niccobates Reviews

I Don't Expect Anyone to Believe Me (2023)

Quietly powerful

[8/10 · 24 November 2023]

I definitely wasn't sure where this was going at the beginning, especially giving some gratuitous porn at the films opening. But soon enough we get an idea that we are aboard a Mexican film noir train transposed to Barcelona, all the better to reflect on the continuing legacy of post colonialism. The film has a lot to say but does it by telling the story of the hapless hero sucked into a ruthless world of organised crime, an insidious aspect of modern Mexico and from which there is no escape. I liked the way the film stays small and personal to tell a bigger story. The acting is great and the direction is steadied and assured.

Modern Love: How Do You Remember Me? (2021) Season 2, Episode 7

The mirror has two faces

[9/10 · 26 January 2022]

Loved it. Beautifully written acted and directed. I feel like I have been on this date more than once both viewpoints rang true for me. Hopefully we'll see more of Mr Rannells work from behind the camera. He brings a gentle touch to the whole undertaking.

The Kominsky Method (2018–2021)

Class act

[8/10 · 19 November 2018]

While Michael Douglas is the acting teacher, it's Alan Arkin who delivers the master class in comedic timing. Delightful all round based on four episodes.

Sweetbitter (2018–2019)

Overcooked steak

[5/10 · 7 June 2018]

Have made it through 3 episodes which I think is a reasonable shot but that's as far as it goes. Careers from one cliche to another. Perhaps in other hands a show set behind the scenes in an upmarket New York restaurant could yield something a little more than on offer here, but then again perhaps not. It looks great but moody lighting and sultry acting isn't enough. A sit com might have worked better with this material or at least a plot with somewhere to go.