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The Knick: They Capture the Heat (2014)
Just to counter yavermbizi
This was a good episode, but hard to watch at the 40 minutes stage. Really tragic.
Some filler:
Episode 5 of "The Knick," "They Capture the Heat," is an intense blend of medical breakthroughs and personal struggles. Dr. Thackery's daring operation to separate conjoined twins highlights both his genius and his deepening cocaine addiction. Dr. Edwards, facing constant racism, secretly sets up a clinic in the hospital basement, showing his unyielding dedication. Meanwhile, Cornelia Robertson's unexpected pregnancy brings a poignant spotlight on women's issues of the time. The episode skillfully weaves these compelling storylines together, keeping viewers hooked as the characters battle their inner demons and the harsh realities of their world.
The Equalizer 3 (2023)
Portray of the mafia seems unrealistic
I'm a fan of the Equalizer series. While the first film is by far the best, the two sequels are still enjoyable.
Denzel Washington is clearly the common factor to this. He's an exceptional actor, and provides top quality acting even in this kind of action role.
While the first film had more of a feeling of social realism (impact of human trafficking and gangs in the States), this third film doesn't seem to have a idea about the realism of gangs in other parts of the world.
I find the portrayal of the mafia in this film unrealistic for many reasons:
Firstly, they are just too visible and draw too much attention to themselves.
Secondly, the use of bike gangs seems unusual. Maybe they exist but I don't think they would be the norm in Italy.
Thirdly, seeing that everyone drives luxury cars isn't realistic. In any gang there is a hierarchy and unequal distribution of wealth. As such, there's no way that the lower ranks could afford those cars.
Then, there is the consideration of the location. This seems to be set in Atrani. It's a small place. It's not Naples. How would these mafia agents even make the kind of money from those local people to buy luxury cars? Or, if the drugs are the source of their profits, why waste their time hustling local business owners. It doesn't add up. Being hated by the locals isn't a dangerous thing. Fear only holds so much control.
Then, there is the lack of tourists. It's a stunning location that would be riddled with tourists! As if Denzel would be the only outsider! This is an addition reason why the mafia would be invisible there.
As I say, it's a enjoyable film to watch, but it suffers from the typical ignorance of American writers about global cultures.
Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe (2016)
These one-star reviewers haven't watch the film
It's evident that the 1-star reviewers haven't watched this documentary, because the criticisms they're making have no connection to the content of Vaxxed.
The people in the documentary clearly state that:
1) People SHOULD vaccinate
2) But, they should take the separate vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella
3) That laws should be changed / repealed that are used to protect the pharmaceutical industry against prosecution
It is not an anti-vax documentary.
The parents in this documentary are not anti-vax. They are against parents suffering from what they have suffered from - potential side effects of the combined MMR vaccine. As one parent said, it doesn't affect her; the damage is already done to her child.
So, when it comes to the 'bias' that these reviews claim the documentary has, they should consider their own bias with regards to reviewing a documentary that they haven't even watched. Why people review a movie they haven't seen? Maybe, like the COVID-lockdown and vaccinate fanatics, they need to feel part of the powerful majority to give purpose to their lives; to achieve the dominant narrative, they need to ensure that no contradictory narratives can possibly exist.
a-ha: The Movie (2021)
Perfect imperfections?
This felt like a very personal movie to me, but left me almost as melancholy as their supposed breakup(s).
Before reviewing the film, I want to give some context about the A-Ha and my feelings about them.
CONTEXT
A-Ha has been my favourite group since I was a kid. As with any fan, my favourite songs aren't the ones they released, but the hidden gems that later became more common on their playlists: Living A Boys Adventure Tale, Here I Stand And Face The Rain, Cold As Stone, Locust, There's Never A Forever Thing, Sycamore Leaves, Lifelines, Sunny Mystery, Minor Earth Major Sky.
Albeit, at this point, Morten can't sing some of those songs live like he once could, which about sums up my feelings on this film. It leaves you melancholy that you're watching a group that is now a shadow of their former selves.
A-Ha, for me, is a somewhat of a tragedy of a band (like the Verve):
They've written some of my favourite music, much of it never heard by the general public, so they're always judged on the more popular chart stuff (as is my choice in bands). They have constantly messed up their careers as a group and individually, so the media keeps thinking that they're making comebacks with every album release - even though they've only broken up twice.
They're judged as a boy band because of the attention that Morten (still) attracts from his female fans. But, personally, I feel that the songs should mean as much to men, if not more so.
They're three guys that have the most bizarre relationship and personalities. They're like family members that you love, but find so fricking frustrating! Three grown men that STILL can't see each other's perspectives, yet can write such beautiful music about life and woes!
"Sort your problems out, guys!"
I wonder if even Norwegian people understand the logic of their personalities?!!!
They've broken up twice. Once back in 1993 when they disappeared without telling their fans anything. It was like not knowing if a lost relative was alive or dead. Thanks guys. Yet, as the movie shows, they had plenty of information that they could have shared with fans.
Then, they 'broke up for good' in 2010. I was incredibly sad when this happened, but at least I knew it was coming and could learn to live with it. In some way it did kind of end on a high note.
Then they got back together again...
I asked myself, why?! Yes, some of their new music is good, but there is something missing now.
I did NOT enjoy the acoustic MTV Unplugged tour.
I actually preferred Morten's solo album (Brother) to a new A-Ha album. While I've (mostly) liked his solo albums - they aren't as good as his A-Ha work; at least not until now.
The current world tour seems utterly pointless and soul sucking! They haven't released a studio album since 2015. Their tours now are like those old 80s bands that have been touring since then with no new music. It's sad. They are a shadow of their former selves, especially Morten (although I love his Brother album!) - hence the need to play the album songs over Morten's live performances in the film.
THE FILM
In many ways, the film really shouldn't exist. Yes, as a fan, I have this morbid curiosity to 'see' my favourite group behind the scenes and from the past. I put 'see' in quotes, because how well can you really see A-Ha. They are such complex individuals who reveal little to nothing about themselves, but just give you a taster of something.
I thought, wow, you have all of these cool videos and photos going back to the Hunting High And Low album - and you never released them to fans until now?! Why not?
But, it's watching their passive aggressive in-direct bickering to the camera, while pretending to be nice to each other. Why do they bother getting together if they feel that way about each other? If they secretly feel some kinship, then say so. But, otherwise, it comes across as if they are using each other for their own ends - there is nothing admirable about that and I don't want to see it. Magne looked in so much sadness and bitterness, which was uncomfortable to watch, because you then see him performing with them. Magne, why bother if this how you feel?
The impression is similar in how I think they feel about their fans. It's a love/hate relationship (sorry ladies, but you dream all you want about Morten, but he doesn't give a rats ass about you). You can see how they need to feel periodically recognised and relevant, but can't wait to escape into their Mercedes Maybach cars and drive away from them at top speed. They cringe whenever they receive any praise - only caring about how much praise they each get and feeling bitter about the inequality of it. I understand this, but who's fault is it that Morten gets the most attention and Magne gets the least?
Ultimately, given what I mentioned earlier about the lack of new material since 2015 and the previous 'permanent breakup' in 2010, I'm wondering what is the point of this film. They clearly have no plans to make any new songs - yet the film dangles the possibility to torment the viewing fans. Magne has made his lack of intentions very clear both for serious health reasons and because of bitterness over songwriting credits. Morten and Pal are too pigheaded to concede their own responsibility for anything, even though they both have the most influence over the band. It would be self serving of them to actually give a shit about each other. It provides us with little more information than was provided in the book about them (A-Ha The Swing of Things 1985-2010).
So, that leaves the band out there doing world tours for no reason.
Overall, I watched the movie with curiosity. I enjoyed the unreleased behind-the-scenes film footage and photos from the past, but the film left me feeling melancholy at watching a squabbling group of 60 year olds that still can't sort their problems out.
Cobra Kai: Bicephaly (2021)
Ralph - Flexiblity
It's incredible how this show continues to maintain the level of quality! Kudos to the writers, actors, and filming crew for this achievement!
However, poor Ralph Macchio should have worked on his flexibility for this episode. Watching him with his half crossed legged effort was probably as painful for him as it was for me! Clearly, they made the younger actors copy his not-quite-cross-legged position.
Don't the writers/director know that there is a kneeing position that is used in martial arts that he could probably have achieved?!
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
What a pile of garbage
This really was a terrible movie, and Sean Connery knew it.