Vern_LaVey Reviews

Living Biblically (2018)

Decidedly good-hearted, average sitcom fare.

[5/10 · 28 February 2018]

Unfortunately this show is getting dumped on from all sides. Christians are offended because it makes light of their religion (it doesn't). Anti-religious are annoyed simply because it's about religion. Big Bang Theory haters are annoyed because it's a very similar style of humor produced by and featuring Big Bang alumni.

First off I'll just say that this is NOT a vulgar comedy, at all. At least the first episode (which is all I've seen). This isn't 2 Broke Girls... this isn't even BBT-level crassness. If anything it's almost wholesome, a 90's broadcast sitcom throwback.

Judging by the pilot alone: It is very simple "canned-laughter" style sitcom that seems to be starting slow while laying the foundation of it's promising premise.

If you like standard sitcom-style humor, and aren't offended by the mere presence of religion in a comedy I'd say give this one a try. If you're a devout, easily offended Christian and/or hater of canned laughter... I'd say give this one a miss.

Personally? I want to see which direction they go once they get up to speed with the story. Until then I'm not ready to jump off.

The Protector 2 (2013)

The Protector 2.0

[3/10 · 13 April 2014]

This movie really should have been called "The Protector 2.0" just to drive the point home that this is a martial arts movie for the digital age. While I absolutely love Tony Jaa, and Ong-bak and The Protector are some of my all-time favorite movies, this movie can be summed up in one sentence:

"The Protector 2 relies on (horrible) CGI for the majority of it's action."

That's really all that needs to be said for fans of the genre or Tony Jaa specifically. There is no need to even get into the lack of quality and convolution of the script itself. This movie loses all it's luster due to it's main appeal being the immense charisma and skills of Tony Jaa when, with all of the CGI, they could have cast Tony Bennett and had the same movie.

In case I come off as being anti-CGI let me just say that I am in no way biased against it. I love it and think it can be quite a great tool for filmmakers. This movie uses it as a crutch though.... a cheaper option than hiring a stuntman or choreographing a proper fight scene, and it's glaringly noticeable. That is just unacceptable in a Tony Jaa film. I only hope that future martial arts films don't take the same shortcuts.