nrwmnkpsb Reviews

The Northman (2022)

Just lacking that spark

[5/10 · 17 January 2024]

Marked for spoilers due to vague hints*

The Northman has everything it should:

Acting: check, phenomenal actors doing what they do Costumes: check, as well as potato sacks can be Locations: check, gorgeous locations Filmography: check, the movie really is a beautiful viewing experience

But it's just missing that "something" that makes it hit. It is engaging, mostly. The story is fine, perhaps better told, though we did guess two critical points that should've been shocking to the viewer; the twist we guessed early on and another at the end by fluke and mere sarcasm. Is it worth a watch? Sure. Memorable? Mmm It could've been, but again, it's just missing that *thing* that makes a movie epic.

Hello Tomorrow! (2023)

Lemme sell you on a dream

[8/10 · 25 March 2023]

It's almost written as what people in the 50s thought the future would look like based on their worldview. There is no other series like this and I appreciate the deviation from the same tired stories. This is fresh with beautiful set designs, and excellently acted with a phenomenal cast!

I had no expectations going in, just the glimpse of the preview before hitting play so I had no idea what I was getting into. I'm glad we gave it a chance as it's not soon forgotten. I think it's under appreciated, understated. I'm not claiming "some just don't get it" because there are certainly parts where I was wondering if I even did. But I'm glad we followed to completion. It's like watching a play. It has all the fun elements of a good, enjoyable story and I don't feel like I wasted time invested as I do with so many shows these days.

Watch it for the characters, see how the story plays out. It's unique and quirky and fun. Escapism is what a good story should offer and this definitely delivers in that regard.

The Devil's Hour (2022– )

I'm gonna give it an 8 or 9/10

[9/10 · 6 November 2022]

I don't give that rating lightly. I've never struggled so hard to explain a movie/series when trying to get others to watch it. The Devils Hour just isn't easy to click the checkboxes. Is it psychological? Well, yes, but so much more. Is it a whodunnit? Well, yes, but so much more. To even answer one of the checkboxes is almost a spoiler. It's probably the key to the story but, again, there's so much more.

They say there are only so many basic story plots. I think this one broke the paradigm, I'd have to really think on that. I want to watch it again for so many reasons. I feel drawn to understand more as people do with heavy hitters like GOT, Doctor Who, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, where people get in forums and discuss.

Has it been done? Yeah, probably; but, even if so, not like this.

The Serpent Queen (2022–2024)

Quite Engaging

[7/10 · 28 October 2022]

I've waited until episode 7 to write my review. I was a bit hesitant to form opinions as I did take issue with some of the creative aspects of the series but yet, I kept coming back. I wanted to see what happened next and how certain events would be handled. I've found I even look forward to it. I wasn't sure of Samantha Norton's portrayal of Catherine De Medici in the beginning. I felt her portrayal was a tad bland for such a colorful historic figure. But it didn't take long to see the power in the reserved manner in which she's approached it, something I've come to very much appreciate. The costuming and set design are very well done and the cast delivers their roles convincingly.

This show has exceeded my expectations with a fresh approach to a somewhat tapped genre. And it's done so without cartooning the subject matter, something difficult it seems, when other similar approaches have failed.

I recommend giving it a shot, but give it a few episodes to get in tune with what the show is trying to offer. It's unique in its approach.

The Patient (2022)

The Frustration

[8/10 · 27 October 2022]

I didn't want to watch this show, each and every time my husband put it on, but it gripped me anyway. It's so frustrating! Yet it's supposed to be. This series is so well put together. I know others have commented that the short episodes frustrated them but I actually appreciated that as that's about how much mental capacity I had to give to it each week. I was frustrated with the simple set, the simple cast list, the simplicity of the entire series but yet, they pulled it off. I didn't think it possible. Not only that, I didn't think I would care about any of the characters much less all of them. But by the end, I really did. Not just anyone could've pulled it off and I think the cast and crew really delivered. I still don't want to watch anymore episodes but if a second season comes out, I will watch those fully frustrated too, I'm sure.

Monstrous (2022)

I've seen much worse, but that doesn't excuse this film

[5/10 · 18 October 2022]

Christina Ricci is an amazing actress! I'm always glad to see her on screen, even in this film, and even if she has to carry it on her own. The flaw/weakness is actually in the story itself. I guessed pretty early on what the premise was and I was very close to right. Beyond that, the story is nothing new, especially for fans of horror/psychological dramas.

The movie itself is well done, visually, and the actors certainly delivered their parts. It was just predictable which made the ending payout just meh. What I did enjoy was thinking back to moments in the movie that foreshadowed the ending. It was all there.

I marked this as containing spoilers even though I don't specify just because I heavily hint at what it could be. Would I recommend watching it? Only if asked and even then I'd probably offer a bit of a disclaimer to not have too high of expectations.

Firestarter (2022)

Grew up with the original

[7/10 · 16 October 2022]

I feel the other reviewers are being a tad harsh and wanted to offer a bit of balance. We watched this with our 7yo granddaughter and found it quite enjoyable. I'm not sure what people expect. It's a decent movie, well acted, and kept us entertained. We love horror movies and especially King movies. I don't think this did an injustice to his legacy, if anything, it carries the torch to the next generation. It's not groundbreaking which I feel everyone expects for every new movie. Those are rare and come through so few in a generation. But it is worthy of a Friday night, popcorn movie night. Just enjoy it for what it is.

Blonde (2022)

DO NOT WATCH THIS

[10/10 · 2 October 2022]

If you are only interested in the well known stories of Marilyn, and don't want a peak behind the curtain of the suffering she endured, this movie is not for you. It is dark as she lived a dark life among the glitz and glamour, as have many of our beautiful and talented actresses we know and love. If you don't want to fee what she endured, or see what she suffered, don't watch this. If you decide to watch it anyway, know this movie will never leave you. You cannot unsee it.

Every cast member from lead actors to background did a phenomenal job in the the delivery of thee story. I must also give credit to the crew for the incredible execution. I did not have expectations going into it. I didn't even know they were making it. I saw it pop up in my suggestion list and put it on. I have not seen a movie so well done in ages.

It's hard to watch. Life isn't always unicorns and rainbows, no matter how pretty it's packaged.