monberger Reviews

Jury Duty (2023– )

A hell of a comedy!!!

[10/10 · 16 April 2023]

Oh my gosh! I woke up at 3:00 in the morning and I couldn't get back to sleep so I grabbed my iPad and I saw an advertisement for the show. I checked the ratings and there pretty good so I gave it a try. Oh my gosh, I started to laugh so hard and tried to be quiet because my wife was next to me sleeping and she woke up and said "what a hell are you watching" So I let it all out! "Jury Duty" is a hell of a show it reminds me so much of "The Office" it is so hilarious! The casting is perfect, and the writing is great! It gets you hooked, can't stop watching. Marsden and company are great and so beautifully weird! If you like the office, you will love Jury Duty. Thanks, Freevee for a great Original!

Babylon (I) (2022)

Indeed an epic film; not kidding!!!

[10/10 · 29 December 2022]

I love the cinema! Babylon is a spectacular epic film, truly a masterpiece. I think this movie deserves the Oscar for best picture of the year. It is a remarkable story following several characters living the dream and the starlight of Hollywood. Chazelle has created a movie that is a love letter to Hollywood not because of depraved parties or preventing talented minorities from becoming stars but from reflecting how far Hollywood has become.

I was amazed by the Oscar-worthy performances from Margot Robbie. She is fantastic and deserves a nomination. Brad Pitt is excellent as well, and the newcomer Mexican actor Diego Calva wow, perfectly carried the whole movie; he had great chemistry with Robbie. Jean Smart was fantastic, specifically the cameo with Brad Pitt, and Tobey Maguire was hilarious. Three hours of such a spectacle from beginning to end. I loved the cinematography, and the musical score is out of this world. You feel you want to dance and sing. The story was great and nostalgic. Come on, people, I can see it was harsh for some prunes not to like the movie because of the sex and drug content, but it is far from being the objective.

I loved the cameos of the movie sets that show the evolution from silent to talkies. If you love movies as much as I do, you will love Babylon, and finally, I want to tell you that the ending is epic; I don't want to spoil telling you about it. Please, see it on the big screen.

Please do not read the low ratings of critics; they are full of it!

Empire of Light (2022)

Lovely film!!!

[10/10 · 16 December 2022]

Sam Mendes's film "Empire of Light" will leave you fully satisfied, and when the credits roll, you will wow by such an enjoyable film. A character depiction of an ordinary woman unexpectedly involved in a relationship while dealing with mental illness and social/racial issues of 1980s England. It is a lovely film with masterful performances. Olivia Colman has never been better; she has demonstrated once again she is such a fine actress. For sure, and I hope she is nominated and wins the Oscar for her performance. Mendes's direction is perfect, and he has created a lovely and satisfying film. Not sure why this movie had such bad reviews from the critics. Did I see the same film? Mendes is one of my favorite directors; he has created another great movie. For sure, "Empire of Light" is on my list as one of the best films of 2022.

Devotion (II) (2022)

Heroes of a forgotten war!

[9/10 · 1 December 2022]

I loved this film, a beautifully told story of heroes of a forgotten war, about a friendship based on a trusting relationship, as it should be during times when a human connection is needed. Jonathan and Glen did a fantastic job; they had great chemistry. The film is criticized as boring and not having much action; come on. It is about two heroes, their heroic story, and their duty to their country. I think the movie had a good pace and the necessary battle scenes. The musical score is fantastic. I loved it and enjoyed it very much. Please, don't miss it and see it; it is a great story, don't listen to superficial moviegoers who love to ruin good films. Be your critic.

The Menu (2022)

The Menu is exquisite!!!

[10/10 · 23 November 2022]

The menu is an excellent film that keeps you hooked until the last minute. Ralph Fiennes should get the nomination for best actor, and Anya Taylor-Joy it should do as well for best actress. I could not take my eyes off the screen-exquisite performances from everyone, especially from the two leads. Nicholas Hoult is fantastic as well as a supporting actor. Excellent screenplay, haunting musical score, and direction from Mark Mylod. I feel The Menu is the best picture of the year. It is a great drama, dark comedy, and horror. See this movie at the theater and prepare yourself for an exquisite treat watching this great film.

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (2022)

Fantastic sweet Crocodile Story!!!

[10/10 · 19 October 2022]

What a sweet and tender movie, great for children and the whole family. There was no profanity and mention of drugs or alcohol; very clean!!! Lyle was sweet and tender despite not talking except when singing with the voice of Shawn Mendes. Lyle's expressions were charming and expressive (grate animation). Javier Bardem was great, as always. Fun and touching musical numbers; please don't forget to take tissues with you as it has moments that will make you tear up a bit. Please, go to the theater and see it on the big screen, take your children they will love it as much as I did! I would love to see it again.

Mr. Harrigan's Phone (2022)

The beauty of well acted film!!!

[10/10 · 7 October 2022]

It s a delight to watch Donald Sutherland perform. This movie is Classified as a horror but, not because it has given us jump scares, ghosts, or horrifying scenes but to what would happen if death made contact with the living. It is a horrific thought. It is a simple film based on Stephen King's short story, but overall well acted by Sutherland and the newcomer Jaeden Martell; this young man can act, beautiful chemistry between Sutherland and Martell. Excellent screenplay and direction for John Lee Hancock. I had a good time watching this film and, overall, seeing the performances of Martell and Sutherland.

Don't Worry Darling (I) (2022)

The Wait is Over!!!

[10/10 · 23 September 2022]

I have been waiting for this movie for so long and expecting to love it, which did not disappoint. I love Florence Pugh and Harry; they had such sexy chemistry. I don't know what's wrong with the critics, but this movie did not deserve the low ratings. I will start with Florence Pugh, Carrie's the film with a phenomenal performance, a tour the force, and Harry Styles with his charismatic personality. Loved them! Florence Pugh deserves a nomination. This film is beautiful, with gorgeous cinematography and excellent score and costuming. Magnificent and entertaining throughout, great plot It keeps you guessing and thrilled until the last minute. This 2022 it is a definitely a great year for movies and by the way "Don't Worry Darling" is a 2021 film. Give yourself a favor; if you like movies and good performances, this is a phenomenally entertaining film, don't listen to the critics; see it and be your critic.

Beast (I) (2022)

This movie I rated a Ten

[10/10 · 19 August 2022]

Oh my gosh, I have never jumped so hard in a movie, so tense and flinch scared-fabulous story and acting from Idris and the two young girls. The CGI lion was great real looking. A perfect summer movie to be watched on the big screen, especially on the Imax Or Dolby Atmos. Don't miss it; you will have a great time. Haters get a life!!!

Nope (2022)

Glorious Peele!!!

[9/10 · 26 July 2022]

Peele has glorified himself with Nope! This film is as original as can Be and relevant To our times, whereas, in a society, we believe we have seen it all and are skeptical of the truth. It is so typical and expected people did not like this film. Nowadays, the masses are so used to watching movies that they do not need to go beyond their imagination and put a little effort into making sense of such a brilliant film as Nope. Even the title Of this movie will create criticism and mockery. Peele has given us the proper antidote to challenge moviegoers. Nope is original and terrifying to what could happen to few and disbelief for so many.

Nope, for sure will pass as one of the best films of the decade.

Where the Crawdads Sing (2022)

What's wrong with the movie critics? Seriously!!!

[9/10 · 20 July 2022]

Wow! This movie flawlessly develops into a heartwrenching but beautiful tale. It is a Heartfelt and moving story of an unfortunate child that suffers the consequences of living in a broken family that ends up growing up by herself in the marshes in NC.

I can't see another actress playing this role better than the newcomer British actress Daisy Edgar Jones; she is perfect for this role with her innocent look and tremendous acting skills. She deserves a nomination when it Is awards season. The cinematography is breathtaking that enhances the story beautifully.

The people love this film except the movie critics. People ratings in flixster is at 97% not surprised at all. This is a beautiful film that deserves seeing in the big screen. It is one of the best films in 2022.

Mystery Incorporated (2022– )

Excellent TV Indy series

[10/10 · 14 July 2022]

Starting by saying the cast is spot on! The four do not look overdone; I think they are perfect. Norville, aka Shaggy, is great without looking dorky but a good looks, and I love that great Dane so adorable perfect Scoob! Velma's character is witty and book-smart intuitive, and her image is cute. Daphne a beautiful red hair trying to figure it out herself who she is that is overpower by her oppressive mother and living a superficial life that she does not belong. And lastly, Fred is a perfect an everyday nice-looking kid without putting too much on the physical for Fred but just enough to take on the character ideally. I I think it is a great tv show can't wait for more episodes. I hope this show is not taken from a powerful network, then they will ruin it. You-tube is showing this for free which is the only platform you can watch this great show. Give it a try, it is a good one.

By the way, I learned that the CW network is making a similar show called Mystery Inc. Which, it is for sure a bigger budget and produce by the king of the network Berlanti. I prefer this one specially the casting and the direction the show is going.

Watcher (I) (2022)

Simple thriller/horror but effective

[10/10 · 11 June 2022]

Wow! I was mesmerized by this film; simple storyline but effectively directed that works. I was literally watching the movie from the corner of my eye. I think the director did a great job not putting subtitles during some conversations in Romanian, we can feel how the lead actress felt as, in many of the talks, she was not understanding, which adds another level of insecurity/fear to not being able to communicate; I thought that was great. The end is horrifying wraps up the story nicely! Great film.

Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022)

Lovely Picture! One of the best movies of the year!

[10/10 · 26 May 2022]

Oh my gosh! Hundred percent pure entertainment, from beginning to end. Delightful storyline that makes us fall in love again. I laughed, cried, and wanted more. One of the best pictures of the year!!!

I'll Find You (2019)

A Gem Hidden!

[10/10 · 15 April 2022]

This is one beautiful film! I first saw the advertisement for this movie back in 2019, but it was shelved for three years because of the pandemic and released in 2022. I was so glad I saw it and owned it now. Shame was not shown in theaters. The acting is superb by the two leaders, the music and singing are beautiful, and the romance. What makes this film special is that the war was in the background, which provides a way to appreciate the music and the romance. I cried several times. I love this movie.

Cyrano (2021)

Not Surprised!!!

[10/10 · 25 February 2022]

Joe Wright did it again! Remembered "Pride & Prejudice" "Atonement" "Anna Karenina" now "Cyrano" He is one of my favorite directors he turns period romance/drama into masterpiece. Not surprised at all! Love it!!!

The Lost Daughter (2021)

Disappointing!!!

[6/10 · 1 January 2022]

Didn't do it for me! I must say outstanding performances from Colman and Buckley, no doubt about deserving Oscar nominations. The story builds slowly into something that goes puff!!! Disappointing! The two girls were super annoying, and the thought of The little girl not getting over the lost of her doll for days, come on! Anyway, Also, the punks (teenagers) miss behaving in public places and using horrible language that was not believable either, and I'm not saying that doesn't happen but it feels manipulated pretentiously done. The best part of the movie is Ed Harris dance, it was great!

The Power of the Dog (2021)

Mastering filmmaking!!!

[10/10 · 20 December 2021]

Jane Campion's masterful direction to detail, nuances of physical expressions are masterfully captivating; the more you watch, the more yet to be discovered. The screenplay is perfectly crafted with excellent direction and hauntingly musical scored to perfection. The cinematography is breathtaking. Cumberbatch, Plemons, Dunst, and the young actor Kodi Smit-McPhee they are all outstanding. "The Power of The Dog" it is for sure one of the best pictures of 2021!

Nightmare Alley (2021)

Disappointing!!!

[7/10 · 18 December 2021]

Ok, beautiful to look at, great cast, excellent cinematography, and musical score but slow and dull; nothing happens. I guess Del Toro needs to create their stories with a punch to keep viewers entertained throughout; this is not; I was fighting to keep myself awake.

C'mon C'mon (2021)

It was quite boring!

[7/10 · 6 December 2021]

Joaquin Phoenix is exceptional as always, the child actor as well, they had good chemistry. However, the story needed a punch which never happened, and at times, I felt annoyed by the bratty child's attitude. The interviews were distracting, which never took off to anything exceptional. The best of this movie was to see Phoenix in an ordinary role and even physically overweight, but he still manages the good looks.

Spencer (2021)

I love this film!!!

[10/10 · 27 November 2021]

Larrain's depiction of Princess Dianna takes place over a few days' holidays with the royal family. It captures Princess Dianna's emotional distress into insanity, knowing that her existing loving relationship with Prince Charles was fated for reasons that we all know. Larrain's masterfully crafted a way of telling a story with delicacy and finesse that is lovely and captivating. I loved the idea that Larrain had Stewart portraying Dianna almost in a monologue, with just the perfect touch of cameos with a terrific supporting cast. Magnificent screenplay by Knight cleverly carrying the story silently as the monarchy requires.

It is undeniable that Stewart should take the top award for acting; her flawless mannerisms and beauty resemble princess Dianna with perfection. Greenwood's musical score is delightful and melancholic that at times had a touch of Jazzy sounds encompassing the climax of some of the scenes, beautifully and with elegance. Everything on this film is top-notch, cinematography, costuming, production design, etc. The end of the film is excellent! A well-deserved moment of normalcy with the people she loved the most!!!

"All I need is a miracle; all I need is you."

Belfast (2021)

I wanted to love Belfast!

[6/10 · 13 November 2021]

Belfast, It felt disjointed; this film needed more character development. It was like the scenes were patched put together randomly. Very disappointing!!! It was too much of the child that at moments was annoying to keep listening. The choice of music was terrible; it didn't help to bring the film to An emotional climax. Literally, the movie lack of a plot. I felt like it was a waste of a cast. I wanted to love this film so bad...

Passing (I) (2021)

Complex and beautiful!!!

[10/10 · 12 November 2021]

Not every film has to have character development. Some people didn't get the point at all. Saying Negga didn't fit the part because she didn't look enough as a white person. Who cares about that! It was not the point. The nuances of feelings of every character were fantastic, and it was done beautifully. Please, pay attention to the detail, every character gave just a touch to how they were feeling, and yes, relationships are complex when we do not expose ourselves openly to anyone. Each one of these characters had that. Some people miss understood Clare's husband for being a racist and didn't know about his wife's secret. I don't believe it, he knew but didn't want to face it because he loved Clare. Remembered when he encountered Irene in the street, he said hi to her pleasantly and respectfully. If he were a hateful person, he would not act that way, and he was shocked that Irene ignored him and did not respond to his handshake. This film had many moments like this.

The two lead ladies were phenomenal, and the cinematography was breathtaking.

Just like the relationships of its characters, this film is complex and beautiful.

Last Night in Soho (2021)

Despite the genre, it is a lovely picture to watch!

[10/10 · 30 October 2021]

Oh my gosh! Visually stunning and beautiful to watch, The musical score is fun, who doesn't like the swing 60s. I enjoyed this film very much. The costuming and cinematography encompass to everything it makes is a lovely experience. Mackenzie and Taylor-Joy are gorgeous and talented young ladies The plot it is a horror that escalates to the craziness of not expecting it.

2021 is a year of great films, and indeed "Last Night in Soho" is one of the best.

My top so far: Dune CODA Last Night in Soho The Eyes of Tammy Faye The Last Duel.

Dune (2021)

Grandeur!!!

[10/10 · 24 October 2021]

Wow! I'm in disbelief for those few cinema critics who have given Dune bad reviews. I went to see this movie on Imax, and I have HBO Max and I decided to see it on the big screen first. After reading some of the bad reviews, they made up my mind that it was going to be a boring lousy film. Wow, again, what's wrong with these people? This movie is grandeur in all the extension of the word, it is just stupendous!!! It hasn't been a movie like this since the LOTR. DUNE is the next masterpiece. The acting, cinematography, the story, costuming, special effects, and the gorgeous musical score of Hans Zimmer is just beautiful. It is by far the best movie of 2021, and since 2003.

This movie should win Oscar's best picture.