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joanamarah
Reviews
Der Fall Jens Söring - Tödliche Leidenschaft (2023)
Worth a watch but one sided
The way the documentary was presented and shown was really good and it was easy to follow and stayed interesting throughout.
However, Jens' vibe didn't sit right with me. I understand that he was the one capitalising on this and his conviction however, it would have been nice to just have a statement off Elizabeth or her solicitor. I understand she doesn't want to capitalise on this but a simple statement could have changed the documentary as it seemed like the Jens show.
The way I interpreted it, was Jens was just making money from this, and wanted to make Elizabeth seem like the bad person, whereas I believe they both did wrong. The whole time I was watching it, it seemed fairly obvious that they were both involved in the murders and Jens basically admitted to it towards the end of episode 4 but tried to twist his words and manipulate the audience like a politician. Even his tone of voice and the way he was laughing throughout didn't seem right.
Also didn't like that Jens was speaking German in an American documentary. As a European, I can understand speaking your own language means you can get your point across clearer. However, he clearly spoke perfect English when he was going through trial, he is highly educated and I'm assuming it only got better being in prison in America for that many years. I feel like it was a form of trying to manipulate the audience and have a sense of control on his part. Just like when he befriended the Catholic and politician and then didn't mention them afterwards when he didn't get his own way.
No matter what your opinion on this is, the documentary is well done and it's worth a watch if you like true crime. Just don't expect closure on the case, no one will ever know the truth about this case, other than the two of them.
Rizzoli & Isles (2010)
Still brilliant after rewatching years later
I've rewatched them whole show after being a fan of the show during the time it was airing, and I can definitely say it's still as good now as it was back then.
Jane and Maura are portrayed perfectly and unlike many other shows which have bad storylines, endings etc. This show was almost perfectly executed. The only storyline (if you can call it that) that I think could have been pursued throughout the show was between Frankie and Maura. I think the two of them being together would have made the show perfect and the writers could have had fun with the storyline.
I also like how the main characters professional life and personal was shown as it made the characters more believable and likeable. I've seen reviews saying they didn't like Jane's obnoxiousness however as a Brit it was a very easy watch and she was very funny. I'm saying that, Maura was definitely my favourite character of the show and actually learnt some weird facts watching the show.
Overall worth the watch, from start to end the show is good.
Sex Education (2019)
Fantastic but don't bother with season 4
This is by far one of the best shows on Netflix. Seasons 1-3 were brilliant which is rare for a series to have longevity on Netflix.
However if you haven't watched it yet, don't bother watching season 4. It has barely anything to do with the rest of the seasons therefore, you won't miss anything by not watching it. The whole of season 4 was just absolutely cringe and sadly painful to watch at times. The new characters weren't necessary, the college was unrealistic and Otis doesn't have a happy ending after all that. I found myself only rooting for Adam and Ruby this season too as their storylines were a lot more realistic than the rest. Ruby and Otis should have ended up together considering that Maeve is never coming back and the whole Maeve and Otis thing seemed like a waste of time. I also thought that the acting was mid this time too, even from the main characters.
Overall, worth the watch for seasons 1-3 as they are truly fantastic. I think they messed up season 4 or perhaps cut it short too fast and needed one more season to fix the mess.
Ragnarok (2020)
Season 1 was fantastic, 2 good, 3 decent
When I first watched this series, i thought it was the best thing Netflix had done for a while. And to be fair, still is. The first season is fantastic. If you usually watch foreign films dubbed, this one is brilliant. It's nice to hear European/Nordic accents doing it correctly and not the horrendous American dubbing.
The writing is really good and the storyline is unique. The acting is brilliant too and all characters are likeable (apart from Magne's brother at times).
Most of the bad reviews are coming from the ending which I believe could be construed in two ways. The first being it is all in his head and that he was schizophrenic, which doesn't make sense as we were watching other characters lives and if that's the angle of the writers then they should be disappointed in ruining this series.
The second being he was hallucinating what could have happened if the battle would have taken place, which makes more sense and it is how I viewed it, until I read reviews. However neither idea were obvious for the viewer which made it very disappointing. It almost seemed like they rushed the ending.
Overall I think it's worth the watch but don't be blown away by the ending.
Keep Breathing (2022)
Another Netflix miss
I'm only on the second episode but can't watch anymore therefore can't comment on the storyline as a whole.
But my god is it boring and the acting is terrible. It's sold as a survival series but it's just constantly flashbacks for no reason at all. The first two guys in episode one put me off with just how annoying they were. The main actress is unlikeable like the other reviews say. I ended up fast forwarding a lot of what I've watched too as it seems to drag out and the flashbacks are so random. It's like there's two different movies playing at the same time. On the plus side, the bear is likeable.
Netflix seem to be making below standard series and cancelling bigger shows. If you're used to watching European series on Netflix then give this a miss as it's just a huge cringe fest.
American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing (2023)
One of the best documentaries on Netflix
A lot of Netflix' documentaries are reenactments and are done really badly but this one was great.
The footage they had of the tragedy, pictures and stories from people who were there was done brilliantly. It was easy to follow, all the information was clear and there was no faffing involved (which is great for a Brit with no patience).
The only thing I didn't like as per some of the other reviews is the terrorists friend. He was trying to make out that everyone is out to get him and his Muslim friends and making himself seem like the victim where in reality the FBI we're doing their jobs. Also he was banging on about how they were angry when they thought the terrorist was dead etc. Very disrespectful to the actual victims that were injured and killed.
Riverdale (2017)
How is it still going??
The first three seasons or so were actually really good but it's just gone down from there. This recent season is absolutely atrocious! The acting is so bad that it's almost painful to watch. I feel like Betty, her mother, Jughead and Archie are the only decent character/actors on the show.
The writing is all over the place too. I know it's based on the comics but it's so random and messy that nothing really makes sense anymore. There's also the singing which is awful and the most cringy thing on Netflix. I'm so confused how this show has kept going but Netflix has cancelled genuinely good shows.
If you've never watched it, don't bother or only watch the first few seasons.
Ed Stafford: First Man Out (2019)
Not as bad as the reviews
The current season is by far the best but overall it isn't a bad watch. It isn't worth the 10 stars but it's way better than a 1 or 2 so I had to balance it out.
It's more dramatised than Ed Stafford's previous series but it isn't as soap opera as what the reviews are banging on about. When you watch Bear Grills, you know you're getting fakeness and scripted productions. But Ed Stafford always seems genuine.
. I don't really know what people expect from survival tv shows as if it is something or somewhere that is genuinely dangerous, then they aren't going to completely risk their lives for views.
The Night Agent (2023)
If you're not a Karen or a critic, you will probably enjoy.
It isn't the best series but it has a lot of good actors. There's a few questionable actors like the chief of staff and the assassins but other than that the acting is good.
By Netflix's recent standard of series, this is a decent one. I think the bad reviews are the ones who expect a high end budget on everything and expect Oscar winning actors.
The only thing I struggled with was understanding who was who in regard to the bad guys in the White House as all the men sort of looked the same and they only ever used surnames to identify them.
All in all, it's a good watch and you can binge watch the lot in a day. The story isn't bad either and it's easy to follow and it isn't too unpredictable either.
KSI: In Real Life (2023)
It was ok
Not the best documentary that I've watched but it was still an interesting watch. I like watching JJ's videos and the Sidemen so I already liked him but I don't think this documentary showed much of his real personality.
The only part really that I though was 'real' was how he was talking about his parents but I definitely think he did hold back. It was horrible to watch how much he wanted his parents validation but they never gave it. I personally don't think they ever will- they came across quite shallow and seem just to use him for being well known (ironic as they said Simon uses him in one of the sidemen videos).
But overall wasn't bad, if you're a fan of the sidemen or KSI then it's a simple watch.
M3GAN (2022)
It's decent
If anyone gives this film a really bad review I think they are being too picky. It literally is what you expect it to be. There's no surprises in the plot and the trailer gives you everything you need. Although there's definitely false advertising as it is by no means a horror. It's more of a comedy with a dark robot.
The character Megan is actually likeable until the end when she got out of control. Although Cady is a little annoying and they seem to make her act more of a toddler than her actual age. But other than that the actors were ok and it was bearable. The beginning was good as everyone in the cinema thought it was an advert which was interesting.
I read somewhere that they tuned the horror down to appeal to teens more and if that's true, they definitely made a mistake as it would have been a million times better making it a lot more darker than it was.
90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way (2019)
Entertaining
The show isn't as entertaining as it used to be but it's still a good watch. I mean who doesn't like a little bit of trash tv and watching delusional people to make themselves feel better??
Something the episodes can be repetitive such as Jenny and Sumit and his parents not approving. That's all they show and not the good times that they have. I wouldn't give the vile parents an ounce of screen time.
I know people watch this show for the over dramatics but it would be nice to see positives in the couples lives for once. And I think the show should provide translators for some couple to be able to communicate with family members etc as it's very awkward to watch.
But generally I like the whole 90 day franchise it's an easy watch.
Haunted (2018)
Don't listen to the reviews
If you like being creeped out then you will enjoy this. The bad reviews mention the few stories that haven't really got anything to do with the paranormal but are 'haunting' in their own way- they are 100% being snowflakes and overreacting. As sad as the stories were, the people were happy enough to tell their stories so don't listen to the reviews.
But overall a good series to watch in the background as it's just people telling their paranormal stories.
I do hope though that all these people who moved on from their hell, warned others or got some kind of help to make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else e.g. Priest cleansing home etc. That would have been nice to add into the stories.
Kaleidoscope (2023)
I personally enjoyed it and liked the concept
I enjoyed the storyline which may not have been anything new but it still made it interesting and the fact you can watch it in any order too made it unique. It happened to be the pink and white episodes to be last so it wrapped everything up.
I ended up really disliking Hannah after what she did as because of her, half the team died not only that she was kind of hypocritical herself for stealing the bonds. If they would have stolen the bonds successfully then everyone would have been happy a part from Bob of course. Didn't like that Judy killed RJ for no reason to only then attempt to kill Bob who miraculously survived that.
Absolutely hated that Ava was killed and the ending was a little confusing as I had to google who killed Leo as his face wasn't revealed and it was Roger's son.
Worth a watch but I'd definitely suggest to watch pink and white last (in any order).
The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On (2022)
You can't help but keep watching
It's an absolute cringe fest but it's so entertaining at the same time. You can't stop watching and if you like trash tv then you'll love this.
The couples though are hard to like. Honestly you can describe each one with one word or phrase. Colby - insecure but covers it with trying to be perfect, Madelyn - the drunk and most immature, Jake - boring, Rae - the nice girl, Zay - aggressive man child, Shanique - the jealous one, Randall - the nice guy, April - just wants to be loved, Alexis and her fiancé- bland and look 20 years older than they are, Lauren - bullied because she didn't want kids, her fiancé - boring.
The one thing I really didn't like was how everyone was pressurising or bullying Lauren for not wanting kids. It's 2023 and if a woman doesn't want kids then she shouldn't be shamed for that but when the men say they don't want any it's relatable? Sad that they used that as her storyline.
Also really didn't like how they watched Madelyn be constantly drunk or high and air it, honestly think that girl was drunk for 90% of the season and she seemed problematic.
Overall worth a watch but if there's going to be a season 2 then maybe use older couple that have been together for longer than 2 years to make it more realistic.
Casamento às Cegas: Brasil (2021)
Better than the American version
I did watch it dubbed which I don't usually do but I was cringing the whole time at the American dubbing. A lot of Netflix series have Americans dubbing it and it needs to stop as it's so bad. I'm glad the other reviews were about the dubbing too.
Liked most of the people on it too but hated that they showed the bigger girl getting hurt but it made him look like a fool which is a positive. This cast though seems a little more diverse and inclusive than the American one too as they all are skinny pretty girls that are carbon copies in the American one. But on this one they all looked different, acted different and had different personalities and I also love that they all have a sense of humour.
Definitely worth a watch but watch it subtitled not dubbed!
28 Days Haunted (2022)
This was terribly entertaining
This was pretty painful to watch. I'm glad the other reviews agree. There was so much wrong with this series. I'm writing this review as someone who is interested in the paranormal, has psychic medium friends and believes in the afterlife.
The first thing is on how horrible the men are, like all of them a part from the one with glasses seem very egotistical. They were all whimps. Really didn't like the skinny guy with loads of tattoos, seemed he had too much of an ego. Also didn't like how they were pushing Amy to do all the work when the other guy was supposedly 'sensitive' whatever that means- not sure if it's an American phrase. It takes years to develop psychic abilities when forcing and they come naturally so I immediately knew they were lying.
The first group were just as aggravating as the psychic was over dramatic and not really showing any psychic abilities. They all supposedly had experience but they wanted to go to a graveyard? There's not usually a strong presence of spirits in graveyards and it's a myth so they should have known that. Then they dig up that pentagram which looked like it had been buried prior but even if it hadn't. You don't take that stuff, you leave it there. Which again, they should have known.
Lastly the duo. I do believe she is a psychic but she was told to play it out more for the camera. Jereme was very over dramatic and embarrassing to watch. Imagine going to the hospital. No wonder they didn't find anything as he was being a hypochondriac.
Overall, it was terrible. Over dramatic American men shouting across the place even though they supposedly have years and years of experience. Then endings were also shocking on how they dealt with everything. The second group just lit candles and said boom we're done. Just the whole thing was shocking to watch and I don't understand how they got Netflix funding for it. If they do film another season please do it in another country so there isn't any scripting or dramatics.
The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari (2022)
Tragic event but well documented
Really good documentary about something so tragic.
The survivors who told the story were really brave to recount the event but they told their part really well despite the loss they suffered.
It would have been interesting to learn a little bit more about the volcano beforehand as some of the other reviews state there was a warning about possible eruptions happening prior but if you're unaware of that then you wouldn't know.
The men that went in the helicopters and plane and the two guides that stayed behind that lost their lives were the true hero's in this. Absolutely disgusting that emergency services and authorities didn't go to rescue these people despite them already knowing the dangers beforehand. Well done to the guys in the helicopters for being brave and amazing human beings.
Seen a few comments on there being a cultural difference between the victims and it definitely showed at the end. The Aussies, Kiwis and Brits all respected the environment and treated it as it is - a natural disaster and were grateful to be alive. Whereas the Americans were more concerned about what they looked like maybe it's because they didn't lose someone. Which is why I presume there was a distasteful statement at the end about nobody taking the blame. It's nature, it does what it wants to do and you can't control volcanic eruptions or even predict them. Perhaps the tours shouldn't have been taking place but everyone knew the risks. However, everyone involved in making the decision not to go and rescue them definitely should apologise.
Aftershock: Everest and the Nepal Earthquake (2022)
Brilliant documentary but the Israelis shouldn't have had airtime
One of the best documentaries I've seen in a while. The amount of actual footage of the disaster they used was brilliant and it made it even more interesting to watch.
The stories and the people telling their point of view made it even more personal and emotional. The only thing I didn't like, I think everyone agrees with, is the fact the Israelis got any sort of airtime. They tried to paint the picture that the locals and everyone around them were violent and the bad guys but clearly they were the vile ones. Even when they tried to make themselves look better there was no sincerity which is shocking and considering they were in the military too makes it all the more disgusting at how selfish they were. Even when they used their GPS device, it was all about them and not for everyone.
As a last note, I really liked the female photographer who was capturing all the moments in everyone's story. It gave it a much more personal touch and she's really talented too.
Wednesday (2022)
Really enjoyed it
I loved the Addams Family so much my mother calls me Wednesday. So I was looking forward to this and dreading it at the same time. You can tell Tim Burton is involved as it was brilliant. One of the best programmes I've watched on Netflix in a while. Loved the dark gloominess of the setting and Wednesday. Little sad the headmistress got killed as I really liked her but other than that I loved Enid and Wednesday's friendship. Wish we saw more of Catherine Zeta Jones too but Brilliant acting from everyone. Thing was brilliant too!
I'm hoping there's a second season and that it's just as good as this one.
The Bastard Son & the Devil Himself (2022)
One of the best on Netflix
This is by far one of the best shows Netflix has done in a while. I hope they will do another season as the reviews on here say it all.
The story was great and interesting. A lot of shows have unnecessary episodes and antics throughout but this doesn't. Everything flows well and makes sense. I always find British/European shows are so much better and less cringy than American ones that Netflix makes and this one didn't disappoint as the acting was brilliant especially as they weren't really well known actors either.
Love Gabriel's character and hated Jessica (not the actress) and hoping that she will be killed of if there's another season. Little sad that some of the characters were killed off but it gave a sense of how evil Soul was. I hope there will be another season as there is definitely a storyline for it.
Goodnight Mommy (2022)
Enjoyed the film after it finished
I love Naomi Watts so I was excited to watch this and her performance was brilliant.
What didn't make sense to me is where the story was going. I had never heard of the original.
She acted like a complete stranger which naturally meant the boys wanted to get down to the bottom of it. She was constantly suspicious. Then she rips her own skin off which was random and bizarre as she was alone. But then it turns out that Elias was mentally ill and was fabricating his twin's existence after killing him. So was the part where mum was spraying him with water, cracking his phone, smacking him etc all hallucinated? Were the cops real too? Wouldn't the cops have said anything to him about it only being him there? Because it seemed to me she wasn't the same mum and then the story line changed so quick into something new.
If it wouldn't have had a big name like Naomi Watts then i think it would have been terrible. But the acting was good, just the story seemed rushed.
Echoes (2022)
Not the best but not the worst
Wasn't horrendous like some reviews are making out but it could have flowed better. It's not realistic by any means as most identical twins do have something that distinguishes them apart so it doesn't make sense that only one person noticed throughout the years they were switching. Lenny was a little annoying and Jack was too.
The only thing to me that didn't make sense was the ending. She ends with 'to settle some scores starting with you' but her husband was supportive and knew the whole time so it doesn't make sense for it to end with that. I think it was supposed to be a cliffhanger but I doubt it will get renewed so they should have wrapped it up there.
Control Z (2020)
Decent
I really enjoyed this, I thought the acting was great and I enjoyed the storyline for the most part. I did watch it dubbed over, which does make it seem a little unauthentic and over dramatic when Americans are dubbing it but it wasn't as bad as other shows.
Didn't really like the ending, thought it was a little odd with Javier saying what he did and he always seems wrong (and annoying) anyway, he was the only character that annoyed me as he always acted like a petulant child.
Although initially inappropriate, I was hoping for Alex and Gabriella to have happier ending as they seemed like the only couple that wasn't unhinged. And I think they could have made the culprit a different person too as it was sort of predictable.
But overall I thought it was good. I think some of the reviews forget that this is a Mexican show and don't have a huge over the top budget like other shows elsewhere do. But they didn't need it and it's definitely worth the watch.
First Kill (2022)
Worth a watch
Like reviews said it was a little cheesy to watch but not in a bad way. I think the hunter family are the worst actors in the series and the fighting scenes were bad but it's still enjoyable. Nice to have a lesbian couple in a series too, gets old when it's the same young predictable straight couple in every series. I hope there's a season 2 for closure.