calgarywino

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Reviews

Urartu: The Forgotten Kingdom
(2020)

Sorry, I'm just not buying it
This "documentary" comes across more pseudo-documentary than like one presenting factual events. The narration sounds offhand in it's delivery, more like the telling of a story than a telling of history and statement of facts. It felt like it was more of an attempt to bolster ego, and to try to inflate importance.

Also, for a "newly discovered" epoch, there seems to be a wealth of written information with excessive detail. The physical artifacts found by archaeologists are also amazingly intact, better than any other 2800 + year civilization that I've ever seen in museums or on documentaries.

I would also feel much more inclined to believe the "facts and histories" presented here if it weren't the case that the whole "documentary" and almost all of the experts weren't almost exclusively Armenian. Surely this should be of worldwide interest? In the credits, it looks like a family affair with the same names appearing over and over in various places.

All in all, I would believe this much more if the claims of it being such an important and influential era hadn't been almost secret, undiscovered and formerly unmentioned until now.

Nope, sorry, I'm just not buying it.

Three Pines: The Cruellest Month - Part 1
(2022)
Episode 3, Season 1

Very powerful imagery
'The Cruellest Month' begins with a night scene in the house first featured in the episode one and two. It is a former Residential Home, in a state of disrepair and exudes a feeling of oppression.

What follows is a story that delves into a modern day murder with stark references to the horrors which befell the First Nation children. These children were taken from their families, beaten, tortured, isolated, confined and robbed of their families, language and religion.

The imagery in this episode is extremely gripping and powerful and I found it brought me to tears. I also loved the music, which featured Jeremy Dutcher and others; it was all well chosen, poignant and also tugged at my heart strings.

The subject matter is very current with the talks of reconciliation, and the recent discovery of hidden graves on old sites, and I found this disturbing and heartbreaking.

As before, the acting was wonderful and showed the cast in a full range of emotions, all which seemed natural and genuine.

This series deserves to be watched for all of the reasons above, and I hope it evokes thought and compassion for the families whose lives were ripped away. Sombre though it may be this is very important and a reminder of our darker past.

Thank you for this program.

Hope Street
(2020)

Light and enjoyable
This series isn't complex, it isn't high entertainment but it isn't boring or terrible either.

The whole group of quirky characters seem like people you know or have met, and it's easy to care about them. Yes, at times it's a little soapy, but you can't help watching and caring about the outcomes.

All in all, it's very pleasant and a nice hour spent, kind of like Born and Bred.

Medieval Dead
(2013)

We wanted to like it
We had hopes for this series, we really did. Just so you know, we're very interested in history, culture, the arts, science, architecture, archaeology and, well, you name it, if we can learn from it we're in. However, this program did not 'catch' either of us in the first episode.

For one thing, the sound was up and down, sometimes deafening, other times inaudible and we had to continually adjust volumes, but ok, this is a technical fault in production, mixing etc., not a failure in the information or presentation. Unfortunately, that was an issue too.

The narrator /presenter, though knowledgeable, was monotone, without much of any vocal inflections whatsoever. The pace was really slow and seemed to lack direction in the form of a story or narrative that had a point.

We also always want to know more about the history and stories but there was only some context and not a lot of information and that left us wondering what was the point, what were they trying to say, and why? There were some very well done computer generated simulations which explained battle injuries but it just wasn't good enough.

Maybe sometime I'll look at other episodes when it's late and I have nothing else in the que, but for now, there are tonnes of other shows that are informative enough for those who are historically interested and have a better flow.

The Circuit
(2007)

A very touching look at a wonderful people
I absolutely loved this series and all of roller coaster ride that it was. The cast was superb and their characters were well thought out and written with some depth.

The town of Broome is the main focal point of the territory from which the circuit judge and his court reside but we're treated to stunning views of the outback and various villages and communities. The scenery is often stark, desert like and yet has a beauty to it's ruggedness unlike almost anywhere else. The communities of Aboriginals are often portrayed as places of strife and lost opportunity, much like our own First Nation Reserves here in Canada, but, despite all their troubles, the people are portrayed with love, caring and dignity. The personal journies and growth of all the travelling circuit crew, compromises made by the judge to try to assist with the defendants and plaintiffs were touching and sensitive. I felt invested in the outcomes and cared about the fates of all of them.

Aaron Pedersen, Gary Sweet and Kelton Pell were the three main actors, but the surrounding cast was all terrific and I was sorry to see that there were only two seasons. I would have watched more, as I saw some really monumental progress in how the two communities of people were starting to work together.

It may not be everyone's cup of tea because of the grittines but I certainly think that if more people watched it that they might look at other cultures with more respect and compassion.

Torden
(2020)

Very different, intriguing and poised for a sequel?
Mortal is an entertaining film and quite possibly a very good lead into a sequel, in fact I believe and hope that was the intention.

André Øvredal, the writer and director, has taken the time and the risk to go slowly and sets up a drastically different type of Thor origin story. The risk of course is that those hoping for a film with the pace, power, and special effects of a Marvel production will likely be disappointed. Unless, that is, they are open to a different approach, one told this time by a Norwegian.

Other huge risks are that Nat Wolff who plays Eric is from America, not at all Thor-like in appearance and circumstances make him not at all a sympathetic and benign character. Personally, I love the twist and hope it pays off but then I'm also a fan of the Norwegian series Ragnaroc. For those who haven't seen it, Ragnaroc is a Danish/Norwegian series written by a Dane with the unlikely name of Adam Price.

You should take a look at these two productions and see see how the Scandanavians do their own cultural myths; they're not only very refreshing but also not USA centric, which is a very nice change.

Lockout
(2012)

Watch it for Guy Pearce! And, Yaaay musicians get credited at last!
This movie is set in the future, and most of the action takes place on a penal satelite ship orbiting earth. The set is quite good and looks like a space prison might, but with the difference that inmates are in some sort of cryogenic stasis instead of being held in cells. This makes some sense in that upkeep and staffing would be inexpensive, but on the other hand, why would you keep them in stasis for 30 years? Were they waiting for some sort of medical break through to rehabilitate them, because they'd hardly change in a popsicle state?

Anyway, Guy Pearce is really fun in this one, and his wise cracking quick witted character is a great asset to the movie, really carrying the show. There were also a collection of others characters such as Peter Stormare playing his trade marked a-hole. Joseph Gilgun plays a batsh** crazy inmate with Vincent Regan as his brother who is the inmate leading the rebellion, though his character could have been written in better detail. Maggie Grace wasn't too bad either. All in all it's fun to watch though not at all deep or serious, but worth 1h 35min.

Lastly, as a musician who's appeared in three movies, and on the soundtrack of one, it was great to see some of my profession get credit on screen. It's often promised and seldom delivered (never yet for me) , so thank you to whomever made it happen here!

Anyway, Guy Pierce.

Extreme Archaeology
(2004)

Missed potential because of the format and host.
After watching Time Team I was hoping for a series of similar quality and had hopes for this show, but it missed the boat (literally, in the first episode).

The three core team members seemed competent but they were made to seem much less so by the format and editing. The show, instead of concentrating on what was important, the archaeology, stressed the elements physical danger far too much. This left the program with little meat on the bones as I felt that most people watching the program were "there" for the archaeological content and not the drama.

Finally, the host /narrator/presenter had very little personality or knowledge and at times seemed quite arrogant, antagonistic and condescending towards the experts. In fact, he seemed to treat them more like silly little sisters than like highly trained and competent experts that they were. He was far too pervasive and added very little except irritation, after all, was the show about him or archaeology? Perhaps he should have shut up and let them talk about what they knew about!

In trying to grasp some of the Time Team magic they've missed it almost totally and I feel sorry for the three ladies because this program certainly had potential.

Canadian Made
(2011)

Fun and informative
This program was really enjoyed by both my wife and I; not only was it humorous but informative and fun. Canadians should be proud of our many accomplishments. We are too often self depricating so it's great to be reminded that not everything good comes from somewhere else.

Agathe Koltès
(2016)

Well worth watching
I like foreign content and fortunately with Amazon and Netflix there's access to many programs from all over the world.

I thought that Agathe Koltes was a very good series and I really enjoyed it. The main character was well written, attractive both as a woman and as a very exceptional but flawed police investigator. She obviously has a past career and life, but we're not told much about it, they make us wait as information comes out little by little.

The other police staff also are allowed to grow, change, succeed and fail both professionally and as human beings.

I would have liked to see another season to see how things went, but the show was cancelled for some reason. Meanwhile, back to the selections in hopes of more little gems.

The Mountain Detective
(2018)

If you liked Jesse Stone you'll enjoy this.
I happened upon this series when Amazon suggested it based on our viewing history and it's really enjoyable.

The flow is comfortable, not a lot of action, but the action is appropriate. I like the cast; they look like every day people for the most part and their characters are like people we've all met. Nobody is setting out to be a hero, they just deal with whatever they have to do and get on with it all and that's it.

The scenery is spectacular though ; filming takes place in the Alps in Provence and will stun you!

Great scenery, good plots and actors and original music that suits it all.

Justice
(2011)

Very watchable, different and entertaining.
I am sorry that this series was cancelled after one season. Justice was different from other crime shows and had a different perspective and focal point; a older judge in a community court instead of the usual police procedurals.

The actor Robert Pugh is different from the standard protagonist, older, wiser and round, but with a steel core. The cast seemed to be good, and the story line progressing well, with a strong sense of a community coming together.

Out of all the shows, this was different and deserved at least a few seasons.

What Remains
(2013)

This series is short but has more twists than a den of snakes!
I started to watch this and actually had to take a break until the next day. How could such a small group of people living in flats be so depraved and lacking in morality?

Start with a dripping ceiling which causes new tenants looking for the source to find a dessicated body in the attic. Next, add a retiring detective whom is given a last easy assignment on his last day but feels like things are not adding up. When he can't leave things alone and decides that the woman deserves a proper investigation we learn about all the flat owners who, except for one, have few redeeming qualities. It just gets more and more depraved and disturbing.

If you are looking to pass the time with a light mystery this is not it; 'What Remains' will grab you by the guts and shake you. You might not sleep well, you will be unsettled, repulsed but I think you will be enthralled.

Keeping Faith
(2017)

Very engaging
Keeping Faith came up as a suggestion on Amazon late at night when I finished another series. Ihonestly didn't expect it to be so well written, and was really surprised at how quickly it caught me up.

The pace in the first season is fast paced and there seemed to be dozens of things going at once. I found myself pulling for Faith and admiring her ingenuity and resilience; she has a brilliant mind, is an excellent and caring mother. In spite of being repeatedly beaten down with the problems like the disappearance of her husband, money issues at their law firm and a myriad of other issues she just kept getting up and fighting.

As for those who found it slow, I cant help wondering what they consider an adequate pace? I was enthralled with the first season and look forward to the second.

The Divide
(2014)

Heads and shoulders above average why can't networks recognize a good potential
The Divide is intelligent, thoughtful, well written and acted and unlike many American programs, aims high, assuming the viewers can think.

The story line, or lines are well thought out and allow the cast to flesh out their roles and I found myself much more intrigued than I had expected to be. It reminded me of some of my long gone Canadian favorites like Da Vinci's inquest where plot lines ran for whole seasons. It's a shame that networks trash shows like this so early and seem to have no patience to let things grow. Everything has to be big and spectacular right off the bat instead of allowing things to grow throughout a few seasons; they could learn a lot from a good gardener.

As to the reviewers who disliked comments within the plot that they disagreed with; too bad, isn't that what makes a democracy?

Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders
(2016)

Insulting, offensive, Amero-centric BS, please don't waste your time!
I wanted to give this a chance because of the 'Mother show' but after three episodes sorry, I cannot recommend it.

If you believe that the rest of the world's law enforcement is inept, ill trained and stupid, you may like this show. And, if you buy the premise that FBI trained law enforcement can travel the world, drop into foreign cities to assist local police, know those cities districts, trends, and peoples better than the locals then you may like this series.

I cannot.

This series is the unfortunate epitome of 'rah rah rah we are the best and you cannot compare' American attitude. All the unfortunate foreigners not only wish they were American, but are grateful for the interventions of a superior culture to help them solve their crimes. Unfortunately the team smirkingly manages to convey that 'nobody is as smart as us' and you should all be all grateful for our assistance! If I bought this I'd have to wonder however has the ' Old world' survived for 1776 + years before the wisdom and worldliness of the Americans?

Gary Sinise is his usual wooden self; who said he could act? The only person here with any sort of presence is Alana De La Garza and the rest make me want to doze in my chair. Even after several melatonin and 5 alcoholic beverages my prettier half still found the program insualting to the average American ethnocentricity,

I have deleted all recordings and the PVR programming to record this series. It makes us both angry and sad to think that this show has lasted more than three episodes, it deserves to die a rapid death.

The Snow Walker
(2003)

Lovely film
We came across this film by accident on APTN when it followed Longmire which I enjoy very much. Even though we didn't catch the very beginning this movie it was very fast to catch our attention. The boyish James Dean-like appearance of Barry Pepper along with his cocky charm was intriguing, then, there was the landscape of the Canadian North, so beautiful. The Inuit family with their gentle nature, and the girl played pretty Annabella Piugattuk were so charming in their innocence that had to see what happened. Having as a boy read Never Cry Wolf, Lost in the Barrens and People of the Deer I have longed to travel to the Arctic and the cinematography was so wonderful I felt I was there. The Snowy owls, ravens, wolves, and caribou brought back memories of reading of the Inuit's religion and seemed mystical and full of hidden meanings.

On the more earth bound side, I think we all long to see cocky people get their comeuppance and observe the character growth that adversity brings. In this tale, based on a 'true' story, a young World War ll pilot and a sick tubercular Inuit girl crash in the Arctic and she must teach the arrogant fly boy how to survive and ultimately become more human.

Based quite closely on the short story Walk Well, My Brother, it is a story of human triumph and loss and very worth viewing, and it's sad that it has been under appreciated. Charles Martin Smith, who once played Farley Mowat in the 1983 movie Never Cry Wolf has done a beautiful job, he both co-wrote and directed this movie and even the few slow sections have not detracted from it. In true Farley Mowat fashion this was a wonderful tale, he never let too much reality get in the way of a good story.

We really enjoyed it, and hope that you will too !

Treed Murray
(2001)

Captivating even if you miss the beginning
I stumbled across this movie on Warner Brothers TV and even though I missed the first part of the movie it was so captivating that I had so watch it.

The premise though seemingly simple, relied upon character studies of people in a stressful situation where everybody feels over their heads, even those supposedly in control. This has been done many times before so it's not unusual, but I liked the idea of Canadian 'gang kids' who have an executive treed in a park overnight.

All in one scene emotions could run through fear, bravado, self doubt and aggression; the darkness of the people mirrored that of the night. Both inner and outer group conflicts manifested themselves as the night wore on. There was subterfuge, guile, bluffing and cunning and for the most part, the dialogue didn't seem forced or false. Throughout all and the acting was excellent.

In disagreement with another reviewer I thought that just having another thoroughly evil gang passing through and not choosing to involve them further was wise and kept unnecessary complications from distracting from the group dynamics we'd already gotten familiar with. The other gang just served to highlight the insecurities and more human aspects of our gang's personas, and therefor made the outcome more plausible.

Detractors of the film should know that for the most part, Canada is a kinder and gentler country, where firearms are restricted so are not common, and we don't have as many issues with large inner city slums or ghettos. The makeup of 'our' Toronto gang was African Americans, Caucasians and one girl, which is certainly not stereotypical. The movie speculated how Canadian 'wannabe' gang members might try to ape the actions of the more street hardened thugs south of the border who make the papers every day, but in reality be more unsure and fearful of the real consequences of their actions.

Lastly, all the situations and changes and revelations the individuals underwent made the ending plausible and showed that sometimes in extreme circumstances when the poop really hits the fan, opposing sides can come together to offer kindness and caring and come to the aid of others even at risk to themselves.

That's the Canadian way.

3 Days to Kill
(2014)

Nice, low-key flick
I enjoyed this movie, and I'll be glad to tell you why.

First let me say, that if you are looking for a high tension thriller, this movie is not for you but there IS some action in it and what there is is quite well done.

I am not or, rather have not been a huge Costner fan since Dances With Wolves, Field of Dreams or even his cocky cowboy in Silverado. Having said that, I think his portrayal of an aged, sick, "jobber" CIA operative was well done and believable.

His appearance is sloppy and dishevelled, he's dying of some form of cancer, and has gone home to spend what little time he has left with his estranged wife and neglected daughter. Then, along comes a very pretty and ruthless handler who decides to use him to do six last bits of 'wet' work in exchange for a sum of cash and doses of an experimental possible cure for cancer.

Things then get even more complicated. Upon his return to Paris, he finds a family with a pregnant daughter 'squatting' in his small apartment and as it's illegal to just evict them, he must then live with them for a period of time plus take care of his daughter at his wife's flat when she has to leave town on business. There is humour around his shaky but loving attempts at parenting as he resorts to asking 'clients' for parenting advice and it all results in some very touching scenes and funny circumstances.

I imagine that even spies have a 'real life' side with families and normal cover lives and the balance between his daughter's issues and his struggle to be a loving parent along with staying alive while doing the last dirty job might have some elements of reality.

If you want a few hours of action/humour and sometimes thought provoking entertainment, you could do a lot worse.

Gardens of Stone
(1987)

Very nice music !
Yes, I know, you are saying what the hey, nobody ever talks about the music in movies, including me, usually, but I just had to mention it on this one.

I spent ten years in the Kings Own Calgary Regiment band and played a lot of parades, mess dinners, ceremonies, concerts, and many more occasions. Fortunately at the time I was in there were no current wars so we played no funerals or flag ceremonies. In the band I had the good fortune to play with an number of fine musicians who made their living for many years in Military and civilian bands and one of those was Petrus "Peter" Joosen, the most musical Euponium player I have ever known. When I heard the band playing at the funeral at the beginning with the beautiful counter-melodies played by the Euphonium, it grabbed my 'ear' I had just had to comment.

This movie's score, written by Carmine Coppola (Francis Ford's father) and is beautiful, lyrical, understated and very unusual for a military themed film. I found the music is right in character for the type of instrumentation used in military bands (except pipe bands) which always use brass, woodwinds, percussion and no strings. These bands were made for marching and concert work both and chosen for practicality as well as the more rousing sound that can inspire patriotism and use in recruiting. The band who performed this score was amazing; they sounded more British than American in style and so very mellow and harmonious.

I hope to find other music written by Carmine Coppola and would also love to know what band was playing the score here if anybody knows. It would also be great if IMDb would pay more attention to the musicians, recordings, songs etc in movies as I have often felt that this is an often overlooked but very important aspect of the industry.

Oh yes, I enjoyed the movie too thought the script, acting and story line to be excellent.

Cracker
(1997)

Don't watch this copy, watch the original Cracker!
I've never thought much of Robert Pastorelli, though I am sorry for the way he ended but for me Pastorelli just didn't have any grip. He seemed at his (adequate) best in Murphy Brown but in every other role he just never seemed to be convincing, this series was no exception either.

Nevertheless, it was a great dis-service to him to cast him in an almost word for word American production of the great British series 'Cracker'. It was an insult to the original and to the poor actors doomed to the series and makes me wish that the USA would either stop doing this sort of thing or get better at adapting 'stolen ideas' to better suit the new world. The story lines, situations, attitudes and social structure didn't translate well to America and the sort of reprehensible but brilliant lead which was perfect for Robbie Coltrane needed someone with more intensity than Robert Pastorelli. Coltrane is bigger than life (even when he's not playing Hagrid) and most anybody would pale in comparison as Fitz.

Michael
(1996)

Decent entertainment on a slow program night.
This is not a deep movie, it's not going to change your life either, but it is entertaining.

I've always liked William Hurt (and he up to par as usual) but have felt rather indifferent about Andie MacDowell so it came as a nice surprise that she has a pretty good singing voice. Jean Stapleton played the 'friend' and keeper who took care of Michael as he waited for his new 'mission' to arrive. You can't not like her here.

I've also never thought much of Robert Pastorelli, though I am sorry for the way he ended but for me Pastorelli just didn't have any grip. He seemed suited for Murphy Brown but in every other role he just never seemed to be convincing, this was no exception either.

John Travolta is at his best in these types of roles where he plays charming, sassy, irreverent Vinny Barbarino sorts of characters. Michael is an angel with one final mission on Earth and while here he wants to enjoy good food, beer, cigarettes, dancing, even fighting and carnal delights before he returns for the final time to heaven where Earthly delights will only be a fond memory. Travolta plays Michael with a sort of slovenly, disheveled charm, a sparkle in his eye and shows he can still bust a move or two on the dance floor as well ! His quirky angel is a lot of fun, and you can't help but like him as he drinks, smokes and dances his way through his journey. When he gives his last miracle to save the dog Sparky and starts to sicken, it's hard not to feel a little tear in the corner of your eye because you know there won't be more hijinks to make you chuckle.

Anyways, if this movie comes on on a slow night, take a chance and watch it like I did because it will keep you entertained much better than many cheesy reality shows, and maybe surprise you.

The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing
(1973)

A Western with some depth and sensitivity
This movie came up tonight on the television and though I had not seen it, I had certainly heard of it. The reviews almost scared me off, but happily I read some favourable ones and and took a chance.

Bert Reynolds gave a first class performance with subtlety, dignity and a quiet strength. His portrayal of a flawed but somewhat principled man with an unfortunate past was excellent and made me want to know more of the back story which I'm sure was in the book. Maybe it is that the book was written Marilyn Durham, and that the screenplay was by Eleanor Perry that gave the movie it's strength and tenderness ?

The treatment of the Shoshone and other First Nation people was very good; they spoke in full sentences with humour intelligence and wit. They came through as the three dimensional people they are instead of the mere shadows that most movies of the time showed them in; something long over due in Hollywood.

There were many good performances here, it is a movie worth seeing and deserves a serious place in the genre.

Due South: Letting Go
(1995)
Episode 22, Season 1

I might just have to watch more !
I resisted watching this show for years but I'm not clear why; maybe I wasn't ready for it ? I should have known better since anything written by Paul Haggis is pretty much golden!

I found the episode to be fun, funny, the acting was very good and the plot had merit too. Also if you are a Gordon Pinsent fan you should watch this episode; the hallucination scenes were hilarious ! Another one for the books is the two wheelchair 'train' scene at the end....

Both Paul Gross and David Marciano have great chemistry and the buddy stuff here works well without the glib falseness I see so often. Gross is a master at the thoughtful, wistful looks and Laurie Holden as Jill Kennedy is not only hot but intelligent.

So far so good, I think I might just have to watch more and see how it goes.

Cold Squad: True Believers: Part 2
(2003)
Episode 13, Season 6

A season finale that even years after made me want to see the next season
Yes, even years after I can't wait to see the next season ! This two part episode was a roller coaster of emotions and a very complex weaving of plots and characters.

Without giving the plot up it is a must see for several reasons; several ongoing plot lines resolve and sadly, some old friends leave. It was masterful writing, a classic combination of dreams within reach, snatched from he air, crystallized for a few precious moments, and then dashed to the ground.

I've loved this series from the start and still do; it never seemed forced or false and the character growth, evolution and changes seemed realistic. It knew that people have faults and foibles and the show showed just enough of their personal lives without intruding upon the meat of the series, which was police business.

Thank goodness for the PVR which allows me to revisit reruns of this and other intelligent shows. Thank you Bravo too !

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