dobraashe Reviews

The Idea of You (2024)

Finally, a romantic comedy I can identify with!

[10/10 · 9 May 2024]

In the genre of an older woman with a younger man, this movie finally gets it right!!!

The younger man is completely smitten and confidently pursues her - with complete innocence and abandon. He's not creepy nor over sexual. He just smitten! He's slightly nervous around her while she's not taking him as a serious suitor.

But, their chemistry is undeniable! Their conversations are real and frank. She feels like she can open herself up to him because she doesn't feel judged by him.

In the real world, I'm a huge fan of older women with younger men, especially once the age difference is not an issue for the woman.."I'm too old for you" "I could be your mother" "we don't fit"

This movie captures the magic of a beautiful romance.

Jimmy Carr: Natural Born Killer (2024)

Not for the faint of heart. Thankfully!

[10/10 · 16 April 2024]

This was my first time watching comedian Jimmy Carr. He has a very unique style for North American audiences that took me about 20 minutes or so to catch on. Once I did, I couldn't stop laughing - out loud! His rapid but pointed delivery style reminds me of the fellows (Cleese, Palin, etc.,) from the classic Monty Python films and Fawlty Towers shows that I watched when I was young.

He is not only great at one liner jokes and double entendres but he has an incredible knack for telling stories while engaging unsuspecting members from the audience.

I'm happy to see he has many more comedy specials that I can catch up on.

Sugar (2024– )

Zzzzzzzz....

[4/10 · 8 April 2024]

I wanted to like this show because Colin Farrell is an excellent actor and I love detective/noir films. Ferrel is good in this show but ALL, and I mean ALL, the other actors are terrible. There's not one supporting actor that gives a believable performance....except the dog. The dog shows a lot of appropriate emotions without over acting. I would definitely watch another show with this fabulous dog. His acting skills are comparable to Snoop from Anatomy of a Fall. They're both good boys!

Back to the other supporting actors: I'm not sure if they're trying to be campy but they come off as cheesy sitcom actors from the 90s.

I've seen the first two episodes but I'm not sure I'll watch the 3rd once it's released.

Ripley (2024)

If Fellini & Hitchcock directed Ripley..

[10/10 · 6 April 2024]

I just started episode 6 and I must say this miniseries is exactly what The Talented Mr Ripley needed - a deep dive into his character and motivation. I like the choice of a not so pretty boy for the lead actor. Both Alain Dolan (Purple Noon) and Matt Damon (1999 version) were stunningly gorgeous and fantastic in their roles but Andrew Scott brings a guy next door earthiness/sliminess to the character of Tom Ripley. He's someone who could easily blend into the crowd and go unnoticed. But, with each episode, he captures my attention no less than Dolan or Damon.

I'm loving the black & white cinematography and interesting camera angles which work well together to highlight the beauty of Italian architecture and the coast.

The noticeable lack of music is soothing and helps connect with the characters and the sounds in their environment. To me the sounds are like another character in the story.

With the strong supporting characters in the previous versions of Ripley, I was initially not sure of the characters of Marg, Dickie, and Freddie - but they grew on me and became very believable. I especially enjoy Freddie being British not American. The Brits do snobby so well!

Now I'm looking forward to the introduction of the inspector and how the next 3 episodes unfold...

Thank you to all involved in making this project.

Infinite Storm (2022)

An experienced hiker hiking with XC-Ski poles??!

[3/10 · 23 February 2024]

Did the director, producers, or even Naomi Watts not consult a single hiker or climber when doing research for this movie?

Hiking poles are retractable for many reasons. The poles are made shorter when going uphill and used to push the hiker up the hill. They are lengthened when going downhill to help support the hiker's knees. This is Basic Hiking 101. According to the movie description, Naomi Watts' character is an experienced hiker /mountain rescuer. Why on earth is she using xc-ski poles which are designed to be extra long single shaft that is used guide behind the skier's boots? No wonder it broke at the start of her hike. They're not designed to take the weight of a hiker!

Regarding heading up a mountain with a poor weather forecast, is NOT something an experienced hiker would do. Doubt a novice would do it either.

She's not wearing the proper base layers nor does she have crampons or icers for her boots. Gaiters are a must to prevent snow/water from getting into the top of boots.

No bear or cougar spray? No air horn? Only a whistle??

Thunder = get off mountain.

At least they used an internal frame pack unlike many Hollywood films that used an external frame pack from the 80s.

The sounds of the blizzard were very authentic. Also, mountain weather can change very quickly, so the blizzard was believable.

When she fell through the crevasse, the snow looked super fake. Almost like styrofoam.

The dialogue wasn't very engaging. Hikers are a fun and adventurous group. This movie did not capture the essence of hiking nor even survival.

Skip this film and watch Dawn Wall or the academy award winning Free Solo to capture the essence of SURVIVAL IN THE MOUNTAINS.

Good Grief (IV) (2023)

The BEST FILM I've seen in a very long time

[10/10 · 6 January 2024]

Excellent gem of a film about love, loss, disappointment, friendship, and grief. A good grief.

Once again, Dan Levy shows his ability to write, direct, and act in a way that subtly captures human emotions. In particular, something we all experience at some point in our lives - the loss of a loved one.

The dialogue amongst the main characters flows effortlessly as it does with our closest friends. The monologues are noteworthy.

The sets in London and Paris are beautiful backdrops for the internal turmoil faced by the main characters. No matter how beautiful our surroundings, our pain follows us everywhere.

The musical score and film soundtrack are perfect.

Mr Levy, thank you for making me laugh, cry, laugh, and cry again - all within 100 minutes. Bravo.

Fatal Attraction (2023)

Gets better with every episode!

[8/10 · 28 May 2023]

I just finished the eighth and final episode of season one. I really enjoyed this show! Half way through the season, I re-watched the original movie which is a ten out of ten classic thanks to Michael Douglas, Glenn Close, a very tight script, and a shorter running time.

That said, the tv show has the luxury of time to get into the background stories of some of the main characters. We get to witness how childhood trauma affects an adult's mental health.

Joshua Jackson was perfectly cast as the self important, boring, and philandering lawyer husband. Amanda Peet played the beautiful, loving, yet strong wife. Toby Huss' performance as foul mouthed Mike was a surprise treat. If you've ever known a mentally unhealthy woman who is somehow able to temporarily lure certain types of men, then you'll see that Lizzy Caplan did a fantastic job. Why do they always have that big eyed non-blinking stare?! Creepy.

On the negative side, I thought Amanda Peet's mom (Sophie) and Joshua Jackson's boss (Marcella) were poorly cast. I really struggle with the heavy use of botox, filler, and extreme facelifts on actors. They are not able to express their emotions properly. Every facial movement looks so painful.

Overall, an entertaining show. Wonder if there will be a second season?

From (2022– )

One good actor in a sea of brutal actors

[4/10 · 25 April 2023]

Nine out of ten for Harold Perrineau's acting! He is just as great, if not better, than he was in LOST. Unfortunately, a two out of ten for the rest of the cast. The female actors are particularly bland and boring to watch. Not one of them was believable..not one!! Other than Boyd, everyone seems to make some really unbelievably stupid choices.

Also, what is up with all the crying with no tears?! In episode 2, when Tabitha embraces her son and husband, her fake, no tears crying is cringy. The same goes for Kenny when his dad is found dead. If an actor can't muster up real emotions, pull a nose hair. That'll get the tears going. Or, use some artificial tear drops.

The location and set are perfect. Very eerie! Music is ok.

The storyline has a lot of potential..but unlike LOST, there's no chemistry amongst the characters nor any comic relief, and, frankly it's not very scary nor suspenseful.

In episode 3, Jim and Tabitha quickly accept the fact they can't leave the town. They're even joking around with their kids. When they are shown their new home, no one bothered to clean up the blood stained walls.

The only believable reaction is from the passenger in the Audi. He's running around town thinking it's a big elaborate joke staged by his friend/partner.

I'm only on S1:E4 and I'm not sure how much more I can watch. Unlike LOST which had me hooked from the opening scene, I really don't care what happens to these characters on FROM.

Chris Rock: Selective Outrage (2023)

The BEST Chris Rock special!

[10/10 · 5 March 2023]

Chris Rock started off the show by saying he was not going to offend ANYONE. I didn't believe it could be done, but he did it!! What an amazingly talented man!

He had me laughing at my Lululemon collection. I respected his actions regarding his eldest daughter's expulsion for high school. Despite his enormous weath, he's a father who truly loves his kids and cares about their longterm well-being.

He even addressed the Will Smith slapping incident at the Oscars but did it in very respectable, relatable, and evolved manner. .....with a little bit of humor and humility.

And, at the end, a well deserved mic drop and standing ovation.

Will watch this again!

Fall (I) (2022)

Hallmark movies have more accurate climbing scenes

[1/10 · 17 January 2023]

I was so excited to watch this film. As an outdoor enthusiast, I love thriller adventure films about mountaineering, skiing, diving, surfing, and especially climbing.

Unfortunately, this movie started with the most ridiculously impossible and stupid climbing scene that even a child would question as to "who is pulling up the rope at the other end?? Why is everyone climbing side by side?"

A person with any amount of logic would know that if a person is climbing attached to one end of a rope, there will be slack that's created in the rope and that slack needs to be pulled through a belay device by someone (their belay partner) at the other end of the rope.

The two main climbing girls do not have the physical appearance of climbers. No arm or leg muscle definition.

What about helmets? No one climbs outdoors without a helmet.

Skip this movie and watch much better adventure climbing films like Free Solo, Dawn Wall, Meru. Even Sylvester Stallone's cheesy Cliffhanger scenes are less cringy than these climbing scenes. Or watch Tom Cruise climb in his films.

It's beyond me why the creators of this movie didn't consult even one climber. Even a beginner climber. Any kid at a rock climbing gym would have offered free advice..

The Longest Week (2014)

A fabulously underrated SATIRE about the wealthy

[10/10 · 7 December 2022]

A wonderful satire about the one percent...for the one percent or for those that want to observe the one percent. In this regard, it's comparable to the highly rated and successful Arrested Development and Succession. All characters are completely out of touch with the realities of the average person. And, THAT is what makes them so incredibly interesting!

At around the 35 minute mark, if one is paying attention, the whole premise of the movie is explained at a post live theater dinner conversation between Jocelyn (the blind date) and Conrad (Jason Bateman) in which they discuss the people attending the performance.

Jocelyn asks, "how am I supposed to care about a group of over privileged affluent types who go gallivanting around without any sort of moral compass?" Conrad, "the affluent have many problems. I'm a mess." Later, regarding the performance Jocelyn says, "How am I supposed to sympathize with these characters? No one suffers any consequences for their actions, no one learns anything and nobody changes." Conrad, "IT WAS A SATIRE"

Brilliant! Loved the Woody Allen-ish dialogue, cinematography, the sublime soundtrack, and the chemistry amongst the three lead actors - Bateman, Wilde, and Crudup!

Immersion (2021)

Excellent except for one flaw...

[8/10 · 29 November 2022]

I really wanted to like this movie. It was a slow burn that was intense, atmospheric, and had me on the edge of my seat...

The acting was excellent by all the actors. I watched in the original Spanish with English subtitles. I find dubbing loses a lot of the emotion.

That said, the only problem I have with this otherwise wonderful movie is how the two adult daughters were depicted. They looked like they were in their early twenties (possibly university or grad students) but they had the maturity and street smarts of 4th graders. They were embarrassingly naive for their gender, age, and the modern day setting of the film. Women have a 6th sense for danger when it comes to men - especially physically unattractive men.

IMO, the characters' actions would have been more believable if perhaps they were young sons in their late teens/twenties (who are less risk averse) or even much younger daughters in junior high school. I'm reminded young Juliette Lewis' brilliant portrayal of a naive but curious daughter in Cape Fear (1991).

Other than that, it was a very well made movie!

Shantaram (2022)

Soap Opera

[2/10 · 15 October 2022]

I just can not understand the high IMDB rating....unless, it's mostly women rating Charlie Hunnam's shirtless scenes.

Other than Hunnam, most of the actors are stiff as boards and show no emotion. The lead women are attractive but sound like they're just reading their scripts at a first table read. Totally flat with no cadence to their speech. Maybe they're unskilled actors or maybe it's the direction. Regardless, the women are like cardboard cutouts.

The Indian actors are embarrassingly laughable stereotypes. Either evil or nerds. More stiff acting. I've enjoyed some excellent Indian films and acting, so I don't understand why they couldn't find better local actors.

Charlie Hunnam is a good actor but even his acting, good looks, and charm can't save the other actors and this script.

Blonde (2022)

Humanizing Marilyn Monroe

[10/10 · 28 September 2022]

I don't understand the negative reviews - especially from the critics. Granted this film is not for the superhero watching masses who want an escapist white washed version of the icon's life.

Ana de Armas is as ethereal in her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe as Marilyn was depicted in real life. Perfect. The hair, makeup, costume departments were spot on. Her accent is mostly accurate. Not an easy feat given the complex nature of Monroe's voice.

The cinematography is brilliant! Dreamlike yet gritty. It really captures the different periods in Marilyn's life.

Mostly importantly, this film does not shy away from difficult but important topics like undiagnosed mental illness, childhood trauma, domestic violence, Hollywood's rape culture, sexualization of women, misogyny, women's right to choose what happens to their bodies... issues that we humans (especially women) are still dealing with fifty years later.

Who amongst us, at some point or another, has not put on a fake smile and acted like everything was okay. This film beautifully and graphically humanizes the icon.

The Morning Show (I) (2019– )

Went from excellent to boring to excellent again!

[9/10 · 24 September 2022]

The first season was intriguing, fast paced, and with interesting characters. I binged it in a matter of days. I loved the dynamic amongst the main male and female characters as well as the dichotomy between the veterans and the newbie. Reese Witherspoon's innocence was captivating. Great season one finale, so naturally I was excited about season two.... The first four episodes of season 2 dragged.....but I'm glad I persevered. The second season really picked up with the 5th episode. They dealt with some difficult topics that other shows shy away from for fear of antagonizing the viewers. The Morning Show deals with them head on! Bravo!

Then, on a totally different level, I do not understand what Jennifer Aniston has done to her once beautiful face. It's not age. It's the excessive use of botox and fillers that has ruined her face. She looks perpetually swollen and startled! What's wrong with wrinkles? They're beautiful.

One caveat: If her face is swollen due to medically needed oral steroids, then I understand. Otherwise, a naturally aging face is very graceful.

Senior Year (2022)

I really wanted to like this show...

[3/10 · 19 August 2022]

I wanted to like this show because I really like Rebel Wilson and her brand of comedy. But, unfortunately this show sucked. She wasn't cute nor endearing.. and what was up with those never changing side bangs?

None of the jokes hit their mark. I didn't laugh once. Terrible script.

Hopefully, Rebel's next project is more in keeping with her talents.

Dietland (2018)

This show predicted the overturning of Roe vs Wade!

[10/10 · 16 July 2022]

I love this show! Excellent acting by the lead (Joy Nash) with an incredibly brave, thought provoking, and validating script. And, given the recent over-turning of Roe vs Wade, a very poignant story of how far we women still have to go to attain equality to men. This show says what many of us women and girls have been thinking but are not empowered enough to say...

Jayeshbhai Jordaar (2022)

Very accurate movie 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[10/10 · 27 June 2022]

This movie depicts the true to life misogyny that exists in Indian culture. The horrors that brides face by their in-laws in extended families, is still commonplace. Sexual harassment and rape culture of young women Then there's the femicide. The fact that knowing the gender of a fetus is illegal in India speaks volumes about femicide. This film takes an interesting and easily accessible approach to a very dark topic.

The One That Got Away (2022)

What a great idea for a show!

[9/10 · 24 June 2022]

Excellent premise for a dating reality show. It's a thought that's crossed all our minds at one point - what if our perfect match was in our past??!

Interesting cast members and matches from their past. Most are just regular nice people. And, of course there's one drama Queen!

Now on the second episode. I'm looking forward to see where this goes...

My Week with Marilyn (2011)

No! No! No!

[2/10 · 15 June 2022]

I've seen drag queens who look and act more like Marilyn Monroe than Michelle Williams did in this movie. Michelle Williams is an excellent actor but she was wrongly cast as MM. I've seen many MM films and her look, facial expressions, and bodily mannerisms were extremely unique. Her sense of comedic timing was impeccable. Then there was her sex appeal! Unfortunately, Michelle Williams was not able to capture any of these qualities.

The Gift (II) (2015)

I never knew...

[9/10 · 24 April 2022]

A wonderful little short film with a pleasant surprise at the end. A good reminder that sometimes not getting what we want ends up being the best thing for us. I'm so glad Amazon Prime offered this gem.

The Undoing (2020)

Enjoyable and easy to follow mystery

[8/10 · 13 March 2022]

A straightforward murder mystery with the excellent acting we have come to expect from this top notch lead cast.

The only thing that was very distracting was Nicole Kidman's excessive facial plastic surgery, fillers, botox... Especially when she smiles, the corner of her mouth spread out laterally like The Joker. Also, when she cries, her face doesn't move at all. At all!

Here's hoping she and her plastic surgeon decide to back off so she starts looking more like herself aging gracefully.

Spencer (2021)

Oscar for Kristen Stewart

[10/10 · 13 March 2022]

Love, shocks, and laughter!

Brilliant acting by Kristen Stewart on how it FEELS to be an outsider.

Situational mental health disorder caused by a man who always wanted another and in-laws who never accepted her common ways. Living in a royal prison like some before her. Hearing ghosts from the past. Remembering her childhood and a simpler time. A longing for love and friendship. A wonderful mum who found a way out of her prison. A lesson for us all.

Wonderfully told story with a beautiful music score.

Murderville (2022– )

Laugh out loud funny!

[10/10 · 6 March 2022]

Hilarious concept adapted from a British show that I'd never heard of before this American version.

I'm a huge fan of Will Arnett ever since Arrested Development. Also hilarious in BoJack, 30 Rock. Surprised by his dramatic skills in Flaked. He plays the antihero so well.

Great to see him in another comedy along with other well known celebrities. My favorite was Kumail Nanjiani who even made Arnett break character repeatedly. Sharon Stone was surprisingly funny in the OR scene.

A definite must see!

Danger 5 (2011–2015)

So Funny!!!

[10/10 · 6 March 2022]

You'll either love it or not get it! Funny homage to 1950s spy and espionage shows. I was hooked in the first few minutes of the pilot when the German Shepard spoke German.