy or disturbing, just sensationalist and brutal storytelling. Too bad, because it was actually a pretty good show up to that point.
Some things go beyond the line of entertainment. Burning her alive was sadistic and uncalled for. Not edgy or disturbing, just sensationalist and brutal storytelling. Too bad, because it was actually a pretty good show up to that point.
The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show (2020)
Can't understand the hate
I knew nothing about this before watching, and haven't seen any of her standup. There's a ton of bad standup and so-called comedy shows on Netflix, but I found this very original and funny, with many laugh out loud moments. The humour is often absurd, and perhaps in other hands it would have come across as a bit forced, but she makes it work with a zany energy and style. Some of the humour isn't so obvious, like the female jackass show and mansplaining self-help group, but they have a cumulative effect where the cringe becomes almost convincing, and so more funny. Don't believe all the hate, this is actually a very funny and original show. I wish there was another series!
EDIT: I went looking for her standup specials on Netflix, have tried a few, but just can't get into them. For me, not at all funny.
That Moment, My Heart Cried (2019)
3.2 is a ridiculously low rating!
It's been watching a few Japanese films on Netflix (37 Seconds, Call Me Chihiro, both excellent), so decided to watch this. Five short films apparently inspired by musicians I've never heard of. The music wasn't up to much, but the short films were surprisingly good. With very little backstory, and highly condensed plots, they managed to give an emotional impact beyond, or perhaps because of, their limitations. Excellent directing, cinematography and acting, each one different but with a similar style and theme (mostly loss, or potential loss; or rather, rebirth through loss). I can't say which is my favourite, since the quality remained high throughout. Perhaps if more people watch this, it might get a higher rating. I see there's another anthology on Netflix, which I'll watch next.
Colossal (2016)
Excellent, original ... fantasy (?)
Original concept with an excellent, pitch-perfect execution and layers of meaning beneath the quirky plot. The gradual uncovering of Sudekis's hateful character is masterful. Hathaway's eventual destruction of the bad robot, as well as her own monster (booze?) is subtle and effective. I mean, who doesn't love giant monsters battling it out above the streets of Seoul? (I think.) I thought Hathaway would simply kill Sudekis to stop his murderous tantrums, but the ending was both a suprise and made total sense. I wish there were more of such intelligent, original, and meaningful movies made. A great cast. Great direction. Great story. Highly recommended, obviously!
The Peripheral (2022)
Kind of boring ...
I'm about to start watching the second episode, but after almost a full-length feature first episode, I'm not incredibly motivated to continue. But I will, because I'm still waiting for another great SF show to come along after The Expanse (which got rather tedious towards the end, unfortunately).
The characters are dull (apart from a mono-cycling dude with only one arm), with the (apparent) villains taken straight from the slightly old and tired future-tech worlds we've seen so many times before that the show seems to be emulating. The lady boss of the (probably) evil "Research Institute" has a shaved head, and wears a coat that turns up at the shoulders without the style or novelty of a Blade Runner (which was itself a pastiche of styles, though a clever one). This boss of a cutting edge real-world cyber mashup research company had to be reminded by her henchman what the "dark web" is (another tired trope), though she claims to have heard of it.
I'm hoping from the good reviews here that it will improve, but I have my doubts. I thought I'd write this here after the first episode just to give a sense of how it opens. I know many shows are slow-burners, but unless this takes a wild and unexpected turn, I'm heading back to finish off the first season of Moon Knight on Disney, which at least is kind of fun.
Ricky Gervais: SuperNature (2022)
Like he said ... just and bloke talking
After watching quite a few stand-up comedy shows on Netflix, I've realised one thing: stand-up comedy is *hard*.
Gervais is confident, slick, and professional. He likes to laugh at his own jokes; in fact, more than I laughed at them.
I know comedy is subjective, but so much mainstream stand-up is disappointingly hard to get through. I have so many "continue watching" stand-up shows on Netflix.
I watched all of Supernature, just because, yes, it's Ricky Gervais, and he can be funny, but not, at least for me, in his stand-up.
But I kind of wish I hadn't.
Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn (2020)
Tediously whacky
Weird when someone reviews this, and puts a rating at the end to say that there's the F-word, no sex or nudity, but doesn't mention the bad guy cutting the faces off a family of hostages within almost the first 10 minutes. Is this how normalised even extreme violence has become these days?
The movie attempts to be clever and fun, but is just mannered and cliche.
Zeroville (2019)
Mesmerising
Is this had been directed by the latest avant-garde darling, and not James Franco, it would likely have been hailed as a great film. It's a film about obsession, by a director who is clearly obsessed. Watch it with an open mind, and don't listen too much to the negative reviews here, and you might be surprised.
Space Force (2020)
Season 2 forced laughter
I liked season 1, but after watching half an hour of season 2 I didn't laugh once. In fact, all the jokes were rather cringe-worthy. The whole thing now looks more like a vanity project, or a money-grab by actors, especially Malcovich, who just don't care. But who knows, maybe they all think it's hilarious.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
The best Marvel movie yet?
I delayed watching this for a long time, thinking it would be some cheesy, Hollywood "chop-suey" fiasco ... but ... wow, was I mistaken!
I should have known better, seeing that Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh have starring roles.
I'm finding it hard to remember a Marvel movie better than this. Maybe that's a pointless exercise, since they're all very different (mostly).
Whatever, this is well worth watching. The CGI is some of the best I've seen, and it actually blends pretty well with the live action (not always the case with other movies). The fight scenes are beautifully choreographed, in the Hong Kong style (with a nod to Jackie Chan in the first half). The creature battle at the end is a masterpiece of visual effects.
The character development is fairly standard (father/son), but done do well it doesn't really matter. Simu Liu and Awkwafina are perfectly cast, and bring a well balanced comedic touch overall.
Really very impressed. My faith in Marvel has been (partially) restored.
Boss Level (2020)
Best popcorn movie right now
Surprisingly good. Frank Grillo has a B movie look about him, but though his range is limited he manages to hold his own as the movie lead. The movie knows its audience, is humorous, thrilling in parts, and also touching. Better than Edge of Tomorrow or Free Guy, in my view. The "science" is never really explained, but who cares? One of the most entertaining popcorn movie for a while, that should hopefully bring Grillo more leading roles.
GLOW (2017)
Just as great second time around
I forgot I watched this before (and even gave it an 8 rating here), then after 5 minutes realised I had but couldn't really remember what happens ... I'm on episode two now and it's even better than I (vaguely) remember it the first time (bumped up to a 9). Oh, and the problem is mine, not the show's. My memory is complete rubbish now!
Spectral (2016)
Totally ludicrous!
One of the most ridiculous movies I've seen in a long time. One man builds a whole collection of plasma guns from spare parts in a few hours? Black Hawk Down crossed with Ghostbusters, but without the tension or the humour. This just goes to show how stupid (or obedient or cash-strapped) even good actors are, for saying some of their lines (stirring pre-combat speech). On the plus side, the acting is generally good, despite the writing. The CGI is ok, though video gamelike. The central idea is cool, if you suspend your disbelief. A watchable movie if you don't want to spend an hour searching for something better on Netflix.
Behind the Curve (2018)
This was NOT made by a flat-earther!
A lot of commentators here criticise the film for not providing evidence that the earth is flat, as if it were created as flat earth propaganda. It isn't. The film focuses on those people who spread the idea that the earth is flat, in a more sociological sense. Attempts are made to explain why reasonably intelligent people might believe something that is patently nonsensical. The point is that there is no proof that the earth is flat, because the earth isn't flat. But people believe it, anyway. Who are these people, what exactly do they believe, and what motivates them? These are the questions the film asks. It has a wider theme of the increasing rejection of science and scientific expertise that Trump has made much more acceptable with large sections of society nowadays, and which social media facilitates. So no, don't expect this film to provide pro flat-earth evidence. There isn't any (the last 5 minutes are hilarious). The film wasn't made to do that.
Bi an Zhi Jia (2020)
Watchable, but a very poor interpretation of the book
The novel is a serious, if not so well-written, look at love, traditional social structures, and SE Asian mythology with a large supernatural element ... while the Netflix show is a poor melodramatic interpretation with attempts at slapstick comedy and amateurish overacting (typical of many Malaysian and Singaporean TV shows). At times, it really can't seem to help itself. But it's still kind of watchable, if rather painfully at times. It would have been nice to have a more faithful version of the book.
Fractured (2019)
Not much of a twist
I mean, it was pretty obvious that the cops should have looked in the back of his car to begin with. Unless (and this is where the interminable "interpretations" will begin) the whole thing about the hospital was also a fantasy (why would there be a busy hospital in the middle of nowhere?; though if a fantasy, why show the organ transplant people in the back seat? ... unless he's, Inception-wise, adding yet another layer of unreality, where he'd rather believe he's truly insane than that he killed his family ... and so the "interpretations" continue). Not a bad film, but rather a let down at the end. I was expected something totally unexpected, not a regular is he/isn't he crazy type of story, by way of Shutter Island.
Nagwonui bam (2020)
Viscerally violent
The level of violence in this movie is stunning. Literally, I didn't know what to think. I don't like overly violent films, and the violence here is visceral and unremittent, especially at the end. But also, the way it's set up, the ending is expected and cathartic. A new new wave of South Korean cinema. Edit: next day, I don't see a lot in this film, but it is stylish, and seems like one of those films that gives a punch to the stomach, but once the feeling dies away there isn't much left. But still very much worth watching, even just for the experience.
Kevin Can F**k Himself (2021)
A rare 10
This is important television. I've just finished the last episode and consider this to be the best show available now, and one of the best of all time. That might sound extreme, but the high concept of sitcom vs real life is brilliant, and is also handled brilliantly (it could get tired quickly, but they handled it perfectly). The last scene, where Neil is pulled into real life, was remarkable. Headlines like how this show "breaks the sitcom mould" aren't helpful, because this isn't a sitcom. It's Nausea for the modern age. As Ally says, "This world is built for the Kevins". The sitcom part is in your face, and is often incredibly irritating, but that's the point. Comparisons with WandaVision are fair, but that eventually descended into comic book schlock. Kevin comes right up to that line in places, but never crosses it. Watch this show with an open mind. I couldn't stop watching this, and am impatient for season 2!
Black Summer (2019)
A zombie show -- but groundbreaking
The story is told in a series of fractured vignettes, the way life might well be in a real apocalypse. The camera wanders around with the cast, exploring, scavenging, almost alive as it moves in extended, almost desperate takes. For me, this is one of the great surprises of recent television. The acting is generally excellent, the set design reflects the pointlessness of trying to survive in a horrific world, and the cinematography is part of the story. Yes, it's zombies, but it transcends it's subject matter in a way that TWD never did. There are some moments when it all doesn't hold together completely, but on the whole this is one of the best shows on TV right now.