rogopdpc Reviews

Fallen Stars (2017)

Delivered simply but resonates profoundly.

[8/10 · 29 January 2024]

It's like a 'Red Hot Chili Peppers' song come true. The characters are relatable, and it moves at a delightful pace. You find yourself rooting for the characters, and not necessarily for a Hollywood ending. The isolation and loneliness of ALL the characters is captured so beautifully that when Daisy and Cooper finally start their awkward relationship you feel a sense of relief. I was also angry when Cooper risked their unconventional and fragile relationship with his selfishness. I think what makes this film extra beautiful is the display of courage and open-mindedness' the main characters must display to overcome their loneliness. In a pre-COVID world with sowed division and overtly negative social media, this movie reinforces the need for connections beyond the typical constructs.

War Flowers (2012)

I have so many questions? Help.

[3/10 · 30 October 2023]

Why did Ricci and Berenger agree to do this film? I really like both actors and muddled through this one. You get the distinct impression the actors showed up on day one and catering was a bucket of KFC chicken. I watched on TUBI and was dumbfounded to learn this film had a theatrical release. Did someone misappropriate the budget for this film? The acting, special effects, costumes, historical accuracy, and reenactments are SO bad. It's like a made for television movie, but one not quite good enough for the Hallmark Channel.

I gave it a 3 because the script was OK. You wonder with a proper budget IF the outcome would have been different. I would LOVE to watch Ricci in a big budget Civil War epic BUT this one just misfired on almost every level. This was just wasted performances against what could have been an interesting story. It fills me with utter sadness.