brianable

IMDb member since March 2011
    Lifetime Total
    25+
    IMDb Member
    13 years

Reviews

Death and Other Details
(2024)

Too many cooks....
In the first few episodes, there are moments of brilliance and is actually enjoyable, but then something goes tragically wrong. There are so many writers, and so many different directors, it has the feeling they were all working on separate islands while making this. It's a spaghetti mess. The fabulous Mandy Patinkin who plays the great private detective Rufus Cotesworth comes over as anything but brilliant. His character is flawed, not by himself but by a ridiculous script and worse direction. Even a number of camera shots caused me to cringe. Hopefully, this series was a one off. I could not even force myself to watch anything like this again. A classic example of too many cooks - writers/directors - spoiling the broth!

Bandidos
(2024)

Cringe acting and cringe script!
An Indiana Jones wannabe. I suppose if you are about 14 years of age, you might like this. Unfortunately, the over-the-top acting, bad script, and just about everything else in general, make this a series you really want to skip.

I even tried listening to the original Spanish version with English subtitles, but that didn't work either. I do have to admit, I just watched episode one. Someone would have to bribe me to continue watching this through to the very end.

If you did enjoy this, then I'm hoping you are enjoying your teenage years, and have a lot to learn. There are so many more quality series out there to explore.

Slow Horses
(2022)

Top of the range series
Just finished washing the first series of episodes where Gary Oldman plays the worst pain in the arse spy boss anyone could ever have, with utter contempt for everyone who gets closer than 3 m. But because everybody is used to cutting everyone else down, nobody cares about being rundown by him or anyone else in the cast off spy group he runs. Apart from the dumbing down of everyone, it is a surprisingly good realistic story about British nationalism, race hatred and espionage secrets that could take down the highest of people running the country.

Now and then there are a couple of blips in the storyline and action scenes, but because everything else has put together so good, it's quickly forgotten.

Can't wait to start watching the rest of the series.

Freaks Out
(2021)

Wow!!
What an incredible film. I would have loved to have given this 10 stars, but if it had been totally directed differently, it would have made the grade. I couldn't believe how deep this film went. It reminded me of La vita è bella..... but again totally different. The story is incredible. The actors are incredible. Everything is totally believable... Until you get to a certain point when the narrative of the story takes a left turn. Fortunately, maybe through or because of the editor it ended up on the right track and went out with a ceremoniously close - all is forgiven.

This work, apart from a few flaws, is a masterpiece. I would recommend it to everyone.

Star Trek: Picard
(2020)

The third season is epic!
The first season got off to a slow start, but it was watchable and you could live with it. The second season played around with a storyline. You couldn't exactly put your finger on, but they were getting it together.

The third season, they just blew every other Star Trek Story out of the water. Brilliant writing, brilliant acting, everything felt right and fell into place. A couple of things that could've been better, but I think they ran out of space, literally.

In the end, the third season, brought everything into context , and they hit the nail on the head. A couple of graphic hiccups, but actually not worth mentioning since it was so well put together.

Live long and prosper.

The Sandman
(2022)

So good, so complex, brilliant!
At first, "Sandman", I thought was the Marvel comics Sandman from The Avengers series. Excuse my ignorance. This is something totally different. Tom Sturridge Played the role of the Sandman who gives everyone, their dreams. Neil Gaimans characters are complex and demand a certain amount of brain power. If you don't have it, you can always try and watch it and learn something. I was surprised to find that every character in the series was interesting and meaningful, which adds to the complexity. At times, I had to rewind and go back a few steps to follow the story, but it never fails to disappoint. Totally satisfying, if you like real/unreal fantasy, mixed with folklore and incredible acting by just about everyone. I hope there is a second series.

The Offer
(2022)

Top-notch entertainment!
I remember when the Godfather first hit the screens and it became a sensation. At the time, Marlon Brando blew everyone away, along with Al Pacino. But the road to making this film is laid bare by the actual person who produced it, Albert S. Ruddy. Miles Teller takes on this role and plays it to the utmost. Then you've got Patrick Gallo, who plays, Mario Puzo. Utterly convincing. Incredible acting. But for me, the star of "the author" was Juno Temple, an English, actress who plays Bettye McCartt so convincingly and so professionally it made my mouth drop.

The whole story about the making of the Godfather is laid out, so incredibly that it's actually hard to believe is really happened... But it did. A must watch for Godfather fans.

The Mandalorian
(2019)

Star Wars for kids
First of all, the original Star Wars was a galactic science fiction film series made for adults. Yes, there were lighter elements added to the narrative, but all played out as if it was real.

Jon Favreau has tried to do pretty much the same, but it seems the audience has been re-rooted to cater for kids, 12-year-olds or thereabouts. Apart from that, the scripts are serious low-grade work, the acting and dialogue you wouldn't even see in amateur dramatics - as if nobody took an acting course.

The only plus point of all this less than mediocre work is the special effects. That's why I gave it two stars.

Carnival Row
(2019)

Surprisingly good
Surprisingly well made with excellent acting all round, great camera work and special effects, it all works in this very well told tale that has some interesting twists to it. Although some of the acting can be a little woody - even that off Orlando Bloom, it didn't upset the overall experience too much. I was really surprised at Cara Delevingne's acting, which outside of this production could make me cringe. Here she came across very convincing. The only thing that peeved me was her accent. I suppose it was meant to come across as Irish, but jumped from a Dublin accent to a light Northern Ireland accent, multiple times in the space of 20 minutes. Fortunately, that was the only thing that brought me out of my concentration on a good story. The outdoor mountain scenery, shot in the Czech Republic, was absolutely stunning. 10 points to the scouts, who found that!

Thor: Love and Thunder
(2022)

Really?
Honestly, what where they thinking? If this had been taken seriously and written as straight SF drama, it would've been brilliant. Whoever got it into their mind to make a fun parody of the film previous, must have been just released from a mental institute or taking some illegal substance.

There are flashes of good moments, but the camp and trying to be funny aspect drives it into the ground. Maybe they should do a rewrite and release it again, then I'll probably enjoy it.

What baffles me, au how on Earth, everyone signed up to this? The writers, the producers, the director, and most importantly, the actors. Maybe they just needed a break to get away from what they had done before, but this wasn't it. Hopefully next time, we'll get the real thing!

Pennyworth
(2019)

Surprisingly excellent
Surprising original backstory on the origin of Alfred Pennyworth, Batman's butler. Excellent cast, brilliant script and well played all round. Alfred, played by Jack Bannon does a great job of ripping off Michael Caines accent and demeanour, but you let him get away with it because it's so good. Paloma Faith plays the intriguing baddie Bet Sykes - Who is as nasty as they come, but has a wonderful heart. The scenic setting in an old fictional London - probably the British version of Gotham City, along with music of the 60s adds to the picture.

I'm just on the first series, so far it doesn't seem to be letting me down.

Pig
(2021)

Moving, poignant, brilliant!
Why this film wasn't an Oscar contender for acting, direction, cinematography... and even the best film, I'll never now. It felt more like a Fellini film, but then American. Unpredictable, down-to-earth acting and brilliant in every way.

Nic Cage at his utter best!

Shameless
(2011)

Bawdy, Brash, Brilliant
This is an absolute gem. A series that has an eye-opener, a shocker, a laugh, a surprise at least every 10 minutes. Very down to earth. If you're easily shocked by the normal goings on of life in general then go watch something else.

Totally fresh, uninhibited - And serious acting by everyone involved. I could not find one fault in this incredible production. Everything about it is perfect.

Keeping Faith
(2017)

Brilliant
I loved this series - brilliant acting by 'Faith' whose unconventional strong character drives this drama to a new level which makes it refreshing and dynamic. Series 2 & 3 fall a little flat as if the writers had run out of ideas. But, it still holds its own!

I also love the opening tune - it's one of those that sticks in your mind.

Ten Percent
(2022)

Dismal reproduction
The original French version was BRILLIANT. It was fast, funny, dynamic and the acting and direction was first class. EVERYTHING - this UK copy is not. It just doesn't work due to a number of problems.... and to be honest most of it has to do with bad casting (although not all the characters) and weak direction.

It could have taken the original to a new level, instead it fell on its nose! What a pity.

The Last Castle
(2001)

Superb!
Absolutely brilliant. Robert Redford plays one of his best roles. Well written, well acted, I don't understand why this didn't make the top tier although it was totally deserved. It's one of those films that after you see it, it plays on your mind for a long long time after. Everything about it is excellent.

Peacemaker
(2022)

Painful Parody
What a mess. I can understand what James Gunn was trying to make, and he has put out some brilliant work, but I was cringing at least every five minutes watching this.

I understand Gunn wrote this while in lockdown and was surprised when it was accepted. If this had been his first work it would've never got off the ground. Having a great catalogue does not mean you always hit the bull's-eye.

Legion
(2017)

Mind blowing!!
Reminded me of incredible series sense8 - but then goes up a notch. Great characters, great acting, very true to life. It gets you thinking, which is always a good sign!!

Eternals
(2021)

Really?
If this was made with the same seriousness as i.e. Dune or even Superman it would have been a Great film - but instead, it's all over the place. It's as if the writers and director were just making their first film with the biggest budget ever and decided to have 'fun' with it and messed it up, big time. I honestly had cringe moments. Angelina Jolie - the biggest star in this film has the least lines, less than 1 page of script!

If a second Eternals film gets the go ahead - I hope they pin it down give it the professionalism it badly needs.

Battleship
(2012)

Actually, A Great Movie!!
I seen this film at least 3 or 4 times - and every time it goes down a treat!! Yes, it can be a little old fashioned, and yes it has a predictable love element, but the action and the actors - including real veterans- and a great sci-fi storyline push it right through the roof and hits all the right buttons!

Really, not to be missed. It is a classic!!

Dune
(2021)

Start of a powerful journey
A slow burner, it's not Star Wars or Lord of the Rings, but epic in all proportions. Saw it in 3D but it still would have been just as effective in 2D. The story is true to the book, although I read it many many years ago, I think I'll be dusting off the cover and give it a second read. Just a couple of irritations, but quickly forgotten by the overpowering strength of the film. This was only part one, can't wait for the rest.

Legends of Tomorrow
(2016)

How old are you?
If you are aged between 12 and 16 you'll love it!

I really enjoy science fiction, Star Trek, Star Wars, whatever, but this was made on a budget and it even shows in the screenplay, special effects, and acting. Now after seven episodes on the first series I'm trying to wean myself off... Which is painful, so is watching.

Captain Fantastic
(2016)

Absolutely Beautiful
One of the most original and intelligent films I have seen in years. First class acting by everyone, first class and intelligent script - why on earth this film didn't win a handful of Oscars is beyond belief.

Jupiter's Legacy
(2021)

Goes to a depth we have missed
It got written off by the general critics, but this is an excellent series. It dives deeper into relationships and personas thereby giving it depth and meaning of consequence.

The only thing that bugged me was the switching of timelines back and forth, I wish directors would stop doing that and just give us the story from beginning to end.

Suicide Squad
(2016)

Loved it to a point
The first 3/4 of the film is absolutely brilliant. Exactly how a "super" movie should be built up and made. Unfortunately, the last big fight scene falls flat on his face with the overworking of Cara Delevingne's demonic performance (which wasn't too bad before that) with excruciating special effects made me wonder what the hell went wrong at this point.

Will Smith and especially Margot Robbie were undoubtedly the stars here!

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