Kingslaay Reviews (1,026)

1923 (2022–2025)

Great series

[8/10 · 18 May 2025]

Again, the showrunners have produced a winner. 1923 is a strong follow up to 1883. While it may not have the potence and be as strong as 1883, it is still fantastic viewing. The love story between Spence and Alex is one for the ages, both beautiful and tragic at the same time. The writing is strong, there are a few conveniences here and there that the viewer needs to cast a blind eye to but overall good quality. Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren give solid performances to anchor this prequel series. Timothy Dalton as the evil Whitfield is a masterclass performance, this man is immensely talented and brings class and charm to every role. I could not put it down and watched it so fast, I want another prequel series.

Marriage Story (2019)

So so

[6/10 · 15 May 2025]

It was painful and sad to watch this. However I feel its a story of a marriage and couple that should have never been together in the first place. The love was not deep enough to sustain this marriage. There were differences, resentment and off course cheating on your wife does not help. Doomed from the start so its hard to fully get the emotional pay off.

The acting performances are phenomenal. Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson give solid and memorable performances, a showcase of true talent. The performances are the item that carries this film, not its pitiful story. Marriage Story, poorly named, has small echoes of 'Kramer vs Kramer' but it does not reach those heights and brilliance of that marvelous film. This film is equivalent to a high school or university school production. It is put together with flair but as the couple were never it good match it was already broken.

Squid Game: Chinguwa jeok (2024) Season 2, Episode 7

Decent season

[7/10 · 10 May 2025]

I really enjoyed Season 2 of Squid Games. I wondered how they could possibly continue it but the showrunners have done a great job and continuing the story of the main character and introducing a new edition of the games. It was fun watching the new and different generation appear so entitled and complain about everything, they did that well. Also we get a new set of characters to connect with and root for. I would be sad to see any of them go. It gets you to start caring again for characters and how greed is always the driving evil force for people to do unspeakable things. A great surprising twist with Ing Ho (The Front Fan) participating as well undercover, it made it fun viewing and we saw a different set of games which were entertaining.

Landman (2024– )

Not too bad

[7/10 · 10 May 2025]

Billy Bob Thornton is in a class of his own. He owns every scene he's in and delivers his lines impressively, I never get tired of watching him. He is ably supported by John Haim who plays Oil Tycoon Monty. The storyline is mostly good and keeps you interested. My only thoughts are the drug dealer kingpin could have had a more convincingly better plot and seem more formidable instead of a cheap gang leader.

My biggest gripe is the lazy and poor writing for Cooper's romantic storyline. It was completely unnecessary. It's poor form for a widow to move on with him when her husband is barely in the ground and she's got a child. This relationship does not work and is poor writing. I think there was an opportunity to build depth into Coopers character instead of have him shack up with the next available thing.

1883 (2021–2022)

A great origin series

[8/10 · 27 April 2025]

1883 is far better writing and storytelling than Yellowstone ever was. Ironically it only exists because of the Yellowstone series. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill show how extremely talented and versatile they are in this limited series by showing their acting chops. They were so authentic and stole the show. Elsa (Isabel May) is also a standout as she holds her own in this epic origin story. We also have some strong performances from Sam Elliot LaMonica Garrett who strongly carry this show and give it a gritty realistic presence. Highly recommend for viewers who watched Yellowstone or just wish to watch a really well made western. It has a lot of heart and beautiful writing and dialogue. Elsa's dialogues feel like wise and beautifully crafted poetry.

Challengers (2024)

Not a bad love triangle film

[7/10 · 26 April 2025]

Some solid performances, exciting pacing and good soundtrack make this an enjoyable film to watch. This is not the strongest story and its not going to have a great story arc, character development or emotional payoff. It attracts your primal nature, it is about lust and how a lot of life can be driven by that. Zendaya is portrayed in a strong feminine role that not only entices viewers but the two male leads. Tennis serves as the backdrop but lets be honest, it could have been any sport. The love triangle is strong here as neither can keep away from her feminine appeal. They are just boys to her. She has them in the palm of her hands.

I was impressed by the saucy scenes, strong performances and pacing. If you're in for a saucy escape then this film might suit.

The Greatest Rivalry: India vs Pakistan (2025)

Well made

[8/10 · 18 April 2025]

I thoroughly enjoyed this documentary. I personally would have liked to have seen more legendary cricketers featured but I think they did pretty well to get some great cricketers on both sides to share their stories. It can be unrealistic to get every single cricketing great to give their piece my dear viewers. It really is the greatest rivalry in sport and it was great to watch. I liked the historic footage and also showing older matches. Shoaib was a treat to watch and get his views on the rivalry. I was engrossed from episode 1 and couldn't put it down. Really well made, interesting, and shows how much great talent exists for both sides and both want to rebuild a stronger relationship to make way for this great sport to be played more often.

Never Have I Ever: ...said goodbye (2023) Season 4, Episode 10

Not the strong end I hoped for

[6/10 · 18 April 2025]

I was captured by this show when it aired. It was culturally thought provoking, funny and quite relatable. You didn't have to be a teenager to enjoy this. But at the same time, we have to remember Devi is a teenager. It was funny for most of its run and I personally feel the richest and deeper episodes were the first two seasons. It went a little down hill in terms of quality in the last two seasons but off course the cast are very likeable as is the premise, so you stick it out. However much like many movies or shows, it glamourizes and exaggerates the teenage life. Instead of the showrunners giving us an enriched and more mature Devi who has grown as a person, we see this toxic story lines again. Did we really need to see her sleep with Ben? Is that what's important and shows her growth? It definitely doesn't and it was a shame and cheap writing. I had hoped for a stronger last episode and not another teen movie type of story.

The White Lotus: Amor Fati (2025) Season 3, Episode 8

Solid ending

[8/10 · 13 April 2025]

An episode of depth and good tying of loose ends after a season of build up. I was impressed with its execution. We see references and connections to previous seasons such as Belinda leaving Pornchai in a similar fashion to how she herself was left by Tanya in season 1. It was a full circle moment of a worker having their business idea go up in smoke. The only difference here being Tanya left the business for a man. Belinda left a man for the business.

Symbolism is used well. The use of Three's was evident as this after all was season 3 and death as Chelsea said comes in 3s. There were 3 deaths among the key cast members. Lachlan experiences different sides of each sibling, his brother and sister and chose one side over the other. Piper liked Buddhism, but for the wrong reasons: not because of the religion or way of life but because it made her different to the rest of her family. The moment Lachlan went to the temple too, she realised anyone could join the temple, even from her own family. It no longer made her special, so she lost all interest on it. She could support the stains, the bad food and all, as long as it reassured her identity. But once it no longer did, she could only see the ugly parts of the monastery life. In conclusion, she wasn't spiritual at all, but reactionary. The funny part is that, even though, the experience helped her find her true self. Chelsea was the true Desdemona of this season, a tragic figure who sadly met her end for loving a broken figure who also doomed her to the same fate.

Strong performances in this season. It will not be as strong as season 2 which was my personal favourite but quite a good season overall.

American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson (2025)

Well made series

[8/10 · 21 March 2025]

I was eager to watch this when it was first advertised and it exceeded expectations. You get to relive the media frenzy and events surrounding the horrific murders of Nicole Brown Simpson & Ron Goldman.

The great thing about this series is it presents the facts, evidence and entire case to an audience 3 decades later. I learnt so many new things that I never knew was part of the case. For example, the person who saw OJ drive off in the same area around the time of the murders or the person who saw OJ put something in the airport bin which could have been the murder weapon, we'll never know. These witnesses were not called which is bizarre. The police work and forensics team certainly botched this work and were a little sloppy with their work. This allowed the 'dream team' to throw all kinds of theories and alternate versions that led to reasonable doubt.

I was captivated from the start by this series. It includes interviews with key figures, actual footage and its engrossing from start to end. Do I think OJ did it as part of the newer audience? Yes I think he did.

Cobra Kai: Ex-Degenerate (2025) Season 6, Episode 15

Full circle moment for Johnny and Cobra Kai

[7/10 · 21 March 2025]

The writers tie this show up really well to bring a wholesome end to this beloved series. Cobra Kai reignited the interest of older generations with its nostalgia and captured the hearts of a new generation.

We see a full circle moment for Cobra Kai, the dojo where it began for this series. Miyagi do appropriately took a step back and proved its point, it existed so people didn't have to fight and it allowed Sam and Daniel to walk away. This was always about Cobra Kai embracing its hellish roots and becoming so much more. Johnny Lawrence returned to the mat after so many years, made the most of his second chance that redeemed his character. Good tribute to the original films and characters. Cobra Kai did well to pay homage to the great characters who set the groundwork for its iconic return many years later. A really nice ending for our main cast.

Cobra Kai: Strike Last (2025) Season 6, Episode 14

Explosive episode: an homage to Kreese & Silver

[7/10 · 21 March 2025]

I was not expecting an ending like this but enjoyed it. It was nostalgia and a tribute to two legendary actors and figures who made this franchise. Kreese and later Terry Silver have been fantastic and complex villains in the films and the series. Even when they returned they stole the show. Kreese was dark and impressive from the get-go and when Terry Silver (my favourite villain) returned he stole the entire season. Effortless, devilish charm and evil wrapped in an enigma.

So when they showed these two older actors in the end face off to close off their iconic story it was a great tribute and triumph. They moved slow and not what they once were but they were part of the original class that gave us this franchise and kept on giving till the end. Cobra Kai never dies.

At Witt's End the Hunt for a Killer (2024– )

I was at my witts end with this series

[5/10 · 21 March 2025]

At Witt's end started out with promise. The first episode showed a harrowing murder that took place in 1995 in a small town and showed us footage, walked us through key events about Missy's disappearance and discovery of her body. This did well to draw a viewer in but then it really unfolded and got messy. Ridley Scott brought a cinematographic lens to really make the visuals shine but the value is in the content, pacing and production.

It was frustrating to see the detectives continuously switch from one suspect to another. There was no proper sequence or flow and it was confusing and hard to follow at times. Another frustration was the detectives talking about the same item 10 times over and over. Its important to cover all bases but in the end the viewer is frustrated because it leads nowhere. This still remained a shut case and there is no solution so therefore no payoff. You feel your time is wasted. They still hadn't got the blood spot results that they spoke about a dozen times. They might have considered making this series after getting all the facts using the latest technology instead of taking us to a dead end.

Conclave (2024)

Decent

[7/10 · 14 March 2025]

I was impressed and quite captured by Conclave. The machinations, rumblings and politics of The Vatican to elect a pope shouldn't be too surprising. They are human after all and the power and opportunity to be the Pontiff is too alluring for mortal men. Conclave is eventful and takes you on so many twists and turns. Scandal unfolds at every turn and we should hardly be surprised when so much is at stake. A stellar cast, especially Ralph Fiennes, deliver powerful performances and we can see great internal struggles as they try to balance their personal demons, curiosities and their faith. Overall quite a progressive outcome and something I did not expect.

Tina (2024)

Moving

[8/10 · 14 March 2025]

I was overwhelmed by Tina, it's depth, meaning and powerful performances. It's realism captures you from the start, we see a simple woman with a big heart who has seen so much loss in her life turn things around and move mountains when she takes up her new role in the school.

I found myself getting emotional a few times with the emotional rollercoaster we were taken on and how Tina connected with her students and gave them so much in a cold and sometimes ignorant world. I loved Tina's character of a person who called a spade a spade and called out bad behaviour as she saw it. She was real and you got the real thing with her. The final scene really got me as you could see the emotion shining through the students as they gave such a moving performance. This has to be one of the best NZ films I have seen and the best film I've seen so far this year, exceeded expectations.

The White Lotus: Arrivederci (2022) Season 2, Episode 7

Season 2 review of The White Lotus

[7/10 · 22 February 2025]

Season 2 is significantly better than the dull and slow pace of season 1. The characters were so much more interesting, better writing, dilemmas and interesting amusing connections. Michael Imperioli's character's actions led to so many funny storylines and conflicts. For once, Jennifer Coolidge's character was interesting to watch on screen towards the second half. I found her character and her acting abysmal for the first season and could not see any reason why they brought her back. It would have been nice to get a little more closure as to what scheme was at foot for the characters she got involved with. A beautiful setting of Italy and some really interesting scenes and good performances.

American Murder: Gabby Petito (2025)

Chilling

[6/10 · 22 February 2025]

I knew this was never going to be an easy watch, it filled me with such sadness. I heard and followed the case all the way from New Zealand, that's how far reaching the case became. There were so many new items I learnt about the specific events that led up to Gabby's disappearance and then being found. Absolutely heartbreaking.

It evident the Laundries perverted the course of justice, acted in an inhumane manner and provided no closure to protect the waste of oxygen of a son. A son that lied about everything he did till the end and then took the cowards way out. I was amazed Brian was able to escape for a 'hike' under the police's noses because they mistook him for his mother, bizarre. Despite the huge amount of attention shed on this case, this happens far too often and if anything, it highlights the issues of domestic violence and brings it to light. R. I. P Gabby, gone too soon.

MaXXXine (2024)

Was not a fan

[5/10 · 18 February 2025]

I had some hopes for this movie. The synopsis seemed interesting and it came across as edgy and interesting. However I was bitterly disappointed. The only thing that works for this film is the cool 1980s setting. But this story really falls flat. It is predictable, bland and boring. No big twists, weak acting performances and there was just no proper story. It was a mesh of simple and bland events. I easily predicted what would happen next most of the time.

It is ironic that this film is about Maxine starring in B rated movie when this entire film can be considered a B rated movie itself. It was a B rated movie within a B rated movie.

I am so glad I did not waste money at the theatre on this drivel. The fact that it came to Netflix so fast proves how it bombed at the box office.

The White Lotus: Departures (2021) Season 1, Episode 6

A very underwhelming finale

[6/10 · 15 February 2025]

HBO definitely has money to throw around. A strong cast, good performances and exotic location are still not strong enough if you have poor writing. My wife and I for most of the show expected it to build up to something big. We watched a mundane set of episodes with a small reward at the end. If this was the big finale they were building up towards then this was disappointing. So many loose ends not shown on screen, how did Kai get reprimanded, no manslaughter charge, what happened with that? Flimsy storylines were put together with dead ends. Also I appreciate a good use of local music but it was overdone, they had some of the most random mixes of music in random scenes. The music is some scenes would get louder only to have no big scene or outcome, it was mindless. A poor first edition.

Married at First Sight UK (2015– )

Married at First Sight UK: Addictive Drama with Heart

[7/10 · 4 February 2025]

Married at First Sight UK is a fascinating mix of social experiment, romance, and reality TV chaos. While the concept of strangers marrying sight unseen is undeniably wild, it makes for incredibly entertaining viewing. The show thrives on its mix of genuine connections, dramatic clashes, and expert interventions, keeping you hooked from start to finish.

There's a solid balance between heartfelt moments and explosive confrontations, making it both engaging and unpredictable. Some couples genuinely try to make things work, while others seem more drawn to the drama than the relationship, but that's part of what makes it so watchable. The format is well-paced, with commitment ceremonies and dinner parties adding to the intensity.

While it sometimes leans into reality TV tropes, MAFS UK remains an enjoyable watch for those who love relationship dynamics and a bit of guilty-pleasure drama. A solid 7/10 for its addictive nature and emotional highs and lows!

Yellowstone (2018–2024)

Quality in bits here and there but overhyped

[6/10 · 3 February 2025]

I have watched every episode of Yellowstone and feel that a lot of its popularity and strength lies in the star power of Kevin Costner and his portrayal of ruthless John Dutton. In essence the show is about land and has a very interesting premise. The first 2-3 seasons were by far the strongest but the last few seasons, especially the last season was really disappointing. Given how this series ended, I do not believe it deserves such an inflated rating. The writing, pacing, character development and overall quality is just not there. Some issues to I had:

Season 3 Storyline with Beck Brothers: Two brothers who were built up as formidable foes only to be easily taken down by the Dutton's with zero consequence. Really? It was a lackluster end and they could have been such stronger adversaries.

Character development: they missed the boat with Jamie and other key characters. Jamie's character had such potential but they made him take so many turns for a weak payoff in the end. He could have really been developed into something. Instead his storylines in later seasons and ultimately his fate was sadly tied to Beth and her hatred for him.

Beth: She has to be the most toxic and annoying character on the screen. The nonsense that they let Beth get away with was ludicrous and unrealistic. Some things would never fly in real life. She was a character that was screaming to be dealt some hard truths and face some karma, if only the writers did viewers a favour. It infuriated me how she often had ready access to Jamie's Attorney General's office and his house and faced no consequences. Plot armour at its worst.

Flimsy writing: similar to the Beck Brothers, the writing was weak often with a few loopholes. For example, the Market Equity Storyline was this firm was a multibillion dollar firm with so many resources who could have hired an army of lawyers only to be outplayed by a solo player, Beth who was able to outmaneuver a CEO as well, unrealistic writing.

The acting is strong overall and the realism of the setting should be praised. But this show is genuinely overhyped and inflated in my opinion, 6.8/10.

Yellowstone: Life Is a Promise (2024) Season 5, Episode 14

Mixed feelings

[6/10 · 2 February 2025]

The ending was not so bad, it had a nice full circle feeling to it and some storylines were adequately closed out, so that was good. However, a gaping hole was left after the show took a big sharp turn and removed its anchor character, John Dutton.

It was bitterly disappointing to see the end of Jamie in such a pathetic fashion. A physical altercation with Beth? Jamie is definitely no saint and was quite evil in nudging or suggesting his father be taken out but he never actively made that call. So essentially we saw a character killed off because of Beth's hatred for him. She's wanted him dead for years. The writers missed a big opportunity for character development with Jamie and essentially took the cheap option of making him the 'bad guy' because you always need that right. Never mind, the deep ambiguous and complex character building that could have occurred.

Yellowstone: Desire Is All You Need (2024) Season 5, Episode 9

Weak writing and bad decision

[5/10 · 2 February 2025]

The show rose to its heights mainly because of Kevin Costner's star power and convincing portrayal of John Dutton. I get the shock value effect. You give the viewer a strong curve ball to keep them glued. The key here is to back it up by strong writing and quality which did not follow. Game of Thrones for example did that well in season 1 when Eddard Stark was killed because they followed up so strongly. The same does not hold for Yellowstone, we see the show go off the rails after their anchor John is killed off. And for what cause? Once the shock value wears off, the writers pick at bare bones of their show. A bad call and poor judgement to go down this path.

Woman of the Hour (2023)

A chilling watch

[7/10 · 2 February 2025]

If this film made you feel uncomfortable then it did its job. I was not expecting such a dark and harrowing tale and I was even more shocked to learn this was based on a true story. Anna Kendrick is not the strongest of actresses but she does well with her directorial debut by tackling such a grotesque thing that sadly happened and likely still happens today. The film is quite captivating as it sucks you into this dark world of a predator. It shed light on how weak the justice system is as well to learn that Rodney went on a live dating game show and did not fear or need to go into hiding. The film is decent in that it allows you to draw your own conclusions as to various scenes.

The Wire (2002–2008)

Flashes of Quality, But Overhyped Overall

[6/10 · 12 January 2025]

After hearing so much praise for The Wire, I went in with high expectations, but ultimately, I found it to be a mixed bag. While there's no denying the show's ambition and its intricate portrayal of systemic issues, I couldn't help but feel it was overhyped. For a series often touted as one of the greatest ever, much of it felt mundane and lacking the narrative drive to keep me fully engaged.

Season 2 stood out as a highlight, offering a gripping storyline centered around the docks and the struggles of the working class. It felt fresh and compelling, with strong characters and a unique perspective. However, the other seasons didn't quite measure up for me. The pacing often dragged, and while the ensemble cast was solid, many characters didn't leave a lasting impression.

The show's slow-burn approach is admirable, but it occasionally veers into monotony, making it difficult to stay invested. Perhaps it's a case of personal preference, but The Wire didn't live up to its reputation in my eyes. While I can appreciate its depth and realism, it lacked the excitement and engagement I look for in a series. An ok watch overall, but not the masterpiece I expected. 6/10.