TC2021 Reviews

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

Worse than the last and that's saying something

[2/10 · 7 July 2023]

Another weak entry in what was originally a very strong trilogy. This one is without heart, indeed soulless, and Indiana Jones has become a pale shadow of what he once was. The writing and characters leave much to be desired. So does the lack of thrill. This movie doesn't simply fail to recapture the magic of old. It has none. Zero. Zip. Nada.

The digitalization is at times good, but it also reminds us of everything Hollywood can do now and also everything it can't do anymore and maybe will never do again.

When entries in a new franchise insult and take away from what preceded them, it's time to retire the franchise.

Indiana Jones should be dead and buried.

Iron Man Three (2013)

Different and Different = Good

[8/10 · 24 April 2022]

I prefer this one out of all Iron Man movies. Why? Because Tony had to rely on his intelligence for the most part rather than the suit. Also because it was Pepper who saved the day. Really good movie. Guy Pierce definitely helped. Terrific actor.

The Incredible Hulk (2008)

Bad, So Bad

[2/10 · 21 April 2022]

I recently began watching the MCU in the chronological order of the story. I've seen Captain Marvel, Agent Carter, Iron Man 1 & 2, and most recently, The Incredible Hulk. The only thing incredible about this movie is how they managed to assemble such an awesome cast and put out such a boring, slow movie.

I'd never seen a bad movie featuring Tyler (one of the most beautiful women ever, btw), Norton, Roth, or Hurt, not until this awful mess anyway, and bam, all of a sudden I'd seen not just a bad movie for all but one of the worst movies I'd ever seen.

Yep, The Incredible Hulk is that terrible.

Troy (2004)

YES

[8/10 · 16 March 2022]

I'm an enthusiast, to say the least, when it comes to Greek and Roman history, so I'm hard to please when it comes to depictions of that time.

The story of Troy has caught my imagination ever since I read The Illiad. While this movie is only loosely based on it, I must say the movie is stellar. Great direction, tremendous cast, impressive acting. Best of all, it doesn't inflict on its audience the recent trends of political ideology. It simply tells a story and it's a GOOD story.

The Great British Baking Show (2010– )

Keeps Getting Better

[9/10 · 9 March 2022]

The talent of last season's contestants was incredible! But good as they were, the reason the show remains so entertaining is the hosts. Paul, Prue, and Noel were great as ever, and I like what Matt brings to the table, too. Usually I abhor reality T. V. and I've not really been a fan of cooking shows, but The Great British Bake Off has had me hooked since its debut.

Vikings (2013–2020)

Near Impossible To Do Better

[9/10 · 4 March 2022]

The first five seasons of this series are almost perfect. The characters and their arcs are soooo good, the actors and actresses topnotch. No, the show wasn't all that historically accurate, but oh my gosh, was it entertaining!!! The only "historical" series I've seen that comes close to this is Black Sails.

The Practice (1997–2004)

Thrilling

[8/10 · 2 March 2022]

I rewatched this on Hulu (if only it would be released on DVD). This was such a great show, the acting, direction, writing all fantastic and riveting, probably the best and most realistic legal show I've come across. It sometimes takes a harsh outlook on the "justice" system and life in general. Dark, gritty, REAL.

Sherlock (2010–2017)

Terrifically Done

[9/10 · 28 February 2022]

There are few series that can match this for intelligence and surprises. Though the series began to lose steam after Moriarty (Scott's is one of the best portrayals of all-time), I still wish there had been more seasons. Freeman and. Cumberbatch are a sheer to watch.

Lovesick (2014– )

Absolutely Brilliant

[9/10 · 28 February 2022]

Lovesick is the best romantic comedy series I've seen. Love everything about it, from the wittiness to the angst, wonderfully British. What I really appreciated, however, were the character arcs, Luke's especially.

Immensely rewatchable.

The Witcher (2019– )

Poorly Done Show...

[2/10 · 28 February 2022]

...that has no respect for Eastern European culture.

That aside, the obvious and intentional Americanization and sterilization in the name of politics, the acting is average at best, the CGI, direction, costuming, and writing laughable.

Sex Education (2019–2023)

Terrific Show

[9/10 · 28 February 2022]

Though the writers stretched the will they/won't they factor of Maeve and Otis way too long then forced them apart the moment they got together, this series is EXCELLENT. The characters are intriguing and nuanced, complex. The writing is outstanding. The acting? Top notch.

Wonderful, touching, and often hilarious.

Vikings: Valhalla (2022– )

Nowhere Near Vikings

[3/10 · 28 February 2022]

Vikings Valhalla lacks sophistication, nuance, and especially depth. Its characters, writing, direction, and casting are weak.

But the hits don't end there.

It is also OFFENSIVE.

Please, Netflix. Stay away from Europe. Quit trying to Americanize something you don't understand. Cease with these political, token casting attacks that are an insult to everyone.

PLEASE.

Stay away from cultures and history you obviously disrespect.

Valley Girl (2020)

Ick.

[1/10 · 17 December 2021]

Awful, complete unnecessary remake that doesn't compare the original. The acting is off, the representation of the 80s is a joke. Do yourself a favor. Skip this and check out the original. The original isn't a masterpiece but it is entertaining and at least captures the Valley and 80s accurately.

Money Heist (2017–2021)

Nearly Unparalleled

[10/10 · 16 December 2021]

Few shows are so brilliantly written, directed, acted, and produced. None come to mind that kept me on the edge of my seat like this one did.

It was a fantastic ride, full of unexpected twists and turns, many of which made me joyous and some that nearly broke my heart.

The Wheel of Time (2021– )

Ugh...

[3/10 · 16 December 2021]

This is what happens when political agenda is put ahead of story. Yet another example. For a worse example, see Netflix's Witcher. But worse than that, this is what happens when a director and writers fail to understand the story and the world in which the story occurs.

My wife and I recently watched this. Only because I read the books did I understand motivation of the characters and who the characters were. My wife, however, was lost. There is an incredible lack of world and character building in the first few episodes. After that, she gave up on it. I don't blame her. Me, I gave up on it right after the Dragon episode.

This show unfortunately lacks the heart and substance of the books.

The Lost Pirate Kingdom (2021– )

Modern Day Glasses

[2/10 · 23 April 2021]

While this has some historical accuracy, the amount of dramatization, conjecture, and insertion of modern day politics is revolting.