Change Your Image
Eryximachus
Reviews
Unbelievable (2019)
Extremely well done
This is a film about rape. and most specifically about a young woman who was let down by the "system" from the age of three. Eventually raped, bullied into confessing to making everything up, charged with filing a false police report, and enduring the scouge of being branded a liar. Losing everyone who loved her, her friends, and her transitional home. Even her shitty job at Walmart.
It was a remarkable portrayal of so many aspects of how our society abandons the least of us, but it was done so not in a heavy handed, crtiical way. There were no real answers presented.
The ending is just beautiful. The rapist, asvirtually all, is serial rapist. He eventually is caught, and sentenced to life. But that doesn't provide satisfaction. The lead character is let down by her local police department, but two tenacious police officers a thousand miles away crack the case.
No answers were provided how we can change all these people - the police, the social workers, low wage managers, foster parents and friends who don't really care.
What mattered was two strangers restoring a young woman's hope that there were good people in the world. Very touching, and I hope the entire cast, writers and production crew get the credit they are due. Flawless.
The Equalizer 2 (2018)
Better than most sare saying
Yes, there is less action and the pace is halfway between dramatic/action.
But, that's what I like about it. Denzel is a great actor of course, and he brings a great sense of gravitas to this film. This is an action movie with heart, from Denzel's predictably excellent performance to simple scenes like emotional discussions in the rain to a great, emotional soundtrack.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018)
Pretty heavy on the Satanism, but not so bad.
There is an Adams Family Charm. The stories are definitely weird.
I'd say the best part is Sabrina. She's cute, serious, entertaining. Definitely carries the series.
Magnum P.I. (2018)
I think the series is above average
Now, political correctness rules the day. But this series is WAY better than most reboots. Overall, the lead who plays Magnum PI is a good actor. Should they have gotten a more attractive Latino man? Maybe. But, I think he has a good enough presence, the "attitude", and style.
One issue is Afghanistan. Yeah, the wars of the past 20 years just don't compare to Vietnam. But, they had to do something.
The theme of veterans in the series is pretty good. While that was central to the original series, it was at a time where it was very common. Now, not so much. It's also pretty cool how they worked a guy into the circle who is wheelchair bound. It's easy to cast people of different ethnicities, but not so easy to depict the disabled in a positive light. Also impressive.
The stories/crimes are mostly pretty interesting and/or amusing. Yeah, crime dramas are getting old. But at least this one has comedy, and the human aspect is often more central than solving the case.
Finally, the lead cast has pretty good chemistry. They are likable, it doesn't seemed forced, and is entertaining.
Haven (2010)
Overall average series with a bad final series
For the most part, this is a crime drama with supernatural elements. Some episodes were interesting, but the overall story arch takes wayyyyy too long to manifest and the direction it goes was just boring.
The series is based on "the troubles", or inherited supernatural abilities that are difficult for people to control and often dangerous. Many episodes are like the X-files. Maybe most. They continue on for the first several seasons, until we finally learn the protagonist is a double of another person.
Turns out the protagonist is 500 years old and is the cause of the troubles. Oh, she and her father, James T Kirk who appears in the final season. Apparently, there is place called the void, which is basically earth shot through some kind of lens filter to make it greenish/gray. From there, you can go to another world, where the protagonist blonde and Captain Kirk are from.
Guess what? We never learn much of anything about that world. No visits. Nothing. The entire back story is never elaborated upon.
Most of the characters really started to become annoying. Blondie, the protagonist, is there as some kind of sex symbol/romantic interest but she just doesn't have it. The two other most common characters have very odd ectomorph body types with shockingly long and narrow faces that make them look almost alien.
Most of the troubles are boring and not very different from the X files or similar series.
The saving grace of the series is the scenery, which is beautiful. But after 5 years, even that loses its luster.
Overall, I wish I hadn't wasted my time watching this one.
Star Trek: Discovery (2017)
Good production values, not really Star Trek, lots of very current Social Justice propaganda
The cinematography is consistently good. Special effects are great as are most modern series. The acting is mostly good. But, that's where it ends.
This series has nothing to do with the Star Trek canon, or even spirit. As other reviewers have noted, the series is extremely dark and often suffers from the modern consequence of Social Justice devoid of understanding of economics - every story is essentially a variation of Hitler and the Holocaust.
Outside of the fact we have been hit over the head with this stuff endlessly, especially with Marvel series, it misses one of the key elements of Star Trek - the kind of world Marx envisioned - a world without want. The problem with the belief that "hate" has no root in class conflict and competition for scarce resources is you're always left with the question of "why" when faced with the Hitler motif.
In this sense, this new Star Trek is a lot more like Star Wars.
As for the rest of the Star Trek canon, the Klingons make no sense. They made a Klingon dictionary, but they made up a new language. The technology they have is far beyond whatever existed in any other series. They have a black ops organization that engages in torture, anti-terrorism activity, and other kinds of story arcs there to appease Chinese censors.
Finally, there is too much focus on homosexuality. In general, I'm sick of sex on television, but while many of us believe that discrimination against homosexuals is wrong, I do not want to watch guys make out all the time.
Lost in Space (2018)
Entertaining, but why must all remakes be politically correct propaganda attempts?
The special effects are good, the action is entertaining, and the sets and costumes are interesting.
The problem is the entire storyline was corrupted by politically correct propagandists.
1) It is amazing how they have the black "daughter", but don't at least address that she is adopted, or something. How else can you make a TV show about a family racially diverse? It is needlessly odd and detracts from the story.
2) "I'm with Her" propaganda is endless. The only man is routinely shown as a henpecked clod, while the little boy is a mere prop of the robot.
3) Speaking of the robot. Why is he there? Oh, he's a genocidal Nazi. Is it remotely possible for ANY science fiction movie to be about ANYTHING other than those 12 years of Adolf Hitler? Is there any other conflict besides GENOCIDE?
4) The characters all have unpleasant personalities.
The politically correct propaganda effort must end. It's getting just way too crazy.
Andromeda (2000)
Oddly outdated Star Trek Utopianism
What is incredible is this whole Magag character. Star Trek utopianism has always been about the fantasy of equality. The aliens were always analogies for races, particularly the purported black/white conflict in America. Now in 2018, with so many Asians and Hispanics, this 1960s message means very little. But what is odd is their "bad guy" is much worse than say, Klingons. They are veritable vampires who not only feed on humans but imbed their fertilized eggs into them. I'm unsure how anyone could watch this show and take the hilarious platitudes seriously. Most would say, exterminate them.
The Nietzschean is an odd concept, particularly today when CRISPR technology is being used to actually genetically engineer humans. I'm not quite sure Nietzsche himself would believe genetic engineering is a good thing, with that whole overcoming thing he digs. There was a time in the 1960s leftists associated Nietzsche with Hitler, who never got around to implementing a eugenics program. That's funny too as them Nazis called it the Indiana Plan, after the very thorough eugenics program there. But I digress. Whoever wrote the initial plot, and I doubt that was Gene Roddenberry, did not understand Nietzsche.
Overall, a mediocre show from another era. I don't think it would be very popular in today's multicultural world as the 1960s propaganda and Nietzschean philosophy will be unclear and most everyone would want the Magog exterminated.
Blast from the Past (1999)
The most poignant culture criticism of my lifetime
No matter how unhappy people are in modern times, no matter how twisted and perverted our culture becomes, we are constantly reminded that no matter how bad things are - the past was worse.
This is an extremely subversive movie, and why few will directly state why they dislike this film - it is the visceral reaction that they get from an inability to wholly defend the present and its many dysfunctions.
One could right a radical treatise on the decadence and corruption of modernity based on this film alone. It touches on nearly every aspect of life, all carefully and neatly presented as harmless comedy.
A truly brilliant film, and one that likely could never be produced today, in this era of hyper political persecution.
Stranger Things (2016)
The 80s nostalgia is great, and the acting is mostly good
But, at the end of the day, they just couldn't really bring the story to the next level. All this mystery about this alternate reality and the creatures who dwell there. And in the end, we are given but one answer to it all:
Nazis.
I suppose it began with Star Wars with the Empire wearing SS uniforms or something, but it really is getting old. Surely, there has to be something that motivates creatures to do bad things besides some desire for genocide. No one even knew what the word genocide was until 1950. Maybe start with everything written from before 1900?
When you watch a Marvel film, you expect this. The Marvel guys have all admitted as such. But years of watching all this, all the mystery that built up, and that's all we get. Nazis.
The Defenders (2017)
Want to be lectured about privilege?
Once upon a time, mass propaganda was about show how we're all equal and that integration could work. Now, we have lectures about privilege. Halfway through the series.
Ugg.
Good think I'm a sucker for comics. The direction is good, the aesthetics are good, and the entertainment value is real.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
Why is the story always about genocide?
I like these kinds of Marvel stories, as the rest are just way too serious. What I don't understand is, why is the story always about genocide?
Surely, there must be something worth fighting for besides preventing genocide.
Clear and Present Danger (1994)
A relic of its time
It's really amazing just how bad a great many films used to be.
The acting is typically staid, apparently intended to replicate the faux-seriousness of CNN. None of the characters really make sense. I found the drug lord to be the most entertaining one of them all.
Is this an action film? Then it's a mediocre one. There are some good fight scenes, and the explosions are nifty, but it's all pretty much irrelevant to the story.
Is it a political intrigue? I guess, but the story just wasn't that compelling to me. So, somebody made a deal with some rich guy to launder money, then ... murder and war? Whatever.
Ultimately, this was an attempt to make a violent parallel to Watergate, which no coincidentally was also as hopelessly impossible to understand. But, back the early 1990s, the media was desperate to relive the Watergate golden days. As unbelievable as the show is, it makes sense in a historical context.
Vice (2015)
Yeah, it's pretty bad.
I'd say that for today, the film is average. Production values are good. But, the overarching problem with the film is it is predicated on rather trite feminist propaganda. Do you believe rape is a pervasive problem and that rape culture exists? If so, you'll love this movie. If you're like most people however, you'll find the message of this film offensive.
The Client List (2011)
Subversively realistic
I'm really amazed by how honest and accurate this show is regarding sexuality. It completely flies in the face of long established post- war dogma.
1) The inclusion of obese women, while not visually appealing, makes the show realistic. No one can deny that female obesity greatly exceeds male obesity, yet outside of a few major metro areas this is a regular part of life that is not depicted on television.
2) We live in a world today that proclaims women as victims of all manner of sex crimes, prostitution among them. Uniformly in this show, we see how prostitution is very much entwined with all female characters even if it is simply tolerance.
3) Amazingly, male socio-sexual behavior is very accurately prescribed. Most men are without question losers, or desperately desiring female love and affirmation. It is hard to watch this show and believe in "the patriarchy". Yet, this is how it goes.
4) The depiction of the kids is really tremendous. This is a messed up show in many ways, and it does show them as a casualty. You can't walk away from this and think broken families are a good thing.
5) The diversity police weren't bad in this show. I feel like the black and white relations were very typical of modern Southern society. Nothing seemed forced, and it seemed genuine.
6) While the show clearly shows how prostitution is a part of the female existence, there is an element of caring to it that is not commonly understood.
7) The show indirectly brings awareness of the ongoing economic crisis. Soft prostitution has undoubtedly increased significantly over the years, and this shows just how it happens.
Taken (2017)
Same old propaganda
I just don't understand Hollywood these days. They believe more than even major propagandists in the Soviet Union at its height that propaganda can recreate reality.
It wasn't a secret that Taken, the original film, was wildly popular because it not only was brutal, but honest about a taboo subject in the modern west where thought crimes rule. One thing that cannot be stated in many circles, and is indeed criminal in many places like Canada, is that terrorism is indeed largely associated with Muslim countries.
I knew at some point this series was going to be about "reforming" this supposed defamation of Islam. But come on. The third episode? Involving a plot where US government agents are framing some poor Muslim sap?
At this point in time, where this extreme leftism has been denounced repeatedly in elections and box offices, why does Hollywood continue on this path? It just makes no sense. No one is going to believe this stuff, and all it will do is bolster the opinion of most that Hollywood is a den of liars and perverts (thankfully, the latter is not an issue with this series).
This show won't get a second season, as the kinds of leftists who like to believe in the Great White Defendant simply don't watch shows like this. And most people just don't believe it anymore, and will turn off this kind of nonsense.
If Hollywood wants to reform American opinions of Islam, focus on the daily drone strikes on women and children.
Supergirl (2015)
Supergirl is cute and hot, but the writing is insane
I want to like this film. Even though Melissa Benoist is another attractive young Hollywood actress who got where she is in life by selling her body, she has a sincerity and innocence that somehow comes consistently through. She is a good actress, and is by far the main reason to watch the show. There isn't much one can watch these days with a young daughter, and this does present a mostly positive image.
The problem are the writers. The extremist, regressive leftist ideology presented on the show is really bordering on the absurd. I get it that many in Hollywood think it is the greatest mission in life to propagandize for the normalization of same-sex relationships. It's tiresome, and needlessly heavy-handed, but not unexpected.
What is absurd is the incorporation of current politics into the show. It was bad enough with the endless Hillary Clinton references, now the entire story line is about how bad it is that the US will be adopting a merit based immigration policy like every other country on earth.
Every episode is about the poor immigrants and how everyone hates them. Then, we finally have mass deportations.
Now, if the government was really engaging in these policies, maybe there would be a message. But it's not.
Really, given how unpopular the Democratic Party is, it's time for everyone with propaganda power to take a step back. Rethink your message.
The world is transitioning to a United Nations controlled monetary framework that demands immigration controls as currency exchange rates are determined by population growth. In 10 years, every country on earth will have the exact same immigration policy. It's time to move on.
The Magicians (2015)
Quality acting, high production values, good cultural commentary
I originally thought this show was going to be a snooze or straight rip off of Harry Potter. But, it's really actually quite good.
The cast has good chemistry, and more or less are alternatively amusing and serious depending upon the circumstances.
As this series has carried on, it has such sardonic wit regarding modern-day politics.The series has none of the heavy-handed political correctness that characterizes every other show. They have a gay character who doesn't seem stereo typically Hollywood gay. Perhaps more traditionally dandy gay from say prior to the 1980s, but most wouldn't know that. His sexuality doesn't seemed forced, or forced on the audience. Bravo.
The same thing with race. Hollywood shows are always black and white about race. Either no one is racist, or racism is a huge issue in the show. Neither is the case here. The scenes with Penny are downright hilarious, and if you have Indian friends who are cool, are exactly the kinds of ways normal people deal with real everyday "racism".
Cheers to the writers, producers, and actors for taking a small, yet bold step towards better storytelling.
*I raised my rating after the series went on. The cultural criticism is really brilliant. This may be the best piece of entertainment to come out in the Trump Era. Highly Underrated.
Between (2015)
Amusing story, but hilarious social justice nonsense
It's an interesting story concept, but it's tainted by some extreme social justice themes. Interracial romance between blacks and whites? That's every television show. One scarcely can imagine television in America without it. Fortunately, there are no LGBTQ stories of oppression.
But, what we do have is a child with downs syndrome! And a teenage single mother in a lead role!
Ultimate message of this show? Get knocked up by an old man, have a kid, and you'll still have all the guys in town chasing you!
Hilarious.