colonel-13070 Reviews

Turning Point: The Bomb and the Cold War (2024)

Context is everything

[8/10 · 13 April 2024]

Once you put things into historical context it begins to make sense. They spend a lot of time kind of chastising the US for dropping the Bomb. At the time the Japanese killed about 110000 Americans and injured about 240000. The next target was to invade Japan. Estimate were high as 1,000,000 casuatlies on the US side and innumerable on the Japanese side. The Japanese sneaked attacked us at Pearl Harbor doing immense damage. They did, ot surrender before the bomb was dropped. So that was the situation in its most basic terms. Both sides were trying to win the war. If,they had it I'm sure they would have used it. Hitler certainly would have.

The world is a violent, unpredictable place. We are always at war cold or hot with someone else. Other regions are the same if not worse. A very complicated world with a lot of historical grievances against each other such as the Middle East.

Scary part was early when they described the beginning of communism I immediately thought it's the same tactics used by today's left wing Dems. They have always had a soft spot for communism but this lays out how it was born and what it is. A great job showing how bad communism actually is and what a debacle it always becomes. Amazing that some left wing Americans love it. . Overall a pretty good documentary.

The Man in the High Castle (2015–2019)

An amazing, alternate universe

[10/10 · 24 March 2024]

An amazing, alternate universe, depicting post-World War II if the Nazis in Japanese had won the war. I find alternate endings interesting. Anyway, as to what life might be like should events unfold differently in history. Makes for interesting, reading or watching. In this case, the visual effects are absolutely stunning. To see New York City, the most known city in the world transformed into a Nazi propaganda. Haven is an incredible work of art by I'm assuming CGI teams that do this sort of work. It made for absolutely incredible viewing based on reality. I am actually not a fan of the fictional side of it time travel, etc. But it is a novel interpretation of an established author. Another fun way to go with. This would be not the time travel, but just continue on with the alternate ending to historical events . Highly recommend whether your history buff or not it is interesting to see what could be in that era and how mankind might've reacted in the post World War II era. The lead actors were amazing and the writing was continually intriguing. A bizarre concept for sure and a frightful look at what could've happened. Post World War II have the United States and its allies lost the war.

Dating Naked (2014– )

SMH.

[1/10 · 24 March 2024]

Another brain melting reality TV series. How this ever caught on is beyond me years ago. I don't even know how to explain it. The scenarios are obviously staged because they have to be. There Hass to be some kind of direction. But worse the plot, and the people in it are scripted to various degrees with a general outcome already known. It's reality, but made for TV which is not reality at all. And people follow this garbage like it's the real thing. Often times reality TV is surrounded by epic failures and tragic scenarios that make screwed up. Lives look normal by exploiting these people on national television. This here, of course, is just another bizarre angle to the whole thing. No pun intended. And no I didn't watch it. But when I saw the advertisement here, I just couldn't help but comment on another mindless waste of time.

Patriot (2015–2018)

Very unique

[8/10 · 24 March 2024]

An amazing ride of an intelligence officer, who is operating undercover, basically all the time. However, this is not your normal action adventure shoot them up type thing. In fact, this is the antithesis of that. The intense pressure, stress, and activities of his mission keeps him in a perpetual state of exhaustion, depression, unfulfillment, yet still musters up incredible Mental fortitude and strength to somehow, someway, keep going. The writing is insane. That is probably the highlight, and together they really blend with the actors portrayal of these characters. The writing is a tangled web of so many Incidents and people I don't know how they even keep it together in their own minds. It is brilliant in that way, and that keeps us all wondering what's common around the next corner with this corky cast of characters. Well worth a watch. I am told it ended after two seasons, and I'm starting the second season now. That would be a shame, as there is so much more to tell.

Priscilla (2023)

It's okay

[1/10 · 9 January 2024]

Not nearly as awesome as I had hoped for. Not even close. I'm a little suspect that Austin's version made upwards of 300 million and now this comes out right after that. Just an FYI there was absolutely no comparison whatsoever to Austin's award-winning work, this is told in the context of the times. Everything was different then. It's often been said that Elvis his entire career and life was a tale of triumph and tragedy, immense happiness, and achievements, quickly brought down by the trappings of fame and fortune. His story is actually fascinating Overall. From the absolute dirt, poor deep south to the absolute highest peaks of the entertainment industry. No blueprint for success, no one he can trust, a dirty, manipulative manager, a basically uneducated group of people around him with no knowledge of any of this type of thing that is needed for success. Immense pressure always. Racial conflicts all around him and of course Priscilla being under age and leader subject to his abuses. This is not unlike most of our rock heroes. The more you learn about your heroes the more disappointed you are. What's the old saying, you never want to meet your heroes. This isn't much different. There's so many entertainers from all areas that could not pass a litmus test today for the past conduct. It is what it is. Just another perspective and potentially a money grab on the Elvis money train. And yet he is still everywhere. It is astonishing that in 2024 his image fills Arenas And auditoriums all over the place with the tribute artist Lane. They are literally playing everywhere. It is amazing that his music and his persona has been copied millions of times. A true American icon and a flawed human being.

All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

Incredible

[10/10 · 23 December 2023]

One of the most incredible war stories on film, especially of World War I. It is visceral and intense. It is bloody and full of war horrors. If you want a real depiction of what war is like, and what it does to men in battle, this is a great example of that. World War I was exceptionally bloody based on the style of warfare and the means used to kill the enemy. This is from the German viewpoint. But equally, it shows the human cost. It shows the Germans, like everyone else that was in that theater, our regular people trying to survive from one minute to the next that is often a commonality amongst warriors. This does not get into the history behind the war, and why it started And so forth. This is a human, in the mud, ground level, experience. Nothing to do with generals, making grand decisions, except for a few moments here. It focuses on ground level troops in the infantry, where all the blood and guts are real. Just remake his right up there with the best of all war films.

Taking on Taylor Swift (2023 TV Special)

CNN trash

[1/10 · 24 November 2023]

More CNN trash. Leave it up to CNN to give this guy so much time and effort to create this documentary. The guy had no legal right to a song after he sold his rights away. Once that was discovered, the whole thing collapsed anyway. Leave it up to CNN to try to trash someone who is at the top of her game. I guess being a rich white girls enough for them to attack her on. No mention of how immensely and incredibly talented. She is along with being extremely intelligent in her field.... And I'm not really a fan. Simply because of the genre she's in. But I do acknowledge her story 1000%. I'm seeing a pattern in the CNN documentaries where they are very slanted. I was hoping for better. As well all things CNN they have failed again. Bring back the 1990 version of CNN and we will all be much happier.

Miss Americana (2020)

I would give this a 6-7

[6/10 · 11 November 2023]

So I am truly not a swift fan. Although I am very aware of who she is and the genres that she has been part of. With that said, it's not that I dislike her. I'm just ambivalent which is fine. It's just personal musical likes. With that said, her story is absolutely amazing. Her level of accomplishment is second to none and doing it as a solo artist. Starting off so young right up to the present day she is a major major force. That's what I was hoping to get here in this documentary. We spent way too much time on politics here. Part of her story is where she says that Country music leans away from discussing politics. I agree with that. This documentary spent way too much time on politics rather than her musical journey, which is what people are really interested in. So fast forward through that and the rest of it's pretty interesting. Her life, her background, her musical process at creating songs. Personally, I would like to see an even deeper documentary of her from the very beginning. How did she get her first break, how did she become a local bar singer all the way up to a mega star. Anyway, worth watching for sure. But know that she does delve into politics. We all know politics taints everything it touches.

Old Dads (2023)

Refreshing old-school comedy

[10/10 · 21 October 2023]

Refreshing old school comedy. Good to see a no holds, barred, taking cues from real life which, as we all know, is the funniest material for comedians. The contrast of today's absolute psychopathic nuttiness compared to the older generation is insanely depicted here in vivid color. Just listening to these people that Bill's character encounters makes not only your head spin, with an occasional urge to throat punch them. Their nuttiness is over the top, just like real life. This makes the contrast all the more funny. More grateful than ever that this is their generation and not mine. It depicts they're inability to cope with anything very well and their ability to find a problem with every solution. Good stuff, refreshing stuff, I need more of it.

Vice (I) (2018)

Interesting topic

[8/10 · 28 September 2023]

Dick Cheney is an interesting topic for sure. That era is also very interesting considering all the crazy stuff that happened. Although this is satire and can get overblown at times, the acting itself, regardless of your political stance, is great. All the actors seem to really represent something believable, especially the lead actors. They could do the same in a serious Biography along the way of Ike, with Tom Selleck. I do miss the days when the DC was the smartest guy in the room, considering we go to someone like him to someone that is an absolute dead house plant as president today. But that aside, it was interesting to relive that era from this perspective. The only thing that I would say is, use caution, because there is so much satire that you don't know what is truth from a left-wing perspective like this. He was definitely the consummate politician. Most of the stuff you could learn from him is positive for Washington DC survival, but you better remember the missteps as well. He could run rings around the nuttiness of today's left wing. He is hard, nosed and calculating for sure. And I have no doubt he along with every other politician, that at that level with sacrifice you in a second for his own game or survival. Tough business.

Quarterback (2023– )

What a relief.

[10/10 · 30 July 2023]

What a relief. A great sports documentary with no progressive, social BS, no hidden social justice garbage, no men with skirts, and no men that claim to be women that are complaining about can't get drafted in the NFL. It is so refreshing to see sports just being sports the way it was designed to be. I commend Peyton Manning for keeping this thing on track. He picked great quarterbacks to profile. I don't always mean great in Win/losses, they are great human beings, and their marriages and fatherhood was emphasized and shown a lot. I'm surprised progressive liberals didn't cry all about that. These are men being men, husbands being husbands and fathers being fathers. This was a diverse group of three to profile. But at least they all had their best faces on and if we take this at face value, it seems like they are pretty good human beings too. Absolutely refreshing to see. I hope there is more coming from Peyton Manning along these lines. It is about time you're putting your best forward and leaving all that political BS out of the picture. Well done.

Conor McGregor: Notorious (2017)

Whether you're a fan or not, it's great insight into a fighters mindset

[10/10 · 27 May 2023]

Whether you're a fan of McGregor or not, it's great insight to a fighters mindset. It is a great story of coming from nothing and being a double world champion. Very inspiring and its own right. Yes, not exclusive to McGregor but it is his story after all. He was very intuitive to capitalize on his notoriety and his brand. That has put him in the stratosphere of fighters. That is the real story here. Even in spite of his losses, he has set himself up for the rest of his life financially. Most fighters only dream of that type of success, and most never reach it. Intuitively, he knew that entertainment is equally as important as being a great fighter. He was able to capture peoples attention, good, or bad, and capitalize on it. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, nonetheless, it did happen, and he gained a greater platform because of it. It also seems like right, when you thought public opinion was going to turn against him, he would end up doing something proper and redeem himself. He is now matured and comes across as a man, but he certainly comes across as someone with that competitiveness to him. Gotta give him credit where it's due. He came in and did exactly what he said he was going to do and became double champion in the face of an entire international organization. Yes, I agree with other posters, hear that these documentaries can be self-serving, but I think he has shown enough of himself, especially with the old clips of who he was then and the road he has traveled to the present day. I will say his best days are behind him. Reminds me of one of the movies in the rocky series. The champ become wealthy, soft, and it's very hard to get that fire that drive back when you have it all. Overall, this has been well done.

Roadie: My Documentary (2019)

A glimpse behind the curtain

[7/10 · 11 May 2023]

Found this on a free streaming channel and thought I would give it a shot. Based on my age group I was around for that era granted I was under 18 in the 70s graduating high school and 81. So I'm fully versed in the area of time this all occurred. This was the norm, not an anomaly, back then. So many bands were messed up, so many individuals died of drugs and rock 'n' roll. It's all born out of rebellion in our musical history. This is a cool glimpse into that era, which could probably be interchangeable with many bands, including big-name bands, that we are all aware of. To this very day, stars of the 70s are still in and out of rehab, if they are alive. Worth a look. I will say. I saw it on a free streaming site, and the couch was a lot of commercials. It was absolutely painful. Repetitive, long, full length commercials, he can only get up and grab a drink or some thing so many times. So if you can tolerate the awful commercials, or find a way to do some thing else in between, then it's worth a look on the app. I saw it on a free streaming site and the catch was a lot of commercials. It was absolutely painful. Repetitive, long, full length commercials, he can only get up and grab a drink or something so many times. So if you can tolerate the awful commercials, or find a way to do something else in between, then it's worth a look on that app.

Waco: American Apocalypse (2023)

Although somewhat incomplete, very compelling

[8/10 · 23 April 2023]

Certainly, there is reams of documents and testimony that probably could have been analyzed more carefully or included in this overall documentary. There's still a lot of finger-pointing back-and-forth, who started what, when did it actually start, why were the agencies in such a conflict with each other? The one thing we do know, David Karesh was in possession of heavy weapons that were illegal. The search warrant that ATF had word for those exact things. So that means the search warrant was legitimate, and they had every right to be on the property and eventually to make an entry into the home. However, the tactical situation was insane there, and obviously they were unprepared for the ferocities of the Davidian occupiers. I will say one thing, the occupiers were certainly committed to their cause. And that cost them their lives, and that of their children. These people were either brainwashed or so mentally incapable that they believed anything that was said to them. I can't get into a psychoanalysis here. Too much to say. But their devotion and dying for it is hard to reconcile. The whole thing was certainly a cluster-f.

The Chosen (2017– )

Amazing series that puts so many things into context

[10/10 · 1 April 2023]

Let's start off by saying I am not overly religious. I don't even go to church or synagogue or anything unless it's a special occasion for some reason. However, I've always wondered about so many things that we've all heard about regarding religion, religious practices, all the characters that they refer to in religious books. Who are these people and how are they connected in history? This story helps clear a lot of that up and puts things into context where you can understand how these peoples paths have crossed. You also get a glimpse of what was going on at the time, the way they lived, what they believed, the effects of the rulers over the servants, and all of that type of stuff that was happening then. Whether religious or not, they are some extremely uplifting moments that touches your heart in this series, and I mean touches your heart simply as a human being. It is much better than I ever thought it would be. Amazing. Check it out.

The Comey Rule (2020)

Interesting, but certainly one-sided

[4/10 · 25 March 2023]

So supposedly, this is based on Comey's book, so you can imagine how skewed it actually is. He was a lot of things, good, very bad, political, with a enormous ego. Which was his undoing. The FBI has always been behind the scenes, politically in the things that they know. I guess with 24 hour news cycle more of their stuff is in the public eye these days and harder to contain or keep secret. I have seen many directors come and go, but none more politically arrogant then Comey. The worst thing he ever did was get political and try to hide things about Hillary, ignore her legal issues and now fast forward the biggest transgression of all is everything has been debunked about Trump/Russia and the Steele dossier. Which makes a lot of the story kind of a moot point, and shows how failed the FBI's take was on all of this. This is a horrible chapter in the FBI's history, and in the public eye made them highly political against a republican president. This crushed their credibility and the publics belief in the FBI. Comey has a reputation for doing what he thinks is right in spite of articulable laws on the books that are supposed to be used. There is nothing worse than someone with police powers choosing who they're going to bludgeon with those powers, and who they are not based on politics. That is the worst type of policing you can imagine. That they come after you based on your political alignment, instead of simply enforcing existing laws. Change the law, if you don't like it, but it's not up to you to pick and choose what laws are going to be enforced or not just because politics are involved. He could not do that, and paid for it in disgrace. The movie was decent, the acting was decent, making them out to be a Boy Scout was not believable. Kind of took away some credibility to his story. It was almost cheesy in some areas where he was not believable at all. Trump is a character for sure but as it's been proven all of that Russian stuff never happened. Incredible times we are witnessing here when the FBI becomes the equivalent of Russia's KGB using their will and power against political opponents. As we see daily, the FBI has not recovered their credibility. Historical.

Fiasco (2021– )

Excellent documentary

[10/10 · 14 March 2023]

This was very well done without the crazy tone of a left wing activist. He did a great job, laying this whole very complicated thing out, and did not hide that They believed their intentions were good, and right, even though it was in violation of a legislative directive. Did a great job, explaining the complexities of decisions being made at the highest levels, and how American lives that are at stake further complicate these things. This could never have been just a short movie, doing it in a multi episode was the absolute way to go. The documentary gave a fair shake all the way around It seemed like to me, including the good bad and ugly. It was refreshing to see one that just laid out the facts without political bias. I think that's what makes this so good, the facts themselves are bad enough, but he did acknowledge how great the public saw Reagan and his staff was at other things as well, and the complexities of the presidency beginning with Carter. Each side has used pardons in the past and will continue to do so. Congress will never change those rules because both sides need to have those rules in place to save their own asses someday. It is a system run by elitists, which we are not part of. With that said I'd vote for Reagan again in a second!!

Mayor of Kingstown (2021– )

Dark drama

[7/10 · 4 March 2023]

Lotta stuff going on here. Great acting, production values are high, and the storyline is gripping. Obviously it is a work of fiction. But it does highlight How screwed up our system is, although there is no better system, and it shows mostly in the area of corruption, leniency toward criminals. Which justifies, in their minds, extreme retribution by police and other actors. Crazy liberal correction teacher, mother of the mayor, which makes me dislike her very much. So mission accomplished there I guess. But all in all I don't think they're trying to send a message here. A lot of the stuff is way over the top, think The Shield and that falls in line with this series. It is accurate on drug wars, gang wars, prison wars, which are all depicted pretty accurately. And as we know, these are not law abiding gun permit holding people. These are savages. But it is entertaining and that is what matters. Sometime you can tell a story that doesn't have any social meaning behind it and just have fun with all these crazy characters. So just sit back and enjoy the crazy ride.

1923 (2022–2023)

Another great series, sort of

[9/10 · 24 February 2023]

Very cool to see more of the Dutton lineage and history. Cool to see them in the next century and the surroundings reflect a sign of those times. People here complain of the Indians being mistreated. If that is correct historically then it is what it is. There was so much going on in out young country at the time. A clash of city development and country range living and culture. Of progress and others living as it was. Now we see both were mostly right. Interesting to see the beginning of engineered items to do the work for you, refrigerator, washing machine, etc. One thing remains to this day. Someone always wants what you have. Humans have been slaughtering each other forever and this time period is no different. It is the same today.

What's Love Got to Do with It (1993)

Intensity

[10/10 · 17 February 2023]

One of the best biopics out there, especially in that area. The only other one that rates that high my mind could be the current Elvis biopic. Her story is amazing right up until the current day. She's been an interesting icon. The music soundtrack is outstanding, and above all the acting. The intensity of the domestic brutality comes through. I can make you uncomfortable, because it is so filled with anguish, pain, suffering. This relationship is the epitome of what domestic violence looked like especially then, and carries on to current times. Growing up the way she did what and when she did is also an interesting part of the movie. I just watched it again after many many years and it's still awesome and relevant. Angela Bassett was incredible so was Lawrence Fishburne, but Angela stole the show. She was amazing throughout.

Godfather of Harlem (2019– )

Excellent portrayal of the times although not a documentary or real, it does reflect some of that tenor.

[8/10 · 5 February 2023]

Interesting depiction of ghetto life in that era. I always find it very very interesting. How criminals can sit with each other, even with their spouses, and talk about business like it's just business and blame everyone else for the demise of their neighborhoods. They don't even acknowledge it is their peddling of drugs that destroyed their own neighborhoods and people. This is not exclusive to anyone ethnicity, but it is interesting how they are so narcissistic. That they don't even acknowledge it. The scene where Bobby and his wife are talking about business and struggling and coming back stronger like it was an actual legitimate business. Carmella and Tony soprano did the same thing. Interesting aspect of the criminal mind. This is a series that's worth watching.

Decade of Fire (2019)

Great footage of a sad time. Not 100% accurate.

[6/10 · 4 February 2023]

They don't really emphasize who was responsible. Their own people, brown, black, were the arsonist of the day in that era. Which brings us to the present day, when the same type of people burn down their own neighborhoods, even as recent as the last few years. I've never understood that part of it. Anyway, this is a 100% gleaming example of failed democrat policies. There is so many things wrong with the Democrats and poor people. I just don't understand how you could vote for them decade after decade. I was a Democrat for many years until I saw through this BS. Yet they find themselves in pretty much the exact, same place spinning their wheels, and they keep voting democrat. Democrat always needs victims they want us to split us up, not keep us together like this movie describes and we would all like that for sure. That's not the political way. They need to ensure your vote thereby making sure you're a victim that needs them. It's modern day slavery. They give you enough to sustain, but they never give you enough to get out and maintain it. Maintaining a successful life is the hard part. Even if they gave you $1 million but don't teach you how to make any more money eventually you will be broke. That is the Democratic Party way. Everybody was in an intense pressure cooker environment at that time, residence, firemen, cops, all of them all allowed to disintegrate into chaos by our politicians. See the pattern.?

We Own This City (2022)

It's not the wire, but it's OK

[7/10 · 29 January 2023]

Some of the people involved behind the scenes are from the wire, which was absolutely incredible, accurate, depiction of city, policing, urban, life, political corruption, all the things that make up in urban city. Matter fact, some of the actors from the wire are in the show as well we own this city is a cool police drama supposedly based on facts. However, there is definitely a left-leaning slant where they blame the police for everything and don't really get to the root cause of anything, which is always at the political level that allows these things to manifest itself. Baltimore is a cesspool and has been for decades like many other liberal cities. Politicians there cannot stop the black on black crime, nor can they even admit that that's the predominant problem. Statistically, those are the numbers that are always the most overwhelming without question. The reason is, why do we keep going around in circles? Politicians have goals of reelection, public corruption, lowering standards to get more of a certain race or ethnicity in the department, not facing the reality of the crime situation. And now, of course, defunding the police, which is already defunded, and can barely sustain what you're asking it to do. The only people who benefit from that are criminals. The minute you pull POLICE out that space will be taken up by criminals. This has been going on since the beginning of time. One person will screw over another person if they get the opportunity or have a need. It's human nature. We cannot live in a utopian world that does not exist. We need our police out there every day as a deterrent. This does show the rep repetitive constant flow of drugs and guns in Baltimore. And yes, they are bad cops. This group was horrendous and deserve prison. I just find it difficult that the cops took such a beating in the consent degree when it's only the good ones that actually hold the place together. Definite left-wing slant that puts a sour taste of the whole thing..

Elvis (2022)

The best docudrama I've ever seen on any celebrity

[10/10 · 14 December 2022]

Elvis is such an icon we all know some facet of his story. The story itself is utterly amazing. What he had to go through to keep going in his younger days. Society was against him, government was against him, race although worked for him was part of his culture. He was about 19 when everyone came after him, I always found it amazing that he was able to hold on us at such a young age and keep moving. His internal fortitude is second to none in that area at that time. He certainly didn't know what he was doing by the book, and there was no book in existence for his meteoric rise to fame. Everything was such a small time back then there was no one really to Guide him especially in the early years when he broke out.

If you expect a normal docudrama this is not it. This is filled with intensity and frenetic energy throughout. It is a microcosm of a man's life in a meteoric rise to fame and fortune coupled with loneliness and despair and all the misgivings, and worshipers that come with it. It is more about Colonel Parker his manager with Elvis being the backdrop. Thankfully Elvis is in trouble throughout and the footage of Austin is absolutely incredible and worthy of every award out there. Again this is not your normal docudrama, this is an artistic piece of history and a man's incredible atomic level life rolled into a few hours so certain things had to be compacted or glossed over. There just isn't enough time. It is absolutely worth it if you are a fan but you have to be able to stomach the blemishes of Elvis. They did gloss over a lot of that stuff but they touched on the pills and the weight gains and all the stresses that he dealt with. They just didn't wallow in it. Overall he was an absolutely incredible one-man show with the weight of the world on his shoulders to make or break that show every time. His story is incredible, Austin's interpretation of Elvis is incredible and the movie itself is a microcosm, a montage, I have a man's career that is known more by his first name than any other person on the planet. Well done.

12 Strong (2018)

Entertaining

[7/10 · 27 October 2022]

Entertaining. Because it's based on a true story there is a level of interest there. However from everything I have been reading it seems like the adaptation is not very accurate or deep enough to really tell the story. This is a Hollywood job for sure. Unfortunately they have gold standards out there like saving Private Ryan, the Pacific, band of Brothers and other non-miniseries type movies. This one doesn't rate high in the annals of war movies. However with that said, it's entertainment, it's loosely based on a true story, enjoy the ride if you can. A few well-known actors and a lot of overacting clichés but otherwise entertaining. It does depict the Taliban as the animals they are. I do believe they were accurate in this depiction. They are Third World animals, they like it, and want to keep it that way. They do their usual great job at killing their own people.