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Reviews
Aladdin (2019)
My eyes rolled when I saw the review score
I played the video games in the 90s and watched the original multiple times. Having come out if the cinema, I was shocked to see the review score. In my opinion I rate this 8/10 because it brought back so many good memories.
Let's start with the negatives. The bits where this is let down are mainly the "street" scenes. They could have shot it in multiple countries to give it an authentic vibe, but instead opted for a set and you can tell. At times it looks like they're walking around Disneyland rather than real streets. I also felt it was a bit slow to get going. I'm not complaining about the music, the original had maybe 8/9 songs in it, so this is a music based film so expect that if you haven't seen the original or can't remember it.
Now the positives. Thought Aladdin, Jasmine and Genie were excellent and the handmaiden. It also had a beautiful ending, really rounded that off well. Overall I thought the shooting of the film was great, it was just the opening scenes I wasn't keen on. The live action such as the magic carpet added some light entertainment.
At the end of the day, this is a kids film and from what I could see in the cinema, the younger crowd loved it. Kids dancing to all the songs etc. If you're expecting something like LaLaLand then you'll be disappointed. It's a great kids film, which nostalgic adults can actually enjoy.
Game of Thrones: The Long Night (2019)
Far too much moaning
This episode was fantastic from start to finish. Having watched nearly 90 minutes of battle I didn't get bored for a single second, great diversity throughout the episode and the ever changing scenes to keep it interesting.
Now to have a serious dig and the poor reviews on here. The first complaint seems to be that expert swordsman cannot defeat multiple white walkers. In history, there are a lot of examples of master swordsman entering many long and bloody battles, but always coming out alive. Added to this many of the main characters were never in the open, a lot was close quarters fighting.
Second major talking point, the death of the night king. He controls his army, they didn't attack Theon, so I presumed he'd told them to stand down. Arya, as Theon did, should therefore be able to walk past without any problems. My only complaint, it would have been nice to see that executed a little differently. However, the death was spot on. Maybe a little dramatic, but this is GoT.
Suits: Harvey (2019)
Just didn't enjoy that finale!
Normally I think suits can be a little farfetched, however it is an amazing show. Hardman's involvement was exactly what was required, however I think it was the most poorly executed 15 minutes of suits I've ever watched. It's clear Robert and Daniel were friends from way back, why throw him under the bus to save Harvey and wreck his own career? Just does add up. Then for Donna to drop her new love interest for Harvey is just recycling an old storyline. They could have easily made this much more interesting, Katrina saving the day, Lewis even beating Hardman. I just feel both scenarios were rushed and had little structure. If Donna has died in that episode for example and Harvey grieved for her, then that would be much better tv. Two corporate geniuses who have worked together for decades, suddenly realizing their love for each other (again) then running around like loved up teenagers is just lazy writing on what is a great show.
Amanda Knox (2016)
A review of the documentary, not the Verdict
I've read a number of negative reviews, all because they don't agree with the verdict and therefore the documentary didn't give them the answers they wanted to hear. Quite a few of the 1/10 and 2/10 reviews on here should be taken with a pinch of salt for that reason.
Firstly this isn't a documentary that will go on to become a classic, neither will be on a must see documentary list in 10 years time. It does focus on two very important aspects, flaws in the police investigation and also the media involvement with often sensationalist reporting. It shows how the legal system can almost breakdown when policing and reporting isn't done to a high standard. It's not just a matter of "who done it" anymore.
The documentary does a great job of portraying the police opinion from the outset, that Amanda Knox was guilty, even before they had evidence. The second aspect of this is the DNA evidence and how it impacted the verdicts and acquittals. It gives a real insight into why DNA evidence can fall apart. It reminded me a little of making a murderer for this reason and the case focus on DNA.
The media coverage and commentary by the Daily Mail journalist was also really interesting. Throughout it demonstrated just how important their sensational headlines changed public opinion of the case.
The documentary itself does a fine job of presenting the evidence. The issue is how it follows Knox and at times becomes a soapbox for her fame. I think it could have been a little more tasteful when interviewing her, maybe giving her less screen time was the answer.
Overall a great watch for anyone who loves crime documentaries. It shows how policing efficiency and the media in today's world can transform cases.
The Innocents (2018)
Original and fantastic
Bit fan of British produced shows and this is as good as the trailer. Stumbled across this on Netflix and was pleasantly surprised. It does feel a little like stranger things at times, but still very original as a concept. Recommend this to a friend this week and they watched the entire season in 2 days. I often average out the rotten tomatoes score with the IMDb score for the very reason. Sometimes critics undervalue a show, sometimes it's the regular viewer on IMDb. For me, this is comfortably an 8+ on IMDb, maybe when the total reviews grow so will it's score