demon-62 Reviews

Always a Witch (2019–2020)

Great Spin On A Familiar Tale

[8/10 · 18 April 2019]

I know there are a lot of series with teenage witches or some other kind of supernatural power, but this one adds a new twist to the genre. The main character is a time traveling witch. If you give it a shot you'll fall in love with the main character right away and that pulls you into her world. The acting is great, the cast has real chemistry with each other and each episode reveals a little more about each character that will totally change your opinion of them. That's part of the reason it's so good. They don't give you time to get bored and by the end of season 1 you'll be upset that it's over.

I would advise you to binge watch this one. That's what I did and I think it makes the story more real and relatable. If you're not binge watching it, you'll have to suspend disbelief before each episode and that takes some time away from engrossing yourself in this world the director writer and cast so expertly built.

Can't wait for season 2!!!

A Discovery of Witches (2018–2022)

Great series with an abrupt ending

[7/10 · 7 February 2019]

This series breathed new life into the overdone over used cliche vampire witch genre in an unexpected way. There's no high school teen drama. No clumsy fight scenes. No CGI vampire superpowers. And no gore inserted for shock value. This actually has a good story and interesting characters with so many possible directions for the writers to expand on. Needless to say I really enjoyed the series overall. Great acting from the entire cast and the actor who plays Nathaniel Wilson (Daniel Ezra) is absolutely gorgeous.

The only thing that stopped me from giving this an 8 instead of a 7 is the abrupt ending of season one's last episode (ep 8). I understand cliff hangers and how the writers want to keep the audience in dire need for another season. I usually don't have a problem with that but this series takes it to the extreme. It almost felt like the show ran out of money and couldn't finish shooting the ending they had planned. Despite my disappointment in the way it ended, I can't wait to see season 2.

Memories of the Alhambra (2018–2019)

More than just a love story

[8/10 · 3 January 2019]

From the previews I thought this was just another sappy K drama love story, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was a whole lot more than just a love story. There's a sci-fi element that makes this series worth watching. The concept is so original and even the love story is compelling. After each episode I couldn't wait to see where the story was going next so of course I ended up binge watching it over the weekend.

The acting is great, the production values are top notch, and the characters are very likeable. Even when they do something questionable, you still want to root for them. The main character does some very shady things but that never seems to make him less likeable. The writers deserve a lot of credit because that's not an easy thing to do. I hope they'll do a second season soon because I want more.

Star Trek: Discovery (2017–2024)

Didn't like episode 1, but loved it after episode 3

[8/10 · 31 December 2018]

To those who were discouraged from watching after reading some bad reviews, you might want to ignore those because I suspect a lot of them didn't make it past the 1st episode (like I almost did). If you're a sci-fi fan and you enjoy series about space and aliens I can almost guarantee you'll like it. It might help if you get rid of your expectations of what a Star Trek series should be. If you watch it without those preconceived notions you'll probably enjoy it a lot more.

I've been a huge Trek fan ever since my ex boyfriend made me watch an episode of Star Trek The Next Generation with him. I thought I would hate it but watched anyway and got hooked. After binge watching TNG I moved on to Voyager, Deep Space Nine, and then Enterprise.

After I watched and loved every episode of all the previous Star Trek series, I got excited when I heard they were making a new one. Then I watched the first episode and absolutely hated it. I was so disappointed. The look of it was way too slick. I hated the changes they made to the Klingons. I thought it was unnecessary and pretentious to include such long scenes where the Klingons only spoke in their language. And what I hated the most was the dark atmosphere the writers created to build their version of the Star Trek universe. None of the storylines in previous Star Trek series were that dark.

I came very close to not watching the 2nd episode, but I thought to be fair I'd have to watch at least 3 episodes before I gave up on it. I'm really happy I did because halfway through episode 3 I got drawn into the story. By episode 5 I changed my IMDb rating from a 3 to an 8.

I loved how everything got turned upside down when they used the spore drive. The whole concept of them finding a new way to travel the universe highlighted the cleverness of the writing. The relationship between the doctor and the scientist made them two of my favorite characters, and the twist in the final few episodes of season 1 was totally unexpected.

Good acting, interesting characters, unexpected twists and turns, stunning visuals, decent character development, and big budget feature film type action are the ingredients that make this series compelling to watch. All you have to do is give it a chance.

Forestillinger (2007)

Great drama about the messiness of human relationships.

[8/10 · 27 October 2015]

When it comes to break ups and relationships I've always thought that 99% of the time there is no right or wrong. There is no one big event that clearly makes one person the good guy and the other the bad. This series captures that reality and presents it in a way that will challenge the viewer from a different perspective with each episode.

It starts out as a very slow moving drama centered around one female actor who's boyfriend is directing a play that stars her. Her boyfriend/director also casts her ex-boyfriend to play her love interest in the play. They show the same events from 6 different perspectives. You never really know who's using who, or who's right or wrong. You'll make up your mind after watching the girlfriend's perspective, then watch the same events through another character's perspective and totally change your mind. If you love good drama, great dialogue, and stripped down performances, you'll love Forestillinger. But let me warn you right now; get ready to hate each of the characters at some point throughout the season because no one is innocent in this story.

Storyville: Mad Dog: Gaddafi's Secret World (2014) Season 18, Episode 4

Very Informative but...

[7/10 · 15 April 2014]

I found this documentary to be interesting and very informative but it leaves a huge chunk of the story out for some reason. It skips from the west's decision to rehabilitate Gaddafi directly to the west and NATO's decision to kill him. That's a very important element that should have been included. It also mentions the Arab Spring but does not explain how it tied into the story. Even with the two omissions I described, it was still compelling and well worth the watch. Especially if you're interested in the contentious relationship between the United States and Arab countries. If you have no idea who Gaddafi is or can't locate Libya on a map, you may have to do a little reading about Gaddafi to fully understand the former leader and what brought his reign of terror to an end.

While not the central focus of this documentary, the west's unquenchable thirst for oil is prominently on display throughout the film. As a proud American, it sickens me to know we were willing to overlook hundreds of thousands of executions, Gaddafi's hunt for a nuclear weapon, state sponsored terrorism and state funded terrorist boot camps, and the terrorist hijacking of a plane that killed 243 passengers (189 from America), all because a sociopathic dictator had control of large oil deposits that American & UK oil companies wanted a piece of. It sickens me the core.

Kissinger (2011 TV Movie)

Fascinating & Beautifully Told Documentary

[9/10 · 15 September 2011]

Kissinger like you've never seen him before. I believe this is the most honest and forthcoming interview he has ever done. He was candid yet unapologetic about his decisions and role in some of the most controversial events and issues that took place during his time in the Nixon White House. I was born half a decade after President Nixon resigned from office so I didn't really know a whole lot about his Presidency (apart from Watergate). Therefore, there were many things in this documentary that I had no knowledge of. One of the most interesting stories that came out of Kissinger's retelling was his trip to China and the real reason for this trip to China. Nixon and Kissinger's rationale was based on the idea of "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" (referring to our contentious relationship with communist Russia). This was such a huge gamble because China was a self-contained closed country at the time, which made intelligence gathering almost impossible. Kissinger saw China as the answer to all of our problems. Making them our ally could force Russia to come to the bargaining table and end the Cold War. China could also facilitate some kind of peace treaty and help end the war in Vietnam as well. That is two VERY BIG birds with one heavy ass Chinese stone (lol).

One of the most shocking things in the documentary came right at the end of Kissinger's interview. When asked about having regrets, he said no, and he would do the exact same thing if given another chance under the same circumstances (paraphrased). I don't want to give away everything he said in his interview because you need to watch it. I commend the director/interviewer for not focusing on Watergate. That story has been told a million times in a million different ways. Instead, the focal point of this documentary was Kissinger's experiences told in his own words from his unique perspective. Throughout the documentary, Kissinger delivers his story with spellbinding narration in his trademark gruff baritone voice. It's compelling, it's informative, it's intriguing, and it opens a door into the mind of one of the most fascinating figures in US history.

The Borgias (2011–2013)

Superbly Addicting

[7/10 · 3 April 2011]

I loved every minute of this pilot. I was a little unsure at first when I read the show's summary because I'm usually not a fan of period drama. But I am huge fan of European history and have always thought the Borgias family contributed some of the most interesting stories in Rome's history. So, because of that, I decided to give it a try... and thankfully I was not disappointed. I can't wait to watch the next episode. Jermery Irons is AMAZING in his role as the newly crowned Pope. His superb acting sets the tone and elevates the bar for the whole cast. I can't imagine anyone else in that role, but him. The story draws you in right from the beginning, and moves along quite quickly. The sets were extremely detailed and visually stunning, as were the costumes. There was little I could find wrong with this this first episode. Showtime has done it again & brought us quite a gem.

If you're on the fence and unsure whether or not to watch this movie- like drama, I suggest you give it a try. I promise you won't be disappointed.

-T DeMon Spencer

Mad Dogs (2011–2013)

A Very Well Written & Well Acted Mini-Series

[7/10 · 26 February 2011]

It would be nice if they turned this into a full TV series because each episode leaves you wanting more. I wish American TV would start making shows of this caliber. Instead they give us the same boring dribble over and over again. US television will take a successful series and clone it 4 or 5 times and the only thing they change is the city in which it takes place (ex. CSI, CSI Miami, CSI NY, CSI Los Vegas, Law & Order, Law & Order SVU, Law & Order LA, Law & Order Criminal Intent, etc etc.). UK TV actually respects their audience enough to give them characters with depth, writing that embraces new ideas, and a genuine attempt to engage and capture the viewers attention with intelligent stories and unpredictable plot twists. They seem to understand that you don't need big explosions, car chase scenes, and unrealistic gun battles to have a successful show or movie. When the story is well written and you cast great actors that know what they're doing, all of that big budget fluff stuff isn't necessary. I have only seen the the first 3 episodes so far, and I can't wait to watch the last installment.

Bottom line, this mini-series get's two thumbs up from me. If you're not pulled into this show after the first episode, then something is wrong with you. I'm so glad I ignored the 1st guys review that was posted on this page. He said it was boring, nothing happens, and it was a waste of time. ***PLEASE DON'T LET THAT 1 REVIEW DISCOURAGE YOU FROM WATCHING THIS SERIES***!!! You'll thank me later... trust me.

http://www.sociallyurban.com

State of Play (2003)

Brilliant Political Thriller

[10/10 · 15 December 2010]

When I started searching for this mini-series, I got confused because there's a US movie with Russle Crowe that has the same exact title, and the plots are even similar. Although the Russle Crowe movie is pretty good, it doesn't hold a candle to this British mini-series. Seriously, I loved every single second of it. The plot had exciting and unexpected twists and turns. The character development was deep and realistic. There aren't any one dimensional cut and dry good or bad guys. Everyone has very apparent flaws, just like real life. I would definitely recommend this to anyone that likes good well written character driven political thriller type dramas. You won't be disappointed. I wish American TV mini-series were more like this. I have more reviews on my blog at www.sociallyurban.com If you're interested in checking it out.

Prayers for Bobby (2009 TV Movie)

Amazing Movie With A Big Message

[9/10 · 5 December 2010]

I randomly came across this movie early this morning (4am) because I couldn't sleep. I was shocked that I had never heard of it before. Even though it was released in 2009, the message is so very relevant to everything going on in the news right now. Gay-bashing, homophobia, religious zealotry, gay teen suicide, etc. What's even more amazing is that it's a true story. It stirred up so many emotions with me. At times it seemed as though I were watching a movie based on my life. It was kind of eerie how much of my life paralleled the main characters. It's one the most touching films I've ever seen, and I was even more shocked to find out that it was a "Lifetime Network" made-for-TV movie.

It's one of those films that you have to discuss with someone immediately after watching it. So get your friends, co-workers, husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, ex, lover, landlord, neighbors, the teller at your bank, the Asian guy that delivers your Chinese takeout and whoever else you can get a hold of to watch it. Stories like this have the power to open closed eyes and reach those who we thought were unreachable. Anyone that can watch this movie without being moved by it has no soul (aka a Republican lol).