Nerdy Squirrel Reviews by Pasckie Pascua

“The Convert” (2023, Hulu) historical drama , based on the 2011 novel Wulf by Hamish Clayton. An international co-production between New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom, this movie aims to educate. Which is fine. Regardless of expected stereotypes, such as Maori as violent, vengeful cannibals, this effort isn't entirely bad. I wanted a deeper navigation of tribal truths but I got the message already. No whining here.          The story: In 1830, Thomas Munro, a lay minister from Britain, arrives in New Zealand on a storm-stricken ship and, during a clash between two Māori tribes, intercedes on behalf of Rangimai, a young daughter of Maianui, the chieftain ( rangatira ) of the one tribe. To save her from being killed by the warriors of Akatarewa, rangatira of the other tribe, Mr Munro traded his horse with Akatarewa in return for her life. Having been delivered to a British settlement called Epworth, where Thomas is to perform mi...

“Protection” (Amazon Prime) British crime drama that explores the world of witness protection in the UK from the point of view of a police officer, DI Liz Myles.        Compared with most Hollywood police procedurals, British detective shows are not flashy and less high on political correctness. Premium is on storyline, acting, and a series doesn't go beyond 6 episodes, most are 4.  That'd be regardless of a new season in the works. (Although I am still baffled why British detectives don't carry guns as a fact.)         Siobhan Finneran gets into DI Myles’ body and mind like the character is made for her. Siobhan's Liz is not the typical badass cop but a flawed soul who exudes a stern spirit in her vulnerability and sincerity. 🎥👍📽 “The Madness” (Netflix) action conspiracy thriller . As Muncie Daniels, a media pundit who must clear his name after he accidentally stumbles upon a murder in the woods, Colm...

"Apple Cider Vinegar" (Netflix) Australian drama limited series based on real life. Kaitlyn Dever and Alycia Debnam-Carey are wellness gurus Belle Gibson and Milla Blake (real life Jessica Ainscough), who both used their platforms to promote alternative medicine .         Ms Gibson fooled her following and the world with a fake cancer diagnosis, while Ms. Blake convinced her mother to join her in eschewing scientifically prescribed medical treatment, both of them dying from their real cancers years sooner than would otherwise be expected.         The series focused more on Belle Gibson as she commits fraud by pretending to have cancer in order to promote alternative medicine . She successfully launched a media empire, but soon her lies are uncovered.         I enjoyed the series mainly for the exemplary performance of Kaitlyn Dever , who keeps on improving on each...

“Gladiator II” (2024, Max) historical epic film directed and produced by Ridley Scott that is a sequel to “ Gladiator ” (2000). Featured machos are Paul Mescal as Lucius Verus Aurelius a.k.a. gladiator royale Hanno, son of Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe), the protagonist of the first film . And Pedro Pascal as General Acacius, a general of the Roman army who trained under Maximus, and Lucilla's husband. Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) is Hanno's mother.        There’s the Beavis & Butt-head emperors of Rome: Joseph Quinn as Emperor Geta and Fred Hechinger as Emperor Caracalla . These guys relished their role to the max, indeed. Crazed and whacked. And then a delight to see. D enzel Washington as the wickedly cool and villainous Macrinus. However, the historical figure Marcus Opellius Macrinu s was not black or a former slave; he was Algerian. He ruled Rome as well but his death isn't the swordplay sequence in this movie's final frames....