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Capitani (2019)
A detective series made in Luxembourg
I hadn't seen a film made in Luxembourg. This detective, mystery film was good. The casting was very good. I would say Jil Devresse who played the twins was perhaps not the best choice for that role - although she may be a good actor. It may have been a matter of poor directing.
I tried the English dub audio track - but, it was bad. I watched the film in Luxembourger with English subtitles.
This is something I like about Netflix - seeing films made in other countries.
Tides (2021)
A reasonably interesting sci-fi film
I would classify it in the apocalyptic genre. Of course, "global warming" and "over population" and especially pandemics are the more popular cause as opposed nuclear war of the past.
I found this particular take reasonably entertaining. The acting and production values were above average.
I did not find the plot particularly compelling - but the overall message was sound.
This story requires that you suspend logic and assume interstellar travel is possible. That is easier to work with than time travel - IMO.
Jusqu'au déclin (2020)
I find the psychology of preppers interesting
Mildly interesting if you think this genre is something you enjoy. The acting was average to better than average. This was a film of reasonable quality.
Rakka (2017)
Rakka is a scifi short from Oats Studios
Rakka is probably one of the best shorts to come out of Oats Studios.
Sigourney Weaver has a main role and is one of the main reasons Rakka is better than other Oats Studios shorts.
Seuwiteuhom (2020)
Surprisingly Entertaining
I settle back to watch a Korean webtoon based apocalyptic horror TV series (released on Netflix on December 18, 2020) and confusedly hear the lead in score of "Dies irae" (which is something like a 17th century Latin based Requiem Mass). Not a Korean score - oh wait... it is... arranged by Cho Yoon Jung? So, this is why I watch foreign films. It broadens my perspective.
I have low expectations in regard to this particular genre - but, I am pleasantly surprised, entertained and impressed.
There is some very good acting in some well written and directed roles. For example, Lee Do-hyun as Lee Eun-hyuk the accepted leader of a building's survivors.
Another example, Lee Si-young as Seo Yi-kyung, a former firefighter.
I could list a dozen more.
A problem are the character roles thrown in for comedic relief which are horribly conceived and delivered. If those roles had been rewritten as dramatic roles the series would have been better. The child roles were atrocious. For some reason the children typically shouted their dialogue.
I think I am not familiar with Korean culture and perhaps I do not understand the acting. For example, when the characters would do a hysterical sequence it always came across as whiny-screaming (I listened with Korean audio and English subtitles). Perhaps that is how individuals act hysterically in Korea? Maybe I should listen to the English actors dub and see if that comes across better for an American?
Regardless, the series is surprisingly entertaining and I think individuals who enjoy this genre will enjoy Sweet Home.
The Magus (1968)
This is not one of the worst movies ever
Take top tier acting and combine with a compelling plot... you are off to making perhaps a very good movie. Combine that with very bad directing, very bad editing (both video and sound) and a very bad musical score and you have a very bad movie.
Some have called The Magus one of the worst movies off all time. Nevertheless, I recommend watching it not for its entertainment value - but, as an opportunity to see great acting talent struggle with directionless directing.
And - oh - very bad 1960s clothing - gag.
Much of the supporting actors were actually pretty good. The cinematography was also very good.
Watch this movie and learn why it has a cult following.
Epidemiya (2019)
I know not to rate a series based on the first few episodes of season1
And that is the case with Epidemiya.
If you want to see some excellently developed female characters then watch this series. Guys... if you want to gain some insight into how women think... watch this series (but, I'm a guy - so, what would I know?).
This Russian television series is based on the first Yana Vagner novel titled Vongozero (2011). Her development of female characters is among the very best (but, I'm a guy - so, what would I know?).
As I have come to expect, the season 1 of the series starts off unimpressively - but, it improves steadily to the end of episode 8. If I did not know this I may have given up after the first few episodes and missed a very good series.
The camera work and editing (both sound and video) are excellent.
The acting and directing are very good - except for Saveliy Kudryashov cast as Anton. Casting and directing of child actors is a specialty skill and apparently there were no child actor experts involved with this series. It would be interesting to know if Saveliy Kudryashov has any talent - but, I wouldn't know based on watching his performance in this series. Sorry, for the belaboring the point - but, it is one of my pet peeves.
I hope there is a second season with the same cast and crew. The product was steadily improving as the series developed. It would be interesting to see how good it could become.
Sorjonen (2016)
I think this is my first Finnish TV series
I have watched the first three episodes of season 1.
I'm compelled to make my initial observation.
Finish is a completely different language from other European languages and the dialog has a different feel than say... German, Swedish or French. Regardless, I felt the acting was excellent from a number of different characters in the initial 3-part "Doll House" of "Sorjonen"
Knowing most of the world has viewed at least a couple of episodes of Law & Order, I'll use it as a benchmark of mostly 6s and some 7s... with an occasional rating of 5 or 8 for some episodes. Relative to "Law & Order" I feel comfortable rating "Sorjonen" a solid 8.
The plots are intriguing and the writing is excellent. I'm sure that individuals who enjoy the crime-drama-fiction genre will enjoy "Sorjonen"
I'm am grateful that Netflix has given me access to this non-American entertainment that I might not otherwise have an opportunity to enjoy.
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I just notice that season 3, episode 1 is directed by Marko Mäkilaakso - who hasn't directed any of the other episodes. In my opinion this is a noticeable upgrade in a more creative effort in directing. The other episodes have very good, professional directing - but, this episode is very interesting as to its directing.
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I just finished watching season 3, episode 10
Watching an entire series provides a completely different perspective from watching the first 2 or 3 episodes.
I feel even more strongly that 8 is a good rating for this series.
The editing and photography seemed better in the third season.
I never understood the Detective Constable Lena Jaakkola character (portrayed by Anu Sinisalo). I think it was a Russian thing that I just am not familiar with. I think I saw a something about a recent Russian TV drama that was getting some good reviews. I'll see if I can find it.
Grenseland (2017)
One of the best Norwegian crime dramas I've enjoyed
Borderliner (Norwegian: Grenseland) is a Norwegian crime drama.
Grenseland means "borderland" in Norwegian. I'm not sure why they changed the title for the US market.
The series audio is Norwegian.
The primary character Nikolai Andreassen, is a detective from Oslo and is played by Tobias Santelmann. He does a very good job playing the role.
Nikolai is gay - but, none of his friends, family or co-workers know he is gay.
The gay angle is not very important to the plot (but not entirely irrelevant) and is of minor importance to the overall series.
This is a very good drama - but, it is very dark and there are no positive take-aways.
From my experience, Nordic film is not as good as other European film - but, Borderliner is an exception and is probably the best Nordic film I have enjoyed.
Biohackers (2020)
A cautionary tale of the potential misuse of science - 2020 teenager version
The misuse of knowledge as a plot goes back thousands of years.
The version in this series is updated to the latest technology making it an interesting twist.
This series is going to be of interest more to teenagers as apposed to adults. And, if I was a teenager I probably would have rated it higher than 6.
Regardless, I found the casting to be quite good and the acting was at least professional if not better. The character-supporting-roles were by design over-the-top caricatures. Not everyone likes that kind of thing - but, I felt it was a reasonably good version of exaggerated teenage "nerds".
So, if you are an adult and have watched a few thousand movies and read a few thousand books, you are going to think there are a lot of clichés in this series. I try to keep in mind that not every viewer has that level of exposure - and, in that case it wouldn't be an issue.
I thought the best part of the series was the using of technology as part of the plot. In fact, if the part regarding Ethernet versus Wi-Fi and a router is not something you understand, then the CRISPR parts are not going to be appreciated. You can enjoy this series if you are not a tech nerd - but, tech and science are an integral part of what makes this better than average entertainment.
Lead actors Luna Wedler as Emma/Mia and Jessica Schwarz as Professor Tanja Lorenz turned in very good performances and I hope I am fortunate enough to see them plying their craft in the future.
The I-Land (2019)
Interesting twists on a popular plot device
"The I-Land" provides an interesting combination of plot twists mixed with with current social commentary.
The acting was good. I especially liked Natalie Martinez as Gabriela Chase, a military veteran. I also thought Bruce McGill's over-the-top portrayal of the warden as worthy of his "D-Day" role from Animal House.
The technicals were typically professional - but, there was some weak sound recording in a couple of spots - especially near the end.
As is typical of many (most?) Netflix products, you are left wondering if there is going to be an additional season - but, there is usually not.
Music and Lyrics (2007)
Have fun and feel good
"Music and Lyrics" is a feel-good, boy-meets-girl, romantic-comedy with a good dash of dry British wit to hold everything together.
This isn't the kind of movie I like. It does not have important ideas ensconced in complex thinking. It doesn't have great actors saying important things. It doesn't have exciting drama and complex thought provoking plot twists. But, God bless the people who have a good time watching this movie and capture some happiness in its 96 minutes. On some levels, they'll probably get more out of life than I will.
Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore are good choices for this film. Their personalities are perfect for their characters. The other characters in the movie are fun to watch and make the film more interesting. And, I'll admit, the social commentary about popular music and the arts well, it made me think
for about a minute.
300 (2006)
A visual art movie with the bonus of action/adventure
If the idea of Spartans battling an overwhelming Persian army in 480 BC sounds interesting to you - then I think you'll enjoy this movie. I enjoyed the movie immensely and as an action/adventure film it met the requirement of increasing my adrenalin level.
I was hoping for something that was good as or better than the 1964 film "Zulu". I was disappointed in that respect. There is something very primal about holding off an overwhelming enemy while ensconced in one's "fortress". I think the 1971 film "Straw Dogs" struck that primitive part of the psyche. A more recent film (of a lower caliber) that played on this aspect of the human psyche was "Starship Troopers" - where thousands of giant grasshopper-like aliens attacked a military base. But, this is me saying that "300" wasn't the film I was hoping for which of course is essentially irrelevant.
It seems evident to me that director Zach Snyder was not reaching for the "Zulu" genre. This was a movie designed to create a visual artistic atmosphere based on Frank Miller's graphic novel. In that respect, in my opinion Zach Snyder was extremely successful. The acting was very good and enhanced the overall impact of the visual art.
To summarize my opinion: Story/plot: good, Acting: very good, Action/excitement: good, Cinematography: excellent
I'll follow my entertainment oriented comments with a little social commentary. I was somewhat interested in what types of non-artistic related reactions the "300" would evoke. I guess I wasn't entirely surprised to see an extremely harsh review of the film by the New York City weekly tabloid "The Village Voice":
"On first glance, the terms couldn't be clearer: macho white guys vs. effeminate Orientals. Yet aside from the fact that Spartans come across as pinched, pinheaded gym bunnies, it's their flesh the movie worships. Not since Beau Travail has a phalanx of meatheads received such insistent ogling. As for the threat to peace, freedom, and democracy, that filthy Persian orgy looks way more fun than sitting around watching Spartans mope while their angry children slap each other around. At once homophobic and homoerotic, 300 is finally, and hilariously, just hysterical."
In this film, the Spartans (and their culture) are good and the Persians are the bad. You may want to avoid this movie if you feel that plot premise is not acceptable to you.