sos_poseidon

Let me start off by saying that this movie is shown in chapters. The chapters, however, are not shown in order. At first I thought, oh gosh not another Memento, which I found annoying. As the movie nears its end, you realize why the chapters were shown to you out of order, and I have to admit this one fooled me. I did not see the twist coming. And it's a good one. Good, but terrifyingly good. The acting by Willa Fitzgerald is absolutely amazing. I'm really surprised she's not a superstar by now. The supporting cast are excellent, as well. The story never gets boring and it was directed very well. This one you've got to see.

I wondered how a movie with 95% of its story unfolding in a small plane could possibly hold my attention, but this one actually did. Mark Wahlberg goes all-in on whacked out crazy, and it's his finest performance to date. Wahlberg partially shaved his head each day while filming for the role of a balding pilot instead of wearing a bald cap. I scored this movie an 8, only because it seemed to end abruptly and I didn't feel closure without seeing the star witness (Topher Grace) testifying in court against the mobster or the FBI mole/leaker getting busted and thrown in jail. Filming occurred in Mesquite, Nevada and also in Alaska. The filmmakers received approval to allow filming during the SAG-AFTRA strike.

What the hell happened?? How do we go from the juggernaut Squid Game to the lackluster, lifeless, insignificant Squid Game 2? Is it because 3 years have passed since the phenomenal series debuted and all of the original writers retired with their accolades and awards and crap-loads of money, and then they hired new writers who didn't even bother to watch the original series?

To me, Squid Game 2 was a total letdown. It was so frustrating! When the actual games begin in episode 3, first up it's again Red Light/Green Light. Ok, ok, no problem. Then at the end of episode 3 a twist is revealed. Ok cool! But the twist goes NO WHERE. Frustrating! Then as other games are played, they are played for laughs. LAUGHS!! Clown music and all! Remember when you were horrified watching the cruel games from Squid Game? Well toss those feelings into a paper shredder because now the games are 'funny' and we're all supposed to feel inspired and warm-and-fuzzy because everybody who needs help gets help and they, as gawd as my witness, will never feel alone again. Clutch the pearls and cheer, ya'll! No. Just...no. Quit it.

Most of the series is dedicated to all of the personal drama associated with some of the contestants. Problem is, that didn't make me care for any of them. And if I can't connect with any of the characters or care if they live or die, that is a poorly written show that is poorly directed. The only thing Squid Game 2 was really good at was confirming it was nothing more than a money grab.