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Reviews
Shadow and Bone (2021)
So Disappointed in Season 2
I read this series and was so excited for the Netflix version. I thought season 1 did a really good job of melding the grisha story with the Crows. Season 2 however, while having the basic story in place, added so much more and I was really disappointed how they forced the Crow's in to the narrative of Alina and the war in Ravka. I really wish they would've spent less time speeding through Alina's story, and gave us some progress with Nina and Matthias. I actually believe Nina and Matthias are the heart of the whole series. I also was disappointed in the portrayal of Nicholai, he was much more charming in the books. I think again, the problem is in the rushing to tell that storyline.
Mr. Harrigan's Phone (2022)
Nice Saturday Morning Movie
I thought this film was well acted and well paced. It's not a horror film, and people should realize Stephen King doesn't only write horror. They should also realize he typically throws in a bit of unexplained phenomena that keeps you guessing and or questioning reality. Think the Green Mile. To me it was a nice story of a boy's sadness, hopes and regrets, and his growth as a person. Except for the unexplained, I would say the situations and the way people interacted with each other felt real. Even the bully wasn't over the top. The final conflict did seem rushed, and not as impactful. Overall it was an enjoyable film to watch on a Saturday morning while I drank my coffee.
Westworld: Que Será, Será (2022)
Disappointing Ending
I feel the season started out really promising. I liked the concept that the world was now in reverse. At least I think it was the world, hard to tell since they only showed one city. It was hard to grasp that tower reached the entire world. However, so many unanswered concepts. For example, what exactly was transcendence suppose to be? Why was Maeve a secret weapon? That made no sense bringing her back to quickly be killed again. And for that matter, why all the quick deaths of main characters? Their existence seemed pointless. No one gets a happy ending? Why couldn't Maeve go to the sublime? Caleb's story was sad too. And William just over-stayed his story arc. His android self should've just killed him and then succumbed to the "human virus" and killed himself. I did like that Delores/Christina was the story teller of the world. But I was confused if the end meant she's now writing in the sublime or still on earth. Too confusing.
The Orville: Domino (2022)
A Believable Future
I just read so many spot on reviews of this episode, I won't repeat how great it was. You could really feel how Seth must've loved the original Star Wars movie, and how some scenes felt like they were paying homage. But one thing that this episode, and frankly the whole show does for me, is show a believable future. There's no "beam me up" technology, the casual dialog between people and pop cultural references are timeless. And seeing them spend time on earth, visiting a vacation home only adds to the realism in my opinion.
Persuasion (2022)
Don't be Persuaded by Negative Reviews
Persuasion was one of my most favorite books by Jane Austen. It's romantic and a great story about love lost and found. I've read the reviews for this movie, and I have to disagree with the negative reviews. It's a retelling of the story, modernized a bit, but the basic story is still there with most of the key moments still there, but slightly re-imagined. I liked Dakota Johnson's portrayal of Anne. She was spunky and her exasperation of her family was how you'd expect it to be for a strong, intelligent woman. I think when a story is being remade for a second or third time, it's nice to see a new spin on it. I think the negative reviews are by people who wanted a faithful adaptation, but that's already been done before.
Stranger Things: Chapter Four: Dear Billy (2022)
Max
Best episode of the season. That ending scene was so exciting and emotional. Perfect song choice too. I'm really enjoying the "monster" this season. That "Freddie" cameo was perfect as this feels like a nightmare.
The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window (2022)
It was ok
I watched the whole series in one sitting. I read it was a parody, but I don't think it felt like one until around episode 4. I love Kristen Bell, but I feel like her character was so tragic, it was hard to find the humor. The killer reveal was a bit dumb.
Love Hard (2021)
Good Message
I thought this movie was really cute. I thought it had a really good message for people out there in the online dating world who immediately reject someone because they don't have the right look. And I love that it took place during Christmas-time. That always makes it feel more joyful.
The Morning Show: Laura (2021)
Weak Episode
There was no sexual tension or even a hint of attraction before that kiss. It felt gratuitous and forced. It was a weak introduction to a story arc. I really enjoyed season one, I hope this season gets better.
Midnight Mass (2021)
Why is it called Horror?
I was really excited when this popped up on my Netflix trending section. I completed it in one day. I kept waiting for the horror to start, and granted it did have some, but by no means was it severe. It bugged me that no one said that's not an angel, that's a vampire, duh! The ending monologue by the Erin character was SO LONG. I ended up muting her, I couldn't listen any more. It reminded me of trying to write an essay using 1000 words, but only having 500 words in your vocabulary. It was ok, not scary at all.
The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (2021)
Not a Romance
I don't believe this movie was a teen romance. I believe it was a story of letting go and moving on. I believe one of the characters was there to help the other character see hope and beauty beyond what the day signified for them, and find closure. It wasn't until the end that I appreciated what the story was really about.
The Expanse (2015)
Overall Good SciFi Drama
I just finished all 4 seasons. Overall, I enjoyed it. I actually think the 4th season was one of the better ones. I was thinking at first it was going to become more like Star Trek, exploring new worlds, etc. but not really. I like that this show portrays a believable future of where technology could lead, there's no "beam me up", although it appears anyone can perform lifesaving surgery. My biggest complaint would be the acting. Some of the expressions of the main character, Holden, are LOl funny as he's trying to show emotion in just facial expressions. The swearing from Chrysjen is forced and gets very annoying. And the ridiculous accent and language of the belters becomes distracting. I think it was worth watching all 4 seasons, and I'm sure all be watching the 5th.
Dark (2017)
Still Thinking About It
This was an excellent series! I watched all 3 seasons of this over a weekend. As each episode ended, I couldn't wait to watch the next one. I absolutely loved all the characters and the actors who portrayed them. I think it's so important to watch in German with English subtitles. Not only because you get to experience the actor's tones of voice and feel their emotion, but because of the complexity of the story, it really made me focus and be completely immersed in the story. When it was over, and I feel it was ended perfectly, I still wanted more.
Cursed (2020)
Meh
I've made it through 2 episodes. I wanted to give it a shot because I love the legend of Arthur. Unfortunately, the acting of the lead character is so bad, the drama so forced, and just overall cheesy. Not worth the time.
Home for the Holidays (1995)
Tried to Watch This
I like Holly Hunter, so was hoping I stumbled upon a hidden gem. Once it started, I couldn't decide if it was going to be a dark comedy or drama. I think the parents were suppose to seem like, as typically portrayed, insufferably clueless parents, but they weren't very endearing to me. And then Robert Downey Jr came on, and I'm pretty sure in real life he was having a bipolar manic episode, because he was all over the place. So I gave up.
The Abyss (1989)
One of My Favorites
This is one of my favorite movies of all times. Even though it's considered sci fi, for me it's always been a love story. The drowning scene gets me every time. The actors are so good at conveying their love.
iZombie (2015)
Just started season three
I started watching this a couple of weeks ago on Netflix, and it's my go-to show of the moment. I like the crime-of-the-week format. I'm hoping it continues that path, because I'm not too crazy about the background story of this season. I'm enjoying watching Major on "brains", the actor who portrays him is good at embracing the personalities (especially a teenage girl), which is what I enjoy seeing happen to Liv. I like all of the cast, even Clive, who I thought I wasn't going to like at first.
Don't expect HBO, it's CW all the way, and that's what makes it fun to watch. It's campy and sometimes corny, and that's what I like about it.
Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood (2019)
Still Thinking About It
I just saw this movie this evening and am still thinking about it. I read other reviews, and believe I see a pattern as to why some didn't like it, and I think it's just lack of appreciation of the time and the storytelling. It was an homage. I remember tv of that era: weekly westerns and crime dramas like Gunsmoke or Perry Mason. Shows that had guest stars who were usually familiar actors from movies or older shows. It was a love story about friendship and honor. What others said was too much jumping around wasn't really paying attention. It clearly stated the dates of what was happening. It was highlighting moments in each character's lives to convey their emotions in addition to tying up the end. And I believe it was a fairytale, hence the title "Once Upon A Time...".
Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
Needs Subtitles
I think this movie tried too hard. The songs/music were so loud and busy, and I could barely understand what was being said. Emily Blunt is very talented. The plot was predictable.
Aladdin (2019)
Did Not Disappoint!
I am a huge Disney fan, and have always loved this story. I feel they did a really good job. Most of the characters were cast well, except Jafar wasn't quite menacing enough, and I feel the Sultan was very solemn. The musical sequences were done well, and the singing was excellent. Will Smith was a very good Genie. I didn't care for Jasmine's solo song, it seemed forced and didn't go with the vibe of the other songs. Also, and I know it's Guy Ritchie's style, but some of the movements of the characters during dance and action sequences seemed unnecessarily CGI enhanced. Overall, I recommend!
Geostorm (2017)
Starts out promising, but....
I'm currently watching this. Really? The Secretary of State has a rocket launcher? Enough said.
Dead to Me (2019)
This was so good!
I really enjoyed this show. I think Christina Applegate did an outstanding job. The characters all have issues, and the actors portrayed them so well, and not in a black and white way. It felt real to me.
The Silence (2019)
What was that?
That was one of the worse movies I have ever seen. It started out ok, and the actors are all good, so I was hoping it would be fun and campy.
I could even accept the desire to leave home, because it was early and they were unsure of what was happening. I honestly was ok, until the weird cult was introduced. Made zero sense. The dad hadn't even had to shave yet, and now there are people in the world looking to repopulate?
The movie should've been about a week in a family's efforts to survive until the military swoops in and puts an end to an apparently easy to destroy foe.
Also, not once did I see a cell phone or iPad charger. I have to charge those things daily!