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Reviews
El hoyo (2019)
Just a great film
I had absolutely no expectations going into this movie, because it popped up on my streaming service one Friday night and I had never heard of it. It was a wonderful surprise to discover a expertly written, shot and performed piece with a solid social commentary that doesn't come across as overly "preachy".
If you enjoy allegorical, psychological horror with a helping of suspense, dread and gore, give this film a try. The gore isn't used just for the shock factor. It's relevant to the story and effective... not that I take issues with movies that are an all out "gore fest". They can be fun if you're in the mood for that sort of thing, but this particular film is NOT your run of the mill horror movie. I found it to be a true (and rare) work of art in a genre that can sometimes be a cesspool.
The Orville (2017)
One of the best
Being a fan of Star Trek, I had my doubts about this show because I figured it would be more of a spoof of my favorite childhood (and adulthood) shows, but I was completely wrong! It's got the humor that you would expect from a Seth Macfarlane creation, but it also has the heart, adventure and social relevance of Star Trek. It's obvious that the writers/creators have respect for it's predecessors.
I and my husband immediately got hooked and it's become a "must watch" for my family. It's fun to pick out nods to other sci-fi shows. Don't get me wrong, they put their own spin on it, so it doesn't come across as stale and too familiar. They had big shoes to fill and they are succeeding.
3rd Rock from the Sun: Brains and Eggs (1996)
Just wish they showed more of their first couple days
I just rewatched the entire series now in 2021 and loved it as much as I did back in the 90s. Of course, I wish there were at least a few more seasons, that they showed their true form at some point, and that there were a few full episodes dedicated to their first few days on the planet. Even if it was later in the season by way of flashbacks or something along the those lines. It just jumped ahead to 2 weeks later in the first episode. They missed a great opportunity to exhibit just how alien they are.
If the network has not kept moving the time slot for this GREAT show, it would've kept the ratings up (and if Joseph Gordon-Levitt hadn't been gone half of the last season). The writing was quirky and funny, the acting was great and it revisited the old slapstick style humor. Too many 90s sitcoms would take a dramatic turn or get tired and bland after a couple seasons. I just binged all 6 seasons over the last 3-4 days and I just want more, so I decided to watch the first couple episodes again!😁
10E (2019)
Cute story, but not a polished production
Some of the actors were decent and may do well after some more training and experience. Much of the over acting was comparable to a decent school production and the script was a bit tedious at times and repetitive in places. I wouldn't ever call it subtle.
With all that said, it was entertaining enough to sit through comfortably for a free watch on YouTube. I enjoyed the POV of a single, minority father raising a teen daughter. I didn't have high expectations, so if you go into it in that frame of mind, you will probably enjoy it.
I hope that those involved get a chance to benefit from more experience and film training. It would be nice to see them improve and flourish. I at least got invested enough to feel that!
A Girl Like Her (2015)
This's the first 10/10 review I've ever given
When I clicked the YouTube link to watch this movie for free, I had no idea what it would be about and had no expectations. To my surprise, this is the most realistic movie about high school bullying that I've ever watched. So many take the easy road and make the bully a villain or make their home life unrealistically tragic.
This movie is just about two normal high school girls of two middle class families. It's the normalcy of it that makes it extraordinary. I remember high school and all the drama that went with it. Thankfully, I was able to see the humanity in my bullies which helped me survive.
I don't want to give away anything for those who haven't seen it yet. Just prepare to become exceptionally invested in the characters and grab the Kleenex. All the actors involved are wonderful, but special credit goes to the two young lead actresses here. You can truly feel their pain. I hope to see lots more from them in the near future!
American Ultra (2015)
Fun action movie
I just watched it for the 3rd time over the last 6yrs and was still entertained. It's not a perfect movie, but it's fun and if you're just looking for pure entertainment, it's worth the watch: funny moments, full of action and some solid actors (along with a couple so-so ones). Laugher was great and even brought some emotion to his last scene.
Flaws: Stewart in the female lead wasn't a great choice and it wasn't Toffer's best acting, the drug dealer was cartoonish and it could've benefited from some additional character development and more details about the back story.
I'm giving it 8 stars, because despite all its flaws, it's genuinely an enjoyable watch and you won't be bored. I don't regret watching it... again.
Santa Clarita Diet (2017)
Finally started watching it today
A year ago, my adult daughter was "devastated" that her favorite show (this one) was not picked up for another season and she RAVED about how amazing it was, so my husband, youngest son and I gave it a try today and are hooked!
I love the writing and concept as well as the character development. It's just a fun ride all the way around. Even though I'm still in Season 1, I'm sad that we will only have 3 seasons AND that it didn't end well (based on the reviews I have read). Given how dedicated is fan base was, they should've AT LEAST tied up loose ends with a 2hr closing episode. I've always believed that a show who's garnered enough support to get renewed by a network, that network should respect it's viewers enough to actually END the series!
If I'm100% honest, I feel like there's something slightly missing in the chemistry of the husband & wife. They just don't come across a couple that's been married for >20yrs. Don't get me wrong, they're funny and play off each other's sense of humor extraordinarily well, but they feel more like siblings than a couple (aside from the obvious script referring to their sex love, of course).
I can only deduct 1 star for what I know will be a disappointing end of the series and for the chemistry being SLIGHTLY off between the main characters. With any other show, those 2 things would probably cause me to rate it around 6-7 stars.... this show is just WAY too entertaining to rate out that low. 😁
Pushing Daisies (2007)
Quirky, Beautiful but also a little dark
I understand that it's not for everyone but I absolutely adored it. It somehow reminded me of Douglas Adams in how it flowed and was unapologetically nonsensical some of the time.
It's actually been years since I saw it but have the urge to rewatch now that I'm also watching Dispatches From Elsewhere. They're similar in their beautiful imagery and quirkiness.
Bob Hearts Abishola (2019)
Sweet, funny, interesting
This is a great little sitcom to take your mind off of things for a while... that's all it's supposed to be! It's fun to watch the cultural differences play into the comedy without being preachy or overbearing. It is based in the "we're all different and all the same". I hope people from Nigeria feel that it treats their culture with respect because it seems to portray them in a very positive light. It also feels like "This is what is RIGHT in the US."- a melting pot where people come together and embrace each other. I'm hopeful that it avoids the political pitfalls that some sitcoms fall into.