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darrylladevine
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Gotham Knights (2023)
Picking up momentum each episode
At 74 I consider myself a harsher critic of both stories/comics I grew up with or offshoots from them.
Episode 1 was a bit shaky laying the groundwork for the series as actors were obviously looking how their characters should be presented.
Episode 2 got more into the meat of who done it and characters (save one) seemed to have found their niche as those we believed above reproach may well be part of the evil Owl Committee or at the very least doing their bidding.
The Character I see as least accurately depicted would be the Joker's daughter with the story of his abandonment at a very early age. She would in my opinion be far more subtle and calculating without the ever annoying immature trouble maker world be damned attitude, especially facing a trumped up murder charge where they are the scape goats.
Over-all the series has some serious potential .
I think if Olivia Rose Keegan (actress who plays Duela Dent, had formulated the role it would have been cold and calculating to get revenge on those who set her up with a few unexpected surprises as they are brought down letting viewers know she personally had a hand in it.
The Curse of Oak Island (2014)
A real time documentary with serious hurdles and more homework required
When watching this series one must bear in mind the numerous prior attempts to unlock the secrets (if any) of Oak Island. The lack of reliable maps showing excavations much less the fact one prior treasure seeker destroyed landmarks and totally disrupted the landscape in his attempt to uncover the "treasure". The brothers are having to rely on others memories or theories while doing their best to document what they are doing. Since the program started a handful of old maps, films, video etc have come to light which help show the island as it previously existed...something that should have been researched prior. While most of those coming to the program with theories have sterling background those who take time to research can easily find through a bit of homework and research some alleged credentials are possibly suspect and self written. While some of the theories seem really far fetched, they have their believers even though actual documentation does not exist, some lore may or may not have a historical legit link. I agree the flash backs and repeating of clips and narrative is way overdone in an effort to utilize the time slot, but all in all, one must admire the brothers for not leaving any theory to chance, though some information (such as the inland wharf) seem to be passed up in favor of other theories, but all in all given what they had to work with initially would have to rate it higher than most so called "Reality" shows. At this point the success or failure of the show is directly in line with how receptive the viewers are to possible versus plausible versus factual/documented and whether some of the clues are real versus planted, etched or manipulated (not implying by the brothers nor History Channel). Definitely worth a view and as much fun for the hardcore skeptic as those more "open minded".
Dark Canyon (2012)
One of the better Westerns in recent years
(There is a small spoiler at end of article as the only part I personally felt was something that would not be done given the circumstances. It will be clearly noted in case readers want to skip that part) Initially I was wondering how they were going to tie the opening in with the rest of the movie, however it transitioned remarkably well, so well in fact when it transitioned back briefly it caught me off guard but once again smoothly back into the story. I found with 1 exception (the spoiler to come later) that the entire story and sequencing was credible enough to actually have some basis in facts. It was an enjoyable watch from start to finish and if you like Western music, some really great soundtracks are worked into the movie. The acting was excellent and you caught up in the characters to the point that if it had been presented as a retro documentary you would have no issue in following it or believing the story/event lines. The movie is clearly defined and you are never left scratching your head (again with the exception of the single spoiler issue). There was no unnecessary gore and even the violence was tastefully done and actually made sense in character portrayal. This is a movie I have watch several times but some scenes though not highly graphic are suggestive and probably best not shown to small children. SPOILER ALERT: The single issue I had with credibility the exiting from a tunnel at night with a lighted lantern, which obviously could have been seen from a long distance off and especially where the exit was located and as the scene unfolds there are obviously people nearby.