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Reviews
Stepping into Love (2023)
Disappointed
I wanted to like this movie. I truly did. So far I have enjoyed all the GAM movies. But this one lost me early on. I realize a story, particularly a romance, requires a conflict. This one was set up to be "efficient, organized curator meets unstructured, relaxed artist." Unfortunately, "relaxed" shouldn't mean inconsiderate and disrespectful. The hero's rudeness did not make him charming in the least. In fact, I found nothing sympathetic about his character.
The heroine was a predictable character who reacted to his tardiness and rude behavior as expected. But to develop into a romance, there has to be attraction and on screen chemistry. The acting was good but it didn't work. I blame the script.
Come on, Great American Media. You can do better than this. After quality films like A CHRISTMAS...PRESENT, I expect better.
Avatar (2009)
Overrated Cowboys and Indians
The special effects, makeup, and costumes were outstanding, but otherwise this was a predictable and familiar plot. The mean greedy capitalists have no compunction about slaughtering indigenous people to mine something called-I kid you not-unattainium. The indigenous people fight back with bows and arrows. It's not quite The Alamo, yet much like the Battle of Little Big Horn. I would have enjoyed the film more if it had been about 30 minutes shorter.
The avatar concept was clever. If you haven't seen the movie yet, do so. You may not mind the Cowboys and Indians plot. Perhaps the hype led me to expect something more original.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
Worst of the Marvel universe.
Very confusing to the point of boredom. The cast was spectacular and I watched with high hopes. I've loved the Marvel universe, from Ironman all the way through the spin-off series. WandaVision was the weakest of these series and this story is a continuation of Wanda's story. But apparently this story didn't work for me. Everything is magic and there's universe-jumping. I couldn't emotionally connect to the characters, particularly America. I found her annoying. So if you're watching this movie expecting the caliber of Thor Love and Thunder or Avengers: Endgame, prepare to be disappointed. However, at least they got the "Madness" right.
Heartland: Bluebird (2021)
Could be better.
I love this series but this episode disappointed me. It offered a perfect opportunity to show the healing power of forgiveness. Forgiveness is about the injured party's mental health more than the offender. It's not the same as approval. Missed opportunity for character growth.
The World Wars (2014)
Interesting perspective
Do not watch this series expecting a comprehensive study of both World Wars a la Ken Burns's Civil War. It's not. However, it presents a cause-and-effect survey of how connected the two wars were.
First the negative: This program focuses on a few key figures yet totally omits any mention whatsoever of Eisenhower. How do you cover D-day without at least mentioning the name Eisenhower? Eisenhower was the ONLY 5 star general, yet two others in this program erroneously wore 5 star insignia.
Positive: Jeremy Renner did a great job narrating. The series is educational and worth watching. Although it's imperfect, I learned a few things from this series. I like how it treats both World Wars as one conflict because it was. The Treaty of Versailles wasn't a peace treaty at all and set the stage for resumption of fighting.
This series will leave you hungering for more, in depth programs that once were offered by The History Channel before they chose to waste our time on such nonsense as Pawn Wars.
The Island (2005)
Brilliant yet subtle pro-life movie
Without being preachy, this story deals with sensitive topics like cloning, euthanasia, and what constitutes a life.
Spoiler alert: Without considering the consequences, the highly profitable company clones thousand of lives for clients (AKA sponsors) for organ transplants or for breeding babies for infertile couples. The host bodies are disposable, regardless of the fact they are fully functioning human beings. While promised a trip to The Island, they are actually killed after they've served their purpose. The clients are assured the clones are not people who think, feel, or suffer, mindful of what pro-choice proponents claim about aborted fetuses. While the subject matter is thought provoking, it's first and foremost an exciting action sci-fi movie.
The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)
The Dumbing Down of America
The premise, though cute, is hardly original (Killers, True Lies). It would have been an enjoyable spy caper. But Hollywood has decided to eliminate all adjectives and adverbs, replacing them with the F word. An occasional well-placed F bomb can be funny. But the constant profanity is distracting and, frankly, boring. If this is supposed to be realistic speech, it's not...unless it's drug-dealing . Bottom line: if they release a PG version, I would recommend it. Dear Hollywood, stop insulting viewers with such unimaginative gutter language dialog.
Godzilla (2014)
Could've been great
This creature feature had a strong cast, a good script, and decent special effects. It could have been a spectacularly scary movie, but ... I couldn't see half of the creature encounters. Too much of the action took place in the dark. They did a much better job with Kong: Skull Island Unfortunately, I can't give Godzilla as high a rating because of the limited visibility. I sincerely hope the latest Godzilla film isn't set predominantly in the dark.
Super 8 (2011)
Like ET but better.
I really enjoy this movie. It has elements of ET, with government coverups, a creature from space, kids, and single parents, but with deeper emotional conflict. The setting (late 1970s) provides a great soundtrack, and it's a time before cellphones and one-hour photos. The subplot involves a struggle with survivor's guilt and grief, with a satisfying resolution. I recommend this movie. It's a gem.
The Running Man (1987)
Stephen King Story Worth Watching
Suzanne Collins owes a debt to Stephen King for this story. Before The Hunger Games there was The Running Man. The idea of media control and propaganda isn't new, but the updated Gladiators-style competition story is a brilliant indictment of the power of the press. Set in a game show format, with Richard Dawson as a caricature of himself (Let's Make A Deal), the action is blended with humor for lots of fun.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
Why is this called a comedy?
If constantly using profanity qualifies a movie as funny, then this film is a comedy. I found it depressing and somewhat disgusting. I think Missourians should be offended by this movie. SPOILER ALERT: there is a graphic suicide scene involving a terminally ill cancer patient. Hilarious, right?
Lightning Jack (1994)
Delightful entertainment
This is a comedy set in the old west. Even if it's not your favorite movie genre, it's worth watching if for no reason than the amazing acting by Cuba Gooding, Jr. It takes a talented actor to give such a strong performance without a single word of dialogue. Paul Hogan is as adorable as ever, although the role of Lightning Jack Kane doesn't differ much from his Crocodile Mick Dundee character. The supporting cast nicely fills out the roster of characters. I recommend this film for its light, entertaining value.
Friends with Benefits (2011)
Had potential but disappointing
This film had such potential. Mila Kunis was adorable. Her character was clever and plucky. Spoiler alert: I loved the subplot involving the family in California (especially the father suffering Alzheimer's) . The characterization of both hero and heroine was well done. Their personal growth and the inevitable romance made this a cute romantic comedy story.
However, what ruined this movie for me (and I'm no prude) was the explicit sexual dialog and scenes. It did not move the story forward. It was offensive and disgusting. What saved the movie for me was the scene with his father in the airport restaurant. So sweet and touching.
If you can get through the unnecessarily explicit sex scenes, you will enjoy this movie.
Miami Vice (2006)
Good movie but not "Miami Vice."
While I think Colin Farrel and Jamie Foxx are incredible, talented actors, they were wasted in this film. Miami Vice the TV series bears little resemblance to Miami Vice the movie. This movie should have had a different title with different character names as it related so poorly to the original. In fact, it surprised me to see Michael Mann's name associated with the film.
I'm a Floridian and I found little of Florida in the movie. Was it filmed in San Diego? Some of the beach scenes looked more like California than Florida. The TV series was slick, cutting edge, and very strong on setting in its day. The movie failed to capture the spirit and feel of the series and, in my opinion, shouldn't have tried. The movie is a fine crime drama, just not the Crockett and Tubbs we fell in love with in the '80s. Perhaps it should be re-released with a new title.
The Scorpion King 3: Battle for Redemption (2012)
I gave this film a chance but...
The film is so promising. It has some good actors and continues the Mummy /Scorpion King Franchise. Or so I thought. This screenplay is weak. It has cardboard characters, clichés, and anachronisms. Its plot is uneven. It's as if the screenwriters couldn't decide on the genre. Fantasy? Mythology? Comedy? Adventure? I soon lost interest.
I was disappointed with the third Mummy movie, but it was Oscar material compared to this. Don't watch this movie expecting it to have anything to do with the original Scorpion King. Read the other reviews for more information. I can only wonder what Ron Perlman, Billy Zane, etc. were thinking when they signed on for this movie.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Offensive
I am baffled by the users who rate this film so highly. If one deleted the N word and the F word there would be no script. How can we expect young viewers to treat people respectfully when Hollywood bombards us with racial slurs? Yes life imitates art although calling this movie art is a stretch.
I read that Tarrantino is a high school drop out. Must be true judging from this script. I am certainly no prude or a stranger to adult themes and language. However the script was filled with glorified drug use and violence yet failed to show one ounce of Character growth. The barrage of profanity and violence was both offensive and boring. Quentin Tarrantino movies are on my list of films to avoid. Waste of time.