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Nate_the_Cinephile
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Reviews
Spectre (2015)
Solid Contribution to the James Bond Films
As a long time bond fan, as many of us are, I find this film paid a good homage to the earlier works and adds good quality lore to the story line of the whole series. This had good psychological elements to the story which underscores to be a spy one needs to not only be deadly but brilliant. The film fits well into what makes for a good bond film, tongue in cheek humor, colorful and insidious villains, high tech gadgets, and masterful action scenes among other things.
Altered Carbon (2018)
A Timely Story and Well Made Adaptation
I'll start off by saying that my gist of some reviews are that this is not "evolved" enough as a cyberpunk story but I dispute their evaluations. A story honoring classic cyberpunk themes is as prescient now for the directions of society as it has ever been in my opinion, and this series is such a story. I do support the evolution of the cyberpunk genre but find stories with its original themes continuing to be important. In American politics we are actively trying to fight corporate ruling of the public and exploitation of technological advances involving net neutrality (akin to tech of stacks in a broad sense, just tech in general). I aim not to make this review a political stance though.
Altered Carbon is one of my favorite books. Gritty, fresh ideas, clever scientific concepts, the book adds to the technothriller and cyberpunk genres in valuable ways. I wanted the tv series to be not just a action show but to address the book's story effectively and the show did that well. In other reviews, honestly it is frustrating how people nit pick details about the show. People should remember to appreciate how cool it is to have such a book with a niche audience brought to a Hollywood series with good production values and honoring the source material well. I get that there are always ways to be better but I view the show is great as it is.
Some of my favorite things about this adaptation are the vibrant characters' personalities and appearances, staying true to the original book story to a large part (which was superb and doesn't need to change in my opinion), and being bold enough to include hardcore sex and violence. The sex and violence goes hand in hand with the mentality of the storyline and characters, it is as much a fitting atmosphere as it is a statement about the realities of living the lives of the characters in the story's setting. Overall I am proud of the work they did on this show (as someone how knows the books well) and hope for the best for this series. In my view this show will serve as a good reference for future related work.
Chaos (2011)
Excellent
The show is very entertaining. I thought the cast was impressive before I watched it so I checked it out. It imaginatively combines hot topic political new topics with James Bond style stories. I've been a Bond fan for a long time so I think I'm allowed to say that. I don't want to go on and on here but in short, excellent show and Bret Ratner (director) has risen a few notches in my eyes for having done this show.
Other things I might mention are: I watched the whole first season at my leisure on amazon instant video. I started by downloading one show, then another, then the whole season because it was so good! In my eyes it watching online during breaks from work was a very refreshing experience because the show is set in many (recreated) places around the world.
Another side note: Check out the cool cast interview on cnet.com at I think the "buzz out loud" special for "south by southwest" (could be a different special tho.)
ATL (2006)
really unexpectedly good
There gotta be some HATERS out there cuz this movie score is way outta wack at a 3.6. This movie was glamorized but T.I. kicking it with his crew and trying to figure out a good life was a true to life performance. The direction was beautiful and it really gave people a taste of hot-lanta. Everything combine for an accomplished finish and a smooth fun ride. I am so glad I watched it you will be too.
I wondered, as you would, how can a movie capture the ATL? The attitudes, style and environment puts you right on the streets down south. To represent the south I think this movie adds pride to it's image right now. Other then that, Chris Robinson is a killer behind the camera. The shots really hooked me into the film. If that's not enough, the cast was dead on, especially for some new comers.