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catherineboeckmann
Reviews
Treason (2022)
Get past the 1st episode and you can't stop
Wow, Treason ended up being a good ride! I admit Charlie Cox from Netflix Daredevil drew me in. (Btw, that version of Daredevil series is the best thing Marvel's ever made; Legion with Dan Stevens comes close. Nothing like either since. Watch it.)
With Treason, I almost didn't make it past the first episode but it started to pick up and episodes 3 to 5 were fast-paced and really seat-of-the-pants. I will say that they cast some very surprisingly strong actors--esp hero by Charlie Cox and the Russian agent and the head of M16. The series' actors were stronger than the writers (hello, Netflix).
But some of these reviewers are really worked up and silly. It's just a Netflix action movie not some biopic or serious spy film. The hero was purposely cast to be young and out of his league--if you keep watching, you find out why. It only means you bought the acting.
The series kept up surprises through the very ending and I even teared up. The actors worked together seamlessly.
In terms of IMDB ratings, well, it was an uneven series. The writers had a hard time getting the series set up and you need to be patient (I'd give the first episode a 5, and second episode a 6) but once they got into the action, it was a great flic (I'd give the last three episodes an 8 because I couldn't put it down). I'm just going to go with an 8 to balance out some of these silly 1s and 2s.
Legion (2017)
A masterpiece
Dan Stevens' acting is perfect. He captures all the confusion and insanity of David. And the concept of this Legion character and the way the film brought it all alive was also perfect. I was continually amazed and delighted at the creativity and visual acid trip I was experiencing. Omg, the dance sequences! Since I didn't know the comics, the mystery of David's identity and life kept me hooked as well. I would have to say Legion is a masterpiece and the best Marvel piece ever created, along with Netflix's Daredevil with Charlie Cox, another excellent British actor! Audrey Plaza was also phenomenal in Legion, and I can't imagine anyone else in that role. I only wish more people knew about Legion.
Christmas with You (2022)
One of the better Xmas movies
Wow, some quality acting with Freddie and the actress from Lucifer who are layer the pop star. Definitely a cut above most of these cheesy Christmas movies. Don't get me wrong-I love them-but this had more authentic relationships and enjoyed the quince dance and Latin traditions. The daughter was adorable and loved the dad/daughter relationship. Catchy music. Good hearted jokes at some of our celebrity culture vs what's real. Still very predictable but who cares. Just a fun and heartwarming and entertaining escape! I hope they make more of these Christmas movies. Some are just so bad, they're not watchable.
The Sandman (2022)
So creative
I've never read the source material so just approaching this as film. It's just such a great concept that really makes you think about conscious and subconscious life and dreams in general. I loved the Morpheus character and beautiful ideas. I will say I wasn't as fond once it got into the kids theme which gets a little cheese drama and takes away from the beautiful universe that got me into the Sandman. But there's something about the Sandman and Morpheus that is addictive and dreamlike indeed. I hope there will be a second season. Btw, they should all study and learn from the masterful "Legion" with Dan Stevens to understand how to better pace and maintain a different universe--not that is psychedelic in an entirely different way! I'm giving Sandman a "9" even though I'd probably give it an "8" but it's too balance out so many disgusting reviews about diversity. Guys, the author was in charge of this series; they are his characters to play with. Chill out.
A Perfect Pairing (2022)
Ok but overacted
When I was watching the main star, all I thought about was that she is an actress. I don't know her work but it doesn't feel real at all. At least it's not boring like all the other characters. Why do you always have to throw a side gay couple. It just feels so forced. That said, I did watch it to the end so a 3 because it was pretty mindless. There are much better romances out there. (Bridgerton!!!)
Castle: Crossfire (2016)
Lame ending to a great series
Wow, that ending was really lame. Locksat was one man? Ridiculous. And did they die or not die? What was that weird futuristic scene tacked on? Castle was such a great show with two strong characters. I really enjoyed the female lead who was equal to the male. Strong and sexy like old Hollywood stars. Great banter with the male lead who was charming. However, I thought the last season or two went downhill as they kept the male and female leads apart so much. That was the best thing going on that show. The banter and the relationship as they solve crimes together.
Castle: G.D.S. (2016)
Lost its way?
The magic of this show is Rick and Kate. I'm not sure why the 8th season is so lame and missing that witty pairing. Plus, I just miss Kate who really lights up the screen. Sometimes Rick gets really juvenile and tries to act so cute and it gets kind of annoying without balance. I don't think bringing in some of these new characters is helpful either. And they don't seem to know what to do with Castle's daughter who used to just demonstrate what a good dad Rick is, but also certainly isn't a replacement for Kate. Finally, the writing just seems a lot worse this season. This particular episode doesn't really even reflect the entire series very well. Not tight. Not enough action.
Daredevil (2003)
Terrible
After watching the Daredevil Netflix series, I could barely stomach this movie. The acting by the lead Affleck is so cheesy. He uses a voice that he thinks is supposed to sound like Daredevil instead of becoming him. With actor Charlie Cox from the Tv series, I literally thought he was really blind with the way he moved. Cox is so vulnerable yet gifted and becomes a fully developed human - not a toy hero doll. I don't think Affleck should do superheroes. If anyone is reading this review, go watch the daredevil Netflix series which is truly phenomenal. Deep, emotional as well as physical (incredible stunt work), and superb acting.
Daredevil (2015)
A perfect 10
Daredevil with Charlie Cox is the best series that I've seen on TV in the past 5 years and the only show I've watched multiple times. The acting by Cox is pitch perfect. The struggle with his faith, the sensory powers, the long and exciting action sequences, the mystery. I am still gutted it was canceled and, for the life of me, can't understand why anyone wouldn't want to mine this opportunity with Cox when and while they can. I've seen every Marvel movie and this series-on TV-is superior. Correction: I've never watched the movie with Ben Affleck. I'm see it's a dud. So it's not just Daredevil that must be saved. It's Daredevil with Cox.
Endeavour: Ride (2016)
Excellent, as always.
Excellent, as always. I was sort of waiting for Colin dexter to give a nod to Morse's past. Being at Oxford would mean that his life touches different parts of society. And, to be honest, he seems less awkward here than he is with the police folks. There's a nod to the romance that he had during his Oxford days. To idealistic? I'm not sure the episode provides enough motivation as to why he decided to go back to that police life, except that he finds a father figure and like-minded integrity in Thursday and loves solving puzzles. But we knew that before. He clearly doesn't want to do the police work. I think the end decision of which path to take finally makes him decide to sit for the police exam. I thought it was an excellent episode, reflecting a bit on his earlier life and his life today. It seems like quite a chasm; no wonder he's a bit schizophrenic about it all.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018)
Fun and different
I would say the rating of 7.7 is about right. I enjoy magic and there's plenty of it. The female star is a strong actress. I like that she is an independent thinker and stands up for friends. The aunts and magical "adults" are excellent. The mortal boy is really boring so far. The gender themes are forced. But it's a fun show. Not addictive but entertaining.