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Reviews
Quantum Leap: Secret History (2023)
Great episode - relationships and tension
I had a feeling that some craziness would go down. Last week's episode was a bit slower so I expected this week to pick up. Oh boy, did it. Have a lot of story lines going on and being tied together. Was wondering when we'd have someone see Ben and recognize him like in the original Quantum Leap when kids could see Sam. Your going to get me to like Tom after all. I thought at first he was going to be a plant of some kind but this episode made him likeable. The tension between him and Ben was well done. As was at the end when he showed vulnerability and Ben picked up on it. Can they be friends, probably not but they can coexist. The chemistry between Ben and Hannah also really well done. Ian getting more storylines helps as well. The fact they kept referring to Albert Einstein as Al was definitely on purpose. Although Nazi's are overdone this one works due to the time period. I like it when we get more of Ben being Ben while playing a character. Anxious to see where it goes from here. Maybe they're getting us to like Tom only to turn on us.
Champions (2023)
Fun, sweet movie
One of Woody's better acting jobs in a while. He's not a totally likeable character and he pulls it off. The arc he goes through is predictable but still fun to watch. Is it the Mighty Ducks with basketball instead? Yeah, probably but who cares. It's fun and sweet and entertaining. Predictable at times, sure but also sweet and subtle. In a world full of Marvel over the top movies, it's nice to have something like this. A slice of life story with a message. As someone who worked with special needs people in college, it's nice to have a movie paint a picture of how much personality, creativity, independence, and responsibility they are capable of.
It's just a good movie. It's nothing earth shattering but you'll definitely be happy you watched it and it might even shed some light on a segment of our society that you overlook.
Ok...set in Des Moines and other than a couple exterior shots of my hometown, it's not really close to the movie. But that's me griping about something that's totally creative license. They DID make it look as close as they could with the D now G League style set up for the Stallions. The gym and location would fall in line with the rougher parts of Des Moines. But once again, I'm nitpicking.
BS High (2023)
I don't know why everyone is hating on this
Apparently only ESPN can make good documentaries according to some of you. I don't think they glorify Roy Johnson but let him reveal his true character. He's a fast talker, he's got tons of charisma, and he's full of BS. It's all about him! Apparently some people missed the stories of the kids affected by this man. The kids crying, the lives ruined. The mothers dealing with the aftermath. They paint a pretty good picture of what a horrible person Roy Johnson is. And they even say "hey, this could have happened anywhere he just happened to be the right guy at the right time."
The story telling is fantastic. The production is fantastic. The human element of everyone even Roy is perfectly done. If you want a great story horribly produced documentary, watch "The Perfect Bid: The Contestant Who Knew Too Much" and learn how to not edit a film.
This is a must watch in my opinion. Just like the Woodstock 99 documentaries, you're going to leave in a bad mood but it's because you should. I guess I shouldn't be surprised people on the internet hate something for stupid reasons but oh well.
Twisted Metal (2023)
A great adaption of the video game
I was apprehensive based on the first few trailers we got. Just looked cheesy. But thankfully the show was much much better. Definitely a lot like The Boys in it's violence, humor, and characters. There were plenty of nods to the video games that was appreciated. Mackie and Beatriz nail both of their roles as John Doe and Quiet. They have chemistry from the beginning and it develops nicely. The last episode certainly makes me think we'll get a second season and I can't wait.
I also like how even when you get what you want from Calypso, you really don't. Sweet Tooth was played perfectly. The most iconic character of the video game series was done perfectly. Oh and nice to see Neve Campbell again.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Must see in theatres - for young and old
Lofty expectations? Met. Worth the wait? Yes. I don't remember a non franchise movie that had this much anticipation. You have your Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel, etc but Top Gun. That's a special movie for a lot of people. And none of them will be disappointed. Maverick breaks off more than it should be able to chew but does it anyway. There are Easter eggs for the diehard fans but you don't lose a lot if you miss em. The rest of us mere mortals will just enjoy a continuation of a childhood favorite or getting to enjoy what our parent did when they were young. The cast is great, the action is intense, and you feel like your in the dog fight or in the plane at all times. In a world of CGI being all the rage, Tom Cruise wanted to make this as realistic as possible. And he did so. Though at times it feels like a redo of the original Top Gun it doesn't actually end up being that. Every character's actions has consequences. Though in a small role the moments we get Val Kilmer on screen with Tom are beautiful. All in all you can't find a better sequel to a movie. I'm not one to tell you that you MUST see a movie in theaters but this would be it. A long movie but it's not like The Bat Man or the new Matrix movie where you could have chopped out 20 minutes and made a better movie. See Maverick as soon as possible and as many times as possible.
The Batman (2022)
Darker then the Dark Knight? Sign me up for more!
I had high expectations coming into it. The Dark Knight was one of my favorite theater experiences ever. So I had heard the buzz and they were right. This movie is fantastic. This movie is 90% Batman and maybe 10% Bruce Wayne, might even be closer to 95 to 5 but it works really well. We finally see Bruce as a younger more brooding and dark young man than in the past. Not the happy go luck millionaire buying hotels so his super model friends can swim in it. But a dude who lost his parent and is in a dark dark place because of it. He chooses vengeance and anger. He embraces it. He's out for revenge. Maybe like a cliche old western but it works well. My only grip is holy smokes it's a long one. Probably could have cut out 20 minutes or so with the Cat Woman. I get it, but it didn't need to be as much. The cast is flat out amazing. The writing, script, dialogue, pacing, cinematography, music, sound effects, editing are all top notch. I don't think. "Something in the way" is perfect. Also Paul Dano delivers an absolute gem of a performance. The guy doesn't get enough credit for bringing characters to life. Best Batman villain performance since Heath Ledger as the Joker. He's THAT good. He's creepy and uncomfortable and a psychopath but you can't take your eyes off of him because he's so great.
I split it up into 2 nights. I would recommend the same. You can make it in one long viewing but it's long. Definitely pause before the chase scene if you're going to split it up. After that, it's a hell of a thrill ride.
The Walking Dead: World Beyond (2020)
Your supposed to care about the characters not hate them
I've loved pretty much everything the Walking Dead has done. But this was awful from the beginning. It's not on the child actors. I'm sure they could do much better with actual characters we would care about. The story was ok but I didn't like a single character on the show. Poorly developed and cliche to the end. There is no worse or lazier writing than having one character tell another character "everyone loves you and you're perfect blah blah blah". Don't have a character tell me someone is great, show me the character is great. I didn't need the crew of Firefly to tell me that Mal was great, the story and writing did that for me. Most of the character are flat and forgettable especially the adults. The kids in the Walking Dead I care about. I want them to do well. I want them to survive. Every kid except for maybe Hope, I wanted them do die. I couldn't make it past a few episode because I hated every character so much. Cliche, lazy, boring.
Fear the Walking Dead: Cindy Hawkins (2021)
Dorie loses his mind, we ride a long.
Once again all y'all hating on this episode and you have no reason to.
Loved this episode. Was great to see that June and Dorie who were doing quite well. I'd lose my damn mind in that place and well, that's what happens with Dorrie. I like the fact they touch on the effects of withdrawl for an alcoholic. Last episode dealt with Grace losing it mentally with the despair of a zombie ridden world after a nuke has been set off. The world was bad enough before the nuke now you have to deal with nuclear fallout. John dealing with his demons was really well done. The hallucinations were well done. They felt and looked real. Keith did a great job of acting the entire time. I also enjoyed the POV shots of his eyes. Dunno how they got the shot but it was really cool and added to the suspense. Have no idea who the people are that were trying to kill him and June but I'm guessing we'll find out. Also, love the fact that the end of the episode sets up for Victor and Morgan to finally meet.
Fear the Walking Dead: Six Hours (2021)
Sad but good episode.
Grace and Morgan learning about being parents with a constantly crying baby. Feel bad for them as they try to find food. Grace really losing it was hard to watch seemed amazingly real to it. I didn't get her freaking out about the song but she had gone off the deep end. Was a tough but well executed episode. Feel like it's setting up for something else. You could the feel the impending doom, hopelessness, and frustration. The sets and cinematography this season have been unreal. You feel like your in the post nuclear still zombie apocalypse.
The Walking Dead: Hunted (2021)
The best shot episode so far
The cinematography on this one is gorgeous. The wide shot of the empty building with the elevator was amazing. All of the solar flares and low angle shots to establish scenes was really well done. The episode itself was great and you really feel the panic and fear as the team tries to survive the attack. Then back at home the simple nature of trying to get horses was a nice contrast and a chance for the audience to breathe. I can't say enough how beautifully shot this episode was.
Nothing to Lose (1997)
Great Buddy Comedy with amazing cast
The 90's had a ton of buddy comedies and this one got lost in the fold, sadly. The cast is great as many of the actors have gone on to do great things in TV. But it's got a great message and has many funny moments. Martin Lawrence and Tim Robbins have great chemistry as do John C. McGinley and Giancarlo Esposito. The latter two especially as ruthless robbers in the desert. I forgot this is one of the few Steve Oedekerk directed movies. Wish he did more actually. But it's perfectly placed, well scripted, acted well, and just the right length. It touches a bit on the economic issues of America. Tim Robbins playing Nick Beam was a trip knowing the character probably wouldn't agree with anything Tim Robbins does in real life. Martin Lawrence gets overshadowed a lot in the 90's by Will Smith but he's really solid in this. I mean he could be Denzel Washington. Take a good look. It's funny that Nick Beam the executive is a better criminal than Martin Lawrence while Martin is a better husband and knows a ton about electronics but can't get a job because of the color of his skin. The scene with the tarantula is comedy gold and the scene with Grandma slapping everyone is great as well. Lots of great one liners throughout the movie make it worthwhile. You can't go wrong with the 90+ minutes spent. I mean you really have.... Nothing to Lose.
Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins (2021)
Great beginning to a Snake Eyes reboot
Y'all apparently don't see the word "Origins" in the title. Going in i figured it would be like the 1st X-men movie with Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. It was. The Snake Eyes character is kinda similar to Wolverine. Pit fighter, trying to find his place in the world, haunted by his past. This reimaging of Snake Eyes is a mix of that along with Han Solo. It's totally different than the Marvel version but I'm fine with it. I loved the action and the arc that the character goes through. It's very much like the 1st X-men where is not a ton of plot but mostly character development and dialog. It's good fun like a Fast and Furious movie. Everyone needs to lighten up and enjoy it.
Fear the Walking Dead: In Dreams (2021)
Beautiful execution
Amazing. Gut wrenching. Mind bending. Top notch cinematography. Amazing acting. Perfect story telling. The pacing. Everything. Well freaking done.
Perfect Bid: The Contestant Who Knew Too Much (2017)
Great Idea Poorly Executed
The idea is great. I honestly didn't mind the length or the subject. I thought the guy was weird but compelling. I couldn't get past how horrendously this was edited. I dunno if they never went to class on to how to edit video but it's beyond awful Random shots thrown over someone talking, sometimes randomly in slow motion. Just seems to jump everywhere. Should have used a full screen graphic or the natural video from the interview instead of some random shot of Bob Barker in slow motion. If I were a professor in college this would be what I would show my students on how NOT edit.