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Reviews
Tracker: Off the Books (2024)
They had great chemistry. Baby brother.
I worried that Jensen would be Dean and I would have been disappointed. But Jensen has acting chops. The similarity with Supernatural is Jensen plays the big brother. The dissimilarity is that Justin Hartley (Colter) brings his own dynamic and it feels real. This show needs more opportunities for Colter to show emotions with people in long term relationships and not just a person of the week; or the analyst; or the ladies at base.
Finally we see Colter in an emotional conundrum which is interesting.
The Reenie relationship could also be interesting but her role is written to be a little too transactional at this stage. I hope they put more personal / romantic tension there.
The problem with Jensen is he is a scene stealer. I saw there was an effort to make him the supporting actor. It's a strong pairing. The question is can Justin Hartley's ego ( it would be hard for any lead actor) make room for everything that is Jensen Ackles? It will upgrade the show, but Jensen will get a lot of fan love. But so will justin Hartley because this relationship brings the ability for him to be more multifaceted, gives him more depth, allows for more emotional scenes. They had great chemistry .
Mary & George: The Wolf & The Lamb (2024)
Disappointing
I looked forward to this show based on the casting. I subscribed to Starz just for this show. I was impressed at the start. Julianne Moore's performance is consistently excellent. I think the script has let Nicholas Galitzine down. He has no opportunity to show any acting chops. He is basically modeling his way through the show so far. He is also poorly directed. In a scene where his character George plays a musical instrument, he has his eyes closed while playing. This is a poor choice when the audience is looking to connect with him. He is described and perceived by others as a strikingly beautiful boy. The role is reductive. He become a not very interesting object, boy toy. Everyone manipulates him and he seems to lack agency. Also Tony Curran is miscast. It is hard to believe that anyone of any gender would find him attractive. Plus he does not appear Kingly. So even the appeal of power is not well portrayed by him. There is no chemistry in any of the sex scenes with King James and george. I actually feel a bit repelled by their coupling. If they had cast a good looking King it could have been effectively erotic. Big fail there. The best scenes involve Mary. Bacon is an interesting character. Mary's 2nd husband is interesting, as well as the woman who refuses to let her daughter marry the oldest of Mary's sons. But George's scenes have bored me. Giving him pix and having him spend an episode sick in bed. What a waste. Unfortunately I don't think this is turning out to be the career opportunity for Nicholas Galitzine that it could have been had the script writing for his role been better. The character needs a better arc. What is his aspiration? What is his flaw? Is there a consistent antagonist, since Somerset died? Do we see his struggle and do we find it interesting? Since George has made it to Court and James favored one, Mary's story has become less interesting.
Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)
Loved book; loved movie
I'm seriously shocked that this movie is underrated and under appreciated. I read the book once and have watched the movie multiple times. The casting of Perez was brilliant. I was a little distracted by the resemblance between the actor who played the Prince and Macaulay Culkin from Home Alone. Nevertheless, Perez carries the movie. He is that good. It is a breakout performance for him. Cake gate was brilliant in both the book and the movie. Some of the casting is fabulous, some not so much. In spite of that, it the movie is a winner. Alex Cameron Diaz' speech when he and the prince are exposed is superbly written and charismaticly delivered. It's brilliant for young gay people to have a movie like this on Amazon prime to watch. What a great step forward for our society. Doesn't everyone have a gay nephew? Gay children all start out in the closet and go through an agonizing coming out. This movie will help them feel normal. I also think the flipping Texas plot is clever. Well done! Thank you Amazon for buying the rights to this book and making it into a movie. Bravely done! Bravo!
Nashville: Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad (2014)
I do not enjoy the character of Scarlet
The character of Scarlett is annoying. I don't like her singing. I don't like the wardrobe selected for her. I like the series, and the casting other than Scarlett. She is given too much air time. She's dumb for breaking up with Gunnar. She's dumb for sleeping with her music video director. Plus that's out of character for her. If she is such a goody two shoes then she should have had more remorse over that. Her singing should not be featured. She should only be a back up singer. I feel like fast forwarding her scenes.in contrast deacon was perfectly cast and so was will Lexington. Also Hayden panetierre is well cast.
Nashville (2012)
Charles Esten, best actor
I'm motivated to write this review by the performance of Charles Esten who plays the character of Deacon Claybourne in Nashville. Originally, I tuned in for Connie Britton who plays country music star Rayna James and who is a tremendous actress and slays every role she plays. She was bomb in Friday Night Lights. In Nashville, from the first duet between her and Esten, I was bowled over by the chemistry between them. The love Esten's Deacon radiates at Briton's Rayna onscreen is incomparable to any chemistry I've see between actors. She's the frontman of the band, and he is the guitarist. As such, he plays the "humble" guy so convincingly. He is all love and no jealousy professionally. But since Rayna is married to another man, Teddy Conrad, Deacon's heart is broken, and he wears it on his sleeve. In one scene where a back up singer is hitting on Deacon he says to her, "you must be the only person in the world who doesn't know I'm I live with Rayna James. And he really suffers. The writers do a great job of making us viewers wait for any satisfaction for Deacon's character. He's a tortured souls and we are on the journey with him. Oh and there's music and a lot of good supporting characters. I have to give kudos to Hayden Pannatierre and Powers Booth, who are stand out actors, and Hayden also sings and performs her songs fantastically. Also, Oliver Hudson plays a sleazy record label executive, Jeff Fordham, we love to hate.
1923: One Ocean Closer to Destiny (2023)
It's a winner- Cannot think of a single deduction
The show is a winner. I watched to see Harrison Ford. The casting is perfect. Who is Brandon Sklenar and where has he been all my life? He is superb in the role of Spencer. It's a BIG character and he does not play it over the top. The volume is perfect. And how how how does he appear so un self conscious in every scene? He's got some bold scenes. I'm not even that fond of Yellowstone, but I'm sure glad I tuned into this. Congrats to the writers, cast and the whole team. This is excellent television. The standard of the writing is very high. Very well done! I will just add that there are plenty of strong female characters as well as male. To like and dislike. A special shout-out to ahmina Nieves as Rainwater, and Sebastian Roche as father Renaud... killer performances, unflinchingly brutal.
Walker: Best Laid Plans (2023)
Cringey one night stand for Walker
I'm a huge fan and hate to leave bad reviews. On the other hand I fancy myself a writer and it's nice to get feedback from your audience so here goes.... Would Walker have a roll in the hay with a woman (Julia) and lamely become dumb (literally have nothing to say) and offer her a glass of water as she departs from their night of amour? No. I don't think so. Walker has depth. He's sensitive. A family man. It is not consistent with his character to love ''em and leave 'em. And to portray the investigative journalist Julia so nonchalantly and exhibiting total indifference when leaving her lover's bed... are you mad? Who wants to get out of bed with a man who looks like Jared padelecki? Do you think you can find 1 in 100 women who don't care if a guy calls again, or does not want to "talk" the morning after? Walker should have kissed her, and reassured her he would call her later that day and arrange for their next date. Seriously!!! A glass of water and a non commital goodbye. Only men who are players do that. Badly done!
Walker: The Deserters (2023)
Better, well done
It was a pleasure watching this episode of Walker because the actors are starting to gel as a cast. Walker's (Padalecki) dialogue with Cooper was some of his best of the season. He spoke in a more natural cadence. He was in the scene, rather than focused on pausing mid-phrase in his sentences, which I find annoying and distracting. Cooper was great. I immediately bought into his character, no awkward before elegant character intro for him, straight to elegant, well played. I like Ashley Reyes much more than Lindsey Morgan. Ashley has a more natural beauty and has much more pluck as a character. She is very likeable in her portrayal as Cassie. She brings vulnerability to the role, which I would imagine is true to life for many women in a male dominated field, especially law enforcement. ( I always felt the chemistry was off with lindsay Morgan's character and Walker, and that she was cast because she was a bombshell- but she also never looked good in that brown drab uniform.) Ashley is a welcome upgrade. Please write a number for her to sing with Auggie at piano! Finally, kudos to the writers for making Jake Abel's character Kevin, the handsome chief of staff to the mayor, a villain. I just love it! I'm delighted because he is a good actor and so handsome. I would like to see more of him. I hope he does not get killed off. Brilliant. I did not see it coming and smiled broadly at the reveal. It's nice to see this show hitting its stride. I'm a huge fan of padalecki and want success for this show for him and for the benefit of all employed by it.
The Winchesters: Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye (2023)
Jensen, Jensen, Jensen
When Jensen is In a scene, there is no taking your eyes off him. The man is chemistry incarnate. Energy just radiates off him. He raises the level of every scene he is in. His scenes contrast with the others because he is stolid. He is still. He is commanding. He is not running around like a beheaded chicken. He stands firmly and delivers. His face, his voice, his tempo, his posture, he gets the feels. And his appearance in the episode ( as Dean Winchester) was not trumpeted. I had no idea, and was not expecting to see him. The lift I got when he appeared in the episode was very exciting. I didn't know how they would work Dean Winchester in, but they did. It worked. Jensen is fabulous and a great teacher. I hope this large cast can grow, evolve and improve. The writing needs a little work too. Drake Roger's does a fine job as John Winchester. He is handsome, emotional and believable. Meg Donnelly as Mary Campbell feels like she is always rushing her lines. Carlos is talented. The writing for him is not working for me. Lata is promising. She needs to speak up, not speak into her vest. I hope we see a season 2. I'm excited for Jared Padalecki to make an appearance as Sam Winchester sometime. Best of luck to all.
The Last of Us: Look for the Light (2023)
Derivative but good.... Edge of seat Television
I have to acknowledge The Walking Dead because they did it first and very well. I'm surprised at the wide acceptance of this zombie apocalypse show when so many people shunned TWD because of the genre. Despite the fact that zombie apocalypse has been done, and there is a good deal borrowed from TWD, this show is good and adds new excitement to the genre. What the writers do well is lure you into the everyday, then POW! Don't be lulled into a false sense of relaxation because next thing you know, you're clenching your gut, nervousness rises in your chest. Danger with a capital D confronts our protagonists. I wonder if clenching my stomach at the tense parts burns extra calories? In any case, Pedro Pascal is a runaway star in this ( and I know some pretty strong actors who wanted this role, one I really like) but I have to hand it to Pascal. He is hitting it out if the park. His face is old and weathered and nothing is done to make him look young or clean. He's a dirty mess most of the time. He is not a shiny heartthrob like Superman. He is the anti-hero, doing the right thing (?maybe) for reasons that may not be noble, but somehow the audience gets on board with him, cares about him, and now we have a series. Of course in a zombie apocalypse the line between good and evil is no longer clear. The goal is to survive, sometimes at the expense of other humans, who may be good or bad. Is anyone good remaining? Is it possible to be good? To anyone? I don't like every single scene, however I will say that the writers succeed in surprising me, and I like 90% of the show. I'm excited to meet the new characters and to watch the storylines the writers are creating for season 2. This is a talented group. I hope it goes 5 to 6 seasons. More than that is usually a bad idea. Congratulations to the cast and writers. Keep on keepin on!
The Winchesters: The Tears of a Clown (2023)
6 stars because I have faith in the team
This episode was focused 90% on a monster of the week, a clown who vanished people, and approximately 10% was focused on the big bad monster of the season, catching the Akrida. I was happy for the monster of the week format because I have not gotten excited over the akrida plot and was glad for a fresh new episode to showcase the characters. While watching the four main characters Mary, John, Carlos and Lata, I was reminded of the Scooby gang. There is a very youthful energy and enthusiasm among these ghost hunters that I enjoy. I continue to enjoy the period wardrobe. In my opinion, John Winchester is the breakout star of this series. I know mary is supposed to be the dominant lead, but I don't find her performances emotional enough to draw me in. At one point in the episode, Drake Rogers (John Winchester) acting bore sn uncanny resemblance to the young Sam Winchester (Jared Padalecki) from Supernatural. This was a positive for me since as the prequel, Drake's John Winchester is the father of Sam Winchester. So seeing familial similarities makes it better for me.
Unfortunately there was one part of the episode where Carlos and lata were in the car and the clowns started attacking the car to get to them, while Carlos tried to awaken one of the abducted / vanished victims of the clown monster. This segment I found cringey and I had to look away. The makeup, the dialogue, the writing, the execution. All of it- It just did not work for me. I don't think it's fatal to the series though because I have faith in the young promising talented cast and the executive producers Jensen and Danneel Ackles. One other comment I wil make is sometimes the less experienced actors play too close to the best, speaking in a whisper or using low energy. One example was when Ada did this in her scene with Rowena. Rowena had to bring the energy to the scene, while Ada did not give her enough vivacity to play off. This sometimes makes a scene fall flat. Fortunately Rowena brought the energy. I continue to root for this cast, the prod and the writers.
Tulsa King: Happy Trails (2023)
Cliffhanger ending
The ending of the episode (without giving spoilers) is heart sinking. At once I felt the character I was rooting for was certainly doomed, but I consoled myself by thinking it can't be... the show must go on. It's the kind of obstacle a good writer puts before it's hero or antihero, to bring drama to the show and audience, but ultimately the viewer wants to see the hero emerge from the fray. In a good book or series this cycle of angst for the viewer is what makes the show worth tuning in for. I have to hand it to the writers and Stallone, this drama series has all the excitement and feels. It has some elements we expect in gangster movies, but it is also fresh. Stallone is great in this role. Dominick Lombardozzi is standout as Chickie Invernizzi. His performance is so good. It is comparable to John Bernthal as Shane in Season 2 of the walking dead as he spirals. We see his tortured mind like when Antony loses his grip in Rome. Very well done indeed!
The Winchesters: Reflections (2022)
Drake is worth watching.
Drake (John) has emerged as the leader based on his acting being the most believable and authentic. When I watch Meg (Mary) I feel like I can see her "acting". I don't think she feels comfortable with the "take charge" role. Also I'm not feeling the chemistry betwween Meg and John. I find scenes with John's mother boring. I hope Tom Welling brings some needed charisma. Give us action and less dialogue. I like JoJo but I would rather hear about his love life than listen to a self help group for PTSD. Have to agree it's too woke and not an entertaining story line. We want to see him walking and moving, running and chasing. He's so vivacious, not sitting at a therapy meeting. I love Nida and her banter with JoJo. There is a lot of opportunity for humor there, but I cannot understand a word she says. I need subtitles for her. Costumes and music are great. I am a huge fan of Jensen and Daneel. I can see Daneel's hand at work here, especially with the costumes and creating a milieu. I am rooting for the cast to grow and improve, and for story line to find new inspiration for the series' success. I think emphasizing each actor's strengths and making it a real ensemble will help these young actors not have to "carry" an episode. Be creative and take risks. Don't worry about harkening back to supernatural- branch out. Get some new writers in the writers' room to mix things up, some young up and comers.
Three Pines: White Out - Part 2 (2022)
Absolutely horrible (warning Spoilers)
Since when does this content pass as entertainment? A woman murders her mother. Then her daughter goes on to murder her. Both mothers were abusers. Are you entertained. In the end a young juvenile victim of abuse is arrested. I just don't see any universe in which this is entertaining. In addition was so recycled, lacked freshness or originality. Oh and there's a suicide at the end of the episode in case it has not been grim enough for you to this point. On top of that all the troubled and trouble makers are women and of course the wise lead detective is a man. The mood is spooky and ominous and I had high hopes for a good mystery. I already figured out what's going on. I won't be tuning in for another episode.
Tulsa King: Token Joe (2022)
Very Promising start delivers!
Everything I've seen in episodes up until now has been very impressive, hence setting expectations at a high level. This episode delivered at the Goodfellas level. In this episode, the writing, casting, sets, and acting came together in a great dramatic climax. This is why we watch TV! Sylvester Stallone is restrained most of the time in this series, with seasoned bursts of intensity. His combination of subtlety and intensity make him an actor who is fascinating to watch. He has definitely grown over the years and has greater depth in this role than we have seen in prior roles. The father daughter relationship is a key to accessing his soft side. Well done to cast crew writers et al!
Walker: Something There That Wasn't There Before (2022)
Derivative
I'm rating this show a 6 because it's too derivative of Supernatural in regard to the brotherly relationship between Cordell & Liam in an to attempt grab viewers the way Supernatural resonated viscerally with viewers, but this feels forced. The rapport that developed between Sam & Dean winchester (brothers) was organic & took shape over many years. Here Cordell assumes the big brother protector role (Dean had). The acting and the emotion in the brothers' scenes feels forced. Also the dialogue between the brothers at the end of the show copies the BM (boy melodrama) of Sam and Dean talking at the end of the Supernatural episodes in the Impala. What worked in Supernatural cannot directly transfer to Walker. The chemistry is not there. Give the actors room to develop on screen chemistry organically. Don't try to force the Sam and Dean dynamic on Cordell and Liam. It will never be as good. It's derivative and obvious. Please be more original. Also note to writers: show us, don't tell us. Some of the scenes where 2 characters are just sitting down talking are very boring. Sitting around talking might be a good denouement but multiple talks in one episode between different sets of characters is monotonous and dull. At least they could be involved in an activity while conversing. This is especially true for scenes of Ma'lene with Gerry, and Bonham with Liam.
The Boys: The Instant White-Hot Wild (2022)
Escape Hatch
Obviously Jensen Ackles is bomb with his 10 million Instagram followers adding so much attention and viewers to The Boys, so keeping Soldier Boy alive for a possible return in Season 4 makes economic sense for Amazon prime. However, Homelander and Soldier Boy should have fought to the death. After setting up the finale as a soldier Boy/ Homelander confrontation, the writers used an escape hatch and gave us an unsatisfactory ending. More characters should have died. I love Jensen Ackles, but there are a lot of great actors who could invigorate the show next season. We needed that epic battle between homelander and soldier boy. I loved the twist that soldier boy was Homelander's dad. I could have bought a double cross by soldier boy and him teaming up with Homelander against Butcher and his supporters and some boys deaths should have happened. The route taken instead was really disappointing. I am weary of just about all the characters in the show Starlight, Huey, frenchie, mothers milk, Maeve... I only find butcher and soldier boy interesting. I like kimiko but I'm weary of her being mute. A soldier 6.
The Boys: The Last Time to Look on This World of Lies (2022)
I tuned in for Soldier boy / Jensen Ackles
I'm in love! Jensen is a great sctor. He's not even sexy in this episode. But he is bomb! Butcher hooks up with Maeve the lesbian that's u expected and hughie is hooked in temporary V a few twists.
Walker: Search and Rescue (2022)
Best episode of the series
Best episode of the series. Well paced. Good combination of action and dialogue. Dave Anable has been a great addition to the cast. He is always interesting to watch on screen. Even though he has been unscrupulous he has humanity. The new female ranger has better chemistry with Cordell and Trey. She is lighter and that is why I prefer her over her predecessor. She's more fun. Not as serious. I loved the helicopter scene and music. Stella is always interesting to watch. I also like Auggie. He was well cast. This whole episode was really interesting. I sure hope you are going to tell us what happened in the trailer next week! Well done! The new love interest for Liam is also well cast. The chemistry seems right. I like Geraldine and Cordell together. I hope you bring her back. I hope you don't extend Cordell's relationship with the ex convict. Also I like that Bonham and Mahleen are used sparingly.
The Boys: Barbary Coast (2022)
Accelerate the plot, be careful of the detours!
Lori Holden was a good addition to the cast as Crimson Countess. She is captivating to watch and exciting on screen. What is her raison d'etre? Writers please provide. The plot with Grace Mallory in Nicaragua and Little Nina the drug dealer Iis meandering and feels untethered from a central plot. Did you need all that to get the "we're going to Russia" line? Mother's Milk's scenes are boring. Also "Soldier Boy killed my family" when delivered by the actor, lacked passion and believability. Isn't that the propulsion for the season? So why are we watching a scene with MM home fighting with a smoke detector? Where is Jensen Ackles? He needs much more airtime. Writers- get your plot together and get on with the Soldier Boy arc!!!
The Boys: The Only Man in the Sky (2022)
Crossed the line for violence and destroyed the character
The writers erred by crossing a line related to violence. Butcher punches a man to death. It is both the violence that is unwatchable and the character is now destroyed. Literally - I no longer consider him a man with any redeeming characteristics. I don't think he is cool or admirable for punching Gunpodwer to death. He is not an anti-hero. He is just Anti. What is left to like about him? He is losing all sympathy. If there are no characters to like, then why watch? Again, where in the world is Jensen Ackles? Why keep the best asset in the shelf?