mdm-11

Hauptkommissar Murot once again delivers his very special kind of murder mystery. A mix of sci-fi, historical fiction and time travel, delves deep into the intricacies of Nazi Germany's final days. Familiar faces (the stellar Tatort Wiesbaden ensemble cast) as well as guest stars are all shown within the little German Village at the end of WWII for most of the story.

The uniqueness of the Wiesbaden Tatort series is on full display here. The hunt for a murderer is, as always, conducted with the use of psychological tools. With the preciseness of psycho-analogy of both culprit and victim, Murot's tactical dragnet closes in on what actually happened. The twist at the end reminds of the US mini-series "Starman", often attempted, but rarely executed so perfectly!

As a lifelong fan of this landmark German Crime Drama, I can highly recommend this episode as one of the very finest. As an educator, I also appreciate the honest handling of the deeper subject matter, namely Germany's darkest chapter in History. No matter how dark the past, there is the hope for and assurance of a brighter tomorrow. The Tatort Series maintains their philosophy of showing the police forces as your friend and helper, a force for good of society.

The usual suspects in yet another predictable musical comedy about a Southern Holiday with even more predictable complications. Unlike other typical such low-budget Wirtschaftswunder films starring Germany's #1 Comic of his time, this one is likely the one with the most shallow and disappointing plot.

Vivi Bach does her obligatory little song, Heinz Erhard cracks a few forgettable one-liners, Chris "Mr. Pumpernickel" Howland is doing another imitation of himself, and the also-rans are along for the bumpy ride to (seemingly) nowhere. If the story of a vacation trip to Italy, won in a cheesy talent contest, and organized by a troupe of happy-go-lucky (and notoriously broke) young musicians, won't hold your attention, then perhaps the nauseatingly repetitive instrumental tune of "Happy Jose" will do the trick?

The 2 extra stars (if 1 is the lowest rating) are for the vibrant colors and the familiar faces of Germany's Golden Age of Entertainment. Sorry, but other than that, there is nothing positive to say about this movie. My suggestion: Skip this silly yarn and save your time for something, ANYTHING, else to watch!

Although this film has clearly been produced on a shoe-string budget, it nonetheless offers a hopeful look into the future. Using the example of two large grocery chains who are seeking an unethical fusion, to create a monopoly over national food supply, a long-time accountant at the Tax Office is sounding the alarm about corporate tax cheats. Ignored by her superiors, and eventually fired for rocking the boat, anger turns to action. With her video message going viral, an eager audience for her message is growing, as is the anger of a CEO who sees his schemes to maintain and grow his own wealth and power threatened.

The main character resembles a young Chancellor Angela Merkel in appearance and mannerisms. She is also extremely intelligent, well spoken and sharp, while at times coming across as almost child-like and vulnerable. Don't underestimate this woman who is determined to change the world for the better! There was no Hollywood budget, and subsequently very limited production values, yet this quiet little film is well worth your time, and it is sure to leave you uplifted.