Change Your Image
lilamcgrew
Reviews
Tracker (2024)
American TV at its most mediocre
Yet another CBS show that takes itself far too seriously.
The main character is flat and what we used to call 'serious delirious'. The dude needs to lighten up some. The supporting characters have potential, but don't get enough screen time to properly develop beyond the superficial. The only exception is the lawyer. Fiona Rene seems to be having fun with her character, and the character does have fun. I do wonder how she manages to make a living when she is galavanting around the country helping Shaw rather than practicing law.
Another huge problem is information gathering. All the people who provide support seem to be savants. They research or hack all the information needed to crack the case wide open in record time. Bob seems able to access real time phone records and track it faster than a normal person could just type a name. There's a lot of belief to be suspended here.
Then there's the amazing discovery of the missing person that law enforcement, with all their resources, wasn't able to manage. Everything wrapped up in a tidy bow in under an hour.
Shows like this are why I prefer to stream Nordic noir.
Zorro (2024)
A different take on a classic, but fun
My biggest pet peeve is how the Native Americans are depicted. The Tongva people were not a plains horse culture and didn't live in teepees. And they didn't dress like Apaches - and whatever that was that Nah-Lin was wearing. I'm willing to ignore all that simply because this is a Spanish production filmed at a wild west theme park in the Canary Islands. Plus it's Zorro. Historical accuracy isn't the goal, and suspension of disbelief is required.
I fell in love with Zorro when I was 10 (many years ago). I think I must have watched them all at one point or another. I like this version. It's got some quirky updates, but they don't bother me. It's a fresh look at an old story that works. I love the strong female characters. Again, totally inappropriate behavior, and clothing, for the time period, but I don't care. It's fantasy.
Kong: Skull Island (2017)
Just plain moronic
Violence for violence sake. When all is said and done, the viewer couldn't be faulted for not remembering the purpose behind the trip in the first place.
I realize it's a monster movie and pure fantasy, but the glaring scientific inaccuracies, preposterous conduct of the military, and the senseless violence made it painful to watch. What makes good sci-fi/fantasy good is employing realism where possible.
When going to a previously unknown and unexplored island to - you know - explore, it's always a good idea to do the exploration before you carpet bomb the place.
Seismic testing is a thing. There's a whole science behind it that DOES NOT involve carpet bombing huge swaths of territory.
When one indiscriminately bombs vast areas without first knowing who or what might be there, someone or something is bound to be royally PO'ed. They may just decide to defend themselves. And by all means blame them when your guys get killed in response to the violence you inflicted on the poor creature.
Seriously, a giant gorilla just swatted two helicopters out of the sky. Is it really a good idea to keep antagonizing him? The end result was pretty much a foregone conclusion. All the helicopters sacrificed leaving everyone stranded. I would like to think most of our military personnel would have better sense. They are professionals, not 'boys with toys'. That portrayal has been overplayed, and it's tiresome.
Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire (2023)
Star Wars meets ... you name it
Yet another despotic 'galactic empire' threatened by a small band of rebels.
Foundation, Star Wars, and/or Dune, mashed up with Beast Master, The Magnificent Seven, and a few others.
The premise is weak. Small moon colony seeks to rebel against a multi-star-system empire by hiring a few heroes. Seriously?! At least in Star Wars there was a well established and organized rebel alliance the heroes joined.
The final battle is a total rip-off of the Empire Strikes Back final battle. (Step)Parent battles child on elevated platform. In this case it's the parent that falls off and is rebuilt.
Then there are the creatures from, or reminiscent of Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, Greek mythology, Ray Harryhausen creations and such.
The bad guys are basically wearing nazis uniforms in soviet cold war colors. How original. But also funny considering how much the soviets hated the nazis.
The worst part is the Native American/First Nations styled beast master character played by a Brit with a spray tan. How utterly insulting. Considering the number of Native American actors available - and some incredibly handsome ones at that - casting could have, and should have done better.
Haunted History (2013)
The 60's are calling
We got 20 minutes into the Manson murders and had to turn it off.
The narration was all over the place - back and forth through time and constantly repeating. If there isn't enough content for an hour long show without the repetition then it probably isn't worth the time to make. Sadly, there is oodles of material on Manson, so it shouldn't have been a problem.
The reenactment, likewise, was played over and over again - presumably for the shock value. It was gruesome and unnecessary - once was certainly enough.
To top it off, the visual effects were a disaster. Herky jerky movements and transitions designed - I presume - to increase the dramatic tension and mystery. All it achieved was to trigger a migraine.
Other effects included what amounted to 1960's style cartoon laser beams shooting from peoples eyes/faces. The first time I saw it, I couldn't believe it. Then they did it again, and again.
You insult the intelligence of your audience with this style of production.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Subspace Rhapsody (2023)
Pure Subspace Magic
LOVED this episode! Unique, creative and engaging.
Sadly, I have to repeat this ad nauseam to make the 600 character limit - or perhaps I'll just give you a sample.
"Status Report"
🎶🎶🎶
The intermix chamber and containment field
Are stable
I'll get to the warp core and assess its state
When I'm able
(Why?)
(Where's that music coming from?
Not from anywhere on the ship.)
Apologies,
the most Confounding thing
I appear to be singing
(I have sickbay for you, sir.)
Most unusual, so peculiar
We can confirm there're no injuries
just the daily
mundane
A headache, a splinter
A left ankle sprain
It's happening again
Why are we singing?
Apologies, the most confounding thing
We appear to be singing
Most unusual, so peculiar
(Lieutenant Ortegas, status report)
Ortegas is at the helm
The pilot seat
is my realm
We're in a field, surrounded,
still flight systems steady,
Impulse engines ready
At the console, Systems initializing
Life support robust, now finalizing
We'll check inertial dampers
And see if they're hampered
All is okay
It appears that all
Is okay
Security detects no threats,
we'll do a personnel overhaul,
No decks unchecked
All tactical functions are steady
Phaser banks, deflector shields,
All at the ready
Apologies, the most confounding thing
We appear to be singing
Most unusual, so peculiar
Apologies
All systems stable, All systems stable
All systems stable, All systems stable
All systems stable, All systems stable
All systems stable,
But why are we singing?!
Joe Pickett: A Monster at the Gate (2021)
It's Wyoming, not Alabama, nor Alberta
Wyoming is in the intermountain west and very much north of the Mason - Dixon line. Why, just why, do so many directors think Wyomingites speak with a pseudo southern accent. This has been a common problem for decades and I'm sick of it.
In this particular case it appears it's just the jerks, so there's another awful stereotype.
And another thing - what's wrong with filming in Wyoming? Another annoying habit of Hollywood.
Alberta - well, at least it's the right mountain range, but much different topography. Longmire - filmed in New Mexico - was the same way.
And last, but certainly not least, Oat Keely would have been arrested on the spot and in jail for poaching elk, not ticketed. There would have been no question of getting a hunting license back after that. The whole scenario is completely stupid.
AND - a hunters wife scoffing at bow hunters? They do exist, and there is nothing about them to scoff at. It takes serious skill.
There is so much more wrong with this episode/series that others have commented on, so I'll leave it there.
Alaska Daily: I Have No Idea What You're Talking About, Eileen (2022)
Just Wrong
The Secretary of Defense - indeed every cabinet position - is a civilian position. The general would have had to resign his commission to accept a cabinet post. He would absolutely not appear in uniform - anywhere. Secretary Colin Powell is a prime example. This is a critical flaw in what is otherwise a very good program.
The six hundred minimum character requirement for a review is arbitrary and excessive. I said all I need to say in one concise paragraph. The best writing says what it needs to say without a lot of extraneous verbiage. Those of us writing here are casual viewers. We aren't Siskel and Ebert.
Profilage (2009)
Profilage does not translate to "The Paris Murders"
First - Why change the name? Translate it if you really think it's necessary, but change it? What was the point of that?
Sadly, the first seasons weren't made available, but from where it started off I enjoyed it. Chloe was a quirky, fun character - with some issues that turn tragic - but still entertaining to watch. The story arc surrounding Adele, on the other hand, has become quite stale. The latest season available in the U. S. (2022) has ended with yet another improbable twist that extends her peril for another excruciating season. I was really hoping/expecting this season would see the last of 'Argos'. And we did, but apparently not his protege - Surprise! I don't think I'll be continuing with this series.
I like crime drama/procedurals, but I am exhausted from all the shows where the main character is the eternal focus of some demented sociopath and the highly improbable ways the writers contort the story to keep it going. Enough already.
And finally - why must my review be a minimum of 600 characters? Good writers can say more with less.
Un asunto privado (2022)
A lot of promise...
So far have only watched episode 1, so I may alter my review and rating by the end. The storyline is engaging and the characters are fun, but the anachronisms are really throwing me off and distract from the story.
The story takes place in the '40's but there are modern road markings on too wide streets, modern cranes at the port, the term serial killer is used 30 years too soon - and that was just in the first 30 minutes. Seven more episodes to go, and I'm wondering what's next - and I don't mean with the story.
OR - was this intentional, and I've failed to register the intent of the director?
Pieces of Her (2022)
Couldn't Finish
Others have already said it, but I'll say it again: How can the daughter be so bloody stupid?!
She and her mother have been attacked and mom sends her off to find a hidden car that contains a secret stash of cash, fake ID's and a gun. What does she do? Heads into the bar across from the hotel she just paid cash for, downs 2 double vodkas and hits on the guy on the stool next to her - and tells him where she's headed!
For a person who is supposedly trained to stay cool and calm while dealing with people in crisis, she's strangely unable to handle her own.
She already knows her mother has lied to her her entire life, so why does each new revelation cause her to become weak kneed in an emotional tailspin?
And poor Michael! While he's getting the crap beat out of him, does she reach for the gun he so painstakingly taught her to use, or at least bash the assailant over the head with a lamp? Nope. She runs off willy-nilly into the night in pure panic without a clue. Come on! She managed to crack a guy over the head once already, so she ought to be able to do it again.
I can't ignore mom either. When she realizes the jig is up and that both she and her daughter are in peril, does she finally let her 30-year-old daughter in on the secret? Nope. Does she send her to the guy who's assigned to protect her? Nope.
I'm giving myself a concussion with all the face palms, and I'm only half through. Not sure I can take much more.
Last Man Down (2021)
So bad it's good?
What to do with a horde of body builders?
Make a groaner of a B-grade action flick with flat, predictable dialog (some of which could have been pretty damned funny had it been delivered as humor), questionable acting, and some spectacularly comic death scenes. "Here - let me, the unarmed bad guy, run straight toward the enraged hero with an automatic weapon, then fall cartoonishly to the ground."
It was highly entertaining, but not, I think, as the director intended.
The Terminal List (2022)
Painfully predictable
Painfully predictable - I'm a huge fan of mysteries, thrillers, and spy capers. I knew who the bad actors were by the end of the second episode (yes - including Ben) and I had a pretty fair idea the cause of the whole convoluted mess.
Makes no sense - my understanding is that special ops teams are made up of the cream of the crop. I'm assuming that includes intelligence as well. So, why does a supposedly intelligent guy who knows he's suffering from brain damage (severe concussion and a brain tumor), is knowingly struggling with hallucinations, and teetering on the edge of sanity decide that - despite all that - he's right and everyone else is wrong? AND - decides vigilantism is justified.
How many innocent people is a hero allowed to kill in his quest for vengeance before he's no longer the hero and just a prick with a gun?
Night Sky (2022)
Unique and Engaging
Sissy Spacek and J. K. Simmons have great chemistry, and their characters are engaging.
It's a character driven science fiction story like no other I've seen or read. Just when I thought I had something figured out I discovered I was wrong - very refreshing.
I did feel there were times where it was a bit plodding, but overall it was well worth the watch and likely worth owning.
Annika (2021)
Different
Single mom with a demanding job and a troubled/difficult teen daughter.
The lead character talking to the camera threw we for a bit, but once I got used to it, it was fine - and even a bit fun. It's funniest when she doesn't talk, but just gives the camera a wry look and a shrug like, "What can you do?"
Several who reviewed this show complained about it being too woke. Obviously they haven't watched American CBS television. The wokeness there can virtually reach out and slap you upside the head - no matter which show you're watching. Personally, I find diversity refreshing as long as I'm not being bashed over the head with it.
One aspect I really enjoy about this show is that Nicola Walker's character is smart, but she stumbles and is frequently awkward. It's like watching myself at times and I find it endearing.
It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's definitely worth giving it a shot.
Marry Me (2022)
Wasted Potential
As someone who does math everyday for a living, I can attest that Owen Wilson was an excellent choice for this role. His dry, understated humor made the geeky math teacher fairly realistic. Jennifer Lopez played herself.
A pop star inserts herself into a school teacher's life, wears wildly inappropriate clothing to school functions and upstages the students at every turn. I think that pretty much sums it up.
The premise was promising. The movie could have been very charming, but it fell far short of the mark.
Les témoins (2014)
8 for Season1, 2 for Season 2
I have to agree with smlpig - by episode 4 of season 2 I was disgusted with Sandra.
I'm so tired of the rogue cop who thinks they have the all the right answers and knows better than all of their colleagues put together. It worked okay in the 70's, but now - with modern tech and forensics - it's just an overused, tired plot device that makes little sense for most stories.
Frankly, Sandra's stupid, irresponsible stunts should have landed her in jail alongside Catherine.
Dead Places (2021)
Refreshing
I love ghost stories, so had to give it a try. I wasn't disappointed. I love that the stories aren't limited to ghosts and include other supernatural entities.
As an added bonus, the African influence introduces the average viewer to new monsters in addition to a different culture. It's a refreshing change from the Euro/Anglo-centric American fare we usually see.
I agree with others that Joe is extremely annoying, but he grows on you as the series progresses. I couldn't help but laugh at the one review that criticized Will's accent - seeing as how the actor is British playing a British educated South African (a former British colony).
Star Trek: Discovery: Stormy Weather (2021)
Why ... Just why?
So the Discovery is once again on the brink of destruction, and a convoluted group think session comes up with their umpteenth 'everyone could die but it just might work' solution which they are able to implement with just seconds to spare. ::gasp::
I had a solution to the disintegration problem almost as soon as it started.
There's a hanger bay with at least a shuttle or two plus Books ship. They are independent of the Discovery - right? Presumably they have their own life support and shields? And sitting in the hanger bay - I would assume somewhat protected by what's left of the ship.
I would assume piling everyone into those vehicles would have been an easier and safer solution than blipping into the aether. And even better - if the Discovery disintegrated completely - everyone would be safe inside those ships that still had shields, life support, and navigation. I would have thought using the shuttles as last resort life support would have been standard practice and instinctual.
And presumably Burnham could communicate with Discovery from a shuttle, so no need to potentially sacrifice herself either.
Then, to top it all off, a computer that recently became self aware suffers an emotional crisis and suddenly can't cope thereby requiring therapy and encouragement from the crew - further putting all at risk.
What a convoluted, stupid mess.
The Marksman (2021)
Didn't have a plan.
Did Liam Neeson owe someone a favor?
Ploddingly predictable with all the clichés. Frankly I'm surprised we watched through to the end - I can't think why we did.
How many stupid decisions can one man make in an hour and a half? Watch and see. Here are a few examples.
Don't trust the trust worthy daughter-in-law with the truth, and get professional help for the kid. Please assume your dumb idea is the only solution.
If someone is chasing you halfway across the country, ditch the easily recognizable bullet riddled ranch truck and get a Civic. It's not like you didn't have the money.
Yes, it's cartel money - use it to help the kid (like getting a reliable nondescript car) - don't burn it. Anything you don't use you can donate to a worthy cause - like maybe a sanctuary program.
Don't let the dog out off lease in an unfamiliar place - ever. That's dumb in the best of circumstances.
Then there's the implausible, but all too common scenario - of all the multitude of routes into Chicago, the guys chasing you just happened to pick the one you chose and were waiting at just the right moment to spot the stupid truck you insisted on keeping.
The Last Case of August T. Harrison (2015)
Intriguing
The story was intriguing enough to continue watching through to the end. I enjoyed it despite the strange, amateurish cinematography and visual effects.
Dark Matter (2015)
Watered down Firefly
Several similarities to Firefly, but not nearly as clever.
A lot of "duh" dialog - ship is fired on knocking everyone off their feet and android says, "We are under attack." My husband nearly made me spew my coffee with, "Look, I have one job on this lousy ship ..." (Gwen DeMarco - Galaxy Quest)
It's fine if you go into it without high expectations. Good for a rainy afternoon with beer and pretzels.
Charlotte Link: Die Betrogene (2018)
Confusing and disorienting
The story had potential, but there were way too many clichés and one dimensional characters - everything seemed forced and unbelievable.
Charlotte Link is a contemporary German writer, so I assumed I was going to be watching a German mystery, but it turns out the story is set in England. Between the dubbing and watching German speakers driving on the wrong side of the road it was painfully difficult to watch.
Outlier (2020)
Over the top male chauvinism, condescension and mansplaining
The opening scene starts off with an inaccurate and simplistic notion of serial murderers and their victims. Based on the treatment she gets from the majority of the other (mostly male) characters, it's not a surprise Maja has an oversized chip on her shoulder.
Of course this female doctoral candidate living in London is the only one who sees an injustice happening in the small community she grew up in in northern Norway, and finds it necessary to go there to school the entire community.
Why did I continue to watch? The story - despite the flaws in the script - was/is compelling, and I had to find out how Elle's part played out. She was the best part of the show.
To top it all off - the main character is a woman, but the actor who plays the overbearing asshat boyfriend - who has minimal screen time - gets top billing? And the only screenshot image is of the police chief who obstructs her every move? Gotta love it.
The Sinner: Part IV (2020)
All good until episode 4
Season 1&2 were good, season 3 not so much.
The story was progressing well until episode 4, and then it got stupid. Who writes this crap.