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camjs2001
Reviews
Covidland (2021)
Alternate Movie Titles: the Review
I won't get into the nitty gritty regarding the out of context (or completely lacking in context) information in this film. But as the creators appreciate alternative facts, I thought they might also appreciate some alternative titles to the first episode (which is the only one available at the time of writing).
Fear Tactic: The Movie
For a film that starts out with a 9/11 montage with a voice over about how you can't trust people because they use fear to control other, the film issues a lot of dire warnings. At one point the film and its experts claim the government is literally murdering patients and elderly in order to profit... somehow.
God Complex: The Movie
Toward the end of the film, there's a montage of American flag wielding citizens proclaiming they're protecting our freedom from tyranny. One individual goes so far as to compare the lockdowns and mask mandates as suffering similar to those from the wars. The entire proclamation felt more like they were looking for excuses to place their unfettered and unexplainable rage.
Beating a Dead Horse: the Movie
The first episode extends the runtime by showing extended sequences of talking heads making the same points over and over; most of which are anecdotal. The pacing struggles as there is what felt to be a 5 minute scene of an elderly woman crying because she couldn't hold her husband of 75 years. Sad, to be sure, but once the point is made, the film should move. Many times a comment or statement will be made and run over and over for several minutes instead of spending the time to actually provide and factual information to backup the claim.
Documentary: the "Movie"
This does not a documentary make. True documentaries are made with nuance, balance, journalism, and substance. They let the audience decide what to think provided the information presented. This is pointed. This is what the US government would call "propaganda" in ww2. This piece would be a red flag demonstration exemplifying the use of pointed, rhetorical hypotheticals instead of messaging or query.
I gave it 2 stars for production value though. The editing is pretty well done (excepting the pace) and the interviews have beautiful lighting.
My Life as Liz (2010)
For pop TV, it's okay.
I, like the other reviewer, am a BHS graduate. I was somewhat friends with Liz before all this happened and was one of her former boyfriend's (they had a weird relationship) close friends. I was even on the show in a segment that didn't make it.
Anyway, I have struggled balancing my opinion of the show, with how they portray my home town, with how I view Burleson. Sure, it's MTV. Sure, Burleson IS was formerly a major hick town. Sure, we have most of the major outlets and are on the edge of Fort Worth. After weighing all of these factors (and more) I have come to a conclusion.
You have to treat it like a pop culture fad. It's slightly entertaining, but forgettable. It's nothing new. It's not that original (Liz represents about 40% of the school). But, it's a laugh. It has bright colors. It has very indie music. But, in the end, it won't be remembered past it's 2nd season.
Maybe it prepares young kids how to 'be yourself', or, how to 'deal' with high school. I respect that and more power to them. But, you have to look at it like any Disney star. Zach Efron will turn into the Jonas brothers will turn into Justin Bieber.
As to the accusations about HOW staged it is. Well, they are all true. They marketed the show to us originally as a documentary, then reality show, then finally some sort of mockumentary weird concoction. Everyone is pretty friendly and if there's drama, it's generally you're own fault. From my point of view, most everyone was a hipster (like Liz) and we went there to learn from some of the strangest/funniest/honorable teachers ever (I would have liked to have seen them). I'm sure it was your basic high school and MLAL turns the experience into something marketable. But, they have to. They like money (which seems like something Liz would be against).
My overall mood toward this staged, over-exaggerated, quirky, occasionally funny, and wholesome show: apathetic and passive. It's the same way I view Burleson's other claim to fame, Kelly Clarkson.
I'm anxiously waiting the Pratt season where everyone is just like her.