gbyzp Reviews

Star Trek: Discovery (2017–2024)

Plot Failures - WhisperSpeak - and Savior Complexes

[4/10 · 20 May 2024]

I agree with another reviewer who called out the annoying propensity for Michael Burnham to WHISPER EVERYTHING.

This probably shouldn't be held against Sonequa Martin-Green as an actor, clearly this is a writing and directing flaw. In fact, I am looking forward to seeing her in other things. That aside...

Issue Number one - making Michael Burnham SPOCK'S adopted sister. Seriously!?!?! What was the value of that plot move? Instead of being cool, it feels like a desperate attempt to link her to a key figure in the existing storyline.

Issue number two - making Michael Burnham the "Savior of the Universe." Not just once either, the whispering savior saves the universe multiple times.

The series starts with her being a bit of a renegade character... kind of like the Tom Paris (Voyager) or Ro Laren (STNG) of Discovery. If like them, they toyed with her questionable allegiances and motives and allowed that to weave throughout the series leaving the viewers wondering where she would ultimately land till the end.

Instead, they rushed to make her a beacon of goodness - which through many story lines - is shoved down viewers throats. She saves the universe from malevolent use of AI by becoming the Red Angel (replacing her mother) to bring it into the distant future. I guess the malevolent characters in the future have no use for an all powerful AI.

Michael puts on her savior hat once again by finding dilithium and reviving the federation which is almost completely non-existent in the future.

Now, in season 5, she is on a quest to piece together clues from the progenitors (the creators of everything) to find the technology to create life and SAVE THE UNIVERSE yet again.

After all this saving - it seems like the natural progression is to have her ascend.

This has been the most frustrating, annoying, and disappointing entry in the Star Trek Universe.

I watched it all hoping it would get better.

It never did!

Thankfully there are only two more episodes.

Voyagers (2021)

Pesticides needed for this lord of the flies

[4/10 · 23 March 2024]

This was absolutely the worst rip off of Lord of the Flies.

Unbelievable from the very beginning.

Humanity is at the point where we can find a habitable planet, and travel there.

We even raise children specifically to go into space who would never miss earth because they were deprived of a normal life on earth.

Yet - with all that planning and commitment - we were not able to find a way to fix Earth and stay.

Even worse is the premise drinking the BLUE would suppress our urges. What did they brilliant planners of this expedition think would happen when we finally got to new earth and they no longer drank the blue?

Clearly, exactly what happened on the ship would have happened once they set foot on new earth.

After spending so much time spiraling out of control - they wrap everything up in a hurry by killing Zac, everyone does an about face, and they vote on everything going forward.... Um - OKAY?!?!?!?!

Poor Things (2023)

I wish I could cut out my brain and replace it with one that NEVER SAW THIS MOVIE

[5/10 · 23 March 2024]

Don't believe the hype.

This tries desperately to be a mashup of a fairytale and Frankenstein's Monster.

With Wilem DaFoe as a deformed monster of a man (called God short for Godwin) who saves a girl who commits suicide by replacing her brain with that of her unborn child.

Bella, his creation, is introduced to us as a child in an adults body. She quickly learns how to gratify herself and that fast becomes the focal point of this movie.

Bella's journey of discovery is consumed by her insatiable sexual desires. Eventually Bella learns she can prostitute herself to earn a living and goes that route.

While film was touted as Bella's steadfast stand for equality and liberation - it never got much further than showing Emma Stone writhing around naked with a variety of men and women.

The story never rises to the level of the interesting cinematography, talented cast, and bizarre costuming.

Rather than flipping the bird at the patriarchy, which seemed to be the underlying intent, the movie ends up selling prostitution as the path to equality, liberation and empowerment.

Mammals (2022)

The Moral is no morals

[5/10 · 18 February 2024]

The show starts out strong and finishes STUPID.

What follows is all spoilers so if you plan to watch this in spite of the warning to find something else- do not read any further.

The Jaimie character is painted as a victim yet right from the start he leaves his long time girlfriend to run off with Amandine, a woman he met while working on her fiancées ship.

The story unfolds with Jaimie slowly becoming aware that Amandine has been cheating on him with several men. We are supposed to feel sorry for a character who dumped his girlfriend for another woman.

Jaimie confronts Amandine and then skips town to sulk and think.

Things come full circle when Jaime finds out his best friend is the mystery man "Paul." Everything comes to a head in the final episode where Jaimie and Amandine finally speak again - and Amandine shows Jaimie a video she had taken of him with another woman.

And where this gets really stupid - THE WHALE IN THE STREET.

The point of this show - everyone cheats. Trust no one.

This was very disappointing for a show that truly started out strong.

Being Mary Tyler Moore (2023)

Awesome Bio-Tribute

[10/10 · 28 January 2024]

This is a wonderful combination biography / tribute to a woman who was an icon and a human being.

While this movie may not share anything revelatory it speaks to how Mary changed the world by emulating her beliefs through her lifelong drive and passion.

Make no mistake this movie is not a glossy fluff piece, it touches on her strained relations, alienation from her family, difficulty connecting with her son.... The loss of her son, and her alcoholism.

Her struggle is sometimes evident in the silent pauses in her interviews. Wonderfully edited, and powerfully presented.

This movie takes a real look at Mary Tyler Moore and how her personal evolution was reflected in her career choices and gives deeper meaning to her life and legacy.

While some may be disappointed that no new postmortem DIRT was shared, I found this to be an honest loving tribute.

Absolutely worth the watch.

Fool Me Once (2024)

Another Netflix/Coben failure

[5/10 · 16 January 2024]

This is yet another disappointing entry by Harlan Coben that has entered the Netflix library.

These stories are disappointingly unrealistic and seem very childlike in their plot lines.

The dramatic twists are so far fetched that rather than be surprised the general response is "that was lame."

Most characters in this series lack any depth.

When it comes to fiction writing, you can only test the Suspension of Disbelief so much in a story before it just falls apart. It has been my experience that Coben does not fully grasp this principle which is why pretty much everything of his that I have seen - collapses under the weight of its own ridiculousness.

Admittedly - I have been fooled more than once, I will not be fooled again. Hard Pass on anything written by Coben.

Silver and the Book of Dreams (2023)

Instead of Lucid Dreaming - Opt for a Dreamless Sleep and skip this movie.

[4/10 · 30 December 2023]

This movie had so much potential with a great premise - yet it completely misses the mark.

The concept of lucid dreaming is that one has control in their dreams. Think INCEPTION. Think Nightmare on Elm Street Dream Warriors.

Other than turning around and jumping off of something, these characters spend more time running away from their nightmares than they do trying to control their dreams in anyway.

On occasion there are some great dream visuals that, had the script been better, might have helped to make this movie worthwhile. Sadly, they were not enough to prop this story up.

The story feels rushed. It seems that the script writers chose to move the story along quickly by providing zero character development and jumping right into the action. The end result is something that feels too predictable and falls into place in a too far-fetched or convenient way.

One example of far-fetched would be Silver choloroforming one of her classmates - IN CLASS and no one sees or says anything. This is just one of many examples.

The dialog is also weak, which in addition to a flagging story, portrays all of the characters as one dimensional.

To be fair, I think most of the cast does an admirable job trying to give great performances in spite of the poorly written script.

While the ending clearly was written to leave "the door" open for a sequel - let's hope they realize the error of their ways and do not put us through a second nightmare.

The Machinist (2004)

Great Premise - Horrible Acting

[6/10 · 24 December 2023]

I watched this movie based on a recommendation. The story offers an interesting premise that makes this worth the watch, in spite of Christian Bale's horrendous acting.

Insomnia for over a year, while far fetched if not impossible, is the symptom / plot line that kept me watching.

I knew there was more to the story. Sure enough, little by little, the story unfolds revealing clues that eventually lead to a big reveal that make the movie worth watching.

The bending and blending of reality and hallucination while a great story device was poorly executed by Mr. Bale.

He is an overhyped actor who provides the same flat performance in this and every movie he has made EVER.

Proof that the right look, not talent, earns paychecks in Hollywood.

Maestro (2023)

IT IS A LOVE STORY!

[9/10 · 23 December 2023]

There are many reviews that bash the film for not giving any background into Bernstein's creative process, the description of the film (at least the one I read) clearly says it is a love story delving into his relationship with Felicia. For that reason Bernstein's conducting and composing serve as a backdrop rather than a focal point of the story.

This is a story about a man tortured by conflicting desires. His deep abiding love for Felicia and how it collided with his love for men.

The film masterfully shows how this conflict played out in his relationship with Felicia.

I had no expectations when I began watching this film, other than it was a love story. In fact, it wasn't until after watching the movie that I learned Cooper wrote, directed as well as starred in the film.

Bradley Cooper does an amazing job portraying Bernstein. The conflict Bernstein must have carried is skillfully presented to us through words, mannerisms, and powerful moments of silence. Cooper shows us the pain, the turmoil, and the heartache Bernstein tried to hide from the world and himself. Bernstein's children have raved about Cooper's portrayal of their father.

Carey Mulligan is wonderful as Felicia. She gives emotional depth to the struggle Felicia lived through for loving a man who could not love her back with the same totality. She provides some of the best dramatic moments in the film.

In spite of the forces pulling them apart, we see how the love they felt for one another bonded them together to the end.

This is a beautiful love story that deserves far more praise than it is getting.

Diablo (2015)

Weak Homage, weak script, weak directing - Decent acting

[5/10 · 21 December 2023]

The description refers to this film as an "homage to spaghetti westerns." By extension this is also an homage to Clint Eastwood.

With Scott Eastwood playing the lead and Walton Goggins and Danny Glover with guest roles, all of whom provide wonderful performances, why did this movie fail?

There are two simple answers - THE SCRIPT and DIRECTING were awful.

Examples of Script Failures - Jackson corners the young Native American who shot at him with arrows and says "What are you doing? That wasn't very nice."

The "bandits" shoot Jackson and his horse.. they see him crawling to get his gun. Rather than shooting him they RUN. The could have shot him but for no apparent reason - they ran.

Jackson arrives at the place where his wife is being held - and is standing in an open field between several buildings where armed men are ready and waiting to shoot him. EMPHASIS ON WAITING. In spite of being outnumbered - he manages to take out all these hiding men while being out in the open where any one of them could have ended him.

Directing failures - While there were many - the main one that stands out: Trying too hard to have Scott emulate his father's mannerisms throughout the entire film.

After wandering around for so long, with no opportunity for a bath - Jackson's hair always looked like he recently stepped out of a salon.

The sad thing about this, the story had a decent premise. Had they shared more of Jackson's back story regarding the loss of his brother... it might have come together better.

Instead the truth about the relationship between Jackson and Diablo are thrown at you in a sloppy manner rather than giving it the impact it deserved.

Renfield (2023)

Codependent comedy Lost in Carnage

[6/10 · 20 December 2023]

This movie had great potential, after all it had Hoult as Renfield and Cage as Dracula. It had a great premise - exploring the relationship between the two from Renfield's perspective through a comedic lens.

Hoult does an outstanding job playing the part of Renfield wrestling with his co-dependent relationship with Dracula.

Cage does an okay job as Dracula as long as he isn't channelling the Godfather when talking about betrayal.

There are some great moments that poke fun at the relationship between Dracula and Renfield - but they often get obscured behind excessive, comic book styled fight scenes and horror movie gore.

When that happens it almost feels like - they didn't have enough material to carry the story forward so they filled it with fight scenes and buckets of blood.

If you choose to watch this - go in with low expectations. You will be less likely to be disappointed that way.

Keep the Lights On (2012)

Tough to love - tough to hate - worth the watch

[8/10 · 20 December 2023]

There appears to be a love hate split in the ratings for this movie.

Which I find quite ironic - since in some ways this movie is about a love hate relationship. Well, Erik's self love and self hatred as it relates to his relationship.

Erik falls for Paul who is in a relationship with a woman. Right out of the box we know that Paul has issues. This is compounded very quickly as we learn that Paul has a drug addiction that impacts the relationship between Erik and himself.

While Paul and his struggle with his addiction are a large focus of the story, there is more going on here. This is Erik's love story after all.

The real journey here is Erik's, not Paul's. He falls in love with Paul and quickly becomes co-dependent. While his heart's desire is to be with Paul, he finds himself resorting to destructive behaviors - in an effort to end the pain. Hence the love hate dichotomy that Erik carries throughout the film.

In many ways, Erik's codependence is a form of addiction that parallels that of Paul's drug dependence struggle. He ultimately finds his peace when he FINALLY takes control and ends the cycle between he and Paul. Ironically, Paul is the one who issued the ultimatum that gets him there.

While it is slow moving and painful to watch at times, perhaps that is to really show the viewer to feel the pain of both characters. Life and love are messy and complex - and this movie gives us that picture in a very gritty, unvarnished, and non-stereotypical way.

If you are looking for typical rom-com or formulaic gay drama - this movie is not for you. If you want something ripped from real life then this movie is truly worth the watch.

The Family Plan (2023)

A different take on TRUE LIES

[7/10 · 19 December 2023]

There is no denying this is another take on the Schwarzenegger - TRUE LIES movie.

I think where this film succeeds is in showing how the secrets Dan/Sean kept for all those years impacted his family. From the routine ways in which he showed his wife how much he loved her to the lack of ability to connect with his children.

It is only when he is forced to bring his secrets into the light with his family is he truly able to connect with them.

While it may not feel fresh, this movie does a good job at paying homage to the original as well as offering something new.

Wahlberg, Monaghan, Colletti, and Crosby do a fine job bringing the characters to life in fun and enjoyable ways.

While this movie may not win any awards - it is certainly a fun watch.

EXmas (2023)

All Wrapping and No Gift

[6/10 · 11 December 2023]

Let's be honest - the rom-com formula has been done to the extreme.

No matter how hard writers try to find a unique angle - the formula remains pretty much the same.

This movie rides that line of finding a new approach like - exes being forced to spend Christmas together with family.

Rather than being a heartwarming reunion, the family makes the son feel less welcome than the nasty ex-fiance.

There is a bet between the two exes on who will get to stay with the family for Christmas, REALLY?

I guess they figured they had Robbie Amell as the shiny sparkly wrapping that none of the characters needed to have any substance underneath.

In spite of the above, it does have a few entertaining moments.

I give it a solid 6 stars, do with that what you will.

Leave the World Behind (2023)

Sam Esmail's Navigation System must be failing

[5/10 · 9 December 2023]

With some really good shows under his belt like "Mr. Robot" and "Home Coming", I expected more from Sam Esmail. In addition, the casting suggested we could expect better.

The movie definitely has some of Sam's classic "time-release" style. Hinting at things slowly, leaving the viewers guessing and hanging on in anticipation of learning the truth. Waiting for the secrets to be revealed. SPOILER - YOU NEVER REALLY DO.

There are many topically and psychologically complex avenues that he seems to start down and then quickly veers off in another direction. The movie tries to make a point yet fails to deliver.

This failure is in spite of the very talented cast. The movie plunges forward aimlessly, much like the self driving cars in the movie.

While I may only speculate on the root cause, I can recommend - do not waste your time. The ending will leave you feeling very dissatisfied.

Why Are You Like This (2018– )

Netflix didn't renew it - because it wasn't any good

[5/10 · 3 December 2023]

The ethnicity of the creator of a show is not enough to make it watchable. I call this out because the Muslim connection is highlighted in many posts that rave about this show. They say it as if awareness of that fact is going to make you take another look at the show and say, "My mistake, now that I know that fact, this is a masterpiece."

Would you save and cherish your soiled footwear after stepping in a turd because someone told you the turd was created by an award winning pure breed?

No, you wouldn't because when something is bad or distasteful, it is bad or distasteful NO MATTER WHO created it.

Ask yourself, if the show was really better than the lower half of the 10 star rating scale, why didn't Netflix pick it up for a second season?

Apparently, Netflix knew that the vast majority of its viewers did not find this entertaining and decided not to spend any more money on another season. The facts speak for themself.

Farscape (1999–2003)

From Wonderful to Wonderland

[6/10 · 29 October 2023]

Recently watched all episodes and am somewhat perplexed on how to rate this series.

The earlier episodes were good. They were fun, exciting, and the stories, much like other series of this kind, build upon one another leading to new and interesting plot twists.

Then Virginia Hey left the show. The killing off of her character was painful and dragged on way too long. What may have been intended to be emotional felt more like punishment for the audience.

From this point - Farscape traverses from Sci-Fi into a cacophony of poorly written, horribly filmed, disappointingly conceived storylines.

Watching cartoon D'argo and John emulating Road Runner and Wyle E Coyote as a means for showing how they were constantly at odds... or the more Alice in Wonderland-esque video game trap.

Episode after episode of John rambling on about Scorpius, Harvey, and the many other names by which he was called - GOT VERY OLD VERY FAST.

I gave this six stars because there were storylines that were really good overall. I detracted 4 stars for the execution. They turned our hero into an egotistical maniac and then attempted to redeem him at the end... and in my opinion FAILED.

Magnum P.I. (2018–2024)

A Refreshed Reboot

[9/10 · 8 October 2023]

I really like this show. This show achieves naturally what other reboots fail to do.

This show captures the original essence of the show while refreshing the cast of characters to be more inclusive or diverse.

I think Jay Hernandez does a great job playing the modern Magnum. He brings a depth to the character while mixing it with boyish charm.

Perdita Weeks as Higgins, former MI6 agent - also brings a new perspective to the show. The only downside to her character is that they make her character seem petty and overly, almost childishly, critical of Magnum.

Stephen Hill, when given the chance, gives very strong performances and will hopefully appear on our screens again after, since this show has been canceled.

Tim Kang gives some of the best performances in the series in the instances where the stories centered around the Gordon Katsumoto character. Tim was also great as Kimball Cho in The Mentalist.

The cast has great on screen chemistry and I am sad to see this show go.

Despite some of the lower reviews you might see - I think this show is worthy of viewing.

Snapshot of Love (II) (2022 TV Movie)

Average Rom Com

[5/10 · 7 October 2023]

Let's be honest - there are only so many ways to follow the rom-com formula and be new, fun, and engaging.

This particular attempt falls short in a lot of the acting which seems stilted or fake.

Lexi Giovagnoli is not remotely believable as a Hollywood paparazzi photographer. Her portrayal of this character is so lifeless that she also falls short of winning over the hearts of the viewers who are supposed to want her to get the guy.

If you are looking for filler while you wait for your favorite shows to drop new episodes - this is not completely unwatchable. It ticks all the rom-com formula boxes. Just don't expect stellar performances or dialogue and you will be fine.

The Changeling (2023– )

Would have made a better PodCast than TV show

[3/10 · 6 October 2023]

The story starts out with an interesting premise. It plants seeds of intrigue. Yet, it meanders so much that I am having a hard time finding a reason to keep watching.

Rather than letting the acting and dialog tell the story, there is an overwhelming amount of narration makes the show BORING. For example try suffering through Episode 7, it is horrible.

In general, the story is ALL OVER THE PLACE. Just when you think you found the storyline and can engage - they jump to another storyline - filled with more monologue and narration.

This would have been better suited as a podcast rather than a TV show.

Reptile (2023)

This reptile should slither back under the rock where it came from...

[5/10 · 1 October 2023]

Once again - Netflix has produced epic GARBAGE.

How they attract names like Justin Timberlake, Alicia Silverstone, and Ato Essendaoh to act in their productions when they repeatedly fail.

Yes, I left off Benicio Del Toro, I do not get the love affair with him. Based on this movie - he seems more like a bit player who is in over his head anytime he is cast as the lead.

Based on this directorial debut- Grant Singer should stick to music videos. His use of music is, rather than providing mood, often overwhelming and distracting. Then again, the writing for this, so called thriller, lacks any interest so perhaps the music was the only way to keep the audiences from falling asleep.

For the money we pay Netflix we should get quality productions not discards from the discount bin.

The Machine (I) (2023)

Broken Machine

[5/10 · 1 October 2023]

I guess this movie might resonate for you if if you are someone who followed Bert Kreischer's career and are familiar with his Russia story.

For the rest of us this movie feels like a drunken fish-tale. Obviously - this is intended to be an exaggeration of anything that Kreischer may claim to have done in real life for the purpose of getting a laugh. It Fails, as do most Netflix movies.

This movie jumped so far into absurdity that I was half expecting the dad, played by Mark Hamill to pull out a light saber and start using the force.

As a comedy - this movie fails to pull off anything remotely funny. Instead, it comes across as a sad mashup 80's nostalgia.

Even though it failed to get any big laughs, I gave this 5 stars for being passable filler rather than a good watch.

Keep your expectations low and you may not be disappointed... remember I said "may not..." it is not a guarantee.

All the Old Knives (2022)

Under Rated

[8/10 · 16 September 2023]

This film is an under rated gem.

Real life espionage is very unlike the James Bond and other spy thriller movies that proliferate our streaming services.

Chris Pine and Thandie Newton give excellent performances of formerly involved agents with secrets.

This movie thrives on intellectual agility rather than explosions and action sequences. It is packed with thoughtful emotional nuance and complex interpersonal layers.

While the story moves along at a steady and comfortable pace, it packs a thought provoking punch that challenges us to ask the question - "How far we would be willing to go to protect the ones we love?"

If you are looking for James Bond or Citadel with lots of guns, action, and explosions - pass this up. If you are looking for something along the lines of Kevin Costner's "No Way Out" then give this film a shot.

Wilderness (2023)

Bland and unsurprising - in spite of great cast

[5/10 · 16 September 2023]

While the story starts out slow - it picks up momentum by the second episode.

I had high hopes for this series since it had such a great cast. I have loved Jenna Coleman since I saw her as Clara in Doctor Who. I was so excited to see her, Oliver Jackson Cohen, and Eric Balfour all of whom have many credits to their name.

Sadly the quality of the dialog is weak and the storyline is flimsy.

The two main characters Will and Live are wholly unlikable: he cheats and she becomes a murderer.

It had such great potential yet it fails to deliver. The twist at the end was very predictable.

That said, the actors all do an admirable job propping up this weak script.

Save this one for when you have absolutely nothing better to watch.

Saving Paradise (2021)

Some Cliche's are worth repeating

[8/10 · 12 September 2023]

Yes, this story is very cliche. Yes, this story has been done before in many ways.

So when a film maker decides to take a shot at doing something that has been done - it is because they hope they have something new to offer.

Yes, you get your fill of unique characters. You get a heaping helping of down-trodden folks who are suffering at the hands of changing times that have left them behind rather than helped them keep up.

Yes, you get the arrogant and ignorant guy who needs their wake-up call.

And then you have the conscience, the character who gets through to Michael Petersen (ignorant guy) and helps them change from Scrooge to savior.

Well, in this case the something new to offer is Johanna Braddy. Her portrayal of Charlie Clark (the conscience) brings freshness and realism to the role that makes this movie worth watching.

Mimi Kennedy's shines as Micheal Petersen's mother, a woman who has lost one of her sons, her husband and is about to lose everything.

Unfortunately, the actor who plays Micheal, William Moseley falls short of hitting his marks and is carried by the rest of the cast.

In spite of Moseley's weak performance, this movie is still has heart and a good story to tell.