jimmypjohnson Reviews

Squid Game: The Challenge (2023– )

Stop working together and get desperate

[7/10 · 30 November 2023]

Here's the thing, I love Squid Games (the show) and I genuinely enjoy this reality show. I think it's really fun and does an amazing job immersing you in the game with real life people. If you're a fan of the show, you're going to enjoy watching this.

BUT...

Part of what makes the show so engaging is the desperation and the realization that if you 'lose' - you're dying. In this show (especially nearing the final games), everyone's trying to play nice and not be a villain. So instead of playing with desperation to win the money, everyone's trying to not be painted the bad guy. Do people not realize that only ONE person is winning the money? This isn't a team game and you're not working with your buddies until the end. I just wish people were more strategic and cut throat. That's the boring part of this show.

Silo (2023– )

Juliette is SO annoying

[6/10 · 22 July 2023]

The show started off really strong, but here at episode 7 I can barely keep going with it. I genuinely wish they would've kept the storyline following the original sheriff. He had an interesting story with room for depth and mystery along with a motive for uncovering the truth. Then they fast track past his entire journey by the next episode?

Not only that, but Juliette is an incredibly frustrating lead to follow. She trusts no one. She has no emotions (except anger). She's one-dimensional and she uses everyone for her personal benefit. Even the people we (the audience) start to root for. At this point, I also with Paul Billings had become sheriff because Juliette is such a pain.

If you enjoy a slow burn, stick it through. If not, you'll get frustrated by episode 5.

Shrinking: Potatoes (2023) Season 1, Episode 4

The perfect amount of heart

[10/10 · 13 February 2023]

This show is absolutely amazing. I think naturally a lot people will compare it to Ted Lasso, not because it deals with similar themes or storylines, but because you can feel the heart behind the characters. That's what truly makes a show special. The cast works beautifully together, and every episode leaves you wanting more. Not in some kind of crazy cliff hanger kind of way, but in the way that it feels like you're getting to know new friends. It's really special.

I think a clear standout is Sean (Luke Tennie) as the catalyst for Jimmy's (Jason Segel) vigilante therapist ways. He shines in this series and I cannot wait to see how they continue his story!

All in all, if you love shows with heart - give this a try!

Lego Masters (2020– )

Best Competition Show!

[10/10 · 27 December 2022]

As an avid 'competition show' watcher, this is one of the most exciting and fresh concepts I've ever seen! Admittedly, I don't know much about the Lego community, but I think it makes it even more exciting because of it! The show does a great job explaining many aspects of the show to bring help viewers understand the technicality and expertise required to be a 'Master Builder'.

I'd say that this show is great for all people - families, kids, adults (literally just my wife and I watch it haha). It's super entertaining and really wholesome. The competitors and judges do a great job balancing competitiveness and lightheartedness. This is a must watch!!

Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (2022–2023)

Amazing show (not for age 60+)

[10/10 · 13 May 2022]

Let me begin by saying, the show clearly says that this is a dramatization of the events that transpired. It doesn't claim to be a 1:1 representation, but a 'made for TV' version of all the drama that most young viewers know nothing about. Seems like most of the disgruntled viewers are those that were alive and present during this era.

The DP deserves all the praise for how he presented this show to the viewers. Unique cuts, multiple types of cameras used, breaking the 4th wall. Incredible.

The cast is also amazing. JCR blew me away as Jerry Buss. Quincy Isaiah draws you in with his performance and is actual magic on screen.

The Righteous Gemstones (2019– )

Genuinely hilarious - lighten up and have fun

[10/10 · 30 April 2022]

This show is so funny. Danny McBride is a genius and strikes gold every time. The cast is perfect (best acting in a comedy I've seen in a long time). Plot constantly moves forward and keeps you guessing. The dark humor is spot on.

If you need a good laugh, sit down and give this a watch. You'll binge it for hours.

The Suicide Squad (2021)

"If they have purpose, so do we all"

[10/10 · 20 August 2021]

James Gunn makes the perfect DC film. Hands down. It's everything he couldn't have done with Marvel. The violence is beautifully cinematic. The characters feel grounded and relatable causing us to sympathize for them, while remaining interesting and exciting. The storytelling was exactly how you think a dark film should be. No one is safe.. and it's PERFECT.

Huge kudos to the actors that brought this movie the heart, comedic timing, and believability (especially the ones who did it a second time). Can't wait to see what comes next from the mind of James's Gunn!

The Walking Dead: Here's Negan (2021) Season 10, Episode 22

Jeffery Dean Morgan is unstoppable

[10/10 · 19 August 2021]

I've loved JDM from the beginning. His performance as the sinister Negan was terrifying, exhilarating, unkempt, and uncontrollable. He mastered it.

Post-Saviors era, JDM has done a great job with why he's been given as a prisoner seeking redemption and struggling with his inner self. This episode is the ultimate payoff.

JDM gives an amazing performance as a man who has carried guilt and shame, learning to become the better version of himself. The ending of this episode gave me chills. What's next for Negan? I, for one, cannot wait to find out.

The Tomorrow War (2021)

Great action film, loved the ending

[10/10 · 13 July 2021]

Honestly, if you're in the mood to watch an action film this is a great one. It's not gonna blow anyone's mind, but it's super entertaining and the aliens come across as an actual threat. Christ Pratt is great and JK Simmons is an absolute legend.

Bo Burnham: Inside (2021 TV Special)

So so good

[10/10 · 21 June 2021]

The music, the satirical-dark humor. If you don't understand Bo Burnham's humor or have never watched him, this is the perfect introduction to it. It's not for everyone, but for those who are into that kind of humor, you'll love it from start to finish!

Last Chance U: Basketball (2021– )

Absolutely incredible (basketball fan or not)

[10/10 · 17 May 2021]

I'm a huge fan of the football seasons and this spinoff is nothing short of inspiring and moving. The coach, the players, and the timeline of events from '19-'20 make this an incredible documentary to watch. The eeriness of it is that watching it in '21, we get to watch real-time reactions of people living through the events that happened as quickly and unexpectedly to us. Also, Greg Whitely is an absolute genius. More of this PLEASE!

Mythic Quest (2020– )

Hilarious, clever with tons of heart

[10/10 · 10 May 2021]

This show is fantastic. The actors all do incredibly at portraying these characters. Storyline and writing is fantastic. You don't have to be a gamer to enjoy this show, but if you are, you'll definitely love it.

The End of the F***ing World (2017–2019)

Deceptively Gripping and Intriguing

[9/10 · 11 March 2018]

I didn't know what to expect when I first clicked on this title. I think that this was the best way to go into it because the twists in the show became so much more gripping. I will be honest and say that the first two episodes were a bit slow for me, but I decided to push through it because I was so intrigued with the premise. I am SO glad that I did! My initial thought was that this plot would be predictable and humorous, but as the (roughly) 20 minute long episodes continued, I learned more about these teens and their history that made each next step even more intriguing. The show is dark and it does contain some mature elements, but the quality of this story is one that is unique and leaves you wanting more.

Also, major props to the two young leads, Jessica Barden and Alex Lawther. Their chemistry on-screen was beautiful and genuine. They do a fantastic job at bringing life to these characters and make every decision seem authentic and purposeful. All in all, great binge-worthy show.

The Punisher (2017–2019)

Seriously Good!

[10/10 · 10 December 2017]

I have been a fan of Jon Bernthal since his incredible performance on TWD. His current role as the Punisher has given him a great platform to show off his true acting capabilities. The man can scare you to death one minute and then have you rooting on him the next. He has brought a fresh interpretation to the role of the "anti-hero". He is also accompanied by an incredible cast (special shoutout to: Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Micro; Ben Barnes as Billy Russo; Daniel Webber as Lewis Wilson)! Similar to Daredevil, the fighting sequences will have you cringing at the sheer brutality that you truly believe you are watching. The character development and the dialogue is also done very, very well. The 13-episode span allows for a well-paced story line that concludes successfully while creating enough depth for future seasons.

If you are a fan of the thriller/drama/action category, what are you waiting for?! This is the show for you! Happy viewing!