tawasguy Reviews

The Ark (2023– )

Eye-rolling mediocrity

[1/10 · 5 March 2023]

Wanted to like it, at least enough for mind-candy, but it tastes so bad. The ship has rotating outer parts, something like Serenity in 'Firefly' -- but that was the extent of this viewer's interest level. Other than a few OK effects, the show is terrible. Bad acting, limp writing, stupid/ childish/ clichéd characters, and repeating bits of dialog like "that's below my pay grade". Even ST-TNG so long ago had more realistic stars passing by the ships windows. TRASH that isn't even bad enough to be a guilty pleasure. A missed opportunity with an interesting (tho overused?) premise. The pilot was not constructed to hook you, unless you're one with the no-brainer mediocrities of the universe. MEH.

The Old Man: I (2022) Season 1, Episode 1

Superb & riveting, brings back that 'Breaking Bad' intensity

[10/10 · 21 June 2022]

So relieved to see Bridges and Lithgow delivering performances that immediately infuse their characters with a rare intensity, yet slowly drawing you into their complex situations & deep history. Love the pacing & style, after a bit of initial resistance. Writing is excellent, with minor bumps that did not take me out of the story (much). Hope to see next episode right away. Was blown away by the dead wife dream sequences - the actress conveys shocking facial expressions that hit you head on within seconds.

Donovan (2017)

Bipolar enlightenment -- Yes please

[10/10 · 21 October 2020]

Review is for the trailer only -- cannot locate the film ANYWHERE. Intrigued and want to experience this man's story. WTF is up with distribution, DVD, streaming, downloads...? Nada. The flick's official site is kaput. Filmmaker Bee can be seen in a couple of youtube videos, but there are no clues as to HOW to see it.

Totally Under Control (2020)

Madness and greed exposed with sincerity and intelligence

[10/10 · 14 October 2020]

The truth is out now -- if any doubt remains for the masses of non-voters (100 million in 2016) and the undecided. This meticulous film can be wince-inducing as it carefully assembles the disgusting FACTS that finally make it clearly understandable just how the US government, corrupted under Trump, completely failed us with their shockingly pathetic, deadly mishandling of the pandemic response. Those who have been on the front lines are seen & heard leveling with the people, telling it like it is. Not to be overlooked by any sane individual. Get the word out.