watchville Reviews

Awake (2012– )

Could have been great and original

[3/10 · 10 May 2013]

Man, this started out as a great and original concept with a twist that could have been sustained with any effort from the writing staff. Instead it turned into a rehash of Dark Half, Secret Window and dozens of other Sci-fi movies and TV shows. They wrapped this up like a cheap copy of Dallas.

In the first few shows the concept was incredible and original. There were just enough hints bleeding over from one world to the other to make it exciting trying to solve the crimes. Then the stupid subplot, we have seen a million times; dirty cops, crooked partners, conspiracies, and dozens of other clichés popped up like a B movie marathon. The show went straight to the bottom in the blink of an eye.

When the stupid plot reveal finally came it was so anti climatic it was unreal. The last 30 minutes were just those please get it over moments that remind you of the dentist office.

Do yourself a favor. Watch the first two or three episodes, then just delete it. Use your imagination for the things that could have been.

On a brighter note, the cast was for the most part excellent. The whole Britton family was cast perfect, the two partners were great and most of the peripheral players were well cast too. The Captain and the evil Sargent were weak. Other than that, great casting and bad writing sum it up.

House of Cards (2013–2018)

Started great but is dying the death of American TV

[4/10 · 5 March 2013]

This started out great and looked like it was going to be better than the original. But like all the shows in America, and yes I am American, this one is quickly dying from the typical TV show traps.

The women now have to be smarter, more powerful and more in control than the men. The love affairs, sex romps, drinking and drugs are the "big" plots instead of political intrigue or power brokering.

The show is going to fall to the common thread of writers who can't write. They will go back to the same old tired retreaded plots rather than put out the effort to write thrilling political story lines.

I know we don't have the sharpest politicians, but I doubt they are all running around trading their careers for a chance to roll in the sack with mediocre looking women.

The Retrievers (2001 TV Movie)

A Great Family Movie Without Cussing and Nudity

[9/10 · 12 May 2012]

If you are looking for Godfather, Gone With the Wind or some other all time big budget classic then you will be disappointed. If you want a fun clean wholesome movie kids will love, you will like and you can invite Grandma and Grandpa to watch too, this is one to consider.

The plot is simple. The movie moves amply fast. The characters are interesting and real without being too complicated. In other words, it will hold your young kids interest long enough to get them hooked.

No silly hijinks, fancy stunts or over the top plots here. It is a movie with subtle life lessons and no bothersome preaching. It has a functional family, no cheating husband, no trampy wife and no druggie kids. I actually didn't know you could find a movie like this anymore. It may sound boring, but it is not.

Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe (2011 TV Movie)

Comedy? Spy Drama? Kind of Fun--But just so so really.

[6/10 · 17 April 2011]

This was more a spoof or comedy rather than a semi-drama like Burn Notice and I was not expecting that. I thought this was going to be a legit prequel to the TV show rather than a movie in the vein of the old Bruce Campbell days of The Army of Darkness.

That being said the storyline was mildly entertaining and did have some humor but it's hard to make a funny movie about soldiers trying to kill civilians. Add mediocre comedy writers, actors who apparently don't know for sure if this is a comedy or drama, and you have a movie that falls short of being great at either one.

Kylie Sanchez with her girl next door looks, was as always cute and lovable just like the role she played in Glades. She was a bright spot in an otherwise sort of bland cast. Jeffrey Donovan appears briefly, but dressed like a Cuban Guerrilla fighter rather than a spy. Again for the hardcore Burn Notice fan, his attire and attitude seemed out of place.

If you are a Bruce Campbell fan from way back the movie is a must see. On the other hand if you are a Burn Notice die-hard then I suggest skipping it.