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Invasion: Cosmic Ocean (2023)
A good show ruined by one character.
As the season progresses, the depth of the story continues to impress. Character building has been excellent through the first seven episodes, and the expanded story over season one works really well
Except for one thing - the character of Nikhil Kapoor is close to ruining the entire show.
His ridiculous decision making, awful attempts at manipulating other characters and complete disregard for anything they do or say would preclude any real person from the kind of success he has had. He doesn't listen, ignores obvious progress others are making and instead just bullies and harasses. It's a shame, because he is ruining the entire show.
Black Mirror: Mazey Day (2023)
So it isn't tech focused - so what?
People are giving this bad reviews on the basis that it doesn't "feel like" a black mirror episode. Well neither did the very first episode, The National Anthem, so big whoop.
This is a solid piece of television, with an interesting story and a good twist to keep it interesting. The writers are telling us the stories that they want to write - don't judge the episode on what you wanted to see, but rather what they put in front of you.
If people genuinely think this is a 1 or 2 rated episode based on the story and the performances of the actors (which are all excellent, by the way), then I genuinely don't know why they bother turning on the TV.
The Stand: Fear and Loathing in New Vegas (2021)
Oh dear, this really isn't Flagg's Vegas
One of the great things about the book is the fine line it draws between The types of people who go to Flagg rather than Mother Abigail. Flagg is all about order and discipline. The narrative makes it clear that Flagg's people are (mostly) not evil themselves, but they want a society where there are clear rules and those rules are followed. Flagg has a zero tolerance policy against drug use, his followers won't risk hard liquor, and any outlandish behaviour is severely punished.
Now look at the Vegas in this episode - a haven of drug taking, debauchery and a complete absence of rules governing daily life. The people there are completely hedonistic and life is all about unending pleasure and a lack of control. It was completely unnecessary and undoes one of the key themes of the book, told at both individual and group level - the fine line between good and bad, the consequence of even simple choices and the way in which society can overlook the bad once it gets on a certain path.
So disappointing.
Severance: The We We Are (2022)
Utterly brilliant television
The show has got gradually creepier and more of an uncomfortable watch as the series has progressed - in a good way. The final episode cranked the tension all the way up to 10, and then went one higher.
No spoilers here, but suffice to say you get some payoff, and it sets season 2 up perfectly.
What a show.
Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
150 minutes of my life I won't get back.
Superhero films ask you to suspend disbelief. This one asks you to forget it ever existed. So, so many times it just oddly stupid things that could be done so much better without looking silly.
Need to get to Egypt from DC? We'll take a plane from the Smithsonian. Thankfully it was fuelled up and had the range to get there and back again, though of course it couldn't possibly. Need to be able to fly? Ok, no problem - you can just do that. As for the last act - jeez, what complete codswallop.
I have it three stars because frankly it's just nice to be watching a new film in the latest lockdown and, well, Gal Gadot, but honestly three is a stretch.
Inside No. 9: Death Be Not Proud (2020)
What the hell have I just watched?
Inside No 9 is a terrific series, with so many episodes that are well crafted, funny, poignant and sometimes sad. This one, however, is none of those things.
It has an interesting premise - young couple move into a flat previously owned by a killer. Then it all gets a bit ridiculous. The story falls apart, and it has a really daft twist that is not in keeping with the rest of the story in any way, shape or form.
Many episodes of this great anthology series demand repeat viewing. This one doesn't even demand a first viewing.
Ad Astra (2019)
I don't quite understand how the critics rate this so highly.
It was two hours of not a lot happening. Basically, a man travels the best part of five and a half billion miles to realise that he has been wasting his life.
I felt the same about the two hours I spent watching it.
As the Cinevue review put it, "the scenes come and go with a weightlessness that has nothing to do with gravity".
Beautifully shot, but empty of emotion and meaning.
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Harry Potter and the Return of the Sith
The film is, honestly, a bit of a mess. It was like going to see a band you used to love who have reunited for one last tour. They bring out all the hits, and you enjoy it, but you know it isn't like watching them when they were at the peak of their ability.
It was enjoyable enough, but it was basically a remake of the final two Harry Potter films, set in space. The orphan setting out alone to find lost items that will help win the ultimate victory. The realisation that you need your friends to help you. The lead character has a mental connection with the villain of the piece. They can do magic. They get advice from a wrinkly, grey bearded role model. Ghosts help them with advice at their time of need. They have to battle a part human boss at the end. All of the people rise up together to assist in the great victory. If you like that kind of thing, watch the Harry Potter films instead, as they are marginally better.
Les Misérables (2012)
Desperately disappointing
As a huge fan of the stage production, I had high hopes for the film. What looked, on paper at least, to be an excellent cast added to my sense of expectation as I entered the cinema. That is where the problems started.
Whatever Hugh Jackman is, and wherever his skill lie, it is certainly not in musicals. His voice has nowhere near the required power to carry the role of Jean Valjean. He struggles to hit notes repeatedly, and whilst he certainly looked the part, his singing was some way short of average.
If only Russell Crowe could reach the dizzying heights of "some way short of average". Sorry, but he has been woefully miscast. Not just for the role of Javert, but the fact that he is required to sing. For two of the leading roles to fall so far short of the required singing ability is completely unacceptable. It would have been far better to have cast any two of the numerous outstanding stage actors who have played the parts so well at the West End - it is not as if people were flocking to the film specifically because Jackman and Crowe were in it.
There were some outstanding performances. Anne Hathaway in particular was outstanding - a brilliant performance that will undoubtedly win her an Oscar, and deservedly so. Samantha Barks as Eponine and Eddie Redmayne as Marius were also excellent, and the Sacha Baron Cohen / Helena Bonham Carter duo as the Innkeeper and his wife brought obvious talent and humour to their roles.
The costume and production were very good, and again got deserved Oscar nominations, but they were not enough to save a film that should have been one of the all time greats. I would go as far as to say that it is the most disappointing cinema experience of my life.