iconians Reviews

Maxton Hall: The World Between Us (2024– )

Very predictable and overacted

[4/10 · 12 May 2024]

I don't think anyone who liked this should expect anything different. Poor but very smart girl vs rich boy. That's the main precise and we have seen dozens if not hundreds of iterations of this in the past, and this one is not really one of the better ones.

IMO, this has few problems: subtitles and dubbing is often different and sometimes dubbing is better and other times subtitles are better, so it creates a problem where you are forced to think about that vs enjoying the story.

Story itself is simple, there is no new hook, just a poor but smart story gets scholarship into prestigious prep academy, where she meets mostly entitled rich kids.

The bad guys are the parents of the rich, because they just perpetuate the myth that if you don't marry someone just as a rich and entitled, then somehow you will be disappointing everyone.

So, yes, if you want to see beautiful young people with very repeatable story, then you will like this. If you're a teenager, then you'll like this. But, if you're an adult, with a thinking mind, who expects a bit of depth, character development, and some sort of resolution, or even an attempt at one, then season 1 does not check any of those boxes. At least not for me.

A Man in Full (2024)

Very underwhelming and overacted

[2/10 · 5 May 2024]

There are basically 2 stories... one you all know and 2nd, that tries to be a more powerful one. I found neither to be compelling.

For me, it felt like you have bunch of these famous actors, who were directed and produced by other famous people yet, they missed the actual point - which is to have a good story and a good script.

I feel like the main story's protagonist is dense, for he does exactly the things he KNOWS he should not do, as in purposely failing (i.e that other rich guy side story).

The backend story that tries to be more powerful fails in 2 things: 1. The reason it started, seems underwhelming because a simple solution there would be to record the issue (location and damage, etc) and it would have been an easy way out. 2. They really setup the judge part, by stacking the deck, which led to a very predictable outcome

The only interesting story I guess is the mayor one.. It had some layers on both sides, it was less predictable, and overall most interesting of the 3.

Overall, I really did not like it.

Daisy Jones & The Six (2023)

Wonderful

[9/10 · 26 April 2024]

I watched a preview of this show a few years ago and it made me not watch it until now. Hard to explain why, but I think it's because the first 2 or 3 episodes that I saw initially were a bit close and I was somewhat critical of those episodes at the time. I guess this explains how some movie actors never watch their work, cause of all the drama it would have reminded them of when it was made (not the same obviously, but I can relate, on a smallllll scale).

But, I am glad I went back. I think casting and writing is very good. I think last 4-5 episodes are so good and very powerful. While 2 main leads are good, my favorite is Camilla. I think her casting, acting, mannerisms, are perfect.

Songs weren't that good IMO, but their choreography was spot on. Just really good. I will definitely rewatch it again.

Shōgun (2024–2025)

Really enjoyed it

[10/10 · 24 April 2024]

I didn't read the book, so I can only judge it based on the S1. The pacing in early episodes is quite slow but if it was faster, I think it would miss some of the nuances.

-Story is good, smart, and has lots of depth -Acting is very good too. Mariko, especially at the latter episodes was nothing short of amazing. Overall, the restraint the actors acted with, to show the depth of their culture was great. The parts about 2 hearts are so well done.

-Music and visuals and costumes also well done.

Overall, I really enjoyed it and completely did not expect how last 3 episodes turned out. I could sorta predict the ending, but nevertheless, how it was unveiled, was so classy.

10/10 for me.

Elsbeth (2024– )

So badddddddddddd so sadddddddd

[2/10 · 19 April 2024]

The difference between this and the good wife is astounding. The good wife was smart, well written, good stories that were relevant. Here, elsbeth has same great insights, but every other character is stupid.

And, it's so obviously bad that it's not even funny. Obviously the point is that criminals are stupid, but in this instance, it's so stupid that it makes me really hate the whole show and I was so looking forward to it.

I don't mind when bad guys win or when good guys win, as long as it's a good well written story. So far, I am 5 episodes and all are basically bad, with bad guys being too arrogant and unrealistic.

One of them says rug is in storage or something and then goes to 1 antique store nearby to order it again. (it's not a spoiler because we are told who the killer is at the start, already) How is that anything close to what a real criminal would do?

Just, so disappointed.

Quicksand (2019)

I don't often write reviews, but felt compelled in this instance.

[8/10 · 16 October 2023]

I think the show was well acted... Perhaps a bit too many flashblacks, but I guess that was required. I also would have liked a bit more details with interviews, vs just hearing them at the end...

Here is where I had a major issue. The result and culpability of the actions. The father, stated a few times that he had washed his hands off him and that his son had many many chances before... But here is the thing, he is the one who allowed for all of this to happen. He is the enabler, by allowing him to drive a $120k car, live in a 5 million house, and have almost unlimited cash to fuel his drug habit. Had he really wanted to wash him hands off him, then he should have fully cut him off, then he'd likely would not have been able to afford drugs (drug suppliers don't give you drugs on loan), he would not have been able to throw lavish parties and get drunk, and so on.

Don't worry, main character is to blame as well. She knew early on, he was trouble and he excuse for staying with him (and then running to him after dumping him), 'because no one else would' in many ways enabled his behavior too.

One of the more powerful scene was from a nanny, who said early on that she changed the diapers of the father and the son, so she obv been there for 40+ years, so when he tried to commit suicide, she brought him his clothes and bailed without giving a care in the world...

In the end, everyone was there as fault. I do not agree with the verdict, I think she needed to spend 3-5 years or so in jail. I do not think her life was in danger, he wanted her to kill him, but he wasn't going to kill her.

Overall, I enjoyed it.

Treason (2022)

Could have been better, but not bad.

[7/10 · 30 December 2022]

There is 1 main plot hole... how easy was to get the wife to spy on the husband... To me that felt very weak.

Also, initial incident was too simplistic as well

I also figured out the ending fairly early on as well, but would have liked to see a bit more backstory to what happened..

Overall, not too bad, but also could have been better.

Mr Hinds was likely the best character. Mercurial and manipulative. The wife, was a bit naïve. CIA portrayed a bit amateurish, with 1 specific decision being very much unrealistic and improbably.

Yes, I did give it a 7, cause it could have been worse, but it could have definitely been better.

The Gray Man (2022)

Mindless action, poor story

[5/10 · 24 July 2022]

Overall, meh. Bad plot, poor story. Lots of over the top action. Probably worth wasting 2 hrs if you like jason bourne stuff... or bad bond movies.. Good bond movies are much better...

The Terminal List (2022– )

Excellent thriller

[9/10 · 2 July 2022]

I think it's fairly predictable, where a special OP goes bad and a survivor finds ones who blame. However, how it's executed that's the difference, which makes it enjoyable to watch.

This one has plenty of action, plenty of bad guys, a few good news but also several ones that you doubt.

Story is layered well and except for, imo, too many flashbacks/hallucinations, which kept me from giving it a 10, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

This is significantly better than reacher or jack ryan. Story more plausible, acting is better, and same for the music. There is also no time wasted to fill 10-12 episodes, so you get 8 action packed one.

I am happy.

9/10 for me.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Good but not great

[8/10 · 2 June 2022]

I think I can speak for most to say that sequel did not disappoint. It was very good, but IMO, it had some issues, which could have been fixed with ease...

The bad: Introduction scenes had no relation to actual movie...I would have preferred to see that Admiral catch him 'dating' his wife. It would have been more interesting...

Love story had no real meaning or even chemistry. It led nowhere, except for having a good looking girl. It felt it was an after thought.

Few slow mo, gratuitous shots in the cockpit could have been edited out.

Development of other pilots was non-existent and felt almost wasteful.

Ending was super unrealistic too,,,

The good: Val Kilmer scenes/references were great.

Sound, action, excellent Dialogue above average

Overall, enjoyable and didnt waste time. Fast paced as well.

Yosi, the Regretful Spy (2022–2023)

Mixed emotions

[5/10 · 15 May 2022]

I went into this with knowing nothing about the actual attack. I took this for what it was. Review is based on s1 only (8 ep's). I think overall, it's not a bad show that's well acted, but writing leaves more to be desired.

1. While I know the clear motive of the main story line, the rest becomes less clear

2. Nothing is clear as why they are acting in such fashion or why this person is involved in this or that.

3. After 8 episodes, I am no clearer from when I started... in fact maybe more confusing

It's also moving rather slow.

We'll see if there is s2 and if it will become better, but I am not sure if I'll be watching it.

The Lincoln Lawyer (2022– )

Excellent all the way

[10/10 · 14 May 2022]

Is this show perfect? No, none are. I usually don't like flashbacks or any of the out of bod experiences, but these were short and I'll give them a pass.

Like Bosch series, this weaves multiple plots in one. All are quite excellent and very intricate. In this detail, they are more complex than Bosch. Bosch wins on music and style.

There is definitely foreshadowing in the series, but it's not overly obvious. I had an inkling about a few of them but still had doubt.

If you liked Bosch, you're going to live this as well. I binged watched this in 9 straight hours.

Tokyo Vice (2022– )

It has style, it has grace, but does it deliver?

[9/10 · 10 April 2022]

I watched first 3 episodes and so far, here are my thoughts (having never been to Japan) ...

I really enjoy the mixed languages, where main actors have good control of both.

This has this eastern atmosphere that is hard to explain. Many times, movies try to reinforce it by showing rituals and other things, and this does have a bit of that, but it's not in a very subtle way, so it feels more authentic.

Grit and drama are not there yet, but they are just developing the characters and their dynamics

Music is somewhat interesting. Not sure if it enhances the atmosphere, but so far it does not detracts from it.

Actors are hard to read just yet, as in whether they are cast well, acting well... I need to see more to make that judgement.

What I really like about the show so far that it feels new and fresh, which is hard to say these days...

I am hoping it will deliver the goods, but, so far def worth watching.

A besúgó (2022– )

So far so good...

[8/10 · 4 April 2022]

After first 2 episodes, so far so good. Blackmail, self righteous socialists, drama, good looking girls, and perfect 80's setup.

Budapest is beautiful. That shot of him arriving and looking over Danube river, is gorgeous.

One thing, the handler, he seems a bit naïve and insecure. Usually, at that level, they are smarter than that. Let's hope it won't be his undoing.

1883 (2021–2022)

True, blunt, and important

[9/10 · 28 February 2022]

I don't know how true it is to what actually happened during those days, but if it is, then this is true, blunt and honest, like nothing else... Most movies don't give full scope, and most documentaries, don't follow one story to give a glimpse of the time period.

Whether it's true or not, it's entertaining. It's not quite as fast paced as Yellowstone, but it's beautiful, slow, and detailed oriented.

I think the cast is very good. Overall, I have enjoyed it.

Reacher (2022– )

Weak

[6/10 · 6 February 2022]

Here is how Tom Cruise's movie was better: 1. Better story/deduction 2. Better dialogue/comebacks

This one wasnt horrible, but IMO dialogue was bad. Action very bad, not too believable. Some things they did were kinda weird/made no sense.. and I think they were just done for the shocking value.

Roscoe is sweet and I like he accent and dimples... but that's about it ...

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

Quite excellent

[9/10 · 6 February 2022]

I have seen the original and this, but never read the books, but I don't think it matters. I think original had a bit more darkness and raw brutality (if one can even say that), but this version has a but of a happy ending, a bit of redemption, and a bit of happiness, if that's even possible...

Rooney Mara really goes all out, from piercing her parts, to learning how to ride a bike, to full frontal, where even a bit of an angle would have sufficed. Much respect to her for that, as it really showed her characters trust and an ability to open up to a man, in that way, after her turbulent past experience with older men...

Overall, I think the main leads have great chemistry and I think the ending, messes with that, because it was done that way to set up part 2 and 3, and since they are not happening, there needs to be a directors cut to remove, the last 30 seconds... It's really a pity, because one can see that he found a fiercely loyal friend for life; and last 30 seconds cast doubt to that.

9/10 for sure.

Don't Look Up (2021)

I don't know what's worse than it's true or not

[6/10 · 30 December 2021]

This apathy is actually believable. HAH. But, ya, in this internet driven drivel, it's relatively plausible... just hopefully it'll never happen...

Imagine wag the dog 2021.

The Matrix Resurrections (I) (2021)

The only thing was good was ....

[3/10 · 23 December 2021]

High res of the White Rabbit. Very well mixed, very high res. The rest, is basically cringe worthy

Story... convoluted and confusing... Acting, well, meh, but they didn't have much to deal with Special effects were bad Martial arts fights were long and unnecessary

Actually, no idea what was actually good about it... OH WAIT, that dialogue in the office with 'boss' - How warner brothers were making it with them or without them.. That was true... fair enough.. they got paid to write this junk and got jobs for everyone else...

Time to wait for soundtrack to comeout to listen to white rabbit :)

No Time to Die (2021)

As good if not better than Casino Royale

[9/10 · 29 November 2021]

I'd say it's my favorite now with Casino Royale. Great story, did not seem to be 3hrs long. Great setup and very nice twists.

The bad guy's dialogue, imo could be a bit cleaner... I could barely understand him. A small thing...

Let's hope they don't screw up the next one... as lately there seem to be a tendency between good being followed by bad.

The Many Saints of Newark (2021)

Only 2 good things...

[2/10 · 2 October 2021]

Ending music and Sil, he has an uncanny resemblance.

The story was confusing. The hints of the future, weren't exactly subtle, and overly done. Actors did best with what they had, but in the end, the writing, the dialogue, the pacing are all off.

The true genius of the sopranos was the strength of the writing which, paired with great acting resulted in a great show. I was even thinking... if this were a 10 episode mini series, would it work? Sadly, it would not.

Overall, highly disappointing. I don't even know why this was done, to be honest.

Dark (2017–2020)

A bit late to the party, but WOW

[9/10 · 4 June 2021]

Yes, WOW. I am so glad I waited for all 3 seasons to be out. If I didn't it'd have a similar mindf........ waiting for s2 and s3 as I had trying to follow this series.

I won't try to explain it, because you can't. But, if you lik scifi, time travel, but most of all a COMPLICATED and DEEPLY layered story, then this is for you.

If this story wasn't so well written and edited, it could have easily been a major crusterfffffffff.

Now, is this story perfect? Of course not. One it's super complicated. There is no way to keep track of anything because some things that happen in s1 are not even covered until s3.

Are there plot holes? Of course. Are there unanswered questions.. of course.

But, they got the major parts right. Complicated story, that somewhat makes sense.. But editing is 11/10. Music is great. Cinematography is excellent.

I do give it 9 out of 10, because there are some very obvious things that made me mad, but nothing is perfect, I suppose.

Domina (2021–2023)

Kinda like Rome, just even more grittier

[10/10 · 16 May 2021]

So, many will compare this series to The Rome. I will comment on this below. The only thing I can't comment is what's more authentic, since these are not were meant to be documentaries.

Rome is much more luscious and much better visuals and costumes.

Domina is much faster paced, where they handle 25 years or so in 8 episodes.

Domina is truly pulp, just watch it straight through.

Rome has more replayability and explains more.

Domina is even more darker, and grittier.

Both same similar amount of nudity and treat sex very honestly and similarly.

Rome acting probably better.

Overall, Domina is good, very good. For me, probably not as good as Rome, but still, nothing comes close after it. Well worth watching, imo.

BTW, i did like first actor in the rome more than the 2nd, but, that's just MO.

Spy City (2020)

An excellent cold war thriller

[8/10 · 14 May 2021]

The setting is Berlin, 1961, when the city is partitioned and one can argue at the time it had most spies per sq mile.

While it's not perfect, it's definitely above average cold war thriller. It starts a bit slow, and takes 2 episodes to get into it, but once you do, I think you will enjoy it.

A love story, a revenge story, spy, lies, betrayals. All are abound. Music is not too bad, but could be better. I would have preferred to have a narrator to clarify a few things early on, but it wasn't too bad or too confusing.

Stick with it, as it's only 6 episodes long and you'll find yourself in a very interesting story.

I'll give it 8/10. I think for it to be 9 or 10, I would probably preferred a bit different ending and perhaps s few more details about certain characters.

Overall, I enjoyed it.

Sexify (2021– )

Fun but with serious understones

[9/10 · 1 May 2021]

This is obviously, this series is not meant to be too serious, but since this is a Polish series, I was not able to just enjoy it but also found it to have serious societal undertones. Poland can still be a fairly conservative society, and this series offers a good look at the generational shifts with the discussion of certain taboo's.

The series follows 3 ladies who are studying in a tech university. All 3 could not be more different from each other. One is stuck in the same relationship as her parents. One, is exactly the opposite, one-night stand, not a care in life type of a girl. And, our protagonist, who seems to be doing everything she can to get away from her mothers mistakes, while risking repeating them.

Overall, the serious while having those elements, still remains fairly light, but what I found to be the best part of it, how they were able to develop 3 very layered characters and detailed backstory.

Overall, I enjoyed it.