flejklw Reviews

The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022– )

young audience ?

[5/10 · 1 May 2024]

So I painfully admit that I have watched both seasons and yet although entertaining ,it still does not cut it for me. There are much more quality shows that get cut after one season that's better than this.

Yes , the message is a young girl that is ignored because of her looks has a young teenager, but blossoms into a pretty teenager.

To begin with the script sets out the Belly character to how she should react to the attention the two brothers show toward her, however the way the two seasons pan out, it becomes at times destructive and a little bit painful to watch.

Its all too nice, graceful in the exchanges, it is why I believe this is set out for a young audience. I am pretty sure in a more adult version the brothers would argue a lot more than on whether who was the best kisser.

Please stop!!

Nina (II) (2018)

A review to watch?

[8/10 · 29 April 2024]

There are so many sexual driven films out there to watch at the moment, that there has to be something original, well acted, well scripted that sets a film apart from the many others.

I guess the plot to this one, a thirty something school teacher is struggling to conceive with her male partner, that through chance they talk a single woman into being a surrogate for them.

How many times has this plot to a film been read out and blah, blah, blah.

However if you just take this plot on and nothing else, for me it was surprising. The characters were strong, the twists of the storyline are really thought out and you are kept in the dark as to how the film will end, Well worth 8/10.

Next Goal Wins (2023)

Very enjoyable film

[9/10 · 19 April 2024]

I knew all the history behind this film before watching it, so it could have been a spoiler for the outcome I guess. However I was surprised to the level of the script, the acting and the entertainment. After all it is a film about the American Samoan National Football ( Soccer to some ) Team who were on the end of a 31-0 loss to Australia in a World cup qualifier.

Thankfully, yes it references to the football but the main story is about the traditions to the islanders and the characters, for me you do not necessarily need to like the sport.

Michael Fassbender plays the Thomas Rongen role extremely well and plays centre stage.

Overall it is a funny, well written and well worth the watch.

Bravo Taika Waititi.

Extraordinary (2023– )

Insanely funny

[10/10 · 28 February 2024]

When I first considered watching what I thought was just another amusing superpowers show, I by chance watched an interview with Mairead Tyers about this not so Disney platformed series, and that it is more for young adults/adults and definitely not a "Disney" themed show.

I watched the first episode and I was hooked, this is brilliant, great characters, great actors, great script, even the superpowers are imaginative.

The plot by now should be known to all, but "Jen" ( played by Mairead Tyers) who is 25, still hasn't received her superpower which should have occurred when she turned 18, which is made worse by the fact she is the only one, she knows, that this has not happened to.

She shares a flat with her best friend Carrie, played by Sofia Oxenham, who has gained a superpower, and to sum up, the theme of the series is Sofia helping Jen get her superpower along with all the on-goings in a world of surprise human capabilities.

Overall this a remarkable, insanely funny series, cant wait for series 2 out soon.

The Good Mother (I) (2023)

not worth watching

[1/10 · 23 January 2024]

I must have seen many " suspense" films, but this one rates very low, due to a poorly thought out script and very low forms of acting from very highly rated actors.

The story initially centres around the death of Michael the son of journalist, Marissa, played by Hilary Swank, and then the arrival of a pregnant Paige played by Olivia Cooke.

My immediate thoughts were, the pot has been done before, pregnant girl shows up at mothers house claiming its the dead sons, but I was hoping has the film went on there would be a twist to the story.

The film just gets stale and lacks intrigue or suspense. The hope with the film having two great actresses has leads would add some substance to the plot, but has the film goes on it really does not in any way have you sitting on the edge of your seat.

I can honestly say that this is probably the worst acted out character that Hilary Swank has played, not due to her acting, but due to the script and direction.

The ending has you scratching your head as to why I have just wasted 1hr 30 mins watching this, very poor film.

Phoenix Rise (2023– )

Exceptional series

[10/10 · 26 September 2023]

I saw a trailer for this and my immediate thoughts was, was I too old for this ?, not another school based series, there have been many, but thankfully I watched a few episodes and I could not stop.

So set in Coventry, six pupils arrive at Phoenix Rise School under the scrutiny of Mr Stewart the head teacher. To cope with surviving the initial issues of the school the pupils form the boiler house six, the meeting place to iron out their problems.

All the young actors in this series are outstanding, all their characters are acted out with extreme individualism, strongly played roles and what I found to be unbelievable, was some were playing their very first roles!

There is a great plot to the series, obviously most covers the going on at the school, relationships etc, but there some sub plots and a great flowing script that makes this entertaining.

This is for all ages not too many if any, offensive dialogues, for me I guess and hope this series being filmed in Coventry does show/reflect the Cities people from the characters portrayed.

Brilliant 10/10 excellent up and coming new cast of actors.

My Sister (2014)

What age is Barbara Hershey supposed to be in this ?

[4/10 · 6 September 2023]

Having a rating of 6.7/10 and on freevee, I thought I would give it a view.

So, an always in trouble 11 year old girl looses her father in a car accident of which her mother survives. After the funeral the mother has a breakdown and goes into hospital. After a lot of deliberating it is decided that girl will live with her brother whilst the mother recovers.

The brother lives with his beautiful wife where he is trying to make it has an actor, but unfortunately has not seen a job in almost 2 years.

About half way through the film I had lost all interest, the brother character played by Reid Scott i guess was supposed to be funny, yet acted like an ejit. The Serinda Swan character was a no go from the start, far too intelligent for Billy, considering they had been married for what seemed some time, I would have kicked the ejit to touch long ago. Even when Niki quotes that Melissa had nice boobs, Billy responds she had great boobs , they will be back, i am guessing this is humour.

I read all the user reviews after this film because I could not believe this film was rated almost 7, oddly enough no one mentioned that how come Barbara Hershey could pass for an 11 year old's mother.

Poor casting for me, Serinda Swan's character not great for such a great actress.

Harlequin: Another Woman (1994 TV Movie)

Only reviewed this cause I had to.

[1/10 · 9 August 2023]

So this film was released in 1994, I am hazarding a guess that male spoken out garbage was acceptable at this time, and this is a review written by a bloke !!

So the plot to this film, is a women that is attacked leaving her with amnesia. The husband is in the process of divorcing her due to one reason or another and at the time of his first visit, he is not convinced that she is faking the loss of memory.

For me, the scene is set when the husband walks into the hospital ward with his hands in his pockets of his pleated trouser suit with a subtle swagger, (unbelievable that is wife has had the **** kicked out of her) and then questions the validity of the attack.

A script at this time I guess would have been considered entertaining but in 2023 its not. The fact that the husband is portrayed has some eligible gods gift to women throughout, the sheer fact that the wife went 3-4 rounds with various kinds of blunt instruments, I would have settled and left the ****hole.

One film that should be left in the 90's.

Jessica Jones (2015–2019)

A non superhero ?

[5/10 · 16 July 2023]

Ok, so this is an entertaining series with the trademark of Marvel behind it, it is rated 16+, with the focus purely on the title character Jessica Jones all the way to the end, maybe with their fingers crossed for a fourth season.

She is no superhero, basically all will be revealed in the series, but Jessica uses her powers to operate within her low budget private eye business.

Has the series unfolds its just an endless crescendo of fighting crime and some beyond explanation instances. The storylines are a mixture of great with the absurd, some where the law book seems to have been re-written.

I admit that the Jessica Jones character played by Krysten Ritter is a great strong lead, but the whole series seemed to revolve around a very low budget superhero, which her morals that are miss placed time and time again, which fades into self righteousness the nearer the series gets to the end.

The Jeri Hogarth character played by Carrie-Anne Moss, maybe her hidden powers was probably immortality and talking rubbish. Her ability to recover overnight from her wounds and spin out a somewhat horrendous tail for the circumstances were a scriptwriters crime on writing.

Already mentioned in other reviews, 16+ audience absolutely, sex sessions, too many in context to the general audience who may have wanted to watch a very low key Marvel production.

Single Drunk Female (2022–2023)

What a great series

[10/10 · 21 June 2023]

This is probably one of the best comedy/dramas that I have watched in a long while. Alcoholism is a very delicate subject that is certainly no laughing matter but this series touches on how it effects peoples lives, but still being able to apply humour with some sensitivity.

So the series centres around " Sam" an alcoholic who returns to her mothers due to probably losing everything, and finally being put on probation, all down to the dreaded drink.

Initially the "Sam" character was hard work to watch, acting drunk can sometimes be transparently false but Sofia Black-D'Elia has an actress she just gets better and better has the series goes on.

Big favourite of Ally Sheedy, she is great playing Sam's mother, but all the supporting cast are brilliant, all individually stand out in their roles.

Shout out to Sasha Compere, Lily Mae Harrington who is exceptionally funny, Garrick Bernard whose acting really does allow us to feel the full effect drinking can play on peoples lives, to be honest, I can go on.

This is genuinely, one of the few funny well written, acted, directed shows that has not needed, naked scenes or extreme drama for it to be entertaining. Just brilliant acting 10/10.

The Idol (2023)

Watched up to episode 3 to give it a chance

[2/10 · 19 June 2023]

So having seen the Euphoria series which I enjoyed to an extent, for me this series is just duplicated drug taking, sex scenes and hot air nonsense which I have watched up until episode 3, with the hope that something constructive may come out of it.

My only thought process is that this kind of entertainment might appeal to some, but it is far from being compared to anywhere near to excellence acting material.

The story centres around " Jocelyn" played by Lili-Rose Depp who is a high flying popstar dealing with issues who looks to the guidance of "Tedros" played by "The Weeknd" to help her through her struggles.

To be honest its boring, " Jocelyn" could be a cardboard cut out, anyone could have played the part if prepared to be fondled semi naked, naked and hit with a hairbrush, same goes for "Tedros" for me the character was poor.

It is filmed in a great setting, but a show basically whose backbone is totally based on good acting, just does not happen, I think the emphasis was to push out the sex scenes and verbal sex guff with the hope to reach such audience, but for me it does not happen.

Younger (2015–2021)

just putting this out there

[3/10 · 5 June 2023]

OK, so this series ran for 7 seasons, I watched it recently on the comedy platform on sky, having vaguely remembered the hype when this show first came out in 2015. Having seen a few episodes, I found it not entirely funny, and the role of Liza played by Sutton Foster unbelievable, a 40 year old passing for 26.

Having recently watching the series PEN15, Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle were 30 year old in real life, acting has 7th graders!, the funny thing about this was the acting and the fact they pulled it of.

In Younger, Liza Miller who is 40, has to come across has 26 in order to land her dream job. Behind her story she is separated from her husband living with her friend Maggie, her daughter, Caitlin, enters the show when she returns from India. Who, Liza, now continues to lie to and continues to deceive all those around her.

She engages in a relationship with Josh who she confides in when she tells him she is 40, I am just putting this out there, but Liza Miller does not pass for 26, I guess comparing this to PEN15, this is just not a comedy, the writers of PEN15 knew that the acting out of 30 year old passing for 7th graders was funny and extremely well acted, this is not.

Monday (2020)

1 hr 56 mins of trash

[2/10 · 1 June 2023]

So two ex american pats meet in Athens. Chloe who has just got out of a relationship with the controlling Christos has a decision, to stay or return to the states.

The main storyline is Chloe meeting Mickey and this encounter encourages Chloe to stay in Athens.

I think that if they were early to late 20's the pair would make this movie more believable, however Chloe who seems to have separated from an egotistic Christos into the arms of a child, the script does not suit her and the film just turns into utter nonsense.

It is labelled a drama/romance, for me its an immature couple making it up as it goes along.

I suppose throwing in naked scenes etc would appeal to some, but the amateur dramatics i am afraid does not make this worthy of a viewing, ending is ridiculous.

Undeserved (2016)

Not happy with the message here !

[5/10 · 20 May 2023]

Was very curious about the storyline. So I thought I will give this film a go. So Dawn has to live with her aunt after her mother is murdered, but due to circumstances she has to leave and fend for herself.

So a lot of this film has a basis of religion attached which unfortunately spoils it for me. I am guessing that this is the message that the director was hoping for but however a lot of the film is lost in translation.

A majority of the film kind of submits to the audience that even living under the roof of god should be safe, Dawn finds that this is not the case, and later into the story she kinda has it forced down her throat that God can save her. Hmmm not sure whats right there.

Anyway it is all a bit blunt, no follow up about her mother's murder, the pastor is has happy at the start of the film and later on thanks to God, but I give the film 5/10, because there is some good acting, semi good storyline, just loses itself with the overboard no so believable religious theme.

The Mother (2023)

Is there a point to this genre of film?

[6/10 · 19 May 2023]

So, watching the trailer and reading the synopsis its all very self explanatory. Mother gives up daughter so to protect their safety, 12 years on, following updates, the mother ( Jennifer Lopez) learns that villains have located her daughter and so sets about protecting her, in the only ways she knows.

I will understand that this type of genre of film has been done so many times that I understand the negative reviews, so much so you do ask the point to producing such film.

For me, I have rated this 6/10, if you not a fan of Jennifer Lopez, do not waste your time watching, but it is entertaining, Lucy Paez who plays, Zoe the daughter is great, acts the role very well. I guess if you are into arm to arm combat, chases, the odd explosion, then it ticks all boxes.

Having seen many female role led " revenge assassin" films, Jessica Chastain in "Ava" to name one, Jennifer Lopez does pull off the hardened, military trained mother, shame the reviews do not take into consideration that her role does work throughout the film.

An ok film to watch.

Reluctant Witness (2015 TV Movie)

So many things wrong with this film

[1/10 · 9 May 2023]

Ok, full synopsis, Erin and her daughter move into witness protection, no mention of a daughter in the original synopsis. With her new identity and after 10 years a stranger emerges into the town.

At this point there should be a brief description of how this film develops, but unfortunately the series of encounters between her new husband, the sister-in-law and Jimmy ( the supposedly dead ex husband) is beyond belief, even for a fictional film.

All I can say, if protective services around the world were trying convince potential abuse victims that protective witness programs work, then do not show them this film, it would be like showing a plane crashing film on a plane.

To add to this the acting is terrible, having seen Madeleine Arthur in Devil in Ohio, even she does not come across very well.

Very poor film.

Who Were We Running From? (2023)

I did give this a try

[2/10 · 30 April 2023]

So a mother and daughter are moving from hotel to hotel so not to be caught from the chasing police, you can argue and picks holes in the storyline because overall it does not make practical sense.

I am a male writing this review and even I feel very uncomfortable about the representation of the lead actresses in this production. For some reason the scriptwriters have two women that are chased by males, fraternized constantly by men, not one female police officer to be seen

Anyway putting the political correctness aside, the only thing that makes this bearable is the acting of Melisa Sozen and Eylul Tumbar, the remaining cast just seem add ons and amateur.

The plot to this series is utterly ridiculous.

The Diplomat (II) (2023– )

Great diplomatic played role

[9/10 · 21 April 2023]

I think in this day and age, political/espionage dramas can be complex and sometimes diluted to drag out episodes that could have easily been scaled down into a film. Well this series is not one of those. I reviewed a series of the same name where the diplomat resembled a receptionist, but Keri Russell acts out a real exceptional performance, her character really defines the role of a american diplomat stationed in London.

So the story begins with an explosion on a British aircraft carrier the new appointed american ambassador " Keri Russell" is called upon to act has a go between, for American and British governments.

The overall storyline is flowing and there are some great supporting roles throughout, I guess the only nonsense role is played by the "husband", Rufus Sewell, which really could have been dropped at anytime, but it seemed the writers just went along with it. We have a creditable established intelligent newly appointed diplomat who seems to spend either ignoring or mainly beating down this man who she believes she is divorcing but for some reason like a rash, he is irritatingly written into the series.

I Kill Giants (2017)

Delightful story

[9/10 · 7 April 2023]

So from the description of this film, I kind of got the idea that this maybe was for a young audience, but it can be considered for all ages.

The story has described is the fantasy world of Barbara, a young teenager who goes through day after day in her own world. Finding it difficult to make friends and potentially keeps making a lot of enemies, it is clear from the start of the film that all is not well within the household.

There is a wonderful but sad story within this film that unravels has the story unfolds, the part played by Madison Wolfe is brilliant her character is for me is never overplayed, considering its complexity.

I guess if you miss watching the trailer to this film it might be a little surprising from what you would expect.

It is a deep meaningful film that some scenes may need explaining to a young audience, but overall it is a definite watch. 9/10.

How to Get Away with Murder (2014–2020)

Brilliant performances

[9/10 · 1 April 2023]

If you are into courtroom battles, injustices and scandals then this is the series. It centres around a professor/defense attorney " Annalise" played by the remarkable Viola Davis who teaches first term wannabe law students in the ins and outs of law and many, many trials and tribulations. Certain students are selected to assist Annalise in the day to day investigating of cases that turn up sometimes deadly consequences.

There is a certain " Breaking Bad" sequence where future circumstances and scenes are played, this really adds to a well written and played out series.

Rated this 9/10 only because, and my only issue is the complexities of this series cannot be binged watched, and sometimes the outcome of some cases do get predictable, but genuinely in no way does it spoil the whole series.

Again Viola Davis, along with Billy Brown, Aja Naomi King, Liza Weil and Karla Souza really stand out, make this great viewing.

Girlboss (2017)

very entertaining

[10/10 · 29 March 2023]

This is a funny, sometimes serious and thoroughly entertaining series. The storyline is situated in San Francisco and mainly revolves around Sophia, a very independent woman who is trying to make it has her own boss, as the title to the show suggests.

Brit Robertson as Sophia is a complex character that she plays extremely well, she is annoying most of the time, loud, but has the story develops, you get it, she is an ambitious woman, doesn't take being knocked down or failure has a set back.

Annie played by Ellie Reed is Sophia's lifelong friend, their lives almost revolve around each others and over the series the up and downs in their friendship make great viewing, they could easily be a comedy double act at times.

The additional characters, too many to list, make this series stand out too, also it is based on main true events. Not saying anymore, just a brilliant series.

Zero Chill (2021)

Average rating of 8.3 for under 18 viewers

[2/10 · 26 March 2023]

Ok, 8.3 rating for under 18 viewers is absolutely right, because seriously its about right for below that age. I can imagine the audience who have an admiration for ice skating or hockey probably would look to this as a follow on to "spinning out", which has been replaced by this utter rubbish.

A family move from Canada to England so " Mac" the righteous son can play his beloved ice hockey, ( shouldn't that be the other way round? ) Canadians must be spitting out their beer in bars everywhere. However "Kayla" is the frustrated twin sister who dreams of being a pairs skater with her friend Jacob, who is left behind in Canada, she virtually reminds us every episode about the things she has been made to leave behind, just so her brother can reach is goal.

It is a terribly immature script, haven't a clue about the Kayla character, most scenes are filmed at the ice rink of which she is mostly found, doesn't work or go to school, wants to take skating seriously but can only do it with a partner, seems so many holes in that.

Seriously though its rated PG, think the parent or guardian will need to be handcuffed to the child to stop leaving, and do not eat any popcorn etc, due to the risk of bringing it back up.

Ending is ridiculous considering the hype throughout the series. For a very young audience. 2/10.

I Am Georgina (2022–2023)

Cannot stand reality shows so..........

[5/10 · 25 March 2023]

I get a sense that some shows on Netflix are experimental, reality shows in any sense should not be taken seriously. Never seen the Kardashians, never will, do not care.

This for me is the fact you have a high profile footballer in Christiano Ronaldo, who having seen a documentary on him, interviews and knowing of his humble beginnings, having a view of his partners life for some would be interesting.

Maybe this would appeal to the female fashion conscious, I am sure when the series was produced its target audience was women, men in fashion etc.

Well I do not fit into any of these categories so in reality ( pardon the pun ) its not my cup of tea.

Rated it 5/10, different aspect of rich living, but at the end of the day, an intelligent, beautiful woman, having humble beginnings too, venturing around europe and showing the background in their family life.

Not entirely sure but in comparison to the brief reality shows i have seen, this cannot be regarded any worse.

Here Love Lies (2023)

Applause for Tope Oshin

[8/10 · 24 March 2023]

Saw the trailer for this on Netflix, read the synopsis but was reluctant due to the low ratings, but I was so pleased that I gave it a watch.

Storyline: girl living in Nigeria is ousted out of the family home has a teenager after falling pregnant. Later it shows " Amanda " 14 years later with her daughter, living and working has a travel blogger. She has been communicating with Michael romantically through social media with a chance they will meet up.

Finally Amanda travels to New York and meets up with Michael and they hit it off in more ways than one.

I think the plot to this is brilliant, I watched this in England so getting a view of Nigerian film to me was inspiring. The film from Amanda as a young girl to the end just seemed to flow.

I guess when you watch endless Hollywood, British, and European film its great when something has good has this comes along.

Even better when it stars, written and directed by the same lady 8/10.

Elle (I) (2016)

Film for those in the psychology profession

[5/10 · 23 March 2023]

Not a fan of films that involve rape, but I am guessing any Isabelle Huppert fan would get something from this because she really plays the part of a women that has sociopathic thoughts extremely well, but I will leave the overall diagnosis to the professions.

Anyway, this is an adults only film and has the synopsis describes, " Michelle" ,after the assault she believes she can catch the rapist herself. She only acknowledges to a few close friends what has happened and this conversation basically allows you to understand the character of her, especially when it comes to changing the subject.

Her character is portrayed has showing her to be nothing close to being an angel figure, she cheats with other friends husbands and pretty much, no holding back, tells people the way she sees things.

To sum up, I guess it has been reviewed already, if you are into Paul Verhoeven films, then it doesn't disappoint. However I will be guessing a lot of Virginie Efira fans out there would be, watch the film and you see where I am going with that.

Already been stated about the scenes, on acting I should rate this 10/10, but there are far too many rape scenes for me, also on set goofs, when Michele is assaulted at the beginning she has a black eye, marks to her face, later in the film when she is beaten more times, there are no injuries, which kind off has to happen for film continuity. French film, maybe appeal more to a French audience. 5/10.