Change Your Image
ben_mkstk
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
A Man in Full (2024)
Really good up to a point.
This one starts off fun, and gives you the sense that it is going to be a very enjoyable watch with a crazy ending. Yes, the main character is over-the-top, this adds to the fun factor and did not bother me in the least bit. The peripheral plotline with the unjust arrest, was trying hard to give it a more "serious" feel, and frankly comes off as a copy of "To Kill a Mockingbird". It's a good side story, and you can't wait for all of these characters' stories to intersect in what will surely be an epic final episode... nope. The ending is a huge let down - and quite pornographic - featuring a very cringy, full-blown male erection on screen (warning for anyone watching this with others, where such a sight could cause potential awkwardness).
Basically, you will build up an expectation for this ending, maybe even guessing what will happen. None of your expectations will be met, unless you are expecting the lamest outcome where the characters you care about just fizzle out.
From (2022)
To some this might seem familiar
The FROM production team was also responsible for the series LOST (2004 - 2010). It is great that they are still working together; however as you watch FROM you will begin to see some familiar scenarios, themes, and characters.
Similarities to LOST:
Four-word title, "Previously on ..." episode intros, a group of strangers trapped in a strange situation, handsome 'man with a plan' character (with a J name), strange noises at night, a troubled father/son relationship, using debris to try to set up outside communications, an Asian family with secrets, a character who is not trusted, a character who is happy being cut off from their old life, a character who experiences a medical miracle, a bad boy loner character, mysterious caves and structures, a sudden group of newcomers, characters who's paths have crossed before, a communal group who keep to themselves, conspiracies, a character that can perform any surgical procedure with the tools available, a character who is addicted to drugs, a lone child character (boy), a dog that roams the landscape, a semi-successful attempt at outside communication, a potential mole(s), a pregnant character, dream manifestations.
Differences from LOST:
Overuse of swearing in basic dialog, zombie-like creatures, magic talismans, magic electricity, a lesbian couple.
All in all, the show is enjoyable. Fans of LOST will surely start to form their own list of similarities. Not sure if it's lazy writing, or a group that is trying to make up for the mistakes they previously made.
True Detective (2014)
An Amazing Season One Being
First off, season one of True Detective was nearly perfect. If there is a more solid 8-episode run out there, I have not seen it. Seasons two and three were entertaining, but paled in comparison to the inaugural season.
Then you get to season four... Talk about matricide. Season four not only takes the series to new (and unfathomable) lows, but it could take the season one legacy down with it. I'd imagine that around 75% of the viewers were similar to myself, fans on the series and abundantly excited for the season four continuation. I'm sure the casting of Jodie Foster brought a few newcomers to the crowd. It took about one half of episode one to realize that this was NOT going to be the resurgence of season one greatness. It is not even a resurgence of season two and three mediocrity. It seems like the pitch here was - we need to capture the Stranger Things fans while retaining the True Detective base. I'm sure this idea made the executives salivate, but from there everything falls apart.
It is clear that there was a complete lack of competence at all levels of production. While I understand (and applaud) the decision to employ a female and Hispanic writer/director, that does not excuse the series upper-level brass from not stepping in and protecting the True Detective brand. I also understand that this level of creative-control could seem oppressive and draconian - the old way of doing things. However, reducing a talented (and surely expensive) asset such as Jodie Foster to an F-bomb spouting ruffian with a turbulent private life who partakes in casual affairs with multiple partners - is as clunky and clichéd as a Lifetime network Christmas movie. The only original thought was to make this character female rather than male. Unfortunately, this fleeting moment of originality was executed with the gracefulness of an ice skating elephant. Surely it is this incredible failure of planning and execution that led to a very cringe-worthy performance by Foster. Not just a quick 10-second cringe, more like one 50 minute cringe. Moreover, if the dialog doesn't already have you reaching for the mute button, the soundtrack will.
For what it's worth, the rest of the cast seems to perform to the best of their ability, doubtful you recognize many of them. Be prepared to take notes to try and keep up with all the irrelevant sub-plots created by the over-examining of multiple peripheral characters' stories.
The fancy paid 'critics' out there are going to give the series decent marks. It is in their best interest to keep everyone happy. However, season four of True Detective does nothing to further this series in style or substance. If you're like me, you're invested and will finish the season, but it's going to be a painful task.
Mad Men: My Old Kentucky Home (2009)
Controversy for the sake of controversy
The production must have felt it needed to shake something up with this episode, and clearly felt it was necessary to turn undertones into overtones. The controversial scene in this episode does absolutely nothing to enhance the story, or further Sterling's character development. Moreover, it is (if possible) more cringe-worthy in its ridiculous execution than it is in defining the racial atrocities of an era. Perhaps it was meant to further display the transformation of ethos from the early 60's to the late 60's... It comes off as a banner waiving event, attempting to turn an ugly real-life happening into a marquee signal of virtue.
Web of Make Believe: Death, Lies and the Internet (2022)
Propaganda Disguised as Documentary
Episode 1 was quite interesting and possibly something you have not yet been exposed to. However, they waste no time getting to their real agenda by episodes 2 & 3 where they are simply rehashing CNN & MSNBC "news" that we have all been so completely saturated with since 2016. Shamelessly biased, and lacking any originality in their take on these events. Unfortunately, there is a willing audience out there for this stale tripe. However, it is definitely not for me.
The creators waste no time in blasting certain outlets for creating false narratives or distorting information, then they go on to do that very thing. If you want to relive the 2015-2021 news cycle all over again, this is for you. Otherwise, move on to something more enlightening and informative.
Anywhere, USA (2008)
A fresh breath
As someone who would rather have my teeth pulled out than watch a Will Ferrel or Seth Rogan comedy, "Anywhere, USA" was a refreshing find. It is an independent film, so going in I was expecting a certain level of over-the-top humor and drug references, which are there, but the characters are so real that it is believable. Coming from small town America myself, I could really appreciate the characters and the seemingly ridiculous scenarios. The first act, could be a movie in itself, in fact it makes the film. The second and third act fail to deliver as strongly, thus the rating of eight. The film is well shot and edited, the acting is spot-on for the most part.
To the reviewer who complained about this film being shot digitally... Bare in mind this is an independent film, so budget is a factor. If your eyes have not yet gotten used to seeing digital footage in films, then you're not watching many films. Furthermore, the media does not make the film, it is what the production is able to do with the media. Anyhow, I found the cinematography to be quite enjoyable.
All in all, a very good movie. This crew deserves many rewards and kudos for a "job well done". I laughed my ass off.