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Reviews
James May: Our Man in... (2020)
This is the worst travel doc I've ever seen due to host
I absolutely love Japanese culture and was so excited to find something covering the entire country on prime! It didn't come up when searching Japan, because the search function is incredibly wonky since they absorbed all the other streaming. I searched ancestry, just hoping I would get some kind of science or history or documentary hit. Well WHOOPY me as I see James May: Our Man in Japan. As I am currently in the year 1998 as Tokugawa Ieyasu in a Sid Meier's Civilization 6 run, let me tell you I was very excited. I turned it on over my morning cereal.
I am very disappointed. Whoever James May is, I believe he should do locations where condescension to the culture isn't so painful to watch.
Overall, Japanese culture highly values peoples perception of things, and James May did not seem to grasp this concept when conducting himself on the journey. There are multiple opportunities for the film to show the viewer Japanese culture in action. Instead we are treated to James May interjecting himself into the shot to be the star. Instead of seeing a Japanese youth sport in northern Japan, we see James May enjoy himself as he fumbles the game with a highly unskilled and unathletic display of human pompous lethargy. Dog sledding in what appeared to be a groomed dog sled park had a great history explanation, but then lacked an explanation if the filming site was a tourist attraction. Oh, another awkward fail. This man can't even stand on a pair of skis. Then he sells the groomed track as hazardous. There is a Japanese man who he yells and complains at for showing him around the track after he insists on doing the sled.
Not only does he take away from every chance for us to see Japan (the purpose of the production), he FAILS every activity he does. It's awkward and embarrassing. It also just makes you aware of the fact your not visiting Japan through him. Your frustrated and jealous he is there and is so rude to everyone. How expensive this app must be and it's a show of this man being a typical clueless rude tourist in Japan.
This, punctured by him missing events probably due to hangover. There was right away a moment where he almost seems about to say something interesting, but he pulls out a pencil (probably made in China) with a bad translation of some marketing as if it's some mystic Japanese culture thing. Because he is sorry they didn't get to do some event that was "cancelled" we get this close shot in the hotel room where he discovers cheap trinkets with bad translations. Then he pulls out some reading glasses that make him look like a child predator, mentions that his crew have told him that they do, and wears them anyway because he is too good for everybody and what they think. I couldn't finish the show. Everyone he meets in Japan to facilitate the film are trying so hard at first to be pleasant, but you can tell his smug pompous conceited attitude is absolutely abhorrent to them and after being in the show for a minute you can see shame and regret. He overall has an aloof negative attitude, and when it clashes with any of the positive people he meets in Japan, he mocks them. James May, your not funny they were just trying to be pleasant to your glum attitude. It would be a 10 star review without James May. I still give 3 for the attempt by the crew to make this happen, I feel bad for them being shackled to boomer troglodyte who believes he is intelligent.
Fallout (2024)
Really nails the games!
Really nails the games! The costume is spot on, in that it also embraces being over the top in that fallout/rockstar humor. It is cool seeing the games like this and the guy who plays the ghoul he is just a perfect creep and crack up. Im really sorry if he is a great person in real life cause I believe every sleazy thing this guy does.
Why the meager rating? The plain Jane boring writing. No chara yer development forever. It seems they chose to make the characters just like atrociously stupid and it's honestly hard to watch. They just do the dumbest things to b le in distress constantly. I don't know why that is necessary considering that they are living in a nuclear wasteland! The story is delivered at a snails pace. We are shoveled endless gore for gores sake. I think that is a mistake. We have had few years of relentlessly realistic gore in high budget works produced by Netflix and all that apple exclusive stuff. I'm tired of it. It's overused and how distracts and detracts from the story. It once sold how extreme something was now it's like tattoos. More than half of people have them on their face and they look like a bunch of sheep following the herd. It's no longer rebellious and edgy! All those girls grew up, didn't leave the trailer, had kids and took them to get these tattoos on their 12th bday lmao. Anyways back to the review because it seems I have not made the dear and all inclusive six hundred American English characters limit! I must be mistaken right?
The show is entertaining, especially, if you like the games. I couldn't finish them and this slow delivers on interesting story so slowly after it starts with a bang. Like I thought it was going to go right in and now I'm like a baby along with the girl because she is just so naive that none of these experiences are changing her? And nobody can talk, like a superhero movie all is just fists to drive the bad writing, and then some deus ex machina to further save bad writing. Everybody is very convenient in the path they wonder after the last CGI attack lol.
3 Body Problem (2024)
Covers all the modern near future tech, cant wait to read
Have you ever wanted a great work of science fiction that actually was up to date?
(I'm looking at you H. G. Wells, "War of the Worlds" and your cannon fired martians)
Well ...the wait is over and this Netflix adaptation of Liu Cixin's "3-Body Problem" has covered it ALL with the superior pacing that a few hours of Netflix binge watching can provide. The real shine here is seeing the full budget applied to what is essentially, a 10-hour movie. But I could not stop, only slept and then right back the episode. Eating can wait. It is that good. It is so good, that the fact it ends, is terrible and profound. What's left for me now that I have not Mr. Cixin's story to consume me? I mean, I have become seriously emotionally invested through what I have seen here. But seriously, this is a time they did almost everything right, there was only maybe three times I felt pulled from the story due to bad cinematography, or a little bit wooden acting. Ever seen a REALLY Chinese actress do a make out scene? Eh.....It was awkward and I feel that is not something she was comfortable having filmed. But context of the film it fits and possibly she is just incredible actress?? The fact I'm wondering... hmm but let's not throw expectation pressure on the actors, as thats when we lose amazing performance.
Netflix episodic is the only way to cover such a vast range of topics. Psychology, geo-politics, tech, war, transcendence, near LS travel, anthropology, xenology, phylosophy, I mean just all of it, and a 1.5 hour film has always had its hands tied in the realm of sci fi. My beliefhas always been, If it goes beyond one topic in 1.5 hours then we get star trek glooglooglammagon lasers. Where an entirely new world is created before the story can begin, we must give our time for the story. That is the cost, and I pay it GLADLY to NEtflix adaptation of Liu Chen's 3-Body Problem. This is truly a motion picture transcendence, and netflix has DONE IT. It is not your made-for-tv movie or epic or any of that. This is true hollywood cinema, from the comfort of your home on your schedule enabling longer stories to be told. And what a story. The author who created this has my dearest thanks and heartfelt gratitude. All of these amazing scientifc theories and possibilites that have been hobbled by human greed have been presented at least here in our imaginations, and hopefully the dreams of our desendants. That gives me really hope, and for that I believe the futurer may put this as the greatest work of modern science fiction. This is my first intro the works and I have ordered the books, there are four and one book that began as a fanfiction but is revered as quality work. I will be ordering that as well. This is a beautiful and emotional work of our most advanced possibilities as a species, from what I have seen from the adaptation. I cannot wait to grant a greater amount of my time to have an even fuller view into the world of Author, Liu Cixin's incredible mind. I am from the US and I am so glad to see more China, it is 2024 and I am sick of humanix stupidity of not working together. Best original work I have seen in years, as a US citizen I believe this mans background can expose me to something knew and hidden.
Day of Wrath (2006)
What's Lambert doing now?
After watching day of wrath I'm ready for a full on awesome mortal Kombat with the true Raiden. That crazy gravely voice. Lambert has peaked my interest here. He's a great actor who was wasted on 90s and millennium fascination with soulless (awesome) action movies.
Day of wrath is gripping and a great fresh cast. It's great to see a period piece done right. I mean for the sake of more words I'll say more things! History! Inquisition! Torture! Nice titties! Great sounds that fill the scene with mystery,like mysterious mystery folks lemme tell you it's true everybody's saying it they said dude you've got the best the best mysteries and folks let me tell you they are right we do have the best mysteries and nuclear. Well they just killed us.
The Current War (2017)
Current war? More like Information war
Yet another time we see us film industry true colors. Or lack thereof. I mean they can't even just tell the true story of the immigrant genius who wasn't white enough. They made a movie portraying a greedy rich capitalist as this misunderstood hero. The only real story of Edison is unregulated capitalism eliminating all human innovation and progress. He sought to line his pockets and would have eliminated every genius on the planet if it threatened his wealth, power, and control. Pure propaganda trash. I put this in the bin in prime movies with all the modern Russian action and WW2 films. We need real brick and mortar theaters back in the US. Pronto. I'm tired of being subject to the film curates of the world's oligarchs.
Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire (2023)
Fills the vacuum Disney left in the star wars (heros journey) big budget film
So I sincerely believe that seeing this we know who should have directed the last Jedi. Hands down. And now we are seeing a bunch of paid Disney trolls invading the review board because they know they turned that billion dollar franchise to mush and a new series is stepping in.
The film was exciting. Kind of A TON OF WORLD BUILDING smashed into two hours. So many questions to be answered! The robot?? Is he really that actor I can't remember the name of? It was fun and I can't wait to see more it's like gritty star wars with all those fantastic elements of a heros journey and that those samurai movies nailed down. And with more time (it's Zack Snyder) like more feature films oh yeah baby this is gonna entertain!
Blue Eye Samurai (2023)
Masterpiece
Animation:10
Acting:10
Directing:10
Cinematography:10
Soundtrack:10
Boom Mic Operation:10
Every single category is a 19 truly a masterpiece of cinema. I choose to view as one long story. It was so beautiful it was everything I needed in my life at this point in time and I deeply would like to thank the film makers for getting me through one more day.
I would talk about the film but no I rated it a ten and called it a masterpiece sit down and watch the entire thing nonstop in dark room with a half oz of some your sweetest china, munchies, and plenty of diaper cream! Cause it is a long one my friends, acquaintances, and hopefully soon to be hot sexy female lovers. Thank you abdbgoodnigtghtserbate.
Our Universe 3D (2013)
A dumbed down cosmos knockoff
It's a cosmos knockoff aimed at a much younger and/or poorly educated crowd. Very loose explanation of phenomenon. Extreme visuals that are pretty cool but also overly rely on flashing lights. If you have photosensitive seizures this show is going to straight up kill you. Boring narration and poorly written dialogue. "This sea turtle is going to feast on atoms" "Everything this Cheetah eats in the Serengeti is starlight"
Just an utterly boring rip off of cosmos without any of Sagan/Druins flair. The flashing lights made me feel sick and I have never experienced that before. Coming from a guy who can watch hardcore Henry without feeling sick. Anyways... Guess I will keep waiting for a new cosmos from the people who do really love the field instead of this Hollywood mockery.
Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
Real American Cinema at it finest
There just isn't words to describe the ride
You get to take here. One of the greatest films ever made. A love story better than... whatever people say is good. A girl with green eyes or two and the whole world goes gazoonga. Actions best one liners delivered by the one the only the main man himself! Kurt Russell! If you haven't seen it watch nothing else this one of the greatest films of all time.
Free Guy (2021)
You can't be more unoriginal than this. Also, not Kevin Hart??
The whole movie was the exact same plot you have seen a thousand times. Some decent effects but it was overall boring. The weirdest thing that really got me was the knock off Kevin Hart clone?? That was so hard to watch it was just like yuck sad and disturbing. I'm wondering if KH dropped out and gave permission to use his likeness?
The Green Knight (2021)
Beautiful and perfect representation of chivalric romances
I don't understand the negative reviews at all. I guess if your definition of a great film is the first avengers movie then yeah this is probably not for you. It reminded me almost perfectly of old arthurian legends as compiled in Bullfinch's Mythology. It keeps the spirit of those stories but our protagonist is human and experiences fear and doubt. Those stories are very boring due to how perfect the heroes are and (like the lady in the house) it improves them where necessary. Highly entertained and I loved the beauty of the film. This is the first movie I have ever watched the entire credits so I could see the names to look at their other work. Its true film and true art. I have not seen anything like this in a very long time. Watched on prime but I might go buy a ticket at the theater just out of support. Hopefully I can see more films like this and less cookie cutter Hollywood garbage.
Sorry to Bother You (2018)
Finally watched this in 2021 after seeing trailer in 2018
Absolutely hysterical in the context of 2021 versus when it came out. With the trump presidency Finally over it is hysterical to see this greed driven dystopia film. Some people didn't like the bizarre angle it went, but after seeing how employers treated us during covid and the trump scam presidency and pathetic coup attempt it's very easy to see the film's use of that imagery to basically ask, What does it take to make you realize you are working for the bad guy, and when are you responsible for what's going on. I love how in the end nobody escapes the consequences of their actions. That's something the US really needs to see right now. Funny how this dystopian setting full of injustice flips at the end to provide that. If you see it that way, then its even a happy ending. Always wanted to sre this but I'm so glad that I saw it now rather than when it came out.
The Last Czars (2019)
Why are they all British if they are Russian?
Turned off at 7 minutes 40 seconds of first episode. Why? Because the actors all have British accents. Its supposed to be a 19th century period piece on Russian royal family and they messed that up obviously right off the bat. This is nothing more than common propaganda.
The Untold History of the United States (2012)
It's the true history of the US
They should play this series from giant TVs on every street corner!
"We all cherish our children's future, and we are all mortal" -JFK
If you've ever wanted to do something good for the world but had no idea how, watch this series. Know where you stand. Where we all stand. Know why the world is the way it is, how it got here, where it's heading if uninterrupted. We are all humans. We are all capable of understanding the world we live in and guiding it forward. The world is not as pretty and peaceful as the narrative we are fed. The leaders we have looked to are not as perfect as their PR campaigns claim. Everybody should know the truth of our history so they can do their part to make a better future.
Also, not sure why this series is viewed as un-American. It is not. It's just an honest look at history. No fairy tale, no super human heroes, no pretty little narrative. Just honesty. The only thing it seems to be is anti-military. Which is something we should all be against. Watch the series, do some research, and understand why.
At the Death House Door (2008)
Werner Herzogg wishes he could have made a documentary this good
If you have never thought about the death penalty, this film will open your eyes to a very harsh reality we live in. It is an absolute must see. I have not seen a more moving film on the death penalty and I doubt I ever will. The first hand accounts of the people involved in the process is a fantastic way to understand the system that is in place and it's very real potential flaws. It's been years since I've seen it and I still think about it and remember some pets vividly. It will really stick with. I am crossing my fingers it will come to Netflix .
Iron Man Three (2013)
Possibly one of the worst movies of all time.
Just borrowed Iron Man 3 from my local library for free to watch while I'm stuck at home all day. In those circumstances most films will be watchable. Iron Man 3 was terrible. There is literally no segment of the entire film that makes sense. I hope most people will stop drinking the marvel kool aid. Their CGI is getting worse every film, and they do not care about story or plot. There is nothing keeping these movies watchable at all.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)
Excellent movie.
Best movie I've seen in years. Seriously! If you can see it in theaters, do it! I am going back to see it in 3D. Besides Star Wars I would never ever do this. Valerian is a thrill ride from beginning to end. You actually have genuine Fun while you watch it. I cannot wait to see the desert scene again but in 3D! Mr. Besson if you would like to get me a ticket to see it a third time I will go again. If not that is fine, I will get my own ticket.
Jupiter Ascending (2015)
Unfairly judged
Fun movie, great cgi, visually stunning. Creates a world you wish we could see more of. I think the bad reviews are mainly people who wanted the matrix 4. This is not the matrix 4. When you compare it to the movies that come out now it is a masterpiece. I mean like other fantasy movies. Like all the comic book movies they are making that are total garbage and that make absolutely no sense. Every one of them has a plot that is only furthered by the protagonists stupidity and bad acting. Jupiter Ascending is a missed gem.