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Reviews
Valor (2017)
Not sure where to start - you probably shouldn't
This could get better ...and pigs could fly. It could happen.
I had to work hard to get past her uniform. Just a tad too tight. My only question when I first saw her was, "What is the CW network thinking?" It certainly doesn't show women soldiers/pilots in the best light. Maybe if everyone enlisted right out of high school and never matured?) Then the fraternization. Then the utter non- professionalism of many characters. Don't get me started on all the technical mistakes.
Obviously no one working on this show has ever been in or worked with anyone in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Too bad. CW had a chance to show how a real female pilot in the U.S. Army conducts herself. Or show how awesome Army helicopter pilots are in general. They blew it.
Star Trek: Renegades (2015)
Enjoyable Potential
I see a ton of potential here.
...and this is a pilot meant to pitch a series answers some questions about the warp-speed character development (which I did not get until after I saw this).
In reality, this was a 5 or 6, but I really liked the concept. Obviously a bit of a departure from Roddenberry's almost utopia ...but I've always felt there must be someone somewhere in the Star Trek universe doing the dirty work when the dirty work needed to be done.
If you're looking for a polished pilot - this isn't for you. If you're willing to forgive a few things (over acting & a host of minor mistakes) you may like this.
I hope they green light this series. I'll certainly be watching if they do.
Dark Matter (2015)
This has potential ...
So far I'm intrigued. This is obviously a pilot and the cast are still trying to mesh - but I see potential. "Potential" seems to be the theme running through this pilot. I can see it and would like to see the show develop.
The storyline has some interesting twists and turns. The cast shows potential (there's that word again). There is chemistry here, which is more than I can say for some of the shows on television today.
The writing, visuals, the cinematography, cast interaction ...all show potential.
There is an underdog twist that reminds me a little of Firefly - even if that underdog twist is unintended ...at least from the point of the crew. (There will never be another Jayne but I'd like see what happens as these characters develop.)
A ton going on here - and very little of it is explained. I found myself wanting to see what happens with all the little mysteries and I hope to find out. I'll certainly be watching.
I'm not going to go into detail about the story line - watch the pilot and judge for yourself.
The Interview (2014)
The hype doesn't live up to the movie
I had to admit I was curious after all the media attention. Note to self: media attention usually doesn't translate into a good movie.
I'll keep this short. The movie isn't funny. It has its moments, but they are few. It goes from trying too hard to not trying at all.
I wish I could have walked out during a showing - I would at least feel I did something to justify my disappointment because a mouse click certainly wasn't satisfying.
Watch the movie, so you can say you watched it and defied (insert hacker group), but don't think you'll be laughing your way through it. Frankly, I'll be surprised if you make through the movie without turning if off.
Elysium (2013)
Good, but ...
This movie was thoroughly disappointing and left me with the feeling it could have been so much more. For example: I found the long, wide shots of the habitat to be stunning, but up close they took on a surreal, fake quality. I've certainly seen better CGI. The characters had a similar quality - all of them. Character development? All of Damon's character development seemed to happened when he was child and all at the same time sitting on a swing in the ghetto. Relationships? Other than a few flash-back scenes between Damon and Braga, and a snippet here and a comment there Elysium leaves you trying to figure them out for yourself. Back story? Oh, right ...we had a few sentences at the beginning of the movie explaining everything. Again and again, I was left wanting more, or asking "Why?" or worse, asking "Did I just miss something?" and reaching for the back button on the remote.
Damon and Foster certainly try, but even Foster's brilliance can't save this movie. The rest of the cast doesn't get the chance to try, although Moura's 'Spider' character certainly leaves an impression. And I don't think I've ever seen Fichtner (Carlyle) play a block of wood so well.
Watch Elysium if you need a refresher on stereotypical science fiction, extreme rich vs. poor, totally ruthless bureaucrats, completely evil spec-op soldiers, and the really, really, really downtrodden masses.
Elementary: The Leviathan (2012)
Great twist on a fascinating character
While it can sometimes be a bit predictable (I've watched 10 episodes so far), I thoroughly enjoy Elementary.
The great twist? Lucy Liu as Watson.
The interaction between Holmes and Watson is wonderful and the show itself is enjoyable and entertaining.
I've read some negative reviews, however I base my opinion on the entertainment value. And Elementary does a good job - I hope the show will be picked up for a second season and we get a chance to see the characters develop.
If you're a fan of anything 'Sherlock Holmes' be sure to check out the BBC production called 'Sherlock.' Another good show.