(series review) [STREAMING] - Ozark: Season 3

So where do I start? Well, I was going to say that someone put me onto this show, so that was the reason why I watched it, but that would be telling a half truth.  What had actually happened was, I kept seeing Jason Bateman's face on Netflix.  It was obviously a new show they were promoting so you saw it at the top.  I tried to watch it once or twice but I was either not in the mood or it just wasn't grabbing me from the first 10 or so minutes.  The show is quiet, it's slow, it's dull and dreary looking like English weather, it just seemed like it wasn't going to be interesting although I was somewhat interested and I do like Jason Bateman.  A friend of mine THEN asked me if I had been watching and that they have and it is really good.  Because I obviously didn't give this show a chance or much time for me to get into it, I thought I would now, since I got a recommendation, but because I was remotely interested anyway and had already tried and actually wanted to watch at some point, I got into the show.
By the end of the season, my jaw had dropped, I was probably holding my face like the "Home Alone" kid on the poster for the movie and all I kept thinking about was, "What happens now? What happens next? How does this resolve?" A series of questions I. HAD. TO. KNOW. THE. ANSWERS. TO.

So, in short for those who haven't watched any Ozark whatsoever, here is a brief synopsis trying my best not to spoil anything.
Marty (Jason Bateman) is a family man living a normal life.  His relationship with his wife, Wendy (Laura Linney) is a little strained but when Marty falls into the hands of a Colombian Drug Cartel, his life gets turned upside-down in which Marty must clear his bank accounts and move his entire family to The Ozarks, for a new life and to also take refuge from the Cartel and the FBI.

Season 2, Marty and his family live in the Ozarks and are trying to make their life a bit more comfortable there, but the people of The Ozarks are not that willing to let an outsider impose on their way of living.  Marty and family are hit with deadends, road blocks and for the most part, hostile locals. What makes it even worst, the FBI as well as the Cartel are not letting up.

Season 3, Marty and his family are about to open a Casino but the FBI are now literally on their doorstep watching their every move.  Whilst Marty wants to keep the family safe and keep a lower profile to prevent inviting more trouble to their door, Wendy wants to branch out even further regardless of any trouble they seem to be getting themselves into.  On top of that, Wendy's brother comes to town and things get a lot more complicated with all that is going on, not to mention the Cartel war currently going on.

This show gets better and better each season.  The writing is superb.  The directing (with some done by Jason Bateman himself) are great.  The show is slow but it is always at a steady pace and doesn't ever feel like it is stilted or an episode is simply filler.  You go through the motions with these characters and for me, it was a 'Pick A Side' situation for me.  Do you side with Marty or Wendy this season.  Even the smaller storylines with the children and Helen's (Janet McTeer) daughter (Madison Thompson).
Jonah (Skylar Gartner) is still doing young teen "weirdo" things, but he is coming into his own in this season and I love the relationship he had with his uncle Ben (Tom Pelphrey).  It's like everything makes sense and clicks into place.

The show knows how to create awkwardness and tension very well and what I like most about it, although this could be seen as fiction for the most part, the show is very down-to-earth and explores more comical dialogue and situations than before.  I couldn't tell you how much times I was laughing hysterically at situations because it was seriously, too funny which offers levity in a show which is a very serious drama with consequences.

The acting across the board is phenomenal.  Jason goes without saying as his characters simply doesn't have much layers to him since the events of season 1 episode 1, but he is very smart but lacks empathy where Laura is the polar opposite but her character has many layers and although I was not on her side through the earlier part of the season, I started to gravitate towards her at some point.  The introduction of a few other characters such as Tom and Marylouise as Wendy's brother Ben and Marty and Wendy's therapist respectively, were both great, but the stand out actor for me is Julia Garner as Ruth. I simply love her character to no end.  It would be interesting to see where we go in season 4.

If you have ever watched Breaking Bad, Ozark is like that but with a steadier pace and with more tension.  Wendy is a better wife than Skyler was in Breaking Bad and Marty, although not a Walter White, is still a great character.  The bottom line is, if you like Breaking Bad, I cannot see why you wouldn't enjoy this show.  Also, I simply feel that this show is simply one of, if not, the best show currently out.  10 episodes per season where a binge watch satisfies you but also leaves you with heartache awaiting more.  Snow we have to wait a possible 2 years...#sigh

(trailer review) - Defending Jacob

We are currently living in a time where cinema's are closed and there is a global pandemic called CoVid19 (Corona Virus) that attacks the respiratory systems and kills you.  We are encouraged to stay in and either work from home or effectively you have lost your job until the world is free from the pandemic.  You are encouraged to go outside for small essential grocery shopping or an exercise and to keep 6 feet apart from another person, but that is it.  Gyms, restaurants, anything that can congregate more than 2 people is closed due to high risk and this pandemic is taking lives and livelihoods.  So in this bleak time, all we have is our mobile phones, internet and streaming services.

I say that, to say this, I am most likely going to get more streaming reviews on here as the days go on and I will be getting increasingly more intrigued and/or excited with what is to come.  I hope you all stay safe out there and be responsible.

For perfect example of responsibility, Chris Evans, ol' Captain America has a son who had been accused of first degree murder and CapCap is trying to do whatever it takes to save his son in defending Jacob.
This looks really good! A riveting mini-series and something that looks like it is going to go in the way of Prisoners (I think it's called, with Hugh Jackman).
I last saw Chris Evans in Knives Out and he was superb.  It would be even better to see him in more roles than just seeing him as Captain America as he IS a very good actor, try Snowpiercer.  It's also good to see young actor Jaeden Martell as he is also pretty decent an actor.  I'd be invested in watching this!

Directed by Morten Tyldum and starring Chris Evans, Michelle Dockery, Jaeden Martell, Cherry Jones, Jake Picking, Paul Wesley, Pablo Schreiber, Betty Gabriel, Matt Lanter, Sakina Jaffrey, Poorna Jagannathan, Defending Jacob,

(film review) [STREAMING] - Spencer Confidential

First of all, from the trailer, I was already sold on this movie, but having watched the movie, finally over 3 days because I  got distracted or fell asleep, I'm glad to say, I enjoyed it, BUT it could have been better.

Having started to watch this movie, I was definitely getting vibes of 'The Other Guys'.  Because The Other Guys is a comedy starring Mark Wahlberg and THIS is a comedy starring Mark Wahlberg and both characters are Police Officers, I think my mind may have wanted MORE The Other Guys kind of humour, so with the movie NOT having that, it deflated the movie a little for me.  But obviously, that is a personal thought as well as a personal choice.

Disgraced Spencer (Mark Wahlberg) is a former cop who beats up a fellow Police Officer and ends up doing time in prison.  Upon release, he is met with Henry (Alan Arkin) who takes him home only to find Spencer is now room-mates with Hawk (Winston Duke).  But, when Police Officers start to die not even 48hrs of his release, Spencer makes it his job to find out who is killing these cops and why.

It's not a complex storyline at all and you could probably figure out the plot, blow for blow and who the villain is just by how telegraphed the movie is with it's basic plot, but for the most part, the movie does what it says on the tin.  It's an action comedy film and it does that.  I actually found the comedy to hit.  It's also done on a low budget as I think about it,  as I'm sure there is literally, 1 explosion and hardly any special effects, but in a strange way, I still very much enjoyed the movie and had fun with it, mostly because of the humour and also due to the performances of Mark, Winston and Iliza.  Granted the last two wasn't given a lot to work with, Winston being somewhat subdue and Iliza being a feisty motormouth with attitude, so some more character development would have been nice.  But this is clearly Mark's movie, Spencer and everyone else is supporting.  I do enjoy seeing Bokeem especially as I saw him recently in 'Queen and Slim' and before that, 'Spider-man: Homecoming'.

As I think about potential sequels as the film ends alluding to Spencer getting into people's business, it would be nice to see some more movies with these characters.  Kind of like what John Wick did.  A simple premise but excellent execution.  Not to say Peter Berg known for The Kingdom, Hancock, The Losers, Lone Survivor, Deep Water Horizon and Patriots Day, I feel his directing wasn't excellently executed unlike other films he has made in the past, although, leagues better than Battleship.  I mean, as we won't really know how much this movie makes... Netflix, if you enjoy it, spread the word as it's on Netflix and if anything, let's say it makes between 35-50 million, they must be able to do a sequel as this movie is at least half that to make.  Maybe in the sequel, we could have more character dynamics and witty banter.  Oh and especially more Iliza.

(trailer review) - Jungle Cruise

(Official Trailer)

(First Look Trailer)

It's funny, when I wrote my review of the first trailer, I said a number of things which were my first initial thoughts.  Watching this trailer, I found it interesting that although I didn't think "How many movies will Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson be apart of with the word 'Jungle' in it?" Or "How many movies a year? 28? Whilst working on 35?" This guy stays working and I don't think I've see a bad Dwayne Johnson performance!  The ratio probably balances our more IN his favour and considering he oozes charm, Dwayne is essentially a superstar and there is not many of them about. These days people go for the Director than the actor so with Jaume Collet-Serra, someone I am not that familiar with although I did watch The Orphan back in the day, it would be interesting to see how he pulls off this theme park ride.

For the most part this is looking decent but I think I for the most part I'm more shocked at how many movies Dwayne can find himself in with the word Jungle in it.  Two talented actors though, maybe another trailer will sell me more.

Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and starring Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Édgar Ramírez, Jack Whitehall, Jesse Plemons & Paul Giamatti,

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(film review) - The Invisible Man

The Invisible Man I remember from back in the day was starring Chevy Chase and from what I remember, I loved it. Plus I did like Chevy back in the day so that may have helped.  The other Invisible Man film starring Kevin Bacon called 'Hollow Man', which was meant to be a lot more scarier, I never got to watch it for whatever reasons.  Maybe it just looked rubbish to me or I was just disinterested, but I will watch it at some point as I heard it is good.  This Invisible Man though, I really liked the look of it, so I had to see it...and you know what, it was really good.

From the outside, Cecilia (Elizabeth Moss) is in a great relationship with a very successful optics engineer in whom she claims to be in a violent, abusive and controlling relationship.  When she devises a plan to escape and finally does, she feels Adrian Griffin still has a hold on her and she doesn't feel safe.  She claims that he had stated, she could never get away from him and he would always find her.  While staying with her friend James () and having been told, Adrian is dead, Cecelia feels that Adrian, is
still near her, stalking her and watching her every move to a point where she paranoid and fearful.

First of all, the way they build suspense in this movie is great.  To a point where I felt the movie seemed as though it was dragging, but those quiet moments helped to build the suspense and for the most part, it was concerning, chilling and it also allowed the audience to over-think as to where this Invisible Man was in the frame and if he was even there.  Secondly, having watched the entire movie, I believe there could be a debate upon the ending and how everything pans out at the end.  Without going into spoilers, of course.

The movie is directed GREAT and I'll tell you this for free, there was a moment where a punch was involved and after I realised what happened, I. Couldn't. Stop. Laughing.  Another funny moment was part of a scene in the trailer involving a man getting shot in the leg.

Elizabeth Moss, well done! She was great and I loved her character as her character wasn't the typical woman in these scenarios.  She was strong though she was frightened.  She did was needed to be done.  Her co-stars had small moments and to be honest, although good, was just great for support.  The cinematography and the score AND soundtrack was superb.  I wanted to Shazam, a song at one moment or maybe 2.

It would be really interesting to see where they go with this as Jason Blum seems to be doing what he does best, making horror/scary movies for the price of a bus fare and reaping loads of money for it, and more power to him.
That "DARK UNIVERSE" they were trying to push on us with Tom Cruise, Russell Crow and Luke Evans, etc, where it was going to be the Marvel Cinematic Universe but with Monsters, face-planted badly.  And can you imagine the money they were going to spend on these actors and these stories along with the special effects!  I'm rooting for Jason Blum and his production team to get these films right and I do believe he can.

If you like these kind of films, I'd definitely recommend it.  I had no issues other than the thoughts on "movement".  But that is small and minor in comparison to other issues some films have.

Go watch it!!!

(trailer review) - Black Widow

(Final Trailer)

(Big Game Spot Trailer)

(Original Trailer)

I don't plan on making this a THING!  Where I review every trailer that comes out for a movie.  1. That is insane and 2. I simply just won't have the time.  Besides, who wants to read me saying "as it brings that same Captain America: The Winter Soldier energy, then I'm all for it"...for possibly the third time.  I know by now, you totally overstand where I stand on this movie by this point.  However, they have UPPED the trailer, AGAIN!!!

One might state this trailer is simply unnecessary and for the most part, I do believe they are showing a lot of the movie especially the end set of sequences, but guess what? I. Don't. Care.  At this point...*throws money at Disney* "TAKE MY MONEY!!!" As this looks great!

The last trailer brought more characters, more scenes, more action and more of Taskmaster, but this time we got even more character development, more intimate scenes and MORE Taskmaster showing us exactly what he does and how he does it.  Like I've said before and I've even quoted it earlier, as long as it brings that same Captain America: The Winter Soldier energy, then I'm all for it, and it looks like, they have captured that vibe and are running with it. Maybe even a little "Civil War" vibes with the multiple Winter Soldiers we didn't get that deep down we wanted.  Watching this trailer had me thinking, "Ok, Black Widow is bad-ass, but against ALL THOSE BLACK WIDOWS??? Ummm...".  Even the poster for the movie is similar to her pose from The Winter Soldier for her standalone picture. I loved that one too.  Can't wait!

Directed by Cate Shortland and starring Scarlett Johansson, David Harbour, Florence Pugh, O-T Fagbenle, Rachel Weisz,

(trailer review) - Artemis Fowl

To be honest, I'm just not sure about this movie.  Men in Black mixed with Harry Potter? And while Colin Farrell is a fine actor, one I recently saw in Guy Ritchie's 'The Gentleman' and loved it and him in it, this movie seems to be heavily focused on his character's son who, well...comes across as wooden, I think.  There is something about this trailer that screams fun, but at the same time still comes across as boring and lacking.  Maybe the movie is just not for me or I'm just disinterested in it from this trailer.  Artemis Fowl's line delivery (or maybe it's the script) is dead.  And although I'm not overly fussed about Harry Potter or Men In Black, I do like a Sci-Fi fantasy.  Maybe another trailer may sell me on it.

Directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Ferdia Shaw, Lara McDonnell, Josh Gad, Tamara Smart, Nonso Anozie, Colin Farrell, Judi Dench

(trailer review) - Ozark: Season 3

I cannot remember WHO told me to watch this show, but damn, I'm glad that I did.

For any of you that may have watched Breaking Bad, Ozark reminds me of that but darker and less science, bitch (if you get the reference).  For a little synopsis on the story soo far, Marty is a family man who works in finance, but when Marty falls into the pocket of the Columbian Cartel, owing them a great amount of money, Marty must take his family to the Ozarks where he must find a way to make that money back with interest or the Cartel will kill him and his family.  To top it off, things don't go as swimmingly as he would have thought once he arrives with problems arising day by day.

Phenomenal show.  The way the show has gripped me, has me watching this trailer with glee.  Nice to see Tommy has moved to the Ozarks (shared universe...lol) and now that they have the Casino, you just know (and from the trailer), that it is about to go down.  If you re not least watching it, get on it.

Directed by and starring Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Sofia Hublitz, Skylar Gaertner, Julia Garner, Jordana Spiro, Jason Butler Harner, Esai Morales, Peter Mullan, Lisa Emery, Charlie Tahan