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UrbanElysium
Reviews
Unfrosted (2024)
Brilliant!
Watching this just reminded me of some of wacky and fun things about my childhood! I'm Gen X so I'm on tail end of this movie but man even in 1970+ this stuff was still around and a big deal.
Thought Seinfeld did excellent job of portraying the time/era of this moment. With all the products and messages, and social aspects-nailed it!
I loved the cast! Everyone did such a great job with their characters that it's like a second plot (if you know what I mean?) McCarthy and Gaffigan were perfect!
And so much color!
I think people that will appreciate this film the most are late boomers and Gen X'ers because it's just a great portrayal of that era. If past those then it's just the humor dependent of personal tastes. If you don't get the era humor then don't bash that.
Earthsounds (2024)
Nature show I can watch with kids!
Most animal/nature shows show such graphic violence of animals fighting/ bloodshed/ gore- I hate those.!! I do NOT want to watch that- I know what happens in wild!
THIS series only hints at that and just focuses on sounds of nature in many different aspects. From the animals mating calls to elemental sounds. This I love!
Well produced, very informative, amazing visuals and Tom Hiddleston's narration ( the most soothing voice!) is excellent!
I knew half of the information, other half I got educated. This is a great series for families, especially with younger kids because it doesn't show animals killing other animals.
Men in BlackΒ³ (2012)
Sad it's the last...
I love the MIB films! First was instrumental. Second was just .. ok. This one as 3rd installment was excellent!! It really tied up the character of K - brilliantly played by Brolin!! I
I loved the time travel and especially loved the end scene with J as a child!
Loved the storyline! Weaving of characters and added plot specifics! This was a great film that enmeshed with the original AND added to original!
Yet I've wondered why this 'franchise' didn't carry on?
I really wish there were more films under S!!
It's obvious that Sonnenfeld was the better director for these... did he not want to continue this series of films? I wish there were more of these films under his direction!!
The Righteous Gemstones (2019)
Like rubbernecking a train wreck!
This series is just nuts! (I'm on S3 at time of this review) There are SO many elements to this show that honestly to cover them all would be an article, not review!
Touching on highlights- likes and dislikes:
Fantastic cast and a slew of favored cameo/guest roles! The characters are actually well developed even for a minor cameo- I love this! My personal faves are Eric Roberts and Kristen Johnston.
Storylines are at times so over-the-top that it borders on absurd- yet it mirrors unbelievable elements of real life stuff that has happened; it's hilariously sad.
In general I'm not a fan of McBride's comedic style and a lot of his scenes I find tedious. His character yells A LOT and I find dialog offensive and needlessly gross... but that's kinda his style. Gags go on too long. (Same with 'Judy')
Goodman is the star! Extremely well done characterization and performances!! ππΌ To McBide for casting him in this role!
S1-2 music was just ugh (muted for me w/ subtitles on) because I can't stand that kind of music period, but S3 more interesting.
Cinematography great!
Overall a really well made series!
Tammy (2014)
Heartfelt N Quirky
What I love most about this is performances of McCarthy and Sarandon. I'd love to see them work together again! Great supporting cast!
For me it really works on many levels.
Lots of shenanigans of course, and I found them funny.
I don't understand all the naysayers for this because there are really good performances in this!
Theme comes from a new perspective. I like what writers did here. Family drama is always messsy in real life and this is messy too, which is a good thing. It's not too hammy, not too ridiculous. I'd like to see more road-trips with grandma/granddaughter plots.
This has a lot of heart that I think most might miss out on.
The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
A hero I never knew I loved
I've been fan of SW since I saw it in the theater in 1977. The 'franchise' has come a l o n g way!
Fett was never a favorite character because I always aligned with the Rebellion, but these days with Fett series...I've come to appreciate that dark side more. (Hehe even in my SW:GOH gaming)
I absolutely LOVE this series and the whole back story of this character! I mean, he's not the bad guy here, he's a hero to the Tusken's! I love how the history of the Raiders are having a light shined on them, because I really kinda like them now. Season one is basically the story of Fett finding his tribe and it's an awesome story.
There's a Mandelorian camp and Fett camp...I wanted to like Mandelorian series better than this but I don't. They are both so different how can I compare, choose? Because Fett hits up my personal likes, tastes, visual sensibilities, storyline more so than Mandelorian. I love both, but Fett is better-to me.
I really want this series to explore the whole Fett line/heritage now! Going back to Jango and Clone Wars and even before that.
Moon Knight (2022)
Amazing!
I'd not heard of this before but being the Marvel and Isaac fan I am I had to watch.
I was pleasantly surprised it's all about ancient Egyptian mythos/gods- another plume!
It's now a top fave Marvel series/character!
Isaac in both roles is interesting and he pulls it off quite well.
Hawk as the Nemesis is kinda odd for me, wouldn't have been my first choice (despite being a Hawk fan), so no matter how many times I rewatch this it's still a 'huh, ok'.
Each episode is concise, easy to follow and addictive.
Action sequences are stellar, very well timed, thankful editing did good pulling it together.
Photography is great, and the music choices can be quite fun. I especially love the end credits music!
For me, the episodes that place in ancient Egypt are the most fun.
The STORY is just....well, apart from all marvel multiverse scenarios, AWESOME.
I REALLY hope there are more seasons to this!
65 (2023)
Unique
Posting my review from letterbxd...
I Looked forward to this one! (Rented via Amazon)
I absolutely loved the premise!!
Totally unique- no one else has ever done THIS scenario.
I loved the eggs dropped of real life archeological finds from ancient times (esp the cave 'family' drawing! That was brilliant tie-in!) and I loved the photography.
Kinda π that it reminded me of After Earth...but yet this is different enough. (I didn't like AE a lot)
The % of pre/development of Drivers character I thought over all too long compared to total length of film. (And the whole whistling thing played a BIG part in this AND on earth- yet why didn't the 2 characters on earth use the whistling instead of yelling out to each other, Esp during dangerous situations!?!)
The relationship btw the 2 characters on earth I felt no chemistry btwn them- was was stressed, but that kinda made it more legit. I liked the language barrier...And with that I too thought it odd Driver just spoke regular US English. However, his relationship with his daughter was very heartfelt and believable.
One- English as it's an American film makes sense. Two-at same time the beginning of film 'captions' kinda eluded to a possibility that this planet he was from (very earth like) was a precursor to humans on earth as we know it. Maybe that's just me tho?
Surprised at short run time. But, ultimately it worked.
I kinda wished there was more exposition after they left earth...but it's ok. They survived.
La Cucaracha (1998)
Sublime!
This is a top favorite Robert's film for me!
It's an odd casting for Roberts for some, but in 2023 it just shows how capable he is in practically ever genre! I'd love to see him do more of this!
THIS film is very quirky, dramatic, humorous at times ( thanks to roberts comedic talent) and a lot of not what you would expect. I'm not sure why but, I got wonderful smidgens of those wonderful old Sergio Leone films melded with modern expressionism. It's very different to describe this one because it doesn't fit neatly into a 'box'! It's part western, part drama, part comedy and a lot of surprise.
Well worth a watch if you like all above.
The 'Burbs (1989)
An all time favorite!
I've watched this so many times I know dialog by heart. No matter how many times I watch I still LMAO.
I watch when I'm in need of:
1) Comedic adventure.
2) I really need a pick me up from life.
3) I just want a fun flick.
The cast is GREAT. The writing borders genius. Direction perfect.
If you want a fun film about old school 'neighborhood shenanigans' this might fit. Give it a go.
This is kind of representative of those great madcap 80s films with a lot of great one-liners, and a lot of preposterous scenarios. But, this really works because of the cast, writing and direction- a trifecta of talent.
We have Gibson as a mad scientist trying to thwart Hanks/ Ducommun and Dern, while Brother Theodore and Gains stand as go-betweens of them all. Fisher and Schaal as THE voices of common sense, Fieldman as resident teen who just eggs everyone on and poor Gordon...even the dog is a character!
With 5 (!) of major cast members who've died it's a nostalgic trip that deserves some recognition and honor for work they put forth!
I truly hope no imbecile remakes this!
Emancipation (2022)
Not what I expected
I really looked forward to this but when I watched I was disappointed because I wasn't expecting half the film to be a montage of chase scenes with Will and Ben's characters!!
I didn't know it was based on THAT famous slave!
If I'd of know both I'd have been more open!!
Will is amazing in this and Ben held his own!
Photography was subliminal!
Some brutal scenes that honestly I can only imagine real life was close to.
Definitely recommend, but with open eyes to above.
I can't understand why the studio chose to leave out those important factors in trailers and in doing so might have hindered the ultimate viewing opinions.
Five Days at Memorial (2022)
Heart wrenching
This really is mind blowing...at same time it is exactly what I'd expect it to be.
Even tho I knew what to expect it was still a very hard watch, and I've done so over a month.
(I went in cold, no searching internet or reading reviews)
I remember Katrina, the stories coming out about NO, the dome, the utter 'What the serious *#:@ is happening here?'...I'm very surprised it took THIS long to make something like this- so very looong over due!!!
I know it's dramatized but at same time...it's not. This is just a 10% slice of that horror, just one story. I think it did an excellent job of trying to convey the desolation of that whole horrific BLIGHT (thank you bush π ) in US history. It seems to sum up the rawness of dealing with Katrina. I thought there was enough real footage shown in conjunction to Memorial.
It's sad that it ever came to these decisions but if one thinks about all the violence that happened in NO post Katrina, I give the doctors/nurses kudos for helping ANY patient be rescued, AND give a peaceful end of life!
If you watch this and you are too young to remb or not a us citizen, then use this as a kind of guide of one of the worst disasters to be fall US- and I mean from EVERY perspective!
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Brilliant!!!
...absurd, awesome, beautiful, brilliant, crazy, hilarious, mystical, revelationist, sci-fi fantastical and totally original!!!
I haven't laughed this hard all friggin year!
Thank You!!!
Leaving D.C. (2012)
Honestly I expected more...
Was very underwhelmed and several things were just blatantly stupid. Overall I thought this was very lame. Thankfully it was only .99 cents, yet I wasted .99 cents on this.
Nathan for You (2013)
Thank you for laughter!
I still rewatch this show because it's outrageous, genius, bright, insightful and yes, heartwarming.
It will be relevant for a long time.
Sad only 4 seasons.
Avenue 5 (2020)
Where is WallE?
I stumbled on this- thankfully.
Each episode I laughed more!
Where are more seasons????!!!!!!
The first episode I instantly thought of same exact scene from WallE(love)....am I in minority on that?
Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
Wonderful!
I LOVE IT!! Req. Blu-ray library purchase!
Haters back off man-I think it's awesome!!
I Loved that this focuses on the kids!! They are the new breed AND perfect pass-off with connection of grandkids! I thought McKenna and Finn were perfect in their roles!
I esp enjoyed mcKenna's performance in this! A mini Egon!!
I Loved everything about it! Esp the script!! It held true to original and there are some very hilarious moments! Appreciated the innuendos from the first film.
I saw org film in theater- fan ever since, and this installment did not disappoint! This had the same same humor and connectivity as original and I'm really happy about that!
Really loved all cast members in this! So very cool everyone from original showed up for this!!
Had beautiful tribute to Harold! I tear up at end every time!
(Side note I enjoyed... Potts and Grace here and in Young Sheldon.)
Foul Play (1978)
Top fave comedy from 70's
This is a personal fave for decades!
I tend to have a soft spot for absurd Madcap comedies of '70s- esp those with Hawn and Streisand!
(I STILL want to see them both in a comedy that taps their comedic geniuses!!)
70s were a sweet time for comedies in many ways and this fits perfectly in that history. There's insane comedic moments and memorable characters-blended with human hiccups. It's a treat to watch this classic!
Great cast! ππΌ Script, Hilarious hijinx, and it does have heart.
...Dudley Moore kinda steals his scenes! π
(Higgins gave me some of my ALL time fave comedies)
The Guilt Trip (2012)
Very nice!!
The guilt trip
I adore Streisand!!! Been a fan since 70s!
It is interesting watching her playing off Rogan...I mean what an odd mix, but it works in a weird way.
I wanted a son (got a girl) Roadtrip Won't happen with my kid. But, Maybe can do a (not as dramatic as film) RT with my grandson one day π€π»!?!
Parent/kid relationship is very hard and I liked the way this film approached it. Grown adults yet coming together and relating.
A lot of adult drama that's very translatable to real relationships when other films can't !
Anyway, I Love road-trips and roadtrip films to no end and this was a lot of fun!
Recovery (2021)
Hilarious!!!
I love this so much Instantly ordered a copy from Amazon!
Ok I don't understand the reviews of people 'not a family film' ...no s#$&! It's not supposed to be!
Whitney and Mallory were awesome as sisters!
A road-trip film during Covid- in a very humorous way, added drama of mice babysitting and a guy wanted...really well done.
It shows the humorous side of Covid in way I've not seen before.
Well written, well directed and well shot (cinematography)!
ππππ all around!
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
No disappointment!
Stakes rose, action better!
Loved the whole desert scene!
The first 3 films are some of THE best action films ever made!
This put into visual medium exceeded my expectations! Loved it all!
Shia was perfect as Sam(!!) and I'm a bit miffed why he didn't do others!
As well I loved relationship with Leboeuf and Fox- great chemistry!
Wonderful:
Action
Cast
FX
Score
It's fantastic all around!
1883 (2021)
Love my Westerns!
I've watched A LOT of western movies and series but this rises to top and I'm only on second episode! Love cast, dialog, cinematography! This show has included and shown several things (era specific) that no other series has and I LOVE that! Can't wait for more!
I'm tickled pink that Elliot is front running this!
Don't Call Me Bigfoot (2020)
Intelligent Doc!
I love Sasquatch documentaries! I'm fascinated with the concept of The Sasquatch creature and I just love mythology in general!
This is set apart from all the stupid 'let's hunt down Bigfoot' crap.
These guys present the lore, history and criptid phenomenon in a very well done manner! π
So if you want a more intelligent doc then watch this one!
City of Angels, City of Death (2021)
Very Interesting
I really liked this show but it was a bit maddening that EVERY episode the interviewees were repeated multiple times! We are not stupid and twice is enough to say something!
The audience treated as imbecilic and "needed to hear same quotes/comments multiple times!" π
Would have been great if they had actually included ALL of the 20 serial killers and not just a handful.
But, I give kudos to law enforcement who resolved to crack the cases!
Makes me wonder how many other cities delt with multiple serial killers in the 80s!?
The '70s-80s were awash with them- what the hell was going on!?
No Man of God (2021)
Interesting
I don't know how to rate this.
As an informative movie it's sorely lacking.
As a character study it interesting.
As performances? Kirby hits a home run! (Hence 8 stars) he imbues Bundy to a scary degree (ππΌππΌ)
I've seen a plethora of Bundy films/docs and this just is a null- BUT Kirby's performance is absolutely stellar!!! And is sole reason to watch this.
Wood is really interesting-as seen thru images of Bundy suggesting 'my world', Tho striking, Wood just doesn't pull off a 10....it lacks something...
I understand the how/what behind this film...but it falls short for some reason and can't put my finger to why that is?