calgal84 Reviews

Bloodline (2015–2017)

Started watching because it's in the Keys

[9/10 · 11 April 2015]

I started watching this because it was set in the Florida Keys - one of my favorite places on earth. Oh, and because it stared both Kyle Chandler and Sam Shepard. I stayed because it is just so good. It had me hooked in the first 15 minutes. It's murder mystery, meets police procedural meets Parenthood.

The acting is wonderful across the board. You see the hidden pain of this family without it hitting you in the face. The ending is so devastating because you know these brothers truly love each other but cannot express it because all that has gone on.

As the family mystery unfolds, while more are added on, you are drawn in more and more. You feel the heartache, You feel the tragedy. They aren't telling you this, which a lot of shows do, you are just seeing it and living it with them, That is what makes this show so good.

I was so worried about a second season. How would they have a second season? I wasn't sure I even wanted one. But the last episode, while answering the questions of this season just added more and made you want to continue watching what happens to this family - so loving and perfect on the surface, so flawed where no one can see it, Cannot wait for the new season!

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

One of the worst movies ever

[1/10 · 26 January 2015]

I'm not sure why people think this is such a great movie. Just because it's Stanley Kubrick? I don't know. The acting is stilted and, at best, bland, as is the dialog. Maybe even the actors couldn't find a way to make the writing more interesting so, even their acting came off badly.

There is absolutely no chemistry between anyone. The "orgy" scenes are laughable and couldn't be any less sexy if they tried. Even the sex scenes are boring! Some people said it was filmed beautifully. Where? Harsh, yet kind of gauzy. It just seemed to be both glaring at you and out of focus at the same time.

This is not a masterpiece. Oh, it wants to be. And it tries to be so provocative, smart and forward thinking. Instead, it comes of as an old fashion 70s porn film - and not even as sexy as one of those! It was ridiculous. I did sit through the whole thing when it first came out. I kept expecting it to get better, I guess. And I tried to watch it again recently. It's even worse now. It has not aged well.

One to skip unless you are just curious. A really, really bad film - don't let the "10s" fool you!

Trust Me (2013)

Did I like it? I don't know.

[7/10 · 14 December 2014]

I can't add anything to the descriptions already given in previous posts. It is all they have said - well acted, well directed, unlikeable characters, twists at the end, a strange and odd ending. It's all these things.

But the question I keep asking myself is "Did I like the film?" And, honestly, I don't know. There are funny scenes, heart wrenching scenes, confusing scenes. I don't know if I would ever watch it again, but,yet, I couldn't stop watching it. I wanted to know what happened next. I wanted to know how it ended. I wanted to see the whole movie.

And, in the end, isn't that what movie makers want from a movie? Making us have that feeling that we MUST watch the movie to the end? Even when we can't really say we are enjoying our viewing experience, we also can't turn it off or walk away because we have to KNOW how it ends.

That's how I feel about this movie. Did I like it? I can't tell you I did but I can tell you it was a movie I couldn't stop watching.

The Company (2003)

In answer to "Where is the story?"

[8/10 · 12 October 2014]

In answer to: Can't believe I sat through this oh so lost movie and where is the story?" questions: The story is in the details of everyday life of a dancer. It is not a beginning, middle and end type of movie. And that is the whole point, not to mention the wonderful dancing. I love dance movies about ballet and this is easily one of my favorites. The slice of dancers life with no true absolute focus is what makes it so perfect. The dancers and people coming in and out of the company. The small little glimpses of individuals and what happens is what makes it feel real. If the only way you are satisfied with a dance movie is to have a linear story line, watch The Turning Point (which I also love) but if you want the feeling of just a candid camera following a dance company and a few of it's principals, I highly recommend this movie. And if nothing else, the dance numbers are fantastic and worth watching the movie for.

Rise of the Guardians (2012)

This is so much better than Frozen

[9/10 · 11 October 2014]

I just watched this film by accident. Was just switching channels and happened on the beginning of the movie. I could not stop watching and I'm no child. It's a wonderful animated film. The voice casting is perfect. It is visually stunning. It's story line is interesting enough for adults and enchanting enough for children, with just enough "scare" factor in Pitch to intrigue older children but not so scary that smaller children will have one of Pitch's nightmares! It's just lovely and sweet. I even had a few teary movies. It was just so so much better than Frozen, although maybe they should do a movie with Jack Frost and Elsa! This movie was close to perfect as a animated film can get.

My Six Loves (1963)

Have always loved this movie

[9/10 · 7 October 2014]

I have always loved this movie. Is it sophisticated? No. Are there Oscar worthy performances, directing or writing? No. But what it does have is a charming and likable cast, an endearing story line and a happy ending. It is one of the most pleasant of the many feel good light comedies that came out in the early 60s.

If you are looking for deep meaning, this not the movie for you. If you spend your movie watching time picking apart flaws in movies, yes, you will find plenty in this movie. But if you just want to enjoy a movie and feel good when you are finished watching it, I can highly recommend this movie.

Frozen (I) (2013)

Some People take things WAY too seriously!

[8/10 · 10 August 2014]

This is really a lovely, enjoyable cartoon. And it's just that a lovely, enjoyable cartoon. And basically a fairy tale. One that moms and dads can feel happy to take their children too. Let it be that. Is there anything truly remarkable about it? Probably not. Are the songs particularly inventive or that much different from all the countless other Disney movies? No, not really, but they are catchy and pretty and fit the movie. And the "In Summer" song with the snow man in summer is pretty cute, if not a little jarringly placed! But, catchy.

Having said that, some people on these reviews are taking this way too seriously. Why would you give it one star just because other people liked it enough to give it a 10? Is that too show how much smarter you are than everyone else? It really shows nothing but taking a carton movie too seriously instead of just going with the flow. It's not real. It's not a real story. It's a cartoon fairy tale.

I give it an 8. It's not perfect but I enjoyed it.

Dancer, Texas Pop. 81 (1998)

Coming Late to review this film

[8/10 · 6 October 2013]

I know I'm coming late to review this film but just stumbled on it today. I loved this movie. Sweet. Respectful of small towns and it's people. Filmed beautifully.

And I totally disagree with a previous poster that said you had to love small town life to like this film because it is slow paced like a small town with nothing "exciting" happening. Not true. City girl here, although I have lived in and near small towns. These are not just "small town" people, these are everywhere people.

I have all sons. You do not have to be from a small town to have these feelings, desires and dreams. It's a wonderful human story about growing up and making adult choices but still follow your heart.

Five (1951)

Low Budget doesn't always mean bad picture

[7/10 · 22 December 2012]

Surprisingly good apocalyptic film. Done on a very small budget, with no special effects, the story is engrossing and well written. While it is obviously a small budget and done in black and white, it feels much more realistic and the emotions and story line feel honest and true, unlike so many of the 1950s movies on the same subject. I stumbled on this movie by accident when they were playing all the end of world pictures for the 12-21-2012 date (which, of course, didn't happen). The movie is so very effective and terribly sad and yet, in the end, strangely hopeful for mankind. I liked this film so much, I think I'll do a little research on Arch Oboler, who produced, wrote and directed this film. Just proves you do not need a big budget to make a good and interesting - good writing, directing and acting.

The Bellboy (1960)

I admit it - I'm a Jerry Lewis fan

[9/10 · 9 December 2012]

If you don't believe Jerry Lewis is a comic genius, you need to see this film. The humor. The cinematography. Everything is spot on. I know people have said there is no plot to this but watch it. There is. And it's sad and funny, as all good comedy truly is. Still one of my favorites. Watch the reactions of all the people around him. Watch how each scene is set up and framed. Jerry Lewis never saw the critical acclaim here in the US as he did in Europe but I believe he was way ahead of his time. Comedians like Adam Sandler, Eddie Murphy, and even Jim Carrey owe a debt of gratitude for Jerry Lewis paving the way. I wish the younger generation would discover Jerry Lewis' movies, including this one, because I believe they would appreciate his humor and artistry. Check out this movie, The Nutty Professor, Cinderfella and the Errand Boy.

The Raven (1963)

Not completely a review

[4/10 · 24 October 2012]

This isn't really a review - this is pretty much an un-reviewable movie, as you either like this genre - tongue-in-cheek horror - or you don't. It's not one of my favorites but I can see how people would enjoy this movie. What I do want to say is, if you are a Jack Nicholson fan, this is really a must see movie.

It's a hoot to see him in this part. He is almost unrecognizable and it's sometimes hard to see the interesting actor he became in any of his acting here. But you need to see it. It is very funny! He looks a little uncomfortable (Jack Nicholson in tights!) and not at all happy that his agent got him this part.

And yet, you cannot take your eyes off of him when he's on screen.

It's Like, You Know... (1999–2001)

I miss and think about this show often

[9/10 · 13 October 2012]

One of the best written comedy shows ever on TV but it was not allowed to develop it's audience. It wasn't a Seinfeld wannabe - it was a West Coast original. And maybe that was the problem. The humor was definitely West Coast. As a LA native living in Georgia, this show was like a life line. Acting, writing, humor was sharp and funny. Jennifer Grey as herself was hilarious with that little tinge of sadness for what happens in LA to even talented people. The whole cast worked so well together with that Los Angeles laid back ease, but with a little self deprecating humor all native and long time Californians have. As for the title - a previous poster got it wrong. I still say "It's like, you know", when there's just nothing more you can say. It's a California thing. And, now that I'm in the south, to those that didn't get the humor of this show, I say "Well, there you go".

Under Capricorn (1949)

Love this movie - saw it for the first time

[10/10 · 8 July 2012]

I am a Hitchcock fan and have never watched this film, as it has been thoroughly panned.

I just saw this film for the first time today. It is a new favorite. Joseph Cotten, Ingrid Bergman and Michael Wilding are lovely!!!! A wonderful Gothic romance. I don't care if it's one Hitchcock's most disliked films. No, it is not one of his typical suspense movies but the acting is wonderful and it is a sweet romance with a Gothic twist.

The romance between Ingrid Bergman and her husband, played by Joseph Cotten has all the problems of married people who have sacrificed a lot and have lost each other. The new love, with Michael Wilding saves her and yet, she is still tied to her husband. The evil of Millie, played by Margaret Leighton, is quietly sinister and, yet, almost sympathetic.

I am so glad I took the time to watch this film. As long as you go into watching this film for what it is, you will not be disappointed.