Reviews liked by decatur555
The Old Guard 2 arrives as a direct continuation that tries to expand the universe of the original, but stumbles more than it should. The story maintains a serious and reflective tone, but feels less inspired, more muddled, and filled with scenes that drag rather than push the plot forward. It's not a bad movie, but the excitement sparked by the first film is diluted here, the victim of a narrative that never truly takes off. The cast remains one of its strongest assets. Charlize Theron commands the screen, and the addition of big names like Thurman or Henry Golding looked promising. Yet the script doesn't give them enough to do. Characters come and go without impact, relationships feel underdeveloped, and conflicts are barely sketched out. Action scenes, while competent, fall short of the first installment. There’s a lack of tension and creativity. Even the mountain chase—one of the few adrenaline highs—feels isolated in a film that moves on autopilot. The overly solemn tone and absence of humor make the film more self-important than it should be, missing a chance to be lighter and more enjoyable. There are some interesting ideas about time, the loneliness of immortality, and accumulated guilt, but they get lost in underwhelming subplots and clunky editing. Everything feels done with technical precision, but without soul. As if the filmmakers felt obliged to continue—but without knowing exactly why. In short, The Old Guard 2 doesn’t insult the audience’s intelligence, but neither does it win them over. Entertaining in parts, but uneven and forgettable. A sequel that makes you appreciate the first one more—and question whether a third is even needed.
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The Old Guard delivers on its promise as a modern action film with an emotional edge. It’s well-paced, entertaining, and Charlize Theron carries the weight of the story with strength and conviction. The main team is well-defined, with interesting dynamics and a genuine sense of camaraderie. The idea of eternal warriors questioning their purpose adds a thoughtful layer rarely explored in this genre. However, it never quite takes off. The film could use a bit more levity to balance out the heavy existential tone. Its seriousness sometimes works against it. The villain, Merrick, feels flat and nearly cartoonish, which weakens the stakes in the final stretch. Some secondary characters are underdeveloped, and certain subplots don’t add much. That said, the action scenes are well executed. They’re not groundbreaking, but they’re carefully crafted and, in some moments, elegantly choreographed. The camera work favors fluid motion over flashy tricks, which is refreshing in an era of digital overload. The film also shows a clear intent to build a coherent universe with room for sequels. It’s no masterpiece, but it’s no disappointment either. With a balance of entertainment, restrained emotion, and sincere effort, it stands above average in Netflix’s action catalog. Enjoyable, but you’re left wondering what it could have been with a sharper villain and a touch more humor.
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Halo TV Show by decatur555
From the very first episode, Halo makes it clear that it doesn't aim to be a faithful adaptation of the universe millions know from the video game. What we get instead is a different approach—more political, more philosophical, and, in a way, more tailored to television. But in that shift, something essential is lost: the very essence of the game. That intensity, that brutal immersion in a galactic conflict, is missing here. Visually, there’s little to criticize. The production design is strong, and some action sequences do stand out. But it lacks soul. It lacks war. It lacks the sense of urgency that made every game session feel electric. And when epic battles are replaced by clumsy personal storylines or political messages absent from the source material, the result is uneven. The plot tries to stay engaging with internal struggles, betrayals, and ethical dilemmas… but it all feels forced, as if tailored for a generic space opera rather than Halo. Master Chief is well-acted, but never quite becomes the icon he is in the game—and that weighs the story down. It doesn’t help that some choices contradict key elements of the original lore, or that the pacing keeps getting lost in slow, pointless scenes. Some episodes feel like filler, while others rush everything in all at once. If you've never played the games, this might seem like a decent sci-fi series with solid visuals and an interesting story. But for Halo fans, it’s a missed opportunity. And that stings. Because with a universe this rich and vast, the least you expect is respect—and coherence.
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If you're going to the cinema for dinosaurs, wild chases, and a good dose of nostalgia, Jurassic World: Dominion delivers. It has the scent of a classic blockbuster, with a fast pace and a clear intention to close the circle by reconnecting with the original trilogy. The return of Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum works well, even if it sometimes feels more like fan service than real character development. The script plays it safe. It repeats formulas that worked before—sometimes with less spark—but the technical execution is spotless. There are spectacular chases, new creatures, and impressive locations, but also plenty of flat dialogue and scenes that could’ve packed more punch. At times, the film gets lost in its parallel storylines, trying to give screen time to too many characters without diving deep into any. Still, it’s honest about what it offers: pure spectacle, with a simple but present ecological message. Truth is, it’s entertaining. It may not reach the magic of the first Jurassic Park, but there are moments that recapture some of that awe. Seeing dinosaurs roam around everyday settings is both disturbing and fascinating. Did the saga deserve an ending like this? Maybe it’s not epic or flawless, but it respects the adventurous spirit that defined it. And for those of us who grew up with these giant beasts, that’s more than enough.
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The second Wonder Woman film may not be perfect, but it has something that makes it special—especially for those who still believe in heroes that inspire through kindness. Patty Jenkins once again offers a bright, hopeful vision of the character, and Gal Gadot is flawless: calm, charismatic, and profoundly human. The movie dares to mix tones: from colorful, light comedy to the drama of difficult choices. And while that sometimes creates ups and downs, there are unforgettable sequences—like the opening in Themyscira or the flight through fireworks—that carry the epic soul of the best superhero cinema. Kristen Wiig and Pedro Pascal bring an interesting duality as antagonists, even if their arcs could have been more developed. Still, both are fully committed, and it's refreshing to see a story that allows room for nuance and evolution. This isn’t your typical action blockbuster, and that may throw off some viewers. But that's exactly its strength: Wonder Woman 1984 isn't just about fights or flashy effects—it's about values like truth, sacrifice, and longing. A rare gem in a genre that often favors spectacle over emotion. There may not be a third installment, but for many—my daughter included, who adores her—Diana will always be the symbol that makes us dream. A superhero who proves her strength through compassion, not brute force.
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