magguilmot Reviews

NCIS: New Orleans (2014–2021)

Good riddance ! The only positive/negative point was the decor

[4/10 · 17 May 2024]

How did some NCIS lower than low bureau get clearance or expect respect on TV ? I tried them a bit after like 6 years, it was better. Still the worse license ever of NCIS; how they rolled for 7 years says all about the business once it's signed

it wasn't bad, but never good and never ever in the NCIS spirit. I haven't watched for years because the team was antipathetic for 7 years, or worse, I got used to them once in a while in the end. Never cared to catch up; It was BAD and 7 seasons is Two too manies; Even Bakula may have been a mistake, most of the cast was and sticking with them hoping thing would get better didn't work even for Startrek audience

I recommand as not quite NCIS the Los Angeles special whatsit Unit, especially the years without the useless dwarf.

How they pulled off 7 seasons is beyond me. New orleans is something alright.

The Good Doctor (2017–2024)

Last season, and a mixed-feelings bottom line

[7/10 · 10 May 2024]

While some episode fully deserved an 8, some episodes get it by pulling tragedies into the main story. Doctor Lim's all is well that is well ending is not nearly the end of "plots"

I like the series well enough, and no medical series are "realistic", my goodness, people would turn away if they were. But that one is over the top on many levels. The premise is barely contested for the sake of the narrative and later the guy's image is stolen for the hospital to look good.

He still is what he is and I get that several autists found joy in seeing Dr Murphy. They're well-enough adapted to write reviews. I don't know how they feel about an autistic resident introduced this season and Dr Murphy's reactions.

She's way more articulate but HER savant syndrom doesn't present in the same way. And she insists on her difference every five minutes. Which pisses him off no end.

Took me quite a while to admit the premise of Breaking Bad too; The heroes should have died straight away. No matter how much I suspend reality, or how subplots get things going, nice job this season, for sure, facts stands.

Two autists for the price of one may just put a nail in the coffin of all those who aren't gifted. Shaun, despite his savant syndrome and supportive entourage is , well, a Resident Alien. But that's a fresher sitcom..

Fallout (2024– )

Funny dystopia, poorly named after a video game

[7/10 · 28 April 2024]

I'm the first to admit the humour here is peculiar but it keeps me smiling like a loon, it's entirely fresh out of cruel jokes and it works just fine for me. Jonathan Nolan realised quite a bit and enrolled a favourite actor of David Lynch (the missing father) to jumpstart the action. Let's get weirdo in here !

Hardcore Republicans not welcome to say booh !. Seeing what the world would be with you in charge is not your forte. A Ghoul turned smarter in death than alive reminds us how duped you were because he was you. You won't like it.

I've quite enjoyed the ride with its touches of "neo-absurd" at times (oh spoilers !, their robots aren't Terminators)

We all know the origins of the dystopia, in this paralel world that shifted in the early 60s and the Cuban crisis parano in the USA for us, a bit later with the wrong choices for them. The fallout is not that brutal and the rich or obsessed by commies hidden in their vaults have become the opposite of their ancestors. Mostly. In some vaults, anyway, they're all good. I mean stupid GOOD . Downright socialist values in fact in the heroin's shelter.. Which MEANS something is awefully wrong ! For people obsessed with details, why would future people grow corn in the desert ? Now, you get it !

A blessed child from Eden, sorry, her vault, steps out and bravely and stupidly discovers the world and the lies she's been fed and struggles to adapt despite well-meaning people from the surface. It's like the cave allegory all over again, her reality is perceived shadows of the outside. Her brother, hardly the adventurer is quite the sleuth on the inside and discovers some disturbing truths too.

It's rather entertaining if you get the humour or point of the tale. If not, forget it after the first episode. It may just be some commie Hollywood junk to lure you out of the right path, and it's a bomb; To quote a piece of after disaster humour. It's not nearly as radically critical or provocative as The Boys, for instance. It's a very polite ass-whupping of old clichés all the same.

Shōgun (2024–2026)

The philosophical journey of an English seapilot in Japan

[9/10 · 27 April 2024]

I expected disappointment and I was rewarded with one of the best shows on the little screen, no contest ! THe cultural opening is mind-blowing and yet shows how close we all are.

Some compared it to Game of thrones, the political plots are very much on the same level, but viewed by an Englishman completely out of his depth. The japanese culture is on some points aberrant from the start but he is warned by a catholic sailor that he will come to see its beauty if he lives long enough.

Fans of books or nostalgia, or long battles will be disappointed. Open-minded newcomers will be delighted. I suspect that's why it HAD to be filmed in Japanese in the first place. The parts in english, are supposed to be in Portuguese, which our "pirate" speaks but ..that would be impractical, nevertheless, we are in his shoes often enough : lost in translation..

I very much never understood the Japanese culture new or old, but we deal with the new, or why people would seek it until this Series. It's not what i want for my people ever. But just like the Anjin I came to understand a few things, that beauty he was warned about and like him, i didn't change my mind, but I for sure gained a lot of respect for it that I didn't have before thanks to that series.

Many bad reviews come from wildly stereotyped visions, I'm glad we avoided those.

The bottomlime is that the english pirate learned and we do not.

N. B.

Some cultures matter more, I guess double A-bombing a small Island is how we trade better in peace and respect. Colonisation all but wiped out the unwritten history of three continents. Asia, Mesopotamia, Middle-East are however rich as historical documents go. A good narration could teach a lot about differneces without offending too many people. Any grounbreaking movie/series nowadays are the ones that aren't blindsided by old propaganda.

Monk (2002–2009)

a social satire and neatly written police comedy

[9/10 · 5 April 2024]

Monk is given a second life 20 years+ after its original broadcasting for good reasons on Netflix. Extra point for the nostalgia factor and the pleasure to see excellent guests who appeared in many sceries and a few movies since. As a European, I caught just a few episodes back then but it was a rather unique show and a favourite comedic one at that coming from the USA.

I am thrilled to be able to watch the insufferable consulting detective at last and pace myself for it. Each episode is a bite, a little piece of life, very theatrical for the screen and yet minutely, thoroughly written. THe murder mystery is always solved, the strange case of Adrian Monk never is.

It's a very humane humour about a very sick man with the worst OCD/ compulsions and phobias, also prickly with a "hedgehog in the pocket syndrom". He regularly uses his condition to abuse his helpers and it works within reason. By centering on one so deeply flawed, we somehow perceive humanity (and its flaws) better. And we smile about it for 40 mn or so. That's rare enough.

As far as i'm concerned, one of the best american comedies, as for those who dare compare Monk to The good Doctor, just don't. Some acting gimmicks (picked from Shaloub or from the source) are the only thing in common.

Ford v Ferrari (2019)

Cars, Passion, Pride and Money...and still average

[6/10 · 29 March 2024]

This movie has so much to give as a "true story" potential alone, that with those actors and obviously a massive budget, it should be a hit.

For sure, it's a few steps above as quality production goes (say, be generous, give it a 7/10) than Fast and Furious will ever be; and yet it so entirelily lacks soul that it's only marginally better. The recipe for such a "failure" escaped me at first. And then it hit me as the most obvious thing in the world : the same type of sackless pieces of sh.. called executives in this movie also rule in Hollywood and sink projects from the inside for the same reasons. Are the bosses too lofty to talk to the outsiders they hired, or those too shy to intrude, we won't know.

The story is not exactly right, but Ford the Second didn't deserve a single victory in Le Mans to begin with according to this bittersweet American movie.

It is poorly told in the sense that NOT A MAN rebels in the late 60s against the heir of an industrialist like he were an aristocrat in England before WWI ! The sequence where he rides one of his cars with Shelby while his executive lapdog is "detained" means nothing either. They're greedy salesmen, borderline parasites, that's all they'll ever be because they aren't challenged. Ever.

So in the end, it's well executed (le Mans race is stupidly long though), well acted and very depressing. It did indeed made me appreciate Chevrolet that much more, which is kind of snob for a European woman like me. Of all muscle cars of those days, The Mustang is a fast secretary/ Schoolteacher car, as the hero says. Some old models are still badass today (challenger, chevelle..are still classic in high speed chase scenes ! Or just mean robust old school) Those days are gone and good riddance. You don't race on roads. Even outside tickets/licence suspensions/ reckless endangerment, manslaughter even. Knowing your limitations as a driver and those of the car must be tested on circuits. Only the passionnate or rich get to play. Ask paul walker and any birdbrain speeding without a care for fun how fun accidents are.

German highways still don't have speed limits (or didn't recently). The famous hairpin of Le MANS IS A REAl rOAD used by people not a hairpin at all if you're not racing. It's just a very regular road, the whole circuit is very average and that's the trick, the quality is good, but not highway good. It's pretty boring and awfully noisy to watch after a few laps but it sure tests the cars and teams. Didn't keep me from falling asleep as a kid . The Mercedes stop cars, though had me riveted. They passed like 250KM/H in straight lines without a noise like they're crusising ! My mom's car passed 210 sounding like a charging bear ! We had to find a garage soon after with her servicable german and ease on the pedal of our french car. Which tickled our hosts no end. Even then, it was easy to give numbers hoping the cars would not be tested.

People may care about success stories, daring people, passion. Apparently, Base ball has sucked every soul in easy film-making since Redford and doubled the revenues with Money Ball. The whole story of how Ford never was more than an economic model is all there. The heirs are lucky it's full-on American and well done.

Halo (2022– )

Solid 7 for the beginning of season 2

[7/10 · 9 March 2024]

The first season is way too long with plots everywhere not soon to be resolved. Above all an action series that fans of the games don't need to watch. Neither do many of us when a sci-fi plot is a twist on reality.

The Spartan so called-elite is a fated name for units of soldiers who were lab rats and became as emotionless tools as can be, or so their Masters thought. With or without technlology to suppress emotions, they are soldiers selected as kids and take orders.

Until some don't. Funny enough that Master Chief breaks all protocols when he's paired with an AI in his brain. The housetrained Hound/ mindless attack dog becomes fully human at last, ironically, by removing a device that keeps him from emotions. And he can do much more.

I like it so far because it breaks the myth of the greater good and put brave (but not sharp) people in their place. Under the thumb of idiots / power players way too often and they die for lies. Worse yet, kill for lies.

With this new season, the chief becomes adult and I'm ready to see what his unchecked emotions lead to. How he will react to Dr Halsey who made him and her cold-blooded logic. She's the only one able to think ahead of his "masters". But call her Prof Hidden agenda.

Also , Makee and him need to be linked to touch the halo. It's compelling that some peace somehow comes from different minds touching one another, isn't it ?

Dune: Part Two (2024)

the growing pains part of the story

[6/10 · 9 March 2024]

The coming of age is hardly finished but well on the road at the end of this movie.

I liked its hypnonic and slow quality and possible new perspectives, no matter how I dislike the idea of cults in the future even on imaginary planets. It's a metaphor come from the past, long before Ben Laden biting us in the ass reinterpreted by Villeneuve.

And it can be whatever it is for you, that's the beauty of it. It is familiar in some ways..And there is hope, whether or not you believe in salvation or not. Our young hero, for some anti-hero tries his luck at changing things despite haunting nightmares of carnage if he joins the cult as its leader. Thereby also betraying his best ally and romantic interest.

Hypnotic and slow is also hard on the eyes and boring : the force of the desert comes a little too hard. No visual rest. Your eyes won't turn elecrtic blue and the story is compelling enough since much is explained here for a last chapter that we hope will be much better.

Fellow Travelers (2023)

I felt so much coming from the heart of the matter.

[10/10 · 23 December 2023]

Unlike most people here, i've waited for the last episode before commenting. Just as people should not comment if they're only three quarters into the List of Schindler, they haven't seen the half of it until they have seen the last scene.

You can prepare yourself as much as you want, those characters are easy to judge by new standards and the anti-heroes may deserve to be miserable. Politicians..Hardcore hypocrits in their case.

But they are complex and that's just how we like it. They are beautifully written and interpreted. Matt Bomer was already used to being sexualised and he pulls it off well enough to explain the relationship between those two. Both sexual and otherwise. He's the snake that leads the good boy to hell. And the good boy wants it. There is some non papal approved sex, hetero or homo, but real couple dynamics related to bedroom relationships and how they invade our life..it was about time. No surprise that homos are used to break the omerta. Although "Preacher" did it before..

They both pay a steep price. It's very moving. I'm glad their story is told. From the the hard-ass right wing that became victims of their success..

The Tomorrow War (2021)

Very entertaining for its genre

[8/10 · 30 November 2023]

It's a solid 7. I gave it an 8 out of spite for party-poopers and tom Cruise's fans who rated Edge of Tomorrow over the top for a lesser movie. The average viewer of the genre didn't care about logic and plotholes then, why would would it matter now is beyond me.

We're talking aliens + time travel. Better not to inflict that on terminally realistic people.

What we have is a rather simple plot very well delivered by splentid actors you can easily relate to ( no time is wasted on character building, just the right dose) so that you jump into action right away. Not 3 mn of the usual far-fetched pseudo-scientific explanations on time travel and whatnot that will rub anyone with brain the wrong way, Just the assurance that the future can barely pull it off, in fact.

It is fast-paced, rather optimistic about human nature for the most part as end of the world scenarios go, until the writers need an excuse to keep the characters you care about going, that is..Which is one of the few tropes you can expect in any action movies/ scy-fy, and this one has a particularly "familial" quality to it. It gives it charm , not logic. Then again, who does expect that ?

The Climb (I) (2017)

A loser at the top...of the world !

[8/10 · 23 September 2023]

As many European comedies, it starts with a silly idea. Like telling a girl you'd climb the Everest for her. You can guess that anyone who actually tries without proper training is not the sharpest tool in the shed.

The people who accept him nonetheless on his crazy journey change him. Very feel-good movie in that respect. His grumpy guide who teaches him the basics for a payday despite seeing right through his BS, his lovely sherpa who likes to learn french, wonderfully interpreted. The mountain itself changes him. The sublime of it is not well-rendered on screen but it is humbling, and he needs that to become a better man.

Just like the man in the terrible romance novel given by his mother that his sherpa asks him to read to him, he gets better. He sees those men, going back and forth, doing the hard work when he's barely able not to pee his pants and give up...it gets him thinking and us laughing.

Inspired by, not altogether the true story.

The Wheel of Time (2021– )

Season 2 is kicking it in the ass like Kim Manners (X-files director)

[8/10 · 15 September 2023]

It's been a crazy project, what with fans of books never happy about adaptations, fans of fictions born with CGI and never happy either without millions not thrown at them to make a story come to life. A lot of bickering about the non-essentials. And those disgruntled people all end up watching Marvel/Disney productions with a synopsis written on a Post-it but great CGI, applaud and trash this...

I'm very excited to see Fares Fares on this second season of what is a coming-of age fantasy series. It's inspired by books, but if you want the books, read the books ! Adaptations lead their own life and that's a very good entertaining show.

It tells many things as it is. The idea is rooted in Eastern beliefs and the result is a melting pot. It turns new religions upside down but also comes back to the roots : mankind is easy to corrupt. That old tale is told in a fresh way.

NCIS: Los Angeles (2009–2023)

Seasons 13-14 : good entertainment

[8/10 · 22 January 2023]

So glad for this renewal !

Exit Hetty, enters Kilbride. The old gruff Admiral is way more likable and believable, brings energy and some new ideas, like Miguel Ferrer's character did before him. He's the in-house antagonist brought to put the house in order and it's more lively with him around. He comes with his no-nonsense cool assistant, who fills in for the wonder twins, so, new possibilities there.

Agent Namazi kicked her traditionnal hijab to cover her hair in a way befitting her station.

Our favourite guests are put to regular good use. THe newly introduced agent Hannah's father is a blast. Former military man touched by Alzeihmer but well decided to enjoy himself while he can.

The los Angeles Special Ops team work as a family and it gets larger.

His Dark Materials (2019–2022)

Update final season : it delivers !

[9/10 · 26 December 2022]

I kept it for X-mas and loved it. HBO respected the oh so British spirit. Evangelists and the like are not their public anyway. Breath of fresh air for kids and teens, and all public at that. 6I for one was delighted by this smart tale.

You can't science away faith, but you can reason. And you can be a free-thinker. Since our whole planet is okay with oppressive religions, Will Parry, a yougster and Mary, a scientist will travel to other worlds. Will Parry journeys with Lyra, Heroin of the first part, from a distant universe. Her curiosity enlightens her and sets on a dangerous path

it's riveting.very moral. I almost never read books before screen adaptations. I can safely do it now. I don't care about pseudo theories to explain the Tao/dao. Lavoisier said it all : everything transforms. In the material world, anyway. Anyone who believes in a spiritual world is free to believe it applies too.

We don't know a thing, so we should let good people be free.

In a very uncomplicated manner, the Never Ending Story is cut from tthe same cloth, backwards. A child creates a story by reading a story and completing it. For the same reasons let it unfold. Creation ground zero as humans knows6 it comes from kids, not stupid books regulating slavery

Lyra and Will across their different universes form a bond, their journey is like nothing else; so are their responsibilties. Balance between the worlds rests upon them.

Totally X-mas binge material.

The African Doctor (2016)

Feel-good movie about a tough integration

[9/10 · 22 August 2022]

Everyone in France knows the story, more or less. THe hardships and fun of it, written by Kamini, the boy in the story were a hit for his clip on Youtube. His song hit the radio HARD soon after. There's always been an underestimated tradition of fun hip-hop. This nurse had nothing to lose telling the story of how he didn't become an O. G !

A young doctor who graduates in France from Zaire (RDCCongo now) accepts an offer to replace a town GP in a Northern rural area. The Mayor says, "it's not France, it's the countryside". When he says "north of Paris" to his wife, she sees Paris. It's way North. So, the comedy is set.

And hop, the family embarks for a literally cold land in a very average countryside; meaning everything is old including the mentalities. It's far from the worst living accomodations in truth, but way below what they're accustomed to.

Getting accepted as a doctor is the father's challenge, Getting accepted as black is the children's challenge, Dropping the phone (which costs an arm) is the mother's challenge.

The Sandman (2022– )

The Lord of Dreams invites you to his Snoozefest

[5/10 · 9 August 2022]

It starts with a good idea : a cult led by a bereft father wants to trap Death and catch the God of Dreams instead while he was chasing an escaped Nightmare in the waking world. Attributes of the God are stolen and later dispersed while he remains prisoner for either 70 years (comics) or a century (TV).

And everything starts to go downhill when the hero escapes. He must go on a quest to gain his powers back, of course, but all the supporting actors are way better than him. Sure his character is a moping jerk, but still, I've rarely seen more bland for a first role.

It gets worse when he has his powers back. Still as lifelessly dull as can be, he learns that a 18y-o human girl has the power to create or destroy dreamworlds. Thankfully the plot turns around her, who is looking for her young brother. So there is some action and normally paced dialogues.

The CGI is way too dark, the adaptation not good, the ever too slow dialogues aren't deep and yet you feel they try to be oh so hard, the cast makes no sense (they can afford Charles Dance, Joely Richardson, Stephen Fry, David Thewlis, Jenna Coleman !!!) THey swapped characters Lucifer is a woman, ah okay but couldn't put someone like Thewlis as the hero instead of this blob of a Dreamlord ?

Forget about the "woke" or changes. Stealing this author's Lucifer (the original) to live in LA and annoy the police was a great concept. He likes anti-heroes, Constantine has been poorly welcomed on screen. This one puts me to sleep. If you're a fan of Edward in Twilight, go for it ! Edward is a happy go lucky vampire compared to this copy/paste of him.

The Boys (2019– )

SEASON 3, 5 episodes in. It's a blast !

[7/10 · 18 June 2022]

The degenerate 7 have always been a disaster, long before this crew, and they've always been covered.

The boys are looking for the weapon that took down Soldier Boy, the previous team leader and end up on Agent Mallory's door, Butcher's recruiter. She explains why she decided to move against Vaught and how Soldier Boy disappeared. Which leads the Boys to Russia. A temporary version of the V compound that gives superpowers falls in their lap, that Butcher and Hugh decide to use

Meanwhile, Starlight has to endure Vaught and Homelander's manipulations. And he's more unhinged than ever. Keeping her allies safe is a challenge. Is she up to the task and for how long ?

Special mention for Soldier Boy ! He will piss some people off. The creator and the actor (Texan) love making fun of the Confederate flag crew in all their splendour, I'm looking forward to watching this. So far so good. Soldier boy is Donald Trump's wet dream.

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)

Mads Mikkelsen got this.

[8/10 · 5 June 2022]

It's not a Fantastic Beasts movie. Just the conclusion to the Grindenwalt plot. The secret is out; like in Dumbledore is out of the closet. Quite unexpected, slighly weird. The childhood friendship is a bromance.

Credence is indeed Aurelius Dumbledore. The plot is political and interpersonnal. Dumbledore and Grindenwalt can't attack each other because of a blood pact, so they manipulate people.

Mads mikkelsen makes a terrific Grindenwalt (fantastic political beast). Sober interpretation for a criminal turned candidate to lead the whole magical world. He radiates power and danger with subtlety (not Depp's forte in the previous movie : you wouldn't elect Depp as easily).

The whole direction of actors is on point. 8/10 might be high for the less magical plot of the series, which ends with a lesson in 101 magic, just like Harry Potter, in books anyway. So no, JK Rowlings did not betray her audience. She makes a point that they grow up, no matter what and have to make political choices. I'd say that's pretty smart for kids and therefore should be acknowledged, not pettily disregarded by adults. Those movies are meant for kids. That's what all public really means. You may like them too.

NCIS (2003– )

Rated 8 for 15 years. STILL 8 IN 2024;

[8/10 · 19 April 2022]

It was deliberately non politically correct when it started with just Di Nozzo and Gibbs at the helm. Kate, as the by-the-book newbie from Secret Services was outraged and surprised enough to get the message across that they are far from ordinary. The Main characters all start as stereotypical, but human enough and you can relate and soon enough, you're part of the team. I'd say with McGee, the second newbie (introduced before but entering the show for the last few episodes of S01), you're hooked. It's humourous and lively. Well written and with a nurturing feedback effect between characters and writers.

Abby, the eccentric forensics expert, Ducky, the old medical examiner, McGee the new field agent who is originally a computer expert and discovers a new world are the soul of this series, Gibbs (markHarmon) is the heart. Former sniper turned investigator, he might seem cold if not for the relationship with his team, especially the respect he gives to civilians who work for NCIS.

For say 13 years, People have come and gone, leaving the unbreakable spirit intact while the characters expanded. The insufferable DiNozzo, for instance, he was a comic relief. Chauvinist pig, not just because ex-cop, frat-boy for life with bullying tendencies. Thanksfully always slapped down and disregarded by women. He becomes mature after a few seasons.

. The writers have not been able to deliver for years, but gary cole got something new going. It feels good.

Dune (2021)

Don't believe the buzz, there is no honey

[6/10 · 13 April 2022]

The story is that when Dune became popular (despite being published by an auto-repair publisher because no other wanted it) people of the trade were asked to deliver a criticism. Tolkien among them refused to criticize something he deeply disliked. Too bad he didn't. That may give a hint to producers.

Lynch was widely criticized and Villeneuve acclaimed but they're on par, IMO. The second tries to explain things, welcome you in this new universe, stick to the books. But it's way too slow as a whole and you get it or don't. Try opera if you don't know the story, It's hours of boredom. Sometimes, knowing the story doesn't mean a thing. Still boring. The same goes for this movie. Catch the train in first class and it's okay. Not amazing but Dune.

Despite the Social medias, the awards, it's very average and sticking to the books is the worst idea ever; they're to be disrepected. If you don't know them, is it likely that in 10 000 years people are obsessed by religion ? That a mushroom-like substance lead them to a Jihad ?

So it's well done and pretty , with good actors, the story is nice for the 60's but Flash Gordon in essence once again. Creating a mystical saga around it, more than two hours long per movie? Good luck...

Severance (2022– )

A diamond in the rock. Wicked !

[9/10 · 10 April 2022]

Diamond might be stretching things but it is a pearl waiting for you to find it. Some will see a rock or an oyster, especially from Ben Stiller.

At episode nine, I am crossing my fingers, the next had better be good, or I'm coming back, trashing it, rating it like a bitterly disppointed fan of comic books. Oh yes, I will !

It's smart and daringly minimalist, bringing us to the subject : US. If you could sever aspects of your life, would you ? I find the idea very tempting. It could solve so many problems. What does it it say about our society, though ? As a happy go lucky severed employee by day, you can be useless, abused, miserable, and you won't remember a thing past 5.16PM. Neither will you remember at work if you're miserable in life. As far as work/life balance goes it's messed up but can be interesting for both parts

The employee, though gives his life to the employer and what's to stop him from controlling their life ? Change employer for government, medias. Because the Lumon Corporation has fingers in every pies and no-one really knows what they're capable of. Activists don't, they suspect, Investors don't, they willfully ignore.

What we know, right away, is that ethics is lost. The poor new recruit can't resign. Not possible. You're not the same person at work. Not a mask and disguise of your own construct. Don't we all know that ? Not here it's signed to make it physically real. Your miserable self can't resign. The free part won't let them.

I swear it's not Memento, it's new. From the first episode you will develop or not an allergy. I for one, enjoyed old John Turturro and Christopher Walken as lovebirds..yes, I'm trying to suck you in.

If by episode 2 you don't feel it, you never will. Mostly this bland society. The new recruit wants to get out of it right away. And you can.

Tenet (2020)

Nolan out of his mind. Pretty with action and effects.

[4/10 · 9 April 2022]

Wow ! He really went Hollywood this time. Wrote the thing on a post-it. Good actors and effects, a semi-ingenious twist on time-travel that he worked on alone and botched miserably.

I love Nolan, he proved he could mix action with grace in Batman; but he can mix it with nonsense and spywork and bitterly disappoint. If I wanted a Transformers- like movie, i wouldn't watch his. But that's what you get here. If he was miffed about being too smart, he erases his tab in one fell swoop with this utter idiocy fit for studio heads and people who value effects or surface.

It begs to be smart, but is just at the ankle of CW level. People usually fill the blanks to make it fit. It's so far-fetched that you can't. Take it or leave it . I've tried to like it, go with the flow but I can't. There are no loose ends. That's a relief.

Bridgerton (2020– )

Not to criticise

[3/10 · 6 April 2022]

A genre that I don't like.

And I hate those who can't stand what they call a woke agenda

Isn't it a tad weird though that all of a sudden half the nobles in England are people of colour ? Nicely inclusive (with Ann Boylenn in Black recently, who knows). Last time I checked, the Black American princess coudn't cut it. When was it it ? Two years ago ?

It's a past tense soap-opera. But still, wrong on so many levels; cindarella is more realistic in the age of The Windsors, or the Crown.

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Nostalgia and multiverse to end a cycle.

[8/10 · 5 April 2022]

I've never really liked Spider-Man. He's a good kid, good as Job. I can't relate. I was more cynical at 8 than our latest version at 16 post-Thanos.

Now, he's exposed (his identity is known) and accused of the murder of a (fake) hero. Nick Fury threw him to the wolves for turning him down, welcome to reality !

This movie brings different stages of evolution via the multiverse. Three for the price of one, 10 years apart from each other. Plus a multitude of great actors that reprise their role as villains from previous movies

The scenes with Dr Strange aren't half bad, in real life and in the mirror dimension. The adult fights for order, the kid for ideals, for one day he keeps the adult away and he's going to pay for his naiveté if you know the previous movies.

Works for me. Peter parker is just a teenager. Usually. 30 and 40 years old versions come to the rescue.

The Chalet (2017–2018)

Being French is not an excuse.

[3/10 · 28 March 2022]

I'm stubborn enough with too much time on my hands and therefore want to know how mysteries unravel. Excruciatingly slowly in this case, even with the speed parameter adjusted to 1.25. I like the setting, the genre (theoretically) and I expected a french touch. There is a nice twist I didn't see a mile away. Still...

What a disappointment ! It's offbeat. Give me the same story in 4 episodes. It has all the right ingredients, but the dosage is all wrong. The pace, even for a french viewer is slow. The flashbacks or flash-forwards are poorly used. The stereotypes are either poorly or overused. The characters, considering than half the series is about the pettiness and shallowness of people, are as interesting as hens in need of couple therapy, if you like that sort of things.

It should be gripping and it's not. A tad annoying, even. For instance, one guy falls into a wolf/bear trap, the leg turns sceptic, one woman sees it right away. They are cut off from the world and some are mountain people, mature enough to know it. Still, nobody dares amputate the guy, not even talk about it. They just let him die. The killer might be right. They might not deserve to live. I sure hope someone in real life would have the sense to say it needs to be done, at least.

But no, like in an American movie you wait to see them fall one by one, you guess a lot, but not the details, and all will be explained. That's one of the redeeming qualities, with good acting, a nice twist that you saw coming from miles away.