Change Your Image
pennyjune
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
Maestro (2022)
Love it!
Thought I'd give it a try to see the beauty of a small island in Greece, and based on the good ratings, why not? I am a sucker for romance, although I hate most silly romcoms, and I'm glad to say this is definitely not that. There are two storylines in this series that felt heartbreakingly real. Honestly, once I got into the touching and seemingly impossible relationship between Klelia and Orestis with their considerable age difference, not much else in the series mattered to me, and I cried for them. Then we have the on-again, off-again, push-pull relationship between Klelia's brother Antonis and Spyros, his life-long friend and would-be lover. These storylines truly made my heart ache. They are done with sensitivity and thoughtfulness.
I loved all the actors and the beautiful writing and direction, for the most part. But maybe I'm gushing too much. The whole series is built around a music festival taking place on the island, and we get to know the characters in the events running up to the festival. Antonis, played by Orestis Chalkias, is really the only good musician, however. He bowled me over with his voice. Klelias' simple piano playing was rather clunky, sorry to say, and the grandmother's singing was also not as good as it was purported to be, but no matter. We have the corrupt father of Klelia and Antonis, along with the abusive father of Spyros, and other colorful characters to keep the series rich and rewarding.
Being that I basically lived in this series for two very long seasons, I was shocked (but not really surprised) at the end of Season 2. It would have been a crime for it to just end there, so I was thrilled to find out Season 3 is coming!!
Nobody Wants This (2024)
Nobody is that witty
Nobody is that witty, except perhaps Mindy Kaling. Did she write this? It seems like it. I'll profess to being only half way through, but loving every minute. This is a romcom about opposites attracting, and it's very genuine and heartfelt. The Jewish stereotypes are a bit much, but that is probably by design. Kristen Bell and Adam Brody are perfectly cast. The sister is fun, too ("Buying the cow for free" made me laugh. It makes no sense, but neither does she.) Even the rabbi's brother and his wife are funny. If the second half of this series is as good as the first, it will have restored my faith in Netflix. Good writing is everything.
Trust (2010)
Powerful even 14 years later
As you watch this, keep in mind this film was made 14 years ago. It would be hard now days to imagine parents reacting so casually to their 14-year old daughter chatting with an unknown male on the internet. We've come a long way since then!
The film does an excellent job of presenting what happens during the process where a sexual predator grooms an underage girl. The actor playing Annie is completely convincing. And I'm always in for a Clive Owen movie. I wasn't a huge fan of the ending, but then I believe it was honest.
If you are interested in this subject, the book "My Dark Vanessa" is a good one, and just as disturbing as this film. I found it hard to watch and emotionally wrenching at times, but it's an important film, and it should be watched. Highly recommended.
Beckett (2021)
Thrilling
It would be hard to watch this movie without getting completely caught up in the suspense and the thrill ride. The bad reviews are probably written by people who think they should be film school professors. Come on. For an action flick this is top notch. Washington does a decent job, and he even had me catching my breath at times as he ran for his life. I would say it's nonstop action from beginning to the amazing ending if it weren't for the first part. I adore Alicia Vikander, but her character was so annoying, I was glad she wasn't on screen very long. I loved the sound track that reminded me of old movies. Hithcock could have made this. Highly recommended.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
It has everything
I thought I was not a fan of children's programming, or any kind of fantasy movie geared toward kids. However, with a grandchild to entertain and pretty much hating cartoons, I happened across this gem. Can we just say Kurt Russell? Nobody else should ever play Santa Claus again! The story goes from tear-jerker to high jinks to car chase and back to tear-jerker again, and with cute reindeer thrown in. The last scene where Santa appears is so awesome, I've watched that part at least four times. Yeah, I know it's corny and predictable in places, and I can see where in lesser hands it would have been badly butchered. But it was well done, imho, and it would have had to be to get me to watch it. Again, Kurt Russell!
Civil War (2024)
A bit flat
The problem, for me, is that I don't really care that much about war photographers and journalists. I went in not expecting the movie to be about their journey and seeing the war through their eyes. The woman who played the youngest photographer did a good job, but I would have preferred someone a bit older with more grit, even though she was supposed to be a newbie. Kirstin Dunst is always great in everything, and she was especially good here. But she couldn't save the whole movie. I did appreciate that the movie didn't take sides in this war. Both factions were just as evil as the other. Maybe that's the problem. Is that ever really true?
Ridley (2022)
Pretty good, like a warm sweater
I like this series. At first, I did not because episode one was so easy to figure out -- no challenge. But I went back to the series when I couldn't find anything else, and I'm glad I did. Subsequent episodes provided more of a challenge to figure out, which is how I like it.
Adrian Dunbar's character seems a bit more "real" than other detectives I've watched (and it's been quite a few, let me tell you). He is real in the sense that he is fallable; he doesn't always get it right, he misses clues, and doesn't seem to have the "gift" of intuition that more famous detectives have, like Wallenberg, and the like. But as a viewer, I am right there with him all the way. I think that is part of the charm of Ridley.
I don't mind the singing part too much, but it would be nice if he sang more memorable tunes. Looking forward to new seasons, if they keep this series going! It will be my Friday night huddled with a warm blanket and chips, something I haven't done since Lewis or Vera and others like it.
Shadow in the Cloud (2020)
Couldn't stop watching
Exhilarating, bizarre, absurd -- and a ton of fun. I wasn't sure about this one, at first, but I am glad I gave it a chance. From the beginning when Chloe Moritz, playing a female pilot, arrives at an airfield base to get on a military plane, the atmosphere is slightly haunting. She carries a mysterious, top-secret package, but regardless of the importance of her mission, she finds herself fending off jeers and taunts of the men on the plane, because, well, it was the 1940s. Soon enough, I got caught up in the action and incredible events to follow. Great acting by Chloe and perfect ending. You'll have to suspend your disbelief for this one, but it will be worth it. Recommended for thrills and action.
1883 (2021)
Emotional and nearly flawless
Well, I made the mistake of watching the last episode first, only because I clicked on it like a dummy(!), not paying attention to the fact that someone else in the house had just finished it. Still, not having any up of the back story, I found it mesmerizing, and by the end I was crying buckets. What a treat to realize my mistake and go back and start with episode one!
Imho, this is the best production on tv that I've seen in a great while. Kudos to Taylor Sheridan for the amazing writing and realistic scenes of how the grueling journey west may have seemed. I love it when shows don't over-explain, and this one doesn't. That may be an understatement. The myths and legends of strong, hardened men of the west with few words is probably true. How Sam Elliott pulls out a believable character while using few words is a marvel to watch. Is Clare James' sister? I would guess so, but I don't recall any reference to that, and I thank the writers for not injecting "sis" into the dialog in a patronizing attempt to explain why she was on the journey.
I love the narration, all the acting is top notch, and the background score is perfection. My one reservation, small that it is, is that people in those days did not have fluorescent, perfect teeth. Isabel May is a phenomenal young actor, but she looks a bit too modern with her perfect eyebrows and bleached hair (it looked bleached, to me, maybe it isn't). Same with Faith Hill -- teeth too bright and perfect. But I'm not going to let those little annoyances affect my perfect 10 rating. I'd probably give it more, if I could.
Ripley (2024)
That cat
All eyes are on the "talented" Thomas Ripley, from the gargoyles and statues to that wonderful cat in his hotel. Shot in such a way that you feel you are there, you notice all the supporting pieces (and sounds), like the heavy glass ashtray, the creaky old lift and newspaper kiosks that set the stage and mood of mid-century Italy.
I don't know when I have ever watched such a gorgeous production, and the intrigue is through the roof in this one. Not sure Matt Damon's performance in the earlier version can be topped, but Andrew Scott is a close second. Patience is required, because it is a long series but ultimately rewarding.
I was hoping the scenes in Italy would be in color, because... Italy, come on! But I soon accepted the black and white format and now I don't think of it any other way.
Bravo for a series actually worth watching on Netflix that was made for adults!
Fool Me Once (2024)
Intriguing plot done poorly
I'm probably about three-quarters through, and I'll stick it out just because I want to see how it wraps up. I wonder if Harlan Coben is ever consulted on the scripts for his adaptations. I would be embarrassed if I were him. If you can get past the bad writing in this adaptation and just go with the plot, you'll be okay. You can't blame the actors, who do a decent job. The issues I have with this production are too many to list.
Did the writers deliberately try to make Maya seem uneducated, or did third graders write this: "Me and Lily will be fine." "Me and Judith don't get along." Good grief.
So many things don't ring true with the characters' behaviors, it's ridiculous. What's with the male friend who is always hanging around Maya and her daughter, and why does she just accept that (I wouldn't). How does he get into her house, like he lives there? Why does she go off sleuthing on her own, not sharing clues with the detective, who seems sympathetic? Oh yes, and we have the obligatory gay cop. Gotta get that in there.
I always watch Harlan Coben's adaptations and I do like most of them, but this one is just pretty dumb.
Deep Water (2019)
I liked it
Once you get past the first episode, which honestly was not so good, the show gets very complex and interesting, and well acted. I thought the script and direction was brilliant once the three women found themselves entangled in their own family dramas which also related to and affected the other two. There would be no way to untangle the mess made by their predicaments, or so I thought. Add the missing child mystery, and I was hooked. Note to British filmmakers: it's really okay to have a straight female cop. Really.
My vote is thumbs up for an interesting script and good actors, despite a few scenes that didn't resonate with me, but who knows what we'd do in their situations. Huge thumbs up watching Roz finally getting the picture without having it spelled out for us. That's good acting.
May December (2023)
Just Okay
The actors do a phenomenal job in this film.
And it has all the makings of a deep psychological drama; however, it never quite gets there. I am afraid the ridiculous music spoiled it for me, and I almost didn't finish watching for that reason.
Most of the movie meanders about for no good reason, and somehow I think we are supposed to care about the characters. I didn't. By the end, I had some sympathy only for the husband, who may or may not have been raising butterflies for the sole purpose of feeling a sense of freedom when he released them.
As for Julianne Moore's character, I tried to reserve judgment, but there's only so much I could stand. Nothing is more frustrating than a person who claims innocence while their actions prove anything but. I just wish the film would have gone deeper and with a tighter script.
Don't Look Up (2021)
Good cast
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this film. I find that convincing and genuinely funny comedies are few and far between. Plus, humor is subjective, just like one's taste in music. I recall laughing at The Producers many years ago, and a recent one with Melissa McCarthy, and that's about it. As a satire, though, sometimes comedy will hit the mark, and this one does.
In a nutshell, two scientists discover that a comet is heading toward Earth, and they become frustrated at the government's lack of concern. I appreciated the heartfelt and human moments of the main characters, played by Leonardo DeCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, while Streep's president and her advisors were clearly ridiculous, and that made for a nice balance.
Could be wrong, but there is a concert scene that I viewed as mocking a certain performer's extravagant, arrogant and over-the-top performances, and deservedly so. What does it matter when we're all doomed, anyway? People think too much of themselves! The final scene was touching and worth staying to the end (it is a long movie).
The Bad Batch (2016)
Strange but Good
I originally had no intention of watching this film, as the thought of canabalism really bothers me. Then I had second thoughts and hit play mostly out of curiosity, thinking that what if the dystopian theme (which I usually love) makes up for any grossness? Nope! Right off the bat, we are treated to one of the most disturbing scenes I've ever seen in film. I swallowed my distaste and kept watching, mainly because I wanted to see what happens to Suki Waterhouse's character, and throughout the movie she kept me transfixed. You feel sympathy for her situation, even though she doesn't appear to be the sharpest tool in the shed. But she grows cannier, sharpened by a strong will to survive.
However, the movie is not all about her. There is a lot to unpack if you stay with it. There is the depiction of a dystopian society of criminals and outcasts living on desert lands where they've been exiled, with no hope of escape or rescue, and the different societal structures they've carved out. Overall, I thought it was beautifully filmed and mesmerizing and deserves a thumbs up.
The Wife (2017)
Good Performances
I suppose I am a bad feminist, because I didn't relate to this movie much. Glenn Close as the wife gave an excellent and believable performance, and I liked Annie Stark as her younger self (Close's real life daughter). Max Irons as their son was good, as always. One issue I had is that the couple's children seemed far too young for these much older, gray-haired parents, and I kept trying to do the math in my head. The one performance I did not like at all was Jonathan Pryce. I felt he over-acted, but then I tend to think he always does (maybe it's just me). I wish I liked the movie overall, but it left me feeling uncomfortable and failing to see the point. The affairs of the husband angle is just too cliche. Should I feel sympathy with the wife? Wish I could, but no. And without that, it left me cold.
65 (2023)
I really liked it
I don't have a lot of patience for boredom; who does? But boring this movie is not! I didn't expect much going in, given the mixed reviews, but it really delivered in terms of suspense and edge-of-seat thrills. I will admit that you must suspend belief for the most part, but let's not forget it is science fiction! Pitch Black is one of my all-time favorite sci-fi films, and if you like that one, you'll probably like this one.
Adam Driver and Ariana Greenblatt give outstanding performances. The CGI was pretty good. I'm not sure that portraying dinosaurs as "evil" rather than hungry, which is how they came across, seems very accurate, but who knows... we weren't there 65 million years ago. That and a few unbelievable elements (Driver conveniently has everything and the kitchen sink in that backpack) keep me from giving this a ten. I don't see how anyone could not be entertained by this film.
The Rental (2020)
Suspenseful
Don't pay attention to the negative reviews. There is nothing boring about this movie. The acting is very good, and the story, as it moves along, builds to a nail-biting conclusion. I'm not sure why other reviewers had trouble with the characters. It's a horror movie, not The Sound of Music. We don't need to like the characters to become invested in the story. Alison Brie is always so good, and she's no different here. That said, I was a bit perplexed at the casual introduction of drugs at one point, as though it's an accepted form of recreation for vacationers. Really?
Suspenseful thrillers are my favorite genre, and this was done very well. Kudos to Dave Franco. Almost everything about the production impressed me. Eight stars for keeping me watching. Thumbs down on the drug element (although it wasn't a huge part of the film, just unnecessary and a bit unbelievable).
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023)
Beautiful and Touching
I have never been a fan of Shonda shows, which I feel are dumbed down for American audiences (or maybe that's just how she writes). However, this one blew me away unexpectedly with the overall quality. (I hope this will be a new direction for her.) I found the love story at the heart of this production to be very well executed. As other viewers have mentioned, the repetitive scenes gnawed at me slightly, but nothing is perfect, and this series is as near perfect as it could be. Add to it that the story is based on history, and I am in swoon mode. I haven't seen anything as compelling since the wonderful Versailles (also on Netflix).
King George is acted very well, and the actor is extremely handsome and, well, hot -- where did they find this guy? Queen Charlotte less so (she reminded me of a pre-teen), so I didn't necessarily buy the chemistry at first -- but she acted her heart out, so it hardly mattered in the end. Every actor was perfection. I especially enjoyed Brimsley and Reynolds.
I can't stop thinking about the ballroom scenes, gorgeous orchestral music and dances. The ending brought tears to my eyes in a happy way. I guess if you are a hopeless romantic like I am, the issues that others have with this series I am willing to overlook, because to me, it's just that good.
The English (2022)
Can't stop thinking about it
Beautiful, brutal, realistic, well acted, heart wrenching ... it gets under your skin. I haven't been this moved by a western since "The Searchers" many years ago. The series has a well-crafted feel. Reviewers who pan it are showing little artistic appreciation, but that's okay, because it's not going to be for everyone. I marvelled at the direction and cinemaphotography. If you have even a little romantic bone in your body, give it a go. I was crying buckets toward the end.
The only slight downside, for me, was that I felt I needed to turn on subtitles occasionally. A few heavy accents made it hard to understand at times, but this is a minor point. Overall, it's the best series I've seen in years. I wish it could be seen theaters for full appreciation of the beautiful cinematography.
Sanditon (2019)
Season Two Disappointing
Not up to Masterpiece standards, I'm afraid. I found season two predictable and lacking in artistry. As much as I loved the characters in season one, they fell flat in this one. Not the actors' fault; it was the writing. However, Anne Reid is a delight, and her role was as good as Maggie Smith's in Downton Abby. The way it ended was like the writers realized they needed to add a wrench to spice things up, but it felt contrived. Sigh. Please do better with Season Three!
Grantchester (2014)
Loyal viewer
I am loyal to the show, and while I understand some of the complaints, I still think it's reliable, easy viewing. My Sunday night comfy chair, if you will. My own chief complaint is that I'm a little tired of the obvious box ticking in terms of cast, much of which adds nothing and serves as a distraction only because it's over done. That said, I do like Tom Brittney as the vicar, even though they try too hard to make him seem edgy. As for Robson Green, always a fan! Leonard is priceless, of course, the best part of the show.
Elvis (2022)
Phenomenal!
I didn't know anything about Elvis's childhood or his start in the business, and that part was mesmerizing. Would have given 10 stars if it focused more on Elvis and less on Colonel Tom Parker. The movie is extremely atmospheric and gorgeous. Maybe a bit frenetic at times, but I think it that's because it tried to pack in too much. It wrapped up beautifully, and Austin Butler deserves an award for a riveting performance.
Kärlek & anarki (2020)
Couldn't love it more
I finished the two seasons that were available and wanted to go back and watch it all over again. Loved the two lead characters, whose chemistry was very believable. Clever, funny and heartbreaking all at once. Sometimes it's challenging with subtitles, and especially while watching comedies, since so much depends on facial expressions, but I didn't mind occasionally rewinding. Best series I've watched this year by far.
Young Wallander (2020)
Very good
I'm picky about detective dramas, and this is a good one. Well-acted with characters you care about. I am used to Adam Pallson's accent, having watched him in other Swedish productions. It may have been a bit strange that a Swedish show is done in English, but the storylines are gripping enough that you soon forget about it. I was ready to continue on with season 3, but it looks like there isn't one, yet anyway. Let's hope it gets renewed!