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Reviews
Awake (2021)
Don't listen to the negative reviewers
This movie is great. It's not a movie you depict from moment to moment and full of action. Judge this movie based on your own viewpoints but it is definitely worth the watch!
Florida Girls (2019)
Light hearted comedy
I normally don't like comedies but since I lived in Florida for a great number of years I decided to give this show a try. The first episode you could tell the characters and groove were trying to come together but after watching episode 2 I was hooked. Yes, it is an over exaggeration of Florida stereotypes but in a fun way. You can't take comedies to seriously, they are comedies afterall. At the heart of this show is the friendship of these girls who are trying to figure out life with the environment they came from and a desire to try to have more.
Impulse (2018)
Binge worthy
This series has everything, good plot, acting, writing and cinematography. It is definitely worth binge watching. I can't wait for season 2. I won't give away any spoilers. Don't listen to the negative reviews, be your own judge and give this series a shot.
Jessica Jones (2015)
Review of season 2
Season 1 was amazing and while I enjoyed Season 2 there were times it seemed to drag on for the sake of a certain amount of episodes. Due to this, I deducted a star because it didn't take away from the season being totally awesome, I just noticed at times it lacked my full attention. I feel if it would have been 10 more action packed scenes it would have been better. The first few episodes and all the various subplots seemed more scattered than the first season. I won't delve into any spoliers because I think both seasons are worth watching and I will save what happens for you to enjoy.
Annihilation (2018)
Unique, interesting and worth watching
Some movies have become so predictable to the point I know what the character will say before they speak. Not this movie, it is a unique concept, completely unpredictable and I am glad I saw it. The actors are great and the characters are well developed. I won't give away any spoilers and will simply say go see it.
Mother! (2017)
Don't Easter your time or money on this one
My score of 4 is only based on me liking Jennifer Lawrence and the effort she put in this film but it honestly deserves a 2. I really looked forward to seeing this movie and from the previews I really hoped I liked it. Needless to say that didn't happen this movie was a bit of a bore , aggravating, lacked continuity, and was a complete train wreck. None of the characters are likable, the unnamed Jennerifer Lawrence character is even worse than the unwanted guest by allowing her husband to not only run over her but it turns out she was sexually frustrated by this older man as well. The husband, I can't get in to him, he is to annoying to discuss except to say if you are remotely married to a man like him divorce immediately, I won't give anymore of the movie away, I don't think I could if I wanted to. I just finished watching it and already I have forgotten it, that is how memorable this film is. You have been warned!
Sweet Virginia (2017)
A decent movie- *****Contains spoilers*****
This was actually a pretty good movie, decent plot and well acted. The movie is essentially about a pathetic woman who instead of leaving her cheating husband decides to have him killed. With little knowledge of his business dealings she believes her husband to be more successful than he was, a miscalculation that left her unable to pay her psychotic hit-man. Rather than face up to her consequences she tells the hit-man about her friend who happens to have the money he needs. The hit-man develops a plan to go and rob her friend which is essentially where things go awry and also where the movie plot ties in. Without giving anything additional away, I will only say again this movie is worth the watch!
The Punisher (2017)
Overall a good show
This series has solid acting and a decent realistic storyline except for a few plot holes here and there. The one that immediate co,as to mind is when Curtis went looking for Lewis and smelled what was obviously a dead body, rather than contact the authorities he breaks the door down only to be taken down and have a bomb placed on him. This scene was unrealistic for many reasons, if the smell was as bad as they made it out to be certainly neighbors in an apartment building would have noticed. Also, Curtis was a Corpsman during the war, there is no way he wouldn't have known the smell of eroding human flesh. He also knew Lewis was a killer who had bombed everyday citizens it made absolutely no sense to break the door down to go in after him, do gooder or not, that was a terrible plot hole to connect other scenes of the series. Other than that, the show was good overall.
××××If you aren't in the mood for violence, do not like violent TV shows or are on violence overall this would not be the series for you.
Ingrid Goes West (2017)
A decent movie- *****Contains spoilers*****
This movie was well acted, written and filmed. The reason for the 8 instead of 10 is 10 in my opinion is the greatest movie I have ever seen. This is a decent movie well worth the watch that exposes the many pitfalls and horrors of social media. Ingrid is a socially awkward, mentally unstable woman who through Instagram has set out on a stalker mission for a friend. Her friend Taylor is equally as ludicrous and someone we each have met, (I know I have) who doesn't know who she is and is living her life out load in Instagram land.
This movie was not necessarily comical unless you can garner a laugh on how pathetically entrenched these individuals lives are tied to social media. It also shows how phony and fake these social media relationships can be.
Ghost Wars (2017)
Contains Spoiler! Be your own critic and give this a chance
I love this show. It has good acting and several of my favorite actors are on this show, Kim Coates, from Sons of Anarchy and Vincent Philip D'Onofrio, from Law and order Criminal Intent. The plot is good and is about a town that is being hunted by violent Ghost. There are several twist and turns which I won't reveal but it leaves me wanting to see what will happen next. If you like supernatural shows then give this one a chance. It is entertaining and will satisfy your craving for a solid supernatural TV show.
Superstition (2017)
Entertaining
As far as TV shows go of this genre it is entertaining, the only downfall is largely in the budget and acting. I think the plot is different and decent. It's about a family who hunts demons and other supernatural beings is the gist of it. I won't give away to many spoilers except to say it's on the syfy network so that tells you it is not a show based on reality, if you dissect every single thing about this and any TV show you will find flaws and not like it. If you are seeking something different and entertaining in this genre then give this show a chance.
Slasher (2016)
Netflix Season 2 review
I so enjoyed Season 1 but Season 2 was a train wreck in my opinion. It may as well of been a Friday the 13th reboot as it had the same campy feel with everyone making complete dumb decisions. In fact some of the characters couldn't die soon enough. What I am most angry about is the gay rape scene that occurs in episode 4, I feel this was done for shock value and complete laziness from the writers to develop a decent series. For me the show went downhill from there, I was disappointed but that scene led to disgust. I can't continue to watch to tell you how it ends but unless they can redevelop a decent storyline I wouldn't bother to watch a 3rd season. There is just to many other shows out there.
Fear the Walking Dead (2015)
There is something empty about this show
From the very beginning this show never grabbed you like the parent show, TWD, there was just something missing. I continued to watch it because I am a huge fan of the genre and normally when it comes on there just isn't much out there. Now fast forward from season 1 to present and there is still something about this show that just doesn't hold my interest and after the season finale this past Sunday I realized what it is, it's all the characters.
It took the parent show the Walking Dead at least until season 6 before I realized our beloved heroes were equally as villainous as those they have encountered when survival is at stake. This show the characters went from stupid to just plain annoying and there is no vested interest in seeing any of them survive.
I was disappointed at the end of the season finale to see Madison had survived. Her hypocrisy overshadows there desire to cast her as this mom that will do anything for her kids. None of the characters they have presented so far do I even care if they live or die and I am hoping for more zombies to end some of them so they can start with a fresh group. It's been like this since the beginning the tense moments and the suspense during a season finale to see who will live and who will die it is absent from this show. When Trevis was killed it wasn't shocking, sad, it was nothing.
If this show anticipates going as many seasons as TWD they will have to get characters you can invest in for the long haul. I do like Alicia, but it's not even because of her character. I happen to like the actress who plays her and enjoyed her performance on "the 100" as oppose to my enjoyment of her character on this show.
The Remaining (2014)
A decent movie- *****Contains spoilers*****
This movie didn't contain any major actors, nor was there a lot of money spent on the budget and yet I thought it was still a decent movie, totally worth the watch.
Spoilers ahead- the movie is about a wedding ceremony that is taking place as the end of the world as foretold in the book of Revelations in the Bible unfolds. As the ceremony is taking place you can see the bride and groom's friend filming the happy event, the laughter, the dancing, not realizing in the next moment they will never see many of their friends and family again. Those who are believers are taken away, nothing but their lifeless shells remain while those who "remain" are subject to all the torments foretold in the book of Revelations.
This is not your typical horror movie and whether to consider it a "horror" at all is really an individual perception. I will say this movie did have not neat side effects, was well acted for the basis of the material. Not a new concept as of course it is a biblically inspired film but it also put me in the mind of the series "Left Behind." If you like those type of movies this will be enjoyable as well.
This Is Your Death (2017)
A decent movie- *****Contains spoilers*****
This movie had several real life elements which I can see why some people didn't like the movie. First there is desperation and the depression and sense of foreboding failure that comes with desperation. Poverty, which is corrosive and on the opposite end of the spectrum its equally as corrosive twin, greed. Hidden in the undertones is the deprivation of our society in to a reality culture where anything goes and the more outlandish the more attention and exposure it receives. The final and most shocking premise is that as a culture that is angry, decadent and ready to lash out even death can be used as a tool. In the end, those caring and compassionate souls won as some would call the moral hero's but not before many were used as expendable pawns, collateral damage for a damaged world. Sound familiar?
The acting was good, plot solid and overall it was worth the watch. How good the movie is and what you get out of it will largely depend on how open are your eyes, heart and mind.
Wisdom of the Crowd (2017)
Contains Spoiler! Be your own critic and give this a chance
I like this show. It has an interesting concept and the acting is solid. The main character who is behind the computer program also has a back story that is believable. In some form or fashion this has always been a part of law enforcement using the public for information, it is call crime hotlines, tips etc. I remember when America's most wanted started, it is only a matter of time before more technology in some form is used to filter in anonymous tips to prevent crime. Maybe not exactly like this TV show, but that's the thing, it's a TV show. It's entertainment, nothing more and nothing less. Give it a go. It's an interesting hour of TV away from the normal shows that are being pumped out nowadays.
Better Watch Out (2016)
Parts are good, parts are bad
This isn't the worse horror movie I have seen but it is just a gore fest, one that really makes no sense. The villain in the movie is more annoying than scary and the writers don't give any real reason the side kick is sticking around except being told to by the villain. What is equally as unbelievable is the one kid who comes over and goes along with all the villains games without even seeing Ashley, or knowing if she is even in the house. To those ends the plot and acting seemed so contrived because they were not realistic. I will give it a 5 for gore and without giving away to many spoilers I would say if it is free maybe watch, if not, just find something better.
Inhumans (2017)
Not what I was expecting
This was only the first episode so I know character building and history development has to occur which is why I rated it 5 out of 10. Still, even with that this show was quite boring as others have stated and wasn't able to hold your interest, let alone keep you longing for more episodes. I know this is my own personal issue and it is a little petty but hey, it's how I feel. The actor, Iwan Rheon, who plays Maximus was also the actor who played Ramsay Bolton in the Game of Thrones. He is a great actor which is why he stirs up emotions that make you want to hate him and I know he needs to work. BUT still, after waiting to see his demise on GOT it is just far to soon for me to see this same actor playing the same role in another series with the same annoying voice, facial expressions and above all betrayals. I am simply unprepared to yearn to see his demise again. Although this show doesn't give you any real characters to root for. Watch at your own risk!
Wind River (2017)
Great acting and storyline
I just finished watching this movie and it is a great little gem. The characters are well developed and the backdrop is amazing. The hunter and the FBI agent forge together to catch a killer and in this case killers. The storyline was believable as life in the snowcapped mountains of an Indian Reservation could lead to boredom, isolation topped with alcohol, jealousy and the worse of a man's spirit. Before the big reveal I could see where it was heading but even that little bit of predictability didn't subtract from the movie. I highly recommend Wind River.
Easy Living (2017)
Contains spoilers -What a hidden gem
The movie is about Sherry, a sex addict, bar star who has finally decided to start thinking about her future. Sherry while quirky her life is a wreck, she lives out of a cheap motel, sells makeup door to door, seeks out random one night stands at her local bar and left her daughter to be raised by her sister. Despite what her life has been she has decided to turn it around and developed a dream but lacks the way to fund it. That is, until an unexpected stranger gets in to her car. Without giving to much of the movie away this is where I straddled the fence with where the plot evolved. It was difficult to grasp that a woman in this situation would respond this way but then I realized Sherry is a sex addict. It's worth the watch for something different.
All Eyez on Me (2017)
The music is better than the movie, just buy Tupac's greatest hits
I give this movie 3 stars simply because of the music. What I didn't like about this movie many have expressed, it has no depth. I learned nothing new about Tupac from watching this movie and the time line was all over the place. This movie did not involve speaking and talking to others that were there to garner meaningful insight in to the life and legacy of Tupac, this was a mere cash grab of ripped from the headline topics that by far shed no light into the mindset and path of one of the greatest rappers that lived. It was an injustice to Tupac's legacy and an insult to Tupac fans.
Subsequent to this movie release Jada Pinkett has avidly spoken out about the lack of authenticity in this movie. People who enjoyed the movie have been critical of her but whether you like her or not she was there. Her relevance was important to Tupac which made it important to this movie. If the actual individuals involved would have participated in the development of this film we may have actually gotten to know Tupac the man instead of just the headlines. The people involved were paramount to shedding knowledge on what he was thinking as these publicized incidents were unfolding. There omission of his thoughts, reasoning and how he evolved merely gave us a Google highlight of his life. How did a man so young accomplish so much before his death? That is still a question and one the movie lacked because it failed to delve deeper.
It is not just dramatic license either, by changing the nature and scope of his central relationships. Dramatic license is what occurs when there is no one to validate the events or you take legitimate events and add fluff for cinematography. This was outright lies and falsehoods shaped by individuals either to lazy, greedy or both to put in the effort to get the real story of Tupac Shakur.
Power (2014)
Beginning to have annoying characters
I would have rated this show higher because it is entertaining but the writers are sending it crashing by creating annoying characters.
××××Spoiler alert now!
This show is becoming so unrealistic with the kid characters and since the audience is more adult, I can't understand why they are focusing on these annoying kids that are subpar actors. The kid characters are not even realistic to what would happen in African American households. I grew up in Chicago unfortunately surrounded by gangs, drug dealers (many of them family members) and have seen up close how people in the life and their children behave. There is always still loyalty in African American households (can't speak for other races except my own)to your family and them coming first.
The son, Tariq, having such undying loyalty to a man he just met over all the members in his household is not realistic. Especially since he seen up close this man is shady and enlisted him to rob his friends. It is also very unrealistic that the parents knowing this child has issues wouldn't keep a closer eye on him, he has entirely to much free time to disappear. I came up in the hood and didn't have a curfew my parents expected me home.
After growing up, going to the military, becoming degreed and having my own family the attitudes and behavior this kid has exhibited would not have been tolerated by my children or any African American parents I know.
The writers need to start transitioning the storyline away from this brat kid, it is frustrating to watch and adds no value. I thought once the entire Keenan being alive was exposed we would be done with this terribly written and poor acting kid but yet they are dragging it out.
Not to mention the storyline with Dre is unrealistic by street logic. Tommy has been suspicious of his knowledge on what's going on with Tariq and yet he continues to keep him close and promote him. With everything that is going on Ghost getting arrested, Tommy killing a cop, Keenan being alive, Tariq getting out of hand it never dawns on them to close the ranks and Dre would definitely be the first one out.
Tommy pulling a gun on him would be enough in street code where the reasoning is normally when I am right, I am right and even when I am wrong, you did something to make me think I am right, so I am not wrong, I am still right. Meaning, the lack of trust in Dre means he did something to make you think he is shady so therefore you aren't wrong, that is justification enough for him to be outside the ranks.
If these bratty kid characters continue and silly unrealistic actions for what is suppose to be men who grew up on the streeet and are in essence hardcore criminals, they will find an aggravated viewership and people who are annoyed eventually move on...
Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Great movie, worth the watch even if you are not a fan of war movies
I read the critic reviews before watching this movie and I could tell because it was a guy who based on his religious beliefs was a conscientious objector the critics did not like the main character had a religious undertone, that is their problem. This was actually an excellent movie and it wasn't about religion or war to me, it was a story of a man who wanted to do what he believed was the right thing for him based in what he believed which is all any of us can do. It is hard to say what you will do unless you have walked in someone's shoes, and this movie portrayed how there is more than one way to serve your country and still be true to yourself.
Having served in the military as a Chaplains assistant I met many who questioned their patriotism and their moral or religious beliefs when it comes to war. It is a question society can't answer it is one we each must answer and resolve for ourselves based on what we believe which is the essence of this film.
The acting and cinematography are excellent. This movie is definitely worth watching.
Midnight, Texas (2017)
Be your own critic and give this a chance
I can't wait to see what will happen next and learn more about the town of Midnight, Texas. So far the acting is solid and the pilot leaves me feeling more will unfold. I think the pilot did a good job of introducing the characters and the town in letting you know there is more than meets the eye without delivering to much. There is still the knowledge that -SPOILERS COMING- more of the town people hold secrets and may not be entirely human, there is also the knowledge that something evil lies beneath the town but exactly what is it. These are all overarching on the other plots of a murdered lady, a possible false arrest. I think it was done well because it didn't seem all over the place. It was instead an enticing glance of what is to come in this tiny little town.
Somewhere Between (2017)
Bad acting dooms this show
Watching this show was the equivalent to watching a terrible "B"movie. The acting was so bad it was painful to actually watch. The attempt to pull on emotional strings by having the daughter be the target of the killer fell flat in the acting and the script. There is not much more to be said here, watch at your own risk. I do feel this show snatched an hour of my life I can't get back but never again.