tlawrenceintel

I haven't reviewed anything in almost a year and I rarely give a full house. That being said, I gave this show the highest rating because of Mark Ruffalo alone. His dual role as identical twins is incredible. I can only imagine what went into that performance. He even looks a bit different in each role which makes me think there was an altered timeline for filming each character. The subject matter is deep and emotionally distressing. You laugh, you cry and you identify. The turmoil of the decisions that main character faces in regard to his twin leave you scratching your head pondering what you would do in the same situation. If Ruffalo isn't nominated for an Emmy for this show, it will be a travesty.

Okay. I love the books. I love Lincoln Rhyme. But his character in this show was lame. Denzel hit it much better but even he wasn't as tortured as the character needed to be. I really liked Amelia. Sexy in a younger Angelina/Jessica Alba sort of way. But she wasn't the best part if the show. The guy who played the Bone Collector was so convincing and truly creepy that I don't look at middle age unassuming plain looking men the same way. And never will again. I can't get those thoughts out of my head. Every person I meet could be a psychotic killer. So...now what will they do? They killed him off. How will they top him?

Every character on this show nails it. The mother is a bit underwhelming and the father is a bit over the top but he is the still the best part of the show. He is deliciously creepy and psychopathic. Think Ted Bundy and Hannibal Lechter combined. Malcolm is even a bit of a chip off the old block, himself. Genius, tormented and a bit psycho. Loving every minute of this show.

This show rocks! Dex is very human and accessible. The story arcs are realistic. She is fallable and completely flawed. All are reasons that I love her. She loves her afflicted brother, she follows her heart- white, black, gay straight-out it doesn't matter. One of the best shows this year. Hands down!

When it's all said and done this is a pretty good Western themed police drama. It has plenty of action and believable drama. He's cool, even if his proverbs are a bit cheesy and over the top. But that is part of the appeal. Cade is a serious baddass. It even has Bishop for the LBGT political correctness. And for all of you haters dissing on it for it's pro-immigration message, you should be dissing on other shows that blatantly cross every line there is like all of the Falchuck/Murphy propaganda out there. Even those shows are good if you can stomach the ick that they force feed you.

I think one should no be allowed to completely trash a movie without having a measure of intellect. Which means that a smart person can find enough good in most movies to say something good if being realistic.

So I admit this movie has a lot of problems that plague lower budget movies. The cast has two leads with names that you would recognize, or should. Rys-Myers isn't the greatest actor but he's not the worst. He is miscast in this role. I would have loved to see someone like Ethan Hawke in his role. Francesca Eastwood, although not great was the best part of this movie. Amy Adams would have been better in this role. Reference-Sharp Objects. The role of the psychopath would have been played much better by Edward Norton. Alas, they didn't have that budget. The worst part of this movie is the Sheriff who is the psychopath's father. Horrible acting. No emotion reflected in what should have been a very emotional twist at the end of the movie. He alone could have elevated the movie exponentially. That should have been someone like Russell Crowe which has the chops to bite down on a perfect moment like that and take your breath away.

When it is all said and done it's an excellent, almost predictable story that could have been done much better with a better cast and better budget. The twist at the end alone, if done better by one actor, could have changed the playing field for this movie.

Was it worth watching? Yes. Was it worth paying to watch? Maybe, maybe not. Does it deserve all of the horrible reviews? Absolutely not.

Sometimes, I read reviews on this site and wonder if I am caught in some parallel universe in which I see the same movie others see but from some other perspective. A Violent Separation isn't pretending to be an Oscar winning movie or turn for any if the actors involved. It is an excellent story arc presented in just the right manner in which to create a tense slow burn atmosphere. None of the actors are particularly excellent or dynamic but that isn't what the movie was striving to present. I think an excellent performance may have taken away from the plot. I think the surprise ending had to happen. There was no other legitimate way that Norman and Frances could stay together and be a family or that the Sheriff and Father's need for resolution could be satisfied. Interestingly, I found Ben Robson to be the exact same character that he is on Animal Kingdom. I could have done without Ted Levine. He will never match his performance as the very twisted yet interesting psychopath in Silence of The Lambs. Quite honestly, I am very dissapointment in the people who have dissed this movie. I almost didn't give it a chance. Now I feel like I need to find another source for reliable opinions on movies.

I was not interested in watching a drama about bikers. The whole affair smelled of a testosterone soaked soap opera for men. Something for a bunch of weak wannabes to chew on and get off on. I only have it a chance because I read a review of Animal Kingdom that mentioned that that show filled the void that this one left. At that time, that was my vote for the best show of this type. I grew up with outlaw bikers in my family and felt that Hollywood couldn't possibly get it right. The writer of this show must have had some inside knowledge because...with the exception of some of the melodrama like baby Abel being kidnapped and a few other things...the show is very accurate. I know they had to keep coming up with situations to keep the show interesting but much of this really happens. The code...the old ladies...the gunrunning and drug dealing...the murders...you name it. I will add that the crooked cops tend to be as violent as the bikers. That is something that the show goofs on. However, I was hooked and binge watched the entire catalog in a couple of days depriving myself of much sleep and social interaction. I couldn't find many places to break.

I conclude in saying that I felt like I was watching real life events unfold almost like a documentary. Hunnam, Perlman and Hurst are excellent. It was a hard swallow to realize that Opie was Gerry from Remember The Titans. Wow!

Excellent. 20 stars or more!

Not every science fiction/alien invader movie is going to be War of The World's or Cloverfield. I felt a dark forebiding vibe all the way through this movie. I was riveted. It was a bit disjointed and scattered but that didn't really detract from the movie. As for terror? Not here. The Nazis in many cold war thrillers are more terrifying. Especially in Marathon Man which I felt this film bared some resblance. Definitely more of a spy/covert operations/infiltration/rebellion movie dressed in an alien invasion/oppression package. Would have liked to have seen Vera Farmiga play a larger role but was satisfied with the John Goodman lead. Worth watching for certain.

I typically try to avoid hospital dramas like the plague. I had never seen one that I really liked. My parents liked Emergency. Everyone liked ER. House was mediocre. Just not my thing. Not realistic enough. Too much like daytime soaps. Or too much innapropriate humour.

Then I learned that there was a new series starring Freddy Highmore called The Good Doctor. I thought Freddy was deliciously twisted in Bates Motel so I watched an episode. I became hooked.

So I decided to give a couple others a look. The Resident and New Amsterdam. A bit different but both are quite excellent. There are a couple of romantic subplots in The Resident that I could do without but the show itself fires on all cylinders. An almost perfect ten! Its addictive, you have been warned.

Seriously? What were you people expecting? Did you also give Gardians of The Galaxy bad reviews? I thought this movie was almost as good as those movies. Of course, there is no Bradley Cooper here. This movie was middle of the road MCU. Better than many. Not be at as good as some. You people must have gotten spoiled on The Avengers. Brie Larsen is not the best casting choice for this role. I would have cast someone more dynamic and appealing for the role. Too bad Scarlett Johansson is already cast. She would have been perfect. You people probably liked The Black Panther? Now that was a letdown of a movie. Reserve your bad reviews for junk like that.

I will start by saying two things. One: these days Nick Cage movies are hit or miss. Unfortunately mostly the latter. Two: this movie doesn't hold a candle to the far superior "Vacancy". That being said, it is definitely a good movie in its own right. If a movie can keep me riveted until the end without putting me to sleep...its a good movie. There aren't really any surprises and it is a bit twisted. Several key characters could have done a much better job building the suspense. Definitely the former owner owner of the motel. What a cagey lame duck. The gas station owner and truck driver were both a waste of potential plot development but the hooked and Cage's character carry the full load with a bit added by Tunney and the Sheriff. Oh...no surprise there. He was acting like the freak the entire time. So...all in all? It's worth a watch if you are bored and don't have anything better to watch.

I will start by saying that I agree with several of the other reviewers...there was a lot of Sean Penn. I still don't get the cutscenes of the dirty telephone repair guy. But all of that aside...I felt that the story arc had its moments good, not so good and often excellent. The acting was better than I would have expected. However, with Penn on the roll I expected better. His character is the better cast role.

The entire affair felt like a ghost story. Certainly more drama than Sci fi. The personal turmoil are very real. I could feel each character and some of their scars. I was left with a void after watching the final episode. It felt like a 140 minute movie that was expanded into an 8 episode series. It would have been excellent as a movie with about 5 hours of fluff removed

I do however feel like the 6 hours that I spent binge watching it was not wasted. It is worth a watch. Don't go into it expecting a sci fi movie about Mars and you won't be disappointed. It is about a group of scientists, astronauts and politicians trying to get to Mars.

Definitely not a superhero movie even though it is about a character grouped with the superhero multiverse. Ang Lee created a moody drama about one mans struggle with an uncontrollable prevail that is passionately drawn and poignantly years ahead of its time. Released at the same time as the Spiderman trilogy it set the tone for the Christopher Nolan helmed Batman trilogy that followed. Its a shame that it was overshadowed by the reboot that followed because it is by far the better movie. I am a huge Edward Norton fan but I believe that Eric Bana was far better as the troubled Bruce Banner. All of the supporting cast were excellent in their roles, especially The Moustasche who played the typical protagonist. Nick Bolts was excellent as the demented mad scientist father who was guilty of poisoning his and his sons DNA. But...as I mentioned earlier...Ang Lee was the real star here. An almost realized masterpiece. Is it me or is the phallic shaped rock formation intentionally placed?

This may be one of the best shows ever created for television. My son has the same type of autism/Asperger Syndrome as Highmore's character. I do as well but not as profound as either of them. People don't always realize how difficult it is for those who have this different ability. The intellect is a blessing to be sure but the social awkwardness can be very debilitating at times. Especially when we look perfectly normal and in most occasions act normal. Highmore has a gift for these roles. He played the same type of character in August Rush and Bates Motel. He really shines in this role. His advocates who have the unique ability to actually "get him" are very well cast. As are those who believe that his unique genius is more trouble than its worth. An almost perfect creation. Thank you so much for this show!

I had just finished binge watching the entire Sons of Anarchy catalogue when this show premiered. I must admit I had high hopes. However, I was very realistic going in...there will never be a match for Jax Teller. All of the characters were so unique in their own right. With that being said...forget about it...watch this show with a fresh set of eyes and without an SOA bias. In its own right the show is good and can be great. The beginning is slow and the drama and storyline need time to mature and build. Think of it as a fine wine. Let it age. Give it time. It really is too soon to know for sure where it will go. I agree that the title song is hokey. Could have done much better with that. The opening scene with the dog was supposed to be some transliteral metaphor or something but just made me laugh. I will give the show more time before making a full opinion.

This movie is considered a comedy/drama. I get that because of the way the actors portray the characters. But the underlying storyline is very disturbing. Think all of the presidencies since Reagan. Consider their election campaigns, the wars they justified, the entire thing seems scripted like a Hollywood blockbuster. All the way down to Lee Greenwood's anthemic song. It all makes an intellectual mind wonder just how far up the marionette strings go and who is actually holding them. Watch this movie and bypass the useless comedic turns by the always great Hoffman and DeNiro. Go into it looking for the underlying message. Its there...even in the title of the movie. We are the dog that is being wagged.

This is by far Jason Patric's best role. Even better than Sleepers and that's saying something. While he is not the best actor and will likely never receive any serious acclaim, he serves this role up realistically. The downward spiral that he slips into as the good cop gone rogue is believable. I came to realize that this could really happen when deep undercover gets too deep. Look for Greg Allman in an amazing performance in a role that was tailor-made just for him. The ultimate gangster/biker/outlaw long before Sons of Anarchy was conceived.

I was not interested in watching a drama about bikers. The whole affair smelled of a testosterone soaked soap opera for men. Something for a bunch of weak wannabes to chew on and get off on. I only have it a chance because I read a review of Animal Kingdom that mentioned that that show filled the void that this one left. At that time, that was my vote for the best show of this type. I grew up with outlaw bikers in my family and felt that Hollywood couldn't possibly get it right. The writer of this show must have had some inside knowledge because...with the exception of some of the melodrama like baby Abel being kidnapped and a few other things...the show is very accurate. I know they had to keep coming up with situations to keep the show interesting but much of this really happens. The code...the old ladies...the gunrunning and drug dealing...the murders...you name it. I will add that the crooked cops tend to be as violent as the bikers. That is something that the show goofs on. However, I was hooked and binge watched the entire catalog in a couple of days depriving myself of much sleep and social interaction. I couldn't find many places to break.

I conclude in saying that I felt like I was watching real life events unfold almost like a documentary. Hunnam, Perlman and Hurst are excellent. It was a hard swallow to realize that Opie was Gerry from Remember The Titans. Wow!

Excellent. 20 stars or more!

I agree with the other first responders who have reviewed this show. It is not high on realism. But...so what. It is still entertaining enough to watch. And in the end...it still exposes what we experience to wider audience. If you are a first responder and are looking for reality...watch a documentary. Or...just go to work. Of you are anyone looking for an entertaining drama...give it a chance. Angela Bassett carries the show.

Amy Adams can act. She is also a fiery hot redhead which is a plus. She pulls off all of the nuances and emotions that her character requires. I have to remind myself that she is an actor playing a role. The alcoholism and self-mutilation is so real that it is haunting. The best show on television besides Animal Kingdom. I anxiously anticipate each episode and sometimes watch them more than once to make sure that I didn't miss anything. Another 20 star show.

I agree with the other first responders who have reviewed this show. It is not high on realism. But...so what. It is still entertaining enough to watch. And in the end...it still exposes what we experience to wider audience. If you are a first responder and are looking for reality...watch a documentary. Or...just go to work. Of you are anyone looking for an entertaining drama...give it a chance. Angela Bassett carries the show.

TNT certainly got it right with this show. In a rare case in which the series is far better than the movie it is based on, this show is excellent. Every character is drawn so deeply that you feel like you know them. You can't resist having a respect/hate relationship with Smurf. She is one wily fish. You watch as J goes from a snot-nosed teen to a full on criminal mastermind. The bond between Craig and Darren reminds you of your closest sibling. Then there's Pope. Wow! He is the show stealer. A ruthless, cold-blooded killer with a very soft spot for his niece. Talk about diametrically opposed feelings juxtaposed into a unreal situation. Admit it...if you met Pope on the street...your blood would run cold after one look at those ice cold eyes. In my opinion...and I watch a lot of these drama shows...this is as close to perfect as it gets. I would give it 20 stars if I could.

I wasn't sure about this show when it first came out. I gave it a chance because it had Ray Liotta, albeit the plastic faced version, co-starring. Lopez steals the show. She is excellent in her role.