Akeron78

As someone who read Earth Abides 20-25 years ago, and remember the book fondly, I was pleasantly surprised to see a show being made.

There's always a bit of trepidation when this happens, as you hope they stay true to the book and meet your visual expectations, aware that it's hard for a movie or show to match what you have imagined when reading.

-With that in mind, I'm watching the first episode with a bit of bias, but trying to see this both as a "new" story as well as a welcome reminder of one of my favourite books in the "Dystopian/Post Apocalyptic" genre.

The book was written and set in the 1940s while the show is a modern take so the technology and general "feel" of the environment is different from the book. After Covid there's a place for a good pandemic narrative

Pacing is naturally brisk and notably rushed to fit character development and main plot into the first episode of a mini-series.

Episode 1 successfully sets up an engaging story that looks to honor Stewart's themes. It invites both fans of the book and new viewers to contemplate humanity's place in a changed world. The acting so far is good, production and effects look decent, maybe a bit on the sparse side (You'd expect pile-up of cars etc.).

Looking forward to the rest.

"A Haunting in Venice" is a visually captivating, as you'd expect from Branagh, and suspenseful thriller that takes you on a chilling journey through the iconic city of Venice. With its blend of supernatural elements and a historical backdrop, this movie manages to strike a balance that keeps you interested.

The cinematography is outstanding, capturing the enchanting beauty of Venice's winding canals, historic architecture, and the eerie atmosphere of the palazzo at night. The use of lighting, or lack of it, and camera angles creates a sense of foreboding that adds to the film's eerie ambiance. I don't know if it's the inclusion of Tina Fey, but there's a thin veil of unpronounced comedy hanging around too.

The cast delivers decent performances, with the lead actors trying to convey the mix of fear and curiosity essential for this genre. The chemistry between the characters isn't really palpable, making it a bit difficult to get invested in their fates as the story unfolds.

The plot is engaging, filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing. The incorporation of Venetian folklore and legends adds some depth to the story and gives it a unique cultural flavor. The film also does not explore the characters' backstories and motivations much, other than casual mentions to support the story, making their actions less relatable and understandable.

The pacing is generally well-maintained, with moments of tension and suspense interspersed with slower, more character-driven scenes. The sparse musical score complements the atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience.

However, a few minor issues prevent "A Haunting in Venice" from achieving greatness. Some plot points could have been further developed to provide a more satisfying conclusion. Additionally, a couple of scares might feel a bit clichéd for seasoned horror enthusiasts.

Overall, "A Haunting in Venice" is a good one for fans of atmospheric, slightly supernatural thrillers. It manages to bring the beauty and mystique of Venice to the forefront while delivering a good dose of suspense and mystery. If you're looking for a film that keeps you engaged and occasionally might send shivers down your spine, this one is worth a watch.

A budget take on sci-fi, and it shows. The various components of ships, weapons and suits are very recognizable and does not look like advanced technology. But ok, maybe that's what they were going for. The story is paper thin, there are some suspenseful moments that work well, and the little acting involved isn't horrible from the main character. The CGI is cheap, and I keep thinking things are too repetitive, lumpy and cumbersome. A lot of it is probably due to what we are used to seeing in more expensive sci-fi. I read a review where someone said it could have been a short movie, and it would have covered everything they needed. I second that opinion. A 25 minute feature wouldn't be out of place.