dinaraaa Reviews

Oppenheimer (I) (2023)

Overrated - Barbi is better!

[5/10 · 29 April 2024]

I don't understand how this movie got so many awards? It's not even close to being worth nomination, and I have to say - Barbi was much better!

As a lover of films centered around scientific discoveries and the lives of great minds, I was really looking forward to watch Oppenheimer hoping for a cinematic experience like the Imitation Game or the Theory of everything. Unfortunately, Oppenheimer fell short of expectations, failing to deliver a compelling narrative or engage with its themes effectively.

One of the biggest issues with this movies is its lack of a clear purpose or thematic direction. While Barbi raised thought-provoking points about women's equality (I loved the speech of America Ferrera, even Ken's song raised some good points), Oppenheimer struggles to find its footing, feeling more like a documentary reciting cold facts. There is no central theme or purpose so I still don'tget it - why did Nolan make this movie? What is the message?

Pacing is another big issue, especially the first half of the movie - it's boooring, i had to force myself to watch till the end. The simultaneous presentation of different events like two court hearings +discussions on hydrogen bomb and the actual story of making the bomb without proper context only confused me, detracting from the overall narrative flow.

All those hearings and discussions in the beginning lost its meaning because of zero context provided on the purpose of those hearings until the end of the movie. That 1st was actually security clearance hearing - so what? What is the importance of that hearing I couldn't get it. He didn't go to jail, just got his access revoked. Why was it so important for this movie to waste viewer's time?

There are too many characters all men dressed in grey with zero added value leaving audiences struggling to connect with or even distinguish between them.

His relationships with women also suffer from a lack of emotional depth or meaningful interaction. Zero dialogue or expressions of affection only leave me wondering if he loved them or not? Was it his character that he has no emotions or was it just the fault of the movie script?

One of the biggest missed opportunities and disappointment is its failure to address the ethical implications of the atomic bomb. With no meaningful exploration of the moral dilemmas surrounding its creation or the devastation wrought by its use, the film feels shallow and devoid of substance. The absence of any critique of the US government's decision to drop the bomb on Japan or the absence of actual horrifying videos of the explosion or it's impact on people not even saying the impact of radiation after the explosion is particularly disappointing, leaving a significant thematic void in the narrative.

Despite these shortcomings, the acting performances are fine. However, even stellar performances cannot compensate for the lack of character development or meaningful engagement with the film's themes.

In conclusion, it is just a huge disappointment. In comparison Barbi, which effectively tackle important social issues, Oppenheimer falls short. I bet if Barbi was about men, it could have won all the awards.

The Lost City (2022)

We need such movies

[8/10 · 29 October 2023]

It's not a brilliant movie with genius acting thar would win Oscars but it's a movie that will make you feel good, will guarantee you have a good time and not think about serious stuff, just relax after a long, busy and stressful week, so the only thing you need is too relax and get some fun and motivation to go on with your routine. Yes, it's silly, not the best chemistry and some inconsistencies in the plot, but we need these type of movies. I don't know when we became so clinical and stopped producing RomComs as we used to. Sometimes you just need a silly movie that doesn't need you think, that you can watch and feel better and see Brad Pitt, beautiful nature and other nice actors. I wish we had more new movies like this.

Beckham (2023)

Exceeded my expectations

[9/10 · 29 October 2023]

Not a fan of neither David nor Victoria, I watched the documentary because of intagram videos. That one video them dancing tells everything you want to know about them as a couple (and that song is now in my playlist). I've got so much respect for both of them being a celebrity they managed to build good family and be good partners/parents despite all the press around them. It takes character. The documentary itself is very well done, high quality, nice pace, good story and keeps you interested. I really liked to see humans who have their ups and downs and strong characters who kept going and working hard to get where they are now. Really, compared to Harry and Meghan, this documentary is way above what you expect and you want to watch. I respect them both after watching this and wish them all the best in the future.

Desperate Housewives (2004–2012)

Not as good as I remember.

[6/10 · 14 August 2022]

I loved this series when I was younger so I didn't really understand everything that was going on there. I thought I rewatch it. Now I am a bit disappointed.

1. A person committed a murder doesn't go to jail. It's the same pattern over the series, they keep silence either they are protecting their loved ones or they will go to jail themselves. So you will not see justice as guilty person would usually die because of the actions of main characters.

2. That brings to my second point. There is no one good character in this show. They are all liars, they call themselves friends and yet they betray each other all the time. They can go behind their husbands back to get what they want. I know that no-one is perfect but there are certain things that a good person wouldn't do. Like talking to the boss of her husband so he doesn't get a promotion knowing that he really wants it, or sending her lovers son far away from them knowing that he is looking for him, or still being with her husband knowing that he helped to hide a body, and framed someone else, or steeling cloths of his boyfriend's ex wife after he said that he can't give them to her. And there are many more situations like that where you just wonder, are there real peoples like this in this world and how happy I am not meeting them.

3. Susan is the worst, she pretends to be nice and stupid but she clearly knows what she is doing. I couldn't watch all disasters surrounding her.

I would say, if you are OK with stupidity and no moral, you will like it.

Money Heist (2017–2021)

Soap opera or another trash from Netflix

[1/10 · 23 May 2022]

I don't even know where to begin. This is the worst TV series I watched in years. It's a soap opera from the 90s. The plot is so stupid, I can't believe that people fall for that.

Criminal: UK (2019–2020)

Loved it!

[8/10 · 19 September 2021]

This is some good quality TV series, everything is great about it - an idea itself, the script, acting, enjoyed it very much. Compared to other detective series, this one only focuses on interrogation part. Nice psychological show where you try to guess if a person is innocent or not. In every episode there is a new suspect, but liked that the detectives didn't change. Also liked British accent.

Fargo (2014–2024)

Season 1 review - too slow and overrated

[3/10 · 5 September 2021]

I don't understand how this got so many good reviews and awards. I couldn't watch it. Watched 3 episodes and I was done. So just watched episode 10 to see what is going to happen. It is toooooo slow!!! Everyone speaks, moves so slowly I lost my patience. They waste viewers time on many unnecessary scenes. Why? Such a waste of time. And also just a comment not relating to the series itself. From the beginning the police was incompetent and those people who suppose to be leading others (chiefs) are just dumb and stupid and do not listen to their colleagues. Sad truth that unfortunately can happen in any area but extremely dangerous when in happens in professions that actually have life or death impact on a society. So many peoples lives could have been saved if police was competent.

The Crown (2016–2023)

Absolutely Brilliant

[9/10 · 5 April 2021]

One of the best TV series. Loved it! Everything is a top quiality. Really enjoyed every episode, it's well written and well played. Would definitely recommend. I am not a fan of British monarcy and wasn't aware of most of the events in this series. But after watching this show I feel that I understand the royal family and their history much better than before. Well done Netflix!

I think season 4 is the best so far. They did a great job with Diana and Charles story and loved Gillian Anderson as Margareth Tatcher. However, I think that original actors who played the Queen and princess Margaret did a better job than Olivia Colman and Helena Bonham Carter. Have to admit even though I love both actresses and was looking forward to season 3. Colman's queen is flat and lack of any emotions compared to young queen portrayed by Claire Foy. Same with princess Margareth, it's not the same person as in seasons 1&2, and it took me a while to get used to it. Didn't like both Philips.

Season is the weakest. Probably because they changed the actors, but also because these actors didn't convince me that they are the older versions of the same characters.

Anyway, hope to see the next seasons.

Arrested Development (2003–2019)

Season 4 - can't force myself to watch it

[6/10 · 25 November 2020]

First three seasons were really good! It's a nice comedy to watch. But season 4 is just so bad, it became a documentary. 70% of the time is monologue of this stupid very annoyinh voice. where is acting??? where is conversations??? instead it's just annoying voice describing what's happening - NOT FUNNY! All they had to do is to keep up to the first three seasons, but they just ruined in! after 10 episodes I give up :(

The Queen's Gambit (2020)

Worth watching

[8/10 · 7 November 2020]

As a former chess player myself I think they did a great job of picturing the games and also showing how chess tournamenst go. I could really feel the atmosphere of the games. The quality of the series is good, acting, the story - all good. Also as a person who speaks Russian I was really pleased that they actually did an amazing job with sceens in Russian language. It was nice to hear real Russian speech rather than fake horrible accents we usually see in American movies. Although as in all american movies of such nature the ending was really predictable.

Little Women (2019)

It's okay but doesn't deserve all these good reviews

[7/10 · 7 November 2020]

The film is not bad, but it's not that good either.

First of all, all those flashbacks are really ruining it. I've read the book but even knowing the story it was difficult for me to follow. I kept trying to remember the story from the book in order this movie to make sense. I don't understand why they decided to do it this way because without seeing/knowing the characters it doesn't feel the same to see those scenes when they are grown ups in the beginning of the film.

They mostly focused on Jo and Amy and did not show Beth and Meg enough.

I did not like an actress who played Amy. I think she is not a good fit for this role. She is too old but also her voice is too mature so she actually seems like oldest sister.

Was surprised by an actress who played Jo. I thought that she is not a good choice, but she was fine. And I am sad to say that the best performance was by Meril Strip. I think it's only because Emma Watson has too little screen time. She almost got Meg's character right.

What I liked about this movie is that they tried to stay close to the book and show the story as it is written. Also costumes were nice.

Cupid (2009)

So sad that it's been cancelled

[9/10 · 18 September 2020]

It's a really nice romantic comedy. Easy to watch, entertaining and make you feel good about life. I don't know why the ratings were low and it was cancelled

American Crime Story (2016– )

Season 1 is amazing, season 2 is worst

[8/10 · 18 September 2020]

Wanted to give 9, but rating 8 because of season 2.

I really enjoyed the first season especially Sarah Paulson's acting. The quality of the show was so good, the story, actors, everything.

However, the season 2 was so bad. It was all about a murdered, his life, his past relationships, and it would be fine if it wasn't taking almost 80% of the time. So you end up watching a crazy insane person all the time. They did not show enough Versace - his story. They've got Penelope and advertised it well, but in reality I think in the whole season she said 10 words in total. I really wanted to see her acting. So having Versace in title is misleading, I though it would be about him. Instead they should have named it as the murderer, so people would not have high expectations. Also, the story itself is not told well, goes back and force in timeline and also I did not get why he killed him and what was his motivation.

Watch Season 1, it's one of the best detective series I ever watched.

The Fall (I) (2013–2016)

Can it be any slower????

[4/10 · 7 September 2020]

I just don't understand who are those people who rated this so high and wrote all these positive reviews?

The only good thing about this show is Gillian Anderson. The rest is just such waste of time.

Lets start with the story line.

The police looks so stupid, I hope that in real life they are better. Otherwise, UK is the heaven for criminals. The killer is not even doing anything extraordinary, and it took them so long to find and catch him. Where are the CCTV, surveillance, proper search team? They could not even install wires properly - broke the ceiling. How stupid is that? haha They could not even crack a stupid teenager who was obviously lying. How do you expect them to find a serial killer?

Dozens of policemen could not follow one guy - they lose him in a park because he was running. Are you kidding me? How is that even possible? The chief is pathetic, I can't believe that such weak character can manage anyone. How did he even become the chief?

And, after he was shot, everything goes to an extra level of stupidity. No handcuffs, no guards, he is treated as an ordinary person, not a suspect of multiple murders, everyone is so nice to him, I almost wish I was him fooling everyone around and receiving such good care.

Also, when a guy was murdered protecting his girlfriend, the first thing you do when you get free is you call police, then you go and try to fight.

Police captured so much evidence, and still, it's not sufficient. Oh I wish to be so protected, that having all kind of evidence (DNA, murder weapon, victim testimony, videos), the case is so week, like it's all nothing.

And in general, it's so slow, I could cut half of the time and speed up a bit and the series would only benefit from it. Even British accent could not make it better. It's like they reduced the speed of an actual tape deliberately.

To sum up, it's the city of fools.

Little Fires Everywhere (2020)

It's better than lots of other series, but could have been better

[8/10 · 12 August 2020]

Story

I did not get the message - I think it is wrong. Why a mom who tries to do her best is a bad character and gets her house burned? I really don't understand what she did wrong here? Probably raising her kids too spoiled, and yet they complain about too much pressure. Really? Kids who don't even have one struggling moment in their lives decide that they don't want to end up like their mom who did what - tried to help poor homeless woman? If I were Izzy's mom I would have burned the house myself. That kind of behavior is unacceptable, and still her mom is the bad guy here, not the spoiled kid who does everything to get her mother angry.

I also don't understand why Mia is suddenly a good one here and what is her motivation? All her decisions are irresponsible, selfish and unreasonable and she thinks that she can intrude in someone else's life and involve herself in someone else's battle over child custody. For what reason? Because she stole a baby from her parents and made them believe that baby is dead? Or because she lied to her kid her entire life about it? Or perhaps it's because she recklessly raised her kid in constant move in a car? She is a bad mother and does not deserve to have kids in the first place. She came to this town and ruined the lives of the people who were nice to her, that's all she did.

Acting As everyone says here, I hated Kerry Washington's acting. She always make this facial expression and that's all about her acting. Always angry Mia, mean to everyone for the reasons of her own poor life choices.

Also, the show was a bit too slow and at least could have been written a bit better with better dialogues that would open the characters better.

Game of Thrones (2011–2019)

SHAME on writers!

[8/10 · 15 April 2020]

I will just say, the final season was the greatest disappointment I ever felt about the movie / tv show! The only reason this is 8 is because of fantastic 8 seasons, and amazing work of actors and all HBO employees involved in shooting this show.

House of Cards (2013–2018)

This show is disgusting!

[5/10 · 15 April 2020]

Could not finish the first season. The main character is such unlikable rather disgusting, amoral person, and everyone else in this show as well as all intrigues and games is too much. I want to believe that there are good things in this world...

The Blacklist (2013–2023)

Enough is enough! I give up!

[1/10 · 15 April 2020]

Updated review after season 8. It was 4 previously but after the last episode of season 8 I feel disappointed and angry. I watched 3 seasons and was sick of this drama about Keen and Reddington and who is Reddington question. Then I decided to watch last season (it was7 at that time) because it looked like they will finally give the answer. Well, guess what? They didn't. I think they don't know the answer themselves and trapped in all this mess they created. This is really shameful because it shows the level of professionality of the writers. Which is 0! How an you base a show on an idea that you don't know? They should have answered this question after couple of seasons and continue with the blacklist. I am done with this show!