lindasue-50133 Reviews

Among Wolves (2023)

A simple tale, nicely presented

[8/10 · 18 April 2024]

Not sure why the low reviews. I selected this on a whim (never heard of it, and took a gamble by the thumbnail on tubi), AND I'm used to being disappointed. This one did NOT disappoint.

It's a simple and satisfying story. The acting is VERY good, the dialogue enjoyable, excellent cinematography, and the scenery, stunning!

And it's a little thing that makes or breaks a movie for me: the story did not "just stop". Like, with no ending...and to me that kind of ending tells me that writer is not particularly bright. This one came to good close.

I liked everything about this movie, and it passed the number one test: would I watch it again? Definitely.

Arctic Armageddon (2023)

Surprisingly good!

[7/10 · 4 March 2024]

It starts off smacking of low budget, possibly Indie... But actually all of the elements pull together and really make it work! In my opinion the extremely low ratings are unwarranted.

The acting was a little spotty, some was excellent; some was "not so much" but good enough.

The story was sound, and I appreciate that there weren't long drawn out scenes of silence while the camera portrays "work being done by the characters". Soooo agonizingly common these days both in TV and movies. This one pretty much had something happening all the time.

And what I REALLY appreciate is that it was in a disaster situation, and people trying one idea after the other after the other, hoping that one of them will work. MANY MANY TRIES, that's much more realistic than general big Hollywood shows of thus genre. This meant pretty much constant suspense in a life and death situation.

Was it high art? Probably not. Would I watch it again? Very possibly.

Haunting of the Mary Celeste (2020)

I like that well enough

[6/10 · 27 September 2023]

I'm not sure it's deserving of the really low rating. I took a gamble, as my rule of thumb is not bother watching anything with less than a 6 rating (I've learned my lesson!). However, different strokes for different folks, & I liked the premise of the story will enough to give it a try.

It maintained mystery and suspense throughout, and the actors get the job done competently.

I felt we might be in trouble when there was only 10 minutes to go and there wasn't much of a resolution shaping up. But then the mood shifted and started to feel a bit like "Poltergeist" at sea.

Things started to ramp up, but did not come to a satisfactory ending (for me - I really hate movies without endings, or satisfactory endings).

I'm not a fan of CGI in general, so the CGI that caught my eye irritated me. They still can't do living things right.

I think the movie was not as bad as their rating suggests. Would I watch it again? No. WouId I recommend someone else watch it? Sure.

A Soldier's Revenge (I) (2020)

I have not like me thinks it deserves a better overall rating

[6/10 · 11 June 2023]

I thought the story was decent, the acting adequate, and the scenery stunning.

Compared to some of the other tripe I've seen, this should get a much better rating and comparison. A little of the acting was weak , but just from one or two of the incidental cast.

I'm not sure how (not being a screenwriter), but I think the writing could have been tweaked to made us care more about the supporting cast. It definitely made me hate the antagonist, and made me feel sympathy for the protagonist, but I think stronger writing of the other characters would have bolstered this movie quite a lot.

Some scenes were just far too dragged out, and in the first 15 minutes I'd already fast forwarded through most of it. That always worries me.

However, the story was good enough that I wanted to know how it ends. Good to see Val Kilmer sticking with the craft.

News of the World (2020)

What's not to like?

[10/10 · 18 March 2023]

Very seldom do a finish a movie and think to myself, "I'm really glad I saw that."

This is a story about people, the human condition, and getting through life. Stories about people are what we all ultimately want and that hit us mostly deeply, and which are the most meaningful. The story delivers, beautifully shot, and any CGI was mercifully hardly noticeable.

I don't consider myself a Tom Hanks "fan" but honestly I don't think I've ever seen him in anything that wasn't good. I'm very particular about what kind of Western I'm willing to watch, and I watched this one on the strength of his being in it.

I'm glad I did.

The Talisman (1980–1981)

Saw it 40 years ago, never forgot it!

[8/10 · 18 January 2023]

I have to wonder how it is that this series hasn't resurfaced over the years, either on TV or streaming? I hope it gets another life in the latter. I saw it back in the day, loved it, and have never forgotten it.

I don't remember all the details of the story, but the actors were great and I know the story kept my attention. Now that I'm discussing it again, I'm tempted to read the book (I don't think I have before... I tend to get the title mixed up with Ivanhoe lol). Soon as I finish this review I will go and see if it's available on dvd, this is one that I would love to have in my collection!

The Rig (2023– )

Top notch cast, the writing takes a while to catch up with them

[8/10 · 9 January 2023]

Binged it in a couple of days, but it took me awhile to warm up to it.

It was very strange to see first-rate British actors in a sci-fi movie, but in particular, one in which the dialogue was not especially well written - a good portion came off as amateurish, at the outset.

At first I was thinking it seems like a Indie style movie, in which one might see one b-line recognizable actor to lend credibility. Having said all that, things seemed to tidy up as the episodes went on and, seriously it really is a STELLAR cast!

There are some actors in this that I will watch them in anything they do: Iain Glen; Emily Hampshire; Mark Addy; Martin Compton. All of the cast here is wonderful, and the characters really grew on me.

I didn't really think I would like it at the outset, but I'm glad I stuck with it.

As of this writing, there's no word on a second season, but I would love to see these actors/characters again!

Arthur & Merlin (2015)

I liked it better than most seemed to

[7/10 · 28 October 2022]

6-7 ⭐ Comes across as a low budget film, and although I don't recognize any of the actors, they are all competent enough. I quite liked the actors / characters of Arthur and Merlin.

It relies heavily on CGI as do most films these days, which I don't like. So even if this is low budget it's still looks like Lord of the Rings. I guess CGI is the great equalizer *shrug*

I liked that for the first 2/3 of the film they stuck quite closely to the well-known legends. The outdoor "sets" (CGI) and costumes looked period. I was starting to wonder how they are going to wind this up if they stay with the stories, but the last third they veer off into fantasy territory. That's not my favorite genre, but in the context of this, I was kind of expecting that's how the whole movie would go. So if you like medieval dramas, and fantasy I'm not sure why you wouldn't like this.

My gauge for stars often is "would I watch it again?", and yes, I would consider it.

Hunter (I) (1984–1991)

So glad that this is on Prime!

[8/10 · 6 July 2022]

I loved this show back in the day, and I was debating watching it for fear it might not live up to my memories. I still love it! The stories are interesting, the two lead actors/characters are fantastic.

It's really nice to go back and see these productions that were just a simple crime story, no over-the-top violence, no foul language or nudity (I'm not a prude I don't I'm not bothered by either of those but it's nice to see a show like this without it). It's also nice to see people not being dominated by cell phones like we are today.

All-round good action crime stories.

PS - the thing I like about streaming services, is that it compels me to purchase a lot of these DVDs which I'm happy to have in my library. Upon watching the first couple of episodes I went to check them out on that "online retailer" (.ca), but they are way out of my budget, which is a drag. :/ We actually have a DVD store in this city so I will contact them to see if they can get a hold of it for less.

Blindspot: Pilot (2015) Season 1, Episode 1

Seven of Nine syndrome (and, started as a 9/10, quickly down to 5)

[5/10 · 7 June 2022]

It's just like the great disappointment of the writing in Voyager. Producers are thinking they've got a mainstream good-looking piece of eye candy for the audience and they need to keep dangling her in one episode after another...at the expense of the other characters, and at the expense of the story.

Doesn't matter that just like 7/9, the character in question is a loose cannon and unwilling to follow rules and quite willing to do her own thing at all times. That does not portray a strong woman, that's an erratic woman/person.

Like one of the agents rightly asked, "since when does a case victim become part of the investigation team?". It's so wildly inappropriate the things they let the character get away with, it's like a teenager is writing this because they just don't know better.

Not to mention anywhere that she tags along *by her own insistence* and against my better judgement of other characters, EVERYWHERE she goes, the key people they're looking for end up dead.

The first couple of episodes were quite gripping, but then they just keep going with that same irritating theme. Overall the story has great potential, but they gotta cut that character loose (ok, ok, I know it was a few years ago now so it's a moot point, but still...).

I finished episode three last night, really losing interest. I decided to try episode four and I'm only 12 minutes in and I just know how it's gonna play out so I'm having a hard time sticking with it.

Into the Night (II) (2020–2021)

I loved it until I didn't

[7/10 · 9 May 2022]

Gripping story, great characters, great actors. I binged the first season and A bit of the second season. Then it became SO. WEARISOME.

When the antagonists are over the top, and completely incapable of any sensible discussion because of the way the characters are written, it only becomes frustrating, not interesting. I fast-forwarded through the last three episodes of season two because I just found it sooooo irritating.

The ONLY reason reason I've just gone back to take a look at those episodes again is because I stumbled across the series, Yakamoz s-245, by chance, not realizing the two series are related. Very similar writing (obviously) but somehow Yakamoz is better and tighter.

Because of the overlap I felt I needed to know more about the rest of Into the Night. However if ITN carries on as an independent storyline storyline I WON'T be watching it (not unless they drop this incessant and ridiculous antagonism From the military characters, which just hampers the story).

As it is, it's all I can do to resist pushing the fast forward button once again, to go through any scenes with those characters.

I definitely will continue to watch Yakamoz on the assumption there's a second season, but if the two series merge I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Midnight Mass (2021)

... dare I say maybe a 10?

[9/10 · 3 April 2022]

It's highly unlikely I will give anything a 10, but part of my criteria: do I like the look of it; do I like the story; do I like the soundtrack? It doesn't have to be high art, but if it's something I would watch again, that definitely bumps it towards a 10.

To be fair I'm just part way through the third episode but I've absolutely loved everything until now. This sat on my Netflix list for some time, and I didn't really think I would ever watch it, but decided to give it a whirl tonight.

The story is spooky and mysterious, but most importantly, intriguing.

The soundtrack is AMAZING and I must try to find it. The actors are all solid and convincing in their roles.

At a couple of points in the first couple of episodes I felt it was going a bit slow just briefly...BUT...the shots in this film are beautifully captured, or so gorgeous that I stopped trying to fast forward through anything because I didn't want to miss any of these exquisite moments.

What I especially love is the story makes you think. It makes you ponder what's going on in the story itself, but I love that it makes a thinking person start to philosophize.

I know I will enjoy the next several episodes. I'm a bit apprehensive for how it might end, because so many good shows and movies drop the ball when it comes to the ending. I can take a 10 out of 10 movie and quickly bump it to a two if it severely disappoints. In my opinion if the ending can't carry the same weight and creativity as everything that came before, it's lazy writing. I'm hopeful it won't come to that, but I will definitely update.

I watch a lot of excellent shows on the usual big movie/tv/webseries apps, and a couple of smaller ones. Quite honestly, I didn't think anyone could make shows THIS good.

Alpha (II) (2018)

"a friendship that would change humanity"

[10/10 · 25 March 2022]

That tagline sure choked me up. Dogs are my favourite people and I can't imagine life without them. <3 Humankind itself would have been way behind where it is now, if not for the partnership with the canine.

I was going to give it an 8, but this is a movie I could watch again and again. I will be looking for the soundtrack and DVD.

First, let me get this out of the way: I HATE cgi. CGI artists just cannot master the movement of living things. CGI may be good for crowd scenes (but not really) and is helpful for landscapes, but for living things...I don't know how they can have been working on it for DECADES and still can't do it. That said, visually this was appealling, none the less.

Very atmospheric (which always scores big, with me), and as a lover of history and prehistory, it was interesting to view this take on what life would be like 20,000 years ago.

I haven't watched a movie about animals for years because happy ending or sad ending, they always make me cry! And yes, I did on this one, too.

A simple yet profound story. I loved it.

The Woman in the Window (2021)

I hate to give it a bad rating, but ya know, it's a remake,meh

[4/10 · 12 March 2022]

It's a remake of Rear Window. So maybe because I've seen Rear Window I know how this one is playing out, and it loses any sense of suspense. Or maybe it has no suspense. I wonder if someone who has never seen RW might end up liking this.

Such a shame, because some of my favourite actors are in this, but it didn't grab me. It was ponderous and too many scenes dragged out... I could've done with some judicious editing I FFd through much of it.

The Grand Seduction (2013)

Love it enough to look for the DVD!!

[9/10 · 11 March 2022]

The general outline of the story might be tried and true, but this is charming and who doesn't love the Maritimes?! A fantastic cast carries the quirky story.

I'm not a person who normally laughs aloud while watching a movie, but I was laughing a lot in this one!

I watched it on Netflix, and it caught my eye because Brendan Gleeson is in it, I'll watch anything he's in! It was a perk that one of my favourite actors, Gordon Pinsent, is also in this. When I see something I really like streaming, I look into buying the DVD and I will definitely be getting this one!

The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot (2018)

Won't suit everyone, but I loved it

[9/10 · 20 February 2022]

I bought this from the only remaining DVD store in the city. Who could resist that title?! :)

Quirky. I liked the atmosphere of every scene. Some scenes could have done with some judicious editing. However, it is loaded with LOTS of wonderful, whimsical moments.

Perfect soundtrack.

Bottom line, you just can't go wrong with Sam Elliott. He's a solid personality, and more than solid actor. Especially loved the character of his brother.

Am I glad I finally watched it? Very much so.

Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)

What were they thinking?

[2/10 · 17 February 2022]

Holy cow, what a stinker.

The DVD was given to me by somebody who was getting rid of it, and I'll be getting rid of it, too .

.

.

.

.

Not sure if this qualifies as a spoiler because I'm not giving details of the storyline away, but there is zero suspense after the few first scenes, and it's simply a gorefest. That makes it boring, and I fast forwarded through most of it.

.

Wiener-Dog (2016)

10 stars for the dog

[2/10 · 12 February 2022]

Brutal. The beginning was so depressing and I ended up forwarding through most of it. The next part of the story was 25 minutes in and tried that one. Less depressing, stuck with it.. it's a bad sign when I have to constantly have my finger on the fast forward button. The next part of the story was also depressing.

Seeiously, even a dark comedy has to *suggest* something comedic.

I watched this because I picked it up at some point and it's been sitting on my shelf forever so I thought I would give it a try. I happen to be doing going through my DVDs and blu-rays and doing a purge, and donating the ones I don't want. I don't even feel good about donating this one, because it's a downer.

To be fair I bailed out around halfway through but I just couldn't stand it anymore.

Like all dogs, this one is beautiful so IT gets 10 Stars.

Inside No. 9: A Quiet Night In (2014) Season 1, Episode 2

It takes a special kind of comedy writing to make me laugh, and this one had me laughing nonstop !

[9/10 · 11 February 2022]

Oh. My. Goodness! I can't stop laughing! I know it's a cliché, but "I can't remember when I laughed so much" in any show!

S P O I L E R

A L E R T ... That was, until the end lol.

I think it was an excellent production, and one of the best pieces of comedy I've ever seen.

It would've been better in my opinion if they had maintained it to the end, because it was just so incredibly funny. It deserves 10 stars, so it's a question of preference. Lost one star for the ending. Don't get me wrong, it's highly effective but I wish they would've stuck with the winning comedy formula.

I discovered actor Steve Pemberton relatively recently in streaming platforms in older shows he was in. I look forward to anything that he's in as I always enjoy him as an actor. And I think it was such a cool touch to have Charlie Chaplin's daughter in this.

Looking forward to viewing all episodes in this series! So far, they're two for two.

Mrs. Worthington's Party (2007)

Nice, quirky film

[8/10 · 1 January 2022]

(I put yes to spoilers although they are not spoilers about the story, it's more my impression of the aspects of the film overall)

Watched this on a whim. Stuck at home New year's Eve because of a rare snow storm and wanted to find something "seasonal" to watch.

I never heard of it and I started to read the reviews but they were wildly mixed so I watched the trailer. Completely smacks of indie film. However, when I saw the characters really appealed to me and the good reviews address things that are important to me in a film.

One of the reviews asked where this is supposed to be set, and yes it does seem like an Irish village movie, but also reminiscent of Canadian east coast and I guess US, too. He asks whether this was set in some alternate universe part of the union.. and yes it was LOL! I thought it must be Maine, but it is set in Massachusetts.

It made me chuckle when I went to look up what I thought were familiar faces in the supporting cast, but almost everybody has this movie as their sole acting output.

The acting isn't Hollywood, but that doesn't bother me. To me, this is more real. The locales, the characters and some stunning scenic shots and excellent photography are worth it. Evocative, subtle soundtrack.

(Pleeeez someone tell me the soundtrack is available)

PS I liked it enough that I'm still thinking about it the next day and I'm going to buy the DVD.

The Sinner: Part IV (2020) Season 3, Episode 4

Still really good, except for that annoying blip in S3

[7/10 · 10 June 2021]

This story gets off to a strong start and has mystery on many levels and interesting characters.

SPOILERS STARTING:

At first it's "interesting" looking through the eyes of a madman, and the dialogue gives good insights regarding mental health, whether it's day-to-day stuff, or grief, or mental illness.

The existential dread starts to wear thin by ep 4...in fact, just skip that episode. It's all angst-y and philosophizing -- I actually LIKE that sort of thing but it goes ooooonnn and oooonnn and oooonnn, and does absolutely nothing to propel the story or further explain the main character's motives. We've already been given plenty of info about "who he is" in the previous eps, this one you can just toss. I give it 1 star but 7-8 for the seasons and episodes prior to this.

I haven't actually finished the whole season, I've been bingeing and ran out of time. However, I just finished ep 4 and it was so belaboured (in fact, I had to FF through most of it cuz it NOTHING was happening) and I just had to pop in here and advise not losing 50ish minutes of your life that you'll never get back.

I'm assuming that episode was an anomaly and the the rest will resume the calibre of the first few eps. I'll report back if it doesn't.

The Mourning (2015)

Give it a chance! a powerful movie.

[8/10 · 24 November 2020]

Forget the crappy reviews. Maybe it turns out to be something that people weren't expecting. Sometimes that can be the hallmark of an excellent movie.

Stick with this, as it prompts the big questions. Within the microcosm of the movie, "why is Aaron here?"

Sound characters, good acting, mysterious enough to keep my attention throughout, emotional. Good ingredients. Weak on the ending, but virtually every movie writer cops out in that regard.

Paranormal Highway (2017)

Not sure why the extreme low ratings.

[7/10 · 4 August 2020]

Not sure why the extreme low ratings. No, it "ain't" hired, but it's sufficiently suspenseful to have kept me watching.

I liked the characters. The acting was convincing as a group of college students.

Considering most movies are crap these days and horror movies especially so, I think this one stands up just fine.

Sugar Mountain (2016)

Believe the bad reviews

[3/10 · 30 July 2020]

I wish I had checked before I decided to give it a watch. I'm halfway through and there is very little that has propelled the story anywhere. I'm about to bail out. It's disappointing because it looked like it would be better than a B-movie, but it just doesn't deliver.

After Dark (2013)

Predictable and clichés within the first few minutes

[1/10 · 25 July 2020]

Tips for writers: 1. Don't start your movie with the usual gang of predictable cinema teenager portrayals

2. Don't make your characters so irritating that not only does it make the audience not care about them, it turns them off the film before it even really gets underway.

3. Don't make your characters SO. INCREDIBLY. STUPID. that it makes them unbearable to watch.

4. Do not make the audience endure all of the above for 50+ minutes (over half the movie!!) *before anything actually starts happening*!!

5. Hire a professional writer.