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stephen-ewen
Reviews
Alex Rider (2020)
Could Be James Bond for a New Gen
Thoughtful, built adequate story and character background, and exciting story lines abound here. While probably aimed at a Young Adult audience, it is by no means only that, not at all, and the franchise is rife with future opportunities for the Big Screen - like James Bond for a New Generation.
While none of the actors were top names, I understand that because this was released to FreeVee. But the acting is not sub-par at all. Alex Rider (Otto Farrant) was adequately reserved while explosive when needed, and his tech-girl, Kyra (Marli Siu), was perfectly cast. Siu really dove down into the psychology of the role. Rider's sometimes socially awkward best mate, Tom Harris (Brenock O'Connor) provided a perfect addition, as well as did Jack Starbright (Ronke Adekoluejo), the "responsible one," or so she tried to be.
There is a lot of tension throughout. Rider has something of a tragic background and is amid figuring out who he really is while asking hard questions. He didn't ask to be put into any of these situations but rises to the occasion with wisdom far beyond his years.
This series is rife with potential.
Outlander (2014)
Fantastic series that is part fantasy, part historical fiction, and part romance
A post-WWII British nurse, Claire, while on a long hike encounters a strange series of stone icons. She approaches them and randomly touches them in a way that somehow unlocks a puzzle. She is then suddenly transported to the era of the 1700s Scottish Wars. Disoriented, she sets out using her wits and medical skills. Outlander is part fantasy, part historical fiction, and part romance.
Eventually, Claire marries a man, Jamie. He is a man with many qualities to admire. The two have a very loving relationship and later a wonderful daughter. Their romance is frankly the most tastefully depicted yet realistic one I have ever seen put to film.
Intensely redemptive yet complicated themes permeate. However, be forewarned. There is nothing here for children or the faint of heart. Violence of every sort abounds, including intensely gory war scenes and mass hangings. Minor nudity is occasional and ranges from a sensitively depicted wedding night to traumatic sexual violence. Some viewers will be triggered at one point or another so take due caution.
During the Scottish Wars, Claire steps up. She becomes the most advanced trauma surgeon of the entire era and it is quite something to behold. At one point, she saves her husband's life from what would have normally been a fatal wound.
Some of the best moments I have ever seen on television are when Claire and Jamie later travel to France to emigrate to America. They encounter a smallpox outbreak. Claire had been inoculated during WWII so she took charge of the town's public health efforts with methods ahead of the era. Male doctors rebuffed Claire while Jamie defended her. Many lives were saved.
Outlander is simply fantastic storytelling that will elicit every emotion you have, from cheering delight to anger and grief. While at times emotionally taxing, I found the series to be a very rewarding and edifying experience.
For the People: World's Greatest Judge (2018)
Wrenching Storyline on a Conversation-Worthy Topic
Vondie Curtis-Hall struggles with imposing a mandatory minimum sentence upon a man who clearly would not deserve it and would never even be considered to have it if judges were allowed to be judges without the micro-managing of legislators seeking to score transitory political points.
Suits (2011)
Fun and At Times Wrencing Show with a Strawman Premise
PREMISE: A legal drama where a young genius with a photographic memory fakes his way as a Harvard-trained attorney into a high-powered New York law firm but does not even a bachelor degree - with full knowledge of his hiring attorney. He functions as an amazing, brilliant attorney but eventually gets caught and goes to jail.
MY POINT: It's a fun and at times wrenching show but the premise is just a dumb strawman. Based upon an old model, seven states *including New York* allow a person upon pre-notice to the bar to enter a 3 to 4 year "reading the law" apprenticeship, and after passing the bar they become a fully licensed lawyer. On FindLaw, look up the article "You Don't Need Law School to Become a Lawyer (In Some States)," to see.
House M.D.: Locked In (2009)
An Episode From Behind the Eyes of Patient
Probably one of the best House episodes. It explores medical care from behind the eyes of a fully awake paralyzed patient who was thought brain dead and about to be harvested for his organs.