johnschubert-93854 Reviews

Station 19: Give It All (2024) Season 7, Episode 7

Cancelled?

[9/10 · 10 May 2024]

Another meaningful program with a great cast and excellent scripts that those at a network decide to discard potentially due to advertisers or cost cutting measurers. What will be introduced to those time slots are typically mind numbing reality programing because it's cheaper and because there is a dedicated audience to such nonsense. There are alternatives that people who prefer entertainment and meaningful programs have. It's called streaming sites which have for a variety of reasons been replacing Commercial TV as the preferred choice for viewing. I prefer not having to endure watching commercials that have been on hundreds of times and I prefer watching less procedurals (which Station 19 is definitely not). I watch every program on Commercial TV that I enjoy on commercial free streaming sites whenever possible. I sincerely hope a streaming site would save Station 19.

Gangs of London (2020– )

Extreme Violence

[9/10 · 26 April 2024]

Violence occurs not only in London but Internationally. It begins as a family response to the killing of a godfather figure in London that held the various gangs together for the greater good. With his demise killing became the focus of this series. But, if that was all there is to the series it would be completely unwatchable. The series goes much deeper than the violence and gore as individuals in the different gangs attempt to survive as well as retaliating against the violence directed at them. There are betrayals as well as loyalties and there are efforts to protect family members as the incredible violence increases. Some scenes are so intense and gory it becomes difficult to not avert watching. The one missing element in the series is a significant lack of law enforcement involvement with all of the unrelenting carnage occurring. There also is a total lack of morality with virtually every principle character.

Alex & The List (2017)

Offensive

[3/10 · 25 April 2024]

A wonderful cast, a terrible film. The premise to give someone a list to improve themself prior to marriage is absurd. People should be loved for who they are and not what they could be. How did these two people even get to the point of marriage if one was so flawed according to other one. This film was supposed to be a comedy but there was absolutely nothing at all funny about the story, the dialogue or the scenes that were intended to be funny. I decided watch this film because I have always liked Jennifer Morrison and Karen Gillan as actors as well as Patrick Fugit and Eddie Kaye Thomas. But they couldn't save such an abysmal and offensive movie.

The Marvels (2023)

Not as good as the First Marvel movies but...

[7/10 · 5 March 2024]

This film is a continuation of the Captain Marvel Universe with Brie Larson and includes Ms. Marvel (Inman Vellani in the recent Disney series The Maarvels) and Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris). Add Samuel Jackson as Nick Fury and Ms. Marvel's parents and brother as well as other interesting characters and it's an entertaining movie. Special effects and extremely funny scenes (hopefully on purpose) saves what could be considered a somewhat mundane storyline. Captain Marvel stories are not as strong as the original Avenger's stories but are still entertaining to watch. They are far better than some of the more recent movies that have been made by Disney's Marvel (movie names withheld out of respect).

Sex Education (2019–2023)

Too many characters in the Final Season.

[7/10 · 23 February 2024]

I really enjoyed the first three Seasons but the last season had far too many characters and far too many times switching from character to character. I preferred watching the development of Asa Butterfield Emma Mackey relationship over the seasons than any other storylines. Unfortunately, she went off the the United States to further her education in writing which created a void for my major interests. Regardless, the last season was far too choppy as it jumped from one character to another that it became difficult for the series to hold my attention. I would give the first three seasons a grade of 10 and the last episodes a 5.

Firefly Lane (2021–2023)

Extraordinary

[9/10 · 2 February 2024]

Katherine Heigl finally found a vehicle that displays her ability to act. When given the opportunity to have a meaningful script and the appropriate direction she can be exceptional. Sarah Chalke likewise was incredible in this series. This is about two life long friends from their childhood through their adulthood with their highs and lows and their occasional struggles with each other. This series is like seeing true life experiences that are not often shared in real life or seen in movies or tv programs. This is an extraordinary series to experience and should be viewed by everyone who wants to watch two wonderful actors, Heigl and Chalke.

Meet the Press (1947– )

For those wanting more

[1/10 · 29 January 2024]

For those who want more than a news program with no political slant stop wasting your time with Meet the Press. Face the Nation on CBS with Margaret Brennan is a far better choice. She interviews both conservative and liberal politicians, including the Secretary of State, regularly. She also interviews members of the private sector such as those involved in business or those with humanitarian enterprises to get a variety of differing viewpoints in each episode. She also gets regular updates from the Ukrainian Diplomat to the USA about what is occurring in her native country. Also something that is refreshing is if questions are avoided she makes her displeasure evident and has often challenged comments made that she finds questionable or false, regardless of political affiliation. Face the Nation on Sundays is the best program available of its type currently.

Obliterated (2023)

Silly

[5/10 · 22 January 2024]

This series has marginal acting, an awful script and totally unlikely action scenes. But it also has four beautiful ladies and a couple of hulks for the female audience and it becomes watchable for everyone. It also has a stoned "nerd" character that provides laughable moments. The series has one storyline as the group attempts to locate a nuclear bomb being held by the bad guys and each member of the group has a specialty in this enterprise. There is a lot of graphic violence to satisfy those who enjoy that and some unexpected twists as well. Basically, this series establishes no depth to the characters and is totally silly but it's a fun series to watch, nevertheless.

Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire (2023)

Same thing from Zack Snyder

[5/10 · 23 December 2023]

In typical Zack Snyder fashion he focuses on special effects and action sequences, failing to adequately develop the characters. He purposely chose Sofia Boutella as his lead since she is suited for action sequences but lacks the skills as an actor to make her character believable. Snyder also decided to employ the same tried and true images, including slow motion and stop action in fight scenes, that have been used rather than being creative. I assume that most people would rather see action scenes with extended fighting, car chases (which thankfully didn't appear in this fantasy, Sci-Fi tale) or scenes with light sabers that belong in the Star Wars World as well as unbelievable and impossible physical stunts. And, as usual, there is a Nazi-like evil character that even dressed the part and his supporting characters that were reminiscent of other films. In true Star Wars fashion there are intergalactic characters and a scene that reminded me of the Star Wars' cantina scene. Snider made the effort to establish the background story of Kora's (Boutella) fighting ability but that also wasn't adequately developed. The film actually showed promise for the first half hour with the invaded planet where Kora resided. There is a surprise ending in Part 1, however, but even that was somewhat disappointing. As a purely action film it is very satisfying but otherwise it is lacking with overwhelming cliches.

Barbie (I) (2023)

Disappointed

[6/10 · 23 December 2023]

I didn't see Barbie in the theater (but I don't see many in the theater anymore) but I had seen glowing reviews as well as friends who had seen the film and recommended. By the time I was able to view the film I had high expectations. There were certainly extremely funny moments, but for me few and far between. Gosling was singled out by many as the best in the film and I agreed there were enough outlandish moments with his character that earned him that. But, I thought that Michael Cera's character Allan was far funnier, even though his role was more of an extended cameo. I can't deny that Margot Robbie was an exceptional Barbie but overall I was disappointed with the film. Gerwig went a bit too far with her support of women's rights (which I do support). It may have been the build up prior to seeing the movie that actually resulted in it not reaching my expectations. I've had that same issue with other films, however.

Marlowe (2022)

Disappointing

[6/10 · 13 December 2023]

Incredible A-List cast with Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, Ian Hart, Jessica Lange, Danny Huston, Alan Cumming and Colm Meaney. Unfortunately, the film was marred by a questionable script and very poor direction. When I saw who was in the movie I was very interested in it seeing it even though I thought Neeson was probably miscast. It turned out he did a credible job of representing the character of Marlowe. One interesting fact was descriptive phrases used in the movie that today are considered pejorative but were acceptable in that period were part of the script. Otherwise, the film was disappointing.

NCIS: Sydney (2023– )

Disappointing.

[5/10 · 4 December 2023]

After the unfortunate cancellation of NCIS: Los Angeles I had high hopes for this new NCIS spin-off. Initially, the first episode had promise even though it contained a somewhat stale storyline when the agents from NCIS took over an investigation from the local police of a recent crime. As I watched I thought I was watching another program but from the police's point of view instead. While watching I suddenly heard a voice over describing what the actors were doing in a scene. I was stunned and thought there might be something turned on to assist the visually impaired. It was distracting and disturbing. I failed to finish the first episode and considered to complete watching that episode and watch a second but thought that having a voice over to explain the actors movements was simply an effort to distract from a weak script and decided against returning to this disappointing spin-off.

I have watched additional episodes since then and there is no further voiceovers describing what was going on. But the two Americans, especially Olivia Swann playing Michelle Mackey, come across extremely arrogant and totally unlikeable. This spin-off has merit but is still a long ways from matching what had become the best NCIS program, NCIS: Los Angeles.

Pain Hustlers (2023)

Disappointing

[5/10 · 28 October 2023]

I watch everything that includes Emily Blunt. This one was disappointing. The story of Opiod addiction as a result of lies told to doctors about the merits of their drug has already been told several times. Virtually all previous films about this topic were much better. Blunt was, as expected, excellent in her role but the other characters which included Chris Pine, Andy Garcia and Catherine O'Hara were more like caricatures than real people. Most of the film was spent on Emily Blunt leaving her employment at the promise of greater earnings with a pharmaceutical company in order to take care of her daughter. More than half of the film dealt with Blunt's development and ability to encourage the sales staff to be successful in selling their drug to doctors to prescribe to cancer patients. Much less time was devoted to her becoming disillusioned and feeling disappointed with her role in the distribution of an addictive and lethal drug. The film overall was not satisfying and only a diehard fan of Emily Blunt, as I am, would find justification for watching.

Gen V (2023– )

Entertaining but not Outstanding

[7/10 · 5 October 2023]

I was expecting more from this spin-off. While The Boys is intended for the Adult/Mature audience Gen V seems to be for a younger audience, especially teens. But with the language, drug use and the sexual situations, including some graphic images it certainly is not appropriate for teens. With that indicated I'm not at all naive enough to not know teens use the language, many have experienced some form of drugs (hopefully nothing more than marijuana) as well as have experienced sexual situations. But, society has established certain rules intended to protect our youth but with social media they are more advanced than I ever was at that age. Meanwhile, this serial is about teenagers with special "super" powers in a school that is intended to harness and/or develop these powers to be the next Super Heroes. But these teens also have the same issues as all teens trying to find their way in the World, especially in this kind of World. But, the best part of the series is the special effects displaying the "powers" which includes extremely violent scenes.

Love at First Sight (I) (2023)

Predictable

[6/10 · 18 September 2023]

I decided to watch because of Haley Lu Richardson, who plays Hadley (an adorable name that fits Haley so well), who is adorable in pretty much everything she appears in. She certainly didn't disappoint in this film. I, however, couldn't get behind in her love interest in Ben Hardy, Oliver. He was an over the top nerd who embraced statistics far too much to be likable in the long term (not to suggest I dislike nerds since I could possibly be considered a member). The film is somewhat predictable which for a rom-com is not only expected but demanded. I compared it to a Hallmark movie which doesn't make it bad since I regularly watch those movies. The most endearing part of the film, besides Haley Lu, is the voice over and how that character impacts the story. I recommend watching if you are into predictable rom-com movies.

Warrior Nun (2020–2022)

Not enjoyable

[5/10 · 17 August 2023]

I have tried twice to watch the Warrior Nun and I am not finding anything enjoyable in this series. I thought it might be a nun who fights the hypocrisy of the Church but instead apparently she is to fight demons although my interest failed long before that occurred. Getting through the first two episodes was tedious at best. The actor who portrays Ava is cute and entertaining but the other characters are not. I may return for a third effort to watch this series but there are far more intriguing movies and series to watch rather than forcing myself observe to such an insipid program. At least for now. I realize that this for some is a very entertaining series and are up in arms about Netflix cancelling it. That is their form of entertainment which I won't find fault with but it doesn't appear to be mine.

Heart of Stone (I) (2023)

Disappointing but not a surprise

[3/10 · 12 August 2023]

Gal Gadot has one thing going in her favor - she is extremely beautiful. Unfortunately, she has been tied to poorly scripted movies, including the two Wonder Woman films. Throw in the apparent dismal direction and it becomes the Heart of Stone movie. When films rely on action and thrills only with a lack of creating characters with any depth the movie becomes a tedious effort to watch and in this case for over two hours. It is difficult to determine if Miss Gadot has any talent as a true actor because the scripts with simpleton dialogue and bland direction simply gets in the way. I keep getting sucked into her films that ultimately disappointing because she is such a lovely woman. Possibly her next film will be the one that offers me a pleasant surprise.

Citadel (2023– )

The Most Positive Thing...

[7/10 · 6 May 2023]

The most positive thing about Citadel is the talented Stanley Tucci who makes even the most mundane entertaining. That's not to say Citadel is totally mundane with the concept that spies would lose their memories by an injection to later have their memories restored by another. But the script is basically the same as most movies/series of this kind. And who and why inject this drug to lose a memory when a more logical decision would have been to eliminate them? There's a lot of drama and action that requires unlikely actions that save our protagonists. Obviously the incredibly lovely Priyanna Chopra Jonas is the featured star spy with Richard Madden her hunky partner. Although I prefer the lesser known Ashleigh Cummings in this series than Priyanna. After only three episodes I'm entertained enough to continue watching although waiting a week between episodes makes it more difficult to actually hold my attention when there are so many alternatives.

The Diplomat (II) (2023– )

Looking forward to Season 2

[10/10 · 25 April 2023]

What I was expecting was not realized. I thought it would be a total drama much like The Americans with Keri Russell, which I thoroughly enjoyed. But instead it was not only a drama but was rich in humor as well. Keri Russell was magnificent in playing an Ambassador who is unfiltered when the position often requires constrain and filters. Her staff is constantly having to adapt to her. Rufus Sewell, her husband in the series, provides a balance but likewise provides moments of brilliant humor. The remaining cast including David Gyasi, Ali Ahn, Rory Kinnear, Ato Essando and others are exceptional. The only thing wrong with this series it was only 8 episodes. So, I am so looking forward to Season 2.

Alaska Daily (2022–2023)

Declining series

[8/10 · 24 March 2023]

What started out was a journalist reluctantly traveling to Anchorage, Alaska to continue her career after being discredited in the first episode which resulted in her discovering that indigenous women were disappearing or found murdered but were not being investigated. It has declined from that after the first few episodes. The story, unfortunately, went a more personal path for the journalist, Hilary Swank, than what it appeared to originally be the development of a story that is primarily true in Alaska, not only about these unresolved crimes but the failure by the legal system to any make effort locate these missing women or find their murderers and/or their cover ups. As the series proceeded it was reduced to one murder and finding the killer and getting justice for the murdered woman. The issues in Alaska is a far larger problem than one potentially unresolved crime. Apparently, the writers also felt the need to create side stories unrelated to the other that they must have thought would make the episodes more appealing. Instead it just cluttered the series. If there is a second season, and I hope there is, the writers need to return to what seemed to be the original focus of the series.

Alaska Daily: Enemy of the People (2023) Season 1, Episode 7

Disappointing episode

[4/10 · 3 March 2023]

What made this series relevant and entertaining was the seeking of answers about the disappearance and subsequent death of an indigenous woman in Alaska. This episode was reduced to a hostage situation that has been done previously in other shows, it was disappointing that the writers for this program thought it was necessary to resort to a cliche script of an already story done so many times before. After a hiatus I was looking forward to further investigations of indigenous women killed in Alaska which actually occurs and establishing the potential cover up by local police and government. Hopefully the writers will return to more meaningful scripts in the future.

Scream (I) (2022)

Same old thing

[5/10 · 9 February 2023]

I think I saw this movie before...and before...and before. There have been so many Scream Movies but that's not the only movie that contains so many of the same themes and scenes because all these films of this genre share the same ideas. Change the characters (not for all for the Scream movies which bring back certain characters endlessly) and the time but it always is the same story. The only thing that creates interest is who is/are the masked killer(s) but in order to get to that point that are endless murders and, amazingly, laughable dialogue. So why do I, or for that matter anyone, watch these movies? I want to find out who the killer(s) are and what actor(s) die. So much absurd fun but it's always the most unlikely characters and it's fun trying to guess which characters are the killers and start eliminating choices as the bodies drop. And, what's always amazing is how many times a character can be stabbed and either survive or take an extraordinary amount of time to die. Looking forward to the next one. So much FUN!!!

Call Me Kat (2021–2023)

Hmmm

[3/10 · 1 February 2023]

My wife likes this show but I think the humor is predictable and this is quite a drop from being Amy Farrah Fowler for Mayim Bialik who was a talented actor in the Big Bang Theory. Possibly with the same writers Call Me Kat would have been more entertaining. I keep watching her new show because of my wife but I haven't found that this one offers me much to enjoy. I keep thinking it might be better with time but the only character that had merit, Leslie Jordan, who passed away took virtually all the promise this program had for me. Since my wife has endured some of the programing that I like that she doesn't I will keep watching with her.

Night Court (2023– )

Another remake

[3/10 · 30 January 2023]

This is a failed remake of a once brilliant series which unfortunately occurs far too often (see That 90's Show). Melissa Rauch is a talented actor and John Larroquette has been a quality actor for many years. It's not the acting that has failed this new series but the lame scripts and the direction to overact in order to accentuate the humor that isn't really funny. After watching the first 3 episodes this appears to be one of those programs introduced during the hiatus of other series to be forgotten as merely another filler in an off season. Resurrecting the past often is not successful and should not be attempted.

Yellowstone (2018– )

Excellent beginning but tails off

[8/10 · 19 January 2023]

After two exceptional Seasons the quality has somewhat diminished in future seasons, especially in Season 4 and in the first part of season 5. Season 4 often became an opportunity to advertise horse training which may appeal to some but I was completely bored by it. Sheridan apparently has a spin off series, 6666, planned that will expand on this which I will simply avoid. Season 5 has John Dutton becoming the Montana Governor who's only purpose is to protect his ranch from those who would like to requisition a portion of his land in order to develop "vacation" properties for the wealthy and build an airport. Yawn. That story line gets even more boring than the horse training (the only positive was the introduction of his advisor as Governor who besides being a lesbian had some surprising qualities). Almost equally uninteresting is Beth Dutton's never ending effort to punish Summer Higgins (Piper Perabo), an activist against the killing of animals and a vegan as well as being her father's "advisor" and apparent "love" interest. After a beat down that seemed to have resolved that, Beth's continued sniping has become challenging to watch. Beth Dutton was always a hard core B*tch (which she is proud of) but that was the part of her character that made viewers like her but her vindictive attitude is turning many away from her. It may be time for Taylor Sheridan to focus on other projects or return Yellowstone to what brought so many people to the series in the first place and abandoned the most recent storylines.