The Terminal List (Amazon Prime) - 4/5

This show is excellent over all, but the wrap-up was only decently executed and went by too quickly. Antoine Fuqua brings his strengths to the plot, keeping the audience guessing about the true nature of everything and who the true reliable narrator of events is. It paints a vivid picture of the complicated nature of geopolitical conflicts while keeping the story relatively small and grounded. This has many of the hallmarks of a ‘90s action thriller, but the uncertain nature of the narrative and some questionable revenge behavior from the protagonist make it a much more modern story. Being mostly known for his manchild comedy antics, this is a drastic change of pace for him and a standout performance in his career.

Content warning: language, one scene of gore

Closest comparison: It’s like a Tom Clancy book by way of Training Day.

Setting: Military
Plot: Revenge
Tone: Espionage

John Carter - 2/5

This movie is mostly passable, but is needlessly convoluted for what amounts to a simple plot. It relies heavily on its special effects and for the most part they’re passable, but they lack enough polish to carry the movie. The main characters aren’t particularly likable, which could make for an interesting, morally ambiguous movie, but doesn’t work in a family film. There’s a good amount of extravagant action, but if you’re looking for anything more you’ll be disappointed.

Closest comparison: It’s like Cowboys and Aliens (2011) by way of Jupiter Ascending, as a family movie.

Setting: Western Sci-Fi
Plot: Adventure
Tone: Family Action