awg-07529 Reviews

The 12th Man (2017)

Stunning story - Makes The Revenant seem like a cake walk.

[8/10 · 31 October 2021]

There are countless stories from WWII that are increasingly difficult for the modern 1st world society to comprehend and believe. These stories of great human survival and determination against both nature and humanity are amazing. This is one of the greatest. It is not easy to watch yet it is worth it. Not sure even where to place this film. Is it an action film? A docudrama? It does not matter. Well done.

The Optimists (2017)

Stylized and done well

[7/10 · 21 February 2019]

The series does an excellent job of being accurate with set details. Clearly they took their cues from Mad Men. The costumes, sets etc are all first rate. the intro is one of the best. Dialogue and character portrayal is an odd mix of serious and in depth and semi sitcom. Not sure if they are to be archetypes but the result is a show that gives you post card views on events from that time. It's not really a serious deep and complex gritty series like an Ozark or and that's ok. It does seem odd that no one seems to swear in the series at all. Worth watching just to get a unique perspective on a critical time in world history.

Informer (2018)

Instant classic

[9/10 · 21 January 2019]

Excellent story line. Acting is superb. Cinematography is gritty, surreal and haunting. It draws you in to the characters. A modern Greek Tragedy. One of the best series produced in the past few years. If you like the psychology and human complexity found throughout the works of John Le Carre, you will appreciate the quality and complexity here. The cast is first rate with special recognition to Nabhaan Rizwan, Paddy Considine, Jean Roger Nsengiyumva Cadeaux. Jessica Raine, and Bel Powley Neal Street productions have created a must see.

Defiance (I) (2008)

Astounding story

[8/10 · 24 February 2018]

What is most impressive about this film, and something one keeps thinking while watching it, is that most of this was actually undertaken by the people portrayed and specifically by these 4 shunned Polish country brothers. This kind of reminder of the lengths that some people are able to go to defend and provide for others is why this film is a worthy addition to the human story of WW II. James Bond does an excellent job as does Jamie Ball.

Ozark (2017–2022)

Great series - Jason Batemen shows his true talents

[9/10 · 23 February 2018]

This series is a classic on many levels. First and foremost, Jason Bateman shows the true and complex talents at his disposal. He has shown strong hints of these talents with AD and yet this series and his acting, writing, and producing talents shine and it's about time. Second, the premise is both unrealistic and yet gripping and interesting. The cinematography is dark, moody, and dark again. the acting is first rate. For those wanting fully explained premises, this and vibe saturated series like Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad are not for you. The criticism that the premise is unrealistic and characters too often talk/find their way out of situations too easily may be true but the absolute same can be said of BCS and BB. The characters are worth getting to know (some from a far distance). Over all this is a winner and is easily up there with other instant classics like Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad. Highly recommend this.

The Only Living Boy in New York (2017)

French film copy?

[5/10 · 23 February 2018]

So is this a Hollywood take on the French film 5-7? The two films are quite similar so when watching the preview it was unclear from a vague memory if the film had actually been seen already. The film has some appealing aspects. PB is strong as the father. It does feel a good deal like a Woody Allen drama at times. It does take itself way too seriously. There is a line early in the film when the narrator says something like "the character of the young man symbolizes the new New York". That is a Brooklyn bridge too far! There has to be a rule in Hollywood not to compare any one person to the city of New York. Especially a rich young bratty white guy. That might work a little for Boulder, CO but not NYC. Decent film with a title song that is simply much better than the film.

The Admiral (2015)

bombastic script with glaringly annoying music

[2/10 · 3 September 2017]

I was looking forward to this film. With roots in the Netherlands, and a fan of historical adventure films, this was to be a fun experience. But the film quickly started to seem suspect. The cinematography was cheep. Lots of low angle shots of people on ships so all you saw was the actor and sky. An old technique used when on a set. Worked 75 years ago but not so much now. And the music...blasting throughout. It became clear someone felt the movie needed lots of loud thunderous music in every second and every frame to cover over an otherwise thin dialogue and stock visuals. Sure it has action. But the production values are just not real or gritty. No comparison to a film like Master and Commander. As though this project was desperately trying to be Hollywood and by the time it got there Hollywood and British production values passed it by a decade before.