Change Your Image
gj-mercer
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
1923 (2022)
Started Well but.......
I enjoyed the first 2 episodes, despite the obvious Wilbur Smith plagiarism for the African element. But I'm afraid that the terrible acting and even worse British upper class fake accent of the newly introduced Alexandra character is just too much to bear, but at least I now can take a comfort break during her scenes without having to pause the programme. It is a bit cliched in parts and doesn't compare favourably with 1883, or Tulsa King or Mayor of Kingstown. I'm not sure I'm going to stay with it but I'll give it another episode before deciding. At he moment it just smacks of a big budget but lazy writing to cash in on the continuing success of the Yellowstone soap opera.
Tokyo Vice (2022)
Strong Japanese Actors Diluted by weak American Leads
At the heart of this series there is a good story but it's spoiled by a meandering plot and over showy acting by Elgort, who is totally unsuitable as the lead. Keller is equally unimpressive in her role. The convincing drama is provided by the Japanese cast who do a sterling job of making this a semi watchable series, but it could have been so much better with different American leads.
The sub plots are good and add some depth to the main story theme, but they are developed too slowly.
The biggest disappointment is the abrupt ending that brings no conclusion to the main story or any of the various sub themes. If I'd realised at the outset that it was intended to stretch this beyond one series and with no conclusion I wouldn't have bothered watching and I certainly won't be watching series 2........if they make one!
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022)
In General a Good Attempt, Spoiled by Poor Acting in Key Roles
I become more engaged after the first couple of scene setting episodes with the intertwining story threads coming together. Some excellent acting by the ensemble cast with 2 notable exceptions in key roles - Charlie Vickers (Halbrand), no depth, terrible attempt at a Northern accent and absolutely no screen presence. Lenny Henry (Sadoc Burrows) struggled to get the balance of comedy and peril right and his accent constantly strayed from Irish to West Country. Scenes in which these 2 acted were difficult to invest in and proved to be an unwanted distraction. The demise of one of these characters will at least reduce the annoyance in any forthcoming series, I can only hope that the part of Hilbrand/Sauron is recast in the second season.
Severance (2022)
Pretentious Nonsense
A lame attempt to portray some type of dystopian future, with hints of black comedy and absolutely no engagement with the characters at all. The characters are bland, uninteresting and the script lacks bite, fails to build any tension and the whole thing is a bore fest, ideal if you suffer from insomnia, otherwise don't waste your time.
Tainted (2020)
Well Worth Watching
A great crime thriller with well drawn characters, great acting, good storyline and direction. The action sequences are well done and it will keep you gripped throughout.
Chicago P.D.: Silence of the Night (2020)
Spoiled by Poor Acting
The major focus in this episode was office Atwater as portrayed by LaRoyce Hawkins. Unfortunately, LaRoyce is not a strong enough actor to carry it, his facial expressions are blank and he constantly uses a stary eyed expression to convey his emotions and that look is the same for every emotion. During the 7 series, most of the cast have developed in their roles and the acting has got better for several of the ensemble cast but sadly LaRoyce is lagging behind and looks a little exposed in an otherwise strong cast.
The Postcard Killings (2020)
Very Different Serial Killer Movie
Contrary to most reviewers, I enjoyed this movie. The acting was good, the story line less obvious than most in this genre and the characters well drawn. It's clear that the length of the film inhibited the pace and and at times certain plot lines were underdeveloped, but on the whole a good movie and well worth watching.
Gangs of London (2020)
Strong Action, Weak Acting
The Producers needed a stronger lead than Joe Cole to carry this story, he's just not convincing as the vengeful Son and lacks the gravitas to carry the narrative. Jack O'Connell would have been a better choice and has the acting chops to have invested what was required in the role to develop the many facets the character requires. Also a big thumbs down to Lucian Msamati who is completely miscast in his role and looks like an accountant who got off the train at Stratford when he meant to go to Stratford on Avon.
On a positive acting note, Sope Dirisu plays his part perfectly and acts the rest off the screen. Decent back up as well from Brian Vernel , who whilst not at the same level as Sope, at least manages to display more than one dimension.
The action and violence are overtly graphic, totally unbelievable and a clear attempt to appeal to an audience that prefers shootem up type set pieces rather than malevolence and violent threat. This of course is harder to pull off and requires a skill level and degree of subtlety that the writers, Director and several of the lead actors are sadly lacking.
Diablo (2015)
Visually Stunning, Forget the Rest
Some great photography and landscape sequences but the story, script and acting are poor and at times downright awful. Eastwood does his best with the limp story line and the premise is a reasonable one but it's poorly constructed and fails to tease out the plot twist in a coherent manner. What you're left with is a disjointed , well shot film that looks attractive but fails to deliver, rather like a drunken Bridegroom.
Middle Men (2009)
Well Paced Entertaining Story
In terms of style and construction this movie is very similar to the Oscar winning Big Short, which was released some 6 years later to critical acclaim and box office success. Regrettably Middleman achieved neither and this, in my view is a gross injustice as Middlemen is the better movie of the two with a more accessible story line, better drawn characters and on the whole simply more entertaining.
I recommend.
Gallowwalkers (2012)
The Wild Undead West
A decent quality production with actors keeping the right side of farce and playing it straight enough to be watchable. It's well shot with some nice cinematography and on the whole a worthwhile film. Look out for a great cameo from Derek Griffiths, barely recognisable aside from his voice....we don't see him as often as we should!
Deputy (2020)
Solid Acting, Decent Storylines
Sometimes it's quite relaxing to watch well made, well acted, but predictable cop dramas. Whilst admittedly (and probably unashamedly by the producers) this is a do good do right series, with a central character who bends the rules but has a moral core. There's nothing wrong in my book in projecting a positive outlook on life through the auspices of the various racial and same sex relationship issues. Perhaps they are dealt with a bit clumsily in the story lines sometimes, but I still invested in the characters and overall I believe the series delivers uncomplicated but entertaining viewing.
The Outsider (2020)
Mendelsohns quirky acting the only downside
Great story telling that unravels at a good pace and keeps you hooked. Well developed characters in an ensemble cast that hold your attention apart from Ben Mendelsohn, who appears to be doing a very poor imitation of James Dean's method acting. For me his failed attempt of interpreting scepticism and doubt with nervous tics, rubbing of the chin and wringing of hands is just so annoying and distracting. It is my only demerit of an otherwise excellent series.