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Reviews
Fleabag (2016)
Fleabag Genius or Overrated Mixed Bag
I have tried and failed 2 previous times to endure past first episode. This time (I was so tired of hearing it referenced as "groundbreaking genius") so committed was I that I turned subtitles ON and treated it like an assignment.
I must admit I still found the sex scenes unwatchable, fast-forward was useful. But I perservered. Here are my thoughts after digesting for a few days.
I found Fleabag as a person to be repugnant and rather spoiled, but in thinking about it, the other characters are worse. Here is a grown woman who betrays her best (only?) friend (and I have a theory - more later), screws every man (pretty much) who shows her the least bit of interest, has no loyalty or compassion to anyone including her bland but boring on/off boyfriend. She steals, is passive-aggressive, annoying and an seeks attention constantly. Yet she actually reads quite endearing compared to her gross brother in law, frigid sister, bumblingly selfish father, and toxic Godmother (although Olivia Colman's character is arguably the best
in the series!). That is quite remarkable. Only sweet Boo and fuzzy Hillary are lovable.
Fleabag and Boo. Let's dive in. It is repeated throughout that Boo "accidentally
unalived herself". I myself do not buy it. I think everyone who missed that needs
to take another look. It makes perfect sense that FB was caught, Boo betrayed so deeply she falls into an unrecoverable spiral. FB is 100% aware of the truth, but in lying to us, and herself, she survives (or so she thinks). Only when she admits what a FB she actually is, and what she did, will she find redemption. I think the pivotal"confession" - stops lying to herself- towards the end wraps this up effectively. Its the best part for me. Most people say the "love story" is, but really that is just a vehicle for the confession.
I did not find the 4th wall an effective
mechanism, especially in Season 2 when Priest
notices it. More than once. I hated that it was really cringey. I will say things do improve in S.2, and I actually liked the ending. I was relieved it was over- but I do respect a series that knows where to cut it. Does FB finally learn a life-changing lesson? One can hope for her- maybe that's the point: there is actually hope for FBs in the end.
Nobody Wants This (2024)
Almost Great
I binged this over 2 nights and I have to say I enjoyed it for the most part. The main characters are likeable and funny. I love the Los Angeles locales, always a plus in my book.
I won't ruin it for you- but I wish it had ended 5 minutes before it actually did. That would have made this different, unexpected, inspiring. As it was, the end was predictable and common. Boo.
Things that bothered me are everyone is super wealthy, Eating out and getting drinks all the time- if you know Los Angeles, you know! You have to be very well off to constantly meet friends at restaurants and bars. All their houses are multi-million dollar homes. Yet none of them really seem to work.
Also the trite tropes of the "gay dad" and "lesbian best friend"- really? So overdone.
I thought also the brother in law Sasha and Morgan's side plot was so awkward- and unnecessary. Sasha is a strange character I wasn't buying he was a husband and father. Very odd casting there.
All in all, I liked it despite the shortcomings. As
mentioned above, I do think one great season would have been better than a possible season 2 that will undoubtedly get old.
The Fall Guy (2024)
Garbage in Flames
Hot garbage. On fire really.
I tried I really did. I liked Ryan Gosling, he is a darn good actor but couldn't save this. Emily Blunt is awful in this. Awful! She is so annoying I was dreading the scenes with her in them. These two have zero chemistry. And she is supposed to be believable as a movie director... rrright. Insert double eye-roll here. The usual tropes appear- dumb men, wise women, black wing-man- all here.
Am I supposed to be laughing? I just do not understand. After the drug sequence it really falls apart fast. Gross vapid characters, stupid dialog, dumb clothes, cringeworthy love scenes.
The only positive I can think of was the location- Australia is beautiful. But it can not save this steaming trash heap. It almost reminds me of Barbie, it is so juvenile, but way worse. Even the dog and the 90s music can not save this.
You've been warned.
The Perfect Couple (2024)
Ok not great
I give it a 5 as a diversion while you are cleaning the house or fixing dinner. It really could have been a movie. Nothing much happens and if it does, there's a ton of filler and side plots that go nowhere, so even if you miss a bunch, nothing is missed.
The good is the beautiful scenery of Nantucket and the glimpse into the uber-rich lifestyle depicted here. The house and envrons are totally delightful. Nicole is a statue - her body and features are so perfect its hard to believe she's human. Her hair color and styling, however, is atrocious- enough to be mildly distracting.
The bad is there is absolutely nobody to root for. At all. The "fiance" -oh God I even forget her name- is so off-putting and bland. Terrible actress. Also a cheat. Dakota Fanning does a turn as the pregnant wife who knows her husband is a drug-addled adulterer, but his family is filthy rich. Great morals that one has. The murder victim Merrick (what kind of name is that?) is equally vile, cheating (and pregnant) with her best friend's future father in law. Nice.
Look, it is what it is. You know what you're getting into right from the start. Trash for sure, but a few redeeming qualities to keep you watching to the end. At least I did.
That is all.
Blue Ribbon Baking Championship (2024)
Out of desperation a fairly desperate attempt
Ok I love cooking shows like Master Chef, British Bake Off, Chopped and all the lesser ones that can be fun even though they are God-Awful like the recent Ciao House and Next-Level Chef.
As a general rule, I hate State Fair themed things, so keep that in mind as you read this. It's a stretch on so many of the challenges to stay within the confines of this theme. Some of them seem repetitive.
The contestants are the usual suspects: Sweet -looking- but-tough -competitor grandma, insecure young professional in another field, older gentleman in his second-act career, Mom, Gay perfectionist, exhausting optimist /deprecating jokester who is constantly "up"....
Finally, to the meat of the matter: co-host Sandra Lee. I think you're either a fan, or you aren't. For those who don't know, her claim to fame is not as a chef or baker or even homemaker, but as "Semi-Homemade" food network host. On that program, she took store- bought ready-made items to "create" a dish. Often ridiculous, it was really fun to hate-watch. The best part was the end where she made a cocktail. She's still awkward af as she was back in the day, stiff and somewhat plastic- but on this show, her appearance is jarring. She is still a very attractive woman, but whatever work/ fillers she's had are not flattering and appear to affect her ability to express herself. That's not even the worst part- her outfits! Is she dressed up for Halloween? Her wardrobe is atrocious! Why?? It is so distracting. I am not even listening to half the show, so sidetracked am I with the absurd get-ups. Her co-host, Jason Biggs, does the best he can. I remember him vaguely- was he on a sitcom? Not sure it had anything to do with food, but he does a decent job here.
If you want something to pass the time until the BBO returns, this will do. Please - someone tell Sandra to fire the stylist!
American Nightmare (2024)
Netfix should change name to Police Are Bad Channel
Ok so I watched this overlong docu-series fully aware of the cebtral theme: Police Corruption/Ineptitude. It is Netflix after all. By the looks of the many 10-star reviews, people are gobbling this stuff up as fast as it is churned out. Of course you'll never see a NF series highlighting law enforcement excellence. You'd never imagine by watching Netflix that most police are risking life and limb protecting citizens.
Sorry for the digression. This one's got plenty of problems. Again, it was about 2 episodes too long. This could have been easily told in one. It seems like the most interesting tidbits were either glossed over too quickly (now Why was the ex-girlfriend the "intended target"?) or not followed up (FBI knew someone or went to school with them?) Red Herrings don't belong in a documentary series.
It seemed like even with 3 episodes to fill, there were a lot of loose ends left hanging. How did the perpknow she was from Huntington Beach? So he just stalks people where- online? That wasn't sufficiently explained.
Also it was quite boring - I organized my photos, made dinner, and checked emails half-watching it. My mind kept wandering to the Sherri Papini case, infinitely more interesting. Besides not being that riveting, editing and timing was way off, time jumps made it unecessarily difficult to follow- it just did not flow.
I agree with another poster- just read Wilipedia if you're interested. And yeah 2.5 million wasn't nearly enough.
Becoming Karl Lagerfeld (2024)
Loved the series left me craving More
The 1970s and 80s were golden days of fashion and Karl was smack dab in the middle of it all. A designer and an icon, his vulnerabilities are on full display in this insightful series.
I dig anything set in this time period. I also love watching fashion stories. This did not disappoint. The clothing alone! Watching Lagerfeld and his paramour Jacques dress in the most fabulous suits, with their perfect hair, jewelry and accessories was a treat indeed. I also adored the sketch scenes!
I do wish there was more - even a written epitaph before the credits would have sufficed. Of course, I did my due diligence and will be ordering the book for more details.
If you like fashion, haute couture, lifestyles of rich and famous, tragic love stories, fabulous interiors and locales, you will like this series.
I thought the acting was very fine- I didn't know any of the actors beforehand.
Dark Waters (2019)
A Real Stinker My Advice Skip This One
Do yourself a huge favor and watch Erin Brokivich instead.
I never understand how producers think they can get away with this drivel. Its not even unique. There have been dozens of films on these types of subjects that are so much better.
Mark Ruffalo and Anne Hathaway were stunningly awful. Mark is all hunched over, trying to channel Paul Giamatti. It did not work. And Ann Hathaway- why was she even in this film? No back story into their relationship, as an aside she mentions she was a receptionist but adds later she was a lawyer- why? It had absolutely nothing to do with or propel the story at all. Her main purpose is to whine that the husband works too much and to be pregnant. Despite her freakishly enormous doe eyes, her performance is as riveting as watching paint dry.
The gruff farmer victim Tennant is the worst acting I have seen in a long while. His character is ridiculous! He elicits zero sympathy, not good for a victim character. He looks like he's 90 and has 2 teenagers? You need captioning to understand what the heck he's grumbling and mumbling about. Awful.
Bill Pullman, Mare Winningham, and Tim Robbins are totally thrown in and not used well. A waste. In fact when I saw they were in it, it made me decide to watch it. Trust me, they did not help.
The timeline doesn't add anything to the story. Why have it? Making me do math while suffering through this isn't winning a fan.
I get it that this was a huge deal at the time. But people are still using Teflon and DuPont remains in business as far as I know. I am sure all these attorneys saw $$$$$ when they decided to sue DuPont. The movie wants to make you believe the firm was against suing them. Rrrrright. No way lawyers did anything out of the goodness of their hearts or risked their careers. Please.
Also: It is Way too Long! I admit I stopped watching at the 39-minutes-remaining mark. Came to IMDB and was shocked people are rating this 8-9-10!!!! What are these people watching to compare?? Like I said, many films before have done this subject well such as Erin Brokovich. Or for petes sake Silkwood if you can find it!
Relative (2022)
Haunting story of familial trauma
So hard to watch this family! The images and film over decades juxtaposed with a story being pieced together is powerful. It does move a bit too slowly and I pined for more details but I guess that was the point- no one wants to talk about the abuse that continued across generations relentlessly in this family.
Most striking to me was the reluctance of the mother and grandmother to admit what they had experienced. It was heartbreaking to watch the daughter struggle to communicate with these women! To think they couldn't- or wouldn't- protect their own children over protecting "the family"- its horrible.
There is indeed something sick and dark running through the genes of this family tree. Very difficult to watch the old films showing how grabby and abusive many of the men are- and they seem so proud of it. Chilling.
A hard watch but very interesting.
The Beatles: Get Back (2021)
BRILLIANT On All Levels!
The Beatles creating the most iconic music right in front of my eyes, as if I were in the room with them. The Beatles: Get Back was positively transcendent. The images are so clear, colors so vibrant, the sound, the fashion, I felt a time-machine traveller. An absolute tribute to the late 60s capturing that slice of time and its all real. I became transfixed rather quickly and over the next week or so watched whenever I could.
Full disclosure: I happen to be a lifelong Beatles fan. My earliest memory of song was hearing Penny Lane from my Uncle's hi-fi. If I do the math I was about 3 years old. I also remember so vividly my older cousins listening to Get Back on the radio, so that must have been what 1970? I was 6 or 7.
I can't even explain in words- this experience. It starts slow and it's drawn-out and is very long! But after the first episode I realized I was literally watching magic happen. I knew, of course, what the end would bring- the end of the Beatles, and so about 1/2 way through it began to have an urgency, a tension. Its so all real, raw and intimate, and bittersweet watching them knowing what happens.
The fab four lads are each so amazing and unique: George, Ringo, John, Paul- talented each but together magical. I felt meloncholy seeing John so young and carefree knowing just 12 years later he would be gone forever.
A MUST-SEE for any Beatles fan. Major thanks to Peter Jackson.
Oh and 100% Lindsey-Hogg is Oraon Welles son. Spitting image!
Miranda's Victim (2023)
Shines a light on criminal law protecting criminals
Its ironic that in 60 years the ACLU continues to protect criminals rights over victims.
This film recounts a fascinating journey of a woman who after being raped by a viscious predator must fight for her rights and dignity. Thanks to the detectives and district attorney, the scumbag confesses and is arrested and eventualy convicted. But in due course, slimy defense attorneys with nothing better to do nearly destroy the poor woman's life with endless appeals for the criminal.
So "Miranda Rights" was named after a rapist.
Acting is good, happy to see Luke Wilson in a dramatic role, I really like him.
Loved the 1960s clothes and sets.
Poor Things (2023)
Yet another film infected by The Usual
I fully enjoyed the first half and quickly developed high hopes. Willem DeFoe is amazing in his role as the Dr. Frankensteinish "God". Visually stunning- a strange world, timeless- victorian steam-punky, colorful and beautiful. The costuming and set decor is extraordinary. It captivated me.
About 1/2 way in- in the "Ship" Act 3 I think we are introduced to Harry. And here everything begins its descent. Harry's preachy monologues are so boring. Harry explains it all to Bella. Alas, the usual modern PC film trope: Capitalism bad, man is inherently evil, the poor are victims of Big Bad Capitalism. Oh sweet lord, what a snore. I am so tied of every modern film ending here. To add insult to injury now prostitution is the epitome of feminism? Another preachy friend, this time a lesbian hkr-with-a-heart-oh-gold (haven't seen that before - insert eye roll) appears. So wise is she: a street walker, yet a genius philosopher, right.
It started out so promising. Imagine if Bella had progressed to being educated, solving world problems, understanding the meaning of her life, becoming deep, having purpose. But No. Sigh.
BlackBerry (2023)
Fleeping amazing movie!!! A true sleeper
Do NOT sleep on this one. Lately Hulu has the best selection of exceptional movies.
The sense of place and time is perfection- late 90s-00s. Made me nostalgic for that time and yes, you'll feel it hard. Music selection is stellar.
Done in a docu-drama style, Acting is top- notch. You'll see a lot of familar faces.
That is really it. I don't know how much more I can say to get 200 more characters. Why foes the review have to be so long? I enjoy doing reviews but don't love this.
One hundred and one more, eighty seven, seventy four, sixty, fifity three, thirty three, twenty seven, thirteen, three.
Expats (2023)
Still watching but I'm not sure why
I have hung in there to episode 5 now. I am just now starting to see some connections between episodes. Sort of. Its a strange show, but somehow I keep watching.
Episode 1 was weird and episode 2 gave some context. Episode 3 and 4 were rough for me- I hate vomit and sex scenes, so there was a lot of fast-forwarding. Also some of the characters are irritating, I am skipping through their parts too. Honestly its most of the cast. Hillary and David are awful and the introduction of Hillary's mother is not a positive development.
Looks like I may be the sole reviewer who doesn't mind Nicole Kidman's face. I believe she is still beautiful and can play an older mom who had her kids in her late 30s to mid 40s. The bigger problem is there is zero chemistry with her and the husband. Maybe less than zero.
Also her "friend", husband, and other expats are supposedly in Hong Kong "working" (and apparently making BANK) but they never work. The husband, "Clarke", looks Chinese- but doesn't speak ANY Chinese? How the F does he work basically in China and not even speak a word of the language?? What's his backstory? No idea yet. I just learned they "miss" New York- how / why did they move to HK? The political backdrop is finally addressed in episode 5. Will it play a part in the story? Hope so it may help.
The expat characters are really impossible to like. They are a vapid, hollow, alcoholic, entitled, filthy rich lot who have zero redeeming qualities living in splendor, wearing designer clothes.
I am more riveted watching the lives of the Phillipine staff you begin to see in episode 5. I had no knowledge of these people working as servants in HK. Its heartbreaking. The scenes of them on their day off about the city were really interesting and well done.
Hopefully things will start to come together. I am rather over it after this episode if things don't improve.
Watch at your own risk.
Griselda (2024)
Began this series intrigued but walked away
I had never known much of Griselda. I remember her mugshot (can't forget that face if you've seen it) in the news but never really paid attention, so I came into this story rather blind. I had enjoyed Narcos, so thinking I would be into it, like a Narcos with a twist because its a woman, I settled in for a nice, comfy binge.
Vergara produced this, and from the first scene, one can plainly see it skews mightily to place Griselda in a favorable light. A desperate woman abused and scorned, alone in a strange city with 3 children to support, with extremey limited choices. If one turns off their common-sense inqusitive brain, it works. Griselda survives abuse, has no choice but to fight, stands her ground in a man's world, never gives up, fiercely loves and is generous with her old friends, always has a soft-spot for the underdogs... However once you begin to question her motives- this happened for me after she turned down the buy-out- the mask falls and Griselda is exposed for what she really is: a viscious, greedy, murderous monster. Once that happens, I had no vested interest in what happens to her, I didn't sympathize with her, I just wanted to see her arrested and locked up forever.
I did some research. This is someone who was OK with slaughtering an infant. The scene where she agonizes over murdering an eye-witness and his wife, leaving the baby alive? In real life, the 2-month old infant was killed. I don't like this kind of manipulation- intended to make you believe Griselda has a heart in there somewhere- but WHY? How is that needed to further the plot? Why fashion her into some kind of victim-hero!? She's anything but! For Vergara to manipulate the audience to feel compassion for this woman, its simply unconsionable.
The scenes depicting Griselda as some sort of Eva Peron to groups of immigrants were particularly galling. Did this actually happen? Or did really just threaten to kill their families to get them to steal like that? With this kind of "artistic license" who knows?
And finally, the prosthetics are ridiculous. Look at photos of the real Griselda. I mean, come on. I think Vergara is wearing a nose and some weird eyebrow/forehead makeup. Why? Griselda's real face was one only a mother could love so it would be far more interesting to explore how she held such power over men, because honestly, no way she captivated with her looks. She was unarguably an extremely unattractive woman with not much of a body from what I can see. Vergara plays Griselda as a sultry, buxom, gorgeous femme fatale, because well, Vergara IS a femme fatale.
So I got to episode 4, and yeah, stopping now. I see there is another film about Griselda starring..wait for it.. Catherine Zeta Jones. I think its disingenuous and frankly in poor taste to portray this horrible POS as anything other than what she was in life: an ugly, evil, amoral maniac who caused much suffering to anyone unfortunate enough to be in her orbit.
Fisk (2021)
So sad only one season a GREAT show
I am American and usually hate comedy tv and sitcoms. This show is not your typical comedy/sitcom. Helen is a QUEEN. A relatable introvert who is as grumpy as she is lovable. I am just so sad only one season!
Don't listen to the bad reviews- do people not have a sense of humor anymore? Do they need to be absolutely bashed over the head and explained everything?
The best thing about this show is its not the typical annoying modern show that tries too hard. The characters are hilarious and we all know a "Roz" or "George" at the office! I even love Helen's dog. The scenery is beautiful
too - its making me want to move to Brisbane, is it? The gingerbread cottage her Aunt May lives in is just precious.
Again, I am super sad this show's over- I almost felt like I knew all these kooky people. I will miss them all!
Escaping Twin Flames (2023)
Twin Flames a sick cult one of the worst I have seen
This was addicting and I binged all three episodes all at once. The descent into madness was palpable. The "leaders" are the typical power and money-hungry couple.
The part that bothered me is the trans "specialist" inserted in to educate us plebans in trans facts. How about a comment on the weird phenomena of the huge percentage of trans women-to-men? Clearly, this cult forced/coerced women to do all sorts of things including transitioning. It was obvious the cult leader dictated this BECAUSE THERE WEREN'T ENOUGH MALE PARTNERS to be the other half of the "twin" flame. How sick is that!? But instead of letting THAT sink in, here comes this guy to make sure we all know trans is perfectly normal, we have to believe they really wanted to transition, yada yada yada.. And then the epilog has to further lecture to tell us out of 7k transitioners only 1% "regret " it, I mean wtf? A cult is a cult- its Bad! No one was targeting trans people, but single women were surely being coerced and forced to become men. That is so alarming in itself but I felt the poltically correct had to insert their agenda of course to confuse the issue and dilute the impact of what this sicko was doing to victimize these women. Had there been enough "men" in Twin Flames to partner up, there would have been no woman told they were "masculine divine". These women were brainwashed!
And these people are not in jail? Crazy.
Ciao House (2023)
Two stars for the villa and the beautiful setting
I will watch almost any stupid cooking contest to the bitter end, but my word, this took some real fortitude to make it to the finish.
There is just nobody to root for. Mercifully, we only had to sit through one over-dramatized sob story (someone says they had a "transplant" and you're thinking oh wow, what- heart? Lung? Kidney? No... a Tendon). The contestants are all annoying or talentless or both. And yet, each one was stunningly confident. They never admitted their mistakes nor did they seem to learn from them. Their dishes were just as insipid and boring in the beginning as they were at the end. Confusing. They all seemed to "stand by" their awful dishes.
The lack of imagination while in one of the most culinarily inspiring places on the face of the earth. Some of these knuckheads' dishes in the semi-finals/ finals: boiled cabbage, stuffed baked tomatoes, poorly executed (aka raw) pork chops, a leaden raviolo shaped like a gas cap, steamed asparagus. Really?? In Iconic food paradise TUSCANY?! After they had full access to that incredible market!! They should all be charged with a crime.
I stuck it out to the end and I was dumbfounded when the winner was announced. One of the worst and that is saying a LOT for this group- Holy Smokes!
I don't know what happened to Guernacelli- she has really lost her signature "bite"- her honesty and scowling countenance was her best attribute as a judge back on Chopped. Here she seemed to be defending the atrocities these "chefs" put out. Plus someone please get this woman a stylist. About 3/4 way in her makeup and hair improved, but on the whole, she is in dire need of a makeover.
The Italian guy- have NO idea what or who he is, didn't add anything to the show.
A real disappointment in every way.
Biz Kimden Kaçiyorduk Anne? (2023)
The Question is Why?
I like watching foreign movies and shows. They often will provide an alternate perspective which keeps things fresh and interesting. I started this series with high hopes. The locales are stunning. I like the idea of "on the run" too.
But after 2 episodes, I think I may give up. Why can't they just rent an apartment or house? Why hotels- isn't that worse to be running away every other day after making commotions everywhere they stay? I just can't with this show!
I won't spoil it, but the end of episode 2 ends with a promising cliffhanger. I hope it gets better but if it doesn't drastically improve I must quit.
You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger (2010)
I Didn't Hate It
Woody Allen films to me are like
pizza- even when its bad, its still pizza. This one follows the familiar formula and I am ok with it. The setting here is London, and as usual, plays a starring role.
The major error for me was Josh Brolin. He is supposed to be the disheveled but utterly charming writer, but he comes off as a leery creep. (I was screaming at Frieda Pinto: Don't kiss him!) Unlike Owen Wilson's character in the delightful 10/10 Midnight in Paris, so endearing.
Naomi Watts and Antonio Banderas are wonderful as is Anthony Hopkins. The story is a bit convulted but Gemma Jones and Pauline Collins hold it together tighty. They are a delight to watch.
I won't spoil it for you, but all the classic Allen tropes are there, in a good way. Honestly watching it is like going on a mini vacation. If you appreciate Woody Allen, you will not hate this film.
Emily the Criminal (2022)
Knocked out of the park!
With all the crap out there finally a solid film that has great acting, excellent well rounded plot and coherent storyline. This - with the crime element- is one of my favorite genres anyway- but this one is just done SO well!
I watched about 20 movies during my holiday break and this one is one of the best. I tried Bullet Train could not get through it, Glass Onion - no thank you. I loved Maverick, White Noise and Emily the Criminal best.
You can really feel the raw emotion in this film- Aubrey Plaza does an incredible job. She is a badass and you root for her (at least I did) the entire time even as she makes some pretty bad choices.
Why do we have to write 600 words!? All you need to know is watch this it will NOT disappoint.
White Noise (2022)
Can't Really Explain Why I LOVED this film but I did
Alright I am just going to say I knew absolutely nothing going in. The film captured me from the very first scene and didn't let go. The style, the statire, the tropes from every last genre of movie! The direction of the scenes down to a Tee. Whoever was in charge of the period sets and styling needs to win something. The supermarket alone is a masterpiece. If you lived in the 70s you will be transported. If you didn't, you will know what it was like.
Adam Driver, Greta Gerwig, Don Cheadle- all
amazing performances.
I adored this movie and am putting this in my repeat rotation.
I have to write 15 more words so here we go did I tel you I loved this film?
Elvis (2022)
A little less Coronel Parker a Little More Elvis
I'm rating this a Nine for many reasons main one of which is Austin Butler is truly amazing in recreating The King. Not only does he uncannily physically resemble him, he captures Elvis' pure heart, expressions and mannerisms to a T. If he is not nominated for an Oscar it will be a travesty.
Hanks does a fine job as Coronel Parker, a classic villian reminiscent of Mozart's nemesis Salieri.
The film is a classic tragedy in 3 acts: Ascent of Elvis, Height of Elvis, Decline of Elvis. Not gonna lie its heartbreaking. The ending is almost too much to bear. Even if you aren't an Elvis fan, you'd have to have a heart of stone not to be touched. Elvis was larger than life, but he was a fragile, vulnerable soul inside- this film is true to that.
The performances really are stellar. I despise Parker with a burning passion, but you are supposed to. I did tire of him at times because I couldn't wait for Elvis to be onscreen. Luckily I never had to wait long. Butler's Elvis is in nearly every scene, stealing every one. I could not take my eyes off him.
Keep in mind this is a Baz Lurmann joint, and it definitely is showy, garish, lengthy. I wasn't a fan of the rap/modern music inserted but that is most likely because I'm old. The classic blues and soul plus Elvis' incredible reperatoire would have suffiiced just fine, IMHO they stand the test of time.
Why do these reviews have to be six hundred characters? Damn what is this a college paper!? How am I not there yet? I am keeping it going until I hit 600. Don't believe haters this is a flawed masterpiece but a masterpiece nonetheless.
Geostorm (2017)
You know its bad when
You know its bad when a disaster movie's first 2 minutes is all the best parts of disaster movies flashed on the screen using stock footage and a cheesy narrative- this one particularly painful using an adolescent voice. Oy Vey.
Some key dialog I zeroed in on while baking cookies (relegated to background after aforementioned first 2 minutes):
The world worked together and...
Led by the world leaders: the United States and CHINA
(bad guy Ed Harris) We need to be proud of our country like we once were!
Yeah how original, once again big-bad USA is ruining the world, this time its weather. Gerard Butler in space fighting satillites that control WEATHER. And, of course, the entire plot all tied up in a Gerbil -whats her name? Greta-style theory that evil rich man is the cause of global climate changes. Maybe she's right, but I like some escapism when I go to the movie. Why oh why does EVERY SINGLE MOVIE shove agendas down our throats?! SO over it.
Anyway this movie stinks. IF it had taken its time for the good part- normal everyday life descending into chaos due to disaster/ ruined earth- then maybe I would have stuck around. As it was, I was able to bake a good portion of my traditional Christmas cookies with this as a backdrop.
View at your own risk.
Mammals (2022)
Not Horrible
I began watching this and liked the first few episodes. Well, unfortunately the characters become more abhorrent as each episode ends. By the time I got to the end, I dislike them all. Immensely. And I am strictly speaking of the actors not IRL! Because Corden's reputation preceeds him- but not basing any of my review on his personal shortcomings.
The good stuff is the location details, some great interaction between characters, an engaging storyline, lovely imagery.
I probably won't be watching if there's a season 2. I just don't care for any of the characters. They can all get swallowed by a whale for all I care.