MickyG333 Reviews

Lola (I) (2024)

I watched it

[6/10 · 12 May 2024]

6.0 stars.

I mean how bad can it be? At first it seems like it's going to be a normal movie about a young pretty girl who is a stripper and trying to get by with a low life, mother and stepdad. She is simply trying to make enough money to free herself and her nine-year-old brother, who is gender dysphoric. But things get worse and worse, and could they get any worse?

This is an extremely depressing tale of a person with no escape from her dead-end existence. But the story is naive. There are too many gaps where we need dialogue and fluff. The writer didn't give us anything to chew on. Instead we are left with a traumatic and unfulfilled narrative with no purpose or theme. Anyone could write this. And yet I somehow wanted to finish it. And then it starts to look like...and then it's over.

A Country Romance (2021 TV Movie)

Slow motion

[7/10 · 11 May 2024]

6.5 stars.

Just barely rounds up to a 7. It's somewhat difficult to manage placing this story in the realm of possible for several reasons. The main actor is not straight, so envisioning him as it is already difficult. But that's the reality of Hollywood, once an actor comes out, there's no stuffing themselves back in. Sure, we could say it's no different than trying to believe a straight portraying a non character. So be it. It's all about getting into the romance and enjoying the experience of attraction between two leads, knowing that one of them isn't capable of being that for the other. Ok, like I said, so be it.

Now let's talk about the movie. This story is presented to us in slow motion. I am not kidding. The tempo of conversation is literally turned down to 65%. Every sentence is deliberate, so the 90 minutes of run time is telling a 60 minute story. The story itself is not original in any way. In fact, this is about as unoriginal and monotonous as they come. So what was good about it? It's very relaxing and ASMR-like. This is a good film to unwind and end your hectic day with. Just too slow moving for any entertainment, but it has value in other respects.

Mother of the Bride (2024)

Netflix propaganda?

[7/10 · 11 May 2024]

6.9 stars.

This isn't bad and it's certainly not 4.9 stars bad. Is Netflix lying when they say this was #1 on their movie list this week? It doesn't have too many reviews and the rating is way too low for a #1, so I'm confused.

It's a decent rom com, Bratt and Shields have good chemistry. For two people in their late 50's they look really great. I will do my best to look that youthful when I get there, which isn't far off. Both of them have physiques of ripped 35 year olds, young looking faces, good all around health and tone.

The movie is generic. It's about a destination wedding on a tropical island resort, the whole family is there - not too many members. CMM is a supporting hot younger guy who is trying to get with Shield's character. Bratt's character is trying to get her attention again, to win her affections the way he had her 30 years ago in college. Meanwhile her daughter is marrying his son. There was history between several of the fifty something group - they all went to college together, lots of memories and drama.

Not a bad story, so I'm perplexed at the low ratings. Not great, sure, but entertaining enough.

Love, of Course (2018 TV Movie)

Great chemistry

[8/10 · 9 May 2024]

7.8 stars.

The leads have great chemistry, which elevates 'Love, of Course' from average to above. It's about a woman driving with her daughter to help her move into college in Oregon. While there, she is offered a permanent job, but it's a difficult decision, because her home is in Los Angeles. Her husband has long since passed. While considering this permanent career opportunity and a much needed change of scenery, she is given the job on a temporary basis to see if she is a perfect fit. A male professor is helping her with the duties. The romance sparks.

The chemistry between these two is undeniable. The woman's daughter has a minor role, but enough for us to get acquainted with her endearing character.

I wish they would have given the daughter 10 more minutes of screen time, but overall this film hits the spot for romance.

Baby Reindeer (2024)

Watched in one day

[8/10 · 8 May 2024]

8.4 stars.

I don't know how to describe this miniseries. It's unlike anything I've ever seen, yet contains so many similarities to many shows. The fact that I watched it all in one day says a lot. It's about 3.5 hours long in total, seven episodes about 30-40 minutes each.

What we have here is a jaw-dropping story based on true events that will leave you speechless. I can say this much, the author captured the reality of his life in so profound a manner, I could not believe what I was watching. The confusion that takes place in the mind of a person who suffers with chronically low self-worth, for any number of reasons...it can be mind numbing, and crazy making.

Funny, most of us don't learn from advice, we have to experience it for ourselves. Such is life. The damage can cause people to repeatedly fall into the same mistakes and traps. Some say this is the definition of insanity, but it's more accurately disillusionment caused by a lack of faith and confidence in your intuition...a direct result of chronic abuse. And there is also some guilt and shame and the intense desire for acceptance that follows.

The main character exhibits all of these traits as a result of what he has endured, the rape, the stalking, the comedy, the gaslighting. What an extraordinary and chilling journey for this man. No wonder he was trapped in an endless loop of pity and remorse for his malefactors.

Anyone But You (2023)

Salacious but amusing

[8/10 · 7 May 2024]

8.0 stars.

This movie is the romantic total package as it checks almost every proper box a rom com should, and some improper boxes too. The story has been done a trillion times, but it never gets old, if done right. 'Anyone But You' is quality viewing even if it's fairly crude with a lot of language. F-bombs left and right, not just a few, maybe a few too many for comfort, but maybe the choice words were a necessary element for this particular story. The vulgarity only serves as a guide to the inner frustrations of the lead characters. The reason is because we have two young adults who are very angsty and a bit deflated about the direction of their personal lives. Both have hit a slump in their romantic endeavors and are feeling disillusioned with love in general. He was devastated by a breakup some time ago, and she as well. We aren't fully aware of why or how the breakups occurred, but they were somewhat recent. As the plot continues, more of their past comes to light and previous romantic partners emerge.

This romantic tale begins in a coffee shop meet-cute, which is very hilarious and clever. Things couldn't be more wonderful until a misunderstanding which leaves them both in shock due to the apparent betrayal by both. Naturally, each blames the other for something that never happened. This seething distaste lasts for almost two years.

Now they are stuck seeing each other again at a destination wedding between his friend and her sister. We get to meet her parents and other parents, some friends, and a relative or two. It's a nightmare week where just about anything goes. The loathing they have for each other must be moderated by the other people involved before it gets out of hand, but the agendas and schemes run amok and threaten to derail the wedding itself.

I was not disappointed with the craftiness of this film. Looking beyond the language and quasi-nudity, it's one of the most entertaining and witless, yet exceedingly witty dialogues I've had the pleasure of experiencing in a while. The music and scenery were amazing, not to mention the sterling production as a whole.

Elevator Girl (2010 TV Movie)

Learning to compromise in life

[7/10 · 7 May 2024]

7.3 stars.

A young hot-shot lawyer and a free spirited woman get stuck on an elevator together and immediately spark an attraction. It's a rocky path to happiness and relationship bliss from that point forward. He is a bit hesitant to date her openly, because she is of "lower" class than he, but he's not a bad guy; it's just his place in life for the moment. But he immediately learns that life is more than status and appearances. He accepts that he's made a big mistake and makes up to her. She is very satisfied with him, and accepts him wholeheartedly. Things go smoothly for a while, but soon he starts to see traits in her that he feels she should improve upon. At first she is open to suggestions, until it goes just a little too far. This takes a toll on the relationship and it goes awry. Eventually, she realizes that maybe she should rethink her own life choices. Will they get a second chance to try again?

This is a nice and easy-going love story about two people who learn to stop and take a glance in the mirror and make a genuine effort to improve themselves. It's a nice bit of instruction for all of us: get out of your comfort zone before you can't find your way out.

'Elevator Girl' is an interesting title, but I can think of a dozen better ones.

Love Under the Stars (2015 TV Movie)

Sapp-a-licious

[8/10 · 6 May 2024]

8.0 stars.

I've not been blessed with the opportunity to see this until now. After monitoring and watching just about every film in existence (since 2005 or so) in the family genre (Hallmark, UP, Family channels),this one has eluded me? Wow, so they haven't aired this, that I can see, for over two full years on any of those channels, but who knows, I could've simply missed it (probably not).

What a wonderful experience going on a journey with a woman who is working on her third college degree. She's 30 years young, has dated a number of college men, and is now learning all about what it means to truly love people through the eyes of a little girl and her daddy.

That's all I have to say about it. The movie is sappy and sad and fun and wonderful. Enjoy!

Dark Waters (2019)

Stopped Teflon years ago

[8/10 · 3 May 2024]

8.4 stars.

If I didn't know better, I'd guess this was a film based on a Grisham novel. But NO, this is real. The film is compelling and gripping even beyond most of the Grisham novel based films. I stopped using Teflon after watching 'Dark Waters', but anyone who watches this can't continue to use it and consider themselves sane.

Ruffalo is a genius as usual. He is perfect for roles like this and I really like his style of acting. He always makes a character his own, and this is no different. He is the quintessential underdog, a small cog in the wheel of big chemical and industrial powerhouses who take advantage of the public. He is the lawyer who got suckered into a no-win-scenario case as a favor for his grammer (grandma), not realizing it would become a class action lawsuit resulting in a hundreds-of-millions dollar settlement.

The atmosphere created by the director is brilliant, one of those rare hard-hitting, fact-based stories about corporate corruption and deception on a grand scale. We all knew that Dupont (however great a company they have been for us, because they were instrumental in creating the atomic bomb) had more skeletons in the closet than most. Arguably the largest and mega-wealthiest corporation of its kind ever to exist on planet earth, but equally mega-destroying our ecosystems in the process.

12 Dates of Christmas (2011 TV Movie)

Retains its freshness

[8/10 · 2 May 2024]

8.1 stars.

I must've seen this three times now, but spread out evenly over the past decade. It popped up in Prime Video, figured why not, so I just bought it, because it was on sale, a very huge sale. I anticipate I'll watch it again in a few years, and again some years after. I just love both actors, they really shine, are so charismatic, and have great chemistry. Some people know how to do romance, both of these actors got it down to a science.

I was a bit perplexed by the number of dates (days) she repeats. It seems like about 30 at least, because some of the information didn't fit into such a small number. But that was my only critique worth mentioning. The rest is so entertaining and lovely and it just makes you want to get out there and fall in love again (or for the first time).

The Reckoning (2015 TV Movie)

Let the casting divide you

[7/10 · 30 April 2024]

7.2 stars.

All three of these movies were average for me, so I don't plan on seeing them again. This one was no different than #2 in that once again they changed the cast, but now a new actor portrays her long lost Amish boyfriend, Daniel. I really liked the actor portraying Daniel in the second film, but they switched him out for some scruffy looking guy. And along with Mr. Scruff is a questionable scrub whom he associates with. These dudes look like shady trailer trash. But as time passes, Daniel's character becomes more palatable. And then we have her adoptive Amish parents who appear to also be different actors as well. I thought they were likable enough. And we also meet a couple other characters that are fine.

So, suddenly, I prefer the new guy in her life. He's tall, handsome, and relatable. Why did the author have to diminish her old flame into a half a man? If I were the author, I would have deleted his character from the franchise. Either resurrect him as the long lost love interest and soulmate that he should've been, or remove him altogether. And when he finally sees her for the first time in so many years, the meeting is anti-climactic. This was the moment I was anticipating since finishing 'The Confession' (a few hours ago...*snicker*), but it was a disappointment. The last 10 minutes wrapped up a bit too fast. At that point I was thinking they packed too much material into the ending. All in all this is not the most impactful conclusion for the trilogy.

The main actress (Leclerc) grows on the audience even more profoundly than in the second film. I really liked her in this, and so the romance has some redeeming value that make this watchable. Notwithstanding, 'The Reckoning' is not an improvement over the first two.

The Confession (2013 TV Movie)

Transition from Amish to society

[7/10 · 30 April 2024]

7.4 stars.

I liked this one better than 'The Shunning', because there is more to the story and it's not totally shrouded in an Amish atmosphere. The producers could have made the first one better if they had provided more to the story, given us more variety and simply enlarged it a bit more. I certainly didn't enjoy the fact they dropped the original actress for this one. But I'm guessing she chose not to be in this for her own reasons. So we are left with this actress, who at first does not satisfy my subtle desire for continuity and consistency, however she grows on you. Actually, the actress who plays her doppelganger of sorts, was actually a better fit for the leading role. I actually liked her more.

Overall 'The Confession' is not a better film than 'The Shunning' in most respects, like cinematography, acting, music...but what was ten times better is the storyline, writing and dialogue. And we had a sinister man with a sinister plot to get the inheritance (not really sinister, but it was criminal). Just that aspect alone elevates this film above the first. I am somewhat disappointed to have no choice but rate this higher, because the first one was much higher quality production (in my opinion). If only they had made this a two movie set instead of three and stayed with the original actress...

The Shunning (2011 TV Movie)

Full on Amish

[7/10 · 29 April 2024]

7.2 stars.

I somewhat enjoyed the poignant factors in 'The Shunning'. It's not at all what I was expecting. We see some short scenes of a girl who we know is Amish, yet she's living in the secular world. But that was only a short scene, so I'm wondering if it was a daydream, or a flash into the future, or if the whole film was a flashback. But I'm not bothering to rewind and see exactly what I missed, I'm going to move on to the sequel.

Like I said, this film is enjoyable enough for a viewing. I'll probably not watch it again...well maybe in 15 years or so, who knows. My re-watch list generally has to be a 7.5 or higher.

Not much else to say except it's a touching story, but there is too much wasted potential. The plot is too basic. I think that's because they planned two sequels. Maybe next time make one sequel, pack more of a wallup two movies, instead of watering down three.

Branching Out (2024 TV Movie)

Far and away good

[8/10 · 29 April 2024]

8.2 stars.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I could go on about the plot in great detail, but I figure there isn't much point to it. I'll describe in a nutshell. A woman gets pregnant through a sperm bank and has a little girl. Daughter (about 9 years old) overhears some conversation between mom and best friend, now she wants to meet her dad. The rest of the story is about mom and daughter meeting dad and his wonderful extended family. Mommy and baby daddy fall in love, little girl falls in love with the rest of the family - the end.

There are a dozen qualities of this film that really stand that require no further mentioning. I will leave you with a bit of advice: focus on the little girl and her colorful personality and the rest will fall into place.

Running the Bases (2022)

You will love it or leave it

[8/10 · 28 April 2024]

8.3 stars.

If you need to feel inspired today, watch 'Running the Bases'. This is not a movie about baseball, although almost every scene happens on the ball field. Baseball is just the backdrop, but the main theme is about courage and faith. Yes, it's a religious theme, but more about how it feels than how it works.

This story is as emotionally driven as any faith based movie I've ever seen. You will be unable to hold back the tears if you are willing to let yourself go with the provocative message and the music. But if you wish to reserve your emotions for something not so "preachy" or wholesome, go right ahead and wait for that bigger and better action movie, or sci-fi, fantasy, or whatever floats your boat. But for me, I need some real inspiration sometimes.

This is one of, if not THE best Christian movie I've ever seen. Sure it's got that whole over-dramatization aspect with the inflated spiritual message and the love bombing, do-gooder theme. Nevertheless, it impacted me at the core of my being.

Based on the reviews I've seen, you will either love it or leave it. Do try to love it. Open yourself up to the possibilities that in many ways this narrative might change your perspective.

A Million Miles Away (2023)

Root for the underdog

[8/10 · 28 April 2024]

7.8 stars.

This is the quintessential root-for-the-underdog story. This guy has no advantages in life. He grows up in a poor family that does their best to make the most of a life in America, being from Mexico and destitute...already two strikes against. But this guy is super smart, like the smartest guy around, and you just know he's got it all figured out. When it comes to math and science and a mind that is able to grasp things that most people don't even know exists...what makes this really entertaining is watching him make fools out of everyone around him, but he's not that sort of person who even notices, he's just a good natured super intelligent man with a vision and dream to be an astronaut, and he's more than capable - except for some limited physical prowess (a big requirement of being an astronaut).

Highly recommended film for anyone who needs encouragement and comes from a position of being less fortunate than most.

Play the Flute (2019)

Fully religious but inspiring

[8/10 · 28 April 2024]

7.6 stars.

I was inspired by this story of teenagers in a church youth class, giving their new youth leader a hard time. There is one girl in the group that has a stutter, and she's the only one that is interested in being a Christian. The rest of the bunch are just there because their parents make them go to church and youth group. There are two boys who are obviously the leaders of the misfit bunch and they are angsty and sarcastic and rebellious. There are two girls who are somewhat subordinate to the two boys, although one of the girls is very angry and overly hateful of the whole idea of God and sin and life. She is bitter and it rubs off on her friend (the other girl in charge of the female clique). The poor girl with the speech impediment is a sweetheart, but they all make fun of her, so she is alone with her faith. The youth leader and his wife make it a point to focus on helping her fit in.

Of course she is a gorgeous young girl, and all the rest of the teens are too good looking for this to be realistic. Nevertheless, 'Play the Flute' is entertaining as much as it's uplifting.

The youth leader and his wife are inspiring personalities. This is a must-see faith based film. If I had to choose my the top ten Christian films, this might be on the list.

Left Behind (I) (2014)

What did you expect?

[8/10 · 27 April 2024]

8.1 stars.

'Left Behind' is about good people being taken to heaven by the Christian God and the rest of the people are stuck on earth to fend for themselves. While the good people have recently vanished, we focus on the story of an airline pilot (Cage) and his daughter who are somewhat strangers to each other. He has been too busy with his job, she's been away at college, but she's coming home and again he's neglecting the relationship. He has to fly to Europe this time. Once again there is tension. Her Mom has become a Jesus freak and her little brother is a cool little fella.

Suddenly, millions of people disappear and there is a lot of drama and action. It's an apocalyptic film about the end of the world, or almost the end. Will these remaining people "repent" and maybe go to heaven too? We won't find out in this movie, but the audience is asking the questions: could this really happen as the Bible seems to indicate? (side note, this isn't how the Bible describes it. Many people use a verse or two to create a paradigm of righteous people being swept up so they won't have to be persecuted. It's misinterpreted). Will there be a "rapture" of all the saints, while the "bad" people are left on earth to suffer and die? Who knows, but in this movie it happens.

The protagonist seems like a good person, so I'm not sure why she's left behind. She meets a nice, good looking man (Murray) and he also seems like a really decent guy. So what's missing with these supposed kind and level-headed people? Why didn't they go too?

This looks and feels like a blockbuster film, but there is something glaringly wrong with the whole setup. As you watch, you will notice little things that give it away...things like odd music that seems out of place, almost period music, like 80's television movies, or maybe some 90's music too, and once in a while the music is standard for our time. It's an odd combination.

Nicolas Cage does fine, it's obvious this was one of his last attempts at something decent before he went rogue. Now he's just an actor-of-fortune, does whatever, whenever he can, with reckless abandon. His last 40 movies (no joke) since 2014 have been busts, but he just does it for the paycheck. He has another 4 projects in the works. This man is prolific.

I really liked this movie. I always have enjoyed Airline disaster stories. This one has good special effects. The large passenger jet is the primary location for most of the scenes, and it was done right. The explosions and air shots and the scenery were all very well done. I think there is just something amiss. The supporting cast are almost all very cheesy and amateur in their presentations and this is really the main detractor.

The Valley of Light (2006 TV Movie)

Endearing and nice

[7/10 · 25 April 2024]

7.1 stars.

This is a very quiet and laid back story about a young man just out of the war. He has a brother who is in prison, but no other family to speak of. He meets an elderly man who says he needs to go to a lake just over the mountains yonder and maybe he'll find a good life. So he goes there and meets a community of very wonderful people who accept him as part of the big family.

There are a variety of personalities, such as a mute boy and his grandparents who have raised him, a slender blond woman who is widowed. Her husband was also in the war, but he has since died. We get to know a nice store owner and some lazy fellas who stir up minor trouble, but nothing too serious. It's a town, it's a nice place. Our protagonist starts to fall for the blond woman, and likewise she is taken by him. His real talent is fishing. He's the best catfisher you ever seen and the whole town is excited about it.

Some tragic happenings occur, and for a small town of nice people who have had their share of tragedy, it's not a particularly uplifting narrative. This film is somber and full of sadness. Maybe love will elevate this film out of a gloomy place. Love makes a valiant effort, but falls a bit short.

Finding You (2020)

Some great, some good, some dull

[7/10 · 25 April 2024]

7.4 stars.

'Finding You' is a good story. The budget seems to be on the higher end of romances, all with the Irish landscapes and the quaint villages throughout. The writing is excellent, but the acting is hit and miss.

It's about a college girl trying to secure a career with a conservatory playing the violin. She is obviously superior at the instrument, very talented, and anyone would want to see her play. Her only problem is that she lacks soul and feeling in her music.

She leaves the U. S. and goes to Ireland to spend some months with friends of the family. They have some history in that her brother stayed there years ago. He was inspired by the experience, and she hopes she too will catch some of the same inspiration. She meets a movie star and the two fall in love, but it's a tumultuous on-again-off-again affair. It makes a lot of sense under the circumstances due to him having a difficult father/agent and a female co-star in his movies whom he's known his whole life. The co-star has been his girlfriend in the past, so they have a very complicated relationship. The struggle is that he is under too much pressure to maintain his superstar facade and have a genuine relationship with a normal girl.

The writing is intelligent and entertaining, but some of the performances are wooden. The main problem is that the dreary portrayals belong solely to the leads. Don't get me wrong, they have some very poignant moments. I think as a whole it's an entertaining film and very emotional near the end. You just have to get there.

Medici (2016–2019)

Painstakingly dramatic

[6/10 · 24 April 2024]

6.4 stars.

For me to continue watching something to the end, it has to land somewhere in the ballpark of 7.2 stars. Take, for example, 'The Empress'. It's a period piece, it has all the same attributes of 'Medici', yet it far surpasses in almost every way. And I have to watch it dubbed in English (which is pristine dubbing I might add). What is it about 'Medici' that doesn't quite do it for me I'm not sure, but I'm trusting my gut and there are a few qualities that seem to miss the mark. The music is outlandishly loud and constant, with limited theme and variety. What is with the same lone horse rider in the fields between Rome and Florence? They must have shot that same person riding a horse about 50 times. These are all a part of my disappointing experience. Next, would probably be the dialogue. There seems to be a lot of talking, but nothing of substance.

People compare this with GoT, but it's not even in the same hemisphere. 'Medici' lacks cleverness and intrigue. The reveal at the end of season one was lackluster and the characters all faded into the shadows without any effect. I didn't miss anyone except maybe Contessina a little. She is the only one with any personality. Cosimo should have been a more sympathetic man, but in the end we aren't sure if we should like him or not. Is he a man of God, a hero, or just a scoundrel and a murderer? I guess he might have committed some acts of violence, but it seems the most violent part of his personality is the cold and calculated neglect of his family and friends. Frankly, his character was the most loathsome I've seen in any show in years.

Falling in Love in Niagara (2024 TV Movie)

Eccentric woman revisited

[8/10 · 22 April 2024]

7.8 stars.

A quirky woman gets dumped 5 weeks before her wedding and is persuaded to go on her honeymoon anyway; but instead of going with her fiance, she lets her older sister tag along. While in Niagara, she ends up falling in love with a man who is dealing with his own emotional baggage. They don't get along at first (go figure), but eventually she warms up to him in spite of his standoffishness, and he tolerates her eccentricities. He is a tour guide who likes to be spontaneous, and he helps her be more impulsive and adventurous (she likes to make lists). She doesn't realize what a catch she actually is, because her fiance has belittled her for too long.

Hallmark finds it fascinating to paint a picture of a stunningly gorgeous and sophisticated woman as being nutty and unorthodox (she is somewhat of a control freak). No wonder her fiance has had enough. Although the actress makes the character totally endearing, a real person would make anyone crazy after a few years.

This is not how life works. We don't find women like this exhibiting these particular traits. It just doesn't mesh with reality. And then she meets a fun-loving and insanely good looking man, but he's just a defeated and disheveled shell? Again, it doesn't ring true, at least, not in the sort of environment or circumstances portrayed in this film.

Unfortunately, this installment of the Hallmark universe (I think this is Hallmark) is so eerily similar to so many forerunners of its kind. Frankly, I think they were foaming at the mouth to film in Niagara falls. I can only imagine it's probably one of the most expensive locations in the world for permits. I'm betting it was all filmed in the Canadian section. I know the skywheel is in Canada (online maps show it in Canada), but for the rest of the footage, it's all conjecture.

But whatever, I like the actors, because they were all charismatic and entertaining.

Rancher 101 (2023 TV Movie)

Above average ranch-mance

[7/10 · 21 April 2024]

7.4 stars.

I don't know, I think this was a nice laid back rancher movie. A female movie star needs to learn how to look like a rancher, so she can land a leading role in an upcoming blockbuster film. He needs the money to keep the ranch afloat. The plot is as basic as they come, but the chemistry is far above average. Both actors are likable and believable, and that's half the battle.

The ranch is a nice place as a backdrop for a Hallmark type romance, so the story doesn't lack for majestic landscapes. The horses are nice, the acting is nice, the sets are good.

This is just a basic rancher meets city girl flick (in this case she's a well known actress - same difference). The chemistry makes this watchable.

In My Dreams (2014 TV Movie)

Dreaming your soulmate

[8/10 · 20 April 2024]

7.9 stars.

This has even more potential than it offers, but I still really loved it. The parts that disappoint are not the most important aspects of a movie for me. It's not a deal breaker. However, 'In My Dreams' can be a frustrating watch at times, because we are handed a pretty generous dose of anticipation, without the satisfaction to make it a fully entertaining. It's sort of a bait and switch, empty promises of wonderful and endearing romance and passion between the leads. Instead we are left with a romance that doesn't really get moving until much later. It has its ups and downs, but I needed more. Maybe a bit more recognition and motivation between the dreaming couple would be nice. They are dispassionate for way too long. In their own awake minds they feel it's authentic and wonderful, but toward each other, they have a sort of distance and aloofness that is disappointing.

The overall story is very sweet and even little intriguing. It's a slight twist on a theme of two soulmates meeting in their dreams, and then finally meeting for real. I like this rendition better than most, because the film creates a keen desire within us to see them meet in person. But I think they held the punch a bit too long.

Love, Divided (2024)

Wonderful music

[8/10 · 19 April 2024]

8.0 stars.

A man and woman are neighbors and soon discover they can hear each other through the wall that separates their apartments. It's a challenge at first, they don't get along at all. As time goes by, they become friends, and maybe more than friends...but they've never met face to face. Weeks pass as they continue their relationship this way.

Yet another outlier for me. All the reviews are showing thumbs mostly down as far as I can tell. Maybe this movie doesn't float the boat for the majority, but I was absolutely enthralled. The dubbing is done to near perfection. The voices used are really good and fit the personalities of the players to a tee. The lead male is good at his role as a shut-in hermit type who has been that way since his fiance died a few years ago. The lead female's performance is equally as good, portraying a woman struggling with confidence issues and trying to get her life in order. She's an amazing pianist, and he's a toy inventor.

The music is magnificent, so watch this just for that alone.

I don't agree with the opinion that the performances misfire. Quite the opposite. Maybe the dubbing makes it better? I don't know, but I really like all the actors a lot. I can't figure out what makes this such an entertaining and heartfelt movie for me, but it is what it is. I enjoyed it.