bertler-1 Reviews

The Cleaner (2021– )

Mediocre remake of a brilliant Series!

[5/10 · 25 October 2023]

HE CLEANER is a remake of the brilliant German series DER TATORTREINIGER. The individual episodes are not identical in content, but try to follow similar paths as the original.

What THE CLEANER is missing, in addition to the great leading actor Bjarne Mädel, is his cranky nature and the subtle, bizarre humor that makes this series unique.

THE CLEANER is louder and desperately tries to be funny. Bjarne Mädel tries exactly the opposite in DER TATORTREINIGER. He does a very serious job and, against his will, gets involved in strange and bizarre events every now and then.

If you know the original, you can safely save yourself the remake...

Last Light (2022)

Climate ideology fresh from Hollywood

[4/10 · 24 May 2023]

Climate hysteria and belief in the end of the world is now available in the form of an American miniseries.

Of course, the script and the actions of the characters are at least as nonsensical and ideology-driven as they are in real life. Unfortunately, some of the actors are really bad and with a little more realism and better research, it could have been an exciting eco-thriller. The scientists' methods are completely outrageous and are not explained anywhere. The whole thing is overshadowed by the obviously low budget.

All that remains is a moral club that wants to explain how a supposedly better world can function.

Peter Pan & Wendy (2023)

Unnecessary remake

[3/10 · 2 May 2023]

Walt Disney would be turning in his grave if he saw how his once loving, heartwarming, and captivating animated classics have been transformed into soulless, trivial, and morally polished high-tech spectacles today.

PETER PAN & WENDY seamlessly follows the other remakes of Disney classics, none of which can even remotely capture the magic of the originals. The story is told without enthusiasm, and the performances of the colourless seeming actors do not exactly boost the mood. Jude Law steals the show with an excessive amount of overacting.

What remains is a technically well-executed adventure film without heart and soul. And if Disney didn't also have the franchises of STAR WARS and MARVEL, I would have sold my shares a long time ago, because one can no longer expect anything of artistic value from this company...

The Good Fight (2017–2022)

Intelligent and entertaining drama!

[9/10 · 16 April 2023]

Conceived as a spin-off of THE GOOD WIFE, the show recjt quickly stepped out of its deep footsteps and established itself as one of the best legal series.

The mixture of humor and intelligence offered here is so refreshing and you can unfortunately only rarely laugh in view of the rest of the dull everyday series life.

THE GOOD LIFE lives above all from the grandiose characters, who are brought to life with equally impressive acting performances and the cheeky script ideas as well as pointed dialogues.

The play on political clichés is simply fabulous and I wish there was more American entertainment at this level!

Outlast (2023– )

Waste of time!

[2/10 · 14 March 2023]

I'm a big Ed Stafford fan, but this show has nothing to do with survival! OUTLAST is about bad people with even worse characters who bring out the worst in themselves. It really isn't a joy to watch!

Particularly striking: the women in particular are sneaky, devious and cruel. Why isn't this world ruled by women?

At the same time, this show is representative of the forfeiture of entitlement at Netflix. The programs are getting worse and sadly these kind of docu-soaps still have a lot of viewers. Sad and alarming!

Better watch the third rerun of an Ed Stafford or Bear Grills show than this worthless crap!

Lovecraft Country (2020)

Wasted Opportunities...

[5/10 · 11 March 2023]

LOVECRAFT COUNTRY is a crude mixture of various genres. In addition to racial themes, there are also motifs from horror, science fiction and mystery. It's a pity, if one had concentrated on one essential topic, this might have turned into a great series.

The horror elements are original, bloodthirsty and quite successful, the CGI effects are unfortunately not on the highest level. As far as the atmosphere is concerned, there is no reason to complain, and almost all the actors deliver a very good performance.

The whole black/white/hate/revenge theme, which penetratingly runs through the series like a red ribbon, quickly becomes tiring and shows that you can't learn anything from your past and history.

1883 (2021–2022)

Unforgettable!

[10/10 · 19 February 2023]

1883 is an epic saga about settlers in the Wild West that brings the genre to a close.

Everything is just right here. Starting with the dramatic soundtrack and the grandiose camera work to the enthusiastic actors to the gripping screenplay.

The saga (which is a prequel to the hit series YELLOSTONE) is told from the point of view of a girl on the verge of womanhood, adding a floral and romantic touch to the drama. And that in the midst of all misfortune and death.

And especially in today's times, when "modern" young women mainly complain and feel unfairly treated, one longs for such a strong woman who takes her fate into her own hands. Isabel May is a discovery and she shows that she can do more than mundane TV comedy... Sam Elliot, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill can also impress with their outstanding performances.

1883 is epic, incredibly exciting, dramatic and told with great attention to detail. One of the best TV shows of the last 10 years!

The Last of Us (2023– )

Very good but not epic!

[8/10 · 27 January 2023]

If one can see one thing in today's times, it is that people tend to exaggerate. Something is either terrible or brilliant.

The same applies here. The fanboys (and girls) cheer the realization of an epic computer game as if this production would redefine the genre.

There are no innovations to be seen here. Of course, the effects and production design are very good and true to the original. The story is told in an exciting way. But you have to make compromises when it comes to the cast. For the role of Joel, I couldn't think of anyone better than Pedro Pascal, chapeau! But Ellie? Sorry, Bella Ramsey just doesn't fit at all to portray this ambiguous personality, on the one hand tender and on the other brave and self-sacrificing. She's more like the elephant in the china shop!

After two episodes, it is of course too early to give a final rating of a series. In this respect, we are eagerly awaiting what THE LAST OF US will offer us in terms of (hopefully) enjoyable entertainment!

Lost (2004–2010)

All time classic!

[9/10 · 21 January 2023]

Along with THE X-FILES and DARK, LOST is one of the best mystery series ever produced.

In addition to the ingenious plot full of mysteries, drama, suspense and murder, love also plays a major role. The story of Jack and Kate is probably one of the most beautiful and complicated love stories on television.

In general, all characters are credibly drawn down to the last detail, which is told through various subplots that (unlike what you know) don't represent filler material, but rather advance the story and provide explanations for the motivation of the characters.

The series is incredibly exciting and contains a whole series of mysteries, which are not all solved by the end, but at least the core facts are solved in the great last episode. If that's not enough information for you, check out the excellent article "We Finally Understand The Ending Of Lost" by LOOPER. Com, in which the series is dissected and explained in detail.

All in all, LOST is a classic of the genre that hasn't lost any of its mysterious charm even today!

The Swimmers (2022)

Poignant and exciting!

[7/10 · 6 December 2022]

"The Swimmers" is an impressive film that tells the long and arduous journey of the two Syrian sisters Yusra and Sara in opulent images.

From war-torn Damascus to promised Germany, the two young women have to put up with a lot of effort and as a viewer you get a realistic impression of what refugees in this world have to do so that they can see a better future in another country.

The camera is outstanding and the acting is great.

If you want to criticize the film for something, it's that the cause of the war in Syria isn't even addressed. The formerly modern and Western country was catapulted back to the Middle Ages by the influence of Islam, like Iran before it.

Grimcutty (2022)

Quite boring...

[4/10 · 30 October 2022]

GRIMCUTTY is a mediocre horror film but an interesting lesson in hysteria. If you ever see masked people wandering through the supermarket or deranged people sticking themselves to important works of art, then you know that Grimcutty has long been among us.

None of the characters are believable, and even worse is the performance of all the actors. The script is simple and unbelievable.

What's really disturbing and terrifying about the film is Shannyn Sossamon, who has gone from a wishful woman to an obese suburban mom...

The creature design is really bad, you've met more convincing monsters on the street on Halloween...

Bosch (2014–2021)

Mediocre

[7/10 · 17 October 2022]

With BOSCH LEGACY, Amazon Prime is giving its eponymous investigator a spin-off. However, BOSCH LEGACY does not come close to the successful and high-class original.

As always, Titus Welliver does an excellent job, unfortunately the other characters are drawn sloppily and played woodenly (Lintz, Rogers). The screenplay is unbelievable and leaves little room for enthusiasm. In the end, what remains is a slightly above-average Police Detective series.

The extremely good rating is surprising and also suspicious. Just because a beloved character comes back, you should be able to evaluate the series objectively! The same thing is currently happening with the GAME OF THRONES spin-off...

Better Call Saul (2015–2022)

Brilliant

[9/10 · 13 September 2022]

This is one of the best drama series and without a doubt the best spin-off series ever made. The story telling is tense and fascinating, the directing sensitive and original. The characters are perfectly developed and the actors are brilliant.

We had lots of time to fear, laugh and cry with Saul and his idiosyncratic interpretation of living a successful life. A wonderful piece of TV-Entertainment where there is no qualitative decline within the 6 seasons, each is great in itself and has some highlight episodes that don't have to fear comparison with a movie in terms of quality!

It's a shame Bob Odenkirk never won an Emmy for the titular epic character of Saul Goodman. The figure is unique! But as we now, these are bad times for all old white men...

Keep Breathing (2022)

Unrealistic and laughable!

[3/10 · 28 July 2022]

Outrageous survival story that leads to a strenuous and confusing self-discovery trip.

The survival elements are mostly completely unrealistic and hair-raising. Many details are so outrageous that one wonders who writes such screenplays without blushing... Lots of boring flashbacks are used to fill the running time and inflate the thin story.

Them (2021– )

Politically motivated reviews?

[5/10 · 22 June 2022]

Crude mix of charges of racist oppression and mystical mumbo-jumbo. The ridiculous and unbelievable script contribute just as little to the credibility as the sometimes hair-raising overacting.

At the beginning the story develops quite exciting, but with consecutive episodes what is shown degenerates into sheer exploitation! In addition, the naive-stoic good-evil scheme is extremely annoying! Because the assertion that all white people are evil and colored people are good testifies to the simplicity and radical ideology of the filmmakers.

Station Eleven (2021–2022)

An unexpected gem.

[9/10 · 13 May 2022]

STATIONELEVEN is so much more than a post-apocalyptic series. It breaks with the typical patterns of violence and distrust and instead depicts a society of survivors who adapt to the circumstances, overcome the past and thus discover a new meaning in life.

In ten parts, the mini-series describes the fate of several protagonists in different time levels, who ultimately have a common past and are rewriting the future together.

In all respects, STATION ELEVEN is an unexpected gem. Whether it's the great acting performances or the intense narrative style, the dense dramaturgy or the almost fairytale-like integration of the traveling cast of actors, this emotional roller coaster ride is convincing in every respect.

The careful storytelling weaves dense character studies, allowing the viewer to get to know each protagonist and understand their motivations. Whoever expects something like THE WALKING DEAD should better not tune in at all!

Cracow Monsters (2022– )

Average monster hunter tale

[6/10 · 28 March 2022]

CRACOW MONSTERS is no worse than the many US American fantasy series of this kind that deal with demon hunters or something similar. However, this topic is basically stupid and unbelievable, so that tension can hardly arise, even though the settings are dark and authentic.

The series also does away with a persistent cliché: Polish women are beautiful ;)

Reacher (2022– )

Standard punchy action with a few moments...

[5/10 · 23 February 2022]

A taciturn hillbilly ex-soldier is on a legally legitimate killing spree. Whatever unassuming books the film may be based on, this is 80s action for the simple minded.

Simply switch off the moral center in the brain and then the entertainment will work!

Inventing Anna (2022)

Julia Garner rising!

[6/10 · 15 February 2022]

The story about the Russian imposter with strong psychotic traits was hardly present in the German press. Even though her parents lived in Germany, Sorokin is as German as sushi. Strangely enough, the American media portrays it completely differently, or let's just say, as usual, undifferentiated, typically American...

The Netflix adaptation is entertaining and of course the gorgeous Julia Garner steals the show. Chlumsky is usual clumsy and one inevitably wishes less of her.

The heroic portrayal of the trickster Sorokin, who is sometimes stylized as a victim and basically represents a part of today's influencers, who are basically nothing more than cheap fraudsters and are also celebrated by social media for this, is critical...

All of Us Are Dead (2022– )

Entertaining and free from political correctness!

[7/10 · 10 February 2022]

Now I like series from Korea better than series from the USA! Why is that?

This is certainly not due to the themes, because the Asian filmmakers work through what is also very popular in Hollywood: horror, zombies, violence, coming of age, supernatural powers and so on.

But what is the attraction of the films and series from Korea? Above all, that they deal with themselves and their topic without imposing a restrictive corset of rules in advance. In the United States, political correctness now rules all forms of entertainment. Small fringe groups have a stranglehold on the former dream factory and are trying to distort it according to their own moral ideas.

Luckily, wokness is not known in Korea and let's hope it stays that way for a long time to come!

"Jigeum Uri Hakgyoneun" rides the wave of success of "Squid Game" and shows an entertaining and believable mixture of coming to age and brutal zombie horror.

The result is good, albeit with some lengths.

The future of good entertainment is no longer in the USA!

Euphoria (2019– )

Stunning and scary

[5/10 · 26 January 2022]

EUPHORIA is a dystopian look at an American youth riddled with depression, sexual confusion, perversion and drug addiction.

With visual impact and believable characters, the series hits the core and gives hope that this frightening state of youth may remain the grim reality of a disoriented minority.

Around the World in 80 Days (2021– )

Another victim of wokeness...

[5/10 · 17 December 2021]

"Around the World in Eighty Days" is one of the greatest adventure stories of our time and has already been filmed several times.

The new European version is now trying for the first time to package the substance in a series - with mixed success.

The attempt to somehow transfer the spirit of the story from the mid-19th century into the politically correct present is particularly disturbing. The roles are dutifully cast according to the woke specifications of the film industry, with a maximum of multiculturalism. All female figures are extremely exaggerated and in no way correspond to realistic current events. Even the stoic and waiting-conservative aristocrat Phileas Fogg has been ascribed an insecure psyche full of feelings of guilt and self-doubt.

Apart from that, the reinterpretation is not particularly exciting, but solidly staged, varied and entertaining like a long, exotic travelogue ...

The Shrink Next Door (2021)

Difficult to enjoy...

[5/10 · 1 December 2021]

If there is something in the world like a "feel good movie/series" then THE SHRINK NEXT DOOR is exactly the opposite.

To watch the good-natured and kind-hearted Marty Markowitz being manipulated and exploited by his psychiatrist did not wake any positive feelings in me. Even more so when you know that the story is based on real events.

Unfortunately, you can't really enjoy the (as always great) acting performance of Will Ferell ...

Dexter: New Blood (2021–2022)

Heartbreaking average

[5/10 · 1 December 2021]

Dexter is arguably the most formidable iconic killer in TV history. Every fan was probably full of anticipation when the sequel was canceled after ten years.

The result is sobering. The series breaks with much of what made the codex and the mindset of Dexter so extraordinary. The plot is predictable and unexciting. Debra as a recurring hallucination is just annoying.

Hopefully this will be the impression after two episodes and that the series will get even better!

The Harder They Fall (2021)

Solider Western!

[6/10 · 8 November 2021]

THE HARDER THEY FALL takes us into a parallel universe in which the Wild West is ruled by colored gunslingers. Of course, there is a lot of social explosive in this innovation, especially in a country like the United States. As Europeans, the skin color of the protagonists is of secondary importance, this is about the achievement prince and that leads to the question: Is THE HARDER THEY FALL any good?

The answer is yes and no. The protagonists are all cool, the music is determined by R&B rhythms and hip hop, the mood is desolate and hopeless, the characters taciturn and stoic.

That sounds good and is also entertaining, but director Jeymes Samuels film cannot add anything groundbreaking to the western genre. At most, the potential for violence is higher than in ordinary Wild West films. Everyone has to judge for themselves whether that is positive or negative.