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En man som heter Ove (2015)
A good film adaptation, but one best enjoyed after reading the book
The movie does a pretty good job of adapting the story from the book to the screen. They did well being able to fit in some of the essential back-story elements into the limited time frame of a film. However, that time limit did result in many rather essential scenes being cut.
The sum effect of these scenes being shortened or cut all together is that for someone who hasn't read the books and understands the depth of the characters, their interactions, and even how touching some of the small moments throughout the story are meant to be, it may feel a little lacklustre.
I would say that for someone who hasn't read the books it will be a nice, but not exceptional film. However, for those fans of the book who know the story well, this will feel like a pretty accurate, honest, albeit abbreviated version of the book. There were only a few minor changes to the film from the book that I didn't like, but some of them understandable, especially given the constraints.
A very solid overall performance, but I can't recommend highly enough that people read/listen to the book/audiobook too!
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
Easily one of the worst Marvel movies to date
The multiverse has become such a popular topic in sci-fi lately that it's become a poor excuse for writers to throw in whatever they want, and so long as they throw in a few fun universes/characters/variations, then audiences seem to tolerate it.
However, that doesn't make up for the fact the story is bloody awful! I'm exceedingly glad I streamed this film, where I could speed it up to end the torment faster. Had I seen this in cinemas, I'd have likely either fallen asleep or walked out.
The film follows a clear trend among recent Marvel films, where there is a clear focus on profit over quality. There has been an dramatic increase in the volume of Marvel films and series being produced to sub-par quantity, relying on the well established fan-base to keep profitable. Personally, I'd like to see the fans revolt against this kind of abysmal work and business model, and opt for fewer films/shows, but of much higher quality.
Wednesday (2022)
Let's not bandwagon!
Wednesday is a show that lives off hype. It did a wonderful job of captivating attention early on and capitalised on people liking Ortega's very dry, and somewhat morbid portrayal of Wednesday.
However, the show relies almost entirely on this hype and Wednesday carries the show. If we break the trend of liking the show just because it's popular, we can see the show is still terribly cliched, with sub-par acting, characters that are underdeveloped, and a lot of lazy writing.
It's a shame, because this rendition of Wednesday has a lot of potential. I can only hope that rather than seeing it as a commercial success and regurgitating more of the same for the inevitable second season, the writers go back and put some more time and effort into the follow up.
Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
Disney, yet again ruining Star Wars
Disney has already made clear its intent to squeeze every dollar out of the franchise possible, including trying to captivate a younger audience. However, Kenobi is a series that would appeal most to past generations who grew up with the prequels, where we first saw a young Ewan McGregor in the role. But, instead of writing to cater to a mature audience, Disney tries to draw in a new, young audience, with some lazy, incongruous, writing.
There are countless scenes that are not only cringe-worthy in the moment, like some of the scarcely believable chance scenes, but there are also plot holes that break the established laws of this fictional universe. The story jumps around inexplicably, leaving so many holes it's tragic.
The worst part is that a series like this could have really deepened the story and the characters, but we were left with such superficial, cliched, nonsense. Furthermore, some of the characters that could and should have been quite epic, were instead, among the worst characters to ever be introduced into the Star Wars franchise. Third Sister, Riva horrendous and her story arc among the clearest of examples of Disney just not caring at all for continuity.
Bitterly disappointing!
The King's Man (2021)
A truly awful movie!
The previous Kingsmen movies have been rather enjoyable, but like so many lucrative franchises these days, this movie was nothing more than a calculated money grab.
The did a pretty good job of casting, which on the back of the success of the previous movies, gets people in the door and hoping for something decent. What they deliver though is nothing short of abysmal, cliched, garbage.
There are few redeeming parts to this movie and is entirely forgettable, which is bitterly disappointing, as an origins story of the Kingsmen agency could have been quite interesting.
Audiences need to start expecting more from their experiences, particularly in the case of sequels, so that production studios realise that they can't keep producing rubbish like this and still make millions off it. Movies like this are the equivalent of Jenner family, a commercial success largely because of reputation and yet despite having no substance, people follow it for the mind-numbing, superficial entertainment.
No Time to Die (2021)
A "Best of Bond" album
This movie draws inspiration from a lot of some of the best Bond movies of the past, while still maintaining a respectable amount of originality. It does a good job of setting the stage for whoever the next 007 will be and yet pays subtle tribute to some of the icons of the past.
The story is decent, the cinematography is very good, and their use of CGI is far better than many modern action films, in that they use it but not to excess, allowing audiences to feel more immersed. The music production is great, as is always the case with Hans Zimmer, and some of the directing choices are very nice touches, like the shot down the tunnel, mimicking the classic bond intro.
There is a minor plot hole, which anyone who has watched Casino Royal should be aware of, but beyond that it's a very fitting tribute film for Bond and one that has managed to do a good job on negotiating the often difficult transition phase for franchises. It's bringing Bond into the more contemporary era and leave big shoes for whoever takes over the role to fill.
Red Notice (2021)
Written to a formula
This is one of the worst films to come out this year. It has a woeful story, horrendously cliched, with very little to any thought going into the story.
It's a movie that is clearly designed to make money by getting big name actors, namely a buff action guy, some comic relief, and a pretty leading lady, then throw them into a sub-par story, with no depth. Add in some actions scenes and the occasional catchy one liner to use in the trailers, and you'll get plenty of people coming through the door, or internet browser in this case.
Furthermore, the film uses CGI so extensively that I genuinely wonder if they ever even needed to the studio to film this movie.
Everything about this film just feels cheap, lazy, and designed by using a formula, rather than any kind of creative writing and production. This is the movie equivalent of those mobile games that take a catchy idea, promote it through a bunch of ads, but then put very little money and no effort into the design and production, and rake in the profits by getting people to pay to remove ads before they realise the game is rubbish a day or two later. This movie does the same thing, make it look appealing, spend very little time or money on it, and turn a profit before people actually realise they've been duped into watching a piece of garbage.
The Lion King (2019)
Compromised
When you take one of the greatest stories to grace the silver screen and then combine it with exceptional visual effects, you'd expect the end product to be a wonderful contemporary refresh, ready to captivate young hearts and minds all over again. However, in the process of trying to out a slightly new spin on the Lion King, they've tampered with some elements that have detracted from the value of the film.
So many reboots of classic films have fallen victim to the same adaption of storyline's to try and appease more contemporary audiences, but almost always end up being worse. The Lion King doesn't deviate from the original script and story as much as some other modern remakes, but it does still mix it up. Some of the changes arguably a small improvement, but some are significantly worse. The original film has so many subtle lessons, but sadly some of the best ones have been altered or removed entirely in this new version.
Overall, the story is still close enough to the original to be decent, and the visual effects are quite remarkable. Although, the animals' faces appear somewhat dull, as the hyper realism doesn't allow for the same range of expression as the original cartoon.
Overall, it's not a bad interpretation of the original, but a far cry from stellar heights of its predecessor. It's a movie that definitely didn't need to happen though.
Stargate: Atlantis: Enemy at the Gate (2009)
A rushed finale
This was a fitting end to the show, not so much because it was a brilliant finale, but rather it demonstrated what the series had become by its end. The Stargate franchise has been exceptional over the years and has many reasons to be considered one of the best sci-fi universes ever fabricated, but it's not without its flaws.
The Atlantis series began to fall victim to some inconsistent writing issues, which were most evident in this most recent and final season. This series finale embodies that rather well, as it has the underpinnings of a decent storyline with a nice fairytale ending, but it's a storyline that's only possible by allowing for the aforementioned inconsistencies. Suddenly giving a Hive almost ludicrous super powers, purely by giving it a ZPM is not only illogical, but it brings into question why other ZPM powered, ally ships haven't yielded similar benefits in previous engagement. Some questionable tactical decisions, which appear to only be made in the effort of creating further suspense only serve to augment the writing issues. To cap it all off, the episode is plagued with cliches, which is also something we've become accustomed to in recent seasons.
Overall, it's easy to see why people enjoy the episode, but it most certainly doesn't deserve to be lauded over. It feels like an episode that the producers were rushed into making in order to wrap up a series they had hoped would continue for at least another season. It's a shame the series didn't get a better send off, but given the steady decline in writing quality, it's also not unexpected.
Stargate: Atlantis: The Prodigal (2008)
Bitter sweet brilliance
This episode doesn't get the credit it deserves. The episode does a good job of maintaining continuity, with a simple yet effective storyline, and once again demonstrates why Michael is one the best characters from the Stargate franchise.
The story manages to build suspense and strikes a fair balance between the protagonists and antagonists and they battle for control of the main tower. There's no "cheating" in this episode, where a hidden plan suddenly emerges out of no where to sway the balance either side. Instead, Shepard and the rest of the Atlantis expedition work together in smart, calculated moves to try regain control from Michael.
Throughout the episode Michael once again shows a depth and ruthless cunning, unlike most other characters we've grown used to in the show. It's almost a shame to see his time finally come to an end, as his character has not only provided the show with a great additional storyline, but has been a character that explored the idea of empathy for your enemies, forced audiences to question the ethics of the Atlantis team, and has always been portrayed in a very believable manner. You're happy to see the team win, but sad that character that brought so much to show will give us no more.
A very good episode, providing a nice send of for a quality character.
Stargate: Atlantis: The Lost Tribe (2008)
Cliches and inconsistencies
There are few things I hate more in a series than inconsistencies, especially in sci-fi or fantasy shows where they begin bending the very rules they created in earlier episodes. This episode is plagued with copious amounts of such inconsistencies, which is then further amplified by cringe worthy illogical decision making, and cliches.
Let's ignore the blatantly rash and illogical decisions that lead to the the wraith and human factions ending up in this position in the first place. Even then, the decisions thereafter are far from what you'd expect of seasoned war veterans or technological geniuses. Ronon is one of the prime examples, who the writer appear intent on reducing to nothing more than grunt with a gun. His character's lack of depth and blatant stupidity, is matched only by his insatiable urge to fight and shoot everything. He wouldn't even be welcome on my base, let alone be on the flagship team with traits like his.
Then there are the horrible inconsistencies, most notably of which relate to the new found faction of rogue Asguard. This plot twist is interesting and the exchange between them and Daniel Jackson proves to be the only interesting part of the whole episode. Are we to believe that these Asguard have only managed to salvage old ancient tech and not fabricate any of their own in the 10,000 years they've been there? Have they not gone searching the galaxy for the "key" to the device, if they believed it was so pivotal to their survival? How is it that their ships, which are apparently Atlantean, could penetrate the shields, when the replicator ships couldn't (which are obviously of Atlantean design too)? And, are we supposed to believe these same Atlantean ships, which now suddenly use energy pulse weapons, instead of the drones, and are inferior in battle to a single "crude" Traveller ship? Speaking of the Traveller ship, wouldn't the ship have had to latch onto the Daedalus, like the cargo ship in the SG1 franchise, with the asteroid? Then, there's the gate blowing up. The radiation they supposedly needed to boost the shields to contain suddenly just disappears after the explosion? The whole tower and possibly even more of the city, would be contaminated! The list could go on, but I think you see the point.
Then there are the cliches. Needing to pick the right crystal, or the antenna array will explode; haven't heard that one before. The ultimately inconsequential overtaxing of the hyperdrive on the Traveller ship, and the apparent genius of this 15 year old, compared to Zelenka. And of course, the cringe worthy exchanges with Ronon flirting with Keller.
Ultimately, there are so few redeeming parts to the episode and despite so introducing so many new potential story arcs, none of them end up being overly consequential. Completely forgettable episode, and a bitter disappointment to the build up from the previous episode.
Stargate: Atlantis: Midway (2008)
Dumb it down and just fight
This episode seems to have been summed up very well by other users, providing clear and succinct summaries of what happens. I tend to concur with their sentiments about how the plot of pitting Teal'c and Ronon against each other, before having to work together in isolation from the rest of the team, to defeat the wraith is a great plot line.
My only gripe with the episode, and to be fair is a gripe more so with the character than the episode itself, is how idiotic and immature they portray Ronon to be. This is an inconsistency that has frustrated me since his introduction to the show. For someone who is meant to be a seasoned special ops veteran, who has survived for years on his own, he seems incredibly immature, completely unbefitting for someone with his history.
If he were a minor character, I'd understand a need to exaggerate his characteristics to convey a feeling for his persona in a short period of time, but he's not; he's a lead role. Ronon's character is one that the writers just never do justice. They could just as easily demonstrate his aggression and impulsivity, without making seem like a baby with dreadlocks, throwing a tantrum. It also would have been nice to see Teal'c maturity and tactical awareness come to light in the fight between the two, perhaps by coaxing Ronon into a brazen attack, exposing a weakness, which Teal'c can then exploit, despite being older and likely slower (still not bad for someone supposedly over 100 years old though).
Stargate: Atlantis: Travelers (2007)
Integral to the season story arc, but otherwise forgettable
The episode introduces a new race, the Travellers, who will become important in the story arc of the season as one of the few other technologically advanced races to master interstellar travel.
However, the whole episodes revolved around Shepard and the lead female character of Larrin, who is a polarising character. Although she superficially seems to have a lot of the characteristics to make her appealing to a wide range of audience; she's good looking, she's a leader, and she fights hard, she also is a character that seems very artificial and woefully illogical. Common sense seems to go out the window when writing her scenes just in an attempt to make her appear to be more of a bad a***.
It's not that we don't like the writers trying to make characters appear strong, but it's more admirable when they do so in realistic ways. Seemingly having a physical dominance over Shepard, who in one scene, cops a beating from her in his cell, rather than defending himself and escaping just seems wrong. It makes Shepard seem week and incompetent more than it does to portray Larrin as a tough and strong leader.
Overall, the episode still earns a pass grade, because the story isn't terrible ad it's forms an important part of the rest of the season, but it loses marks for sloppy writing and failing to properly sculpt a new character who could have otherwise been really admirable.
Stargate SG-1: Counterstrike (2006)
Break continuity, just to fill an episode
This entire episode contributes virtually nothing to the season, aside from seeing Adria as a full grown woman for the first time.
The weapon on Dakara was set to be destroyed TWICE already. Are just supposed to believe that at the last minute they all had a change of heart and kept it, but didn't do anything with it for a whole season?
At the end of the day, the weapon is finally destroyed anyway, which puts the story arc right back where it should have been at the start of the episode. So, what was the point of the episode? To make up numbers? Did they run out of ideas after passing the 200 milestone?
Stargate SG-1: Arthur's Mantle (2006)
Decent plot, but sloppy around the edges
These "out of phase" episodes always have the one big problem of determining what they can and can't interact with. Interacting with Merlin's device makes sense, but why is it they can walk through solid objects, but don't fall through the floor?
Aside from that, there's a lot of other lazy bits of writing to try build more suspense or add drama. For example, the device is a keyboard, with ancient letters...so why does Daniel have to go through his own notes, one by one, instead of them just typing out what they see on the display? Furthermore, why does Merlin's device have a localised effect when activating, but can reach across the galaxy when deactivating?
Furthermore, the battle on the Sodan homeworld is outlandish and sadly falls victim to the same Mature-rating restrictions of many other plot lines in the series. Like any "zombie" reanimation story, decapitation would be the most logical solution, but a series of headshots or severing the head would surely result in the show being rated MA or R. It's also terribly anti-climactic when they're able to defeat Volnek, almost single handedly, without a remarkably basic bait and trap plan, when the supposedly superior, and better equipped Sodan couldn't do the same.
Most of these plot holes aren't overly significant, unlike some of the other episodes in this season, but it's yet another sign of some lazy writing creeping into the series. Overall, a decent plot line, with some interesting revelations helps make up for the rough edges and earns it a pass mark.
Stargate SG-1: Ethon (2006)
Stupidity over creativity
This was a clear example of the writers losing their ability to write creatively or with any kind of logic. Instead, they resort to creating drama through stupidity.
The story seems quite legitimate to begin with, they have a sound plan and suitable safeguards. However, upon Prometheus' arrival the story goes downhill with a series of absurd plot twist and even more ridiculous command decisions. The fact they're surprised Jackson was searched and his transmitter removed is naive. Delaying their assault on the satellite, despite clearly agreeing before leaving for the mission that they'd follow through regardless is a weak attempt to build suspense, at the cost of allowing the shields to power up, and then the utterly absurd "what now" response once their weapons have no effect is nothing short of idiotic! They clearly stated in the mission briefing, "if anything goes wrong, we'll jump back into hyperspace"...but apparently 2 seasoned Lt Colonels are able to forget everything in the moment.
Everything that follows on from here is a weak attempt to salvage a situation that never should have occurred in the first place. Sci-fi shows like Stargate, are expected to have more intellectual and logical plot lines, yet this episode spits in the face of that and builds a story out of gross incompetence, unbefitting to the characters.
The only thing saving this episode is the wider impact it has on the rest of the season, with the loss of Prometheus and the realisation of the power of the Ori weapons. However, both of these outcomes could have been achieved through more rational storylines! Even the simplest of changes, such as Rand making the first aggressive move by contacting Earth/Prometheus and holding Jackson's life to ransom, before their arrival, would present a far more logical chain of events rather than gross negligence and incompetence of major characters.
Stargate SG-1: Prometheus Unbound (2004)
Horrendously illogical
This is one of those episodes that insults the intelligence of the viewers by creating scenarios or decisions that are either illogical or in some cases break constants of their fictional universe, just to allow the story to progress.
Regardless of if you love or hate the dynamic between Vala and Daniel, the gaping plot holes make for a drastically sub-par episode
Men in Black: International (2019)
Abysmal
A disgrace to the MIB franchise. The writing was atrocious, with the overuse of so many cliches, making the overall story remarkably predictable, and little politically correct lines that just felt forced and unnecessary. The characters lacked any real substance and with the exception of Pawny, were seldom amusing. The writers relied on padding out the story with features of the original movies that were popular, but these often added little to no value to the story. To add further salt to the wounds, there was even more evidence of lazy writing with some continuity issues, such as the use or lack thereof, of the neuraliser. Furthermore, whilst it's quite common for brand placement in modern films, they should be subtle, without the need for the director to focus in unnecessarily on certain products or features, unless they would otherwise have done so if it weren't sponsored.
Overall, it's an immensely forgettable movie.
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Decent, but at the expense of the rest of the saga
This is a film that by itself wouldn't be too dissimilar from many other blockbuster actions movies of the current generation. There's great visual effects, a decent soundtrack, and a storyline that's littered with actions scenes. The story isn't even that bad either, but it comes at a heavy price.
This film's story and so many of the action scenes borrow plot lines from the previous Star Wars trilogies, which isn't surprising as it has been a common trend in the previous 2 films already. However, what makes this even more frustrating for any Star Wars fans, is they manipulate the story and what is considered plausible in that universe in order to fit the narrative they want to tell. They have no concern form preserving any kind of continuity and they clearly don't care if they take a metaphorical dump all over the previous films, so long as this movie is as profitable as possible.
If this movie was measured as a stand alone film, I'd be scoring it around the 6/10 for being decent, but not exceptional. However, because it's a part of saga you need to consider how it fits in with the rest of the films in the series, and unfortunately there are too many parts of the film that either don't make sense based off the previous films, or make parts of the previous films seem wrong/illogical. So, which ever fiction you choose to follow, the other loses out, and that's not what you want from a good series.
The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017)
Simple, expected enjoyment.
There's very little about this film that surprises you. The story is fairly straight forward without any unexpected twists. However, the film is still quite enjoyable thanks to the wonderful character dynamic created by Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L Jackson. It's the kind of film that you'd watch when you want a simple, straight forward, reliable movie to watch. It doesn't require much engagement to be able to follow and enjoy, but at the same time is stimulating enough that you don't get bored with it. Overall, a very sound performance, an enjoyable watch, but not something you'd ever expect to make people's "Top..." lists
You vs. Wild: A Venomous Adventure, Pt. 2 (2019)
Did they forget this was a survival show?
This is beyond stupid how this episode rewards poor decision making. Of course, there are some outcomes that still end your journey and you have to go back to your previous decision, but some of the decisions are really poor, and yet yield good outcomes. Furthermore, there are more decisions in this one that are, indifferent, or just plain useless. The only attribute saving this episode from a dismal 1/10 is the fact that some of the decisions regarding handling the animals are relevant and accurate. Aside from that, it's a complete failure of an episode
You vs. Wild (2019)
Great concept; poor execution. A wasted opportunity!
The idea of a survivalist show where you make the choices is brilliant! I was excited to take part, explore options, and put my own knowledge to the test. However, I feel they've missed the mark with the final product. The options are often too vague, or indifferent, with consequences of your actions not really being clear. The show would greatly benefit from taking a bit more time to explain the reasoning/outcome for each choice. If they'd done that, it would not only be entertaining, but also far more educational. Instead, it's all a bit sensationalised now.
Which leads me onto my only other gripe with the show. There's too much staged drama, not enough survivalist work. Someone like Bear doesn't need stunt doubles, so why they do unnecessary dramatic intros is bewildering. I appreciate staging a survival scenario for the sake of demonstration purposes, but adding in unnecessary props, is taking it too far and spoils the show. It sends a clear message that the producers were more interested in making it dramatic, to engage the audience, rather than letting the exploration and discovery learning do it for them.
Wasted opportunity, but hopefully one they can learn from. Get a better producer on board for the next season, and let the interactivity and discovery be the draw card, rather than silly dramatic scenes done by stunt doubles.
Next Gen (2018)
Abysmal failure
The only redeeming feature of this movie are the well crafted visuals. Everything else falls flat on its face.
There are so many inconsistencies, the story is weak and predictable, it's highly unimaginative, and the worst part is how loathe-able the characters are.
You're left knowing exactly what's going to happen, and yet can only hope there will be a twist that results in the "good guys" losing, because of how obnoxiously irritating they are.
I was worried this was going to be a bit of a rip off of Big Hero 6, but despite copying a few attributes, Next Gen falls so far short it's not even worth the comparison.
The Cloverfield Paradox (2018)
Failed to captivate at every opportunity
The movie lacks any kind of substance. It's very superficial, full of cliches, and feels more like a poorly put together compilation of random sci-fi themes. The science, in the sci-fi is apparently vacant too, and gives the impression that the writers were just manipulating sci-fi theories to allow them to create absurd scenarios in a vain attempt to create some sort of suspense.
This movie could have easily earned a dismal 1/10, but earns some consolation points for decent visuals and acting that while not exceptional, does the best they can with a terrible story.
The Grand Tour (2016)
Lost the plot
Barely scraping through for a passing grade, the new series of The Grand Tour has not lived up to the hype. It seems to be running almost entirely on the popularity of the hosts and the blind following of the fans the accrued over at Top Gear.
The series appears to be trying too hard to mimic what the new producers must feel made the old Top Gear successful. There's very little in the way of originality, and yet sadly the copies, just like a fake Rolex from Thailand, aren't of the same quality. The track is half rate and may as well have been a car park with cones. The new American test driver is a cringe worthy and unnecessary addition, who will no doubt run out of one-line stereotypes. The celebrity segment so far has been a pitiful excuse to just do some slapstick humour. Most importantly though, the car segments are no longer even about the cars.
The show can hardly even be considered a car show, when the majority of the time is consumed by little skits that have nothing to do with cars, and even when cars are involved, we're told virtually nothing about them.
It's no longer a show for petrol heads, and rather is now more like a talk show, where the entertainment comes exclusively from the hosts and the scripted skits, rather than from the cars, the challenges, and any kind of genuine chemistry.