Category Archives: DO NOT MISS

Action Film, Adventure, Catholic culture, Coarse manners, Conspiracy, DO NOT MISS, Docudrama, Father-son relations, Greed, Human spirit, Marital Infidelity, Netflix Streaming, Nudity, Occasional gore, Psychological Drama, Rape, Religious Theme, Revenge, Sex Scenes, Slavery, Suspense, Torture, Vikings, Violent, Wonderful acting

Vikings (2013)

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2014-2015 REVISION:

November 2015: Netflix offers season 3 but only on DVD, no streaming.

The release date for season 4 is not yet settled. Season 3 was at least as good as the previous two seasons with some very clever surprises at the very end of season 3 which makes the audience ever more eager to see season 4.

For more information about the Viking raid on Paris in 845 see the Wikipedia article. On that occasion the French king was Charles the Bald, one of Charlemagne’s grandsons. By the Treaty of Verdun in 843, Charles became king of what was for the most part modern day France.

Now from Amazon Prime you can stream both season 1 and season 2. Season 2 is at least as good as Season 1. Wonderful but violent!

FORMER REVIEW:

Netflix offers Season 1 on DVD. However, I streamed from Amazon for free because we bought Amazon Prime. Jan 2015 – Now you can stream Season 2 from Amazon. Somehow the story just gets better and better. DO NOT MISS all the VIOLENCE!

From Netflix:

Set in medieval Scandinavia, this gritty drama charts the adventures of renowned Viking hero Ragnar Lothbrok as he extends the Norse reach by challenging the rule of an unfit leader who lacks vision.

Merely appreciating the finesse and details that went into making this remarkable TV series just gives me chills.

His ambiguous smile is mostly that of the fox waiting for its opportunity. Eventually you come to accept and even identify that constant smile with the character Ragnar Lothbrok played to dazzling perfection by the Australian-born Travis Fimmel.

Gabriel Byrne as Earl Haraldson is the only actor I recognized. You may remember him as Dr. Paul Weston in the TV series “In Treatment”. Here he is a brooding, vicious bully.

In order to enter Valhalla a Viking must die in battle. Similar to the ancient Greek culture, violence and personal bravery are everything. Whatever riches a Viking can bury will be his in the next life. Hence the need for plunder. In other words, by its nature this film had to be very VIOLENT!

Perhaps some history will set the scene. Roughly speaking as Rome abandoned England in the 400s, she invited in German mercenaries among which were the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. They liked what they saw and oppressed the original inhabitants, the Celts. After centuries their many dialects would eventually congeal into Anglo Saxon. In the 600s Christianity appeared and the Anglo Saxons converted. In the 800s the Danes, i.e. the Vikings, reached England and were trouble for the Anglo Saxons until that famous year 1066 in which no sooner had Edward Confessor defeated the Danes then the Normans conquered the Anglo Saxons.

In regard to the previous mini-history, in the scenes in which the Vikings speak to the Anglo Saxons, the Vikings speak old Norse and supposedly the “English” speak Anglo Saxon.

Also in regard to that mini-history, probably the most important theme of the series is religion. Ragnar Lothbrok, in attacking his first monastery, brings back as a slave a young Christian monk Athelstan (thoughtfully played by George Blagden). No episode goes by without some discussion, confrontation, or comparison (call it what you like) between the “pagan” religion and the Christian. Odd how violent, vicious, and untrustworthy the Christians are. There are aspects of the Viking religion that may disturb your sleep.

Fighting is really a small part of the story. Interpersonal relations and conflicts are equally important. There is true character development.

And of course you cannot help to notice how these Viking men wore their hair. Let’s hope the costume department got it historically accurate. Needless to say there are many tattoos.

If you can stand the violence, DO NOT MISS !

Australian, Complicated, Crime thriller, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Drug Dealers, Ethical struggles, Greed, Marital Infidelity, Murder, Plot Twist, Revenge, Small gem of a film, Suspense, Thriller, Trains, Violent

Swerve (2011)

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From Netflix:

This Australian outback thriller brings together the classic film noir ingredients when a man’s cross-country drive is diverted by car trouble. Soon after, he witnesses a spectacular car crash that includes one survivor and a money-stuffed suitcase.

By accident I found this Australian gem that just never lets go.

None of the actors are familiar to me, but all are excellent, especially the trio:

  • David Lyons as Colin. Colin arrives on scene with car trouble, the mere beginning of his troubles. Colin is an honest man accidentally up against the rest of the trio.
  • Emma Booth as Jina is unhappily married to the local sheriff.
  • Jason Clarke as Frank the sheriff is a jealous man with a vicious, homicidal temper.

We are NOT talking about a love triangle. Colin honestly returns the suitcase of money to the sheriff which is when Colin’s troubles really begin. Proceed from there through drug dealers, fighting, murder, bodies dumped in a mine, deception, and a satisfying final set of clever plot twists.

Don’t miss this lucky find!

2013, Action Film, Amazon Prime, Based on true facts, Car Chase, Communists, Complicated, Conspiracy, DO NOT MISS, Ethical struggles, FBI, Love Story, Marital Infidelity, Revenge, Russian, Sex Scenes, Spy Theme, Suspense, Torture, TV Series, Violent

The Americans (2013)

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From Netflix:

Set during the Reagan presidency, this Cold War drama follows two married Soviet sleeper agents living discreetly near Washington, D.C. But tensions begin to mount for the couple when a spy-hunting FBI man moves in nearby.

Because we use Amazon Prime I was able to stream season 1 of “The Americans” for free.

In Cambridge Massachusetts a Russian husband and wife team of spies were disguised as a normal American family. This real-life incident motivated this TV series which offers the same kind of milieu as the British TV series “MI-5”. Possibly “MI-5” is a bit better, but the quality and human interest in “The Americans” is excellent. Needless to say, both series are violent.

By “human interest” I refer to the pseudo marriage between the spies who by this time have two children, thoroughly American boy and girl who have no idea of their parents’ spying activity. In addition a new neighbor moves in who just happens to be an FBI agent whose specialty is counter-intelligence but whose family life always takes the familiar backseat to his career.

Be sure to appreciate the effective personality disguises these two spies use as they play many deceptive roles in society. For one example, the disguised husband actually goes so far as to marry an unsuspecting American woman in order to get her to bring him information.

Season One ends abruptly and inconclusively. Season Two seems to not yet be available. If you like spy stories, then DO NOT MISS!

2013, AIDS, British, Catholic culture, Could Be Sad, DO NOT MISS, Emotional child abuse, Ethical struggles, Feel Good Not For Children, Gay theme, Journalist, Quiet, True Story, Wonderful acting

Philomena (2013)

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From Netflix:

Floundering BBC journalist Martin Sixsmith and aging Irishwoman Philomena Lee form an unlikely bond when they pair up to find the son Philomena was forced to give up for adoption 50 years ago.

If I had not already known the story of Philomena I would have finished watching this marvelous film in a really upset and angry mood. Never mind that this outrageously true story has as happy an ending as is possible given the situation.

Judi Dench (Philomena) and Steve Coogan (Martin Sixsmith) play off one another perfectly as in ying versus yang, as in a Catholic believer versus an atheist, as in simple down-to-earth versus a sophisticated Oxford educated journalist. Much of the charm of the story is seeing each of them change over the course of the film: he softens into compassion, she forgives the evil nuns but finally feels the need to let the world know what happened to all those unwed young mothers.

No more will I say. Just enjoy the plot twists. One surprise (this is not a spoiler) is that at one point seemingly simple Philomena shows that she understands in blunt terms quite a bit about contemporary mores. Somehow that fact just did not ring true with me.

As a culture-vulture side note: Peter Hermann (Pete Olsson) is married to Mariska Hargitay (“Law and Order”) who is the daughter of Mickey Hargitay and Jayne Mansfield. Just remember that for your next game of Trivial Pursuit.

DO NOT MISS!

2013, Based on true facts, Black History, Could Be Hard To Watch, DO NOT MISS, FilmReview, Human spirit, Mental Illness, Nudity, Rape, Sadism, Sex Scenes, Slavery, Suspense, Torture, True Story, Violent, Wonderful acting

12 Years a Slave (2013)

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From Netflix:

The autobiography of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was abducted from New York state and sold into slavery in the mid-1800s, serves as the basis for this historical drama. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Northup, and Brad Pitt plays an abolitionist.

“12 Years a Slave” is a LONG film (2 hours 15 minutes). At least it certainly seems long due to all the sadistic cruelty portrayed. You will see enough whippings to last you a lifetime. Children should NOT see this torture-fest. If you last through the whole film, be sure to read the final follow-up text.

Just how realistic a portrayal of the slave owners this film is would take a bit of research to determine. You can read an account of Jefferson’s treatment of his slaves.

Many reviews exists of this film. One such review says that Brad Pitt’s role was too good to be true, but since he was one of the producers, he could do as he pleased.

So many fine actors played such diabolical roles, that I was embarrassed for them. Michael Fassbender will probably remain in my mind as a psychotic pervert.

WARNING: This is NOT an easy film to watch. If you can stand the sadism, DO NOT MISS!

2013, Acceptable Science, Addiction, AIDS, Based on true facts, Crude Talk, Dark, DO NOT MISS, Drugs, Dysfunctional Lives, Explicit sex, Gambling, Gay theme, Grim, Homophobia, Human spirit, Nudity, Sex Scenes, Transvestite theme, Unusual, Violent

Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

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From Netflix:

Loosely based on true events, this drama follows Ron Woodroof, who refuses to accept he’ll die in 30 days when he’s diagnosed with AIDS in 1986. He extends his life and eventually helps many other AIDS patients by smuggling medications from abroad.

Repulsive! At least that was my first impression of Ron Woodroof who throughout the film is always “in your face”. His unbridled lifestyle of drugs, alcohol, and prostitutes leads to full-blown AIDS. He then spent the rest of his life (which was much longer than the doctors foresaw) smuggling medications from wherever he could. Along the way he eventually accepts as a friend a cross-dressing male prostitute despite the fact that Woodroof is portrayed as virulently homophobic. Also he eventually finds a helper and friend in a woman doctor from the local Dallas hospital.

My criterion for a good actor is one that is a true cameleon, that is to say, can adapt to many different parts. In my opinion, Matthew McConaughey has achieved cameleon-hood. Let’s hope he did not injure his health losing so much weight in order to look like a scrawny AIDS patient.

Be sure to consult the Wikipedia article which at the end contrasts the film plot with the true story.

If you don’t mind a view of America’s low life culture, in view of McConaughey’s performance, I call this a DO NOT MISS!

2013, Abduction, Action Film, Based on true facts, DO NOT MISS, Greed, Kidnapping, Military, Navy, Sea Rescue, Somail, Suspense, Violent

Captain Phillips (2013)

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From Netflix:

In this exciting adventure based on true events that made international headlines, Tom Hanks portrays Capt. Richard Phillips, who is taken hostage by Somali pirates after they hijack his cargo ship, and the U.S. Navy’s efforts to rescue him.

After watching “Gravity” I knew I never wanted to be an astronaut. After watching “Captain Phillips” I am not sure I will ever get on a boat again. Do pirates seize ferries?

If you can’t stand unrelenting tension, danger, suspense, and excitement, then do not watch this film. It never lets up. Every second is somehow a new development without there being any repetition.

Acting is superb on all parts. All the pirates are played by Somali actors who present their parts to perfection: naïve greed, bravado, fear, panic, desperation, anger, and the list goes on. Tom Hanks comes across as truly human, crafty at first but finally after almost being shot a man in shock.

While portrayed as villains, the Somali men are also presented as not only greedy, but also as desperately poor and underfed men forced by warlords into piracy.

Historical accuracy has been questioned and you should read that discussion in the Wikipedia article on the subject.

You cannot help but feel pride as you watch our US Navy come to the rescue. But no, I don’t think I want to be a Navy seal.

“Captain Phillips” is a page-turner of a film. If you can stand the suspense then DO NOT MISS and hold onto your seats!

2014, Abduction, Alcoholism, Child Molestation, Conspiracy, Corruption, Creepy, Crude Talk, Detective, Disturbing Image, DO NOT MISS, Dysfunctional Lives, Explicit sex, FBI, Murder Investigation, Nudity, Philosophic Discussions, Physical child abuse, Police Corruption, Psychological Thriller, Serial Killer, Suspense, TV Series, Violent

True Detective (2014)

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From Netflix:

Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson star in this crime drama about two detectives caught up in the 17-year-long hunt for a serial killer. Both cops’ roles in a 1995 murder investigation come back to haunt them when the case is reopened.

Because the DVDs are not yet available and because there was so much interest in this 8-episode series, I weakened and subscribed to HBO so that I could stream all 8 episodes without waiting. For $10 a month for one year, the money was well spent. HBO (and no, I am not getting a selling commission) offers not only streaming on HBOGO but also at least 14 channels on cable TV.

Besides a really gory serial killer and some pretty serious pedophilia, mostly the entire series concentrates on the two detectives. McConaughey and Harrelson have both matured in their acting as they present the two detectives constantly at each other’s throat. Harrelson is a flawed adulterer much to the unhappiness of his long-suffering wife. McConaughy is a moody philosophical pessimistic loner suffering throughout the film from the death of his young daughter and the subsequent failure of his marriage.

Wikepedia offers a very detailed discussion of the film including the plot for each episode. But that would be cheating!

“True Detective” is one of those crime series that can easily suck you into watching all episodes non-stop. But if this is your genre, then DO NOT MISS!

2013, Alcoholism, Basically Sad, Corruption, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Marital Infidelity, Mental Illness, Scam Artists, Self-Deception, Wonderful acting

Blue Jasmine (2013)

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From Netflix:

The high life leads to high anxiety for a fashionable New York City homemaker in crisis who finds herself forced to live a more modest lifestyle in San Francisco. Woody Allen directs an ensemble cast that includes Cate Blanchett and Alec Baldwin.

Woody Allen may have married his daughter but the man sure knows how to capture ugly slices of contemporary life.

Using a jumbled set of flashbacks as well as scenes from the present, we watch a human circus of some really deceitful people (Alex Baldwin [Hal], Cate Blanchett [Jasmine], Louis C.K. [who seduces Jasmine’s sister Ginger]), some error-prone people (Sally Hawkins [the sister Ginger]), and some really decent and honest people (Andrew Dice Clay [Ginger’s former husband Augie], Bobby Cannavale [Ginger’s long-suffering boy friend Chili], Alden Ehrenreich [Jasmine’s son Danny], Peter Sarsgaard [Dwight]).

Short summary: Watch Cate Blanchett’s Jasmine’s incredibly well acted descent into an abyss of self-deception.

Is Woody Allen poking fun at the wealthy? It would seem that the lying high-fliers are scoundrels while (except for Peter Sarsgaard) the basically good characters all come from the middle class.

If nothing else, this film is a vehicle for Cate Blanchett to show off her remarkable talent even if she has to appear at times as physically and mentally destroyed.

In the category of sad urban human affairs this film is a DO NOT MISS!

Alzheimer's disease, Comedy, Could Be Sad, Crude Talk, DO NOT MISS, Dysfunctional Lives, Father-son relations, Greed, Human spirit, Possibly depressing, Quiet, Sad small town, Senior citizens, Sensitive treatement of emotions, Wonderful acting

Nebraska (2013)

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From Netflix:

When a cantankerous old boozer thinks he’s won a magazine sweepstakes prize, his son reluctantly takes a road trip with him to claim the fortune. As they drive from Montana to Nebraska, they visit friends and relatives to whom the dad owes money.

Ignore the misleading Netflix blurb. In summary, this is a wonderful film – HOWEVER …

When the movie began I did a lot of squirming, as in:

  • Who wants to watch a concentration of losers all in one desolate spot?
  • In fact who wants to visit such desolation? (Somehow the towns reminded us of Herkimer in upper state New York where Kathy grew up.)
  • Why would the sons of such a hateful father turn out to be such kind men?
  • How could that old boozer have lived with such a bitch all those years?
  • Who wants to watch incipient Alzheimer’s disease?
  • Who wants to watch greedy cretins?

Even if your initial response is a complete turn-off, please stick with the film. For one thing, the acting is so superb that it can be depressing. Will that be us in a few years? If so, let me off the planet right now!

Eventually I was cheering for “the bitch” of a mother. Dave (played to affectionate perfection by 44 year old Will Forte) was almost too good to be true. His final gestures toward his failing father are almost tear-jerkers. Bruce Dern turns in a solid performance at the tender age of 78.

Sometimes you have to get past momentary discomfort to earn a really good watching experience. DO NOT MISS!