JumpingCineFile

*The Knick* masterfully blends historical drama with a raw, unflinching examination of human nature. The show reveals a world where medical innovation often clashes with the limits of ethics. The writing, sharp and daring, doesn't shy away from the brutality of the era, drawing viewers into a morally ambiguous universe where the pursuit of progress often comes at a harrowing cost.

What truly sets *The Knick* apart is its complex portrayal of morality, with many layered characters, and Steven Soderbergh's direction brings a cold, almost clinical precision to this world, yet there's a simmering intensity that never lets you look away. Characters like surgeon Dr Thackery, played with an electrifying blend of brilliance and self-destruction by Clive Owen, navigate a spectrum of moral issues including racism, prejudice, corruption. The entire cast from minor to major roles are brilliant, and the acting is uniformly exceptional. The incorporation of historical events, like Typhoid Mary is engrossing.

At its core, *The Knick* is a study of flawed individuals striving for greatness, even as they're consumed by their darker impulses. The show brilliantly highlights the tension between the pursuit of medical advancement and the personal, often morally bankrupt choices that drive these characters. It's an intense, immersive exploration of human nature, making *The Knick* one of the most compelling dramas in recent years.

I'd give this a 10 out of 10, except for the way some of the cinematography looked too digital/video for my tastes, but everything else was top notch, so if you haven't seen this series, give it a watch, both seasons.

This 'proof of concept' short film/pilot is a bit of a mess.

First up, the dialogue is bad, and the pacing is inconsistent. The music choices and editing adds no subtlety or tension as it is too bombastic, calling attention to itself. The acting varies between formulaic and atrocious. There are some interesting shots, peppered amongst the majority of generic ones. The story is not that gripping, and the lead role has been miscast, with an actor whose varying accent is his most interesting characteristic.

This is a film based on books by, and co-written by a YouTuber of some renown, Will Jordan, a.k.a. The Critical Drinker, so I was surprised and disappointed at the cliche level of dialogue and plot, given his reviews of movies, and his series of videos "the Drinker fixes". Although a lot of the responsibility for these things must also lie with the Director/Co-writer/Editor Travis Grant, as those three roles also play a pivotal part of how a film is made. While some of the fight scenes are okay, most of the pacing is slow, and the blocking/staging boring. More tension could have been added by giving characters things to do, putting them in motion as they speak the exposition necessary to set up the world this story takes place. Things like have the character who is supposed to speak Russian/Estonian actually speak Russian or Estonian to the guards, and not badly accented English. But mainly establish the main character earlier, as well as make him the one the audience wants to watch.

This 40 minute film had a budget of over $300,000, and many clever, inventive, independent feature films have been made for this level of money or less like Clerks, Open Water, Once, Pi, She's Gotta Have It, The Blair Witch Project, Paranormal Activity, and one of my favourites - El Mariachi, which had action and gun play.

I found this effort disappointing, and a missed opportunity with a budget not well spent.

This kids film, while boasting a vibrant and colorful visual style, falls flat in almost every other department. The animation is undeniably polished, with bright, playful designs that will likely appeal to younger audiences. The characters pop off the screen with bold colors, and there's a certain charm in seeing Garfield and Odie brought to life with such high-quality visuals. Unfortunately, that's where the positives stop.

For a film based on one of the most iconic comic strips known for its dry, sarcastic humor, this *Garfield* installment is disappointingly bland. The dialogue feels forced, and the jokes are neither clever nor particularly funny, often relying on predictable punchlines that fail to land. Garfield's signature deadpan wit, which is the essence of his character, is largely missing or watered down, replaced by tired one-liners that lack bite.

The story itself meanders without offering much excitement or emotional depth, and while Garfield has never been an action-packed character, there's a lack of even basic comedic energy to sustain interest. In the end, it feels more like a missed opportunity than a celebration of the lazy cat's legacy. If you're watching solely for the eye-catching animation, you'll find some enjoyment, but if you were hoping for Garfield's trademark humor, this film leaves much to be desired.