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Reviews
L'art du crime (2017)
Super! Highly entertaining art detective series. What a treat!
This series is hilarious! It reminds me a bit of the American show Castle. In that show the no nonsense detective was a woman and quirky consultant was a famous mystery writer/author who was a man. The series will definitely appeal to viewers who are art-buffs that also enjoy a good who-dunnit crime show. It's this intersection that gives the show it's edge. Each crime revolves around a classical painting or notable artist's work. I am geeky enough to want more on the art and less of the crime but honestly the show is nicely balanced. The two leads have great chemistry and if you enjoy French humor, this show is a delight. My French is passable enough but there are decent English subtitles and the French dialogue isn't super complex making it easy to follow. Action scenes aren't anything spectacular. It's your typical long shot of cops chasing after the fleeing suspect. Instead this is really a show about solving the crime - with the crimes being wonderfully inventive, and the criminal in some way being motivated by art or the sake of art. Overall quite an entertaining series!
Loot (2022)
Comedy of the absurd, it's growing on me
Like several others i really detested this show when I first watched it. The comedy premise - a clueless billionaire divorcée trying to help people thru her vanity charity project was just too close and certainly one of many things wrong with the philanthropy business. Take it from me I work in this field! But then I read over some of the reviews and checked my professional hat at the door, and gave this show another chance. After all it is Maya Rudolph. And though it"s not great comedy, the show is a bit smarter and fun than I initially gave it credit. I am caught up now through season 2 and just appreciate the show for its all of its wonderful quirks like the implausible story, the fantastic cast ensemble, and of course Maya unleashing her amazing comedic talent in the character Molly as the show grows into its own.. Call it a guilty pleasure but I love to watch this show at the end of a particularly tough work day. It makes me laugh! The show entertains precisely because of its over the top characters and outlandish formula for comedy. And for that I am grateful. After all it is only a TV show, not reality. I hope it keeps going!
The Woman in the Wall (2023)
Shocking drama delivered brilliantly
I was familiar with the tragic and dark history of the Magdalene laundries in Ireland. This series tells it in a new way adding a bit of surrealism to tell the tale of the psychological impacts on the mother's and weaves in a bit of mystery. It is told through the eyes of Lorna, a woman still suffering the loss of her daughter, but it weaves her story along with the fates of the lost children into the mystery of a missing former nun who worked in the mother & baby home. Along side her is a detective who also gets pulled into the trauma while investigating the death of a priest and the missing nun. The acting is excellent, the story telling across the six episodes can be a bit uneven however. It goes from telling the story using a psychological lens through the eyes of Lorna until around episode 5 where it shifts quickly into a real world unraveling of the mystery. The shifting perspectives made it hard to focus on the narrative and for me, was a bit distracting. This technique probably used to develop Lorna's character more deeply and push viewers to better empathize with Lorna by visualizing her trauma and longstanding suffering. It did not really work for me. Thankfully the mystery saves the show in the end. I also appreciated how it takes on the inhumanity and hypocrisy of the Catholic Church, and the power they held and still do over women's lives.
Shetland (2013)
Bravo on making the cast change work!
I am a dyed in the wool Shetland fan (from the US) and especially characters Tosh and DI Perez. Very sad once I learned Douglas Henshall left and worried the show had come to an end. But excellent choice bringing on the ever so talented Ashley Jensen to fill his shoes. Welcome! ! I just watched first three episodes on Britbox, and indeed writing, story line and new characters are proving that Shetland is not going out without a fight. I really hope they can keep it going. It's rare to have a consistently excellent detective series run for so long. And speaks to the dedication of its producers and team to continue to make an outstanding show. Well done!
Red Election (2021)
Confused plot but also thrilling
There is a lot in this series that goes unexplained especially the ending. Mostly because they hoped or planned for a second season. Bad call. On the one hand, good performances by the cast. On the other too many betrayals and plot twists that the story thread got lost. I slugged my way through all 10 episodes with anticipation, in fact many of the twists and turns were surprising. However as a viewer one is left still not knowing what or who (or why?) is Redback? Plus the whole role of the danish agent and her motives are completely ridiculous. Two key elements in the series left barely explored. As was the the double cross of the PM by his key advisor., and the nepotism angle by the lead character Beatrice. Each compelling plot fillers but never resolved. Such a waste of some good story ideas! On a positive note the series dealt with deep fakes and issues around what is truth in this age of social media. Something real as is the threat to democracy. The show simply muddled it by trying to take on too much. It's unfortunate since the geopolitics of a multipolar world are quite compelling. Certainly no TV series can accurately capture these complexities so I applaud the Red Election for trying. It just could of been told a bit more coherently.
The Orville (2017)
Engage! This series goes from micro to macro in warp speed!
Let me start by admitting that I am not a Seth MacFarlane fan. So it was difficult to get through the first season (why my rating is 7 not 8). The spoof comedy set up really put me off this show especially when held up against shows like Avenue 5 and Space Force. However as a Star Trek fan I can appreciate the larger vision of this show, and like many others dissatisfied with Discovery and even Picard, I figured I should stay with it. Glad I did. In season 2 we see the crew mature and the action really pick up as The Orville faces more and more interesting challenges. The show begins to focus more on the exploration of new worlds and the trouble that follows while doing so. We also get to know the crew better as their stories deepen. The writers of this show really keep you guessing. What often starts out as a simple love story or troubled marriage between two characters on the ship can blow up into major inter-galactic events and intrigues like genocide, war, spies/betrayals and other diplomatic incidents. Season 3 continues in this direction with greater action and special effects. I was blown away! Especially because many IMDB reviews hated S3 precisely because the show became more serious and less comedic. I say the opposite. And thankfully applaud Mr. MacFarlane's vision and his team for producing a top level show.
The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (2023)
A wonderful multigenerational drama
Thankfully the show warns it's viewership at the start of each episode, but the domestic violence is very hard to watch. Don't let that put you off, it's not graphic or filled with scenes of torture. And since the story revolves around the victims of violence the director and actors all handled this difficult subject well, as much as could be expected. I have not read the book but after viewing this series I probably will. The acting performances are all top notch as is film direction, camera work, as other reviewers have mentioned. I find the pacing matches well with the character driven and emotional script. I am in awe but disturbed by the controlling grandmother and how she is in many ways so much part of the problem with her lies and secrets. And these are some pretty big secrets! Such a complex character, thank you Sigourney Weaver! I found myself in almost every episode routing for Alice, which is a tribute to both the actors who play her as a child and young woman. I was also happy to see Frankie Adams who plays fabulous Candy in another role after her breakout performance in The Expanse. And the always so awesome Asher Keddie. The story not only grapples with the generational damage to children and families caused by domestic violence but also the wounds and scars borne by indigenous women, their families and children from State-imposed violence of forced child removal policies and structural racism. All these pieces come together to draw an incredibly rich albeit tragic tale. Grab your popcorn and a tissue, this series is very much worth a watch!
Hijack (2023)
With such an implausible plot it's hard to stay with it
I am finding a trend with streaming especially on Apple TV Plus. Show begins strong, some decent writing and filled with fine and popular actors. Then it falls apart. Deteriorating into ridiculousness after the big "reveal" that it becomes increasingly painful to watch as they attempt to stretch what should be a three part miniseries or 2 hour movie into 8 episodes. It's literally like being on a long flight from London to Dubai in the middle seat in economy class! Regrettably I made it through the whole series, even with the poor plot construction. I do applaud the excellent selection of talented British actors, too bad the director and script weren't given as much attention as casting. The series 7500 proved hijack shows can be written well, with an interesting plot and a tight suspenseful action. Hijack could of been better.
For All Mankind (2019)
Holy beans! This show Moon Rocks!
There are now three seasons and I just discovered this show finishing season one 3 years later. To be honest I only gave it a chance because of the high ratings. So glad I did. I was a huge BSG fan and have felt Ron Moore really hasn't been able to tap into BSG magic with anything he's done since. Until now. Setting the story in an alternative history of the space race and Cold War geopolitics has been surprisingly well crafted and just subtle enough. It also opened up creative license to reimagine the role of women both as wives and astronauts, as well as other social and political themes like racism and homophobia. This is high drama so well written with great attention to character development and as others have pointed out such amazing acting. What a breath of fresh air in the sci fi genre! I am excited to watch where seasons 2 and 3 take us.
Surface (2022)
Too many long running scenes not enough attention to character development or script
Good cast mainly but characters are underdeveloped and flat. The script is superfluous and as others mentioned no need to let this show drone on for 8 seasons! A three part mini-series would be fine. The ending is strong so if you have time stick with it. The middle episodes are mostly a complete waste. The setting so fantastical that I had a hard time believing these characters really live this kind of life since they seem so undeserving, not interesting or intelligent or particularly complex, nasty, fun or evil. Just boring! The financial scam was nice plot twist but goes no where except to drive a super unrealistic and over the top plot that is normal for Hallmark movies but not expected on Apple TV +. I would skip this cliche drivel if I could do it over.
The Romeo Section (2015)
Crime or espionage in Vancouver
I have watched both seasons and the show was disappointing relative to the few reviews I found. To give fair warning, the plot is incredibly disjointed and leave so many threads without endings, it's difficult at times to figure out what is going on. Half of the show was about spies and the other about drug informants with the same people handling both. Season 1 starts out ok, with strong character development taking over a marginal plot. Then it ends without any closure of any of the multiple story lines. They needed to wrap things up before moving on! Then start Season 2, only the main characters- Wolfgang, Rufus, and Gary (I think...) move onto season 2. Again trying unsuccessfully to weave several different storylines between now terrorism and drug smuggling. Then there is the plot with the "film" about British Chinese opium wars hinting at the similarities of todays opioid epidemic. So poorly executed but interesting concept. Because of how they handled the first Season, I felt less inclined to invest in Season 2. It's too bad since all the actors really showed up playing great parts. Not sure what happened to the production, it could of been a great series.
The Newsreader (2021)
Fabulous series horrible streaming experience
I've been a fan Anna Torv from her early days on Fringe. She does not disappoint in this series. Her portrayal of Helen doing what it takes to survive and succeed as a woman in the TV news business is spot on. In fact the entire caste is excellent as is the story development. It takes me back to hilarious movie 9-to-5, and my own experiences as a young career woman battling against male dominated workplace culture still wide spread in the early 1990's. It's also quite entertaining to see the news team cover actual historical events of 1986, one of the most inventive aspects of this series. I mostly enjoy Australian TV and film so as an America I try to seek it out on streaming services whenever I can find it. However the decision to sell the streaming rights to Roku was a huge mistake. Trying to watch an intense character drama with constant and poorly placed interruptions by countless commercials made for a terrible viewing experience. I had to give up after episode 4 from dire frustration. So disappointing. Hopefully season two will be picked up by another distributor who can offer commercials-free viewing option, or Roku will get their act together and build a subscription service that can offer the show commercials-free .
Three Thousand Years of Longing (2022)
Surprising and delightful film
Like others I watched this movie with little expectations and liked it so much I watched it twice! I am so glad I did since I missed much just with one viewing. At first I questioned the sudden shift in Alithea's decision to embrace her true desire and reveal her wish to Djinn. Especially since she seemed so stubborn and convinced about her choice to be alone, that it made her life content. However you can see her conviction waning as Djinn continues through each successive story of "incarceration" to reveal his own loneliness and heart break. Hence her change of heart quite literally. Their performances are wonderful aided by magical special effects as was the surprising twist on a genre. We can thank the wonderful novelist, AS Byatt for this, since it's based on her short story. And for Idris Elba's charming, sensitive but intimidating playing of Djinn. I recommend this beautifully made film for anyone who can spend time with it. It's storytelling meant to savor, not to rush through.
Unstable (2023)
Low score but kind of a fun show
This show is held up by the female cast players, 100% and Malcom, and the over the top acting by all involved but especially the twins and Leslie. As for the father-son thing, it's tired and relentlessly repetitive. But kinda sweet too. Some more attention needs to be paid to the Dragon family dynamic like a bit of real discussion or flashbacks of the dead wife/mother - make her a character! This would give the show maybe a bit more heart in addition to comedy - in the classic sense. Lowe bros are the weakest characters in this series which surprised me. Dad Lowe is simply reprising his role from Parks and Rec, not believable at all as a scientist. It's one thing to spoof science, scientists or innovation but at least play the parts realistically even with comic relief. His son also ridiculous, formerly a flute player and then suddenly a scientist...? Not seeing it. In fact no one in the cast really is an authentic scientist I get that. They are acting. But if a show decides to take on this role placing the setting as a start up then follow through. Create intelligent banter, not office intrigue about who dates who. Several series that have been able to do this well are Mythic Quest and Silicon Valley, and more recently The Consultant. Rob Lowe's obtuse dancing and crazy behavior depicted as genius process or expression of grief is not authentic nor funny. Don't get me wrong there are funny moments in the show. But rich sad guy dancing is not one of them. I applaud the effort and did laughs at times but am still questioning how this ever got into production...?
Women Talking (2022)
YES! the women are talking, shut up and listen
As others have mentioned the title says a lot. But it requires the viewer to listen. Someone once gave me some great advice on how to approach art and drama (theatre)- you have to let go of your personal expectations (baggage) and predispositions and just let the story or writer take you where they want to go. Women Talking is an imagined discussion by book's author, Miriam Toews, and screen play writer Sarah Polley, based on an actual event that occurred in a Mennonite colony in Mexico in 2007. So it's written much like a play put to film. A tale of unspeakable violence that has been perpetrated on the women (girls) is revealed as they decide as a group to stay or leave the colony. I commend this decision as it gave more attention to the difficulties in making this choice rather then focus on the horrid acts of sexual and physical abuse. I was particularly moved by how they had to weigh their decision against not just leaving their community, home and brothers but also how they struggled to justify the decision in context of their faith and religion. Employing the ensemble of actors of all ages added greatly in this pursuit. The innocence of youth, the angry wife and mother, the wise sage grandmother. You really get a sense of the risks they are facing on both sides of the argument to stay or leave. This is high drama well executed so leave your expectations at the door and let the film take you where it wants to go. It's worth it.
The Last Right (2019)
Sappy but sweet - perfect watch on a cold rainy Sunday afternoon
This movie was a surprise. Not super hilarious but a fun road trip comedy that deals with grief, love, loss, family with a little romance sewn together by a great Irish sense of humor. Main characters were all good but especially Michiel Huisman who plays Daniel. I've seen him in many films and the range, depth and emotion he gives to his performances are only getting better with time. The story includes some interesting plot twists that I didn't see coming and I especially enjoyed the comic relief delivered by the so called "cop chase" and "international incidence". But overall the comment on grief and family is at the heart of this film. Well done!
The Terminal List (2022)
Ugh! Cliche and boring
I barely was able to get through this series since the revenge story was so ridiculous and almost comically unrealistic served up by shockingly poor acting from the lead Pratt. I have to cut him some slack because the script was terrible. I ended up scrolling through much of the tediously long man hunt scenes which is about 1/3 of the series. On a bright note the twist at the end was interesting... and thankfully the roles of the reporter and FBI agent were quite played well. And like many other viewers I agree that the dark lighting was annoying and truly a bad mistake. I am disappointed that there will be a second season.
Dirt Music (2019)
Poorly told story but kinda romantic
So I am from USA never traveled to Australia. Nor have I read Tim Winton books. But I have enjoyed many Australian films and TV introduced through streaming on ACORN as well as all the great Aussie actors who have careers in the US and Hollywood. I gave this film only a 4-star rating because the story was indeed romantic with good chemistry between the leads but was poorly laid out, not very interesting and lacking in character development. I needed more to understand the back story and relationships that drove everyone's trauma. However I am inspired to read the book. I felt the story had much more to offer, but it failed to come across in this film.
Parlement (2020)
Political satire at its best. Simply hilarious!
This show provided non-stop laughs. As many reviews note, it pokes fun at the incomprehensible institution of the EU parliament, it's politics and the Brussels bureaucracy, but in an accessible way playing off over the top stereotypes and well played characters. Very clever and subtle comedy writing where no one escapes ridicule - MEPs, their assistants, Brexiteers, lobbyists, NGOs, EU commissioners, French tourists, Germans, Spanish, populists parties both on far left and right, and yes, even sharks.
As viewers we are introduced to the circus through the main lead Samy, an idealistic and naive newcomer who is dumped into the thick of it on his first day of work. As the show progresses so does Samy's ability to learn and navigate the legal, personal and political environment. It is a true gift to make something as seemingly dull as parliamentary politics into great comedy. The HBO show VEEP did this lampooning US presidential politics as did the British satire of the 2012 Olympics, Twenty Twelve. A big thanks to the Parlement writers, cast and directors for pulling it off with such fun and grace!
Sweetness in the Belly (2019)
A film about love and friendship amidst the horrors humanity can inflict upon each other
Like others I was really surprised by this movie. Having grown up when Ethiopian refugees were fleeing this brutal military junta and their senseless famine that included countless deaths. One of the worst humanitarian crises of the 1980s, and if we look to world events today it's happening again in nearby Tigray in East Africa with war and famine. I appreciated the story telling white or not white. It spoke to the "heart" or love between friends that helps keep the human spirit going amidst loss, hardship and suffering. Watch this film and I dare you not to see the compassion and hope that fills the screen. As the film suggests, all people have a story, whether fleeing or homeless. It's a good reminder that we need to listen and be open- try to be caring to those who have lost or left everything.
The Old Man (2022)
Ridiculous
I am a huge fan of all of the actors in this series especially Bridges & Lithgow. But the story is so over-the-top ridiculous that I cannot suspend my disbelief even if I try. I wonder if they brushed off a screenplay from 1990 and thought we can spin this as a vehicle for Bridges in 2022 if we call it Old Man because he is an old man. Adding injury to insult we are forced suffer yet again the typical Hollywood depiction of women when the writers decide to swap out our hero Dan Chase's two loyal guard dogs with an undeveloped female love interest (Amy Brenneman) who has been written with zero back story other then one night stand, and blah blah her family never knew who she really was.... Not to mention Chase's daughter who is secretly embedded within the FBI team whose trying to hunt Chase because a former Afghan warlord who fought against the Soviet Union (in the 1970s!) holds a grudge. Really? Like the FBI doesn't have more pressing work to keep them busy. Old men, tired story. Simply ridiculous!
En el país de no pasa nada (2000)
This film inspired endless laugh out loud moments.
This film inspired endless laugh out loud moments although you can't help hesitate with unease at the truth underpinning much of what the film spoofs. This film is a satirical farce about corruption, greed and social inequality in modern day Mexico. It is a punch in the face of big business and its leaders and the corruption that power spawns.
The cast of characters alone is enough to check out this movie. Exceptional performances are given by Julieta Egurrola who plays Elena Lascuráin, the lonely and jilted wife to cheating, corrupt, money laundering and all around 'jerk' husband, Dr. Enrique Laguardia (who fakes his identity as William Gonzalos in order to launder millions), hilariously played by Fernando Luján. It is no wonder that both received Best Actress and Actor Awards, along with the film for Best Film at the Guadalajara Film Festival in 2000. While a bit over the top, Ms. Egurrola comically captures the disillusionment of Elena who has given up her life, love and career to be with an arrogant man who only recognizes her worth as someone who will pack his suitcase for a phony business trip which he spends with his mistress, Rita, played by the very lovely, Maria Isasi-Isasmendi. Enrique (aka William) is despicable on the highest level. He is second in command for the Con and Trix Corporation which fronts for a drug smuggling and money laundering operation in the guise of a food producer that distributes radiation contaminated milk to the poor for government social programs.
The plot quickly spins into several subplots that ultimately weave back to the greedy and unscrupulous antics of Enrique. Enrique who is thought to be William, Rita's rich boyfriend, gets kidnapped by the exceedingly funny but inept kidnapping duo played by Carmen Delgado and Alvaro Guerrero. Meanwhile, Elena learns of her husband's philandering that she mistakes at first as a joke until she meets Enrique's mistress Rita, an aspiring rock star. And back at the firm, Enrique's unassuming secretary and her boyfriend who has been laid off from Con and Trix uncover the money laundering of millions into a Swiss Bank account amidst massive layoffs at the company. As Elena discovers the truth about her husband, she begins to live life again, just as Enrique's life spirals out of control as his many misdeeds are revealed through a hilarious comedy of errors that take place while he negotiates his release from the bungling kidnappers.
Recommended for people who can laugh at themselves and the contradictions of power, greed, inequality and social ills that brand modern day Mexico.