Change Your Image
Narce
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Lists
An error has ocurred. Please try againReviews
True Detective (2014)
Season 4 is Trash
I watched all of Season 4 knowing that Jodie Foster was the lead, and that it couldn't therefore be ALL bad.
I was wrong.
The constant flashes between truth and illusion make for uncomfortable viewing and just seemed to confuse the story. Navarro is such a bemused and unreliable character that I can't see her being a cop of any kind - she is constantly freezing at critical moments because she is seeing some sort of flashback or vision. Yet nobody reports this kind of bizarre behaviour. And, as has been pointed out by others, the general theme seems to boil down to a cave-dwelling "Women Good, Men Bad" set of ethics.
And while I often enjoy hearing Inuit throat-singing, I found most of the soundtrack invasive and jarring - not to mention the Beatles music blasting out in the research station.
The recurring "spirit bear" really had no place in this show, but I guess they had the footage, so... just another tie-in to the mystic belief system of the Inuit, which was being heavily emphasized here. Once again, the creators of this show have forgotten that the main point (or even the whole point) of the production is to **entertain**, not to **preach**. If I want to be lectured on the belief system of the Inuit, I'll go to a TED talk!
The producers and director needed to make a decision: was this a police procedural, or a horror epic? Yanking the audience back and forth between these two extremes does no good for anyone.
Monsieur Spade (2024)
Thank Heaven the Maltese Falcon didn't speak Maltese!
...although even then, the official languages of Malta are Maltese and...English!
I suspect that Sam retires to the South of France for financial reasons - Canal+ put up a pile of cash, and roped in a lot of French actors to fill up the locations. Maybe too many.
Sam starts out neither speaking nor understanding much French, which gives us two positives - 1) we can understand him, and those who respond to him in English, and 2) we can get a chuckle when someone bad-mouths him in French, but he doesn't understand.
Unfortunately, as Sam becomes more adept in French, we get more and more scenes that must be read to be understood, as the dialog is not helpful to non-francophones. I don't know if this series is available in some form of dubbed presentation - I was unable to find one.
In general, I liked the locations, the characters (up to a limit) and Clive Owen. The plot was a little overwrought, and the conclusion more Clouseau than Spade.
Maestro (2023)
Too Bernstein for my taste.
I confess I have never been a big fan of Leonard Bernstein. I find most of his work too chaotic, too jazz-influenced, not hummable or (in many instances) memorable. I watched this movie in the hope of seeing some insights into the composition of "Candide" and, of course, "West Side Story". But these two works are barely mentioned in the script, let alone depicted in the film. The collaborators (Jerome Robbins and Aaron Copeland) make only brief, passing appearances, and there is no mention whatsoever of Stephen Sondheim.
The film has its moments. There were several transitions from one location to another that were beautifully achieved, and I was struck by one scene with Felicia in the park, lying on her side, with Bernstein in the background, all in perfect focus - the spirit of Gregg Toland lives on!
Class of '09 (2023)
Crap of '09
This started out as a potentially interesting show - FBI recruits and what they go through, the cases they get assigned, and the tools they use.
Unfortunately, this gets tangled up and trips in its own non-linear story line. This flashback / flash-forward trope is overused, confusing and unpopular. So why are writers and producers so tied to it? Or are the Computer Overlords forcing them into submission?
And how does it happen, time and again, that computers are seemingly being represented by someone who has never seen or used one? The screens crammed with moving text would be unusable, so why do you need a room full of people watching them? And one of them is not enough; we need multiple screens displaying the same dreck. And then there is the "server", which looks like a city filled with blinking lights. Hello! The lights on a computer are meant to TELL you something! Hundreds of panels filled with blinking lights are what I would call "information overload".
And for Pete's sake, people who know little or nothing about computers are scared to death already about how Artificial Intelligence is going to ruin their lives and put them in peril. Please stop poking that bear! Remember, Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity.
Archie (2023)
Hello to Jason Isaacs!
First and foremost, biopics/biographies are the result of **somebody's** point of view. They therefore may not be completely accurate (anybody read The Art of the Deal?). This is especially true for TV/film productions, which try to make a work that is not just true, but interesting - something people will pay to watch. They can therefore edit things to make the story more interesting, perhaps at the price of verisimilitude.
As has been mentioned elsewhere, this is based on Dyan Cannon's "Dear Cary" and therefore does not present a complete overview of Grant's life and works. It is not a Ken Burns film (more's the pity).
Gen V (2023)
What, was Gen X already taken?
Maybe I'm just not in the right universe, but I did not find this show absorbing, entertaining or realistic (OK, I know super powers aren't real, but **behaviour** of the characters is not realistic). Others have mentioned the apparent fascination with genetalia, but I'm going to add the prevalence of the "F word", which has been so liberally sprinkled on the script. I'm not sure why this should be the case, I can only assume that the writers/producers think that this is the way teenagers speak. You could cut out 90% of them and the script might be more reflective of actual people.
And then there's the gore factor. Arms ripped off, people "blooded" to death, people burned up, and a guy who explodes, raining entrails over the neighbourhood. Not to mention the more mundane fights, with people thrown into walls or through glass partitions. Someone, somewhere thinks this makes the show more exciting, but I just found it more repetitive.
Justified (2010)
Justifiably Worth Watching
What can I say about this show, that I am now watching for the third time? It is never boring. The characters are well-rounded and interesting. The writing is crisp and laced with humour, worthy of Elmore Leonard's source material. The villains (the TRUE villains) are loathsome, cruel and deserve their bad ends. And the actors, led by the fabulous Timothy Olyphant, don't put a foot wrong. Cinematography and direction are well-done - no "black cat in a coal mine" scenes that seem so common today.
In short (despite IMDB's insistence that NOTHING should be short) I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good tale, well-presented.
Dark Winds (2022)
Breaking Winds?
I an a long-time fan of Hillerman's Navajo Mysteries, so I was enthused that they had been made into a TV series. On seeing the series, however, I have to say I was disappointed.
Hillerman's characters were intriguing and likeable. There was almost no preaching about how badly the native Americans had been treated in the past (after all, these were mystery stories, not history texts). He threw in a lot of insights into Navajo customs and backgrounds, which was both entertaining and informative.
The series has played fast and loose with pretty much everything that Hillerman created. As others have noted, the only things that seem to have been preserved are the locations and the character names. Everyone is now hyper-critical of the White Man's history. While this may be justified and true, it is NOT entertaining, and isn't entertainment the primary reason for creating a TV series from great source material? If I wanted to get a lecture, I have plenty of people who are willing to do that, without my having to turn on the TV.
The Walking Dead: Dead City (2023)
Very Dark, In More Ways Than One
As the title line implies, the theme of this is quite dark - Manhattan in ruins and isolated, with a madman in charge. Corpses piled up everywhere you look.
But wait - is there light at the end of this tunnel? Well, if there is, it's one of the few sources of light in this show. A big BOO to those directors and cinematographers who think they should shoot everything in the DARK! In many scenes, it was too dark to see what was happening! (Were those cockroaches? Or were they maggots? I couldn't tell in the dark.) The images I could make out looked like they were done in grey pastel on black paper. I almost cheered when we came out in the daylight on occasion - unfortunately, all too infrequently.
Frankly, I take all this darkness as an indication that the special effects were just too amateurish and klutzy to show clearly, in full light.
Did no-one learn anything from the Game of Thrones "Long Night" episode that engendered so many complaints? Honestly, just because you CAN shoot by candlelight doesn't mean you SHOULD. Come out into the light - the spirit of Greg Toland compels you!
Colin from Accounts (2022)
Colin Accounts for a lot of potty jokes
I cannot fathom whether a fascination with human bodily functions is a part of Australian humour, or if it is just applicable to the writers of this series.
First Ashley has problems with the toilet, so she (gag) picks her poop out of the toilet and (gag) throws it out on the sidewalk. Then Gordon, rather than express Colin's poop manually (gag, gag) finds Ashley's poop and assumes it is Colin's. Yuk, yuk, yecch.
Then Ashley comes into Gordon's room, apparently sleepwalking, and pees on his bedside table (gag). Her mother implies that this is a holdover from her childhood.
Not sure if this show wants me to laugh or retch! It gives a whole new meaning to "Gag Reel".
Bosch: Legacy (2022)
A welcome return to the Boschiverse
I am a long time fan of Michael Connelly's novels, particularly the Bosch series. For those who don't like the changes from the Bosch series, the novels also depict him leaving LAPD for the life of a private investigator, so it's not a radical departure.
The cast, acting, direction and writing are strong, maybe in part due to the influence of Connelly in the consulting and producing roles.
Yes, I would like to see more episodes in the original series, but "you can't always get what you want", I'm told. Personally, I'd watch a spinoff of Crate and Barrel. Or maybe some new series based on other Connelly characters: Renee Ballard, Jack McEvoy or Terry McCaleb.
Ted Lasso (2020)
Now all I can hope for is a spinoff
I really enjoyed Ted Lasso, for many of the reasons already expressed by others. Ted's positivity and generosity exemplify the kind of person I want to be, myself. And his supporting cast are all strong and capable.
The only downside is that this show only lasted for three seasons (interrupted by Covid and the Hollywood strikes) and now it's over. I would have happily watched at least three more seasons, if they had made them! There has been some talk about spin-offs for some of the characters, although without Ted's levelling influence, I'm not sure if they will be able to capture the same "lightning in a bottle". I can only hope.
Sweet Tooth (2021)
I have a yen for more!
There have been a lot of reviews decrying the second season, but I disagree. The second season provides a lot of back-story about the hybrids and their genesis. The story moves along briskly, with enough action to keep it from becoming boring.
Parts of it reminded me of the Mad Max series, with grungy-looking people brandishing home-made weapons. But instead of gasoline, these characters are looking for water and mayhem.
Special recognition should go to Christian Convery for his portrayal of Gus. This could have been bizarre in less capable hands.
The only character I got annoyed with was Dr, Singh, who seems unable to understand that General Abbot's proffered paradise is not going to include people like him.
All in all, this series is definitely worth a look - BOTH seasons.
Schmigadoon! (2021)
I Liked It!
Yes, it has a lot of elements of the schmaltzy musicals of the 40s and 50s, but it really is well done. Special kudos to the composer and the choreographer, the dance scenes are amazing! Season 1 seemed to be mainly based on Brigadoon, but Season 2 combined Pippin, Hair, Sweeny Todd, Cabaret and (of course) Chicago. This kept things moving along as you swept from one homage to the next. The songs are, of course, all original and generally funny. The cast are capable and likeable. All in all, a very worthwhile, watchable and entertaining series.
And now the required minimum character count....
Extended Family (2023)
Off Track
I had high hopes for this show. I liked all of the principal actors in other shows, and the premise seemed original. But, as with he new "Frasier", the laugh track is tired and trite.
Someone, somewhere thinks that if they throw in a bunch of laughs, giggles and gasps, it will make their bad show worth watching. I have a tip: if it's not funny in the first place, a laugh track won't change anyone's perception of the show.
And now, to make up the required character count, I will create the IMDB "character track" for your amusement. Try not to laugh! Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
Father Brown: The Sands of Time (2023)
Father Brown's Time Machine
Evidently the good Father Brown has found access to a time machine, so that he can change attitudes and morals in retrospect.
Not for the first time, he not only accepts but gives his (tacit if not overt) blessing to a homosexual relationship. This would probably have been grounds for excommunication in the 1950s. It certainly was not part of church dogma.
And was it so acceptable for Brenda to have a White boyfriend in those days? Again, the good Father just dusts his hands of any social opposition to this relationship. He has taken similar positions in other episodes as well. But when you have the comfort of a time machine, it all becomes easy.
FBI (2018)
Japanese Taiko Drummers Invade the FBI!
I have to say that, in general, I like the FBI /Most Wanted /International shows, but I find the sound track to be ANNOYING.
It seems that no scene of these shows should proceed without a thrumming, percussion-laden "music" track. "Listen! This is building up suspense! Something IMPORTANT must be happening! PAY ATTENTION!" It doesn't matter if we're watching a chase sequence, or just two people walking down a hall, the same background noise must prevail.
Someone, somewhere has decided that this is the kind of sound track that viewers should be subjected to in any kind of action/adventure show, and I'm getting sick of it. Nobody is going to win an Emmy for this kind of repetitive, annoying clangour.
The Rookie: Feds (2022)
Rookie Season - No Renewal!
I have been a fan of "The Rookie" since it started, and have kept with it because Nathan Filion is basically a likeable character.
But I am giving up on "The Rookie: Feds" for pretty much the same reason, in reverse: Niecy Nash is basically an annoying and unlikeable character.
Others have mentioned her choice of clothing as being inappropriate for ANY office. Beyond this, she is loud and has a grating voice that she feels the need to exercise at inopportune times (like briefing sessions).
I found the rest of the cast to be OK, and if Simone's character were removed from the show, I might find it worth watching. But as it is now, this rookie isn't worth a full-time position.
Alert: Missing Persons Unit (2023)
Alert: Missing SOMETHING!
I have now gone through three episodes of silliness that comprise this show, and have decided that that's enough to consign it to the trash heap.
Many of the characters seem to be incompetent when it comes to doing their jobs as police officers. I was especially annoyed that this force would employ someone who practices voodoo or some such spiritual belief, not just on their own, but in the presence of other officers, and even victims' families! "Take these eggs, they will give you hope" WTF?
And then there are the parents whose son was kidnapped, who latch desperately onto the hope that he has been found, ignoring clues to the contrary. Really foolish police work, there!
I'm not sure who is at fault here. Probably not the actors, they just perform the roles they are given. But their managers/ agents need to be taken to task for associating them with this dreck. The writers are probably most responsible, as are the producers and directors who accept and approve their work.
Sorry, folks, but as the voodoo cop might say, "I see no Emmys in your future"
The Terminal List (2022)
Terminally Dim and Garbled
Some DPs (Directors of Photography) have discovered that new solid-state cameras are able to take video in lower light conditions than film would allow. This means that they shoot long sequences under conditions that classical Hollywood would never have allowed - basically, in the dark, or with VERY little light. Others have mentioned this here, and in other productions. Just because the technology allows you to film under low-light conditions doesn't mean you SHOULD. Please stop!
And then there is the mumblecore dialog, where everyone seems to whisper, even if there is no-one else around. Or if they don't whisper, they mumble, so that it becomes difficult to follow what's happening without turning on subtitles. The situation is made worse by sprinkling in a lot of military jargon, terms that we civilians don't recognize or understand. For example, from early in Episode 1: "...we got Rangers ten mikes out on QRF." Mumbles aren't the only thing that makes dialog incomprehensible to the average non-military viewer. Yes, the military advisors on the production probably felt that this was typical military dialog that added realism to the story, but some of us didn't get training as SEALS, and want to know what they are saying. I could get almost the same experience from the Muppets Swedish Chef.
Film-makers, producers and directors, you CAN do better. Please try!
Big Sky (2020)
Big Sky, Little Interest
I REALLY liked the first season of this show - gripping villains, spunky victims, unexpected twists. But since then it has descended like a rollercoaster, Season 3 is (I hope) the low point.
Sorry, Reba, but I wish you had stuck to the music studio. I don't find you capable or likeable as an actor. Mind you, the plot doesn't help any. Take a bunch of "campers" out in the countryside, make a couple of them disappear, and yet people still insist on going off into the woods? No-one has the sense of a 5-year-old? Gimme a break!
Well, that's all I needed to say, but IMDB wants some more characters - STUPID!
Law & Order: Organized Crime (2021)
Sorry, but I just don't like Meloni
I am generally a fan of the Wolf Pack - Law & Order, SVU, Criminal Intent - but I have to confess that I never really took to Chris Meloni's character of Stabler - an interesting name, as he seems more and more to be UNstable. I have seen him appear to go out of control on several occasions, and like the wife-beaters on SVU, he always promises to get it under control and not do it again. Well, enough is enough, so like the abused wives on SVU, i'm booting him out the door.
Now I have said what I wanted to say but IMDB requires me to type 600 characters, so I will just reiterate that this is a STUPID policy.
The Lazarus Project (2022)
Lazarus or Methuselah?
Was this series raised from the dead, or is it just taking forever?
The concept is interesting, reset time to keep the world from ending. But the constant zap-back and re-do makes the show seem slow. The action/fight scenes are really quite good, but this just seems to make the zap-back look more repetitive.
And the fixed date for re-starting - this leads to a lot of timing questions that start to approach Schrodinger's Cat in their complexity. Yet the people involved, despite their knowledge of the situation, seem to want to try and challenge the process for their own (personal and selfish) reasons. "My wife died - restart time!" or "My baby will die, - don't restart time!"
And then, in addition to the zap-backs, we also get to see other times (or time loops) in flashback scenes. My head was spinning with "when is this?" questions.
Sorry, but there are too many time puzzles here. I'm going to stop, and watch something a little more linear.
Agent Game (2022)
Agent Con Game
To explain my title: the talent agents who represented those who featured in this movie must have been duped into thinking that this movie would be an appropriate vehicle for their clients.
As has been mentioned elsewhere, the ending makes it look like it is begging for a sequel. PLEASE DON'T! The actors are capable enough - I've seen them in other, better shows - but the director/ producer/ cinematographer have made something almost unwatchable. I say this because I tried to watch it, and yet was partly unable to see what was going on. Between the over-used hand-held camera work with its nausea-inducing wobble and the overall darkness (physical, not emotional) it is almost impossible to watch. This is further complicated by jumps back and forth through time in an effort to make the action make some sort of sense.
I may have made a mistake by watching this movie on an LCD display, in daytime, without closing the blinds. Still, when a gun battle is mainly illuminated by muzzle flashes and ricochets, maybe someone went a little overboard? Maybe they were trying to make a "green" movie by not employing any electric lights? Sorry, but the Green has faded to Black.
SEAL Team (2017)
Off mission...
When this started out on network TV, it was an interesting and engaging look at the life and tasks of a Navy SEAL Team. There was plenty of nail-biting action, and the characters seemed to me to be realistic, considering the milieu.
But when they transitioned to streaming, the show seemed to change. Everyone was becoming more insular, denying their weaknesses and failings despite an abundance of evidence that they were not keeping up their part in the Team. And yes, this is where the language got saltier.
I still like some of the characters, and the action scenes are still gripping, but I'm getting tired of the constant whining and the failure to acknowledge any kind of weakness. This show is now on the edge of failure, where I'll stop watching it.