tennismenace Reviews

The Ghost Writer (2010)

One of the worst movies I've seen this year

[3/10 · 14 January 2024]

That is about two hours I wish I had back. I should have known-it was a Roman Polanski film- and I usually don't like his work products, but I have. O one to blame except me. Regretfully, the mistake I made was listening to some reviewers here who were praising this movie calling it a masterpiece even. Wow...I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so I can't find fault for what other people like, that is their prerogative.

So I don't want to be redundant here since I've watched this movie 13 years after it came out, but I will just say this movie really did not have a suspenseful plot and what it did have was no big deal to me...not sure why American CIA felt the need to kill two people over it. So, Ruth, the wife was recruited by the CIA by her Harvard professor. So, she influenced "Tony Blair" to do her bidding? Big deal! Many spouses have a great influence on their spouse. Obviously, Polanski is anti-American and wanted to make a statement here to put down America for what goes down in Cuba, and also to put down Tony Blair (and his wife) for what goes down in 10 Downey Street. What else is new? America used to be a great nation until the far left and the godless media kicked both God and His Son Lord Jesus out of Washington and many capital cities. You want open borders and terrorism? You got it! Enjoy your freedom while you can...it may not be here much longer.

The Practice: A Day in the Life (1999) Season 3, Episode 12

I agree...not entertaining

[1/10 · 5 September 2023]

We all know beauty is in the eye of the beholder so even though this was one of the worst episodes, or maybe even the worst, I've seen on this show, I'm sure there is somebody out there who will see things differently.

Bobby was just being Bobby....a very immoral lawyer but I'm pretty sure he crossed a line here by doing something illegal. This family who sought his advice literally wanted to sweep their problems away and bury them so as not to see them any longer. Of course, Bobby decided it is better to help my friends avoid being charged with murder so he decides to be an accessory after the fact to this cover up. Seriously Bobby. I knew you were a scumbag, but I didn't know you would stoop this low.

The other cases and story lines were almost as horrendous as this one. A guy kills a guy in order to save his life and the judge rules that is legal. Apparently Kelli laid some legal case on the judge and he bought it. Lastly, I'm very disappointed Bobby has to screw around with every woman not named Frutt on this show. In my opinion it cheapens the show.

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die (2023)

Disappointing except the ending

[6/10 · 16 April 2023]

Wow, I was surprised by this movie. Having been a fan of the series, my expectations were sky high. Well, they were not met and thus the 6star rating. It would have been a 1 star rating if I stopped watching after the first 90 minutes, but the last 30 minutes saved it ...somewhat. I do love good endings though.....this had that.

Okay, here is biggest complaint....they made righteous Aethelstan out to be gay. Seriously? Why would you do that? History was my minor in college and I love to read such and never have I come across that being put on Æthelstan. In fact, this is what you will find if you do some leg work to know more about him...." Æthelstan was one of the most pious West Saxon kings, and was known for collecting relics and founding churches. His household was the centre of English learning during his reign, and it laid the foundation for the Benedictine monastic reform later in the century." Just because he never married (died age 45), you shouldn't take "creative license" and decide to make him gay just to appease the vocal LBG crowd. That is not fair, especially attributing such quality to a God-fearing man. Not good and definitely turned my wife and I off.

Besides that, like I said, the writing for the first 90 minutes was horrible....no real purpose, all over the place. Not sure who was good and who wasn't. But thankfully the Great battle at the end, Uhtred's honesty, and Aethelstan's humility grace me some people to root for. Oh, I also liked the Saxon Queen...the mother of Edmund, the next ruler to follow Aethelstan and one of King Edward's wives.

Well, I guess I've said enough. Sorry to be somewhat of a Debbie downer here. Cheers.

Pride and Prejudice (1995)

I hate to be a Negative Nellie, but....

[6/10 · 4 April 2023]

I really didn't like this mini series at all ...but it's not like me to give less than 5 stars unless the show REALLY DISTURBED ME. This didn't do that...it was just boring and predictable. My wife wanted to watch it so I agreed, and I don't mind seeing a good chick flick every so often.....but even my wife was bored with this show, and she really was not a fan of the characters playing Lizzie and Darcy either. I'm doing my best to try to find a character I enjoyed rooting for and to tell you about such....but I'm drawing blanks. Sigh!

Lizzie and Darcy bored the heck out of me. I liked Jane and Bingley more but not much more....and as we know, this show was mostly about Lizzie and Darcy....too bad. The other sisters were annoying but not nearly as much as their mother. I didn't even find her manners amusing. Even their father put me off because most of the time he just sat there like a bump on a log but what really bothered me was how he caved in to allowing Lydia to go somewhere to hang out with the military dudes. Not a wise decision to leave that immature silly girl basically unchaperoned.

Getting back to Darcy.... I find it hard to believe someone with his upbringing would act the way he did, but I find it even harder to believe Lizzie can overlook his dissing her sister Jane as a proper mate for Mr Bingley. He actually believed Jane was too cold toward Bingley.......hello Darcy, what do you call the way you were toward Lizzie the first 3 episodes? Not to mention all the put downs he spoke regarding her lowliness of status. I guess Lizzie changed her mind about him when she saw Darcy's mansion and his half naked body. Oh well, a girl back then in the early 1800s has to do what she has to do to get on with her life, right? Lizzie's friend Grace knows.... I guess Lizzie had to learn that lesson too.

Anyhow, obviously this presentation was not meant for me. I'm glad many have found much more pleasure than I have, but I will say this to end on a positive note- the settings were often aesthetically pleasing enough.

Nocturnal Animals (2016)

Stunning

[10/10 · 5 March 2023]

Every once in a while you come across a movie that just can't leave your brain and you have to still be talking about it with your loved one the next day. Well, this is one of those movies. Hats off to the screenwriter and director of this movie- well done indeed. The only real fault I could find with the movie was the first 2 or so minutes while the credits are being shown. In that two minutes was the most disturbing visuals I have seen on TV in quite some time. I had to close my eyes after the first 10 seconds and reopened them when my wife said, "okay, it's over with." I really don't want to talk about what I saw because then I have to think about it, and I don't want to do that.

Anyhow, I really don't need to say too much because many people have already said things I would say, so why be redundant. I will just add this- every single actor/actress was phenomenal, but Amy Adams accomplished perfection in this one. She had to wear several different hats in this one and she did them all perfectly. The first encounter with Edward when they were in college was my favorite dialog, but the one with her Mother (Laura Linney) was not to far behind. Heck, I should probably add the next 10 scenes that were moving for me that she was in. But like I said...they all were fantastic.

Lastly, I noticed some people who wrote reviews were somewhat confused by this movie....no doubt, some will be, but just remember, what is in the book corresponds as a metaphor for what happened in real time. I hope this helps. Cheers.

The Watcher: Haunting (2022) Season 1, Episode 7

YAHOO! Fantastic Ending Alert!

[10/10 · 16 February 2023]

Wow, what a surprise and delightful season finale we got us here. I had no idea where the show was going to wrap up season one, but to be honest, this ending far exceeded the ending I possibly could have conceived. BRAVO AND HATS OFF TO THE WRITERS for this gem of a show, especially the finale. I'm not going to say one word so I won't have to put "spoilers" up on this review. Seriously though, you shouldn't want anyone to spoil it for you...it's that awesome.

What can I say about the whole season? Love and kisses to everyone involved- directors, producers, and of course all the actors. EVERYONE who got FaceTime was a delight and awesome in their role. Of course, the lead family- the Brannocks- were nothing short of stupendous. I fell in love with Naomi Watts when I viewed Mullholland Drive, and she has never disappointed me since. She had to wear many hats in this series and she wore them well. Mr Brannock matched her step for step, if that is even possible. But, I shouldn't stop there because like I previously said- Every secondary actor/actress was spot on and believable. If i had to single out just one actor to write about, which is not really fair, but if i had to, i would look to the divine actress with a very cool voice who played Theodora, the private eye who was hired by the Brannocks. I could listen to her all day long just reading the phone book, she is that mesmerizing.

I guess I've said enough...I definitely can't wait to see the path season 2 will be taking. I'm sure I won't be let down. Again to all involved in this production- WELL DONE! I know some people didn't like it as I do, and I respect their opinions, but it would be a shame if people missed out seeing this series because of those reviews that obviously I don't go along with.

Law & Order: Chosen (2003) Season 13, Episode 11

I absolutely LOVED this episode

[10/10 · 19 January 2023]

Peter Jacobsen was the star, by far.....I loved every time he opened his mouth or made a gesture. No doubt, this episode was different which to me made it refreshing. I realize some may disagree with the politics (I applaud it) but the show just tried to show you how people will go to any lengths to support their cause. Unfortunately, when you break the law, there are consequences. One should always count the costs before making huge decisions like this guy made.

There was no doubt the ADA had the law on his side, but as we all know, all it takes is one serious jurist to shoot that down. The defense gambled on having that one or two jurist. Oh well.....oh, Great closing argument by the ADA....as usual.

Little House on the Prairie: The Lord Is My Shepherd: Part 2 (1974) Season 1, Episode 14

Wow! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS EPISODE SO MUCH!

[10/10 · 16 July 2022]

Admittedly, I love Father God and His Son, Lord Jesus soooooooooo much, so it's no surprise this episode touched my heart with never ending joy. Ernest Borgnine playing "Clarence" was perfectly casted. Laura was tremendous, as usual, but the message is uplifting and of course emotional....especially if you too love the Lord.

I'm ashamed to say this but just recently I have begun to watch this show, having missed it back in the 70-80s when it came on. I watch one episode a day, so it looks like I have about 188 more to go. Whoppeeeeeeeee! They just don't make TV like this anymore, do they?

Well, it is safe to say, out of the first 15 episodes I have seen, this is now my favorite. The question is though, could it be replaced? I'm sure it can, but that can only happen unless another episode was written with through the Mind of God. Cheers.

Yellowstone: I Want to Be Him (2021) Season 4, Episode 6

Absolutely hated this episode

[2/10 · 7 April 2022]

This episode has now become the worst (so far) episode of Yellowstone.

A 10 minute fistfight, a horrible dialogue between weak Jamie and his sick Dad, so much boring time watching Jimmy grow up to be a Cowboy, Monica repeatedly telling us how much she loves being away from Y, and who can forget Summer keeping bored Papa Dutton busy? At least Beth made me laugh once.

Money Heist: Una tradición familiar (2021) Season 5, Episode 10

Totally. Awesome. Ending

[10/10 · 9 March 2022]

Thank you, Money Heist for ending this fabulous series on a VERY high note. Both the plot and actors, as usual were superb.

Spoilers now: It was absolutely essential for me to give this a 10 both as a complete series and for this last episode that The Professor, Lisbon, and Sierra all had to all be alive, free, and happy at the end....and they were. Mission accomplished. Needless to say, those 3 really made this season very special for me, but please don't think the others were just throw ins because they weren't. They all played an important role, were great, and made this series so enjoyable as it was. However, if for example, Rio or Denver or Stockholm were selected to be collateral damage, I would have survived that .....unlike if it were to be any from the big 3 I previously named. No disrespect intended.

Anyhow, what I liked most about these last 5 episodes was how each episode got better and more suspenseful as it progressed. That In my opinion is the formula for a successful tv series. Mission accomplished! THANK YOU MONEY HEIST.... YOU ROCK!

The Expanse: Babylon's Ashes (2022) Season 6, Episode 6

We can't be done!

[6/10 · 15 January 2022]

I absolutely love this show and seasons 1-3 were fantastic (10). Season 4 was a bit slow but good enough (8). But seasons 5-6 were very disappointing (5). Making it all about Marco vs everyone else was just not enough. Obviously the ending was rushed because to only have 6 episodes was no where near enough to wrap up most of the story lines. I've not read any of the books so I know very little about the Ancient Builders of those 1300+ gates and I know even less about who people call the Aggressors. And why did they even show us Laconia when we are left hanging wondering what is going on there? No, I'm sad to say....too many holes...the puzzle is no where completed. But having said all of that, I still love the show, the characters, and especially the cool CGI effects. I really felt like I was in outer space watching this. This may be wishful thinking but I sure hope someone, like Netflix or Hulu, come along and pick this back up for more. Too bad Sci Fi always seems to get the short end of the stick. Cheers...

King Richard (2021)

Absolutely loved every minute

[10/10 · 21 November 2021]

Now I will preface my post by telling you I love to play tennis, so I'm sure that means something. But what means even more to me are the performances of the Williams parents and ESPECIALLY their five girls. We all know Will Smith is a beast and expect greatness from him, and we got it, but for me, what made this movie so great were the facial expressions, body language, and camera presence of the five Williams' sisters....of course, especially Venus and Serena, since they got more face time. Anyhow, that was a very satisfying and entertaining 2:20 for me.... THANK YOU to all who made that gem.

Oh, I do have one question I've tried to fact check to no avail...did A. Sanchez Vicario really take a 10 minute plus toilet break? Just curious. Thanks for listening. Cheers.

Unbelievable: Episode 2 (2019) Season 1, Episode 2

Gripping

[10/10 · 15 October 2021]

The connection made between the rape victim, Amber, and the very controlled and smooth Detective Duvall made this a WOW for me.

On a side note, seeing Marie as a basket case three years later is very disturbing. For some reason she has not gotten the help she obviously needs. Hoping this turns around.

Okay, on to episode 3.

The Blacklist: Konets (2021) Season 8, Episode 22

Pathetic and Shameful

[1/10 · 25 June 2021]

Have they changed writers the past two seasons? This season was horrific and this episode was even worse. One hour of redundant small talk, concluding with an ending you told us had to be in the first minute.

Hello! If Liz could only read the contents of the envelope after she kills Katrina/Red, and we know there will be a season 9 and Liz won't be coming back....do you take us for idiots? You don't think we know what that means? (No letter reading folks.) I'm mad at myself for hanging in there to watch trash week after week.

Billions: Redemption (2018) Season 3, Episode 10

Sinking like the Titanic

[3/10 · 16 May 2021]

Seasons 1 and 2 were good, but season 3 is rough to watch, although admittedly my wife is having to wake me up as I fall asleep listening to another one of Chuck or Axe's monotonous tirade. Seeing Chuck and Axe kiss and make up was more than i could stomach knowing each criminal was more interested in saving their own skin. Oh how i wish this show would have one hero for me to root for. Oh, is there any chance Wendy can get a job that doesn't require to talk with either Chuck or Axe? This would be a better show for it. Boring self righteousness dribble.

Billions: Not You, Mr. Dake. (2018) Season 3, Episode 7

For me...This is the Worst episode by far

[1/10 · 14 May 2021]

I don't know why I even bother to watch this show....there is absolutely no one to root for because they are all self righteous pompous crooks. Without a doubt, the three characters I despise the most are the ones with the same surname, Rhoades. Next to Chuckie, Axe looks like an alter boy.

Maybe I will be able to convince my wife to get off this bandwagon now and find another show to fill the space while we wait for : Bosch, Better Call Saul, The Expanse, and Yellowstone to hurry up and give us the next season for each. The Billions was just supposed to be a filler and I was also wondering why so many people love this show. I just had to find out for myself. I'm still wondering.....

The Chosen: Matthew 4:24 (2021) Season 2, Episode 3

Mouth wide open!

[10/10 · 25 April 2021]

Just so you know up front, i most certainly am a follower and believer in Jesus as the Messiah and Lord.

Now, would someone please pinch me...is this really happening? I can't thank Dallas and everyone responsible for the making of this UNBELIEVABLE series. I love and appreciate Jesus so much, yet, after watching each episode I love and appreciate him even more....if that is even possible.

This episode blew me away...giving us even more things to ponder and wonder about, such as: what the disciples were thinking and talking about while Jesus was doing His thing; what were their relationships like?; how did Jesus feel at the end of a long tiring day serving the many needs of the afflicted? I can go on, but I'm tired now too.

All praise, honor, and glory to God the Father and to His Son, Lord Jesus. And thanks again to the entire Chosen cast. I love and appreciate you all very much! Good night!

Debris (2021)

I ABSOLUTELY loved this Pilot!

[7/10 · 2 March 2021]

Right from the get go it got my attention. Things were happening very quickly and very often....weird and very cool things indeed! I can't wait for episode two. As of now, IMDB cumulative rating is under 7....well, I realize beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so I will respect everyone's right to express their thoughts....but as for me...YA-HOOOOOO, GIVE ME MORE PLEASE!

The sci-fi effects were spot on, the acting was strong, especially from the top 2 Agents, but most importantly, the plot is very unique and extremely interesting....it has already hooked me in. Like I said....absolutely can't wait for next Monday. I dumped The Good Doctor so i have a Monday opening.....I am not regretting that decision one bit. Cheers.

Star Trek: The Next Generation: Half a Life (1991) Season 4, Episode 22

Good and Bad

[5/10 · 2 February 2021]

The Good....David Ogden Stivers and Madeline Barrett. It's about time they finally gave the latter a serious role instead of her usual man-hungry sexually frustrated female.

The Bad....the message and morality of this episode. I was very disappointed to see the writers/directors/producers promote an anti-aging morality here instead of fighting to show how ignorant and ridiculous forcing people to die at age 60 is. Now I'm sure if the topic were slavery or no-women's rights, and some culture accepted these as the way it is and has always been....the brain trust of this show would have fought very hard to show how that way of thinking SHOULD BE challenged, and would not have rolled over like a submissive puppy dog as they did here.

So why fight hard to show slavery and no-women's right are evil but not fight to show suicide for 60 year olds is also evil? Very simple answer.....because they are opposed to slavery and no-women's rights but not opposed to not having "elderly" people populating their world. That seems to pretty much be the way of the world today....well, especially the Western world. I still don't think that way of thinking has caught on to the Eastern part of the globe.....yeah for them!

/rant over. I feel better now. Disclaimer: it's not important for anyone to agree with me because you are entitled to believe for yourself....not adopt my belief system. I'm not looking for an "amen" from anyone. But thanks for listening.

Murdoch Mysteries: Cometh the Archer (2016) Season 9, Episode 18

Horrible writing

[1/10 · 4 January 2021]

Are you serious with this? This episode was So far fetched on several levels, it insulted my intelligence. I love this show but not this episode. I guess my 1 star rating gave that away. Oh well, every show has some clunkers.

New Tricks: Wild Justice (2013) Season 10, Episode 10

Horrible ending hurt this for me

[3/10 · 4 December 2020]

I would have given this an 8 or 9 star but the ending really put me in a foul mood. Are the writers crazy for writing that ending? Why would anyone feel good watching a young gal who was raped at age 12 and who accidentally caused an old drunken man to die, go to jail? That ending showed no graciousness, no common sense, and no compassion at all. Is that the way British detectives are? I hope she doesn't represent all British detectives. The only happy thought I have, being an attorney myself, is that with a good attorney, that gal should probably not have to spend a day in jail, and probably gets a slap on the wrist on probation and doing community service. What DA would want to try a case like that?

And then to make matters worse, the guy in jail was willing to confess his guilt over the death of a detective, who he did kill. All that had to be done was agree to the simple terms of the bargain. So, this ending gave us another loser....the wife of the detective who was murdered. No closure, no justice for her husband's death. Thank you, Detective Miller....you should have been a fire fighter.

Bottom line....I won't shed a tear if later on in the show, the guy in jail gets out and "gets some kind of revenge" on Detective Miller for what she did. I know it isn't right, and I hope he goes back in jail for this crime, but what Detective Miller did here to arrest a poor young gal who was a victim to a horrendous crime....demands some consequences, and shame on her. I'm sure even God above is not happy with her actions in this one. Detective Miller needs to learn the meaning of GRACE!

Game of Thrones: The Iron Throne (2019) Season 8, Episode 6

Extremely disappointing and insulting

[1/10 · 5 October 2020]

How could you make Dani out to be this crazy woman with a mental illness? Just because her father was looney doesn't mean she has to be. Never in 7 seasons did they show us that possibility.

Anyhow, I'm sure no one will be reading this and I doubt I can say anything that already hasn't been said. This goes down without a doubt as the most disappointing final seasons and especially the horrendous finale. I hate to walk away with such a bad taste on my mouth....Is there any chance we could have a reset, much like the TV show Dallas did when they originally killed off Bobby and then brought him back when the public outcry was so loud. Can we do the same here? Make this last episode a Jon Snow nightmare, all created in his mind.

Evan Almighty (2007)

Absolutely LOVED this movie

[10/10 · 1 April 2020]

Believe it or not, this was the first time I watched this movie....I know it came out 13 years ago.....better late than never I suppose!

As is usually the case any movie that mentions God or is about a story from the Holy Bible, you can expect multitudes giving a rating of "1" but it's too bad some people can't look past their biases and appreciate the movie for its many positive traits.

Funny as can be, great acting by all, especially "God and Noah", great story, great visuals with all the animals, great ending, and of course, great family fun. My 8 year old Granddaughter picked this movie out and I'm glad she did. We both give it 10 stars! I hope you like it as much as we did. Cheers!

This Is Us: Super Bowl Sunday (2018) Season 2, Episode 14

I know most will throw rocks at me, but

[5/10 · 8 March 2020]

This episode goes down as one of my least favorites so far. I know......are you kidding me? But all I can do is explain why and remind you, you don't have to agree with me.....what I didn't like about this episode is that this one went for the jugular to try to rip our hearts out with undying emotion which was a bigtime overkill from my perspective. I know, Jack dying is going to be emotional, but to see the three kids still responding the way they do is just too much for my common sense. I mean, seriously, twenty years, and still acting like it happened yesterday. And then bringing Deja back on this episode was even more over the top. I mean why did they pull her back in on this episode? And why make us believe that cute young boy was going to be the one? I just thought there was too much manipulation and I for one Just didn't feel like playing along.

Now I will also add, this has been my biggest gripe about the show from day two....the manipulation they provide to try to rip our hearts out and go for the big wow moment has always been a sore subject with me. Even my wife is now coming over to this way of thinking, so I don't think it's just a guy thing. Anyhow, I think I've said all that was needed for me to justify my 5 star rating. No offense intended to the huge fans of the show and especially this episode.

Castle Rock: Romans (2018) Season 1, Episode 10

Very disappointed...sigh!

[2/10 · 18 November 2019]

I was really hoping the finale would tie up ALL loose ends, but unfortunately for me, it didn't. Spoilers start here... So, I guess the Kid is some demon or devil rather than someone from an alternate universe, and he is back in his cage, the one Warden Lacy locked him up in for 27 years. I guess Adopted Henry is our hero for locking up this bad demon/devil who brought nothing but destruction with him wherever he went. And now Castle Rock is thriving. I guess.

So why did Molly have to leave CR if everything is now peaceful and prosperous? What was the reason for that? And what have we learned about the woods? Nothing if you ask me. I total waste of time. So I guess The Kid saved Adopted Henry, right? and I'm not sure why he did...only to have Adopted Henry lock him back up. Anyhow, I'm tired just thinking about all this and trying to piece together what I just saw. I like movies or tv shows that challenge your thinking, but I don't like it when you don't give us, the audience, a chance to figure and sort things out. I'm glad there are some people who totally get this finale and series....I'm really happy for you. Unfortunately, I'm not holding your hand singing Kumbaya with you. Instead I'm left shaking my head and wondering.....what the heck was that?