ronterry55 Reviews

Maestro (2023)

A bit of a snooze

[5/10 · 10 December 2023]

Carey Mulligan is the only reason to see this movie. Her performance is outstanding All the awards!

Bradley Cooper wildly overacts as Leonard Bernstein. Matt Bomer is wasted in a tiny throw-away role.

I cannot say much good for the movie itself. It starts out in black & white, then turns to color. Why? The first two thirds of the movie were so dull; I nearly dozed off. There is endless philosophizing, and people talking over each other. It added nothing to the story. Then there are long shots that look like they are a mile away of people talking. It makes the actors look Lilliputian.

Bradley Cooper'ss direction of the movie is choppy in many scenes, but lovely in others, such as his direction of Carey Mulligan. The camera loves her as she goes from young woman to middle aged woman to dying from cancer.

The final third was the best in terms of the story flow.

However, I cannot recommend the movie unless you are a diehard Bernstein fan.

Notes of Autumn (2023 TV Movie)

Luke MacFarlane!

[8/10 · 18 September 2023]

Notes of Autumn set the Fall season for me. I am a fan of Luke MacFarlane, and was happy to see him in this movie. The female lead, Ashley Williams, is delightful. She reminded me of a young Cybill Shepherd.

Luke and Ashley are best buds who live in different cities. Both are having work problems and decide to switch houses for 2 weeks.

In the switch, each meets a friend of the other, and friendship and eventual romance blossoms. (It is Hallmark). Luke meets Peter Porte, an aspiring chef, and Ashley meets Marcus Rosner, who is a musician .

I am so very glad Hallmark included the gay storyline, casting two out gay actors in the roles. The movie is typical Hallmark, but it was sweet and cute and well done.. I'm hoping to watch Luke MacFarlane in more movies.

The Pope's Exorcist (2023)

Great Exorcist Horror!

[9/10 · 19 April 2023]

I love exorcist movies! I went to The Pope's Exorcist because Russell Crowe stars, and is based on an actual papal exorcist. This movie, and Russell, did not disappoint. It is a well done exorcist movie. Russell Crowe was terrific as the priest who was the Pope's Exorcist. It was lovely to see Franco Nero onscreen again as the Pope. The entire cast was wonderful. It was a decent script about a demon from the time of the Spanish Inquisition. I enjoy these movies depicting religious folk fighting against evil, especially when it relates back 500 years The special effects and CGI were perfect. There were a few jump scares throughout the movie.

It is a well done horror movie . The ending seems to set up for a sequel. I would enjoy that!

I'm Not Gay: A Musical (2023)

A Musical Mistake

[3/10 · 12 April 2023]

Misha is a dancer who also is a fighter with a girlfriend, Vera, and an adopted daughter, Brooklyn. Misha cuts himself as a way of dealing with childhood trauma, which we learn about later in the film. It is filmed in black & white for some segments, and color for others. Split screen is another tool frequently used. Misha is sent to a psychiatrist on Fire Island for therapy. He falls in love with a house for sale, but only to a gay man. So Misha pretends to be gay. He is given the summer to prove he is truly gay before being sold the house . He becomes friends with gay men determined to win a dance contest, one of whom falls for him. That does not go well.

Everyone from the start, including Vera and Brooklyn, asks or tells him he is gay. He shouts I am not gay. Over and over.

His daughter stays the summer with him. She has no purpose.

This is all set to song and dance. I initially enjoyed the singing until it all began to sound alike. Every character gets to warble a tune. It all becomes tedious.

Misha eventually tells his trauma to the psychiatrist. I won't spoil it, but it is an expected story.

He runs back and forth to & from the Bronx and Fire Island. He cannot accept himself even as he is talked into doing the dance competition by his, um, friends at the end.

The movie was over long and had too many stories competing that do not really move forward. And uninspired music. The choreography was okay. Oh, and he doesn't get the house.

Knock at the Cabin (2023)

Terrific Thriller

[9/10 · 5 February 2023]

M. Night Shyamalan is back! This mystery/horror thriller is just what I hoped it would be - a great time at an actual movie theater. The premise of young dads and their daughter being selected to choose the fate of the world by one of them needing to die makes for a nailbiting experience. I am glad there were some flashbacks to their beginnings as a couple and the adoption of their daughter, as well as a gay bashing that informs the attitude of one of the leads.

Ben Aldridge gives the strongest performance as Andrew. He is a true up & coming star. Dave Bautista really showed his acting ability and was wonderful in his role as Leonard, the leader of the apocalyptic group of four. And Jonathan Groff is striking as Eric. Strong performances by all cast.

This is an intense movie that had me riveted the entire time.

Bros (I) (2022)

Delightful!

[9/10 · 2 October 2022]

I was very pleasantly surprised by this fun, and, funny, sexy , romance. The 2 hours went by quickly. Not a lagging moment. Billy Eichner as the nerdy podcaster falling for Luke MacFarlane' s gym bodied lawyer is terrific casting. Both actors bring their characters to life so well, along with the dozens of featured characters. Eichner's initial manic performance is later tempered by MacFarlane's low key character. The scenes rocket from silly, raunchy fun to misty-eyed truth telling quiet conversations. As with romantic movies like this; we know how it will end. The journey these guys take to get there is worth the watch.

Neumatt (2021– )

Well done dramatic series

[8/10 · 20 August 2022]

I very much enjoyed this Swiss series. The story of the young man Michi caught between his upscale life as a consultant and his family down on the farm causes him distress in his loyalties. Throw in that that he's an initially closeted gay man adds to his anxiety. Lead character Michi is at times a good guy; at times the bad guy. He loves and hurts the people he cares about. His mother, sister, brother & grandmother all figure prominently with their own stories.

It is well acted, and well produced.

Heartstopper (2022– )

Charming

[9/10 · 29 April 2022]

A delightful series that goes down as easy as the milkshakes featured in one episode. These teenagers discovering their sexuality; how to navigate their friendships and school bullies has been made that much more engaging by the terrific acting of the entire cast. The male leads have a chemistry that makes their fumbling toward each other fun to watch.

Olivia Coleman is ubiquitous these days, and does a nice job playing Nick's mother.

So, get a milkshake, and spend a few hours enjoying this series.

The Cursed (2021)

Spectacular horror!

[9/10 · 21 February 2022]

The Cursed is a well made, well acted gothic horror story. I love this type of story involving mythic creatures; this time werewolves. No cheap tricks or big jump scares; just a liesurly unfolding of the curse of the Roma for what the French landowners did to them. I enjoy how it reworks the silver bullet theory first used in the original The Wolf Man. This time the silver is from the biblical story of Judas. The writer/director has done a terrific job of doling out the horror until the terrific and satisfying finish. The story comes full circle by the end.

Anthony Adverse (1936)

Epic based on tremendous novel

[8/10 · 16 January 2022]

Based on the huge bestselling novel. With screenplay written by book's author among others; it is a big, sprawling early epic movie. I read the book as a teen, and enjoy this movie version of it.

So much happens in the 2 hour 20 minutes; it flies by. Of course, there is some corny dialogue, but it is all good.

Terrific entertainment!

Being the Ricardos (2021)

Dull

[4/10 · 23 December 2021]

After the terrific reviews; I was very disappointed by this movie. I did not once believe the actors playing Lucy. Desi, Vivian and Bill. They didn't look the part or sound the part. There was too much backstory and current story crammed in one movie. Besides that; it was dull., dull, dull.

A Boy Called Christmas (2021)

Dark start, but sweet finish

[8/10 · 18 December 2021]

This story had a dark start with young Nicholas's mother being eaten by a bear; then being left in the care of a nasty, cruel aunt while his father was out hunting. He runs away to find is father, but finds the elf city. The elves aren't very nice initially. There is a quirky pixie. He finds his father and his friends have kidnapped a young elf for some reason. Nicholas along with his pet mouse and reindeer Blitzen find the kidnapped elf. Nicholas gets his father to see the error of his ways and he helps free the elf; dying while doing do. Nicholas returns the elf to the elf city and is a hero. He decides to use the toys made by elves to deliver them to children, thus becoming Santa Claus.

It is a cute new version of how Santa came to be.

Maggie Smith as children's aunt telling her nieces & nephews this story is a delight.

With Love (2021–2023)

Enjoyable series

[9/10 · 18 December 2021]

I am enjoying this Latinx series. Each episode takes place on a holiday throughout a year. We are introduced to the Latin Diaz family through gay son Jorge, Jr and his sister, Lily. They traverse through finding love while surrounded by interwoven stories about their relatives. It is predictable, but fun to watch during this holiday season. Five episodes fly by. It is well acted and I am happy to see gay and trans characters played by out gay and trans actors.

The Real St. Nick (2012 TV Movie)

Terrible

[1/10 · 28 November 2021]

Christmas in a psychiatric hospital where the staff as well as patients refer to the hospital as a nuthouse; a looneybin. The staff call the patients nuts and make fun of patients. One male even says he needs some ECT as a top off. Very inappropriate; making fun of mental illness.

In comes an amnesiac Santa, with whom the attending psyciatrist falls in love. A total breach of doctor/patient boundaries.

Terrible acting, and story make this the worst TV holiday movie.

Swan Song (II) (2021)

Udo Kier shines

[9/10 · 5 September 2021]

Just saw Swan Song, and I was totally taken with Udo Kier's performance as Pat. He is a retired hairdresser and gay cabaret performer who lives in a nursing home. When he is offered 25K to do the hair & makeup on a deceased friend ( Linda Evans); he initially refuses . But he then leaves the home to do the job. We find out why he at first refused to help, and his story unfolds as he walks through the streets of Sandusky, Ohio. He meets old and new friends and each plays a part in telling his story.

Great supporting cast with Jennifer Coolidge, Michael Urie and even Linda Evans in a brief appearance.

A lovely movie about growing old as a gay man, and the lives that were lived back in the days of bars and drag shows, and how gay life has evolved and changed. And how one man , dubbed the Liberace of Sandusky found out how many lives he actually touched.

'Til We Meet Again (1940)

Good movie...but...

[7/10 · 1 September 2021]

I watched this movie tonight. It is a well done remake. Bette Davis & Marlene Dietrich passed on the lead, so it went to Merle. She made the part of Joan her own. But...there is little to no chemistry between her and George Brent. I saw no passion between these doomed lovers. George Brent was a popular star, but his acting is so wooden; I really had a difficult time finding why she loved him so desperately. I would recommend the movie to Merle Oberon fans.

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)

Bloated, yet underdone

[3/10 · 9 August 2021]

I had high expectations for this holiday Disney movie. Oh boy, was I disappointed.

What a bloated, tangled, boring mess. The writer and director must have been asleep and didn't care as this was awful. Disney, how could you have released this?

Jungle Cruise (2021)

Terrific, fun movie!

[10/10 · 9 August 2021]

One of the best movies I've seen since theaters reopened. A mix of King Solomon's Mines with Indiana Jones.

Dwyane Johnson, Emily Blunt & Jack Whitehall have great chemistry and it shows onscreen. They look like they had fun making the movie.

It is non-stop action with humor and poignancy, also.

I love fun, adventure movies with supernatural elements, and this delivers.

It is a magical, lovely, fun movie.

Pray Away (2021)

Slow moving

[3/10 · 4 August 2021]

I watched tonight with keen anticipation. I was disappointed. It went through the beginnings of Exodus, and how a select few began the movement got caught up in the religiosity of the whole thing; then how they realized their mistake. Nothing new to see here. It has all been documented before - and better. It really was a bore.

The Unholy (2021)

A good horror movie!

[9/10 · 18 April 2021]

Finally a good horror movie! I love scary movies dealing with the church and demons. The Unholy did not disappoint me. It played out from start to finish gradually building the suspense until the final moments. It told a story and there was an explanation for the demonic occurrences. A few jump scares added to the fun of watching the horror play out. The acting was decent, especially Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Cricket Brown.

Always nice to see Cary Elwes.

I haven't enjoyed a religious based horror movie this much since Midsommer in 2019.

I Care a Lot (2020)

A fun ride

[9/10 · 14 April 2021]

I don't understand the negative reviews. Rosamund Pike & Peter Dinklage are in top form playing adversaries trying to one up each other. It is a comedic thriller handled very well by these engaging leads. Diane Weist is also very good as the object of both their attention. This film is a welcome change from the dreck being offered for Oscar consideration this year.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018–2020)

Love, Love, Love This Series

[10/10 · 23 February 2021]

I just finished watching Part 4 of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. I am sorry it has come to an end. I so enjoy shows about the supernatural, and this one is one of the best. The Spellman family and all the characters kept me hooked and wanting more after each Part ended. Each episode was up to an hour long, and each Part had 8 gloriousy evil episodes. The writers pushed the Archie comics story of witch Sabrina and her aunts Zelda and Hilda, cousin Ambrose and other characters in Greendale to the limits. It is tremendous fun. Well acted with the right balance of comedy and horror. There is a racially diverse cast as well as of gay, bi, and trans characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the stories presented. If it had to end; it was done with style. I look forward to seeing Sabrina and friends sppear on Riverdale.

Nomadland (2020)

Long & dreary

[5/10 · 21 February 2021]

I love Frances McDormand. Why she chose to make this bleak, dreary film is questionable. There isn't much acting in this so much as her character traveling around the country in a broken down van doing odd jobs for money. She meets others doing likewise. That's it. That's the movie. I kept looking at my watch thinking this has to end soon, and it didn't. I gave 5 stars only because Frances is in it.

Pinocchio (2019)

Terrific version...not for youngsters

[9/10 · 24 January 2021]

Roberto Benigni is wonderful as Gepetto. I want to write that this hues more faithfully to the original book that I read as a kid. The acting is fun; the set decoration is wonderful, and the photography is beautiful. The CGI is first-rate. Pinocchio goes through his ups and downs; learning lessons as he goes through his adventures. He is followed by the fairy, who helps him out of his more horrendous scrapes. Some scenes are not for children. This is definitely PG-13. An enjoyable new version of an old tale.

Dashing in December (2020 TV Movie)

Terrific holiday romance

[9/10 · 15 December 2020]

I watched this movie tonight, and have say it is pretty darn wonderful. Predictable, yes, as we know these Christmas movies to be. But following grouchy Wyatt, and seeing him change after meeting ranch man Heath is Christmas cheer! Their sparring that turns to mutual respect and love is fun to watch. Both leads do a fine job, especially the actor playing Heath. Andie MacDowell is a delight as Wyatt's mother and matchmaker between Wyatt and Heath. I am so happy this movie was made and hope to see more!