145. Luther

145. (06 Aug) Luther (2011, Sam Miller) 58



Pared down to four episodes from six in its first season, this Luther is markedly improved by its leaner, more unnerving storytelling. Not surprisingly, director Sam Miller delivered the best episodes from season one. His understanding of genre filmmaking is outstanding. He lands jump scares like a pro and takes very visually inventive approaches.

Neil Cross's writing is as silly as ever though. His plotting is questionable and the twists never pay off quite as well as they should. He shoehorns Ruth Wilson back into this season and, while she's in solid form, her character is a liability.

Idris Elba is incredibly comfortable in the role of John Luther now. If he was the best thing about the first season, he's now carrying every scene on capable shoulders.

124. Prometheus

124. (08 Jun) Prometheus (2012, Ridley Scott)* 38

Certainly the most disappointing science fiction prequel since The Phantom Menace, this is infinitely more inept than that film. Failing to establish any characters to the point where it becomes downright comical when we're meant to feel for them as they perish one by one, it's impossible to get caught up in a moment of Prometheus. Reliant on special effects, this lamely undercooked spin on creationism is neither thought-provoking nor entertaining. The criminal underuse of Charlize Theron is perhaps most crushing of all.