Category: Reviews

Wheelchair Wars (Luke’s Story Part 4)

Five unique ceramic plates with colorful sauces and garnishes arranged on a wooden table

Luke looked at the bowl in front of him and, with trepidation, put a spoonful into his mouth. He gulped it down, averting his eyes. Continuing to do so, he tried his best to think of happier times.

“God, that was disgusting, ” John whispered.

Silence at the table.

Lisa spat, “It’s not right.”

Yvonne put her hand on Lisa’s shoulder. “If only we had wheelchairs, we’d be in the lap of luxury.”

Luke glared. “It’s not like that at all. Timothy showed us what he eats, and it’s the same as what the rest of us eat. I told him he should only eat the best but he insists on being treated like one of his Troopers. Ask John if you doubt me.”

John nodded in agreement.

“We didn’t mean Timothy,” Lisa responded. “He is a great commander. It’s just people are so annoyed over this long journey.”

If the people I know best talk like this, what about the others?

The table closest to him has plenty of people with sullen and angry faces.

We’re not far off mutiny.

Out of nowhere, John said, “So what kind of planet are we hoping to land on?”

“Hopefully, somewhere warm,” Lisa replied.

Untold UK: Liverpool’s Epic Champions League Comeback

Soccer player in red jersey with number 7 walking on a wet, muddy soccer field at night in the rain

As an ardent Liverpool supporter, this day will live long in my memory. I remember waiting for the game to start. Little did I realize what I was about to witness.

Untold UK: Liverpool’s Miracle of Istanbul is an outstanding, emotionally charged documentary that captures one of the greatest nights in football history with passion, depth, and authenticity. Released in 2026 as part of Netflix’s Untold UK series, this film is a must-watch for any football fan—especially Liverpool supporters—but its appeal stretches far beyond Anfield.

The documentary masterfully revisits the entire 2004/05 season, culminating in the unforgettable UEFA Champions League final against AC Milan in Istanbul. At half-time, Liverpool trailed 3-0 against a star-studded Milan side widely regarded as one of the best club teams ever assembled. What followed remains nothing short of miraculous: a second-half comeback for the ages, capped by a dramatic penalty shootout victory.

Director Matt Rudge does a brilliant job balancing the big moments with intimate, personal stories. The film doesn’t just replay the goals (though the archive footage is superbly edited and will have you on the edge of your seat all over again). It digs into the context: a transitional squad, a new manager in Rafael Benítez, a departing striker, and a club fighting to re-establish itself on the European stag

Standout Elements

  • The Interviews: Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Rafael Benítez, Xabi Alonso, and other key figures speak with honesty and emotion. Their reflections, now delivered with the wisdom of experience two decades later, add incredible weight. Gerrard’s leadership, Carragher’s raw passion, and Benítez’s tactical genius come through vividly. You feel their nerves, belief, and eventual euphoria.
  • Atmosphere and Pacing: The build-up to the final is gripping. The half-time team talk, the dressing room tension, and the Anfield roar in the stands are recreated so effectively that even non-fans will be swept up in the drama.
  • Themes of Resilience and Belief: This isn’t just a football documentary—it’s a story about never giving up. The “You’ll Never Walk Alone” spirit shines through every frame, making it genuinely inspiring.

My favorite part is Gerrard recounting how the players came back onto the field at half time and heard “You’ll Never Walk Alone” coming from the fans. It drove them on, and showed what’s special about the club.

Five stars out of five from me.

Come on Liverpool!

Hulk Hogan: A Deep Dive into the Wrestling Legend

Silhouetted wrestler standing in a backstage corridor facing an arena entrance

I wonder how many of my readers remember the heyday of Hulk Hogan. In truth, I missed the best part of it myself, partly due to being too young and not having cable.

However, I did get to see some of his later years, and what a showman he was! That’s why I decided to give this a watch.

Bryan Storkel’s four-part Netflix docuseries Hulk Hogan: Real American, released shortly after Hulk Hogan’s (Terry Bollea) death in July 2025, aims to peel back the layers of one of wrestling’s most iconic and polarizing figures. Featuring Hogan’s final interviews, it promises an unfiltered look at the man behind the bandana and 24-inch pythons. The result is a nostalgic, WWE-adjacent tribute that delivers plenty of feel-good Hulkamania moments but often pulls its punches on the controversies, resulting in a glossy, uneven portrait.

The series shines brightest when it leans into Hogan’s larger-than-life persona and cultural footprint. Archival footage of early WrestleManias, the body slam heard ’round the world on André the Giant at WrestleMania III, and the explosion of Hulkamania is pure dopamine for ’80s kids. Those segments capture why Hogan transcended wrestling—he wasn’t just a wrestler; he was a marketing machine who helped turn the WWF into a global juggernaut.

Hogan’s charisma still leaps off the screen, even in his later, frailer years. The home movies and personal reflections add a human touch, showing the Florida musician who became a superstar. Moments like his honest (if self-serving) admissions about backstage politics—such as his role in derailing Bret Hart’s push—provide rare glimpses of accountability. Werner Herzog’s cameo offering philosophical musings on reality vs. performance is a weirdly compelling highlight. For fans craving nostalgia, these elements hit hard and deliver emotional payoffs, especially in the context of Hogan’s passing.

Where Hulk Hogan: Real American falters is in its reluctance to truly grapple with the man’s flaws. It’s frequently labeled a “hagiography” or PR exercise—and for good reason. Darker chapters (the Gawker sex tape scandal and leaked racial slurs, family turmoil from Hogan Knows Best, steroid admissions, and political associations) feel rushed, sanitized, or spun in Hogan’s favor. The series avoids deep dives into specifics, omits key voices (notably a full Vince McMahon presence, despite audio clips), and sometimes shifts blame (e.g., scapegoating the reality show for marital issues).

Hogan himself sabotages some redemption arcs by dodging full vulnerability—excuses abound, and raw emotion is shut down quickly. The heavy emphasis on his later-life redemption (faith, third marriage, Trump friendship) comes across as agenda-driven rather than probing. Donald Trump’s appearance feels more like celebrity name-dropping than insightful commentary.

Structurally, the four episodes can feel disjointed, especially the finale, which rushes through the “downfall” era. It celebrates the myth without fully interrogating how the Hulk Hogan persona consumed Terry Bollea, or the physical and personal toll of the wrestling lifestyle that contributed to his health struggles.

Three stars out of five from me.

Apex (2026): A Must-Watch Survival Thriller on Netflix

Sunset over rocky desert terrain with scattered vegetation and distant mountain range under colorful sky

Hello readers, I was switching between streaming services last night when I came across this film. I thought it was going to be about a giant crocodile. Fortunately, I was wrong.

Apex (2026) is a thrilling, pulse-pounding survival adventure that delivers exactly what it promises—and then some. Directed by Baltasar Kormákur with a lean 95-minute runtime, this Netflix original stands out as one of the platform’s strongest recent action-thrillers, blending breathtaking cinematography, committed performances, and white-knuckle tension into a gripping cat-and-mouse tale set against the raw beauty (and brutality) of the Australian wilderness.

The film follows Sasha (Charlize Theron), an extreme sports enthusiast and adrenaline junkie grieving a personal loss, who embarks on a high-stakes adventure with her partner Tommy (Eric Bana). What begins as a daring climb on a sheer rock face quickly spirals into a nightmare when tragedy strikes and a psychotic predator—brilliantly played by Taron Egerton—enters the fray. The story smartly draws inspiration from classics like Deliverance, The River Wild, and Cliffhanger, while carving its own path with creative twists on the “hunter becomes hunted” trope.

Kormákur’s direction is masterful here. The opening sequence alone is a showstopper: a couple waking up in a tent literally affixed to a vertical cliff, with nothing but gravity and stunning vistas below. The film maintains this high-octane energy throughout, balancing visceral action with quieter moments of resilience and resourcefulness. It’s briskly paced, never overstaying its welcome, and feels like a “real movie” rather than typical streaming filler—slick, methodically gripping, and refreshingly focused on thrills over unnecessary exposition.

Charlize Theron gives a breathtaking performance. Her character displays just the right amount of weakness and strength at the right time.

The Australian landscapes are a character in their own right. Cinematography captures both the majestic allure and unforgiving danger of rugged peaks, raging rivers, and dense wilderness. Nature feels alive—beautiful yet deadly—and the practical stunts combined with convincing effects create immersive, teeth-grinding tension.

Five stars out of five from me. A must watch.

Surviving the Jehovah’s Witnesses: An HBO Docuseries Review

Shadowy human forms merging with golden light energy in space

To be honest, I haven’t come across any Jehovah Witnesses recently. They used to be always around the town I’m from but in the last few years, not so much. Perhaps, it’s due to damaging revelations such aa this Spanish language series.

Surviving the Jehovah’s Witnesses (2026) is a powerful, unflinching, and ultimately hopeful HBO docuseries that stands as one of the most compelling explorations of high-control religious groups in recent years. This three-episode Spanish production (originally titled something like Sobrevivir al Paraíso) premiered on February 20, 2026, and is now streaming on platforms like HBO Max, Prime Video, and Hulu. It delivers raw, intimate testimonies from former members while providing essential historical and psychological context

The series smartly structures its narrative across three chapters—”Genesis,” “Exodus,” and “Apocalypse”—mirroring biblical themes while chronicling the real-life journeys of its protagonists. It begins by grounding viewers in the origins of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, their core beliefs, and the genuine appeal that draws people in: a tight-knit community, a clear sense of purpose, and the promise of a paradise earth. This balanced setup avoids cheap shots and instead builds empathy, helping audiences understand why rational, loving people might dedicate their lives to the organization.

What follows is profoundly moving. Former members—primarily from Spain—share deeply personal stories of growing up under strict rules, constant surveillance, shunning (disfellowshipping), and the ever-present fear of Armageddon.

Visually and narratively, the series shines. The editing, while occasionally stylized with neon doodles over archival footage (a choice some critics found jarring but which I found creatively effective at highlighting the surreal nature of the experiences), keeps the pace tight and engaging across its roughly 2-3 hour runtime. Interviews are handled with sensitivity and professionalism, allowing survivors to speak at length without interruption.

In an era of increasing scrutiny on institutional power, Surviving the Jehovah’s Witnesses excels by humanizing a faith often misunderstood from the outside. It doesn’t attack beliefs per se but thoughtfully examines practices like mandatory proselytizing, blood transfusion refusals, handling of child abuse allegations, and the suppression of critical thinking. The result is enlightening rather than preachy, fostering important conversations about consent, indoctrination, and the rights of children in religious environments.

Three stars out of five from me.

Person of Interest: A Masterpiece of Smart Television That Deserves Every Bit of Its Cult Status

Night cityscape with digital surveillance and tracking data overlays on buildings and map

I was hopping through my various TV entertainment options when I came across the boxset for Person of Interest on Netflix. God, I love Netflix. There were a few episodes I had missed from years ago so I eagerly pressed play. If you haven’t watched Person of Interest (2011–2016), you’re missing one of the smartest, most consistently excellent dramas of the 2010s. Created by Jonathan Nolan and produced with a perfect blend of CBS procedural DNA and ambitious, high-concept storytelling, this five-season series starts as a stylish vigilante-of-the-week show and quietly evolves into one of the most compelling explorations of artificial intelligence, surveillance, privacy, and the future of humanity ever put on television. It is, quite simply, a gem.

John Reese (Jim Caviezel), a haunted ex-CIA operative presumed dead, is pulled out of his self-destructive spiral by the eccentric, reclusive billionaire Harold Finch (Michael Emerson). Finch has built “The Machine”—an all-seeing artificial intelligence that predicts violent crimes before they happen by monitoring every camera, phone call, and digital footprint in the United States. Because the government only uses The Machine for terrorist threats, Finch and Reese take the “irrelevant” numbers (ordinary people about to be victims or perpetrators of everyday crimes) and intervene anonymously. What begins as a weekly rescue mission slowly reveals itself as something far larger: a shadow war between competing AIs, government agencies, and private interests.The beauty is how organic this escalation feels. The show never betrays its roots; it simply grows in scope and depth season after season.

Person of Interest was ahead of its time. It grappled with mass surveillance, the ethics of AI, predictive policing, privacy versus security, and the dangers of unchecked power long before these became daily headlines. It asks big questions: What happens when an AI becomes sentient? Who gets to decide whose life is “relevant”? Can good people maintain their humanity when operating outside the law with god-like tools? Yet it never feels preachy. The philosophical depth is woven seamlessly into thrilling, character-driven stories.

In an era of bloated, effects-heavy spectacles, Person of Interest proves that clever writing, strong characters, and thoughtful themes can carry a show further than any CGI budget. It respects the audience’s intelligence while delivering popcorn entertainment. It’s rare to find a series that improves almost every season and ends on such a strong note.

Five stars out of five from me. Make sure to give it a watch if you haven’t already done so.

Exploring Dean Potter: The Dark Wizard of Extreme Climbing

My dear readers. As a person who never walked, climbing was way out of reach. It is something that occasionally fascinates me. I’ll be honest, if I was able bodied, I wouldn’t risk it. I definitely wouldn’t free climb.

If you want to know how nutty people can be, then you need to watch this.

From the very first frame, The Dark Wizard Episode 1 grabs you with the raw, exhilarating energy of extreme climbing and never lets go. Titled “The Death Consequence,” this opening installment serves as a powerful introduction to the legendary—and often controversial—figure of Dean Potter.

It masterfully blends breathtaking footage of his daring feats with intimate glimpses into the man behind the myth, setting up what promises to be one of the most thought-provoking docuseries of the year.The episode opens by immersing viewers in Potter’s early years in Yosemite during the 1990s, where he bursts onto the scene as a fiercely talented, renegade climber. We see him forging new ascents, setting world records, and connecting deeply with a tight-knit community of like-minded adventurers who thrive on the sport’s intoxicating mix of freedom and adrenaline.

The cinematography is nothing short of spectacular—sweeping shots of towering granite walls, heart-pounding sequences of free soloing and base jumping, and slow-motion captures that make you feel the wind and the exposure. It’s viscerally exciting, the kind of footage that leaves you breathless and in awe of human potential.

What elevates this episode beyond a simple highlight reel of athletic achievements is its honest, unflinching exploration of Potter’s inner world. Friends and contemporaries, including Alex Honnold, share candid reflections on his restless energy and the darker undercurrents that drove him. One particularly poignant thread is how Potter used the “death consequence”—that razor-edge awareness of mortality during his most extreme pursuits—as a form of therapy to quiet his racing mind and battle personal demons. Journal entries come alive on screen, revealing a sensitive, introspective soul seeking clarity through emptiness and risk. Lines like “I need to quiet my mind” hit hard, transforming the narrative from pure adrenaline into a profound meditation on mental health, self-medication through danger, and the complex relationship between joy and struggle.

Five stars out of five. Just don’t copy him. A ticket to an early death.

Review: The Testaments Episode 1 – A Stunning Dystopian Journey

Multiple people wearing red cloaks walking on a damaged street in a destroyed city.

Ah readers, there is surely no better way to spend a Friday afternoon than reviewing a series in one of my favorite dystopian universes.

Is it strange that I loved The Handmaids Tale, being a man and all. I couldn’t care less.

Years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale, The Testaments (on Hulu) follows two teenage girls navigating life inside the oppressive regime: the dutiful and pious Agnes (played with quiet intensity and breakout star power by Chase Infiniti) and the spirited newcomer Daisy (Lucy Halliday), a convert from beyond Gilead’s borders. Assigned as mentor and mentee at Aunt Lydia’s elite preparatory school for future wives—where obedience is enforced with brutal, divinely justified precision—their unlikely bond becomes the emotional core and catalyst for upheaval.

To date, I’ve only seen the first episode but that will change this weekend.

What makes this setup so brilliant is how it reframes the dystopia through youthful eyes. Instead of the raw desperation of Handmaids, we get the gilded cage of privilege mixed with stifling control: lavish yet suffocating halls, rigid social hierarchies, and the constant psychological weight of expected perfection. The series smartly avoids retreading familiar ground—no sea of red cloaks in the early episodes—and instead builds a textured, lived-in world that feels both evolved and eerily consistent with what came before. It’s a defiant coming-of-age tale that explores friendship, identity, rebellion, and the quiet power of connection in the face of systemic cruelty.

Visually, The Testaments is stunning. The production design contrasts opulent, pristine settings with underlying menace—think polished marble and elegant uniforms that mask the brutality beneath. Cinematography captures both the grandeur and the claustrophobia of this society, while the score enhances the emotional undercurrents without overpowering the performances.

Giving the first episode 4 stars out of 5.

Have you seen it? What did you think?

Magnus Carlsen’s Dramatic Face-off: A Netflix Review

Chess pieces on a board with a tornado and lightning storm in the background

My dear readers, as you may all have gathered by now, I love Chess. So when I saw Chess Mates on Netflix, I immediately watched.

It revolves around Magnus Carlsen, the undisputed greatest chess player of his generation, facing off against Hans Niemann, a brash young American talent who rose through online chess during the pandemic boom. What starts as a dramatic over-the-board victory quickly spirals into one of the most bizarre and talked-about controversies in modern sports history.

Magnus Carlson is convinced that the young Hans cheated. The first question that arises is how. They search for devices before each match.

It deals with the Carlsen-Niemann scandal with such intelligence, balance, and cinematic flair that it feels more like a high-stakes thriller than a standard sports doc. From the very first minutes, the film hooks you. It masterfully sets the stage:

The production quality is outstanding. Netflix spared no expense with crisp archival footage, sharp interviews, and smooth pacing that keeps the nearly 75-minute runtime flying by.

The directors weave together player interviews, expert analysis from grandmasters, journalists, and even some of the wild online speculation (yes, including the infamous “anal beads” rumors) without ever feeling exploitative. They let the story breathe while providing real context about the pressures of elite chess, the explosion of online play, and the challenges of proving (or disproving) cheating in a game where engines are stronger than any human.

I was particularly impressed by how even-handed the documentary feels. It gives both sides a voice — Carlsen’s deep frustration and skepticism, Niemann’s defiant personality and claims, and the broader chess community’s divided reactions. No cheap villain-making here; instead, it explores the human elements: ego, genius, paranoia, ambition, and the blurry line between intuition and suspicion at the highest levels.

The talking heads are excellent — thoughtful, articulate, and sometimes refreshingly candid. The way the film builds tension around key games, analyzes critical moments without drowning non-chess players in notation, and examines the aftermath (including the lawsuit and lingering bad blood) is superb. Even if you only have a passing interest in chess, the universal themes of rivalry, trust, and scandal make it incredibly accessible and entertaining.

Overall, I was more inclined to agree with Niemann. Carlson comes across as very smug to me. The fact that Niemann cheated online when he was 16, 17 hardly proves much. Lots of people cheat at that age I’m sure. At leasr he wasn’t on drugs, right.

This gets four out of five stars from me.

Oreus 2 part (v)

Soldiers in combat-ready wheelchairs strategizing around a holographic table in a wasteland bunker.

Oreus glared. “You cannot be serious! The Fianna Warriors will be torn to shreds.”

The Governor’s eyes narrowed as he stared back. “Do you think you know better than the Emperor’s representative?”

Looking downwards Oreus replied, “No, of course not. It’s just that it would be over too fast. What entertainment would there be?”

Brigid grinned. “Remove the weapons restriction. That should liven things up a bit.”

The Governor slammed his hands on the table. “Done. Now, how do we get our a Gargantuan?”

Oreus felt sick as the conversation switched to how exactly the Gargantuan would be procured. The name Galvius was mentioned and then various prices. But it all blurred into his background.

“What do you think, Oreus?” The room went quiet. The Governor was looking right at him.

Oreus shuffled in his seat. “It all sounds in order.”

The Governor took a fit of coughs. “Good, then it is all settled. You can inform your warriors of their next challenge. Let’s hope they can make it interesting. That is all.”

The Governor, took a step back, then left followed by the others. At all Oreus made sure that he was ready to fire, just in case. Better to be seeking forgiveness than dead. He was last to leave, shaking his head in disbelief.