TV Review: Secret Invasion (Season 1)

**This review may contain minor SPOILERS**

Watch the SPOILER review on YouTube

With a watered-down version of the classic comic book story, minimal action, and mostly low-stakes danger, “Secret Invasion” is pretty much the definition of the word “meh.”

On paper, the plot should sound familiar to those aware of the comic book version of this story: Alien shapeshifters are replacing humans in key areas as part of an invasion. In execution, it falls well short. Adapting stories and making certain changes is fine, as the long as the “heart” of the story is still there. This television adaption almost completely misses the mark. The superheroes replaced by Skrulls are now just newly created politicians, the actual invasion never feels like an invasion, and most glaringly the hero’s sense of paranoia as they wonder who they can trust is practically non-existent. There are really no stakes here, and every time the plot looks like it’s going to escalate the danger, the show dials it back.

While the series is billed more as an ensemble piece, it’s really the Nick Fury Show. Samuel Jackson adds some much-needed layers of humanity to Fury, giving a more typical Sam Jackson performance as opposed to the stoic and mysterious version of Fury we’ve seen previously. Olivia Coleman’s Agent Falsworth character is fun new character, while main villain Gravik doesn’t get interesting until the finale. Most of the rest of the cast is fine if not unmemorable, but Don Cheadle often steals the show with a new take on Rhodey.

There’s not all that much to look at as far as the show’s visuals. The small amount of action is fine, but the CG isn’t the greatest. The overall aesthetic is intentionally bland, and the Skrulls spend most of their time in human form which takes away from the fantasy aspect of the series. The controversial AI-created title sequence is pretty unremarkable and forgettable.

Overall, “Secret Invasion” comes close to being “in name only” as far as an adaption goes. While individual episodes are entertaining, the plot never really gets out of first gear. The climax looks like it might pay things off in an exciting and satisfying way, but it ultimately drops the ball and creates a bit of a mess.

** out of *****

Movie Review: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

Watch the SPOILER review on YouTube

A solid action film that feels shorter that its nearly three-hour runtime and delivers amazing stunts that we’ve come to expect from the franchise. The basic plot is typical for the IMF team as they must go rogue to save the world. There are tons of plot holes, particularly in just how this evil AI operates. (Which is a big deal since we only interact with its forgettable human lackey.) The returning lead characters are still likable enough, but there’s no real emotional connection to stir up any feeling from the audience. However, the addition of Hayley Atwell livens the film up, with strong acting on her part that includes some good chemistry between her and Tom Cruise. The film has some edge-of-you-seat tense moments, and overall strong action sequences. The highlight of course being the much-hyped motorcycle cliff jump. While the stun itself was amazing, the editing could’ve been a little better. And despite being part one of two, the film wraps up a little tighter than you would expect and didn’t end with a massive cliffhanger.

***1/2 out of *****