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Reviews
The Equalizer: Eye for an Eye (2023)
Don't watch until Season 4 is released
This was by far the worst episode of the season. (And this season had its share of disappointing episodes).
"Eye for an Eye" was predictably a cliff-hanger. The plot was also extremely implausible. More so than usual. (But usually it doesn't matter because, well, it's now a fluffy teen show. And that's OK - because it has nice endings).
If you appreciate those usual nice extended happy ending wrap-ups, this episode is definitely not worth watching. At all. It would be better to just watch the recap at the beginning of Season 4. Watching this episode will make you not want to watch Season 4.
People watch this show because of the feel good endings. The writers forgot that when they made this episode.
The 355 (2022)
The editing destroyed it - overcompensating to make sure it wasn't a "chick flick"
This movie had such a great cast / acting and a big budget - that I can only imagine one place it went wrong. The editing. And the person who called the shots on what to keep vs cut.
I hope this review is seen by that person. Because whoever you are, it felt like you destroyed a movie that had potential because you were too afraid of it being a "chick flick" and, well, you overcompensated and missed the mark.
This movie was just one action scene strung together after another. It truly felt like there must have been more character developing and defining shots that were left snipped out on the editing floor - probably because someone was afraid that character development of an all-woman cast would scare away the male audience.
The problem with this is that the lack of character development resulted in removing the emotional investment in the characters. So the constant action scenes seemed ridiculous and trite.
This movie would have felt shorter if it had 25% more content focused on getting the audience invested in the characters. I hope it becomes a film school case study in 1) how making a film shorter can make it feel longer, and 2) bad editing due to second-guessing what men and women want.
There are so many great action movies starring women these days. It really shouldn't have been that hard to make this one a hit.
ExPatriot (2017)
Well Done. Excellent Acting.
If you're expecting a movie with all shooting and no thinking, this isn't for you. It's a complex story of multiple betrayals. And ends well. One of the better movies I've watched in a while.
Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
The Most Twisted Love Story Ever
And for that, I appreciate it. So much was so wrong about it. But it beautifully displayed the human conditions of love, hope and desperation. Wrapped up with a bitter sweet obi bow.
What We Left Behind: Looking Back at Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (2018)
DS9 Gets Better with Each Year - Remaster it to UHD!
When DS 9 first came out, I couldn't watch it - because streaming didn't exist, and I couldn't commit to the weekly schedule for an ongoing storyline. It was frustrating.
When I finally bought the full DVD collection some years later, I was blown away. It was the best television I ever watched in my life. Watching it again now, it still is.
It's no surprise in this age of streaming, DS9 is gaining new respect. It covers all the themes of life.
I just wish they would now digitally remaster it for HDTV!
Lucifer: Bloody Celestial Karaoke Jam (2021)
One of my favorite episodes!
Awesome that the writers thought this up. So fun. Loved the Maze/Ella mashup of Bad to the Bone & Scrubs! I couldn't stop laughing through it. Many thanks to the production team for this one!
Young Adult (2011)
Watch it for as Long as You Can! Then Simply Stop.
I'm a fan of movies and (especially) books with polarized reviews. It usually means that something about it offends people in a compelling way worth experiencing. This movie was the same. And also different.
Theron does a brilliant acting job. Her subtle facial expressions, attitude and tone of voice are awe-inspiring. She makes this film. It's worth watching for as long as you can to simply appreciate how good she really is. It's why this film won its awards.
If you begin watching knowing you won't make it to the end, you'll enjoy it a lot more. Part of the irony of this film is that the main character is so unlikeable that you give up on her - before the film is over. And, that is OK! More than OK.
Watch it until the point that you become thrilled you are no longer in high school. That you're no longer trapped by high school immaturity. That you're past that phase of your life, and fortunate enough to NOT be living in that past. Then go have (just) one glass of wine to celebrate. And be happy you didn't turn out to be the emotionally stunted, depressed alcoholic played brilliantly by Theron.
If you stop one third of the way, you'll probably want to give it eight stars. For each 1/6 of the way longer, you'll want to drop it by a star. So stop while you're ahead and just appreciate the acting. And your life as it is now.
Lucifer: Vegas with Some Radish (2017)
An atypical episode but a nice treat!
Loved that Lopez (the classic crime series procedural goofy smart geek girl) character got her opportunity to shine.
Written for Lopez, it was a departure from the norm. Totally fun. Definitely laughed the most during this episode than any other.
Tom Ellis (Lucifer) was also in rare form. Working his "old-school, pseudo-womanizer, best cheesy James Bond" persona to a T. If you enjoy that side to his character, you'll love this episode!
Lucifer: What Would Lucifer Do? (2017)
Something was Really "Off" about the Acting in this Episode
This is one of my favorite shows, but for some reason, the acting in this episode, especially by Tom Ellis (Lucifer), was below the usual standard. It almost seems like the cast is arguing with each other off-set. Or maybe with the director. Hopefully it will get resolved soon. I love this show and it's a bummer to see the actors struggling to get into character. My rating of 5 might be a little harsh, but I'm hoping they read this and deal with whatever issue is preventing the cast from doing a good job.
Queen of the South (2016)
If You're a Man, Only Watch This if You're Very Smart and Confident
I first watched the entire series on TV. After the season finished, I bought it on Amazon and am now watching it again. But this time, along with my man (more on that in a minute). I'm enjoying it even more the second time. For two reasons.
Reason 1: I believe the reviewers who think the show "slowed down" in the middle, didn't realize what Veronica Falcon as Camila Vargas was doing for audiences. I'm not sure how big her role was originally supposed to be, but her performances are mind-bending. She is strong, fierce, powerful and best of all, NOT a naive young woman. She's super hot, dangerous, yet vulnerable, and in her 40's.
Aside: I was astounded by the huge number men "in love" with Camilla when I was searching online for episode synopses. The men who "get" Camilla are turned on by all of her moves. Especially the strategic ones. Of course the short skirts, stilettos and cleavage help. But with her words, she's really got them by the brains.
Reason 2: If you happen to be a man (or with one) who would go batty from boredom without a woman who was fiercely smart —watch Queen of the South together. Starting around episode 6, you'll have a lot of fun. Especially if you watch it before going to bed.