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Reviews
Jurassic World Dominion (2022)
We don't need to stinkin' science ...
Jurassic Park (the original) had at least some semblance of science. The second movie has less science and a slight touch of fantasy. We are now on the 6th iteration of this series, and fantasy, pure and simple, has taken over to make me groan. I can suspend my disbelief - I have seen a man fly and another have spider-like qualities. I can watch a "realistic" movie and believe the actor can shoot a gun or drive a car at unbelievable speeds.
But this is on a whole other level.
(warning spoilers)
An animal who spontaneously has a baby.
A woman is capable of willing herself to have a baby and can control and change the baby's DNA by wanting to do so.
Wild animals, dinosaurs, in this case, are trained to kill on command.
Gigantic locusts lit on fire happen to escape and fly away.
Utter bulls#!&. And not even good bulls#!& like Marvel.
I like fantasy. I like fun. I like amusement. But it must have some reality for me to hang on to so I can suspend my disbelief. Suspending my disbelief with this one requires more than possible.
The actors wandered through their lines and paces professionally but without any care. They knew these characters too well and were not challenged to create something new - go through the paces and say the lines.
Details be damned - those "security/safety bracelets" are left around for anyone to have at any time.
A good guy falls in FREEZING water and doesn't even shake afterward.
Just where did this convenient thunderstorm (that provided nicely placed lightning) come?
They tried to connect me emotionally with props, known dinosaurs, the similarity of moments with Jurassic Park 1 - even bringing the cast together for a lovely moment towards the movie's end. In a typical Spielberg fashion shot (although not directed by him), the camera rolls on to reveal the perfect shot of the good guys together.
The lovely shot of the T Rex through the circular waterfall made to look like the original movie poster.
They even doubled the gigantic dino fight at the end to include a massive long nail thing.
I did not care. I had to suspend my disbelief and accept utter gibberish.
Sad, really. It could have been so much better.
Star Trek: Prodigy (2021)
Getting better
Given - it is kids' show - It IS on Nickelodeon.
Given - it is animated, and outside of the Star Trek Animated series, nothing like this has happened since.
Given - Without commercials and opening and closing credits, it is only about 20 minutes long, mostly less. How can you develop characters and drama in just 20 minutes?
With all the givens, I did not expect much. It was a slow start but, finally, the two parter "A Moral Star" had some tension and drama. The others were a bit fluffy and silly.
Some of the characters were not moving forward (I'm looking at you Dal), and were a bit childish. Well, it IS a children's show. It seems, and I may be wrong, that there is some development involved and some growth.
I hope I am not proven wrong. If any producer reads this, keep going. Seems you are headed in the right direction.
Every Time a Bell Rings (2021)
Meh
Although it had a cute premise, the whole idea of reuniting three sisters who have been apart for various reasons, the movie went nowhere and missed the charm. Hallmark usually has some adorable and even cheesy films, but this movie was none of those. Opening with the sisters and their story of the scavenger hunt had potential. We did not see what separated them or how actually "separated" they were, but it seemed like it was not that big of a deal - not enough for how much they mentioned it. Seemed imbalanced and lacked care and emotion. It seemed too much of a Lifetime movie and not enough of a Hallmark movie, not what I expect from a Hallmark movie.
Assembly Required (2021)
Fun, entertaining, give us more April.
Funny how comedians don;t sound as funny when they have to write their own material. But I still enjoyed the banter between Tim and Richard. Not the best but what can you expect - actors making up their own lines!
It would be amazing as a Forged in Fire thing but CoVid seems to have spoiled life for everyone, this show included. Although the "work in your won shop" was definitely in the builders' advantage!
April seems more down to earth and enjoyable - have her be there more of the time. She is also very smart, clever and pleasing on the eyes, which makes her moments more enjoyable.
Overall, time well spent and having fun hanging out with a couple of buddies.
PS - Am watching the last episode ... great fun and funny contestants. Seriously give this show a chance. And always remember, they are actors working without a net or scripts.
Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines (2021)
OK, not perfect
But it is such a pleasant time to spend with these people. They are fun and friendly. Joanna makes the experience enjoyable. It is almost like hanging out with her in her family house. And the little bits of seeing family members, how things are pronounced, the including of the crew around her ... it all adds up to a pleasant show. Relaxed and fun. I've learned a few trucks in the process too!!
Ultimate Tag (2020)
Meh
I watched the videos of the original British version (World Chase Tag). THOSE are so much more exciting and interesting. This lost me in the first few minutes and, although I watched the whole thing ... hoping for improvement) it left be feeling like I had wasted an hour of my life.