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Star Trek (1966)
Pioneering but outdated
I just finished watching the Original series. Well...is hasn't aged very well. I'd hate to be a woman in the sixties. Representation of all female characters is disappointing. There's no good reason for female space travellers, scientists and engineers, to prance around in a space ship in impractical miniskirts. On the other hand the only time women become central to the plot was when they needed a seductresses, mission-foiling airhead or to act hysterical.
The series would have benefitted from a cohesive overarching mission or plot. The Enterprise seems to be aimlessly drifting in space, consistently encountering troubles. A more structured narrative could have enhanced the overall experience. Not to mention that the storylines are annoyingly repetitive, there are variations of the same problems in different locations.
Nothing showcases how far storytelling has come than the absence of character development in the original series. The crew faces morally complex situations, involving actions like murder, destruction, and hostage situations. However, these experiences don't seem to have lasting effects on the characters. Not only those traumatic experiences don't affect the characters but they are forgotten, completely dismissed and never revisited once the episode is over. The characters are pawns for the writers, serving as vessels for action scenes and high-value speeches about democracy and freedom. The lack of character depth diminishes the emotional engagement.
Another serious problem is that there are no real stakes. It is predictable that the Enterprise will always prevail therefore there is no suspense. Even the characters' don't have any believable emotional response to what is happening, even they are sure of their survival.
I recognize and respect Star Trek's pioneering role in the genre, but the lack of progression in storytelling and character development doesn't make it appealing to a contemporary audience.
The Newsroom (2012)
Captivating and Relevant: A Must-Watch!
"The Newsroom" is a brilliant piece of television that combines sharp writing, stellar performances, and a timely narrative. Set in the fast-paced world of broadcast journalism, the series navigates the challenges of delivering news in the digital age. Jeff Daniels leads an exceptional cast, bringing depth and charisma to his role as the seasoned news anchor.
What sets this show apart is its unapologetic approach to addressing real-world events. The writing is not only intelligent but also remarkably prescient, making it feel both relevant and timeless. The ensemble cast's chemistry is palpable, adding layers to the already engaging storytelling.
Aaron Sorkin's signature dialogue is on full display, infusing the series with wit, humor, and moments of genuine poignancy. Whether you're a news junkie or just appreciate well-crafted drama, "The Newsroom" is a must-watch that manages to inform, entertain, and provoke thought in equal measure.
Nimona (2023)
An absolute joyride of chaotic fun!
"Nimona" is an absolute joyride of chaotic fun! The movie effortlessly weaves a powerful message about the harmful nature of fear and discrimination against others. What struck me most was the brilliant balance between humor and heart, making it an absolute delight to watch. The quirkiness and charm of the characters added a unique flavor to the movie, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way. I might not know how faithful it is to the graphic novel, but honestly, I don't care because the movie, on its own, is a fantastic experience. If you're a fan of magical shenanigans, unpredictable plot twists, and characters that steal your heart, "Nimona" is the movie you've been missing!
Blue Eye Samurai (2023)
Visually captivating and conceptually interesting.
"Blue Eye Samurai" had me hooked from the start with its stunning visuals, unique concept, and engaging plot. The incorporation of Japanese customs was respectful, and I appreciated how subtlety and organically aspects of feudal Japan were incorporated to the plot. Mizu's character, with her deep backstory and experiences, added a layer of complexity, but there were some inconsistencies. While her self-taught skills were impressive, it played into the Western trope of the exceptional individual. The rushed and illogical decisions she made seemed out of character and contradicted her revenge-driven persona.
One standout was Ringo and his intriguing outlook on life. The mystery surrounding the presence of the four white men in Japan had me eagerly anticipating answers. However, as the story progressed, it felt like style took precedence over substance. The pacing, constantly shifting in the timeline, was jarring. It also seemed like some character choices were made for plot convenience rather than staying true to their established personalities. Despite these flaws, "Blue Eye Samurai" remained visually captivating and conceptually interesting.
Molly's Game (2017)
Flawed but entertaining
Molly's Game is a biographical crime drama film that tells the story of Molly Bloom, a former mogul skier with Olympic aspirations whose career is cut short by a severe injury while qualifying for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Following her injury instead of going to law school Molly moves to L. A. and starts running high-stakes poker games first in Los Angeles and then in New York. She gets entangled with the mafia and ends up being arrested by the F. B. I.
The film explores themes of ambition, power, morality, and justice, as well as Molly's complicated relationship with her father. While the film is well-structured and well-paced, it fails to fully develop Molly's character beyond her role in the poker games. We see her intelligence, drive, and desire for a good reputation, but little is revealed about her personal life, including her friendships or romantic relationships. Additionally, the film glosses over Molly's struggles with addiction, portraying her "rock bottom" moment briefly without much depth. This lack of character development makes it difficult for the audience to relate to or empathize with Molly. I didn't relate and the reconciliation with her father was cringy and rushed.
However, the cinematography and costumes are excellent and add to the overall atmosphere of the film, and the all-star cast delivers strong performances, particularly Jessica Chastain in the lead role.
While Molly's Game has its flaws, it remains an engaging and entertaining film.
Only Murders in the Building (2021)
Entertaining but average
"Only Murders in the Building" is a new comedic mystery series on Hulu that has gained a lot of attention, thanks in large part to its star-studded cast. The show follows three neighbors in a New York City apartment building who bond over their love of true crime podcasts and become amateur sleuths after a murder occurs in their own building. The premise is intriguing and has the potential to be a lot of fun, but the execution falls short in several key areas.
First and foremost, it must be said that Steve Martin and Martin Short are comedic geniuses. They bring their trademark humor and chemistry to their roles as Charles-Haden Savage and Oliver Putnam, respectively, and are easily the highlights of the show. Their banter and one-liners are a joy to watch and provide many of the show's funniest moments. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Selena Gomez, who plays Mabel Mora, the third member of the trio.
Gomez's acting leaves a lot to be desired. While she has improved over the years, her performance in "Only Murders in the Building" is often wooden and lacks the natural charisma of her co-stars. She struggles to keep up with Martin and Short's comedic timing and falls flat in several key scenes. It's clear that she's trying her best, but the contrast between her performance and that of Martin and Short is stark.
The direction of the show is solid, with a clear vision and style that sets it apart from other comedies. Director Jamie Babbit infuses the show with a sense of whimsy that suits the offbeat premise, and the show's visuals are often striking. The use of split screens and other stylistic flourishes adds to the show's charm and helps to keep things visually interesting.
The acting of the supporting cast is also good, with standout performances from Nathan Lane as a washed-up actor and Amy Ryan as a grieving widow. Each of the characters in the show is given a distinct personality and backstory, which helps to flesh out the world and make it feel lived-in.
The story itself is entertaining, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the audience guessing. The show's central mystery is intriguing, and the way it slowly unfolds over the course of the season is well done. The show also delves into themes of loneliness, friendship, and obsession, which adds depth to the characters and makes the stakes feel higher.
However, the story does have some noticeable plot holes that are hard to ignore. Several key developments feel contrived and lack the necessary setup to make them feel believable. The show also relies heavily on coincidences to move the plot forward, which can be frustrating for viewers looking for a more cohesive narrative.
Overall, "Only Murders in the Building" is a mediocre show that falls short of its potential. While Martin and Short are comedic powerhouses, Gomez's performance leaves a lot to be desired. The direction and supporting cast are solid, and the story is entertaining, but the plot holes are hard to ignore. Despite its flaws, the show may still be worth checking out for fans of the cast or the mystery genre. However, viewers looking for a standout comedy or mystery may be disappointed.
Arrival (2016)
thought-provoking and visually stunning
Arrival is a beautifully crafted and thought-provoking film that explores themes of communication, understanding, and the human experience. Despite its slow pace, the movie is captivating from start to finish, thanks to the incredible cinematography that creates a visually stunning atmosphere.
One of the standout features of Arrival is the character of Louise, played brilliantly by Amy Adams. Her portrayal of a linguistics professor tasked with communicating with alien beings is both compelling and nuanced, and her emotional journey throughout the film is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
The plot twist of Arrival is truly mind-blowing and completely unexpected, taking the story in a new and fascinating direction. The film raises important questions about the nature of time and the impact of language on our understanding of the world around us.
But what I loved most about Arrival is its message about the importance of effective communication, particularly in times of fear and uncertainty. The film encourages viewers to stay calm and inquisitive in the face of the unknown, rather than responding with fear and aggression.
Finally, the question that the film poses about the value of experiencing wonderful moments despite the pain of loss is both poignant and thought-provoking. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of living in the moment and cherishing the time we have with loved ones.
Overall, Arrival is a remarkable film that is not to be missed. Its stunning visuals, complex characters, and profound themes make it a true masterpiece that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
A worthy sequel to the original
As a fan of director Denis Villeneuve, I was excited to see "Blade Runner 2049" and I wasn't disappointed. The film is a worthy sequel to the original "Blade Runner", staying true to the style and atmosphere of the original while still moving the story forward in a way that makes it stand on its own.
The plot is engaging and keeps you guessing, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. And the cinematography is absolutely stunning, with sweeping shots of futuristic cityscapes that are both beautiful and haunting.
The acting in the film is also top-notch, with standout performances from Ryan Gosling as the stoic but empathetic protagonist, Harrison Ford as the grizzled veteran Deckard, and Jared Leto as the mysterious and enigmatic Niander Wallace.
While the film's themes are similar to the original, with questions about the nature of humanity and what it means to be alive, there are also some new themes and ideas that add to the film's depth and complexity. There are moments that feel almost spiritual, such as the opening shot of K's eye, which seems to symbolize the window to the soul.
That being said, the characterization and character development could have been better, and the character of Joi was a missed opportunity for more exploration of the film's themes. But overall, "Blade Runner 2049" is a stunning and thought-provoking film that stands up to repeated viewings and is a testament to Villeneuve's vision and talent as a filmmaker.
Blade Runner (1982)
A must watch for fans of science fiction
I thought Blade Runner was a groundbreaking film when it was first released 41 years ago, and it still holds relevance today. Despite the fact that the graphics and pace of modern films have advanced significantly, the unique aesthetic of Blade Runner, which blends film noir with science fiction, is still impressive. That being said, I did have some issues with the film. The transitions between scenes were sometimes awkward, and I felt that the character development could have been handled better. Some character choices felt out of place, and it was hard to understand their motivations. Additionally, some of the content in the film, particularly the relationship between Deckard and Rachael, felt problematic by today's standards.
That being said, what I enjoyed most about Blade Runner were the philosophical and existential questions it raised. The film made me think about the nature of memory, identity, and the ethics of creating and controlling artificial life forms. The replicants' struggle for autonomy and their eventual demise was particularly thought-provoking. My favorite moment in the film was when Roy saved Deckard's life, which highlighted the complexity of the replicants' emotions and their capacity for compassion.
Overall, while Blade Runner may not be perfect, its themes and questions remain relevant and make it worth watching, especially for those who appreciate science fiction and philosophical musings.
The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window (2022)
What was that?
What was that? Was it a parody? Was it a really bad thriller? Did Anna hallucinate half the show? What the f was that? In the beginning it was so exiting, a thriller with an unreliable narrator as a main characters but the twist never came and things kept getting more and more ridiculous. The way her daughter died, ridiculous! Are we to believe that could happen?? I was certain she was suppressing how her daughter truly died and kept waiting to find out what happened. The killer, the ending and the motive, ridiculous! The plot holes in this show....why was Neil being conned? Characters kept popping in when they were needed and promptly forgotten once their scene ended. The last episode was the cringiest, most cliché thing ever. It can only be excused is this was intended as a parody. I watched it because I'm a Kristen Bell fan and frankly it's the only reason why anyone should watch it.
Suicide Squad (2016)
A Mess
That movie is nonsensical. The choice to use bad guys makes no sense, the way they chose to control them makes no sense, the actions of the suicide squad make no sense and go against the very nature of the members of the squad, the threat came out of nowhere.....it's all a mess. A very expensive and flashy mess.
Goliath (2016)
Bells and whistles and little more
I hate this show just for including a scene where some boss lures an employee into his office, presents himself to her stark-naked and she proceed to sleep with him and fall for him though she'd never even seen the guy before. Despicable!
Of course, that wasn't the show's only problem. A lot of bells and whistles but at the end as stereotypical as they get.
Excellent performances though.
Ghost in the Shell (2017)
Painfully commonplace
When will Hollywood be tired of regurgitating the same old and go for more original stories?
The cinematography is remarkable but the story is a hot mess and frankly in 2017 no one is impressed by Hollywood nailing CGI.
My first problem with the film is that thought it is set in the fictional Japanese city of Niihama every main character is Caucasian. A company of white people with white scientists creating white robots. Even the protagonist, who was originally an Asian woman, was placed in a Caucasian cyborg. I haven't read the anime but "based on" implies the creators can make changes to the original material.
Another thing that bothered me was that it was your basic, around the mill action movie with gorgeous, badass characters that go around punching the hell out of people mainly for the sake of it. It had no substance and though I agree that a movie needs also be entertaining it seems that now that's all movies are. Art should contribute not just entertain.
Somewhere around the middle of the film a limp attempt was made for an existential quest but the film only ended up contradicting itself. Dr. Ouelet says "We cling to memories as if they define us, but... they really don't. What we do is what defines us" but throughout the film Major feels alone and disconnected because she misses her memories: "Everyone around me seems to fit. They seem connected to something, I am... not". In the first half of the movie she makes certain choices because of who she thinks she is, which is defined by what she "remembers", while on the second half of the movie she changes completely because she regained her memories and therefore her true self. Bottom line is the screenwriters through in some pompous lines without any regard for how they fit with the story only to make the protagonist sound wise.
I was also upset by the "judge, jury and executioner" concept. Vigilantism is always wrong. I know there are crimes that make you want to take the perpetrators head of right then and there but what society would we live in if the injured party got to decide the perpetrator's sentence?
Last but not least, I was not impressed by Scarlett Johansson's performance of the cyborg Major. Summer Glau did a far better job in "The Sarah Connor Chronicles"
Jane Eyre (1997)
Disappointing
I can't believe this adaptation of Jane Eyre has a 7,2 stars on IMDb. They completely disregarded plot and character. Hinds portrayed a rough, despotic, volatile Mr. Rochester that no woman could love and Morton's Jane had nothing of the dignified, quite Jane Eyre who is proper and civil but would never tolerate any abuse. Hinds and Morton's portrayal of Mr. Rochester and Jane Eyre respectively make their relationship look frivolous, unrealistic and nearly abusive, and that's a shame because Ciarán Hinds looks the part more than anyone before or after him. They also took far too many liberties with the plot, they've ruined the very soul of the story.
London Spy (2015)
London Love Story more like it!
This isn't a spy story, it's a love story and a pretty mediocre and melodramatic one at that. The direction was brilliant though! The camera-work and the music carpet worked beautifully to provoke and enhance the viewer's emotional state and to create a claustrophobic atmosphere that strengthened the feeling of inevitability and entrapment that the main character was experiencing!
I wasn't convinced by the way Danny & Alex met and fell in love, their relationship needed more development in my opinion. I didn't understand why Danny was targeted either. I understand that he was the perfect scapegoat and it would have been, should have been, ridiculously easy to send him in prison to rot but I don't understand why would an intelligence organization bother with all the rest without knowing he possessed any information that could harm them. He was a nobody with a shady past that nobody believed. Last but not least, I wasn't impressed by the revelation of Alex's research. But then again all spy related "secrets" in movies sound far-fetched to me.
In conclusion I thought this was a run-of-the-mill love story, with gaping plot holes, but beautiful direction!
Very Good Girls (2013)
Pretentious
In one word: pretentious!
I don't know why every screen writer thinks that only screwed up people deserve to be the focus of a story or that they are the only ones troubled by the challenges and hardships of life; it's banal, predictable and trite.
I also do not understand why depth of character in movies is inextricably linked to quiet, antisocial, weird or quirky characters that exist in the outskirts of society, preferably with an artistic streak.
There was a lot of still frame so that the focus was on the characters and a discrete music carpet which I'm guessing was to convey the characters' emotional turmoil or something...but the thing is that the characters' weren't strong enough for all this.
Fanning's character was very unlikable. Her relationship with David wasn't very convincing, nor was her friendship with Olsen's character.
No matter how good Fanning is she can't carry an entire movie by herself (and she wasn't very good in this one) and while Elizabeth Olsen's acting was amazing she wasn't given enough screen time.
Fanning's portrayal of Lilly was so stiff. She was like an emotionless doll for the most time, and when she reacted I couldn't understand or relate. Why was Lilly so angry and distant with her mother? I didn't see her do anything wrong. Why didn't she even try to support or understand her? Why was Lilly so close with her father? How come she forgave him his transgression just like that? It felt like Lilly had lost her grip with reality, especially when she was mad because her father was trying to resolve his marital problems with his wife instead of doing as his daughter asked.
She was lying and misleading her best friend and she was petty and vengeful with David. There is nothing great about this character and Fanning's portrayal of her was like she was dead inside. Seriously, it was scary.
Olsen was amazing though!! She did an ingratiate job with Gerri!! Loved her to bits and I hope she was more in the movie. Olsen is scary good with character driven parts.
Another problem with this movie was the dialog. It was scarce and weak. In a movie where there is no action, no complicated plot or twists but it's all about a person's journey it feels like there should have been stronger dialog.
The Giver (2014)
Could have been so much better
I haven't read the other 3 books but if this movie is not drawing material from the other books then there are butchering a perfectly good book for no apparent reason.
It was so fast pasted and erratic, it made so sense whatsoever. I don't understand Hollywood's need to overdramatize everything and inject a love story in every story even when it makes no sense. Not to mention that the "memories" that were used failed to generate the desired effect.
The book was about a slow, esoteric struggle of discovery and the need to connect and offer more. This was just for money.
Castle: Reckoning (2015)
how the mighty have fallen
Castle should have bowed out after season 4. Season 4 was mediocre compared to previous seasons and it has gone downhill from there. I'm sick an tired of everyone getting abducted and targeted in this show, I'm sick and tired of irrational mysteries and dramatic music carpets. Castle was once witty and funny but now it's just another soap opera.
The Castle couple gets involved in yet another abduction situation, seriously how many times has it been by now, because as it is well known by now they are so very special and everyone is so jealous of them. The bad guys can scheme all they want but as melodramatic as they are the Castle couple can do better. No one delivers pompous, melodramatic, meaningless lines like they do so don't even try you'll just embarrass yourself.
Predictable, tedious and downright annoying. Both Fillion and Katic can do so much better.