stefanchikm-2018 Reviews

West Side Story (1961)

Nearly a perfect film!

[9/10 · 8 March 2024]

This is nearly a perfect film, and although the 2021 remake is pretty good, I still prefer the original. Many, many years ago I saw a PBS special of Leonard Bernstein conducting a classical orchestra that performed the entire score of West Side Story, which the program said he composed.

Of course I had seen the film multiple times on TV while growing up, as my mother is a big fan of musical theater and Broadway musicals in particular. But seeing Bernstein in all his glory conducting a full orchestra playing this music, I realized how truly special it was.

(Having just watched Maestro in preparation for the Oscars this weekend, I wonder if Bradley Cooper saw this TV special growing up. He's about 10 years younger than me, but not so much younger that this performance would not have made a strong impression on him as well. Apparently he's been a fan of Bernstein and "conducting" since he was a kid and spent 6 years preparing for this role.)

But I digress. What I came here to say was that it was a long time later that I learned that Stephen Sondheim wrote the lyrics and many credit him with the success of this film and its score. Well he didn't write the music, Bernstein did. In contrast to the general admiration of Sondheim, I was never a fan. I was bored to tears watching Sunday in the Park with George, and Into the Woods is another snooze fest.

With regard to West Side Story, I can't decide if the lyrics are beautifully simplistic, or simply banal. I know this is not a popular opinion, but come on - Maria, Maria, Maria, Maria, Maria, really? And another brilliant turn of phrase - I like to be in America, okay by me in America! Ugh.

It's truly the music and not the lyrics that make this film. There, I've said it, and I'll get off this soapbox now. If you've read this far, I thank you.

The West Wing: Abu el Banat (2003) Season 5, Episode 9

Surprisingly one of my favorite episodes

[9/10 · 19 November 2023]

Abu El Banat, Father of Daughters in Arabic, is surprisingly one of my favorite West Wing episodes. The holiday episodes are generally the better ones in my opinion because the show does an excellent job of capturing the White House traditions and the opulent decorations, alongside the reality that government never takes a holiday. The reason it is surprising to me that I like this episode so much is that this is the season after Aaron Sorkin and Rob Lowe left. You can notice the difference but it is still an excellent show. So many of the themes endure two decades later. Also I appreciate the emphasis on the daughters in this particular episode, along with the separate storyline related to assisted suicide.

The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)

People say underrated I say wildly overrated

[5/10 · 28 October 2023]

I remember this film winning some awards back when it was new, but I managed to avoid watching it for 20+ years. Despite being a fan of many members of the cast, and of Redford as director, I had a feeling that this movie was not for me. Oh Lordy what a boring golf story. Yawn yawn yawn. Literally fell asleep watching it. Only reason I bothered after all these years was because I was stuck in a Hilton hotel in 2023 that did not have smart TVs, and I was forced to watch regular HBO, and this was on. How does a top tier hotel chain in the US in 2023 not have a streaming option in their rooms? Sad.

And Just Like That...: The Last Supper Part One: Appetizer (2023) Season 2, Episode 10

Get ready to say goodbye to Aidan again

[7/10 · 17 August 2023]

The series overall I give a 9, but this episode only gets a 7, and here's why.

I was wondering what ridiculous plot device they would use to get rid of Corbett. This episode answered that question. I was annoyed when Carrie dumped Aidan in the original series, and it looks like she may do so again. He will ask her to move to VA to be close to his kids, and she will say no.

Aidan's meltdown over his son's car accident was a bit over the top. His 14 year old kid hitchhiked 30 miles, stole his truck, and crashed into a tree, and he blames himself? Seriously? Well, I'm one of those parents that believes if you raise your kids right, they will still screw up and make mistakes. That's not on you. It's part of growing up.

The Undoing (2020)

Don't agree with the negative reviews

[8/10 · 30 June 2023]

A lot of people are disappointed with the ending of this mini series but I disagree. I will admit I read some spoilers about halfway through but I will not share them here.

The ending might not be what people expected but that does not mean the ending was bad or poorly written. In fact if you watch with the understanding that white privilege absolutely plays a part in our justice system then the ending actually makes perfect sense.

Excellent acting by all the lead characters also makes this show well worth watching. I recommend this if you are looking for some good crime and legal drama. And Hugh Grant!

Succession (2018–2023)

Originally a 7, after the ending, closer to 8 or 9

[7/10 · 2 June 2023]

Over the first few seasons, I enjoyed this show but noticed a bit of repetition in the story lines. Fun to watch spoiled, privileged adult children get jerked around by their self-made, ruthless father. Spoiler alert - I was rooting for Tom and Greg all along and was very satisfied that they "succeeded" in the end. It is rare for a series to end well, in my opinion, with the Sopranos being the most notorious example, God I hated that ending, which was basically a non-ending and a cop out. In this case I would give the series overall a 7, but the series finale is more of an 8 or 9. Enjoyed watching Culkin too. Roman was probably my favorite character after Tom and Greg.

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

Don't waste your time

[5/10 · 16 April 2023]

Quite possibly the worst movie ever nominated for an Oscar. The Banshees of Inisherin is a film with a grim plot that has no real resolution. All I can say is thank goodness Siobhan left the island (spoiler). I wish I could have left watching the film, if only I had known how unresolved the ending would be. I only stayed around for the actors and to see how the story played out. Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleason are usually actors worth watching. I like Ireland too, and I like to give artsy Irish movies a go once in a while. For example, Belfast was an excellent film. Please do not waste your time on this one. Thanks for reading.

Great Expectations (2023)

Wow a Woke Great Expectations

[7/10 · 10 April 2023]

Be warned this is a woke version of the classic Dickens novel and surprisingly not in a bad way. As my second favorite Dickens work after A Christmas Carol and one that I have read multiple times you might expect me to take issue with the many updates and embellishments in this production.

But that is not at all the case. The addition of frank and open discussion of Britains role in the 19th century slavery and opium trades in the context of Pips character development as he comes of age only improves and enhances the original work.

I am shocked at the negative rankings and reviews. Maybe these reviewers don't have the same deep knowledge and appreciation of this novel and its historical context as I do. In any case I highly recommend this mini series.

Emily in Paris (2020– )

Great fun AND funny show

[8/10 · 19 March 2023]

All the haters here in the reviews need to calm down. This is clearly not meant to be a documentary style show about an American girl actually living and working in Paris. Meant to be a satire and comedy that exaggerates stereotypes for laughs. I took eight years of French in school but would still struggle to adapt if I unexpectedly had to relocate and work in Paris. Obviously the main character would be more immersed and communicative in French by the third season, but the whole guilty pleasure of the show remains the fish out of water, clumsy American as the main source of humor. And Lily Collins is a delight.

The Blind Side (2009)

Cried through the whole damn thing!

[8/10 · 30 September 2022]

Finally got around to watching this film about a dozen years after it was nominated for an Oscar, and I cried through the whole damn thing!

I generally like Sandra Bullock and sports movies as well, but I was concerned that it would be another "white savior" story, and it kinda is. But, but, the point is this young Black man was saved, regardless of the flawed and biased system that left him poor and homeless in America in the first place.

Very inspiring story. A real box of tissues film. Highly recommended. For some reason IMDB has a 600 character minimum on reviews so I will just add this last sentence here.

Operation Mincemeat (2021)

All you could ask for in a movie, and more!

[8/10 · 24 September 2022]

Really don't understand the mixed reviews of this film. It literally has everything: action, espionage, romance, and is based on actual historic events. And it has two Mr. Darcys (Firth and Macfayden)! And author Ian Fleming of James Bond fame is a character! It's funny how many books came out of this story. At one point someone says, "I'm surrounded by writers!" Hilarious. As you can tell, I greatly enjoyed this movie, and I highly recommend it!

An extra bonus if you're a fan of World War II history or stories of British intelligence. Now I am going to look for some of the many books written about this event.

FBI: International (2021– )

More Style Than Substance But Still Good

[7/10 · 9 March 2022]

Excellent choice by creators to set the show in Eastern Europe. The unusual setting and diverse cast, including multiple accents, evoke a tone and sense of foreign intrigue that is interesting to watch even with its flaws, as pointed out by other reviewers. As Dick Wolf fans we'll continue to watch. Remember the original L&O took a year or two to find its legs.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Rumble on the Wonder Wheel (2022) Season 4, Episode 1

Disappointing start to Season 3

[6/10 · 22 February 2022]

Feels like this wonderful show lost some of its momentum over the pandemic break. First episode was nonstop ranting as others have noted, and they really wore out the bumping into furniture jokes in episode 2. And the "f bombs." Will give up on this show if it doesn't improve in the next episode. Too bad because I really loved the first two seasons.

9-1-1: Lone Star: The ATX-Files (2022) Season 3, Episode 6

More like a Halloween episode than Valentines Day

[7/10 · 15 February 2022]

Decent episode but what's with the ghosts and aliens on a show that is airing on Valentines Day? Wonder if they pushed back a script that was originally meant for the fall. Seems out of place.

And Just Like That... (2021– )

I love this reboot! Don't listen to the reviews.

[9/10 · 7 January 2022]

As a 50+ NY gal this show really speaks to me. I love that it's messy and awkward and uncomfortable because that is what life is right now. The frank style of letting it all hang out, while not as attractive as when the stars were 20 years younger, is still compelling and engaging. Watching this show is like reconnecting with old friends and finding you still enjoy each others' company. Can't wait to see SJP and her hubby in Plaza Suite later this year.

Something Borrowed (2011)

Just another Pretty in Pink ending

[6/10 · 17 October 2021]

Simply stated, the problem with this movie is, Rachel should have ended up with Ethan, not Dex. But they went for the "Pretty in Pink" ending. That is so 1980s. Ethan is basically Duckie in this movie. A waste of a decent cast.

All About Steve (2009)

Surprised at the low average rating

[6/10 · 12 September 2021]

Actually thought this was pretty funny, although obviously it's not Shakespeare! Sandra Bullock plays a nerdy stalker who rescues a deaf child from a sinkhole, so it is definitely offbeat. But her character is likeable if you can relate to a socially awkward brainy woman (ahem). I laughed out loud several times. Recommended.

Genius (2016)

Good for a British attempt at an American story

[8/10 · 30 July 2021]

Many goofs/gaffes in this movie can be attributed to this being a British production about American authors and publishers. For example, the trains and terminal look absolutely nothing like Grand Central in NYC in the mid-20th century. And Firth barely attempts a NY accent. Still great story and cast.

Before I Go to Sleep (2014)

Major plot holes

[5/10 · 22 July 2021]

I was willing to go along for the ride with this movie because of the excellent actors involved.

But the idea that a brain-damaged woman could be easily removed from a medical facility, by an imposter with false papers, is a stretch.

That her supposed best friend would know nothing about it and be unable to track her down is unlikely.

To top it off, how was the doctor able to find her and meet with her multiple times, if she was untraceable? Just doesn't make any sense.

Pitch (2016–2017)

Was sorry to see it canceled

[8/10 · 13 July 2021]

Perfect Pitch! Get it!

Ideal show for the #MeToo era. Too bad more people didn't watch. I really enjoyed it.

The Tomorrow War (2021)

Don't believe the bad reviews!

[7/10 · 3 July 2021]

Funny, suspenseful, and highly entertaining. It's not meant to be Shakespeare, and guess what? Any time travel movie is going to defy logic, so just enjoy the ride!

The Affair: Episode #5.11 (2019) Season 5, Episode 11

Great ending

[9/10 · 13 March 2021]

Well they did it! Endings are hard, but this is one of the best series finales I've ever seen. Loved the Noah and Joanie reunion, the Helen and Noah "reunion," and his little dance at the end. Good stuff.

The Affair: Episode #4.8 (2018) Season 4, Episode 8

Worth the wait

[9/10 · 3 March 2021]

As others have commented, Seasons 1 and 2 are by far the best. But it's worth hanging in there for Season 4, Episode 8. Wow, it was intense. Parts were hilarious and others were heartbreaking. One of the best episodes of the entire series. Highly recommended.

One Night in Miami... (2020)

Excellent and important film

[9/10 · 1 February 2021]

Excellent and important film. Highly recommended. Parents should watch with their kids.

The Affair (2014–2019)

Good, but bit contrived

[7/10 · 29 December 2020]

About halfway through the first season on Amazon Prime, I'm already tired of the multiple POV approach to the narrative. Having to relive the story through the perspective of both lead characters slows the story down and feels like lazy writing. I'm generally not a big fan of Showtime series, so it's not surprising. With that said, I'll stick with it for the rest of season one at least, due to the quality acting by West and Wilson.