elizabethjeanhampton Reviews

The Acolyte (2024– )

Disappointing Addition to Star Wars

[2/10 · 5 June 2024]

This was an overwhelming disappointing since my family loved the Mandalorian and Andor series and we were expecting something creative and engaging. Sadly, the dialog was predictable and tended to be boring to slog through. The set designs weren't very original with the typical remote outpost motif with a bit more color. No interesting vehicles or dress - just copied from previous Star Wars series with a few modifications. Boring.

I thought Amandla Stenberg did a credible job as Osha delivering the boring lines with a boring storyline well. However, her performance couldn't save this lackluster series start. Let's hope it picks up in episode 3.

Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Something New (2023 TV Movie)

Not the Same Without Candace Bure

[2/10 · 30 March 2024]

When Sally's fiancé turns up missing, her bestie Aurora - now played by Skylar Samuels - asks Arthur to assist her look for him. Early on a body is found and everyone assumes it is Sally's groom, but it turns out to be someone else and the amateur sleuth takes over to solve the mystery. However, the actress Skylar Samuels cannot compete with the acting prowess of Candace Cameron Bure.

The television movie became painful to watch as I kept imagining how much better Candace Cameron Bure's acting would be in each scene I watched. Skylar Samuels needs to work on her acting and improve her movie craft.

Death and Other Details (2024)

While Some Positives but Disappointing

[2/10 · 21 March 2024]

While I love a good Whodunit, this drama fails to tell a cohesive story. "Death and Other Details" has plenty of ideas to juice up the classic murder mystery, but its main problem proves to be a lack of consistent plot and storytelling that makes sense.

It's disappointing since the cast is an impressive mix of strong character actors and actresses that were wasted in a poorly written script. A disappointing movie despite a great movie concept and theme.

Sadly, I'm getting use to gratuitous sex scenes and "F-Bombs" that are just crude but don't add to character development or telling the story. Just disappointing ...

Shōgun (2024–2026)

Stunning Authentic Series

[10/10 · 7 March 2024]

A engaging, historic story that shows a clash of cultures with several stellar aspects of this series. Let me break down what's impressive with Shogun.

The casting was superb with believable actors playing the parts.

The historic accuracy of the Japanese culture with accurate depictions of the colonial era across Asia.

The art direction made a powerful impact and helped immerse you in the story.

The research for this series was impressive where minute detail were perfected to made an authentic story including ships and cultures.

The Shogun series followed Clavell's book closely and added to the viewer's enjoyment.

Echo (2023–2024)

Long Slog of a Story that doesn't Excite

[2/10 · 26 January 2024]

The character Echo was introduced to the Marvel Universe in 2021 as a fearsome adoptive daughter of the Marvel villain Wilson Fisk (alias Kingpin). In the show, Maya/ Echo believed that Hawkeye killed her father, and she aims to get a dose of lethal revenge. But then Maya/Echo discovers that Kingpin-her guardian for so many years-was actually behind her father's death. So, naturally, she finds Fisk and shoots him in the face.

But as her story continues here, Maya's not ready to slap on a white hat and call herself a good guy just yet. Nope, with Fisk seemingly out of the way, Maya means to destroy his empire and become a crime boss in her own right. But obviously, knocking off New York's most feared villain brings with it some heat and a nasty injury, so she decides to relocate her one-woman enterprise and to begin her crusade elsewhere. Specifically, headed to Oklahoma.

Maya doesn't plan on announcing her arrival: Her grandmother, Chula, never liked her pops much; and Chula cut off all contact with both of them when Maya's mother died. And if Maya touched based with Bonnie, her childhood best friend, it'd just lead to more questions than it's worth. Better to keep the past in the past.

Meh - a Long Slog of a Story that doesn't Excite.

Walt's Disenchanted Kingdom (2023)

Excellent Documentary on Disney's Downfall

[10/10 · 24 January 2024]

The film did an excellent job of systematically reviewing how Disney have broken trust with parents and families by promoting social causes and sexuality in kids' programs and movies. The documentary has interviews by a diverse set of political, entertainment, and social experts. The documentary features analysis by experts who discussed the changes at Walt Disney World of the formerly family-friendly brand. The documentary also showed the effects on Disney's movies and push for social change on children.

The documentary also discussed the concerns and discrimination against Cast Members of Disney who were politically conservative.

Very thorough and well done.

Betty's Bad Luck in Love (2024 TV Movie)

Bad Luck Movie - Creepy

[2/10 · 21 January 2024]

Betty's Bad Luck in Love shows the story of a woman who believes her love life is doomed after a curse is put on her earlier in her life. This movie goes into detail on two woman who are self-centered and focused on their predicaments. While I think the movie's theme is to remind viewers not to take ourselves to seriously all the time, the plot seems to reinforce their inward focus and selfish point of view.

While most Hallmark movies have unrealistic plots and storylines, most have some interesting characters and unique situations to explore. However, Betty's Bad Luck in Love is movie which is doomed - not just her love life. My wife and I made it halfway through this creepy drivel before we switched to watching something more interesting.

A Pinch of Portugal (2023 TV Movie)

Quaint, Scenic Romance Story in Portugal

[9/10 · 30 November 2023]

A fun and scenic story of a talented chef, Anna is the prep cook on celebrity famous chef's successful cooking show. When the show goes on the road to Portugal, the famous chef goes missing due to the negotiations on his contract renewal stalling. With no other option in needing to continue filming while in Portugal, the Producer decides to put Anna in front of the camera, she to be the face of the show until the famous chef returns.

This is a creative, refreshing twist on the standard Hallmark show plots. I especially enjoyed the scenes of Portugal and music selected for the movie. It really put me in the streets and popular venues of Lisbon. Just a beautiful love story with a hopeful relationship.

A Biltmore Christmas (2023 TV Movie)

Delightful, Historic Hallmark Movie

[10/10 · 30 November 2023]

Bethany Joy Lenz did an excellent job as a screenwriter who lands the job of a lifetime when she's hired to pen the script for a remake of the beloved holiday movie, "His Merry Wife". The film was set in 1947 at the stunning, historic Biltmore House, it has long been considered a Christmas classic. She had definite on screen chemistry with Kristoffer Polaha who played the romantic interest in the movie. But while my wife like the romance story, I enjoyed the historic Biltmore estate on display in the movie (especially the ornate greenhouse and the evening lite scenes). I also enjoyed the variety of period automobiles and costumes.

Wish (II) (2023)

Another Lackluster Movie from Disney

[2/10 · 23 November 2023]

What a disappointment to see yet another lackluster movie from Disney animation. I don't know why Disney animators can't create another Lion King or Little Mermaid or other engaging, fun movie. I remember taking my young kids to the annual Disney blockbuster movie - they were all excellent. But current creative staff aren't that creative and are making movies that nobody wants to see.

The story is very generic and the songs, by pop singer-songwriter Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice, are rather uninspiring. But I have to admit that DeBose and Pine performed the generic songs well. The only time Wish shines bright is when it dares to get a little bit odd. Asha wishes on a star for everyone in Rosas to get their wish (so that they can work toward making them come true for themselves), and a plump, wiggly and mischievous star pops out of the sky and pays her a visit, sprinkling stardust on plants and inanimate objects, bringing them to dancing, singing life.

The real test was that my grandkids were bored instead of being inspired. Disney needs to get another group of animators who can go back to making fun, imaginative again.

The Marvels (2023)

Think there are too many MCU flicks

[3/10 · 18 November 2023]

While I really enjoyed the storyline in Captain America and the oddball plot in Guardians of the Galaxy series, my best comment for The Marvels is "Meh". It doesn't have the plot or storyline to support the tedious Computer Graphics. The movie appears to just offer up the standard set of superhero dialogue and action without any real character development or actors who can sell their superhero personas. I'm a horse lover and dislike when movie studios and directors keep pushing the same old stories. But what's really lacking is Brie in selling her superhero character - they needed a stronger female actor to have made this movie a success.

Notes of Autumn (2023 TV Movie)

Boring, Predictable Drivel

[2/10 · 17 September 2023]

While the main actors and actresses are decent, the writing was poor and too predictable - even for a Hallmark movie. The 2023 Hallmark movie releases have been disappointing and we find ourselves watching older Hallmark movies instead of movies like Notes of Autumn. The musicians in the quartet that were highlighted in the movie were actually rather poor and the writing subplot was forced and unconvincing. I'd encourage everyone to look at other romantic comedies instead of Notes of Autumn. Again, while they have some decent main actors and actresses, the writing was very disappointing for this viewer.

Ahsoka (2023– )

First 10 Minutes Great, then Boredom

[2/10 · 23 August 2023]

The first ten minutes of Ashoka 2023 was exciting and clever with added CGI that was excellent. However, the remainder of the episodes were slow moving and tedious. The actor Ray Stevenson was excellent and an imposing character but Natasha (Wren) was unconvincing as a Jedi warrior or any type of warrior or fighter. Seemed to be an untrained teenager - not someone who was heroic or saved the day previously.

Very poor casting for Sabine Wren and Ashoka herself seemed lethargic as she just went through the scenes with dull dialogue. How utterly disappointing to wait so long for a boring first episode.

Sound of Freedom (2023)

Excellent, Compelling Movie

[9/10 · 7 July 2023]

This movie addresses an ugly truth about the problems involving sex trafficking. The movie mainly focuses on the problems in the United States and Mexico but does mention the global nature of this criminal enterprise.

Some scenes were graphic and hard to watch - especially those scenes with younger children who might remind you of your own children.

The movie casting was excellent with acting up to the task of bringing such an intense movie topic to audiences. This would be a good movie to see in a group and later discuss the message and issues. Then consider ways you can engage with organizations to fight trafficking.

Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

Good but not a Great Sequel

[5/10 · 20 June 2023]

The movie picks up several years after the Na'vi repelled the human invasion. The hero Jake Sully and his Na'vi family are living on Pandora. Things seem peaceful - almost idyllic and verdant environment - but the mean humans have other imperialist plans and begin invading and capturing Pandora key villages. Sully forms an underground army to try to expel the invaders by joining various villages and varying ethnicities and tribes to fight.

The storyline and plot is somewhat weak but the movie is bolstered by dramatic and stunning visuals and interesting characters which make the story more three-dimensional. But overall a good movie with issues.

The Flash (I) (2023)

Not a DC Winner

[2/10 · 20 June 2023]

The Flash is an ambitious superhero flick that largely pulls off its plot from the Flash and Batman franchises. The superhero fan service is strong with this one - perhaps too overwhelming and unbelievable at times - and it fully corrupts Barry Allen's genuinely tragic and heartfelt story of grief. Though the visual effects are not always the best, the over-the-too performances and a false earnestness keep The Flash plot in chaos and disappointing Universe of DC movies.

The lack of character development made the story seem artificial and two-dimensional (lacking in complexity and failing to keep my interest).

The Little Mermaid (I) (2023)

Disappointing & Tedious Movie

[2/10 · 20 June 2023]

The movie is long and tedious. I was ready to be whisked away to a magical underwater world with filmmaker Rob Marshall's highly anticipated live-action retelling of this classic Disney movie. My grandkids were excited to see the remake of their favorite "Little Mermaid" movie but became bored after 20-minutes after the movie started. The movie was unusually dark and foreboding and unsuited for a younger audience in my humble opinion.

Not sure I like the trend to make poorly written remakes of classic, beloved movies. I will have to rethink going to future Disney and Pixar movies since the characters were unappealing and plot dragging on.

Elemental (2023)

Another Pixar - Disney Disappointment

[2/10 · 20 June 2023]

"Elemental" is the latest in a series of disappointing movie and television decisions that the Pixar entertainment giant has made this year. The movie story had many storyline holes and plot weaknesses which confused the audience with disjointed scenes (which might have been fixed with some good editing). But alas, another Disney / Pixar bomb at the box office.

The characters in the movie did not have the depth & consistency as previous Pixar movies. I am hoping the Disney and Pixar get back to their prior creative movie making versus the disappointing mess with "Elemental" that the entertainment giant has made this year. They need new creative staff!

Perry Mason (2020–2023)

Disturbing Remake with some good scenes

[2/10 · 8 June 2023]

While some good scenes and intrigue, the overall series is disappointing and disturbing in its portrayal of Perry Mason and associated characters.

I'm not sure why the writers changed Perry Mason to be an investigator instead of an attorney but that's not why I gave a '2' rating. The entire dialogue was without the intelligence and class that viewers expected from the Perry Mason character - not an alcoholic, morally-compromised character who struggles each day. The Black policeman brings a heroic character forward as he struggles to do the right thing under the law, for his family, but still retain his job under intense pressure. Disappointing!

Love in Zion National: A National Park Romance (2023 TV Movie)

Complete Nonsense - Historically Inaccurate

[1/10 · 21 May 2023]

The Ancestral Puebloans, also known as the Anasazi, were an ancient Native American culture that lived in the present-day Four Corners region of the United States, comprising southeastern Utah, northeastern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, and southwestern Colorado. They appeared in the area around 1250 AD but left after a generation. So why is Hallmark talking about present day Anasazi Elders in this movie when that tribe left the Zion area about 700 years ago. Why on earth wouldn't Hallmark tell a love story with factually correct history versus a ridiculous love story talking about the Anasazi tribe like they were present day Native Americans.

Ted Lasso (2020–2023)

Wonderful, Refreshing Comedy

[10/10 · 25 April 2023]

This was my favorite TV series in 2022 with a strong cast, excellent dialogue, and a wildly funny show. The interaction between the imaginative characters was really funny - I mean uncontrolled belly laughs at the jokes and situations the characters get involved with. The casting was superb and all the actors and actresses gave strong performances with this creative comedy. It would be hard to say which actor or actress was the best since each added to humorous situations and witty dialogue - not a tv series comedy with only one or two strong actors. The entire cast uniquely contribute to this successful show!

Transatlantic (2023)

Fake Historical Drama - Pathetic

[1/10 · 25 April 2023]

Transatlantic is a tedious, fake TV series that gives a faux history of surviving under Nazi rule in southern France in the 1940s. The actor lines are more modern day conversations versus authentic drama and storylines. It's a millennial interpretation of events during World War II but are fake, phony, and lack authenticity. This could have been a great TV series with an interesting premise and storyline but what resulted is a weird interpretation using modern day conversations and phrasing but lacking historical accuracy or any semblance of life in the 1940s under terranical conditions. Stopped watching the series before the first episode completed - pathetic!

The Chosen (2017– )

Cinematic Excellence with Professional Production Value

[10/10 · 8 April 2023]

Despite the small crowd-funded budget, The Chosen achieves an cinematic excellence with great casting and dialogue. Normally, Christian-based films lack a degree of professionalism and lack production value. However, The Chosen has proven to be a professional production that adheres to the teachings in the Bible. It's amazing that such a modestly funded production achieves such an quality product.

The production is crafted to show how people in around Jesus react to him whether Roman, Jewish, or his Disciples. The message is powerful with intriguing dialogue, and often times the script is humorous which tends to bring Biblical characters to life.

All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

Stunning Remake of a Classic Movie

[10/10 · 7 April 2023]

I typically don't like remakes of popular movies since the new movie tends to be rather pathetic by comparison. However, I was pleasantly surprised by a technically accurate and compelling story about the horrors of World War I. The military tactics displayed and weaponry were historically accurate but the focus on the average German and French soldier enduring a horrific life in that long war. I thought the battlefield scenes were authentic and depicted the stress and emotional toll that the war had on ordinary soldiers.

I found myself riveted to my TV watching this movie but my wife thought the movie was too intense.

Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies (2023)

Sad Remake without Character

[1/10 · 7 April 2023]

I would have been okay with a modern TV remake of the original Grease movie but this show isn't creative, inventive, or fun to watch. Some of the song remakes using new lyrics show a complete lack of creativity and an affront to the original, popular movie Grease.

Can Hollywood producers, directors, and those who fund initiatives focus on new materials rather than TV series that denegrate the integrity of the original movie concept. Occasionally, a remade TV series can be successful from a movie like German's Das Boot in which the TV series was even better than the original movie. But it would too hard for viewers to expect new content versus bad rehash TV series from old successes?