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melissatauber
Reviews
The Patient (2022)
Great acting but drawn out and disappointing ending
I don't want to give this a star rating because I really did feel the acting was great. Especially from Steve Carrell - he did an excellent job acting in a serious role rather than his typical comedy roles. I did want to actually review the title, however, because I was so disappointed with the ending and Sam/Mother relationship.
The entire series is broken up into bite size pieces. This didn't really bother me but I see from other reviews it was bothersome to others, maybe because they had to wait to watch each episode, whereas I just binged watched it in a few days since all the episodes were on Disney+.
Anyway, Sam and Dr Strauss's relationship is well developed but very early on you realize this story can't end well. Sam is not going to give up his life/turn himself in, the mother is never going to do something, and Dr. Strauss cannot wrestle/fight his way out. No one is coming to save the day, no happy ending.
The mother, to me, is infuriating. Such an enabler. Maybe because I've experience being part of a family with a enabling mother and substance-abusing son who has no consequences, this relationship had me so so annoyed. Literally letting her son go out and kill people because she doesn't have the balls to 'hurt'/stop him...and even worse, justifying it over and over. She may as well be a serial killer herself.
I can see how people would like this show. I did like it, which is why I don't feel it's fair to give it a star rating, but I was super disappointed that Carell died in the end. His family relationship needed a happy ending and it was sad to not let him somehow escape. I felt the show needed to end on a high note but it didn't.
Shrinking (2023)
Such a gem! Highly recommend.
This had me rolling laughing with every episode but also loving the drama behind it all. All of the cast knocked the ball out of the park with character development. Each one has their own quirk/ personality trait that truly shines. Harrison Ford was hilarious as a crotchety old man but with a such a sweet center...loved all of them, but I've never seen him in this type of role, and he nailed it. Again everyone did!
The storyline unfolding is not only beautiful and emotional but somehow has you feeling good even when things are going badly. Love love love. Such a gem! Highly recommend if you want a good laugh but also something that tugs at the heartstrings just enough.
Pieces of Her (2022)
Slowwww with no real point
I thought it'd be interesting in that it started off with a literal bang. Violent act in restaurant and mom doesn't bat an eye to protect her daughter...but then. The pointlessness began. It just drags on and on. I thought there'd be more to the story but I really don't see the what was so fascinating about any of it. It really didn't even seem like a story at all. Save yourself the trouble and time - just read the synopsis and skip this. Unless you enjoy a real slow burn with nothing truly twisty about the story other than family not getting along.
The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window (2022)
Should have known by the "comedy" description in genre
I didn't realize this was supposed to have some sort of comedy element but even after knowing that, the trailer advertises is as a mystery thriller... It seems to me it's portrayed as a mystery thriller with small bits of bizarre. It kept my attention but that's because it was fast paced (around 20/30 min episodes) so I was able to get it over with and I definitely would have stopped watching if it was more drawn out. I'm one of those people that most times have to finish what I started when it comes to watching movies/series.
Anyway, bullet points for the ridiculous aspects which stretched throughout the series:
- Daughter gets brought to 'go to work with parent day' with the dad at a jail and he's some sort of psychiatrist for serial killers, andd he takes her to interview one, anddd then he leaves her alone with the serial killer while simultaneously getting locked out of a glass door that watches her while the serial killer kills her and eats her?! Really? I guess that's the comedy part?
- Crazy main character meets sexy rexy who is over the top cheesy and then there are countless scenes of them having sex every which way. Was that really necessary?
- the police detectives...
- Buel works on the mailbox everyday, not doing anything, and no one says or does anything?? And he also shoots himself with a nail gun and no reaction? And then lives in her attic without saying and then is allowed to stay after and continue his life passion of taxidermy?
- Emma has super strength and battles an adult to the death jumping around like a little possessed demon??
- Douglas is prescribing his wife meds?? And is listed as therapist in the phone? And then they live happily after while she continues to have him prescribe her meds and she continues to be utterly crazy and hallucinate up to the very end?
I guess that was comedy.
Don't Breathe 2 (2021)
Really terrible
I loved the first movie but this one was just gory and ridiculous. The blind guy now has a little girl that he is training and then a random group of bad guys come to break into his house. The majority of the movie is fighting and stupid gore with no other purpose than effect. Multiple scenes of someone getting their head bashed in over and over with a hammer for example. The whole thing is just bizarre and the old blind dude scenario is just cheesy at this point. I didn't give the best description but if I can convey anything it's that the storyline of this movie is terrible as well as the acting.
Don't Look Up (2021)
Potential to become reality
I'd describe this as a dark comedy, entertaining but I also incredibly disturbing. I really loved this movie even though it hit me to the core in a frightening way. So much of this movie displays how superficial our world can be/already is. Especially in terms of being uneducated. Yes, it's just a movie but unfortunately the way people are portrayed is where we seem to be going...social media, alternative facts, obsession with superficiality and material objects already seem to be a big part of our lives in first world countries. Scary and entertaining all at the same time.
I Know What You Did Last Summer (2021)
Meh...could have been great
I felt like this series started off intriguing with the idea of a group of 'friends' graduating high school and then some weird sibling drama mixed in with an accidental murder. I was also hoping it was a bit similar to the original. Unfortunately, it just felt like a flop.
As it unfolded it kept my attention, for the sake of wanting to know who was killing everyone, but the relationships between everyone were just so bizarre, and not in any way (at least for me) made any sense. The parents, the friends, the island - just weird. Not to mention there were a handful of things that just didn't make sense...what was up with the spiders?? And ugh the ending, seriously why? It could have been great but it was very far from that and very far from making sense.
The Best of Enemies (2019)
Such a beautiful and inspiring story
This was such an uplifting story. It wasn't as difficult to swallow because it didn't go too far into the horrible atrocities of racism. Inspiring story because it shows that even the most far out opposites can eventually find empathy and love in their hearts rather than hate.
Lucifer (2016)
Loved all 6 seasons
I stumbled upon this show and was surprisingly addicted immediately. I say surprisingly because as a fantasy series I expected it to get stupid very quickly. The funny thing is, it does throw in a bunch of 'silly' things, like all the various biblical characters - but man oh man does this series do a fabulous job of pulling on the heart strings. Very creative, bravo to everyone involved! I can't believe I actually cried at the season finale.
Clickbait (2021)
Loved the twists and turns
At first I wasn't too excited about the acting by both the sister Pia and the detective Amiri but the story really did build up the anticipation quite well. Still not a big fan of the sister character but that's because she did a great job playing the role. The backstories behind all the characters was nicely done. The miniseries keeps you guessing up until the very last minute. Makes you also think about how easy it is to assume you know someone / ruin someone's life through publicity... Awesome job to the actors and great miniseries! Definitely recommend if you like being kept on your toes.
Friends: The Reunion (2021)
Best show of all time & amazing reunion
Such a beautiful reunion. Laughing, crying, so many amazing memories. This cast is so unbelievable! Sooo happy they decided to do a reunion after so many years. 💗
The New Mutants (2020)
Not bad at all...
Obviously everyone has their opinions but the reviews I've read are as if this is supposed to be an Oscar winning film...it's a superhero movie. These kids are mutants, trying to understand themselves and their powers, and with that, trying to figure out their mutant life. The end.
I found it entertaining. Felt compelled to write a review only because of the handful of negative comments like "X-Men legacy has gone to sh**". Not sure why this particular movie is getting such grief. Watched it without expectations (other than expecting superhero types) and was pleasantly surprised. I'd like to see a sequel!
Travelers (2016)
Excellent sci-fi series - a must watch!!
Definitely a must watch if you like any kind of sci-fi. Just finished the third season and I'm so sooo sad they cancelled the series. I had my doubts when I started watching it but right away got sucked in. The storyline is fascinating and the characters are all so diverse and well developed. Really don't understand why it was cancelled...it could easily pick up where it left off. Even though it just ended, I do feel it's a 'decent' ending. One of those, leave it up to the audience to decide BUT I love when a series ends with a solid happily ever after. The Travelers deserves this! Would love to have this series make a come back!! Pleaseee Netflix give us more!!!
Friends from College (2017)
Funny! Give it a chance.
I love this show but I can understand how some might not enjoy it. It makes light of certain aspects of adult life that may not be funny nor relatable to everyone.
Twenty years after college, these adults are still 'growing up' in a sense (aren't we all?!). I think the characters are great, each one quirky in his or her own way. The show is funny, relatable, and awkward all at the same time.
If you're looking for a comedy with a real life punch, I'd suggest this one!
The Girl in the Spider's Web (2018)
Huh?
I've read the books and was prepared to accept that the movie could remove and/or embellish certain details but wow.
Without knowing any part of the books, the movie is all over the place. Super confusing, weird, and random connections between characters, then no real explanation of who they are or how they fit...and let's not dive into the question, where was Michael Blomkvist for the majority of the movie?!
Action scenes are just there, like they were added in order to create fireworks but no real substance.
In regards to any connection to the book, it was terrible and twisted the real story. Probably 20% based on booked then the remaining 80% just a completely different story. If you're going to do a movie based on a book, why is it even based on the book if it has nothing to do with the story??
This was such a bizzarre movie.
Home Again (2017)
Why the harshness?
This movie is a feel good, lighthearted with twists of real life, just sit back and giggle kinda movie...I feel like the other reviews are so harsh. I personally found myself laughing at the dynamic between the three guys mixing with the family. It was a nice twist to a sad family separation situation, with no big depressing parts (which I personally appreciate when I'm just looking for a simple Rom Com). I don't think this movie was supposed to go down in the record books as best Rom Com but it's a funny and cute movie on the different types of modern families. Give it a try if that sounds up your alley.
Brawl in Cell Block 99 (2017)
Where is this going?
I'm confused. Christian-like guy turns to a drug delivery job to take care of himself / family. He has rage issues, dominates and controls his wife by sheer size yet they are deeply in love. He has bad luck on a job, gets arrested all while demonstrating he's really not a 'bad guy' but then he turns into a numb, killing machine because he needs to save his wife and unborn daughter. I watched this movie because it had good reviews but now I don't understand why. It reminded me a little of Tarantino movies like Reservoir Dogs or Django, but those movies had clear plots, clear direction and climax. Once Vaughn gets his wife rescued I found myself thinking, now what? This movie was gory, seemed like it was going somewhere but it ended and I just felt confusion as to what the point was.
A Ghost Story (2017)
An attempt to provoke....depression?
I saw the trailer and read the summary of A Ghost Story. I wanted so much to like this movie. The story is intriguing and the trailer leaves you wanting more. Young couple, very much in love, and sudden death that changes everything. It seemed like there would be some sort of interaction or progress in coming to terms with the situation, but no, just years and years of loneliness while life goes on without you.
Unfortunately, for me, the movie left me wanting to fast forward. It's filled with a lot of silence, staring and long drawn out scenes. The pie scene.....ugh. I suppose the lengthiness of the scenes are intended to get you thinking about life and death, for a longgg time. My thoughts and feelings felt like the main action of this movie...and it was depressing more than anything.
A Dog's Purpose (2017)
Heartwarming movie with a beautiful message!
I actually didn't care to watch this movie and one night I was just in the mood for a light, feel-good movie....I was pleasantly surprised. I was laughing, I was crying and really moved by the story. Not sure what happened with the TMZ/PETA stuff but it sounds like it was all false. Either way, this movie has a beautiful message to treat our animals with love, kindness and respect. It's also a great 'family' flick because it shows how important it is for families to care for their pets. This movie is wonderfully heartwarming and for anyone looking for this, you should watch it!
Arrival (2016)
Intriguing Sci-fi movie, loved it!
I chose to watch this movie because of the review rating (8.2/10) and the actors. I'm so glad I did! This movie is slow but slow in a way that is thought provoking. I can understand how there are some reviews about it being boring, but really it's not. It was refreshing to not see a cheesy alien movie...which I was expecting. There is no unnecessary fighting, over the top special effects, or sex. I suggest watching this movie if you enjoy a story that takes time but always keeps you thinking of what's to come. There are so many things to reflect on in this movie. Plus, the actors were great! I'm very impressed with the variety of roles Amy can play. If you're looking for thought provoking sci-fi, this is a great one!