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allie701
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Fool Me Once (2024)
Annoying
I hate stories where the action occurs as a result of the stupid decisions of the characters. Of course if Maya had responded sensibly, there wouldn't have been a series. The mother-in-law was a real piece of work who was clearly up to no good from the minute she first appeared. Since it was filmed by the BBC and given a British setting, it felt very unnatural. However it was a Netflix series and was totally available on Day One, so I did myself a favor and watched the first episode, read the summaries of episodes two through six, then watched the last two chapters. I recommend you do the same. Or better yet, don't watch it at all. The ending was even more annoying than the beginning.
John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
Took me 5 times to finish it
I guess if you love fight scenes, 3 hours of leaping, grunting and killing is even better than the customary two. For me, it got old and repetitive after hour #1 and I became distracted over and over. The only way to soldier on to the end was to pause and pick it up another day. I can't imagine sitting in a theater and watching the whole predictable story in a single session.
Of course the real distraction was seeing how Keanu had aged. He used to have a perfect radiance about him which kept him untouched through all the horrors he endured. In Chapter 4 it appears his Portrait of Dorian Grey has lost its magic and the effects of his punishing life are worn on his face. He needs to check in with Tom Cruise for make up recommendations.
Chinatown (1974)
Ponderous
Maybe in 1974 this was refreshingly conceived and created, but in 2023 it just made me impatient. The long slow pauses between actor's speeches, the clunky transitions between scenes, it just seemed tired and shopworn. "She's my sister! She's my daughter!" Is like a scene from a Mel Brooks comedy. Of course the nose bandage doesn't help. And without revealing any spoilers, the final scenes were so totally frustrating and such a head scratcher that I felt like throwing the remote at the television. I guess it's a mistake to watch old movies with a modern sensibility. Yes the cynicism of politics and corruption is still fresh but the delivery just doesn't hold up.
Only Murders in the Building: One Killer Question (2022)
Lame
I thought I was getting the next episode of Only Murders in the Buildings but instead it was just two talking heads straining but failing to be funny for 5 minutes. And after I suffered through that there was another episode of this useless production with a different useless question and three talking heads. I actually,had to,back out and start over to,get to the main show. Is this supposed to be comparable to the podcast Mabel produced? If so, ai wouldn't have listened to that either. I recently read that Steve Martin plans to retire from movies after he finishes this show. I'm thinking that's not such a bad idea.
Asteroid City (2023)
You Seen one Wes Anderson movie...
The first time you see a Wes Anderson flick you are charmed by his originality. The second from his oeuvre, in whatever order you come to it, is immediately recognizable. After that, it's much of a muchness. The same flat affect, the robotic dialogue, the scenery a cross between school plays and cartoons. The lack of response to what would normally be considered high drama. The more examples he cranks out, the less delightful the formula is. He is lucky that no one else making movies these days shares his vision, so that for his fans, whenever a long-anticipated production is released, there is pleasure in falling into the comfort of his oddball world. For me, the repetition has supplanted the creativity as his foremost trait.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
A movie of its time
2001: A Space Odyssey, Explained.
I had never watched this movie when it was originally released, but I was certainly familiar with the plot and conclusion. Up til now that was sufficient for my cultural needs. Then I read in an essay on the Barbie movie, that the first scene was a tribute to 2001. Since I intend to see Barbie, I thought perhaps I should watch the Kubrick movie first. It is available on Max, so I settled in to watch this classic from 1968.
Friends, I am here to tell you this is a movie that has not aged well. And I am not talking about the science fiction or technology. I am referring to the script.
The first 4 minutes was a blank screen with music playing. I actually had to fast forward to assure myself there was not a problem with my tv. The next 20 minutes was a poorly paced segment centered on ape-like creatures eventually learning to use animal bones as weapons. No dialogue or narration.
This is followed by scenes in 1992 when different aspects of a space program are presented. There is some dialogue, but totally trivial, including a FaceTime-type call with a scientist's 7 year old daughter who was clearly not selected for her acting ability.
There were some examples of scientists in a weightless environment but frankly, I remember more entertaining episodes on Flash Gordon when I was a kid.
By this time more than half the movie is over, and John keeps saying, 'You're still watching?" "It's a classic," I reply, "I'm going to see it through."
This is followed by the introduction to HAL and the crux of the story. Still not very gripping, but now the power of the movie is revealed. It is not the science, the conflict, the ethical questions, but something totally of its era. The rest of the movie is almost silent, with richly colored images of outer space, constantly shifting.
THIS IS A MOVIE TO BE WATCHED WHILE HIGH.
Nothing else can justify its inclusion in the top 100 movies of all times. But as a movie of its time, it speaks volumes.
Little Bird (2017)
The Shortest Short Ever!
A powerful piece which encapsulates the yearnings of a young woman trying to do her bit for the war effort. The movie is so short, if I say much of anything I am giving away the whole story. It does remind me of the Hemingway short story, "for sale: One pair of baby shoes. Never worn."
Let me just say the main performer is also the writer and she is positively mesmerizing. I am going to investigate her further, both for acting and writing. She has a real gift. The other element that captured me was the haunting music playing while the credits rolled. It made my heat break, just a little.
This review is almost longer than the movie. I wish the movie was longer and my review could be shorter.
Babylon (2022)
The F Word ad infinitem
I am so sick of current movies interspersing profanity every third word. Here we have a movie from the 1920's and the entire cast sound like longshoremen. I did a little research and it just wasn't a common curse word in that era and certainly not from every class of women from working stiff to major star. Those Hollywood writers, currently striking, should get cuts in pay, not increases due to the paucity of their imagination in scripting dialogue. Watch Singin' in the Rain or the latest Downton Abbey if you want to see a scene about filming one of the first talkies. Yes filming the scenes was awkward and the cast members were frustrated, but the audience can see that for ourselves. We don't need the players to be raining the f-word down on us to reach that conclusion. My father, a gentleman of the twentieth century said profanity was the mark of limited intelligence. It was true then and it is still true.
Far East Deep South (2020)
Watch this for many reasons
You will definitely learn something new about US history. Who knew there was a whole Chinese community in the Deep South, brought in after slavery ended? And who knew that only Chinese laborers were permitted to enter the country while Chinese women were excluded? And who knew of yet another shameful example of American racism that was made into law to exclude Chinese specifically?
To keep this documentary from being a total historical downer, we see the results of this prejudice through the eyes of the son and grandsons of the original immigrant who have traveled to Louisiana to discover their roots.. And what we see are the harsh facts softened by modern acceptance and a whole lot of love. You will find yourself touched deeply when you learn, along with the family, of the very difficult decisions the father had to make and the love for his son that endured. All in all a powerful testament to the human spirit.
Marriage (2022)
Why bother?
I was really looking forward to this limited series starring two well regarded actors. Unfortunately the script wasn't worthy of their talents. I have rarely witnessed more vapid dialogue or fatuous giggles in a scripted series. And then there were the overlong bits of business with suitcases and dishwashing and grocery shopping just to fill in the empty spaces without advancing the plot.
I have really enjoyed Sean Bean from the time I first met him as dashing Richard Sharpe to the many dramas in which he played the worst sort of villain. Whatever part he played, he held the attention of the room. In Marriage, he was a totally boring, not very bright man married to an equally dull wife. Their daughter could have created some drama, but she came across as unable to close the deal. I don't know if that is the fault of the script or the director, but there were so many missed opportunities to reveal the depths of this marriage.
And don't get me started on that ghastly dance music like a recurring nightmare that played throughout the series. This series was a disappointment in every way.
One More Time (2023)
It's No Groundho Day
Just because the plot is to relive a significant day and as a result become a better person, does not put this Swedish movie in the same class with the incomparable Bill Murray. It doesn't even put it in the same school.
First the dubbing is dreadful. All the voices have rhe flat affect of dialog read off a script.
The second issue is the appearance of Amelia who is the same actor both as an 18 year old and a 40 year old. As a result, I was confused as the scenes shifted back and forth.
Third too much vapid giggling. That alone was enough to give it a reduced rating.
Fifth generally insipid acting and script. The ending was barely worth the time spent getting there.
I wouldn't have wasted my time but a NYTimes reviewer gushed over it.
Maybe if I was still 18, it would have appealed to me, but somehow I doubt it.
Unleashing Mr. Darcy (2016)
Nothing like the original
I got trapped into seeing this on Peacock. If I had known it was a Hallmark offering, I would have stopped immediately, but it started playing after a trailer for something else. The vapid female was nothing like the feisty character from P&P and although Hallmark fans probably loved the cliched interactions of the characters, I had to FF to the end which was just as treacle-y as I expected. The only interesting observation I will make is how interchangeable in appearance all the female characters were. And how bland in looks all the characters were, even the dreamy Mr. Darcy who BTW, fails miserably as a dog show judge.
The Last of Us: Left Behind (2023)
Does not advance the story
I am writing this review while I am watching the episode in an effort to keep from bailing entirely. Watching two girls curse is just not that entertaining. I want more people and something more than exploring the novelty of an abandoned shopping mall. Maybe if I hold on long enough something more will happen but so far the contrast between this and the tension and terror of previous episodes is so great it really drags the whole series down. Since I'm not a gamer, I really don't care if it is a true reflection of the video game. I just want it to provide excitement and this is like a reprise of too many dystopian worlds.
From Scratch (2022)
Too Hallmark for me
Tuned in after reading an article in the New York Times about the writing of the book and the making of the series. Everything about it attracted me - the plot, the setting, the love story. I just wish the writing wasn't so trite. I can practically predict the dialogue as it unspools. The other distraction is that, despite how beautiful Zoe Saldana is, she looks way too old to be a recent law student. Frankly she looks rather care-worn on the best day.
I haven't finished the series yet and I know there is a lot of tragedy ahead which may put a whole different spin on things. Right now it's just a little too superficial to really engage me.
Together Together (2021)
Ended too soon
A two character movie with two very likable characters. The idea of an older man who wants to be a father and the surrogate he selects to carry the baby could have had a strong ick factor but instead the early awkwardness gradually transforms into the comfort of a natural couple.
I recognized Ed Helms from other movies, and he is very believable as a bright but awkward guy trying to end his loneliness. The young woman I had not seen before but she was equally believable as a young woman who had never met her family's expectations. My heart ached for both of them as they wrestled with setting boundaries in a this most unusual dynamic.
I would have given this film a much higher rating except for the non-ending we were left with. Clearly this was a deliberate decision by the writers, but gee whiz, when you have invested 90 minutes in a movie, you expect some closure.
Poker Face (2023)
So far, SO good!
Only watched the first episode so far but it is great to see a character who isn't just a retread of every other super hero or an angst-ridden weakling. I checked Natasha Lyonne out and see she has roles on 64 listings, but I had never seen or heard of her before. I hope this production is the beginning of a new chapter in her career.
Charlie is so refreshing and the performers playing opposite her are top flight. (Fun to see Benjamin Bratt again and Adrian Brody is great as a slimy weasel.) Ready to dive back in to Episode 2 to see this gal with a supernatural gift and a superhuman moral compass. And that smoky voice of her is as appealing to listen to as her disaster zone of hair is to watch.
Good production values, some great cynical jokes makes this a good choice for viewers who like semi-realistic drama with a sprinkling of black humor.
The Menu (2022)
Delicious!
This was a feast in every sense of the word. The setting on an island sanctuary. The cast, so many actors you recognize from other performances. The characters, each with unique questionable behavior. Ralph Fiennes at his best representing every pretentious mannerism of the current culinary scene.
The story was an amazing blend of horror and humor. Surprises coming with every course of the menu and every twist of the plot. You never knew whether to cry out or laugh uproariously.
The robotic obedience of the kitchen staff yelling, "Yes, Chef" when cued was the cherry on the top of the sundae.
And at the end my stomach was growling for a taste of that juicy cheeseburger.
Ticket to Paradise (2022)
Just a money grab
I have liked both the stars for years, but this time they picked a turkey. The amount of promoting they did suggests they knew it too. I guess a trip to Australia was a lure they couldn't resist. Every line out of their mouths was sooooo predictable. Have they no pride? To go from Oscar-worthy performances to this cr*p should be embarrassing.
I know an IMDB review has to be a certain length but I've said all that needs to be said. Don't waste your time. Fortunately I watched on Peacock so I didn't shell out any actual money. Watching the trailer for free should convince you this is banal, predictable, scenery-chewing stuff that should never have seen the light of day. But I guess as long as performers with box office appeal lend their names to a production, there will be fans hoping to see another Pretty Woman or a new George Clooney caper. At some point they will learn you can't always recapture the magic.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Parts of it haven't aged well
I watched the original Miracle on 34th St. The other night and found Natalie Wood as natural and likable as I remembered and Edmund Gwenn the perfect combination of dignity and love, but what I hadn't been so sensitive to in years past was the power of the patriarchy. Yes, I understand it was fiction and fun but somehow meek underlings cowering before the ire of old white men just isn't as funny as it used to be.
Don't get me wrong; the underlying story is still lovely and the scene where the mail bags overwhelm the courtroom still makes me grin broadly. And of course the scenes in which the outrageous would-be psychologist are painted so broadly, everyone is in on the joke. But those arrogant board members were not a joke. They were just a part of the fabric of society and it is hard to watch without getting up on my soapbox.
Maybe someday I will lighten up, but not yet, I'm afraid.
Love Actually (2003)
Keeps Getting Better and Better
Of course this rates a 10. It's been gaining in popularity for 20 years and is now universally accepted as a classic. If you can watch those closing credits without tearing up, you are more hard-hearted than Scrooge himself. It begins the holiday season for so many people and for me, anytime I see that it is available, I'm waiting on the couch. As soon as I finish this review, I will be tuning in to Peacock to see it for about the 15th time. My daughter even bought me the screenplay as a Christmas gift one year.
In this age of cynicism and anger, this beautiful movie reminds us that love actually is all around. And aren't we lucky that Richard Curtis captured the magic for us all?
Nope (2022)
Way too slow
This would have gotten higher marks if it were a student production such as Spielberg had created in his youth, but I expect more from professionals. By focusing on slow lugubrious O. J. at the beginning, Jordan Peele set the tone for the whole production. Danuel Kaluuya appeared to be in a trance for the first hour of the movie and even his feisty sister couldn't wake him up.
The action finally started about 1:45:00 into the movie. At last something was actually happening! Not just talking about it or planning or failing in the attempts to deal with this alien. The conclusion, as all triumphs of Man over aliens must demonstrate, was a victory of ingenuity over fear, but frankly, I still don't understand what the solution was. And the ending was so abrupt, it made me think they had run out of money.
When I watched the closing credits and saw the title , Nope, presented to us again, I had to agree.
No Time to Die (2021)
Title lies
Starting with the worst Bond song ever - lugubrious, stupid and nothing you would want to hear again. AND IT WON THE OSCAR! Which says something about the competition. Everything in this movie was in slow motion from the wacko villain to that kid who must have been on tranquilizers.
One big reason this Bond film stunk was there was absolutely no humor. You could always count on Bond seeing things from a sardonic perspective which he demonstrated with dreadful puns and unflappable grace. In this episode he appeared to be running on fumes with no energy or dash.
And of course the elephant in the room. Who kills off the golden goose? So the Broccoli family decides it's the end of the line. Fine, but you could let Bond retire with his newly discovered family and make all his fans happy. Someone back at the studio apparently decided, If I can't have him, no one can have him. That's just being a poor sport.
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (2022)
Mawkish and predictable
Maybe in the 1950's when Paul Gallico wrote this, it was clever and romantic, but there's a lot of cultural water under the bridge since then, and it was as predictable as a Hallmark movie. Despite knowing every single move Mrs. Harris made before it happened, I still found her tiresome and annoying. She only stood up for herself once in the whole 2 hour movie and even when things worked out for her, it was due to the decisions of other people, not because she took control.
The clothes of this decade, even by such fashion icons as Dior, do not hold up well, and even when a character makes a grand entrance the impression is more dowdy than elegant. I'd like to know what other movie goers saw in this film that I missed to give it such glowing reviews. Sure glad I didn't see it in the theater .
Thoroughbreds (2017)
Flawed casting
The movie only works if the reader is lulled into believing that Lily is a good girl. I find Olivia Cooke so off-putting that I never believed she was anything but a very creepy warped individual. I watched the two girls acting like emotional robots until it became too boring. Apparently not blinking for long periods of time passes for acting these days.
At this point the review is considered too short, but you really don't need multiple paragraphs to know this movie was not only contrived but very sick.
It was interesting to see the late Anton Yelchin again. I've always liked him and was sad to learn of his untimely death.
I can say one nice thing about the movie. The setting was nice.
Columbus (2017)
How did this movie get financed?
This was more like a film student's final project. It wasn't bad, just so slow. I never knew about the architectural wonders of Columbus, Indiana so it wasn't a total waste. Also I like John Cho and the young girl was very appealing. I just think it could have been improved with fewer long pauses.