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carl-carritt
Reviews
World War II: From the Frontlines: World Domination (2023)
Stunning visuals. Oversimplified language
The enhancement of the film footage is quite extraordinary. Very much worth watching.
However, i do think it is poor to repeatedly state that Adolf Hitler planned to conquer the whole world. While Adolf Hitler expressed a desire for territorial expansion and the establishment of a greater German empire, it's essential to note that the idea of "conquering the world" is a simplification. Hitler's aggressive territorial ambitions were outlined in his book "Mein Kampf" and later put into practice with the invasion of various European countries during World War II. His expansionist goals were driven by a nationalist and supremacist ideology rather than a literal desire to conquer the entire world.
I recommend that people watch this episode, but understand that the narration itself is reimagining history. Especially when presenting the secondary theatre of the war, that was Africa. This was led by Italian forces and supported by Rommel. Germany's focus was on conquering Europe, the primary theatre of war.
The Witcher: Out of the Fire, Into the Frying Pan (2023)
True to the book
A lot of low scores for this episode and i can see their point. After Ciri drops into the desert from the portal, 3 distinct stories develop from here-on-in - Ciri's, Yennifer's and Geralt's group. All unique and brilliant pathways. Some of the best parts are Ciri's story, which starts in the desert. The episode was true to the book. For TV, the episode could've given screen time to the other 2 pathways but didn't. This of course made for a bland episode to those not cultured enough to appreciate the nuances and importance of Ciri moving from a young girl, dependent on Geralt and Yennifer, to a powerful woman.
From series 4 it gets really good. I hope they commit to continuing to be true to the book.
Luther: The Fallen Sun (2023)
A legacy destroyed
I'll start with the positives, for they are few.
Idris Elba, Andy Serkis and Dermot Crowley were excellent.
Now for the review. The story was dreadful and made James Bond movies of the Roger Moore era seem realistic. It was like a mix of the Sherlock episodes, "His Last Vow" and "The Final Problem," except written by a right-handed person with their left hand, blindfolded.
The CGI is dreadful and really off-putting. More and more Netflix productions are using unrealistic, sped-up CGI that looks low-budget, that it spoils the movie. They use these effects excessively so, further exacerbating the poor viewer experience.
Furthermore, It took 23 days to find a drowned woman in the UK recently. She was found only 1 mile from where she was last seen. A thoroughly terrible tragedy. Luther whilst in a different country careers into the ice in a Jeep and a scuba diver from a helicopter dives in to the precise location and saves his life. He would be dead in 90 secs. If they got him out of the water in that time he would have weeks of recovery from hyperthermia.
Given his (conveniently forgotten) stab wound, he would have died without question. Complete and utter nonsense of the highest calibre.
It felt like an audition for James Bond and failed.
Prizefighter: The Life of Jem Belcher (2022)
Run of the mill, could've been great
Sadly, despite being very well cast, the story writing is disappointing. Even more so, when it is supposed to be based on a true story. Veered too far from the truth in the hope of telling a better story and failed.
Poetic licence would've been justified if it was framed around more of the key milestones in Belcher's life, but it focused too heavily on the excesses his fame brought him and hope of redemption. Using only him becoming champion and then losing sight in his eye as the milestones.
Turned into Rocky when preparing to fight Pearce. Such lazy screen writing. Pearce and Belcher were friends, the focus should've been on this rather than catching fish (ala Rocky catching a chicken)
Russell Crowe provided highlights to the early parts of the film, but given Jack Slack died before Belcher was born, it is a complete fabrication. A better vehicle would've been to use Crowe in flashbacks whilst Belcher's mother reminisced about her father and thus drawing parallels with Jem's own fall from grace.
Persuasion (2022)
Poorly written, poorly acted
A better cure for insomnia i am yet to find. My review must exceed 150 characters but i am struggling to write anything of note. Dialogue was stilted and unrealistic. Scenery, props and costumes were too polished. Characters lacked depth and unable to generate empathy in viewer. The story was dull dull dull.
The Blacklist: The Avenging Angel (No. 49) (2021)
The heart example was terrible
The heart transplant example had more holes than a colander. Was it written by an intern? Spader was class as usual, otherwise, dull, flawed = audience bored.
The Power of the Dog (2021)
Deeply satisfying
Cumberbatch is excellent. A masterful performance. I found him very intense during the first act and nearly turned the film off, as I wouldn't have been able to endure 2hrs of that intensity. The bullying was upsetting. However, from the second act onwards his character is quickly fleshed out to reveal a more complicated man. A hard man, tough yet incredibly vulnerable. The juxtaposition is beautifully presented. I expect an Oscar for his performance.
I also found the musical score to be perfectly attuned to the story, creating the perfect atmosphere. Again another Oscar in my opinion
The storytelling is beautifully subtle and paced perfectly. I expect Jane Campion to take Best Director.
I accept this film will not appeal to all. There are many uncomfortable moments that will give cause to question your own morality. Isn't that what a good story should do?
Good Omens (2019)
Never read the book......
But i will now. What a wonderfully, cast, written and produced piece of work. An absolute treasure.