Change Your Image
keeks-42450
Reviews
Christmas Always Finds Its Way (2022)
Where did the 8.1 rating come from?
There were no reviews on file when I looked at the IMDb profile for this series, so I don't understand how it had an 8.1 rating. These are essentially LP versions of Coke commercials made in different languages. IMO, the concepts are kind of weird and nothing about them justifies a rating higher than a four. Slow moving and not particularly inspirational. The first episode is essentially about a computer that becomes sentient and somehow manages to overcome a citywide power outage and blow fake snow out the windows of its building on Christmas Eve. The second episode essentially equates Santa with vampires. The third episode is generally just lackluster.
Jack Frost (1998)
I'm so relieved
It makes me feel better to see many other people commenting that this film is underrated. The first time I watched it, I had many of the same criticisms that a number of folks have posted here. But I've watched it every year since and it has really grown on me. While the criticisms are justified, I feel like people are taking it way too seriously. It's a fun kids film and, like many fantasy movies, it requires suspension of disbelief. It's one of those that you just have to go with and enjoy for what it is, not what you think it should be. I have a hard time with suspension of disbelief, but I'm 65 and I enjoy this movie.
Heart and Souls (1993)
LOVE this movie
While I understand some of the criticisms in reviews posted here by others, like the irritating Conference room scene, I still thoroughly enjoy this movie every time I watch it. There are so many funny and heartfelt moments that excuse the few things that are not ideal. I would probably rate another RDJ film "Chances Are" a 10, but it doesn't make me laugh or cry as much as Heart and Soul.
The UnXplained (2019)
Intentionally tongue-in-cheek?
The only reason to watch this, is if you really enjoy cheesy melodrama. Each episode discusses whether the particular phenomenon featured is paranormal or possibly evil, while also providing credible potential explanations from scientists about the causes. At the close, Shatner always poses a theatrically ominous question about whether we should disregard the science and embrace the bogus, often including the suggestion that the "unexplained" may result in the destruction of mankind. I got a few laughs out of it, but after several episodes became bored with the predictable, formulaic writing and Shatner's hammy deliver. The only redeeming quality is the cinematography. Hence the two-star rating.
Queen Bees (2021)
I was suckered in by the rating.
I'm completely confounded by the number of ratings above a 5 for this film. Believe those that say it's a waste of the actor's talents. Silly, shallow, predictable. Male leads are miscast, making it difficult to believe the romantic plot lines, which were a waste of film. Could have been so much better.
Christmas at Castle Hart (2021)
Ack
Not sure how anyone rated this movie above a 3. Or why Hallmark has chosen to go with quantity over quality. The only authentic charm here is Ireland itself. The fake CG snow and exterior decorations are horrible. The characters are irritating and shallow. Hallmark' quality has slipped dramatically. They would be smart to pour more production value into fewer movies.
Evening (2007)
Bad reviews undeserved
Those who gave such bad ratings to Evening must have so little life experience that they can't relate to the emotions so excellently portrayed by the stellar cast. I was amazed by Hugh Dancy's deep and authentic performance. Toni Collette is fabulous, as usual. While the character development for many of the other parts was somewhat shallow, it's more a function of time constraints than the actors skill. It's an incredibly moving film that touched my heart on many levels, as a daughter, a mother and a lover. After watching, I was very confused by the average rating of 6.5 and the number of heartless critics who gave it a score lower than 7.
Muppets Haunted Mansion (2021)
Too bad
Agree with other ratings here that express extreme disappointment in Disney's treatment of the cherished muppets franchise. Disagree with those who say this is a delight for the entire family. Too boring and much too scary for kids under 6.
Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
Haters gonna hate
The scathing ratings and reviews of this movie are a testimony to it's message. People seem compelled to be polarized and dismissive of simple pleasures. Contrary to the hateful reviews, Raya has a strong message, beautiful animation, lyrical music and relatable characters. How can anyone dismiss an uncomplicated, charming movie for children based on adult standards for entertainment? I'm not a mega-Disney fan, but I loved this movie and can't wait until my granddaughter is old enough to watch it.
Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Enjoyable
While I'm not a fan of everything Disney produces, I very much enjoyed the animated version of this movie. I didn't expect to like the live action remake, so my expectations were low, but I really don't understand the poor reviews of this version. The effects were magical. The songs, both original and new were excellent, although the operatic scores were a bit over the top for me. Like a Evans as Gaston was very well cast and gave a fantastic dastardly performance. Emma Watson didn't have the quality of her animated counterpart, but she wasn't as horrible as some reviews have described her. Initially, Dan Stevens seemed like an odd choice for the Beast, but his CG character was masterful and endearing. His vocals were on the mark. Overall, I found this movie charming and I liked the live action version even better than the animated one, which is not something I'd say about the other live action remakes of Disney animated films.
Citizen Kane (1941)
How did anyone know that his dying word was Rosebud?
He died alone, there's no one in the room with him. A nurse comes in immediately after he dies, but couldn't have heard him whisper at such distance beyond a closed door.
Any movie that receives the moniker of "best picture ever" surely shouldn't start with such incongruity.
Home Before Dark (2020)
OK if you don't mind suspending your disbelief
Too many implausibilities. Parents who allow their 9 year old to investigate a cold case, slaying her father's demons along the way. Incontrovertible proof of a local law enforcement cover up is not immediately turned over to outside authorities for investigation. An "honest" police officer allows the 9 yo to participate in an unauthorized investigation. At one point, she tells the 9 year old they can't search a suspect's house without probable cause, then uses evidence found in the warrantless search to make an arrest. This is written for adolescents and children, despite the reviews that say otherwise. If you prefer writing aimed at adults that demonstrates critical thinking, this is not for you.
Audrey (2020)
Disappointing
Many omissions make this biography extremely unsatisfying. One of her sons is completely absent from this life story. Her possible anorexia, or at least highly problematic relationship with food as a result of starvation during WWII, is essentially ignored. I found the dance sequences during which she was portrayed at different ages by various ballerinas superfluous and irritating. All in all, this film feels very insubstantial and inadequate to represent such revered and admired icon.
Da Vinci's Demons (2013)
Wish I had read the reviews first
Started watching based on the rating of 8.2. After 15 minutes of bad acting, awful CGI and simplistic, ridiculous plot, I went back to read reviews. The fact that it's billed as fantasy does not excuse this trash. It's not about suspending your disbelief at historical innacuracy. It's target demographic is adolescent boys, providing no appeal to anyone with adult sensibilities.
How to Make an American Quilt (1995)
Where Love Resides
Just watched this again for the first time in many years. Enduring themes are played out in this moving portrayal of love, loss, longing and betrayal. Engaged, but spending the summer with her grandmother, her grand-aunt and their coterie of quilting buddies, Finn works on her thesis, while they construct her wedding quilt. Superbly cast with an ensemble of outstanding actresses, each recounts the rich narrative of their character, dealing with the issues that rule women's lives - marriage, monogamy, motherhood, adultery, attachment, friendship, competition, the struggle for independence and nostalgia for youth. An excellent score artfully expresses the depth of emotion that the characters feel. Written, produced, directed and cast almost entirely by women, it's a tale of deeply feminine sensibility.
Rise of the Guardians (2012)
I believe!
Just saw this fir the first time in 2021. I'm amazed and astonished that it's nearly a decade old and I'd never seen or heard of it before. I agree with the rave reviews posted here, and am unsure how the average rating is only 7.3, when the vast majority of reviews are 8-10. It's visually stunning, with unique and highly innovative interpretations of age-old children's holiday icons. With some interesting new character quirks, they are totally fresh and endearing, except the villain, who though not lovable, is excellently executed. I agree with another reviewer who said all of the voices were brilliantly cast. This movie conveys the magical wonder that comes naturally to children and will remind adults what youthful awe felt like. I may be reverting to my childhood at the age of 66, but this movie thrilled and brought me to tears in equal measure. Full of heart and a must see for "kids" of all ages.
The Age of Nature (2020)
Stories that restore faith in humanity
Highly inspiring documentary showcasing success stories in ecosystem recovery over the last 3 decades. Instills hope that we can mitigate the destructive impacts our activity has on the habitat we all need to survive.
A Simple Favor (2018)
Of course the plot is highly improbable and ridiculous!
Clearly, some people don't get tongue in cheek humor.
The acting is solid and Anna Kendrick plays her part to a T. I didn't read reviews until I was part way through. Based on some of them, I thought I might be be wasting my time. They were all over the board, which peaked my curiosity. Glad I stuck with it. Very funny!