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Reviews
Maps to the Stars (2014)
Engaging film considering the taboo subject of incest
Well written Maps to the Stars engaged me from the first scene. Considering the challenging topics the film navigates, the film covers this uncomfortable territory with ease and grace. I watched the film twice and will probably watch it again. The writing provides a fundamental structure and well formed characters that manages to show the darkness of incest, psychosis, and violence in a tolerable and human way. Not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination. This requires talent on everyone's part. This film is well done in every sense. The facade of the persona is not written as an evil demon and neither is the darkness. Maps to the Stars blends both as simply human qualities. Qualities that are faced by many everyday. However, kept as a forbidden secret. Bravo!
Trust Me (2013)
Refreshing Lovely Heartfelt Film
Not knowing anything about this film I watched this on a lonely evening while I was recovering from a painful dental procedure. At first I thought the film was going to be the same old story I have seen dozens of times. It was not. Yes the same type of story has been told. However, not as surprisingly well as Trust Me created. Clark Gregg wrote a powerful, sweet, tight story that touched my heart and caused me to feel wonder, empathy, anger, sadness and joy. Clark Gregg portrayed the lead with truth and dignity. His talent is impressive and every actor in the film was just as intriguing. From Felicity Huffman to the young Saxon Sharbino's enchanting performance of a strong adolescent with soulful ageless wisdom of greatness that only a shrewd surviver knows. Multilayered and talented played with ease and grace.
Even William Macy's bit part was phenomenal. Seeing Amanda Peet was a great bonus. Not to forget Niecy Nash who is always right on cue. Maybe the film caught me by surprise. It was a great one and just what I needed. I loved the film and will defiantly watch it over and over. This will be one of my go to movies. Great work! The film warmed my heart. All of the dialogue and every scene moved the plot forward. There was no over the top meaningless dialogue, no over acting, or self indulgent BS. This film deserves credit--bravo!
The Affair: Episode #2.12 (2015)
Scotty's Swan Song
Scotty's rendition of The House Of The Rising Sun is a shining moment, his whole story is expressed in one last song brilliantly. The Affair is one of those love or hate melodramas, or never ending "sugar" storm, as Helen explains that has that inexplicable power to get under fans skin. Ep 4 was especially good story telling. I'm a big fan keeping my fingers crossed the writing continues to evolve. I love the story being told from different POVs. Plus the technique of telling a story "backwards" is intriguing. Now that Scott is dead and we know how, I wonder if they are going to change. I hope not. There's still Max and Whitly waiting in the wings, ready to explode. BTW where was Whitney while her father was on trial for murdering the first love of her life? Also, what about Max throwing his best friend under the bus? Max is obviously on some kind of a downward spiral, based on the way he looked when Noah visits him. Self consumed Noah doesn't even notice. Hmmmmmmm I wonder what that's all about? I'm not allowed to use swear words in my review. Apologies if I Whitly's name wrong.
Orphan Black (2013)
Nakita, Buffy/Faith and Zena rolled into one
I watched the first season twice. Orphan Black is filled with warmth, depth, humor, thrills and horror. What more could a watcher ask for? Plus it is as if all of my favorite strong women characters from the 90's have been rolled into one (or God only knows how many). The one tiny problem I can point to is, all the clones have the same eyebrows. Usually women shape their eyebrows differently. But really this all I can complain about. Orphan Black is great action, wrapped in classic thriller/sci-fi. I am looking forward to watch how the story unfolds. I love the dark comedy aspect. Orphan Black is well done and well acted! The intervention scene with Alison and Philex was classic. Alison is the perfect mix of a crazy housewife whose husband has a secret agenda.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (2010)
Professional Wrestling for the Soul?
Watching last night's episode it hit me why I watch these aging women back stab, gossip, and ridicule one another like Gloria Steinem squeezed into her playboy bunny costume and tight heals that pinch toes until they bleed. They are in pain, I mean real pain. Like Gloria, part of me wants to save them, but the bigger stronger part of me knows it is just too late for these old broads. Their fierce anger is palpable. It must be excruciating to try to look and dress like an 18 year old when 50! It is all down hill from here for these girls. This show reminds me of professional wrestling. (Although this might be an insult to professional wrestling). With all the over the top outfits and fake fighting. I mean come on! These petty snipes and self centered bickering cannot be real. Right? I would love to see a spoof on one the networks just go for it. Over the top drag queens yearning for their youth. Queens who never matured emotionally, striking a chord in the archetypal collective heart, longing for youth and empathy; yet just cannot give any empathy to anyone and I mean ever! Wishing, if only I could just be 18 again. I could really get into that show. This one, I do not think I can stomach anymore. This show is achingly bad!
Hostages (2013)
Far Fetched Fun
This far fetched fun TV melodrama keeps me on the edge of my seat. Even though the story-line is definitely in league with daytime soaps; the acting is excellent. I'm in for the long run. For the simple reason, I love a good thrilling drama. I cannot wait to see how the story is wrapped-up. Yes the script is incredibly contrived. Of course, right when Dr. Sanders (played effortlessly by Toni Collette) is about to get on the bus and escape -- oh no! A call from the evil, sexy, complicated, good looking kidnapper (played superbly by Dylan McDermott) to inform Dr. Sanders that he has her husband (Damages' solid actor Tate Donovan) and he is now in mortal danger. Of course she has to go save him. Therefore, Dr. Sanders does not get on the bus. Even though I was yelling 'get on the bus -- just get on the damn bus'.(Since her husband has been cheating on her for months). I love this kind of fun storytelling with good looking actors who know how to draw viewers into a far fetched complex story. I am a fan!