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Serendipity (2001)
easily a 10
This is the essential RomCom.
When I think about a RomCom, this is THE one.
I've seen bits and pieces of this movie off and on over the years and finally today was able to see this on HBO...for free!
The first question is: do you believe in fate, destiny or love at first sight. If your answer is no, then skip this one, it's simply not for you.
It takes a measure of faith to believe in this movie and if you do, you are in for a most satisfying journey.
Kate & John are perfect for this movie, they simply make it work in every way.
Kate is so understated in her portrayal. She simply has the right character to pull this off.
John is magnificent, all the right amount of skepticism and belief.
If you believe in true love and fate, you'll believe in Serendipity.
Echo 3 (2022)
a slow burn but worth it if you stay til the end
Firstly, Mark Boal has a depth of credibility as a writer.
He has multiple Academy awards.
He's a journalist, screen writer and producer.
He gave us The Hurt Locker & Zero Dark Thirty
Let's give him a little space if he's not yet an accomplished director.
This is a screenplay based on a novel.
This is a fine effort.
The story is worthy.
It has so many layers, so you will need to peel back each layer, just like an onion.
There are so many complexities.
Fist the dynamic of the relationship between a husband and wife.
A brother and a sister and a two soldiers who are no brother-in-laws.
We are observing them in an extreme circumstance.
We see them make difficult decisions and how these decisions have consequences that not only impact them but each other and all others around them.
Why it's called Echo 3, I have no idea.
The booked is touted as a Black Ops Thriller.
I'm not so sure about that.
Maybe more of a drama/action thriller.
The acting is spectacular.
I like the way there are different Directors for the various 10 episodes.
At it's core, this movie is about determining what is most important to you and what you are willing to do to protect what is important.
In this case for Eric & Bambi, it's Amber.
They must learn to live with the consequences of their rescue mission.
It's clearly going to be more difficult for Amber.
She is not a hardened specials ops soldier like Eric & Bambi.
She must live with her guilt.
Her experience transformed her into a different person.
None of her relationships will ever be the same.
On a larger level, it's also a statement about Third World Countries.
In this case, Colombia and Venezuela in sSouth America.
For anyone who has traveled abroad, you know there are many varied cultures and viewpoints.
South America has a long a storied history of violence.
There are drug cartels and crime, corrupt governments and extreme violence.
We get a little history lesson when we see the film about the decisions made by Truman and other presidents as it relates to Central and South America.
The Last Thing He Told Me (2023)
exceptional
I'll admit the reviews I read prior to watching were not very compelling.
Sometimes, I think we all put those aside when one of your favorite actors is billed, such is the case with Jennifer Gardner.
This is a slow building drama, if you can hang in until the end, you've be rewarded.
A great story, a great cast and some compelling performances.
Jennifer once again favors this show with a signature performance and is ideal of this role. She is very believable and brings the nuance to the role, this character deserves.
The role of Bailey is somewhat polarizing, especially at the beginning. As the story continues, you'll begin to warm to her.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
a solid 6
It's great to have a back story about the Star Wars characters we've come to know and love.
This is a great opportunity to understand much of what motivates Han Solo.
I especially like the backstory regarding the Kessel Run and the significance of the 12 Parsec The standard time was 20 Parsec's so Han managed quite the feat in doing it 'under'12 and as he reminds Chewbacca, he 'rounded down'.
It was also great to learn more about Chewbacca and how he and Han became connected.
It's really interesting to see Emelia Clarke in her role prior to Game of Thrones,= character Daenerys Targeryn.
I found myself paying more close attention to her role and speaking parts. She really is a very talented actress.
Ron Howard does a fine job as director of this film.
It's a solid 6.
There are just a few nits.
The story pivots strongly around Han & Qi'ra and their relationship on Correlia. Can we really believe the guards nabbed her just seconds before Han clears the gate?
In any fantasy, science-fiction, yes suspend some belief in the rational and reasonable however, do we really expect the Empire to recruit someone in a matter of minutes?
Also the character of Enfys Nest just isn't believable. The character is descried as having a reputation of a pirate and marauder for us to only learn she is a baby faced girl who is out to free the slaves and aid the Rebellion. Much better character development is due on this score.
The action scenes were better than average overall.
I have a hard time believing that the fight scene at the mine took place with a single guard not making a shot that hit the Millennium Falcon.
I also had a really hard time believing the connected character relationship between Lando and L3.
Han Solo is a great character in the Star Wars franchise. We finally learn he has a real sense of larceny in his heart going back to his early days.
But has Qi're tells us, he is one of the good guys.
Ahsoka (2023)
too many holes
I've been used to solid story lines, great acting and exceptional entertainment from the Star Wars series of shows.
Sadly, this one simply does not measure up.
The dialogue is so slow. It's so basic and lacks thoughtful and creative design. Because of this, I found myself losing interest in the story.
A couple of the biggest issues I had were action sequences from previous scenes.
The biggest was the Lightsaber fight between Sabine Wren and Shin Hati.
Shin actually runs her lightsaber through Sabine yet somehow she survives?
What? How does this happen? Need before in any other scene is there a precedent for this.
The other big one was the scene where Ezra Bridger somehow is able to transport himself from the Empire's Hypering to the Republic Base with no explanation of how he did it.
Lastly, the ending leaves you hanging. There is no indication there will be any other episodes.
I did like the acting of Mary Elizabeth Winstead. She is a fine actor and does a great job in this film.
Sadly, it's not enough for me to rate over a 5.
Hunter Killer (2018)
a worthy Gerard Butler film
I admit, I'm a Gerard Butler fan ever since I saw him in the film 300. He has a wide range of films from action/adventure to comedy and drama.
This is one I had not seen so after reading there reviews I decided to invest some time in it.
It's a solid cast with Gary Oldman and Common in supporting roles.
The premise takes a little belief suspicion but if you can get past that, it's a solid movie.
A bit hard to believe that a Russian Sub can go down and days later, there are survivors who are still clanging tools in the hopes they might be heard in the expanse of thousands of miles of ocean.
Beyond that, the Russian President being deposed in a coup and Americans actually going into Russia to attempt a rescue.
I found the role of the XO to be very annoying.
Besides all that, it was an entertaining film.
The action scenes were well done, the movement of military planes, ships and subs was filmed with accuracy.
The subplot of the Seal Team was done extremely well and the character of Beaman was portrayed well by Toby Stephens. I especially liked the 'no man left behind' scene.
Poker Face (2022)
Russell Crowe - acts and directs
I'm a bit confused at the low average of 5.2 but it's hard to explain.
This is so unlike the dozens of other movies I've seen over the recent years. There are so many surprises, twists and turns.
You really need to pay attention to the beginning of the film. It lays the foundation for what is to follow.
Russell Crowe is an Oscar caliber actor & he does a fine job of acting as well as directing in this film.
The visuals are fantastic and the acting is very good.
It's certainly worth taking to the time to watch.
Elsa Pataky is quite compelling in her role. There is not a lot of character development but it's adequate.
If you are a Russell Crowe fan, you won't be disappointed.
In the final analysis, we learn about the weakness we all share as human beings.
There is also an encouragement to accept each others faults and weakness and rise above.
The Old Way (2023)
Nicholas Cage - Western Style
You can say and think what you want about Mr Cage.
He's a legit actor with a wide range of abilities in many films and oh year, he has an Oscar for Best Actor in Leaving Las Vegas.
The plot of the story is a common one, that of revenge.
What makes this difference is his Daughter, Brooke and how the story really revolves around her and the relationship with her father.
The best scene is them sitting around the camp fire and Colton Briggs breaking down and crying at the loss of his wife.
Explaining to Brooke how much he loved her and how she made him feel.
It becomes apparent that Brooke shares many of the same attributes as her Father.
She is smart, shrewd and wise for her young years.
It's a Western like no other I've ever watched and I have seen a lot.
A tragic ending, which we could all guess was coming.
However, with a saddle bag full of cash and a prosperous mercantile store back in Montana, maybe young Brooke has the right stuff to continue her story/
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
Well worth the watch
I saw this in the theater when it came out in 2008 with my firiend Cate Parks. We met up at a theater in Georgetown in Washington, DC.
I just now on 5/1/2023, watched it again.
I'm so impacted by this film. You must suspend your belief in reality if you're to really enjoy this movie.
Brad Pitt & Cate Blanchett are marvelous in this film. They blend so well together and their screen presence is fantastic.
I lived in pre-Katrina New Orleans for 2 years so it has special meaning for me from that sense as well.
There are so many great scenes and lines in the film but most special of all is the appearance of the Humming Bird a key moments in the story.
It's a love story.
No matter your age or your circumstance, true love transcends it all.
A Good Year (2006)
pay no attention to the mediocre reviews
This is a delightful and entertaining film.
So sad that so many got it so wrong early on soon after the films release. Shame on you Rotten Tomatoes, you credibility suffers.
An Oscar winning Director, an Oscar winning actor, a talented supporting cast and a solid and believable story.
The mystery of the 'good wine' is so well hidden in the story and delightful turn when we learn the truth.
There is a nix mix of humor, wisdom and romance to make this one of the best romcom's in romcom land..
Max learns the most valuable lesson we can all learn in life.
What we love most.
Is there a better story than that?
The Night Agent (2023)
Better than expected
This is a 10 episode show that will keep you guessing right up until the very end.
The acting is quite good and the story line is solid. The Director allows enough opportunity for character development in the lead roles.
It's not a big budget show but enough to make it believable and entertaining.
It's not a re-hashed thriller like so much of what passes as entertainment today.
As the story progresses, there are flash backs that will help develop the lead characters better and help answer questions about their motivations.
Gabriel Brasso & Luciane Buchanan are exceptional in their roles.
At the end, Peter finds out the truth regarding his Father.
Moonfall (2022)
Moonfall - surprisingly good!
As for all Sci Fi, it requires suspending belief, logic and reasoning and just enjoying the ride!
And in this case, you're taking a ride to the Moon and beyond...you are going inside the Moon!
A great cast, highlighted by the acting of Patrick Wilson and Halle Berry.
This is no doubt, Ms Berry's best role and her finest acting in my opinion.
The main plot line is strong, the special effects are amazing and the acting is exceptional!
As in most all stories, regardless if they are books or movies, the creator will borrow story lines from others. So is the case in the movie.
There are pieces and parts that will feel familiar but the blending and story telling is really good.
I especially like the story arch and the message of the movie.
It's all about Love!
1883 (2021)
solid quality drama, not to be missed
I've heard all the buzz about Yellowstone.
I had not seen a single episode.
Then I discovered 1883.
The hook was set from the first episode.
Taylor Sheridan deserves accolades for his imagination, writing and ability to tell a story.
The history of the old west is one that has many versions depending on who is telling it, this one is worthy.
I'm really glad I got to see it. I stretched it out so I would not finish it too soon. Each episode was enough to be enjoyed.
I sense it was realistic in the way it showed the difficulty for those who chose to take on the challenge. They were driven by their hope of a new life in the West.
There are so many great performances in this show. You kinda know what you are going to get with Sam Elliott, a proven actor with great credentials and a track record of award winning performances.
I was pleasantly surprised at the performances of Fairy Hill & Tim McGraw. Each of them were able to shine in their portrayal of the Dutton family.
The biggest surprise was Isabel May who portrays Elsa Dutton.
This is a very nuanced role and she was able to create a screen presence that was far beyond her young years.
I hope she wins all the awards she's eligible for.
Now that I have the prequel story to Yellowstone, I think I'm ready to start watching it.
Kudos to Taylor Sheridan for bringing to the screen a fantastic cast and the telling of a truly epic story of the old West.
24 Hours to Live (2017)
If you like Ethan, you'll love this movie!
It's a tried & true formula of a sympathetic hero, a war veteran, a father & husband who has lost his wife & son.
He's lost his way but finds the vengeance & redemption he is seeking.
A former Marine who does contract wet work for a ruthless employer.
He finds his way when he meets Lin, an Interpol agent with a son who needs saving.
He's tagged for one last mission because he's the best, he says no but when the contract goes to $1Million pet day, it's hard to say no.
We learn about the bond between Marine's, Semper Fi.
We learn about the value of family & the loved shared between father & son.
We learn about the value of each minute when you have just 24 Hours to Live.
The Whole Truth (2016)
Keanu as a Lawyer?
We've not seen Keanu Reeves as a lawyer since Devils Advocate.
It's a good look for him.
He's very credible, very sincere and very believable.
There are many elements of this movie to like.
Renee Zellwinger's first movie in six years.
I hardly recognized her appearance.
Her expressions and mannerisms are there and that's the clue.
It's also nice to see Jim Belushi in a good movie, it's been a while.
This is a very engaging movie, right from the beginning.
It's a strange twist when the son, Mike refuses to speak to his attorney.
He continues that position until he declares that he's going to take the stand.
There are no spoilers here but I encourage you to pay attention to Mike.
Also the flashbacks to the scene of the incident.
I like these types of movies because the truth is all there if you can see it.
It's not until the end that the pieces fall into place and the truth is revealed.
The cast here is solid.
Even the portrayal by Janelle.
The conflict between her and Loretta and is tense and telling at the same time.
Is it a woman's intuition?
This movie will keep you guessing right up until the end.
Togo (2019)
I wish I could give this movie an 11
Have you ever loved a dog?
I mean really loved one?
If you have you will love this movie.
It's a great story and well told.
We learn that Togo is the runt of the litter and early on has a determination that is not to be denied.
This is a true story which makes the telling even better.
It's interesting to know that Togo & Balto were trained by Sepp.
Because Balto runs the final lego of the Serum Race, he seems to have gotten all the notoriety. He ran 31 miles, while Togo ran 264 miles over some of the most treacherous terrain in Alaska.
I've always liked Willem Defoe as an actor. Whenever I watch the Grand Budapest Hotel, his character just makes me laugh.
In this film, he brings life to the character of Leohnard Seppala.
It is truly an inspirational story.
As I'm watching, I'm thinking of all the dogs that have been a part of my life.
If you have been a dog owner, you will understand.
The best part, it's all true!
The children live because they receive the drum in time.
All thanks to these brave dogs and their masters.
Kudos to Disney for brining this story to the screen.
I took my young Sons to Manhattan and Central park to see the statue of Balto. They should have one for Togo as well.
The First American (2016)
If there was no GW, there is no Republic
I feel fortunate and blessed to be born in America.
I've had an opportunity to travel the globe and see other countries and observe their values and their cultures.
I've also been witness to those people there that have a curiosity about America and what makes it different.
I believe we can look to our founding Fathers and especially George Washington for the Genesis of that legacy
If we examine his actions, his deeds and his beliefs in the worthiness of the Cause, we can see what motivated this man and what gave him belief to pursue and act with the singleness of mind as a great Leader; a General and a great President.
I applaud Newt & Callista and their Foundation for bringing this message to the screen.
I'm a proud American, a History Major and a student of American history. I've seen many documentaries about our history. This by far, exceeds all others.
I particularly like the revelation about Billie Lee, his assistant, this I never knew.
In the telling of the story, it seems apparent that all the elements that created George Washington to become the man he was, were by design, those elements that created him to be the Leader that American needed at a great crossroads in our American History.
He is not to be forgotten!
The Last Kingdom (2015)
Watchable and Worthy
I didn't know any of the actors before I began to watch.
Neither do i know the author of the books, nor the director.
I was attracted by the compelling historical narrative. Even then, there is a disclaimer that states that the characters and places are not all 100% accurate.
That isn't all bad is it? Especially if we are talking about a period in history on or about 866.
The story is based on a British historical fiction television series based on Bernard Cornwell's The Saxon Stories.
The initial hook for me was learning that Uhtred, the main character was born and raised as a Saxon and followed the Anglican church precepts and was baptized into the Christian faith and belief system.
As the story unfolds, we have what we believe the classic 'good guys VS bad guys' Or, so we think as the behaviors of these key characters begin to become mixed and we begin to wonder who is who form a morality standpoint.
Is Uhtred a Christian, who behaves as a Pagan or is he a Pagan who behaves as a Christian. Is he a good guy or a not so good guy?
Or is he a little of both and acts based on situation ethics?
I really liked that Netflix has this as a 'Free' viewing opportunity. I also liked that there are 4 seasons and that a 5th season has been declared so we are whetted with the promise of more shows to watch.
The characters are compelling. My only complaint was the confusion around the character names. We have Athelhelm, Athelred, Athelwold, Athelflaed as well as Aleswith and Aelfric. Fortunately there are some with names like alfred, Edward and Erik to ease the brain crunch.
The filming locations in Hungary are compelling. The character development is done quite well . There is some alignment with place and location that fits well into the known history of the development of the Anglo & Saxon culture along with that of the Romans and early Britons.
All of this mixed in with a lot of sword action, romance, betrayal and the rags to riches to rags and then back to riches story line.
I will certainly be looking forward to season 5 which we learn has been delayed due to COVID.
It is indeed watchable and worthy.
The Poison Rose (2019)
who doesn't like John Travolta?
To all those low digit reviewers: why did you watch this movie to begin with?
I'm one of those people who will watch a movie simply because I like the cast.
In this case, it's quite a good cast and better than most.
Yes, some are beyond their prime, I'm looking at you B Fraser.
But as fan of John Travolta, I don't think it's a bad thing to see the full scope of work. How else do you get a true perspective on their body of work as an actor?
If you think that Pulp Fiction was the highlight of Travolta, then this maybe be approaching the other end of the arc but it's not really that bad of a movie and is performance was adequate for the vehicle.
There are many holes in the plot and less that stellar acting from some but the story does keep you engaged. It's a 'who done it' flick and you want to know how it ends.
To me, the story is about the redemption of Carson. He seems to be dodging the hit men in LA so he accepts a gig in his home town of Galveston, Tx.
As the story unfolds we are lead to believe the entire trip to Texas to take on this investigation was all part of a bigger plan.
Is there a special chemistry with him and Becky? Did he ever truly get over Jayne? Was it really the best thing that happened for Carson and Jayne for him to leave?
Who doesn't want to go home? Especially when you realize that what he has come home to was way better than what he left in LA and even better than what he left when he moved West.
It becomes even better when we learn that Becky is actually his real daughter with his now deceased wife Kelly Peston.
This is certainly not a sports movie but it is about football and anyone who has ever been to Texas knows the level of popularity the game has even at the High School level. One scene made me LOL and that was when Carson throws a perfect spiral that had to be at least 40 yards to take out the sniper in the press box. Nice pass Carson!
Mosul (2019)
A worth watch
Many of us prefer to watch movies based on true stories.
This is one that allows the viewer to catch a glimpse of a select group of Iraqi fighters battling ISIS or Daesh as they call it.
Though the dialogue was filmed in the local language, you don't need to understand it to follow the story. In addition you also have the 'CC' to assist.
The story arc begins with Kawa joining the Ninevh SWAT fighters after they randomly save him from a firefight with ISIS fighters.
Kawa doesn't know anyone from the team but knows of their reputation and that of their leader Major Jasem.
The Major pressures Kawa to join them on their mission which is never fully explained to him.
The story line reveals the intense threat that lurks at every corner as they move from building to building moving to their destination.
We see Jasem demonstrate kindness to the young innocent children and mothers they encounter along their path.
We learn that Major Jasem has earned the respect and admiration from his men as they move through the city battling ISIS fighters and criminals.
The Major takes weapons, ammo, money and supplies from those they battle along the way. He gives it to his men and continues to earn their respect and loyalty along the way.
The 'mission' is never declared but as the story unfolds we learn more about it as the story unfolds toward the end.
It's simple and universal as we see the ravages of war and it's lasting and terrible impact on the local innocent people who live it.
In a desperate time and place, it shows a glimpse of hope the SWAT team brings to the locals who know they must endure and live in their home even though they have witnessed it's destruction.
At the end, we see that it's not the buildings or the structures that the SWAT team is fighting for but something more that will endure and last after the fighting is done.
Les frères Sisters (2018)
the thinking persons western
It's a shame this movie didn't do better at the box office but after watching, you being to think that perhaps a direct release to video may have been the right move.
Why do I say that?
It's not the typical western, it's not even the modern western.
The 'hook' for me was initially the pairing of the actors and the characters they play. It's not a star studded cast but four very solid actors with credible resumes in Phoenix, Reilly, Gylenhaal and Ahmed.
As the story movies forward and the characters begin to develop their roles, your interest is piqued by the prospect of this 'formula' for finding gold actually working.
The scenes of San Francisco in the 1850's was brilliant. You get a glimpse of what the city built on the gold rush might have been like at it's peak.
As in most things in life, with each great rise in fortune, there is a corresponding low point. Yes, the formula works but the demonstration of one man's greed to find more, results in the peril he puts the others in. Eventually the loss of the right arm and the early demise of two main characters.
The story reveals the bond of two brothers. The complexity of how two men are driven by the force of early violence in their young lives. How one brother emerges as the leader and how the lesser who follows becomes the caretaker and eventually the leader of the other.
The filming location's in Europe are spectacular. There are beautiful vistas of the plains and mountains of Oregon and California are memorable.
It is said that you reap what you sow. The brothers have lived a violent life and seem to have been rewarded with money and gold along the way, their past seems to be catching up to them as they seek to separate themselves from their former life. They just want to go home.
In the closing scenes we get the sense they have overcome the obstacles and the odds of their dangerous deeds and are finally close to home. Arriving at the homestead, they meet their mother with a shotgun standing guard on the ranch. She fires a warning shot at the strangers and then we realize it's a shot gun and she's not a very good aim. She is ready to welcome them home, but yet she knows they have lived a violent life. She makes it clear that she wants no part of that life. They assure her there is no risk of harm to her or the homes, she welcomes them in a warm embrace and we get the sense the trail of violence has ended.
Peppermint (2018)
Sometimes vigilante justice pervails
If you ever watched Alias, you know Jennifer Garner has skills.
This is a story about bad guys getting what they deserve in the end.
Jennifer is smart, savvy and tough in this movie that showcases her depth of acting skills.
She will never be the same in any romcom you see her in after watching this movie.
It's very entertaining and satisfies that desire we have for justice when the system doesn't seem to offer it.
No, she didn't bring her family back, but the bad guys won't victimize anyone else.
Mine (2016)
When you step on a land mine...what do you do?
There are dozens of war movies available.
This one captures an aspect of events that occur in war that you don't always consider.
This movie follows the psychological aspects of what you might go through when you are faced with the fact of imminent loss of limb or life.
Armin Hammer presents a believable portrayal of the psychological extremes you might go through.
I was immediately impressed of what he immediately did when he saw his girl friend in the airport when he returned.
Homeland (2011)
Compelling on many levels
If you're a patriot, you want to watch this show
If you're a fan of great story telling
If you're a fan of great character development
There are so many reasons to watch a show
that's appealing on so many levels.
The show runners & writers create a framework in
which excellent actors bring these stories & characters to life.
It's edge of the seat viewing most of the time.
As an AF Veteran, patriot & fan of credibly story telling, I would encourage you to check it out!