Sam Stone

Boring. Unnecessarily too lengthy, especially the inclusion of far too much wasted time (and money) on CGI battle scenes. No storytelling there beyond the beginning and end of each one. Everything between serves little to know purpose. If they're trying to prove the various character's valor, that's already accomplished quite well elsewhere. The entire trilogy could have and should have been condensed into one film that would more easily hold the viewer's attention. I cannot in any good conscience recommend the movies beyond the devotion to morals and ethics, which can be conveyed in any number of ways in a shorter, more concise manner. I have been encouraged to read the books for an even more comprehensive view of the message. No thanks.

Classic Monk with an exceptionally moving ending and a few surprises, i.e., looking through the credits, the murder weapon, etc. Unfortunately, there are a few "non-surprises" as well which seem beneath the respective character's intellect, i.e., determining who the killer is, why a few props were out of place, etc. However, classic Monk is classic. To paraphrase, half the joy of getting there is the journey, or something like that. Each character is well fleshed out, back stories are plausible, everyone comes together quite well after moving on for more than 13 years, and the requisite catchphrases are present and accounted for. It is possible, but most likely problematic, to understand the intricacies of the series without having watching at least some of it which can be confusing. The overarching theme depicting Monk's battle with a decision he seems to have made and how the murder that needs solving may alter that decision because of its overtly personal nature is more than engaging. The aforementioned surprise ending needs no explanation and is satisfying for all. Ultimately, for the uninitiated, you can easily become a fan by simply enjoying the journey, and for the rest of us-well, we get to enjoy both the conclusion and the journey.

As a long time admirer of the generally excellent writing team at the original NCIS, I find the Sydney version quite lacking by comparison. It seems the scripts are professional enough, but new ideas are sadly missing. I have no doubt the entire production team from messenger to actors to executive producers are stand-outs in their respective fields, but copying and pasting from every procedural who's gone before robs the end result of a fair chance. I have felt genuine sympathy for the on screen actors having to deliver cringe-worthy lines sans innovation, ingenuity or individuality. I'm left with little to no real understanding whether the actors are gifted at their craft and total ambivalence regarding the success or failure of the series. I'm sure everyone involved can do better, but I would implore them to do so quickly or my family will be among the deserters.

My wife and I couldn't be bigger Bradley Whitford fans. What an incredible talent! As far as we are concerned, he has earned the right to pick whatever project/production he wants, but even so I can't personally get over the lame writing in this show. It has its moments and the cast seems game for self-deprecating humor as well as the all too predictable somber moments. Seeing his name attached as executive producer gives me hope for the future and we want him to succeed. Just get him writers as talented as he is.

I have been in fringe entertainment my entire life, and fortunate to be involved in some incredibly elaborate production work. Surrounded by gifted people who made a living through their creativity and being Christian, I have seen things that defy belief and nothing other than Faith can explain. Now You See Me successfully challenged me to suspend reality and immerse myself in a deeply rewarding mental expedition without having to sacrifice my beliefs. For me, "I've seen that before" or "I saw that coming," would not be honest, and I suspect most viewers would feel the same. In equal doses there's just enough excitement in the chase scenes to ignite the adrenaline and more than enough to exercise your gray matter. Morgan Freeman, as usual, steals every scene he's in with his highly intangible yet undeniable presence, and Mark Ruffalo conveys the right amount of suspense. Still, the "stars" of the show carry their own weight. Jesse Eisenberg exhibits meek confidence, Woody Harrelson makes the con man cool, Isla Fisher sparkles with competence and, among some more recognizable names, Dave Franco delivers a welcome surprise all his own. The legendary Michael Caine, no slouch himself, is not to be ignored and offers the depth of character he has long been known for. I don't envy the production team who was tasked with making the story realistic AND believable, but they took an extravaganza of imagination and made it look easy. If you're looking for fun and willing to sit back and enjoy the ride without preconception, you shouldn't be disappointed. Note: I welcome critique because I'm finally old enough no one can make me go back and proofread this stuff. Hope you enjoy the movie.

Not as smooth as the original and Ford/Hardison are huge shoes to fill. With 8 years to think it through, the writers cannot be forgiven for such uninspired new characters, their back stories, and choice of actors. Both newcomers feel like round pegs and square holes. Noah Wyle's character would never have been accepted so readily according to the original lineup's standards. Undoubtedly he has earned his stripes in the guild, but this is a poor fit. Likewise, through no fault of her own, Aleyse Shannon simply isn't as charismatic as Aldis Hodge and, so far, not very likeable. In the "plus" column Redemption's many strengths including the writing, general production, overlying premise, strength of the plotlines, general production, ease of cheering for the team, and the cherished idiosyncrasies brought forward from the first run can easily carry the weight of the most egregious missteps and still emerge at the top of the upper echelon of television today. Rare and welcome family entertainment. Hopefully, with time, the new guys will stop feeling like outsiders to purist fans such as myself and I would be happy to come back and say so. Just not yet....

Needless, gratuitous, and far too dark for network. I accept this as my opinion, which is in the minority, and those who watch the show have their right to disagree with me. But I have reasons that apply to me, and I know of no one else with the same obstacles. I am told I am disabled due to "severe unrelenting, treatment resistant major depressive disorder with" a side order of "adult onset ADD resulting in debilitating anxiety". Add the pandemic, the current state of national politics, and the apparent absence of entertainment capable of sufficiently offsetting the negativity surrounding us all, I would prefer this particular show be deferred to a different medium or time. Watching the show with my long-suffering wife is a chore rather than an enjoyable experience. There is a place for the tenor presented, but it is my belief this program lacks the quality, production values, and presentation for networks who are tasked to provide public services to retain licensure. This show has no such character.