Change Your Image
referencegirl
Reviews
The Lost City (2022)
Delightful
Delightful, funny, easy watch. Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, both
chronically underrated, deliver skillfully funny performances. Both add nuance and depth to their characters and lift the formulaic story up just enough as to delightfully entertain.
Spencer (2021)
Stellar performances couldn't save a bad script
Kristen Stewart as Diana was remarkable. She embodied her to the point where I completely forgot it was Kristen and believed it was Diana herself.
I was unable to tell that the the story was the moment Diana decided to leave Charles. I picked that up from reading the description on here. The script was that convoluted. And the music was awful. The entire film, it seemed, had two songs playing repetitively. One of them being some sort of discordant jazz. If the point of the music was to make the viewer feel as miserable as Diana, it worked.
Set design, cinematography, and costumes were all incredible. What a shame that they were wasted on such a trash script.
The Shrink Next Door (2021)
Well told, stellar performances
The true story is remarkable and the telling of it here is well done. Set design, performances, sound design, are all impeccably performed. With every episode, my heart breaks for Marty. I truly hope that he is happy now and living his best life.
Cinderella (2021)
Bad but Good in Spite of Itself
Okay, it is a terrible movie in many ways. Rhythm Nation? I don't hate the song I just don't think it made any sense to the story at all and since it is the very first song, it makes for a rocky start. I guess I'm supposed to know Camila Cabello but I'm an old fogey so I don't. What I do know is that her inability to carry a tune is so pronounced that the amount of auto-tune correction required makes her sound like a robot. And since she is singing right away, it's hard to get past. I almost turned it off for that thinking I would not make it through a whole movie of that horrible voice. Then there are the historically discordant props and costumes - also in some of the very first scenes. There is kitchen ware from the 1400s all the way through the 1940s sharing a single shelf. Costumes that span from 1700s all the way to modern day, sometimes within the same costume. A completely modern brass band bedecked with modern haircuts. I guess I'm supposed to let all that go because we are in fairy land fantasy. I'm not a particular critical viewer but that is a lot to get past. However, Okay, I was able to because Idina Menzel sings early on as well with so much breathtaking talent I got goosebumps. And while Camila cannot sing, she CAN act extremely well. She performs vulnerability particularly well and that is rare. In fact, nearly all of the actors displayed dazzling talent. And there were some spectacular moments, in particular the beginning of the ball with Whatta Man mixed with Seven Nation Army. Although the choreography, with clear nods to Michael Jackson's Thriller, was hard to get past. I absolutely loved the feminist twist along with diverse representation. If we are playing fast and loose with historical periods why not do the same for women's rights and representation? Granted, it could have been done better and it doesn't even have the excuse of being a pioneer on that front. All told, I enjoyed myself but doing so required a lot of letting go. I won't be watching it again and I'm sure glad I didn't pay for a movie ticket.
Things Heard & Seen (2021)
Solid and Enjoyable
I am surprised by all the bad reviews and overall low rating. I'm glad I don't consult IMDB before watching films or I may have missed out on this one. It is a solidly produced and well executed film with talented acting. Boring? Not for me. For me it is chock full of academic references to art, literature, and academic careers. The story does a fine job of delving into the real human psyche including but not limited to issues of control (bulimia), deception (adultery, fake resumes, identity theft), grief (lots of lost loved ones), integrity (lots of good folks here trying to do the right thing), and guilt (only sociopaths don't feel guilty when they lie and murder). Nothing comes as close to us as our own human condition. When we're miserable, we often have only ourselves to blame. It is up to us what type of spirit and soul we create for ourselves. That is far more interesting than the typical horror movie that's all senseless terror and gore.
Good Witch (2015)
Sad to See it Go
I absolutely love this show. Nice people living in a nice place and doing good things for each other. There is always just enough drama to make it entertaining. How incredibly lovely and unique in today's media options. I am going to miss this show so much. To those upset about the "political" changes in the last season - I loved those changes since they more accurately represent our neighbors and loved ones. Peace to all my fellow Good Witch lovers.
Plan B (2021)
Don't Be Surprised by the Raunch or Politics
I appreciated the very real political thread that ran through this film regarding reproductive rights. Genuinely talented actors. It takes real skill to be funny and these ladies have it. I thought the script was average. Nothing particularly fresh here except the reproductive rights message, hence the 7 for me. Still, an enjoyable film that I'm glad I watched.
I don't get all the folks offended by the raunch or politics. It's rated TVMA and is about the morning after pill. What did you expect?
The Incredible Jessica James (2017)
Refreshing, Funny, Lovely
It can be hard to find something to watch with nice people who do nice things for each other. All the characters here are good people doing good things and being emotionally healthy. How refreshing. But the incredible Jessica also has just enough of an edge that I found myself a bit shocked and laughing out loud at times. What a lovely way to spend an evening.
Man with a Plan (2016)
1990s Tropes, Stereotypes, and Humor
Have you rewatched Friends? You know those moments that are squirm inducing because they're so inappropriate but you can say to yourself, "it was a different time, they knew not what they were doing." I wanted to like this show. Unfortunately it relies on tropes, stereotypes, and humor that were barely passable in the 1990s and have long since worn out their welcome. The whole premise is problematic. We're supposed to be impressed when a man is willing to take an equal role in raising his own children when his wife goes back to work. The only other man parenting his children as much is clearly effeminate because apparently that's required of men who take an equal role in parenting their children. The wife wants the husband to be violently jealous just because another man finds her attractive and he does so - because that's "love". How unfortunate for both thier characters. The father threatens a boy interested in his daughter with violence. Who still does that and thinks it's okay? There is probably more but that was all I could take. I had been watching this show to get to sleep so it took me awhile, in my insomnia induced delirium, to realize just how terrible this show was and to stop watching. I hope this doesn't mess up my Netflix algorithms.
Bliss (2021)
Terrible
Poorly marketed. This is supposed to be science fiction about the human condition regarding our tendency to be unsatisfied with peace and abundance. However, it over relied on the use of drugs as a story mechanism. Whatever the story is supposed to be, it winds up being a sad, poorly executed, story about addiction, prostitution, mental illness, and homelessness.
The Midnight Sky (2020)
Gorgeous Cinematography, Brilliant Performances, and That's It
I'm a patient viewer and didn't find the movie slow. There were points of action that particularly gripped me and I was engaged overall at the apocalyptic occurrences happening in the background. However, the science was so wrong it was distracting. I am fairly game to suspend my disbelief but they completely lost me when two of the characters were submerged in freezing water and then, presumably soaked, had to do a hard trek in the middle of an arctic blizzard but somehow survived. Plus, one of the characters is so sick they're undergoing dialysis but survives trekking several miles across the Arctic. I just can't. I loved the plot line of the little girl until the very end when we discover that the little girl was a hallucination. Honestly, if I had read the book I would've thrown it across the room at that point. It is than an it-was-all-a-dream ending. I guess viewers are supposed to walk away from this thinking that it was OK that a father turned his back on his child for her entire life as long as he shows up at the very end of his life to save hers along with human civilization. Yeah, no thanks. I have to give it a five because the cinematography was incredible and the performances were brilliant. But that is all there is to this film. The story is unbelievable at best and infuriating at worst.
Vampires vs. the Bronx (2020)
Clever Funny Original
I love a campy vampire film. The story doesn't take itself too seriously but also never crosses the line into too silly. Add solid performances and production for a complete delight. I especially enjoyed the fresh metaphor of vampires as rich white gentrifiers attempting to literally suck the blood out of a solid local community. Don't compare it to Lost Boys. Vampires vs. the Bronx is an original vampire story that stands on its own.
Emily in Paris (2020)
Délicieuse!
It is funny that parisians were offended and specifically complained that the show treated Paris like an amusement park especially since the stereotypically pessimistic french woman character says exactly the same thing in the show. Paris is a major tourist destination - what do they expect?
I enjoyed this playful romp - like visiting Paris from my couch. Comfort viewing at its best. Délicieuse!
The Duchess (2020)
Hysterical and Real
This show ended far too quickly. Why are British seasons only six episodes? The dialog is at times touching, squirm inducing, surprising, and incredibly funny. I appreciate that Ryan isn't a perfect person, but that when it comes to being a mom she gets it mostly right. And her outfits are hysterical.
Permanent (2017)
Genuine
A coming of age story with genuine characters where the child isn't the only one growing up. Patricia Arquette's performance is so effective that I felt her character's awkwardness. However, the story arc and resolution feels a little too easy, especially in a film where
the characters are so realistic and genuine.
Troop Zero (2019)
Heartfelt
Fantastic movie with real characters and a heartfelt story. All the actors were incredible but Viola Davis was especially amazing.
The Morning Show (2019)
Brilliant and Timely Show Exploring "Me Too" Movement
I've enjoyed this whole season. The drama has engaged me thoroughly while I also couldn't help noticing gorgeous sets, on point music, and stellar performances. The twists and turns were brilliantly breathtaking. I can't wait to see what happens in season two.
Beware of reviewers complaining the show is too "me too". That's literally the point of the show. If you have something against the "me too" movement you will not like the content of show. Not personally liking the content does not mean the show is bad.
The Morning Show: The Interview (2019)
Breathtaking
I've enjoyed this whole season. The drama has engaged me thoroughly while I also couldn't help noticing gorgeous sets, on point music, and stellar performances. This finale though was truly the prize of the season. The twists and turns were brilliantly breathtaking. I can't wait to see what happens in season two.
The Art of Self-Defense (2019)
Fair Dark Comedy
Not sure why Eisenberg's delivery is so flat and robotic. If it was to emulate Wes Anderson style, he missed the mark. Poots is fantastic. Once the plot gets going it's quite good - a funny and ultimately satisfying dark comedy- but it takes too long to warm up.
Dollface (2019)
Overall great with a couple of issues
Overall I really enjoyed the first season of Dollface. I especially loved the use of surreal elements to highlight social issues specific to women. The use of Beth Grant as a cat-headed woman and guide was genius. The Izzy Levine character as a woman who had been trying to fit in for so long she didn't know herself represents a common struggle for women. The scene where an ad campaign has gone unknowingly white supremacist was on-point commentary and genuinely funny. However, there are times when moments of conflict used to push the story forward feel superficial. For example, I don't see the emergency required to take a carriage ride to save a friend running into her old boyfriend - especially since by the time they ordered the carriage the run-in had already occurred. Furthermore, there are several moments when the portrayed femininity feels shallow rather than authentic. Like when one of the friends announces that dates with men are so you can wear cute outfits.
Into the Dark: Pilgrim (2019)
Nope
Utterly implausible. Could have been interesting. However, this is ham fisted unimaginative violence and gore in pilgrim costumes. Credits are the best part.
In the Tall Grass (2019)
It's a field and, um, I, hmm
So, it's a field. What else? Time travel? Portals into alternate dimensions? Crazy white male controlling Christian nuts? Rape? Murderous cult? Death? Miscarriage? How about evil masquerading under the cover of childhood innocence? All of these possibilities show up in glimpses but none are completely fleshed out. Along the way there are dead things, flies, maggots, mud, and screaming - lots and lots of screaming. The screaming was scary the first couple of times and then I stopped caring. What am I supposed to be afraid of? I have no idea.
Into the Dark: Pure (2019)
Truer Than It Should Be
For all the naysayers out there, there are plenty of pockets out here - including in the US - that are exactly like this. Don't like it because it portrays men badly? If you're a man, when you see a show like this, don't scream "not all men." Recognize that women live with thing this every day and have some empathy. If only Lilith were real.
Den skyldige (2018)
Stunning
This is storytelling at its best. You may be watching a single man in an emergency services call room the whole time but you will see the action, drama, and characters of the story anyway. And you won't be able to guess at all the twists. Excellent.
The Perfection (2018)
Dark, Twisty, Psychotic
This is a psychotically dark movie with fun satisfying twists. Overall, the movie is well crafted.
The trailer does not prepare viewers for the style of dark here which resembles the dark used in Boxing Helena, The Secretary, and The Cook The Thief His Wife and Her Lover. It's the not knowing, I believe, that has caused the low ratings. Not everyone cares for this style of dark and they avoid the movie if warned. Grated, if warned the twists wouldn't be as fun for the rest of us. This is why I don't take crowdsourcing movie reviews too seriously. Too many folks conflating personal tastes with film quality.