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The Hustle (2019)
Vapid remake
Anne Hathaway is a tenth the actor of Michael Caine and misses the mark as the sophisticate. Caine's character was a connoisseur of the finer things in life; Hathaway's is simply a con. While I did not expect Rebel Wilson to come to the level of Steve Martin, she probably did the best she could with the material she was given. Certainly not comparable to Ruprecht the monkey boy. The tech boy is unbelievable at all and simply laughable at the stupidity when he comes back to join the women. Probably a nice kid and would be good elsewhere, but poorly cast here. The butler is the only truly bright spot in the movie.
The Hustle wasn't so much a remake as it was a B-movie ripoff. Don't waste your time.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)
YAWN. Boring plot relying on CGI to move the movie. Even worse than 2016. Terrible writing.
Cast: Bill Murray and the original cast members. Annie Potts looks the same as she did decades ago, and is still a spitfire. Murray is funny and one of the few bright spots in the movie. Akyroyd needed someone to be his funny man so he could be the straight one, but was okay. Ernie Hudson is excellent as always. My one laugh was when William Atherton came on the scene - smart choice! Finn Wolfhard has a few good lines and brings some believability to the movie. Kumail Nanjiani overacts, but it's meant to be ridiculous so it works. I don't know why the writers didn't use someone as funny as Paul Rudd to deliver comedic lines. Instead, he's wimpy and uncharacteristically underutilized. The main actress (McKenna Grace) might be good at her craft, but she's written as an angry EMO teen - wholly unlikeable throughout the entire movie. Cringeworthy scenes that I just wanted to be over. Carrie Coon, a really good actress, is completely wasted here with few lines and none of them good. Celeste O'Connor is the token black girl with inappropriate sexual comments and first-year student acting.
CGI for the ghosts - mostly well done except, regrettably, the MAIN ghost. He looks like a nightmarish Tim Burton character; more demon than ghost.
The plot is horribly slow and people in the theater were playing games on their phones during the last half of the movie. There are too long diatribes that had no apparent purpose and little actual action. Where's the humor? I laughed 1 time and smiled fewer than a half dozen times. What did the movie want to be? It certainly wasn't a comedy.
Overall, it could have been good, but relied far too heavily on the special effects at the expense of the writing. The three stars are for those actors who did the best they could with a dog of a script.
So You Think You Can Dance (2005)
Unwatchable in its current iteration
I wanted to like this, really I did. We've been fans of the show from the beginning and watched it develop into something great -- only to have it fall flat this season. It's far worse than even season one. The judges are awful -- Comfort may have been a judges' favorite, but she certainly wasn't an audience favorite. The other previous female contestant (can't remember her name) isn't likable at all. The format is weird and doesn't end up with the best dancers. It's like a low-budget B movie remake of a classic. Without Nigel and Mary (at the very least, Nigel), the show is destined for cancelation.
The two stars are for Kat Deeley - the ONLY reason to watch this drivel.
Sons of God: Fallen Angels Explored (2022)
A look at Genesis 6 from different perspectives
This documentary explores different theories on who the "Sons of Men" in Genesis 6 refers to. It does not make a judgement on the various points of view (until the very last when the producer briefly recounts his own).
Its format is well done, moving from one scholar to the next, and most are easy to follow even for someone without a lot of previous knowledge.
The music throughout is a terrible techno-style with weird lyrics that distracts from the quality of the film. I hit the mute button more than once. At the end, the video editor has good things to say, but talks too long. Lastly, don't film yourself with sunglasses on when trying to connect with viewers.
Overall, well worth watching. Looking forward to seeing what they come up with next.
Nae Nampyeongwa Gyeolhonhaejweo (2024)
Excellently written, characters you are very invested in
Watched this from "recommendations" on my Prime. I was a skeptical at first, having no experience with the language or Korean dramas. It's funny, but after the first episode, you forget you're watching subtitles.
This is incredibly well-written and well acted. It grabs your emotions and makes you invest in the characters. There's enough back story to explain things without it going off on to some uninteresting tangent. There is great chemistry between actors (not just the lead ones) and an amazing sense of anticipation. Just when you think you know what's going to happen, a twist comes in. Realistic twists, not some far-fetched thing to wrap up a side story.
As soon as my phone pings, I'm on the tv to watch it full screen. I haven't felt such anticipation for a show in a very long time.
The Beanie Bubble (2023)
Highly fictionalized account from anti-Ty POV
The film starts out telling the audience that they made up a lot of the script. That should be a clue.
As a movie, it's really well done and enjoyable. The acting is excellent, the costuming is fantastic, and the script moves it along very quickly. It's occasionally hard to follow, but this doesn't take away from the overall enjoyment. Elizabeth Banks is superb as the clever, crafty Robbie.
The story is told from three women's points of view - pretty much how they were wronged and deserved the credit for the Beanie Babies craze. If you recognize the "woman scorned" POV from the beginning, it's a lot more enjoyable as just a movie. It's certainly NOT a documentary -- if you want to see a more accurate depiction, watch Beanie Mania (2021). But if you just want an enjoyable flick, this is it.
Time Changer (2002)
Good message for Christians; might feel preachy to others
The gist of the story is that situational morality becomes the standard when there is no authority behind the morality.
The lead actor occasionally overacts, but the acting throughout is otherwise solid.. Hard to go wrong with actors we've loved in our childhoods. It's well produced. The soundtrack is excellent, subtle where it needs to be.
There ARE mini-"sermons" throughout the film, but they are relatively short and they are relevant.
Time travel is an interesting concept and has been done many times with varying degrees of success. It's not "Quantum Leap," but it was an overall enjoyable film.
Squid Game: The Challenge (2023)
Great games, but stupid and unfair "tests"
This show started out great! A real life Squid Games. The games themselves are clever adaptations of the original show. Unfortunately, the writers got lazy as the season moved on. Too many incredibly cringy and boring backstories that make you want to puke rather than root for a contestant. Worst of all, though, are the "tests." They're not actually tests -- what they are are ways to get rid of the strongest players. Those players also happen to be the most interesting. Spoiler: In a completely non-competitive "test," the women are able to get rid of the strongest males, leaving only women and less physical men. Bye-bye just about anyone interesting. In another "test," the most annoying female "suddenly" changes spots from being eliminated to being able to eliminate three contestants. No contest, just eliminated for "strategy." This is not a game. The show is trying to be Survivor-like, but fails at it miserably.
In short, this could be a really good series -- IF they stick to the actual games and leave out all the drivel.
AmeriGeddon (2016)
A worst-case scenario of One World Government against the US
When this was made, it was probably unthinkable. Not as much any more, but there are aspects that seem far-fetched today. Russians and Chinese under the UN banner coming after those who would refuse to relinquish USA sovereignty. Texans (of course) end up the heroes in a battle that wouldn't happen that way due to all the technology now available.
Interesting, though, how the extended friends and family pull together against a common enemy. Decent acting for the most part, excellent cinematography. I was just disappointed in the ending because it doesn't really resolve, but sets it up for another scene (we may have won the battle, but the war is still waging - type of thing.)
I probably won't watch it again, but I did enjoy it.
Candy Cane Lane (2023)
Cute, funny movie
There are so many funny little jokes tucked in here that you're not going to catch if you're not listening. From the greatest sportsman of all time being Michael B. Jordan (He's an actor if you aren't familiar) to Santa Claus showing up black. And, yes, DieHard IS a Christmas movie. Murphy is funny as always, and looks great for being in his 60s. The little girl is adorable and was well cast.
The only scene that was FAR too long and uninteresting is Nick in the music room. Get to the gag already. There are a lot of sight gags, slapstick style. The main story line is predictable, but done in an enjoyable family-friendly way. It's not going to be one that we watch every year, but it was wholly enjoyable.
Palmer (2021)
Good acting, but...
Could've left out the sex scenes. That's more Justin than I ever wanted to see, and the viewer's imagination would've been better. Excellent acting throughout, but no chemistry with Palmer and Maggie's characters. Timberlake is a far better actor than singer -- sort of how Jennifer Lopez is a first rate actress.
Decent representation of how a boy might turn out with a screwed up mother and no father.
The movie is verrrrrrry slow, and we don't get to see the inevitable ending - with Palmer and Maggie getting married, him moving to her house, Sammy being screwed up as he enters puberty, and the eventual divorce. But Timberlake's performance carries it. I wouldn't watch it again, but it's not like watching The Whale where I want my two hours back.
The Whale (2022)
A dog of a script saved by excellent acting
I understand why Frazer got the best actor award. He's not the only great actor in this film. There's not a single poorly cast or poorly acted character here. It's what saves this from being a B-movie.
Set inside a single house (all scenes shot in the same place), this is a tragic story about how one person's selfish actions have far-reaching and negative consequences. Frazer leaves his wife and 8-year old daughter for a male student of his. She's understandably bitter and the daughter is a trainwreck. "You left me for your student!" She hates the world; she's been abandoned for the sake of "love." Never mind that it's not very loving to leave her or her mother - really for the sake of lust rather than love.
Frazer's young lover is shunned by his religious father (religion is painted in the worst light throughout the movie) and he ends up committing suicide. His sister becomes Frazer's nurse; she's also bitter and hates the world. Frazer stuffs his feelings with food and becomes morbidly obese. The end is a cheesy reveal of his obesity to his online students, and a walk to his daughter - completely set up and expected.
Other than terrific acting, there's no redeeming quality to this movie. "Be honest" is what the writer's going for, but honestly, it was a waste of time watching it.
Jesus Revolution (2023)
Different than expected; well acted and scripted
Having grown up when the church was just starting to put chairs on the patio, I expected something completely different. I thought the movie was going to be more about Chuck Smith and the amazing things that happened to and grew out of Calvary Costa Mesa. Instead, at it's core, it's a love story (and back story) about Greg and Cathe Laurie. There's a lot I never knew, even though Greg has been very open about his life. It was interesting and well done. I would have liked for it to follow the next few years, and to have seen more of Calvary and Harvest. I know some reviewers felt that it was too long, but I was wanting more.
The acting is excellent overall and it's well cast. Kelsey Grammer, of course, shines, but I felt the star performance was from Anna Grace Barlow as Cathe. She's completely believable.
There are funny parts in the movie, a few that felt a little forced, but overall humorous. Some artistic license, too (the tent was much larger, we stood, and we jockeyed for position not too far from the heaters, and not too close!) I get that it was about the Hippie movement, but there were a lot of non-Hippies there, too.
The soundtrack is wonderful and really well chosen for the time period. Cinematography is beautiful; there's a sort of Kodachrome feel to some of the scenes that give a great mood.
This is one we'll buy.
Shrinking (2023)
Excellent acting, just a boring script
Not funny or interesting. I don't think I even chuckled during the whole episode. I certainly didn't laugh. Is it supposed to be a comedy or a drama? I think it was meant to be a comedy, but it's unfunny.
I was really looking forward to this due to the promos with Harrison Ford in them, but I am sadly disappointed. Segal's acting is excellent in his part, it's just not interesting. The only character I remotely cared about is Gabby.
Maybe this gets better. I'll give it another week. It's a great concept, but the follow through isn't there. The acting is very good. The writing, not so much.
5 stars for the actors.
Wildcat (2022)
Don't be fooled into thinking this is about animals
It's more a story about two messed up people and THEIR journey while raising wild animals, specifically ocelots.
There is comparatively little footage of the cats. There is a TON of Harry's whiny babbling. It's obvious he was likely really screwed up before going into the military, and it appears to be a story in contrast -- lower class Brit hooks up with upper middle class American. Sam is working on her doctoral thesis. She has no problem airing her family's dirty laundry and speaking ill of the dad. Her political views really don't belong in the documentary, and make her even less likeable.
If you liked the Blair Witch Project format, you might be interested in this. The movie was better with the sound turned off.
The Pale Blue Eye (2022)
You'll never see Poe the same way again
An excellent story line coupled with great acting makes this a must-see. Harry Melling shines as the socially-awkward but brilliant Poe. All characters are well cast, except for maybe Gillian Anderson trying too hard to be the center of any scene she's in.
The scenery and cinematography throughout are beautiful, and the camera manages to set moods perfectly. The music is subtle and plays on your senses, setting you up for what's next. And what's next? The movie is one where you need to actually pay attention and think while watching.
I was not expecting the ending (no spoiler here), but it makes sense.
All around wonderful movie, taken to the next level by Melling.
Downsizing (2017)
Loses its focus midway
Interesting concept, and I had high hopes for it. Unfortunately, it feels like there were different writers for the first and second halves. Initially, the characters are interesting, there is great dialogue, and you're invested in them. Halfway through, the movie becomes not about the "downsizing," of individuals, but a climate alarmist's platform. It's little more than an hour of preaching at me, with no real plot line except to set up the doomsday speaker. The littles at the original colony are a hippy-dippy cult complete with drum circle.
Christopher Waltz remains interesting and charming throughout the movie, but Damon is surprisingly stiff in the last half. Maybe he didn't plan to be part of a propaganda film. There is no chemistry whatsoever between Damon and Hong Chau, though she carries her character well. Expanding on it would've made the movie more interesting.
Overall, skip this unless you're a huge Greta fan. Even then, there are better avenues. I kept waiting for it to get better and I'm sorry I waited instead of just turning it off.
Finch (2021)
Drags on, and story line completely predictable.
You know in the first few minutes everything that's going to happen in the movie. Hanks is believable, but the robot is simply not. We don't CARE about the characters (except the dog) and that's the movie's failing. The robot "personality" is ridiculous. This could've been an hour tv special, but drags out instead. Thumbs down to the writers as it seemed quite derivative and unimaginable. It was one of those movies that you keep hoping is going to get better, but never does. Should've used the dog more as he's really the only character viewers are probably invested in. Missed opportunities there, likely because of concentrating on the unlikeable robot. And why would the voice change from Steven Hawking-like to a silly little kid? You'd need to pay me handsomely to watch this again.
The Wilds (2020)
Trite, at best. Will appeal to public school teens and 20s.
Yes, I watched (most of) it. Spoiler alert: the white girls are the worst people in the world, men are violent creatures but women can get along, the Christian is a hypocrite homophobe who really is a lesbian (surprise, surprise. Not.), the ends justify the means, etc. It's just so trite. Betting it was written by a lonely 40-something lesbian manhater.
Too bad because I actually thought a lot of the women have a future in acting. Sophia Ali and Rachel Griffiths are amazing in their roles. There's attention to the craft that shows up in subtle ways. Really well done. Too bad the writing doesn't measure up to the acting. I won't be watching more.