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brentstansfield
Reviews
Orphan Black: Echoes (2023)
What a Bummer.
After looking at various sites around the net, I don't understand why this show was cancelled. The individual episodes each had higher ratings that the average given by IMDB? I thought it was a brilliant start for a spinoff, and given one or more seasons it would have caught up to the original Orphan Black. Kristen Ritter played her character extremely well, as did the rest of the cast. To see the "Black" program restarted by one of the originals clones daughter was kind of strange, considering what she witnessed as a child, and everything her mother and her "aunts" went through too stop the program, only to have her restart it. The premise was great, the ending left us wanting to see what happened next, only to see the show cancelled. I wish another Network would pick this show up, I think given a little more time it would have either surpassed the original send off show, or at the very least equaled it in the ratings. The first season rated higher per episode than the first show, so why cancel it? (PS, if you have not watched the original Orphan Black, my use of the term clone would be considered a spoiler, so....)
Wolf Pack (2023)
Why the cancellation?
I enjoyed this show more than most of the shows that were on during this time period. (I know this review is more than a bit overdue) It was great to see Sarah Back on TV, and it sounds like she was doing a good job at protecting her young co-stars, a long over due job. Was this the reason for the cancellation, or was it a money issue? If allowed to run for at least another season, or if they knew they were not going to allow a second season, they could have given us a complete show, rather than leaving on a cliff hanger as it did. It was a bad ending to a good show that could have been up there with Supernatural. It's not to late for them to bring it back (it was only a year and a half ago) and at the very least give us an ending, even an hour and a half TV Movie would be nice.
Madame Web (2024)
Why is this rated so low....
I thought the acting was good if not great. Most of the scenes seemed to be shot without the use of blue screen, the plot was good, not your typical Superhero Plot, but more intimate. The girls acting around the main character were professional. I really liked this movie because it was not your stereo typical Superhero movie. While not a huge fan of spiders, the way the first flashback scenes tied the whole movie together was great. The fight scenes were believable, and the bad guy was also good in another way that tied the movie together as a whole. So why such a low review rating? Did nobody else watch this movie, or if they did perhaps they skipped giving it a rating? Whatever the reason, I liked this movie and would tell others to ignore the rating and give it a try, I think it's a pretty good movie.
Wolfblood (2012)
Excellent, at least at first.
I know this is an older show but I recently had the pleasure of watching it. The first 2 season's were excellent, everyone involved was great and it was a pleasure to watch, then the Smith's left, supposedly to find a new life in Canada. After that the lead actress was no longer involved, we don't really know what happened to them other than what was said by the person who relocated them. None of them are ever seen again. While the new actors all did a good job at filling the Smith's absence, the entire show changed direction. It went from a fun fantasy show to a horror/thriller and anything that could go wrong did. At the very least it would have been nice for the Smiths to return for a few episodes before the end of the show, but to no avail. I'm an older guy, but I still love shows like this though they are now few and far between, and the ones that do show up, like Vampire Academy, and WINX are not given the time to build an audience, most are cancelled on a cliffhanger. But if you like shows like this, at least catch the first two seasons, that's where they probably should have ended this show.
Stitchers (2015)
I feel like my time was wasted.
I thought this was a pretty good show and couldn't wait between seasons. However, the network pulled the plug one season to early as far as I'm concerned, and with a real cliffhanger of an end as Emma Ishta say's, I'll never forgive you for making me do this to him, just after the two characters got together. We will never know to whom she said that to or why "they" made her pretend to lose her memory of the last three years. We will also never know how it all ends up due to the cancellation. You would think the network could have given this show one more season or at least have come up with another ending for this show. It was a long time before I invested any time watching a Freeform show again after that letdown. Even with friends telling me to watch a new show they put on, my answer to them was why would I waste another year or two or three after the way they ended this show. I know this show wasn't for everyone but I and quite a few of my friends also liked it. All to be let down by a fledgling network that didn't bother to listen to the fans and at the very least, give us a decent ending.
Vampire Academy (2022)
The shows are always different...
While the shows themselves are almost never as good as the books, or series of books they are based on. (I. E. Stephen King, excellent books and some really bad movies) I think they did a great job with this one. The cast was well chosen, the story lines were well written, (when your trying to fit a book into 10 45 minute shows, they will be different) and the cinematography was beautiful. It was very fast paced from the beginning and the friendship between the two main characters is shown brilliantly. (you have to feel a little sorry for Rose who takes the grunt of the punishment when they don't follow the rules). This is just the first installment, it would be a shame if they don't continue with the story. So all in all my opinion is this was an excellent show and I hope we get a second season.
Motherland: Fort Salem (2020)
I don't care what others think, This is a great show!
If you can't see past the what this show stands for, your imagination has been destroyed. This is the type of show where I re watch all of the previous seasons just before the new one starts. It's obviously not meant to relate to everyday life, it's a TV show. However it does stand for something, the prejudices we still face today, just not for Witches. I find this show very entertaining, (Don't you wish you had that kind of power at your fingertips?) The best part is that these girls try to use their power for the good of all, not to enrich themselves. Freeform, at least here on IMDB shows 2022 to be the final year, please don't do that. This show has a lot more story to tell that can't be wrapped up in these last few episodes, give it a few more seasons to tell the whole story to the end, with nothing hanging. Freeform has given us some great shows, only to end them just as they are really starting to take off, don't do that to this one. (About those negative comments, most are from people who haven't watched the show, or at least not enough of it to know what it is about. Most of those who love it, are bust people who only find the time to write when the show is threatened, I myself is guilty of this.) I've found that most of the nay sayers. Are all the same people using different names, Check the IP adresses (Angry Joe) the name says it all. As far as he is concerned all TV's should be thrown away because a good TV show has never been made.
1883 (2021)
Another Western. But this one seems real!!
While not a huge fan of westerns, with a very few exceptions, I found 1883 to be not only a great show, or dare I say even a Masterpiece, but very accurate from all I've read about this period of time and the trials that the pioneers went though to make it on the Oregon Trail. One thing I found that most pieces of this period got wrong, or plain made up was the interaction between the indigenous people, and the pioneers. With this production we are shown that the true evil that was faced on the trail was not the Indians, but other pioneers. Isabel Mays telling of the tale in real time gave us a young ladies take on the story, and the way a girl her age went from a mere girl, to a formidable woman by the end. As i said at the beginning, I've never been a fan of westerns, but this is more than worth watching, unless of course you enjoy the old tales where the Indians are always the bad guy's. I'd give it a ten, but I don't think they will ever make one, So I'll go with an 8.9. It really is that good!
Reacher (2022)
This is the Reacher in the books.
While i did like the movies with Tom Cruise, to me they were just action flicks with a guy named Reacher.
This Show is so close to the books, the story lines are right on (I've read all of them) and Alan Ritchson is Reacher, at least as I pictured him while reading the books. I binge watched the whole show in one sitting and can't wit for the new one.
So, if your a fan of the books, don;t let the movies turn you off to this show. This is same Jack Reacher we read about in the books. I hope they do all of the books, that's just how good it is!
Live or Let Die (2020)
Typical Zombie Flick
Notice how since the Walking Dead came out the movie market has been flooded with zombie movies? Well, this is another one. It's not horrible, and it does have some good parts, the problem is we have seen so many of them now that we already kind of know whats coming before it gets here. I did not understand the first and only review, (even a little, I liked it because nothing came out of it???) but I can say it's certainly not the worst end of the world flick I've seen, I can only think of one or two that were better. The reason? To many zombie movies. If you like Zombies, give it a watch, If not, give me a thumbs down.
SurrealEstate (2021)
Wish the rating was higher.
If your into spooky stuff, this is a great show. It is well cast, I like the story lines, some have said they are lacking a bit but you can only fit so much into 42 mins. What I really like is that it, like Supernatural, is funny, dramatic, and kind of scary at times. While I admit it will probably never reach the heights of Supernatural, I really don't think the creators and writers wanted it to. It is it's own show and if you have not watched it, give it a try, if you liked Supernatural, you will like this as is, it's own show that can't possibly be confused with the other show. Just my opinion but I really hope the network gives it a second, longer season. The ratings will go up.
The Luminaries (2020)
Patience needed for this one.
It's a shame when a director takes a great story, puts it in a jigsaw press, and then throws all of the pieces on the table picks one and goes from there. But I digress, other than a director trying to be to artsy, this is a really great story, excellent acting and very nice cinematography.
And it does tell a great story, but you may have to watch it twice, that or my mental capacity is shot. There were times I re-winded thinking I missed something, only to find out that I was in a different time zone. I gave this show a 7 because it is definitely worth watching, and I kind of hope there is a season 2, now that I know how to watch it. Only a portion of this puzzle has been assembled, lets hope we get to see the next part.
Clarice (2021)
I like this show!
The only problem I see with this show is the number of episodes ordered, and the long breaks going on with all of the shows this year due to Co-Vid. The plots are good, the leading actress plays Starling very well in my opinion, and the writers have done a great kob with all of the episodes I've seen to date. Unfortunately I don't think the Network ever had anything planned for this show other than a filler. It received little to no commercials telling the people about this show, I myself only found out about it as I stumbled onto the 2nd episode. I've watched since then only to have a month long "break" (actually well over a month) waiting for the remaining episodes. Please give this show a second shot, and this time TELL people about it!!
The Hatred (2018)
What the....
After reading Mike_T-Little_Mtn_Sound_Archive's review I just had to watch this to see just how bad it was. Boy was he right, I gave it 1 star more than he did only because as I watched, and caught all of the things he mentioned I laughed so hard I almost threw up! The movie gets a two for the laughs, Mikes review gets a ten!
Warrior Nun (2020)
Funny name!
While the name of the series seems kind of dumb, I have to admit I'm really glad I put that aside and watched this show. I don't know how it ends yet, ( 1 episode left) but so far it's been great! While it took most of the first season for the lead character to get it together and find her way, it really takes off after that.
I really hope this show goes for more than a few seasons, some seem to find the dialog a little to teen like, but it's one of the things I find refreshing. You find yourself asking if I were the lead actress, and my life had consisted of what hers did until she received her "gift", what would you do? I'm trying not to give anything away, so I apologize if this review seems a little disjointed. But watch this show, I really think you will enjoy it!
Almost Paradise (2020)
A funny, show with flare.
As a fan of Christian Kane since the days of Angel, I find this show to be both funny and thrilling at the same time. The cast works extremely well together, the writing is spot on, and the scenery is beautiful.
I can see so many possibilities for a new season, and I think it would be great if his "daughter" is included in new episodes.
I don't want to give anything away so if for some reason you missed it the first time, give it a try, watch reruns, if you can get them where you are, or find someone who recorded them. I really think you will enjoy it. And with the networks pulling shows without letting them get up some steam, I would hate to see this one get cancelled. I myself had seen no commercials for this show and caught it by chance. I'm glad I did!
Trending Fear (2019)
More believable than most.
I'm not sure why people don't like this show. Perhaps they are used to the presenters jumping around and screaming like the sky is falling, or the fact that every other show doesn't have "Ghosts" but everything is labeled a Demon. I find them all amusing to watch, even though I find most unbelievable. And it doesn't hurt that Jennifer is attractive either. On a 1-10 in non-demon ghost shows I give this an 8. Ghost Hunters used t get an 8, until they were caught staging the scenes. If you enjoy jumping in your chair, watch a horror movie, if you enjoy a documentary type of show where you may learn something, try this one, there have been worse, trust me!
The Ghost Beyond (2018)
I should have listened!
I read the reviews and I thought,it can't possibly be that bad, I've watched other low rated movies and enjoyed a few. I was wrong, I should have listened! Do yourself a favor. just don't.
The Mallorca Files (2019)
Surprisingly Great Show
While not a huge fan of BBC's programming, with the exceptions of Our Girl and The Coroner, I almost skipped this one entirely... I'm glad I didn't! I enjoyed this show. The stories are well written along with an excellent choice of actors. It's funny, the scenery is beautiful, and the plot is great. I don't like spoilers, so all I will say is if you enjoy good television, catch the first season on rerun. I myself can't wait for the second season.
MacGyver (2016)
This show deserves a much better rating.
I've watched both the original, and then this one. While the old show was good, kind of campy, but good for it's time. This show is better! Although they call it a reboot, it really is a new shoe, with better story lines, more realistic writing, and believable characters.
Sorry, but I prefer the new show over the old one. Watch one of the older episodes and I think you will agree. Many scenes were way over acted, all of the actors seem to be yelling to make up for the bad technology at the time.
While I have made this observation before, it would appear nobody listened, or I'm on the wrong side of the issue as it appears the shows episode orders have been cut in half, I for one, hope it stays on the air, it would appear they this may be the last season, and that is a shame with some of the new garbage that has been released this year. Just my opinion, which apparently means nothing to the programmers.
L.A.'s Finest (2019)
Great Show!!
While an old premise, I really like this show. The Actors and Actresses give a great performance, nothing looked forced or uncomfortable, it's like these people have worked together for years.
I was also impressed with the story line. Some flashbacks mixed with what's happening in the now really helped to explain the story line as it unfolded.
And it left us with an excellent cliffhanger for next season.
I'm also a bit shocked by the bad reviews, but we are all entitled to our opinion, I'm just happy that they renewed the show, I think it will do well for them and lets face it, to many shows with promise were cancelled to soon.
Just my humble opinion.
Witchblade (2001)
Could have been great!
I finally watched this series from the beginning to the end just this year. I really enjoyed the first season and immediately started watching the second, that's were they lost me.
I think I know what they were trying to do, unfortunately you can't hold the viewers by basically doing the entire first season over while only basically rehashing the original with minor flashbacks to the first season. Maybe the entire backstory could have been accomplished with a six hour long movie. If they had made it to season 3, I think the ratings would have been better, if the watchers could get past the letdown of season 2.
I think a redo, with some better writers could be a great success with all of the interest of the "Superhero's" shows today. And it's been long enough that most that watched the original series have probably forgotten the show. Not to mention all of the kids that were to young to watch the first time around.
I know this will never happen (bummer) so here is hoe I rated it: Season one I give a 8.5. It held the audience, was suspenseful when it needed to be, and while it left me with questions, I though they would be answered in season 2. Didn't happen, they basically just showed rehashed the first season. With a few changes.
Watch the first season, if you don't believe me, watch season 2 and I believe you will agree with me. BTW, my only reason for writing this review so long after it's demise is the hope they might do a remake. It won't happen I'm sure, but it can't hurt to try.
Hanna (2019)
I think this is one of he best!
While, I have never seen the movie, The television show is excellent from the beginning to the end of what I hope will be many, longer seasons.
Esme Creed-Miles is so believable as Hanna, the look of wonder, and awe as she see's more of a land she has hears about only from Erik. (Joel Kinnaman also an excellent actor), is a hard thing to fake. She did it flawlessly.
There has to be a second season, if for nothing else than to fill in a few gaps that I believe were left open purposely. Remember, I have not seen the movie. Just what did they do to these babies? It's obviously more than training, as the Doc at the end let us know.
Anyway, if you have not seen the first season yet, please do so, I think you will love it.
Westworld (2016)
A Great Show, with a few issues.
I read this book a long time ago and while I've never seen a movie or TV show do the book justice, this show comes very close. The first season was awesome. Action packed, and by the end, I was rooting for the Hosts.
The second season was good, but a bit disjointed. There are times when you don't know if we are looking at the past or present. It does get easier as the show moves forward.
I'm really interested to see what direction the third season has in store, while not as big a fan for season two, it's still an excellent show, and season 3 will hopefully pull it all together. Can't wait.
As alway's, this is just one mans opinion, watch it for yourself and let the fans know what you think.
Coroner (2019)
So far, so Good!
I've got to give it up to Canadian Television. More and more great shows are coming from our northern neighbors. This show, while I only have watched 3 episodes, leaves me wanting to see whats next. I like that the actor's are relatively unknown, at least to me, and they are all good. No overacting, seamless transitions form scene to scene, like the header says, so far, it's a good show. I always wait until I've seen at least 3 episodes before I write one of these. I wish others would do the same, I've seen reviews, both good and bad, sometimes posted before the air date. Please, if you have had a viewing of the first episode before the rest of us, please don't base your review on one episode. Just my humble opinion.