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ZiggyZane87
Reviews
The Righteous Gemstones (2019)
Like Succession but for religious dummies
Sorry if the title is offensive, but the show is basically exactly that - a bunch of siblings born into a wealthy situation and they're all vying for the prized position as successor - but unlike Succession, The Righteous Gemstones makes no fuss about whether or not any of them are actually competent. They're clearly not. Also, like Succession, they don't actually believe in the product they're selling, it's just a power game. In this case of the Gemstones the power game just happens to be set the context of a mega church.
It's a very clever and timely satire about a section of American society/religiosity that deserves to scrutinized and frankly, taken the mickey out of. Very refreshing "de-pricking" of a very loaded context.
Blonde (2022)
So beloved, so hard to get right
Ana de Armas is phenomenal. Really the best performance I've seen maybe ever, she gets every nuance with such sensitivity and wisdom.
The filming is a bit stylized and seems to rush from one significant period to the next, but the thread that drives the narrative is Norma Jeans personal experience through it all. It's deeply personal while the Marylin persona takes on a life and momentum of its own, seemingly out of Norma Jeans control. In that sense, the movie is extremely successful.
The whole production has this dream-like quality, which I guess aludes to Hollywood mythology, while being punctuated by Ana de Armas' strong depiction of the struggle, humanity and vulnerability of an intelligent, beautiful woman whose inner integrity is constantly overlooked by those around her in favor of greedy, lustful entertainment.
Black Bird (2022)
Sepideh Moafi & Taron Egerton - so good
The performances of Sepideh Moafi and Taron Egerton are incredible. Both embody their characters totally and completely - such a delight to watch.
The story is succinct, moving and totally gripping. Have not seen a good thriller like this in a long time.
WeCrashed (2022)
Two of Hollywoods most insufferable actors playing two of the worlds most insufferable 'entrepeneurs'
Casting choice was genius in my opinion. The show is a fairly interesting depiction of how hyper-capitalist, money hungry society bends over backwards for narcissistic conmen and how desperately we are to believe that they might hold some sort of secret to success/meaning in life - something we all (hopefully) understand to be false at this point frankly. The best part about the show is just how unlikeable the characters are. It's refreshing to watch a show that doesn't in any way try to redeem truly insufferable people. Otherwise pretty dry.
In from the Cold (2022)
Eurocentric, campy superhero fun
I really enjoyed it. Thought the even keeled battle between America and Russia centered around Spanish nationalism, and while being lighthearted, was a really fresh take on superhero tropes. Nothing like The Americans so comparisons there make zero sense to me. Main character really shined in her role.
The Order (2019)
So bad but could not stop watching
Yes, the acting is bad and the writing is worse, but for some reason I just couldn't stop watching this. Magic, werewolves and social class dynamics = pure, unfiltered, childish joy.
Polar (2019)
Ignore the haters
Thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Not necessarily intellectual or challenging but the fight scenes are awesome and Mads Mikkelson is such a delight to watch. The ending leaves a little to be desired, but all in all very fun and watchable...better than a lot of what is out there at the moment!
The Keeping Hours (2017)
WARNING: TEAR-JERKER ALERT
Do not watch this movie after a breakup/loss of any kind. I could not stop crying, but I loved every minute of it.
Harlots (2017)
So. Good.
Excellent entertainment. After watching the first season I was waiting with baited breath for season 2.
Desperate Romantics (2009)
Pre-Raphaelites fun
Highly enjoyable show about a small group of artists trying to break the mould