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9/11: One Day in America (2021)
The definitive 9/11 history lesson
Like so many people, I remember exactly where I was when the first tower was hit. I remember, in vivid detail, everything I felt while watching the second plane hit the south tower in real time, and when they collapsed one by one. While I watched from the safety of a Florida high school classroom, surrounded by my friends who I was just in New York City with months prior, this docuseries shows that as awful as it was for the rest of the country to witness, nothing compares to the experiences of the people there.
National Geographic put together a triumph of a docuseries after combing through hours of archival footage and compiling interviews. They were even able to find photos and videos that corresponded to the personal accounts of survivors and first responders. There is literally nothing you can imagine as someone from the outside looking in that will prepare you for the journey you will embark on as you begin episode 1.
I would not be surprised if this series was shown to history classes as a permanent fixture of the curriculum for American History.
It is an emotional roller coaster for the viewer. Many parts are hard to watch. I found myself needing to pause it or take breaks between episodes to watch lighter programming (I was watching via Disney+), I couldn't help but acknowledge that the people I was watching did not have that luxury. I watched about 95% of the series with my hand over my mouth and tears in my eyes.
Don't think twice. Just hit play. I feel like we all need to watch this.
Pocahontas (1995)
A pretty work of fiction.
Is this a historical rendition of the Pocahontas story? Not in the slightest. Putting that aside, it is beautiful to look at and had a strong cast, with many of the primary vocal performances for the Native American characters played by actors of Native descent. The music is beautiful, and the animal characters add levity to some of the more serious scenes.
The long and short of it is that you should not go into this Disney Classic with the hopes of learning actual history. The lessons in the film center around respect of nature and compassion for others, no matter their background. It has a narrative that shows how ignorant things like racism are, and that we can be better.
Strange World (2022)
Proof that Marketing is Important
"Strange World" is proof that the Disney name doesn't guarantee feature film success. I work at a Disney Store, and the lack of marketing this film had was tragic. Is it Disney's best animated film? Of course not, but it deserves a bit more love than it received. It has range, from familial relationships and dynamics to the importance of taking care of the environment over fame and glory..."Strange World" has a big heart. On a technical standpoint, it's beautifully animated and had a fantastic cast. While the humor didn't have me clutching my sides, I smiled and chuckled throughout, and the sci-fi adventure themes are certainly present. It's sort of Star Trek meets Chronicles of Narnia meets Avatar, in a patchwork quilt sort of way that is weirdly endearing. It is unique, and unlike the rest of Disney's repertoire.
It really deserves a watch, especially if you already have Disney+.
Wild Wild West (1999)
It's so bad, but I can't help but love it
Okay, is this movie awful? Sure. The plot is a hot mess, the use of Will Smith is clearly stunt casting, and there is a lot of cringeworthy moments.
This movie earned every Razzie it got, but I still love it. These types of movies are great for a night of vegging out in front of the TV with a bowl of popcorn where you don't have to think about it, or you can go all MST3K on it with friends. Either way, it makes for a good time. Sometimes you just want a movie that doesn't require any cognizant thought.
Don't over analyze it. Just eat your popcorn and unwind.
Demon House (2019)
Want a Ghost Adventures episode? Watch the Lost Footage.
First off, I have said in other reviews, documentaries are polarizing, and it's impossible to have a fully unbiased perspective from documentary filmmakers.
That being said, "Demon House" is not as bad as some of the reviews state (in my opinion), nor is it a 10/10 (I have yet to see a documentary that is, as far as I'm concerned). Zak Bagans is a great filmmaker. He knows what he is doing. On a composition standpoint, it has some great visuals, and I thought more than once, "Wow, cool shot!"
If you go into this thinking you're getting an extra-long helping of "Ghost Adventures," you will be disappointed with the documentary. For that, you will need Discovery+ for the "Demon House: Lost Footage" (it's exclusive on that service). You'll get the spirit box sessions, the night vision, and even Zak's respirator mask. Overall, the film is about the journey to investigate the house and the effect it has on those who had been exposed to it and the energies in it. The actual investigation portion takes a backseat to this endeavor that starts around the time Zak purchased the house.
The last portion of the film is intense, there is a point where Zak locks himself in the house, and you really sense his tension and his fear. The house has a strong effect on him, and it shows. To me, it doesn't come across as fake, but I can't stop others from feeling that way. Also, if you aren't a fan of Zak Bagans, you probably won't be a fan of this film, either, seeing as it is his project.
Yes, there are re-enactments that can feel contrived to some viewers. Personally, I thought it was just another way to convey Zak's feelings while exploring this house and the stories surrounding it. Those more stylized shots are not present in the Lost Footage.
Honestly, if you're a fan of the paranormal, it's worth a watch, especially if you have Discovery+ and can see the extra footage. Just remember, this is not just an extra-long episode of "Ghost Adventures."
American Ripper (2017)
Interesting Perspective
Documentaries are polarizing. The narrative is always biased. That's not exactly a secret. That being said, this is still worth a watch if you like history, and maybe have a morbid curiosity about serial killers (let's be real, they're fascinating in a way that is hard to explain). You learn quite a bit about the murders by Jack the Ripper and H. H. Holmes, and especially about the latter.
Since the person who is investigating a possible connection between the two killing sprees is a direct descendant of Holmes, you get that personal touch that is sometimes lacking in other docu series. He'd be researching this regardless of the presence of the cameras. He finds some interesting information.
Does he prove that H. H. Holmes was, in fact, Jack the Ripper? No.
Does he disprove it? No.
The ending is ambiguous. It leaves the viewer thinking. As far as I'm concerned, it succeeded. It really makes you wonder if they really were one in the same. It's an intriguing concept. What if the Jack the Ripper spree only stopped because Holmes went back to the US? Just imagine...and that "what if?" factor is what kept me watching, and kept me thinking about it since it ended.
ER: Point of Origin (1999)
Djimon steals the show
This episode deserves 9 stars because of the last 10 minutes. Anthony Edwards's Dr. Mark Greene describing his attack in the men's room to Mobalage (played brilliantly by Djimon Hounsou) is powerful. Then, as though not to be one-upped by Edwards, Hounsou goes into a detailed account of his torture in Nigeria to a point that had me covered in goosebumps and with tears in my eyes. Reminiscent of his compelling performance in "Amistad," these final few minutes of "Point of Origin" further confirm Hounsou's place among Hollywood's elite.
Watchmen (2009)
Loved the book, loved the movie
It's a shame that Allen Moore has no faith in movie adaptations of his work. Granted, considering what has been released, I don't blame him ("League..." is a guilty pleasure, I admit, but is hardly reminiscent of the source material!). However, I wish he had given "Watchmen" a chance. It looks just like the graphic novel. It's beautifully shot, the opening montage setting the tone for the alternate timeline. Great cast and performances, as well. We're liberties taken here and there? Sure, but what film doesn't?
I won't leave spoilers, but if you love the book, give the film a watch, especially the Ultimate Cut, which includes the animated "Tales of the Black Freighter" edited throughout, just like the comic-within-the-graphic novel!
Grey's Anatomy: Song Beneath the Song (2011)
In their defense...
All right, the timing for this episode was awful, considering the rising popularity of "Glee" and the history of musical episodes ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Scrubs"), but creator Shonda Rhimes had been wanted to do this for years. I give her that.
Some reviewers called this episode random, but they make it clear from the get-go that head injuries can cause you to experience strange things. Callie had a SEVERE blow to her head, so she hallucinated music. Okay, fine. Izzie had sex with an hallucination. We, as loyal fans, ran with that, so let's run with this.
If we consider talent, most of the cast are NOT singers, and I am sure those members will be the first to admit as much. However, they can at least carry a tune in a bucket and did all right. I commend them for stepping out of their comfort zones. I do want to focus on a few members of the cast that I felt deserved a little more recognition: Sara Ramirez (Callie), Kevin McKidd (Owen), Chandra Wilson (Bailey), and Chyler Leigh (Lexi). I know Ramirez and Wilson have a history on stage, and I think McKidd does, as well, but the four of them I thought really stood out as singers. Leigh was a surprise!
So, yes, as compared to earlier episodes (Izzie's cancer, George's death, anything involving Denny), and even some later episodes (the plane crash), this one falls very short. I'm not saying this is even a mediocre episode. Heck, it's downright lousy considering everything leading up to it. However, we should give credit where it is due. The four performers I mentioned really shone, saving this episode from total ruination.
Muppets Most Wanted (2014)
A disappointing addition to Jim's Legacy.
I have been a die hard Muppet fan since infancy (and I have the photos to prove it), so I was excited to see this film. I left in a mix of emotions: disappointment, annoyance, and just plain sadness. I was so let down by this picture. It has none of the charm one comes to expect from the Muppets, and I chalk it up to poor writing. In the previous film ("The Muppets"), you can tell by the writing that Jason Segal knew who he was writing for and captured the charm. I have to wonder, as the co-writer from he aforementioned film also co-wrote "Muppets Most Wanted," if the less than stellar gags (Fart shoes? Really?) were the ideas of the co-writer. Muppets have an almost high-brow humor, the original show was on prime time for adults! Even Henson's kid shows did not contain cheap humor like what we saw in Muppets Most Wanted.
Now, before I go into full-on rant mode, I will list what I did enjoy from the movie: -The team of Sam Eagle and Ty Burrell. You can tell they had fun together, and they stole every scene they were in. -Josh Groban being the maximum security prisoner. I thought I had recognized that voice, and the idea of him being a maximum security sort is just funny, no matter how you look at it. -The Opening Number ("We're Making a Sequel") I liked the homage to "The Great Muppet Caper"'s "We're Making a Movie." The only other song I enjoyed was the "I Hope I Get It" number. -Whenever Walter was on screen. He still had the charm and sparkle I expected from the Muppets. Sorry Walter, but even your spark is going out. -Tom Hiddleston as the Great Escapo.
That's really it. My mother and I did not recognize many of the cameos, so that was lost. The characters felt like they were reading words on a page, as a friend so aptly put it, and the Muppeteers did not sound as though their hearts were in it. There was way too much Constantine. Kermit is the glue that holds the group together, and to have them not even be that suspicious was not convincing.
I wanted the feeling I got from the earlier projects, and even from the earlier Films from after Jim Henson's passing ("Muppet Christmas Carol," specifically) or "The Muppets." It didn't deliver. I would compare this to "Muppet Wizard of Oz" or "Letters to Santa."
Come on, Muppets, you need your mojo back.
Maybe Disney will get enough money from this picture to at least release seasons 4 and 5 of "The Muppet Show." Show the new generation what our favorite puppets are supposed to be like. That's good television, right there. He best episodes are in those seasons!
Star Trek: The Next Generation: Masks (1994)
Not the greatest, but still worth a watch.
After such a great run of episodes in seasons 5 to the 16th episode of the seventh and final season of TNG, this 17th episode was rather lackluster. The plot (the Enterprise is, essentially, taken over and transformed into an ancient culture) lacks the depth we've come to expect from the latter seasons' episodes.
However, I will *not* suggest the casual viewer to skip this episode, and it is also the reason for my generous 7/10 rating.
Quite simply, it is worth a watch for Brent Spiner's performance. In the episode, Data suffers similar effects as the Enterprise, only he is taking the personalities of ancient people. Several personalities, which Spiner seamlessly transitions into in a way that seems so natural and effortless. It is truly a pleasure to watch. Brent Spiner is quite the actor, and it was refreshing to see him show his stuff!
It is truly worth the watch for his performance alone, and it is a shame they couldn't develop the plot to match his dynamic. It it had been, this could have easily been one of the best episodes, instead of the opposite.