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Reviews
The Night Agent (2023)
The 8/9/10 Ratings are hilarious
This is AT BEST, a 6/10 show.
Cliched dialogue. A story arc that is obvious from halfway through the first episode. And what the hell is up with the lighting?
Ridiculously choreographed stunt work? Check. A cast of actors 99% of people have never seen? Check. Characters with the emotional spectrum of a rock? Check. A will they/won't they get intimate sub-plot? Check.
And again, about that lighting...
Easily one of the most dimly lit shows I've ever seen. It's comically distracting. Are they going for effect? Or, did they not account for it in the budget?
I guess it comes down to this: is this worthy of 10hrs of your life? Based on everything I've mentioned, it wasn't for me.
If you're a fan of Homeland, 24, The West Wing, you will be mightily disappointed.
Painkiller (2023)
"Dopesick" For Dummies
Dopesick is/was a phenomenal must-watch series for anyone interested in a more realistic portrayal of this tragedy.
That said, Uzo Aduba and Taylor Kitsch deliver amazing performances. Broderick is fine, but otherwise not really noticeable. Duchovny and Blanche are clearly trying to punch above their weight-some scenes are outright eye-rolling.
But overall, if you have no knowledge of the uniquely American opioid epidemic, this is as good a place to start, as any. What the Sacklers and Purdue did in the 90's and 00's was utterly psychopathic behaviour. The effects of which continue to kill people, today.
Waco: American Apocalypse (2023)
Utter insanity
As someone who recalls this happening, at the time, I've watched most of the documentaries about this event.
This was easily the most infuriating account I've watched, about this tragedy.
I personally think all forms of religion traffic in snake oil, but whenever you get into the minds of the more cultish sects, I genuinely can't imagine how any reasonable person would go along with such notions.
I'm writing this halfway through episode two. Watching Kathy perform gymnastic level spins to sell Koresh's snake oil was particularly infuriating. Perhaps she confronts her delusions in the final episode, but I'm not hopeful.
On the government side, the choices made to launch a completely bungled raid, was equally infuriating. The lack of cohesion with the negotiator's and the tactical side of law enforcement was, in hindsight, truly maddening.
I also thought there was a missed opportunity to interview the reporter who accidentally tipped off the raid. Would have been interesting to hear how that random mistake affected him in later years.
Overall, this was a very comprehensive account of what happened, back in early '93.
True Story (2021)
An Engaging Series
I loved this.
Had no idea this was in the works, until it dropped. Everyone, even Billy Zane, was perfectly cast.
I watched this over a weekend. There were a few plot points that I could critique, but for the most part, it never got dull, or old.
Very happy to see Snipes acting in dynamic roles, again. He's such a great actor. And gotta say, Kevin Hart was fantastic. I mean, he's essentially playing a version of himself (think Chris Rock in Top Five), but he's never not believable during the more dramatic and serious scenes.
All in all, it was an enjoyable watch!
Revenge of the Nerds (1984)
Context
Writing this in 2021, let's address the Elephant in the Room. That same room that Gilbert has surprise non-consensual sex, in.
I'm 45 years old as I write this review. I write this from the perspective of a voyeuristic 8 year old who remembers the trailer, after seeing it at a drive in (I was actually 10 when I first watched this). It was one of many T&A movies that many a pubescent boy spoke of, with glee.
When I was ten, and didn't know anything, I chalked that scene up to pure fantasy. As in, the guy who admires someone from afar, has an opportunity to make their attraction known, by way of disguise.
And while this movie is so much more than that scene, the fact is, it didn't take long before that scene became 'creepy',
So, this isn't an attempt at being 'woke', it's common sense. In hindsight, that scene didn't age well.
But where I do think it succeeds, and is deserving of its lasting legacy, is it truly sparked the fire which brings Nerd Culture into the social vernacular.
I've watched this evolution. This movie (but not the ridiculous sequels) really starts a seismic shift in celebrity and social culture. It picks up in the 90's, and cements itself in the present, but simply put, modern-day "nerd culture" starts with this movie
And that's why it shouldn't be judged, in hindsight, over one absolutely cringe scene.
The Last Blockbuster (2020)
A wonderful glimpse at a bygone era
Much like the documentary "All Things Must Pass"-which showcased the rise and fall of the Towers Records franchise, this is a heartwarming look at the home-video era that predated streaming.
I'd suspect most who watch this, are of a certain age, where they recall how iconic and seemingly too big to fail, these businesses seemed.
I thought it did a fairly good job of explaining why Blockbuster stores were the Goliaths of the era, and how the downfall invariably occurred.
I also enjoyed the personal anecdotes surrounding the town of Bend, and the store's long-time manager Sandi.
It's a lighthearted sentimental journey, that was told in an engaging manner-save for a few annoying talking heads.
Jesus of Nazareth (1977)
A sentimental favourite
For people of a certain age (I'm 45 writing this in 2021) this mini-series is a memorable one. Especially if you were raised Roman Catholic, Anglican, or Protestant.
This was an Easter ritual for my family, during the 80's. Having lost both my parents at 15, those childhood memories hold extra weight. And for sure, watching this on prime time TV during the Palm Sunday - Easter Sunday period, represented some fairly wholesome times.
As for the series itself? Like many things in the 70s, some of the best aspects are equally the worst, all these years later. There's a lot of bloat. It definitely relies on the dramatic, compared to any historical accuracy. The musical score is wonderfully over the top. It's definitely geared towards a Western audience.
BUT THAT CAST!?! Even as a kid, I knew there were a ton of heavy hitters in this, alongside some future classics. Case in point, me discovering it was the lovely Ian McShane playing Judas, as I was searching his background on IMDB, because of his role as Al Swearengen.
In hindsight, it's hilarious how many films which featured British actors, were set in places and periods that were decidedly not British.
Also, as a Gen X'r, I remember this golden-era of expansive ensemble casts starring in productions, specifically tailored for prime-time TV. That seemed to end, in the late 80's.
Also, I'm going to take a moment to recognize my childhood crush. Someone who, when I saw her in her only scene, got me hot and bothered for the first time...except I was 8, and didn't know what 'exactly' was happening...and went to bed thinking I had sinned. Thank you Irish Catholicism
But I'm going to shout out Claudia Cardinale. I would gladly say all the prayers, to counteract the impure thoughts she inspired, within me. What a woman.
Even though I've given up 'organized religion', this is still my favourite rendition of the King James Version. As a kid I was transfixed by Powell's portrayal as Jesus. Those stunning blues.
Now, I found out it was an Eyeliner trick. Damn you Hollywood magic!!!
8.5/10.
New Amsterdam: Replacement (2019)
So far, So good
Three strong episodes into the new season, and I'm still invested. I've enjoyed the way they dealt with last years emotional finale, and I'm enjoying the new army vet character. Also pleasantly surprising, are the quality of actors filling the secondary roles. Although that tends to happen as a show gets renewed and generates some buzz.
As someone who started watching this in 2021, it's been interesting to go back and read reviews and industry buzz/marketing, from 2019-20.
And because I know there's a third season currently airing, I'm curious to see if they can build up a more Law and Order (medical) drama, as opposed to being a cheesier Grey's, which occasionally would become part of the storylines mid-season one
Part of me hopes they don't go the romantic route with Max and Helen. On the other hand, Bloom and her rehab doctor have me and the gf laughing-this time, for the right reasons.
New Amsterdam: Luna (2019)
Finally
I've written some sincerely sarcastic reviews of various episodes, this season-and while i still stand by them, this episode was straight up great. These are the kind of plot lines which drew me into the first 10 episodes. Started to get a little thin during eps 11-18, but the first season ended strong.
The performances in this episode, were top notch
Because I'm coming to this late, I know Max and family survive. Still, season one has kept me interested in how season two manifests itself.
I've said all along, this show skews to the overdramatic when the storylines focus too much on the extras, as compared to the actual cast. Sometimes, it tackles too many variants. There's a lot of cheesy dialogue. It can be sappy and unrealistic, and yet I genuinely enjoy the issues they try to address. Let's see if I'm feeling the same at the end of season two.
As a Canadian with socialized health-care, you can tell this was written in a time of Trump-and a GOP Senate. There's a lot of frank disclosure regarding some uncomfortable health-care facts. Some might accuse the show of pushing an agenda, and we can refer to those people, as complete idiots.
Health care should be an enshrined right.
On to season two.
New Amsterdam: Croaklahoma (2019)
Sinning isn't cool
Feeling more and more compelled to leave reviews on these shows, for all the wrong reasons.
I'm starting this show, in 2021, via Netflix. What once was an enjoyable watch, due to the emotional (albeit sappy) plot lines, is now becoming an enjoyable show due to the horrible dialogue found in many of the subplots.
It's like every non-regular who makes an appearance, is fresh out of their acting school-or, the writers are starting to succumb to the pressures of cranking out 21 episodes.
The main cast is still holding my interest, but these supporting actors are something else, lol
Either way, it's become a fun drinking game for my gf and I, to take a drink every time the dialogue causes us to audibly exclaim: "OH, COME ON!!!" haha
Needless to say, the storyline with the Catholics had this former Catholic reaching for his holy wine.
New Amsterdam: Anima Sola (2019)
Were they blind when they wrote this
This could've been another great episode. The aging doctor subplot? Bloom vs Adderall? Fantastic stuff. The blind mother? Sweet Mother of God...
What a ridiculous storyline.
Not helping was the choice of actor to portray the mother. Maybe it was her first big role, but her performance was completely and unintentionally comical.
The scene where her bandages get removed?!? My partner and I had to pause it, repeatedly, due to fits of laughter. It was sooooo bad. I'm legit giggling thinking about it, as I type these words, haha.
Bloom locking the door to an emergency room, was a bit much. I'm coming to the show late, but I'm noticing the writing is beginning to choose drama over substance, in some of these storylines.
Don't get me wrong, I know what the show is, and what it's aiming for...still, I'm hoping they don't continue in that direction.
New Amsterdam (2018)
If you enjoy medical dramas...
...you'll enjoy this iteration of the genre.
Just started watching this on Netflix, and it's been fairly entertaining. The core cast delivers strong performances, even when the writing seems a little saccharine, or cliched.
There's definitely a larger focus on the ethics surrounding modern medicine. As you can see in the reviews provided, for some, that leans too progressive.
That's not a concern, for me.
While I wouldn't qualify it as bingeworthy, each episode has been a satisfying watch. It isn't ER, or St. Elsewhere (or whatever is considered to be the top bar for these shows) but I'm enjoying for what it is: a strong ensemble drama.
Definitely 7.5/10.
Groundhog Day (1993)
Near Perfection
Watching this, on Groundhog Day 2021, what more can be said about this film, that hasn't already been said?
It's the perfect mid-winter comedy, and has become an annual tradition in my house. Highly rewatchable.
I'd rate this a perfect 10, if it weren't for the Godawful theme song. I don't know who signed off on that decision, but it sounded dated, even back in '93
9.5/10
Sorry to Bother You (2018)
Mixed Feelings
Still trying to process my feelings about this movie. On the one hand, it's been awhile since I've seen an independent movie, like this. In today's era of blockbusters dominating the majority of movies to get made, I was excited to check this out.
Similarly, this really seems like an independent movie from the early 90's-and in a strange way, it dates the movie, in a negative way (for me).
As someone who came of age during that era of independent film, I probably would have loved this, in my Gen X twenties. There are many familiar Gen X messages, that are peppered throughout the plot.
Things like class equality, the evils of capitalism, selling out versus personal success, existential angst, racial stereotypes, etc. I know these issues aren't exclusively the domain of Gen-X, but again, as someone who fondly recalls that era, the presentation of them in this film, is very familiar.
Not to mention the writer/director Boots Riley is a few years older, then me. As I say, this is familiar territory.
But now, in my mid-forties, I noticed many aspects to this story, that felt forced, or trying to be clever in ways that seem a little too on the nose.
I specifically think to the scene where Cassius is made to rap in front of a soulless crowd of minions, despite his insistence that he, in fact, cannot rap. The only reason he's asked to perform, is because he's black, so 'of course' he must know how to rap. After stumbling through some awkward verses, he switches to shouting a series of emphatic n-words, over and over again, and the crowd roars in approval.
Obviously, this is a comment on the minstrel ish many people of colour, especially Black people, have to endure to be accepted/successful by a largely Caucasian power-structure, but the entire scene was full of eye rolls because it was performed in such a lazy manner.
This movie finds itself entering into several of these predictable traps.
The kind of trap a high-school play often falls into. Where it feels like you're speaking truth to power, on stage-but out in the audience, you're slow-clapping at the effort.
Which begs the question, am I out of touch with those youthful ideals, or is this movie-with the benefit of age-just pretentious in its arc? Maybe it's both.
5.5/10
The Dig (2021)
Simply Wonderful
I went into this with no knowledge of the events depicted, but was thoroughly engaged by the magnificent performances, cinematography and screenplay.
As others have mentioned, the 'action' takes place in the form of subtle dialogue, knowing glances, and the tension brought upon by an omnipresent looming war. For some, it appears this wasn't enough to keep them interested over the course of the film.
For me, it all added up to a wonderful story, and arguably the 'best' Netflix produced fictional movie, I've ever seen.
Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer (2021)
In-Depth
This is a very well done look at the investigation surrounding a notorious serial killer. It's got great first hand coverage, interspersed with previous news reports. All in all, very informative and never glorifying the murderer or his victims
I have one major pet peeve, and it has to do with a stylistic choice, in the filming of each episode. There's a crutch that the director seems to overuse whenever a new interview subject is introduced. A slow tracking shot of the person featuring the interviewee looking pensive or stoic is shown, and it gets old quick.
If Anything Happens I Love You (2020)
All the feels
If you're here wondering what the buzz is about, stop reading and go watch this 12 minute short.
Make sure you have something to absorb your tears, though.
Canvas (2020)
Wonderful
How this has the rating it does, is beyond me.
In nine minutes, not a single word is spoken, and yet a myriad of emotions are conveyed. I'll be recommending it to all my adult friends-especially if they only have one living parent, in their lives.
First and Last: In Between Opportunities (2018)
If there's one takeaway from this episode
...it's that deadbeat dad's, are almost always the biggest pieces of you know what. The one featured in this episode is a prime example
First and Last: Lit on Your Birthday (2018)
The worst part about being in jail
...are MF's who can't seem to shut up. Imagine having to deal with all the stress of being incarcerated, and the guy in your cell just keeps talking?
Also, ladies...beware of dem rudebwoys
First and Last: Guns Drawn, Shields Raised (2018)
Delusions
The best thing about being young, is that time seems forever. You can act stupid, and be stupid because there's always a sense you'll turn things around.
But especially after the age of 25, that kind of behaviour gets risky. And if you aren't careful, you can blink and find yourself on the other side of 30, stuck in the type of patterns that will ruin you. And suddenly, time seems to start speeding up. It's not that the patterns can't be broken, after 30, but it becomes exponentially harder to do.
Invariably, there will be a moment that one looks back upon, in that 20/20 hindsight, and recognize an opportunity in their youthful ignorance that was a wasted. A wasted chance that will affect every subsequent 'should I or shouldn't I' decision.
If you're lucky, you figure it out. If you aren't, it's just a matter of time before you're likely find yourself in the correctional system.
This episode features people at varying points, in this journey. It's a tough watch.
First and Last: Smooth With This Sh*t (2018)
Attitude
Definitely the least likeable group, featured in the series. It'd be easy to dismiss these subjects as obnoxiously trashy, or plain ignorant, but dig a little deeper and you can see instances of mental illness, addiction, repressed sexuality and individuals acting hard, because that's literally all they have left.
More than anything, you see the predictable results to people engaging in self-destructive patterns.
Born to Be Blue (2015)
Terrific Performances
Ethan Hawke never ceases to amaze me. His performance, alongside the superb Carmen Ejogo, is absolutely fantastic.
If you're watching this movie, you most likely know about the Chet Baker story.
Some biopics fail because they try to cover too much, or because they take too many liberties with the dramatizations. One of the many reasons this film 'works', for me, is because the dramatic licenses they do take (script/plot), work so well with the events on record.
This is by no means, a happy movie. But it's a story worth telling, and watching.
8.5/10
Documentary Now!: Long Gone (2019)
My Favourite Episode
I come back to this episode, a lot. There are so many clever nods to 'Let's Get Lost', and having rewatched this episode five times, I always find something new.
I'll admit a bias, which is that I absolutely loved 'Let's Get Lost'. It's one of my favourite music documentaries. I'm guessing most of the subpar reviews here are from people who may not have seen it.
For me, this is some of Fred's best work. The performances by him and the supporting cast are so wonderful.
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016)
This is a pretty good movie, but...
It's neither a masterpiece, nor is it even historically accurate. Some of these reviews are written as if this were a documentary. It's a dramatized version of a real-life event.
But it is well shot, and the majority of performances are great. Absolutely captures your attention over the two plus hours. And it holds up well. I've rewatched this several times, on Netflix
What I like most about this film, is that it really stays away from the political editorializing that has occurred, in hindsight.
There's no doubt this was a tragedy, and obviously a massive clusterbleep, but rather than focus on political talking points, it focuses on the lead up to this event, and effectively demonstrates how quickly things went south.
8.5/10