Jaclyn16 Reviews

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023– )

Say Godzilla and I'm there!

[10/10 · 9 April 2024]

I love Godzilla, have done forever - so when I heard about this new series I really wanted to see it. Given my current watching list, I literally got through watching a few days ago and I loved it. The time jumps are for once, not in the slightest bit annoying, I loved it and you knew instantly if you were in one time or another.

Kurt & Wyatt Russell are absolutely brilliant, they just morph so easily into the younger older character, and Wyatt was particularly engaging as the younger Shaw.

The storyline was rich, and the opening scene, featuring John Goodman is an amazing teaser into the story behind it.

I was so impressed with the younger characters too, the actors were incredibly engaging and the journey they embark on is very fulfilling. I desperately want this to have a season 2, pretty please? Godzilla doing the cameos was awesome...

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Subspace Rhapsody (2023) Season 2, Episode 9

A Buffy Tribute Par Excellence!

[10/10 · 15 September 2023]

I am always anxious when shows go to the 'musical' but like Buffy's season 6 'Once More With Feeling' - it is a masterpiece. So, imagine my horror when I noted the rating here from 'fans'.

Sometimes people take a show like Star Trek as being good when true to canon. Nothing can be further from the truth since a show like this, a show that can explore every single aspect of humanity, space, relationships, and everything else is inspiring.

The singing was brilliant, the lyrics superbly chosen, and the witty and whimsical story telling was one of the most astonishing aspects. I am late to this party, I get it. But as far as ST franchises go, this is one of the best! Along with Star Trek Enterprise, and Discovery.

I imagine William Shatner's Kirk, would have loved to have burst into song!

The casting of this show is superb! The characters are interesting, and multi-faceted. I hope it runs forever!

Just completely amazed at the vocal talents of all the cast, and the fact that serious issues, along with comedic timing from Una Chin-Riley especially was fantastic. The Klingon song was masterful, if short. But otherwise, I could have watched this episode over more than an hour! A rewatch from myself and my housemate is already planned!

Terminator Salvation (2009)

Intelligent action packed gem!

[9/10 · 28 July 2023]

There are always criticisms, complaints, and varying views on these movies. As a Terminator fan I embraced this and enjoyed it thoroughly. The clever plots entwined with a new take on an original theme. Sam Worthington was especially engaging, supported through much of the film by Moon Bloodgood's character, Blair. The added weight given by Bryce Dallas Howard, and Christian Bale was phenomenal. Offering a glimpse into the fight from the other side of discovery. The 2003 execution of Marcus Wright was his end, or so he thought. His body handed over to Cyberdyne Systems for 'medical research'. Fast forward a little, following the inevitable nuclear wipeout, as Cyberdyne took action against its human creations perceiving them as a threat! We're in 2018, deep into the war of survival for humanity over the incessant mechanical menace of The Terminators.

The resistance is hell bent on a mission deep within the enemy territory to find a possible win for their side. The compound, deep underground that is breached begins to explode, the resistance gets out of dodge, in their wake - Marcus Wright emerges from the ashes, bewildered, unsure of what has happened and why he's alive, we see the struggle through his eyes. What follows for me was an amazing journey, where we learn how the existence will win, finally, along the way we meet some very familiar characters. Including the late, amazing Anton Yelchin portraying a teenage Kyle Reese, all in all this film is a ride, the action scenes are as you'd expect given the environment and explosive, the reveal is amazing as we learn where the T-800 originated, and we meet our favourite baddie! Always back, and very welcome. Great movie, enjoy it for the ride, not for the comparison!

Terminator Genisys (2015)

Underrated

[9/10 · 28 July 2023]

I really enjoyed this rendering of The Terminator; Genisys was a rewarding watch.

It was such a clever idea to turn things on their head. Brilliant performances too.

The premise that future vs past can collide so nicely is such a ride, with the argument of how it can happen as if that happened, this would have changed. This quickly became a ride. It was an engaging and entertaining film; the non-stop action suited Emilia's portrayal of Sarah Conner and Arnold was superb. His ability to live the character is what draws me to watching him. Nice comedic one liners, excellent stunts and action drove the pace nicely.

For me, this and Salvation should be given high regard - both were exciting takes on the story, switching things up and leading to a conclusion each time, only for the films titular menace to be rejuvenated yet again.

After Marvel, this franchise is my favourite (Aliens too). Brilliant, enjoyable, and action-packed blood pumping drama!

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Spectacular James Gunn & Co Masterpiece

[10/10 · 12 May 2023]

We know what to expect, so why am I completely blown away by G3? Because this is a cast and crew that don't constrain or accept boundaries, everything is in the mix. This mixture of amazing scripting, storylines, acting, comedic timing, SFX and most of all dedication and a fascination and imagination that is unrivalled in the Marvel Universe (for me). GotG has the most consistent of all the franchises. Thor started strong; Cap A & T Stark are gone.

But this is pure Marvel, brilliant, and it is down to the helmsman and writer, James Gunn. To say he is a MARVEL is an understatement. Our characters have never seemed more real, and the Rocket 'Raccoon' backstory was a genuinely eye opening, tragic and heart wrenching story. It spoke to me on so many levels, most of all, it showed how strong Rocket is, and why he is, and what he's overcome.

Some familiar faces brought smiles and some new ones brought tears. The absolute perfection and reality of this 'galaxy' is always an overwhelming roller coaster. MORE PLEASE!

Star Trek: Picard (2020–2023)

Stunning Season 3

[10/10 · 29 April 2023]

I am beyond thrilled and excited by S3 of Picard. I have found it both intriguing and a memory lane stroll to see so many friends and familiar faces.

The acting was superb from the entire cast, but, I must single out Todd Stashwick (I need this character!) portraying Captain Shaw, Titan's Captain. He was masterful, showing the kind of light and dark that you never expected when you first meet him.

Michelle Hurd is stunning, and her interactions with Michael Dorn brought a smile more often than not - the contrast was perfect. The entire ensemble was brilliant as I remembered them from the second in the stable. Now if we could just get Captain Jonathon Archer into the show I would be gleefully clapping.

I could individually list what each actor did to make the ensemble work so coherently, and with an urgency I've missed.

It was Star T version of TNG assembled, both fun and dramatic to see how they all interacted so seamlessly. The humour always a thrill, when inserted so expertly at the right places.

Everyone in my view, outstanding. The plot was a fabulous and Amanda Plummer supreme, she is just so able to inhabit her characters, it was delicious!

There was a rightful nod to TNG canon with a few twists and turns. The inclusion of a son for Picard in the form of the gifted English actor Ed Speleers, as Jack Crusher (Huge spoiler there!) was well done. The angsty, often flippant and dismissive Jack, illustrating a longing for understanding that it takes his father a good while to understand and appreciate. Patrick Stewart needs no fanfare, his intensity and cool demeanor struggling to deal with this new twist so late in life. It was also nice to get some background to off screen life that sadly we had not been privy to since TNG was cancelled. For me, this season is a triumph of amazing story telling and superb casting, crew et el! For 10/10.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Forever Black Panther!

[10/10 · 15 November 2022]

I LOVED this film. I loved the raw emotions it inspired as I watched it. The cast from the first film were back to lead us into the world without King T'Challa, it was a beautiful tribute to the late AMAZING Chadwick Boseman.

The leaders of this incredible movie were the ladies, with amazing performances from, Letitia, Lupita, Danai, Angela and Domanique truly inspiring. With amazing cameos from Mikaela and Florence.

Winston Duke, Tenoch Huerta, Martin Freeman, were great support and the film for me went at a good pace, to explain and show the world in a new way with the introduction of a great new 'people'. I believe Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a triumph, and the best Marvel film of this phase 4, which has been a little too flippant and lost its way. But then it has amazingly large shoes to fill. Wish they hadn't 'retired' certain characters because the backbone of the entire Marvel Universe was ripped out following the Phase 3 conclusion. I genuinely hope they look back on those movies and remember what got them here. Whoever writes the new assemble movies, please don't let it be Taika Waititi. Sorry but the two Thor films since the original, and sequel have been wanting in my view.

Bosch: Legacy (2022– )

Bosch returns!

[10/10 · 10 June 2022]

I was a late comer to Bosch, but now I am completely hooked. Watching from Season One, Bosch is an intelligently told story of a cop that just wants to do what is right.

Grisly and gnarly, he takes the good with the bad, so imagine my delight when this amazing Michael Connelly character was given a lease of new life. Really enjoyed every single episode, hiding behind my hands a couple of times.

The characters are beautifully flawed, unique and intriguing. Bosch is a jazz fan too, a bonus. 'Mo' is a fabulous addition to the show, and adds a touch of humour with a dose of technological nous that makes him a perfect foil for Bosch's old school rough-and-ready ex-cop, now turned PI.

It is also great to see Honey 'Money' Chandler back, along with Maddie Bosch, now a rookie cop.

Thoroughly enjoyed this season, classy entertainment with some old friends popping up along the way, making it even more satisfying. 10/10.

Sully (2016)

Gritty, gutsy film

[10/10 · 27 December 2021]

Clint Eastwood directs a masterpiece of story telling. The consequences, the event, the aftermath, the investigation. Tom Hanks, as always, disappears into his character, and real life hero, 'Sully' a character who is soft, thoughtful, and wonderfully laconic in moments you might have expected a monologue.

I have literally only just watched this film, why the hell did it take me so long? The combination of Eastwood's beautiful direction, Hanks, and Aaron Eckhart's amazingly still portrayals of the hero pilots of that legendary Miracle on the Hudson. A stellar supporting cast adds more to the layers of this amazing film depicting a true life event and some 'playing themselves' from that fateful day and beyond just makes you realise how incredible that 'landing' was. Superb, can not recommend this enough.

Clarice (2021)

Impressive

[10/10 · 21 June 2021]

The actors are incredible. An ensemble of characters who are all fleshed out carefully and intriguingly, too.

Episode by episode it has built to a climax, pealing away Clarice's identity and her deeply hidden fears of the foundation she has built herself upon.

Each character is like a piece of the jigsaw in developing the truth little by little, I am completely hooked. Michael Cudlitz is intense and fabulously dark at times, whilst. Nick Sando's, Clarke is not the typical dinosaur veteran, he's as forensically lethal, as Kal Penn's Tripathi is sardonic and assured.

Rebecca Breeds is amazing as the titular character, and it is a brave woman who follows Jodie Foster onto film. Lucca De Oliveira is very persuasive as the unassuming 'muscle' of the group.

On the fringes, the supporting cast is incredible,Marnee Carpenter's Catherine exquisitely portrays the post-traumatic stress following her ordeal, whilst her mother. Portrayed beautifully by Jayne Atkinson despairs at how to help her whilst juggling the VICAP taskforce she has created deliberately including Starling, no doubt to keep her close. Devyn A. Tyler brings Clarice's friend and fellow agent, Ardelia Mapp to life with aplomb, struggling with being a black woman and all that entails in the 1980s FBI.

The plot took a little while to kick in and of course Starling is a little like a goldfish in a shark tank when it comes to the support she needs as she uncovers a dark, sinister and twisted set of murders. The personal stories of all the characters are also fascinating and unravel as the team learns to trust and support each other, especially given Clarice's penchant for going it alone.

I genuinely hope that this brilliant and intriguing post 'Silence of the Lambs' is given a chance. Lastly a special mention to the impressive Jen Richards, so incredibly subtle, frustratingly impulsive and real as Julia, an insider that might just be pivotal. Give this show a try, it is very good indeed.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)

Breathtaking

[10/10 · 24 April 2021]

I loved every single second of this amazing 6-episode arc. I especially appreciated the last episode (no spoilers). Really great storyline, great cast and amazing special effects.

Brilliant. I genuinely hope they get a second, third and forth, series. Bring on Loki, both TFATWS and Wandavision have been awesome, worth subscribing to Disney+ for alone!

Supernatural: Carry On (2020) Season 15, Episode 20

Thank You

[10/10 · 21 November 2020]

Ending a show of this magnitude will never be to everyone's taste. Ending it during a pandemic, that probably took a few rewrites? (I will always wonder if something else was planned but was sadly never to be seen due to the pandemic).

For me, all the nods to various canon was awesome, the scenes showing the boys being the boys were nice and relaxing. But as always a storm would come. I don't want to spoil, so I won't include things that might or would, as someone actually spoiled the ending for me! The acting throughout this episode was incredible. A huge nod to our trusty cast and crew. The love letter to one of the most beloved characters of the show, epic! 'Love me a muscle car!'.

The Alienist (2018–2020)

Not Alienating this fan

[10/10 · 3 August 2020]

What a fantastic ensemble piece this is. The Alienist is a superb and gripping television show and I feel so lucky to live in a time when such artistry is so freely provided. It is cleverly written, in my view and as I do not read (all due deference to those that have read the books) I am absolutely enthralled by the characters, the plot and the amazing green screens that no doubt made this period piece of television greatness! Dakota Fanning is mindbogglingly good, her clipped tone is excellent, and she more than handles the skilful Daniel Brühl and soulful Luke Evans. I was engrossed in this extremely moody underbelly whilst seeing the progressiveness of the times. Bravo to the casting director(s). Not a performance I did not marvel at. Wonderful. I cannot wait to be able to sit down and enjoy the next instalment, and may there be many more!

Defending Jacob (2020)

Brilliant

[10/10 · 6 June 2020]

This is a fascinating look into the psyche of the parents of a boy accused of brutally and coldly stabbing a classmate to death.

The cast were absolutely brilliant with outstanding performances from the three lead characters and it kept you guessing throughout.

What is completely amazing is that it plays into all your theories and fears and then shatters them. It makes you think the whole time you're watching and you genuinely empathise with the main protagonists, even if one of them in particular drove me to a mix of despair and anger; beautifully portrayed by Michelle Dockery. Whilst Chris Evans, Andy was incredibly adept at hiding his emotions and then snapping from calm to anger. It was an impressively written, acted and directed story. I am so pleased I watched it and the ending was absolutely brilliant! It gave a taste of real life. Do we ever really know? Did we think we knew or was that our fears playing on our thoughts - fascinating is how I started and that's exactly how it ended. I only hope there is another season...

Richard Jewell (2019)

Riveting

[10/10 · 27 January 2020]

I did not know the story of Richard Jewell. I was mesmerized by the amazing performances and storytelling. Clint Eastwood's subtle and brilliant direction is his trademark and in this brilliant film it is a triumph. You will not be disappointed if you go see this film at the cinema. The cast is outstanding. My personal favourite Sam Rockwell shines as always but the fantastic Paul Walter Hauser and amazing Kathy Bates are incredible. I gave this 10/10 because it is simply that good.

The Avengers (2012)

The Greatest Action Adventure Movie EVER!

[10/10 · 6 May 2012]

I am unsure if words could describe how enthusiastic I was about this movie - I do not go to the cinema for many reasons, but for this, I went twice. The cast are more than super heroes, they are astoundingly brilliant at portraying the fear, anxiety, arrogance, and sheer audacity of these Marvel Cartoon heroes - the plot is steady throughout and the reveals are amazing - I won't even try to describe the SFX because they cannot properly be adequately descriptive enough - SEE IT! The sure helmsman, Joss Whedon has exploded into a place so many of us Whedonites have known about for so long - we lost Buffy, Angel, Spike etc., We lost Captain Mal and Jayne, but now Joss has finally given the world what we all know he's capable of - an explosion of action/adventure that never fails to amaze, engage and to take the breath away - add that to the most fantastic one liners, sharp dialogue, character focus and the asset that is Robert Downey Jnr as Tony Stark/Iron Man and you've got a complete set of everything. Chris Hemsworth brings such surety as Thor, his presence is god like in many ways whilst Tom Hiddleston plays the most charismatic bad guy in years. Add in the fantastic Hawkeye, portrayed brilliantly by Jeremy Renner - Chris Evans as Captain America and Scarlett Johanson as Black Widow - finished off with an awe inspiring performance from Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner and you pretty much have the most incredible spectacle in cinema history. I am a huge fan of the individual movies, but this just smashed the lot. The size is beyond words and let us not forget what Samuel L Jackson and Clark Gregg bring to the cast. Fantastic, brilliant, amazing - watch out for the great battles between Thor and Hulk, Iron Man and Hulk and how well they fit into the film.

Samuel L Jackson is rumoured to have a Nick Fury movie coming soon - I can hardly wait - I hope Jeremy Renner and Scarlett Johanson get their own movies too. Fabulous way to start the Avengers story. Joss Whedon needs to be heralded for his work and television bosses should sit up and see what they miss when a genuinely amazing talent goes to cinema.

Supernatural (2005–2020)

Supernatural meets SuperReality

[10/10 · 28 February 2011]

I've been watching Supernatural since it began. I am thrilled the show has gone from strength to strength with intelligent story lines, action, comedy and some scares along the way. Dean and Sam Winchester, two brothers in search of their missing father and we learn when Dean tells his younger brother, Dad's on a hunting trip and hasn't been home in days' that the 'hunting' isn't the kind of hunting one would automatically assume!

The cast are amazing - from Season 1-3 Jensen Ackles(Dean)and Jared Padalecki(Sam) have been awe-inspiring as they tackled all kinds of stories with their constantly battling brothers in search of the monster responsible for the death of their mother. They have both died, and come back - Sam's death at the tail end of season two was short lived, Dean's deal with a crossroads demon meant he would have only 1 year and as promised, despite many twists and turns during a shortened S3 due to the writers strike - he ended up as a 'hell hounds chew toy'. Enter another spectrum to this multifaceted Supernatural world - Angelic and much swooned over, Castiel, played brilliantly by Misha Collins. Since the introduction of Collins (much like James Marsters in Buffy) this character has become a cast regular and a firm fan favourite. There is little doubt that Collins, Ackles and Padalecki are all VERY attractive, but none of them rest on those laurels. Each has a superb grasp of dismantling idolatry and acting their way through. A shout for Bobby Singer played with absolute brilliance by one Jim Beaver. Bobby provides some much needed grounding for both Dean and Sam Winchester, and often utilises his favourite word 'ejit' for both. Other notable performances and cameos - Stephen Williams as Rufus, Alona Tal, playing Jo and Samantha Ferris playing her mother, Ellen. Traci Dinwiddie as Pamela is amazing - whilst Mark Sheppard who enters the show in Season 5 is also very adept at his role. Season six is a masterpiece - the show always had a five year arc - but so successful had it been that Season 6 was inevitable and so it has turned out to be. Without giving too much away, the boys and their motley crew have averted the apocalypse, and the aftermath is proving some incredibly interesting fodder for the writers. The last episode watched 'The French Mistake' was a masterpiece - no it was really. I have yet to see one bad review and I've been looking. We're talking the boys being flung through a portal into another dimension and finding themselves in a television show called... yep! Supernatural. Inspired, brilliant, Sera Gamble is doing a fine job as show runner, with our Kripke-nite in the background. Season 8...9...10 would be a brilliant, please CW!

The King's Speech (2010)

Masterful

[10/10 · 2 February 2011]

Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush, with admirable support from Helena Bonham Carter lead this wonderful historic record with breathtaking ease. The characterisation, understated portrayals and absolute grasp of their craft offers an incite into a world that has only been guessed at.

Rush is superb, Firth masterful and with the delightful and wonderfully rounded balance of Helena Bonham Carter - I was absolutely captivated for the entire movie. Dealing with a stammer/stutter in the present day is a difficult proposition - back then, with a country on the verge of conflict and a more innocent age - it must have been crippling. This movie is why I watch films of this kind - I was given such a stimulating experience and marvelled at the direction, performances and historical content I felt educated as well as entertained.

Thanks to the production, which was flawless - the direction which allowed the film to flow and each and every person who worked on this masterpiece of story telling. Brilliant!

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008–2009)

Outstanding - see this if you want to...

[10/10 · 9 January 2011]

I am still wondering why this show was cancelled. So short sighted, but not for the first time. This gives us a look into the world of John Connor and Sarah Connor of now (well 2008/09) since they terminated it far too quickly. It introduces some fascinating plot twists and ensures you're at the edge of your seat the whole time. You never know what's coming and when, who is good, bad or simply ignorant of what's coming and whether characters you grow to love will survive the Prue-apocalyptic scenario as Connors, plural fight to stop Skynet ever being built.

The introduction of the female terminator as protector is as intriguing as it is watchable - Summer Glau of Serenity and other Joss Whedon shows demonstrates why she was such a great choice for this particular role. Thomas Dekker plays our future leader as both admirable and frustrating, as he should be, he is not a machine! He makes mistakes, a learning curve you feel is meant to be the journey and reason for the show. Lena Headey is superb as Sarah, both driven and despairing by her errant son - whilst the introduction of a stalking FBI agent and a terminator played by Richard T Jones and Garret Dillahunt respectively are a balance of sheer 'edge of seat' dramatics. One of the most welcome character introduction is Derek Reese, Kyle's brother, whom we learn about as the show goes on - does he know, doesn't he know about Connor's identity as his nephew. It is well written, well acted from everyone, especially Shirley Manson who plays an intriguing role and you literally have no idea what side she's on until (sadly) the last episode (sadly because they ended it too soon). Garret Dillahunt should get a shout here - he's brilliant as Cromartie, the pursuing 'metal' and his story is equally as intriguing. Some amazing cameos, and set piece story lines blend together equally. It is a tragedy that this show was not given at least three or four seasons to unfold. The potential was amazing and yet as always lack of foresight and the desire for mega-hits in short order brought a very premature end to a fantastic show.