BeneCumb
Joined Mar 2012
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Ratings2.2K
BeneCumb's rating
Reviews1.4K
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Directed by John G. Avildsen, who also helmed Rocky, this film brings a martial arts narrative to mainstream Western audiences with heart, humor, and surprising emotional depth.
At the center is Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), a teenager uprooted from New Jersey to California, who quickly becomes the target of relentless bullying from a group of karate-trained students. Enter Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), a humble handyman with a mysterious past and a deep understanding of karate. Their student-mentor relationship forms the soul of the film, offering not just training in combat, but lessons in discipline, patience, and inner strength.
Though the plot is somewhat formulaic, it's executed with sincerity. Macchio gives a likeable, grounded performance, while Morita is nothing short of exceptional. His portrayal of Mr. Miyagi is subtle, warm, and wise-elevating the film beyond its genre trappings. It's a shame Morita was only recognized in a "supporting" role, as his screen presence arguably carries much of the film's emotional weight.
The film's famous training sequences-particularly the "wax on, wax off" montage-are as effective today as they were in 1984. The climactic tournament fight, including the legendary crane kick, remains a satisfying conclusion to Daniel's journey.
Despite some minor flaws and cheesy moments, The Karate Kid endures as a feel-good film with genuine heart. It teaches that fighting is not about fists, but about courage, resilience, and respect. For fans of 80s cinema or classic coming-of-age tales, this one is absolutely worth watching-or revisiting.
At the center is Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), a teenager uprooted from New Jersey to California, who quickly becomes the target of relentless bullying from a group of karate-trained students. Enter Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), a humble handyman with a mysterious past and a deep understanding of karate. Their student-mentor relationship forms the soul of the film, offering not just training in combat, but lessons in discipline, patience, and inner strength.
Though the plot is somewhat formulaic, it's executed with sincerity. Macchio gives a likeable, grounded performance, while Morita is nothing short of exceptional. His portrayal of Mr. Miyagi is subtle, warm, and wise-elevating the film beyond its genre trappings. It's a shame Morita was only recognized in a "supporting" role, as his screen presence arguably carries much of the film's emotional weight.
The film's famous training sequences-particularly the "wax on, wax off" montage-are as effective today as they were in 1984. The climactic tournament fight, including the legendary crane kick, remains a satisfying conclusion to Daniel's journey.
Despite some minor flaws and cheesy moments, The Karate Kid endures as a feel-good film with genuine heart. It teaches that fighting is not about fists, but about courage, resilience, and respect. For fans of 80s cinema or classic coming-of-age tales, this one is absolutely worth watching-or revisiting.
/Refers to Season 1/
MobLand is a crime drama that delivers strong characters, tension, and psychological depth-even if it sometimes reaches beyond its limits. Led by a standout cast including Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, and Helen Mirren, this Guy Ritchie-produced series brings slow-burning suspense and emotional weight to the classic gangster story.
Tom Hardy is excellent as Harry Da Souza-quiet, intense, and fiercely loyal. He adds power to every scene he's in. Brosnan and Mirren, though their Irish accents have divided opinions, still grab attention, even if their performances sometimes feel a bit over-the-top. The supporting cast-Geoff Bell, Paddy Considine, and Lara Pulver-help build a world where loyalty, power, and betrayal constantly clash.
Visually, MobLand strikes a good balance between Ritchie-style flair and a more grounded, realistic tone. The cinematography is sharp, the music adds to the mood, and the direction keeps things focused. While the early episodes move slowly, the story picks up mid-season, offering twists that feel natural, not forced. The season finale leaves a few questions unanswered-enough to make you want more, without feeling unfinished.
The show's weak spots include inconsistent accents, some underdeveloped characters, and a few overly dramatic moments. Still, these flaws are outweighed by strong writing and powerful scenes.
In short, MobLand doesn't reinvent the gangster genre, but it gives it new energy. If you're looking for a smart, character-focused crime drama, this is well worth watching. Just don't expect Snatch-this one's darker, more serious, and takes its time to unfold.
MobLand is a crime drama that delivers strong characters, tension, and psychological depth-even if it sometimes reaches beyond its limits. Led by a standout cast including Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, and Helen Mirren, this Guy Ritchie-produced series brings slow-burning suspense and emotional weight to the classic gangster story.
Tom Hardy is excellent as Harry Da Souza-quiet, intense, and fiercely loyal. He adds power to every scene he's in. Brosnan and Mirren, though their Irish accents have divided opinions, still grab attention, even if their performances sometimes feel a bit over-the-top. The supporting cast-Geoff Bell, Paddy Considine, and Lara Pulver-help build a world where loyalty, power, and betrayal constantly clash.
Visually, MobLand strikes a good balance between Ritchie-style flair and a more grounded, realistic tone. The cinematography is sharp, the music adds to the mood, and the direction keeps things focused. While the early episodes move slowly, the story picks up mid-season, offering twists that feel natural, not forced. The season finale leaves a few questions unanswered-enough to make you want more, without feeling unfinished.
The show's weak spots include inconsistent accents, some underdeveloped characters, and a few overly dramatic moments. Still, these flaws are outweighed by strong writing and powerful scenes.
In short, MobLand doesn't reinvent the gangster genre, but it gives it new energy. If you're looking for a smart, character-focused crime drama, this is well worth watching. Just don't expect Snatch-this one's darker, more serious, and takes its time to unfold.
Troppo is a uniquely Australian noir series that mixes mystery, psychological drama, and the rough beauty of rural Queensland. While the setting has a lot of potential, the series often feels more like it's using the outback as a dramatic backdrop rather than showing real life in Far North Queensland. The cinematography is beautiful, but the place doesn't always feel authentic.
The story follows Amanda and Ted-two damaged characters dealing with both crime and their own pasts. Thomas Jane brings a rough charm to Ted, although at times he feels like a cheaper version of Nick Nolte. Nicole Chamoun plays Amanda well, but her character is sometimes let down by uneven writing. Their relationship is the core of the show, and their chemistry improves throughout both seasons.
Unfortunately, Troppo struggles with clunky dialogue and a predictable plot. It leans too heavily on stereotypes, and while some characters grow over time, others feel flat or cliché. The pacing is slow (six episodes per season might have been enough), and a few subplots are left unresolved.
Still, Troppo is worth watching-especially for fans of slow-burning crime stories with flawed main characters. It's a mixed experience: strong acting, a dark and moody feel, and some standout moments, but held back by pacing problems, weak writing, and a lack of real local flavour.
I'd give Season 1 a 6.5 and Season 2 a 7.5-so overall, 7/10 feels fair.
The story follows Amanda and Ted-two damaged characters dealing with both crime and their own pasts. Thomas Jane brings a rough charm to Ted, although at times he feels like a cheaper version of Nick Nolte. Nicole Chamoun plays Amanda well, but her character is sometimes let down by uneven writing. Their relationship is the core of the show, and their chemistry improves throughout both seasons.
Unfortunately, Troppo struggles with clunky dialogue and a predictable plot. It leans too heavily on stereotypes, and while some characters grow over time, others feel flat or cliché. The pacing is slow (six episodes per season might have been enough), and a few subplots are left unresolved.
Still, Troppo is worth watching-especially for fans of slow-burning crime stories with flawed main characters. It's a mixed experience: strong acting, a dark and moody feel, and some standout moments, but held back by pacing problems, weak writing, and a lack of real local flavour.
I'd give Season 1 a 6.5 and Season 2 a 7.5-so overall, 7/10 feels fair.
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