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Reviews
Eureka (2006)
Lighthearted, Funny and Interesting
I just finished watching this series last night and I will miss it!
I loved pretty much all of the characters, which is a big deal because likeable characters, to me anyway, is part of what makes a show/film enjoyable or not.
If you like sci-fi (which I didn't know I did until Eureka), you'll like this. It has plenty of special effects, interesting story lines (there's always some sort of catastrophe that threatens the population's safety), humor and relationship dynamics, you'll like this.
My only qualm is that I'd heard they were planning to do a 6th season, which would have been the final season, but instead, only opted to do one final episode to wrap things up. I would have loved that last season.
It seems they cancelled the show due to it being so expensive to film. Considering the special effects, I can see it being that way.
However, with today's social media influence and the fact that over a decade since it ended it still has an enthusiastic fan base, I'd LOVE to see it either rebooted (a lot of shows have done this) or made into a film (with the original cast of characters, of course). I think there would be plenty of story left to tell, even picking up where Eureka left off.
Plus, if you enjoy storylines that discuss or show examples of the nature of reality (even in a tongue and cheek kind of way), there would be no shortage of stories to develop.
The characters would undoubtedly make it interesting and funny.
I would easily rewatch Eureka again someday. Until then, I'll simply appreciate that I discovered it and enjoyed it so much.
The Outlaws (2021)
Funny and Entertaining
I just finished watching the end of season 2 last night and I can only hope they continue with this show.
The entire cast is brilliant and has wonderful chemistry.
I enjoy the combination of drama and comedy. The stories are interesting and I did feel like I was on the edge of my seat with several scenes, but the comic relief was unexpected and worked perfectly. They also managed (in only six episodes per season at that) to flesh out the characters and their relationships with one another.
Christopher Walken was wonderful here. I enjoyed Stephen Merchant's character as well and was surprised to find out that he actually created the show.
Wrapping this up, I enjoyed The Outlaws immensely. Witty, entertaining and just fun to watch. I hope they'll be more seasons to come.
Beautifully Broken (2018)
A Beautiful and Inspiring Tearjerker
Just a beautiful movie based on a true story about the power of forgiveness and healing after tragedy.
Two of the families are dealing with the horror of genocide in Rwanda while the other family lives in Tennessee, dealing with the dark change they see in their teenage daughter following an attack.
The violence and heartache everyone went through would have made victims of all of them, but again, this is a film about the power of forgiveness. About finding the light, the God within us, to make the choice to not let our pasts define us and to instead, move forward - bringing good into a world that needs it.
I won't say more about the story, but I will say I recognized Benjamin A. Onyango and Scott Winters and thought they both did a wonderful job.
If you enjoy stories, especially true stories about what true inner-power and light can do for the human race, I highly recommend this film.
My Greatest Teacher (2012)
A Moving and Thought-Provoking Film with Dr. Wayne Dyer and Patrick Fabian
What is the cost of holding onto anger and resentment? That's exactly what this thought-provoking film is about.
A true story based on the life of Dr. Wayne Dyer, one of my favorite all-time authors/speakers/teachers. Starring in it is the one and only Patrick Fabian, who played the memorable Howard Hamlin on Better Call Saul.
Fabian stars as Dr. Ryan Kilgore. While from the outside, it would appear he's a successful family man with much to be thankful for, he's angry. His father abandoned him, his siblings and his mother at a very young age. This anger poisons every aspect of his life. That's all I'll give away. The rest is worth watching.
The small cast of characters is great. You'll see another member of the Gilliverse here, which I got a kick out of.
I loved this film. Fabian did a magnificent job in this role. He's an impressive actor who really seemed to embrace playing this character. I only wish it had more exposure since the message here is so powerful, especially in such turbulent times.
It makes you see how carrying a grudge will affect you, your loved ones, your career and everything else in your life. When you watch this film, especially if you're a Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul fan, you'll perhaps see a parallel in what happens when people don't acknowledge, face and properly process their unresolved emotions. At least, that's how I see this.
Do yourself a favor and watch My Greatest Teacher. It's about an hour long (it's one of I think four stories in the Tales of Everyday Magic collection) and easily keeps your attention.
Plus, as I'd mentioned, I enjoyed seeing a couple of actors from the Breaking Bad Universe star in a film created by one of the most insightful and humorous Spiritual teachers of our time, Dr. Wayne Dyer. His works will always be timeless.
Highly recommended.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven (2004)
Entertaining and Touching
This was a beautiful film. From the story itself to the acting, everything was amazing.
Eddie is a maintenance man at an amusement park. He doesn't seem overly thrilled with his day to day life, but he's a kind and decent man who loses his life in a heroic act.
The rest of the film shows us who he meets in heaven and why he meets these particular individuals. I won't go into any more specifics, but the story flows, never gets boring and offers comforting ideas about how our lives may mean more than we think, especially to those who cross our paths (whether we know them or not).
If you're looking for a film to both entertain and move you, I highly recommend watching this. I've seen it twice already and I'll probably watch it again soon.
Mr. Mercedes (2017)
Good Show...But...
I'm one of those who reads the book before watching the adaptation (if I truly enjoyed the story, sometimes I like to see how things play out on screen). That being said, I read all 3 of the books in the Mr. Mercedes trilogy and I think they did a good job with this show.
Just finished watching the season 2 finale, so I'm caught up to speed. If you haven't read the books, you'll have a different experience watching this than I have. The show stayed somewhat true to the books (season 1 more so). Season 2 strayed quite a bit and I'm not sure how I feel about that. A few things bothered me, so I'll voice them here.
For starters, they added Holland Taylor's character (Ida) as a main player to the show. I adored her. In interviews, it was stated she was created to give Bill someone to socialize with since he was lonely and depressed. They utilized her well in season 1, but we barely saw much of her in season 2.
The reason for this seems to be because they also created a role for Bill's wife (she also wasn't in the book) - and I just don't see why this was necessary. Ida actually WAS mentioned in the book, but very mildly when Bill was interviewing some of his neighbors to find out about any suspicious people/activities in the neighborhood and she was the one who mentioned the ice cream man (which he eventually put together as Brady).
Instead of pairing him back up with his wife, I would have preferred to see him develop a stronger bond with Ida in the show. She just exuded class, strength and a quiet dignity - and I was sorry to see her take a back seat to an unnecessary character (his wife) when it didn't add any value to the plot..
Jerome, who was different (happier - and his intelligence was so evident) was underused in the series. He was far more likable in the books, his family life was decent and he didn't have such a nervous and controlling father. He also had a great relationship with his sister. This was important to the story.
In fact, Bill, Jerome and Holly (the trio of strength, humanity and entertainment) didn't work together nearly as much in the series, but in the books, their deep friendship and compatible working relationship were special. I would have liked to see that translated better on screen. Bill valued and needed Jerome and Holly in the books and he cherished them. On screen, he just kind of snapped at them a lot.
Season 2 strayed considerably from the book (which was based on book 3 since book 2 was completely different and didn't involve Brady). I think it was wise to bypass book 2 (Finders Keepers) in the series (for now anyway) since viewership was strongly based on BOTH Bill's AND Brady's characters (and Treadaway's excellent portrayal of him), so it was better to go ahead and keep that plot running.
However, they left a lot unfinished...and completely changed the direction of things in the last several episodes of the show. Maybe this can turn out to be a good thing since they (the writers, producers) can use what happened at the end of the show, combine it with how Brady's character lived on after his body died in the book and create an entire season out of that. If fans are depressed thinking the show is over, this would be a great way to give them a happy surprise by creating additional content for a third season (and even a fourth one - if done right)..
The zapits, which were prominent in book 3, played a smaller part in the show. They showed Jerome's sister using this along with Ida handing them out to her students...and then just left it. Other than Al and Sadie, the nurse, it was sort of abandoned..
In the book, that plot line was well developed and contributed to the entirety of the story and created a LOT of havoc.
They also left Dr. Babineau's character open-ended...and considering how things worked in the book, there is room to continue on with him, his wife, Jerome's sister (Barbara) and Brady (even deceased).
Lou's character (Freddie in the book) is probably the one I liked better onscreen vs. in the book (Bill and Brady I liked about as much fleshed out equally in acting and writing). Breeda Wool added a ton of depth and heart to this character...and she stands out as one of my favorites.
I also thought Kelly lynch did an amazing job as Deb Hartsfield. She, to me anyway, was easier to sympathize with onscreen. In the book, not as much. Her death scene was grueling and so very well played. She's one hell of an actress - and that scene stayed true to the book as well. She deserves an award for that.
Holly, to me, was better in writing. Her written character was brilliant (even if awkward). Onscreen, she was awkward and likable, but her extreme intelligence was minimized - and that was a shame.
All in all, I enjoyed the series, but the books are still better in my opinion. I think SK's work deserves longer adaptations since they are so layered...but true character development is what makes a story - and I just feel they missed the boat with some of the characters and scenes with the show. Plus, I'll never understand some of the changes made. Why introduce a new character (Ida) just to have her sit around while you bring on another new character (Bill's wife)? I learned to care for Ida. Bill's wife was colder and I just didn't get the whole thing.
Lastly, even though the ending strayed from the book, I feel they left room to develop a season 3 based on how book 3 ended....and then, if they really wanted to, develop a season 4 based on Finders Keepers (book 2). They'd have to find a way to separate fans from Brady's presence to achieve this since he wasn't really in that book - but with enough imagination and careful plotting, I think it can be done.
Overall, I enjoyed the series, but not nearly as much as the books. While I was entertained, I just saw several unnecessary changes in the plot and characters that left me shaking my head.
That's my take on Mr. Mercedes.
Cobra Kai (2018)
Beyond Impressed
Just finished binge watching this last night and I'm still pumped.
What a show!
I've been excited about (and avidly following) the news that this show was being made...and the finished product was simply fantastic!
Cobra Kai revisits the main characters of the original Karate Kid 34 years later (minus, of course, our beloved Mr. Miyagi/ Pat Morita - who unfortunately passed in 2005). His essence, however, in the show is present and they respected the relationship Daniel had with his treasured mentor/best friend.
Johnny Lawrence is down on his luck. You can see how the way things played out all those years ago have haunted him and he never really got his crap together. You get to know this man as more than the villain from the movie - as the show gave him depth, vulnerability and yes, even made him likable despite his harsh exterior.
Daniel(son) is a thriving successful business and family man who seems happy, but after running into Johnny and seeing the revamping and subsequent reopening of Cobra Kai, goes through something of an upheaval - as the place and individual who represent his ghosts bring back the memories of the bullying and torment he went through in the film.
Danny and Johnny circle around each other throughout the series attempting to make peace. Yet after each encounter - things somehow become wonky again and reignite new feuds through misunderstandings. I found myself rooting for these guys to just sit down and hash things out. Without giving away too much info...the scenes that take place following the altercation at Daniel's house by the pool are some of the BEST scenes in the series. Their little jaunt in the car was hilarious - and I actually laughed out loud several times while watching the entire season.
The chemistry between these two actors and characters is magnificent. You can tell the past is still very much present for both of them and this propels the events in the story - including the way they influence the kids they end up working with.
Without giving anything away, you can see how Kreese (the Cobra Kai Sensei from the movie) creeped into Johnny's consciousness and influenced how he trains his students - and how he eventually realizes he's inadvertently becoming like the man who harmed him so long ago.
The people in our past, even those you don't want to be anything like, control our lives if we aren't cognizant of our own self-awareness. This theme (and life lesson) is present in the show.
The same goes for the way Daniel turned out thanks to the wise man and gentle warrior his mentor was. You can see him mirror Miyagi teachings (not forced, but from the heart), and how this influences (and changes) the student he works with.
The teens in the show are awesome! You have your three "main" teen characters, but there are a bevvy of supporting characters who play their roles flawlessly and add so much to the story. In fact, ALL the supporting characters were just perfect. Daniel's wife is witty (yet grounded), his son is snarky and funny and the character "Hawk" was fun to watch. I also loved Miguel's grandma - and we are treated to a visit from one of the Karate Kid's characters who is played by the original performer (I won't mention their gender to maintain the element of surprise).
The amount of nostalgia was simply perfect. The flashbacks were placed brilliantly and with meaning. You don't need to have watched the Karate Kid films to appreciate Cobra Kai, but in truth, watching them beforehand really does give the show a much sweeter flavor. I would highly recommend binge watching ALL three Karate Kid films if possible since even the third one plays a role in how things play out in the series.
I won't give the end away, but I will say this:
Holy sh*t!!
I already knew I wanted to see a season 2 well into the first episode...but after the way the final episode in this season ended, all I can say is they need to get filming right away. You can't end things there, There's just so much more to be done here...
I'd say season one was wonderful. Everything I could have hoped for...but really just a base for the multiple possibilities and stories that have yet to be told here.
I do wish they had found a way to include Joe Esposito's "You're The Best Around" song in there somewhere. Maybe in season 2?
I'm hooked! I'm beyond impressed and I sincerely hope they'll continue on with this saga with its strong roots, humor, wit, nostalgia, amazing characters and imagination.
10 stars!