engage210 Reviews

Palm Royale (2024– )

I really, really wanted to like this show

[5/10 · 25 April 2024]

There are so many elements that if assembled artfully could have made this spectacular, - I mean INCREDIBLE cast, production, location, etc. I was rooting for this show so much. It becomes a struggle to care about the characters' stories over time -- and that's really a bizarre anti-achievement because there are so many beloved actors who you just automatically are charmed by and cheer for. You can't HELP but love Kristen Wiig and the whole cast from the start and then all that potential just seems to drain away. I wonder if it needed someone like David Lynch to elevate it to where it seems like it wants to go.

I felt like I was being promised something great... eventually... and it never shows up (or hasn't yet).

Family Switch (2023)

What did you expect? Corny, has laughs

[5/10 · 1 December 2023]

This is a predictable but nonetheless entertaining edition of the kids/parents/old/young body swap movie. It's a little boring and cringey at times, yes, and almost has the vibe it was written by AI. But it actually does have some pretty funny moments and some weird and funny moments. Ignore the dog/kid thing because it is just dumb. Otherwise, a lot of the film's meager charm is thanks to the actors, including the kids. It's an easy if too long watch while you're doing something else and if you don't expect very much you'll be pleasantly surprised by some genuine laughs. It's not as tight as its predecessors and is very silly but, meh?

Ray Donovan: The Movie (2022 TV Movie)

Calm down people, it was a fine ending

[7/10 · 18 January 2022]

This was a perfectly fair ending for a great show.

It didn't explain itself too much and it didn't apologize, it was appreciatively straightforward. The show was always about the people in Ray's orbit, and we were able to find some solace in those who might escape, closure for others.

The Marsan/Terry scenes were truly gutting, really the whole heart of this world on unabashed and naked display.