akcenat
Joined Mar 2010
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akcenat's rating
Eddie Redmayne delivers a masterful performance as the enigmatic Jackal, bringing nuanced complexity to the role of an elite assassin. His transformative abilities and subtle character work elevate every scene he's in.
Unfortunately, Lashana Lynch's portrayal of Bianca Pullman lacks the necessary depth and authenticity for such a pivotal role. Her performance feels forced almost all the time, but particularly during emotional scenes or wcenes involving her character's family.
The series excels in its technical aspects, with nice European locations and impressive action sequences. The opening assassination scene demonstrates remarkable technical prowess, though some plot points strain credibility.
While the contemporary update of the original works well, addressing themes of global inequality and financial transparency, the narrative occasionally meanders with unnecessary subplots and filler content.
The show maintains a solid pace with well-crafted twists, but the extended episode count dilutes what could have been a tighter, more impactful story. Despite its flaws, it remains an entertaining thriller.
Unfortunately, Lashana Lynch's portrayal of Bianca Pullman lacks the necessary depth and authenticity for such a pivotal role. Her performance feels forced almost all the time, but particularly during emotional scenes or wcenes involving her character's family.
The series excels in its technical aspects, with nice European locations and impressive action sequences. The opening assassination scene demonstrates remarkable technical prowess, though some plot points strain credibility.
While the contemporary update of the original works well, addressing themes of global inequality and financial transparency, the narrative occasionally meanders with unnecessary subplots and filler content.
The show maintains a solid pace with well-crafted twists, but the extended episode count dilutes what could have been a tighter, more impactful story. Despite its flaws, it remains an entertaining thriller.
New "Matlock" (2024) attempts to revive the classic legal drama formula but stumbles in execution. While maintaining some entertainment value, the show suffers from significant shortcomings that prevent it from reaching its potential.
The most glaring issue is the uneven acting performances, with many cast members delivering stilted, unconvincing portrayals that break immersion. Also, the inclusion of a 12-year-old hacker character stretches credibility beyond reasonable limits. Despite the flaws, the show manages to provide some engaging courtroom drama moments. However, logical inconsistencies and bad acting by supporting cast will likely distract viewers.
The show's saving grace lies in its occasional moments of charm and Kathy Bates performance. Yet, these bright spots aren't enough to overcome the fundamental issues with overall performance quality and script believability. It is best suited for casual viewing with tempered expectations.
Raring: 6+/10.
The most glaring issue is the uneven acting performances, with many cast members delivering stilted, unconvincing portrayals that break immersion. Also, the inclusion of a 12-year-old hacker character stretches credibility beyond reasonable limits. Despite the flaws, the show manages to provide some engaging courtroom drama moments. However, logical inconsistencies and bad acting by supporting cast will likely distract viewers.
The show's saving grace lies in its occasional moments of charm and Kathy Bates performance. Yet, these bright spots aren't enough to overcome the fundamental issues with overall performance quality and script believability. It is best suited for casual viewing with tempered expectations.
Raring: 6+/10.
This 2024 movie represents everything that's becoming problematic with Netflix's approach to action films - throwing money and star power at a mediocre script while hoping chemistry and explosions will carry the day. Unfortunately, this formulaic spy thriller falls flat despite its impressive budget and its cast. The plot is predictable, and we've seen it countless times before. The story's attempts at twists are telegraphed far in advance, robbing the film of any surprises, but the most glaring issue is Berry's miscast role as a blue-collar spy operative. She never convincingly sells the "working-class secret agent" angle. Her presence and wardrobe choices consistently undermine the film's attempts to position 'The Union' as a down-to-earth alternative to traditional spy agencies.
The action sequences feel derivative and lack genuine tension. The film delivers a handful of serviceable set pieces, but nothing approaches the energy we've come to expect from modern spy thrillers. The car chases through London streets and rooftop pursuits feel like pale imitations of better films in the genre.
Wahlberg and Berry, despite their individual charisma, generate surprisingly little (on-screen) chemistry. Their romantic history, which should drive much of the emotional narrative, never feels genuine or compelling. The script saddles them with old-fashioned dialogue and forced banter that wastes both actors' charm (more her than his).
J. K. Simmons appears as The Union's leader, but even his considerable talents can't elevate the material beyond its basic cable sensibilities. The supporting cast is also similarly underutilised in one-dimensional roles.
The film's production values are solid, with attractive location shooting across London and Europe. However, this often works against the movie's attempted blue-collar spy aesthetic, creating a disconnect between its stated premise and its execution.
Also, the movie's pacing is uneven. By the time we reach the climax, it's difficult to care about the outcome or the characters' fates.
The Union isn't necessarily a terrible film - it's just average, being another forgettable entry in Netflix's growing catalogue of mediocre action films. It's yet another reminder that star power alone cannot elevate subpar material.
Rating: 5- out of 10 IMDb stars.
The action sequences feel derivative and lack genuine tension. The film delivers a handful of serviceable set pieces, but nothing approaches the energy we've come to expect from modern spy thrillers. The car chases through London streets and rooftop pursuits feel like pale imitations of better films in the genre.
Wahlberg and Berry, despite their individual charisma, generate surprisingly little (on-screen) chemistry. Their romantic history, which should drive much of the emotional narrative, never feels genuine or compelling. The script saddles them with old-fashioned dialogue and forced banter that wastes both actors' charm (more her than his).
J. K. Simmons appears as The Union's leader, but even his considerable talents can't elevate the material beyond its basic cable sensibilities. The supporting cast is also similarly underutilised in one-dimensional roles.
The film's production values are solid, with attractive location shooting across London and Europe. However, this often works against the movie's attempted blue-collar spy aesthetic, creating a disconnect between its stated premise and its execution.
Also, the movie's pacing is uneven. By the time we reach the climax, it's difficult to care about the outcome or the characters' fates.
The Union isn't necessarily a terrible film - it's just average, being another forgettable entry in Netflix's growing catalogue of mediocre action films. It's yet another reminder that star power alone cannot elevate subpar material.
Rating: 5- out of 10 IMDb stars.