Change Your Image
angelicacamaron
Reviews
This Is Me... Now: A Love Story (2024)
Cringey
The beginning started really promising and beautiful, then it went off the rails. The production values are slick--visually, it's stunning. The costumes and special effects are gorgeous. I found the movie parts to be watchable, but once the music videos started, it was a cringe fest. I laughed out loud at the choreography. I ended up utilizing the fast forward button through all the music. The two stars I gave are for the cinematography and costumes. I can see why J Lo had to fund it herself though. The writing isn't good. I'm embarrassed for the people who agreed to do cameos. Neil DeGrasse Tyson? Jane Fonda? Trevor Noah? Oof, bad choice to agree to this mess.
We Have a Ghost (2023)
Not good
First, the pluses: Production values were okay, and I laughed at Jennifer Coolidge's character a few times. I liked that the movie poked fun at social media stuff. Soundtrack was also decent.
Beyond that, this movie just plain isn't worth the time spent watching it. It goes from a serious family drama feel to a campy comedy farce in the same scene, which doesn't work. The characters' behavior seems inconsistent in general. The four family members have zero chemistry and we are supposed to believe that they hire movers and buy organic oranges yet are broke. Doesn't wash. This movie was made for fifth graders.
The Hotwives of Las Vegas (2015)
Enjoyed this as much as Orlando
Hilarious! I love that actors from the Orlando version are in this version. Some of them I had to double check to make sure they were who I thought they were because the acting was so great it was hard to tell (Leona and Ivanka in particular). The storylines we really creative too. I was disappointed that Kristin Schaal only made a cameo appearance because she was one if my favorite characters. I wish she'd been a regular cast member. Anyone who has seen a Real Housewives episode can see the similarities between it and this satire show. It really highlights how vacuous and ridiculous the real housewives are. I'll take Hot Wives.
Inheritance (2020)
I love you, Simon Pegg...but I can't rate this higher even for you
Simon did as well in this role as he possibly could (I found his American accent great) but this movie was a mess from the beginning. Too many plot holes, thin writing, unrealistic behaviors by characters...Lily Collins has the acting chops for this role, however I just can't believe she's an accomplished, seasoned DA/businesswoman when she looks fifteen. I think there were many miscast actors in this movie in general. The writing fails to satisfy the rationale of *why* characters behaved as they did, which gives Lifetime movie vibes. It's obviously, painfully, low budget. It stretches too long as well. Sorry, but this one is a miss for me.
Sister of the Groom (2020)
Drew me in right away
I like Alicia Silverstone so I was thrilled to find this movie. I didn't have high expectations for it, but I ended up being pleasantly surprised. The acting was decent, the production values were good, and the scenery was great. I don't think the current rating is justified so while I think this movie is a solid eight, I'm going to rate a ten. I enjoyed the movie so much that I will be rewatching. I was sad to hear the actor who played Alicia Silverstone's father passed away from complications of Covid. I first saw him in Desperately Seeking Susan. Forty five more characters until I can post this...
Alone (2020)
Yes, it's the same movie as Alive
I've seen lots of zombie flicks and some of them have been real stinkers. This one is decent, as was Alive. Yes, the main character's acting was over the top at times, but a lot can be forgiven based on the fact he is under extreme duress - It's believable that someone could react in such a way. Production values were better than your average B movie. I'm rating 10 because I want to bring the average up. This movie is a solid 6.5.
The Mummy Returns (2001)
Great Sequel
This movie has it all- humor, action, adventure, romance. Every actor is perfectly cast too. I have a major crush on Brendan Frasier. He's excellent in this film. Some might call this sequel a popcorn movie. Whatever. I'm here for it. I highly recommend The Mummy Returns.
Shameless: Father Frank, Full of Grace (2021)
Ended exactly as it should've
So many rants here from self-entitled reviewers who didn't receive what they believe they "deserve". Poor them. They don't realize the series was wrapped up exactly as it should've been. Shameless has always been social commentary that refuses to promise a happily ever after. This is what viewers have always loved about it. The finale was no different. Life goes on in the Shameless universe. Not everything is tied up with a pretty little bow.
For those who decry the sly backhanded (and not so backhanded) jabs re: politics/cancel culture/the election/police brutality/#metoo movement/BLM/Antifa/Fascists/religion, etc...of course Shameless was going to go there. They always have. This isn't the doing of "Hollywood's elite". Maybe the nods were just too subtle for some viewers to pick up on before. I would've preferred to have Fiona at least mentioned (beyond Frank's flashback) and Mickey's child addressed, but it is what it is. Great show regardless. Ten stars.
Old (2021)
Disappointed
Like many have said, the movie's concept is fantastic, but poorly executed. The acting is subpar. The dialogue is stilted and cliche. Continuity mistakes abound.
I'm capable of suspending disbelief, but not to the degree that this movie requires. There are just too many plot holes and errors. The characters made stupid decisions too. I laughed at more than one scene. I was hoping for something the quality of Shayamalan's earlier works. I'm so glad I didn't pay to watch Old.
The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer (1947)
Darling Classic
What's not to love about The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer? Excellent cast, charming characters, lighthearted fun. Myrna Loy has always been a favorite. An absolute classic!
The Ice Road (2021)
Not an Oscar Contender but Lots of Thrills!
This is a popcorn movie. Suspend disbelief and enjoy it for what it is. While it's never going to win awards, it's definitely not a 1 star film. I enjoyed it and recommend it for those who don't need technical accuracy and are looking for an exciting movie to watch.
Sex/Life (2021)
Not Very Good. At all.
My FB feed is full of my friends' posts about how "hot" this series is. Everyone is talking about episode 3. "OMG, have you seen episode 3?!" I decided to watch the series to see what the hubbub is about. I'm watching now and I'm halfway through that episode.
So, apparently, this Netflix series is based on a book. My friends say the book is very different/better than this is... ugh, I hope so.
The characters are all rich and attractive, of course. Predictably. Insert eyeroll emoji. They are "cookie cutter" but I will admit I've had a mini crush on Mike Vogel since he was Barbie in Under the Dome. LOL. He does as well as he can in his role but I find all of the leads as to be one-dimensional and an embarrassing cliche. Lots of shots of Vogel's bare bottom in showers though, if you're into that.
Brad as a character does nothing for me. I mean is that his actual accent? He lacks charisma although we are led to believe he is ultra-charismatic. Actually, the actor skeeves me out for some reason. Maybe Brad'll end up being a true baddie because Billie and her "friend" are talking about him being "bad news". Foreshadowing? I probably won't continue watching so I'll never know.
Now, on to Billie. Lord, this women is unlikable. We are told Billie is amazing because, well, Billie is *amazing*. We are supposed to admire her, root for her, like her. I can't. I see nothing remarkable about her other than her looks-- yes, she is beautiful, but the actress seems a little too old for the role (sorry, but she does). Supposedly Billie is highly educated and an accomplished psychologist, but all this character cares about is getting laid. She can't get through a solitary scene without fantasizing about her ex... Idk. Theres nothing of substance with Billie. She's h*rny. That's it. Critics will fixate on how Billie has *everything* and it's still not enough for her. And they're right. It's abhorrent.
As an aside: The Asian gal playing the Cooper's boss is a terrible actress. You just know he's gonna end up cheating with her though. I laughed during her scenes she was so ridiculous. And the cute little boy playing Hudson? So sweet, but so awful. Shrug. It's the truth.
The I love escapism fiction but this production makes Fifty Shades look like high art.
The Housewife and the Hustler (2021)
Well Done Documentary
Tom and Erika Girardi are the worst of the worst. Vile creatures, who lived a life of excess beyond their means--on victims' dimes. They are snakes who slithered under a faux veil of wealth. I'm disgusted by what I learned in the doc. One could almost say Tom wanted to appease his much younger attractive wife and was willing to pay *any* price to be able to keep her on his arm--no fool but an old fool, right? Except his misdeeds weren't just during their marriage. The California Bar allowed him to get away with criminality for 40 years--complaints were dismissed, swept under the rug. Yes, they are culpable, too. They should be brought in front of a judge and be forced to provide compensation to the victims. As far as Erika goes, I hope she ends up broke and working as cocktail waitress in a dive bar. I feel so bad for the victims who were cheated! And shame on Bravo. You know they are rubbing their hands together gleefully over how ratings will go through the roof. I'll never watch a Real Housewife episode again.
Dirty John: No Fault (2020)
Eh
The onscreen story is good, kept my interest... but, I've followed the Betty Broderick case from the beginning (I'm old as dirt) and it's not very accurate. Betty was a controlling, lying, delusional, psychotic harpy who put her kids through hell because her husband didn't want her anymore. Boohoo. It happens. Yeah, it sucks. Maybe she'd been treated unfairly at times. She gave as good as she got, plus some. Yes, she helped him become successful, but she was getting like 16 grand a month support--in the 80s!--which is more than adequate compensation. She should've moved on. Fact. Watch the version with Meredith Baxter if you want to know what really happened. It was fun to see Christian Slater though!
Shameless: Now Leaving Illinois (2020)
Beautiful Season Finale
Many complain about the last few seasons not being as good as the first ones... life tends to change and the show reflects that change. Shameless remains an amazingly written show, better than most churned out today. For those who complain the show is political, it always has been. Guess you never picked up on the clever nods and sly irony presented. I can't wait for season 11!
Shameless: O Captain, My Captain (2020)
This show has *always* been social commentary
I see a lot of triggered folks rating this episode (and others) purely based on not liking the social commentary of it rather than the quality of the writing. While I don't find the last few seasons of Shameless to be as stellar as the first 5 or 6, the show still ranks a solid 7/10, all else aside. My 10 is to aid in tempering the skewed cumulative.
Of course current politics play into the show, they always have. Policies affect real peoples' everyday lives (particularly poor folks) and Shameless puts a mirror up, reflecting that. If you are too dense to have picked up on the subtleties of that pre-Trump Administration, that's not the writers' fault. Also, extremely divisive politics are by virtue more in your face-- the show reflects the zeitgeist. Southsiders are likely blue voters, in case you aren't aware. Maybe if the writing is too triggering you should go watch Last Man Standing instead. *Shrug*
The Woman in the Window (2021)
Hitchcock/Film Noir Feel with Twists
I haven't read the book so my review is based solely on the film itself. The cinematography is fantastic: dark and atmospheric with film noir-esque elements. I struggled through the first half however. It moved slow for me. Plus, I didn't connect with Anna. I found her at best annoying, so it was hard to care about what happened to her. Then, the second half of the movie got interesting. There were enough twists and turns to take this from a 5 to a 7 for me.
What Lies Below (2020)
Eh.
I actually found the movie boring. I lost interest until most of the way through. By the time it got interesting it was over.
The Mindy Project (2012)
Love this show
The later seasons definitely aren't as quality as the earlier ones, but they're still good. There is some recycled material also, which leads to it becoming a bit stale in the last 2 seasons. Danny's annoying at times and I didn't care for Annette's character but I get what the writers are doing. The show is full of hilarious social commentary... it's actually quite cleverly done. This show isn't for everyone--it's definitely geared to the female demographic. I love that Mindy is not "thin" but she is gorgeous and her wardrobe is amazing. Visually, the show's stunning. I enjoy the lightheartedness of The Mindy Project.
House of Good and Evil (2013)
This movie makes zero sense
The premise seemed decent so I began watching this movie... I'm a third of the way in and it doesn't make sense. The main characters alternate between being lovey dovey one second and antagonist in the next. It's downright weird, like scenes have been cut out between? The wife acts insane at times, then she's normal the next and the husband doesn't comment on it? Why isn't there dialogue addressing it? I wondered if the woman has mental issues but then why would the husband move her out to an isolated area and leave her alone?
Also, as an aside, the idea that people would move to the middle of nowhere from the city with no electricity/phones is an interesting one and could add a lot to the plot but using a gas generator is kinda laughable to me... it sort of dates the movie. Why not solar panels or something. Idk. Just seemed odd. The main characters are extremely unlikable, even annoying, and their actions aren't believable. I don't have a problem with the cinematography, it's pretty on par with a low budget flick, but the pace is painfully slow. Honestly, I'm not finding any redeeming quality to make it worth continuing to watch.
Murder, She Wrote: Snow White, Blood Red (1988)
One of my favorites!
Great tension in this episode!
I thought it was interesting one of the reviewers found comic relief in Anne saying "The police are here." The security guards had drawn guns on the murderer, not the police. The police arrived after.
Murder, She Wrote: No Laughing Murder (1987)
Great Episode!
Buddy Hackett overdoes a bit but that's what he's known for. Top notch guest stars in any case-- enjoyed George Clooney and Wiley's character adds a nice touch of levity.
As an aside-- one reviewer pointed out a continuity error that isn't a continuity error. Farley puts his snifter down and moves to put his eyeglasses in the case. Camera cuts to Jess. When camera switches to Farley again he's already stowed his eyeglasses case away and picked the snifter up, obviously while off camera (rim of glass is just showing at the bottom edge of the screen). Then Farley starts in surprise and jerks the glass up, spilling the contents.
Big Sky (2020)
The first episode was a 6, downhill from there
After all the buzz about the big twist at the end of the Big Sky premiere I decided to watch. Eh. Ryan Phillippe was a draw. Killing him off was a twist, sure, but a bit of a bait and switch. The bad cop thing was uber predictable.
I stuck around to give it a chance. I just finished episode 3 and I think they've lost me. It's not improving--it's just plain not good. The acting is thin. The characters are one dimensional and trope-y. The cop's behavior is plain stupid as he antagonizes the lady searching for Phillippe. Supposedly he's smart enough to successfully sex traffic tons of girls then can't even handle a PI? Ridiculous. He obviously doesn't even try. Implausible behavior by most of the characters, even laughable.
This show is nothing we haven't seen before. I like Winnick but she isn't going to be enough to keep me watching.