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Reviews
Lioness (2023)
Best TV series production so far
Wow, this series is incredible! Every episode (up to 5 at the time of writing) will grab you.
Top notch cast, top notch production, engaging story and just incredible execution.
When I think of America, this is what I want to believe in. Infiltrate, protect, execute. All the while being connected and believable.
If your a fan of Jack Ryan, you will want to check this out. I can't think of any other episode series where every episode delivers something new that engages the viewer in such a way.
This series raises the bar and it's ALOT! This is how it's done, no fill, just intense drama that feels real.
Just wait until award night...
We will see how the rest of the series plays out.
65 (2023)
Whats that word...OH... Improv!
The over all story is actually really interesting, I love the perspective. Adam Driver is a very solid and watchable actor.
I understand the low ratings. Is the writing? The directing? Overall production is pretty decent. Where it breaks down is the flow or how it's all put together.
One scene in particular put me back, I was like...no...
But hey kept popping up in some form or another. I would love to see a remake or something based on a similar type of idea.
Great concept that could have stood out. A slightly polished B movie at best.
I don't know what else to say so I will keep typing...
The Mother (2023)
Solid Lopez performance, again...
This is a good film to have on your list. There are a few holes here and there, but it held me until near the end.
It is so refreshing to see a strong female character that you can connect with as a person and not an object. This is important. I understand that woman want their freedoms on how they present them selves. But to gain respect and equality, it's not always necessary to be stimulating what is basically a male mammal instinctual response.
This was a great example that was not based on the power of the female sexuality. Only one scene stood out that I cannot forget, that is the power a female can have and should respect.
The Ark (2023)
The good, the bad and the ugly...
I like the premise. Unfortunately, the series turns into a simple banter of back and forth and who has the biggest God complex...
The Good:
Pretty decent visuals and I like the characters. Overall production has it's merits. Interesting start, fast. I was drawn into many of the characters.
The Bad:
Plots turn on a dime. There's perhaps a bit too much freedom amongst the crew. The writing or story production is pretty bad.
Sadly, this often turns into a soap style romp when someone decides to take their way...because they are God like.
The Ugly:
Ever since they found the "extra passengers"., things just went another way and it was very disappointing. The last episode totally went off the rails. I cannot believe it is going another season.
Better get some decent writers and focus on the adventure.
You have a decent cast, work on those strengths and show us something new. Forget about the spoiled Kings and Queens...so bad...
JD.
Ghosted (2023)
Great movie, thank you!
Added 1+ point to help with the low score. This is a fun watch and there is some great production work here. Kind of "Bondish" with some really great and long action scenes! Lots of good work with the lens and computer. Hats off to the technical team's!
Great cast and there is some good chemistry between Chris and Ana. Maybe we don't connect with the Captain's new role, but he is so good and maintains the persona pretty well through the film. You will be cheering this team!
I did not bother to read the low score reviews, just check it out. I think maybe all the "IronMan" fan people are the ones being negative, lol.
Kung Fu (2021)
DEV's PLEASE READ
I am a Kung Fu junkie and have been with this since the start. I am hoping the developers read this and can take something from it.
First of all, season one had a few battle elements similar to "Crouching Tiger" type movies. You totally need to exploit these battle scenes like this. Use more special effects and slow / stop motion to involve the audience into the action. Honestly, the original Kung Fu series puts your battle scenes to shame. It's only gotten worse! Now it's as bad as Arrow's last season. You guys are missing the mark and not exploiting this opportunity.
THIS IS KUNG FU AFTER ALL, COME ON !!!
What I like is how you are involving all the characters in each their own story. This is brilliant and shows each character in there own skin, sort to say. Maybe less boy kissing..? Failing that, maybe add some girl kissing?
I don't understand why this is acceptable on many TV shows. I'm all for self identity and awareness, but this is not required in my opinion.
Focus on the Kung Fu culture and what that means. Utilize all your production tools and resources to highlight and showcase the mysticism and wonder of this eastern culture. Strike a balance with how you are presenting inclusiveness. Focus on the underlying theme!
As an example for what production level to strive for, check out "The Time Travelers Wife" Simple an amazing production and in my opinion, unmatched in drama and engagement...
JD.
Outer Range (2022)
The real mystery is in the planning...
I have to agree with many of the comments I'm reading. But what I'm struggling with is what the take away is? Is it simply how bent American culture is? At it's core, there has to be something to hold on to. I almost "FEEL" like I'm at the mall, sitting on a bench, watching people walking in and out of shops and wondering about them. Then it hits...
You want to connect, but you are simply forced to observe some people.
I counted "2 uh-huh" moments. Both could have happened in 2 or 3 episodes.
So lets start with the good:
- strong casting. Luv the sheriff. I have to say, she's my #1! Sorry Josh...
- intriguing plot, gripping, really. Now there's a story, ya think?
- locals, set environment and such. Is this what Wyoming looks like? I like it.
Now the bad:
- Everyone is sooo "somber" O M G, is there no other emotions in human nature? It was so refreshing to see Will Patton. This character literally woke me from my slumber trance! I think that's why I like Tamara Podemski's character. She is conveying at least some emotion that connects me to her.
- The fact that you can walk into a town, buy a gun and have a shoot out with your neighbor and his ...idol (no spoilers here). For me, this was at least one MAJOR take away moment, a reality of something that is current and troubling and something we all need to judge. Wake up America !!!
Not looking forward to S02.
JD.
The Man Who Fell to Earth (2022)
Maybe better than I think...
I have only seen the first 3 episodes and I'm all in. Very original and interesting story that is current in todays world. Casting is really good but, Chiwetel Ejiofor is AMAZING! I can't wait to see where this go's. This could have been a big widescreen release, it's that good. Having said that, I'm glad it's a series. This gives us more exposure to all the characters and we get connected. Thank You!
Morbius (2022)
seven is a stretch...
Listen, 5 or less is not agreeable. There is some amazing technical work done here and that needs to be taken into account for the overall production. Casting is pretty good, but we don't really have a chance to get connected to the characters!?! The beginning was a good start, with the children. Jared Leto is probably the best Vampire type character I have ever seen!
I believe this would have had better attention as a series, like Mandalorian or The Man Who Fell to Earth. 10 episodes is enough time to get connected to the characters and the story. Just saying...
JD.
Invasion (2021)
watch out...the ice is thin
First off, episode 6 HOLEY NORMAN BATES SHOW!
I have to agree with some of the opinions here. When it's good, I'm drawn in. There is a pretty good variety of characters and situations. Effects work quite nicely and it's fresh.
Scenes are somewhat drawn out with just enough of the good stuff to keep you waiting. The last episode could have been 10 minutes long, really. I hope it gets better, not more of the same. We'll see!
JD.
Dune (2021)
A Review to rule them all...
Being a true fan of the original, from a biblical epic spectacle, I did not have any expectations or hope after learning about this production.
What a rewarding surprise to see the scope, production, star studded cast etc...etc... on this release! If you have no exposure to the book(s), you simply have to let yourself fall into this world and enjoy each moment with each character as they happen. What a treat, and this COULD and SHOULD go on, BRAVO and thank you to everyone involved...
PRO's: scope, production, star studded cast
CON's: waiting through 6 books
I would like to contribute to this release and subsequent releases.
JD.
Jupiter's Legacy (2021)
7 is where it's at...
I wish episode 7 was a full blown movie. There is a ton of material to work with here and the actors are doing a great job of it. CGI and effects are actually really good and the only thing to work on is flow and production. There are too many episodes with down time, trying to give us a feel of the person or circumstance. It's not working. It becomes distracting, annoying and boring. Keep the pace going and tie in the timeline transitions better. We don't need 3 or 4 episodes to show us what a piss ant Chloe is, short anecdotes will work. Season 1 ended with a lot of questions and a lot of roads to explore. Please don't make season 2 a roller coaster (slow ups...fast downs). We like the open roads with a few gentle turns, where you don't have to take your foot off the gas!
Top marks for the cast and crew, spot on really...
JD.
Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
Get that RETRO feel good....I think...
So lets get the elephant out of the room first.
How about that aspect ratio? Talk about retro, do
not adjust your set...It took some time to adjust,
but eventually the movie was enough to distract
me from the obvious elephant in the room.
I understand about the different aspect ratios
and it has to do with the hardware used to create
the film and what it will be released on.
We do not need another debate, but lets ask, what
is the biggest market? Will most people see new releases
in Imaxx? In Theaters? At home in 16x9(177/1) HD?
Moving forward, this is a no brainer.
Anyway, on to the movie. There is alot of new
material here and I love so many different scenes
specific to each character. This was a real treat.
There is also a lot of fill, like scenes that kind
of lasted too long with little to no effect. Perhaps
this had something to do with the Imax format, most
of the movie just doesn't seem HD. This is not specific
to character shots, but the overall scene or background.
It's a mixed bag for sure. At the end or after we win,
this becomes super obvious and I have no clue what I'm
watching.
In the end, it is a different version in many ways
positive and in other ways, negative. There is so much
new here, it could have easily been released as a stand
alone mini series released on the 16x9 aspect ratio with
more attention to the over all scene quality and resolution.
Worth watching? Hell yes, but for me, the theatrical
release can stand on it's own.
JD
Superman & Lois (2021)
Tyler Hoechlin exposed...
When I first saw Tyler Hoechlin as SuperMan in SuperGirl, I thought: ummm, no, this is not SuperMan! Who is this jabroney !?!
Perhaps the best news in "SuperMan & Lois" is that this is not the "Tyler Hoechlin" we saw in SuperGirl. NOW he brings it ! I believe he does it in a way that sets him apart from any other SuperMan character played by any other actor. The rest of the cast is equally fitting. One deduction point simply because I'm struggling somewhat with one of the twins. Unfortunately, alot happens early in the series, so I feel a disconnect related to the twins.
Hats off to the production crew, scripting, writing etc. I believe they capture the mood and atmosphere pretty well and the timing for this is perfect.
Keep it sharp and stay on point!
Thank you!!!
JD
Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
beautiful art, nice story
Scenery CGI is breathtaking. Movement and animation is on another level. I love the emotions, almost caricature like and most welcome! Detail on all aspects of production put this on the top shelf. Another solid. I just love how the female is portrayed and I hope people appreciate it.
I only wish we could have a PPV option rather than having to buy a subscription service. I do believe this is the future of new releases. For one reason or another, some of us may not need a monthly service, but we still want to support those people and partners that bring these productions to life.
Memorable recording worth mention: Jhené Aiko - Lead the Way
Thanks a bunch!
JD
Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
Comic romp is entertaining
Wow, lots of negatives on this release! Taking in the big picture and all that the world is facing right now, I have to say thank you for this release. Kudos to all involved! Sure, there might not be anything ground breaking here in the CGI / Action department, but it's all here. The story works...
I was grabbed right from the opening, very cool start. I love the chemistry between Pine and Gadot, this worked for me, the way he was placed back into the time was cool. Given the characters back ground, Pedro rocked it as Max Lord! Kristen Wiig's character had a fair amount of screen time and it will be interesting to see where that goes in the future. She nailed it, I'm just not sure this was a good fit...
All things considered, this is a good movie! I had to take off a few points for not hearing any VH-1984...come on, really? That's a no brainer and unforgivable!!!
JD
VH = Van Halen
The Midnight Sky (2020)
disconnect
I found this hard to connect with. Right at the start, why are people leaving? Why is the lead character so sick? What is going on and what is this base about? What we see is that someone is really sick, put another oscar on your shelf for that.
Once we moved into space, things warmed up. Here is a story I wanted to follow, more K23 please! No...back to the watching the sick man. It's easy to start filling in the blanks now and the rest is the car ride home from work...meh...
Unfortunately, there is more not to like. Rainy day flick when there's nothing else to watch.
JD
The Mandalorian (2019)
Amazing, Captivating , Polished...
A must watch series. I cannot believe this is a TV series and not a block buster movie series. So much to like and so well done! I hate to say it, but for me, this "made for TV" series was better then the last 3 Star Wars movies.
I was on the edge of my seat for the entire last episode! Hats off to the production team and everyone involved. Thank you for providing this escape in a time of need.
JD
Raised by Wolves (2020)
Turns out, this is Aliens..?
I must agree with a lot of opinions on this series. For me, the show slowly went from "Amazing, on par with Mandalorian" too "WTF, where did this come from?".
The good: solid production and casting, intriguing story line,
The bad: religious undertones are a turn off, the end episode.
Not sure how I will react to another season, but right now, it's something I'm trying to forget.
JD
The Call of the Wild (2020)
Wonderful and engaging...
I was too young to remember all the details of the book, but for me, this was a solid production on all levels. Some of us may have experienced some type of connection with some special creature. Just like some humans, on occasion, we are blessed with a creature that can transcend a human connection. There's the hook, add a great story and cast and I'm in. It's pretty early on when you realize the use of the CGI. It seems natural for me to critic it, but it is getting to be a very powerful tool for story telling. You are pulled along in Buck's adventure regardless of it and because of it. I found myself longing to see Mr. Ford, but any human role is limited in the story. It is, after all, Buck's story...
Worth your time for sure.
JD
The Outsider (2020)
The REAL True Detective S02...
Remember the award winning series "True Detective" S01?
This "Outsider" fits the look and feel blue print of that first season, which, in my personal opinion, has never been duplicated. Until now.
I have no exposure to this series. For me, this is another crime drama. All the elements are there and it is hands down, the best TV series released this year. This just feels like a "True Detective" series and the that's exactly where "The Outsider" sits, for me. Thank you for all involved. Watch for it at the Emmy's !
JD
Captain Marvel (2019)
Connect to your audience...shoulda, coulda, woulda
I finally got to watch Captain Marvel. While I can understand the negative feedback from other viewers, I really wanted to examine this from my first viewing and dissect what others were saying about this film.
The good:
I love a powerful Female lead. I did not find anything sexual or erotic about how this character was presented. A somewhat sarcastic but mostly cynical (in a good way) human that happens to be a female. These few moments kept me there. I want more of that, especially in our world today. That's real and connects us...
A young Fury and Coulson. It's amazing how production elements can turn back the clock and make it seem real. Good job!
Talos. The scene where we discovered the real story. This was the connection. It took 3/4 of viewing to make this connection and this small part was what saved my opinion.
Jude Law in the beginning? I was like... ya!
Overall production concerning the action scenes, physics, cgi etc. Everything was pretty clean and believable. I cannot think of any wow moment, however. Like slow, stop motion action sequences comparable to 300 or QuickSilvers scene in Days of Future Past. Or simply a moment where you could say "that was friggin cool"
The bad:
For me, it was the connection. One way to connect the audience would have been to start on earth, in Carol Danvers's world. In the film, when we first saw planet C-53, this was the first moment I sat up. The movie could have started on earth and follow the character story from there. this could have been the tether to the baby boomers and gen x. Instead, it was like being on a car ride down a road you've been down many times before.
I liked Brie Larson, but you could definitely see her expression hindered by this disjointed production. Could another have pulled it off? Probably not. Imagine watching the the Star wars prequels first. The only reason we watched episodes 1,2 and 3 was because we watched the original 3...
Story, connection, wow factor. This is a shoulda, coulda, woulda movie at best.
JD
Justice League (2017)
BlockBuster mixed review...
The Good:
- Casting is superb. All the characters are portrayed as D.C. Never get tired of BenA as batman and that growly voice! Never get tired of watching GalG. The new characters are also great, especially JasonM, he's a beast! Can't wait to see that origin story... When HenryC gets revived and blasts out, one of the best scenes for Super Man to follow...He is Superman...
- Story is pretty good and so is the technical production. This plays out like a live comic book with real people. Keeps you in your seat!
- Action and movements are also very good. Especially right at the beginning. love the slow / stop action scenes as it brings you closer to the action and the characters. Go 300!
The Bad:
- Sorry HC, should have shaved for this one. CGI facials are passable, but we're not there yet. You can pick out every one pretty much...You still cannot hide that true expression and feeling...like pain...hence, that connection to the character. He's not the only one...
- There's a lot to interpret in this film, so that leaves many questions. But if you take it as it is, it is still a very good comic book turned movie.
The Ugly :
- The (cgi) facials, steppenwolf and the flash. Don't get me wrong, I thought the flash character was very interesting and somewhat refreshing. It's the Flash scene's where the character speeds around in a halo of lightning charges. the eye contact scene with Superman was the best scene, akin to Marvels Quick Silver in DoFP prison break. That's where the bar still sits...reach for it!
- The way Batman vrs Superman ended, I did not believe he was dead. Therefor, it was hard to take in that whole element of the story about bringing him back, especially with halo lightning boy charges...nope...didn't like that part.
It's worth seeing for sure, but Wonder Woman still holds the top DC ranking! Can't wait to check it out on 4K. Could be better, could be worse, we'll see...
JD
Supergirl: Girl of Steel (2017)
Super Duper...
After season 2, I pretty much had enough of Supergirl. It just seemed to be the same message being repeated over and over...yawn...But I had to at least watch the first episode, so glad I did! The writing and directing seems to have tightened up. Production and visuals are also pretty darn good. In one scene, we actually see the girl of steel, seemingly, for the first time. Well executed! Out of all the super duper TV shows this fall, ie: The Flash, Arrow, LOT, this was by far the best premier episode! So glad to have seen it...
Check it out and I'm hopeful for this new season.
JD
Star Trek: Discovery: The Butcher's Knife Cares Not for the Lamb's Cry (2017)
Satisfying the trek in me...
Honestly, I almost gave up after the first episode. I've never been a Klingon fan and so it was a chore to sit through all that screen time...
The good things: highly polished visuals and opening production. Casting is also good, with some interesting twists and back stories. Love the theme music!
After episode four, i'm in for the long haul. This is Trek universe with new elements and some from the past.
Watch at least the first 2 or 3 episodes before you cast this one aside. In my mind, It's one of the top 3 productions for TV this fall.
JD