chirox Reviews

Fallout (2024– )

Beyond Expectation

[9/10 · 14 April 2024]

I wasn't even that excited for the release of Fallout as I'm not a gamer but I had played Fallout 20+ years ago briefly so I knew the look and feel that would be aimed at for the TV series. Have to be honest, it totally blew me away right from the very opening scene. The sets, the costumes, the props, the makeup - all perfect. The story was gripping enough for me to have watched all of it in two days.

The sets are incredible, the effort that went into the small details is immense, at times my eyes were wandering off into the backgrounds lost in the post apocalyptic shanties and characters.

I'll definitely be giving it a second view soon, it was totally immersive.

Hannah Gadsby: Something Special (2023)

Poor show by Hannah

[2/10 · 7 September 2023]

From the outset I'll make it clear that I'm not a big stand up fan but my wife really likes Hannah Gadsby's offerings so I agreed to give it a try. It was far from 'Something Special', literally didn't even grin once but I guess I'm not her target audience. My wife wasn't laughing either for most of it, she did have the odd snigger here and there and I asked her if she thought ti was good, her reply was 'it's okay, not her best work'.

I think some comics miss the boat a little by appealing to a very narrow fan base, super narrow in Gadsby's case, she pretty much had me thinking 'I don't think she likes me even though we've never met' within 10 minutes.

Tulsa King (2022– )

Never been a big Stallone fan

[9/10 · 26 January 2023]

As the title of my review suggests, Stallone isn't my favorite actor by a long way. However, King of Tulsa has brought out the best in him and he totally carries the show, he actually does have Star Power!

A great show, well written, well cast and enough dark comedy and action parts to keep it bubbling along. Stallone is perfectly cast as the 25+ year ex-convict released from prison and then banished to Tulsa by his underworld boss in New York. Season one has set the pace and I'm really looking forward to seeing the story arc over the next season or two. Let's just hope that it doesn't get cancelled as seems the norm for great shows these days.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Disappointing even for my 7 year old

[5/10 · 17 November 2022]

Wanted to give it a 6 out of 10 but had to go with a 5/10. It's just not anywhere near as fun as the first movie, whether that's because its missing that star power to carry the weak story line I don't know.

My 7 year old was so fired up to see it, she loved the first movie, but even she was pulling faces at the screen withing 30 minutes. I ended up nodding off and she woke me up before the end asking to leave. I made her stay and at least she got a bit of enjoyment out of the last ten minutes or so. We'll probably watch it again at home at some point in the future, maybe a second watch will keep my interest.

All in all it was disappointing, maybe I was expecting too much?

Mr Inbetween (2018–2021)

Superb Understated Drama

[10/10 · 11 October 2022]

Came into this show without knowing anything about it and I've blasted through three seasons in a few days.

Brilliantly written and directed, some really nice dark comedic moments interspersed with emotional heart tugging. Scott Ryan as the lead character Ray is outstanding, playing the part down with exquisite skill while maintaining an air of menace, however he isn't a one trick pony - there are really heartfelt moments where he shows his emotion in a guarded way and those moments bring a tear to the eye. Much like Tony Soprano, he's a character that we shouldn't like because he's a violent and murderous man, but those moments of humanity are so beautifully portrayed by Scott Ryan that it's impossible to not love the guy.

I can't recommend this show enough, I don't think I've ever given a show a 10/10 in 16 years of writing reviews on IMBD, so that should be enough to make YOU go and watch it.

Top Boy (2011–2023)

Out of my wheelhouse, but a fantastic show.

[9/10 · 30 August 2022]

Top Boy isn't show that I would of chosen to watch, in fact I've avoided it for years as it's out of my wheelhouse and not at all the type of thing I normally watch as you'll see from my reviews over the years. However, I can't give this show more credit, it is superb. A gritty and realistic look at life on a London council estate, it's not all about drugs although ultimately that is what is making the Summerhouse estate. Families, normal families that are dragged into the world of criminal drug gangs by their young kids that are recruited into the gangs as runners, are the most affected in this scenario, it really shows how hard life can be for these people.

The acting is second to none, props to the lady that plays Lisa, her depiction of her character's mental health decline was outstanding. Also massive props to Kano who plays Sully, never heard of this guy before but he needs way more roles as his ability is up there with the best, his character is truly believable and despite being a dark character Kano brought humanity to the role particularly when his young friend was killed - I genuinely felt for the character.

I can't really find fault with any of the cast, they were all excellent and congratulations to the casting people as they got this dead right.

All in all, highly recommended.

Prey (I) (2022)

A pleasant surprise!

[7/10 · 8 August 2022]

After the huge disappointment of Shane Black's film a few years ago and the other 'reboot' outings I wasn't expecting much from this. It was pleasantly decent though, a good story that was well executed and kept our attention. Not a massive budget I'd guess and that worked in it's favor, it kept the settings and sequences simple and direct. It's small nods back the original film were fun as well. My wife, who has no interest in scifi was glued to the film and didn't do her usual 'I'm talking all the way through this' routine. Overall I'd give a solid 7/10, nothing groundbreaking but hopefully it will pave the way for more form this universe.

Santa Inc. (2021)

I thought I liked Seth Rogen

[1/10 · 6 December 2021]

I ignored all the armchair critics slagging this show off as I'm a fan of Rogen's stuff. Hmmm, after watching the first 10 minutes I started changing my mind. Ignoring the obvious wokeness of it all the show was just plain boring. It's certainly not for kids and it appears that they don't want it to appeal to very many adults either. The humor is of the toilet variety, the 'raunchy' bits are just bland and pointless. I'm disappointed to write a review of Seth's show that is so negative but there is literally nothing to like about it, sorry.

Dune (2021)

For Dune freaks, this hits.

[9/10 · 25 October 2021]

After what seems like waiting forever for this to hit the screens I was hoping, praying that it would be good. It smashed my expectation, Villeneuve's immense vision for the film - the costumes, the sets etc are incredible even for a fanboy like me it exceeded all expectation. I see some complaining about the ending, it's Part One so what did you expect?

Villeneuve is the Master right now, untouchable in my opinion. Go out and see this movie, give it your support so we can get the second part.

Westworld: Parce Domine (2020) Season 3, Episode 1

Superb Opener

[9/10 · 16 March 2020]

After such a long wait I was expecting great things from Season 3 and this first episode did not disappoint. Really great to see Aaron Paul joining the cast, I don't really rate him as an actor as he seems to just play versions of himself, but he suits this show perfectly and definitely brought something special to the opener. Hoping for great things from him. Evan Rachel Wood looked incredible, it really suits her character to be out in the world. The music was absolutely spot-on, futuristic without resorting to cheesy nonsense. The photography was first class and the script was as good as ever. This is going to be a monumental season for Westworld and I can't to see the rest of it.

ZeroZeroZero (2019–2020)

10/10 One Of The Best

[10/10 · 6 March 2020]

Shows like this come along only once in a very long while. An American shipping magnate that has had to resort to concealing illegal shipments to help his ailing business, an Italian mafia family and Don that is looking to come out of hiding and reward everyone (including his enemies) with a huge payday, and a Mexican Army Elite Troop who's job it is to take down the Narcos. Combine these three elements, add extra intrigue, changing allegiances, amazing cinematography, settings on more than three continents, incredible tension building episodes and you have ZeroZeroZero. Ignore the naysayers on this site, this is one of the best shows you will see for a long time. Acting, photography, direction, are all first class. This is an incredible piece of TV that deserves to be up there with the very best.

Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019)

Dire, unless you've got the mind of a child.

[1/10 · 23 September 2019]

Possibly the worst film I've seen in the last couple of years. Dialogue was woefully bad, story line was childish at best and even the set-pieces were disappointingly poor. I feel sorry for Jason Statham, he's being churned out like a stripper at the Ye Old Axe on Hackney Road on a Sunday afternoon. I know he's not a great actor but pick something other than for money ffs bruv. He actually looks like he's had a stroke while he's talking (shouting) during this feature, every line comes out of one side of his mouth, he seems incapable of speaking normally any more, he's become a caricature of himself. The Rock is equally , not a good actor at the best of times but relying on physique and being able to raise a single eyebrow (yeah that old chestnut, again) does not carry an entire movie. As for Idris Elba, I am bitterly disappointed that he has blown any chance of getting quality roles any more by selecting movies that pay him a big dividend rather than looking at the actual content of the scripts he's sent. His agent and manager should be shot on sight for ruining what could of been a great career making stand-out features, it's sad. If you avoid one movie this year make it this one, unless you're brain is a fried from living near a 5G cell tower.

What We Do in the Shadows (2019–2024)

One Of The Very Best Out There Right Now

[9/10 · 9 May 2019]

Always loved the original movie this series is based on and with a new cast and short time slots it has taken it to a whole new level. Matt Berry is sublime, I love his delivery and his old show Toast of London was always a favorite of mine, the chemistry between his character Laszlo and his wife played brilliantly by Natasia Demetriou is palpable, their shared history of death and sex is hilarious. Kayvan Novak (FaceJacker) plays Nandor, haughty and naughty they all mix in well to make this show work seamlessly.I love the addition of Colin Robinson (played by Mark Proksch), a vampire that isn't your classic bloodsucker - he's an energy vampire that feeds by boring people and gathering their energy leaving sleeping bodies wherever he goes, he is also a daywalker. Props also to Harvey Guillén who plays Guillermo, a human helper to the vamps. Guaranteed you'll enjoy this low profile show, I hope it gets the audience it deserves and runs for longer than a single season.

Mid90s (2018)

Rare I Give a 10/10

[10/10 · 28 March 2019]

I couldn't find fault with this film, Jonah Hill did a first class job and should be proud of what he achieved here. A coming of age movie that, although not ground breaking, manages to hit you in all the right places. The young cast is excellent, the writing is on-point and heartwarming. A tale of a young kid looking to escape his world and finding a group that embrace him, nurture him, abuse him but ultimately love him.

I don't think I have ever given a 10/10 on IMDB but I was mightily impressed with this feature and will definitely be adding to my collection.

Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning (2012)

SOLID, BRUTAL, NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED

[8/10 · 7 January 2019]

I've probably watched this 10 times over the years and watched it again today in the car while waiting for the wife to do her shopping at the mall. This is an absolute belter of a feature, brutal fight scenes, mad soundtrack and it's got Dolph and Jean-Claude along with Adkins and the mental animal Russian guy from the previous chapter. This film is so solid it makes other action films look like Mary Poppins, I really hope we get another UNISOL outing that lives up to this standard.

Impulse (2018–2019)

Top Drawer Sci-Fi Without The Cheese

[9/10 · 13 June 2018]

I didn't know this was based on the Jumper books until I came to write this review, so I was blind to that fact. This is some top drawer stuff, excellent acting from the entire cast, excellent writing and directing, a story of teenage angst with a wicked twist. I watched the whole season in two days, it was that good. This is not a super-hero show in any way and that's a good thing, well worth watching.

Westworld: Journey into Night (2018) Season 2, Episode 1

Worth the long wait for the season opener

[9/10 · 23 April 2018]

Westworld returns with a season opener that hits all the right notes. Once again it's told in flashback/flashforward which will confuse some viewers but for fans of the show it' s become a part of what we expect. No answers in this episode, Maeve is back with vicious reality, The Man in Black (William) is fortunately still alive having survived the initial massacre and is till in fighting form, loving this new world where he can be hurt and has become the hunted. Delores has become the ring leader and her boy Teddy is trying to keep up with her. Bernard is as confused as ever, even more than usual it seems.

Stunning, don't miss it.

Brawl in Cell Block 99 (2017)

If you haven't seen this - it's a must.

[9/10 · 28 March 2018]

I'll keep this simple. Vaughn gets caught in a drug deal and put in prison, his pregnant wife is taken hostage and Vaughn has to fight his way to her freedom. This is a brilliantly executed film, visceral and brutal. A slow burner from the start and builds into explosive action, the fight scenes are realistic and gory. Vaughan turns in a fantasically underplayed job, I've never rated his films or his acting but this is a different animal entirely. Don Johnson is his usual drawling self, perfectly suited for the role of the prison boss. Miss this at your peril, you will not be disappointed.

Roseanne (1988–2018)

Poor, should of been left in the cupboard.

[2/10 · 28 March 2018]

I was a big fan of the original show, the dynamic worked and it had a some truly funny moments in nearly every episode. This regurgitation is an abomination, Roseanne looks like she's the 6 million dollar woman only she isn't bionic, she's just nearly 100% plastic. She is just not funny any more. John Goodman can still raise a laugh but why oh why did he agree to make this? Avoid it all costs, it's not funny, it's not clever and it's not going to last long.

Annihilation (I) (2018)

Unsurprisingly..........It's brilliant!

[9/10 · 19 March 2018]

Garland's films always amaze and Annihilation ranks among the best. Visually stunning, great cast, great script and well executed throughout. 4 young female (although I don't know why it's relevant that it's women) scientists are sent into the unknown, 'The Shimmer', after the military have failed to come back out of it on a number of occasions. What follows is a masterclass in deep rooted storytelling, Natalie Portman's character 'Lena' is ex-army and also the partner of one of the guys from a previous failed mission. Told in flashback, her story is one of betrayal and self destruction. When Lena finally reaches the epicenter of The Shimmer her former betrayal is exposed and re-lived through the entity she finds, leading to a paradoxical reuniting finale. Utterly brilliant.

American Renegades (2017)

Awful, save your time for something better, like watching paint dry.

[3/10 · 15 January 2018]

Terrible acting, terrible writing, terrible action scenes. Even JK Simmons couldn't save this turkey and he's one of my favorite actors. Stapleton is not good in this or anything else I've seen him in, his acting is wooden and not believeable.The actual storyline has some merit but the way it was bought to screen let it down entirely. Save yourself some time and don't watch this, it is truly awful and I feel cheated to have wasted my time on it.

Counterpart (2017–2019)

Potential To Rival Westworld

[9/10 · 13 December 2017]

A strong opener with a particularly strong performance from JK Simmons, Counterpart lures you in without quite knowing where you are going and then blam! the story opens up and gives a reveal to what is to come. Simmons is both the mild mannered civil servant and his 'counterpart' hardened 'in the know' operative, he plays both roles strongly enough to believe they are two separate persons and is a good enough actor to hold the opener to the series on his own, although a decent performance from both Ulrich Thomsen (Banshee) and Harry Lloyd make this a tough contender. For those with a love of sci-fi without lazer guns and 'pew pew' noises Counterpart will ring, it has the quality feel of Westworld right from the opening music and had me girpped within 2 minutes. Decent tempo to the opener, not too fast and not dragging its heels, helped keep interest alive right up to the final scene. I hope it lives up to it's potential.

Dice (2016–2017)

Never seen him before, but this guy is hilarious!

[8/10 · 31 August 2017]

Being a Brit I hadn't really heard of Andrew Dice Clay that much, just the odd mention on TV over the years, he wasn't that big a deal in England. However, I really liked his cameo in Entourage when he partnered up with Johnny for Johnny Goes Bananas and when I saw he had a TV show out (I caught it on a cable channel at home in Bangkok) I went out of my way to find more of it. I wasn't disappointed, Dice is a funny funny show, irreverent and self-mocking. It hits all the right notes for me, it's almost like Curb Your Enthusiasm but cooler, Dice's character is brilliant and the supporting characters, particularly his wife and Milkshake, are funny in their own right. Straight off the bat you're into Dice's life as a one-time mega star who's not exactly down on his luck but isn't at the top any more, his connections in Las Vegas are far and wide and the situations he finds himself in are set up to make him the butt of the joke sometimes and the winner on others. I watched the first season in a single sitting and found myself laughing out loud on numerous occasions, my wife was wondering what I was watching and she also found it funny. Some great little cameos in season one, Adrien Brody was particularly funny. Give this show a try, you won't regret it, but it's not for those that don't like cussing as Dice is full of expletives.

Alien: Covenant (2017)

A bitter pill to swallow

[8/10 · 15 May 2017]

I had high expectations going into Covenant, I'd enjoyed Prometheus despite it's well documented flaws and was expecting it to rise above it's predecessor. It didn't. I can suspend belief for some things but others I can't overlook, the crew were well cast but the writing had some major flaws in much the same vein as Prometheus, highly trained people making incredibly bad decisions. You can argue that under pressure mistakes are made but not school-boy errors, taking an obviously sick and infected man onto your ship with no hint of quarantine being a major one. Having said that, I did think the aliens themselves were well projected and frightening, men-in-suits works better for me than CGI so on this point Scott won. The first two acts were good barring the critical errors, but the final act was telegraphed and obvious, it left me wondering where this great franchise can go to next? I will watch it again on disc and will definitely add it to my collection but to feel this disappointed after waiting for another of my favourite franchises to appear it left a bitter taste in my mouth, and it wasn't the Coke Zero.

Ghost in the Shell (2017)

The Next 'Dredd'?

[9/10 · 2 May 2017]

By my title I mean is this version of Ghost going to be like Dredd in that it will be overlooked, won't perform as expected and be missed by most of the average filmgoers. I expect the answer is going to be a resounding yes. I was determined to see this at the cinema at all costs and the effort was worth it (I don't live near a theatre). All the media about Johannsen not being right for the part and it should of been a Japanese actress was way off the mark, I've never seen the original version so didn't know the story and the fact that the film answers this critical point itself was enough for me on that subject. Ghost In The Shell was totally immersive, visually stunning and beautifully produced. The rendition in scene was incredible and a feast for the eyes. The story was strongly relayed even for a novice to it as I was. A great film that will become my new 'Dredd' and will definitely be watched over and over again when it's released on BluRay.