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Reviews
The Mosquito Coast (2021)
Investment Worthy
Season two's open with the back story gives the plot the soul it needs. The reveal gives the characters depth that allows for genuine internal conflict to accompany the already present and continuing external chaos. Combined with the acting marvel that is Justin Theroux, the scattered bits of hard learned wisdom in the dialogue, an outright appeal to "quit destroying the world" and a high production value the show is more than well worth it.
If you need another reason, it lacks competition in the genre. I can't think of much more currently being made that you might call "dark family-adventure drama." If you are sick of the same thing from your programing, this is something different.
The Resort (2021)
It's a horror movie, boo!
The best thing about this is that 3 of the four die (hence the three stars). The worst thing is one lives, and she is determined to waste about an hour and a half of your life. Takeaways, don't get distracted by the birds, cell phones will kill us all, and island life isn't for everyone. Glad that helicopter pilot from Lost found some work. This left me wanting to stay at a Sheraton in the 90's, we need more atriums in our hotels. You can see where there was some work and thought, but overall it doesn't hit. If you will not hate it, and give it time, it will cost you an hour and a half. You spent more on worse. When the ball starts to roll, it rolls. Boo!
Not Okay (2022)
Great story, flat characters
A well-assembled and emotional rollercoaster with a purpose. This movie is about a lot of things (oddly there is some weird Potter references that seem to make a statement about the Potter generation as well), but at its heart, is a message that everyone on social media needs to hear. Lying is wrong and not victimless. It tears at the ability for us to trust each other in society and ultimately is counterproductive to empathy and truth. The only real qualms I have with this one is the believability of the characters, the vapid 20 year old who has apparently never experienced a single thing and a teenager who is ridiculously gifted, noble, and vulnerable to a fault make this one a hard pill to swallow. The scenario and story are very believable, but the characters are just too flat, or at least I hope we are not all one of these two.
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
One of Marvel's top villains
The humor here is a little silly, but on brand for Waititi. If you enjoy laughing, and don't have a stick up your butt, then prepare to laugh. The visuals and music, despite losing some of their novelty, are still intriguing. The best part of this though is Bale, his villain is complex and frightening. More importantly, he juxtaposes Thor, a worthy god, perfectly. I was worried this was going to be a disjointed story, but it isn't. It is unique and doesn't feel rushed, and that is saying something for how much is here. The overall movie does leave you wanting more, but I for one am thankful for the barely under 2 hour runtime.
The Terminal List (2022)
Porn for people who like guns and conspiracy theories.
Just a great action series. The violence is mostly realistic, and the overall series is well shot. The pace of the story moves quickly, despite the majority of its predictability. Unfortunately, after the third episode it is all just checking boxes and crossing names off a list. There are some turns; however, it only moves the story forward and never moves the characters. It is a shame because a protagonist who in the light of his own slow death must consider the virtue of violence and vengeance would be a valuable story. As a viewer, the only take away here is that hate will always lead to more hate, and that violent people are dangerous. Still, it was a fun watch, guess I love guns and conspiracy theories.
The Bear (2022)
Delicious and satisfying
One of my favorites of the year. If you are looking for something intelligent with humor and heart, this is for you. The characters are honest and frustrating, the story is romantic and moving, the production is creative and driven. If you have any ties to Chicago then prepare to be hungry and homesick.
Stranger Things: Chapter Nine: The Piggyback (2022)
Good, not great.
The stunning on screen visual, nostalgic music, and eerie sound effects blend together to offer a cinematic wonder. But the show has always done that. The only difference between this episode and the others is the amount of time spent creating a tone, which every episode leading up to this one has done. Where is the story?
Docking some points for predictability. However, I like that they tried blending three plot lines. Not sure if it worked though, lets consider. The heroism from USSR seemed to have little effect or at least too late of an effect on the fight in Hawkins and the boys with El were never really in danger. Mike's speech to El and Will's speech to Mike, the better of the two, both felt cliché and over wrought. For a season that teased us with horror, the danger seems to still not take any major characters from us, assuming Max is going to be okay. On the plus side, Eddie definitely pulls some heart strings. He, juxtaposed to the jock, gives us the real takeaway from the series so far, that good deeds and noble actions are typically unrecognized and unrewarded. Excited for the final season.
Would It Kill You to Laugh? (2022)
B+
Better than expected. The structure and attempt to do this alone gets it a 7. Laughter with heart and characters that make you examine yourself gets it 1 more. The attention to detail .9. Loved it.
Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
Worth the watch... eventually.
The story of a forgotten knight during the dark age of a kingdom with a quest to protect its future light offers all the arch and conflict needed for a great series. Unfortunately this one is filled with plot holes, flat and predictable characters, and action cinematography editing that is frustrating. If you like SW, you have probably already watched it and made your own opinions, but I doubt the series merits a rewatch. If you are a somewhat fan of SW and looking to explore the larger story then proceed. If you are interested in beginning a sci-fi fantasy story from "a long time ago in a galaxy far far away" then Kenobi is not the place to start. It does a good job of adding to the larger universe, but thats about it.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Does it offer a takeaway?
More than just a great movie. It is different from your typical military and war movies because this one doesn't juxtapose America against a particular nation. Yes, it's American, but it doesn't make a statement about America being better, just that America kicks ass. If there is a message here at all, it is that we need a "maverick." Someone who pushes limits, isn't afraid to take a risk and most importantly, values life over results.
Halo (2022)
Well Enough
Enjoyed the watch for the most part. Action is attention grabbing, and not forced in every episode like a lot of TV these days. The Sci-fi arc isn't completely unique, but it is something new with tried and true tropes. It definitely has some slow parts, and the Kwan stuff is peripheral to the main story. All in all though, I want to keep watching and looked forward to the new episode each week.