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Needle in a Timestack (2021)
Sci-Fi provides the background
This had a time traveling mechanic as the background, but the story, a love story, isn't about how it's archived, more about why would it be used.
Acting is superb.
Visuals are very good.
Some of the tech is really stylish.
One thing I agree with the nay sayers - is s bit too slow, but not to slow to suggest not watching it.
This Is Us (2016)
Keep on watching, worth every moment
Writing this waiting for the last episode of the 5th season.
Can't recommend this show enough.
A bit about me (as I feel it places a review into context): I'm a 45 year old white, Jewish family man originally from Israel living in NC, USA.
Pretty much a geek, usually not into drama shows.
My wife and I have been watching this show for the past few years, first bingeing on the first few seasons, then following as the show progresses.
Acting, directing and writing is superior. Soundtracks works very well. Plot touches on so many aspects of family / relationships, and dealing with the world in-general.
Don't get duped by the bad reviews about reality seeping into the drama. The drama embraces reality from the first moment, and deals with a lot of tough topics, and it does this rather effectively with the most burning topics as well - without making the show ABOUT those topics.
The last season does address BLM and COVID-19, but it does not become about it, and I believe it does a very good job in describing the effects on our main characters very well.
It's a TV drama, an excellent one at that, and I think it's for anybody who's willing to take down their cynicism guard, and allow some love into their heart.
Bliss (2021)
Unexpectedly Good, luckily not blissful
Apparently this dropped today on Amazon Prime, and I just noticed it on the Fire TV.
The basic idea, which you can see in the trailer, in part, very similar to the matrix, but takes a different approach.
The premis, that our protagonist is living in a simulated reality.
In this treatment of the narrative, the real world is the "too good to be true" version, and to exit three simulation, you need to ingest colorful crystals.
This is no action flic, don't expect "The Matrix".
It's far from perfect, there are quite a few plot holes, but nothing bad enough to ruin it (at least for me). The performances are solid, and the pace is right.
The daughter character is great, and I always like Owen Wilson (although I know some don't). Salma Hayek is Salma Hayek (not bad, but an uneven delivery)
The story works, and I think we get to share the feeling of wonderment and anxiety when dealing with a world we don't understand - wether a blissful one or a wretched one.
If I would philosophize a bit, this movie gives a perspective into depression, with a (pretty obvious) hint of drug abuse.
I think might find it not dark enough, but it is in no way a "light watch".
7 out of 10 seems fair.
Good cinematography, good pace, excellent acting, very good premise, good story.
I think especially in this "shelter in place" reality were all living right now, this is an above average watch.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Shadow in the Cloud (2020)
Haters gonna hate this faboulous horroresque action movie
Rarely review, mostly because I usually don't have much to add. Reviewing this because the rating of 4.7 when I'm writing this, does not reflect this superb film.
This is a strong woman lead action film with a plane gremlin. (This is not a spolier, it's there in the first scene)
A rollercoaster ride, with a very simple story (which I don't want to spoil), not overly original, but original in this particular setting.
Excellently executed. Tension is built until it erupts in a climax of very enjoyable action topped with a staple shmaltz message at the end.
Everything about the ratios of the "portions" in this film, work extremely well.
I read reviews here complaining about the laws of physics. Did I mention that it had a plane gremlin in it? Physics is of no concern here.
I would venture all the bad ratings are from weak a$$h01e males who throw a tantrum whenever a strong female lead shows up, like the chauvinist stereotypical fly boys in the movie.
Is it realistic? Hell no!
Is it perfect? Of course not!
Is it fun? Hell yeah!
Is the suspense good? Yes!
If the situation plausible? No! (Did I mention there is a plane gremlin?)
I rarely enjoy horror elemnts in film, but here it's what releases the film from needing to be overly realistic. It releases it from "responsibility". And because it's executed so well, it is a necessary part of what makes the film excellent.
I enjoyed every single moment of it, and I'm guessing if you ever liked closed quarters action films, strong women leads, decent action scenes, and a badass hero that defeats evil against all odds, I would bet you would as well
If you identiy too much with the male sh1#heads on the plane, then probably not.
Mother Ghost (2002)
Everyone Has Trouble Dealing With Loss
This film is cinematic drama story telling done exceptionally good.
The acting and directing are not TOO polished, yet everybody involved in this film, appreciates the truthfulness of the story elements.
Without spoiling anything, it's about a man going thorough a personal crisis, and he just happens to do it in-front of everyone.
Although realistically the chances of dealing with real issues, and resolving them in a 1 hour period is slim, the story is believable and the empathic bonding with the audience works well.
The only ones who will not appreciate this, are the ones not emotionally mature enough to face their own feeling (yes, I mean you action/macho only no-feeling-to-be-hurt guys).
If you've ever experienced loss, or in a complex relationship, or personally know someone who has - (which is about almost everybody), you'll probably appreciate this film.
On a more personal note, although the film has the usual disclaimer that all of the characters are fictional, and that the story is not true, I believe it's very true. Although the plot is probably fictional, the people are based on the filmmakers' experiences, and we can see that in the ending credits with the dedications to the filmmaker's lost ones.
I usually go after the "easy" viewing stuff, but this one was well done, and I'd recommended it to anyone looking for a goodhearted intimate film, which doesn't leave you untouched at the end.