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Reviews
Star Trek: Discovery: Red Directive (2024)
The whisper talking continues
Let me preface this by saying I absolutely love the Star Trek franchise. I have repeatedly watched the shows and movies from the past. This show is an abomination and a disgrace to all Star Trek. This show is so un-Star Tek that they need to mention things from the previous series. Why mention Jumja Sticks? Oh, maybe it's an effort to say "we are Star Trek", Not! Previous series had their own identities and did not rely on dozens of easter eggs to prove they are a part of the franchise (except maybe the Kelvin timeline movies, which were not great).
The overly emotional scenes are cringeworthy and do not fit in a Star Trek world. The incessant whisper talking is very distracting. With the amount of emotional baggage, and a need to be praised all the time, these people would not fit into a "real" Starfleet. Discussing emotional issues, and pausing to do so, in the middle of a crisis? Imagine, in the middle of the Pearl Harbor attack, officers stopping to discuss; whether they are worthy of the fight and would their loved ones still respect them. Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek world was based on extreme plausibility and theoretical science. Not mushroom engines.
In the current episode(s) they are given a mission to recover something REAL important. They were not told what it is because it is classified...Huh? Well, they get to the derelict spacecraft to recover it (of course, not knowing what it is) and to their surprise a couple of scavengers were removing objects and flee with them. Of course, our heroes give chase. Wait, how did they know that they took what they are looking for? It was classified, remember? Later, the "synth" (or Data-like character) was dead. If it was a "Synth" why was it "still warm" when they felt his neck?
The plot holes and spontaneous (made up to justify a plot hole) details are too numerous to mention. The plots (not just this episode), seem awkward, and it is almost as if a fourteen-year-old has written them.
I am watching this final season only because it is "Star Trek" but do not enjoy it much. I'm sure I will not watch this again.
Der Mann aus dem Eis (2017)
Worth a watch.
With today's action and over dramatization of modern films, this was subtle yet totally watchable. Despite there being very few words spoken (and not understandable as they were spoken in an archaic language) the story was followable and grpping. It is a revenge story, yes, but not in a modern sense. We must remember, life was brutally difficult and it is understandable that someone would seek revenge on those that took what little there was. This story was not boring in the least. The history represented in this story, while perhaps not totally accurate, gives us insight into what life may have been like 5000 years ago. It almost felt as if you were there in that time. I would highly recommend this movie, especially to those that enjoy a decent story.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Subspace Rhapsody (2023)
Wait, What?
The Star Trek franchise has achieved a new low. This is an abomination that only has a vail of Star Trek. Really, a musical? I'm sure real trekkies don't consider this Star Trek. The only thing missing is Jean ValJean, Coquette and Sweeney Todd. This show has devolved into an 80's Saturday morning show for prepubescent teens. I see they are continuing the new tradition of over-emotionalizing everything, complete with whisper talking and crying uncontrollably (even while singing). But wait..now you can have all this in a musical format. Maybe it's destined for Broadway. Maybe if the show runners hire older than 14 year old writers an pay more than minimum wage for such, we can have a real Star Trek again. I only gave a 4 for the sets. Everything else is lacking.
The Ark (2023)
Quit after 20 minutes
This show has no redeeming qualities as far as I can see.
Let's see, make sure to check all the algorithmic boxes. Female lead, check. Teen female lead, check. Majority female cast, check. Horrible male characters, check. Teen male nerd that has the smarts to save the day, check. Annoying female nerd that has the most irritating voice modulation, check. Pretty female that doesn't mind whoring herself for a shower, check. Cliche plot that's a proven money maker, check.
I can't see this show lasting more than a few episodes. The acting is beyond terrible, the cast is all just plucked from some algorithm formula. The sets and situations are not real or plausible. This show seems like it was written by a group of teenagers for a High School writing club. Don't waste your time, I won't.
1899 (2022)
Don't bother. 3 stars for imagery only.
I gave up after 3 episodes for a plot that doesn't go anywhere. This has a plot that never develops but has tons of pointless creepy images that mean nothing. It has many hints at creepy, hanging on a cliff, sidebar plots that have very little effect on the main lack of plot and don't add to it at all. Ghost ship, a creepy kid, pyramids, bugs, bad dreams, hallucinations, fog, voices in the dark, dark sets, unfounded accusations, returning to the scene of the horror, clueless captain (why was this guy even given the position of captain?), creepy only for the sake of creepy, plus much more. Did someone find a book on horror clichés? Did they use every suggestion in it?
Don't waste your time.
Prey (2022)
Very Good, But
While this was a very good installment in the Predator franchise, it could use a little less political messaging.
A teen girl beats everyone in everything and even beats the beast? Evil white people?
The story line and production is very good. An upgrade to the Pedator movies. Definitely worth a watch. I would have given this a higher score but the female teen Jesus was a spoiler for me. This, actually could have been the best Predator movie.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: The Elysian Kingdom (2022)
What did I just watch?
While the recent Star Trek series were over the top serious, and way to emotional, this series started off better. BUT, the much needed humor has now been overdone. When will they learn...humor is the spice, not the entrée.
Again they have to way overdo the nuances of what made Star Trek great. To the writers and producers: try watching TOS, TNG and DS9. Take notes and learn to duplicate the subtlety that once existed. (I know there were episodes that were over the top, but appropriately, not just for the sake of mega stupid humor) try focusing on story.
The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
Too many connections. Not a sequel.
If you take out all the "reminder" clips from the original trilogy you have a big nothing. Way too many connections to the original movies. Why can't the writers just write a extension of the original plot? It was very light on plot and was quite tedious to watch. This movie did not move the story forward at all. It was nice to see some of the original characters but without plot they had nothing to work with. Not sorry I watched it but probably won't watch it again.
Star Trek: Discovery: Rosetta (2022)
Dust that feels like love?
First of all, I have been hate watching this for a couple of seasons now. But, now I'm done with it. This is not Star Trek. It's more like a sci-fi version of a bad 70's Spanish soap opera. "There's nothing more important than the mission" unless it's talking about feelings and emotions for 20 minutes and crying for another, while the danger moves ever closer. Really? 16 different dusts that invoke distinct emotional states? I will not continue watching this bad telenovella beyond this season. Period.
1883 (2021)
Good but not Great
First of all, please don't pay attention to the fake reviews (10s). There is currently a pandemic of fake reviews on the internet. Reviews that are obviously written in some foreign language and translated by some software. "Very remarkable good", really?
This show is slow moving and lacks plot. 6 shows in, and nothing of significance actually happened. Subplots are hurried...fall in love, love interest gets shot, crushed...all in 1 1/2 episodes? Acting is fair to midland. Scenery and filming locations are excellent. Costuming for the most part is adequate but there are a few exceptions. The gypsy woman has the same, over the top, costume in every episode. The obviously fake beards must go. You'd think they would hire a good makeup person. Some are complaining about the narration but I feel it's a nice start and finish to each episode. Overall it's a watchable show but I don't expect great things from this series.
Star Trek: Discovery: ...But to Connect (2021)
Me wincing.
Wow, an insubordinate AI computer with emotional issues and maybe has a soul?
Let's all bear our feelings...
I think this computer needs a counseling session and a spa day.
Really? Maybe the computer should start whisper talking.
The further this goes the more ridiculous it becomes. Are they trying alienate (pun intended) all trekkies?
Star Trek: Discovery: Stormy Weather (2021)
They should apologize to the Gene Roddenberry estate
Zora turn off your emotion chip...
New: computer angst.
12 minutes of whisper talking.
22 minutes of emotional crisis.
"Let's go in even though we have no data"
I bet the anomaly will have an emotional outburst and tantrum in the season finale.
Too emotional and PC. This show has become unwatchable.
Nisser (2021)
"B" Horror film
OK for a cliche B level horror movie. Don't pay attention to the fake paid reviews. 10 stars? Great holiday film? (Not a holiday film).
Everyone must see? (Including children?) I don't think so. This a step up from "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes". A little tedious but you will enjoy this if you like cliche B films.
The Nightingale (2018)
The Horrors of Humanity
Gripping drama from beginning to end.
This movie showcases the horrors man can inflict upon one another. A very linear storyline that sucks you in. There is some graphic violence but it is not gratuitous and fits the narrative perfectly. Strong and emotion provoking.
Happily (2021)
I don't get it...And, I'll never watch it again.
This movie was more like a twilight zone episode shrouded in a cloak of pointlessness.
The endless dragging out of unrealistic scenes was unbearable. This entire movie could have fit inside of 26 minutes, although it would not have made it better.
The Seventh Day (2021)
Watchable
This movie is watchable. We've seen this sort of movie before. It's a little cliche and somewhat predictable. If you have nothing else to do give it a try.
False Positive (2021)
Unexplained drivel
Creepy but not in a good way. Creepy because you must wonder what kind of mind this came from. The story (if you can call it that) leaves alot to be desired. Nothing is explained or even hinted at. The acting is terrible but I'm not sure if this was the intent. It is almost as if they were trying to make a confusingly bad movie. If they were deliberately trying to make a horrible movie, kudos to them, they succeeded. I concur with most of the reviews to date.
Resident Alien (2021)
Really? 8.3?
Can't wait for episodes to end. Each one is worse than the previous. Crude toilet humor. Need I say more?
The Stand (2020)
Non-linear Hot Mess!
If you did not read the book nor watch the 1994 mini-series you would have no Idea what's going on.
9 episodes, and 2 have already aired. That's 22% of the entire story and nothing happened so far, at least that you could make sense of.
This does not follow any linear story line. The opening scene is from the middle of the story and is a sidebar to boot. I am no fan of flashbacks but when used judiciously can enhance a story. But, when starting in the middle (without context) and using flashbacks and flashbacks of flashbacks it becomes a hot mess.. What were they thinking?
No character development, jumbled story line, and no story arc.
I will continue to watch because this is Stephen King's finest work. I will try to remember all the "puzzle pieces" and mentally assemble them at the close. I hope it forms forms a cohesive story and is worth the mental exercise.
Star Trek: Discovery (2017)
Star Trek... - NOT
Why does every episode have very angry characters? Quote: Hurry, we're running out of time, but, spend three minutes casting dramatic glances. Too much drama, should be called Star Trek, the angst. How did these characters even graduate the Starfleet Academy? I wonder how they did on the Kobayashi Maru test. Did they Cry them to safety? Too much CG and not enough story. Visual overload.
Sorry, just had to update, this series just gets worse with every episode. Now we know humanity's future...overly emotional, angsty, and politically correct. Maybe they should all get in a hot tub and "bear their feelings". Utter rubbish.
The Walking Dead: World Beyond (2020)
The Walking Angst
Way overly dramatized teen show that almost has nothing to do with TWD. Poor writing, mediocre acting, and almost no plot peppered with pointless flashbacks. Avoid like the plague--get it?
The Queen's Gambit (2020)
Brilliant coming of age / life struggle show.
A wonderful, inspirational and powerful story with exceptional acting. This show sucks you in right from the start and never lets up. All the acting was brilliant especially the young Harmon. Its been a while since we've had a drama this good. I initially avoided it because I thought it might be just another over-done drama. I'm glad I tried it. An absolute must watch.
Star Trek: Picard (2020)
The Easter egg show.
While this is not TNG or DS9, it's worth a watch.
It contains all the things that made Star Trek the phenomenon it was. Conspiracy, intrigue, drama, humor, etc. All the haters must remember Picard is retired, and found a mission to participate in. Slow burn, edge of your seat drama ending in crescendo. Worthwhile drama with familiar characters...
Updating this review.
The third season has devolved into the Easter egg show. Where's the story? Thin and short.
Abundant Easter eggs detract from the story.
They even Easter egg from other franchises (tick tock - tick tock). All the current Star Treks are a far cry from the plot driven shows they once were. And please stop wokeing and over emotionalizing everything. Please return to what made Star Trek great...good story.
Where to Invade Next (2015)
Liberal Spew
I gave this film 3 stars for the laughs it evoked. But to view this as a serious documentary is ludicrous. While there were a few legitimate points made in this film, there is no where on earth that is Nirvana. Try exercising free speech in Great Britain or Germany. Hunting in France?...Only if you're rich, and you have to rent the gun from the Government. Every point in this film can have holes poked through it. For example: the first couple he interviewed was a police officer and a buyer for a major retailer. Both high powered (relatively) jobs. How do couples that both work high pay jobs, with no kids, live in the US? Police officers in the US are unionized...High pay, lots of vacation time, and great benefits, plus retirement with full pay and benefits...Can Italy say that? The only difference is that in the US if you have no ambition and are lazy you go nowhere. As it should be. Thanks for reading my rant.
H. (2014)
H.- Half a movie
This movie, while strangely compelling and relatively well acted (which is why I did not give it zero stars), was H.orrible. It was as if some High-Schoolers decided to make a movie with strange images and no plot. This movie is reminiscent of those very strange, low budget, eastern European art films. This movie has an incredibly dismal and depressing feel to it. If that is the only intention, they succeeded. A dismal feel should be done purposefully. There is no connection between the story and the feel of the movie. Random images strewn haphazardly about without even the meagerest of explanation or connection adds to the pointlessness of this film. *spoiler alert, maybe*. Was the high pitched noise a meteor? How does this cause water on the floor? Why was the field of lost souls near Lake George? Horse? And then a horse/man creature? Floating rock/head? Why does an old woman commit to a life-like baby doll? And, continues to pretend the doll is real even after her husband goes missing? Then wash-kills it? A young woman that is pregnant, then not, then is, then isn't? Post-apocalyptic? Pre-apocalyptic? If you like those Czech or Yugoslav art films, you MAY like this. I, for one, am glad I did not spend money to see this one.