oceansroar Reviews

Hijack (2023)

Please Crash the Plane

[6/10 · 26 December 2023]

I am not a fan of Idris Elba because he seems one note, but for Hijack it was perfect.

I was hooked from the first episode, but as many have stated it did lose steam, especially the las two episodes.

If only more people would have died on the plane, then I think it would have been more exciting and more believable.

As I stated, the last two episodes took the series from an 8 to a 6 for me. I wish the ending had been better, but it felt too neatly wrapped up for an American audience.

The acting and production was over all good. Perhaps they should have made it only five episodes with a not more ambiguity or more deaths and a better set of terroist.

One Piece (2023– )

Netflix can make something great

[10/10 · 11 September 2023]

I was so surprised that Netflix made something that was incredible. I am a new fan of One Piece anime and I had only seem as few of the episodes when I heard that Netflix was releasing a live action of One Piece.

As I watched the first few episodes I could see that they had stuck closely to the source material. I got more and more excited with each episode.

Everything is awesome! All the actors are incredible. Each one embodies his or her character as if it was written for them. I especially love Iñaki Godoy, the actor who plays Monkey D. Luffy self proclaimed "King of the Pirates". He is an amazing actor.

The story is about friendship and protecting your friends and their dreams even if you don't agree.

There has never been a pirate series or film that is better than One Piece. I will be rewatching it often.

The Holiday Sitter (2022 TV Movie)

Hallmark Misses the Mark.

[1/10 · 5 January 2023]

This was definitely the worst movie on the Hallmark channel. The acting to writing there wasn't anything to like.

Jonathan Bennett was the worst part of Mean Girls and he hasn't grown as an actor. He should stick to Game Show host.

I have never heard so cheesy lines in one film. The writers should have been fired or sued for all their payment returned to the studio.

All the adult actors, except George Krissa as the contractor/neighbour Jason. The real stars are the children. Everett Andres as Miles Walker and. Mila Morgan as Miles younger sister Dania Walker shine. They both steal the scene from their older counterparts.

Even if this had been written for a straight couple, it would have been terrible.

Steer clear of the mess.

In the Heights (2021)

Not In The Cinema!

[1/10 · 16 June 2021]

Don't waste your money. The film does not go anywhere. It is a long long road to nowhere.

The music is easily forgettable. The acting was subpar. The biggest problem is the story is generic.

If you must see, then do it from home.

The Upshaws (2021– )

Horrendous

[3/10 · 29 May 2021]

Why do people think this is funny? I did not laugh once. I watched three episodes to give it a fair chance.

The storyline is riddled with black stereotypes. The acting from the children is subpar.

And Wanda Sykes is not funny at all. It is funny how to rich see the poor.

Skip it!

The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

Sorkin's Version of History

[7/10 · 25 April 2021]

The film was what one expects of Aaron Sorkin, a mostly overly dramatic political drama. Hopefully, it will inspire people to learn more about the actual history and not Sorkin's version of it.

It felt a bit long for a film that does not show a lot of character development, except for Eddie Redmayne's character Tom Hayden. The acting was mostly excellent. 7.5/10.

Judas and the Black Messiah (2021)

Low Energy

[6/10 · 16 March 2021]

I thought the stars Daniel Kaluuya who played radical leader Fred Hampton and Lakeith Stanfield as FBI informant William O'Neal were excellent in their roles although obviously too old for the parts.

For a drama the film was low on energy. At times I was unclear who was doing what to whom. A lot of things were unclear as to what was happening and why it was happening.

I would never watch it again so for that reason it is not Oscar worthy, although the lead actors deserve nominations.

Two Weeks Notice (2002)

Two Weeks' Lacks Comedy

[5/10 · 9 March 2021]

Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant are far superior to the material written and directed by Marc Lawrence. It is a shame that their talent is wasted on this mediocre film.

If you are looking for something a step above a Hallmark film, then give it a go. Bullock and Grant are magical together. Speaking of Hallmark, Alicia Witt from many of their films turns up as a lawyer who is not as nice as her usual character for Hallmark.

Also, former President Trump and Norah Jones make appearances.

Always Be My Maybe (2019)

Keanu Reeves?

[5/10 · 7 March 2021]

Fortunately, I did not go to the cinema to watch it. It was basically a rehash of every rom-com ever made. I did not care for any of the characters.

Why was Keanu Reeves slumming it?

The only part of the film that I enjoyed was the ending when there was a selfless act done by the male and female leads. I think Randall Park is a better actor than Ali Wong. She is not funny at all.

Never Have I Ever (2020–2023)

Not Exactly New

[8/10 · 29 July 2020]

I know this was classified as a comedy, but I found it to be more of a dramedy. I definitely enjoyed watching about a different culture, but that is something I do naturally. I hate when people say that we do not have enough representation of Mexicans, Blacks, Indians, Asians, or whatever you want to see. You can literally turn on Youtube or Netflix to see anything you want to see.

Now, as for this series, I was going to skip it, but a friend suggested it. I really did enjoy the acting, except for Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Devi. This is her first acting job so I was patient, but she was not great. Fortunately, the supporting cast around her was excellent.

I enjoyed the music, but I did not find myself searching too much for any of it. I would not watch the series again, but I would check out season 2.

The point of the series, which I need a point or why bother, was lying to your friends and family can cause more trouble than it is worth. I hate when I feel people are lying to me. Is the story new? Not really. It has been done many times, but not from the perspective of a first generation Indian American. 7.5/10.

Council of Dads (2020)

Everything and the Kitchen Sink

[1/10 · 26 March 2020]

I never thought I would live to see the worst thing ever on the telly. Council of Dads proved me wrong. The writers made a list of every group in the world, then tried to fit them all into this emotional rip-off of This Is Us. Unfortunately I did not feel anything during the premiere episode, except disbelief. I cannot believe that Hollywood thinks we want to be spoon fed their political agenda. I am not for either party, but this kind of crap is turning me off to one side. I cannot recommend this series to anyone with a brain.

Bob Hearts Abishola (2019–2024)

Bob Hearts Abishola, But I Do Not Heart Them

[2/10 · 15 October 2019]

The first thing you need for a comedy is some humor. Just a little humour. I watched two episodes and I could not find anything to laugh about. In addition, I hate laugh tracks. I do not need to be told when to laugh.

I did not feel chemistry between the characters. I hate diversity for the sake of diversity. Is Hollywood too afraid to show a black couple together on a series. Do black people not fall in love with each other. Or maybe an Asian couple? Almost every program now has a black and white couple. It is like they are trying to prove they are diverse.

Please someone create some good comedy like The Office, Parks and Recreation, Friends and Arrested Development.

All Rise (2019–2023)

LolaCoaster Is Bumpy

[5/10 · 15 October 2019]

I wish All Rise was not agenda driven because I liked the cast, especially the lead actress Simone Missick and actor Wilson Bethel. The series drowns itself in its own pool of sugary water. I knew there was no hope for it when the lawyer called himself the "good" guy. Everyone in the courtroom is one-sided toward a liberal bias. My personal preference lies in the middle.

The so-called bad guys are ICE and white guys and the ones who break laws are the ones who are set free. I would rather a courtroom series that had even a toe in reality. It does not have to be the big toe either. The small one is fine.

Bumblebee (I) (2018)

Bumblebee Transforms A Franchise

[8/10 · 31 December 2018]

I was surprised to hear myself say that I wanted to see Bumblebee, especially since I stopped watching them after the first couple of film. I could not understand how Megan Fox was able to remain free of grease and have perfectly coifed hair after working on an automobile. I barely touch anything on a car and I get oil everywhere.

Every time I watch these films my mind goes to other places because I cannot figure out how these things work. Where does the windshield go and how does it not break, especially after the Transformer almost dies? And after a battle how does he still look clean? When the girl is thrown around a bit how does she not have some broken bones? How did the boy break his arm when he was thrown, but the girl did not? When the mom used Bumblebee to take the dog to the veterinarian how did the girl catch up to her on a moped? And what happened to the moped? How did it get home? If Bumblebee was "dead", how did he come back strong enough to beat up the Decepticons? There are so many questions.

One thing we learned in film class was to notice the climate around the time of a film when viewing it. I have noticed something different in American films lately. It seems they are sticking to some standard of representation. I have noticed that Hollywood will put one black person in a film and make the couple a mixed couple. Do black people in the USA date or marry each other? If I go by the films, then I would say they do not. I do not have a problem with interracial relationships at all. I just think that Hollywood should go to the next level. I want to see more Asian couples. Is it a problem having two Asians in a film?

Bumblebee did a switcheroo on us. It looked as if the main girl character and the nerdy black boy was going to fall in love. But, when the boy went to hold her hand at the end, she denied him. That was when I realised that I was watching a feminist film. The girl was independent of him the whole film. She never needed saving. She saved the day for the whole world. She even saved Bumblebee. Or did she? Can a human female save a Transformer? That was another question I had after watching Bumblebee.

The soundtrack was great. It was filled with 80s music. I think they even Rickrolled us. The only thing I hate about the whole thing was only snippets of some of the songs played. I wish they have played more of the great songs, but less songs overall.

Even with all the questions I had while watching the film I really liked it. Hailee Steinfeld shines in her role as feminist Charlie Watson. Even her names is a boys name. I rate films by their genre. This was a big popcorn film and it was satisfying. anoceanroars review

Christmas with a View (2018 TV Movie)

Hallmark You Have Nothing To Worry About

[3/10 · 22 November 2018]

Netflix is trying to steal Hallmarks Christmas films, but they have a long way to go. Which is sort of a sad statement when you consider that many people think of Hallmark films as being cheesy. Hallmark films give me a sense of things are going to work out in the end and I can relax and enjoy the ride. Unfortunately, Christmas With A View failed.

The bad reviews for this "film" are correct. If I had a choice to watch this again or a Heather Graham film, I might choose the latter.

The problem was the script was ridiculous, the acting was especially bad in the minor characters and Vivica A Fox is supposedly a big name, but I thought she was the worst of the minor characters. While I am on Fox, I might point out that Netflix, in the name of diversity, made the main female character look white, while her mother is black. This is a recent trend in Hollywood. I think I will save my thoughts on it for a blog. It is not realistic.

One of the funniest lines, this is not a comedy, was when the best friend said that her just recently engaged fiancé was seeing her work for the first time. How is it possible that they are engaged and he has never visited the restaurant she works in? Just one of the terrible plot-holes.

I think I will stick with Hallmark films and Netflix series. for now. 3/10 is me being generous.

The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

Another Netflix Film Failure

[4/10 · 22 November 2018]

Netflix is great at producing series, but fail miserably at films, especially Christmas films.

The Christmas Chronicles are not really chronicles since it is one story about two kids who lost a father and their mother is working Christmas Eve. They attempt to catch Santa in the act, but end up going on an adventure with Santa. A boring adventure.

The problem is that the kids, especially the young girl played by Darby Camp, are not charismatic enough to carry a film. Camp plays Kate like an adult rather than a ten year old child. As for Judah Lewis, he could improve by being a bit more mature for his age. I do not know any teenager boy who will let his much younger sister boss him around. Unrealistic. Yes, it is a fantasy film, but it needs to be grounded in reality to work.

Other things that fail in this film is the plot, the dialogue and the CGI. The two things that work are Santa or rather Kurt Russell as Saint Nick and the elves. If only the story could have risen to his level of believability. Chris Columbus who has made some great film has lost his touch or he did it for the money.

Two spoiler alerts: There are some angry little elves in this film. Too bad Buddy was not around to say so. And the family connection not fully realised until the end when Mrs. Claus appears. Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell and Oliver Hudson are family.

4/10 Mostly for Kurt Russell, the family affair and the elves.

Daniel Sloss: Live Shows (2018)

Sloss is a Loss for Netflix

[1/10 · 15 September 2018]

I love comedy, especially dark humour. I waited and waited, but the jokes never came. Netflix comédiens are the worst. I have trouble getting to sleep, but their line-up puts me to sleep quickly. There are some exceptions, such as Dave Chapelle and Demetri Martin. Daniel Sloss is not in the best of list. He thinks his accent sounds intelligent, but he is not British, so....

You (2018–2024)

You Are Being Watched

[8/10 · 10 September 2018]

Dan Humphrey turns into a psycho. Penn Badgley shows he is not just the nice guy in this series made from a novel. I have not read the novel, so I cannot say anything about it.

The rest of the characters in You are all portrayed as idiots or in need of a savior as in the case of Beck the girl he is "in love" with and follows. We are viewing it through Joe's eyes, so he might not be a reliable source. Time will tell.

As a television series, I am wondering how American television will milk this for more than one season. Hopefully, they will do as the British television makers and do it as a mini-series.

I am looking forward to see where this go next week. Hopefully, it will stay on the track it has started on.

Rel (2018–2019)

Re(a)l(ly) Bad

[3/10 · 10 September 2018]

The Carmichael Show was able to be socially aware and hilarious. It had a solid cast of characters and actors who portrayed them. The writing team was extremely creative. Unfortunately, Rel is missing all of it, especially the humour. I am not a fan of laugh track situation comedies. Supposedly, the laughter level was brought down. Maybe it is the kind of comedy that you have to be there to find it funny. If you like Rel, then look for The Carmichael Show because he is playing the same pathetic character but it was funnier with Carmichael and the rest of his cast.

Skam France (2018–2023)

What a Scam.

[1/10 · 18 August 2018]

This is a complete rip-off of the original Norwegian SKAM. I usually prefer French over any other countries films and series, but in this case, you should skip it. The black guy that the two main characters are supposed to be in love or lust with is so boring and unattractive. He was miscast. The cast in general might be on the same level as the Italia cast, but no where near the original cast. Do yourself a favour and skip this version. Just look for the original because there will never be anything like it. It will get all the feels in the world from it. This is honestly a scam and a shame to waste your time watching this garbage. Do not even get me started on the American version. It is a bigger waste of time.

Postcards from London (2018)

Harris Dickinson

[3/10 · 16 July 2018]

The only reason to watch this film is Harris Dickinson. He has a boyish charm that draws you into his world. Unfortunately, even he is not enough to sit through this pretension dibble of a film. The style of filming, the colours, the set designs were eye catching, but not as much as Dickinson who with the proper script will one day shine as an actor, perhaps taking on Hollywood. For now, we can hope he finds another Beach Rat where there is a storyline.

Breathe (2016)

Live Breathe Love Life

[8/10 · 28 June 2018]

For some of us, we cannot live life if we must stop the one thing we love most. For Antoine that one thing is running. He feels the freedom when he is running. He feels alive in those moments. Unfortunately, that is the one thing that can kill him. Then he meets an elderly women at the end of her life and she wants to live her life the way she wants even if it will annoy others or kill her. Will they change each other or accept each other as they are at that moment ? Victor Meutelet shines in this short film. He gives us shades of light and dark through his bright eyes. He does not rely on his physical beauty to portray his character. He should have a long career in French cinema. The story is not a particularly happy story for some, but for those with passion and fire in their loins it should resonate profoundly.

I Am Not an Easy Man (2018)

Oh Comedy, where art thou ?

[4/10 · 21 June 2018]

This has been reviewed as a comedy, but I could not find one laugh out loud moment. I was generous with 4/10 stars because the actors did a great job of pretending they believed this crap. The director tried to make a go at it, but she did not think it all the way through. There were so many things that did not ring honest in the reversal of roles. En general, women are smaller than men so women beating up men is ridiculous. Men do not force women to wear short skirts, make-up and shave their legs. They could at anytime stop it. They are the ones with the buying power so they should use it to buy the products they desire. The male character was so over exaggerated. I do not know any men who act that way. I am sure if they do, then they are the minority. This is the first French film that I thought was abhorrent. I stuck it through because many thought the ending was a big payoff. It was a big letdown.

Blurt (2018 TV Movie)

Definitely Not for Adults

[5/10 · 21 May 2018]

This was made for children, perhaps by children. It is just a vehicle for the main star, Jace Norman's audience. He is a likable and talented young actor, but unfortunately the rest of the cast fall incredibly short. Who is Jojo Siwa? She should find another career because she cannot act. Most unbelievable moment was the supposedly beautiful girl that Norman's character liked, the one who made him unable to speak. Did they look at her. She was rather ugly and too tall. Is Hollywood out of pretty girls? Overall, skip it unless you like Jace Norman. He is entertaining.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Amazeballs in Space

[10/10 · 27 April 2018]

Wow. I will not give any spoilers away. I will say that i have seen almost every Marvel film and this was the best ever. It blew all other Marvel and D.C. films out of the water. The Visual Effects, the story, the acting (except Ruffalo), the Easter Eggs, the humour, the feels and everything else was Király (Hungarian for king or awesome).

If you do not think this is the best Marvel film, then you obviously not a true film critic. Or maybe you have different taste than I do.

I cannot wait to see it again and that is a rare statement for me.