maanikroda Reviews

Scam 2003 - The Telgi Story (2023)

One who isn't of many knowledge blabbers more

[2/10 · 4 September 2023]

At first, I did think this is a new and refreshing series giving a new touch to Scam 1992. This series is however, a bolt on democratic face and levees an inalienable mark on everyone's life.

Mr Abdul Telgi told everyone to live their life with simplify nature and even scolded few of his employees but he'd spend or rather showered a whopping $ 108,830 on some random dance girl in some random pub.

He didn't even think about his men down and had unnecessarily showered money.

He did know it, it wasn't his money but still. If you did this kind of stuff, you'd have to pay the penalty. Everybody's political party was involved, whether it was Shiv Sena or Congress party or Nationalist Congress Party which we formally call as NCP.

I did think Former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji was involved in this dealing, hence, the name given 2003. It was his tenure.

But anyway, watch it on your if you'd like to know some political knowledge.

Rocket Boys (2022– )

Had Ms Indira Gandhi prepared Nuclear Bomb, why did Mr AB Vajpayee do second Nuclear bomb test?

[10/10 · 17 March 2023]

Ugh! Ahh! Hmm!

In the beginning, I'd like to say whosoever, decided to make Rocket Boys, had the most brilliant idea of starting the series that changed the course of India.

Initially, we all have had alternative thinking of who did bring Nuclear Weapons to India. How'd it all started? How could we become self-reliant on Nuclear Energy? That all questions were in my mind. Before, I did have an opportunity to read books written by Dr Homi Jahangir Babha, Dr Vikram Sarabhai, Dr CV Raman and Dr Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam. They all presented different theories, yet nobody was as clear and crisp as this. Rocket Boys started with Dr Babha in pursuit of making a nuclear weapon but as things stand he was opposed by then Prime Minister Shri Jawaharlal Nehru Ji and Dr Sarabhai. Dr Sarabhai was more focused on making satellites. He even began IIT Ahmedabad. It was his idea, but this idea broke his marriage off.

Dr Babha was clear that Nuclear Weapons are the need and then PM Jawaharlal Nehru did agree with him but didn't give his nod. Nehru passed away just after two years of the India - China war and the new PM was Lal Bahadur Shastri. He didn't listen to Dr Babha and ultimately he had to fight an India - Pakistan war in 1965 after that when he signed Tashkent Declaration, he rang up Mrs Indira Gandhi and said that nuclear weapons are the need of the hour.

Meanwhile, Mr Sarabhai was pursuing his satellite mission. He was in talks with NASA for a satellite but since The US pulled away from Dr Babha's nuclear mission, they snatched their hands from him as well. This goes on and unfortunately, Dr Babha died in a plane crash orchestrated by the US. I reckon The US was interfering in our matters more than I thought they had.

So, random things happened and Dr Sarabhai had an awakening to make Nuclear Bomb because he read some secret photos that had been clicked by Dr Rizvi. I'd like to remind you Dr Rizvi played a crucial role.

Dr Sarabhai couldn't complete his mission but passed this baton to Dr Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam. He made it difficult for possible tertian of Pokran, Rajasthan.

The series ends there with Ms Indira Gandhi visiting the test location.

First, if Ms Indira Gandhi had prepared all the required things, then why did Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee do another Nuclear Test?

Second, why was it called a peaceful Nuclear Test? Did we do this to please world powers?

Third, no sanctions were imposed on India back in 1974. Why? If I may ask. A series of sanctions were imposed on India when they did do the Nuclear Test in 1998.

Nonetheless, these all things set aside, I like the bonhomie between arch-rivals but friends Dr Babha and Dr Sarabhai. Their friendship remains immaculate. Thank you, Sony Liv for putting such a classic piece once again.

Gulmohar (I) (2023)

Will is damn important! Just kidding!!

[8/10 · 4 March 2023]

What shall I write about a film that's so dear to my heart?

I reckon, this isn't just a film or picture, it's much more than that.

This is a story of Batras who lived in Lutyen's Delhi and the name is of course Gulmohar Villa. It does begin with a nice warm party which uncasually turns in to a bitter party. Sharmila Tagore is playing the role of elder in the family and she has adopted son Manoj Bajpayee and his three children.

I must appalled the roles played by each one as they portray a sense of calm. Absolutely, the Gulmohar Villa is on sale and Manoj has purchased a new home in Gurugram and his son has rented a flat since, he doesn't wanna get involved in this things.

It's there perfectly true attitude that struck a chord with the viewer. And the sense with which movie is described is the true aspect. We all do know writing a Will isn't an easy decision but Manoj's father had to take one and he did on the name of not him but his younger brother.

He didn't have any faults but eventually the movie goes on. I must give credit where it's due. Screenplay and story were the two main essence which kept me and my girlfriend to watch entire movie. Three cheers for that.

In the end, a great story with superb acting. They did have the HOLI case in the ending which was kind of refreshing as Holi is approching.

Awesome work!

Delhi Crime (2019– )

Suspense Drama. It's worth watching if you love murder mysteries.

[6/10 · 28 August 2022]

Delhi Crime Season 1 and Delhi Crime Season 2 Review: Delhi Crime Season 1 was much more than Delhi Crimes. I of course do know that Delhi is a crime capital of India but the Government of the day which happens to be BJP has put somewhat hold to crimes.

I ain't saying crime don't happen. I'm merely stating the fact that crimes aren't happening as they were used to happen prior to May 2014. I wanna say that I do like the character of Vartika Chaurtvedi in it. She is the point of attention. Few of my friends said that we watched her in Satya, she did a brilliant role in that also. I haven't watched Satya. For the starters, I'd watched Delhi Crime Season 1 multiple times. First she was on the case of Nirbhaya (Jyoti Kumari) which we all remember her name. She was gang-raped multiple times in a bus.

Vartika led by her team and did do an excellent job in finding who were the actual rapists.

First Season was an eye-opener but second season wasn't. I'd imagined Vartika to be as brave as she can be but I feel Tanuja Chopra just took the series on other side. Focussing more on the co-actors than actors which was Shefali Shah. After watching Darlings, I had an one arms distance from her. She fell in love with seller of young age. Anyway, first it was Kacha-Baneyan gang and now she was targeting a slow mover gang. Her daughter moved on from Delhi to Toronto. Neeti marries but problems grow in her marriage. Marriage is a tricky substance. You touch it for fun and then you've it in reality.

They. Literally made the series look like more shorter and weak.

Thalaivi (2021)

Kangana Ranuat will definitely get 5th National Award for Thalavi!

[10/10 · 2 October 2021]

Smt. J. Jayaylaitha popularly know as AMMA will be so proud of everyone who made this film possible.

Shardhanjali first of all.

Second, why this movie got low rating just 6/10, isn't just a about Kangana Ranuat's haters but Amma haters also.

I wrote in the beginning that she was honoured with AMMA title. Amma is widely know in North India as Mother or Ma or Muma. She was that. She had a grip that was unending.

Till now I think something related to my work life, whenever I'm in a dilemma, I do remember her.

Coming back to this movie which apparently number 1 in Netflix is in itself vouch that people do appreciate AMMA and the character of Kangana Ranuat.

Coming to the movie, I didn't think for just a fraction that the one performing the role was Ms. Ranuat. She did perform the role as AMMA. I was really in sync with her acting and her putting weight was the highlight for me. MGR, Karunanidhi and Ganesan did good job.

If you check my history, I normally don't give any movie 10 ratings but this film is something different.

Tuesdays and Fridays (2021)

I puked many times

[1/10 · 18 April 2021]

The movie is shot beautifully, costumes are great so is the set. What lacks is the story it's truly senseless.

Too much unrealistic incidences, like for instance one moment its Mumbai and other is London.

Too much bushtit portrayal of the beauty of open relationships.

The girl tries to win the guy over and fails but the hero falls in love and come to india to propose. Wage.

Ajeeb Daastaans (2021)

It should've ended on a positive note!

[2/10 · 18 April 2021]

Ajeeb Dastaan

Starting is weird. I don't think ending will be so disgusting. Of course Karan Johar has produced it, it has to have some different reasons.

MANJU LOVER Directed by Shashank Khaitan

A man in his 50s opens the door in his marriage outfit and there sits his mate fairly young. He says he's impotent. His wife cries out loud.

3 years later.

Celebration of Sana's birthday. He has brought a gift. A nightly. Then suddenly Bhaiyaji turned up and he gets him out of the picture.

Bhaiyaji's wife again seduces him, but he's unable. He puts him in boiling water.

A hunk has been arrived. Raj holds due to where his father worked. He brings Rolex Watch for the owner.

Lipakshi introduces her self says I'm Babloo's wife.

Babloo gives Raj an offer. Raj couldn't refuse it.

Lipakshi again seduces Raj.

His dad warns Raj.

He inquires from his friends. His friend says that they've been unable to get a child.

Babloo's close confidant doesn't like the idea of Raj being manipulated his money at different locations.

Raj stares at Lipakshi doing exerciser.

A song is played. Lipakshi drinks water in the presence of Raj. Then she left and Raj drinks from the same glass and then she says "When are you going to stop pretending and look at me properly?". They've a miffy argument. She says you aren't even a stranger.

He tries to have a word but fails.

He did try to give her a kiss. And much more! 😂 He then teaches Babloo bhaiyaji some boxing techniques.

Again they did have sex. 🤣 She booked 2 tickets of Railway Station.

Babloo asks Raj to come to field and says "I've fallen in love with you".

He says one day he loved Ashish. His father immediately got to know and he fled his whole family.

Babloo says kill Lipakshi to Raj and he agrees.

Raj told through a video recorded message that he has left with his 10 million cash and have done with his wife only to take revenge from him from braking a leg if his dad.

Babloo goes Railway Station to kill his wife. Lipakshi on the other hand says that she's pregnant.

In the end, Raj says I take something and in return I give something.

1st phase closes.

Khilauna Toy Directed By Raj Mehta A chawl is there. Two persons are coming with a staircase and destroy the light of a chawl.

What's your name? Binny She goes through a Iron Wala she says something and in response he interjectes her. She through some water on the iron and she runs off.

A policeman was asking this things.

Nusrat asks her and she replies. Suddenly there's another woman of some older age comes and Nusrat scolds that kid. Nustar is coming as objectionable they way she mops the floor.

Nusrat is asking for help as her electricity supply is power off. The woman says that talk Vinod Agarwal.

A song is being played while she's heading herself with her daughter to home. She cries in front of lady constable.

Sushil has had a broken track record and so does Nusrat.

Nursat then flirts with Vinod Agarwal. She says she's looking for more work. He invites her to his house.

Sushil and Nusrat have an intimate scene.

She says what can Agarwal do? Nothing.

They both intergroup in Agarwal's house.

The man of a rich family and maid are forcefully having a kiss and Binny sees it.

Agarwal beats Sushil.

She's weeping and suddenly lights appear.

They both do the work at child's 40th day. Sushil drinks wine and picks up a strain to throw on electricity board and light goes off.

They all suddenly look for Agarwal's kid and he finds out that his kid is in pressure cooker.

Binny says The kid wasn't their. It was a toy. Uff! Kids do this thing to kids? Unbelievable!

Geeli Pucchi Sloppy Kisser Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan Konkana - Bharati. She works hard for her living in a factory but factory owner is willing to put her on thin ice because many works which happen in computer she doesn't know. She's miffed.

"We're dalit!" said Dashrath who works with her.

Priya Sharma the co-worker of Bharati.

Bharati fights with a co-worker just because he teased her.

Priya & Bharati have something in common once they sit and talk about each others lives.

Bharati belongs from LGBT community. She remembers her old friend and Priya's husband forcefully does intimate relationship with her.

They both go on eating yogurt and taking.

Bharati gets to know that Priya isn't hired for only computer works as she doesn't know any.

They catch love. ❤ Priya comes to Bharati's home. They had a kissing scene. Priya has been told to not come downstairs. It's a complex relationship. She's crazy because she couldn't love a stable man. She then said manager has called me and when she went there she finds that it's for her birthday celebration. Bharati is shocked to see the behaviour of Priya. The manager calls her to cut the cake. With a heavy heart she cuts it. She then comes off to her changing room and changes while Priya makes an entry and says I'm looking for you everywhere.

"Be a mother" - Bharati says.

She was a dalit. So everyone looks her with a witty eye.

Bharati tells her how to gets pregnant and how to conceive by giving Priya her home.

She's pregnant. She's a kid. That's boy.

Priya does make distinction in what her husband gives and what is her life.

Earlier Priya was ditching Bharati and now other way round has happened.

Ankahi Unspoken Directed by Kayoze Irani A rich middle aged man & woman are there who are speaking in sign language. The lady is getting ready for work and leaving. Shefali Shah popularly known for her roles in Delhi Crime and Satya.

She's fighting with her original husband Rohan Sharma because he doesn't understand sign language as her daughter is only understands that.

She's looking a bit pale.

Now she's hilariously funny with that one who I told you in beginning.

She's having this conversation with her teenage daughter. She's just not perfect for the role.

She's now having a sign language with that man. Rohan and his wife are sitting and are having a tussle on the bed.

She has her own problems with Rohan and happiness with that guy. It's shown in the movie how the strange thing happens. I feel for Shefali. She is shown a doer in this movie but I feel somewhere her inner craft is being underutilised. Then she did've a sexual intercourse with that man. After this was in flashback she goes to her home and there she finds that Rohan & his daughter are gregarious laughing! She's shocked and amused to see that man. She started to weep. She says we don't need anything. He then reverts back with sign language that you managed to lie with your eyes. She closes her main entrance door and weeps heavily. Her daughter uses sign language to express that man loved you? She doesn't have a reply.

The Big Day (2021)

PUBLICITY!

[2/10 · 11 April 2021]

Alright. I'll have a destination wedding but Netflix's chosen a path which rarely happens in a middle class life.

It's shame that #Netflix have decided to air. Likewause Sima The Big Wedding Day you can't come up with this.

The One (I) (2021)

MANIPULATION!

[4/10 · 9 April 2021]

The show starts with a 'what if premise'. Let me save you time. Stop this and start watching Netflix's Osmosis. It's the same idea but darker and better.

The creator Overman was brilliant with the FutureMan series.

I wanted something so much better but this is bad television. This show is very predictable. Actors are miscast. Its plot, script delivery and pacing is terrible. The show is really let down with the lack of character empathy. The show's premise, eugenics has been done time and time again. You likely discussed this half cut at 17+ parties.

You've seen the show's premise done on TV or film somewhere else, but better. It has the usual ingredients of shadowy company, shady CEO, eugenics and a breadcrumb plot. It's all done badly.

Hannah Ware was totally miscast as the main villain. Together with bad direction, scripting plotting the show felt more of an early teenage drama. The actors themselves (elsewhere) are great.

This show has shallow characters and does not create any empathy with either the 'bad' or 'anti-hero' characters. As the main villain does not create any tension so the anti-hero's come across as weak.

Given Netflix put out the excellent 'Osmosis' production last year, it over shadows The One in so many ways. I'm surprised this show, showed its face. If you want to see this whole concept of dystopian dating done better, watch The Lobster movie.

The Big Bull (2021)

Guru 2 should be name!

[4/10 · 9 April 2021]

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE BIG BULL AND SCAM 1992:

1. I feel that Scam 1992 was more on a documentary side, hence leaving non financial background people a lil bored without much theatrical touch to it as they did wanna cover the exact details. Talking about The Big Bull, it's more on a cinematic side with cinematic effects, fictional events addition, and identical but different names. They didn't dive deep into the financial concepts, making it relatively easy for a layman to understand.

Moreover, I really did love those Abhishek Bachchan laughs in between as they did give chills, not to mention the brilliant acting by Abhishek as he nailed the role like he did in Guru. Every actor was so bad in their respective roles, be it Sohum Shah, Ileana D'Cruz, or Samir Soni. Kudos to the amazing cast and the casting director!

2. As obvious as it isn't so obvious for blind fans, Scam 1992 is a 10 episode long series with a duration of around 8 hours 42 minutes but The Big Bull is merely a movie of just 2.5 hours. Obviously the same amount of details cannot be covered in it, but I did like how they covered as much as they could and the movie was ver!y gripping and the direction was amazing overall. Also, I personally found Scam 1992 a bit overstretched and slow in few scenes, nevertheless, it was an amazing series.

3. While Scam 1992 was too much speciric with the particular details of the event and share market mainly which seemed a bit monotonous at a few points, but The Big Bull, due to being fictional, covers lot of other aspects too like romance, politics, finagling done by Hemant Shah, etc.

We must understand that at the end of the day, both of these fantastic creations are based on the same event, but after watching Scam 1992 bored, this movie was still a gripping and thrilling one for me and nowhere did I find any of the svenes monotonous and repititive.

Bad Boy Billionaires: India (2020– )

The fault is in public sector banks!

[5/10 · 5 October 2020]

I was a little letdown that the political connections to the tycoons were underplayed. The Vijay Mallya episode references to PM Narendra Modi's rise to power based on anti-corruption drive, that reportedly increased pressure on the Kingfisher baron. Though we never are told how he managed to escape the country. In case of Subrata, we see politicians attending his sons' wedding, along with popular Bollywood celebs. Apart from these, the political angle isn't played around much. You could have got at least one politician to talk about them, can't you?

On a personal note, the Mallya and Subrata Roy episodes invoked a sense of nostalgia for me. As a journalist points out, every '90s kid can't forget the whole 'Ooo La La La' campaign of Kingfisher's, that was quite huge in that era and still has recall value. I used to be an intern at the Airport Centaur hotel when Sahara group took over in 2003 (that hotel is now non-operational, I believe). My batch at IHM Mumbai was hired for a week for the catering of the Sahara family wedding in 2004. Both episodes being glimpsed in the series. Weird to realise how things have changed over the years, how stars have taken for a fall.

PS - I was really eager to watch the Ramalinga Raju episode, since his is a story that is shorn of the glamour associated with the other three. And therefore, less discussed in the public profile. Hope Netflix manages to air that one too!

Serious Men (2020)

It's a must watch, touching yet depressing and heart breaking at times.

[7/10 · 4 October 2020]

NETFLIX'S SERIOUS MEN is outrageously splendid. One of the best commentaries on the corrupt notion across religion, caste, politics, and science. That's what cinema should be doing. Bring out thought-provoking real stories to reel. This is Nawaz's award-winning act where his body language, dialogue delivery are able to bring out the pain, agony, suffering, frustration, happiness, ambitions, and above all- love for his son.

His son played by Aakshath Das is another gem to watch as he shines like a diamond. He is able to bring out all the emotions that a small kid would feel.

The climax is gonna make your heart skip a beat in a subtle way where we have Nawaz explaining his action and also, course correction. I was overwhelmed. Nowadays, I hardly see a movie with an ending that offers a complete closure. 'Serious Men' has that ending.

This is one of the finest movies that Bollywood has to offer and would like to recommend it to everyone. A true celebration of movie making that can't be missed. And that I'm saying on a serious note!

The Playbook (2020)

Skip it!

[5/10 · 4 October 2020]

Rivers is an ideal subject for The Playbook. He's among an admirably outspoken cadre of NBA coaches who aren't afraid to speak out about racism - a topic that sports fans, perhaps narrow-mindedly, find divisive. And now that the Black Lives Matter movement is increasingly embraced by the mainstream, including the notoriously conservative NFL, Rivers should be heralded as a pioneer. The show documents how he and then-wife Kris, who's white, were targets of racially motivated harassment, and how "skinheads" burned down his house in San Antonio.

Rivers addressed racism in the NBA as far back as 1994, in his book Those Who Love the Game. Maybe that's something The Playbook should have mentioned. Sticking to a 30-minute format sometimes renders the show frustratingly superficial, and instead of focusing tightly on one component of Rivers' experiences and hard-earned wisdom, it's a quick-hit catchall of his philosophies. The show explains Ubuntu as something embraced by African luminaries Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, but doesn't really get into how it's a spiritual, collectivist ideal that was key in South African's abolition of Apartheid. The Playbook illustrates how Rivers had the Celtics shouting "Ubuntu!" during pregame pep talks, and crediting the idea as a significant factor in their championship run, but oddly never makes the connection to the Clippers' show of unity in the face of Sterling's grotesque remarks.

Despite its superficialities, The Playbook is still reasonably compelling sports-doc TV. It strives for a broadly inspiring tone, and Rivers' story has it in abundance. Its commitment to profiling diverse international figures is commendable. Sure, it's a bit puffy, but its intentions are pure. And it's absolutely preferable to overly reverential tripe like HBO's faux-insider coach profile Belichick and Saban, which put the microphone in front of two old white guys who had nothing interesting to say about themselves or the world, probably because what they'd say would indict them as complete a-holes. In that context, bring on Rivers and Jill Ellis and Dawn Staley, please - and maybe next time, give them hourlong documentaries.

Wentworth (2013–2021)

I love the several narratives that take place at one and how clever interlock

[7/10 · 4 October 2020]

The story lines are on point. I am a new big fan of the cast, Booms takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. But she is a ride or die chick. Liz, is so compassionate despite fighting her own demons. Doreen is another favorite of mines. But Franky I loved her determination in the series. I really love the whole cast. Liz's humility really touched my heart. I love Ferguson even though she scares the *ish* out of me.

Keep up the good work. I can't wait for when season 8 comes to the United States. Maybe I can get long distance zoom camera and watch it from Australia from someone's household. lol. The wait is killing me and my friends. Superb story lines, A++ cast. Just kudos!

The Good Place (2016–2020)

This is one of the best Sitcom shows that I've ever watched.

[8/10 · 4 October 2020]

I loved this sitcom so much. It's truly amazing! My friend had mentioned this show to me and I wasn't expecting it but I got very hooked. This show is funny, entertaining, and has a really interesting plot. I love how different all of the main characters are, and their development throughout the show.

The plot is amazing, so well written. I love all the changes as the story progresses and how well thought out everything was. Overall there are so many great plot twists that do the show so much justice too. I love the humor so much. It can be simple or more complex, but overall just easy to laugh at. It has a nice moral too.

The cinematography looks great too. It captures the story so well and the colors fit the mood so well. The quality looks great too!

The sounds and music that are used throughout this sitcom fit so well too. The small tune you hear at the beginning of each episode has such a nice feel to it and really fits that mood the show gives off. All the little details just add up to what is already an awesome show.

All the actors are incredibly talented. They cast The Good Place so well. Kristen Bell plays Eleanor in a way that just brings the character so much justice that you can't imagine being played by anyone else. Her voice fits Eleanor's personality so well. Really all the lead actors just bring something to unique to each of these characters. You feel so attached to these characters as they grow through the episodes.

Overall I highly recommend this show to anyone who is a fan of sitcoms. This is truly one of my favorites. If you like The Office, Seinfeld, or Brooklyn Nine Nine, you'll love The Good Place.

The Sinner (2017–2021)

TO REMIND US!

[7/10 · 4 October 2020]

That's the best Crime Drama I ever watched. Fantastic stories with a deep analysis of each crime. All the characters are fantastic, well built storyline with lots of details and very deep plots were you have to think what has really happened. And you definitely get surprised. About the lives of everyone in it, it's showing that no one is perfect. Not so polished like some other series. I really liked the Detective Ambrose has his own secrets, but he does try to change things to get his own life under control. He is not a very social person but he is a fantastic Detective. The only part I didn't like was the handling of Julius I don't know how this normally works but he shouldn't have been put through this in court and in prison with this kind of procedures.it was still a interesting storyline. I hope there is more to come another season 4?

A Perfect Crime (2020)

Stream it or skip it!

[3/10 · 4 October 2020]

So was it conspiracy or incompetence that allowed Rohwedder to be killed? That's the primary question posed in the first episode of A Perfect Crime, a so-far reasonably fascinating true-crime examination that keeps the pace brisk without sacrificing informative detail. It digs into some forensics, gives us a solid contextual history lesson - perfect for non-Germans unfamiliar with the story - and stirs up intrigue around the political motivations of his assassination. Tonally and stylistically, its talking heads, brief re-enactments and archival TV-news footage is nothing we haven't seen before, but documentaries need not be visually groundbreaking to be interesting. (Subtitles may be a hurdle for non-German-speakers; the series doesn't properly ID the titles of interviewees, so I had to painstakingly type Very German word like "terrorismusbekampfung" into Google Translate to learn that all those syllables mean "counterterrorism.")

Of course, the assassin was never identified, so don't expect the series to answer possibly unanswerable questions. (There are only so many documentaries like The Thin Blue Line, you know.) Potentially more compelling is how it sets up Rohwedder as a hero for the democratic state but a villain to the people, a man inflicting immediate pain for future prosperity. The key to keeping our binge on track is whether or not A Perfect Crime explores the character of the man, because right now, he's been described as kind and competent, but we don't know if he's more of a compassionate humanist or government bureaucrat. Was he likeable or just another rich white guy in a suit? I'd like to find out.

Cobra Kai (2018–2025)

In a divided country where we can be pretty cynical.

[7/10 · 26 September 2020]

Nostalgia galore!

Cobra Kai is hands down the most enjoyable series I've watched in years. I love that the use flashbacks as often as they do. The ability to bring back so many original characters just puts a huge smile on my face. I do love that Johnny is not the full on jerk of old and has come to realize that redemption, honor and second chances are there for the taking (and giving) I've also enjoyed how things have flipped with Daniel in some ways becoming a little bit of an ass at times while Johnny has suffered from being one for so long.

The other story lines are much enjoyable and there are so many parallels to the original film that I found myself comparing situations throughout both seasons.

I enjoyed every minute of this show, even got choked up on several occasions at various flashbacks and eventually the season 2 finale where things get very real indeed.

Season 3 can't come fast enough and oh how I hope ally returns!

The Mandalorian (2019– )

Solid start!

[8/10 · 26 September 2020]

Disney's first Star Wars live action feels a bit clunky to begin with - 'Mando' jumps from one planet to the other in search of work - and the short episode runtimes do nothing to help.

However, that isn't to say that the show isn't enjoyable - far from it. An action adventure outing heavily influenced by classical westerns filled with jaw dropping reveals - I haven't been this excited about Star Wars since 'The Force Awakens' was announced. And we all know how that turned out!

Nevertheless, the show succeeds with great visuals, a stellar cast, an exciting story and also its ability to take risks - something a lot of studios out there would not be willing to take.

The Mandalorian comes good with its final two episodes which culminate to form a cohesive whole - all the while deliciously setting up the second season that airs next fall. Jon Favreau has his work cut out for him especially since the spin-off shows will connect with the upcoming films in the future. But with some great talent surrounding him - Taika Waititi, Rick Famuyiwa, Dave Filoni & Christopher Yost - there's a lot to be optimistic about.

A solid 8/10.

P.S. If you don't know about the big reveal at the end of the very first episode - then you've been living under a rock.

Marcella (2016–2021)

I'll watch S3 if Netflix, doesn't have any good series.

[4/10 · 25 September 2020]

I ain't a fan of uptight, violent about to erupt characters who are also occupying the position of detective or other similar law keepers. The two don't mix, it is too distracting and confuses the viewer/reader. Marcella is unconvincing; there is nothing likeable or even remotely understandable about her characterisation. I feel that Anna Friel has overplayed 'Marcella', and halfway through Series 1, I almost gave up watching. The action moves in fits and starts, sometimes things jog along at a reasonable pace for a while and then there is an outburst, which seems to come out of nowhere. Characters do things out of character, which don't make sense and don't add to the storyline except to make you think 'Huh! What was all that about?'

Series 1 dragged on and on - into Series 2 where we find that none of our characters show any signs of improvement, in fact, they all seem to get depressingly worse. The Serial Killer turns out to be someone who most people dislike but there were no signs during his youth or adult years of what he would become, he even has a real best friend. I am also fed up with the children of police/detectives turning out bad and then the action centring on how the parents handle it or don't handle it and the chaos that ensues which results in laws being broken, rules bent and solutions found. There are a lot of nasty things lurking in the background in Marcella and I reckon I've had enough of them for a while.

Overall, the series was watchable but I guess I will only watch another series of this programme if I've nothing better on offer at that time.

Trial by Media (2020– )

Racism by MEDIA

[7/10 · 25 September 2020]

I found that all the episodes were biased and in favor of the perpetrator of the crime rather than the victim(s). I was particularly upset with an inability to address systemic issues that are obvious components in the crimes perpetrated. For instance, the first episode addressed the topic of a homosexual man who was murdered. Instead of focusing on the experiences of him in a culturally white; heterosexual society, the documentary/media clips vilinized him and praised his assailant for killing him. The documentary had plenty of opportunities to bring forth educated professionals from current day to offer insight and education to the audience but instead chose to glorify the killer. This is also prevalent in the second episode of 4 black men being shot on a NYC subway by a white male claiming self defense. There is never an interview with an educated professional talking about systemic racism and the experience of being a black man. I'm so over documentaries flouncing over difficult (BUT EDUCATIONAL) conversations that include social injustice and unequal power dynamics of minorities.

Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich (2020)

Unanswered questions!

[4/10 · 25 September 2020]

The four part series displays much of what we do know already but doesn't answer many important questions:

(a) Where did Epstein get his enormous wealth? (b) How did Epstein gain his power over the US government? (c) What was the actual purpose of his organization which enabled many wealthy and/or important men to have sex with children? Were they being blackmailed and for whose benefit? (d) Who was actually strangled in the NY jail because it certainly wasn't Epstein?

Perhaps some of these questions will be answered when Gislaine Maxwell, the wealthy daughter of the deceased Mossad operative, comes to court.

The Third Day (2020)

So far let down.

[6/10 · 25 September 2020]

Well Jude Law is what made me watch the 1st episode but the movie is so weird and eery, I doubt if I'll continue 2 watch the series. I'm really not in 2 those weird type of shows. He rescues the girl but doesn't ask her how she got far from her island n the 1st place. Not saying walking all the way over to London from her island isn't possible but its definitely an hour or more walk on foot. The girl tells him the road that leads 2 her island only comes above the tide twice a day in the morning & evening yet he agrees 2 take her home where his wife & kids don't know where he is. Upon taking her home instead of getting in his car and going back down the road B4 the tide rises and covers the road he walks around the town trying 2 get a signal on his cellphone mind you a phone he wasn't getting a signal on when he was back on his side B4 he took her home. In a predictable way you can already tell, he never gets off the island and back across the road 2 where he lives. I maybe wrong but when he finally heads out to go home the tide comes in and covers the road trapping him on the island. Later he sees the curly haired little boy who helped the girl try 2 hang herself and he follows him through the valley spies on violent men then winds back up at the end where he dropped off the girl. You never see him go back 2 his car which he left out on the road where the tide closes. All kinds of inconsistencies. I actually think he's dead and maybe in hell. Episode 2 starts out just as weird.

Lovecraft Country (2020)

Surprisingly awesome

[1/10 · 25 September 2020]

When I saw lovecraft country pop up on HBO, I was honestly fearful that HBO was going to ruin another book with TV; I was way wrong.

Now, I feel like it's important for the reader of this to understand a little bit about me.

As much as I love HP lovecraft, he was extremely racist. And over the years I've ignored this fact because I like the content. In 2006 when lovecraft country came out, I thought it was a really cool idea to take something hateful and turn it into good content, while also spreading awareness. Overall, I don't find cosmic horror frightening, so it's enjoyable. Now, into how I feel about the show.

In simple words, I love it. It had cosmic horror, and it actually makes me think and be aware of current culture and the BLM movement. I've never actually seen someone execute the whole "monsters are bad, but humans are worse" Theme properly until now. I wasn't expecting the level of race conflict in the show. I can never understand the fear and turmoil expressed by the protagonists because I'll never be in their shoes, similar to how it's difficult to relate to someone with PTSD without going through the same experience.

Sounds dumb, but I felt the fear, the injustice, the anger with the content that was presented in the show. For those that haven't seen the show, the protagonists are African American/black and are set just after WW2 in an area of the US with extreme racism. Every single major scene, I was more worried about insane racism than I was about "monsters". Not only were the protagonist not treated as humans, it's like every single time they make progress, there was some racist person holding them back (antagonist) in a dehumanizing way.

I honestly wish I could properly express my feelings while watching the show, the fear and anger I felt. Watch this show, it's important that you do.

Brave New World (2020)

Welcomed surprised!

[6/10 · 25 September 2020]

"Brave New World" (2020), Created by Grant Morrison, Brian Taylor, David Wiener.

The flagship of the new streaming service "Peacock" (NBC, Comcast) is a modernized adaptation of the Huxley novel. The main innovation is the introduction of an Artificial Intelligence that manages the "perfect" world in the search of happiness. In truly American fashion the election to be made in the series is between "happiness" and "freedom", equating happiness with slavery. The problem is that the supposed freedom looks like a terrible proposition, and the imperfect utopia could easily be transformed if the working class Epsilon's tasks were replaced by machines. New London is imagined as a multi-level shopping mall with orgies between members of the upper castes every night. Bangkok in tourist high season? It is bingeable, it is entertaining despite some stupid behavior, and yes, it is sexy. Not very philosophical though: our world is such a mess that even being an Epsilon doesn't sound as bad as Huxley intended.