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mjsharples
Reviews
Ted Lasso (2020)
Good comedy at the start
Series one is enjoyable and will written. The characters are funny and the 'stereotypical' footballing relationships between them is well thought out. Had this continued or only been one series then this would have been 10 out of 10. Series 2 goes downhill, although I would not say as dramatically as some make out. Series 3 moves away from Ted and is all about secondary characters which then becomes less interesting and less funny. Not sure why they decided to try and put political messages into it as it becomes preachy and forced, taking away from the comedy element. By the ned of the third series I was glad it was at an end.
Blade Runner (1982)
Sci fi classic
This is one of my favorite movies of all time. Having read the source material since my first watch through many years ago, it is more of a complete re imagining than a adaptation. However this does not take away from how brilliant everything is, from Harrison Ford as Deckard to the sets, lighting and costumes. I can understand that some may not enjoy it to the same level, however the noir feel really brings the story alive for me. Rutger Hauer is also brilliant as the main protagonist, portraying Roy the merciless yet somewhat misunderstood killer android leader. Ridley Scott is one of the greatest directors for a reason. This is one of the few movies I routinely go back to watch every couple of years or so.
The Witcher (2019)
Cavill is the man
I have enjoyed nearly every part and facet of this series so far. Cavill does make an excellent Geralt. With him leaving the show, I can't help but think this is the end. I fail to see the criticism of some of the other actors as I felt they in the main did a good job. I only ever played Witcher 3 and wasn't the biggest fan (Good to start, then got bored) and haven't got around to reading the source material as yet. However from what I have seen it does feel that they have tried to follow the feel of it. The settings, scenery and CGI are top notch. I do hope they make a u turn on the plans and continue as they have started.......with Cavill.
Star Trek: Discovery (2017)
Weakest Star Trek so far
Firstly, it is Star Trek which is always a bonus. After that I struggled to see the appeal and hype. With me once being a die hard fan of all the previous incarnations and movies, I really did want to enjoy it. I stuck with it for the first two and bit seasons but eventually had to give up. Positives- CGI and effects are good. But after that I am struggling to think why I stuck with it for so long other than some misguided loyalty. Jason Isaacs is good in the first series, however without spoiling it, that that doesn't continue. Is it terrible...no. Is it worth a watch...also unfortunately thats a no. I look back at the time wasted on it with regret. Picard is better.
Tour of Duty (1987)
Brilliant war series
Over the years I have watched this series several times. There a too few gritty series' that cover major military conflicts and fewer still that are as good as Tour of Duty. Knox's portrayal of Zeke, the battled hardened and experienced platoon Sergeant is really good and I always feel that Knox should have gone onto bigger things. I enjoy the interactions between the different characters and the occasional racial 'hand grenade' that is thrown in in terms of the civil rights movements back in the USA during the conflict. Always remember speaking to someone who had been in the conflict who said it was the closest to actual feel that a tv series/movie had come (Although he wasn't fan for other reasons).
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
Take it for what it is. A kids movie.
This movie is a cheery and fun addition to the Super Mario franchise. Not sure why some have given it such low ratings. Its aimed at children and from the start to finish it is a bright and colorful adaption. My children loved it at the cinemas and have watched again since. Admittedly, once is enough as it does become annoying, however I can appreciate that I am not the target audience. Having played numerous Super Mario games in the past, I can honestly say they have stuck to the 'source' material and in parts added to it in a sensible manner. I do hope they make a sequel as I will be going back to watch it on the big screen.
Fallout (2024)
Awesome translation of the game series.
I had previously played the games and really enjoyed the premise and various settings. I presumed like many other game series incarnations, that this would be 'reimagined' by stooges from large production companies. How wrong I was... Excellent setting and feel of the environments that match elements of the games. Good characters, with the actors portraying them doing a fantastic job. Like the majority I really enjoyed Walton Goggins as the Ghoul. Its a shame that the series was as short run as it was, just like many online platform made tv series'. Really looking forward to the next. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys Fallout games or sci-fi.
Dune: Part Two (2024)
Good follow up the the first movie.
Admittedly, I was a big fan of the David Lynch version and prior to the release of Part 1 I was not expecting much. I am first to admit when I am wrong, and in the case I certainly was. Does it do the novel justice, probably not. But it is such an indepth and complicated setting that I am not sure it would be possible. Back to this, both parts taken as one movie really do make a good attempt at telling the story. The sound and feel for the environments, most of the acting and the special effects are high end. I was anticipating a modern 'reimagining' of the characters and plot and although there is a minor element, it actually adds to the movie.
The Acolyte (2024)
As expected.. unfortunately
Poor acting, weak storyline and political agenda inserted in. Another Disney conveyor belt, hash project of the franchise. Watched the first two episodes hoping it would hark back to the glory days or at least some of the charm of Mandalorian. Its does not... Some out there will love it, most will not. It is like Kennedy et al have never seen the Lucas movies or more likely wish to change the dynamic completely to target a different audience demographic. Feels like it is forced and will no doubt be forgotten about by most in the coming months and years as another wasted opportunity. This is what the corporation wants the audience to like rather than what the majority of the audience want.
Wednesday (2022)
Decent but does have flaws
Overall the show is good. Plus side is the lead Jenny Ortega pulls the role of Wednesday off really well. The addition of Christina Ricci was a surprise albeit her acting is good, the character is dull and has little in terms of back story other than a few mentions of what happened to her family. The budget appears to be decent and the feel of the sets and props etc is fairly good. Cons are it is definitely a 'teen' drama with a pretty slow storyline. In addition Gomez Addams in all other representations is meant to relatively handsome, dashing and fearless but Luis Guzman is more small, fat and sweaty. I have read like most that Tim Burton directed a number of episodes but none feel like he has as all are pretty slow and unremarkable. That said I do not feel I was the target audience. My 13yr son thought it was really good.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022)
Middle (earth) of the road
It is neither brilliant nor terrible. Boring in parts, some exciting bits mixed in. Biggest issue is story/script has yet to allow me to understand and care about any of the characters in any depth. Of the three main characters so far, they are mostly cold apart from one which is an attempt to be more like the hobbits (and a little too annoying). Still early and I hope this changes for I want it to progress. It does appear to try to follow the LofR lore to some extent which is a positive. Special effects are no improvement on the movies, and in fairness I would say maybe not as refined. Which considering it 20 or so years ago it is a little disappointing. In all some potential but not hit the heights that all the Amazon publicity promised.
Free Guy (2021)
Surprisingly good
Firstly, any gamers out there will likely enjoy this more than the average person with the premise being game related and the salutes contained with in movie references. I was unsure what this would be like and was happy to find it straight to the plot with snappy and witty dialogue throughout. British actress Jodie Comer is fantastic and i'm glad she has made efforts to break into Hollywood. Highly recommend.
Prey (2022)
Feels like a TV movie
From the strange camera angles and sun glare to poor CGI, the whole thing feels like a TV movie. I have no issue in females leads in movies but this feels forced and a little too far fetched. Worse part is the movie pretty much destroys the Predator as a legitimate threat. Makes you wonder why 2 teams of highly trained soldiers with modern weapons struggled to kill it in the original. I suppose its a modern movie for a modern age....
ThunderCats Roar (2020)
Terrible
I understand it is targeted at a new generation, and as such they have changed they premises. That said would it not been easier to design a completely new cartoon??? Instead they have chosen to rebrand a loved cartoon to use its history as a selling point. I personally dont mind the comedy side and the new style animation but I cant see past the blatant rip off and destruction of so many childhood memories.
The Legend of Korra (2012)
Okay but over complicated
It was never going to be as good as the original series and although does deliver some good episodes you cannot help feel wanting with it. It is clear that the production team have attempted to bring more of the characters thoughts and feelings into it whilst also making the storyline more complex. I suppose they had to try something different otherwise it would have been called a rip off of the original. Its a decent series and had a hard act to follow but was lacking for me.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005)
Best Nickelodeon series in years
Watched this with my eldest son and agreed initially to placate him rather than any real interest. However I have to admit the more I watched the more enjoyable it was. I can see why my son rates it as one of the best animated series' ever. The premises behind the story is intesting and through the episodes you begin to understand and empathise with the characters. Only towards the end do we all get the joy of seeing Ang get to his destiny and kick ass. I have seen that they are considering a live action tv series version which hopefully will follow the animated series. The spin off series is a poor second to this one.
Coco (2017)
Excellent childrens movie
The is my favourite Disney movie of the last 20yrs and I enjoy watching it with the kids who are enthralled with it everytime. I must admit I had little to no knowledge of the subject matter, however it proved to be an excellent basis for a truly enjoyable movie. Main characters are well scripted and the computer animation fits the hispanic style. Can't recommned it enough.
Moana (2016)
One of the best Disney movies in recent years.
The movie is still one of the best modern Disney movies. Its a real pleasure to watch with the kids. My daughter especially enjoys the Polynesian style and the catchy songs..even when i sing then out of tune. Worth a watch and a revisit from time to time.
Total Recall (1990)
Excellent movie
Should be watched taking into account when it was made. Special effects are still decent even by todays standard. Story is based on a book by Philip K Dick and although this is more a interpretation of the world imagined by him, Paul Verhoeven has took it to the next level. Far superior to the remake years later.
Black Panther (2018)
Bog standard hero movie
Is it a brilliant movie...no. Is it a decent movie yes. Worth a watch...probably. Massively hyped up due to the over political nature of society at the moment. Has some good points like Chadwick Boseman as the lead. Story line is pedestrian and a little boring in parts. Maybe could have done with a bigger and badder villain to liven it up.
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
Bale good, rest was 'meh'
One word to describe the film is Meh. Far from being even close to the best Marvel film. Its watchable and Bale redeems it somewhat, but far to much posturing and unfunny attempts at jokes. Feels like one too many Thor movies have been made and should have perhaps been left alone.
One Punch Man: Wanpanman (2015)
Excellent from start to finish
I am ashamed to say that it is one of the first Japanese manga animated shows I have took the time to watch and it was well worth it. So much so, I have started watching many others. It is quirky and at times very amusing. The animation is also well suited to the story and content.
No Time to Die (2021)
Least favourite Bond movie
Unfortunately it was aimed at the modern myth that everybody wants woke. Feels like the director and production company have gone out of their way to do this. Simply put its far from the historic fanbase's wishes for the franchise. Story is predictable and in parts franky boring. Honestly it is a poor farewell to a an actor who played the role well.
The Mandalorian (2019)
For once a good addition to the Star wars Universe
For once a good addition to the Star Wars Universe. The show so far has had twists and turns and remained loyal to the source material. Disney hit a home run with this but subsequently messed it up with the following two shows since (Boba Fett and Obi-wan Kenobi) like they had with the last three movies.
Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
Shame as it had potential
The Disney leadership are still on their crusade to alienate the traditional fan base of the Star wars franchise. The story arc was clear from the beginning as Disney would not have allowed it to be any different. Main villain (as it is not Vader) is bland and just feels a little pointless like the character was added late in the day before production started at the instance of big bosses. The actress manages to do a good job but that doesn't pull the series back from being abit of a car crash. There are also a number of continuity issues that dont add up or are a clear diversion from A New Hope. Unfortunately its as most would have expected.