laurelhagen

The Next Chapter was quite disappointing. I disliked the main character, Lord Trenchant played by Benjamin Wainwright from the moment on screen. He is sullen and has a face that shows it (think Kristen Stewart, Anna Kendrick) in every scene. I realize his character is complicated and miserable but even when proposing to his love, he looks like he ate a lemon. Just not a likeable. The new wife, Clara, played by Harriet Slater, is portrayed like a 13 year-old teenager who is smitten and Pollyanna-ish. I blame the poor writing not the actor. I wonder how such a great first series could turn into a common soap opera in the second? Made it through the first excruciating 52 minute episode and decided I couldn't continue with the series.

I loved the first two seasons of this series as it was unique take on a time traveling family. Unfortunately, season 3 became a ridiculous convoluted mess that was completely unnecessary. I fear that the writers painted themselves into a corner with so many characters and timelines not one character will exist in the future. Unless they pull off a who-shot-JR maneuver where it was all a bad dream, I fear season 4 will lose whatever viewers that may still be watching. The characters both individually and as a whole are quite interesting and the actors are excellent at their craft. I hope the writers can get this storyline back on track again as I have learned a Season 4 is currently in the works.

As both a senior citizen and a lover of horror films I can say I really enjoyed this film showcasing the elderly. With that said, it became laughable to see John Lithgow terrorize his fellow nursing care facility residents. Lithgow was magnificent as a madman who not only had mobility but strength as well unlike his cohabitants. He was like an unhinged school bully with a doll hand puppet instead of a shotgun roaming around in the halls of the care home. Everyone was game until he met a new resident, a judge, Jeffrey Rush, who had suffered a stroke. The Judge had his mental faculties but with lateral paralysis he physically couldn't escape the torment inflicted upon him. Also, noted was the outdoor night scenes where the cinematography was breathtaking. I took a picture (on the tv) of a gorgeous shot that had a composition of leafless trees and foreboding clouds which were side lit. Very special. Horror fans of all ages can enjoy this New Zealand treat.