Mike1388 Reviews

Pushpa: The Rise - Part 1 (2021)

Allu Arjun rocks as the antihero psychopath but sexism and toxic masculinity gives me the ick

[6/10 · 24 September 2023]

Pros: 1) Allu Arjun is a bonafide star. My first film of him and already a fan, esp in this antihero psychopath role.

2) The swag. Man, this film got style that no Mission Impossible can have.

3) The hyper-induced action choreo is out of this world. RRR, on par here, has a loud action scenes, I prefer Pushpa's action better.

Cons: 1) Sexist af lol. I hope Rashmika would stop playing damsel in distress and get her better non-regressive roles. Enough!

2) Fahadh Faasil as Singh feels disjointed. Cool intro but meh, he pales in comparison.

3) Toxic masculinity. As much as I like the swag of this film, perhaps South Indian filmmakers should upgrade their scriptwriting and charac dev skills. Leave the 90s behind, please.

Meenakshi Sundareshwar (2021)

Good plot and cast but unrealistic as they are literally strangers

[5/10 · 14 November 2021]

I enjoyed the film thoroughly. Sanya and Abhimanyu light up the screen and they have good chemistry. I also enjoyed the Madurai setting and the South Indian family dynamic as we rarely seen that in Hindi film. However, does this bother anyone else that the lead casts themselves are not from South? It kinda irks me as why they couldn't cast someone hailed from the region instead? My other complains I guess would be the unrealistic love story between the two. They were barely stranger when they got married and they got into long distance relationship and the film built it as if they have been together forever. It's very unrealistic and I wished the film would end in a different note, perhaps showing that arrange marriage doesn't work as they both don't really know each other for a long time. But, I guess the illusion of Bollywood prevails.

Stuck Together (2021)

Good overall but the aspect of not wearing masks irritates me

[6/10 · 8 November 2021]

Okay hear me out, I know this is a comedy and it got some decent moments in it with solid casts and heartfelt ending. But, I couldn't comprehend the recklessness of not wearing masks throughout the film. Was it because it hinders the actor from acting? Or what? I don't get the reasons. There were many scenes that scream reckless to me. From the hypochondriac Martin not wearing masks the first time he met Diego to the police officers demanding him to lower down his goggle (lol!) even though he has said he didn't have masks with him. The recklessness of Danny Boon here can give irresponsible people out there in the real world a loop hole imo. "Oh you know that French comedy about lockdown? They didn't wear masks there, so why should we?". I know not everyone is as dumb as this, but let's be real here... there are plenty of mask-hating person out there who simply put are selfish. It's a missed opportunity for me with this film as it could be written in a more positive light and educate viewers on the importance of wearing masks. But, nope.

Black Island (2021 TV Movie)

One scene ruins all

[5/10 · 2 September 2021]

Tbh I was hooked since the first and I think the casts did good job and the film was shot beautifully. But, there's one scene that happened involving a murder (no spoiler) and the film went downhill afterwards. It's quite amusing actually, but that would easily turned off anyone with two brain cells. Overall, an average thriller that could do much better without that one dumb scene and a better buildup-linking the twist in the beginning.

Till Death (I) (2021)

Intense AF

[8/10 · 2 August 2021]

Forget the negative reviews from these people who don't understand a solid thriller. Megan Fox rocks and this film is intense, edge-of-your-seat thrilling from start till end. The last half an hour was crazy af!! Another cult-hit classic for Fox in years to come. Trust me.

PS: The film scores 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, and for once in my life I agree with that site.

Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014)

Can do without the homophobia & toxic masculinity

[6/10 · 31 July 2021]

While the film did pay modern homage to the classic DDLJ and have decent lead actors (Dhawan & Bhatt) with great chemistry, the film falls short for me with its unnecessary homophobic jokes and overload toxic masculinity. Director and writer Shashank Khaitan did manage to drop in that being gay is okay, but it shouldn't be there in the first place. It was tacky and reflects a poor writing. I don't understand why most Karan Johar's production have these kind of homophobic running gags (Student of the year, Dostana) with their brainless approach? He is gay himself and could did a better writing than being sleazy. The toxic masculinity also feels old if you watch it seven years from now, although I must say they balanced it with making fun of how Indian men are lazy in household duties compared to the NRI. The songs are fabulous and I really like Alia Bhatt's Kavya character: pretty badass and sassy.

Dashing in December (2020 TV Movie)

Something is missing in this one

[5/10 · 27 December 2020]

I am all about having the first gay Xmas rom-com. I first watched Lifetime's The Christmas Setup and it was lovely so I had high expectations for this one but turns out Dashing in December isn't all that. The plot actually isn't half bad and the Colorado ranch really adds a different setting to the other Christmas films. But, for me the main lead Wyatt Burwall (Peter Porte) is really annoying and not charming. at. all. The good ole' Andie MacDowell also acts... strange? Like her heart isn't in here. The only saving grace is the handsome rancher Heath (Juan Pablo) who actually captivates me till the end. The film could do better with better lead and cast - it's a little forced for me.

Dragon Ball: Goku's Rival (2001) Season 2, Episode 1

Vulgar and Sexist episode

[5/10 · 2 October 2019]

Loved Dragon Ball when I was a kid and I haven't watch it again for so long. Had some slow time these days and I tried to revisit. Season 1 is awesome but come season 2 with Master Roshi asking for young teenage girl to be his girl friend made me cringe. I know it's a cartoon in the 80s but boy the way they zoomed in some of the girls is quite inappropriate. Have no idea why the creators think this is a good entertainment for little kids :/

Save Me (2013)

Anne Heche is brilliant!

[6/10 · 25 May 2013]

I haven't written any reviews for quite sometime now on IMDb, but seeing Save Me's rating, I thought I should contribute something. I just finished watching the first and second episodes of Save Me, and I feel it was a perfect fit.

Over the years we have seen comedy shows trying to be different and stand out, but sadly, most of them failed. I am not saying Save Me won't face the same verdict, but from what I've seen so far, it is a good TV.

Anne Heche played this neurotic yet bubbly housewife character, who think she can talks to God, or can she? And accompanying her is the always dashing, Michael Landes who stars as her husband. Let's hope this one stays!

Emily Owens M.D. (2012–2013)

Watch it for Mamie Gummer!

[5/10 · 14 October 2012]

I was interested to see the show after an obvious reason, Mamie Gurmer. I've seen her few times on TV and thought she resembles a great deal of her mother's charm, looks and talent and was I right? Absolutely.

Emily Owens MD might have all of the clichés with doctor series, but nonetheless, it has a good lead that stuck out. Tells the story of Emily Owens (duh!), a single doctor who begins her internship in a big hospital filled with big bad people,bossy doctors and attractive nemesis and lovers - just like high school. (I don't get why every movie and TV shows has to compare adult life to high school, which is monotonous,but in this case, it works)

Other co-cast was pretty solid too; from Smallville's Green Arrow star Justin Hartley as the attractive intern, Melrose Place's Michael Rady as the doctor who is a possible love interest, Necar Zadegan as the stuck-up boss, to Aja Naomi King as the nemesis slash possible best friend in the future. The pilot is still weak but I'm sure it will grow along the way.

Will be waiting for more of Mamie Gummer, sorry, I mean Emily Owens M.D.

666 Park Avenue (2012–2013)

Pilot

[7/10 · 2 October 2012]

Yes, this is a rip-off from Devil's Advocate, and yes it's less satanic, but that doesn't mean it ain't fun! Few months back, when I first watched the show's trailer, I was so sure it will turns out to be bad, but that's what I love with bad trailers! The pilot is above average - I certainly feel the creepy side of its story, very well casts too - from Terry O'Quinn and Vanessa Williams playing the delicious evil's duo, to the young and sexy Rachel Taylor and Dave Annable. Even the supporting actors like Robery Buckley and Helena Mattson from the pilot appeared to be fantastic. I always love it, when my prediction exceeds the reality! 666 Park Avenue is good TV, guys.

The Mob Doctor (2012–2013)

Pilot

[5/10 · 20 September 2012]

Well well, here we go again, me writing new series pilot reviews and people hating what they read. I loved watching pilot of new shows, some are really good that made me continue to watch and some are just plain bad, weird and sometimes horribly funny. I have no intention on watching The Mob Doctor but I did catch the pilot and stick with it. The storyline has its moment; doctor that leads a double life; one as a great surgeon and the other as a mob doctor. See, that is where they (the writers) went wrong.

I have seen many doctors series and I am fed up of it. Are there no other professions in this world? Don't get me wrong, I love doctor, my dream was even to be one - but it never ceases to amazed me how gullible TV shows writers are when it comes to portraying doctors. Doctors are never meant to be Superheroes, they are just your average humans with extra-ordinary brain. Shows like House or Nurse Jackie, that portrays the 'weak' side of these professions got the most acclaimed. Where else, there are always other doctor series, like the drama whiner Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice (Shonda loves her doctorz) - but you see, those drama series are an exception, they were never meant to be a rule. And if you roll your eyes reading what I just wrote, do yourself a favor and do a quick thinking. Remember Shonda's Off the map? or the recently canceled Saving Hope (to name few shows that got axe).

To cut my review short, Mob Doctor has potential,but I loathe that the main character has to be a doctor. I don't know how the writers are gonna pull it off for future references, but hey! if you want, you have to stick around and watch it (count me out, though).

Trust (I) (2010)

Dry and unsatisfied given a powerful script.

[6/10 · 3 January 2012]

I keep fast forwarding the whole movie, it made me so uncomfortable. I respect David Schwimmer on bringing up the topic, but as a director he didn't do any justice to the problem. He got himself a great cast and powerful script, but it's unbalance, its dry and at the end what's the conclusion? that this could happen to anyone and there should be no prevention?! Coming from younger generation, the whole social network / technology advancement has always made me uncomfortable. I hate the thought that my pictures are available for people to see (mutual friends remember?) and how easily other can track us, that part always scares me. Call me old fashion, but there should be certain distance between human and technology, especially when it comes to younger kids. I hate for the fact how delirious parents can be. Buy them mobile phones at an early age, let them made profile so that they could upload pictures for strangers to see and chat unsupervised just for the sake they can 'fit' or the word that is often used, 'grow up'.

This movie didn't discuss the vital plot and I hated it. What ever you say, at the end of the day, it all comes to your upbringing. I'm still waiting for that movie which will expose the need of social media and technology destruction to our generation.

Don 2 (2011)

Farhan Akhtar obsession of the west.

[4/10 · 28 December 2011]

Once upon a time I loved the actor Sha Rukh Khan with his charming ability of capturing the 90's romance, and I still remember I have respect for the young talented director, Farhan Akhtar. You see, although I grew up watching Bollywood movies, the older I got I grew to despise it. Bollywood of the 90's has long gone, the era of romance, moral values and family as we know it, now all we got is cheap comedy, overly exposed semi pornography in songs and the obsession of the west.

Ahh yes, the hypocrisy of Indian film industry not wanting to be Hollywood is indeed laughable. The fact is year after year, Indian filmmakers has never come up with original script (except maybe 3 Idiots?) but cheap copies of Western cinema! And also Bollywood, is it hard to speak Hindi in movies rather then your usual Indian-English accent which never makes sense to me.

Coming back to Don 2, I have zero interest in this film - but as I mention earlier 'once upon a time', I did have admiration for both actor and director, I gave it a shot. In my opinion, the first Don was an average flick, but it has some good moments and songs which made it bearable and I have at least' the same expectation for the second one (Boy, was I wrong?)

In the film there was this scene where it copied Mission Impossible II if I'm right? Seeing that it made me cringe and I knew for that split of second this movie is doomed. Through out it, all I could think of is 'How obsessed Farhan Akhtar is with Hollywood?'

I do understand that Don 2 lives up to standard of Bollywood ranks, but do we deserved this?

Do we, as an Indian deserves the cheap copies of Western remakes? I love Hollywood by any means, and I will continue to watch their products till the day I die, but with that in mind, I ask you, does no one gets tired in watching this old same regime?

The minute the movie ends I was a happy kid, but don't worry Don 2, I will always remember YOU as the 'Reason I stop watching Bollywood movies, until and unless it's an Aamir Khan production'

I Hate My Teenage Daughter (2011–2013)

Pilot episode

[4/10 · 1 December 2011]

I like the idea of this series but I never know what pool of crap I'm diving myself into when I watched the pilot. Like any other sane reviewers, I'm curious who write this junk? The pilot was dumb, racist and insulting to the very core, I can actually feel I'm losing brain cell over this. I fast forward the episode after ten numb minutes and the end was just as I guess, awful.

I think it's sad as I do like the two lead actress Jamie and Katie, they are hilarious but the idea of watching divorce moms being afraid of their teenage daughters is a stretch and. I can't buy it and neither should you! Let this networks know that we want 'quality' show not something that comes out of pile of bad comedy. Maybe I should start watching Whitney and compare which one is worst, eh?

Burn Notice (2007–2013)

Notice Burned

[6/10 · 21 November 2011]

To say Burn Notice is a great TV show is a lie, but that being said this series has its own share of fun too. I think what makes it enjoyable is the lead actor play amazingly by Jefferey Donovan as a burn spy who works his way through helping people and solving his own personal case while getting help from a friend and neurotic girl friend. Bruce Campbell and Gabrielle Anwar as his sidekick do add certain credibility to the show. So what is missing? The story development in my opinion is very slow and irritating. I've seen the whole 3 season of Burn Notice and got very disappointed that until the season finale we never know who burned our leading man. Second, I feel the location plays an important role. Maybe I'm biased as I'm a big NY or LA fan but Miami has its charm too but sadly it's not shown here. The show can make you smile, laugh, cheer and cringe all at the same time, but that's not all I want from a show, I want a story development with a smart twist or maybe I am asking too much?

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Russian Brides (2011) Season 13, Episode 7

Russian Mail Bride, anyone??

[9/10 · 11 November 2011]

This review comes from someone who never watch SVU his whole life (I know!). I am familiar with Law and Order (the old one) and loved to watch it from time to time, but SVU aka spin off never sparks my interest (which now I regret deeply). I always like detective shows, I tried to watch 'CSI' but find it too complex and over the top and so does half other 'murder mystery' shows out there that are not worth mentioning.

Russian Brides is the seventh episode of the 13th season of SVU. From story line point of view this episode was very well written. Direction was fast-pace which is totally my style as I hate slow & lengthy dialogs cop shows. Actors all did wonderful too, I really enjoyed each one of them but my favorite will be Hargitay (if that's not obvious already). So to conclude, I am excited to watch more of the coming episodes and will watch the previous seasons too.

I'm sure many of the loyal fans will consider this episode to be average, which might be so, but if you are a newbie like me, this one will pretty much blown your mind away!

The Office: Pilot (2005) Season 1, Episode 1

The Office Pilot

[5/10 · 3 November 2011]

First of all Wow! Wow as in how bad the pilot was. I heard The Office get their mojo on by the second season (Which I haven't seen yet), so with that in mind I know I should take the pilot with a pinch of salt.

This is my first time watching The Office after years hearing rave reviews about it. The pilot starts out with Carell introducing himself as the manager and speaking highly about himself, his character is a jerk and an offensive manager who doesn't know what's funny and what's not. Then we go on to be introduced to other characters, personally my favorite based on the pilot are John Krasinski who play the boring out of his mind kinda guy and Jenna Fischer who play as the awkward yet cute receptionist. Rain Wilson is shown as high maintenance kind of guy and Bj Novak basically doesn't have much line in the pilot.

I'm going to ditch the first season and jump on to watch the second after wards, hoping it would be much better than this oh-so-ridiculous pilot.

Life Unexpected (2010–2011)

Life Unexpected: Show that had potential!

[7/10 · 29 October 2011]

I remembered how excited everyone is when Life Unexpected premiere, some may have said it as the new Gilmore Girls! The first season of this series led to a promise, a promise that we may again be given a heartwarming TV.. but, before we can even blink the show is canceled. The second season consist of bad writing, miss-hit choices and characters. The lead character, Lux has turned out to be most annoying teenage character portrayed on TV! I personally think this is sad, Lux character had so many potential but alas! she is soon to be forgettable.

Other characters such as Cate and Ryan, which is known as the couple that we root for, turned out to be a mess, giant pile of crap that I don't feel sorry for. And yes, who can forget oh-so-young Eric? or maybe the Trey story line that seems a bit forced? I understand Liz Tigelaar (creator) tried hard to bring 'spicy' stories into the board, but that was a mistake. I'm not saying she is a bad writer, heck she did create a good first season but who knows what's gotten into her with the second? How could she pick up something good and dip it into dirt? The only 'sane' character in the show is Baze, he was the sole survivor.

I love all the actors, yes that includes Britt Robertson, she is a good actress (not great, sorry) and I think she did justice to Lux character as intended by the writer. And who doesn't love Roswell darling, Shiri Appleby as the neurotic 'new' mom? She look stunning by age. The two male lead, Smith and Polaha did wonderful.

Frankly, I was disappointed by the way they handle Emma Caulfield (Hey Anya!) character, it was painful to see. It is quite clear why CW canceled the show, but again why such horrid writing to begin with? I firmly believe TV series rely heavily on the writer's hand, if you want a long-lived show, write smart!

Grimm (2011–2017)

What a joke!

[5/10 · 24 October 2011]

Just watched the pre air episode of Grimm and I can't believe how bad the pilot is. I don't know if the premiere will be different, but it certainly won't matter much. Grimm is a recycle formula, a pretty boy detective can see something strange, something supernatural, then he got 'life changing' information that he is the last of the grim from his dying aunt (really?!) That's not the joke, the ridiculousness lies on the actors, the lead actor can't act to save his life, and other supporting actors don't adds up too. Many plot hole which might be difficult to explain(yes it's that many).

I don't see the future in this one, the whole 40 minutes while watching this, all I could think of is that it reminds me so much of Buffy the vampire slayer and Supernatural, which is mile away better. Your choice folks!

Being Human (2008–2013)

Being Human Season 1

[6/10 · 24 October 2011]

Let me make this review short and simple. First of all, I like British television, some of them are even better than US mediocre, oh and don't forget those accents, I can watch anything based on that accent only. So, when I heard about Being Human produced by BBC, I was ecstatic! The first season have 6 episodes only, with an hour long each. The first few episodes was fulfilling, the great story lines, actors and emotions were amazing! But I got irritated when the same pattern is repeated till the end of the series. I like long hours movie, I like drama and emotions, but Being Human tells story about supernatural creatures who 'try' to fit in and be as human as possible. Vampire that doesn't want to kill, a ghost that is too scared and the worst, a werewolf that whines all the time, it's unbearable. The character development is so poor and slow, and that's a shame. I promised myself I won't watch the second season, but hey! who knows things might change.

Pan Am (2011–2012)

Fly with Pan Am

[6/10 · 27 September 2011]

I liked the trailer when it first came out and after last night pilot, I can confirm that the 40 minutes TV series are also as good as I predicted. Of course there are some cheesy moments, plot hole or even scenes that makes you cringe (Flight attendant turns to secret service!), but despite that all the four actresses are remarkable and shares great chemistry. It's wonderful to see Christina Ricci's face again after a long time (and she looks good! No more big forehead), other stars like Kelli Garner and Margot Robie as sisters who work at the same airline did good too, and who can forget the charming French attendant Colette (played by Karine Vanassa)? The lead male star played by Mike Vogel was he weakest, he should be less dramatic in few scenes I think. Overall I give it a go!

The Playboy Club (2011)

The Boring Club

[5/10 · 26 September 2011]

I've high hope for this as I liked what I saw in the trailer before watching the pilot episode. The playboy club has chance to be a worth watching series, but matching mob and hot girls is just a turn off (for me) and not really interesting. I thought the series will focus more about the bunnies, their clients, the mansion and of course, Hefner, but instead we got a boring piece of crap about bunny killing a mafia boss. I gave it five out of ten, because I like the lead actors both Amber Heard and Eddy Cibrian did good and there are definite chemistry too. I will give it more episodes to go, and hope by then the whole mob-danger storyline has vanish and focus more on the Playboy Club.

Happy Endings (2011–2020)

Happy Happy!!

[9/10 · 22 September 2011]

It has been a long time since I found any sitcom hilarious since FRIENDS, thank God for Modern Family now I have something to watch on, but is it enough?

No way! And imagine how delighted I was when I watched Happy Endings pilot. It's unique, funny and you can relate to all the characters. Personally, I love all of them but if I have to choose it would be Max and Penny; Max is charming, sassy and a slacker which add more points to him, and Penny? she reminds me of Phoebe Buffay but in less weird world. I think I speak for every guy when I say that we watch this series cause of Elisha Cuthbert, though ironically her character is flat (gradually changing in second season), of course she is pretty to look at, but have you see her on-screen sister? Eliza Coupe is mamacita sexy!

My favorite episode from Season 1 would be 'Mein coming out' and 'The shershow redemption', both brilliantly written and has its own warm that will surely bring smile to every viewers. Recommended!

2 Broke Girls (2011–2017)

Broke hits the block!

[7/10 · 22 September 2011]

As an avid series fan, it's always an exciting thing to watch pilot and judge based on it. I've been looking forward to '2 broke girls, mostly because of Kat Dennings (so underrated!). The pilot was good, not great as some other new sitcom (like Happy Ending) but it is much better than other fall comedy show (like Up all night or Deschanel's New girl?). Kat Dennings did great and as surprise as I was her co-star did too. Though the pilot is kinda claustrophobic, going back and forth from the diner they work at to their apartment. I will be looking forward to this, and hopefully there will be more chemistry between the two girls and more hilarious story lines to come.