nireh-61399

I was about not to write a review for the second season finale of *Poker Face*, because the existing reviews that also gave it a 2 or 3 share my sentiments.

After a few good previous episodes, this final one is a serious letdown on many levels.

Despite the main twist-which was hinted at in a previous episode mentioning "the world's greatest sociopath"-you get no satisfaction from the reveal.

Numerous plot holes, weak dialogue, and sloppy attempts to set up a back-to-basics third season make this almost unbearable.

Natasha Lyonne's direction felt like a failed experiment. Weird wide-angle shots, several TV gimmicks supposedly meant as tributes to older shows, and hasty editing destroy any enjoyment, even for the most loyal fan of the series.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually liked Jaden Smith's movie better. It had more drama, despite following the same worn-out formula. The performances were more serious, and it felt like a bigger movie overall.

Of course, none of these can even touch the original. That one had Bill Conti's music and great cinematography. It's on a whole different level.

It seemed fun to merge the two sub-franchises and bring Macchio and Chan into the same movie-but that was already in the trailer. Once you actually watch it, it comes off as gimmicky and a missed opportunity.

The plot is like Frankenstein's monster: bits and pieces stitched together to form the basic outline of a Karate Kid movie. Moving to a new city, the ex-girlfriend of the karate bully, and of course, a tournament. All the characters are paper-thin: the bad sensei, the bad kid, the mother. No depth at all.

Is it worth watching? No. It reeks of a lazy reboot attempt after Cobra Kai ended, just to make a quick buck.

2/10.

I cannot believe they still try to push John Krasinski as an action hero. It's his face, for one. It's the face of a comedian - and not a good one. If you make the mistake of watching this boring film, there's no way you can take the guy seriously as the main character.

The script is a knock-off of *Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade*: some prize that can either make you immortal or turn you into an old mummy if you're not worthy. Some unimaginative riddles here and there. Some boring "action" scenes where, on several occasions, some guy grabs another guy's automatic weapon, firing uncontrollably at the surroundings. And a couple of "around the world" locations.

The direction is also boring, and Guy Ritchie seems to think that spinning the camera without purpose makes his shots look cool.

Surprisingly enough, the movie becomes even slower as it progresses, with the final *Raiders of the Lost Ark* scene where you're definitely going to yawn.

Please stop pushing John Krasinski as an action hero. Put him in a kindergarten movie, playing with kids or something.

1/10.