rlbdoc Reviews

Burden of Truth (2018–2021)

Intense

[9/10 · 18 February 2024]

This legal drama could also be called "Murphy's Law". There is not one day that goes by that the @#$% doesn't hit the fan. The main character is flawed and spends her entire time trying to correct the wrongs that she inherited from her father. All the while, she is genuinely trying to help others but has a hard time being vulnerable.

This is not exactly a feel-good "Hallmark" type drama. There is real pain and damage to the characters, sometimes irreparable. What I appreciate especially, is the program puts a light on indigenous Canadians (First Nations) people. This type of programming is very rare and in my opinion ahead of its time compared to several US based dramas.

Redemptive!

God's Country (II) (2022)

Was anything accomplished?

[4/10 · 14 January 2024]

Story developed slowly. The scenes certainly put you in the setting to emphasize the vastness of the area and the isolation. The plot about hunters is vague. No explanation as to why that property or were they trying to eat or just kill animals for no reason. There was no real reason given for them or their actions. Nor was there a reason for the issues regarding the university teaching job and a less than honorable faculty member. The backstory of the main character quitting law enforcement did not add to the current situation. I was waiting for a resolution. I really didn't understand the ending. Does she just disappear into the wilderness?

London Kills (2019– )

Good police drama

[8/10 · 24 February 2023]

Overall good show. It does have its slow segments but does well to make up for it in the action. Seems to be shaping up to better episodes. Hopefully producers will keep it going.

Only because length of review has a minimal, I can say that each character has his/her problems and life to deal with outside the police. I appreciate the minority characters because they have essential issues that relate to everyone. The lead character is a typical privileged officer who is under scrutiny regarding his wife. The dynamics of his second in command are palatable.

I don't know if any of the British police dramas try to have a moral issue, sometimes things are just dark and ugly. This is why they are successful for the most part.

Hidden (2018–2022)

Fair

[6/10 · 6 August 2022]

I give this series a "fair" opinion. The reason is that it is inexplicable very dark and pathological. It is a police drama first but the guilty parties for some reason have the most depraved nature. It's not about blood and guts but truly sick individuals. Further, the series doesn't take the time to show how these criminals developed their nature. You're put right into the mess from the beginning. I know this is fiction and certainly hope that there aren't people like this in Whales.

The main character is developed slowly. Not so much the supporting characters.

After this, enjoy some British comedy!

Mare of Easttown (2021)

Profound

[10/10 · 30 January 2022]

Not a neat "who done it" cop series. This is much more! An exceptional drama with some thrills. But so well written that you won't miss the action as you will be deeply involved in the lives of the characters. It is messy, meaning reflective of imperfect people. Everyone is flawed and this is perhaps as realistic of people than most dramas that have a main character trying to do his/he job. Winslet has become Mare.

Cold Squad (1998–2005)

Bitter Sweet

[7/10 · 2 January 2022]

I binged this on Hulu over several weeks off and on. The total program was fair to just ok. There were only a handful of episodes that were better than average. Less that were excellent. Most episodes were slow and boring. The development of the main characters was very limited to minor interpersonal difficulties to one with a really poor marriage. The progression was to either retiring, moving on or dying. One character loss was a ill-timed loss and a mistake in my opinion with the writing.

The main character, Sgt. McCormick was sadly an unhappy person who never really accepted grace and love offered by those she worked with or became involved with. The "finale" continued to avoid any closure. I do not know if this was by intention or simply a loss of contract, funding, etc. That often curtails TV productions.

A Quiet Place (2018)

OK for a rental

[6/10 · 11 July 2021]

I would say that this movie is just average to slightly better. The concept is good but the science is a little weak. Loud sounds attract the alien but they can't hear footsteps in the dirt or sand. As good as their hearing is, they can't hear the breathing or heartbeats. Clearly they can't smell. I am immediately reminded of "Alien" in which the predator is attracted to metal. But they were territorial not necessarily concerned about eating humans.

The movie does not explain how the aliens became in existence either but the characters already know to be quiet rather than developing how they became to know this.

The suspense is good. There is a slight sub-story about teenager issues. Bottom line it is a good rental.

I was told that the AQP2 is supposed to explain what the origin is but I am not a fan of movies that try to go back and explain why in the first place. That suggest that they should have done it the first time!

Remember the classic, "War of the Worlds". It was so good that no other movie was needed.

The Midnight Sky (2020)

Didn't really have a conclusion.

[5/10 · 27 June 2021]

I thought the idea of being a sole survivor in a remote location would be intriguing. I did not know that main character was hallucinating. I also feel that him having a terminal condition had no bearing on the situation. Regarding the goofs mentioned about the cold weather and surviving in the snow, the impact of meteors and the slow fetal heart rate they all diminished the movie. The cinematography is good however.

Regarding the space crew, it is impossible to leave a crew of two on a spaceship and expect them to have all usable functions. Further, who would help deliver a baby? Finally, the two crew that went back to earth after being advised not too, we don't know what happened to them.

Apple Tree Yard (2017)

Deliberate and intense

[9/10 · 10 June 2021]

This is not your usual thriller. This is a deliberate psychological drama about how easily one can go down the wrong path. Main character falls into what is a pile of crap and doesn't know it until too late. She is homely and vulnerable. Bad things can happen to good people and one mistake could be too many. The very end is a social study in the human id.

The Break (2016–2018)

Crazy, Edgy, Intense

[9/10 · 24 April 2021]

This series has real and unreal concepts. It is a murder mystery with paranoid delusions that paradoxically help solve the case. Unfortunately, this is not a happy ending drama. Subject matter has too much deviant behavior unfortunately, but ignoring that, it is an edge of your seat murder mystery, good photography and music score.

Gidseltagningen (2017–2019)

Striking

[9/10 · 12 February 2021]

Great micro-environment setting. Jumps into the action quickly and draws out well over the episodes to an intense conclusion. Takes time to personalize the hostages viewpoints. Closes with a moral issue.

Malcolm X (1992)

Sobering

[9/10 · 26 July 2020]

You don't have to like all Spike's movies but you have to respect and appreciate this one. Casting is spot on. Proud notch in many of the actors who participated. Wonderful reproduction of period. Malcolm was a shooting star. What a great contribution to the Civil Rights era. Unfortunately much of the problem continue.

Line of Duty (2012–2021)

No joke!

[10/10 · 3 June 2020]

If you like crime dramas, then this is a must! I'll keep this simple. It is a second close to Mi-5 (Spooks) and maybe equal to 24. Every episode ends in a cliffhanger. You can't binge because you'll be exhausted!

Run (2013)

Deep

[9/10 · 4 May 2020]

This one will surprise you. It is gritty and actually sad assuming that it is a reflection of the dark side of the UK. Well acted. There is no happy ending just deep reflection on how some people just have bad luck. You are left with hoping for the best. Should have had a sequel.

Where'd You Go, Bernadette (2019)

Surprise find

[8/10 · 18 January 2020]

Was surfing options on a flight and this looked interesting. Takes awhile to develop. Not sure if this was going to be a comedy or serious. Turns out to be both. Completes nicely as a study on self-actualization. Overall very good film and worth a look once more.

21 Bridges (2019)

Thrill Ride

[8/10 · 2 December 2019]

Movie delivers on the tried and true good guy against the system. Not particularly original but provides classic police drama. Fairly easy to see the plot. You know this can only end but one or two ways.

Thorne: Scaredycat (2010)

Too violent and unrealistic

[3/10 · 20 August 2018]

In short, too violent and highly unlikely to be an actual case scenario. Also for officers to leave themselves that vulnerable is unlikely.

SPOILER ALERT: I think it poorly portrays a person who is bi-polar or has split personality. To be that stealth and not leave clear evidence is unlikely. DNA would get him the first time.

Seven Seconds (2018)

Gut wrenching.

[9/10 · 7 April 2018]

This is a well crafted series. It is emotional and intense with some thriller edginess. Each character is well casted. Great to see the diversity of both veteran and new actors. No spoiler here. Please watch to the end of the series. Thought provoking. I wish that it was not so like the issues that plaque African-American families.

Fantastic Four (2015)

Confusing

[2/10 · 9 August 2015]

Although I am not a devout follower of all things Marvel, I will say that this version of F4 makes no sense in that it is a completely new story and has nothing to do with the move 10 years ago and from what I understand is not from the original writings of the characters. This movie wants to be a biopic simply to leave room for yet more sequels, however, I don't think the producers will move forward.

Only because more is required to post...I will say that the movie attempts to prop up individuals with real problems such as broken homes and dysfunctional relationships. The movie does not surprise in any way because it is so predictable. A bunch of geniuses and outcast have a great idea and the DOD wants to take it over. How original!