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Reviews
The Neighborhood (2018)
Hilarious
I am just now watching the series and I'm so glad I made it past the pilot episode. When I heard the laugh track I was very tempted to move on to something else. That would have been a mistake. Granted I am only on the first season, The Neighborhood is funny
Schmidt (yes, he will always be Schmidt from New Girl to me, lol) and Cedric play off of each other so well. Then of course we have PAM (sorry yall, I get stuck on my fave characters) who is obviously funny too. The Neighnorhood is well written and highly entertaining.
One thing I wish though is that there was no laugh track. I hate them so much.
Coming from America (2024)
1st Episode Was Great
I'm loving the series so far minus some of the focus on Gerald (the comedian). I'm not feeling his schtick but I realize most people probably enjoy the constant "funny" stuff during the times his family his on screen.
I feel like I'm watching a Youtube video spliced together with various families and honestly, I love that. This journey that these families are on is tremendous and I'm so thankful that more stories like these have been coming to the forefront over the last decade for Black people. Africa is rich, diverse and definitely different than what we are used to here in the states so of course there will be growth and change to come. I'm hoping the show will dive into this growth as well as costs, community building, culture, food, feelings and much more.
Schitt$ Creek (2015)
Can't believe I never reviewed this!
Decided to re-start the series because I need some reliable laughs that don't require my paying consistent attention to what's going on. Schitt's Creek is funny and will always be funny. I put this show right up there with Thr Office. It's well written and every single actor executes their part flawlessly. Alexis and Johnny are amazing and I'm absolutely in love wi David but Catherine's Moira is just next level. I'm so glad she said yes to this project. So many Moira-isms, so little time. My hope is that they give us another season or two. I'm sure I'm not the only one that wants to Keep Up with the Roses.
Boy in the Walls (2023)
I didn't feel any emotion until the last few minutes
This was a typical Lifetime movie so I didn't expect much. There are no surprises, crazy plot twists, fresh ideas, likeable characters. Etc. I will say though that the final dramatic scene did cause me to shed a few tears. I was triggered by Joe's pleads for Alisa to stay with him for some reason and it got me right in the feels. Perhaps it's because this was the only real humanity that Boy in the Walls allowed us to tap in to especially since most of the characters were unlikeable plus the story has been done a million times already.
Writing this line to meet the review character requirement. So dumb.
I Thought My Husband's Wife Was Dead (2024)
Did Tyler Perry write this?
What in the world was this?! If you want the ultimate ridiculous Licetime movie, like waaaaay beyond the nonsense we all have come to love and expect from Liferime, THIS is your movie.
Baby, none of this movie made a lick of sense. None of it. The wives hate each other but she brings her food? The wife hates this woman but gives her the baby to watch? The "dead wife" knows what he did but decides to hang around, working at the salon and restaurant and picking up her cash every week? The insurance policy one-uppance from the wife? The dumb jail scene? They really did throw every imaginable cliche in here, huh?
From start to finish this story was a hot mess.
Edit to address the other review that was clearly about my review: Certainly it should be pretty clear that my questions are rhetorical. As I mentioned, "from start to finish this story was a hot mess." That means I watched the entire movie and it was terrible, even by Lifetime's standards. It was a flip-floppy, chaotically written, shot and directed movie. Two stars for effort.
Tyler Perry's Divorce in the Black (2024)
Lmmfao. I canNOT even deal right now.
Whew! This was a mess and messy and I was here for it from start to finish. Cory was the best part of this flick. Some of his lines were hilarious (even though they weren't supposed to be). I'll bet he was envisioning his ex wife when he was saying some of the stuff he said, lol. This is the kind of movie you watch while high or eating good snacks or something. I couldn't stop laughing, personally. If they had made this into a soap opera or something I would definitely watch because the nonsense just kept on coming. They need to dig Dallas up like they took that fool out the funeral, resuscitate him and give us a part two. Lord hammercy.
Edit: I discussed the movie with a friend who hadn't seen it yet. The first question out of her mouth was "how is Ava related to Madea?" I could not stop rolling.
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
This movie traumatized me as a kid
I'm giving it ten stars for the sheer fact that as a kid who snuck and watched this around the age of 5, it gave me nightmares. It was extremely gory and way too realistic (again, for me as a kid back in the day).
Tried to watch it as an adult a few years ago ( to redeem myself) and couldn't do it. I think I watched the follow up movie (Paris or something) and that wasn't too good. But this one? It's still a huge NOPE for me. One of the scenes that I vaguely remember is someone trying to escape on an escalator in a subway. That must have been a brutal scene because it still stands out to this day.
I realize that it was a campy movie but it certainly wasn't for me (lol).
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live (2024)
Richonne back together again. My life is now complete.
The only reason I decided to get AMC+ is for The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. This is the only spinoff in the Deadverse that matters to me, at least at this time. Talk about a nail-biting first episode. Rick is still, if not more so, the strong, calculating, committed, silent-but-deadly, ax-wielding, desperate for his family man we all love. How Andrew Lincoln is even better looking now than just a few years ago, I don't know. Then we have Michonne. Smart, loving, powerful, warrior, soft, beautiful. This couple still makes me swoon. I can not wait for the next episode. Episode one right out of the gate was so well done. It's as if nothing has changed but yet, everything has changed.
I was shocked by the death in the 1st episode since that person was giving "main character energy" but if we don't know anything else about TWD we know that there is no guarantee of permanency. This understanding definitely keeps us, the viewers on our toes which also lends some excitement and uncertainty to the series. TWD feels so real while watching that it's almost like you are out there in real time, fighting to survive. I'll catch myself holding my breath, waiting to see what will happen next.
So far, so great and it's only going to get better from here. Looking forward to all the episodes plus the cliffhanger that we all know is coming at the end of season one. Other shows need to take note. THIS is how you make magic happen. If you can't get your audience to rally, to commit to throwing their tvs out of the window or burn the world down if certain things happen, do you really have a successful series?
This Is Me... Now: A Love Story (2024)
I'm so sorry. This is abysmal.
What was she thinking? The creative direction is scattered and everything about this is contrived and over the top for no reason. There's nothing wrong (imo) with entertainers making artistic works like this one but it falls flat in this case. The visuals are stunning so that's a plus but it's not enough to make this widely likeable or a huge success. To the films credit, it could have gotten much, much better towards the middle/end but I had to tap out after about 25 minutes. It's one note/boring even with all of the glitz and glam. I will give her kudos for going for it and trying something new. But even all the cameos couldn't lift this heavy rock.
One last thing - WE KNOW THAT IT'S NOT A MOVIE. Stop thinking that those of us that don't care for it are mad because we thought it was a typical movie. We know that it isn't and we can still not like this project. As deep as she wanted this to be, it's not.
Lastly (I promise): Jennifer. Sweetie. You are not in your 20's or 30's anymore as much as you would like to be. Age with grace, please. It is laughable that you continue to push this narrative that you are young. You aren't and that is perfectly ok. You can be in your 50's, 60's and 70's and be sexy, fun, and REAL. Step into that and stop playing yourself.
Kevin James: Irregardless (2024)
Not funny :/
Kevin James IS funny! He is. I mean, KOQ, Paul Blart (the first one) and other movies, he can be very funny. He's got it in him. But this standup thing? Nah, it's not for him.
His jokes/schtick just isn't funny on a stage. The jokes don't land and some of them go on waaaaayyyyy toooooooo looooonnngggg. Like the deer joke. I already knew what it was going to be when I saw the audience that he was about to do his act for. That told me all I needed to know but I still watched anyway because I thought it would still have some good stuff in there. Nope. Didn't happen.
It was like watching a live action version of Kevin Can Wait. Un-funny and forced. Kevin, give this up, put your wig and shorts back on and give us another season or two of KOQ. Doug Half-A-Man is your lane. Not standup. Please don't do anymore standup. Don't standup but instead, sit down.
The Other Black Girl (2023)
Really good!
Bummed to see how the season just ends the way that it does. Please, Hulu, renew for another season. Don't leave us hanging. The Other Black Girl is a binge-watch-able show that makes you think. Very cleverly done. The themes are in your face but subtle and below the surface at the same time. I know that doesn't make much sense but it's the only way to describe what I'm thinking.
The one thing that bothers me though is that I don't believe Eric McCormick is the right fit for Wagner. He's a great actor and he's still very handsome but his energy isn't right for this role. Also, I know that she is a side character but Malaika elevates the series. She's enjoyable to watch.
Meg 2: The Trench (2023)
Mildly entertaining but very chaotic
I enjoyed The Meg but it's sequel, Meg 2 definitely hit differently. Most of the characters are unlikeable and the plot was trash (which I can overlook for a great actin flick). They really did mash up just about every cliche (which mostly consisted of people repeatedly doing stupid things) and monster they could think of into this film. Keep your expectations low and be satisfied with some great shark carnage. This is the way. Anything more than that and you'll be unhappy. I enjoyed the action but likely will never watch Meg 2 again nor would I watch anything else from this series if it were to be made.
The Retirement Plan (2023)
Come on! It's Cage!
I will watch just about anything Cage does because he is very entertaining no matter the movie. The Retirement Plan is clearly not winning any awards. We know that. You can tell by the trailer exactly what to expect and it delivered just that. Corny, cheesy Cage. I love corny, cheesy Cage. This isn't this version of Cage's first rodeo and it won't be his last.
The Retirement Plan has (cheesy) action, (cheesy) humor. (cheesy) violence and a predictable ending. To make you think this was going to be a more serious movie they wrangled in Ashley Greene, Ernie Hudson, Ron Perlman and Lyn Whitfield. They almost had me for a moment but as soon as I saw that Rick Fox also had a role it confirmed that this would be low budget entertainment.
Anyway, I enjoyed the movie for what it was. Cage is a great actor and I love how he doesn't take himself too seriously. I think he must do some of these roles just for the creative fun of it. How could you not respect that?
A Man Called Otto (2022)
Couldn't stop crying!
Tom Hanks has such an incredible gift. He becomes these (mostly) everyday characters/people that grab a hold of your spirit and just won't let go. I didn't think this movie would make me so emotional but I was wrong. There were several scenes where my tears just flowed. Otto was such a beautiful soul. Yep, he was gruff, grouchy, to the point and a bunch of other things but he was much, much more than that. Some of the scenes were hard to watch so if you've ever struggled with your mental health (like I have) perhaps watch it with a friend or loved one so that you can process how you feel once the movie is done. In any case, A Man Called Otto was beautifully done and it's a movie I'd definitely watch again. Seeing this helps me to remember that we all have a story. We all have experienced loss and pain. We all are seeking something to help keep us grounded.
Old Dads (2023)
Friggin HILARIOUS!!!
Man, this movie is comedy GOLD. Maybe because I'm older (Gen X I think) but I identified with him so much. Maybe in 20 years I'll be the crotchety person yelling "get off my lawn" to the neighbors kids. Sigh. I hope not.
Anyway, I realize that many that watch will feel like the things that happen in Old Dads is over the top, but it's all so true. Take the scene where everyone at the school was "offended" by him calling Dr. L a "stumpy c!nt." Yes, it may have been wrong but she had it coming. To make matters worse, the whole apology scene was absolute trash. I'm so glad that Old Dads brought up all these ways that we've absurdly gone way beyond "pc" on. When does the phoniness end?
Dude singing the gangsta rap at home? HILARIOUS!!! You know what part I'm talking about.
Ps- That chick that kept snapping her fingers in the beginning and allowed her son to hit the other chick in the belly? I would have kicked her to the curb eons ago and I'm saying all of this as a (Black) chick.
Anyway, this movie is great and it's genuinely funny.
The Wedding Singer (1998)
The Wedding Singer Is A Classic
This was one of my favorite movies back in the day. Just watched it again today for the first time in maybe 15 years and it's still just as fresh, sweet, charming and funny as it was when it first came out. Everything about this movie from the characters to the music to the outfits to the love story is top-notch.
So many classic moments (Sandler singing Celebrate, Lovitz singing Ladies Night or Sandler getting paid in meatballs) and even more classic lines ("Hi Linda, you're a b!!tch" or "Now please get outta my Van Halen t-shirt before you jinx the band and they break up"). It never gets old. Don't get me started on the plane scene - I still tear up when watching it.
If you are feeling down you gotta watch this movie. If you are happy, you gotta watch this movie. If you are feeling nostalgic, you gotta watch this movie,
I know that Sandler has made a few duds along the way but overall he's a solid dude that knows how to make you laugh, make you cry or pull at your heart strings.
Firefly Lane (2021)
I knew this show was special when it was first released
And though I hate that it ended, and that today I finished the very last episode, I count it all joy. Firefly Lane was a treat to watch..actually to feel like a participant of. The ups, downs and in-betweens of life, love, loss, heartbreak, family and career. Firefly Lane is one of the shows that will have a special place in my heart. I've gotta say that I was never a huge fan of Sarah. I didn't watch Scrubs and when she stepped onto the scene in Roseanne I honestly was offended (LOL). I have been sleeping on Sarah Chalke. She is such a dynamic actress and I'm looking forward to seeing her in whatever she does next.
Chris Rock: Selective Outrage (2023)
This special was not funny
I watched 30 minutes of the special and couldn't take anymore. I don't know if he talked about the slap because I never made it that far. All I can tell you is that in that 30 minute time span I laughed twice. Once when he talked about a certain someone being a crackhead and then another time before that (which i can't remember what that was). As soon as he started the jokes about his dad becoming a woman and how his family would react I tapped out. Not because I was offended, because frankly I don't care, but because the jokes were just dusty and tired.
I'm not saying that Chris is never funny. I think he can be. All I'm saying is that this special wasn't it. YMMV
ahh...as I was typing the above I remembered what the other laugh was for. It was the planet of the apes bit in relation to the storming of the capitol.
Anyway, Chris wasn't funny in this special. The end.
The Strays (2023)
It brought something new to the table and I liked it.
The Strays isn't a movie that's going to leave you feeling good once it ends. It will require you to put aside your desires for a story that is clean, easy to follow and wraps up with a pretty bow. Most people, especially those of a "certain persuasion" are not going to like this movie because:
A - They can't understand where it's coming from and never will be able to
or
B - They feel like it's racist which it is not
You'll just have to judge for yourself if it's worth watching. I can guarantee that you'll either love it or you'll hate it. I thought it was great. The young lady that played Dione needs to be in more movies.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
Wakanda Forever was a huge let down
Can't tell you how patiently I waited to watch this movie only to be let down from almost start to finish. My only explanation for why WF was so bad is because the impact and legacy Chadwick left us with is very hard to surpass.
Just about every part of the movie was either pointless, made zero sense, or was uninspiring. Why was Elaine Benes in the movie? Why did she have the typical "bad girl" streak in her hair? Why was the story ALL OVER THE FRIGGIN PLACE!?! Why did the cgi look terrible? Why was some of the audio in the movie tinny, like they were talking into a tin can? Why did it look like some of the scenes were filmed in a swimming pool? Why were the action scenes so action-less? Why is Shuri totally unbelievable as the next BP? Letitia is a great actress but she isn't a good fit. It's too unbelievable based on just her body alone. I know the actors all did the best they could but I feel like Disney/Marvel failed them and failed us too.
For most Marvel movies I'm on the edge of my seat and don't want it to end. For Wakanda Forever as well as the last Thor, Dr. Strange, The Eternals and something else that I'm forgetting, I was not entertained and instead left feeling disappointed. This next phase of Marvel sucks. Not worth holding onto my Disney+ sub at this point.
That '90s Show (2023)
Keep the OG cast and get rid of most of the kids
#sorrynotsorry The teens are insufferable (most of them). I'd rather watch the entire OG cast (minus Hyde) and see how their lives played out versus watching the younger cast. I don't mean to sound harsh but the show is so corny and cringe now and not in a good way. The new cast doesn't bring anything interesting or funny to the mix. If it would have been just Eric and Donna's daughter, plus maybe the brother and sister from across the street I would have been ok with that. Honestly though, most of the kids are NOT the right fit. Not saying they are bad actresses or actors, just that they don't flow in these roles..
Night Court (2023)
I want to like this, I really do.
Thank God for John Laroquette. If not for him I wouldn't have bothered watching this reboot at all. By the way, who asked for this reboot? NOBODY.
One thing that the original NC was great at (and there were many things, at least back in the 80's) is that it didn't feel forced. There were goofballs coming in left and right, Harry played off of John well, everyone had their own thing and everything just worked. Nothing felt forced. This new NC feels just like every other comedy show made after the 90's (with a few exceptions)...canned. I don't think that John can carry this show andI don't see it lasting more than maybe two seasons though I'd be shocked if they make it to two seasons.
Not sure they can re-create the magic. The characters aren't very likeable with the exception of course of John plus the bailiff. But even the bailiff's schtick is going to get old if they don't get these scripts and characters dialed in. It is nearly impossible to reboot a show and have it be as good as the original and so my hope is that they cut this nonsense out. If the studios decide to reboot The Jeffersons, Three's Company, MASH, Different Strokes, Alf, Golden Girls or anything else on my list, I'm jumping off the planet (lol).
Entangled (2019)
Glad I stuck it out but I'm confused by the ending
Multiverse is a low-budget flick, so don't expect anything fancy (including the script, effects or anything else). I almost stopped watching after the first 5-7 minutes because it is sooooo low-budget that it seemed like it would be a waste of time. Something told me to keep watching though and I'm glad that I did.
No, it didn't suddenly become a high-budget film with solid acting and awesome special effects. It did hold my attention though because once I was able to get out of my feelings about the cheese factor, my brain was able to get pulled into the actual movie to see if I could figure out where things were going to end up.
I did figure out how the ending would go maybe about 1/2 in since unfortunately they dropped a major clue (which now I can't remember what it was) and I'm sure that you will as well. I'll be honest though, I can't figure out the "how" of the ending to where it logically makes sense for me and I'm not sure if that's the movies fault for being inaccurate, or my fault for not having the capacity to understand how all of that stuff works. Either way, overall I think Multiverse is decent. Not mind-blowing. Not a blockbuster by any stretch. Very basic movie but it did keep me somewhat enthralled.
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022)
Cage at his finest. The wall scene was pure gold.
Huge fan of Cage and whenever he made a stinker (I'm looking at you Ghost Rider 2) I'd be bummed because this guy has massive talent (pun not intended). So then we have TUWMT hit screens and I didn't think a movie like this would work. Spoiler alert - it does.
Is there anything that Cage can't do? I'm starting to think the answer is "no." what I liked best about TUWMT is how even though it didn't take itself too seriously, it still managed to be gritty, corny, silly, fun, hilarious and heartwarming all at the same time. Pedro really rounded out this flick with the intensity and deadpan humor he added to the mix. This was a duo and movie I never new that I needed but am so glad that I received. Loved and enjoyed every bit of it.
Hart to Heart (2021)
I love this show (just hear me out)
Granted, I've only watched two episodes (the one with Jay-Z was my first episode) so far. These were both season two episodes so perhaps he has settled in a little more into his role in comparison to the first season, I dunno. What I like though, is that he asks some really great questions and doesn't always take the easy way out. That Jay-Z episode had a ton of great nuggets in it, so much so that I rewound the last maybe 5-10 minutes and re-listened to it twice.
I'm here for this show as long as Kevin continues to extract the info the audience needs while also allowing his guest to shine. He's a little rough around the edges at times but ultimately he's got a great show on his hands that I hope continues for several more seasons.
I'm editing my review: Watching the episode with Iron Mike and Kevin will not stop talking about himself. Damn dog. Just take a breath and hush for a minute. Kevin has excellent guests but he needs to learn to pull back a bit.