shaymalloy Reviews

Barbie (I) (2023)

An Elf-like work of art.

[10/10 · 23 July 2023]

My husband asked me to compare this to something else to ally, and my first thought was Elf. In these ways it lives up to one of the greatest movies of all time - both are hilarious, have wonderful musical numbers, heartwarming, will make you tear up, complicated parental storylines, unlikely character bonding, and whimsical visual tie-ins/world-building + bonus of both having Will Ferrel to boot.

I loved the soundtrack - the Lizzo song being a fun 4th wallesque/narrator-y way to introduce Barbieland.

The pace was even - I never felt it was moving too quickly or wanting a scene to wrap up.

Some more unexpected show-stealers were Simu Liu and Arianna Greenblatt.

The haters are simply mad this is a film that is self-aware and for a new generation.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Go Forward (2023) Season 5, Episode 1

Everything we love about the show in one episode.

[10/10 · 15 April 2023]

You really couldn't ask for a better season premiere- especially given it's the final season. We see all of the characters we know & love, written impeccably and performed at their best yet. It's like you can see and feel that the writers, actors, directors, costume designers, etc. Put their all into this final season. Their love & passion for the show comes through in each meticulously thought-out shot.

The airport scenes were some of the most beautiful scenery since the Catskills episodes.

In addition to just being so well-made, this episode was absolutely hilarious. I was laughing/smiling the whole way through.

The Wonder (I) (2022)

Stunningly dark, yet hopeful

[10/10 · 18 November 2022]

Florence Pugh will get me to watch any film & yet again she does a remarkable job playing Lib Wright. Her raw emotions throughout the film will entangle you. The actor who plays the young girl Anna did a terrific job as well - she was born creepy and endearing? Which is what they were going for I believe.

The Wonder had stunning visuals for such a simple setting of rural Ireland. I loved the transitions, eerie music and cast.

The main plot was interesting and the pacing was well-done. It had me yearning to know what was going to happen next. The added layer of Wright's own past was interwoven expertly.

See: The Truth About Unicorns (2021) Season 2, Episode 6

Unbalanced

[6/10 · 3 October 2021]

Why give the incestuous scenes between Kofun and the Queen so much screen time and the love scenes between Wren and Haniwa an eighth of the screen time? I hated that.

Cruella (2021)

Better than expected!

[9/10 · 29 May 2021]

The marketing for this movie made me honestly not that excited about it. After seeing it however, I would definitely recommend it! It was charming, surprising, heartfelt and Horace and Jasper were just hilarious. It was visually pleasing and I'm glad I got to see it on the big screen!

Mulan (2020)

Enjoyable in its differences & similarities.

[7/10 · 7 September 2020]

I enjoyed watching this remake and appreciate the choices made to make it stand apart from the animated. Not that it needs to be said, but the live-action remakes will just never surpass the greatness of the originals, and that's still true here. Nevertheless, a visually stunning film that was enjoyable to watch.

High Fidelity (2020)

All around incredible.

[10/10 · 19 February 2020]

One of the best shows to come from Hulu, for sure. Kravitz is unbelievably perfect in it. All of the cast was incredible. The character development was *chef's kiss*. I hope there's a second season.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)

A tad reminiscent of Saving Mr. Banks

[8/10 · 2 December 2019]

I say this because it's less about Mr. Rogers in a biopic sense, and more a snapshot of an impact he made on a reporter's life. (Similarly to how Mr. Banks was less about Walt Disney, as one might think going into it.) That being said, it was still a beautifully made film, with artistic cinematography, wonderful acting and enjoyable music.

Lady and the Tramp (2019)

Great adaptation with lovely voice acting.

[8/10 · 17 November 2019]

I found this remake to be very enjoyable! I laughed and cried just as I did watching the original as a child. Best "talking dog" movie I've seen.

Living with Yourself: Nice Knowing You (2019) Season 1, Episode 8

Great season finale.

[9/10 · 21 October 2019]

Wrapped up the main story while leaving room for growth in possible future seasons. My husband and I both loved this show! Paul Rudd is phenomenal.

Fleabag (2016–2019)

Greatest 4th wall break of all time.

[10/10 · 11 October 2019]

Season 2 especially will rock your world. You'll be longing for more looks from Fleabag, witty banter between characters, awkward moments that make you giggle uncontrollably. I've watched the show twice now and still can't wait for my next watch through.

Orange Is the New Black: God Bless America (2019) Season 7, Episode 11

Moving, poignant, beautifully juxtaposed.

[10/10 · 6 August 2019]

Such a wonderful episode of heart-wrenching story writing, great acting, and surprising twists. One of the most powerful episodes of the entire series.

Pose (2018–2021)

Beautifully done!

[10/10 · 20 June 2019]

This show is so refreshing. Proving that representation matters. Beyond that, it's so gorgeously written, directed and acted. So excited to see where this show goes!

Long Shot (2019)

Now one of my generation's classic romcoms.

[10/10 · 15 June 2019]

I saw this twice In theaters. I feel like that's enough said - I saw a romcom twice in theaters!

Late Night (2019)

So well-written, left me wanting more!

[10/10 · 15 June 2019]

Emma Thompson and Mindy Kaling are such a wonderful duo in this. The character development for a movie was brilliant! I wish I could watch more of these characters. It was a well-rounded comedy, with depth and heart. Absolutely loved it!

Murder Mystery (2019)

Pretty funny

[7/10 · 15 June 2019]

This was an entertaining, light movie. It depicts marriage in a fun way and has some silly antics along the way to keep you engaged. I'm glad I watched it!