francogrex

In my opinion, this series falls short significantly. The drama level is overwhelming but with little excitement in its plot progression. There are no surprises; instead, events seem to unfold predictably without much development.

Character depth and interactions feel superficial rather than meaningful. It appears more like a collection of vignettes rather than cohesive episodes with well-structured narratives. The transitions between scenes is abrupt and disjointed. This results in an uneven pacing that fails to engage. The series' structure is chaotic and inconsistent, often moving around. There are missing chunks of information, which further detracts from its overall coherence. It feels more like a mishmash.

I understand that some viewers might be drawn to the series due to its dramatic nature or because it caters to certain cultural themes relevant to adolescents today. However, in my view, these elements do not translate into quality storytelling. The rating of 1 out of 10 is to adjust for potential overrating by enthusiastic viewers who might inflate the score beyond what is deserved, a more realistic evaluation would place it around a 4 out of 10. Also the last episode is abysmally boring.

It's a gripping tale, this one, about a former POTUS entrusted with untangling a right mess of a cyberterrorist attack that's left a trail of devastation in its wake. Thousands perished, you see, and the current President hands over the reins of this investigation to his predecessor, trusting him to get to the bottom of it. And wouldn't you know it, the plot is as tight as a drum, structured like a Swiss watch, keeping you hooked from start to finish.

The pacing is just spot on, never dragging, always pushing forward with a sense of urgency that mirrors the situation. And the mystery, oh, the mystery! It simmers away, thickening like a good stew, right up until the final act. You're left guessing, piecing things together alongside the former President, and that's what makes it so utterly compelling.

Now, about the acting - top notch, the whole lot of them. But Robert De Niro, as always, steals the show. He embodies this jaded yet determined ex-President with such finesse, it's a masterclass in brilliance. His performance alone is worth the watch, but coupled with the tight plot and relentless suspense, well, you've got yourself a real corker of a miniseries. Highly recommended.

Joker Folie à Deux is a prime example of how a highly anticipated sequel can fall drastically short of expectations. While the film boasts impressive performances and a commendable musical score, it ultimately fails to deliver a coherent and engaging narrative.

The Good (and it's mildly good)

• Lady Gaga delivers a standout performance, showcasing her versatility as an actress
• The musical elements are well-executed and add a unique flavor to the film
• The overall production value and cinematography are of high quality

The Bad (and it's really bad)

• The plot feels disjointed and lacks a clear direction
• The film strays too far from the source, feeling more like a bait-and-switch than a true Joker story

The movie feels like a missed opportunity. Instead of delving deeper into the Joker's psyche while following the arc of the known story (for example how the Joker becomes more and more the known sociopath who perpetrates crime on a mass level) the film opts for a confusing and ultimately unsatisfying direction. It's as if the creators used the Joker's name solely for marketing purposes, much like the infamous "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter." The film's departure from the established Joker lore is particularly frustrating. Fans hoping for an exploration of the character's complex psychology and backstory will be sorely disappointed. What could have been a fascinating character study instead feels like a hollow travesty. While the musical aspects and performances are praiseworthy, they're not enough to salvage the film's fundamental flaws. It's a shame to see such talent and potential squandered on a lackluster script and misguided creative decisions. Save your time and money for a more worthwhile cinematic experience.