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Shogun (1980)
The Best Version
Granted the newer version has more gore, modern special affects and other flashy stuff of newer productions. The one thing the newer version needs is someone to actually read and digest the book and fine tune nuances presented. The story's perspective should not be shifted to focus on one group over the other - just follow the story. Too bad that it is so difficult to follow a simple story without butchering it. In today's Hollywierd I guess that is the way now-a-days. I'm actually surprised the newer version didn't have car chases and flying superheroes. Ah well, this version is just a lot more in depth and Richard Chamberlain and the rest of the cast were so much more enjoyable.
The Rebels of PT-218 (2021)
Needs Research
Why a 7?, well being retired USN and my father was US Merchant Marine during WWII, I have to give the flick some latitude. During the Second World War, they had the second largest losses, per capita, next only to the German U-Boats. Sadly they were not officially recognized as veterans 2021, what a disgrace. This 'service' eis easily forgotten about by Hollywierd, so I can understand why the line between the Liberty Ship's crew and Navy Gunners is badly greyed. About the ship: Neither this class, nor the later Victory Class ships were warships - they were intended to defenselessly navigated through scary waters to deliver the good and hopefully not get sunk. So are there mistakes? Probably easier to answer what is accurate. Lights out topside mate!!! Show some respect , please. Some recommended reading: 'The Mathew's Men.' Also, recommend watching one of the videos about PQ-17 - what a horrible loss. Good movie - meh, ok. Should be a lot better.
S.W.A.T.: Immunity (2019)
Not Always the Fan - But...
Usually this show is pretty procedural, which is not always a bad thing. For that manner, I prefer predictable, rehashed stories over artsy, fartsy screen vomit. Is that fare? Maybe not, but I prefer sitting in front of a screen watching something I truly enjoy, vice brain-draining, in front of a bunch meaningless blah-blah-blah. Do I mean deep stories can't be great entertainment? First they must be interesting. The cast, story and production have to be hitting on all cylinders. Even with all that talent out there, if they are not orchestrated properly, you may still end up with boredom-city. Directing, directing, directing! The director did a great job stitching this very good story into a wonderful masterpiece. WOW.
Castle: Nikki Heat (2011)
Could Have Been, Should Have Been
This was such a funny and entertaining episode. Absolutely one of my favorites. By then the friction between the two main stars was getting unbearable, even for the supporting cast (who were more interesting than Stana). This was a golden opportunity. Just think if Katic had only left the show then, Laura Prepon would have been the perfect replacement. Think about it, a potential female lead with a much better personality, very strong stage presence and a an actual superstar with depth. Just think - Kate Beckett could have gone into a spin-off show, totally focusing on solving her mom's murder. She might have even gotten a supporting cast who she wouldn't fight with all the time. Brilliant! I bet Nathan could have gotten 5 to 6 more years out of the cast-addition. Too bad, I would have marked this show higher than, 'The Mentalist.' Maybe not, but close.
Castle: Hong Kong Hustle (2015)
OMG - Awesomeness Castle
Outstanding storyline with a really well orchestrated ensemble. The plot was well mapped out and that script was great - even funny at times. As it should be. The director did a magnificent job getting our heroes into horrible situations with a spectacular exit - just in the nick of time - phew. I really enjoyed everything about this episode - almost better than all the rest. Usually, in other episodes, a cylinder might miss along, but this one was perfect. Kudos to the regular cast, including the two star, of course - but the driver of this cinematic SUV, wow! Super great job, brilliant! This is definitely one of the best Castles, ever.
Bones: The Last Shot at a Second Chance (2016)
Angela Needs to Dump Hodges
Who is writing this garbage. A bunch of no-talents? Honestly, you guys are piling it too deep, I suggest you cut your losses and throw the rolling soap opera, Hodges, to the curb. Newsflash! I'm not the only one who can't stand that heartless, little doctor with 25 phds. The main story, you know, the one focusing on the crimes is usually pretty good, but all the unimportant sidekicks and their stupid, over-the-top, personal melodramas is grating on everyone's' nerves. Flush Hodges, retool, get a writer who actually read the books, and restart. This is such a great show, but the stars are the stars - not squints, accept for Angela of course.
Bones: The Murder of the Meninist (2016)
Poor Hodges, Poor, Poor Hodges
Celebrating a murdered person? Really? Oh, as long as the dead piece of meat is a MAN, it's ok - sheesh. Kind of goes against the grain for this show - or not. To top all that off, Hodges is now confined to a wheel chair. Poor Hodges, the show is so much about his crummy acting. Even when Hodgins-boy is in a good mood, he's an snarky butthead. For that it's time for Angela - to run! Did these ink-butchers pass their script(s) through Kathy Reich for a big thumbs up? Doubtful. Where does this show get their ridiculous tales from? Soiled toilet paper, maybe? Or maybe they got the early memo that the show was being canceled, decided to exorcise their arrogance and burned everyone. This episode was horrible. The Dr. Fuentes character is an idiot.
Bones: The Brother in the Basement (2015)
Good Story, Script Mixed Quality and Melodrama
Booth and Bones are their normal excellent selves. For the most, light humor, mixed with suspense, make it always fun to watch. My question is, who writes the scripts for Aristo and Cam. When these two characters get together - wow - the drama and whining gets so freaking irritating. These two are the cringe-worthy duo. Sheesh, Aristo is like the most serious and most important person and Cam, the hypocrite boss are quite the pair. They are all too tiring. Casting must have intentionally dropped the ball on this episode, it was horrible. I do like Aubrey - he's not Sweets - but a good add. Great when the tow stars were onscreen, not so great otherwise.
Reacher (2022)
This Reacher is
If Tom Cruise had not -payed the Reacher character in two previous movies, I might have scored this show higher. Too be honest, I never read the books and have no point of reference, but found that true fans of the novels didn't like TC, because he was too small. Unlike them, I felt Cruse did a much better job. What do I know? Sheesh. Anyways, I guess the producers and directors trolled Gyms looking for someone who fit the novel's description, and voila, found a guy who lifts things up and puts them down. Tada - their star shines. Yay!!! It's too bad that the acting requirement occupied the back-burner - I mean the very back-burner. The writing seems lazy, and no sense of humor. Pace is choppy at best. Is there hope - I don't think so. If it was a blank canvas - there would be. But not now.
Happy Endings: Happy Rides (2012)
WOW!!!!, I mean Just Wow.
I never claimed to be a cinematic aficionado, at least not in public or hidden from my justifiable narcissism - but from this moment on, I hubrisicly title myself, 'The Fault-finding Bard.' And WHY you ask? Well first, what kind of an idiot would put a freaking jalopy-junker in a shed? Whats even worse, some discombobulated scribe penned this rubbish and prostituted it as art - and someone actually got paid for it, wow. The directing is the program's shining star, sadly even its brilliance quickly dims as the story progresses. Kudos to the shed, very swanky hangout. No, just kidding, that was garbage too. Obviously I'm no fan and have wasted more time writing this review than watching the show.
Practical Magic (1998)
Not for Artsy Movie Snobs - It's Too Much Fun.
Great casting, excellent storyline with a really good plot, all that, moving at the right pace - what else does one want? Enjoyable? Oh hell yah. I liked this movie a lot. Kidman and Quinn are great, but Sandra Bullock, well she is just plain spectacular. The flick was fun, which means...if you consider yourself a cinematic connoisseur...you'll hate it. Feel like some light hearted fun, with a dash of magic - take this classic for a spin. Every Halloween, or if I just want to really appreciate Sandra Bullock in all her greatness, I will watch this. Now if you want hidden meaning or really desire a show ruined by some social justice backstory - you can catch enough of that kind of trash with more current products flushed out of Hollywierd. Hope you enjoy.
Lawmen: Bass Reeves (2023)
I've Seen Better and Worse
Someone stated earlier, this should have been a movie and not a series. That statement I agree with 100 per cent. As a series, this thing drags and the dialogue is somewhat weak. There are stars who showed up to help the story along - but as good as they might have been - the drawn out length just takes from what could have been some great film making. I watched a couple of episodes, but finishing was too much of a chore. I can see some people really liked this show, kudos to them. I might try again, but doubt I will be able too make it all the way through. The script needs work, and I would say the directing needs some TLC.
Total Recall (1990)
Arnold Overlooked, Once Again, by the Academy for Oscar
In an era of excellent movies, this one got the shaft. Not only did this extravaganza have none-stop action, gratuitous violence and an especially evil Sharon Stone - it also showcased superb acting skills of Arnold. From the beginning to end, a rollercoaster of tense intrigue and great CGI. Unlike current flicks, the authors of this masterpiece made a script that actually followed the plot - amazing. In addition to previously mentioned items, how can one overlook the passion and the sensitivity, I can only imagine the tears gushing from the eyes in every theater. I highly recommend this flick for everyone - especially those tired of falsely appreciating artsy garbage movies. Great movie.
Deliler (2018)
Gack.
I had to give this spectacle seven stars. Let's face it, anything churned out by Tinsel Town now-a-days usually sucks. Which is not always bad, since if it sucks really badly, the Hollyweird aristocracy will reclassify those garbage-movies as 'art.' This flick might not be academy award worthy, since it was much better than one of those 'art' movies, but it wasn't too bad. So the story is about a wild party-animal, Vlad, running around the countryside raising hell. He takes fun a bit too far and a group of knightly-knights are tasked to reign-in this crazy party animal. The script seemed ok - even if it might have wandered a little now and then. The acting, stiff and preachy. I saw in other reviews that the plot seems to be politically one-sided - meh - so what, I don't care. I don't know much about Mr. Impaler, but he's no 'Barbie'. Good job with the gratuitous blood spatter and flying body parts. Normally I would consider the violence pointless, but we are talking about a guy name 'Vlad the Impaler.' The flick had a pretty good pace, although, at times, I couldn't figure out where the plot was going. Not really a big deal, since once blind wandering took the road towards Lala Land, the tale always jumped back to Vlad. Fun movie. Was it fake? Who cares?
The Crown (2016)
A Royal Bore
To be fare, I would never, ever, ever, EVER, watch anything like this - no action, explosions and/or car chases. Ah but the one who controls the TV, controls the world - and that isn't under my charge. My wife commandeered the TV, and I could not change the channel under the menacing threat of physical castration, which didn't really matter, since it only took one and a half episodes to realize I suffered psychological castration anyways. I guess if one can't help gobbling up voyeuristic lies and/or can't get enough of royal dribble, this baby's for you. The dialogue was horribly boring, the plot I guess is ok, and those 'Harry Potter' actors were, great. Why so low of a grade? I'm no fan of melodramas, especially fake-factual ones. One sided views are always damaging to the other side. Anyways - not my cup of tea. This is a English, British, U. K. thing - who I respect greatly, but it's their laundry - dirty or clean - I do not think they were treated fairly.
Food Revolution (2010)
A Healthy Food Warrior
Jamie Oliver is great. A truly great chef and seems like a cool dad and husband. I've enjoyed his regular shows for some time now, and had no idea that food could be cooked so many different ways - in such a short period. As far as this show goes, he didn't need to do this and it could have been a shot in the professional-foot. If you are a parent and your kids attend public school, this is must-see TV. I'm no picture of health when I was being brought - but folks tried. I also always brought my own lunch. Sandwich, juice, apple, etc., pretty healthy - not crap like what is served at the Huntington school. I know he is hitting his head against the wall, but at least he gave it a shot. Public school bureaucrats have made their own problems, there is no getting around that.
Body of Proof (2011)
Not My Favorite
Got it - she has anger management issues. Great. Police are just so stupid. Maybe that's too harsh. Look at all the similar shows; an author solves crimes - humor added: a faux psychic solves crimes - humor added, and private eyes solve crimes - humor added. All those previously mentioned formulaic shows had - wait for it - humor added. This show does not. It has lots of anger, smugness and spite. To top it off, all of Dana's hastiness is none-stop and way too repetitive. The writers and/or directors did this woman any favors. Apparently the writing was on the wall and no changes were made. I doubt anything could be done to rescue this train wreck from the tracks that were previously laid. Another show I definitely won't stream.
Married to Real Estate (2022)
Losing Interest in All HGTV
Not an awful show, just has the same repetitive formulaic blather the rest of the shows have. I'm tired of the same thing over and over. The stars are not my cup of tea, but fun. Whoever came up with this program didn't do the presenters any favors. Talk about beating a dead horse and handing it over to the new kids to ride. This program-plan is so old and warn-out, if it was a squirrel my dog would fall asleep. Come on - give the newbies something interesting. Anyways, I've watched a couple of episodes and it's not too bad. If it hadn't been done a hundred times already I would highly recommend it.
Bones: The Death in the Defense (2016)
The Victim Competition Begins
The two main stars are great and I always enjoy their interactions. I know Fox was up to financial shenanigans with the 2 - but stop with the lame politics and the afternoon-soap scripts. I got hurt, wait look at me, I got hurt worse and Hodgins gets hurt the worse of all. This was a light-hearted show and I really loved Bones and Booth. The support team needs to stay in the shadows. I don't care about Cam's love life, or any of the others' little side tear jerking tales of woe is me. The worst is Hodgins, milking his paralysis - come on. From light hearted, fast paced crime drama, to dark sad-storiathon. New writers are needed.
Castle: XY (2015)
If Beckett Had Just Disappeared
At this point we're watching two shows at the same time - one that attempts to be enjoyable and the other focuses on Beckett's Lockset. I prefer enjoying TV - not rabbit holes focusing on a whining costar. This show was set up for a great P. I. show starring Fillion and the rest of the supporting cast. I miss the old Beckett, but the new one needs to retire. She was once a valuable asset, but dragged the levity straight into the dirt. Anyway, this episode did have some positives, but the negatives were just too much. Split production must have really made it difficult for the others on the set. Let's remember the name of the show, 'Castle' not 'Castle and Beckett.'
Castle: Cool Boys (2015)
Slaughter - Great Replacement for Beckett
It was a no brainer that Beckett was going, going, gone. She was great early on but her multiple melodramas started dragging the show into the sewer. The 'poor me' - 'look at me' focus effectively turned the humorous investigative forays into dull Stana-dramas - BORING. Adam Baldwin's character (Slaughter) was very strong and funny as hell, and with Hayley Shipton's snarky sense of humor, the show easily would have had another ten years, at least. Just to add a tingle of mystery, toss in a couple of episodes with visits from super secret spy, Jackson Hunt (James Brolin), how could you go wrong? Keep the supporting cast, Harve, Ryan and bring back Gates would be such a super plan sine these guys - along with mom and daughter are like a finely tuned orchestra with Castle as the only conductor. Do I miss Beckett? Go back a few episodes, yes - but she should have gracefully bowed out years ago. Too bad too. I hope Nathan Fillion keeps the notion of a Castle (PI) spin-off in the oven. I'll watch.
Heart of Stone (2023)
Gadot is Always Great
Paced at breaknecking speed and superstar Gal kicking bad guys' butts how can you go bad. Oh yeah, there were other people in the movie - can't remember who. The camera work was super and those special effects were well placed and took no glow-power away from Gadot's shining star-power. The laughs were there, not in a side splitting fashion, just well placed and fully supported this spectacular plot and smart writing. Is Heart of Stone my favorite? Not number one, but pretty high up in my scale. My point of reference or bar to achieve, is that masterpiece of cinematic excellence, "Police Academy." Heart of Stone didn't have the passion or heartbreaking moments that Police Academy had, but is was definitely on par with the rest of those moments of heavy drama and edge-of-the-seat suspense. Nice job, loved every spine-tingling moment.
The Bold and the Beautiful: Episode #1.9063 (2023)
Hope, Hope, Hope
Hope, you are way too good at being bad. Thomas, you got a lot on your plate and I don't think you know what you are in for. Hope is going to chew you up and spit you out like - you know - those animals the chew their prey up and spit the bones out. Liam, it's all over. You've been kicked to the curb; smacked around like a rag doll and left in the gutter - aimlessly babbling. Snap out of it and don't worry - Daddy Deacon may have the answer.
Prediction: Shiela escapes and swoops into your life. Deacon is upset that you're a mess, Shiela loves Deacon and decides she will help him, by helping you. Ha! Devious minds think the same. You may ask yourself, is this the kind of help you really want? Hell yeah! Time to make things right. Hope's a lost cause, so you must allow Shiela to reach into the deepest depths of your soul and pinch any flicker of goodness that lit your life's path. Time for EVIL LIAM!!!
The Bold and the Beautiful: Episode #1.9061 (2023)
I Miss A Lot - Real Life Interrupts
These writers do a wonderful job. I'm not saying the actors are not doing a super job, oh contrare, they are. But mapping out who is attracted to who and hooking just the right people with the correct counterparts boggles the mind - sheesh. So Liam wants to divorce Hope, Hope has fake tears, Hope scampers over to Thomas, they make hamburger - hmmmm - all that with no feeling. Sociopath-much? Having crazy Thomas and evil Hope is perfect! They just need an evil lair and devious plans - watch out, the end of the earth is soon. I kind of don't care about the others, although Shiela is sparing interest.
Castle: A Dance with Death (2012)
Castle's Daughter Kicks Butt - Again
While all the hate for Alexis? She is such a cool part of the show. If the show had continued without Beckett, Alexis could have filled the void very easily. It was a pleasure watching the daughter grow into a future PI - paired with grandma. Once the obvious friction between the show's star and the star wannabe were settled, strong support would be needed. The two 'other detectives' were great, Nathan's character would need strength outside of the hallowed halls of the NYPD. Nice vision and planning by the show's management - too bad the plan was never carried through. I think there were at 5 to 6 years more of Castle. OOOOOR - maybe occasionally pair this team up with Patric Jane and toss in his wife. Just a thought.