It's always interesting to see something innovative in medium. Something that opens up new possibilities and generates new imagination. But when you do that and expand the known universe, it's special. Add to that a story with heart, humor, and relatability, and you get Spide-man; Into the Spiderverse. Simultaneously familiar and brand new, whether you're an in deep geek or a skeptical newbie, there's something for everyone. A comic book come-to-life with all the elements to also be a great movie. Only through animation could this movie have been pulled off, and it's spectacular! Lacking nothing and as entertaining as any movie I've seen for quite some time.
Reviews
5 Reviews
A Wrinkle in Time
(2018)
Almost dissuaded, ultimately satisfied.
7 October 2018
I didn't go to see A Wrinkle in Time at the theater after reading so many poor reviews. This was one of my favorite books as a child so I didn't want to see my love for it ruined by some poor attempt to bring it to the screen. It's been so long since I read it that I don't remember every detail, but the impressions and fondness have remained for decades. So, I finally decided to watch it on Netflix.
Some of the poor reviews were from reader's of the book, that's why I can't understand so many bad ones. No, it's not completely faithful (at least as far as I remember), but the impressions, images, and feelings are recalled in this movie. It brought me back to things I read, visualized, and imagined. It reproduced the facination I got from reading the book, if not totally, enough to be worth it for me.
Can a movie match a book when that book creates images and feelings that last nearly 5 decades? Maybe not quite, maybe not completely, maybe not with as much power. But I liked this movie and I am very happy to have an old love recalled in a way that brings back even some of that original fascination. I wish I'd seen it on the big screen.
Some of the poor reviews were from reader's of the book, that's why I can't understand so many bad ones. No, it's not completely faithful (at least as far as I remember), but the impressions, images, and feelings are recalled in this movie. It brought me back to things I read, visualized, and imagined. It reproduced the facination I got from reading the book, if not totally, enough to be worth it for me.
Can a movie match a book when that book creates images and feelings that last nearly 5 decades? Maybe not quite, maybe not completely, maybe not with as much power. But I liked this movie and I am very happy to have an old love recalled in a way that brings back even some of that original fascination. I wish I'd seen it on the big screen.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
(2015–2019)
Good, but not as great as I hoped.
3 September 2018
I love Tina Fey, and 30 Rock is my favorite sitcom ever, so I had huge hopes for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. It does have a lot of good qualities and is mostly funny. But after binging the first two seasons I"m getting progressively disappointed. Like 30 Rock, it is very dense with humor, but it seems like they think every line has to contain a joke, and not only does it not always work, it gets annoying at times. It worked for me through most of season 1, because it is funny a lot of the time. I guess my point is that if they weren't so desperate to make every line a joke the real funny parts would be even more enjoyable. I'll probably finish the binge, but if things continue as they've been so far, my 7 rating is generous and based more on the characters, excellent cast, and overall fun. It could be great, but it's good instead.
Defending Your Life
(1991)
Excellent Light Fun With Deeper Undertones
7 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This is a favorite of mine because you could watch it as a pure light rom-com, but it is conceptually very intriguing and cleverly done. The idea of Judgement is about as deep as it gets, but the gimmicks involving the food, the Little Brain vs Big Brain thing, or the Past Lives Pavilion keep it fun. Albert Brooks and Rip Torn are fantastic, and the if Meryl Streep was never more adorable, The themes of fear and how we perceive life and death are ever present and cause one to wonder: Meryl or Albert, which is closer to you? The cameo by Shirley McClain is classic! Albert Brooks' writing is funny, poignant, and intelligent. I really like a movie that can both entertain and provoke, and that is what makes this a favorite of mine. It is neither the funniest or most provocative, but a blend it successfully achieves as well as any movie I can think of.
Deutschland 83
(2015)
Excellent show that brings back a slew of memories!
29 August 2015
I was in the US Army in '83 and intimately involved with the PII deployment and Able Archer. This perspective, from the East and West German point of view, is both reminiscent of my own experience and an enhancement of it. Well acted, produced, and an accurate account of the times. I had many German friends at the time, but due to my position I avoided talking politics as much as possible, but I hear their views echoed here.
Still, I was very aware of my friends reluctance to allow the PIIs and Cruise Missiles into their country. It wasn't until some years later that I discovered how Able Archer was perceived in the East, and this series recounts much of what I learned. It's been said that '83 was on par with the Cuban Missile Crisis in terms of edging toward nuclear war.
So to find a series that takes a piece of my past and twists and supplements it is very interesting. That is very well done makes it a must see for me! There are elements of the plot that get a bit overblown at times, but add to the intrigue and suspense (it is a fictional account, so that's OK). I'm very glad to have found this and would recommend it!!
Still, I was very aware of my friends reluctance to allow the PIIs and Cruise Missiles into their country. It wasn't until some years later that I discovered how Able Archer was perceived in the East, and this series recounts much of what I learned. It's been said that '83 was on par with the Cuban Missile Crisis in terms of edging toward nuclear war.
So to find a series that takes a piece of my past and twists and supplements it is very interesting. That is very well done makes it a must see for me! There are elements of the plot that get a bit overblown at times, but add to the intrigue and suspense (it is a fictional account, so that's OK). I'm very glad to have found this and would recommend it!!
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