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Reviews
El caso Asunta (2024)
Well written well directed and excellent acting
I thought this was a particularly well acted, well written script. The Spanish actors are all very seasoned, and really capture, from everything I can tell the essence of the real people who were involved in the situation.
Particularly the mother who plays Rosario, who does a remarkable job in portraying a confused, drama laden, scatterbrained, somewhat mentally unstable, overwrought,
calculated, possible killer. Superb acting.
I think the way the story was laid out, woven together, was very effective. It's also an excellent view into the Spanish judicial system. We Americans often think our approach to justice in these cases, as much different than in Europe, so it's interesting to see their similarities.
I don't watch anything below 7.0, and gave this a 8.0 with the hopes it'll elevate the rating because I think this was very well crafted and solid piece that's won't waste your time.
The English (2022)
An excellent piece...
This was a remarkable piece, beautifully done and I rank it among the best modern westerns issued
of late (which includes "Godless").
Visually stunning, and stocked with top tier actors, it makes you hunger for more quality historically-rooted westerns. It's my understanding the executive producers (Blunt) went to great lengths to receive approval from the Pawnee tribe who authenticated the historicity of the Pawnee experience and to me this gives the series greater credibility. It's also shocking. We're reminded that the genocide and racism toward Native American people was unrelenting and psychopathic.
There's a love story here that's beautiful and simple as it's born of mutual respect and shared experience, somehow in the Great (and Dangerous) Plains where real trouble and lawlessness was easily found (or sought you out).
I'm glad I found this stark often cruel story, a tale of the wild inhumane west, with all of natures forces and man's depravity, colliding so terribly.
Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022)
A beautiful soundtrack not to overlooked...
A gorgeous, complicated, and very nuanced story told the right way. The movie traverses through new Pinocchio territory which includes overt ridicule parody of fascism, likely the whole point of the original story evidently as Hitler and Mussolini did their mutual admiration and allegiance dance together when this allegory was penned. Pinocchio does a delightful number mocking the wee Italian dictator.
I need to go back and rewatch the film after I understand a little more about Italy and what the social commentary of the time was saying about El Duche.
There's that and there's the remaining wide variety of topics that are highlighted in the film, the uneasiness of war, loss, pain, hope, searching for that which we love. And of course redemption.
We often think of Pinocchio as a carefree boy, naive and an easy mark and kind of a bad boy. Del Toro goes further than that and helps us love Pinocchio for the newly sentient creature he was created to be (by fairies), his purity of love for his father, and (in the interest of time) his desire to be real. And to be loved.
I think this finally is the definitive version of this story and, long overdue and relevant during a time in which we promised not to forgot and to "assure never more".
Ps: beautiful score: "Ciao Papa" is an eye.
Three Thousand Years of Longing (2022)
To love and be loved...
One of the many retelling of a the old "Genie" (aka Djinni) in the bottle but treated as if a true myth. And it worked.
It wouldn't have if Idris Alba wasn't so convincing with his piercing eyes and oversized body and warm and wise persona, and if Tilda's character wasn't in fact prepared to be open and hungry to participate in solving the Djinni's dilemma. Importantly for us, we're let into the world of this middle Eastern spirits journey to his future.
It's beautiful and nuanced and what else do you really ever expect from Tilda Swinson? I think she takes her time to in choosing projects and in this one plays a nerdy PhD who is up to the challenge, and the heartbreak, of loving a Djinni because apparently, they're wonderful in sharing their wisdom, education and unconditional love as they patiently await their freedom. And she happens to be a subject matter expert to the benefit of the Djinni.
I was complete enthralled with the film and it's a fantastic tale that for some reason doesn't seem require as much suspension of belief as you might expect - mainly because the story is about love and that's the common ribbon woven throughout the tale and one that is way more satisfying than the hunger for earthly riches, wealth or fame but is not always the default for those who's command Djinni's remain under years and years.
It will leave you spellbound.
Mike (2022)
Coming along just fine...I'm enjoying it
I think the format is clever and it's an interesting approach. A little bit like The Rock (which is terrific). The ratings will pick up over the season. Give it a shot. It's a great looking production with a number of different Mike's that do a beautiful job. The soundtrack is really sharp - they clearly spared no expense on rights and it's worth it.
Harvey Keitel really is amazing in the production and the love and care Cus D'Amato has for Tyson is sensitivity displayed. He's so nuanced as always.
The fight recreations, which I typically dislike are great bring back the nostalgia of the era, the actor that plays Mike in the ring is a dead ringer.
Everyone under estimates Tyson if you ask me. The show makes it clear that to underestimate Mike was and is a mistake.
The Bear (2022)
Get on board now with this delicious gem, it's what you're looking for.
This is an exquisite ensemble show, somehow billed as a "comedy", but really, it's way more than that. It's a reflection of the complexity of life and what life often serves up whether you like it or not, and with that, moments of love, anguish, heartache, surprise, struggle and humor.
Don't skip this beautifully produced, superbly acted and cast gem that is very very worthy of its 8.5 rating, it will rank among the best for years to come and when you experience it, you'll understand why too.
I'm not given to hyperbole, but this show is just what the doctor ordered for all of us that feel like we've been punched about the head and neck the past couple of years due to COVID and our insane political dynamics. It's a sit down for "family dinner" before the next shift starts (you'll see what I mean by that).
Whoever cast this show deserves an Emmy. I'd love to hear the backstory on how they achieved such an amazing team of actors to execute what will assuredly be one of the best ensembles on screen in years. Like the characters in the kitchen, their not super big names - they're highly skilled actors that know their craft.
And then there's the respect for the art and science of the kitchen, people who cook so lovingly for us deserve respect for their passion to feed us and to feed us so thoughtfully. Special attention is paid to food. You know how when you taste something and it makes you say "damn!" unexpectedly? That's this.
Importantly, the show, it's actors, it's directors, producers and writers and gaffers and so on, all of those in the "kitchen" that dish up a program like this for our viewing pleasure, do us a great service by producing a delightful show, balanced on the palate with all the right ingredients, with no compromise in its quality.
I comb through all of my various platforms and look for shows like this that make you laugh, cry, pump your fist in victory and satisfy. Here's one.
It's the best thing I've had on the menu in a long long time.
Enjoy.
Undercover (2019)
A worthwhile series...
You've got three season to watch now if this under appreciated series it be patient as you work your way through season 1.
This is a carefully crafted series- and while I'm sure they didn't know what the through line from their first season would be, it's super juicy at this point.
I was surprised they cranked this newest season out so fast- and I do hope they'll take this through a couple more seasons.
The main character, Bob, will grow on you, and the character Ferry is really the star of the show - played by a superb actor with some very superb ancillary characters
Plenty of tense moments, a worthwhile watch.
Dopesick (2021)
A remarkable, super nuanced and shocking series
Set aside the astonishing acting by all of the major characters in this piece for just a moment because it's these superb actors, who are masters in their tradecraft and who had the chops to take this already excellently written material to the level it needed to be to tell this story, did exactly that.
It's the way this story, this cringeworthy and shameful story about corporate greed, is framed and produced that is so remarkable. Throughout, my I had tears running down my crabby hardened cheeks - and it made me think about all the unnecessary and uniformed judgment on those whose lives that have been wrecked by this insidious drug (and their pushers) Including my best friend, who upon losing everything, clawed his way back to healing. I'm so sorry I didn't understand his struggle back then. I do now.
To point how superb Michael Keaton is in tiis piece is not to the exclusion of the rest of this remarkable cast, but this has to be his finest work (ok his Ray Croc was amazing). Rosario Dawson brings a very very dynamic range to this series that added intensity and nuance making this series one of the finest (and like the rest of us, I watch a lot) I've seen this year.
There's a lot of bobbing back in forth in time that is often hard it track but so what? It works and the piece will have its intended impact I'm sure: to help de stigmatized addiction, broadly, and introduce more empathy and love for those trapped in this terrible nightmare that is opioid addiction.
L'immortale (2019)
The Gomorrah story is epic...
Petty drug dealers, bullies and thugs fight over a little bit of turf in Naples for drug money and control, yet this is in fact an epic tale of power, pain, loyalty and crime. Yes, you'll have to go back a familiarize yourself with the original story, as this film is not entirely a stand alone installment, however, it does has its own self-contained plot and cinematic value.
The complaint that L'immortale is slower paced and unlike the series which is faster paced (there's more material to cover) is true, yet it's satisfying to know where Ciro came from - and that the blood covenant between Genny and Ciro still holds.
The current overall rating of the film isn't quite fair: it's stylish and Ciro is overly brooding (I don't do dislike that about him) but it's a quality film and scratched my between season Gomorrah itch, a series that is among the finest made of this genre like Breaking Bad and the Sopranos (though way more humorless than both), I'm hoping the producers and Marco D'More (Ciro who wrote and produced) keep this dynasty rolling a bit longer. There's reason to believe there's at least one more full feature film that could be extracted from the rich material that is the basis for Gomorrah.
Isabel: La Historia Íntima de la Escritora Isabel Allende (2021)
A superb piece of work...
I don't see how this series doesn't receive serious consideration for an Emmy, it's just superb start to finish. The actress playing Isabel is stunning in the role, she's a remarkable actress and delivers a powerful portrayal of a complex woman, with a complex marriage, and a brave heart.
Don't hesitate to watch this particularly if you're a student of Latin American politics - or a lover of her writing.
The Bible vs. Joseph Smith (2010)
Christian apologetics...
This is a well done approach to examining the historicity and authenticity of New Testament and the Book of Mormon. There's debunking here of the foundations Mormonism through the lack of accuracy In Mormon prophecy and examination of ancient texts; there aren't any.. It also uses aspects of the historical method.m and contains some uncomfortable moments with a devout Mormon who is slightly out gunned by documentarian who is clearly trained in apologetics.
Nobody (2021)
Cheeky, fun. But why?
Gratuitously violent, the movie is everything the previews suggested. It's fun to watch "Saul Goodman" transform into a vengeful cleanup expert. The movie has a structural issue that has to do with the "why?" To avoid a spoiler, I'll let you figure that out and whether you buy it.
It's snappily written, well choreographed. The bad guys are really bad and the central character ain't perfect and vulnerable. Clearly this is Bob Odenkirk's effort to launch a set of serial films which I'm sure he'll get from this maiden installment.
Not a movie for young kids for sure.
Legend (2015)
Stylish, well made period piece...
I thought this was a well made period piece and, of course, Tom Hardy is remarkable. It's a slice of a look into two Londoner East ender gangsters, not the whole picture obviously, but engaging piece of one.
I loved the production design of this film, the way it's shot, the costumes, the soundtrack, the automobiles, all are used to create a recollection of a time and place, but it's Hardy that creates the psychological atmosphere of this movie, and the underlying tensions between the two characters he plays, the identical twin Kray brothers.
Well worth watching if only to watch the loyalty and tensions between these singularly interesting brothers with their complex dualities.
Kfulim (2015)
Perfectly good espionage entertainment - Season 1
While it may take a couple of episodes for this series to warm up, it's well worth the time and intrigue. Whatever producer Amit Cohen sets his hand to seems to always be interesting and well crafted.
Certainly nothing to complain about here with the storyline or the production value. If you're looking for a quick shot in the arm, binge worthy spy series, you'll enjoy this.
I'm starting season two now. My review only covers season one.
PS. Be sure to watch "No Mans Land" by Amit Cohen. My wife and I thought that was just superd. Found on Hulu.
The Dig (2021)
Oscar worthy...
Ralph Fiennes Should be nominated for an Academy Award for this movie. He's just remarkable. In fact, the movie really should be nominated for Best Picture.
Beautifully paced, beautifully and acted gorgeously filmed. I thought Lily James was particularly good in this film as well. Actually, the whole cast turned in remarkable performances.
The movie doesn't strain, it feels relaxed and true. It's thrilling to watch things develop. I'll leave it there.
No Man's Land (2020)
Gripping. Absolutely terrific. A sure bet. Should be a 9.0
It seems that whatever Amit Cohen has his hand in is very good and this is an exceptionally written, acted, and produced series. Put your seatbelt on for this one be prepared to make promises you can't keep - that you'll stop watching to get some chores done or make dinner. You'll be sitting on your couch two hours later asking yourself, "what happened??".
The series features some up and coming actors what we'll see more of undoubtedly. I don't want take any spoiler risks, look them up and check out their work.
The love of his sister drives the main character to go into dangerous territory in war torn Syria where he encounters the brave YPJ Turkish mostly female freedom fighters. I'm sure I'm not the only North American who has little understanding of the dynamics of this war and the ISIS incursion.
I can't wait for you to watch this. I can only hope for a season two.
Fuglene over sundet (2016)
Cinematically very beautiful
Powerful story, a bit low key but I think a refreshing change in look and approach to this material. I loved the sound track. Danes make nice fIlm and TV (Borgen for example) if you ask me. This was aspect was a new bit of history for me, I appreciated the telling of Danish Jews and their plight.
The Mill (2013)
A worthwhile watch
This is a great historical period piece. Very educational and superbly produced. We loved it.