stuartcork7 Reviews

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: The End (2018) Season 5, Episode 22

The future...

[7/10 · 23 July 2018]

I understand some of the negative comments but do not agree with the intensity of them. This was not the best episode as it felt at times like a sequence of set pieces rather than the finalizing of the threads woven during this series but, it was still enjoyable and if it had been the last time we saw any of these characters then it was largely successful in providing an emotional send off.

Now for the Spoilers: I did pick up on a couple of Easter eggs/openings for the future during the extended epilogue(s). Coulson was alive but unconscious and Gemma had a resigned but comforted smile on her face as she settled Coulson down and monitored him (just before she realized why Mac was standing there and Fitz wasn't). Coulson, during his goodbye speech made it clear that he did not know about Fitz's passing. The model of the hula girl, and Coulson's line "it is indeed a wonderful place" as he stood on the beach of... Tahiti(?), if you have been watching this series from Season one then you know the significance of that!

I think that these latter two scenes could have occurred inside a Framework environment (as in the previous season) which they might have transferred Coulson's mind into, whilst they either tried to keep Coulson's body alive or give him an ongoing existence. And the other characters just went into it to say goodbye before going back to the real world.

As for the next series, then depending upon how fast and loose they want to play with quantum mechanics, they could bring the Fitz who was cryogenically frozen by Noah(? (the robot/Chroniton(?) who sent them all to the future in the first place??) back to Earth and revive him. They were careful to give Deke a send off before the timeline changed, so we do not know if he is still around or was indeed wiped from existence. Whichever they go for, the same would apply to Fitz if they brought him back.

Anyway- I guess we will see when the next series airs...

Now You See Me (I) (2013)

Thank you for not being a Hollywood "lowest common denominator" flick

[10/10 · 6 July 2013]

For those movie critics who did not like this film I can only assume that they were looking for a typical blockbuster film servicing the lowest common denominator. Namely graphic sex, physically impossible action scenes and just for shocks violence.

Well I do not think it is a spoiler to say that this film has none of those.

This film is directed with sensibility and intelligence. The actors play the characters with believable sentiment. And the script does not treat the audience like idiots- constantly spoon feeding exposition.

All of this comes together in a way which endears the viewer to the characters, you don't pity them and you don't fear them- they are just people you might call friends if they existed in the real world.

The direction is crisp and keeps the story flowing, the cgi is both believable and awe inspiring at the same time. Allowing for the belief that you could be watching a real magic show.

If I was to pigeon hole this film to recommend it to a friend then I would say- think of a movie inspired by 'The Hustle' (BBC television series), but with the following characters- David Copperfield (Illusionist); Derren Brown (Mentalist); Houdini (Escape artist) and Dynamo (Magician).

Separately these are five big draws for my tastes, but bring them together and you have something special.

So ignore the critics and trust your own fancies.

Mrs. Brown's Boys (2011– )

All of the ingredients are wrong, but the proof is in the eating.

[7/10 · 1 March 2011]

This is one of those shows which typifies the expression "you either love it or hate it"!

Everyone has different tastes. And I don't mind admitting that a lot of the ingredients in this are what I would usually use as reasons to avoid a show:

Excessive and unnecessary swearing Drag actor Gutter level humour

But having seen the first two episodes, I was (and still am) surprised to have found myself laughing along with it. It started off well by instantly dismantling the 'fourth wall' in the way that Allo Allo and Up Pompeii did (a voice-over/introduction by the lead actor). It then took it a step further with said character walking behind the cameras between sets. I also think that this was only partially scripted (in a way that I am told 'Outnumbered' is). The support characters have their scripted lines but the title character is left to ad-lib at will. You could clearly see the other actors covering their faces or turning away from the cameras whilst trying desperately not to laugh. These are the sorts of treats you get by watching a show recorded live as props are misplaced and scenes have to be reset. It was like watching an outtakes video (except that this was actually funny)!

So, whilst the storyline and character portrayal define everything I despise- somehow the finished article works (for me at least). And I will be tuning in regularly.

Star Trek: Nemesis (2002)

There are always possibilities, don't let it end this way!

[2/10 · 9 October 2003]

The special effects are state of the art, out of this world. Thats the good points done. Now the negative!

I have enjoyed all of the Trek films, even the much despised #5. But this brings a new low to the series. It is impossible to imagine how everyone that made this movie went along with it, thinking it was a good idea! There are plot holes big enough to fit a bus through. Whole scenes appear for no reason other than to fill up time. If this is indeed the last outing for the next generation cast, then I feel pity to think that they will be remembered for such an awful film. Come on paramount- get them back, and let them say goodbye in a way that they deserve.

The Romulans are treated with such disdain by the writers and director. Throughout the different series, the Romulans have been built up to be this vastly enigmatic and dangerous race. Instilling as much awe, and wonderment, as fear. In Nemesis they are reduced to opportunistic simpletons. Where has the great intelligence and empassioned arrogance gone?

SPOILERS AHEAD- The Enterprise can see a deactivated android on a planet light years away. No amount of techno babble can justify sensors that strong, picking up a weak signal that could not possibly travel that far! If they were, then they could find the android parts on the surface and beam them aboard. Where have all the Enterprises security people gone? Riker fighting a Reman below decks. After being stabbed through the arm, he can suddenly support his weight and the Remans with said mutilated limb!

Explorers (1985)

What is a dream, if not reality within itself?

[10/10 · 9 October 2003]

The best film ever made. That is what I thought as a child. And now fifteen years later, I still believe it.

This story shaped my whole way of thinking as an adolescent, and maybe even helped make me the person I am today. It is not about a message, or a favourite scene. Just the way you feel after seeing the film.

If todays world of witnessing the 'Terror wars' gets to you. Then watch this. It may just give you a different perspective, or at the very least, escapism and maybe hope.