DonB-5 Reviews

Fire Country: I Know It Feels Impossible (2023) Season 1, Episode 22

Total garbage

[1/10 · 22 May 2023]

I tolerated the woke BS.

I held my nose when they saved a kid for his "two dads."

But the bs ending? Nope. The corrupt DA can go pound sand. Anyone who'd take her deal is braindead. Far better to blow the whistle on her during the hearing.

Season 2 ... don't care. Lost a viewer. This was lazy writing and idiotic in the extreme. They may as well cancel the show at this point. I'm sure the writers will invent some clever way to get Bode out of this but I don't care at this point.

Just as well. Big let down from Clay and Seal Team. Hopefully a better role comes along - something not quite as stupid.

The Expanse: Strange Dogs (2021) Season 6, Episode 1

We deserve more seasons

[8/10 · 10 December 2021]

A 6 episode season? Massive story compression will occur and that is a huge disservice to fans. Reminds me of the "brains" who cancelled Star Trek TOS after 3 years. This is the best sci-fi out there and the penny pinchers are wrecking it.

By the way - the rush to judgement on Cas Anvar leaves me flat. What ever happened to presumed innocence?

The Wheel of Time: Blood Calls Blood (2021) Season 1, Episode 5

Why even bother with adaptation at this point?

[3/10 · 3 December 2021]

Two more story arcs eliminated. Total change of events. This isn't WoT. It's pointless to pretend otherwise at this point.

All the invented story arcs pale compared to what is in Book 1.

Vikings: To the Gates! (2015) Season 3, Episode 8

Historical accuracy sacrificed for drama - minor spoilers

[5/10 · 19 February 2021]

Its certainly true that a majority of viewers won't know the historical facts or may not care. With Viking ancestety i have a different view.

The earliest recorded use of crossbows was in the 11th century a good 200 years after the first viking attack on Paris. They certainly were not an every-man weapon until the 14th century and evolved due to the need to pierce plate armor. Thats the first problem with this episode.

The Vikings of the 9th century had the longbow and were very skilled. The longbow had better range and accuracy than a crossbow and its unlikely longbowman would get in range of crossbows before firing. Thats a 2nd problem with this episode.

The first historical use of the Oriflamme banner was in the 12th century. The legend of its use by Charlemagne during campaigns in the holy land show that the banner was nothing more than an adornment for a Lance which was used to fulfill a prophecy regarding a knight possessing a golden lance, from which flames would burn and drive out the Saracens. Thats a 3rd issue.

Lastly - the first Viking assault on Paris was highly successful.

Brave New World (2020)

The true dystopia is the Savage Lands

[8/10 · 1 October 2020]

I doubt the writers intended this but, to me, the real dystopia is the Savage Lands and the infection is John. Consider: a world where everyone is content, everyone is happy, no disease, no poverty, no hunger, no wants, no jealousy. A feeling of belonging and that your part in the world is important. Plenty of leisure time. Parties. Games. No sexual hangups. Sounds better than reality to me.

Against that we have a destructive murderous fringe group bent on burning it all down and forcing man back into a life full of all the problems and issues we face today. John and his army rather remind me of BLM and ANTIFA.

T-34 (2018)

Not realistic

[5/10 · 30 June 2019]

Spoilers

What kind of German commander hands over a weapon to the enemy without verifying all the ammo is removed? That's the first of several problems with this film.

How does a Soviet tank drive along a road for as long as these guys did without being attacked by Luftwafe fighter-bombers?

When the German's blocked the road with anti-tank guns they gave their position away. Troops looked like they were using a 75. They'd have probably used an 88, and it would have been in the woods under camo net.

When the T-34 /85 backs into the Panther in town and the two start turning their turrets to attack the sequence of events is flawed. The German tank would have pivot with its engine to get its vulnerable rear out of danger. The length of the 75mm cannon would have required this and/or the tank could have started moving forward as part of the pivot.

Last sequence. German high velocity 75mm defeats T-34 45mm armor easily despite the slope. T-34 85 can't pen the Panther 80mm sloped armor unless you hit a weak spot. Long before the tanks are nose to nose the T34 would have been a burning wreck.

Death of a Nation (2018)

Fabulous film which tells the truth

[10/10 · 16 November 2018]

Just like Trump, D'Souza does not pull his punches. I've been saying the left is fascist for years, correcting those who claim the left is aligned with socialism.

The left attempts to control all aspects of our lives and uses scorched earth tactics to attack anyone who contradicts them. They have perverted the mainstream media into a propoganda arm of the DNC. They allow groups like BLM and ANTIFA to use violence to push their agenda. This is fascism pure and simple, and the parallels to 1930s Germany are frightening.

It's amusing to read all the one-star reviews. This documents how brain washed leftists have become over the last 40 years.

Must see movie. The truth is out there for any with eyes to see.

The First (2018)

Watch 1st and last episode is your best option

[6/10 · 17 September 2018]

As others have noted, this was billed as a sci-fi series. Unfortunately the writers got lost along the way. Nearly the entire first season is consumed with the human condition. Mental illness, teen angst, work life balance, concept of trust, what happens when bureaucrats inject themselves into the process, sacrifice, etc.

Between the first and last episode we get some tantalizing glimpses of science and aerospace problem solving, but mere minutes versus mundane family drama.

There are some obvious errors in some of the science and some glaring omissions - such as suggesting a fix be tried for the first time with the live system versus modeling it in a test environment.

All in all - if you watch the first and last episode you will get the best of season 1 and won't have missed much sci-fi/science content. I hope season 2 refocuses on the mission.

Still Mine (2012)

A true gem

[9/10 · 21 December 2014]

This movie was under the radar on release. I love the actors and decided to watch it based on reviews on various sites. It is priceless. Though I can understand how it may not translate that well to a younger audience (and thus some of the low review scores).

To really "get" this movie you need to be of a certain age - someone who can remember what it was like in the world 50 or more years ago. Before the age of rules and regulations gone mad and of bureaucracy which exists only for its own sake.

My dad grew up on a farm in the 30s and I can see some of his life experiences through this film.

Top notch acting and script, and a lot of subject matter to give the viewer something deep and meaty to chew on after the film is over.

Anyone born before 1960 - this is a must view movie.

Frontera (2014)

PC view of illegal immigration

[6/10 · 19 December 2014]

The production value and acting was fine - no issues. The story left a lot to be desired. It paints an anti-American view of how illegal immigration is perceived and dealt with in the US, trying to portray the illegals as the victims while concurrently suggesting US border patrol and police are corrupt.

Sorry, way to PC for my taste. It struck me as a plot trying to paint the darkest picture possible of American immigration policy and the consequences from that policy versus the Mexican workers who simply want to "work hard."

In addition - several plot points begun in the 1st half of the movie end up going nowhere - its as if the writer simply forgot about them. What of the family that is robbed? What of the 2 Muslim illegals who run off once in the US??

Interstellar (2014)

Best space movie since 2001

[10/10 · 8 November 2014]

Over the last 40+ years we movie viewers have been entertained by fun but pretty inane space movies for the most part. Star Wars and Star Trek and all that. Decent entertainment but not much depth. And as for the science - left a lot to be desired.

Reading some of the reviews and some of the Q&A on the message board its clear to me that some viewers are going to get lost in the science. And make no mistake - this movie is chock full of scientific concepts and possibilities. We can thank the consulting by Kip Thorne and others for that.

The first time we are shown space travel, in the vacuum of space, with no sounds from the rockets or anything else - I knew this would be a special movie. I can't recall another movie other than 2001 thats been this daring (and I bet some viewers wondered where the rocket noise was!) and actually got something this basic right.

The thrill ride evolves from this simple start. An absolute masterpiece and a must see for any true sci-fi fan.

The 100 (2014–2020)

Poorly thought out premise

[7/10 · 26 October 2014]

Not really spoilers per se - not disclosing anything thats really part of an episode, but I am discussing some of the overall concepts from the show. 1. When the human race is down to just a few thousand - every life is precious as you need a diverse genetic pool to repopulate the species. "Floating" people for minor crimes is moronic. 2. The last thing you want to do is send 100 criminals down to earth without supervision. Why would anyone expect these people who have been imprisoned and, in many cases, seen family killed, to actually cooperate? 3. Sending youth down to the planet - stupid. You'd send a science team with gear needed to eval the conditions. 4. Sending 100 your people who are of breeding age down to what may be their death - stupid. See point #1. 5. Kids going Lord of the Flies immediately ... apparently most are psycho... 6. Apparently there are a lack of "drop ships" available on the station... so by all means waste a previous resource on a fools errand 7. When in doubt and bad stuff is happening around you - start making out or having sex... yeah, being in mortal danger always gets me in the mood... 8. The O2 system is breaking down and CO2 scrubbers... and they've been in orbit for 97 years.... Has no one ever heard of hydroponics? FFS - food supply, O2 supply, nature's CO2 scrubbers... 7. By all means - when you have already seen a 2-faced critter in a pasture - jump into a pond without knowing there is something nasty in it and not bothering to scout it out first 8. Little psycho kids with knives - oh goodie... 9. Psycho leadership on the station with the #2 guy ready to kill hundreds without a reasonable plan for the rest - dumb

I had high hopes for a good sci-fi show... sadly this show is very flawed

2016: Obama's America (2012)

Its all coming true

[10/10 · 20 July 2014]

Russia issues and antagonism - ignored. Debt - ignored. Taking out serious threats like Iran's nuke program - ignored. Letting Israel stand alone. Funding and helping terrorist "rebels" in the middle east. Using all facets of government to target and attempt to destroy enemies (i.e. conservatives). Tax grabs while the economy is in ruins coupled with bald faced lies about the unemployment rate. Allowing massive illegal immigration - ignoring the problem.

Corruption on a scale typically associated with banana republics. Brain washing of our youth (seems Germany did that in the 30s too). Playing the race card any time anyone disagrees with anything this admin does.

Massive expansion of federal government. Violations of the constitution (example - the recess appointment issue). Ignoring the judicial system and their right to subpoena people for special hearings (happening right now).

How can anyone with a brain not see the truth here?

America: Imagine the World Without Her (2014)

Powerful, must see movie

[10/10 · 20 July 2014]

I can only conclude that the left is coming onto this site and voting this movie down. Likewise they are doing all possible to repress the movie and get it out of theaters as soon as they can.

This movie shows what America was, touching on some of the troubles of the past, put calling out the lies of the left as it does so. It shows how people like Hillary and Barak are out to drive the country into the ground while dividing Americans and putting us at each other's throats. It does an excellent job of linking today's culture and political environment to radical liberalism of the past.

To put it simply - it calls out the lies of the left and also illustrates the how those on the right are now targets for speaking out.

This is a must see movie. If you are conservative, if you love what the country was in the past - go see it. If you are a kool-aid drinker - go see it with an open mind. I dare you.

666 Park Avenue (2012–2013)

Excellent show, deserved better

[9/10 · 14 October 2013]

Stumbled on this gem on Netflix. My family don't watch much network TV so we missed out when the series aired.

This was a great show that deserved a better fate. Let me count the ways.

1. High production values. The camera work, use of shadow, and special effects - all superb for a TV show.

2. Excellent setting - love NY City, the park, and I know where the building is that was used for the external shots. Love the setting and the haunted house theme.

3. Good writing, a lot of depth in the plot lines and surprises that give you an 'ah hah' moment.

4. Excellent acting. Terry O'Quinn excels in his role, and the rest of the cast are well chosen and overall compliment the story.

5. Shades of 'The Shining" which is a horror classic shine through.

6. There is some genuinely "creepy" stuff in the stories which can take the viewer by surprise. Well done example of a horror genre that often gets bogged down with pulp shows like paranormal activity.

7. Very smart - this may have been the Achilles Heal of the show I guess. The viewer has no laugh track and must choose to engage and become immersed in the story. Is that the average TV viewer in America? Especially for a horror show? And the Sunday night time slot - opposite late Sunday NFL games ... poor choice.

I sincerely hope some cable network picks this up and runs with it. Its sad there are only 13 episodes.

Gravity (2013)

Good movie but flawed physics

[7/10 · 5 October 2013]

The movie is a treat for the senses in every way. Visual, auditory, and fairly exciting. I enjoyed the movie (seen in 3D) and rank it fairly high in terms of good science fiction.

**SPOILER** **SPOILER** An issue I have is with one aspect of the movie that ignores the laws of physics, yet this aspect becomes a plot point from which all else follows. I'm guessing many (most?) won't know, notice, care about this - but those of us with a science background will catch it immediately.

When Bullock and Clooney overshoot the ISS and Bullock gets entangled in the Soyuz parachute cord, Clooney (still tethered to Bullock) zips by but then, as the tether reaches its max length, he is jerked to a halt. The reality is this would have triggered a shift in momentum back along the vector he was traveling - he would have "bounced" as it were and been pushed back towards Bullock. End of story, so the writers ignored this (see Newton's Laws). Even if the event portrayed was accurate, we clearly see that all of Clooney's momentum has been negated. So at that point, both Bullock and Clooney have zero momentum (relative to each other, relative to the ISS). At that point - Bullock could have grabbed the parachute line and pulled (momentum towards the ISS would be the result) or could have grabbed the tether and pulled Clooney towards her or Clooney might have been able to get out of the jetpack, give it a good push away from himself, and once again be pushed towards Bullock as he gained momentum in the opposite direction. In all cases - the 2 could have easily made it to the ISS. It would have been a better story in my opinion - killing off Clooney was just a plot device to give Sandra an "all alone" aspect.

There are several other flaws in how physics is ignored in the movie - but they are much more technical and it is a movie after all. Most would not notice.

The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)

Horrible film

[3/10 · 9 April 2011]

I had high hopes for this movie, not having read any of the reviews or summaries. Alas - this film is total rubbish.

1. The acting is mediocre at best. Natalie and Scarlet will never be known as great actresses and they do nothing to elevate this film.

2. Revisionist history. Yes, the Boleyn family is known for its power hungry characteristics, but in this film they make Henry look like a moron and suggest Ann was behind most of the schemes. Thats just fail.

3. The film omits many important events that helped shape Henry's court, skipping ahead from pregnancy to pregnancy. A lot of the interesting maneuvering and intrigue is lost in the process.

If you want to see decent cinema for this time period - watch The Tudors mini-series. This film is not worth your time.

Greek (2007–2011)

Episodes get worse over time

[5/10 · 7 March 2011]

At first I enjoyed watching this show. As a Greek myself - from one of the premier party schools in the US - I could relate to a lot of the material and enjoyed the gags.

Where the series loses me is with the repeat of themes from one season to the next and/or the movement of a theme from one character to another.

How many times do we need to deal with Casey's ping pong love life? How many times do we need to deal with Evan being a jerk? How many times do we need to be pulled into gay story lines? Not to mention the moronic adventures of Rusty and the hot woman who either blow him off or that he blows off. Its sad, funny, and ironic when he ends up with Dana the little stalking troll rather than Catherine. Made me want to gag.

In summary - what was initially funny and fresh has morphed into a soap opera by season 5.

Avatar (2009)

Good movie, great visuals

[8/10 · 25 December 2009]

This movie delivers good acting, outstanding visuals, great attention to detail. It is very immersive, especially in the 3D version.

That said - this is essentially Dances with Wolves in space. Not quite but close. Then throw in some elements from Aliens (i.e. corporate greed leading to bad things) and it pretty much sums up the plot line. Throw in the anti-deforestation of the rain forest eco-crowd and the picture is complete.

This does not take away from the movie. Its just not terribly original.

Down points (for me - as they are stereotypical portrayals from a Hollywood establishment that is very left of center): Military is evil, rain forest is raised to a God like level, corporations always sink to the lowest possible level.

Troy (2004)

Paris - loser without honor

[8/10 · 16 May 2004]

I guess the moral of the story is "do unto others then split." Seldom have we seen such a loser as Paris - steal the girl, cause a war and thousands of deaths, chicken out of a fight, fill a more skilled warrior from a distance with a bow because you are too yellow to fight the man fairly.

What do you supposed Homer is trying to say here? Paris of 3200 BC reminds me of cowardly people in present times (Osama for example). No honor.

As Worf would say - what a Patak.

The filming is good and the fight scenes, especially the single combat scene with Pitt, are done quite well. But there is something missing which prevents this from being a truly great epic (as Gladiator was).

The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

Waiting for #3 a bit much - could have completed story

[7/10 · 25 May 2003]

Worst than the first.

First 30 minutes or so is very slow and not very interesting. Rest of the movie is pretty excellent. But then you hit the abrupt end and realize you are going to shell out another 10 bucks in a few months to get the rest of the story.

In this case it seems Hollywood realized they could milk the plot for awhile and convince us to spend twice the money to see the completed story. Thanks for nothing - I hope this does not become a trend. In this case, they could have easily cut the first boring bits, extended the movie 30 minutes, and given us a complete story in one go. That would have been more entertaining.

As I left the theatre I heard one viewer say "What a rip-off, if I'd known it was a 'to be continued' I'd not have come to see it." Amen.

Signs (2002)

Excellent movie for a thinker

[8/10 · 11 August 2002]

You want cheap horror? You want gore? You want mindless moronic terror? Go elsewhere. This is a thinking person's horror movie. And in the end, its not a horror movie - it is a movie about something deeper. It is a movie with a message. It is a movie about faith in something bigger than one's self.

Society has a tendency to avoid this topic, taking a more relativistic and materialistic view of life. But what if there is more to it? What if keeping-up-with-the-Joneses is not what its all about? What if there is a larger purpose?

Those of you in "group 1" know what I'm talking about. We know this to be true. Those of you in group 2, seeking a 2 hour thrill ride with no message, will likely say this movie sucks. You better be sure your world view is correct as the consequences may be large. And THAT is what this movie is about.

A thinking man's thriller. Along the same lines as Green Mile. Thanks Mel for having the courage to bring something like Signs to the big screen. Group 1 appreciates it.

Lilo & Stitch (2002)

Worst Disney flick I've seen in awhile

[8/10 · 24 June 2002]

The previews and commercials were pretty funny. The movie was not. I'm a big Disney fan, but this one bored me to tears. There were a few cute one-liners, but I don't understand how this could have an 8+ score at this point.

The animation was sub-par based on recent Disney movies. The facial features of the two Hawaiian woman were poorly done in my opinion. I found them quite unattractive whereas the typical Hawaiian is attractive.

I'll take movies like Mulan any day over this one.

The Time Machine (2002)

Horrible

[4/10 · 10 April 2002]

Some nice special effects. Otherwise - horrible. Poor casting, poor screenplay, large drift from the book and the original film. Best to wait for the video if you must see this one. A major point - that time travel is possible but can't change the past - seems idiotic. If you subscribe to the concept of time travel, you must also subscribe to all the paradox issues created + the fact the past could be altered. Very weak story line.

We Were Soldiers (2002)

Powerful, intense, moving - a great anti-war movie

[10/10 · 8 April 2002]

Words alone can not describe this film. It will touch you on an emotional level so long as you view it with an open mind and no pre-set bias. I was amazed to read some user comments which describe this as a 'gung ho' or 'America rules the world' movie. That simply is not the case.

Just as with Platoon, this film shows the horror, idiocy, stupidity, futility of war. It is true that high stress combat situations can and will bring out the best in some, and that the media will then portray those people as heros. But that was never the point of this movie.

This film clearly shows how moronic leaders like LBJ and Westmoreland spent the lives of American youth on nothing more than rock strewn fields and hills - gains quickly given up after apparent 'victory.' It shows honor and loss on both sides of the lines as we were not the only ones to suffer. It shows the supreme arrogance and stupidity of getting involved in the first place.

The effects, acting, and score are all first rate. The haunting melody and lyric of the Irish song played during some of the scenes will not soon be forgotten.

This is a must see film.