joave Reviews

Next Goal Wins (2023)

Screened it For My JV Boys Soccer Team

[8/10 · 24 January 2024]

My wife wasn't overly thrilled with this one but I definitely felt like it could be a good show for my high school JV Boys team. So we got together for a carb load tonight and we all watched this, as we have a have tomorrow against one of our region rivals.

Of course some of the boys talked during the movie, especially during the slow parts, but after the movie they all gave it a thumbs up. Plus it really grabbed a couple of them emotionally and they said it really got to them. That's exactly what I was hoping for.

I asked them what messages they got from the movie and they got that as well.

All in all I believe the movie accomplished its intention on multiple levels and was appropriately entertaining. I also recommend screening it for appropriately aged soccer teams.

Young Sheldon (2017–2024)

I love this show

[10/10 · 3 January 2024]

OMG I absolutely love this show. The writing and acting is magnificent, the situations are believable and the characters interactions are amazing (and funny). I didn't watch BBT and I may not want to based on the reviews comparing the two shows.

I really enjoy the interactions between all the characters and the situations somewhat remind me not only when I was a kid but also raising my own children sick as finding out all of my kids were on the gifted spectrum, especially my younger son who excelled in chess.

I would argue that Sheldon is not a bratty kid. Part of his behavior is due to his own limitations and a bigger part of it is because the adults in his life don't really understand how to handle him and feel threatened by his intelligence, so really a lot of he behavior is a failure to communicate better expectations with him.

But he does care to learn how to be a better person and I believe he really does try, even if he's not overly successful most of the time. Dad loves him but just plays dumb and mom plays the religious card so much she can't see what actually drives him. I think the twin sister gets him the most even though her knowledge of things isn't on par with him nor does she care to be but she is just as intelligent - just in a different way. The older brother is your typical teen boy and is very much into himself, which is not at all unusual.

I would recommend this show to anyone that can at least partially relate to the character of Sheldon and emphasize with him. I think that's key to acceptance and enjoyment.

Old Dads (2023)

Partially redeems itself at the end

[5/10 · 3 January 2024]

Ooph this was painful to watch. Real life personalities blending into unreal situations, this could've been much better than it was.

Three old dads (two of them soon to be) discover that the particular younger generation parents they're having to face are way different in their values and mannerisms than they are. There's some okay generational realist views (non-PC moments for example) here but most of it is made up to give the antagonists some ridiculous ammunition against the protagonists.

The painful parts had more to do with entitlement and some narcissism from some of the characters including the antagonists. I believe more could've been done with the story that would've made it less cringe-worthy. I stuck with it until the end though, and fortunately the movie at least partially redeemed itself by punishing bad guys and allowing the characters happier endings than it would've seemed that they would've had.

If you don't mind going through some tough to watch scenes to get to the ending, then this could be worth checking out.

Gleason (2002 TV Movie)

Faithful Representation

[9/10 · 27 August 2023]

I really enjoyed this biography as it provided insight into Jackie's childhood and why he became the man he did.

I think it was helpful for me to already be a Honeymooners fan and had seen all the episodes at least 20 times each I've the years as I was introduced to the series back in the 70's.

The movie provided a faithful representation of the Honeymooners set and many bits in the skits which I thought was enjoyable.

It didn't go into why the show was canceled after 2 seasons which was disappointing. But overall the movie was entertaining and it also showed a little background as to how Audrey Meadows was cast as Alice.

Also wanted to mention that the acting choices, especially for the leads, were were impeccable. I don't think they could've been any better.

White House Plumbers (2023)

Great look at history with a twist

[9/10 · 6 May 2023]

I really liked this show. I was in 7th grade when Watergate occurred and our social studies teacher tried to tell us that history was being made. Of course impressing that on the average 12 year old boy - well the majority of us were not impressed.

Anyway as it happens our teacher was right and this show is a really interesting history of that place in time. We all heard the names over and over again but really we didn't understand who they were or how the entire thing was conceived, much less how the events transpired that led up to the scandalous events.

Don't expect a drama. It's not. The intention of the show is to add humor to the chain of events where appropriate, and it's mostly smart humor.

Also there is quite a bit of jargon used so people unfamiliar with how government works won't get it.

Overall this is a refreshing look at a very interesting time in US history that I believe was not very well understood at the time by the average person.

George Lopez (2002–2007)

A lot to really like about this show

[10/10 · 13 September 2022]

This show has a lot to really like about it - the acting is terrific, the relationships are very well flushed out, the characters (and actors) are likable, and the show plots are creative.

I especially like how they incorporated the his mother and her father bit into the show, and the focus on the kids and their lives is great as well.

The only plot line I didn't like as much was later on in the show when the Carmen character had moved out and they had the selfish niece move in to take her place.

Overall though I can't see how anyone would dislike this show. I've watched every episode multiple times and haven't worn it out yet. Definitely one of the best family sitcoms this century.

Lucy and Desi (2022)

A Love Story for Lucy

[10/10 · 10 March 2022]

I was and still am a huge fan of Lucille Ball as an actress and a businesswoman.

This was a wonderfully told story of their life together and then apart. It tells many facts that other Lucy documentaries haven't, so this was well worth the watch, and the Robert Stack tribute at the end was amazing.

I wholeheartedly recommend all Lucille Ball fans to watch it, and I especially recommend it to any woman, young or old, as an inspiration - you will get something out of this - I promise.

The Mysterious Benedict Society (2021–2022)

Highly Intellectual Patience Required

[9/10 · 6 December 2021]

I see a lot of reviews here saying it's very slow paced. IMO it's actually rather refreshing to see a show of this genre with child actors moving at the slower pace and taking it's time to build the plot up versus rushing through it because it's geared for kids (really it's for kids and adults but most kids under 14 won't get the plot, so parents will need to explain, if THEY get it 😉 ).

It's actually a rather cerebral show and reminds me a lot of shows like Star Trek and Quantum Leap.

If you're looking for a fast paced or action show this isn't it. But if you're willing to be patient and can understand and adjectives the intellectual aspect, then this is for you.

Eureka (2006–2012)

I REALLY liked this show

[10/10 · 8 November 2021]

Eureka was one of those shows that was constantly inventing new things, and it reinvented itself once or twice too.

Being tech-minded, this was candy for me to watch. We need more shows like this one.

Val (I) (2021)

Beautifully and honestly answers the question "What happened to Val Kilmer?"

[10/10 · 22 August 2021]

Really interesting in-depth look at his life and his motivations from his point of view, which is what's most important in this film - nothing else matters here.

Very well done. Touches upon nearly all his movies, and his life's ups and downs. And he's still got a really great sense of humor on his good days.

I recommend watching it.

Whose Line Is It Anyway?: Show No. 521 (2003) Season 5, Episode 17

OMG Could Not Stop........ Laughing

[10/10 · 24 July 2021]

When I think of this show, this is the one episode that sticks out in my mind as the best.

Don't get me wrong - I always enjoyed watching this show and many of the "skits" are very good and very funny.

But this episode with Richard Simmons was just so far above and beyond anything else ever done on the show that you're definitely missing out if you haven't seen it.

If you're a fan of the show and you haven't seen this episode drop what you're doing and watch it. It's amazingly hilarious, and you'll be rolling long after you've finished watching.

Resident Alien (2021– )

Amazingly great show

[10/10 · 1 April 2021]

Sometimes after watching a show or a movie I think to myself that there was so much more that could've been done to make it better or more interesting.

Not with Resident Alien. Nope not at all. This is such a great piece of scifi/comedy/drama story telling and you never know what will happen, or even moreso, what might come out of Harry's mouth!

If you haven't seen this and like scifi and comedy at all (kind of has a Galaxy Quest feel to it, but this is not a spoof), you've got to watch the first couple of episodes. And then you'll want to watch the rest - guaranteed.

Prince Planet (1965–1966)

My First Favorite Show Ever

[9/10 · 28 February 2021]

Just before Batman, Thunderbirds, and Gentle Ben in the 60's there was a Japanese show called Prince Planet (in English).

I loved this show as a boy because it was about a boy super hero that could do all kinds of wonderful things to help save his friends.

It was a rather violent show at the time and many of PP's "enemies" ended up dead. Because of this, allegedly it didn't gain mass popularity.

But I loved the show anyway. It had a kookie theme song with a xylophone as a primary lead instrument but that's okay because Prince Planet's "P" pendant was usually charged up enough to save the world from destruction!

If you're a sci-fi and Japanese anime fan you owe it to yourself to check this one out.

Thunderbirds (1965–1966)

OMG I LOVED This Show!

[10/10 · 28 February 2021]

I can still hear the ITC logo theme in my head and it still gets me excited for this show even more than 50 years after it was made.

The attention to detail in this show, and the fact that it actually highlighted how the machinery worked through the fine camera work, was one of the biggest highlights for me because as a kid I always wanted to know how things worked.

At 7 years old I knew it wasn't real - after all you CAN see the wires right? But it was still fun, and how could you NOT love the Tracy's island paradise?

Seriously great fun for any tech geek, inventive, fun characters, and really well done.

Raised by Wolves (2020–2022)

Wonderful original story telling

[10/10 · 1 January 2021]

Nearly flawless acting, especially by the young cast, really helps drive a very unique storyline that is enjoyable to watch.

Not only is it interesting to see the story unfold but the series also makes you wonder and consider what these people are doing, what's motivating them, and where are they going to end up.

I have seen 8 of the episodes so far and am really enjoying it. I'm looking forward to Season 2.

The Odd Couple (1970–1975)

Never fails to give me a laugh

[10/10 · 26 September 2020]

I'm just going to say that I loved this show in its original run at 12 years old and I still love it today.

And it's one of the only shows that never fails to give me multiple belly laughs every episode and I'm grinning ear to ear for much of every episode.

Many of the original episodes are currently on Hulu.

Newhart: The Last Newhart (1990) Season 8, Episode 24

Amazing Surprise - Like a Cracker Jacks Box

[10/10 · 16 April 2020]

Being a big fan of the original Bob Newhart Show and watching it religiously for the years, in comparing the 2 shows I never really thought this one lived up to the creativity or the warmth and humor the former had.

Until this episode. Y'all knows what happens so I won't say it. But know this was the very best episode by far of this series.

The Kominsky Method (2018–2021)

Love it!

[10/10 · 6 November 2019]

My mom told me about this show - said I had to check it out and I am thrilled she recommended it.

I found this to be very heartwarming and real which is almost an irony to the subplot. Definitely recommend to the 45+ crowd. Bonus points if you're Jewish :)

Madam Secretary: Sound and Fury (2018) Season 4, Episode 12

Educational

[9/10 · 30 September 2019]

I liked this episode and was inspired to write this review after reading another review that essentially said it was unrealistic and resolved too quickly. Of course it did, but that wasn't the purpose of the writing IMO.

I believe the purpose of this was two-fold. First it showed an extreme situation - a what-if. It had shock value and was certainly unexpected behavior from a person in that position.

Secondly, it realistically showed how our Constitution could be used to help resolve a situation where this highly unlikely yet still possible scenario could occur.

Could someone be hyper-critical about this episode? Absolutely! But sometimes we have to take that step back and look at the bigger picture.

Land of the Lost (2009)

Not an homage, more like a joke

[1/10 · 19 April 2015]

I agree with the critics on this one. This was one awful movie, barely watchable especially after being a fan of the original series. Will Ferrell's jokes bomb most of the time and I found nothing funny about the sexual innuendos - it was like they were thrown in just to attempt some humor - they failed miserably.

The movie was poorly paced, the character's names remained the same but not the relationships, and there was very little chemistry between the characters. I just really didn't care about them at all. Will's character was barely introduced before the big time altering event. Chaka was not cute in the slightest way (more like homely) - I am not sure how that comment made it to the final cut (yes it was that bad). The best bit in the movie was the walnut. All in all, Grumpy really should have eaten Rick Marshall and cut this movie to about half of what it was.

Really super disappointed in this remake - the Bewitched remake in comparison was 5 stars!

DC 9/11: Time of Crisis (2003 TV Movie)

Most people apparently just aren't getting it

[8/10 · 6 September 2005]

Normally I would not review the reviewers, but in this case I believe it is appropriate. First, a quick review of the movie: it was well done in most respects. It gives a feeling of being there, the acting was credible, and the movie blended the actual footage with the filmed footage well. My only complaint was that it was a little long and tended to drag in places. Without being "politically motivated," I can say that the movie was informative about what may have taken place in the meeting rooms behind the scenes.

This movie might be trying to be propaganda, but it is also telling a story, one that the public was not aware of. The critics of this movie on IMDb appear to have all this inside information. Were they there? How do they know how the President acted, or anyone else for that matter?? I follow the news enough to believe that these people could actually have made those statements and acted in those manners.

So what if the actor who portrayed the President was the same one that made fun of him on the cable TV show. He was the perfect choice in his physical resemblance, voice, and mannerisms. He obviously felt strongly enough in his convictions to play this part (either that or he really wanted the meager salary of this big budget movie). Certainly it was not an embarrassment to play this part in this movie.

A movie needs to be judged on it's own merit as a movie. This one needs to be looked at as if the story didn't happen. Then the movie can be judged as a movie. In the meantime, many people that have reviewed it have not been able to step back far away enough to do that. It is all too obvious.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

A must see - over and over and over again

[10/10 · 20 August 2005]

I remember seeing this movie in a crowded movie theater when it first came out. I laughed quite a bit, but overall I thought the movie was just OK - nothing special. After it came out on videotape I watched it again, and got more out of it than the first time I watched it. Since then I have watched it many times, and each time I found more to enjoy about the movie. I think the most enjoyment comes out of seeing the friendship between Neil and Del grow as they go through all of the escapades and situations just to get Neil home on time for the holiday.

This movie was really well done, and the comic timing was impeccable. I highly recommend this movie to any adult, and watch it more than once. I think you will understand why.

A Knight's Tale (2001)

Absolutely loved this film

[10/10 · 25 December 2001]

The acting was superb, the sets were cool, the action was awesome, the movie flowed, and I even enjoyed the romance! But the one element that made it all come together was the music - it was terrific. I loved the way the classic rock music fit in with the rest of the movie, and the main theme was hauntingly fantastic. This is a must see for anyone. Kids and teens will love the action, women will love the romance, and the guys will be fascinated. Check it out - you'll be glad you did. 10/10

The Pledge (I) (2001)

Almost gets good then falls flat

[4/10 · 26 June 2001]

This is one of those movies that I cringe watching, in this case starting about halfway through. It even almost makes you believe in it.

At first, I thought that Jack Nicholson was mis-cast. But after watching the end of the movie, I realized that he was perfectly cast. Unfortunately, as well as I believe he was cast at the end, the movie itself is a letdown. It does an ok job of drawing you into the story, but completely falls apart in front of your eyes with an unbelievable Hollywood/Murphy's Law style ending (although it was a surprise). Worse, you are left with the impression that the poor main character has no hope of a decent life ahead. To sum up, it was a depressing beginning, an almost decent middle, and a very depressing ending.

Not one I would watch again, or recommend except if you have had a really cruddy day and want to be psychologically toyed with and depressed by this movie.

Death Be Not Proud (1975 TV Movie)

Wonderful touching movie

[10/10 · 8 November 2000]

I saw this movie when I was 14. I was extremely touched, even at that age, by the film. I was even more so knowing that the film was based on a true story about a boy that accidentally hit his head on a banister and then developed cancer in his head years later. It shows the courage and determination of this young man to survive. The impression of the film is that it is merely telling his story so others know. It was an extremely moving film that was very well acted and directed. Definitely belongs on the top 250.