flashlightreview

The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh (2024)

Better than expected

"The Pradeeps Of Pittsburgh" shows a comedic view of a recent immigrant family from India.

This plot line has been done before, in various formats, but this show was better than expected.

The Pradeeps self-narrate their arrival to the USA two years ago. Their stories and cultural adaption process is how the interrogations are filled. While some of the comedic elements are based on stereotypes (i.e. Asians who can't drive, Asian parents who don't want their children to date before marriage, ..), the overall concept of this show is more appealing than initially expected.

Maybe this will even get a second season.

A Mistake (2024)

Lacking pace, better accents and more

Elizabeth Banks is among my most favorite actresses - her latest movie was a must-see.

But, in hindsight, I am asking why.

1) This movie is set in New Zealand.

First of all, why do so many actors in this movie have an accent which doesn't resemble the Kiwi one? I have loads of friends from New Zealand and none of them sound like in this movie.

If anything, some of the actors sound very British instead.

2) While the premise of the movie is a decent one, the pace of this movie isn't keeping up with it. At times it feels a bit slow and boring.

3) Many of my family members are doctors, nurses or work in key roles in a hospital. While mistakes do happen, the details of the movie aren't likely under many circumstances. The medical devices used, protocols followed, and education/mentorship received is very exact these days and follows a strict regime.

4) Several story elements don't make much sense. Why was it such a big deal that some dog stays with her? How come that a lead surgeon/medical degree holder who isn't into cars drives a BMW E30 (a classic which would need a huge amount of effort/passion/tech to be on the road)? Why the crass language and swearing all the time by a degree-qualified doctor... profanities to show the extreme situation she is in? It can be done with a better script.

Why don't the lead actress and the protege have no chemistry at all?

Elizabeth Banks is still a great actress, but I don't think a medical drama is something she should do often.

Maybe the standards of movie making are lower for films set in New Zealand.

Manta, Manta - Zwoter Teil (2023)

Not as iconic as the first one.

The first Manta movie was a must-see back in its day. The car tuning scene was in full swing, street racing was more present in entertainment, and D&W were in their hey days. Bochum/B1 was the place to be as a car guy back then.

This movie isn't nearly as iconic or relevant as the first one. And it's not trying to be.

It's good to see the actors from the original movie, but their dialogues, characters and overall plot development are just not up to modern standards. This movie could have been so much more, with a stronger focus on the modern cat culture, with a different brand engagement strategy.

Too bad nobody cared enough to realize all of it.

Coincidentally, the Ruhrpott also went downhill along with the local cult icons of former times.

The Romantics (2010)

I had high hopes...

So, we had some time during Christmas '23 - the lineup of actors seems nice enough and a wedding movie is normally a good fit during the festive days.

But the plot, dialogue, and overall play wasn't as exciting as we hoped.

The pace of this movie is slow to the point where we were waiting for it to end. The premise of this movie is a group of friends coming together for a wedding, sadly, that is also the extent of the movie. There are no funny moments, no interesting dialogues, no fancy turns and twists during the course of the movie.

I think the fantastic group of actors was lost here, it could have been so much more...

Robots (2023)

How to use AI & robotics for love

We live in a time where body double robots can do the tedious legwork until a relationship gets serious. Even office work, board meetings and more can be handled by a robot.

Modern era catfishing is not only funny, but also very similar to everyday dating woes.

The movie combines romance, comedy, technology and a refreshing view into the future of humanity.

While the depicted storyline isn't reality as of today - we are also not that far away from it.

Only time will tell whether the intrinsic situations of this movie will come true.

Knowing humans, some of them might do it.

A great movie set in Los Angeles.

Acidman (2022)

A story about family, the past and nature

Acidman (2023)

A father - daughter relationship

The movie highlights the ins and outs of a father - daughter relationship. The dad lives in a trailer in the woods with his dog, and the daughter visits for a few days.

During the movie they work through their past, where they stand and what life brings for them as adults.

The dad has a penchant for electronic music and creates his own tracks. But he also likes to watch the sky at night to look for UFOs.

A beautiful movie with an interesting topic that shows how their relationship develops. A great watch for a quiet weekend night. The SciFi part wasn't as strong as I thought.

Let's Get Physical (2022)

interesting plot for a lifetime movie

The beautiful Jenna Dewan is starromg in a very different role. We know Jenna Dewan from her roles in The Resident (TV) and other works.

Ok, so let's get the main question out of the way - a double life is something we all kind of live or want. But combining prostitution and fitness classes, I have never seen that before.

Our lead actress moves to a different town after getting arrested in the old place. Starts up a new business in New Hampshire and gets the local gossip mill going.

An average movie with a very quirky plot line. The movie is "as expected" and is predictable. Good enough for a lifetime movie, but nothing extraordinary.

Great shots of Jenna.

Stripped: Las Vegas (2021)

A View Into The Vertical Business In Las Vegas

This was another documentary of the dancing/entertainment world of Las Vegas. The dancers presented explain how they found their way into the business and how their lives developed.

There is also insight into their personal lives and the timelines how their careers developed.

Overall, the production quality could have been better. It is more of a interview style documentary with video clips taken from mobile phones and a few improvised scenes.

Income potential: the girls openly discuss their salaries and income potential, as well as the financial reasoning why they entered the industry.

I would gives this an average rating of five.

Echoes of Violence (2021)

Interesting plot in nice scenery

Sedona is one of my all-time favorite places to visit. The landscapes are breathtaking and beautiful.

"Echoes Of Violence" plays in this spot and shows a young woman in a difficult situation in life. A new contact helps her navigate this tricky avenue.

The overall plot is new and not something we have seen before.

The only thing the movie is missing is more excitement, it is a little boring at times.

La Brea (2021)

Not worth your time

Where to start... the concept of a sinkhole in Brea was fine.

But the execution, acting, dialogue... just isn't up to our standards.

What should be full of excitement, anticipation and sub plots turns out to be disappointing.

This is a waste of our time, sadly.

Pooling to Paradise (2021)

Different kind of road trip movie

So a few millennials end up in a ride sharing vehicle and decide to do a road trip to Paradise, NV.

Dialogue Imagine what a group of people who don't know each other would talk about for five hours. It is not very interesting. There was so much potential to create some form of chemistry, common interest or mutual assistance even due to the age profiles of the passengers. Almost none of that happened.

Plot A group of strangers on a common journey has been done before, but not in a ride sharing function. That is pretty much the lone unique factor of this movie.

Camera Some of the scenery is nice, but overall the potential wasn't fully used.

F9 (2021)

A Fast & The Furious for the new era

As a guy who was a young kid when the very first movie came out, it is interesting to see how far we have come.

In the latest release of the franchise prepare to be wowed with more action, more cinematic effects, and a crazier plot than ever before. The more conservative viewership may not like the extreme scenes, but after 20 years this franchise has dealt with all the earthly scenarios they could have imagined for a movie.

Is it realistic that our lead characters are able to survive a number of crashes, explosions, shootings and environments adverse to human health? No, of course not. This one is a fictional script and not about a bunch of car enthusiasts who steal DVD players so they can pay for a car meet in the desert.

But it nevertheless gives us enough entertainment to keep us interested. Even though, sadly, cars and street racing are no longer the main focus of the production.

The Get Together (2020)

Very interesting movie that was quite funny

The movie is split into different parts and shows young people at a house party among friends who share a mutual past. One girl is moonlighting as an Uber driver and who isn't part of the clique. The dynamics of hanging out, dating, "adulting", and trying to keep each other in the loop are the main nuances of the film. This movie is a good watch if you enjoy the type of easy going party flicks without any depth. The plot is interesting, but don't expect complex thought experiments or deep structures.

I was quite surprised to see the filming location being Austin, TX. Not sure how often that happens in my kodi watchlist and Austin is one of my all-time favorite places and it is great to see this town in a movie.

Trust (2021)

Young marriage in a big city

"Trust" is about life in a big city (NYC at Christmas), young marriage, and how business life comes into play. The start of this movie was a bit slow, but it picked up after a few minutes - but please don't expect any action elements. The plot revolves around young couples that want to make things work with their partner, but business trips, acquaintances, clients, friends and other temptations make a blossoming relationship difficult. Every young professional in a committed relationship will see themselves in some of the situations. I think this is an interesting movie that shows Victoria Justice in a role we may have seen before. But I was also hoping for more excitement in general and more depth in an otherwise predictable plot.

The L.A. Complex (2012)

Realistic show about LA life

I spent most of my teenage and adult life in Los Angeles and can relate to this show. My friends are either in acting, singing, entertainment, athletes or talent managers and this show reflects their lives in many ways. When I found out this is a Canadian show, I was surprise because the shots make a compelling argument for LA as a location.

I really liked the two seasons. Too bad the show didn't make it any further.

No Man's Land (2020)

well-written, charismatic movie

After reading the summary I thought it would be one of those border movies where people migrate, drugs get trafficked and patrols do their job. However, I was pleasantly surprised this one had a surprising twist. This movie is about guilt, forgiveness, family and life decisions - all packaged in a modern Western. Cinematography, acting and plot were all outstanding, this is a movie you shouldn't miss. Some reviewers may focus on the aspect of illegal immigration alone; while this is the initial plot of the movie, the further course of the film isn't focused on it.

Power Book II: Ghost (2020)

A very different "Power"

Well, this show does not have the same quality and standard of Power. It is the first of many sequels, divided in "books", this may make sense from a structural point of view. But it doesn't mean the story line is coherent with what was expected from viewers. A prequel would have made more sense, in my opinion.

Who would like this show (Book II)?

• teenagers, college students and generally young people who like a show focused around campus activities. young people inherently bring the "fun", unexpected element that was lacking in the original series.
• viewers who are expecting a show about organized crime will be a little disappointed. the new players act in families and smaller clans, rather than in organized hierarchies as before in Power.

Life in a Year (2020)

Surprisingly watchable - even though predictable

Cara was the reason why I even bothered to look into this film. The initial premise sounded a lot like "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)" - but it was a new take on it. A young couple from different sides of the track get to know each other and make it work; against parents, against odds and also against their own initial doubt.

The two develop enough chemistry to come across as a believable, albeit unlikely, couple. The lead actors are fine, the supporting actors were not my favorite. The plot itself plays itself out around half-time and then fizzles out from there.

Was it a worthy watch? Since I had nothing else to do on Black Friday, yes. Would I waste valuable time for it instead of doing something else - No.

Truth or Consequences (2020)

Interesting premise - but doesn't work out in the end

I work in innovations and build the future of the world we live in. A documentary about our future should, in theory, work out then. Unfortunately it does not:

• New Mexico as a setting is ideal, but fails to rescue this plot
• would have needed different kind of editing

8th Floor Massacre (2020)

In theory good promise /w weak execution

A production about an active shooter in an office environment is a movie plot that could have potential. Unfortunately, "8th floor massacre" / "Active Shooter" does not show us the qualities this plot could have achieved. The movie is showcasing an active shooter situation in an office from the location of the ladies powder room. Acting, setting, dialogues and overall dynamics do not allow to create a believable atmosphere a spectator might find exciting. The actors don't act like they would in an actual active shooter situation at all.

Buddy Games (2019)

Broship with well-known actors

A bunch of middle-aged men reminisce about the times they had earlier in life. The "Buddy Games" were a concept they developed to have fun, win among friends and create memories. After a more serious incident they lost touch for a few years but reconvened to have a last competition.

The plot is not complex; old friends coming together to have fun again is not something we haven't seen before. But the quality acting with well-known actors allows for a fun time.

One Summer Night (2019)

Interesting dialogues, chemistry

The movie reminded me a little bit of "Before Sunrise", "Before Sunset" and "Before Midnight". Two people, just walking, talking and showcasing the chemistry, dynamic and feelings between them.

Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are on a different planet, even an entirely universe compared to the lead characters here. But the concept is somewhat comparable.

The two leads use to go out together and broke up a while ago. Even though they go to the same school, they don't really run in the same circles. This movie is one big date and summarizes the past, present and future for this couple.

On paper this looks like a long, boring movie - but the leads make it work. It feels like you are with them. It will remind you of the long walks with the relationships we had.

Trickster (2020)

Great acting in a Canadian mystery/action/drama TV show

When I read the summary on Kodi I expected a different show. A worse one, actually. But I am very glad that I put this into my trakt watch list.

This show has so many unique and fascinating elements that it gets hard to wrap words around it.

Background

Coming from a US-American and European angle, I never knew anything about Canadian First Nations, their culture, what a "trickster" might be, or anything else. So there is a huge educational facet that comes into play and this alone makes the show very interesting. This concept is not something that "has been done before many times". The mystery/drama part of the show is a perfect fit for this concept.

Acting

For acting professionals I have never seen before they are doing an amazing job. Their chemistry, authenticity, passion and skills are in every single shot. Even the rural community lifestyle is captured in linguistic, body language and habitus patterns.

Plot/writing

The plot is paying attention to the details required to convey a complex message laced with the mystery & fantasy elements around it. While there are smaller side-plots covering teenage romance, family dysfunction, and high school - the bigger story lines are breathtaking.

This show is a unique one in various ways, but deserves the high ratings. Acting performance and character development are very high quality.

Unfortunately, the show has been cancelled after just one season.

Fallen Stars (2017)

A hidden gem of realistic melodramas

I look for new movies to watch with the help keywords searches - the keyword that lead me to this excellent film was "ivy league". Even though that is not the main plot and this is not a college themed movie, it is a great find nonetheless.

The two leads are from different social classes, and under normal circumstances they would have never met. After frequent run-ins at the bar they become friends. Meeting new friends is not easy when you are an adult and you constantly re-assess whether you can trust someone new.

"Fallen Stars" is a title describing people who had a fall from grace. They either peaked or failed in life, and now have no idea what to do next. While the movie focuses on building this new, fragile friendship between the leads, the romantic chemistry is very visible. They communicate without speaking much - just like a real couple would be able to.

The anxiety, melancholy, loneliness and boredom are hallmarks of our times and can be felt throughout the movie.

Solitary Man (2009)

Great movie about the male ego, character and midlife

From my early childhood I admired Michael Douglas. There were so many movies I watched purely because of his performance. "Solitary Man" is an excellent insight into the male ego slightly after the peak. At some point in our lives, we all felt the need to adjust our age, lifestyle or interests to see "whether we still have it". The lead character tries to go back in time with a visit to his alma mater, mentoring a younger man and hanging out with young girls. The consequences of his behavior are the essence of this movie.