PlumBallz Reviews

The Crown: Alma Mater (2023) Season 6, Episode 7

How many more character assassinations?

[5/10 · 9 January 2024]

What started out as a nice story quickly descends in to another ridiculous Netflix teen drama. I can overlook many of the creative liberties the show has taken but unfortunately this episode is just plain nasty. Why is Netflix so obsessed with creating bottom barrel teen dramas? They did it with the Witcher series now they've even had a pop at The Royals. This silly will they won't they get together storyline? Not to mention the ridiculous defamation of Kates poor mum. Turning her in to some evil scheming mother who's pimping her daughter out since a chance encounter when they were children. Complete absurd. Credit to the actor who portrays Williams struggle and turmoil with wanting a normal Uni life and being a Royal. It's a shame the episode didn't focus on this more really.

Midnight Mass (2021)

Hidden Netflix Gem

[9/10 · 30 September 2023]

Fantastic little series, it's a shame Netflix isn't advertising this some more. Had this and Archive 81 saved on my list for some time. I watched Archive 81 first and this is definitely the stronger of the two. Starts off as a slow burner that quickly ramps up around the middle. Some good twists and turns and it wasn't at all what I anticipated from the start. Without saying too much it does a great job of adding a new twist to a classic horror genre and religion. Two things you'd never think would work. But this series blends them together fantastically and it really makes for a great plot. 7 episodes was perfect and if you're looking for a weekend horror binge give it a go.

The Witcher (2019– )

Between two worlds

[2/10 · 28 July 2023]

Had exceptionally high hopes for Witcher and season 1 is good. But series 2 and 3 have nosedived off a cliff. Cavill and the special effects are what has redeemed this from 1/10 to a 2/10.

What's most unforgivable is theyve managed to muddle the source material. Ive read the books and have no clue what on earth is going on anymore. Netflix and Lauren Schmidt have constructed a noose for their own necks by flicking between the books and their own disastrous "creative" ideas.

Season 2 takes the most creative liberties and as such was universally hated. So season 3 tries to awkwardly navigate back to the books but they're now in this awkward limbo of staying book true but maintaining the awkward plot they established in season 2. The result being the confusing hot mess that looks glossy but is confusing and at worst, just boring. It pains me to say it but this series needs cancelling before more damage is done. I truly believe this series could've had the potential to be on par with Game Of Thrones but they had to meddle with the formula. Instead we're left with a confusing series that has no idea what it wants to be and doesn't appeal to newcomers or the loyalists that know the source material.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Very James Gunn. Maybe too much

[7/10 · 9 July 2023]

I want to say that I believe that James Gunn is an exceptional director and writer. In guardians 3 his influence and work is clear but perhaps too much. Reminding me much of Slither (a great film): grotesque, fleshy and monstrous it feels out of place for a marvel film. The emotional bar was set high on the back of guardians 2 so the film almost takes a cheaper route by injecting excessive animal cruelty for Racoons back story, which do pull on the heart strings and which are granted, difficult to watch at times but ultimately lack any further depth. And unfortunately the usual worn out marvel formula is still at play here: excessive forced humour and innuendos. I personally was extremely disappointed with the treatment of Adam Warlock, a powerful marvel character but who unfortunately, has been boiled down to a slapstick supporting character here. As an action sci fi film this is a good entry, but to a marvel fan, with knowledge of characters and plot this leaves something to be desired and although better than the latest outputs, can't do much to change the downward trajectory that marvel and Disney are on.

The Ninth Gate (1999)

Criminally underrated

[10/10 · 7 May 2023]

This film is a hidden gem and wrongly never one of the forefront when you think of Johnny Depp films. Having rewatched a second and third time I'm only appreciating how great this film truly is and I can be confident in rating it a 10/10.

What I truly love is the ambiguous and courageous ending. A lot of open ended films can feel lazy or almost like they ran out of funding. This film I can definitively say nails the mystery and truly feels finished but left to the viewer to make their own minds up. There are still multiple theories today, all equally valid and all equally enjoyable.

My advice: watch it and watch it again. Make your own mind up. There's truly something wonderful and ominous amongst the pages of this film.

Mammals (2022)

Good, to good god let it end

[2/10 · 30 November 2022]

It's pretty difficult to put in to words how quickly Mammals descends in to utter nonsense inhaling its own bull and calling it perfume. I won't lie, the first episode had me hooked. What started as such a good and even funny set up becomes one of the most insulting shows I think I've ever seen. All the plots the show teases are quickly, boringly and cheaply wrapped up in the most lazy way possible. The pursuit of Paul becomes a cheap yeah it was a pseudo name and he was right under your nose the whole time thing. Armadais begins to increasingly talk in more and more riddles as if to justify the cheating and it feels like the show is trying to make some point with it? Oh and Jamie? Plot twist, he might've been having an affair all along. Except it isn't really a twist because the show gives no evidence of that and then just throws in there at the end because why not?

Throughout the course of the show so many complex themes are touched on: monogamy, grief, stress, mental health. But in the final episodes they are handled about as delicately as a chainsaw that if you hoped, prayed for a satisfying story arc or conclusion you'll be not only be disappointed but probably insulted.

American Horror Stories (2021– )

Not fit to bear the name

[4/10 · 7 October 2022]

There are a few episodes that are creepy, mostly from season 1. But season 2...borderline unwatchable. Unlike the original AHS there's no "holy ****" moments only "ew". The plots are so thin and there's no big twists or reveals. It's a real shame because the acting isn't bad and I could see a lot of the leads being brought in to the proper AHS. But I feel sorry for the actors and actresses that were sold the role based on the brand and instead they were given such poorly written plots to work with. Either Ryan Murphy needs to take a more hands on approach and inject some life in to this series or it should be left in the ground because at the minute it's an embarrassment to the AHS name.

I Came By (2022)

Solid entry from Netflix

[8/10 · 2 October 2022]

I'll start by saying that the anti-establishment, elitism and racism etc. Themes are mostly a miss.

However, don't let this deter you. This is a solid thriller from Netflix. Excellent performances from the leads, particularly the villain, and the film keeps you guessing to the very end. One of the better thrillers I've watched, certainly from Netflix, in a while.

Fantastic setting of London, England too. For some reason I can't image this film being as effective set in the US. I am hoping to see some of the lesser known British actors getting picked up for future work because all the cast played a great part.

Stranger Things: Chapter Nine: The Piggyback (2022) Season 4, Episode 9

Same old same old

[6/10 · 1 July 2022]

Although it adds some cool new face offs and battles (master of puppets) I can't help but feel a bit underwhelmed. I think in part because of how overhyped the finale was. Promising tears and although sad, it's safe. It's the same formula. The kids plucky attitudes and plans. Eleven throwing villains around. And another classic Netflix cliffhanger (wills spider sense is tingling again) setting up season 5. Meh.

Dog Soldiers (2002)

Everything a horror film needs

[8/10 · 12 February 2022]

Maybe I'm biased because I find werewolves especially skin crawling but this has everything the perfect horror needs. Dark. Gritty. Gore. Just an uncomfortable watch and no one is safe. The film is 20 years old at the time of writing and it still holds up for me. The last stand at the end drops off a little in places. But still a solid 8/10 horro.

The Hunt (II) (2020)

Keep it simple

[6/10 · 6 February 2022]

What this film is : a fun, gory shoot em up. I was surprised how funny it was at times. And the effects and gore are top class.

What this film isn't: political.

Unfortunately this film tries too hard to be something it isn't. Repeatedly mentioning issues like gun control, climate change and religion.

You can definitely have a good time watching this, but it's not going to provoke some deep conversations like the film thinks it will.

Don't Look Up (2021)

Am I missing something ?

[3/10 · 29 December 2021]

I was really excited for this film, had it on my watchlist for weeks. Now I can't help but think "how on earth did they get Dicaprio, Lawrence and Streep to sign up to this ?". First and foremost it's just not funny. In fact it's painfully unfunny that the digs at humanity and the points that the writers are trying to make just don't work. Worse, they come off preachy and condescending. Plot wires, despite being an "apocalyptic WORLD ending" event the film spends a lot of time obsessing over just America and a bad president. Little thought is given outside of this narrow box and the impact on the rest of the entire planet. This too makes the film feel bloated. The ending serves as the final insult. If you somehow manage to suffer through and buy in to the writers flimsy points its a waste of time because the ending? Stick a bunch of rich "one percenters" (arguably the very worst of humanity) on a flight to space and survive the comet anyway.

The cast, the audience, even Netflix deserved better than this self inflated rubbish.

The Witcher: Family (2021) Season 2, Episode 8

The deathless mother needs to die.

[4/10 · 23 December 2021]

What on earth were they thinking adding such a boring character. I love this show, but the last few episodes of season 2 I'm blotting out of existence. The deathless mother character is such a bad character. Leave this character and story arc for dead and stick more to the books next season. Please.

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Better than endgame

[10/10 · 21 December 2021]

I don't know how marvel managed to beat endgame but they've done it here. This film is a nostalgic love letter to marvel and Spider-Man fans everywhere.

Cowboy Bebop (2021)

Anime snobs

[9/10 · 20 November 2021]

I was sceptical going in. Watched the death note remake and that was poor. But I loved this. Its a funny sci fi adventure. Too many people are knocking it because they're hung up on the anime. Take it as it is. It's fun.

Sex/Life (2021–2023)

I was unlucky to be in the room

[1/10 · 10 July 2021]

Let me first start by saying I didn't choose to watch this. I was unfortunate enough to be in the room when the first episode was on. Even just shutting your eyes and listening to this is painful enough. This show relies on shock factor and graphic sex scenes to try and gain any sort of interest. Underneath the plot is just a serious of flashbacks of a woman who is having a mid life crisis and thinks this justifies having an affair. This is the last and probably the most insulting apex. The main character is an A*****e. The story tries to spin and justify this by framing the husband as inattentive and a workaholic (of course she's still happy to keep living in the palace that he no doubt pays for) so she contemplates reaching out to an ex boyfriend. Of course it's the husbands fault. It's the husband who drove her to this. Not that the wife is a PoS basically.

This series not only made me want to turn the tv off. It made me want to rip the plug out, smash the tv and burn it.

Record of Ragnarok (2021– )

An insult to anime and mythology

[2/10 · 25 June 2021]

I watch a lot of anime and I've watched/read a lot of mythology and it's difficult to pin point which aspect of this is so bad. I'm fine with anime being over the top and taking some liberties in fact I expect it. But which such a wealth of gods and mythology to play with this is so bad (Thor's hammer being made of flesh, Zeus being a feeble old man half the time?). The anime side isn't much better. The fights are drawn out and the animation is poor. When some action does finally happen it's hardly worth the build up. It's baffling that they've drafted huge names from both gods and humans and come up so short and boring. Do yourself and favour and skip this one. It's not worth it.

Rock of Ages (2012)

Great comedic look at rock n roll

[8/10 · 19 June 2021]

A fun, silly parody of rock and roll. Story isn't mind blowing. But there's classic rock, good actors and over the top visuals. If you love rock and roll you'll have a fun time here.

Love, Death & Robots (2019– )

Decline

[8/10 · 16 May 2021]

Season 1 - 10/10 outstanding, dark, funny, full of ingenious twist and turns.

Season 2 - lazy and generic.

Was so excited to see a second season but it was a complete let down barring maybe two episodes.

Hoping for a season 3 with the more input from season 1.

The Meg (2018)

Just bad

[2/10 · 13 March 2021]

If, like me, you're naively going in to this thinking it will have any resemblance (or brilliance) of Jaws then think again. I think this film knowingly marketed itself as a bigger, badder, jaws. This would be an insult to the masterpiece. With the exception of the SFX, which are surprisingly good this is such a poor film that doesn't even play by its own rules (shark can't detect Jason statham swimming right up to it, but can find and eat a dog ?!) the actors seem as though they're half assing it, it's not even cheese good and the plot is all the place. No wonder Netflix and prime picked this up so quickly. Seriously, just don't bother.

Ghostbusters: Answer the Call (2016)

Pleasantly surprised

[6/10 · 27 February 2021]

Really don't understand the negativity of some people. This isn't a perfect movie: not all the jokes land, not super original and the female power feels a bit forced. However this movie was really fun and pretty funny. People have such a hard on for Bill Murray and the originals. Despite a lot of the original characters making cameos here so they must have signed off on it. Get over yourselves people. This isn't an amazing movie but it's not a terrible one either.

Hostel: Part III (2011 Video)

Lacking

[3/10 · 12 February 2021]

From the torture to the scantily clad women this film just doesn't know what it means to be part of the Hostel series. If you came here expecting any sort of links to the original then don't waste your time. The torture is just there. Mixed in with some nudity and strippers to distract the viewer from recognising any lack of plot.

Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)

Simply boring

[2/10 · 17 January 2021]

I'm a huge fan of Star Wars and I ripped on the last one for being too safe (very similar narrative to A New Hope). But this film is just insulting in the direction it takes it. For one: STOP TRYING TO MAKE STAR WARS FUNNY/GOOFY. This isn't Marvel, it doesn't work. 2) You know all the deep history of the Jedi and the council and the sacred beliefs? Yeah we're just gonna let all that die now and burn it all to ground (literally) Underused characters and unexplained characters. The Finn, Rose romance ? Trash. Captain Phasma? Trash. Kylo Ren ? Hyped as powerful descendant of the sky Walker bloodline, consistently beaten down by a scavenger who found a lightsaber and only real practice fighting is presumably from swinging a metal pole around fighting other scavengers from the last film. Boring, should never have tried for another trilogy with this sort of thin, half assed ideas

Midsommar (2019)

So much potential

[4/10 · 17 January 2021]

The film starts out great and you get a weird "Wicker Man" vibe. A cultish like village where you know something is off but you can't quite put your finger on what. Surely as the film progresses weirder and weirder happens. However there's little in the way of explaining why these things happen or these beliefs are held. You're just expected to be accept it. Stark contrast to how the film plays out at first. Eventually the weird becomes gruesome and this just feels purely for cheap shock value with no real explanation as to why. I heard a lot of buzz about this film and was excited to see for myself. Personally I don't understand the hype and found this film to think itself far smarter than what it actually is by the time the credits rolled.

WandaVision (2021)

So far so good

[8/10 · 17 January 2021]

I'll start by saying that this is an acquired taste and if you aren't familiar with some of the comics/deeper lore this is likely to confuse you. Applause to Disney for nailing the 50s theme. There is something so intriguing about this. You know that's there is something going on behind the curtain and the show gives you just enough peeks to keep you invested. Although a few more peeks wouldn't go amiss I'm definitely curious to see where this will go.