laceypletcher Reviews

The Idea of You (2024)

I loved it but I'm extremely biased

[10/10 · 3 May 2024]

I adore Anne Hathaway and am a huge Vik White fan so I watched this movie.

I never read the book but got the general premise and thought it would be an entertaining romcom with an interesting twist.

A few + a few more years ago, I found myself in my late 30s unhappy and getting divorced. I started dating someone years my junior. (legal people legal he was 21). He wasn't an international pop star and I didn't have children but I related so hard to the plight of Solene. You know it can't last, you know it will be judged.... You know it's insane. (Everyone thought I was insane going thru a "phase" and was "worried about me.") after giving your "best years" to all the wrong guys/husband, when something that seems too good to be true and feels like love comes in a young package that sweeps you off your feet and makes you feel young, carefree, and puts that jump in your step you had in your 20s back before life and reality beat you down, you have to try; to hope it could be reality. You try to end it all the time because you know that you're the adult in the situation, it just can't work. And no matter how mature the younger man, hes still got so much to learn about life and love and yeah.... Life. And he has no clue what he's doing and is just wrapped up in "love" or lust or mommy issues. (Or in my case a sugar momma.) so you try to end it because you know "society won't accept it" but you want it to be real. How could a young good looking man ever be attracted to or feel real lasting love for an older woman? There's got to be an angle. It goes against the 100,000 years of biology about reproduction and the laws of nature.

I think the most poignant thing in this whole movie was when Solene's friend said something like- "don't you know? People don't want women to be happy?" That shook me. Trolls will be trolls in this movie's case (international pop star dating an older woman who is a nobody) but I was more disappointed in the fact that the ex husband (who cheated with and married a much younger woman) and the daughter (granted a teen) made it more about them. Solene has to make decisions to end the happiness she feels based on the unhappiness of those around her - yes it was her kid I get that even never having the experience myself. This is the bigger picture and message in this silly romcom (or fan fiction depending on how you take it). Many Women sacrifice their happiness for those around them daily. So in tune to the people around them and their feelings. Older men and younger women- dime a dozen, happens everyday. Who cares if sleeping with the babysitter then marrying her tears your family apart? You're a man and it's almost expected.

Those around Solene couldnt deal with the reality of this harsh internet fame obsessed world (something she was taking on the chin daily) for her happiness. She was happy and felt adored for the first time since she was made a fool of but F her happiness and what she wants right? The kids at school are bullying me and my ex husband is jealous and is going to care about his kid and not put work first suddenly and frame it around their kids well being? I felt so bad for her- she can't have what made her feel alive and loved, regardless of if it was going to last or not, because she has to do what is best for those she loves and actually cares about what "society" thinks. And this is how it is and THAT is the message of this truly enjoyable movie. (Or maybe I'm just projecting because I'm now old and bitter and was judged by so many including his father when he found out who threatened me - yes a 58 year old man showed up after my workout in the parking lot to confront me. All I thought was- uh huh, if I'd made my move on you and not your son, you'd feel very differently.)

Watch it, think about it. Is there a bigger message here?

PS- having not read the books.... Anne Hathaway was perfect for this role- still freaking got it no matter her age. So believable. I was that intelligent, interesting, could pass for late 20s in dim lighting cougar at that age and the young men did swarm. Heck yeah Anne, heck yeah.

Sly (2023)

Good but, Arnold did it first

[6/10 · 5 November 2023]

I liked this as a snapshot and I respect the man as a writer and director, as well as actor, but I just felt like he was trying to fast follow the Arnold documentary. (Evidenced by the shorter run time.) I know their rivalry is over, but seems forced since Arnie had one. Interesting story and I don't discredit him for what he's achieved, it was the CONCEPT that just felt like a copy cat- oh Arnie had one and so I need one now too. I enjoyed it as a whole especially from a rags to Hollywood icon American story, but as an Arnie fan for 34 years it's hard to not feel the comparison and think this is a guy that felt he needed his glory/mark on Hollywood as a muscleman that made it to be in a doc as well.

FUBAR (2023– )

It's better than most situational Tv

[8/10 · 4 June 2023]

Look- I love Arnie. At 10 I got my uncle to take me to see terminator 2 and could spell his last name.

Arnold is getting funnier as he gets older and can't rely on action. Perhaps his stunts aren't believable- (clearly not him though) but compared to A LOT of other TV this is quality. I love to see him back out there even if it's TV. This is a show that had to get the story done in 8 episodes in case it wasn't renewed. I really enjoyed it and watched all 8 episodes on a Saturday. The supporting cast is great and those that have ripped on the daughter character- did you watch all the episodes? She's got a torn life and I thought she grew and enjoyed her characters arc- she's wrestling with the same things her dad did and trying to figure out how to handle it differently. If you need a bit of a fun romp and you love Arnold like I do- totally watch it. Also Travis van winkle- hello sir!

Slayers (2022)

Yeah it's bad

[2/10 · 20 March 2023]

If the rapid cuts dont make you feel like you are going to pass out from over stimulation then the horrible soundtrack cuts will.

I wanted to watch a silly horror (I knew it wasnt going to be good going in) that is at least entertaining and provide some escape, this isnt it.

There are just so many cuts and so much - "wait, what just happened?" this isnt the mindless movie for... ok anyone. Because even though I wanted something with low cognitive need, the plot and characters and acting are JUST SO HORRIBLE you cant even get a mindless escape from life for a bit. Because it is so horrible? Does that even make sense? Probably not. There are decent movies that are mindless, with an easy to follow plot, with some decent action and characters that they are worth watching (think some so bad but good, easy to follow streaming rom coms) but sadly this is not it. I saw the actors listed and wanted it to be decent but its just bad- and insulting to my minimal intelligence and then the rapid cuts with a jarring "who hired this DJ" soundtrack and - it's a no from me dawg. Skip it. Even if youve drank 5 red bulls and need your brain to engage, it's still just too much.

Magic Mike's Last Dance (2023)

Tragic Mike

[3/10 · 1 March 2023]

This is a vehicle to put a magic Mike stage show in film kinda. Feels like a cash grab. The second magic Mike had more heart, humor, plot, believable spark and character development.

The Max character was more unlikable than the Brooke character in the first one (but better acted of course).

I was bored. And the love story element? If it weren't for the dancing parts and this was just a rom com- this movie would have been flat out horrible. I didn't believe it for a second.

I've fallen in love with (male) strippers for a moment too - felt alive. I'd say I'm not alone, a few mins of fantasy where you feel seen, desired and cherished, but I wasn't a billionaire that could then whisk them away on my private jet to direct a stage show. He took the job to pay back friends and numerous times said relationships weren't his thing/good at them.

So they rode off into the sunset after? Her broke? Yeah like she could move into a cheap apartment with Mike somewhere, shop at Walmart and make it work. Love doesn't conquer all and certainly not this poorly developed non-believable love that spawned from - her wanting a stripper dance and him agreeing for $6000?

We know Mike's character so we know he's got good qualities but did Max? This movie took place over the course of less than a month- Basically max knew Mike could dance, he had creative vision and.... No wait.... I'll come up with something else . Nope. He's sexy that's it. My bad. That's all she knew about him. He made her feel a certain way "performing" for her and "awakened her." She was all out of sorts at the time. Even her daughter said she went thru phases of feeling alive and then ditched out. I feel sorry for Mike. She was overbearing and difficult but rich. You're telling me he would have fallen for her with her attitude and the way she treated him without money behind it? Don't even get me started on her being a horrible mother. I could write up at least 10 other reasons this movie falls on its face. I'm embarrassed for the big name stars and directors in it- but I'll finish with this....

Rewatch the second one and forget this was ever made. Way to go out with a total fizzle. The only thing worth watching is the rain partner dance at the end but even that was ruined for me because it was used as a plot device to show their love story which was soooooo Christmas movie on a streaming service bad.

But speaking of the partner dance- the woman in that- WOW! Mesmerizing. I think I fell in love just watching her, she stole the show from Channing- you suppose she's available to hop on my jet and direct a show in another country and fall in love with me with zero substance?

Veronica Mars: Keep Calm and Party On (2019) Season 4, Episode 3

Grown up Veronica

[8/10 · 20 December 2022]

This is a review of the whole season. I've seen the bad reviews that this season didn't have the same spark as the original seasons or the movie- but here's the thing.... The characters grew up. Did we really want to see Veronica solving petty crimes or felonies or a murder anymore? No. The stakes had to raise. The story line and the twists and turns were great- I didn't see any of it coming. Are these characters the same plucky high schoolers or newly minted college grads they were? No. The chemistry between the original actors is still great. Their silly jokes and witty quips are still great. The new additions to the cast are amazing. But the writers had to keep with the times and bring this series to where crime dramas were in 2019 while still trying to keep some of the marshmallow magic of yore. If you were a marshmallow from the beginning you should love it- Veronica's character is highly flawed being thrust into staying in Neptune for others- I highly relate to this. It's about growth. The end of the movie was satisfying but since she stayed these are the repercussions. She's just a grown up now- jaded, war weary, and worn from her experiences trying to be an adult, not sure what to do with her relationship and I'm so glad the writers reflected this. Can't we all relate? I know tv is an escape but as someone that grew up with her only a few years older when this show came out- I love they made her a real human but also appreciated the intricate true crime web that was weaved.

Falling for Christmas (2022)

Overstreet proves somethings are better with age

[6/10 · 12 November 2022]

Loved to see Lohan back. I laughed out loud multiple times, maybe I was in the mood to laugh, but there are just some silly slap stick moments that got me. This is a campy Netflix Christmas rom com. Don't set your sights too high and just enjoy the over the top jokes and Lohan doing what she really does best- goofball physical comedy and acting like a prissy rich person.

But the kicker here is Overstreet - of course I grew up watching glee and he was cute but he's throwing out serious dashing and swoon worthy leading man vibes now now over the teen heartthrob years.

Glad I watched on a cold and rainy afternoon and it brought my spirits up. Merry Christmas!

Euphoria: The Next Episode (2019) Season 1, Episode 6

Take a step back and watch again.

[9/10 · 31 July 2022]

So many people are confused about the flashbacks and I followed them pretty well. Also complaints about the last part being an artistic, boring, and pointless and poorly ending. Well what were we supposed to see there. We were supposed to see why Rue didn't run off with her "new drug" Jules. This is character growth. She's been looking for outlets and escape and this is her reflecting on everything- good and bad- and realizing that her family means something to her. When I was an addict I had a therapist say to me- "quit, for ANY reason- quit and then find a reason to quit for you. But any reason that gets you to stop using today is a good reason." I know she went right back to using but she realized Jules wasn't the answer, and still needed to find her reason and uses the only coping mechanism she has. The music video part was her sorting things out in her own way. I get it. Watch it again.

Pam & Tommy (2022)

A+ for effort

[6/10 · 10 February 2022]

The actors dedication is fantastic. I remember this all unfolding in the mid 90s. But honestly I was kinda bored thru episode 4. There was nothing compelling here and perhaps that was the material being true to the events. Most true stories are "based on a true story" and that's because real life is boring.

Do I empathize with the Rand character? Of course! Going against out of touch rock stars can't be easy and people do things. And good for you for leveraging new tech coming out in the world. Do I empathize with the famous people who were terribly violated? Of course! They are people too who put their pants on one leg at a time like the rest of us- kind of, they might have a team that helps them get those pants on or be able to afford new pants when they have to ruin those pant to try again.

I hope the bigger message is how people can relate to each other no matter where you come from or how much money you have- but if there is a morale here- pretty sure Pam and Tommy are still doing just fine. Have they learned any lessons or become better people? Eh. I don't know. Has Rand paid his penance or had any repercussions for his actions or had some bigger life revelations from this? Eh. Just seemed like a trivial revenge story - a guy that let himself get in way too deep with asshats was then compelled to take drastic actions against way too out of touch vapid people that thought the rules didn't apply to them. Perhaps that is the true story and what is going wrong with people. Maybe it was too real and I want my binge TV to be something more so I'm the jaded one. The actors are doing phenomenal work with not much material to go on (from a few articles I've read the source material was one article, Tommy Lee's book and not much else but it's true to those artifacts.) the conviction is there and I have to believe Pam was mortified and feel bad this might have been the beginning of the end for them- but honestly, if it wasn't this, it would have been something else. Did I miss the point?

Murderville (2022– )

Great murder mystery dinner improv!

[9/10 · 5 February 2022]

I'm a huge improv fan. Watched all improv shows on tv, gone to live shows, and taken classes. It's a little hard with the scene cuts but basically it's a set up scene, murder mystery dinner and then the guest actors just go with it. I really enjoy seeing the improv rules being held true in this format. If someone puts it out there the other actor takes it- so freaking amazing. Like in episode 3 when Terry has to do an impression! You can't say no in improv. The guest detectives are great and while some of it is just like- oh fail or oh no, there is improv gold here and if you can realize where the comedy is coming from instead of scripted, guaranteed laughs.

Hawkeye (2021)

Hilarious and heartfelt

[8/10 · 9 January 2022]

I've never written a review before and to had low hopes in the first 15 minutes, but this is really funny and entertaining. If you love the MCU you will enjoy it a lot and if you don't- you'll still get some laughs and like the characters.