besogoginava

IMDb member since August 2022
    Lifetime Total
    10+
    IMDb Member
    1 year, 8 months

Reviews

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart
(2023)

Amazon finally has something to be proud of.
This is such a powerful and sensitive story, perfectly made into a show. I decided to watch this TV show after seeing "High Country," where I discovered the amazing talent of Leah Purcell, and it exceeded my expectations. With stunning scenery, exceptional acting, beautiful music, and compelling storytelling, this is undoubtedly one of the best (if not the best) TV shows ever produced by Amazon.

This is actually a story about June Hart, an amazing character portrayed by the legendary Sigourney Weaver. Her acting is on another level, absolutely brilliant. The show features quite a few interesting characters: Twig, Candy Blue, and Sally being my favorites. Alyla Brown's performance as young Alice was fantastic and breathtaking. Thank you for creating this show!

Griselda
(2024)

Vergara's Performance is EPIC
This show's really good, attempting to capture Griselda's life and all. It could've been a long series, but they did a decent job showing her personality and what she was up to in 6 episodes. It's not the kind of show you can binge in one go - you might even want to hit pause during an episode, but that's not a flaw in this case. It just means they did it with some taste and meaning, not just for the sake of it being a show.

I liked the impact of Karol G, but the real standout is Sofia Vergara - she was on fire, a total masterclass. She outshone everything. I'm sure that her acting will be appreciated with awards pretty soon. That was brilliant!

Fool Me Once
(2024)

Lost in the Maze
So, this show is like a total hot mess. The first episode got me hooked, but after that, it was like they threw logic out the window. Too many twists, all in that Harlan Coban style, but honestly, most of them felt like they were just there for show. By the end, I was left wondering if any of it really mattered.

The plot holes and inconsistencies started piling up, making it hard to keep up with what was even happening.

The finale was kinda sad, but honestly, I was scratching my head trying to figure out what the heck just happened. It felt like they tried to tie things up, but it was a bit of a mess.

Overall, had some potential, especially with that first episode, but it just got too tangled up in its own drama. Not the binge-worthy experience I was hoping for.

Fellow Travelers
(2023)

High Expectations Lowered
It's a decent attempt at capturing the struggles of gays and leftists in 50s America. I was expecting a bit more depth in the story instead of so much focus on the sex scenes, but hey, they were done well. Hawk starts off interesting but ends up pretty dull. Tim, on the other hand, was just plain annoying, selfish and kinda dumb.

I felt like something was missing in the narrative, and some intriguing plotlines got messy. Matt Bomer's performance was okay, but Jonathan Bailey often felt like he was overdoing it. Shoutout to Allison Williams for rocking the role of Lucy.

Overall, it's an okay show, but far from a masterpiece. And let's be real, the music really sucked. Recommended, but don't expect a game-changer.

A Small Light
(2023)

Kinda Okay
The show offers a decent introduction to Miep Gies and Jan Gies, but the eight-episode length feels a tad excessive, leading to some repetition. The infusion of comedy into a serious narrative seemed a bit misplaced, diluting the overall intensity. There's a notable lack of depth in the dramatic elements, leaving the viewer yearning for a more gripping storyline. While the actors deliver an okay performance, it falls short of being exceptional, and the overall production quality doesn't quite hit the mark. It's an alright watch, but the creators could have elevated the show with a more nuanced approach to storytelling and production. It's alright, but they could've done better.

Manifest
(2018)

Give Me Back My 60 Hours!
It takes tremendous talent to transform such an interesting and unique premise like a passenger plane disappearing and reappearing after 5.5 years into a foolish show spanning 62 episodes. This series had the potential for a smart, intriguing, and captivating development, but the writers managed to thwart it in every conceivable way. They stretched the plot unnecessarily just to keep it on the air, introducing numerous illogical and unnecessary elements and characters that ultimately ruined the show.

However, despite its flaws, this show somehow compelled me to watch all 62 episodes, hoping for an amazing finale that would make up for the previous 60 episodes. Sadly, the finale turned out to be a disappointment in the worst possible way.

In fact, I initially watched the first episode when the show was first released but didn't continue because it didn't seem like my cup of tea. However, after Netflix picked up the show and engaged in aggressive marketing, I decided to give it another shot, a decision I now somewhat regret. What a mess they made with "the callings," the separation of Michaela and Jared, the introduction of Zeke and Angelina, and the decision to kill off Grace. Oh, dear! Really?

The Fall of the House of Usher
(2023)

Boring and Overrated
It's hard to believe that this show was created by the person behind "The Haunting of Hill House" and "The Haunting of Bly Manor." It attempts to craft a thrilling ambiance but ends up feeling dull. The attempt to develop complex characters falls short, resulting in uninteresting personalities. I found it challenging to sit through even the first two episodes. My initial expectations were high, but I couldn't persevere. Why are there so many tedious conversations, and why does it feel stretched out? I'm perplexed by what most viewers see in this show and why so many excellent shows go underappreciated. Carl Lumbly's voice was quite grating, and it seems like he plays the same character in every show. Practically all the characters are annoying and hard to connect with. The only character that stands out as worthwhile is Juno Usher.

Wilderness
(2023)

Another Bad Show from Amazon
I have to say, I was disappointed. The plot has too many holes and there are some questionable choices in terms of casting and music. Jenna Coleman's acting and her type did not really enhance the show's atmosphere. Despite this, I found myself strangely compelled to finish the series, though ultimately left feeling further disappointed.

Additionally, with the prevalence of cameras in every hotel, the 2023 setting of the show made it difficult to believe that the "accident" could not be easily investigated. It's not 1923. The portrayal of the police in the show was rather unrealistic. Not recommended!

Dominion
(2018)

Heartbreaking Eye-Opener
This is undoubtedly the most emotionally impactful and challenging film I've ever encountered. It shattered my heart into pieces, compelling me to pause the film multiple times and gather the strength to continue watching after days of contemplation. The film's unflinching gaze into the depths of humanity's relationship with animals forces us to confront the harsh reality of our actions. It leaves us questioning, "What have we become?" and "How can we be so cruel?"

The documentary's raw portrayal of the unimaginable suffering animals endure at the hands of humans is a haunting wake-up call. As someone who has never considered adopting a vegan lifestyle before, this film was a turning point.

The individuals captured in the film, callously perpetrating acts of cruelty towards animals, leave us grappling with a profound dilemma. Do they possess a conscience, a heart, a soul? The question of how someone can engage in such heinous acts is as disturbing as it is thought-provoking. The film peels back the layers of societal acceptance and reveals the unsettling truth that we are often blind to.

The issue goes beyond individuals; it extends to systems and industries that profit from the exploitation of animals and the Earth itself. The film raises the unsettling question of how much these individuals are compensated for their participation in these crimes against nature. The financial incentives that drive such destructive behavior underscore the urgent need for systemic change.

The core message of Dominion revolves around our shared existence on this beautiful planet with fellow creatures. The film urges us to recognize the inherent value of all life and our interconnectedness with the animal kingdom. It prompts us to question why coexistence and harmony seem so elusive. Can't we find a way to live in peace alongside the creatures with whom we share this world?

Watching Dominion left me with an overwhelming sense of helplessness. Words cannot adequately convey the emotional rollercoaster experienced while witnessing the heart-rending scenes. The documentary's power lies in its ability to elicit genuine emotions and provoke introspection. It encourages viewers to channel their distress into action, to stand up against cruelty, and to demand a more compassionate world.

In conclusion, Dominion is a gut-wrenching, eye-opening documentary that challenges us to confront the darkness within ourselves and society. Its impact is profound and lasting, shaking the very foundations of our beliefs and values. It is a rallying cry for change, a plea for compassion, and a poignant reminder that our choices reverberate far beyond our individual lives.

Red, White & Royal Blue
(2023)

Missed the Mark Completely
This movie really falls short in almost every aspect. From the very first moments, I found myself struggling to engage with the film, and despite my attempts, I couldn't bring myself to continue beyond the 45-minute mark.

It's disappointing to see Amazon, delivering another bad content. The movie is plagued with cringe-worthy dialogue, tired clichés, and a general lack of originality. It's as if the writers took a checklist of every romantic comedy trope and tried to cram them all into one film.

The acting, unfortunately, is equally lackluster. The characters come across as one-dimensional and fail to evoke any real emotions from the audience. Their interactions feel forced, and the chemistry between the lead roles is almost nonexistent.

Even the technical aspects of the film disappoint. The CGI work is subpar at best. The direction lacks finesse.

It's a shame that "Red, White & Royal Blue" turned out to be such a disappointment. One can only hope that Amazon will refocus its efforts on producing high-quality content in the future. As it stands, this film is a clear misfire-a collection of poor writing, uninspiring performances, and technical shortcomings that make it hard to recommend to anyone.

The Idol
(2023)

Messy plot and lame finale
So, like, the show's idea was actually pretty darn interesting and had me super intrigued. First episode had me thinking, "Hey, this might just become my new all-time favorite!" But dang, I was hoping the creators would dig deeper and keep it real instead of throwing in those totally unrealistic moments just for kicks.

Okay, The Weeknd's character? Seriously, it was annoying as heck. Gave off major cult leader vibes, and Jocelyn following him around like a puppet? Weird. And why on earth would a big popstar hit up some shady nightclub and then hook up with a random dude? And seriously, too much sex in this show. Oh, and Lily-Rose Depp? Yeah, not feeling her fit for the role at all.

Now, shoutout to Da'Vine Joy Randolph - her character had me cracking up big time in some scenes. And who would've thought Troy Sivan would nail his performance? Oh, and let's not forget the music, pretty dope. Camera work was on point, beautiful stuff.

But man, as I binge-watched all the episodes, my excitement fizzled out. The plot just got all tangled up, and that ending? That was disappointing. And what happened to Jocelyn's ex and Leia after she peaced out from the house? So many loose ends!

Not recommended!

El grito de las mariposas
(2023)

A True Masterpiece
This is undoubtedly one of the most exceptional TV shows ever created, deserving more credits and accolades. It perfectly illustrates the horrors of dictatorship and the brutal reign of Rafael Trujillo. Moreover, it exposes the distressing collaboration between Trujillo's regime and the United States in committing egregious crimes. Above all, the creators introduced the tragic narrative of the Mirabal sisters to the world. The quality of this show is truly astounding.

This show entertains, educates, and enlightens. I wish other studios/platforms would follow this example, rather than squandering vast sums on disposable content.

Kudos are due to the brilliant creators of the show, an absolutely outstanding cast that delivers performances deserving of Oscars, the production designers, and all those involved. It's remarkable how Star+ continues to excel. Following their success with "Santa Evita," they've now presented us with another true masterpiece in "El Grito de las Mariposas."

Lioness
(2023)

Poor attempt to replicate "Homeland"
This review is based on the first five episodes:

  • The initial setup had all the right ingredients for an engaging and captivating series. However, it's apparent that Taylor Sheridan has continued his tendency to overload shows with unnecessary and tedious storylines, much like with Yellowstone, 1883, and 1923;


  • You will notice the incorporation of soapy elements within the show;


  • It's important to highlight Nicole Kidman's outstanding performance. In fact, the entire cast delivers strong performances;


  • If you are expecting action, you might be slightly disappointed;


  • Even though you might perceive it as a Middle East drama, it's actually not. However, you will sense that the creators draw inspiration from "Homeland."


I believe that the show could potentially be stretched out unnecessarily, possibly compromising the quality of storytelling to reserve story elements for a potential second season.

Hijack
(2023)

Unfortunate Mess
"Hijack" is a head-scratching disappointment. It's evident that the producers went all-out to create a unique concept, but the result is an illogical mess that leaves us questioning how it even made it past the pitch stage.

One of the major pitfalls of "Hijack" is its poor acting. The characters' motivations and actions often feel forced, leading to a lack of emotional connection with the viewers.

The plot holes are abundant, and it becomes frustrating to witness characters making inexplicable decisions that defy all logic and common sense. Additionally, the show relies heavily on tired clichés, which are not only unimaginative but also overused in the world of cinematography for years. It's disheartening to see a series in 2023 still leaning on outdated tropes instead of breaking new ground.

The attempt to create a superhero character in Sam is laughable at best. Rather than being inspiring or engaging, Sam becomes the most irritating aspect of the show.

Moreover, "Hijack" suffers from an excruciatingly slow pace, leading to episodes that feel unnecessarily stretched. The show's failure to maintain a captivating momentum adds to the mounting list of issues that you must endure.

Eyes Wide Shut
(1999)

Mystic, intriguing, and beautiful
Tom Cruise's performance in this movie is absolutely flawless. He delivers a captivating portrayal that keeps us engaged throughout the film. Additionally, Stanley Kubrick's directing is highly impressive, skillfully transforming even seemingly uninteresting scenes into enjoyable moments to watch.

The masquerade scene in particular stands out as one of the best scenes in cinematic history. Its execution is masterful, leaving a lasting impact.

The use of symbolism adds depth and complexity to the narrative, allowing for multiple layers of interpretation and enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Shostakochich's music selection perfectly complements the scenes, effectively capturing the emotions and intensifying the impact of key moments. The music becomes an integral part of the storytelling, evoking feelings of tension, intrigue, and sensuality.

However, it must be noted that the film does suffer from some pacing issues. At times, the story feels stretched, with several scenes appearing out of context and detracting from the overall narrative. Trimming these scenes would have improved the flow and cohesion of the film.

The Guilty
(2021)

This movie struggles to break free from the shadow of "The Call"
"The Guilty" is a film that falls short of its potential, leaving the viewer disappointed and unengaged. Despite boasting a talented lead actor like Jake Gyllenhaal, the film fails to deliver a compelling narrative or engaging performances.

From the very beginning, the movie struggles to capture the audience's attention. Within just 30 minutes, it becomes evident that "The Guilty" lacks the necessary elements to create an exciting and gripping story. The pacing is slow, and the plot fails to evolve in a meaningful way, resulting in a monotonous and uneventful experience.

The film attempts to draw inspiration from Halle Berry's "The Call," but it never manages to reach the same level of intensity and suspense. The suspenseful moments that should have been the highlight of the movie fall flat, leaving viewers unimpressed and unaffected by the unfolding events.

One of the major drawbacks of "The Guilty" is the poor voice acting. The characters' voices lack depth and fail to evoke the necessary emotions. This flaw hampers the audience's ability to connect with the characters and invest in their journey.

It is indeed puzzling why a talented actor like Jake Gyllenhaal would agree to take on a role in this lackluster film. His performance feels uninspired and does little to salvage the movie. Gyllenhaal's potential is wasted in a film that lacks substance and fails to provide him with a character worth exploring.

You're Next
(2011)

Disappointing thriller
"You're Next" is definitely not the best film in the genre, failing to deliver the expected suspense and chills. With a multitude of characters, none of whom manage to capture interest, and an abundance of nonsensical mistakes, this movie falls flat on multiple levels. Moreover, the title barely correlates with the story, adding to the film's overall disappointment.

From the start, "You're Next" struggles to maintain momentum, losing its grip on the audience's attention after a mere 50 minutes. As the plot progresses, the movie plunges into a state of sheer boredom, leaving viewers craving for more engaging and thrilling moments.

One of the film's major drawbacks lies in its characters. Despite the large cast, none of them are able to captivate or create a connection with the audience. This lack of investment in the characters makes it difficult to feel any sense of tension or concern for their well-being as the story unfolds.

The Strangers
(2008)

Captivating and Chilling
The film shines in delivering genuine moments of suspense and fear. It successfully keeps you on the edge of your seat, eagerly anticipating what will unfold next. The mastery of tension-building and the well-executed scares make this movie a standout in its genre. The genuine chills it provides are sure to leave a lasting impression.

However, despite its strengths, the movie is not without its flaws. There are certain moments that feel illogical and can disrupt the immersion. These instances may leave you questioning the characters' choices or the consistency of the story. Additionally, the plot at times feels stretched, as if it could have been tightened to maintain a more focused narrative. While these issues may slightly detract from the overall experience, they do not completely overshadow the movie's merits.

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