AlexanderExtazy Reviews

Mrs. Wilson (2018)

Fake lips in WW2 era?

[21 January 2019]

They did not have fake lips in the 1940s. Poor film production. Get a better choice of actresses next time.

Gomorrah (2014–2021)

Unbelievably marvelous

[5 June 2016]

I accidentally watched first episode of season 2 when I assumed it was season 1.. which explains the start.

Then realizing what I saw was actually season 2, I then started watching season 1. From the first episode.. I had to put all my duties aside and spent an entire day (12+ hours) just filling my life with the whole season.

I have to put this right next to Sopranos. Much better than Gomorrah movie. Definitely more valuable to me than Godfather or any other Hollywood fantasy crap that portrays Italian organized crime as baby stuff.

Although any violence occurring in this show isn't as brutal as the reality is.. it still gives a touch of the brutality that the world of organized crime has, especially in the Southern part of Italy.

I must recommend this for all crime genre lovers. Roberto Saviano is now listed among my top favorite screenwriters. Despite a very few list on his filmography list; he somehow managed to hit the jackpot starting with his 2008 Gomorrah story. The modern Gomorrah series is just how fantastic his story develops into a modern perspective on the Italian organized crime story he told.

Apart from the creators.. acting was beyond brilliant.. no further comment!

Mad Dogs (I) (2015–2016)

Fails to disappoint

[23 May 2016]

Beautiful show.. I never watched the original.. but when I saw Michael Imperioli acting in this one I thought of checking it out. First episode blew me away and I got hooked on it.

The whole Caribbean setting was splendid. The intensity from each episode kept me on a hook.

Everything about this show amazed me.. the midget hit-man especially!

One thing the viewer notices near the ending is how such events changed the friendship relation between the 4 guys; with some events showing how they get closer; but eventually failing to keep all of them together. Such disasters could bring about treachery, disloyalty, or even hatred among one another.

Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001–2015)

A show in decline

[23 May 2016]

After watching 13th season.. I am quite shocked at the turn this series took from 1st season until today. One thing I was shocked by watching throughout all seasons is the amount of mental illness Canada has... almost all of the characters have some form of mental illness, some in serious forms (Ricky, Craig, Fiona, etc.) .. some are mild. First symptom of mental illness is the belief that the world revolves around you, which seems to me is a belief every character has. Nonetheless I loved the early seasons since I used to watch them when I was in high school in Canada and they really reminded me of the good old times... but later seasons were just written scripts and acted upon by a bunch of young actors/actresses.

The direction of the events are totally messed up and everything ends in the result that the director thinks is "right" ... instead of brutal and realistic outcomes.. everything is a piece of cake; whereas reality contains tons of brutality in the personal lives of people.. but all of that can't be seen in the later seasons.

The first generation seasons were much better and more serious than the later ones.

By events I mean events such as Rebecca standing against her family when she spent a lifetime being raised a Christian and all the sudden, the director transforms her into a gay person in less than 1 episode.. also standing against her brother in the trial.

Now the trial is something else.. very disgraceful, disappointing, and disturbing outcome in my opinion.. this is when I really started to hate this show and why I put a 3 on the scoreboard.

All the factors lead to Zoe losing the trial case when all the sudden she shows up near the end of the court (which is highly unacceptable in real courts) and with a low voice she managed to decide the outcome of her trial. Not to mention the director placed Rebecca's unthoughtful statement just to convict her brother.. total fail from Degrassi director.

What else can I say about this show other than the fact that its glory days died with the casting of Jimmy, Paige, Elli, and the rest of them.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Very touching and realistic

[15 January 2016]

One of the very few movies I have given a 10 score.. this one truly deserved it.

I must admit this is the only movie ever made tears drip on my cheeks; especially in the end.

All characters played their part perfectly; and Emma's Sam character was well played.. she did a good acting in the portrayal of a girl who's heart is open to someone who really needs it.

Charlie's character of someone gone through his best friend's suicide was intense... and the whole movie plot of these 2 siblings opening their hearts to someone who really needed someone to be with.. it was very touching; and when they had to leave end of the year it was very upsetting.

Overall, the move director knew exactly how to direct this movie.

Oz (1997–2003)

Everything you've heard about prisons is visualized for you in Oz

[23 July 2015]

I've heard a lot of tales and ugly things about prison life from North American friends of mine; but one could not grasp the image of the words described to you unless you watch this show (with the exception of you going to an American prison yourself, that is...)

I must admit this series is the one and only show I ever watched continuously (all 6 seasons) within the week.. usually I watch other shows bit by bit, but Oz.. I watched it continuously for a whole week with the exception of food, toilet, and bedtime breaks.

From the first episode, I was hooked like a magnet. The levels of intrigue; the cynical personalities; the nightmare of all offenders is presented to your eyes by HBO. I thought Sopranos was the best thing they premiered.. turns out Oz is also something else I didn't expect!

Despite the nasty gay scenes, rapes and all sorts of sexual abuse; the show was fantastic. Moreorless, all the gore presented in this show is just a bite off the cookie compared to the reality of the nightmares faced.

After watching the entire seasons.. I must assume that the problems with American prisons all point towards the top.. just like any company/business/corporation/sports team... bad teacher = bad students. Bad manager = bad employees. Bad owner = bad business.

The Governor in this case is the one on the top chain.. with all the wasted money on useless expenditures, actual improvement can be made with focus on the bureaucracy and the simple little details that can give inmate's lives a better chance of turning that nightmare into a regular & remorseful stay @ a prison.

However, even with major adjustments & improvements cannot guarantee one's safety among the "4 walls" of these prison cells. Corruption is a major factor that destroyed the lives of many (both inmates & staff).. and corruption will continue to remain. So will prison gangs, and that's another cancer that is nearly impossible to cripple without decisive action on behalf of the people "upstairs".

To back to Oz series.. the only thing I hated in this show is the fact that they made O Riley indestructible.. from the first 2 episodes I expected him to fall in his own blood, yet it was very annoying to see him go through the whole show without being touched and everything going his way.. in reality a dunken mick doesn't stand a chance, not even with all that "luck of the irish" bullcrap.

Another related annoyance is during final episodes with Cyral's execution.. no one really gives a crap about his execution yet all inmates managed to lock themselves in their cells and bang on the windows like a bunch of apes? (not to mention that it occurs during their only free time during the day pffft)

Overall, the final execution of Cyral was a giant relief.. since I was expecting from first season some terrible thing happens to the mick.. yet unfortunately the only thing that does happen against his favor is his brother's death, which is not enough to satisfy me!

Other than that, the construction of every plot and every scene throughout the seasons was fantastic; and the whole concept of Oz series is marvelous.. I couldn't say anymore than that!

Casino (1995)

Casino - one word describes an entire world

[7 July 2015]

The world that you're about the watch is all located inside an enormous building that combines the work life, personal life, professional life, and pleasurable life of Di Nero's character.

This movie is always ranked right next to Goodfellas.. same actors, different story, different movie, and another wonder to be kept on a keeper's collection.

My favorite detail in the movie is all the extravagant clothes involved.. the colors, the designs and fabrics put into the bodies of all them wise guys make Baskin Robin's ice cream collection look like a vanilla milkshake. Terrific clothing!

That Ginger woman is quite annoying.. what's even more shocking is to watch a so-called tough guy marry this hooker and not have the heart to flog her for her actions.. shame shame!

Goodfellas (1990)

One of the best mafia style films

[7 July 2015]

You heard it, along with the greatness of Scarface and The Godfather, comes Goodfellas. It's story is quite interesting but not quite true.

Bare in mind it's been originally written from the hand of the traitorous rat who flipped on his closest friends.. therefore his story for sure is a portrayal from his own opinion. If he had remained loyal to his crew and not turned rat, then the story he would have written about his early days might have been more realistic than the portrayal he has given the world from his documented writings "AFTER" he went to witness protection.

Nevertheless, with regards to the movie itself, it is very enjoyable and never gets boring. The earlier the movie is, the nicer the plot is. Later on it gets quite frustrating but moreorless I keep enjoying it every time I watch.

Age of Kill (2015)

Why doesn't IMDb have option of 0 score?

[7 July 2015]

Not possible to provide a review without some spoilers so here you go:

The start off is stupid..

When the movie beings and Mr. hit-man receives a phonecall.. very stupid

When the people are being shot in the head for a minimum duration of 5 minutes without any authorities passing by.. very stupid.

I stopped watching.

Then I forwarded to the end, and it's obvious Dr. Evil is the guy who we all knew he would be when he wasn't too happy in the start of the movie.

What a waste of hard drive space.

Game of Thrones (2011–2019)

Addictive and rewarding for your time

[7 July 2015]

I liked this show from the first season; despite some fantasies involved.

But the director knew exactly how to attract fantasy haters, so the production of this show took a lot of good money & time on making it well worth the viewer's time.

The build up of the series is incredible.. even until current season, it only seems as if the show has started and it has a lot more to go through.

My expectation is that this show will last very long (who knows, maybe even longer than Bold & the beautiful).

One little detail I didn't like is the redhair lord of light servant.. now we all know this is a medieval/ancient fictional setting.. but even in other planets.. fake lips don't exist except in planet Earth in the dumb century of 21.

This detail had me avoid eating lunch/dinner while watching since it's quite disgusting for me to look at cosmetic surgery humans.. apart from that, I'm still puzzled at how most of the world are in love with hairy girl emilia clarke.. in a nutshell she is an average looking women who is definitely a skank without makeup.. and just a look at her mammal hands can make a man lose appetite.. so I give this advice to all you horny males out there: Not all that moans is hot.

Traffic (2000)

Wonderful portrayal of the actual case

[7 July 2015]

Now not 100% of the details involved in the film are true as most people know it, but it can give a good graphic perspective on what the situation is similar to.. from both sides of the fence.

You got the typical bureaucrat who is hypocritically involved in a war that is only being fought by one side without an opponent; and on the other side of the fence you got the portrayal of the border Cartel who are considered to be the opponents but actually they aren't being much affected by this political drama on drugs.

The drama involved (father & junkie daughter) - (cartel ranks) is set up very good and I enjoyed this movie from start to finish.

Breaking Bad (2008–2013)

Definite 10/10

[7 July 2015]

This is maybe the second (if not the only) review I had posted a score of 10 on.

Setting, story, plot, direction, production, acting = remarkable and very rewarding for your entertainment time.

Most series one can enjoy and then there's this little itch that ruins your high rating, but Breaking Bad is all good from all viewpoints.

The violence involved is a semi-realistic portrayal of how the criminal world lives every minute by, without hesitation.

The entire production is very unique (especially the starting and the ending of each episode) .. there is nothing more that I could say except this: Watch it if you haven't already!

The Business (2005)

I could never get bored from watching this

[7 July 2015]

Title says it all...

The Costa Del Sol (Marbella) setting in those 80's were astonishing. I could never ask for a better movie setting to go along with a scarface dreamer film.

The acting wasn't perfect, but I mostly admired the story.. and that same story is true on the count of many organized crime figures who flew from the UK, Scandinavia, and Russia to avoid persecution & extradition.

What I mostly love about the film is that during the period where it's supposed to be portrayed (80's), this is actually the golden age of Marbella. If you go there now, it's filled with English, Scandinavian and Russian drunks who have exploited this city for it's treasures and not only that.. but they are still residing in it.. only true beauty to Costa del Sol at this moment is to buy a multi million euro mansion there and enjoy the scenery.

Other than that, The Business can show you a great deal of the kind of heaven Marbella was.

Da Vinci's Demons (2013–2015)

Not very fascinating

[7 July 2015]

I had high hopes for this series but I wasn't too thrilled from the first episode.. and I actually starting reading a book in between to remove boredom from my heart.

The Florence setting is nice.. I know that because I lived there and a very few historical accuracies (let's not get to the historical inaccuracies and super fiction).

The fantasy part with the flying bird is the possible reason I might have avoided continuing this show.

Another tiny detail.. Da Vinci was widely rumored to be a homosexual; therefore I don't know why the director portrayed his as pussywhipped dog who worships a girl like the rest of Hollywood movies.

I also didn't know Florentines spoke British with British accent? I couldn't understand a thing with that language..if they spoke Italian I at least would have understood.. or if they spoke American or normal English language.. however this is one other reason for me not liking it.

Wayward Pines (2015–2016)

Decent series

[7 July 2015]

I got hooked on this from the third episode. First two I wasn't so convinced and was almost going to abandon this show, but then I got into the story and despite some fiction (I despite fiction more than thieves), it still had a good taste to it.

A great advantage this series has in my eyes is that you won't find fake people with fake lips, fake tits, etc. Almost 95% of movies & shows you find fake people (Especially women) .. and it's undesirable to watch such film/show while eating. In Wayward pines however, you may notice a slight bit of it but it won't get to you nor your appetite!

The idea of the story is really great and I'm still anxious to find out what will happen eventually in the following series. It's also good to see Matt Dilon play out a main character without being too pussywhipped as other actors crave to be.

Anarchy Parlor (I) (2015)

Not bad

[7 July 2015]

The story was quite perceptive and non surprising. A typical thriller/horror where American youngsters go off to a third world country and become victims due to that country's inhabitants having a hardcore grunge on the US for obvious reasons..

The starting scene was interesting, and some nice party scenes.

The way the horror approached the story wasn't quite put that well.. it would have been better if the thrill came at a surprise instead of being obvious infront of the eye.

Despite some fake lips and fake tits, a very few pleasant females to admire in this movie.

Whether or not the story events are true (about painting on human skin canvas), the story itself was interesting and almost unique (ALMOST!).

Interesting ending as well!

Tyrant (2014–2016)

Thrilling first season; very stupid second season

[17 June 2015]

I would have given a 9/10 for the amazement I enjoyed first season; and it was even nicer when Barry was arrested for treason.

Then second season was super promising; then they executed the prisoner and I was even more astonished.

Then came the stupid part in the very end.. series is destroyed and I'm not watching anymore episodes from this crap.

A traitor is always executed. Now you are talking about a Middle Eastern family member who tried to make a coup.. historically, traditionally.. coup or no coup, family members always kill each other for power.

However this yankee dr. doodle tried to coup a country he doesn't belong to, and the president had a weak heart to let him live?

Very stupid story and I hope the director & producers fail with this series.

Marco Polo (2014–2016)

Despite historical inaccuracies; great production

[12 May 2015]

I was amazed by the great filming of this series.

The acting was done very well.

I gave the show an 8. One point knocked out due to some historical inaccuracies/fiction; and the other point knocked out due to the pussywhip situations in which the director put Marco in.

It's common knowledge that only recently women open their legs to a man who isn't married to them. Even in the 20th century, pre-marital sex was considered a taboo.

Yet the director wants to show the world that Asian women are whores, and that they give their virginity to a foreigner; moreorless a European whom back in the time were considered peasants in the eyes of the technologically advanced East.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed much of the shows and how the story builds up as a series; although the very ending was ridiculous. What the heck does a treasurer want with emperor position; and the wall painting is a typical Hollywood bluff which is getting sort of old, therefore I wasn't astonished by that scene.

Looking forward for the second season, and hope it won't be as crap as other TV shows are turning out to be !

Starred Up (2013)

A disturbing but well directed film

[7 May 2015]

I always voted for UK film productions, and this is one tiny example of the many that are out there.

Starred up is a wicked movie that explores the prison system of the United Kingdom.

By the time you're done watching the movie you can certainly spot out differences between American and UK prison systems; especially if you had studied them in full depth (in sociological matters to be precise).

Overall, the acting from all characters was remarkable and I really got a sense of being in a UK prison just by watching the movie.

The directing of the film is extraordinary; a jolly good job to them Britannic artists.

Ambassadors (2013)

Underrated and under-appreciated

[6 May 2015]

This is a very fine TV show. If it weren't for fools who admire shows based on daily hospital routines and cops with boring lives that investigate repetitive murders; then unique and rare brilliance such as this would exist in today's TV show listings.

However, boring people are the majority of judges in ratings; therefore they rate those boring shows and inspire them to make at least a dozen series within their lifespan.

Unfortunate excellence such as Ambassadors, Kingpin, Hung, The Honorable Woman, and many more don't get a chance to cause greater impression in following series than they already had in their first season showing.

The Man Who Would Be King (1975)

Tales from the British Raj!

[4 May 2015]

One of the best movies I recently watched.. and I watched it again the week after because I couldn't get enough.

From being a lover of historic movie settings; I assumed this movie had great potential by reading the synopsis and damn well I was right !

A strong story of friendship, loyalty, ambition, and the will to seek out the "Greater"... Sean Connery & Michael Caine performed this film very well. I could vouch that this is the best movie they had done together.

The entire setting of British Raj era India is terrific. Back then, India wasn't too population, and the whole setting appeared as beautiful as any overseas colony. (That coming from someone who adores colonial era settings).

Apart from that, the long hours you will watch will fill you with absolute entertainment as it did to me!

Election (2005)

An underrated wonder

[4 May 2015]

Forget all the Hollywood crap about Chinese gangsters with black suits.. that's a myth.

Election series (I & II) focuses on a Triad branch that has a unique election system compared to other organized crime groups.

Initiation, membership, and loyalty within their ranks is completely different from other crime groups.

What is amazing about this movie is that it shows us life in each member.. from low rank to the top level; and the length (as well as limits) one would go to take the big seat.

As one Dutchman once told me about the Triads in Rotterdam; "Menthol". I could also use the same term in this case !

The story, the plot, the acting.. was very realistic in my point of view.. No director ever produced an astonishing piece of work that's based on Chinese Triads as good as this. Wonderful work.

2nd series is even nicer. The story is more lovely. I can't say more, you watch. =)

For those putting low scores on this.. they probably are Hollywood goons who are paid to write these reviews so people can admire Hollywood's own production of similar movie plot.

8 Heads in a Duffel Bag (1997)

One of my favorite comedy

[4 May 2015]

Forget about those silly low ratings. This is one of Joe Pesci's best movies.

He sure can play a terrific hit man is all I got to say!

The story from start till finish doesn't have any second with boredom in it.. every part and every minute is as interesting as the second coming!

The whole Mexican vacation setting is very lovely, and the comedy in it (especially the two dorky roommates) was hilarious.

It's hard to find a good comedy to laugh on these days, with all the rubbish being produced nowadays.

This ladies and gentlemen is a comedy classic, and I can surely vouch for any comedy lover to watch it .. at least once!

Scarface (1983)

Ambition at its best!

[4 May 2015]

Every man has an ambition; women too in that matter.

But for this newly arrived immigrant who came from a land where entrepreneurship doesn't exist, he seized the opportunity to establish himself in the cocaine trafficking network.

His cunning and ambition made him achieve all what a Miami dreamer could ever do in a thousand lifetimes.

Despite the story being over-reactive.. it was nicely put together, and Pacino's acting was terrific (it's not easy faking a lisp all the way!)

The features of the movie; the big mansion, Bolivian highlands, drug lord's estates, fancy clothes and cars (back in the 70's that is) was remarkable and very well spent on making this movie.

However in the very end where Tony gets shot, it was quite ridiculous how he managed to keep on going after receiving his first couple shots... makes the Terminator look like snow white!

The Edge (1997)

Great story of survival

[4 May 2015]

I watched this many times; it is one of Hollywood's rare collections from the good choice selection.

Anthony's role of a billionaire was very well played; his will to survive and go back to his wealthy lifestyle gave him all the power to do what it takes to get out of that God forsaken forest and back to his beloved... or so it seemed.

The survival techniques which Charles read on the book were superb.. one can learn a lot of things about surviving in a forest!

I must say this is Baldwin's only movie that he did OK in, with comparison to the other Hollywood crap he acted in.

Overall, this movie shows us that no matter who we are or what we achieved throughout our lifetime... when we are stuck in a large forest with no help available for hundreds (or thousands) of miles.. we are all one and the same.