The Bay Season 2 (2021) Review

After watching the first season I decided why not get on and watch the second season of The Bay and I have now done that and here is my review for it. The premise of the season sees after her suspension Lisa is given a second chance when she is bought onto a murder investigation. 

Main Character

Morven Christie is back as Lisa and I think she is even better this season and does a great job in this role. You see how the events of last season have really affected her and have changed her mindset but she is still incredibly capable and clearly one of the best people for the job. There are a lot of cogs going on with her character this season and honestly they don't all work for me but she deals with them really well and gives a strong performance to boost the credibility of the show. 

Supporting Characters

Daniel Ryan is back as her boss and he is really good, again I wasn't a huge fan of his personal story arc but there is no denying that he gives a great performance and delivers a really good performance. James Cosmo plays a member of the family of the victim and he is also very good and adds a physical presence to the show and a real big character to the show. In fact all of the victims family are really good and bring something different that doesn't make them feel like the family from the first season. Also I didn't mention him in the first season review but Taheen Modak as Med is really good and the dynamic between his character and Lisa is a highlight and I like how it has developed from the first season. But then we get onto the weak performances and once again they are the same as last season, Christie's characters kids, wow they are so bad and they offer nothing to this show, I kind of wish this season had just ignored them or used them more sparingly but I actually think there here more and it really drags the show down and the family drama is my least favourite part of the show. 

Story

The main police story is actually pretty good and what it does really well is feel very different to the story of the first season. The cases are very different and this one feels more progressive with lots of twists and turns and credit has to go to that and I felt like the eventual twist was better then the first seasons even though it could have been better. But then the show gets bogged down in these sub plot family dramas and they really don't work and did very little for me, I would have happily watched more of the investigation and got rid of all of that. Also at the end it feels like some things haven't been resolved and I don't know if that is to set up a third season but it comes across as a bit sloppy. 

Script

The script is good, I would say better then the first season. The important characters are well written and the twists and turns are more interesting with some shocking revelations that do their job well. There is some good drama and little bits of humour that compliment well for the tone of the show. 

Style

The show is effective in the story it is trying to tell using this setting that is unique and we don't see too often, this show does a great job of showcasing Morecambe in all of its glory. Also credit to the sound people, the score has always been great but I thought I would mention it here as again I don't feel like I gave it enough credit in the first season. But the pacing of the show is worse here and I think that is due to the larger impact the sub plots take on the show, either they should have been cut down or there should have been fewer episodes with them completely out. 

Overall

Overall, this is another good season of The Bay and a show that is solid, there has been no update of a third season but if you have the time and like crime shows then this one is worth a watch. 

Rating - 7/10

The Bay Season 1 (2019) Review 

So the second season of ITV's The Bay has recently hit TV but I haven't watched the first season so I decided to watch it and here is my review for the first season of The Bay. The premise of the season sees two teenagers disappear and a detective goes on the hunt but she might have more connection to the case then she first knew. 

Main Character

Morven Christie plays the lead role and she is really good here and delivers a really strong lead performance. She fills the detective role really well and she is just really good in her job and the personal stuff is well done too, you see how dedicated to this case she becomes and how it affects her in more ways then one and this show creates an interesting character that we as a viewer will care about. 

Supporting Characters

Daniel Ryan plays her boss and he is also great here, their dynamic is really good and I like how he handles the case and is really strong as the lead of the investigation. The family of the kids that go missing are also good in their roles, they could be just the boring family victims but they aren't, they have their own story arcs and they are really good and add plenty to the show. But there are a few characters that fall weak for me and they are mainly the two kids of Christie's character. They are so annoying to watch and their whole characters don't play an important part of the show and the question has to be why are they even here and it is really frustrating. 

Story

The story is interesting as you see these detectives try and find these teenagers and the usual twists and turns take place as you would expect and some of them work for sure to keep you interested. But there are also things that feel underdeveloped like those two kids and the show tries to make it all connect but it feels forced and by the end of the show it feels forced and like just a way to make the dull parts of the show be a part of the main plot. 

Script 

The script is fine, there are some good dramatic moments here and the characters are pretty well written for the most part, the twists and turns also mostly work. But this show really falls flat with its final reveal and it feels like they weren't sure what they wanted to do so they went with an absurd ending that feels really out of left field. 

Style 

The style of the show is good, it is pretty brutal and just feels very real which is one of the best things I can say about the show, the pacing of the show pretty good too with six episodes feeling like a good length for the season.  

Overall

Overall, this is a good show that continues ITV's hot streak of police dramas. If you like these types of shows then The Bay could be another one for the list. 

Rating - 7/10

Penguin Bloom (2021) Review

So Penguin Bloom is a film that has come to Netflix today and I sat down and gave it a watch and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a woman affected by a life changing injury see a Magpie come into her and her family's life and how it affects their lives. 

Main Character

Naomi Watts plays the main character and she is really good here and provides a very strong performance. Her character goes through something really tragic at the beginning of the film and the way she reacts to it feels really natural and a bit understated at times which makes it effective so when she does break down it feels even worse. Her strong performance is the best part of the film and she is a character you can really support and one you can empathise with and I am sure their are plenty of people who watch this that will have an even greater connection to her performance then I do. 

Supporting Characters

Andrew Lincoln plays her husband in the film he is also really good. The two of them have very good chemistry together and he adds plenty to his role and the story overall, with one scene at a dinner table being his one to shine. This film introduces youngster Griffin Murray-Johnston as one of their sons and he does give a good accounting of himself and adds to the depth of the film and the story and the dynamic between him and Watts. Jacki Weaver plays Watts on screen mother and again she does a good job in the role and adds plenty to the film. 

Story

The story is based on real events and does a good job in showing the troubles of a person and a family when a real tragedy happens to a member of it. The performances feel very natural and organic and that aids in the authencity of the whole film and the story that is being told. But I just felt like there was something missing, it feels like quite a lot happens but none of it is proper developed and given a real time to build and maybe a longer runtime could have aided this. 

Script

The same could be said for the script, there is some strong writing especially in the dramatic department but there is something missing, the humour isn't great and as I said above none of the main storylines are developed as much as I would like and maybe some tighter writing could have aided with this. 

Style 

The style of the film again shows despair pretty well and the way that can affect a group of people and a head of a family. But this film has a pretty slower pacing and I think the last act maybe doesn't hit as well as it could have and that is a bit of a disappointment. 

Overall

Overall, this is a good film with a pretty heavy subject and good acting. It reminds me of Pieces Of A Woman and if you thought that film was interesting then maybe give this one a go. 

Rating - 7/10

The White Tiger (2021) Review

This film came to Netflix on Friday and I made out 2 hours of my day to watch The White Tiger and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a young Indian Driver attempt to rise from servant to master and reach the top. 

Main Character

Adarsh Gourvav is an inexperienced actor but he plays the lead here and I thought he was fantastic. He shows so much range in this film, he has to play different roles as his character progresses on his journey and Gourav nails it and delivers pretty much every scene no matter what it requires him to do. His character is fascinating and complex too with you really questioning whether you are meant to root for him or not and it is really well done. 

Supporting Characters 

Priyanka Chopra is the most familiar name in the film for a western audience and she is also really good here. She feels a bit like an outsider towards the other characters and her relationship with Gourav is one of the best things about the film and for the most part I thought she was the most likeable person in the film. Rajkummar Rao plays her husband and he is also very good, he is more then just your average rich guy and he sells his role well and you see how complex a life he leads and how his character plays in the journey of Gourav's character. The rest of the cast are also good and add plenty to the scenes that they are a part of. 

Story 

The story is good, it is interesting seeing the journey of this man from rags to riches and the film creates interesting characters and ones that are complex and make you want to watch. The twists and turns feel appropriate and not too overblown and it builds and builds to a decent conclusion. Though the one thing I will say is that the final act of the film can't keep up the quality and I have to admit I kind of wanted to see more of Gourav's character when he made it to the top of the mountain, this element isn't given enough time for sure. 

Script

The script is decent, there is a blend of humour and drama and for me the drama was handled better. There are some pretty intense scenes and I grew to care about what was going on and how it affected the characters. But yeah I think towards the beginning of the film it wanted you to laugh more and I just didn't, I chuckled a couple of times but nothing major. Also the use of voice over is overused here and I think the film could have done with fewer instances of this. 

Style 

The style shows India really well and I felt like I really experienced India and not like some other Bollywood films that I have seen and credit to the film for that. But this film has a bit of a pacing issue, I think if the final act was shortened and tightened up it would have been a way more effective experience. 

Overall

Overall, this is a good film. It tells an interesting story with interesting characters and if you have time then this one is worth a watch. 

Rating - 7/10

Fate: The Winx Saga Season 1 (2021) Review

Netflix have put some big marketing behind this show so I decided to sit down and watch the 6 episode season of Fate: The Winx Saga and here is my review for it. The premise of the season sees a girl have to adapt to a new school in a new world where she has to come to grips with her magic powers and abilities. 

Main Character 

Abigail Cowen plays Bloom our main character here and she is merely functional in the role. Bloom is a decent character with a pretty interesting backstory that makes her more interesting then anything else in the show. The issue is the writing for her character isn't particularly well written and isn't actually that likeable which is a nail in the coffin for a lead character. I just didn't care about Bloom that much and if it wasn't for the decent backstory the show gives her I am not sure if I would care at all and Cowen doesn't do much to raise those levels. 

Supporting Characters

I'm just gonna get to it, none of the supporting characters do anything for me and I thought they were all terrible. She has a group of friends that are every generic person in a friendship group for a young adult show, the annoying big girl, the attractive popular girl, the emo outcast and the hardworking do gooder. These girls aren't interesting and actually annoyed me quite a bit and the show does nothing to help them as they are given really poor material to work with and hopefully if this show does go on, the ones that stick around are given better things to do. Then we move onto the love interest, Danny Griffin plays Skye and this guy is as generic as you can imagine, he has no personality and no character and he is just there as a tool for the drama and the conflict between characters and that is incredibly clear. The teachers are probably the best, but they are mostly ignored and left to do very little to focus on the younger cast. 

Story

The story only gets a bit of a positive response because of some good worldbuilding and backstory to the main character. The show has an interesting setting and world with magic and the show really nailed its ending, if this show does get a second season I think the show did a really good job in setting up a much better second season. But this show suffers from drawing itself too much into its teenage demographic, the romance storylines are all paper thin and take up way too much time away from the more interesting stuff and either it could have been written better or just taken out for this season. 

Script 

The script is really bad with some cringeworthy dialogue that encapsulates the weaknesses of this show. It makes you wonder if the actors could have been better if they were given a script that was actually well written and made their characters any sort of interesting. 

Style 

The style is pretty decent actually, the magic powers all look pretty impressive and when on display are pretty cool to see. The show also has a nice flow to it due to it having only 6 episodes meaning it never dragged too much. But my main complaint is that those powers weren't shown off more, the action scenes are poorly filmed and not used effectively meaning it is a bit of a waste having powers that look nice when they aren't used very well.

Overall

Overall, I thought this was a poor show. It will probably have fans of shows like this but I just wasn't one of them, I do think this show has potential and a second season could be better, but in its current state I would avoid. 

Rating - 3/10

Lupin Part 1 (2021) Review

I have heard for a while now that Lupin is a great show and a must watch and I have now found some time to watch it and here is my review for the first part of the show. The premise of the show sees a master thief inspired by book character Arsene Lupin attempt to get revenge on a wealthy family. 

Main Character 

Omar Sy is a great actor whether it be in English language or French Language and he really shines here. He is so charismatic on the screen and does a great job portraying this character and making him a really interesting one. Without spoiling anything, this character requires a lot of unique work for Sy and he takes it all in his stride and really gives a memorable performance. 

Supporting Characters

Let's get this right, this is Sy's show and he dominates every scene that he is in and for me that holds back a few of the supporting characters a little bit. There are a few good side characters, like his on and off love interest, the main bad guy and the police commissioner, but for all of these there are a few weaker characters. Especially, the main guy hunting down Sy, he doesn't offer anything that interesting and his character actually makes little sense and the way he goes about things are a bit hard to wrap your head around. There are some other people that are in the show in small ways and they just don't really fit and it made me think that they could have just been left out here. 

Story 

The story is good, Sy's personal story works really well and you do root for him and feel the injustice that has been placed on him and his family. The show also delivers some really fun and interesting heists and seeing him execute these is a great watch. The ending of the season is also great with suspense built when they eventually give us the 2nd part. But this show has bits of the story that aren't that interesting, for example their are lots of flashbacks, some of them are effective but there are too many of them and some that aren't effective that disrupt the flow of the show. Also some of the side plots aren't particularly well developed and feel a bit of a drag on the whole thing. 

Script 

The script is really good, this show is French Language with English Subtitles and that doesn't hold it back at all. The dialogue mixes humour and drama really well and creates this fascinating lead character that you wanna root for and succeed in his goals. 

Style

The style of the show is also great, the heists are really well directed and exciting to watch especially, in the first episode where the show really excels in this department. Also I am going to give credit to the costume department who do a great job as Sy has some interesting disguises which are really well done. The show is only 5 episodes long and it flows very nicely and feels like an appropriate length and makes it a really easy watch that I got through in one day and I would recommend you do the same. 

Overall

Overall, this is a great show. Don't be put off by the French subtitles and give this one a shot you won't regret it and I can't wait for Part 2. 

Rating - 8/10 

Iron Man (2008) Review

So touch wood Black Widow is set to come out sometime in May, so I have decided to re-watch all of the films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in prep and of course that means starting with the first - Iron Man and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a Billionaire Weapons Dealer kidnapped where he creates a suit of armour to escape and make up for his own mistakes. 

Main Character

When Robert Downey Jnr was cast as Tony Stark it was a huge risk, many personal demons had taken its toil of his personal and professional career. But never was a role more perfect for an actor then he was for Stark, he is so charismatic in the role and he nails the complexity of the role. You see growth over the film but he never loses his true personality and always kept the wit and snappy dialogue with him and this was the first time we saw his great portrayal. 

Supporting Characters

Gwyneth Paltrow plays Pepper Potts and she is great as well, the chemistry between her and Downey is off the charts and you see the relationship between them build and it is the real heartfelt part of the film and she provides plenty too that. She isn't written as the damsel in distress and really is a proper character that feels worthy of her role here. Jeff Bridges plays Obadiah Stane and he is clearly having a lot of fun and revelling in his role and Bridges does enough for him to be a good character here. I mean there isn't really any depth with Stane but there is no denying that Bridges is great in the role. It feels a bit weird seeing Terrence Howard play Rhodey as he was replaced with Don Cheadle after this film but he is good too. I thought the friendship between him and Tony was a good part of the film and added to the story as a whole. Clark Gregg & Paul Bettany play Coulson & JARVIS for the first time and they do well in their roles with plenty more to come from them in future films. 

Story

The story is fantastic, you see this guy who starts the film in one mindset and finishes it in pretty much a completely different one without compromising his character. Tony Stark's character arc is the real highlight of this film and for me the first 30 mins really helped with that as we see just how intelligent he is and how his life is really affected by what happens to him in Afghanistan. Yes, the whole villain part of the film isn't the most compelling but it fits the film we are watching and I thought it suited Tony's character arc and for a first film was the right way to go, it also helps that this film has one of the most iconic endings to any comic book film ever made. 

Script

The script is really good and what I mean by that is the actors did a great job with the script they were given which wasn't finished when they started shooting the film so credit has to go to the actors. The humour is top notch with some truly great one liners which Downey delivers to perfection. But the film also has plenty of heart to it, you really care about this character and this whole redemption story that he is going on. 

Style

The style of the film has some great action scenes, this was the first time we saw the Iron Man suit and it looks great with some memorable sequences. It doesn't have the massive stakes of some other films involving the character but it really nails the action and what felt appropriate for the first film in the franchise. The film is also paced really well, as I said the first half an hour really sets the scene so well and it keeps it up throughout. 

Overall

Overall, this is an epic film, the first film in the MCU is full of quality and still holds up as a more personal and raw story told about this now iconic character. This is one of the most important comic book films of all time and it is also one of the best. 

Rating - 10/10

One Night in Miami (2021) Review

This film has made its way to Amazon Prime and I have now had the chance to watch One Night in Miami and here is my review for it. The premise of the film is a fictional story of a night where Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, Cassius Clay and Jim Brown gather to discuss their impact on the civil rights movement. 

Main Character

Kingsley Ben Adir plays Malcolm X and I thought he was fantastic, he truly sells the militant aspect of the man and the way he is truly committed to the civil rights movement. Over the years the main focus has been on Martin Luther King Jnr and rightly so but it is nice to see more spotlight on Malcolm X and Adir nails it here and creates an interesting depiction and one where you can see the positives and the troubles with his mindset. 

Supporting Characters

Eli Goree plays Cassius Clay who as we all know became Muhammed Ali and he is also great. You really see Ali's personality and charisma come to life which makes him the most entertaining aspect here but Goree knows how to show his vulnerability at times and show the inner workings of Ali when it is needed here. Leslie Odom Jnr plays Sam Cooke and he is really great here, the confrontations between him and Malcolm X were the highlights of the film for me and Odom Jnr just shows how great an actor he is. After watching Hamilton we know he can sing and when given the chance he knocks the singing scenes out of the park and really feels like Cooke. Aldis Hodge plays Jim Brown and he also does a great job and when given time to shine he delivers though I do believe he is the one given the least to really do here which is a bit of a shame. 

Story

The story is way more interesting then I thought it would be, it basically sees these four iconic figures debating in a single room and these performances and subject matter really make it captivating and a story that you want to watch that feels like an interesting informative piece. The one thing is that I feel like the story doesn't wrap up that effectively, the ending falls flat and I feel like the film could have gone on longer and really wrapped the film up in a satisfying and great way but it does fall flat. 

Script

The script is really good, the dialogue hits some really heavy and dramatic notes and it makes you buy into the film and it really relies on these great scenes as the film is pretty simple in premise. There is also some humour that works and makes this situation and characters feel more real and like friends. 

Style 

The film has a great style, especially when you consider the majority of the film takes place in one room, it is directed really well and makes this room feel claustrophobic and like our characters are trapped in there having to be honest with each other.  But similar to the issue I have with the plot it feels like the last 10 minutes fall flat, I truly believe this could have been a 3 hour film and the film could have progressed where the film ended and really deliver a more epic story. 

Overall 

Overall, this is a great film with some truly brilliant acting and directing from first time director Regina King. It is a slower paced film but worth your time if you are interested in well acted films that look at real social issues. 

Rating - 8/10

Blithe Spirit (2021) Review

This film made its way to Sky on Friday and I have now found the chance to watch Blithe Spirit and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a struggling writer accidentally summon the spirit of his deceased first wife, which creates issues with his current wife. 

Main Character

I just want to put it out there that I really like Dan Stevens as an actor but I did not like him in the role here. His character is just so unlikeable and I found it hard to sympathise or care about him and actually he is a pretty terrible person. There just isn't a script good enough to make his character one worth watching and Stevens can't save it in any way shape or form. 

Supporting Characters

Onto the one real highlight of this film and that is Dame Judi Dench who gives a pretty fun performance here and is easily the best thing here despite some weird choices that are taken with her character. After Artemis Fowel last year and now this film she really needs to get a new agent. Isla Fisher and Leslie Mann play the two wives and they didn't do much for me, Fisher had really no character and was this generic character that you have seen a million times before on film. I think Mann could have been an interesting character but she just becomes too by the numbers and the film does nothing to get you interested in the situation and the issues that these characters are in. 

Story 

The story is just so bad, this weird love triangle could have been interesting if they had chosen the direction it was going to go better. It either had to be really weird or really dramatic and the film does neither making you wonder just what was the point and why you are watching this film that does nothing interesting. The last act is so bad it had me laughing and wondering just why anybody thought a Blithe Spirit reboot would be a good idea in 2021. 

Script

As I have alluded to throughout I hate this script, it does nothing and says nothing. The characters are written so badly and you are given no reason to care about a living soul in this film. The film needed to really focus on a genre but it just didn't and tried too much and ultimately failed at all of it with a really weak ending.

Style 

I have heard some people say this film has a good look but I just don't really see it, it doesn't stand out in any way and the look can't hold it up in any way. Luckily the film is only 95 mins long but if you don't really like any of that 95 minutes it shouldn't be praised for it. 

Overall

Overall, this film is just awful and we have the first contender for the true worst film of 2021 and we are still in January. This is a film I never want to see again and I would say don't even think of watching this trash and do anything else with your life. 

Rating - 1/10

Outside The Wire (2021) Review

Another year, another Netflix action film is here to watch, this time it is Outside The Wire and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a drone pilot have to team up with android officer in an attempt to save the world. 

Main Character

Anthony Mackie plays Leo the android who I thought did a good job here and bought quite a bit to the role. He is basically the tough mentor and he does it pretty effectively, his character goes all over the place in the final act and it comes close to ruining it but it doesn't take away from his decent performance. But there is another main character Harp played by Damson Idris and I did not like this character at all. He does something at the beginning of the film that makes him unlikeable from the start and he never recovered for me and I never came around to care about him. 

Supporting Characters

The supporting cast don't offer anything because the film doesn't try to make that happen. The bad guy is as generic and dull as you can imagine and everybody else in the film is barely here and they aren't given anything to really work with. The film only really cares about its too main protagonists and forsakes every other character here.

Story 

The story is serviceable at best, I like the fact that Mackie's character was an android and how this world uses synthetics in general was pretty interesting and could have and should have been explored more. The film just doesn't do a good enough job of exploring it's themes and messages and the final act is so ridiculous and basically feels like it comes out of nowhere in order for the film to try and feel unique.  Also the ending feels very abrupt, I don't know why lately it feels like films I watch are ending abruptly and this one is no different not answering all the questions it needs to. 

Script

The script is fine, Mackie spits out some pretty good dialogue and the story does have a few good elements. Though like its story the script falls very short and tries to be more interesting then it is and it could have done with either focusing more on the interesting parts or just be a full on action film. 

Style

The style of the film has some pretty decent action scenes that do show the horror of war. But the film doesn't do enough with what it has, probably because there wasn't the budget that the film really needed for something so ambitious. 

Overall

Overall, this is a below average action film that doesn't do anything to change up the game and really make it stand out and is one you can happily skip. 

Rating - 4/10

The Pembrokeshire Murders Mini Series (2021) Review

It seems lately that ITV have done a good job in adapting true stories to mini series, with Quiz and Des last year both being great. To start 2021 it is the turn of The Pembrokeshire Murders and here is my review of the three episodes. The premise of the show sees a detective reopen two murder cases from the 1980's and tries to use more modern methods to get a conviction. 

Main Character 

Luke Evans plays the lead character here and he is really good. He plays the main detective and you see his passion and desire to get this case over the line. He does a great job of selling how important this case is and how it truly matters if they succeed. He is likeable here too and you really care about him and want to see him get what he wants in terms of getting justice for families. 

Supporting Characters

Keith Allen plays John Cooper the main suspect and he does a great job. He just fits this role really well and it just seems very natural to him, as the show goes on he really changes as a character and you see just how capable he is and how he is a truly terrible person. There is quite a large cast here and I thought they all did great jobs, whether it was the police officers, Cooper's family or others this show is very well acted. 

Story 

The story is good, it is interesting to see these detectives going after John Cooper, it is different to most cop shows as it shows most of the behind the scenes things and not chases and gun fights which was something really different. The show builds well and the majority of the story arcs work and make you care and invested in the plot. But my one criticism of the plot is the very ending, it ends very abruptly and unsatisfying leaving me wanting a bit more to really find out what happened to the characters I grew to care about. 

Script

The script is very good, it doesn't overcomplicate things when it very easily could and lays the drama on and does it effectively. It also has a few moments of decent humour and this show builds up an interesting group of characters to care about and get invested in. 

Style 

The style of the show is good, it kept me interested for the 3 episodes and there were some pretty intense scenes especially in the interrogation scenes that were really effective in what they did. But the show is pretty slow paced, it isn't a huge issue but it is there and maybe it could have moved a little bit quicker at times for my liking. 

Overall

Overall, this is a great show that delivers it's story well. If you like your true story dramas then give this one a watch as it is worth the time. 

Rating - 8/10

Crack: Cocaine, Corruption & Conspiracy (2021) Review

So 2021 has been a bit sparse in new content but this documentary came to Netflix this week and I have watched Crack: Cocaine, Corruption & Conspiracy and here is my review for it. The premise of the doc looks at the growth of Crack use in the 1980's and how it affected the United States and the people that live there. 

First this doc did a pretty good job in showing just how addictive Cocaine was and how it affected these normal people. You always here and see in things such as film and TV that show people using Cocaine but this doc showed real people who had been affected by it and just how badly it hit them and their life. 

It also shows how big the scale got in America and just how badly the Crack use affected culture all the way to the top of government and every state. 

But this film is clearly lacking detail, I always worry about this when a documentary chooses to use the film format is that there is so much to discuss but not enough time for it to be shown. This film has plenty to talk about but it fails to really invest and make you care enough. 

Also this film is really biased, it makes these jumps in logic and tries to connect things with very little evidence and just feels like a bit of a propaganda piece for 90 minutes that doesn't have that much to really say. 

Overall, this is a below average documentary that doesn't do much and feels like one you don't really need to watch unless you love documentaries. 

Rating - 4/10 

Cobra Kai Season 3 (2021) Review

After a few days of catching up on Cobra Kai, I have now finished the third season of the show and here is my review for it. The premise of the season sees after the school fight at the end of season 2, Johnny has lost Cobra Kai to Kreese and Daniel has shut down Miyagi-Do. Both of them try and find a way to help the children recover from the ordeal. 

Main Character

William Zabka is back as Johnny and I really felt sorry for him this season, he is in a really tough place at the beginning of the season and it is nice to see him grow in confidence as the season progresses and he finally starts to get a grip. You see the character from the beginning of the show to the point he ends up here and there is real progression but the essence of the character is still there and Zabka did a fantastic job of showing that. Ralph Macchio is back as Daniel and I thought he had a good role here, his character has a different path to Johnny but you can see they have similar issues but have different philosophies. There is a few episodes in particular where he gets the spotlight and it highlights the journey he is on really well. 

Supporting Characters

Martin Kove as Kreese is maybe the most surprising part of the season as he is developed into a really interesting character, he has always been a villain in the films and this show but for me his character was really fleshed out this season through flashbacks. I mean he still clearly a really bad guy but this show at least gives you a reason as to why he acts that the way that he does. Xolo Mariduena is back as Miguel and the poster spoils his fate from the end of the previous season but I won't go into depth with it but he is really good this season and his relationship with Johnny is really heart-warming to see. Mary Mouser as Sam gets an interesting arc this season, after the events of the previous season it affects her differently to the others and it is actually an element of this show that hasn't been explored much on the show before. Jacob Bertrand as Hawk has been a fun character on the show but this season is really where he gets more to do and I actually thought he became a really well written character that has plenty of depth to him too. 

Story 

The story is interesting, it really stems from these three big personalities in Johnny, Daniel and Kreese and how they influence the younger members of the show and how it shapes them as people. The characters are really well represented and you do care about what is happening to them as characters. But I must admit the story didn't exactly grip me for the first few episodes and there were certain elements of the plot that just conveniently ended when the show wanted to move on from it and it felt like what was the point. But the season ending is fantastic and sets up a really interesting plot for the fourth season. 

Script

The script for Cobra Kai has always been one I like, I laugh a lot while watching it and the drama really works and the characters relationships are really well developed and it makes you care about them and when they are put into peril. 

Style

The style for the show is still great, the action scenes are brutal and there are actually some quite unsettling scenes this season that really pushes the envelope in terms of teenage violence. Some of the episodes are slightly longer but they never drag and keep the intrigue throughout and the excitement. 

Overall

Overall, I enjoyed the second season more then this one but I thought the third season of Cobra Kai was fantastic and keeps the standard of this show really high and I cannot wait till the 4th season.

Rating - 9/10

Cobra Kai Season 2 (2019) Review

After the fantastic first season of Cobra Kai I couldn't wait and got right onto the second season and here is my review for it. The premise of the season sees Johnny attempt to change Cobra Kai's philosophy while Daniel reopens Miyagi dojo to take them on. 

Main Character

William Zabka is back as Johnny and he is even better here, his character progresses really well and I really cared about him. You see how the events in the season 1 finale affects him and changes some of his mindset but doesn't completely change the character and the way he portrays him and he does a great job. Ralph Macchio is also back as Daniel and he is also really good here, he has his own personal struggles and it is mostly interesting. What I think this season does really well with these characters is that they are not exactly like their former masters and they are both flawed in their own ways despite there age and experience and these guys do a great job together. 

Supporting Characters

Martin Kove makes his big return as John Kreese and he is such a great addition to the show. The way his character impacts the story and the two main characters is fascinating and credit to Kove for playing this truly horrible man that makes you really root against him. The younger cast are given more of the spotlight and are much better this season. The characters of Robbie, Miguel, Sam and Hawk in particular are great and credit has to go to these young actors as they have to really deliver on an emotional level and they really knock it out of the park. 

Story

The story is so much better this season, you see these two different dojo's and philosophies going head to head and the addition of Kreese to the story adds this big wildcard and it adds a unique element to it. Yes there is still this teenage drama but I thought it was handled much better this season and the lack of school really helped with that and allowed these characters to have these interesting altercations in other environments. Also it helps that this one of the best season finale's to a show I have ever seen, it raises the stakes to such high levels and hits the drama to a level I wasn't sure this show could and credit really has to go to everybody involved for that. 

Script

The script is really good, that cheesy humour is still there and it genuinely made me laugh a lot and made these characters a fun watch. But this season really ramped up the drama and really hit every emotional beat that is better then most you will see on TV. 

Style

This show has awesome action scenes, there are quicker and more brutal this season which is fantastic and some of the best action you will see around. The pacing of the show is great and the length feels right, long enough but not too long and it makes you love this show and the way it flows with its storytelling. 

Overall

Overall, this is one of the best seasons of television I have seen for a long time and I was hooked from minute 1. If you are a fan of this franchise this is the best thing I have seen from it and even if you aren't get watching Cobra Kai I can't stress just how good it is. 

Rating - 10/10

Cobra Kai Season 1 (2018) Review 

I clearly missed the boat with Cobra Kai and with the 3rd season of the show recently coming to Netflix, I decided it was time to watch this show and I watched the first season today and here is my review for it. The premise of the show is set decades after the events of The Karate Kid and sees Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso become martial arts opponents in there middle age. 

Main Character 

William Zabka as Lawrence is the antagonist of The Karate Kid but he is really our main character here and he does a superb job. He is so entertaining and cool and the biggest compliment to give to this show is that it made me really care about him. The show does a fantastic job of showing his side of the story and create a really compelling character that adds so much to his character in the original film. Ralph Macchio is back as LaRusso and again I thought he was a very compelling character and it takes directions that you wouldn't expect seeing the original film. You see just how much that one Karate Tournament affected these two people and how it made their lives turn out this way. 

Supporting Characters

The supporting cast is mostly young actors and actresses and they all give decent performances and fit very well into this universe. Xolo Mariduena plays Miguel, the first Cobra Kai member and I thought this kid was a real highlight of the show, you just see his connection with Zabka and how it affects him in every day life and just how committed he becomes to him and his cause. The same can be said for Tanner Buchanan who plays Robbie, he has a great relationship with LaRusso and the two partnerships are really well represented and you see how the tow different ideologies add to the rivalry. The rest of the cast are good too and add plenty to this show. 

Story 

The story between the main two characters is fantastic, you really get more layers added to their characters and I really appreciated the risks that were taken with them to make them more interesting and surprising. I also loved seeing more of their Karate philosophy, you don't see too much of Cobra Kai in the film but you see lots of it here and the show gives it a really interesting outlook leading to a phenomenal ending for the season. But I have one criticism and that is some of the teen drama didn't work for me, I know it is faithful to the original film but I felt like some of it could have been left out and that time could have been used on the Karate elements of the show. 

Script 

The script is fantastic, yes there are some cheesy moments but it fits very well with the whole show and leads to some really funny moments and one liners that hit the mark expertly. Also there is some great drama and heartfelt moments that pile on the emotion and yeah that also really works and credit to the writers for really understanding what this show is. 

Style

The style is also really great, the action feels like it should for a Karate Kid show but it is modernised to make it more athletic and even more brutal which adds so much weight to the fights that we see here. Also the show flows incredibly well with ten thirty minute episodes it is a really easy watch and one to really sink your teeth into. 

Overall

Overall, I wasn't sure what to expect with the first season of Cobra Kai but I thought it was fantastic and a show I couldn't stop watching. If you haven't started this show then do it as soon as possible as it is a great show that I think will only get better. 

Rating - 9/10

Pieces of a Woman (2021) Review

This film has had plenty of critical acclaim to it but hasn't been available to see and now Pieces of a Woman has come to Netflix and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a woman hit by a personal tragedy and how she reacts to it and attempts to live her life over the next year. 

Main Character

Vanessa Kirby plays the lead here and she does a fantastic job here, she is so great in her role and you really sympathise with her and feel bad for her as she attempts to get on with her life. There has been Oscar buzz about her performance and she does enough here for that to be deserved and let's hope she gets recognition for this performance as it is really strong. 

Supporting Characters

I am going to look past the real life issue with Shia LaBeouf and just talk about his acting here and I thought he was really good here. I thought the dynamic between him and Kirby was interesting and well handled, you see there different reactions and coping mechanisms and yes it makes him more unlikeable but you kind of see where he is coming from with his grief, though the film fails with the way his character ends up. Ellen Burstyn plays Kirby's mother and is also good here, she owns the screen and her scenes with the other two main characters are gripping and that is because of her quality. All the other performers do a good job too and the best part of this film is the acting for sure. 

Story

The story is quite gripping and does a good job in showing how tragedy can affect people in different ways. Also the first half an hour and had me on the edge of my seat just as much or more then any big action film could and credit has to go to the actors and director for achieving that. But the issue this film has is that it can't keep the pace and intrigue up and falls flat after the first 30 mins, it's still fine but it just coasts by and doesn't do enough to stand out. 

Script

The script is okay with a few really dramatic scenes in it but this film is really grim which is understandable because of its subject matter but the humour it attempts does fail pretty badly. Also there are certain elements of the plot that feel a bit forced and I do wonder why they were included here, maybe just to get the film to the 2 hour mark. 

Style 

As I said before the first 30 minutes is filmed brilliantly and the style for it adds so much to the whole thing and adds to the whole drama. Though the film slow in its pacing after that and as I said above I think there were a few parts of the plot that were unnecessary and that doesn't help with the pacing of the film as a whole. 

Overall

Overall, this is a really well acted film that is well directed that ends up being a good film. It doesn't do enough to hit the really high levels but is a good film if you can deal with the serious subject matter. 

Rating - 7/10

The Karate Kid (1984) Review

So I have not yet started Cobra Kai and I have heard it is great and the new season has just hit Netflix. Before I can start that show though I decided that I had to re-watch The Karate Kid trilogy in order to remember the exact story and that starts here with The Karate Kid and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a teenager get help from a Karate Master to teach him to stand up for himself.  

Main Character

Ralph Macchio didn't really end up with a huge career after his role as Daniel Larusso, but in terms of this film I think he is really good as the lead. He is just a pretty likeable kid and you want to see him succeed. Yes he is a bit hot headed but I thought that added a bit to his character and seeing him train in these strange ways gets you more invested and at least for me by the end of the film I really wanted to see him succeed in his quest. 

Supporting Character 

The legendary Pat Morita plays Mr Miyagi and he is amazing here, so much show that he got an Oscar nomination for his performance. The relationship between Danny and him is fantastic and they are the heart of the movie for me, this mentor and student relationship is great and you see the respect between the two of them which makes there journey together so satisfying. Elizabeth Shue plays Danny's romantic interest and I thought she was really good too, they just had really good chemistry together and were a cute couple that you want to see make it through the film and have a happy ending. The rest of the cast are great too William Zabka as Johnny and Randee Heller as Kreese are really good antagonists and I can't wait to see what is in store for them when I get around to Cobra Kai. 

Story 

The story is really heartfelt, the relationship between Danny and Miyagi is fantastic and really heartfelt and you really end up rooting for them and want to see Danny end up getting one over Johnny and Kreese. As I mentioned the romance is also good and even though there is a little hint of a love triangle it never forces itself into that trope which was a really good decision. No spoilers here but lets just say the plot is pretty predictable, you know exactly where it is going but in a film like this I don't see that as an issue as you want the nice and predictable ending. My one criticism is the execution of the ending, to me it felt like it was very sudden, the film just needed another few minutes to really wrap up its story and that would have made it perfect. 

Script

The script is fine, it actually has some funny moments that had me chuckling quite a bit and the drama did work for the most part. I do though find it sometime in these films from the eighties is that the scripts aren't great and that is fine but now it is 2021 I just feel it has to be mentioned as a negative in my personal opinion. 

Style 

The style is great, all the different training that we see Miyagi use is fun and the montage really works and this film managed to make Karate feel pretty hardcore and violent. The film flows very nicely and even when the more personal scenes are happening it feels really good and adds weight to this story that isn't exactly new in its formulae. 

Overall

Overall, I think this film is great, The Karate Kid is a pretty iconic film and is basically the teenage version of Rocky and it does it really well. If you haven't seen The Karate Kid for some reason then give it a watch and you won't be disappointed. 

Rating - 8/10

History of Swear Words Season 1 (2021) Review

We have made it in 2021 and it feels like this is an appropriate time for a documentary about the history of swear words hosted by none other then Nicolas Cage and I have watched the 6 short episodes and here is my review for it. 

So first onto the biggest part of the show which is Nicolas Cage as the host and he is great and clearly revels here and is having a blast of a time. When I think of this show he is literally the only guy who could host it and he adds so much energy to this show and is the highlight for me. 

Now onto the actual show, it is pretty funny and has a good selection of experts and comedians talking about a subject that is pretty taboo and it is pretty refreshing to watch and here these words talked about and widely accepted. 

It is also cool how they show the evolution of swearing in film, tv and music and shows even though it is a subject not really spoken about it has influenced pop culture and people from plenty of different backgrounds whether they be male or female. 

But this show isn't as funny as it maybe thinks it is, to begin with it is funny hearing them swearing but after a while it becomes a bit dull and like it is no longer shocking and the show doesn't bring much to the table. 

Also there are some swear words clearly missing and whether this is setting up a second season or whether it has been avoided on purpose due to the sensitive nature which is disappointing.

Overall, this is a pretty funny show that talks about swears openly and it is a show you can get through pretty quickly which aids in its watch ability and maybe if you are interested in the subject then maybe give it some time. 

Rating - 7/10    

The Serpent Mini Series (2021) Review

Here we go, the first new review for 2021 and it is for the new BBC show The Serpent and here is my review for it. The premise of the show documents the life of a serial killer who took advantage of the Asian hippie society for his own needs. 

Main Character

Tahar Rahim plays the main character here and he does a really good job here. His performance is really enigmatic and charismatic, you understand why these people are drawn to him and attracted to his lifestyle as he is a charming man with that aura about him. But he also nails the intensity too, when he has to switch you believe he can and that he is a truly dangerous man that is unbalanced and as you learn more about him he becomes a more interesting character. 

Supporting Characters

Jenna Coleman plays his partner in the show and she is fantastic, she is a person that we really see the show through and she is a character that really struggles. You can see how infatuated she is with Rahim's character that she is willing to give the extra mile for him but you can't really tell how on board she is and her character develops very well as the show progresses. Billy Howle plays the guy on the hunt for The Serpent and he does a great job, you see how invested he gets in this manhunt and how it affects him in many different ways and I thought Howle managed to show that really well and he deserves plenty of credit for that. Elle Bamber and Tim McInnerny who I last saw in The Trial of Christine Keeler are much better here, Bamber plays Howle's wife and that have an interesting relationship and she is way more then just your simple wife of a heroic character. McInnerny adds plenty of fire to the show and intensity and I thought him and Howle had really good chemistry and there different personalities really worked together well. 

Story   

The story is interesting, how much of it is exactly true is to be argued but the show makes it interesting and creates this aura around this guy and keeps you interested in how this guy and his whole circle operate and his mindset to his way of life. But this show has a big issue with its storytelling, it decides to tell the story through different timelines and it just gets really confusing, characters come in and out of the story and it doesn't become clear when things are happening and where they fit into the timeline of the show. 

Script

The script is fine, it has some pretty intense moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat as the characters are put in scenarios that put them in peril. But there isn't anything particularly special going on here, the actors rise above an average script and there was more that could have been done here. 

Style 

The show is very stylish and thinks it is very cool and for the most part it is and it shows Thailand and the other countries in an interesting way. But the one thing I have to say is that this show does seem to glamorise this real life serial killer and the life he had which is a strange choice when this guy is still alive and I think there are just a couple too many episodes but that is just me. 

Overall 

Overall, this is a good series that does what it intended to do pretty well. It doesn't rise to the highest level but is a good start to 2021 and if you like shows with these ideas then give this show a watch. 

Rating - 7/10

The Midnight Sky (2020) Review

This film came to Netflix late last year but I have now had a chance to watch The Midnight Sky and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a a scientist in the arctic attempt to stop a crew of astronauts returning to Earth. 

Main Character

George Clooney plays the lead role and is the director of the film and he deserves credit for that and he does an alright job in the film. It isn't the charming and charismatic performance you usually see but Clooney does give a decent physical performance and he is a pretty harrowing character when more is revealed about him. Felicity Jones plays the head astronaut and she is good here, I wasn't expecting to see so much of her but was pleasantly surprised as she is a good character and I thought she was a good contrast to Clooney's stuff happening back on Earth. 

Supporting Characters

David Oyelowo plays another astronaut and is also good, the chemistry between him and Jones is solid and it seemed that they were having a good time in playing their roles. The rest of the astronauts are good too and I thought they were a nice group together and I liked there bond and thought it was well presented here. The other few members of the cast are solid too including a good performance from a little girl who has to do more work then you would expect. 

Story  

This is where the film falls down though, it's story is really bad and doesn't do enough to keep you interested at all. It is like somebody wanted to make a survivor movie and somebody wanted to make a sci-fi movie and they couldn't make both so they put them together and created this hot pot of a messy story. It doesn't help that the end of the film is super anticlimactic and it kind of feels I wasted 2 hours with a story that went nowhere. 

Script 

The script actually surprised me, I thought the film was going to be really dramatic and it is at times but I was surprised by the quick and funny dialogue between the astronauts that saw them bantering a plenty and it made them a fun group to watch. But that drama does fall flat towards the end of the film where it doesn't make you care about anybody and again as I said it leaves you questioning why you bothered. 

Style

The film looks good, the space scenes stand up when needed and the winter scenes on Earth do the job very well too and it is just a nice film to look at. But there is an issue with pacing here, it doesn't help that the contrasting tones of the two plot lines clash, the film is also really slow in the first 30 mins and it took quite a bit to get me back somewhat on board and plenty of people will have checked out by that point. 

Overall

Overall, I heard this film was terrible but I actually found it above average and a fine watch. It has some decent performances and good look that is an okay watch, I wouldn't rush to watch it but I thought the film was okay. 

Rating - 6/10