dbuckshnis Reviews

Which Brings Me to You (2023)

Charming in any of the eras - slow paced -

[9/10 · 19 May 2024]

Anyone that has ever gone to a wedding will find a relatable scene(s). I do like Lucy Hale and I think she gets along fine with the guy playing opposite her. The fact that the movie was stretched out to over an hour and a half when its plot is just one day in a wedding of these two strangers that clicked together. Karma -

The writing is sharp and witty. The closet scene and Lucy's character telling her fiancé that she f&$;k her brother....

The costumes of the older era couple are complementary to one another, and Lucy Hale looks very chic in that maroon wine silk dress and his blue suit.

Just charming and stimulates memory of weddings!!! Who doesn't have fun at a wedding!

American Fiction (2023)

Well written and acted movie worthy of more awards

[10/10 · 17 May 2024]

Let me couch my review in that I grew up in Portland, Oregon and live next-door to a black family where the dad was a principal of a school and highly intelligent and his son was my age and we hung out and he too was extremely intelligent. In the 50-70's era in my part of SE Portland the population was generally Italian and Chinese. Other than my neighbors family, I didn't encounter another black person until high school in 70's and Faith was highly intelligent, kind and beautifully tall with Afro and she hung in my group of intellectuals.

So back to this movie, I find the ensemble to be accidentally chosen and Monk (who I really enjoyed in that western series with the robots) was perfect as the guilty, highly intelligent scholar, that did a ironic and bizarre in the face novel to show the dichotomy of his belief in good literature. Sterling K Brown, (who I love from this is us), was superb as the drug ridden recently outed gay! Tracie Ellis Ross as the stressed sister (who is playing yet another doctor role) was warming and realistic and faked a good death! The MOTHER also played the semi-lucid matriarch role superbly, especially the run away scene looking for the daughter. The housemaid/caregiver and surprise wedding also a nice touch to the complex family. The girlfriend too played a key piece as to showing up when Stagg won the Literary award for his shameful stereotypic junk. And Issae Rae - PERFECT in her role as the brilliant writer that clued into that "black genre" that "supposedly whites" liked - such a dichotomy - and Monk's reactiveness to her and her product - brilliantly written.

So perfect ensemble with costuming, lighting and set design representative of an intelligently middle to upper class family and all the complexities of the literary world.

The use of "recreating" the plots was brilliant from the very beginning with the old man being from that show where he's a reverend and then the ending - kind of like the clue movie but all in one movie!

Well done - dark humor - no graphic sex needed as Poor Things' Emily winning is such slam in face to some of these black actors in this film!

The Girls on the Bus (2024)

Worth watching to understand the ugliness of politics

[10/10 · 11 May 2024]

Other than the "Mayor" and one reporter (on the House of Usher) - I knew none of these actors! What an ensemble! The crescendo to the end was fabulous with intelligent scripts of strong women delivering the lines with exceptional acting. Since I was in politics for 13 years at the end of my prolific career in banking/regulating/international consulting - this political show is more than a 10! The main reporter is fabulous and her inter-relationships with Hunter S Thompson and the dead boss (my money is on you Polar Bear). Lola is so fabulous and quirky and targets those folks that don't understand the dirtiness of politics. Sadie and dude and their relationship is written well with his ending speech in last episode is heart-warming (I wish someone would have said that to me)! The newlyweds - wow - what a power couple - and her speech - realistic as hell! The "muse" (also the notification killer in Usher) really SHOWED her acting chops. The family - work dynamic is so realistically portrayed although would she rebound that quickly from jilted drug addict. Of course, Walker plays all those macho roles (on scandal) evil jackass roles so well.

Costumes and set designs are great - but again it's real life displayed.

Bravo Amy - writer of Chasing Hillary.

Season two should be intriguing.

The Hustle (I) (2019)

Entertaining but a bit stupid with overacting

[7/10 · 22 April 2024]

This was very entertaining and first time I watched Rebel in a movie. She is a very slap-stick old school comedian and pretty good at it! I love Ann Hathaway and felt she kicked it out of the park with her character - but then again she was the princess under the famous Julie Andrews. The ensemble did remind me a bit of Lucy and Vivian in those comedic roles.

The dorky guy of grandson of Medusa was pretty good - but kind of hard to believe he would have gotten scammed out of his software and was he there as a mark or was he going to swindle and happened to prey on German Eye Doctor Hathaway.

Beautiful scenery and costumes which led to higher rating.

Blown Away (2019– )

Fascinating depiction of creating glass

[10/10 · 30 March 2024]

I have to admit that I live in the Pacific Northwest and I have grown up knowing who Chiluly is and his skills and the art of blowing glass. It's not as simple as it looks, and this series goes way beyond normal glassmaking and brings in sculpting!

What I do really enjoy is all of the guest judges, and the fact that that really adds credibility to this art!

I also did not realize the degree of glassmakers, and the skills that it takes to do all of this unique sculpting in glass!

I particularly have liked season four and the challenges have gotten more and more difficult. The first challenge had me hooked with the baseball dude winning the best prize!

I also really enjoyed the Chihuly challenge with the mother Earth teacher, who would be one of my best friends as she so trippy - with the young "Virgin" glass blower who had attempted to get into Mother's class and "sis" just never got in - so it was kismet they were paired together and then win!

First Wives Club (2019– )

Entertaining and busting with talent!

[9/10 · 25 March 2024]

The ensemble casts is FABULOUS and each are so good it's hard to say who out-shines the other! Since we know the plot line - it's all about the arcs in the storyline. Hazel's character is great and I really enjoyed the talent broadcast of ladies first! Wow what a powerhouse of singers! Then bringing in the Jamaican AND 19 year old younger man added yet another blend of talent. Gary also stands out with his character arc with his relationship to Bree is great (although her voice is always high pitch) as well as Bro dude the Senator. Versace also is a hoot - Like a cat woman sleuth! The inter-relationship between the attorneys also is a good arc. I don't really get Ari with the early sex scenes and senator's porn issues and then having it worked out but then it's still confusing when Vanessa enters the pic.

It's just entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable as SO many characters with good writing.

Costumes and set designs are great -

My Life with the Walter Boys (2023– )

Nice Little House on the Prairie Concept

[9/10 · 16 March 2024]

This series was very enjoyable and the ensemble cast excellent!! It takes a while for the young actors personalities to get established but the sincerity in their trying is infectious. The woman from "Suits" is great - but full makeup is funny as I'm sure she's beautiful naturally. Jackie is excellent as is Cole and both have very long careers ahead. Their chemistry is great and Cole's intensity with all his endeavors reminds me of a young Brad Pitt.

The storyline has many arcs and the out layer of key ensemble good too. Especially the "mean girl" who changes.

Scenery also relaxing and the finale with the yurts on the prairie - sign me up ....

Looking forward to season 2 with that ending cliff-hanger.

Past Lives (2023)

Gentle and moving in so many ways

[10/10 · 10 March 2024]

Many of us have had long distance relationships that seem to pick up as if time had not passed. But these plot steps further to that of immigration and new worlds ahead.

These two main character He and Na were expectedly casts and played phenomenal roles. The tenderness and kindness and intrigued in both their video sessions and then later in person was real! Wow - the timing of them standing there and just looking at one another alone makes me sad for He.

All ensemble casts were great - as was the two sets in US and Korea. Lighting and costuming and everything was perfect. I'm surprised it didn't get more nominations.

Poor Things (2023)

Colorful but Too graphic for me

[5/10 · 10 March 2024]

It took me a few days to try to decide how to describe my feelings and critique towards this movie. Again, remember I grew up in the #metoo era and look at this from a "victimized" lens. This is clearly a male chauvinistic movie with lots of sex scenes and regardless if men wear cod dick pieces - f@$@ing is just that and close up organisms are very hard to fake despite the Harry meet Sally diner scene. I'm not one for promoting brothels despite how clean and high class they are - so another negative. To me, this was a Benjamin Button storyline plus soft-porn which since the Shape of Water won for their bizarre plot line, graphic colors and a love story line with sex scenes, no surprise here. I'm very glad I did not pay to see it on the big screen as I've seen Mark R in past graphic films and don't like his love scenes as he comes across as creepy. Emma was great but then anyone can take on that type of mindset in an adult body.

The set design is very bizarre with the computer graphics along with real life. Costuming great as well - when there were clothes.

Upgraded (2024)

Devil wears Prada in the Art World

[9/10 · 17 February 2024]

This show was thoroughly enjoyable, and I would watch it again because it is a feel good movie!

I stumbled upon it and thought it was a TV series and then realized it was a movie so I will watch it again and its entirety.

TheThis show was thoroughly enjoyable, and I would watch it again because it is a feel good movie!

I stumbled upon it and thought it was a TV series and then realized it was a movie so I will watch it again and it's entirety.

The characters are great And all of them as an ensemble are entertaining. The chemistry between the Britt and the assistant is great, despite him being very dorky, and she very beautiful but also, you could tell on the same level of intellect.

The entire art scenery was great and the set designs, and I don't want to go into details to give the story away: But it was very predictable.

Death and Other Details (2024)

Enjoyable but forgettable

[7/10 · 17 February 2024]

I found this enjoyable but now can't even remember who did it after two weeks!?! Mandy is good but at time his dialogue is too low and not audible so I had to rewind sometimes. His sidekick is good and her intent on finding her mothers's killer. Some of the characters don't make sense as to why they are on the boat - like the Governor? Was she on the ship just to have drugs and sex with the totally drunken son - who was overacting way too much! The lesbian daughter was good with her wife being the most intriguing. The entire Asian regime was interesting and it's unclear what business they were negotiating or why needed. The captain was intriguing and all seemed to be in love with the sidekick.

Set designs were great and costuming.

It was enjoyable but forgettable - I do like murder mysteries and Mandy - so I kept watching.

The Bear: Forks (2023) Season 2, Episode 7

Pivotal episode

[10/10 · 2 February 2024]

I grew up around Italians and understand this family commitment and Lithuanians are the same way (as I'm sure many nationalities) - but this episode pulls A LOT of the past together with revealing Carmen was the chef that trained under cute Danish dude and lived on the boat. Cousin's belief that Carmy is sending him to the restaurant to get him away from the remodel is burst with the lovely Olivia Coleman as Chef/owner of the three star restaurant he interned at and WOW - what a superb monologue and full script with the mushroom scene! I really have not like Cousin much as he seems like such a big baby with big ego - like most "big brothers" (filling in for dead Mikey) and Carmen sees his GROWTH potential!

The restaurant scenes are insane and just a nice letdown from last episode which clearly encapsulated the family dynamic.

Great cool time lighting and I hope that "master of the board" chef become a love interest of Cousin as that woman is DYNOMITE - the pizza scene is outrageous.

I have to give a 10 as casting of Olivia in that spot of Chef/Owner seals the deal. He acting was definitely more intricate and demanding than the GREAT Jamie Lee Curtis - who could act as chaotic as she wanted - both superb casting.

Saltburn (2023)

Wild times of rich and famous with interloper

[6/10 · 25 January 2024]

I had to sleep on this before figuring out if I like it or not - it was certainly weird and I find it far fetched to think that a wealthy family would so easily invite a stranger into their house but then that young black guy was also a strangler. It's supposed to be a comedy but I found the dark humor disturbing with all the in your face moments with Ollie. The family kind of reminded me of the Royal Tanenbaums with their eccentric lifestyle. I am not a fan of Keough but he did make an excellent liar and creep with a big dick and the sex on into grave sight was a bit much. The estate was great as was the scenery, set designs and costumes. I certainly would not recommend it as it's a classic plot of bad guy interloping and killing them all.

Beef (2023– )

Wildly stupid but entertaining and good acting

[8/10 · 24 January 2024]

This plot line with all its various arcs are pretty wild. I had to sleep on it to determine how I would rate it as to me what happened is pretty inconceivable as I can't see people that angry or revengeful and way out there on individual episodes. Acting is superb and I can see why awards were given. Best series - hmm - I've seen better and so many inconsistencies in storyline. The main character Amy's preconceived life was pretty well explained and why she was so messed up with the Grimm Reaper in full display. Danny a bit different but it seemed to fall more on jealously for Paul. The smuggling cousin was too much and that Las Vegas episode was far fetched. Same with the over the Cliff and they live through it all and have coming to Jesus moments. I've heard folks consider this like watching everything everywhere all at once - and maybe yes - if you put the five hours condensed into 2! Not a very good depiction of dealing with anger in today's society.

Call Me by Your Name (2017)

Beautifully directed and superb acting

[9/10 · 24 January 2024]

I have mixed feeling about this movie only because I grew up in a different era and I would construe Oliver as "grooming" Elio to have sex. I realize men at 17 are sexually active and women even today - so I have to put that bias aside. The acting ensemble is great and this is the second film that I've seen of Timothy (Wonka first) and wow - he is truly a method actor and wears his emotions on his sleeve. Thoroughly understood the innocence. The speech of the father at the end ties the entire film all together. The scenery and pacing of the movie are superb - especially that wintery scene in the end. Music, lighting and costuming is well balanced and adds to the movie's theme.

I didn't give it a 10 only because it didn't captivate me enough to watch it all in one sitting and maybe because the movie was so predictable and I have that bias of predatory rather than intrigue.

The Boys in the Boat (2023)

Beautifully executed for 1936 Olympics

[10/10 · 18 January 2024]

The book is a prose masterpiece and would be difficult to make into a movie unless it was 6 hours long so concentrated on just the key segment of the Olympics. So excluding that comparison in addition to comparing the Movie's depiction of the Mount Lake Cut to the real pictorial "cut" and starting in 1936, I give it a 10 and would recommend watching. The casting is perfect and main character hobo Joe was exactly spot on and was ingrained in the great ensemble. Clooney was able to capture the emotions of underdog to champion and I had tears in my eyes in some scenes. The scenery was beautiful even though not in Washington or at the original crew house. The costumes were fabulous as well, and I love that era of styling which some modern trends attempt to mimic but not many men wear hats any longer. Lighting and sound also good playing in to the perfectly written script.

This movie is a feel good movie that is exhilarating and makes one feel hope. Another reason for a 10.

Cable Girls (2017–2020)

Very dramatic - like action movie and soap

[8/10 · 9 January 2024]

This is a mix between a Tele Novella and an action movie with over the top story arcs. The first three seasons were pretty good. The fourth season became very miraculous and it's Angelish that has to die!!! Her and Kristof relationship was by far the most realistic. Carlos is a doll and so naive! Carmen is a cat with nine lives. The tri-relationship between Alba, Carlos, and Fredrick was interesting and yet dysfunctional. Marga and Pablo was like the best arc in the story. Overall, the ensemble cast was very compelling and interesting to watch.

Some comment on the dubbing, and I didn't find it bad, and I will probably watch one episode just to hear the real tones of each of the actors.

Some comment on the bizarre music and yes, it is bizarre but it never really distracted from the storyline and again the storyline is over the top until finally one of the group dies.

The costume mean and set designs are fabulous and it was worth binging, but it could've stopped at season four and now I'm on season six with the Spanish Civil War so I'm sure this will be an interesting finale to it all,

Wonka (2023)

Entertaining and beautiful sets and costumes

[8/10 · 1 January 2024]

I can't recall the original movie with Gene Wilde so I can't comment on any references to the original show. So as a stand alone movie I thought it was entertaining and fun. I did not realize it was a musical and it was annoying at first but then it became paced better and songs were catchy.

Timothy was fabulous as Wonka! Really captivating in his eyes and persona. The storyline was pretty predictable but the ensemble carried it well with both Jordan and Hugh stealing the show. Hugh was hilarious as an oompah loopa and his deadpan pace made him even more deceitful. Peele with his constant weight gain was funny too, especially next to Mr. Bean.

Sets were great as was costuming. For $8 - it was worth the $$.

Berlin (2023– )

Interesting and a lot like Leverage

[8/10 · 30 December 2023]

I have read some of these reviews, and they compare them to Money Heist - a series I have not seen nor according to reviews need to see! But, I will add that series to my list to watch.

Berlin is very similar to the US show Leverage (a series I Highly Recommend) in that there is a small team of misfits that steal and "do good" for society. Since I've only watched the first episode, I can't speculate how this series moves forward.

The dubbing is very good and that is a very important piece that I look at when watching these foreign series. Because like with Squid Games and a few others, I've had to watch and read sub-titles and I generally watch and listen to show and dual task.

The costuming is very good and helps characterize each nuance of the misfits. Of course, the set designs are great as usual because they're in a foreign country.

So I would definitely watch this if you like suspense, and the intricacies of character development and stealing.

The Crown: Sleep, Dearie Sleep (2023) Season 6, Episode 10

Excellent ending to an epic docudrama

[10/10 · 29 December 2023]

This was a well executed, ending to the series. The fact that writers brought back previous queens (Olivia and Claire) to talk to the queen about her role in all of this ending drama with all the family members was exceptional. Her listening to the bag piper for her "ending Finale song" put tears in my eyes. Also her speech at Charles wedding was also exceptional. Adding the "coffin truck" of Prince Phillip in the storyline also was touching.

The system protects #1 was a great ending to a superb series. At first I thought the casts of second sequel should have been aged as Charles was too handsome, the Queen and Philip didn't have the same chemistry - and so on ... but they did grow on me.

The continued storyline of both Harry and William would make an excellent sequel - but it was already captured in Harry's book.

Christmas Party Crashers (2022 TV Movie)

Pretty Predictable

[7/10 · 18 December 2023]

This show is entertaining and enjoyable despite the cheesy storyline. It kind of reminded me of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air in how these two "nobodies" lied their way into a rich family home. The grandma says it all at the end - it's all about being authentic once the scam was lifted. Granny steals the show for sure.

The ensemble acting is great and the chemistry between Trey and Tara is great. He definitely a cutie pie and I'd have love at first site with him too! The dating app developer and dress designer seem like formidable potential careers. The mom and aunt are great to with dealing with having Tara see through the facade of anger.

The sets are spectacular and opulent - but of course it's Christmas. The brunch looked great and of course the fake uncle shows up and the scam is over.

Candy Cane Lane (I) (2023)

Entertaining and good message

[7/10 · 18 December 2023]

The Carvers are a cute family but the chemistry between Eddie Murphy and Tracie Ellis Ross is not too - the kids are great! Eddie of course is always awesome,

David Allen Greer as Santa is great as our the other small people and I didn't think Nick Oberman was that bad as Pip. Pentatonix was great. The Elf was eclectic and believable.

The story line is not bad with the neighborhood competition to start the movie and then it unfolds around the bad elf and the magic of Christmas with the 12 days of Christmas in a can.

The special effects were great as was the music. The set designs were fabulous and who doesn't love Christmas!

Magic in Mistletoe (2023 TV Movie)

Entertaining and sweet

[8/10 · 10 December 2023]

For a Christmas movie, it was cute and entertaining.

To start the show with a selfish quote about Christmas being only about money.

The actor playing Harrington was a good and played being aloof at the start. But that little girl Bree took the show as did little boy Luca! Yes, the Christmas Fairy is real! The other acting ensemble good and show their respect and gratitude towards the key players.

The chemistry of Harrington and April was great and it's predictable what's about to happen and of course she looks stunning as Christmas Fairy.

Harrington's house is fabulous and the entire town is picturesque. The scenery is stunning, especially that beautiful tree farm.

We all need to see the world in a less negative way and this movie made me smile.

All the Light We Cannot See (2023)

Enjoyable and brought good book to life

[9/10 · 12 November 2023]

This book was well written and this movie brought life to the story. The acting ensemble was good but Mark Ruffalo never convinced me he was French. Marie was very good but at times with the older Marie - it seemed like she wasn't blind. Werner was great as boy and then as an adult. The great uncle and aunt were also exceptional. The crazy German was exceptional with his weird hair and spook like face.

The set designs were exceptional, especially when it deals with war. The large old house seemed to hold up during all the bombing. Sound effects were exceptional with all the bombing and shortwave radio effects.

I'm glad it was broken up into four segments as it allowed the story to unwind slowly. Really entertaining and good storytelling.

Pain Hustlers (2023)

Entertaining but sad when you think about abuse of pharma

[7/10 · 29 October 2023]

Fascinating beginning of how the story took shape with a woman who had a good knack for sales, making it to the top of the pharma sales team for a new product.

Emily Blunt is fabulous as is Chris Evans and their chemistry and work relationship is fun to watch. Andy Garcia is fabulous as the doctor as his Catherine O'Hare as Emily's mom.

The plot is fairly predictable and it's amazing how hugely profitable big Pharma could grow in such a short period of time based on how they infiltrates these second rate doctors.

The set designs are great, especially the wonderful estates that they are all living in; but even the dive hotels where they started with the speaker tours.

Costumes are fabulous! Emily's outfit are great!

It was entertaining but sad since we all know how big pharma has f&$ked this world.