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Snow-White-Tears
Reviews
The Kitchen (2023)
Fail
Classic example of a film catering for "modern audiences", which in real terms means it caters for a tiny minority.
Not well received, one reviewer below praising it on Rotten Tomato's reviews but deliberately failed to mention that was the "critics" who have rated it highly and the audience ratings is as poor as it is here. The critic would never go there with a film like this as it would upset their paymasters, plus their reviews are more often then not the totally opposite of the audience reviews as they will always play it safe.
This film is basically a lecture (yes, here we go again), and a social activism piece, such to the extent they forgot to tell a meaningful story, have basic character development and compelling scenes. They had some good actors here but failed to utilise them.
This will appeal to a tiny minority, if you too feel scared, consider yourself one of life's victims, or just have an axe to grind.
Not recommended.
Ricky Gervais: Armageddon (2023)
Upsetting the right people.
Brilliant special, Ricky knows what sells and answers his critics well, the first few sentences on this very show sums it up nicely by the man himself.
There is a deeper message here if you're paying attention- as opposed to the obviously one.
The material is spot on, and if you think it's covering old ground then you're walking around with your eyes and ears closed, there is so much to critique in modern society- it's the gift that just keeps giving.
It also warms my heart to see the offended whom by far utterly believe they hold the majority view, when in fact it's the total opposite (see first sentence). Interesting to read "I'm a life long Ricky Gervais fan", although they've never reviewed any of his past material really tells you all you need to know about them posts.
British satire at it's best, not advised for viewing in North America.
Old Dads (2023)
One for the PC crew.
I have to start off here that this should and could have been more critical, however, I appreciate this is comedy and they've tried to appeal to as many viewpoints as possible.
Any criticism of the extreme (un)liberal ideology - even via comedy- deserves credit. This shines a spotlight on the lunacy that has a grip on North America, and gets peddled and force-fed around the world via a tiny loose collection of terminally online, perpetually offended, serial complainers, who see threat and fear in anything and everything that opposes their own point of view.
The Director has obviously tried to find some middle ground here, and also highlights the worse points of a more laid back & common sense view point, which for me is all good and well.
Seven Kings Must Die (2023)
One for the Alphabet People.
So, settled in to watch this, but had some reservations, as was acutely aware that there may be a high probability of the "D&I" agenda being shoe-horned in, which now seems to extend back in time irrespective of time, cultures or facts.
Not too far into the film we have two men tonguing each other (and why not....), I know this may appeal to some, but would argue less appealing to most. There is plenty modern films/drama covering that ground already, and including it in every single production (Netflix...) is getting beyond the pall now, considering this is meant to represent a minority.
Wouldn't have issue if factual, yes I know this is fiction but this character in question was non-fictional and no documented evidence he was of that sexual persuasion.
The sooner this industry gets back to concentrating on story telling and production and get's away from "must include" the better- irrespective of subject.
Fall (2022)
Should have gone "Negan"
Love the part at the beginning where Negan rocks up to see why the hell his delinquent daughter is hanging around back-alley bars, out of her small mind on 2 x Vodka and Cokes.
Said daughter stumbles out of bar, drunk & full of self-pity over mandatory diverse character x 1 popping his clogs.
Negan looks down, sighs then strolls to the back of the car, pops open the boot to retrieve "Lucille". He takes a moment to reflect and consider whether the lethal action his about to administer is the best course of action. Negan foresees a possibly of his daughter doing something stupid and reckless, like climbing something dangerous.
Whist daughter is inebriated and starting to have PTSD style flash backs, Lucille connects to her cranium- The End.
1 x star for Jeff Dean Morgan, unfortunately his only in it for minutes.
Barbarians (2020)
Another series sacrificed on the altar of Wokeness.
Enjoyed Season 1 & rated @ 10.
After getting to episode 2 of season 2 I had to turn it off.
Once again we're taken out of a medieval setting & introduced to modern day sensibilities & "inclusivity", which only really serves to distract & take you out of the story.
One character wedged in was about as realistic as a white woman leading a band of Zulu warriors.
Same sex relationships (of course) had to be introduced.
Another gripe of the English voice over- NEVER use North American voice actors, if anything ruins a medieval setting it's that.
I don't know why we keep getting spoon fed this type of garbage as it's being rejected bigtime, I for one will not view nor pay for it.
As above, rating changed to 1 x star.
Im Westen nichts Neues (2022)
Not bad.
Great to see a story about WW1 from a German perspective, we don't see enough of this for obvious reason which is a real shame. History is written by the victors, but there's some great books from a German view but very little cinema, anyone who has studied the basics of the world wars will know that the average 99.9 % of German/Axis combatant/forces were fighting what they saw as a just war, however, it's the extreme elements of the Nazi party that the focus is usually always on-even to this day.
Most of these acts are seen as atrocities, particularly in the current era wherein modern-day sensibilities judge harshly but fail to grasp the time & era these events happened. You would only have to look near east to Germany & studying the history there during this period to find some of the most brutal acts- which you will not find in many "Hollywood" films.
The film also covers the political turmoil & the treaty of Versailles which again don't get much coverage but was instrumental & rallying banner for justification for WW2. I feel the film could have been a bit bolder here, however, being a German written & directed film, they've taken a typical stoic stance here.
I've seen reviews mention the Ukraine "war" & how relevant WW1 is, which is total nonsense & these individuals have totally failed to understand or do their homework- the Ukraine conflict is merely a border skirmish in comparison.
Also, minus -1 star for the "wokery" in the last fight scene showing certain individuals in the trenches- unfortunately this now seems mandatory no matter how many centuries you go back.
The Terminal List (2022)
Extra stars for "Non-wokeness" & "The Message".
Fast paced & gritty, the story covers ground we've seen before, however, it does have some nice twists.
I've given this a couple extra stars for the exclusion of subliminal & outright overt messages like; social injustice, identity politics & diversity (for diversity's sake...).
Seems like they just cast the right actors for the roles available which is exactly how it should be, it's good to see an approach to normality which has totally gotten out of all control in the last few years.
Chris Pratt fares well in this as lead, but I can see how people relate to him being the Marvel (or whatever it is) character.
Few 1 stars reviews whining about the quality of the filming being "dark", well you know what, buy a decent modern TV & you will not experience that "issue"...some people.
Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
Is this the real rating (part 2).....
4th review & attempt to leave a 1 x star review, which beggars the question what the real rating is for this show as things seem to be monitored closely my dear friends.....
I guess we should enjoy the liberty of leaving criticism/negative reviews whist we still have it, no doubt there will soon only be one option.
Anyway, onto the "show"....
In true Disney style, instead of telling a story we get all the 21st century clichés which only detracts from telling a story which is a real shame for a story about one of the most iconic character in Star Wars history.
These large studios are totally governed by how many tick boxes they have to adhere to (which grows ever larger..) that any substance & story is almost an after thought.
What we're left with a a generic story that is a clone of everything else that comes out. The sad thing is, this is media driven people don't really care about the issues they feel they need to add into everything & anything- as there not issues to begin with.
The supporting cast is very poor for this show, McGregor is a proven commodity & has a good track record in this franchise, but one actor cannot carry the show, we've seen this in many productions over the last two years.
Moses Ingram is also poorly cast & about as convincing as the teen-biker gang in Book of Boba (and as welcome....).
Labelling valid criticism as toxic or hate is never going to change that.
Skyggen i mit øje (2021)
Non USA/UK film making
Great story, written, produced and acted well.
A small amount of faith has been restored in film making, but it has to come from a non USA & UK production where the first, second and last agenda must always include the "message" and mandatory quota's, that alone gets this production an extra few stars.
This period of our history is so rich, with so much material and show's us how modern day troubles and conflicts pale into insignificance when compared to how our recent ancestors lived.
It's good to watch a film and enjoy it without being bombardment by subliminal messaging, people are crying out for film making like this.
The Last Kingdom: Episode #5.1 (2022)
No era is safe!
Here we go again.
This time we go back, way back to 9th century England, 20 minutes or so in, the mandatory "diverse" character rides in.
Apart from the obvious, this is even more ridiculous as it's someone with Sub Saharan African ancestry (discovered by the Portuguese in the 15th century). Now, an actor with North African heritage would be more plausible.
In 1950, 60, 70 and even 80's England people used to stop and stare at anyone who was not white, this was out of pure curiosity as the vast majority had never seen anyone like that in person, but here we have the character's not even batting an eye-lid...and this is 9th century England.
Oh, and the characters, name is Father Benedict (of course).
Diversity has a place, even to the point it's over represented in recent years, but going back into history and re-telling it in the image of the 21st century is just insulting to everyone involved, particularly the viewers.
Reacher (2022)
Snooze fest.
Got to the start of episode 3 then had to throw in the towel.
This is produced, written and acted like a typical North American TV drama- the music fading in and out, bland jokes, nonsensical scenes, very simple story lines and repetition- particularly around the main character, how many times do we need to be told something?
Jury's out on the main character, who for all extent's and purposes seemed to be a Chippendale but with a lower IQ. Don't know if he was a poor actor or a poor script or both- I suspected both, but I didn't care.
I do get why this is rated high, as North American's will love this and it will blow their minds, also the ladies will like this one (see comment above reference Chippendale).
However, if you want something that's going to stretch the grey matter and get you thinking then I would avoid this at all costs.
Oh by the way, did you know Reacher is 6.5 feet tall......
The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
Should have stayed in the sarlacc pit (forever).
Well, where do we start, where's the originality. This was one crazy series made up of many others films and pulled heavily on other characters and scene from prior Star Wars outings.
Tatooine, why not, it's been flogged to death, and why go to any other backdrop, you've got a blank canvas in that regard....
Why create new content, when you have King Kong, Godzilla, Power Rangers/Marvel academy, Driving Miss Daisy, The Good the Bad & the Ugly, plus lot's of existing Star Wars material to "use".
The "Mods" took Star Wars to an all time low, as least they have that accolade.
This seemed to be a joke, and Boba never woke up and this was all some weird Bacta Tanked induced nightmare.
Rest In Peace Boba, our fondest and best memories are of you flying into the pit in RoTJ, god bless and amen.
P. S do not return....ever!
The Book of Boba Fett: Chapter 7: In the Name of Honor (2022)
What was all that about?
Epic final failure for a series that has gone from bad to worse.
We had it all here, King Kong, Power Rangers, The good, the bad and the ugly, Godzilla, character's & scenes duplicated from previous Star Wars material. Every character "drafted" in to try and make it more entertaining, I was half expecting Vader to appear at the end (yes, I know his meant to be dead at this stage, but that doesn't stop them...).
A million shots fired but no real hit's on the "good" guys (I use that term loosely). Lot's of "action" but boring as hell, almost slow motion in most cases.
I might have been inclined to give this 1-2 stars more if the mods had met a very gruesome end at the very start. However, they're presence was increased along with water pistols (which ironically was quite fitting for them).
Poor acting, writing & delivery.
If you give this loads of star's then expect to get the same.
Hopefully this will be shelfed, and we can forget about the whole unfortunate affair- not worthy of the Star Wars franchise.
The Book of Boba Fett: Chapter 6: From the Desert Comes a Stranger (2022)
Easily pleased fan-base?
Book of Boba, with a cameo by Boba.
This whole series seems off, for various reasons.
The writing is poor to say the least. Good to see Skywalker, but not used to good affect, this was more like the "lame" Luke we got in the last three films.
Mando ok, Boba should have been more like the Mando character, but certainly more sinister. It don't help that Mando seems to be heading down an ever more soft path.
Cowboy guys, really? Seems like they have a good actor there, but do we really want a Star Wars scene from a Clint Eastwood Spaghetti Western?
What made Stars Wars unique was the unrelated resemblance to 20th/21st century culture, this series feels very modern day western culture.
Grogu flashback scene, very poor, the excitement and tempo was down there with the 5mph Vespa bike chase.
Low budget? Maybe, the sketches at the end look 100 times more exciting then the produced product.
Outstanding reviews?, easy pleased and nursing a "Semi" over Luke?
Hate?, no Love, but as paying customers we should demand more from this franchise, and let them know our disappointment.
Is this meant for a young audience? Yes, but you could argue that Star Wars covers "young" extensively already in the many cartoon productions, and to be honest even the youngster would find this to tame, what's wrong with spicing it up with some darkness, all feels very touchy-feely, and 21st "woke".
1 x star? Yes, as above, but the return of the "Mods" albeit limited is unforgivable.
Munich: The Edge of War (2021)
10 mins and off.....
No production effort put into the vocabulary or pronunciation of the era. Had a 21st century feel to it, which really defeats the object of a re-telling of one of the most important events in recent history.
No idea why Sir Cecil Syers was cast as by an actor with a sub saharan African ethnicity. Deary deary me, what next, Nelson Mandela played by a white Icelandic actor.
The Walking Dead: Here's Negan (2021)
Little pig little pig, let me in.
Good to see Negan/Jeffrey Dean Morgan given more airtime, may this continue into Season 11.
Without doubt one of the key characters, cast so well (who could really have played this better) & the script writers for the characters dialogue.
Oink oink.
The Walking Dead: What We Become (2020)
One of the best episodes on season 10
The alternative path flashback for this main character was great, and obviously a lot of work went into patching it with previous footage which gave it an authentic feel.
The part where Daryl appears and kicks her over is great.
On reflection, this character/actor would have been great in this role with Negan's gang as opposed to the trodden path regular TWD's fan's know- she would have made a great villain.
Some people seem upset with the episode, if you can be bothered to read them reviews they mostly follow the same theme of disappointed in the character leaving the season and clearly have an emotional attachment to the character/actor, hence they're to be ignored in general.
It was the right thing to do with this character, and the story was fitting, and has made way for new fresh character's (all part of budget management).
The Father (2020)
Very good
Sterling performance by all the cast, Sir Anthony is a cut above, and this show's it.
Enjoyed watching this, the story stuck to the subject matter and wasn't derailed by any virtue signalling/nudging that is prevalent in almost every production made in the last two years.
Knightfall (2017)
Bear with it, underrated.
You need to get a few episodes into this. I tried this prior, and didn't finish the 1st episode, I came back to it a good year + and, surprisingly it grew on me.
Now, the story does play a bit loose with the facts of the time and era (as we can possible know them), however, this is done for dramatic affect and the Templar story is shrouded in some mystery. This is nowhere near the scale of a production like Braveheart for example which was historically and factually wrong on so many details.
Some sterling performances here by Ed Stoppard as King Phillip and Simon Merrells, also a very wise choice changing Sabrina Bartlett to Genevieve Gaunt for the role of Princess Isabella between seasons (not sure if that was intentional), the former was below par compared to the rest of the cast.
We also have none other then Mark Hamill here, I have mixed feelings about this, but he done fairly well adapting to medieval piece even if he did sound like a pirate.
One bug bear, the opening titles, they changed this between seasons which was a slight improvement, but think this was a fail and to Americanised, which is the last thing you want in a medieval production.
The Book of Boba Fett: Chapter 3: The Streets of Mos Espa (2022)
It's Star Wars (Innit mate?)
Not a bad Episode, however, total brought down to ground zero by the "Teen Biker" gang.
Who ever implemented & oversaw the production of this element of the Episode needs firing.
Star Wars is about escapism in a galaxy very far away, but here we have bikes resembling Mods Scooter's from the UK in the 60/70's (and about the same speed...). A group of teen's that look like they've stepped straight out a Marvel X-Men academy, but the lowest point was the character with a South London Cockney accent calling Boba "mate".
The end scene was the worst I've ever seen in a Star Wars production.
Don't get me started on the 5mph speeder "chase".....
Come on, get a grip.....
Midnight Mass (2021)
Midnight Woke
This is not a bad story however, much of it is lost due to the over zealous virtue signalling.
By Episode 2 all the boxes have been covered, what makes this more amusing is the "community" is only a hundred odd people, like everything on TV the "Diversity/Inclusivity" consultant has the first, second & last word. This only distracts from what could have been a half decent series, but we keep getting TV made as if anyone rubs along together, the reality couldn't be any further from the truth.
The writers have a lot to answer for too, lengthy monologues that during & after make you wonder why the hell they were submitted into the final draft.
This is no haunting of hill house, not by a country mile, then again that was made just prior to the Total Wokeness mantra...it would certainly look a lot different if made today.
De slag om de Schelde (2020)
Good coverage of an often overlooked theatre of war,.
Most recent WW2 coverage focus on the English retreat/advance at the English channel, main land Europe and the South African campaign.
The Scandinavian conflict is interesting as Germany swept in without much resistance (similar to all neighbouring countries) but the volunteers and conscripts from these states was quite high. History is written by the victors but a lot of these Scandinavians like may other sovereign states considered the German cause just due to The Treaty of Versailles. This is something that is always overlooked. This was akin to breaking up the United Kingdom with added retributions payments. The majority of the Axis forces were defending against an aggressor, the Nazi's/hard line element was around 1%-5% with the rest made up of average Wehrmacht soldiers.
10 stars for this due to keeping in touch with the era- no wokery/overt sexuality (you know which type..), or cultural mis-representation i.e the need to add every culture/ethnicity into the story to comply with current the "most include" tick list.
Seaspiracy (2021)
The real Whale (Elephant) in the room.
This is all quite idealist, led by "I'm Ali" (AKA I'm just the kid next door), in reality Ali comes across as quite naïve, but that is understandable as his in with a cult of like minded individuals, and they've used him as a pin up boy.
Some of the issues raised are genuine and do need monitoring correctly. However the issues highlighted here, and every other single environmental issue on our planet are contributed by vast population growth & distribution, unless that is addressed it's always going to be a case of when not if.
This issue seems to be off bounds for environmental activists, who seem to focus on countries like the UK & vent their spleen at motorists, rather then question the real threat of uncontrolled population growth in locations like Sub Saharan Africa, which will eventually lead to the end of everything let alone the Marine ecosystem.
The only way this can be stopped is if we can get off planet and colonise (in vast volumes) before that happens, at the recent rate of population increase we all know what will come first.
One of the commentator's had a graph with several levels of fish, what he should of had at the top was a row of Human's. Fishing has been going on for thousands of years, the reason it's now gotten critical is due to the volume of people wanting fish & the volume fishing, and this is growing by 81 million per year.
I would like to see Ali & his friends address this real and larger issue instead of blatantly ignoring it due to it being a "touchy" subject.
The Terror (2018)
Season 1
I've only watched Season 1. This was absolutely brilliant, great cast, story, filming and set's.
I couldn't detected any "wokery", which as we all know now extends into past history, with facts & reality being changed to cater & appease the mandatory "diversity" agenda. This in itself is worthy of an accolade & proves that people want period pieces to be authentic.