Necrotongue

I discovered my love for Spanish cinema quite some time ago. Spanish humor resonates with me, making their comedies a real treat. However, every now and then, I stumble upon an exception, as was the case here. I was anticipating a wild, hilarious story with impeccable dialogue, much like what I experienced in Toc Toc (2017), but unfortunately, that didn't happen. The humor, for some reason, just didn't land for me, and it felt like the creators were more focused on genuine human values rather than delivering laughs. The most disappointing aspect was that I found myself bored at times. / Lesson learned: When you're a loser, try not to pass it on to others.

I find myself facing the same dilemma yet again. The core criminal story in this miniseries isn't all that bad, but the Polish creators seemed to have overlooked crucial details, leaving the police looking rather incompetent (to put it mildly). It's a shame because the setting, Szczecin, was a fitting choice and brought the right gloomy atmosphere to the series. The issue lies in the script not fully capitalizing on this potential. Despite this, the episode felt more engaging than the previous one. / Lesson learned: If you're going to commit a crime, make sure the evidence against you doesn't end up in every photo related to the case.

You know, I can't quite put my finger on it, but it feels like the series is losing its steam. Instead of delving deeper into the case, the creators seem more focused on showcasing the number of unstable characters within the Polish police force, and I'm getting tired of it. I've made it through half of the miniseries, and I can't help but feel apprehensive about what comes next. While I'm usually a fan of Polish films and TV series, this one just didn't hit the mark for me. / Lesson learned: If you're feeling mentally off, maybe steer clear of psychiatric hospitals. You might end up staying longer than intended.

Right from the start, I had a feeling it was going to be complete nonsense, and I wasn't far off. It was the kind of simple, mindless fun that's perfect for giving your brain a break. You can't expect a plot that demands much from the viewer. Now, don't get me wrong — I don't reject these types of movies. They're great for passing the time while doing those mundane household chores. From that perspective, I could easily give the film three stars. However, the creators should stick to what works for them — humor. While it succeeded in some places, it often got cringey when they tried to get all moral or emotional with the story. / Lesson learned: If you're in the United States, it pays to be sociable. It might come in handy when you want to get married.

I have to admit, the second episode didn't quite win me over either. While the story itself isn't bad, I'm not a fan of the approach the Polish filmmakers have taken with it. The chief inspector's character doesn't quite sit right with me either; she seems to constantly wear this "I'm a tough, cool girl" expression. Despite that demeanor, she often loses her temper without clear reason, and it's starting to grate on me. / Lesson learned: Don't bring work home and don't bring your kids to work. 3*-

Once again, the budget was considerable, the humor was there, the actors were on point, but... it just didn't quite click for me. Out of all the storylines, Szczepan's was the one I found enjoyable. The others felt a bit too contrived, filled with clichés, which I get is par for the course with Christmas themes. This time around, my rating was mainly influenced by the presence of Agnieszka Dygant and Vanessa Alexander, as the overall story didn't captivate me as much. / Lesson learned: Watch and learn how to infiltrate someone else's family for free food.

I'm still trying to gather my thoughts; the creators threw a murder or suicide at us right from the get-go, a death that doesn't matter, another that does matter, and as a bonus, a disappearance or kidnapping. It all feels a bit too tangled up for the start of a series, but my main issue lies in the execution. I'm not entirely convinced yet if I'll be satisfied with this approach. / Lesson learned: Home births are overrated.

This movie presented a bit of a dilemma for me. On one hand, I'm not particularly drawn to scenes of violence against women, so that was a downside. However, on the other hand, I found myself smiling at some of the humor they used. Now, I'm not sure if I'm becoming irreversibly disturbed or if the creators just skillfully targeted us cynical bastards. I'm hoping it's the latter. / Lesson learned: Always ask about the meat's origin.

Amidst the ever-progressing wave of political correctness, it's a genuine pleasure for me to indulge in some Balkan cinema. Here, local filmmakers still refuse to hold back, infusing their work with distinctive humor and a healthy dose of cynicism. This Serbo-Croatian film delivered exactly what I was hoping for. Right from the opening lines: "My dad and I, we've killed fifty-three people. Forty men and thirteen women. Together with grandpa, we've killed 66 people," I knew this film was made for me. And it truly was. Though I did feel the plot lost its momentum at times, I had a blast thanks not only to the excellent humor but also the humanity that the Balkans consistently convey in their films. / Lesson learned: Timetables should be respected. 5*-

The creators struggled to maintain consistent quality throughout the ninth season. Each episode left a different impression on me, which was reflected in the varying ratings. The final episode, however, was a sheer disaster that left me quite disappointed. After finishing the ninth season, my overall impression is that perhaps this storyline shouldn't have been filmed at all. The eighth season finale already had me frustrated, and just when I thought I'd cooled down after ten years, an even worse disaster came along. / Lesson learned: Want to enjoy a great series? Watch Dexter and skip the eighth and ninth seasons.