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Reviews
Life After Death with Tyler Henry (2022)
Barely offers any new or revealing information
While I'm a big believer in the spiritual realm, Life After Death with Tyler Henry leaves me feeling sceptical. Tyler's personality is undeniably sweet and charming, but I struggle to believe he is genuinely connecting with the spirits of the deceased. His readings often consist of generalised facts-things that are already known to the families-and the usual comforting messages like "they are at peace," "they forgive you," and "they want you to move on." After each reading, I'm left wondering: what meaningful messages were actually passed on?
If I were to have a reading like the ones on the show, I'd be quite disappointed to only hear what I already know. The show presents Tyler as unaware of his next location or client, but that could easily be staged. Moreover, he claims to connect with almost anyone, yet when it comes to deeper, more mysterious cases-like those involving his own family-he often says the spirits have long moved on. It feels too convenient.
While the show is entertaining, it barely offers any new or revealing information about the dead. The details shared are usually already known by the families, and the readings often centre around public figures or well-known cases.
As much as I want to believe, Life After Death does little to convince me.
And Just Like That... (2021)
Desperate need to tick off diversity checkboxes
As a devoted fan of the original "Sex and the City" series, I approached "And Just Like That..." with great anticipation and nostalgia. However, what I found was deeply disappointing.
The essence of the original show, which delicately balanced wit, romance, and the intricacies of female friendships, seems to have been lost in this reboot. Instead of focusing on genuine storytelling and character development, the series feels burdened by a relentless need to tick off diversity checkboxes. It's as if the writers are more concerned with meeting some arbitrary diversity quota than crafting compelling narratives.
The inclusion of characters who are Black, gay, and trans is not the issue; rather, it's the superficial and often contrived way in which these identities are portrayed. Each episode seems determined to showcase these characters' diversity at the expense of their humanity. It's disheartening to see how race, gender, and sexuality are magnified to overshadow the richness of their personalities and relationships.
One particularly jarring aspect is the introduction of Che Diaz, played by Sara Ramirez. Ramirez was a standout in "Grey's Anatomy," but here, her character feels forced and out of place. The attempt to integrate stand-up comedy into the storyline falls flat, disrupting the flow of the narrative and adding little to the overall plot.
In essence, this reboot fails to capture the magic of its predecessor. Instead of celebrating the universal experiences of love, friendship, and personal growth, it gets bogged down in its own self-imposed obligation to be politically correct. As a result, what made "Sex and the City" beloved by so many-its authenticity and relatability-is conspicuously absent. What a missed opportunity.
Abigail (2024)
A Disappointing Genre Mash-Up
Abigail is everything that is wrong with movies lately. It's like it can't even decide what genre it wants to be - a comedy, mystery, thriller, or horror? In the end, it fails to be any of these and ends up being very silly.
The premise initially held my interest, but it quickly unravelled when it was revealed that Abigail was a vampire and the comedy elements kicked in. The shift in tone was jarring and diminished the potential for any genuine suspense or horror.
I was excited to see Melissa Barrera in this film, having enjoyed her performances in 'Bed Rest' and 'Keep Breathing'. Unfortunately, despite her talent, this movie does not do her justice. It's frustrating that what could have been a solid horror turned into a mishmash of cheap jokes and half-hearted attempts at multiple genres.
It's a shame that so many films nowadays feel the need to incorporate comedy, often at the expense of the story and the genre they are supposed to represent. "Abigail" is a prime example of this trend, and it left me very disappointed.
Sleeping Dogs (2024)
Very long and has Prime adverts
"Sleeping Dogs" is a good film with solid acting performances. However, the movie felt excessively long, to the point where it seemed like it would never end. This dragged-out pacing made the overall experience quite tiresome.
Moreover, watching it on Prime, a service we already pay for, and having to endure adverts only added to the misery of an already lengthy film. This disruption significantly detracted from the viewing experience.
In summary, while the acting was commendable and the storyline had potential, the excessive runtime and intrusive adverts made it a less enjoyable watch. Should have been at least 30 minutes less.
Deep Fear (2023)
Disappointing Except for Ed Westwick
Ed Westwick's performance in "Deep Fear" is the film's only saving grace, earning it two stars. Unfortunately, the choice of lead actress leaves much to be desired. Her inability to act convincingly, combined with a face rendered expressionless by excessive plastic surgery, made it impossible to believe in the on-screen relationship. Her dialogue delivery was poor, and her lack of facial movement detracted significantly from any potential emotional impact. By the end, I found myself wishing she would stop speaking altogether. A truly disappointing casting decision that overshadowed what could have been a decent thriller.
Lost Treasures of the Maya (2018)
WOW - Lidar!
Lost Treasures of the Maya should only be a single episode. Whilst it is interesting to see about 80% of the show is the never ending talk about their Lidar and showing the same lidar view.
Lidar, hailed as a revolutionary tool in archaeological exploration, takes center stage in 'Lost Treasures of the Maya', unveiling hidden wonders buried beneath centuries of jungle growth. However, amidst the marvel of Lidar's capabilities lies a repetitive pattern that permeates the documentary's footage. The viewer is inundated with repeated views of Lidar scans, showcasing the same landscapes and structures ad infinitum.
While initially captivating, the incessant repetition of Lidar footage begins to detract from the documentary's overall impact, testing the audience's patience and diluting the sense of discovery. Rather than offering fresh insights with each scan, the documentary seems content to recycle the same visuals, leaving viewers yearning for more diverse content and exploration.
Despite its invaluable contribution to uncovering the mysteries of the Maya civilization, the overreliance on repeated Lidar footage ultimately diminishes the documentary's effectiveness in captivating its audience. In the pursuit of showcasing the marvels of modern technology, 'Lost Treasures of the Maya' inadvertently falls into the trap of monotony, leaving viewers longing for a more dynamic and engaging narrative approach.
The Awakening (2011)
A Riveting Thriller with a Haunting Twist
"The Awakening" is a revelation in the realm of thriller/horror cinema. From its captivating opening sequence, featuring a mesmerizing chalkboard animation, to its thought-provoking conclusion.
Visually, "The Awakening" is a feast for the eyes. The cinematography expertly captures the eerie atmosphere of the setting, enhancing the overall sense of unease and foreboding. From dimly lit corridors to shadowy forests, each frame is imbued with an otherworldly quality that further immerses viewers in the story's haunting allure.
What truly distinguishes "The Awakening" is its ability to sustain intrigue throughout its runtime. Unlike many films in the genre that rely solely on jump scares or predictable tropes, this cinematic masterpiece captivates viewers with its nuanced storytelling and well-crafted plot twists.
One of the film's standout qualities is its enigmatic ending, which leaves viewers pondering long after the credits roll. The ambiguity surrounding Florence's fate adds an extra layer of depth to the story, prompting audiences to revisit and reinterpret earlier scenes in search of clues.
In an age where cookie-cutter sequels and uninspired remakes dominate the cinematic landscape, "The Awakening" stands out as a shining example of originality and innovation. Its gripping story, combined with its exceptional visuals and performances, makes it a must-watch for fans of the genre and casual viewers alike. In short, "The Awakening" is a triumph of storytelling that leaves a lasting impression on all who experience it.
Centigrade (2020)
For crying out loud
Centigrade sets out to deliver a gripping survival narrative but sadly misses the mark by a long shot. Right from the beginning, we're greeted with two characters who are not only unlikable but downright unbearable in their incessant nastiness towards each other.
To exacerbate matters, the last 30 minutes of the film featured no dialogue, only the relentless cries of a baby. We resorted to muting the TV. I understand the intention - babies cry, but this was excessive. Imagine enduring 30 minutes of incessant dog barking in a film featuring a family pet. It's simply unreasonable. Ultimately, one cannot help but question the entertainment value of such prolonged discomfort, as cinema is intended to captivate and engage rather than inflict a sense of torment upon its audience.
As a fan of survival movies, I had hoped for something more from Centigrade, but sadly, it failed to deliver anything of substance. It's an experience best avoided unless you have a high tolerance for cinematic misery and non-stop screaming babies.
Angela Black: Episode #1.4 (2021)
Mute your TV
Angela Black episode 4 falls short with a constant, grating presence - a screaming baby. The show's already slow pace becomes unbearable as this shrill background noise persists. Throughout the episode, I found myself repeatedly lowering the volume and even muting the TV to escape the auditory assault. While I recognize the attempt to make a point, subjecting viewers to nearly an hour of a random child's screams felt like a misguided choice. It detracted from the overall experience, leaving me questioning the rationale behind such an unpleasant narrative decision. An unfortunate misstep in an otherwise engaging series.
Sleep Has Her House (2017)
This is not a movie.
Director Scott Barley's unconventional approach may resonate more as a visual art installation than a traditional movie. The absence of a coherent storyline or traditional cinematic features might lead viewers to question its classification as a film. Rather, it seems to invite contemplation, encouraging audiences to engage with its abstract and atmospheric qualities, akin to an art piece in a gallery.
The film's deliberate use of darkness, grainy visuals, and subdued soundscape might not appeal to those seeking a typical cinematic experience. Its sparse imagery, including fleeting glimpses of nature like horses and water, invites interpretation and introspection, offering a different kind of cinematic encounter that might not be everyone's cup of tea.
In essence, "Sleep Has Her House" cannot be classed as a movie. It uses 1/5 of the screen and its departure from mainstream movie elements is better suited for those intrigued by experimental visual storytelling and open to unconventional artistic expressions.
Leave the World Behind (2023)
Slow burn with no ending
"Leave the World Behind" on Netflix definitely has its moments, but it might not be for everyone. Clocking in at over 2 hours, it's undeniably a slow burn. Some scenes, like the one involving the Spanish woman, might leave viewers scratching their heads, wondering about their significance.
The movie gives glimpses into why this might be happening, but it falls short of providing a complete picture. And then the movie ends somewhat abruptly, leaving you hanging. This lack of closure might leave audiences feeling like their time was wasted, especially when the potential for a truly gripping storyline was evident.
The unconventional background music might have served as a hint towards the film's slow-burn nature and lack of resolution. For those who enjoy open-ended narratives or don't mind ambiguous conclusions, this film might resonate. However, for viewers seeking a neatly tied-up ending, "Leave the World Behind" might fall short of expectations and leave them feeling unsatisfied.
While the movie had promise and potential, its execution and conclusion might leave some feeling like something crucial was missing.
The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)
A Disappointing Departure from Gothic Horror
House of Usher, the latest offering from Netflix, had the potential to become another gripping addition to the streaming giant's collection of horror series, following the success of "Haunting of the Hill House" and "Haunting of Bly Manor." Unfortunately, it falls short of expectations and deviates from the suspenseful and eerie storytelling that fans of those earlier series enjoyed.
The most striking aspect of House of Usher is its apparent reliance on adding LGBTQ characters and frequent profanity to the plot, sacrificing the core horror elements that made its predecessors so popular.
The lack of suspense is a significant drawback in House of Usher. Unlike its predecessors, which masterfully built tension and fear over the course of their episodes, House of Usher feels painfully drawn out for no apparent reason. The series seems to meander without a clear direction or purpose, leaving viewers wanting for more substance and engagement.
Moreover, House of Usher's attempts to shock and awe with scenes of explicit content, including orgies and excessive profanity, feel more gratuitous than meaningful. These elements, seemingly included for shock value, do little to elevate the storytelling or add depth to the characters, and they may be off-putting to some viewers.
In summary, House of Usher disappoints those who expected the same level of suspense and horror as its acclaimed predecessors, "Haunting of the Hill House" and "Haunting of Bly Manor." The overemphasis on LGBTQ representation and explicit content overshadows the potential for a genuinely chilling narrative. If you're seeking a captivating and suspenseful horror series, House of Usher may not be the right choice. It's a missed opportunity that leaves you longing for the compelling storytelling that once defined this genre on Netflix.
The Fall of the House of Usher: The Masque of the Red Death (2023)
Screaming baby prevents me from hearing a dialogue, great thinking.
"The Fall of the House of Usher," a Netflix series that attempts to breathe new life into Edgar Allan Poe's classic tale, is an intriguing watch. The show's modern adaptation had me curious about where it would lead and how it would reinterpret the timeless story.
However, my viewing experience was notably hindered by an unusual choice in sound design - a screaming baby. The addition of a screaming baby in a scene was a significant distraction. While the intention might have been to intensify the atmosphere, it ended up making it nearly impossible to hear the dialogue. In a show that relies heavily on the narrative and character interactions, this decision was frustrating and did a disservice to the viewers who wished to immerse themselves in the story.
Another aspect that struck me was the overwhelming presence of LGBTQ+ characters. Don't get me wrong; representation is crucial, and diversity in storytelling is a positive thing. However, it felt like every character in the series was part of the LGBTQ+ community. It's not that I mind LGBTQ+ characters; it's the oversaturation of it that made it seem unrealistic. In a gothic horror series like this, it might be more effective to have a variety of character backgrounds and orientations to create a more authentic and diverse world.
In conclusion, "The Fall of the House of Usher" offers a fresh perspective on a classic story, but the excessive use of a screaming baby in the scenes hampers the ability to fully engage with a part of this episode. If you can look past this issue, the show's modern adaptation and captivating plot may be worth exploring. However, if you find sound design integral to your viewing experience, this aspect might leave you feeling frustrated.
The Shining (1980)
Why move so far away from the book?
Don't get me wrong, I liked the movie. I liked it a lot.
If you haven't read the book, I suspect it's fantastic, however if you have read the book, the only question I have is - why so many changes?
Why change so much? At times it seems like there is no good reason for it either, just change for the sake of the change. It doesn't make anyone more creative, just upsets the people who loved the book which is the main reason why they are watching this particular movie!
The only change that I found to be for the better was the hedge maze instead of the hedge animals as they didn't play that big of a role anyway and looked impressive in the movie.
Wendy was misrepresented so badly, nothing about her resembled Wendy from the book. The blonde Wendy who had quite a character to her. In the movie she just acted stupid for the most part.
Jack just seemed like a plain villain in the movie, but what about the ending? Where he actually fought the hotels power over him and let Danny go and told him he loved him? How is that not important?
The ending itself.. the hotel burnt down. Yet in this movie it didn't and they add it at the end of Doctor Sleep. Not sure where he can go at the end of Doctor Sleep if there is no hotel left...
I struggle to understand why the producers / writers or whoever decide things make so many changes from the original story.
There is a movie because of the book, people want to 'see' the book. Otherwise write another story...
The Witches (2020)
Nice kids movie, but Anne Hathaway's accent was horrible
This movie is clearly aimed for kids. I have not read the book or seen the original movie so I cannot comment on that.
Anne Hathaway's accent was just awful. She should have just spoken without any made up accents and it would have been great. Was there a need for accent? Sounded like she was trying to be Russian which makes zero sense. It really ruined the movie.
I suspect the kids would love this as a halloween movie, I especially enjoyed the beginning before they went to the hotel, that was my favourite part.
Nice story telling feeling.
I was hoping for a bit happier ending, but it was still okay.
The Last Letter from Your Lover (2021)
An insult to the book
Have a look at the reviews - most of the good one's are from people who have not read the book. People who have read the book could not be more disappointed.
This story is not dull, this movie, however, is another matter.
I love reading books and then watching movies. Sadly on this occasion I was left very annoyed as they seem to have changed the things for the sake of it and not for the better. I understand that sometimes a minor change can make the movie better without having an affect on book, but what they have done in this movie is just ridiculous.
Ellie's character was completely the opposite of what it was meant to be. The first major error is that they completely removed the fact that she was sleeping with a married man for a year and miserable for it. THIS is the reason why she felt so connected to the letters in the first place! Who thought that it was a good idea to remove this major thing from her story? She was a complete mess and about to lose her job due to her emotional state (completely the opposite in movie, isn't it?)
When Ellie entered the library there was always an old Librarian, so instead of the funny gum swallowing scene, could they have not added this librarian? Because let's face it, there was nothing funny about Ellie's character. Why am I mentioning this old librarian? Because he turns out to be Anthony O'Hare. Again, someone thought this was not important... let's make Ellie eat croissants and swallow gum instead.
In the movie, they make Jennifer almost a villain because she's just cheating on a perfectly loyal husband. Wrong again. He always had mistresses and after the accident he lied, Jennifer was always on medication barely understanding what's happening around her whilst he was sleeping with her mistress and then his secretary.
His secretary who wasn't in the movie AT ALL plays a crucial role in how Jennifer left her husband. Because, no, she did not wait till times allowed her to do so. His secretary handed her documents about how Laurence's company had made people terminally ill so he had to let her go and he did. They remained married but did not see each other for years. Apparently not important.
And then the most pointless change of events - Ellie finds old Jennifer and in the movie Jennifer turns her away and says it's too late. WRONG. Jennifer invites Ellie in and is so happy that she can talk to someone about this after so long and she's amazed that the letters still exist and wants to keep them.
Why, why, WHY??? Why would you do this?
I love Shailene Woodley and have watched many of her movies, she's a great actress, I just don't think that she was suitable for this role. Purely because of how it was described in the books. Someone like Blake Lively would be more suitable to play Jennifer.
I have never seen the actor who plays Antony O'Hare (Callum Turner) in anything, but I could not feel the chemistry between them at all and found the actor just not suitable for this role.
Rustic Oracle (2019)
Slow burner
Found this movie very slow and boring. Made it halfway through and fasted forwards to the end. The ending disappointed as well.
Would not recommend it.
Svart krabba (2022)
Don't waste your time with this one
Netflix should be ashamed of themselves.
Starts mid story and ends mid story. No explanation on what is going on what so ever.
Had potential but sadly this is a slow burner without any answers.
Solaris (2002)
Nothing happens
Absolutely nothing happens in this movie. Some flashbacks of couple's time together and it ends where it started. (This isn't even a spoiler because seriously - nothing happens in this movie).
What did I just watch? A complete waste of time. Save yourself.
The Revenant (2015)
Oh my god, thank god it ended at some point
Great, actors, beautifully shot, but what the hell was that?
This movie just dragged on and on and there was barely any story in it. Like someone mentioned in their reviews already - if you want to watch DiCaprio heavily breathing in snow for 3 hours this is for you.
It felt like it would never end. The main story can be explained in less than 30 seconds as there is no story. What really annoyed me that he was so injured that no way he would have survived and then he makes these miraculous recoveries with no help, no medicine in freezing cold. Once I somewhat accepted it, they threw him off the cliff and he was STILL okay.
Unwatchable.
Durante la tormenta (2018)
A fantastic movie
I absolutely loved this movie!
Felt like a mix of Netflix's DARK and The Butterfly Effect. Absolutely amazing - had a great story and an ending as well, none of that movie just stops and think whatever you want.
I wish there were more movies like this.