laserwiz77 Reviews

The Long Game (I) (2023)

So much more that a golf story

[10/10 · 25 April 2024]

I absolutely LOVED this movie. I'm a sucker for true stories and this one is written beautifully, had great acting and contained several messages about perseverance, patriotism, young love, cultural pride, race relations, sportsmanship (and the lack thereof) as well as some great life lessons involving doing the right thing. It also touched briefly on a subject near and dear to my heart that had to do with the inability to have children. This is a great film that can be enjoyed by the entire family. I saw it at the movie theater and people actually started clapping at the end which is rare these days.

Stutz (2022)

Johah and Phil .... Thank you for this

[9/10 · 15 November 2022]

It has been my experience that smart people seek out therapy. Further, highly intelligent people need therapy. Unfortunately the topic of therapy is taboo in the Unites States. If you think you may need therapy the chances are that you do. If you are confused about, can't find, afford or commit to finding a therapist this documentary is a great place to start. IMHO (in my humble opinion).

While I'm not a therapist I have benefitted by seeing a therapist a few times during my 62 years on the planet and recognize the value in using the tools described in this documentary. It's relevant and not difficult or hard to watch. I applaud Mr. Hill for having the courage in making this documentary and want to thank Mr. Stutz for his insight and wisdom.

High: Confessions of an Ibiza Drug Mule (2021)

Redemption Story

[9/10 · 31 October 2022]

Pure and simple, this is a redemption story. If you didn't do anything STUPID when you were young perhaps you haven't really been living. This lady screwed up big time, realized it, paid the price and has successfully turned her life around. She worked very hard to do these things, including learning a new language and advocating for herself in a difficult situation to gain an early release from prison and then turned around to help others. When I was 17 I rolled my car in a blackout. I haven't had a drink for over 32 years and in the meantime developed medical devices that saved and/or improved the lives of millions of people (literally). I wonder how many of these people believe that everyone deserves a second chance.

Web of Make Believe: Death, Lies and the Internet (2022)

Very provocative and informative

[10/10 · 8 September 2022]

I found this series very informative and provocative. I tend to enjoy movies, series, documentaries etc. That have such uneven reviews such as this one. It really makes me appreciate the fact that I possess critical thinking skills that allow me to think for myself while discerning a variety of differing opinions. This documentary covered a wide berth of subjects pertaining to the internet and did a great job of increasing my knowledge of the pitfalls and consequences of abusing the first amendment of our constitution. "To abuse it is to destroy it" I was happy to know that there are support groups out there that can assist those unfortunate enough to get sucked into cults and other type of organizations that stoke fear and hatred into their charter and members. Seeing this reminded me of a movie called 'American History X' another compelling visual endeavor. Some reviewers disparage Brian Grazer and Ron Howard who previously brought us The Doors, Apollo 13, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Friday Night lights, The Da Vinci Code, American Gangster and many other fine movies and shows. I mean hey, who doesn't like Curious George?? I hope they keep up their good works!

P. S - a shout out to Mr. Daniel Rigmaiden for informing the American public about the use of the Stingray.

Highway to Heaven: The Source (1989) Season 5, Episode 6

The danger of Fake news

[10/10 · 4 September 2022]

I was doing some genealogy and found out I'm related to Dack Rambo (the bus driver character). Some research indicated he was in this episode. I used to enjoy Highway to Heaven many years ago so I watched it. I was more impressed than I expected to be. This particular episode deals with the first amendment; it does a really good job of explores the dangers of irresponsible reporting and provides a good example of how 'fake news' can do a lot of harm. I especially like the blurb at the end which basically says that not adhering to the first amendment is to destroy it. BTW, the actual quote is much more elegant. I am surprised just how relevant this topic is today even though this episode was produced over 33 years ago.

Harold and Maude (1971)

I just didn't get this film

[1/10 · 7 August 2022]

I've always been one to think outside the box by default. The scene in Young Frankenstein where Marty Feldman selects the 'Abby normal' brain has always resonated with me so I guess I'm just a plain old weirdo. My take away from this odd film after seeing the final scene was that the Harold character was a litterbug. I found the self-centered actions of Maude to be selfish and just plain rude. Imagine if everyone acted this way. If she revered life so much why choose to end it?

Ben Is Back (2018)

For those who know, no explanation is necessary .....

[10/10 · 27 May 2022]

And for those who don't know, no explanation is possible.

I've heard this phrase many times in the many recovery meetings I've attended over the past 32 years. This film really rocked me and left me with EXTREME GRATITUDE for my sobriety. I think this film details the devastating effects caused by the opioid epidemic brilliantly. The performances by Roberts and Hedges are outstanding, especially Roberts. Her performance here definitely shows how wide her acting range is. Also shown is the depth of unconditional love of a parent to their child. No matter what.

When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

"I'll have what she's having"

[6/10 · 19 May 2022]

Gotta love Rob Reiner. This was a good movie but not great (IMO). I really think that your enjoyment factor will depend a lot on how your past relationships have turned out and how they've affected your "cynicality index". I just made that phrase and to some it might make as much sense as the lyrics to the song "Auld Lang Syne". My take away from this movie is that relationships are complicated. As a senior citizen I'm starting to believe that monogamous relationships are passé for our species. If you'd like to investigate further check out the movie "Her" and see if you can find some meaning in that film.

Unforgotten (2015– )

Awesome programming! Well dome Masterpiece Theater

[10/10 · 20 April 2022]

Incredibly rich, stunningly brilliant story telling and flawless acting. You'll definitely want to have your thinking cap handy. This series tells of the solving of "historical murders" and portrays the grief that families of unsolved murders feel. While each season is autonomous, all are great. As an American I'm not terribly familiar with actors in the UK but absolutely love Nicola Walker after first seeing he in the series MI-5 (called "Spooks" in the UK). I'm so glad I found this series.

The Unforgivable (2021)

A thoughtful moving film about fate and second chances

[10/10 · 12 December 2021]

I really enjoyed this movie. While the pacing is somewhat subdued, I found that the score (music was by Hans Zimmer and David Fleming), the reduced dialog and the evenly spaced moments of tension didn't bore me at all. That said, it isn't a Michael Bay production. I must hand it to Ms. Bullock. She is such a great actor and I think the best quality of her craft stems from her choices to do tough roles and she really pulls them off well. I was so impressed with this movie that I looked up the director and am looking forward to seeing another Nora Fingscheidt movie currently on NetFlix called "System Crasher".

Always Jane (2021)

"Open your heart, open your mind and educate yourself"

[9/10 · 1 December 2021]

I love learning about nouns... you know- persons places and things. That's why I enjoyed this documentary about a young Trans woman, her supportive family and her transitioning process (a.k.a known as her confirmation surgery). Like the grandfather, I've always considered myself to be 'broad minded' about things and this documentary was a well done guide for me to better understand more about this subject. The haters will hate but the compassionate and empathetic will congratulate this young woman and her family. Bravo!

The Chestnut Man (2021– )

Extremely taut and mysterious crime story.

[10/10 · 15 November 2021]

It is my opinion that this limited series was a superb who-done-it mystery crime drama that was anything but predictable. I hope there are going to be additional series coming down the pike.

Red Notice (2021)

Stylish and action packed

[9/10 · 15 November 2021]

I really enjoyed the ride this film took me on. I thought it was well acted and reminded me of a cross between a good Bond film with Indiana Jones type antics. Bravo Netflix.

Colin in Black & White (2021)

Outstanding

[10/10 · 30 October 2021]

I felt that the production of this series was fine but compared to the man featured in it (Colin Kaepernick) it was a bit lacking. I'm pretty sure that there is nobody ON THE PLANET who had the ability to be drafted into the MLB, the NFL, play in the Probowl AND the Superbowl!! On top of that he holds a record for QB rushing yards that still holds AND he was 4.0 GPA athlete to boot!! In addition to that he is an activist for a worthy cause. When I heard that Nike picked him up as a spokesperson I bought their stock and am glad I did! Thanks to Netflix for providing yet another platform for this stellar individual.... Haters be damned!

Collateral Beauty (2016)

I like movies that make me think...

[8/10 · 20 October 2021]

I LOVE movies that make me feel. I found this movie to do both. I also like all the main actors in this movie and get the sense that they would be fun to hang out with. Real decent folks.... or Decent, real folks.

Maid (2021)

Decisions, decisions, decisions....

[9/10 · 6 October 2021]

This series was an awesome story about the impact of our decisions once we leave our childhood behind. Life consists of the choices we make and the consequences therein. The decisions made by Alex were often cringe worthy. I found myself grateful that my parents left some good parts for me to inherit, namely intelligence and common sense. Some sayings I have heard others mention came to mind while watching this show. The first was; "If you want to keep getting what you're getting, keep doing what you are doing." - Unknown source. The second was from Albert Einstein who said (and I'm paraphrasing) - "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting a different result." If you find yourself in a bad place due to a poor decision please remember to ask for help! Also, there is no shame in therapy.

The Hero (I) (2017)

Heartfelt story of mortality and reconciliation

[7/10 · 16 September 2021]

This story is hardly unique but I found the cast and story very convincing, well acted and it reminded me a bit of the song "Cats in the Cradle" by Harry Chapin, albeit it this case the child was the protagonist's daughter. I've always liked Sam Elliot and had a huge crush on Katharine Ross after seeing her in Butch 'Cassidy & the Sundance Kid' many years ago. It turns out that they've been a married couple for several decades (a rarity in Hollywood). Good for them.

Patriot (2015–2018)

Brutal

[2/10 · 16 September 2021]

I watched both seasons their entirety (with the exception of the FF button) and it was brutal. It reminded me of reading a book that I really didn't care for but felt compelled to carry on to see what happened next. That's how I felt about this series. The acting was good and I'd say the cinematography was excellent but the story was dreadful. Further, I couldn't care about ANY of the characters, all of whom were despicable in myriad of ways. The main 'protagonist' was a horribly depressed individual who expressed his horrible circumstances through music which was initially compelling but later became nauseating for me. I think it was supposed to be humorous.... (maybe that would have worked if you think water-boarding is funny). The low points.... Having someone snorting cocaine WHILE IN ATTENDANCE OF A Cocaine Anonymous meeting... wow! Then there was the shooting of a child who was being trafficked in the slave trade. Okay, there was the justification that the shooter was actually targeting his 'pimp'. Then, after an afternoon of heavy drinking they 'rescue' him by separating the boy from his oppressor but immediately abandon him in a large city by berating him and forcing his departure into a major city. The child was about ten years old. Frankly I'm astounded how many people think Patriot is the best thing they've ever watched. I shudder to think what that other programming they might be watching. Then again, it's not hard to be shocked these days.

Counterpart (2017–2019)

Stunningly brilliant

[10/10 · 11 September 2021]

This awesome series was one that belongs in the annals of "who can come up with this stuff"; the plot/storyline, that is. After the 9/11 tragedy I remember that various US Government officials enlisted Hollywood honchos to form a think tank that could dream up possible scenarios that would help them envision terrorists plots simply because they did not possess the imagination. I'll admit to being a tad bit confused from time to time remembering who came from which world and remember being a bit bummed about certain events since the superb acting really drew me into the story. I can't say enough about the excellent writing and acting that this series provided. If you're into complex story telling that makes you don your 'thinking cap' before watching you'll enjoy Counterpart.

The Night Manager (2016–2025)

Bloody Brilliant

[10/10 · 6 September 2021]

I really enjoyed this fast paced, well acted and thrilling as all get out story of a rich but despicable arms dealer getting taken down by an unlikely group of people trying to do the right thing. I am more and more impressed by filmmakers from the UK.

Don't miss this limited series.

The Last Letter from Your Lover (2021)

Beautiful writing, cinematography and solid acting

[9/10 · 27 August 2021]

I normally don't go for romantic movies but I do like films that allow me to flex my emotional range and this movie hit the spot. I've always liked Shailene Woodley and she did a terrific job here. It's rare to find a love that is of the 'profound' variety but the producers of this movie were able to paint a picture of what this would look like (IMO).

Everything Will Be Fine (2021)

Bravo for the courage it took making this movie.

[7/10 · 27 August 2021]

I've been divorced a couple of times and it's one of the hardest things someone can go through. After watching a few episodes I asked myself why am I re-living this experience... then I started to get the directors point. Perhaps the institution of marriage is an archaic construct. It sort of reminds me of the theme I found in the movie 'Her' whereby a similar interpretation of a life long monogamous relationship isn't all that relevant for our species. That said, making this movie in a Catholic country seems daring. I'm glad I followed through and completed the series. I guess I enjoyed it more than most.

Sweet Girl (2021)

Ok, there was some improbabilities but it wasn't a documentary

[8/10 · 27 August 2021]

I can't believe how critical people are in their judgement of this FICTIONAL action movie. I thought is was very entertaining with solid acting and decent special affects. One reviewer commented on how absurd he thought a 110# 12 year old could attack a full grown hit-man. Maybe they missed the part that she was a Judo Champion and was 18 years old. Regardless, it helps to relax, go with the flow and keep an open mind.

Parker (2013)

"It's just bills" (love that line)!

[9/10 · 18 August 2021]

I really enjoyed this fast moving action film. I really like Stratham (he seems like he's a straight shooter) and he did not disappoint in this film. I found the acting to been solid all around. I love the outtake at the end where the folks that rescued him from the side of the road considered him to be an angel.

The Woman in the Window (2021)

I enjoyed this well acted well thought out movie

[9/10 · 23 July 2021]

I'm surprised there are so many lo-ball reviews. I think the film was well shot, both the cast the acting was spot on and the plot satisfying. I thought the ending, while somewhat violent was far from the 'slasher' type movie described by one reviewer. I appreciated the fact that the main character was able to work on herself and move on, as portrayed in the final scene. I really liked the line by the psychologist "Those who have tried suicide have lost the right to joke about it".