buddrud-27194 Reviews

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)

Well...that was fun.

[10/10 · 26 May 2024]

Now, why did I give it a 10? Others say that it didn't move fast enough. Really? As a bit of a historian of WWII most of these covert and commando missions took many hours, days, and sometimes weeks to pan out. Lots of planning with, sometimes, very little reward.

This film's pace was just fine. The Director (Richie) and the writers seemed to keep to the basics. No extensive back story on each of the participants. Short and sweet throughout. He let the story flow as it should. In this age of movies that are overloaded with action scenes, there's never enough story telling.

Frankly, I wanted to know more about those men (and woman). Thankfully I live in the 'modern era, and can easily look them up.

Star Trek: Discovery: Red Directive (2024) Season 5, Episode 1

Too much flash, not enough plot

[3/10 · 4 April 2024]

I'm giving this episode one serious thumbs up for one reason only. Callum Keith Rennie. I've always liked his portrayal of characters he's portrayed. Simple and to the point. The rest of the episode is lots of flash and bang with very little substance. Star Trek used to be all about the substance and plot. Instead, again, these shows give us lots of special effects with a couple of throw backs to the old shows. As for the drama and dialogue, they're still trying to tug at everybody's feelings with the relationships in the show. But instead of feeling anything I find I'm bored with the sappy nature of the lines, and the poor acting that goes along with it. The 4th season was already terrible. Saying that, the story line was at least somewhat original. The current plot seems to have mined heavily from TNG, which means the current writing staff finally had to go back and watch a couple of those episodes.....finally. And once again, Tilly and Paul are horrible characters.

The Last of Us (2023– )

Must be just me

[5/10 · 2 March 2024]

I knew it was based on a game, but I've never played it. I'm one that thinks the whole Zombie Apocalypse has been utterly over done through the years, weather it's in Drama or Comedy form. With this show I was hoping for something different, but I didn't get it.

I'll admit, some of the stories of the first season were very good, and it kept me interested just enough to get to the end of the season, which was rather disappointing. It was indeed the final episode of the season that got to me. I don't think I'll spoil anything for anyone, but that episode left you with no hope. None. The previous ones at least gave the impression that something could be done, and hope survived from that premise. But at the end? Nothing. Too depressing for it's own good.

And again, the whole Zombie thing is over done.

Ahsoka: Part Five: Shadow Warrior (2023) Season 1, Episode 5

A good WOW!!!

[10/10 · 13 September 2023]

The interaction between Anakin and Ahsoka was fantastic. The Clone Wars series and Rebels are getting a great deal of respect in this show. I'm also glad they brought back Hayden Christensen for this one. Reliving some of Clone Wars scenes in live action was a joy to watch, however limited they might have been.

I'm also glad that Hayden, as an actor, is living up to the legacy of his character. His acting is vastly improved from the days of the Prequel Trilogy. I vividly recall his 'turn to the dark side' not being very convincing. It was a disappointment. But his appearance in this episode kind of makes up for it. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

Star Trek: Picard: Imposters (2023) Season 3, Episode 5

What happened???

[10/10 · 24 April 2023]

Like another review I just read, what happened to make this season SOOOOO much better than the first 2? If they made it like this in the first place nobody would have complained. I'm only through to this episode (5) and I actually look forward to the remainder of the season. I know it'll be a bit sad and will bring some closure. As I someone else said, why didn't the do this for Season 1? Every Trekkie would have been happy and satisfied. Instead they gave us idiocy and drivel.

All I know is (rather speculate) someone got the correct writers to do this season. The previous ones desperately needed this.

Star Wars: The Bad Batch: Entombed (2023) Season 2, Episode 5

Why Wanda Sykes?

[5/10 · 28 January 2023]

This is really a good show. I've enjoyed the who idea of it. But the addition of Wanda Sykes voice is grating and annoying. There are many other voice actors out there who can do a much better job, and probably would cost less. Rhea Perlman was a great addition as Cid. Earnie Hudson guest staring in the previous episode to this one was great. But why Wanda? Her cadence is slow and doesn't flow with the story. There has to be someone else with a smoother voice to keep up with the rest. Good Lord, her comedy isn't even funny anymore. Otherwise, it was a decent episode despite a bunch of other reviewers saying it's just 'filler'.

Velma (2023– )

600 characters?

[1/10 · 14 January 2023]

How do I put the awfulness of this show into 600 characters? It's impossible! I'm gonna have to fluff it up a bit. Well.....The Scooby Doo gang is stupid. The story is stupid. The writing is stupid. Pretty much everything about the show is stupid. How did anyone come up with this re-work? The ultimate question is who actually thought this was a good idea? Who asked for such show?

In the meantime, in some alternate and diverse area of the galaxy, about a thousand light years away, there is an alien culture intercepting the transmission of this show and are planning to annihilate us all. Sure, it'll take about a thousand years, and I know I just ripped off this premise from Futurama, but we would all die....deservedly.

Andor (2022– )

Interesting and Intense

[10/10 · 11 November 2022]

Whomever they have writing this show is doing good. The actors are all doing well and selling the story. I've noticed some saying it's slow, but it's supposed to be. It's slow, but you're still on the edge of your seat wondering what's going to happen next. The first couple of episodes were just a build up. But as it kept going, the intensity is building, brick by proverbial brick.

It's a good insight to how the Rebellion started and began to build. Storytelling, in many of today's shows, lacks direction. But not here. As a kid I searched for great Science Fiction, then Star Wars came along. Lucas obviously changed the game. But his vision wavered, so I'm glad he passed it on to others. Not all have been successful, but Andor is.

Counterpart (2017–2019)

Really? I'm still not sure.

[5/10 · 12 August 2022]

I've watched both seasons. Everything played out excruciatingly slow, as if it were an odd remake of the BBC Miniseries 'Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy'. If they'd knocked off a couple of episodes each season they could have told the story without dragging so much.

And the Drama between characters is way overplayed. The scenarios were blown out of proportion and suffered from writers thinking they were somehow authoring Modern Shakespeare Plays. The use of sex was overdone as well. If I were 14 I might have enjoyed the excessive 'boob shots', but I'm older now and would rather have had the story move along. The side story of 'Nadia the assassin' finding herself should have been cut way short. There is one side story that doesn't quite give you enough, and that's Ian's reasons for being where he is. Four hours less of Harry, Emily, Peter, and Clair could have been traded for five minutes better explanation of Ian.

Other things didn't make sense at all. If there is only one 'crossing point', then how can people in the 'exchange rooms' see each other, much less the 'exchange room' that also seems to be a 'crossing'. How did the man who created the crossing get back to the other side without being noticed AT ALL, especially through a building that is so ridiculously well guarded on both sides. I could easily see illegal crossings with 'fake visas' and other 'spy craft' that has been depicted many times in some of the classic 'Cold War' thrillers, but that one left me utterly confused, especially since he was essentially a murderer. And the serious lack of security in the buildings on both sides wasn't tragic, it was comical, frankly. Also comical was the security at that ECHO site where people were being squirrelled away in apparent ultra secrecy. "Let's get 10 guys together to raid the fortress with 50 armed guards".

Now, don't get me too wrong. Most of the actors were great, Especially Simmons and Williams. But after awhile they were delivering repetitive dialogue that didn't allow the story to move at a good pace. As I said, shorten the entire series of 20 episodes down to 16 and this would probably be a more glowing review. I love a confusing show, when it actually gets to the point. In the beginning it was just confusing enough to keep watching but just fell by the 'proverbial' wayside with too much side story drama, sex, and dialogue. The only saving grace I'll give the entire series was the ending. It's one of those 'Not the ending I wanted, but the ending that had to happen'. But, that's it. I wanted to be enthralled, yet by the end I was all the way down to 'meh'.

The Kids in the Hall (2022– )

Too raunchy

[6/10 · 16 May 2022]

They're still funny. But in this incarnation they're just too raunchy. Among the last things I want to see in my adult life is Kevin Macdonald and Dave Foley naked. Smart humor doesn't need that. The original run didn't have to resort to that. Thankfully about half the show is smart and funny.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022– )

Well?

[6/10 · 5 May 2022]

Gonna give it a go. The first episode was good and seemed to bring "Star Trek" much closer to its original intent, as seen by Roddenberry. There are a few bits of 'the writers don't know the real story', but for now I can suspend my knowledge of Trek and let it slide. But, the disasters known as 'Discovery' and 'Picard' are still out there and won't be forgiven easily. Frankly, they should have started the 'Trek Redux' with this show. The cast is pretty good, and can actually act. So, I'll watch, cautiously.

The Batman (2022)

Could've lopped off at least 30 minutes

[6/10 · 19 April 2022]

I come into most movies with low expectations. This was no exception. I'm either nicely impressed or utterly disappointed. The Batman was more mixed for me.

Pattinson did pretty well. A little too moody (as Bruce Wayne), but just right (as Batman). And the remaining cast did a good job. Turturro as Falcone was a nice surprise. Collin Farrell was an 'interesting' Penguin. And Wright did 'right' as Gordon.

The story was good too. No real complaints there. But what was done in nearly 3 hours could've been done with about 2. Like others said, I found myself getting bored and losing focus. Hack off some of the fat in this movie and I would have given it 9 stars instead of 6. It's been a disappointment that the "DC Universe" has been so poorly executed these last 10 years while Marvel has been run like a Swiss Watch since its beginning. I think it would have done better if they kept the Snyder vison in place.

What I most want is for movies like this to take me to another realm, not try to float in messages about our current 'real world'. Make me forget about everything for a bit (around 2 hours, not nearly 3). Keep me entertained. The Batman simply should've been better.

Reacher (2022– )

Wow

[10/10 · 4 February 2022]

This is what Reacher should be. Hope they do more. Cruise did a pretty good job, but Ritchson made it right. I was really impressed. Good adaptation as well, bringing Reacher to the modern world of everyone having an online presence. Again, please make more.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)

I Loved It!

[10/10 · 10 January 2022]

This was perfect. It was an absolute treat. I don't think they could have done better. Leaving it open at the end for a new generation of Ghostbusters was also a great idea.

The dedication and honor given to Harold Ramis was also pleasing, and put a couple of tears in my eyes. Putting the 'original' foursome back together was done incredibly well, with lots of style and emotion. I'm so please they did this film and disregarded that 2016 fiasco.

10 Stars from me, and I hope lots of others.

The Grand Tour: The Grand Tour Presents: Carnage A Trois (2021) Season 4, Episode 4

Well. That was just plain fun.

[10/10 · 17 December 2021]

The Boys are back indeed. Craziness run amok. I was waiting for this one. Looking diligently to see what time it was in the UK. When GMT struck midnight I started looking for the show. Didn't come till nearly 1 a.m. GMT (8 p.m. My time). But as soon as it was on I tuned in, or logged on. Whatever we do these days. Just so long as I didn't have to adjust the rabbit ears on my set.

Foundation (2021– )

Really? Yet Again?

[1/10 · 25 September 2021]

I had only read a few chapters of Foundation, primarily because I didn't want to know right away what changes the series made from the source material. But the differences were glaring and obvious, despite my limited knowledge. The greatest thing this series has done for me is to go ahead and read the books. The best thing this series could do for everyone else is rename itself to something other than Foundation.

Impossible Engineering (2015– )

Hmmmm

[6/10 · 14 July 2021]

I find it somewhat fascinating how similar this show is to 'Engineering Connections' with Richard Hammond years earlier. I feel like they could have gotten a good Host for this show and made it more entertaining AND informative. I'm intrigued, but also bored.

Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)

That was interesting

[8/10 · 19 March 2021]

The worst thing to happen to the Theatrical Justice League from 2017 was to give it to Joss Wheddon. He tried to give it that Marvel comedic touch. It didn't work, obviously. Bless Snyder for having the fortitude and guts to come back and finish it properly. I just can't quite get into the much darker tone of the DC universe, but I can see how they wanted to do it, specifically Snyder. I'd like to see it succeed, and would love to see the story carry on from this film. It's genuinely interesting. Man of Steel was done well, as was Wonder Woman. The Aquaman movie was just too overdone, but enjoyable. And again, the biggest surprise of these movies was the performance of Ben Afleck as Batman. Perhaps he'd consider coming back. Either way, loved the Snyder Cut, and will gladly watch it again. All 4 Freakin' Hours.

Star Trek: Discovery: That Hope Is You, Part 2 (2021) Season 3, Episode 13

It's all about the emotions!

[3/10 · 8 March 2021]

I'm with a lot of other people on this one. Although I have to admit this season was actually better than the first 2, and I thought it was going to go better than it ended up. The best thing about Season 3 was they finally got rid of Philipa, the crazed Mass Murderer from the other universe I was apparently supposed to like. Dear God I couldn't stand her. The whole bit about The Burn was interesting in the beginning, but it was just caused by a Kelp kid who's DNA was altered in utero and super sad because everyone on his ship died. What an utterly lame concept. Roddenberry and the writers that truly followed in his footsteps had to be seriously cringing.

And, as usual, everyone was 'in their feelings'. 'I love you' this and 'I love you' that. I still only know the names of a couple of characters. Everyone else I just don't care about, at all. The 'so called' 'Love and Care' they all have for one another just makes me want to cut my carotids and end the torture. Almost wish Shakespeare wrote it. If he did, at least half the characters would have died, properly. Would've been a relief, frankly. So damn much 'love' on this ship I've been waiting for the Space Orgy to begin.

Now, why am I still watching this show? Obligation to Star Trek. That's it. I was a fan watching the reruns as a kid in the 70's, and loved TNG and DS9 (Voyager is a different issue and I won't talk about it here). Even Star Trek Enterprise was good compared to this drivel. What really burns me is the way they treated the 'Fan Made' productions, basically shoving them aside telling them they can't do that stuff anymore. The Discovery Showrunners missed a great opportunity by castrating genuinely imaginative writers and creators. The ones they ended up with are sniveling wet nosed toddlers that wouldn't know a good SciFi plot if it bit them in the backside.

But, looking forward to Season 4! (sarcasm, sarcasm, hint, hint)

The Expanse: Nemesis Games (2021) Season 5, Episode 10

Well, with just one death the killed the whole thing

[5/10 · 3 February 2021]

At least the authors of the book series will actually finish it, unlike George Double R 'I'll just let the TV boys and girls finish it for me' Martin.

San Andreas (2015)

Really enjoyed it

[10/10 · 1 January 2021]

Wanted to make certain I gave it the highest rating because too many haters are out there. This was an awesome film. It harkens back to the classic Disaster Movies of the 1970's like Earthquake, Towering Inferno, Posiden Adventure, and others. Others are saying it was just too cheesy. Well, that's what it's supposed to be. If you went into it to find a great drama, well, you watched the wrong movie. It's a Disaster Flick, plain and simple. The only Acadamy Award given to this one should be Special Effects. They were EPIC! When my wife and I saw it (in 3D in the theater) we were on the edge of our seats (my wife especially so, and she didn't wanna see it). It was a thrill ride and I loved it, chees and all.

21 Bridges (2019)

Great Cop Drama

[10/10 · 1 January 2021]

I was very pleased and surprised by this film. There was no definition, or even recognition of ethnicity. The good guys were good, and the bad guys were bad. And yes, there were some guys (and girls) who walked the line between the two. There were also some good plot twists. As others have said it's not The French Connection or Serpico (I didn't think Serpico was as good as it should have been frankly) but it does come close, in my opinion. The action was really good, as was the acting. The one that truly made the movie was indeed the Late Great Chadwick Boseman. I was more impressed with him in this than the MCU. So see it, you'll enjoy it.

Star Trek: Discovery: Terra Firma, Part 2 (2020) Season 3, Episode 10

What?

[1/10 · 22 December 2020]

Let's help the Megalomaniac Mass Murderer from another universe find herself and become a better person. I hope this character is gone forever. I never liked the 'good' version of her, so I was kinda glad when she died. The evil version was an even bigger pain. So, if it took these 2 ridiculous episodes to get rid of her I might be okay with it.

The Right Stuff (2020)

Well, could've been a lot better

[4/10 · 21 December 2020]

I'm with other reviewers on here. Too much PC stuff and not enough real history behind the scenes of the Mercury program. And too much dramatic stuff, as well as making the Astronauts look like fools.

The Stand (2020–2021)

Boring

[4/10 · 18 December 2020]

I don't care about Amber Heard. Hardly even know who she is. The show itself was just peculiar and difficult to follow. And why all the cursing? "F this" and "F-ing" that. Can writers not entertain anyone anymore without the swear words? The original mini series did it extremely well, why not this one? Don't get me wrong, I've used and still use my fair share of 'salty' language, but these people use it practically every other word. Enough! Entertain me or just go flip f%×king burgers.