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6/10
Better read the book
6 February 2024
As a fervent admirer of Trent Dalton's "Boy Swallows Universe," I was eagerly awaiting the Netflix adaptation to bring to life the magic of Dalton's prose. Unfortunately, while the series showcased remarkable performances and captured the essence of the novel's spirit, it ultimately faltered in its conclusion, leaving me with a sense of dissatisfaction and urging me to recommend the book over its televised counterpart.

The adaptation initially drew me in with its vivid portrayal of Brisbane's underworld, the complex characters, and the poignant themes of resilience and hope amidst adversity. The casting was impeccable, with each actor breathing life into Dalton's multifaceted characters, especially the young protagonists Eli and August. Their chemistry and portrayal of the intricate bond between brothers were a highlight of the series, grounding the narrative in genuine emotion.

However, as the series reached its climax, it became evident that the writers had taken liberties with the source material, deviating from the novel's carefully crafted resolution. The ending felt rushed and lacked the depth and emotional resonance that made the book so captivating. Critical plot points were glossed over, character arcs left unresolved, and the thematic exploration felt truncated.

Without delving into spoilers, I found the conclusion of the Netflix series to be a disservice to the intricate storytelling and profound themes of the original work. It failed to capture the essence of Dalton's prose, sacrificing depth for brevity and sacrificing nuance for spectacle. While adaptations often necessitate changes, the departure from the novel's poignant and satisfying resolution left me feeling unsatisfied and longing for the richness of the source material.

In light of these shortcomings, I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing "Boy Swallows Universe" in its original form: Trent Dalton's masterful novel. The book offers a richer, more immersive journey into the lives of its characters, allowing readers to savor the beauty of Dalton's prose and the depth of his storytelling. While the Netflix series may serve as a visual companion to the novel, it ultimately pales in comparison to the emotional resonance and narrative complexity of the source material.

In conclusion, while the Netflix adaptation of "Boy Swallows Universe" has its merits, particularly in its performances and visual aesthetics, its disappointing ending detracts from the overall experience. For those seeking a truly immersive and emotionally resonant journey, I urge you to turn to the pages of Trent Dalton's novel, where the true magic of "Boy Swallows Universe" awaits.
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Wanted (2008)
4/10
Big disappointment
18 August 2008
Warning: Spoilers
i really was expecting a lot more from Timur Bekmambetov adaptation of Mark Millar comic book "Wanted" (top Cow 2003).

The first 5 minutes of the movie are good but all the sudden the script starts changing from the original....turning the bad guys into good guys,..with heart and feelings...changing the whole concept from the comic book

If you have read the Wanted mini series don't bother to watch the movie, it has nothing to do with the original story, no sadistic killers, no super villains, no super powers nor super weapons, no parallel universes...

Let's wait for the Watchmen with the fingers crossed
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8/10
So bad is GREAT
4 January 2008
Lady Terminator is one of those movies that are so bad you find them great after watching it.

The film is full of goofs, nonsense dialogs, bloody shoot outs, crazy car chases, 80's music & fashion, mythology, explicit sex, nudity....

I saw it at the International Sitges Film Festival in 2004 and the whole cinema went nuts with Lady Terminator clapping and making fun of the scenes.

If you want to have a really good time watch it with friends and make it a double program along Virgins From Hell (another flick gem from Indonesia).
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The Birthday (I) (2004)
1/10
So boring
4 December 2007
Don't waste your time checking out this movie. The Plot may seem interesting but the film is far from being entertaining. I spent half of the movie (I couldn't watch more) for a twist but nothing happens. Slow rhythm, poor interpretations. I don't know how people can put more than one star on The Birthday. Maybe the people who worked in the movie voted. More surprised that was nominated for best film at Sitges Film Festival. Anyway as I told I found this movie among the worst in fantastic cinema. It's sad seeing Corey Feldman playing in these kind of movies when I remember him in such classics as Stand by Me, The Lost Boys or The Goonies.
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