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Reviews
Shôgun (2024)
Looks like a video game
So I've watched the first two episodes and it's pretty good. Lots of interesting stuff is happening and the story is building nicely.
There is decent acting, lots of plotting (GOTesq) and I'm sure I will watch the whole series.
BUT... what is going on with the sets/location? I know they are not real, it's 17th century Japan. But they look so fake. They have that over lit perfectness you see in video games. Plus stuff in the background of scenes is in focus, like whoever created them hadn't heard of depth of field.
There is a scene towards the end of E2 with two characters in the foreground that are in focus and a building that must be several miles away is also in focus...weird.
Then in other scenes they have purposefully blurred parts of the actors bodies, such as feet or hands, obviously done in post to add fake DOF.
Anyway, if you can ignore all that, it's pretty decent.
Spaceman (2024)
If you want a better version of this watch 'Moon'
Best way to describe this in...meh!
I didn't hate it, but definitely didn't love it. It was just an ok movie that was interesting in parts but mostly dull and a bit formulaic.
Man alone in space, stuff happens and that was about it.
People compare it to Solaris, which I also didn't care for, so I might not be the audience for this.
I really like Adam Sandlers dramatic roles. I liked Hustle and he was amazing in Uncut Gems. And he was good in this, he just couldn't save the movie. And why did everything look like the 1970s?
Anyway, if you want to watch a man alone in space movie that is better, go find Moon with Sam Rockwell.
Beckham (2023)
Absolutely superb
As a United fan who was at the 1999 FA cup final and the Championship League final, I have always been a Beckham fan on the pitch. But this opened my eyes to the real Beckham. What a genuinely nice guy. This was also superbly shot and put together. If you like sport and don't like this, there must be something wrong with you.
What he went through after the World cup sending off was outrageous, but to see it from his perspective, was shocking.
I'd urge anyone to watch this whether your a sports fan or not. The story, the drama, the achievement, all beautifully captured and masterfully edited.
Kaleidoscope (2023)
Get over yourselves
Yes it could have been better. It's not perfect, but really what is. I watched over two nights in the order Netflix gave it me and I thought it was fine. If you need to watch it in chronological order, you'd missed the point. And those who say bad script, bad acting, bad direction blah blah. Tell you what, why not get off your couch and do better. Write something great, pitch it to Netflix. That's the problem with most couch critics, they love to trash everything, yet don't have an ounce of creative ability. Some shows deserve a bashing, because there is some absolute trash being made, but this isn't one of them. In my opinion...of course.
Ozark (2017)
Might be perfect
Loved this show, every season. Never quite sure how it would end right up to the final minute. If you're reading this you're probably already hooked, if not start watching NOW.
The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
So sloooooow
These Star Wars Disney TV spin offs are so slow. The Mandalorian was OK, but still slow and this is so slow I gave up watching it. Just started on Obi-Wan and looks a bit better, but still not gripped. I've liked all the movie spin offs, but so far these just aren't doing it for me.
Hustle (2022)
Great movie
It's not perfect so it can't get 10, but it's really watchable. Sandler is great and although it's a bit predictable I enjoyed it. I love the way US sports movies/shows use real teams. The UK should take note.
The Wheel of Time (2021)
1970s Doctor Who sets
Not read the books, so judged this as a TV series. Putting aside the wooden acting by almost all the cast and the fact that it is completely confusing, it's the production quality, or lack of it, that really stands out. The sets are absolutely terrible and appear to lit with every light the grip truck. Apparently this cost £10m an episode! Perhaps that was the electricity bill.
Dark Was the Night (2014)
Weird colour grading
The movie is just Meh! But I was totally distracted by the eclectic colour grading. Absolutely no consistency between scenes. Most of it had that classic green cast, especially in the shadows, then we'd be outside in daylight and it was all bleached out.
The Final Wish (2018)
Utter garbage
If I could give it negative stars I would. It is bad on every level. How do movies this bad get made?
Dark (2017)
Stop the riddles
So this is a good show, and once you get past the dubbing (never a fan of it) it's well put together if a little confusing. But the bit that is really starting to irritate me, ie everyone speaking in riddles. Surely in a real works situation the recipient of a statement like "it will all become clear" would say "yea, that's great but why not just explain it to me in DETAIL".