csgollum Reviews

Stranger Than Fiction (2006)

No words for it, except maybe 'Watch it'

[9/10 · 7 December 2019]

Intriguing idea of Will Ferrell doing a serious movie and a serious role. Plus Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman. What can go wrong?

Answer: Nothing.

My recommendation: Watch it.

My final thought: Why doesn't Ferrell get more roles like this?

Arrow (2012–2020)

Bring back the good-ness!

[7/10 · 21 July 2018]

I used to love this show. When it began, the mere athleticism of Stephen Amell used to give me goosebumps and I would have rated it an 8, even 9. But with the passing of time (I think somewhere around Season 4), the quality of writing started dropping. Actors can do only so much (and they do give their best every time) with this kind of material. Some characters have become sort of hangers on and should be put out of their misery.

I sure hope things pick up in Season 7.

MacGyver (2016–2021)

It's not that bad!

[7/10 · 9 May 2018]

Most of the reviews here compare this version (inevitably) to the one starring Richard Dean Anderson. Now I've seen only a few episodes of the original and, although there are a few differences, the character itself hasn't changed much. It's like Smallville rather than Superman, a much younger version of the same character.

RDA's MacGyver was quiet and modest and mild-manner, but so is this one. He is as staunchly loyal to his friends as RDA's version. Granted, he frequently breaks the fourth wall, but that only makes the show more believable (at least, to me). Most of the actual 'macgyverings' too are almost equally surprising and awesome. This version does use more chemicals, but then there are more chemicals around us nowadays.

So, for all those comparing this version with the old, just relax and give in to the fun! This is entertainment, after all. My rating: 7 stars.

Daredevil (2015–2018)

Marvel's best work yet!

[9/10 · 15 April 2018]

There have been some pretty amazing reviews for Marvel's Daredevil, so I won't say much. When I watched the second episode, I suddenly realised that this was going to be as gritty and dark as all the recent versions of Batman, including the incredible trilogy from Christopher Nolan. And the music is equally as haunting.

Two seasons in and I'm still a huge fan. If it ended today, I'll still be glad they made it, although I'm hoping for at least 5 more seasons.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015–2019)

Funny as hell!

[8/10 · 15 April 2018]

I'd give this a 3 just for Ellie Kemper's incessant infectious cheerfulness. The extra 5 is for the amazingly comical situations and funny dialogues. It's like an American version of the combination of the worlds of PG Wodehouse and Tom Sharpe!

Quantum Leap (1989–1993)

A fun sci-fi ride!

[7/10 · 13 April 2018]

Quantum Leap was a funny and creative sci-fi show. It tackled everything from racism and discrimination to superstition and religion. And, while the lead pair did appear as blithering idiots on occasion (especially during the 4th and 5th seasons), on the whole it was an excellent show and it took me through a whole gamut of emotions. And there are some pretty surprising (at least to me) cameos. The child actors were pretty awesome too. Kudos to the creaters, the writers, the actors and the rest of the crew.

I would give 8 stars for most of the episodes and 6 for the rest, thus an average of 7.

Stephen Fry in America (2008)

Fascinating, witty, and sometimes banal

[7/10 · 15 May 2016]

America is a huge country and would take years to cover, even if one were to only spend a day in each major city or town. I'm sure there are people who have travelled nomad-style throughout the length and breadth of the country, but I am yet to hear of anybody who has done that and documented his/her experiences for others to watch. Fry does cover a few places which are renowned for some particular reason, but as he repeats in a few episodes, what he is after is the "heart" of the city or state, not the parts that have been popularised by Hollywood. This could mean a particular geographical or man-made landmark, food, occupation, or a native who has made it big.

As one reviewer puts it, the series covers "voodoo in New Orleans, witchcraft in Massachusetts, and homelessness in St. Louis", all quirks or shortcomings. But that is exactly how people around the world picture these places. For example, India is still portrayed in Europe and the West in general as a land of cow worshippers, snake charmers, and spicy curry. But Stephen Fry covers not just these well known spots but also less well known places and he does it in his trademark witty bantering style.

Finally, to me, a bookworm who has only read about and seen America in movies and TV shows, this series is a fascinating peek into the country, which in a short period of time (when compared to countries like India, home to ancient civilizations) has achieved so much.