BenDecho Reviews

Justified (2010–2015)

My "go to" show for entertainment satisfaction

[10/10 · 28 March 2024]

Just a great show. So original in many ways.

I just saw the end coming, like on so many shows, when "big" stars start guest appearing, ones that would never have been in season one, it's nearly over.

That's what was sad about Justified. So much laughter, surprises, and drama all in one cool show.

Walton Coggins just continued to deliver. In fact all the Crowders contribute to the story lines.

There are just so many good characters in this show that there is someone you'll love, whether they are good or bad.

I'm probably on my 3rd tine watching from the beginning. I've watched a few single episodes just because they're that good.

The Last Kingdom (2015–2022)

Good show that at times will drive you crazy

[8/10 · 9 November 2022]

I pretty much agree with the other reviews with an exception.

In one episode it's like "Only you, Uhtred, can save England".

Then the next episode someone is conspiring against him, he's arrested and imprisoned.

It's like the writers can't decide what to do. You can definitely see in the story and production where the show was at risk of being canceled.

It's a wild ride filled with excitement, drama, and laughter.

Many of the scenes are visually fantastic. The outfits for the actors are well made for any show or movie.

If you like showd/movies based in this period of time., You'll not be disappointed.

Moon Knight (2022)

It went from "this is interesting" to "not so much".

[7/10 · 19 May 2022]

I followed a lot of Marvel comics, but not this one. Feeling guilty that I hadn't, and that it must have been a great comic book series to the point they made a show out of it had me interested.

The first epeisode, I was like "WOW!". There was so much going on, and I was really intrigued.

But it just kept going a weird direction. There was so much effort on his job at the museum, and I'm guessing that was to explain how he knew so much about Egyptian history, but maybe there was another way to accomplish this?

The middle episodes seemed to be really flat. Then they seemed to say "Hey, this is only going to be 6 episodes, wrap it up". And they did.

I was generous giving this 7 stars, and mostly that was on the quality of the filming. But some of the sets appeared too fake.

They could have explained the more interesting Avatar people and their backgrounds.

The psych ward stuff was like "here you go, figure this out". It just seems like so much was overexplained, and too much not so much.

The main character was pretty interesting at first, but I found myself more interesting learning about the other characters, I lost interest in him.

There probably won't be a Season 2 unless these guys all worked cheap and Disney takes a chance on it. I'm not sure how many viewers these series got other than die hard Marvel fans.

Patriot (2015–2018)

Darkly entertaining with a laugh.

[9/10 · 17 February 2022]

No spoilers here This show is nothing I was expecting. When I happened across it, the 1 line description and photo used did not interest me at all.

After 3x seeing it suggested to me on Amazon Prime, I finally watched the trailer and chuckled out loud.

Any show I pick has to keep my wife's interest or she verbally criticizes it to the point I watch it alone, or I have to have one she doesn't fall asleep, OR, she really likes it. This show gets the last two.

When watching, you start thinking it's a drama, then out of nowhere you're laughing. You think now it's a comedy and something happens and you're back to drama. It's these twists and turns that make it good.

You never know if the lead character is just a very skilled spy or just a lucky guy.

It's a fun show that both of us enjoy watching and we find entertaining.

Mayor of Kingstown (2021– )

I went from Wow! to Why??

[5/10 · 8 February 2022]

This show could have been a great show, one it started out being, then just went down the crapper.

There was acting that was just great in one episode, and the next, it fell apart. Maybe too many different directors.

They didn't seem to know whether to make the drug dealer Bunny a comic relief or a serious ally. His comic style was just too familiar of the overweight black drug dealer type, and then on a couple episodes, I thought he was a great character.

Why did we have Akim? Why was Diane Weist even in this? Why was there a bear? Why the Avengers references (Black Widow and the Bow & Arrows)?

When we first saw Iris, my wife and I thought she was going to be another "Beth" from Yellowstone. Instead, she just gets beat up and raped time after time.

The editing was not so great. During some of the prison scenes, you can see the actors playing prisoners half smiling in fight scenes.

Right before the riot, they had all the people they are transferring in a big room and other inmates just hanging around with unarmed cops? Milo changes into a guard uniform and just walks out of the prison after the riot. There was a scene where Mike looked right at him. It's like they changed what they wanted to happen. And they let his mother just walk around clueless outside the prison with National Guard, State Police, local police still trying to corral the survivors.

Diane Weist's teaching racism and hate to prisoners was disappointing.

I really was hoping the bear was going to eat either Milo or Mike's mother, and that never happened.

I don't know.... I didn't expect this to be a blockbuster movie style show, but it never recovered from the first episode. So many things could have been right about this, but just turned out wrong.

Ted Lasso: Man City (2021) Season 2, Episode 8

What was good was real good, but some was just plain BAD

[5/10 · 20 January 2022]

1st: Sam Obisanya needs to learn "No means NO". For me, this was just gratuitous inter-racial relations solely for shock value. The fact that Rebecca needed to slam back numerous glasses of wine to lower her work/personal ethics was a tough watch.

2nd: Super optimistic Ted Lasso having panic attacks and the show placing help hotline numbers at the end lost my positive view. It was fine that maybe Dani Rojas needing some help after his incident, but to bring this new character as a recurring role is not necessary.

We just need more about the football team and the original Ted Lasso from season one.

Lisey's Story (2021)

Horrible waste of time

[1/10 · 26 August 2021]

It's like they couldn't get Nicholas Cage, so Clive Owen does a BAD imitation. This whole thing could have been told in 90 minutes but for some reason it is dragged out so incredible slow.

Too many scenes replayed, I don't know even where to begin to complain about this huge pile of turds.

This may be the worse show/movie I ever watched.

My wife liked the book, so I humored her to watch this. Even she said "that's 8 hours of my life I wasted".

Horrible, Horrible show. Should be erased from existence or used as torture on terrorists. That may even be cruel and unusual treatment.

Vikingane (2016–2020)

A twisted humor version of Viking history

[9/10 · 14 July 2020]

If you've seen the series "Vikings" from the History channel, it's basically this, but funny.

I discovered this show after watching Lillyhammer, as many actors were in this.

Great Norway scenes.

It is like SNL or the Super Troopers team decided to take Vikings and make it a comedy.

There are some graphic fight scenes, but these were Vikings. You'll love the Shield Wall scenes and the terrifying Jarl Varg.

History of the Eagles (2013)

Loved The Eagles until I saw this....

[2/10 · 20 July 2014]

(You *will* find spoilers in this review if you haven't seen the film) I'm giving this film a "5" for the things I didn't know (musically) about the band, but they lost "5" for why things happened to the band.

This movie is basically an ego boost for (in their eyes) how great Glenn Frey and Don Henley are. It really makes it look like anyone else in the band, either past or present, should bow down and thank them for allowing them in the band.

Until seeing this film, I thought Don Felder was sort of the problem with the band. Then we learn, he *was* the problem with the band, according to Glenn Frey. Don Felder was a musician, and Don & Glenn wanted to use their fame to promote liberal politicians.

I am a person who believes singers should sing, actors should act. They should stay out of politics and force their agenda on others, especially their band.

I always knew Joe Walsh was a bit to the left before this film. I tried to overlook it, as I would probably have never learned to play guitar if it wasn't for the "James Gang Rides Again" 8-track tape (which I still own, and is laying on my desk).

There are some real shockers in this film, there is a lot I already knew from being a fan, but what ruins it for me was they kicked out the biggest money maker (writer of Hotel California) for not seeing eye-to-eye with Don & Glenn's political views.

Why were we mad at Van Halen for so many years? They just couldn't grow up and perform as the 4 musicians we paid millions of dollars on buying their music, but they refused to agree to play together and entertain us. And for now, 3 out of 4 are back together.

Why are we mad at Led Zeppelin? Well, 3 of them (John Bonham has passed away). They cannot give their fans what they want, to see the remaining 3 of them, perhaps with Jason Bonham ( John Bonham's son) on drums, perform again, and give those of us that wished we had seen them years ago a chance to, today.

Why were we mad at The Beatles? Same thing... ego (as they called it, creative differences).

But The Eagles did the same thing, only it wasn't "creative" differences, it was differences of opinions. If you don't 100% agree with Glenn Frey, you're out of the band.

I loved the old clips, I loved the very few minutes of the early band and their input. It got old listening to Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit more or less doing "Heil Henley & Frey" throughout.

Unfortunately, The Eagles are never the band they once were, and I doubt they ever will be. This film has brought many fans closer, and drove even more away.

After failure sales in an exclusive deal with Wal-Mart on the "Long Road Out of Eden" CD in 2007, why can't this talented band put out another compilation of music and not ride on the music of the past? After seeing this film, I believe the answer is obvious.

Desperado (1995)

Just a fun movie to watch, although violent...

[9/10 · 1 June 2004]

Hi,

This is one of my simple pleasures to watch. It has a lot of violence, but you are mostly with your jaw open wide because of the gun violent scenes are similar to the martial arts type fight scenes where you just go "WOW..."

Very cool with all the cameo guest appearances.

I catch something new each time I watch it, and never disapointed....

There is something for everyone in this movie....

My wife loves watching Antonia as much as Salam Hayak is please to the male eye.

Los Lobos provides a strong soundtrack along with many artists contributing to the the list of music.

Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004)

$8 for this??

[27 May 2004]

I'm already burnt out from polical advertising and it is still months until this year's election.

Why would I pay $8 to see one man's opinion on the incumbant?

The problem with movies is, they can make ANYONE look like a good guy, or a bad guy. As much as we were afraid of King Kong, who didn't feel sorry when he was killed, and angry at the military for killing him. Bonnie & Clyde ripped off poor farmers money by robbing banks, and killing police officers and G-Men, but the director of the movie made them look like a fun loving couple just out for fun.

The same thing here. One guy has enough backing to put out a movie from Hollywood, and because all the other Hollywoodians clap for it (in France, who hates the US), we are made to believe it MUST be good.

Hey, on that logic, Tom Hanks never made a bad movie; remember, he's Tom Hanks. Well watch Joe & the Volcano.... You can rent it cheaper than going to see this movie.

The Sweetest Thing (2002)

A "chick flick" made for men.....?

[10 October 2002]

This movie is to nudity as what "dry humping" is to sex.

There are girls everywhere shaking their bootie; there are tons of underwear scenes; there are scenes of girls feeling Christina Applegate's breast; scenes where it looks like Cameron Diaz is going down on Christina Applegate.

It has the romance story line, but any guy dragged to see this movie would be telling his friends about the other parts.

The hard part for me was getting past the fact that Thomas Jane who plays Peter in this movie looks like a young Christopher Lambert.

It really does have some funny scenes, you will find yourself laughing, but it is the type of "rainy Sunday afternoon movie" that you'll find yourself watching it for.

The Last Castle (2001)

A director takes something wrong and makes it look right....

[5 May 2002]

Here is another example of how Hollywood takes something that is wrong and makes it look OK to do.

If the director can make you like a character, they can make you like what that character does, wrong or right.

Robert Redford's character takes all the prisoners in this military prison and revolts against all rules; blows up military property, harms and/or kills personnel and yet, it looks like he had the right to.

All sub-plots are weak and shallow.

Pootie Tang (2001)

And they thought "Plan 9 from Outer Space" was bad.....

[1/10 · 19 March 2002]

Louis C.K is the African-American version of Ed Wood.

This movie was a waste of good film. And to think, they could have filmed Barney the purple dinosaur with this film; that's just how bad it is.

When I saw Chris Rock and Wanda Sykes was in this movie, I thought it would be funny, but even THEY don't do enough to make you crack a smile.

Luckily, this movie is only 70mins. long! But that is 71 mins. too long......

Ready or Not (1993–1997)

Target audience is pubescencent girls, but.....

[13 November 2001]

When this show first aired, I believe that Showtime was producing the show. As a father of a daughter soon to be a teenager, judging by the previews, I thought this show may help my daughter understand what was facing her in the near future.

In the beginning the show had some interesting plots, but soon the producers and writers forced their diverse moral values as the "norm" and that anyone (relative, parent, friend, etc.) that differed, is/was wrong.

Both girls came from very different backgrounds and religous upbringing. But some views towards inter-racial sex, sex in general, and parent/child interaction makes this show one that parents/guardians should certainly view a few episodes before permitting impressionable pre-teens watch.

Driven (2001)

116 minute commercial with some racing thrown in for free...

[4/10 · 5 November 2001]

I'm not sure whether "Driven" or "Josie & the Pussycats" should win an award for the longest commercial.

It's sad enough that you have to pay around $8 (before refreshments) to see a movie, then see advertisements for other movies, and then the theater's snack bar; but then to have to watch a 2 hour commercial on top of it is ridiculous.

I recall a trivia question once on how many paid advertisements were in "Total Recall" USA Today was replaced by Mars Today, etc. But in Driven, the entire movie, in nearly every single frame, there is an advertising logo, sign, or insignia somewhere.

In action shots, your vision is force focused on certain logos. If you can stare away from the center shot, the rest of the screen is blurred enough to force you to focus on the paid advertising.

Regarding the movie. Stallone was Stallone, which isn't all bad. If you go to see a movie with Sly in it, I think you know what to expect. The character of Jimmy Bly played by Kip Pardue has you thinking on 2 levels; if you know about this type racing, no one his age could be certified for that circuit; and the other is that he looks too much like Ashton Kutcher from "That '70s Show" for me to take seriously.

And what was wrong with Estella Warren's lips?!!?? Can you say colligen overdose!!

Obviously, if you're still reading, you may realize there are just too many distractions to make this story line worth following. Even being somewhat of a Stallone fan, you can't enjoy this picture. The action scenes are brilliant and inventive. You'll duck for fear of being struck with debris in some of the accident shots.

Unfortunately, they had to throw a love story line for the women that were most likely forced by boyfriends and husbands to sit threw this movie.

And as you leave, you'll be driving home, looking for a Shell gas station trying to figure how much longer your contract is on your cell phone so you can switch to Nextel......

Josie and the Pussycats (2001)

98 minute commercial for anyone willing to pay....

[4/10 · 16 October 2001]

I grew up when "Josie and the Pussycats" were a cartoon on TV. Another one of those cartoon rock bands like the Archies....

I had hoped for a better leap from ink to celluloid, but what a disappointment.

You can't enjoy the movie for all the paid advertisements everywhere in the movie. Now I know some of you are thinking this was intentional pun, but it wasn't. It was one long commercial. Even if the movie didn't take in one dollar in ticket sales, it was paid for in advertising.

You had to love Tara Reid as "Mel". She pulled off the "dumb blonde" perfectly. Her lines were all, in my opinion, that saved this comic attempt.

If you have to see this movie, wait until a friend rents it, save yourself that much.

Fuckland (2000)

No special effects, but you can't turn away....

[17 September 2001]

If you remember watching "Private Parts" the Howard Stern story, you should remember a scene where the execs are discussing why if people hate him do they still listen; "number one response, 'I want to see what he'll do next'".

That's what this movie is like. Nothing really happens, but you still just have to see what will happen next.

I had hoped for a few more moments to happen in the movie, but is still was an interesting story line and concept.

You find yourself trying to figure if this is real, or if you're being taken.

Cinderella (1977)

Walt Disney meets Larry Flint meets Saturday Night Live

[9/10 · 8 October 1999]

Wow, where do you begin to describe this movie. This is the one that mothers tried to sue video stores over renting them and finding their kids were watching an adult version.

Now don't get me wrong, this is NOT X-rated, but your typical Friday night HBO T&A type movie. But the wild part is, it's still a musical!! And many of the tunes you'll be singing in your head for days after.

This movie does not try to be serious anywhere. It's a very funny movie. It has all the ingredients for a great movie, it just isn't, but that is the fun of it.

The "fairy godmother" is a black, gay-acting man! What a twist.

There is nudity abound, but most of my female friends thought the movie was hilarious too.

If you're looking something just a little bit different, funny, amorous and a blast to watch; rent this today, better yet, buy it so you can force your friends to watch it with you.

The Shrimp on the Barbie (1990)

Fun movie for a lazy day or rainy Sunday....

[27 June 1999]

This movie shouldn't be taken so seriously. If you're a fan of Cheech Marin, you'll appreciate this film as an excellent example of his acting ability and it showcases his range from "Cheech & Chong" to "Nash Bridges".

Cheech comes off as the typical hispanic role he's played in all the Cheech & Chong movies, but also displays a "I'm not as dumb as you think" side that he shows on Nash Bridges.

The story line is basically his character goes to Australia for work where by chance while working in a Mexican restaurant he meets the daughter of a rich man. She in turn wanting her father to like her current boyfriend, hires Cheech for $5,000 to be her "new" boyfriend that by comparison makes the former boyfriend an excellent choice.

Both Alex (the daughter) and Carlos (Cheech Marin) learn alot about the lifestyles of each other.

This movie is pretty predictable but can be fun at the same time. You will love Cheech singing "Land of 1000 Dances" to all the socialites.

This movie tried to capitalize on all the "down under" crazes that emerged in the late '80s and early '90s.

Just watch it, don't judge it, and it can be a fun movie. You have to appreciate Cheech Marin carrying a cast of "nobodies" on a lame script through a movie that can and will make you laugh out loud at times. And for the romantic, it has a heart warming ending.

A Christmas Story (1983)

Captures the true essence of childhood memories of Christmas

[10/10 · 6 March 1999]

We've watched the move 100's of times since I first found it on cable one year. My daughter never knew the name of it and even today we refer to it from *her* title, "The Boys".

To me, this is how I gauge that it's Christmas time, when "A Christmas Story" is on TV. I really think it is flawless, maybe from memories of my childhood trying to get my parents to buy me a BB gun. I used all the tricks that Daisey BB Guns suggested in their catalog (circle your favorite, and leave the catalog open near your parent's newspaper....), but never got one either.

Darin McGavin plays the father to the hilt. His scenes using his own swear words is priceless!

There are so many memorable moments in this movie; to name them would be typing out the script here.

Although it's not a "Star Wars" "Indiana Jones" type movie, it still is a must see. And do yourself a favor, develop a lifelong memory with your kids, watch it with them. My 23 year old son was just married, and at his wedding reception, he brought up watching "The Boys" with the family. I'm sure it will be a tradition he'll establish with his new family.

Excess Baggage (1997)

Definitely a rainy (and maybe heavy winds) Sunday movie...

[12 November 1998]

This movie have been done so many times, and is so predictable. Maybe with as many "stars" in it, the movie execs thought they could pull it off, but nope.

Benicio Del Toro does the best Dean Stockwell (Blue Velvet, Quantum Leap, et al) imitation I've seen yet (and without even trying). Which is probably why I watched the movie so long; trying to figure out who he was trying to be.

The best part of this movie, was that I watched it on cable, and didn't pay movie theater prices.