rayresnyc Reviews

Sugar (2024– )

Please add archive credits

[9/10 · 12 May 2024]

I'm only on s1e3, but really enjoying it. It is riveting and enjoy the old noir clips but super annoying that they aren't giving credits where due on the old movie clips. Good acting, writing, directing, photography. When Apple does a good show it glues me to the tv. I just hope Apple can hold it together to make additional seasons; they seem to have a bad track record for keeping good original productions going - they need to do better if they want to have a production arm. Also the diversity in front of the camera is very good and seems effortless - but, behind the camera they need to stretch more.

A Million Little Things (2018–2023)

Primetime telenovo

[9/10 · 22 March 2024]

One giant (way too long) soap opera. Very little humor. Well done but i am rarely depressed and i find this VERY depressing. I can't imagine how I would feel if i suffered from depression. But hopefully it would be helpful. The acting is good. It was good that the network aired it but so tone deaf that all of the characters of color are on the fringes of the publicity shot. I fell like the writers should have watched Sullivan's Travels. The last thing people want to see during a crisis is a totally bleak script devoid of humor and hope. Of course, i never watch soap opera because they are too addictive- and, yes, i am addicted.

Bob Marley: One Love (2024)

You know plot is weak when they mix timeline

[7/10 · 20 February 2024]

I love bob marley and the wailers so there were bits too enjoy. No mention of eric clapton. No explanation of tge clash or the stones. Glossed over peter tosh and the wIlers. Even the mistresses. And unfortunate end to his performing career and untimely death. I spent much of the movie trying to guess why all the repeated scenes and crazy timeline? Was it poor scripting? Scenes vetoed by the faily or others? At a minimum they could have explained in the end with more documentary footage and captions. I will watch the documentary and finish reading wiki entries in attempt to try to pice together more about the missing bits. I recommend others do it b4 they go to show.

Take This Waltz (2011)

Soft porn no plot

[5/10 · 11 December 2023]

I could not bear to watch the whole thing. An embarrassment to all involved. No plot and limited action. Not sure what else to say. Acting ok. Like a porn episode of the patty duke show with not much updating. No redeeming value. Little humor. No character development. The husband and neighbors/friends are oddly absent whenever it's convenient. Everyone in the movie seems to be childless - it can't be because they would be extraneous because there are plenty of extraneous adults. Finally i fast forwarded just to see if there would be a single action worthy of note but no no no. Oh well maybe some people liked it.

Van der Valk (2020–2023)

By season 3 it's out of steam

[6/10 · 5 November 2023]

Unfortunately it started out interesting but by season 3 the writers run out of fresh ideas and it gets very predictable/cliche. Limited character development other than self medicating with alcohol and inability to form relationships. Standard plot lines and devices. More scenes of amsterdam would have added a little something to the series. Or more of a commentary on society. Any kind of education or thoughtful addressing of issues would have held my attention a little better. Even when they go to a museum there is little art showed. Maybe its just me but i am not sure why PBS picked this one to bring across the pond but maybe because its in englsh.

Super Size Me (2004)

My 16 year old nephew watched!

[8/10 · 23 September 2023]

When i put this on my nephew said no thanks. I asked him to try 10 minutes and he watched the whole thing! I think this really will influence his eating habits. His guardians (grandma is a nurse) willingly take him for fast food every day after school. The segments on chicken nuggets and sundaes hit home. He was stunned by the Baskin Robbins segment in particular because his dad was overweight and died from a heart attack at age 52 and the autopsy specifically called out the damage to his organs from his weight. Really want to thank Morgan Spurlock for risking his health to do this as that impressed us both. This should be shown to middle schoolers in health class all across the US.

Beach Cottage Chronicles (2022– )

Pretentious white people

[5/10 · 29 March 2023]

Surprised so many pretentious white people would allow their "cottages" to be shares with the public. Not at all sure that these are some of the most beautiful houses in america (as billes in the description). Most of them just seemed like they were friends of the director or producer. May be just my overactive imagination. At any rate I would be interested in how the houses were selected. And how cottage is defined. Are there really no beach houses owned by minorities (except the one token Filipina). Some of the long shots were on some pretty boring stuff, e.g. Cinder block/ cutting board bedside tables.

America's Test Kitchen (2000– )

Why are they wrecking a perfectly good show?

[7/10 · 10 June 2022]

ATK used to be for serious cooks. I don't know - are ratings down? Is it an improvement to have everyone congratulating themselves all the time. To me the bits that they seem to think are an improvement (literally everything they are including in the ads) is the very worst of the changes and serve fror me as annoying filler.

Kiss Me Again (1931)

Oklahoma - is it just me?

[6/10 · 12 February 2022]

Sounds to me loike the music to Oklahoma stole some melodies from this movie (really the play). Terrible to see Walter Pidgeon's early (very bad) acting.

And So They Were Married (1936)

This might be a good movie for divorced parents of youngsters

[7/10 · 9 February 2022]

Movie shows kids beginning to understand why the parents need to move on with their lives. Nice ensemble cast. Of course it's a black and white but still relatable ski scenes.

Merrily We Live (1938)

Great slapstick

[9/10 · 17 January 2022]

I am not one for slapstick comedy but i can watch this one repeatedly just to see the zany ending. It is just as good as William Powell's forgotten man version - maybe better.

Washington Melodrama (1941)

Watch at least until the synchronized swim

[6/10 · 20 December 2021]

It's a little cute and a more than a little politically incorrect. But try to keep watching until you get to the delightful implausibility synchronized swim bit.

Wings for the Eagle (1942)

Judge it for what it is

[7/10 · 14 December 2021]

It is a period piece that was designed to tug on American heartstrings. It did the job. Let it transport you back to that horrible time. Don't "me too" the 1940's.

Adam Had Four Sons (1941)

Only Susan Hayward movie i can tolerate

[7/10 · 6 December 2021]

I really dislike Haywards roles. Worth a see for the early performances of the reast of the cast. However this Hayward role goes a long way toward explaining why. She seems whacky to me. Oh wait...i liked "I married a witch" even more.

Dollar (1938)

I don't know - I really enjoyed this - needs a remake

[8/10 · 5 December 2021]

I found the plot thin but stands the test of time. Enjoyed the acting and direction. Could be a cute and fresh update for a director who appreciates the sensibilities.

Strange Impersonation (1946)

What a shame w quite a decent cast

[5/10 · 25 November 2021]

I like everyone in the cast but it doesn't hold together very well. I would like to know if the friend really was horrid. And if there really was an accident.

Love It or List It (2008–2023)

Best hgtv show but so 20th century

[7/10 · 2 November 2021]

David is at a total disadvantage because he doesn't get to do a virtual staging while hillary gets to do whatever she wants within (??) budget. He should at least get to do a virtual staging with the contestants' stuff.

Scott's Vacation House Rules (2020– )

Incredibly unrealistic

[1/10 · 5 September 2021]

I would love to know how much these places actually rent for and how long the renovation looks good. Everything looks good on tv. But i have serious doubts because he is always staging non-outdoor furniture in the yard, while claiming it will be super easy to clean between renters. Especially want to know how long that tiki bar lasted.

Theodora Goes Wild (1936)

It's a sin that the animal handler is not credited

[10/10 · 16 July 2021]

Though i surely hope that black cat wasn't injured in the scene where his tail is slammed in the door.