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Reviews
Plane (2023)
Predictable; poor airline research
Just for background, I'm a retired airline captain with almost 40 years in the business. It does get tiring watching movies over the years where they do such a poor job of getting even simple details correct. After the first 15 minutes of Plane, the number of gross errors was amazing. A few examples: Capt Torrance is shown hurrying through security to get to the plane, where he meets the first officer for the first time. In the real world, they would have met in flight ops an hour earlier, done the flight planning, and gone to the plane. In the movie, as the (gate agent?) is getting ready to close up, he tells the Capt that he needs to fly a different route!!!??? This would be like a scrub nurse telling a surgeon how to operate. Then they repeatedly show the outside of the aircraft, which looks like an MD 80 series, but the cockpit is an Airbus A320. Later (I loved this one) the Capt dashes out of the cockpit into the cabin during moderate to severe turbulence, thus endangering himself and everyone aboard. It goes on and on. I saw that the aviation consultant was a guy with lots of ratings in various aircraft, but he obviously knows nothing about airline procedures. They could have easily received free advice from any airline pilot and avoided all of this. For example, the current Apple TV series, Hijack gets most things right.
Succession (2018)
Rich people problems...yawn
After several episodes of really trying to get into this, I finally gave up. Watching a bunch of sneaky, underhanded rich people try to get the upper hand on each other to further their boring lives was just tedious. Most viewers need some character to care about and root for, but there are none here. I've noticed the same problem with many current, popular shows like Yellowstone...good acting, but just a bunch of evil people trying to outdo each other. Oddly, the Brian Cox character is the only one for whom you feel anything, but again, in the end, are we really supposed to care about who gets a billionaire's money?
A Man Called Otto (2022)
Depressing and dreary
The title of my review says it all. I know there's a bit of feel good at the end, but you have to slog through 2 hours of dark winter scenes with people leading sad lives, and pretty much of a monotone delivery of lines from Tom's grumpy character. I realize that often movie makers want to be "real", and that's fine, up to a point. But I believe most people want a character or characters that they can root for if not completely identity with, so that it really matters to the viewer what happens to them. Four of us watched this at the theater, and afterward, we all felt kind of empty and depressed, in spite of the ending.
The Sinner (2017)
Excellent stories and acting
At first, Bill Pullman's character's quirkiness is a bit off-putting, but it definitely grows on you. Maybe overdone just a bit, but it adds to the basic idea of a very smart, methodical detective dealing with his own demons and personality flaws while trying to solve a difficult case. The writing is clever, and all of the actors are top-notch. Just finished the latest season, and like the previous ones, it starts slow but builds. In fact it kept you guessing right until the end, which is always a sign of good writing and direction. Hopefully this series will continue for several more seasons.
Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities (2022)
Just a gorefest.
The stories were just passable, but each one (at least the first three I watched) devolved into the main character trying to escape some type of slimy, chittering creature or creatures. Too bad, as they had some very good actors on board. Once the creature du jour showed up, it became a typical "run and scream" event. I wish they would have focused more on crafting true suspense stories, in stead of the heavy helpings of "in your face" gore. Of course, I may be out of tune with what people want these days from horror stories, but the movies that take the time to create suspense have done very well.
Severance (2022)
Should have been a movie..
The concept is new and different, and the actors are very good. The problem, as other reviewers have said, is that they tried to stretch a two hour movie into almost 9 hours of tv, so the pacing was way too slow. There are also a few obvious questions, like what happened before? And, why wouldn't an "innie" think to send a note to their "outie" counterpart to warn them? I mean, Mark was clearly able to smuggle the stolen key card in and out. The plot FINALLY started really moving in the last episode. Now if a movie were paced that way, they'd have a winner.
Get Out (2017)
Surprising find!
Interesting premise, excellent cast, and surprising twists. The best part was that (and this is rare), the main character, played by Daniel Kaluuya, was completely believable. He reacted in a realistic manner, as you or I would if placed in a weird position as his character was.
Coherence (2013)
Interesting but flawed
Kudos to the moviemaker for an interesting story, and good use of a limited budget. The story did get murky at times, but overall not bad. As others have said though, the Blair-Witch camera work and excessive dialogue was distracting and unnecessary.
Channel Zero (2016)
Slowed down too much for tv
The premise is interesting, but would have been much better as a movie. To stretch it out over so many hours, the writers had to slow down the plot development way too much, including the dialogue, which borders on absurd at times.
Channel Zero (2016)
Slowed down too much for tv
The premise is interesting, but would have been much better as a movie. To stretch it out over so many hours, the writers had to slow down the plot development way too much, including the dialogue, which borders on absurd at times.
Invasion (2021)
Unfolds slowly but builds
For those who want a Star Wars type shooting war, you'll be disappointed. This is more a slow unfolding of events seen through the eyes of four groups in different parts of the world, who are facing not only their own very human issues, but are also realizing that much bigger problems are on the horizon. Love it so far!
Synchronic (2019)
Keeps you interested
The movie has a "Blade Runner" feel, with the dark, dystopian thunderstorms adding to the vibe. Early on, that's about all the film had going for it, but slowly the underlying mystery that is the central theme is revealed. I liked the movie, but like others have said, with some better pacing, writing, and direction, this could have been a classic. It's still a good film, and worth the viewing.
Enemy (2013)
A weak attempt at artsy meaning
This movie was clearly designed to be an art house David Lynch style movie, but fails miserably. Most importantly, we are given no reason to get emotionally invested in the characters. They slog through scenes in a dull, unbelievable manner, against a depressing sepia-style color scheme. I could see a little of what the director was trying to portray with the story, but it ultimately was lost in translation. I think this plot has possibilities, but this director blew it.
Secretariat (2010)
Amazing true story
Definitely a feel-good story, but that's the point. It is well-acted, well filmed, and inspiring.
Suits (2011)
Clever writing, great acting
This show has it all (spoiler: no vampires or drug cartels; sorry); interesting story lines, witty dialog, and perfect chemistry with the actors. It's never sappy or melodramatic, as so many network shows are, and just plain fun to watch.
Billions (2016)
Started strong, but...
As with many very good TV shows over the years, Billions started strong but has strayed from the ingredients that made it a hit. The characters and themes are getting darker and more convoluted with each episode, there is literally no one to root for, and the show's underlying sense of humor is is slipping away. A similar pattern emerged with House of Cards, Catastrophe, and many others. For some unknown reason, the writers and/or directors can't seem to resist this, and it will kill the show IMO unless reversed.
A Million Little Things (2018)
Overly Melodramatic
A reasonable premise for a show, and good acting. Unfortunately, the characters, for the most part, have been directed to overplay the drama. Every situation they encounter is a crisis. Gary is the worst; the very definition of drama queen. I've noticed that every time the group gets together for a supposedly fun time, someone's feelings get hurt and someone stomps out or is ordered out of the gathering. Please, lighten up!
Wayward Pines (2015)
Season 1 pretty good
I wish this show would have more carefully followed the book by Blake Crouch. It started to in season 1, then slid off in season 2. Still, an interesting premise. Blake has written some very good books, and I hope more get picked up for movies or tv (as Good Behavior was).
Goliath (2016)
Not up to Season 1
Season 2 was a big disappointment. Season 1 had quirky, interesting characters, great acting, a plot that allowed the personalities of Billy and the cast to develop along with it, and a riveting courtroom drama to finish up. For some baffling reason, in season 2, the writers turned to dark, plodding, over the top violence, and worst of all, the show lost its identity and sense of humor.
Billions (2016)
Started strong, but...
As with many very good TV shows over the years, Billions started strong but has strayed from the ingredients that made it a hit. The characters and themes are getting darker and more convoluted with each episode, there is literally no one to root for, and the show's underlying sense of humor is is slipping away. A similar pattern emerged with House of Cards, Catastrophe, and many others. For some unknown reason, the writers and/or directors can't seem to resist this, and it will kill the show IMO unless reversed.
Desperado (1995)
Quirky fun
This is a tongue-in cheek movie modeled along the lines of the oriental fight movies, only set in Mexico. This is a follow-on movie to "El Mariachi", Robert Rodriguez" first movie, made for $7000 with borrowed equipment and no crew. The "Mariachi", this time played by Antonio Banderas, returns for revenge for the death of his woman. The cast is perfect for the movie, and be sure to listen to the director's comments the second time around. Robert Rodriguez had a small budget, but it looks like a big picture. The opening scene with Cheech and Steve Buscemi is priceless (note the toothpick action and facial expressions by Cheech). Antonio and Selma do a great job, and the movie is fun. To really enjoy the movie to the fullest, read about Robert Rodriguez' background, or better yet, get his book "Rebel Without a Crew".