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waddelltony
Reviews
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters: The Way Out (2023)
How to Kill a Show by Apple
The first three episodes were fire. The last two omit Wyatt Russell and the flashbacks to his character, Landa and Dr. Keiko Mura. Those are 3 compelling characters. Kentaro, Cate and the blandly yet annoying and with nothing to offer Mae or whatever her actual name is are insufferable and whiny. I was hooked by the first 3 episodes and hopeful for a great series. With the exception of Scenes with Lee Shaw by Kurt Russell and Duval, who is a revelation, the cast is weak and the story tired and forces. I fast forwarded most of the episode. What a shame the writers shift focus and follow a non-compelling story line or at least do so poorly. I'm out.
Slow Horses: Failure's Contagious (2022)
Great Start, I'm hooked!
Great spy story and opening episode. Well paced. Great acting. Oldman delivers sardonic wit. Baffled why anyone in their right mind would give this a 1 star review. Excited to see where this story goes. I'm in.
My Son (2021)
9. That's right. McAvoy improvised it!
Wow. Just wow. The trailer informs the audience McAvoy wasn't given a script. I thought for the ending only but for his dialogue. Nope. That's McAvoy doing McAvoy things being awesome. Set against the ever present character of the Scottish Highlands this is a stunning film. If one appreciates film making and acting, primarily McAvoy's then this is an exemplar of a film. I did feel that Claire Foy's character was not well developed and did things that a mother in that situation would not do. Ms. Foy did what she could with what she was given. Otherwise an entertaining and memorable film, and Yo. It's free. What's to complain about!
Nine Perfect Strangers (2021)
9 Perfect Actors, 1 rotten writer
David E. Kelley, et. Al. Has ruined a phenomenal novel by Liane Moriarity. The book was a fantastic read that did not need major changes. Before I say anything further, the acting from the ensemble cast is Emmy caliber quality. Bobby Cannavale, Melissa McCarthy, Luke Evans, Jason Castro, Michael Shannon and the rest deliver award quality performances. HOWEVER, After the first few episodes the show bears little resemblance to the wonderful story from the book. Little tweaks and changes were not made but a sea change of plot points were ripped out and ruined. I am very disappointed with the direction of CARMEL and Masha as written (actors are amazing) because it unnecessary. Carmel is NOT a psychopath. Lost in Hulu version is the main Transformative experience from the book for the entire group. Instead the writers work in an against character rabbit trail for the Marconis. Wish I could check out early from Tranquilum house but I'll suffer through the finale.
Old (2021)
Great Shamalan Entertainment!
Wow! That was a fun in-theater experience. What a treat to see a non-sequel, non-superhero, recycled movie. I enjoyed the concept and the unfolding of the story. It is good to let go of distractions of life for two-hours and just enjoy the ride the director and storyteller takes the viewer on. The acting was exceptional with special praise for the wildly undervalued (at least in my opinion) Ken Leung. The man is a legend. Rufus Sewell was outstanding, as well. M. Knight had more than just a passing cameo, and he nailed it. This was my favorite Shamalan movie since...the Sixth Sense. My thought is that a movie, a true movie experience, needs to take someone away to a novel place employing the willful suspension of disbelief to deliver maximum impact. Along with pacing and great acting this movie delivered outstanding entertainment on all levels. Kudos and praise to all involved!
Cats (2019)
Stop the Hate! Cats offers a fun film experience
Went into this three weeks into the full on assault of the negative hate campaign. Had to see for myself. Result: an enjoyable film with great characters and song. Jennifer Hudson was great. Ta-Ta was a surprise. Dame Judi Dench and Ian McKellan were masterful. Was it purr-fect? No. Took awhile to get into it. But it was NOT as bad as the dog-pile mob would have me believe. Safe to take kids to, and I liked it. Folks there's a lot of darkness and hate in the world today and this film adds no verse to that dark tale. Look at this film as a little ray of light in a dark world and allow yourself to be transported to A Jellicle Night. Here's to seeing you in the Heaviside Layer!