hacienda-00520 Reviews (13)

Squid Game: The Challenge (2023– )

Waste of Viewer Time

[2/10 · 10 December 2023]

Thinking it similar to the exciting and excellent Squid Games, I watched this silly attempt to capitalise on the hit show.

It is nothing but observing a very uninteresting group of characters supposedly where only one wins the final prize.

They are presented as rather vapid personalities revealing very uninteresting lives. They are more concerned with hugging and crying over one another than being real competitors.

The acting is hum-drum, and there is really no story line to interest any critical viewer.

It is designed to appeal to tv game show fans, but even here it falls short.

I watched it to its foolish end, as the final players cried over one another. A huge waste of time.

Better Call Saul (2015–2022)

Disappointing end episodes

[9/10 · 20 September 2023]

This series is a fantastic blend of storyline and acting. As a prequel to Breaking Bad it holds its own. Where it fails is in a disturbing series of flashbacks and future events. These can be interesting but annoyingly presented in black and white. The last two episodes are disappointing. Instead of pulling everything together in preparation for continuing the saga in Breaking Bad they present the future of the end game of Saul Goodman, bringing him to an undeserved inglorious end. Still, the great enjoyment of watching the series, except the end, ranks it amongst the best television sagas ever presented.

Cross Creek (1983)

Haunting Film

[10/10 · 27 April 2023]

This film never receives the honours it deserves. The author, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings had great insight into human nature explored quite well by the excellent well-chosen actors in this film.

Beautiful photography accompanies the telling of a profoundly captivating story that delves into the hearts and minds of its characters.

It teaches very well the fleeting moments good and bad that every person experiences in life. Sadly, nothing can remain static, as time marches on. It teaches that each of us make a mark in our world to be soon replaced by a non-ending advance of time.

The haunting beautiful composition that plays a repeating theme throughout the film adds profoundly to the experience of watching it. A great story made into a great film.

1883 (2021–2022)

Great History

[10/10 · 15 November 2022]

A no holds barred story about emigration to the far west by groups displacing the native people. It depicts the tremendous difficulties of preparing for the journey by people who had no concept of what they were attempting.

The loss of prized possessions, death of family beloveds, and unexpected defeat are all presented and considered.

One has to wonder how invasive settlement actually succeeded in such a short time. Europeans seeking land was the great drive requiring a willingness of spirit and desire not encountered by many.

A real eye opener to a reality usually glossed over or romanticised in productions of this sort. Realistic with great performances. A favourite series.

House of the Dragon (2022– )

Boring

[2/10 · 6 September 2022]

I managed to hold out only about 20 minutes watching the first episode. The confusing lack of good story telling combined with quite dark photography convinced me quickly that I was wasting my time. This fantasy was reputed to be HBO's answer to the Netflix Lord of the Rings offering. There is no comparison, as Dragon fails miserably to even stand on its own. I think it attempted to be of the same genre as the acclaimed Game of Thrones, also highly overrated.

Compare this with 2010's 'Pillars of the Earth' and 'The Work of Angels' to see how a mediaeval period films should look and satisfy the viewer.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022– )

Somewhat disappointing

[6/10 · 4 September 2022]

Granted that it is near impossible to match Peter Jackson. However, though the effort was made to win over LOTR fans, I do not feel this happened. The cinematography, though good, was not excellent. The story rambles somewhat and could have been edited (or perhaps written) better. The real weakness was in the characters and their performances. There was nothing to endear one to any character. Peter Jackson achieved this immediately, but that never happened in this production. Casting should have been better. Elves and hobbits are not anything like we would have expected to see. Let's hope that as the series progresses it will improve from a mediocre start.

The Miracle of Teddy Bear (2022– )

Fantastic

[10/10 · 15 May 2022]

I watch many BL dramas, and this one exceeds all in many ways. The drama story line is rather complicated with psychological. Religious, and moral overtones. Acting, directing, editing, and photography are all first rate. Character development is well done with two of the most attractive young men as main characters that you will find anywhere. I especyally appreciated the way these actors use their eyes in their emotions. I 've never seen it done so well. The story is captivating, though sometimes drawn out to fit episodes. The story ends with tremendous emotion transferred to the viewer. Asian productions are demonstrating that they have more than matched the drama of the old Holly wood days now seemingly lost.

Young Royals (2021–2024)

Not especially good

[3/10 · 13 May 2022]

The undeserved accolades reported here on this BL series indicates to me that these comments are from viewers not familiar with Thai productions of this genre. Also true of Korean and Taiwan series. What stands out as particularly bad in Young Royals is the dismal dark photography. There is poor editing, and sets or locations with no attractiveness. The story by Thai standards is mediocre and the acting only mediocre. Viewers quickly get captivated by most Asian BLs and quickly identify with characters most of whom are very well directed. As young boys, the vast majority have learned acting skills to perfection. Often, there is also catchy music composed for the production. A current Thai prodution, "Miracle of Teddy Bear" will demonstrate what I mean. The French seemed to begin BL with some early well-made offerings, but Thailand, Korea, and Taiwan lead the field. Some good work came out of China, but the genre has been banned presently, because of same-sex story lines.

Don't Look Up (2021)

Too timely

[13 February 2022]

It was shocking to realise that this parody of US government is all too true. The present Ukraine crisis was not happening when this film was made, but it is amazing how truth follows fiction. Everyone needs to watch this film, like it or not.

Squid Game (2021– )

Best Film of the Year

[10/10 · 3 November 2021]

Seldom does one get so captivated by a story than this one. Most people binge watch it, unable to stop or wait for next episode. South Korea is producing films that the world wants, and does so with quality of production, captivating stories, excellent camera work, and skillful actors. Squid Games fills all of these categories. That South Korea films can appeal worldwide attests to the fact that they are eclipsing Hollywood, especially in drama where acting plays a larger role than bombast and action.

Dune (2021)

Falls Short

[4/10 · 27 October 2021]

Dune 2021 is an example of a remake that fails to tell a story that the first film does well. Darkness and resounding musical scores dwarf the dialogue leaving one wondering why captions are not used. Given to-day's technology, one has to appreciate the efforts that went into David Lean's earlier film. Yes, many scenes are impressive, but really too much is left to imagination rather than presented from the mind of the director. Lean's film is a well-developed understandable story, but this new version can only be comprehended by a Dune reader. Character development and styles are also weak. Though the role of Paul is well cast and well acted, the other major characters fall far short of good casting and character development. A disappointment, though also a fairly enjoyable two hours.

Northwest Passage (1940)

Loyalty to Empire

[10/10 · 24 November 2019]

This is one of my favourite films of all time. Author Kenneth Roberts was not afraid to write stories that challenged the idea that the American Revolution was necessarily a good thing (see Oliver Wiswell), and Northwest Passage in book and on the screen portrays the glory of a united people before the Revolution tore it apart. Robert Rogers was an important American hero who remained loyal to his heritage and would not support revolution. As such he is not given credit for the great man he was by US supporters. Had he not fought valiently in the French and Indian war there would have been little if any chance of a revolution. I read what I can about him, and Spencer Tracy portrays him admirably.

What's Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018)

Captivating

[10/10 · 24 July 2018]

This is the second series starring Park Seo Joon that I have watched (before I watched She Was Pretty) and I am amazed not only of the high calibre of the young stars but the beauty of filming and the perfection of the production. The love stories are similar but still leave the viewer spellbound and anxious for the next episode. The Koreans should export these productions world-wide, as audiences everywhere will totally enjoy these beautiful young actors and actresses mesmerise the viewers with their performances. Thanks for great entertainment!