Ratings
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Reviews
Black Mirror (2011)
A once distant & dystopian sci-fi series now hits uncomfortably close to home...
I've been watching "Black Mirror" since it first aired in the UK back in December 2011, when we still downloaded torrents because streaming wasn't a thing yet. I've stuck with it through the years, and several of S07's episodes rank among the stronger recent installments. The unsettling truth though is that reality may have finally caught up with the show. What once felt like distant, dystopian sci-fi now feels uncomfortably familiar. As I wrote back in 2019 about S05, "It does seem to be as much about the distorted reality in which we all now live as any unevenness in various episodes." That still holds. Maybe it's harder to shock us now, but the show continues to provoke and disturb in the best ways. If you've drifted away from "Black Mirror", this season is a good reason to come back.
Adolescence (2025)
A raw & riveting dive into the aftermath of the damage of the manosphere on young boys...
The new-ish series "Adolescence" on Netflix is a 4-part British drama that left me stunned and still mulling over days later. Each episode unfolds in a single, hour-long take, a feat of technical mastery that only deepens the emotional impact. The story is raw, riveting, and painfully relevant, exploring how vulnerable teenage boys can be pulled into the dark corners of the internet, radicalised in the manosphere by misogynistic grifters and red-pill rhetoric. It's a gut-punch to watch parents grapple with the unthinkable: how a child who seemed "safe" in his room with an internet connection could spiral into violence. The performances are uniformly excellent, and the storytelling is sharp, urgent, and unflinching. If you've ever asked yourself, "How does this happen", this series is a must-watch. It's heartbreaking, brilliant, and unforgettable. Highly recommend.
Sinners (2025)
A beautifully shot, emotionally resonant, and musically rich film...
We just saw the new Ryan Coogler film "Sinners" yesterday, and I'm still buzzing today. It's really not just a movie, but an experience. Yes, it's a horror film and yes, there are (very) scary vampires. But it's one of the most beautifully shot, emotionally resonant, and musically rich films I've seen in ages. There's a sequence midway through that left me stunned, a breathtaking and soul-stirring tribute to the roots of American music past and present, and the profound and irreplaceable influence of formerly enslaved Black Americans. The cast is phenomenal, the storytelling bold, and the entire film pulses with life, fury, and beauty. I don't want to spoil anything, but just go in with an open heart and mind. Trust me on this one; drop what you're doing and see it in a cinema. It's that good.
With Love, Meghan (2025)
The hate isn't worth it; this show is warm and relatable...
Before jotting down my thoughts on a series or movie, I check IMDb scores to see where public opinion lands. But the 3.2 rating for this Netflix series is just hate-bombing. "With Love, Meghan" actually surprised me; it's warm, relatable, and unfairly maligned. It's baffling how people fixate on trivial things, like getting worked up over Le Creuset cookware. The show is about finding joy in small, thoughtful gestures for friends and family. We made her one-pot pasta and loved it; making simple gifts for guests isn't a big deal; and we also take food delivery out of the containers and put it on dishes. Sure, some moments are overly polished, but it's no different from the aspirational tone of Martha Stewart Living. The hubby noted that Meghan is a natural successor to the doyenne of fine living. People can hate all they want, but it's as much about racism and their failure of imagination to comprehend an easy life for a Black woman as anything else. Good for her.
The Residence (2025)
A stylish screwball whodunnit with the indefatigable Uzo Aduba...
Shonda Rhimes' latest "The Residence" is a stylish screwball whodunnit with an excellent ensemble: Uzo Aduba shines, Randall Park brings his signature charm, and the rest of the cast is equally strong. The series cleverly plays with the "upstairs, downstairs, and backstairs" dynamics of the White House, setting the stage for tensions between longtime staff and fleeting political appointees. The plot is twisty and well-edited, though the series runs a bit long; six episodes might have been tighter. Still, the final reveal is satisfying and genuinely surprising. The production design is superb, and the Australian connection adds a fun and ridiculous wrinkle, and Kylie Minogue on screen is always a treat. Cordelia Cupp makes a compelling lead detective and I'd love to see more mysteries with her; between Agatha Christie revivals and Benoit Blanc "Knives Out" capers, there's definitely room for another smart sleuth on the scene.
Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing (2025)
A grim but well produced peek into the gross kidfluencer economy...
"Bad Influence" is a grim 3-part Netflix docuseries about kidfluencers and the awful parents who monetize their childhoods for clicks. It's well-produced, but the whole thing feels exploitative, invasive, and downright icky. I'm grateful we don't have children; I can't imagine raising a kid in an age where everyone has the attention span of a gnat. AND where kids take life advice from someone like Piper Rockelle, who I only know because she did a cursed collab with the witless Katy Perry, who recently rode Bezos' penis rocket into space cosplay with Gayle King (who is now shocked, shocked!, by backlash). This series rightly lays blame on the momagers, the platforms, and the adult enablers, especially the legions of creepy men who follow these minors and collect photos like they're Pokémon cards. I may not be a digital native (I still remember our first VCR), but I do know this: nothing about this influencer economy feels safe, decent, or sane.
The White Lotus (2021)
Don't listen to the naysayers; Season 3 is the best yet...
I wasn't planning to post about "The White Lotus" S03, since everything's been said in countless reviews and think-pieces. But that's exactly what I love about it: it's a true water-cooler show in a time when those barely exist anymore. Even watching from Thailand (where this season is set), dodging Monday spoilers was worth it for what felt like appointment television. I think Mike White is a storytelling genius, to which I hold up "Enlightened" with Laura Dern as additional proof. For this latest outing from that death trap hotel chain, I didn't think this season was slow or uneventful: not every thread needs tying; not every story needs a twist; and sometimes a red herring can be fun. YMMV, and while all three seasons of this show have been superlative, the character work, cultural layers, and exploration of mindfulness, attachment, and identity made this my favorite season yet. I thought it was thoughtful and absorbing, but also smart, twisted, and just plain fun to watch.
Con Mum (2025)
A sad and wretched tale of a scammer scamming her own son...
Another week, another documentary, and this one among the saddest and most wretched we've seen in a while. "Con Mum" on Netflix tells the story of a man, a star chef and seemingly decent guy, who gets scammed by his own mother. And not to belittle the victim, but... he made some truly questionable decisions along the way, including abandoning his partner and child in pursuit of a windfall he could barely imagine (and had no proof was even real). I wouldn't call him a hero, or even an anti-hero. In trying to heal his childhood wounds, he just passed that same trauma along to his son. Of course, it's easy to say "take a step back and think", but that's how manipulation and brainwashing work. It's how people fall for con artists, cults, and orange shitgibbon carnival barkers. If someone promises you something too good to be true, they're not going to improve your well-being in any way, shape, or form.
High Potential (2024)
As usual, Kaitlin Olson is effortlessly charming and engaging...
I haven't been drawn to police procedurals since "Elementary", with the excellent Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu, was unceremoniously canceled, but "High Potential" is well worth watching. If you're as big a Kaitlin Olson fan as we are, this is a must-see. We've loved her in every season (all 16 of them!) of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and "Hacks" (with the inestimable Jean Smart), and now, as a cleaning woman with a high IQ helping the LAPD solve cases, she's utterly charming. Olson effortlessly carries the show in the lead role, backed by a strong supporting cast. Sure, the cases might feel familiar if you're a regular CSI viewer, but the show's wit, heart, and LA scenery make it a joy. The first season ended with some big cliffhangers, and thanks to strong ratings, it's already renewed for Season 2, so we'll definitely be tuning in.
Amend: The Fight for America (2021)
An essential, thought-provoking & very timely Netflix documentary...
"Amend: The Fight for America" is an essential and thought-provoking Netflix documentary series that examines the 14th Amendment's role in shaping a more equal and just US of A. Its standout fifth episode, 'Love', takes a deep dive into LGBT rights and same-sex marriage, featuring Jim Obergefell and his late spouse, John Arthur, whose landmark case originated in Cincinnati. Having grown up there, I felt a personal connection, as friends of ours shared in their heartbreak and triumph. The series highlights the brilliance and authenticity of their attorney, whose dedication was inspiring. Other episodes unpack the deep roots of slavery, the civil rights movement, feminism, and ongoing debates about immigration in a nation built by immigrants. The series' depth and clarity make it a compelling exploration of America's ongoing fight for equality, justice, and inclusion. In these tumultuous times, it's a necessary clarion call to better understand our shared humanity.
The Bling Ring (2013)
Surprisingly engaging foray into the lives of teenage ne'er-do-wells...
As part of our ongoing Sofia Coppola retrospective, we watched "The Bling Ring" (2013) and followed it up with the Netflix docuseries, "The Real Bling Ring: Hollywood Heist". The combination made for a surprisingly engaging foray into the saga of these ne'er-do-well teenage thieves. While I vaguely remembered the Vanity Fair article about the group, the movie's brisk pace and attention to detail brought their late-aughts celebrity burglaries to life, helped by the verisimilitude of filming in Paris Hilton's actual home. The Netflix series added depth, making the whole experience more fascinating (and unsettling) than expected. Watching the moral decay unfold as a byproduct of the rottenness of reality TV, and just before social media amplified the chaos, feels like a time capsule of a culture in freefall. If you're a Coppola fan, this one's worth a look, landing somewhere mid-tier in her filmography.
Killing Eve (2018)
This show is clever, darkly funny, and addictive with two amazing leads...
"Killing Eve" had long been on my watchlist, but it's unavailable on any streaming service in Thailand. When an unexpected trip to the U. S. for a funeral left me with a few cold snowy days cooped up in the hotel, I finally binged Season 1 and absolutely loved it. Sandra Oh, whom I've admired since "Grey's Anatomy", is fantastic, and Jodie Comer is an exceptional nemesis. The show's blend of cat-and-mouse intrigue, sharp dialogue, and a perfect balance of comedy and drama makes it worthy of its accolades. Fiona Shaw and the supporting cast are equally excellent, adding depth to this stylish thriller. Throughout the season, Phoebe Waller-Bridge's wit and instincts shine, elevating the writing and pacing. Clever, darkly funny, and addictive, "Killing Eve" certainly lived up to the hype. Now I've got to find out what happens in later seasons.
Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
A dark, dense & disappointing Joker outing saved from awfulness by Lady Gaga...
"Joker: Folie à Deux" is dark, dense, and ultimately disappointing. Instead of the mayhem I expect from a Joker film, I got a drawn-out courtroom drama peppered with forgettable musical numbers. This isn't a movie about the Joker, it's about Arthur Fleck, a character who isn't compelling enough to carry an entire film. I've read that the film was designed to antagonize fans of the original, subverting expectations by denying Arthur his transformation into the Joker. If that's the case, mission accomplished, but at the cost of an evenly remotely engaging story. DC films aren't where I go for philosophical musings; I want chaos and carnage, murder and mayhem, not a slow burn with a bizarre final-act reveal. The saving grace is Lady Gaga. She's a fantastic performer and a more-than-capable actress. But even her presence couldn't save this tonal misfire. I didn't totally hate it, but I finished it mildly annoyed and a bit aggrieved.
The Gorge (2025)
A competent though not breathtakingly executed sci-fi romp...
Apple TV+'s movie "The Gorge" offers a ridiculous premise riddled with plot holes yet manages to entertain thanks to a strong cast. Anya Taylor-Joy, whose presence is always a draw (even if her performance here is only average compared to her work in "Furiosa"), teams up with Miles Teller, who delivers solid work despite unconvincing chemistry with her. The film feels like two different movies smushed together, merging monster-movie thrills with a clumsy romantic subplot with communication clichés out of "Love Actually", but Sigourney Weaver bringing her best villain vibes is fun. With slick production values typical of Apple TV+, "The Gorge" was a perfect popcorn flick on a cloudy and humid Sunday afternoon. Stupid fun, yes, but thankfully, not totally stupefying; it's a decent, if not groundbreaking, escape. This action movie holds its own compared to some of the dreck and drivel all over the streaming services.
Chaos: The Manson Murders (2025)
A tight & compelling documentary that needn't be stretched out to a series...
Netflix's "Chaos: The Manson Murders" condenses Tom O'Neill's book into a fast-paced, 90-minute Errol Morris documentary, and while fans of the book may feel short-changed, we both enjoyed this movie. Morris keeps us engaged from start to finish, tapping into the enduring fascination with the Manson murders and the swirling eddy of chaos of 1960s America. The film explores the possibility of government involvement with Manson, but after a while, everything started to feel like a conspiracy theory rabbit hole, as I grabbed my tinfoil hat and put my mobile into the microwave. Yes, it could've been a docuseries, but instead of needlessly stretching it out, a tight, compelling feature-length take was the right call. Manson wasn't a mastermind, just a drug-fueled drifter who lucked into infamy.
Apple Cider Vinegar (2025)
A slickly produced exposé of an Australian holistic health grift...
With an effective and consistent Australian accent, Kaitlyn Dever delivers a chilling performance as real-life scam artist Belle Gibson in Netflix's "Apple Cider Vinegar", a slickly produced exposé of the holistic health grift that thrived in the early wild west of social media. The show is frustrating and essential viewing, proof that the internet remains a minefield of quack cures, digital hucksters, and pathological liars (including the U. S. health secretary, he with a brain worm and a demented outlook on vaccines). Some people crave attention so desperately that no amount of likes can fill the void, so much so they fake a seizure they once saw in a real-life boy with cancer. I loved watching Gibson's scam unravel, but she still seems to be dodging justice, owing money for fines due to her fraud. This well-produced Australian series reminds us why it's crucial to stay skeptical online, because if someone isn't trying to hack you, they're selling you black salve for your tumors.
Anora (2024)
Mikey Madison brings heart, soul, & humanity to this role...
I watched "Anora" just before the Oscars, where it took home Best Picture, which is a most well-deserved win. I still haven't seen all the nominees (need to find 3 hours for Adrien Brody), but of those I did, this was the best. Sean Baker's previous films ("Tangerine", "The Florida Project", "Red Rocket") have all been stellar, and with "Anora", he cemented his place in film history, tying Walt Disney's record with four competitive wins in one night. Also well deserving of her Best Actress win, Mikey Madison is the soul of this movie. She brings such heart, humanity, and conviction to the role that I was completely drawn in. The writing is crisp, raw, and real, and that final scene is a gut punch in the best way possible. Baker's signature mix of grit and warmth shines throughout, making "Anora" a movie that lingers long after the credits roll. Definitely add this to your list.
A Complete Unknown (2024)
A dynamic and magnetic biopic of the inimitable Bob Dylan...
I've always loved '60s and '70s folk, but never truly connected with Bob Dylan's music, beyond recognizing his biggest hits. That said, I can't resist a great biopic, and "A Complete Unknown" totally enraptured me. James Mangold, the director behind the stellar "Walk the Line", delivers another knockout, and Timothée Chalamet doesn't just play Dylan, he inhabits him. From the subtlest mannerisms to his magnetic stage presence, Chalamet vanishes into the role. His chemistry with Monica Barbaro's luminous Joan Baez makes their scenes together electric. Even as a casual Dylan listener, I walked away feeling like I understood the man, his rise to fame, and the forces that shaped him. Of course, I then spiraled into a post-film Wikipedia black hole and queued up his music on my Walkman on the train home. This film earns every accolade, and with each passing role, Chalamet just keeps winning me over.
Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
A beautifully told story of talent, fate, and the power of music...
A random recent shuffle in one of hubby's Sonos playlists led us to rediscover "Searching for Sugar Man" (2012), the Oscar-winning documentary about the mysterious singer-songwriter Rodriguez. He'd added "Crucify Your Mind" to a playlist, and when it came on, I mentioned to him the incredible story behind it. That was all it took: he had to see the film. I first saw it in April 2013, after it won Best Documentary, but revisiting it now was just as captivating and maybe even more so. The film unravels the almost unbelievable tale of Rodriguez, a musician who vanished into obscurity in the U. S. but unknowingly became a legend in South Africa. It's a beautifully told story of talent, fate, and the power of music, made even more poignant by Rodriguez's humility. If you haven't seen it, or even if you have, watch it again. It's just as powerful the second (and third) time around.
Juror #2 (2024)
A gripping, well-crafted & fitting final film from a master filmmaker...
Clint Eastwood's "Juror #2" is a gripping, well-crafted legal thriller and a fitting final film for the legendary director. The courtroom scenes are crisp and effective, and the jury deliberation sequences add an intriguing layer of tension. I found it suspenseful, with natural dialogue and characters who act like real people, something that's rarer than it should be. Toni Collette is particularly strong, giving one of her best performances. Yes, there are some plot holes, and the ambiguous ending wasn't quite what I hoped for, but I appreciated how it left me contemplating what I might do in a similar situation. This is a tense, well-acted swan song from a master filmmaker, and holds up well against other courtroom dramas, especially for those of us who don't usually cotton to the genre. (7.5/10)
Black Doves (2024)
An enjoyable though tonally discordant British crime drama...
I was set to jot down a few words about "Black Doves", the Netflix spy thriller starring Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, and Sarah Lancashire, three actors I adore, when a conversation with a friend helped crystallize my thoughts (and subsequently cannibalize his). He described it as "fun and entertaining, but the emotional, realistic aspects of the story didn't work harmoniously with the unrealistic action," and that's a perfect summary. I may have enjoyed it a bit more than he did, but there's no denying the tonal discord. It probably would have played better back in December when it dropped, given its Christmas setting. That said, it was worth it by the end when comic goddess and legend, Tracey Ullman, appears as the villain, looking and sounding divine.
Shrinking (2023)
S02 deepens character dynamics while maintaining a warm, witty core...
"Shrinking" S02 takes everything great about the first season and elevates it. Jason Segel leads an outstanding ensemble, with Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Ted McGinley, Lukita Maxwell, and Christa Miller all fantastic. But it's Harrison Ford, in what could be his swan song, who delivers one of his finest performances in years as a psychiatrist facing Parkinson's. The cast's chemistry is phenomenal, and their dynamic keeps every scene alive. The writing is sharp, authentic, and full of heart, balancing humor and emotional truths, and Brett Goldstein (also behind "Ted Lasso") further cements himself as a top-tier talent. S02 builds upon its predecessor, deepening character dynamics while maintaining its warm, witty core. It's a show that has something real to say about grief, therapy, and human connection. It's also made me reflect on my own therapists over the years, though none ever (inadvertently) encouraged me to push an abusive boyfriend off a cliff, oy.
Conclave (2024)
A taut & surprisingly riveting thriller that's more than mere pageantry...
"Conclave" is a taut and surprisingly riveting thriller that elevates what could have been mere pageantry into a gripping drama. Ralph Fiennes delivers a masterful and restrained performance, while the always luminous Isabella Rossellini adds gravitas to a film steeped in intrigue. The movie balances the solemnity of an ancient ritual with an undercurrent of camp, making the weighty process of electing a new pope both suspenseful and subtly absurd. Visually stunning, "Conclave" meticulously recreates the Vatican's grandeur, including an impressively faithful rendition of the Sistine Chapel. The film's minimalist aesthetic enhances the claustrophobia of the setting, while the script moves forward with mounting tension. Even for those whose only brush with Catholicism was Sunday Mass (or CCD classes) as a child, the stakes feel urgent. Director Edward Berger crafts an absorbing look behind the smoke and ceremony, proving that no matter the setting, political machinations are always thrilling.
A Real Pain (2024)
An authentic, sensitively written, beautifully filmed meditation
I adored this little gem of a film. "A Real Pain" is a reminder of what we're missing these days: a crisp, tight 90-minute movie about mismatched Jewish-American cousins embarking on a Holocaust tour in Poland. Sounds like a tough sell, right? Amazingly, Jesse Eisenberg has crafted an authentic, sensitively written, and beautifully filmed meditation on intergenerational trauma and guilt, laced with humor, discomfort, and surprising warmth. Movies that visit concentration camps must tread carefully, but this one strikes the perfect balance, blending comedy and pathos with remarkable nuance. The supporting cast is terrific, particularly Will Sharpe and the always-welcome Jennifer Grey, while the stunningly photographed Polish cityscapes help lighten the film's weightier themes. With multiple Oscar nominations, it stands a strong chance at Best Original Screenplay. This has also been my proper introduction to Kieran Culkin, since I've never watched "Succession", now at the top of my watchlist.
Ojing-eo geim (2021)
A decent though violent Season 1 ruined by an awful Season 2...
I enjoyed S01 of "Squid Game" well enough. Once I adjusted to the shock factor of childhood games turned into bloodbaths, the social commentary was engaging, and so I gave S02 a shot. What a frustrating waste of time. With each episode, my anger actively grew. By E06, I was fully hate-watching, yet powered through, if only to justify the hours already spent. And for what? A season so grotesque, so gratuitous in its violence, that whatever sharp critique on capitalism or power structures it attempted to convey was buried under layers of nastiness and brutality. And the way the final episode ended with everything up in the air was the coup de grâce. At a time when the world already feels politically, environmentally, and psychosocially bleak, this season felt like an exercise in masochism. I don't need more brutality dressed up as entertainment; I need unicorns, koalas, rainbows, sunshine, and smiles. You can skip this flaming pile of poo and find tons of superior K-dramas out there.