vonna-05624 Reviews

Emily the Criminal (2022)

A Must Watch Film

[8/10 · 14 February 2023]

It seems rarer lately that I see a film that I enjoy enough to want to write a review. But this one deserves it. With so much garbage available, it's a breath of fresh air to stumble upon a first rate thriller. From the start, you are engaged, wanting to see what happens next. Emily's character draws you in and the chemistry between Emily and Yousef is perfect. The acting is top notch. I am surprised by the overall lower rating, which does not reflect the quality and entertainment value of this film. I decided to take a chance and watch the film after reading several reviews that highly rated it. If you are reading this one, take the chance too. You won't be disappointed.

Mute (II) (2018)

Better than average

[7/10 · 29 January 2023]

If you are looking for an action movie, pass this one up. If you are interested in a suspenseful drama mystery that develops characters via story and slower moving story telling, then watch this. It was artfully done. The bad reviews are not telling. It is a moving story worth watching. I like the the futuristic sci fi setting with a mystery and suspense story and ending. Perhaps you will too. Time is taken to develop relationships and characters. My one criticism is the pacing. Yes it is slower than needs to be, but this does building in the suspense factor. The acting was superb. It was interesting to see actors we know in uncharacteristic roles.

The Manor (I) (2021)

The end ruined it

[5/10 · 16 January 2022]

It was actually a compelling horror/mystery film till the end. The acting was good. The story was good. But why in the world would they end it the way they did? It does NOT follow the story arc at all. The character choices at the end make no sense at all. They took a perfectly good movie and ruined it by ending it the way they did. Watch it if you feel like being disappointed. I only gave it a 5 for the acting and the beginning and middle of the story. The end gets a 1.

I'll Follow You Down (2013)

Not your typical time travel movie

[6/10 · 2 January 2022]

I think most sci-fi lovers enjoy a time travel movie, when well done. This movie isn't terrible, but isn't really great either. I like the concept and the story, but the slow pace took away from that. There is a lot of focus on character development and real life consequences of time travel, which should make this film interesting, unique, compelling, but it just doesn't land. I wasn't compelled to keep watching. However, I did keep watching because I needed to see how it ended. That all said though, it wasn't a terrible waste of time. If you have nothing better to do and need a sci fi flick, this could be it.

This Beautiful Fantastic (2016)

Delightful, truly delightful!

[8/10 · 2 January 2022]

This is a beautiful story, a feel good movie, a little bittersweet, and certainly emotion provoking - all kinds of good things that I wish films I watch invoke. One of the aspects of the film aside from the beautiful story, is that the characters are relatable. We all know, in real life, characters like these. And perhaps there is just a bit of an exaggeration to each one, but that's ok. My curmudgeon gardening neighbor certainly popped into my head when I first met the Tom Wilkinson character. And Bella's character with her OCD eccentricities can speak to many who share these tendencies. The bottom line is that we either know someone like this or we are this..... This makes the story enjoyable and relatable. The acting is excellent, and I would expect that given the cast. I don't think you need to love gardening to enjoy this film, though if you do or have ever mentored another budding gardener, you might particular enjoy this film. Enjoy!

The Fare (I) (2018)

Good acting and chemistry, twist ending, worth the time

[7/10 · 1 January 2022]

Overall, I liked it. To pull off a film like this, the actors need to be strong actors, and they need to have good chemistry with each other, and both the leads had it. There were times where it was just a bit slow, yet my attention and interest was still held. Some of the script I didn't care for. Other reviews mention that it is like a twilight zone and should be a short instead of a full movie, and to that I could agree, though I think the scenes are important to set up the relationship and chemistry between the two main characters. It has a neat twist that I didn't suspect, so it was not predictable. If you enjoy sci-fi mystery types of movies with a twist, go for it.

The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (2021)

Well worth your time!

[8/10 · 26 November 2021]

I'll admit that the beginning was slow, but once you get past the first 20 minutes, it's SO worth watching the rest. I wonder if those who say it was boring or couldn't get past the first 20 minutes are used to or looking for action packed movies that have less character development and more action. This is not that movie, and if the film didn't take time to develop the characters and background, you would miss out on important details that add to the later story - especially regarding his family and history. The acting is superb, and I am surprised at some of the lower ratings. I like the whimsy added to the story, as it helps lighten the sad events in the life of this brilliant artist. The choice to include the nightmares, dreams, and hallucinations in vivid description as Wain might have experienced, adds to the reality of his mental state and following decline. Every character was well developed and acted, which inevitably makes this film quite enjoyable to watch, even during the slow bits. Surely, I have seen art by Louis Wain before, or Wain inspired art, but never before did I know his story, which is tragic, fascinating and beautiful. This is a film that invokes great emotion, wonder, empathy, amazement at his talent, and sadness at the tragedy of his life. It causes me to want to explore more and learn more about him. I love true historical dramas that have this effect. This film is excellent and well worth your time.

A Vigilante (2018)

Olivia's superb acting couldn't save this film

[4/10 · 9 May 2021]

Such a lost opportunity for what could have been an amazing film. The writer/director I think tried for something powerful and compelling, but made some serious misteps in the delivery. First of all, the pace was just way too slow. Some scenes needed more, others did not. Also, the film's purpose was too split - was this a film to highlight domestic abuse and the survivor stories? Or was it a vigilante story? Either way, it didn't land. It could have been both, had a couple of things been changed, I think. I am no film director/producer so I can't tell the director what she should have done, just what went wrong from the viewer perspective. The viewer gets that the character Sadie went through horrific abuse, but spending so much time watching her hyperventilate didn't add to the story. Her telling of the abuse and what happened to her son was compelling and well done though. But then the last third of the movie was just bizarre and too unrealistic. It's a compelling idea and story and I think if it had been executed differently, would be fantastic, especially with Olivia Wilde in the lead role.

Night Train to Lisbon (2013)

Brilliant story, brilliant acting

[9/10 · 2 April 2021]

There are enough reviews here that give a summary. I won't give that. Instead I will encourage you to get through the beginning part that lags slightly to embark on a mystery of history. But more than history, it's a well developed story that more than adequately develops the characters so that you really care. You can't help yourself. You must see it through to the end. More than that, it makes you tihnk of real life events and the people who've lived them. The acting is top notch even though I wonder what the film would have been like with portuguese actors. Regardless, this was a thoroughly fantastic move. No time wasted. Enjoy.

Infinity Chamber (2016)

Worth the time to watch it if you are a sci fi fan

[8/10 · 6 January 2021]

This is a surprisingly interesting and enjoyable film. I wasn't expecting much given the ratings but they are not telling. If you are truly a sci fi fan of a good story and good acting and excellent film making, this is a film for you. There was so much more going on - even though some of the concepts seem to be taken from other stories. It's still a fascinating story brought to life though. I loved that the budget was so low that the skill of film making is higlighted rather than fancy CGI effects. Reading the trivia is quite fascinating. Sci fi and film fans, enjoy!

Dracula 2000 (2000)

A list actors in a B list movie and script

[3/10 · 7 March 2020]

I think most disappointing here is that the actors in this movie are quite accomplished, and they did their best with a poor to mediocre script, story, effects. They are really quite good at their craft, but even their excellent skill could not save this movie. I loved the idea of it - it was interesting and a neat idea. I don't want to give spoilers so I won't say it, but it was a twist that I've not seen in other Dracula movies. I rather enjoy vampire movies and tv, and so this movie was a bit of a let down. It felt like a film student movie rather than an A list movie. It wasn't a total waste of time though as it was interesting. My recommendation - watch this one on a rainy day when you have nothing other to do than to kill time.

The Endless (I) (2017)

A treat for the sci fi lover

[8/10 · 13 February 2020]

I write this review not having see Resolution or Spring or really anything else by these film makers. I was blown away. I am not surprised that they won a number of awards for this film. I loved it. It was not without its problems of course, but overall the story/concept was intriguing. The acting was really good. Honestly, I was quite surprised at how good the filmmakers acting was. If you are a sci fi lover, then watch this film. It makes you think....I actually had a nightmare about it (in a "good"way). So it has the mind bending aspect but also the thriller aspect to it. Very appealing. Now for some spoilers and issues.



So, we learn as we watch that the "cult" and others in the area, that they are stuck in a time loop - that some sort of power or alien/diety sort of thing is controlling it. And in some cases, he is cruel (and we don't know why) and in other cases not so cruel, but still disturbing. The cult has to live over and over again within this time loop, never aging, never changing, never able to leave. Issues - How did these men, when they were boys leave the "cult?" There was some dialogue regarding age and being able to see or feel the diety....does this mean they weren't affected as kids? Is this why they were allowed to leave 10 years before? Why didn't these guys realize something else was going on when the people in the cult didn't age? Aarron and Justin weren't young enough to play "boys" 10 years old too. Took some imagination and thoughts that Justin was just going gray early. ................Also, the leader/not leader guy (Hal) says that they make beer and that is their livelihood and that a couple is the one who grew the barley. Well how, if they are stuck in a loop, able to grow barley, harvest it, process it, and ferment beer in that time. Also the leader/not leader gets angry with the Aaron and Justin for the lies Justin tells about the "cult", saying that it ruins their livelihood of selling beer....well how in the bleep are they selling beer to the outside world? no one can leave, right? so are they saying that people come there, buy their beer, then leave? it doesn't make sense. It's not logical and has too many unanswered questions. There are also unanswered questions with how long they were there? how did they age in a time loop as boys? They were pulled out of a burning crash (mother died - was she in the cult or leaving the cult or just a traveler?). Again, how did Justin get them out of that cult? How did they not know about this evil deity? Did they not see and were they not part of the time loop? had they never explored the area as kids? Did they never see the totem poles? And WHY did the leader/Hal tell Justin to go to the bottom of the lake? Why didn't anyone in the cult WARN them about what was really going on? Why didn't the lady with the missing husband say WHY they couldn't look for her husband? So many questions.....as others have said. But OVERALL, a really interesting, thought provoking story which was well filmed and acted. Definitely worth your time and attention. These guys remind me a bit of my favorite film maker. M. Knight....and I look forward to seeing more of their stuff. I will be looking at their previous work as well. Watch the film, enjoy it, and let your imagination run wild.

To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You (2020)

Sweet teen love story / sequel just in time for Valentine's Day

[7/10 · 12 February 2020]

It's a sweet teen love story and it's a sequel, though it can stand on its own. If you haven't seen the first one, watch it. The acting is good - the chemistry between Lara Jean and John Ambrose is great, which makes the ending a little bit of a surprise.....in fact, I thought I knew how it was going to end.....and then it didn't end that way, which in some ways makes it more interesting, but in other ways, makes it confusing. I think that it's better watched as a sequel than not. If you are looking for a feel good movie, then watch it. It's worth the time.

The Meyerowitz Stories (2017)

I hated it....till I loved it.

[8/10 · 10 February 2020]

First of all, it's an all-star cast and the acting and script is superb. What drew me to watching this was the all-star cast. You've got many amazing actors in this film. But as I started watching, I thought "boring". I had hoped for a quirky film about family and it just wasn't (It was more). It didn't land....UNTIL, about half way through, for me, it changed. It became something more - you got invested in the characters, the story, the caring for an ailing parent.....for those of us who've been through this, you will get it. So perhaps this movie isn't for everyone. But it truly has value and is artistic and accomplished. The portrayals are real. The characters and their journey is real. Many of us watch a film to escape real life, and then there are the films that portray real life. They can be hard to watch, yet we can relate, and if we are lucky, learn something about ourselves in the process.

I'm not sure I can offer criticism of the script....it was real and accurate. This film reminded me a bit of the past foreign French films I've loved. They lack the Hollywood appeal but represent art, reality, tremendous acting and appeal because this is what many of us experience. My favorite line/scene is when Matthew (played by Ben Stiller) says "Why do you always show up for dad? Why are you always here?" and Jean (played by Elizabeth Marvel) shrugs her shoulders and replies "Because I am a decent person. Even though he never took care of us, it's what you do. Besides I like hanging out with you guys" Poignant. Real. Watch this movie. It's art. It's worthy of your time.

Murder Mystery (2019)

A lot of laughs for mystery and sandler fans

[8/10 · 8 February 2020]

After seeing this movie, I have to say I am perplexed by the many bad reviews. I almost didn't watch it based on the reviews (and if I am honest also based on the lack of quality of many Sandler movies of the past e.g. water boy, Zohan etc) But being an Agatha Christie fan, and a mystery novel/movie fan, I wanted to give it a try. Plus it didn't hurt that my son recommended it to me. I was pleasantly surprised. The chemistry between Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler was perfect. I loved the portrayal of a couple married for 15 years - it was spot on (funny bickering, habits etc). I thought the jokes landed well and there were really some funny bits throughout. The nods to the mystery movies/novels of the past especially of Christie was tongue in cheek fun. The rest of the cast was great too - funny characters and good acting. There were some good action scenes as well. It lacked the potty humor/crude humor that tends to plague sandler movies which is part of the reason that I liked it. Ignore the naysayers and give it a try.

Wildling (2018)

So much potential but failed to deliver

[5/10 · 12 May 2019]

The story itself is a good story. So much more could have been done to develop this into a suspenseful thriller with a climactic ending, leading to another movie. However, instead of developing the story and the characters, it relied on gore and horror. The movie had some great acting talent whose talents were not at all displayed by the shallow script and character development. If you are looking for a mindless movie with a predictable plot and ending, this is it. If you are looking for something more thought provoking, pass this one by.

The Canterville Ghost (1996 TV Movie)

Patrick Stewart made this movie super enjoyable

[9/10 · 21 January 2018]

So this is a made for tv movie and it plays that way. While I am not a fan of Neve Campbell (the lip biting, the narrowing eyes...), Patrick Stewart SHINES and makes Neve's performance with him shine too. There are some really touching scenes. Stewart really carries the movie and makes it a definite worth while watch. This is a fun family friendly (kids older than 9) movie that all can enjoy.

Get Out (I) (2017)

Wasn't at all what I hoped for

[4/10 · 11 January 2018]

I had hoped that all the positive reviews were spot on, but no.....This was a psychological thriller that had all the makings of a really good film. The acting was superb, but the way it played out in the end was a let down. This was a huge waste of 2 hours....I'm bummed.

Indian Summers (2015–2016)

It never should have been cancelled!

[10/10 · 10 January 2018]

Fabulous show. The acting is superb, the characters and the writing top notch, the attention to detail and historical accuracy amazing......Very sad that the show was cancelled. I think that was all about timing, and really not at all to do with the quality of the series. We needed a series like this, but all the way to the end of british rule. This period of history is not one that is well known today.

The Jewel in the Crown (1984)

I really wanted to love it, but I didn't

[5/10 · 5 January 2018]

I really wanted to love this series, and at first, It drew me in for the first few episodes, but then after that and by the ending, I was left with a feeling of lack of tying in of the story. We begin the story with a set of characters that then changes. New characters are introduced, such as miss manners aunt, but then later on, there is really no tie in at the end. It didn't make sense to me. We also hear that Hari Kumar is released from jail eventually, but it is rather anticlimactic. We never know what ends up happening to miss manners aunt and the child of Miss manners and kumar. In the end the "bad guy" gets it, but again it's all rather anticlimactic. no justice really was done, and this story is begging for justice. I didn't read the novels, so I have no idea how true to the novels the series is, but I was completely let down by the second half and feel I wasted hours of my life watching it.

A Christmas Detour (2015 TV Movie)

Heartwarming Christmas Romance

[9/10 · 2 January 2018]

I sometimes wonder why certain people choose to watch certain movies.....do not believe the negative reviews of this movie. This is a lovely Christmas romance movie, with good acting and realistic characters. I have certainly met and know people like these characters, even the parents of the husband to be....so I am confused by some of the reviews saying the characters are not believable. My husband and I enjoyed watching this together. You will too.

The Christmas Note (2015 TV Movie)

lovely story of relationship and caring

[9/10 · 1 January 2018]

A really wonderful feel good film that is not a romance but instead about relationship. I thought it was predictable (just like the Christmas Secret was) but still I highly recommend it. The acting of everyone was fantastic. The development of the relationship between the two leads (Gretchen and Melissa) was heartwarming and a joy to watch develop. They had a real chemistry. Gretchen's son was truly adorable. Don't listen to negative reviews if you are looking for a film that will make your heart feel all warm and gooey inside.

Heavens to Betsy (2017)

fantastic newcomer lead actress

[6/10 · 31 December 2017]

I was pleasantly surprised by the lead's performance. She was really fantastic, and I hope that she will continue to appear in faith based films. The story had a very cute and poignant ending, but overall, it was slow and at times, it was hard for this viewer to stay focused. I watched this on pureflix so I did not see the alternative endings.

Trust Fund (2016)

A retelling of the prodigal son....in a way

[6/10 · 30 December 2017]

The acting was very good, the story had merits, but there are just some things bothering me about it. I really wanted to love this movie, especially being that it has Christian values, but I just couldn't. The improbabilities of some of the story line (I don't give spoilers, so I will leave that up to you to see) bothered me and I just couldn't reconcile that. I wanted to love the romantic end bits but it felt forced. All that said, if you are looking for a fair movie that is family friendly, give it a try.

The List (II) (2015)

I loved it

[10/10 · 30 December 2017]

Why did I love it? It's a great story that is realistic (I hate spoilers and won't give away anything, but the one scene where Jack has puke on his clothes from a drinking binge? Yep, that's realistic). Moreover, it's a Christian story that touches on redemption, forgiveness, brokenness, and healing without having that cleaned up glossed over effect that some Christian movies have. In life we are all broken, all have messed up lives, which aren't always pretty, even though we might put on a cleaned up "church face" when we are in public. This one was a tear jerker for me, in a good way. I highly recommend it.