Premise: Based on true events, the story begins at the end of the 18th century when the four major kingdoms of the Hawaiian Islands were in a state of war: Hawaiʻi, Maui, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi. The series follows Kaʻiana, a warrior chief (aliʻi) of Kauaʻi who travels outside the islands, returns home, and joins a bloody campaign until, at the last minute, …
Plot: Two civilians get caught up in a cartel’s uranium smuggling across North Africa; facing a nuclear threat, they must decide whether to save themselves or stop the bomb delivery while evading agencies and traffickers. Series 1 of Atomic was let down in my opinion. Pros: I like how its highlighted the Morocco location. The …
Plot: The decades-long friendship between three married couples is tested when one divorces, complicating their tradition of quarterly weekend getaways. The Four Seasons miniseries was not my thing. Pros: I did appreciate how it tackled different storylines with three relationships in spring, summer, fall & winter. The dialogue did feel natural. There were some moments …
The Four Seasons Miniseries Review by Ryan Balkwill Read More »
The plot: Wealthy businessman, Zsa-zsa Korda appoints his only daughter, a nun, as sole heir to his estate. As Korda embarks on a new enterprise, they soon become the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists, and determined assassins. This film was disappointing. Pros: I keep thumb up to the set designs and photography of this …
The Phoenician Scheme Movie Review by Ryan Balkwill Read More »
Plot: Laura’s picture-perfect life starts to unravel when her son brings home a new girlfriend named Cherry; she becomes convinced that Cherry is a manipulative social climber — or is she just being paranoid? This series was great. Pros: The two actresses Robin Wright & Olivia Cooke did a spot on job playing two ladies …
The Girlfriend miniseries Review by Ryan Balkwill Read More »
Plot: Upload completes with an explosive conclusion! In the four-part series finale event, sentient AI rapidly turns evil, threatening to wipe out Lakeview (and the world!). On top of greedy executives, lingering mysteries, plus heartbreak in VR and IRL, our characters are tested like never before. The only way they can get through it all …
Upload Season 4 Review by Ryan Balkwill (Spoiler Alert) Read More »
Plot: Platonic former best friends approaching midlife reconnect after a long rift; the duo’s friendship becomes more consuming and destabilizes their lives. Season 2 of Platonic was alright. Pros: I still enjoy seeing Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne together. Luke Macfarlane’s Charlie had more development this time along. The episode featured jeopardy were a joy …
Plot: A young mathematician is on the verge of a breakthrough when he realizes an unseen enemy is trying to destroy his idea; together with a government agent who’s been tracking him, he begins to unravel a conspiracy. I got excited for this series altering watching the trailer. This miniseries was okay. Pros: I did …
Prime Target Miniseries Review by Ryan Balkwill (Update) Read More »
Plot: Chloe, a high-profile media executive, lives a picturesque life with her husband Adam and son; her estranged sister Nicky struggles to make ends meet; when Adam is murdered, the two sisters reunite and try to untangle a complicated family history. This series was full of hit & misses. Pros: I like Chloe & Nicky …
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Synopsis: This collection of animated short stories spans several genres, including science fiction, fantasy, horror and comedy. World-class animation creators bring captivating stories to life in the form of a unique and visceral viewing experience. The animated anthology series includes tales that explore alternate histories, life for robots in a post-apocalyptic city and a plot …
Love Death + Robots Volume 4 Review by Ryan Balkwill Read More »
