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Reviews
Michael Clayton (2007)
Too much left at the table...
The movie is slow and a bit tough to follow in the beginning. Add to that, some characters (example - the addict brother who was a partner in a bar with the main character) were either completely unnecessary or their development was incomplete. Also, the ending should have had some follow-up about that happened afterwards. I don't think this is the kind of movie that generates a sequel, so they should at least have included an ending title sequence to say what became of who (like the chemical company & their chief counsel, the law firm Michael Clayton worked for, Michael Clayton, etc.). Long, drawn out, and a lousy ending.
Cold Blood Legacy (2019)
Slow, predictable, bad.
The storyline is too thin. Without giving away details, you never find out why a cop moved to the middle of nowhere, why a person got "hit," or how the avenger located the hitman. And that's just the start of the problems with the movie.
Even without all the backstory, you know who is who in the character assembly because there simply isn't enough of them to throw suspicions to another one. Then, with the few they have, they don't develop them for you to even care. For such a slow film, the timeline is not smooth at all and the finale is unresolved to a large extent.
None of the "main" characters, other than, perhaps, Jean Reno and to a lesser extent David Gyasi (his acting is good, but the believability is lessened mainly because he stands out like a sore thumb amongst all the other characters), is convincing. It's overacted, or underacted. And all the cursing in the world or phone throwing or other forms of outburst won't make a viewer think that any of those that do these things are tough.
The filming location was stark and captivating, but the slow development of such a thin story with so few good actors makes it painful to finish. It starts with promise, but after 20 minutes or so when you've figured it out, don't waste your time and put on something else.
A Man Called Otto (2022)
A coming of age film for the elderly...
The older I get, the more bitter and accepting I become, simultaneously. That is a contradiction, I realize, but this film demonstrates just that. It starts with a very bitter man that is like someone we all know and we watch him grow, or we learn about him, that he is actually quite tenderhearted while also being extremely self-righteous.
There are a lot of flashbacks to show how Otto became the person he is. And there are both little slips and big slips here and there to show tolerant and forgiving he can be. It keeps you from hating him. If you're not too careful, it will also cause you to reflect inwardly and you may recognize some of those changes in yourself.
There is something in the film that bugs me, and it's just the very part of the inward reflection that I'm talking about... there is a trans character introduced. The first part of that which bugs me is that it seems Hollywood can't seem to release a movie these days without an LGBTQ character, whether it lends to the story or not. I guess its the only way they can get nominated for an award these days. And, there was not LGBTQ character in the original novel. But, here we are... the second part of that, though, is in this film it's done in a not-in-your-face way that makes you agree with Otto when he tells the person that their father is an idiot. In other words, it works and it shows there is inward growth towards accepting people for who they are. But, the character could've been anyone with issues where a parent may kick them out of the house (religion, abuse, etc.), but Hollywood chose this subject, as seems the trend. It's Hollywood's pet-project, subject of choice, etc. It's important to note that the trans character had a connection with Otto's wife, and I doubt Otto would've reacted in such an accepting way had there been no connection.
The acting was wonderful and the characters, no matter how ridiculous they initially seem, draw you in. The story is a tear-jerker, with lots of cute/funny moments, and the ending has a predictable, but sweet, conclusion. I recommend it.
Dexter: New Blood (2021)
Unsatisfying and Disappointing
The first couple of seasons of the first franchise was clever and well done. But it went downhill before the last two seasons. This reboot is often boring and, like the final season of the first Dexter series, almost always predictable and unbelievable (regarding the level of stupidity on "investigators" parts, timelines involved, etc.). And while Deb was always annoying, she is even more so in this show with her over-acting and foul mouth.
I will finish watching the first season, just to say I did, but will not return. No surprises, some really bad lines from several bad actors, and just completely unbelievable plot lines at times.
The Backyardigans (2004)
EXCELLENT Kids Show!
It had diversity (though cartoon characters, the names crossed spectrums). It had inclusion (each character contributed). Each character provided encouragement. And the music and talent of the singers was incredible.
As an adult, it was a show I would watch with my kids without being annoyed. I enjoyed it almost as much as they did because of the sheer talent. We even went to see a live version!
If you see it scheduled and you have kindergarten or younger kids (and maybe even a bit older), enjoy it with them. If you are looking for alternative shows to the present day Disney/Nick ensemble and can get these on some other form of media, I recommend it.
Your Honor (2020)
Too drawn out
Each episode left me wondering as to why it took an hour to tell a 15 minute story. Also, the sheer stupidity of the judge's son is unbearable.
Brian Cranston, as always, gives a stellar performance as do many other well known actors. But the portrayal of the son ruins it. His constant deer-in-the-headlights look is annoying. No personality displayed like the other characters.
I watched most of the season but gladly gave it up after seven episodes. The main reason was I found myself not caring about the "surprise" that the next episode may offer. Again, it took too long to get to any point in each episode. What a pit of a show.
The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
Watch the original, not this remake.
Mr. Washington and Mr. Schreiber are fantastic in their roles. Unfortunately, that is not enough to make this anything close to the drama built up in the original. This version is too predictable and takes some deviant turns (the implied nature of the "relationship" between the VP and Manchurian candidate and his mother, the senator). And it was completely unnecessary as the all-controlling, domineering personality was more than enough.
I don't want to go into details for those of you that have seen the original and my want to still see this one. But... I was disappointed in some of the switches they made in roles. An example that won't spoil anything is where the name Manchuria came from. It had to be done because of geographic differences between Korea (the original) and Kuwait (this version), so that one I can live with. But moving around who does what, and removal of a very important love interest story essential in the first movie made this version much more predictable and the ending much less shocking. It erased that feeling one realizes when something is overcome. And changing the "trigger" to what altered behaviors also removed any erratic happenings that made the candidate suspect something was off, which was used very effectively in the original movie.
It's not the worse movie I ever say, but if you want to see a good story about deep-state political ambition and conspiracy, watch the original version with Frank Sinatra and Angela Lansbury.
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
Great story, but difficult to view
I saw this movie when it was first released and I own copies of the trilogy on DVD. My teenage son and I recently watched the trilogy over three nights (you know... the whole COVID-19 thing). His first time seeing them and my first re-visit in probably a decade or more.
Five minutes into the film, I remembered why I disliked it. It is the OVERLY-jerky camera motion and the scene cuts of between three seconds and less than one second. Seriously, you can't count to three on a scene before they change the angle or the shot and it's bouncing all over the place. The first two movies employ this to some degree and it is even explained in the "Extras" on one of them that it is shot from a "hand-held" perspective to make the viewer feel as if it is unfolding real-time. But in this, the third, it is over used and therefore it overstimulates. After 45 minutes, it started to give me a headache. I even had to close my eyes just to give my throbbing head a break at times. It was unnecessary and to the point that if I see another movie from this director, I will approach it with caution and, likely, avoid.
The story is good. We all realize how it will likely turn out before the ending. If it weren't for the shooting style, it would be a downright enjoyable action movie and would then be worthy of eight or nine stars. As it stands, it gets about half that.
Apocalypse Now (1979)
They say either you love it or hate it...
I am not a big fan of this movie. I understand that its disjointedness and melancholy feel is supposed to be representative of the war, but I found it absurd in many ways. I remember my response when my wife asked me what I was watching and, when I told her, she asked if it was as good as they say. I told her that the cinematography was phenomenal, but the story line was not believable and most of the characters were not accurate representations of 90% of the people who served in Vietnam.
In my opinion, Vietnam is the war in which film makers still want to use to push a pacifist or leftist agenda. There were hundreds of thousands of Vietnam veterans who served their country proudly and loyally who have yet to have their story told. And this film's artistic blend of the worst of the worst did not sit well with me.
The Andy Griffith Show: Dinner at Eight (1967)
Not season eight.
My main reason for writing the review is to agree with a couple of others that this is one of the better color episodes. There are several good color episodes, despite what many people are led to believe. While the BEST episodes are from the first five (B&W) years, several of the color years are equally as good as some of the B&W ones... this is one of those better ones.
As others have said, confusion (and ill timing) over a phone message from an unwanted house guest with only the best of intentions leads to some pretty funny dialogue. Goober is at his finest, kindhearted self with his intentions, but his bumbling demeanor leads to some confused friends and one very, very full Andy.
BUT... this is not from Season eight. It is (as you can see from the episode guide) the 17th episode of season seven. Not a big deal, but if you're looking for it on Netflix or in your DVD collection, you'll need to find in the right season.
Foyle's War: The Eternity Ring (2013)
Didn't thoroughly enjoy
I just saw the first episode of Season 8 tonight and I can't say that I enjoyed it as much as episodes of past seasons. I'm hopeful the next two episodes improve.
I found myself lost in tonight's episode several times... Foyle didn't seem as much of "leading" as he did "following" and investigation. And I didn't like the lack of closure on the story behind the a returning Sergeant... even if it's "realistic," then the closure on the other stories made this ones lack of closure empty.
Also, there was, at times, shaky camera work that I found more a distraction... it seems to be a "popular" filming technique these days, especially in a chase scene, but I've never appreciated it and have loved that past episodes of Foyle's War didn't employ it.
I can't say that I hated it, but I do hope the other two episodes for this season are better.
Moneyball (2011)
Only fair in my book...
While I thought the movie was well made, I just didn't enjoy it as much as I would have if it had been more "fun." I found it a bit slow at times and then when going through the statistical models in the trade, it went too fast... purposeful choppiness that some find entertaining, but I don't (kind of like the "shaky camera" or average shot times of less than five seconds effects. Some folks like them, I do not).
Also, Brad Pitt's constant under-bite and messy eating (which seem to have become his attempt at a trademark look) I find annoying and now a distraction. And why Jonah Hill's character isn't given nearly the credit he got in real life as AGM I think is a big miss for this movie.
Overall, I was disappointed.
Hung (2009)
Not entertaining...
It's not funny. It's not sharp. It's not witty.
It's predictable. It's slow. It lacks any surprise punch.
Are we supposed to sympathize with Ray? He's not the sharpest guy, but some of the writing makes him not only out and out stupid but also lazy. Not only can he not keep his bills paid on time, but he can't even clean his house.
An example of why you have a hard time liking this guy... After his divorce, he moves in to his deceased(?) parent's home (you get the impression he inherited it) that is quite run down. At a later time, he has a new neighbor that is moving in and the new neighbor approaches him and mentions a housewarming party. Ray thinks he's being invited, but really the neighbor is there to ask Ray to clean his own gutters before the new neighbor's friends come to the party and see Ray's house. The problem?... The writers intended you to:
a - find this funny.
b - feel sorry for Ray (being kicked when down).
c - dislike the "lawyer" neighbor.
But instead you don't feel any of that. It's predictable, as the house is an eyesore; you see the condition of the house and think Ray should be grateful he has a place available and take care of it; and you're more apt to empathize with the neighbor, esp. when the camera pans to the gutters and show plants growing out of them. It's worse than the Bundy's house!
It only gets worse. Ray constantly complains about his station in life, but he isn't looking for an honorable way to make extra money. He only complains and compares the present to how things used to be. Again, it's meant to be funny or have the watchers agree, but instead you just want to shake him and tell him to wake up and get over it.
There are times when he comes across as a nice guy, but then you'll learn something about him later to erase it. For example, in the Pilot, we find out the nature of his divorce and you immediately side with Ray. But later, in a flashback of the first time he ever met who will become his "pimp," the timing of the scene reveals Ray is not beyond committing adultery. This makes you think maybe he deserved the divorce.
He's constantly portrayed as a victim, but not real likable. He wants money, but it comes across as he thinks he's entitled to it.
With his better days behind him, and him always looking back, he's just not a character I want to relate to.
Don't waste your time.
The Tale of Despereaux (2008)
Choppy and difficult to follow...
This movie is difficult to follow for an adult (much less a child), even with the narration. Think of the movie "Snatch," or an episode of Seinfeld, with all its sub-plots tying together in the end. Now throw out half the plots tying together in the end, don't explain them well enough, make them too complicated for anyone under the age of 12 to get and you've got this movie.
Stories can be adapted to where children and adults will both enjoy them, but this film does not accomplish that. I took my son (5 y/o) to see a "G" rated movie... No, there is no foul language; No, there is no nudity; etc... but the presentation of the story itself is dark and entirely too complicated for him to grasp.
The best review in here that I saw was the person who wrote it like a soup recipe. Excellent review, and appropriate for this movie. And don't even get me started about that "vegetable man" thing!! He was so not needed that his creation was never explained and his demise accomplished nothing except for my son to say "What happened?" Save your money and don't even bother once it hits DVD.
Road to Ruin (1991)
Awful...
If you've seen one, you've seen them all. VERY predictable and unnecessary/frustrating attempts at plot/relationship twists. The only reason I gave it two stars instead of one is the filming location.
Typical story about a rich, self made guy who falls head over heels for a girl who won't give him the time of day (as opposed to everyone else who, as he puts it, kisses his a$$). When the girl finally does give him attention, he is questioned by the "one guy he truly trusts" and wonders if it's true love or if her motives are the money. He makes arrangements to look like he's lost the money to tests her loyalty, only to later find out he's been swindled. Will he get the girl in the end? Will he get his money back? Will he get revenge on the swindler? Like I said, it's predictable...
I did not find the couple match-up believable and character development was slow, shallow, and painful. The acting was also a bit over the top at times. Only watch this if nothing else is on and you feel like wasting an hour and a half of your time.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
A Must See During Christmas!
Great story that truly brings back childhood memories. Growing up in the 70s, this show was a staple of the Christmas season and always showed up on television, along with a few others and some classic Christmas commercials (before Christmas became a dirty and discriminating word).
Yes, like other posters have commented, the animation/claymation/whatever it's called is dated. There are no fancy computer generated special effects, and some comments made would be frowned upon in "today's society." But perhaps that is one of the things about this show that makes it so appealing. I appreciate that this was top technology for the times (and I like that it doesn't have all the "scary" animations that some of today's shows have). Also, I can appreciate that any "sexist" remarks made (such as the men "protecting the women folk" - there was actual chivalry back then!) were made in a time when this was acceptable to the censors, but cursing and on-screen violence/sex/etc. wasn't. So does that make our times better or worse than those just 20ish years ago? I also want to set the record straight... Santa does apologize to Rudolph before he needs him to guide his sleigh. It is a brief apology right after Rudolph returns. Santa says something like "I was a little to rough on you. I guess we all were." Some people have commented that by today's standards, they find this "too lame" of an apology. Again, I say that times have changed, and not necessarily for the better. People today are less willing to forgive and, instead, seek revenge. Imagine if Rudolph would have said "stuff it, Santa." Kids throughout the world would have suffered because of his anger and resentment. Instead, he took a higher road and became a hero. Even the final words of the song tells of him going down in history.
Finally, my son and daughter love it. They are both very young, and the things that would be criticized by the P.C. police out there go straight over there heads (and I don't believe in the whole brainwashing conspiracy theory). It's a simple story that isn't so frightening that it makes them run from the room in tears. It also ends on a cheerful note and they love the music.
As a kid and even as a teenager, I loved to see it on T.V. after Thanksgiving. It was one of the seasonal shows that meant Christmas was coming. Now, since all T.V. seems to show are reality shows or night time soap operas that are not family appropriate, I will continue to play the DVD for my kids anytime they would like to see it between Thanksgiving and Christmas... and I will delightfully watch it with them.