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Reviews
Sprung (2022)
We NEED MORE!!!
I did not have high expectations for this show. It kept showing up when I opened the freevee app. Finally, I gave it a try. It is hilarious!!! Don't wait. Watch this show. The characters are delightfully odd. The cast has great chemistry, and it's funny enough that you will laugh out loud.
I immediately fell in love. I found myself binge watching, when I only intended to watch one episode.
Martha Plimpton made me laugh the most. Her expressions are hilarious, and the rest of the cast is spot on with creating character quirks that make this show addictive.
It's only shortcoming is that there aren't more episodes. It truly deserves at least a few more seasons.
You, Me & Them (2013)
Absolute Gem
First, this show deserved more episodes. Every episode was full of laughs, and the cast is superb.
The chemistry among the cast makes them feel like a real family, and they're all relatable and over the top at the same time.
I found myself laughing out loud... a lot. The dead pan jokes are hysterical. The slapstick jokes are hysterical.
Each episode finds new zany situations for the characters to navigate, and the ensemble writing leaves the viewer wanting more.
I literally watched all 12 episodes in a couple days.
Each episode leaves the viewer in a lighthearted mood. It really is worth watching.
Contact (1997)
Stands the Test of Time
Despite being released over 25 years ago, Contact holds up extremely well.
The cast, lead by Jodi Foster is superb. Only the fashions give a hint this isn't a recent film. Every performance established an archetype that still exists today, including members of Congress who are just vile.
The character with the least development is the terrorist, however in some ways that makes him more menacing now.
The script, based on the late and still great Carl Sagan's novel almost seems to have foreshadowed the immense division in our society, as multitudes embrace cult life behavior when learning contact by an extraterrestrial intelligence has been made.
Full disclosure: when I was a younG kid, I was introduced to Carl Sagan by a teacher who explained some people found Dr. Sagan to be dry. I was not one of those people. I watched every episode of Cosmos, and they always seemed too short. Perhaps I'm a nerd, but I fully embrace that.
When Jodi Foster's character recognizes a pattern, the urgency and excitement feels real.
Part of the story is also about religious faith, and it's done expertly by neither insulting religion, nor being preachy. This allows the viewer to contemplate that science and religion don't necessarily have to be adversaries.
The message received has part of a broadcast made by Hitler. It's tragic that he made the first broadcast able to reach an extraterrestrial civilization. The script addresses this effectively, and doesn't allow that abominable part of human history to take over the story.
The message ultimately provides a plan to build a device that is believed to take an occupant to another part of our galaxy.
The first machine is destroyed in a terrorist attack.
A second machine was built simultaneously, and Jodie Foster's character makes the journey.
She's transported through several wormholes to a different place. A being in the form of her late father communicates with her.
From her perspective, she's gone for several hours. Only a fraction of a second passes for everyone else on earth.
A congressman tries to discredit her, and viewers learn her recording device recorded several hours of static.
That returns us to the metaphor of faith. It reminds us there is so much we have to learn about our galaxy, and how very little we know about our own solar system.
We do know much more than we knew since the film was released. We have confirmation exoplanets exist. We're still anxiously awaiting confirmation that life exists in other parts of the universe.
This is really a must see film, and has rightfully earned its place among the classics.
Harry & Meghan (2022)
Set Bias Aside
First, I'm not British, or a citizen of any of the commonwealth nations. My observation is that of a complete outsider.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have more to lose than they have to gain by telling this story.
The level at which they weren't protected by the Royal institution is astonishing.
Their story is credible, and over six episodes, everything they say is consistent. They don't have contradictions.
The monarchy has serious soul searching to do. I have been a life long admirer of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II from my childhood until her death. I understand her commitment to placing the United Kingdom & the Commonwealth above all. It was literally her duty. Hearing that she backed out of a visit with Harry was a shocking revelation. It brings one to wonder if the Monarch is the Head of State or if the behind the scene advisors are pulling all the strings.
King Charles III does not come off as worthy of being a father. Whether or not he's worthy of being King is not my place to determine. It's understandable that he was forced to marry Diana rather than Camilla. The monarchy was still under outdated rules that lead played a role in the demise of other European monarchies. Still, his treatment of Diana, and his failure to utilize his immense influence to protect Harry & Meghan are catastrophic character flaws. I have not walked in his shoes. I do not know what it's like to live under those rules.
It was difficult to hear that William also made choices to play games rather than stand by Harry.
Harry is braver and a bigger man than his father and his brother.
Still, the shortcomings and dysfunctional family culture within the monarchy almost fades into the background. After watching all six episodes, it seems Harry & Meghan were more protective of the family, a courtesy that wasn't earned, but given out of respect for the people of the United Kingdom & the Commonwealth.
The British Press is the biggest villain. Anyone stating that Meghan should have just dealt with it are speaking from a place of uneducated privilege. Being the target of bigotry, racism, and prejudice is hurtful, and a constant deluge can be soul crushing, especially when you're in an environment that cuts you off from your friends and family.
I would go as far as stating, with an extremely high level of confidence, that the British tabloids are void of journalists, and instead staffed with immoral vultures, without souls. How they have been allowed to have this much power is abominable.
Again, I would question if the monarchy is really necessary when they have entire teams dedicated to backstabbing, just to get positive stories, in tabloids that have no credible reporting.
After the tragic outcome with never protecting Diana, it seems incomprehensible that the status quo was allowed to remain this many years after her death.
I'm also highly suspicious that the Royal family and the tabloids are behind the low rating this site. It's not the first time powerful people have manipulated numbers on the internet.
It's difficult to see a path for any rational individual to reach a different conclusion. King Charles and Prince William have more in common with cowards. They may be experts on providing responses that avoid controversy, yet they haven't offered details that contradict anything Harry and Meghan revealed.
Ultimately, their story is one of tragedy and triumph. Harry paid a very high price to protect his family. Meghan contemplated leaving this world to protect Harry. Fortunately, instead of another tragedy, their love for each other has given them the strength to build their own lives.
That's probably my biggest takeaway. After all the criticism Harry has received, he held to the values his mother taught him. It takes a lot of strength to exit a world of palaces and establish yourself as an independent family man.
I believe Harry & Meghan.
Wednesday (2022)
Exceeds Expectations
This version of Wednesday Addams is literally one of the best things to happen to television since Twin Peaks raised the bar in storytelling.
Most are familiar with The Addams Family through reruns or the films. This time, an adolescent Wednesday is sent to a boarding school for outcasts.
With an uncanny expression of gloom, and never blinking eyes, Wednesday takes viewers on a fun adventure of doom.
For a first season show, it seems to tell a well crafted story. There are scenes which are sure to be identified as iconic as we move to the future. The most amazing of those scenes is Wednesday's dance. It could literally carry the entire season on its own.
Seriously, if you haven't watched, make a plan to do so.
Tim Burton does a stellar job, and his collaboration with Jenna Ortega is destined to be legendary.
Wednesday is a jewel.
Dynasty (2017)
Hideous
There are three characters that actually work. Fallon, Sammy Jo, & Joseph.
The writing was the biggest failure to this abominable remake of an iconic series from the 80s.
The first season was uneven. The first season of the original was almost completely different than the next 8 seasons.
The writers never understood what made Dynasty special. There was a pageantry in how Dynasty was presented. The opening sequence, with the symphonic Bill Conti theme invited the viewer to be a part of the larger than life world.
Often, this new version didn't even show an opening sequence.
Granted, that's a petty criticism, but after the writing disasters, it was just another failure that can't be ignored.
The saddest part is that a multicultural Dynasty had the potential to be as iconic as the original. I was actually excited when I heard the reboot was going to be multicultural.
While general storylines were a mix of those from the original, as well as some new stories, it should have kept the show from being too predictable.
The last 4 seasons of the original had its fair share of missed opportunities, the reboot started off with missed opportunities.
Coherent stories never existed. Each season was a collection of bitchy scenes, sometimes they were intertwined in a story, but stories were so lackluster, they all just seem incomplete, and lame.
1- Cristol as an executive, was a great start, but she was unceremoniously fired, to accommodate a publicity stunt.
2- Matthew & Claudia were very 2 dimensional, and never explored properly. Although Matthew was written out after the first season on the original, he was still a full fledged character.
3- Sammy Jo's gender change to a gay man, and Blake accepting Steven's sexuality definitely played better than doing a homophobic Blake in the 21st Century. Ted Dinard played a bigger role, but the story was dropped, and had no long term impact.
4- Alexis showed up in the form of Nicolette Sheridan, who was in Knot's Landing when the original Dynasty was on the air. She was later in desperate housewives. In this version, Fallon filled the role of a strong business woman, and b word (though she was never as ruthless as Joan's Alexis.) Alexis was probably the most challenging role to cast. Joan Collins remains a glamour icon, and her shoes aren't easily filled. It takes a lot of guts to accept the challenge. The writing wad just never there. Alexis seems more petty, pathetic, and passive aggressive, but in the reboot, she was a snore fest. When Sheridan left the role, Elizabeth Gillies filled in as Alexis for a few episodes, making it feel kind of gross.
Elaine Hendrix took over the role full time, but she was never an adversary... mostly because she married Jeff instead of Cecil in this version. The writing was just never there, because in this version, Fallon was the main diva. The reboot would have probably been better off without Alexis full time.
5- Jeff Colby being had potential. Instead of the malleable nephew to Cecil, he was the one with power. Cecil was his imprisoned father. The writing was terrible. Monica Colby appears from the beginning. She's not an unknown sister. In this version, Jason & Sable Colby never existed.
Dominique Deveraux ends up being Jeff & Monica's mother, as well as Blake's sister. This results in Jeff & Fallon being cousins, who slept together. This time, the relation was a lot closer than the retcon in the original. It left a yuck factor that just clung to the show. By the last three seasons, Jeff is basically an afterthought, and his stories were nothing notable, which was a huge loss of opportunity.
6- Liam, who ends up being Fallon's husband, and is a new character, actually worked. It helped his shirtless scenes are plentiful. His own family took the place of the Colbys in the original. He was likable, and helped people forget Fallon was sleeping with her cousin.
7- Michael Culhane was far more successful as a character in this version. In the original, he wasn't likable. In this version, he had plenty of redeeming qualities, even if making good choices was a challenge. Stories never had lasting impact though.
8- Steven being written out, leaving Sammy Jo out of place was a horrible decision. There could have other ways to accommodate his presence. His absence was probably one of the biggest missteps.
9- In the original, Adam was deliciously evil. No matter how bad he was, people still wanted him. In this version, Adam is an unstable nut, who quite possibly could be a psychopathic serial killer. Bad stories and writing made him seem a parody. The material was really bad. It unbelievable he could have ever had the discipline to complete med school. He couldn't control his most childish impulses.
10- Amanda was introduced, and nothing against the actress, but she wasn't needed in this version. In the original, she had to fill the hole left when Pamela Sue Martin left the series.
This version does explore the Fallon/Amanda relationship, but there just wasn't a memorable story. In the original, Amanda's arrival lead to the Moldavian not quite massacre. Here, she just ends up having a really lame relationship with Kirby.
11- Kirby is more interesting in this version. She's more trouble maker than needy. The original was a specific archetype of the era. It wouldn't play well now to have a meek Kirby. She just never grows. The writers never committed to a story. She dates, but nothing ever works out.
12- Joseph was a character that worked remarkably well, considering the mess of a scripts the actors had to endure. For whatever reason, the producers let the actor quit. His death in this version was probably the only event that had a memorable impact, mainly because it was shocking to see a character that worked so well killed off.
13- Dominique Deveraux was cast with a fabulous actress, and she was given the maturity level of a middle school student. She was definitely not the caliber of Dominique that could detect when champagne is burned. There was so much lost potential here, it's sad.
14- Cristal was recast an annoying number of times. First, I think it was a grave mistake to kill off the first Cristal. It left Sammy Jo in limbo. It was insulting when the second Cristal showed up, only to reveal she loaned Cristal #1 her identity. It was a stupid move. It probably would have been better to just recast, and not be convoluted about it. When the 3rd Cristal showed up, it was just distracting. It was pretty obvious that the writers didn't know how to write Cristal ever, and in Season 3, it seemed like she was just an afterthought. Again, Linda Evans made this role so iconic, it was going to be difficult for anyone. In this round, the writing was so bad, none of the actresses had a chance.
15- Blake, just wasn't a good version of Blake. Grant Show is sexier now than his days on Melrose Place, but this Blake was capable of cold blooded murder. He was also a man child. Fallon always seemed to have him on a leash.
16- Last, Fallon... Elizabeth Gillies gave it her all. She basically carried the show, because she could make horrible scripts work. Most seasons, she had bitchy scene after bitchy scene, and maybe a bit of a poorly plotted story was tossed in. She definitely seemed closer to Pamela Sue Martin's Fallon. When Fallon had to break out in song, it worked with Ms. Giles while seeming embarrassingly corny when other characters did it.
Starting in the 5th season, Fallon starts to wear thin. The constant screaming and creating her own drama was becoming annoying. It was the lack of a coherent story.
For some weird reason, I kept watching, even though it never improved. I kept hoping that the writing would find its stride. It never did. Compared to the original, it's rubbish. Dynasty was a fantasy that told over the top stories through camp. The characters, stories, and relationships were coherent, even though ridiculous. The new version went for camp without the story or production values. The cast deserved better scripts.
In the end, I was relieved to learn it had been canceled. I knew I was watching because I kept hoping for a few episodes that recreated the magic of the original. It never did. I watched, so now you don't have to.
Terror Train (2022)
Production Values are OK.
This updated version of Terror Train sticks pretty close to the original script. There's slight updates indicating why no one can call for help in the age of cell phones.
The cast of unsuspecting college students is annoying. They don't have redeemable qualities, and I don't think one was likable.
That leaves the viewer rooting for the dark magician, who makes up for the lack of charisma from the other characters. Tim Rozon, from Schitt's Creek plays the magician, and literally, he brings enough to the table that you hope he's the villain, only this time, the villain is more like Robin Hood, saving the audience from the other dreadful characters.
While this film is not a must see, Tim Rozon proves his magnetic presence wasn't just a fluke in Schitt's Creek. He could read from the dictionary, and every syllable he recites would make viewers sigh.
Cape Fear (1991)
Just Rewatched
Some remakes struggle to live up to the original. This is not one of them.
Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange, Juliette Lewis, and Robert DeNiro brought their A game to the production. Their performances bring flawed characters to life in a way that holds up to today's standards.
DeNiro provides a performance that is immensely terrifying. There were times the viewer wants to look away, making him more terrifying than any villain from a slasher film.
As he terrorizes a family, the viewer is taken on a psychological journey that is effective, because the family they portray has issues that any family could face.
Jessica Lange, long before her indelible presence in American Horror Story, really shows her success was not a fluke, but the result of amazing talent.
Juliette Lewis plays the daughter with perfection. She's at an age where she think she knows better, and a hard lesson follows.
Nick Nolte does an amazing job making the viewer feel his desperation.
This is definitely a film worthy of your time. The ensemble cast, which includes cameos from the original production, delivers. Not all ensembles have actors that carry the load to success.
The film is suspenseful, and even though I remembered how it ends, the suspense was still there.
If you're in the mood for a good thriller, this is a great choice.
If there was an award for an ensemble, this film would deserve it.
Bent (1997)
Brilliantly Disturbing
This is a must see film, that confronts prejudice against homosexuality in 1930s Germany. Unfortunately, it's extremely relevant today, as prejudice against the LGBTQ+ community faces increased prejudice again.
Adapted from a play, the film is exceptionally acted. There are moments that are difficult to watch, because of the cruelty.
Scenes in the concentration camp are brutal at times, yet it's doubtful they begin to scratch the surface of what prisoners actually endured.
Despite the discomfort, it's impossible to avoid feeling compassion and empathy for the protagonist characters, and pure loathing for the antagonist.
I don't want to give plot points away for those who may not be familiar with the material, but this is a must watch film. It seems to be an underrated film that should, rightfully, be considered a classic among future generations.
The Cloverfield Paradox (2018)
Somewhat cliche
The overall conception is good.
The delivery is disappointing.
It seems The Cloverfield Paradox cannot decide if it's an action adventure film, or a personal story.
It failed on both fronts.
There's really not much character development, so when catastrophes strike, as a viewer it just seemed like the writers decided to kill off a few characters, but didn't really take time to flesh out anyone.
The character with the most character development still comes off as two dimensional.
The whole film has an atmosphere of cliche. Doors and hatches conveniently stop working, so people can die in an unpleasant manner.
It's like they took parts from other films, and worked them into one.
If you're bored on a weekend with bad weather, it watchable, but it's not very memorable.
Apocalypse Pompeii (2014)
What is this?
Wow! My bad. I was distracted when I saw the word "Pompeii." I hit play.
Instead of a documentary, for which I was hoping, the most bizarre disaster movie began.
The script is astonishingly terrible. It's really bad. I found myself laughing, almost hysterically, during scenes that were supposed to serious or suspenseful. The dialogue was pure cliche, with a large helping of cheese.
I suggest watching if you have a friend, Mary Jane.
It was so bad, I couldn't stop watching.
Truly, a bizarre film.
West Side Story (2021)
Wow! I didn't believe it could be done!
I entered my viewing experience wanting to dislike, if not hate, this remake of one of my all time favorite films.
I ended up loving it, as much as I love the original.
The production values are fantastic.
The set design is fantastic.
The diverse cast is extraordinarily good.
I admit my bias, in being a huge fan of Rita Moreno. I would probably prefer to sew my lips shut, rather than say anything about her that doesn't keep her on the pedestal she's on, in my mind, at least. Her presence in this version brings so much to the film, that she continues to shine.
It's obvious everyone involved in this production brought their best game.
Definitely watch it.
Halloween Kills (2021)
Same Mistakes
Overall Halloween Kills is watchable, but it's rather disappointing.
There are newly created scenes that are used in flashbacks to the night of the original film. They look great, without looking CGI.
There is also a clip from the Rob Zombie version, which is a nice nod, but it's odd to see the two Halloween timelines connected. While it's somewhat breaking the 4th wall, it didn't add anything to the story, and is really just an Easter egg for uber dedicated fans of the series.
Jamie Lee Curtis has some good scenes, but she's not in it enough to feel satisfying. The cast, as a whole, is too large. This leaves characters introduced, just to be killed.
Like Halloween II, this sequel dropped character development, and went for gore. The gore is plentiful, but not scary. This decision is what makes this chapter disappointing.
The overall premise was good, but the execution was bad.
Many of the victims meet their fate, because the film over utilized the cliche of horror film characters making poor choices. For instance, two characters, Big John and Little John, know they live in the Meyers home, but don't get out of the house, when they know someone is inside.
Other characters defy common sense, and have an unsavory encounter with Michael Meyers making you wonder if he's not really doing the world a service by getting rid of the stupid people.
The denizens of Haddonfield work themselves up into a frenzy, leading to some vigilante behavior that is poorly delivered on screen. It's hard to feel compassion for them, after they cause a vulnerable man's death.
Where the previous film dropped all the supernatural nonsense of the original sequels, it picked it up again. The mythology became so absurd, it started turning the sequels in to jokes. Going down that path again, just didn't work.
Maybe too many scenes ended up being cut, and that's where the character development was.
I found myself rolling my eyes at the end, and honestly don't feel any sense of anticipation for third installment.
This is an example of why you shouldn't make a sequel, just because you can. It diminished the reboot, and dived back into cliche.
The Stranger (2020)
Suspenseful/Easy Watch
Roku is on to something with these short episode originals.
While each episode is brief, the suspense builds nicely.
There are a few areas where the viewer has to suspend belief, such as every cop in L. A. being a jerk or incompetent, but it's forgivable.
There are some predictable moments, and some twists that keep you guessing.
Each episode ends with a slight cliffhanger, which keeps your attention into the next episode.
Production values are good, especially for a short.
Wireless (2020)
Creative,Interesting & Worth it
This is definitely somewhat of an underrated gem. The episodes are short, making it possible to binge in an evening, which I did. It's actually snowy and cold out, so this was a great night for it.
While the story is simple, each episode creates a satisfying atmosphere of suspense.
It may be more appealing to the college crowd, but it was definitely entertaining for those who have college in the rear view mirror.
The acting and directing create believable, yet flawed characters, and if you've ever had car trouble in the middle of nowhere, you'll be able to relate.
I would be interested in seeing more productions like this. The episodes are short, so the script remains focused, yet after 10 episodes, you feel like you received quality entertainment.
Tulsa (2020)
Preachy Rubbish
The script has so many holes, from an incompetent social worker and department to being preachy for the sake of being preachy.
Children do not get left with a single man with substance abuse issues, unless the caseworker is looking to end his/her career.
The script is sloppy, filled with sappy cliche, and unnecessary Bible verses, in lieu of a good story telling. There's also a good dose of toxic masculinity.
Telenovela (2015)
Absolutely Funny
Telenovela is a treasure. It really deserved more seasons.
The cast is hilarious.
It's a great quick binge watch, and it delivers plenty of laughs.
It's hard to say who is the funniest, because the entire cast is perfection in how they deliver their lines. The cast chemistry is amazing.
Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel (2021)
Netflix should be ASHAMED
This was the most grotesque attempt at a documentary.
It's a bunch of nonsense and conspiracy theories.
The YouTubers being "interviewed" are creepy AF.
There was nothing factual presented.
This is abhorrent sensationalism of a woman's death.
Netflix should be ashamed.
Alguien Te Mira (2010)
Fun Ride
Alguien te Mira is an entertaining telenovela, and like most novelas, it requires suspension of belief.
The cast, of course, is over the top good looking. They spend a lot of time in bathing suits, underwear, and most of it is purely gratuitous.
At some points, especially early in the series, the characters seem to be too immature to be doctors, or other professionals. The doctors are a big train wreck at the beginning of the story, and as their lives get caught up in the hunt for a serial killer, they become tattered wreckage. For a soap opera, that's good.
You keep watching, because everyone is so good looking, but suspense builds when we learn the serial killer has been on our screens the whole time.
The overall story is good. Some of the secondary stories are a bit silly.
This is a good escape from stressors in the real world.
I watch telenovelas mainly to improve my Spanish, which I started studying two years ago. They're very helpful in that area.