dave42c Reviews

The Orville: Domino (2022) Season 3, Episode 9

Wow - action packed, great visuals, AND very moving!

[28 July 2022]

Seth & team are really knocking it out of the park this season!

The complexity of friends becoming foes & vice versa, combined with self sacrifice for the greater good -- even for beings you once hated -- was too much to keep my eyes dry.

Looking forward to the last episode, but I'm going to be sad when this season ends.

The Orville: A Tale of Two Topas (2022) Season 3, Episode 5

The tragedy, pain & complications...

[1 July 2022]

...of one aspect of, my body my choice, was extremely well depicted in this episode. The fight for the right to self determination, and the crews' support & willingness to sacrifice for someone struggling, was incredibly moving.

If somebody had told me that a Sci-Fi action comedy TV show would produce one of the most moving TV episodes I've Ever seen, I would not have believed them.

------ You don't need religion to have morals. If you can't determine right from wrong then you lack empathy, not religion.

The Valet (2022)

Moving, interesting, funny... well done!

[9 June 2022]

Samara Weaving was the main reason I initially considered watching this movie. And she was Beautiful here... And troubled... which made her more interesting & less two-dimensional.

Eugenio Derbez was funny. I LoL'd a few times.

The story was so interesting and moving, that I was able to watch the whole thing in one sitting... a very rare occurrence for me.

I would recommend this... and watch a sequel.

The Time Traveler's Wife: Episode #1.3 (2022) Season 1, Episode 3

Blood boiling sadness for...

[5 June 2022]

...Clare, and an estimated one in three women who suffer from sexual assault. And the associated trauma (PTSD), confusion, and deep, lifelong, emotional scar that it can often leave. Rose Leslie did a great job portraying that.

I really wish that parents/society would more effectively teach empathy-challenged boys/everyone not to think of other people (gender, race, orientation, country of origin, etc) as somehow, "less than", or not really human -- so indifference and abuse becomes more 'acceptable'.

:-(

(take a breath)

This episode also dealt with a surprisingly complex and interesting problem of how much to reveal to a child about their future. Especially their relationship status.

Love the show so far, looking forward to the rest of the season.

The Orville: Electric Sheep (2022) Season 3, Episode 1

I cried a couple of times

[2 June 2022]

A very moving show, which I was not expecting.

After 3 years of missing this show, I was expecting some light-hearted, silly fun. And even though I am an advocate of our right to die, this show was surprisingly good at portraying the pain of losing someone you love.

Plus, CGI was impressive!

Fear the Walking Dead: Dead in the Water (2022)

Have Not watched TWD or FTWD for a couple of years+

[23 April 2022]

...because every once in a while, things didn't make logical sense. And over the seasons, it just added up as did my frustration. So I gave up on them.

Anyway, I really enjoyed this 41-minute story.

(Was looking forward to five more episodes, but apparently, this was all 6 mini episodes in one)

The Contractor (2022)

Ended too quickly (+ rant on politics)

[2 April 2022]

Decent movie, but the ending felt a bit rushed. At least compared to the time spent on the first two-thirds of the movie.

Maybe I just wanted the lying scumbag, mercenary companies and its ruthless leaders to pay more of a price for the damage they do. Even more so when under orders from our criminal govt, who overwhelmingly serve BigPharma, Wall Street Banksters, 'Health' Insurance, Defense Contractors and anyone who can spare a few million$$$ to bribe a politician in our horrendously corrupt establishment.

There's no hope for a country that has lost its democracy, if the majority of its people refuse to recognize that it's gone.

The first responsibility of every citizen is to question authority.

If we don't fight for change, things will only get worse.

/end rant.

Abraham Lincoln (2022)

5+ hours long, but the more I saw, the more I wanted to see

[31 March 2022]

When I saw (the massive, Progressive disappointment, Neo-liberal) Obama, I didn't think I would like this show as much as I did.

I know this put a positive spin on Abe, but it seemed to be fair about the difficult situation our country was in. And the tragic mistakes he made by completely forgiving the horrible racists & their war crimes. They should have, at the very least, made it mandatory to teach about prejudism, empathy and critical thinking in schools. Had his assassination been thwarted, perhaps the myth of Abe, would have. A century+ of structured violence, red lining, Jim Crow laws, segregation, police brutality, etc, could have been significantly reduced for 40+ million Black Americans.

I wonder how much worse it could have been, then & now, had Abe not existed and made the massive difference that he did make.

Halo: Contact (2022) Season 1, Episode 1

I'm not a Gamer, but I love SciFi action!

[25 March 2022]

I've seen a CGI Halo movie (or two in the distant past). And even though this wasn't perfect, I really enjoyed it! A couple of moving moments surprised me.

Looking forward to the rest of the season.

Good Trouble: Kiss Me and Smile for Me (2022) Season 4, Episode 2

Callie Adams Foster / Maia Mitchell :-(

[22 March 2022]

Loved that they dealt with important Progressive issues on the show.

But Callie was the main reason I watched. Going to miss her. Not sure if I'll continue with the show :-(

Looking forward to seeing Maia (as lead) in future projects ASAP !

The Good Doctor: Cheat Day (2022) Season 5, Episode 10

Interesting co-worker vs. co-worker drama

[16 March 2022]

Really liked the start of all this in s5e1, where a quirky, smart patient turned out to be the buyer. And we were taken for a twisty ride with the initial hope of seemingly better ways to do things, then too much priority on cost-cutting, initial rebellion, and then the exciting, apparent end to Salen's powerful, authoritarian, 'take no prisoners' reign.

I was very moved by the soul searching, difficult, career / relationship-ending choices to do the right thing for the patients & the hospital.

This is one of the best shows on TV.

Changeling (2008)

Power corrupts, and Must be kept in check at All times!

[21 February 2022]

I was quite horrified by the mistreatment/abuse by the 1920's police/LAPD. Tragically, much of this is still happening today.

The police primarily 'protect and serve' themselves, the rich & their capital, so the oligarch/establishment allows them get away with so much unacceptable (often racist) brutality.

** Police the police ** End qualified immunity ** End civil asset forfeiture ** Civilian oversight ** Mandatory body cams ** National database of criminal cops ** When 100 'good cops' don't report 1 criminal cop, you have 101 bad cops. #ACAB.

1883: Racing Clouds (2022) Season 1, Episode 9

Lots of action, lots of tragedy

[20 February 2022]

We finally get to see what really happened in the first (flash forward) scene of the series.

Probably the best moment of this episode was when Elsa made an incredibly honorable and courageous choice, hoping to save others. Then her warrior spirit and fortuitous knowledge of the Comanche language, helped to clear up the horrific misunderstanding, and cease hostilities.

How many lives were saved by her bravery? And in the end, what price will she have to pay?

:-(

Redeeming Love (2022)

Anti-Theist Atheist Tricked by Preview, Enjoyed Movie but Conflicted

[19 February 2022]

As a former, born-again christian, who now strongly rejects the indoctrination of Anyone with faith-based ideology -- I mostly enjoyed this movie. Except when I was cringing during the 4 or 5 quick mentions of god or the bible.

I would not have watched this if the preview clearly showed the religious propaganda.

If this movie was 'secularized', I would probably rate this inspirational love story with an 8 or 9. Struggling with, and overcoming, life's many (sometimes horribly traumatic) challenges, with help from good people, is a compelling story that often moves me to tears.

--------- End of review ---------

This is why I strongly prefer critical thinking & logic: * Science adjusts its views based on what's observed. Faith is the denial of observation so that belief can be preserved * Faith - pretending to know things you don't know is Not a good way to navigate reality * Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities * If you can not question it, it's not science. It's propaganda * You don't need religion to have morals. If you can't determine right from wrong then you lack empathy, not religion.

1883: The Weep of Surrender (2022) Season 1, Episode 8

Wow! Powerful Ending!

[14 February 2022]

Elsa (pounding her chest): Kah-muk-kun-tun nuh! I love you!

Sam: Lightning with the Yellow Hair... Know you fill my heart... !

Amidst the pain of separation, their Public declarations of love & commitment, was possibly the best, most moving scene in the series so far.

Isabel May's portrayal of a strong, independent, Elsa, is amazing. She knows what she wants, is fearless, and will Not allow any pointless, traditional values/customs to be forced on her.

At first, it Seemed like maybe she was being a bit impulsive. But by the end, she made it clear that she's an intelligent woman driven by love and passion.

Elsa is a trailblazer. And an inspiration!

When season one ends, I will feel pain. Tears may flow, but I will not weep. Warriors don't cry. I will surrender nothing to the pain. For I have been inspired...to fight for a better, more passionate & fearless life.

Pam & Tommy: Drilling and Pounding (2022) Season 1, Episode 1

Handyman Rand

[5 February 2022]

I understood why the focused was on him (when I realized it was Seth Rogen), but I didn't appreciate it. I'm here for Pam/Lily James, who barely even appeared in this episode.

Also, Tommy and Rand (and even Pam) were not very likeable characters. Will episode 2 and the alleged focus on Pam & Tommy be better...? Not sure I'll get to it, there are too many other shows I prefer.

Raising Dion: ISSUE #208: Who You Are (2022) Season 2, Episode 8

Finale fight scene was weak/silly :-(

[5 February 2022]

Like they ran out of time or budget. And/or the writers/director/show runner/choreographer was absent. Or they were trying to keep it G-rated.

And the ending with Pat was disappointing too. Making his whole appearance kind of meaningless.

As We See It (2022)

Emotionally Moving, Familiar Struggles

[26 January 2022]

As an adult who -- thanks to Ray Romano's character on Parenthood (TV series) -- only recently realized that I had mild Asperger's, I could relate with many of the very difficult challenges faced by Jack, Violet & Harrison. As well as their loved ones. And also everyone they interact with.

But even with my self realization, it's extremely hard to 'rewire' your brain to be more empathetic, considerate and Not share every thought in your head. Friendships & relationships can be so very difficult. It's like you are only able to play checkers in a world where most can play chess. I wish I had more patient/understanding people in my life like caring, life coach, Mandy.

It can be a very lonely life :-(

I recommend this show, and hope there are more seasons.

1883: The Fangs of Freedom (2022) Season 1, Episode 5

OMFG. "Freedom has fangs. And it sunk them into me"

[17 January 2022]

All the suffering, losses and deaths that the immigrants had to endure this season were tragic and sad.

But this finally hits home to one of the main characters. Incredible writing and acting brings this amazing season (so far) to a new level of devastating, heartfelt tragedy.

Had to stop several times to write this short review. You'll understand why after watching this episode.

The Equalizer: Separated (2022) Season 2, Episode 8

The most Emotional episode of the series so far...?

[3 January 2022]

Two very moving issues in this episode.

Missing asylum seeking, immigrant child separation from parent SNAFU (thanks to our horribly corrupt govt, both parties).

And hacker Harry dealing with probable life in prison after getting caught for helping CIA guy's son.

Dopesick (2021)

We need to organize to end BigPharma / govt corruption

[2 January 2022]

I am so fvcking angry that the sociopaths in pharma are allowed (by the sociopaths in govt) to destroy/murder so many families/people. And are able to get away with it, instead of serving long sentences in prison (or short ones in the electric chair).

1) End corruption / bribery / money in politics / revolving door from govt to the companies that they were supposed to regulate.

2) Then restore accountability & true journalism by ending corporate owned, divide & conquer, mainstream media.

3) If we can't vote our way out of this mess, then we should consider occupy, mass non-compliance and mass civil disruption.

The Orville: The Road Not Taken (2019) Season 2, Episode 14

Next episode, s03e01, release date: June 2, 2022 !!

[30 December 2021]

I really miss this show !!

Over THREE YEARS since this episode, s02e14 aired (on April 25, 2019) !

I trust/hope Seth MacFarlane will release another good season.

1883: River (2021) Season 1, Episode 3

Another, very enjoyable episode!

[27 December 2021]

Highlights: Flirty & life positive Isabel May seems to be getting even more interesting & beautiful.

Faith Hill's got some Skills!

The ever present dangers & tragedy of this wagon train journey were well depicted. Especially with the focus on one discriminated family/survivors, the touching attitude/actions by the captain & Thomas to help out, and Sam Elliot reaches his limits with some really scummy guys.

And, "Define Handsy" :-)

1883: Behind Us, a Cliff (2021) Season 1, Episode 2

Another enjoyable episode!

[21 December 2021]

Great, unexpected guest stars.

I couldn't believe who that Union soldier was, had to re-watch that part twice.

And the marshal was cool AF.

The tragedy of sister Claire.

I hated Claire's negativity, hatefulness & rudeness.

But it made me wonder, did her bad attitude cause many of the problems in her life? Like it seemed to in this episode.

Or did she become that way because of the many, tragic losses in her life?

Very sad.

Really liked Isabel, Sam & Tim's characters, and the realistic situations they're placed in to prepare for their long and difficult journey.

1883: 1883 (2021) Season 1, Episode 1

Isabel May from Run, Hide, Fight

[20 December 2021]

Started watching this because of Isabel and her great performance in her exciting 'Diehard' movie... and I'm very happy with this gritty & realistic episode.

Sam Elliot was also great. And Tim McGraw plays a very cool & capable character.

The flash forward beginning was exciting and I NEED to see how that plays out!

Looking forward to ep.2 & the rest of the season!