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Monsters (2022)
The Menendez season is not Dahmer
When the 2nd season of Monster came out I got my bowl of popcorn and settled in for, what I thought was going to be, a series as riveting and compelling as the Dahmer story. The first 2 episodes lived up to what I was expecting, but sadly from there the series becomes boring and oh so repetitive. The recounting of how the boys were molested by their father is endless, with one episode focused solely on that. That episode I ended up skipping- it comprised of one over the shoulder shot focusing on Erik who was once again telling how his father molested him. That's it. The experimental film making was not effective. Just get on with the story. I was not impressed with season 2.
Holiday in the Vineyards (2023)
A Lovely Romantic Comedy - Good cast. good script
I came across this little gem on a Sunday evening, when the thought of Monday morning could be made worse by watching a heavy foreign film, or a badly scripted movie or series. From the beginning I was taken by the leading man, the rich spoilt kid who doesn't take responsibility for his life and is forever being berated by his hard-core business oriented mother. Of course, the plot is predictable. When his mother wants to buy a vineyard using underhanded methods, she sends her wayward to son to spy on the vineyard, under the guise of a lowly normal person. Of course he meets a girl, of course he changes, buts that's what we want from our rom=coms - what elevates this one is the witty, sincere script and the lovely performances. Omar Gooding, was a joy to watch as was the rest of the cast.
I thoroughly enjoyed. Good Sunday evening fun!!!!
The Perfect Couple (2024)
A cast in search of a better script and director
I will start off by saying that I binge watched this series, having said that, it doesn't mean it was in any way riveting or good. The story is simple: girl is marrying into very wealthy family, and on the morning of her wedding she finds her best friend's dead body washed up on the shore. Liev Schreiber, Dakota Fanning, Donna Lynne Champlin and Nicole Kidman put in great performances but are limited by the clunky script, and at times, amateurish directing. The script does not allow for much character development for any of the characters, leaving you feeling like you've just watched a very long episode of a TV who dunnit - sonething like Death in Paradise or Monk. There are too many shots of characters looking out to sea, and the extreme close-ups of a character's eye made me laugh out loud. Eve Hewson, who played Amelia, the bride to be, was not endearing in any way and I found it hard to sympathise with or even like her character. On a more positive note, the setting is gorgeous as are some of the actors. If you really have nothing else to watch on a lazy Sunday, this one will do, but don't expect much, we've all seen better.
Svaniti nella notte (2024)
The story needs a better beginning and end
Shot with a Hitchcockian feel, this movie had some really lovely edge of your seat moments, however, it is let down by an anti-climactic ending that doesn't make any sense. It feels like there needs to be more of a build up before it gets to the action. It feels like lazy writing. Without giving too much away, it is worth a watch for the riveting scenes, where the father has to do a drug run. Sadly, after that, the plot falls flat. At the end you are left a little confused, as everything is resolved very quickly and without much logic. The actors do the best with what they are given. I wasn't sorry I watched it, it just could have been so much better.
Anthracite (2024)
Thumbs up for this edge of your seat thriller
I binged watched in two days. From the first episode the story hooks you and then takes you on a crazy, twisty, turny rollercoaster ride right up to the 6th episode. There is so much plot, but you can keep up, I loved Ida from the start, she is endearing, vulnerable and simply a delight, I am not sure why she gets such negative reviews.
The story is jam packed with demon cult activity, protestors, incest, murder, more murder, car chases. Weird mountain people, dead sheep, poison and confused cops. You won't be sorry.
What I really enjoyed, was that it ended without any loose ends and questions. If you love a good thriller with a whole lot of story line, this one's for you.
I was left wanting more...
Forst (2024)
Good story let down by pretentious director
It was the story that kept me watching, but when the director decides that style is more important than simply telling the story, it makes for six very long and frustrating episodes. The ending sadly was not worth it. I felt cheated . It was a waste of my time. Hopefully, the novels are better. The acting is good, but sadly the effort the actors put in was overshadowed by the slow pace, endless scenes of rain falling in slow motion and a script that at times made no sense at all. It starts off as one story and ends up being another. Characters appear that are not explained. A confused series that did not seem to hang together. Disappointing.
The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
A waste of time
After watching this film, I vowed never again to watch another Martin McDonagh film. 'In Bruges', was really just okay and Three Billboards.., had moments that made me cringe. Because this film received Oscar nominations, I thought I would give McDonagh one more chance, and I'm sorry I did. The film amounts to nothing more than a badly written shaggy dog story which leaves you wanting the 2 hours you spent watching the film back. The two-star rating is for the performances, how lucky he was to have such a stellar cast lift a rather ordinary script. The story is laughable and drags on interminably. You leave wondering how anyone could have given the go ahead for this film. It is pretentious and simply boring.
Barbarian (2022)
Keeps you engaged and guessing
So far, Barbarian, is horror of the year for me. Yes, it has the usual horror tropes, but the movie takes you on a ride that is unpredictable and thrilling. Make some popcorn, get on the couch and enjoy some good family fun.
The story goes places that you don't expect. Great performances from Georgina Campbell and Justin Long. Bill Skarsgard is genius casting in the role of creepy accidental room mate.
A girl is stranded in a rather run down town in Detroit, her air bnb is double booked and after agreeing to stay the night her life certainly becomes interesting.
A brilliant comment on how women are vulnerable and powerless because of the weakness and cruelty of men.
The directing is tight and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I can't wait to see more from Zach Cregger.
Mixte (2021)
Simply wonderful
I was hooked after the first episode. A perfect mix of comedy and drama. The writing is superb and the production designer deserves an award. Each episode is so well directed and leaves me wanting more.
The Flight Attendant (2020)
8 for the first season 2 for the second
The first season was fun and inspired. I thought the script for the first season was witty and tense and the characters interesting. Unfortunately, after waiting almost 2 years for the second season, I was terribly disappointed. By the fifth episode the story dissipates into thin air and we are left following the main character's journey of battling her demons and alcoholism. We don't only have scenes where there are three annoying versions of Kaley Cuoco but we are treated to a scene where a giant teddy bear tends bar...that's when I gave up. Just get on with the murder mystery already...
Black Summer (2019)
It's like popcorn 🍿...you can't stop watching.
I jave never minded a good zombie flick. I devoured 6 seasons of The Walking Dead but sadly Negan entered and never left, so I left. This series is just so much fun. Tge zombies are relentless, the talking is minimal and the set pieces in each episode are just inspired. I moved swiftly from season 1 to season 2 and I'm still not bored. It's a great thriller and has you on the edge of your seat. Great TV.
Elvis (2022)
A Masterpiece
This is by far Luhrmann's best film. It hits all the right notes and doesn't put a foot wrong. For those wanting the nitty gritty details of Elvis's life, there have been enough documentaries, books and movies dealing with the subject matter. This film assumes an intelligent audience. Luhrmann's whirlwind style of film making and his love of spectacle and melodrama lends itself to the larger than life artist that is Elvis Presley. He was a force of nature and therefore deserves an extravaganza to tell his story. Tom Hanks gives an Oscar worthy performance and Aistin Butler is riveting as the King of Rock n Roll. So far my favorite movie of 2022.
Crime (2021)
Couldn't get through one episode...
Expected more, not only from Britbox but also because it's Irvine Welsh. It fails in almost every regard. The social commentary is crude and cringe worthy. The crime tropes are clichéd and tired and Dougray Scott's performance is both bizarre and uncharacteristically amateurish. The female lead's lines seem to consist of nothing other than quotes from an undergraduate feminism class. It might work as inadvertent satire, if only that were its intention.
Rather watch Death in Paradise.
Yellowjackets (2021)
Yellowjackets gets a gold star 🌟
A season of 10 episodes without one Woke moment is a very good place to start. A great story, an excellent cast and good, solid writing make for an entertaining black comedy. Can't wait for season 2...although I do hope it resolves and doesn't string us along for a 3rd season. Keep up the good work.
Midnight Mass (2021)
This dracu-drama doesn't know when to shut up
I love horror and I loved Flanagan well directed taut thriller, Hush, so I was more than eager to watch Midnight Mass. Unfortunately, I found myself, on numerous occasions, picking up my phone to scroll through mindless posts on social media, as the endless conversations and monologues just went on and on and on. I managed to see it through and was left feeling disappointed. What could have been a really good horror series turned into a snooze fest. I liked the story, there were some fine actors but this series sure needed an edit to be successful.
The White Lotus (2021)
Jennifer Coolidge is nothing short of brilliant
I loved this series. The crazy characters, unpredictable plot and bizarre concept make for a thoroughly entertaining ride. Jennifer Collidge steals the show. Her performance is simply riveting.
A Quiet Place Part II (2020)
Solid monster movie
I do not understand the bad reviews for this movie. It ticks all the boxes of what one expects from a monster flick. Great acting. Brilliantly directed. Edge of your seat stuff. Definitely a two thumbs up from me.
Bom Dia, Verônica (2020)
Definitely binge worthy
A great script and a great cast. This series ticks all the boxes when it comes to a great crime series. It is so well directed and keeps you guessing right up to the very satisfying ending. I cannot wait for season 2. Well done, Brazil!
Godless (2017)
A near flawless western
Perfectly paced, beautifully shot and extremely well acted. This western ticks all he boxes. If you are a fan of this genre, do yourself a favor and watch this series. It pulls off the rare trick of considering contemporary issues without lecturing the audience.
Sharp Objects (2018)
Couldn't make it through episode 1
As someone who almost only watches crime, this one looked great on paper and I couldn't wait to start the binge. Great cast, adapted from the novel of a really good crime writer, intriguing story...what else could one ask for from a crime series. Sadly, this one failed to keep me interested. I starting watching the first episode with great expectations. It started off slow, confusing and unnecessarily pretentious...it didn't get any better as it went on and instead of hooking me, I was left feeling frustrated and started yelling at the TV screen 'just tell the story already.' The story never really got going, and as soon as you think it is going somewhere, you are presented with shaky camera flashbacks and endless scenes of a tormented protagonist. Sorry...I lasted 40 minutes and then decided to rewatch Godless.
Alone (2020)
Predictable in the most satisfying way
I do not understand the negative reviews for this film. Alone is an edge of your seat, tight thriller that had me invested from beginning til end. Both leads put in a faultless performance. A satisfying 97 minutes.
The Little Things (2021)
Give me my 2 hours back...
Denzel Washington gives his usual reliable performance. Jared Leto is a reasonably creepy whatever he is supposed to be. That said the rest of this film is under written, over directed, unnecessarily pretentious and deeply unsatisfying. It manages to take a decent premise, a pretty good cast and some evocative locations and turn them into an incoherent mess. Watch the surprisingly effect opening sequence and then switch off.
Let It Snow (2020)
Felt cheated
This movie started off promising with a young couple wanting to ski a slope they are warned is extremely dangerous and where many have lost their lives. Most of the movie is a survival tale where one roots for the heroine. Unfortunately, the disappointing and rather lazy ending leaves one wondering why this film was made. Don't bother.
Dirty John (2018)
Binge watched - highly entertaining
If you are a fan of true crime this is definitely for you. Yes, some of the characters are frustrating and make decisions that dont make sense. Perhaps we are so used to predictable storylines and characters that when we are shown what real people did in a situation we are put out. I binged watched the series and thought Eric Bana was superb.