shacmasta Reviews

Something's Brewing (2023 TV Movie)

Wow....painful

[2/10 · 15 May 2023]

Look, I love Romantic fluff as much as the next person.... I find these films therapeutic in a lot of ways but this movie almost drove me to harm myself.

This movie was painfully slow and mind numbingly stupid.

Let's start off with the pacing... The movie was obviously short on material because they felt the need to have us follow the main character on long, drawn out walks as she contemplated her life....not once, not twice but three times.

Then let's go to the meat and potatoes of the movie - The actual "love story" They link up which is fine but then he sees her with an ex and instead of asking her what's the deal he "ghosts" her like a child, which leads to another long winded part of the film where they show us the main character act like a 14yr old love sick puppy who can't figure out why the coolest boy in school ain't sitting next to her in the cafeteria.

Of course they finally see each other and straighten out the misunderstanding only for her to be gaslit because she's took a job that conveniently causes a rift...

But this happens with 10mins left in the film and that means they'll fix it in 4mins with enough time to kiss and makeup.

Whoa...what painful mess.

Dragnet (1987)

Underrated..one of the better movies based on a tv show

[7/10 · 8 March 2020]

Recently re-watched this on the Starz App and it holds up 33 years later.

The movie still looks amazing and could easily pass for a film 10-15yrs younger.

Dan Aykroyd and Tom Hanks play their roles flawlessly. I was lucky enough to watch reruns of Dragnet on Nick at Nite back in the early 90's and their performances in the remake are obviously intended to both honor the source material and also give it a coat of comedic paint which works great and still holds up to the day.

Not many remakes of classic tv shows work but this one works and can easily be on many a top 10 list if you were compiling a list of tv show remakes not to mention an underrated 80's buddy cop movie.

Prescription for Love (2019 TV Movie)

Wanted to bang my head against wall

[4/10 · 22 January 2020]

Not going to go into a spiel...but this is a very frustrating movie to watch. It's not the first time a Cinderella inspired film has been made and honestly I wouldn't have made that connection if it wasn't in the films summary.

But let's forget it and put the whole Cinderella stuff to the side and review this on its own Hallmark lite merits.

So...First let's talk about how I'm suppose to believe this DOCTOR couldn't figure out the woman he thinks he's so madly in love with was the nurse he's been spending time at work with. For those that missed it...He gets stuck in an elevator in the beginning of the film with this nurse at a performance. In the elevator they laugh, play games but he obviously didn't look at her face. Huh...seriously? Hell...you'd think her personality would have sounded an alarm but no.

Also...why the hell does she even have feelings for a guy who basically flips on her at least 3 times throughout the film. Doesn't that show you what type of clown this guy is?

And this poor girl gets humiliated for over an hour but since it's a hallmarky-esque rom....we'll tie everything in a pretty little bow at the end because all that matters is that she gets the man of her dreams and the head nurses job.

Pfft...please.

Bottom of the 9th (2019)

Not a bad Baseball film

[6/10 · 1 January 2020]

Not a bad film about the mistakes of youth and the regret that follows with the game of baseball playing in the backdrop.

The film feels low budget and the editing of the film is pretty poor but if you ignore that you'll be pleasantly surprised by the overall films message. The film can feel a bit long at times but again that could have been fixed by a better editing process. Joe Manganiello is good in his role. Some really good baseball scenes that will entertain any baseball fan.

Note- If you are a New York Yankees fan, you'll love the imagery and cameos throughout the film.

Also great cameo by Former San Francisco Giants Closer Brian Wilson - Who for some reason is Uncredited in this film.

Surprise Me! (2017)

Not all books need to be adapted into a film

[4/10 · 29 December 2019]

Surprise Me is a classic example of a book - which I admittedly never read but by watching this film can easily see it was better than the film.

First the pacing is terrible...which is usually a problem. It ebbs and flows like some demented girlfriend...from comedy to drama. It's like a girlfriend who asks if she looks fat in this dress and you just don't know how to respond... This was an hour and 45mins of emotional torture... The acting is pretty terrible I'm a fan of rom-coms and enjoy Jonathan Bennett in most of the things he's done. He's pretty much the only redeemable quality. The rest of the cast is horrid. Sean Faris plays his role like a creepy murderer who's waiting to peel his girlfriends face skin and wear it as a mask. Fiona Gubelmann is plain intolerable...I know a lot of her bad acting is probably the script but just so many scenes were absolutely cringeworthy. How she snapped at her mother for not caring about her father's death...to her snapping at her best friend for actually having a girlfriend and seems happy...to her playing the jealous girlfriend routine, it was torture.

The biggest issue with this film is the marketing department wanting to grab that romantic comedy fanbase cash but this film is truly at its core about a woman who is still grieving the death of her father....because of that it never really knows what it is and you watching it can only sit there confused, bored and annoyed.

Don't go into this film expecting a Hallmark or Lifetime romantic comedy...Do not be fooled by the poster.

Chasing Christmas (2005 TV Movie)

Cute spin on a Christmas classic

[5/10 · 10 November 2019]

It's christmas time again so you'll need to watch a few Christmas/Holiday themed films to get things rolling in the spirit department.

I will say this will not be an all-time favorite on people's list but it's a cute spin on an all-time Christmas classic.

This film could have easily been rated high if not for Tom Arnold. I will admit he got better as the movie progressed because he's more of a comedic actor, so his Scrooge-esque character was a bit annoying and very nasally during the first 30mins or so. Once he started getting a little more cheerful in his demeanor it helped the film out a lot.

The real gem of this movie is Leslie Jordan, he was hilarious in every scene and Andrea Roth was solid throughout. They were the reason this film didn't sink into D-level movie territory.

Christmas with the Kranks (2004)

Very underrated and under appreciated

[8/10 · 20 July 2019]

Another simple movie review....

Christmas with the Kranks starring Tim Allen & Jamie Lee Curtis is a Christmas movie that seriously takes a lot of slack and doesn't make it onto many favorite Christmas movies lists, which is pretty hard to fathom.

First Tim Allen is a Christmas movie giant. His "Santa Clause" films are a holiday season staple for the newer generation of kids who can't relate to the old time classics.

Second...The premise of Christmas w/the Kranks is probably one of the more relatable storylines in recent memory. Anyone who has lived in neighborhoods where one can feel forced or pressured to decorate or keep up with "joneses" can honestly relate to the Kranks ordeal.

Third...The cast. Allen & JLC are obviously the stars but the supporting cast is top to bottom hilarious. Dan Aykroyd as Vic Frohmeyer Is a classic. Hallmark channel's Rom-com vet Julie Gonzalo is another familiar face. Then you have strong on-screen gold with Emmet Walsh feuding w/Tim Allen

The cast rounds out with Malcom in the middle's - Erik Sullivan , Austin Pendleton who's been around forever. Newhart's Tom Poston playing the town priest Other very familiar names include Caroline Rhea Felicity Huffman Cheech Marin Jake Busey Kevin Chamberlin and Kim Rhodes

Christmas with the Kranks is a very relatable film for anyone who knows the pressure that the holidays bring. From spending money on gifts to charitable contributions to the nonstop holiday parties....it can get overwhelming.

From the top notch cast to the superb premise. Christmas with the kranks needs to be on everyone's holiday list.

Merry Christmas

Jury Duty (1995)

Better than I remember

[6/10 · 6 July 2019]

Growing up in the 90's Pauly Shore was unavoidable, he was everywhere...for better or worse. Depends who you ask.

I remember the hype around Jury Duty, a film that was coming as the star of Pauly Shore was somewhat fading. I remember the ad's and tv trailers seemed to really want to trick the movie audience into thinking this had something to do with the O.J. Simpson trial which was life back during this time. From the references during the trailer and the Marcia Clark-esque defense attorney it was a sly move that producers hoped would pay off....it didn't. The film was a flop and started the death of Shore's movie career.

The film was a typical Pauly Shore film...a few laughs, plenty cornball pauly moments and not much else, but honestly nothing wrong with that. I had a chance to revisit Jury Duty and equipped with a fresh pair of nostalgia it was quite enjoyable, much more than I remember back in the mid-90's

Full disclosure I find Bio-Dome hilarious...so take my opinion for what it is.

Trading Paint (2019)

The movie will end up watching you

[4/10 · 18 June 2019]

I'm a sucker for once A-List movie stars who find themselves in roles strictly for a paycheck. From Travolta to Willis to Cusack...I watch them all.

Trading Paint isn't bad it's just boring. You'll end up having the film play in the background while looking at your phone. It's a muddled mess. The plot moves along with no real purpose. You can never truly get invested in anyone or care for anyone and by the time you know it the film is over and you just move on with your life.

Baby Boot Camp (2014 TV Movie)

Potential but....

[5/10 · 6 June 2019]

Eh....

First the cat n mouse subplot of a disgruntled 7year old trying to keep a budding romance from blossoming is an overused plot device but this one was done to death to the point of annoyance. You don't want viewers hating a 7year old and that's exactly what this Hallmark film did.

Other than that it had really good standard elements as far as hallmark films go but unfortunately couldn't get out of its own way.

White Coats (2004)

If you liked Scrubs...you at least appreciate this

[6/10 · 30 December 2018]

Found this while searching for a quick flick on Amazon Prime Video

Reminded me of Scrubs from the jump, even the set looked identical. If you were a fan of Scrubs you will no doubt appreciate the tone of the movie. The acting is ok with some big names like Dan Aykroyd, Dave Thomas and Dave Foley.

It is a little corny at times and some scenes look like the punch lines were funnier on paper and failed to hit on screen but again nothing too bad. Worth the time if you have it to spare

Grow House (2017)

Buzz kill

[2/10 · 29 October 2018]

Stoner comedies obviously don't need to make a lot of sense just as long as they make a point to at least be funny. The film has some very well known actors and with it being directed by DJ Pooh who helped write "one" of the greatest stoner comedies of the 90's in "Friday" - one would think this would at least be an enjoyable flick that would produce a few laughs - NO! This film is just boring with no real structure. Sure it has a plot, But films like this don't really need one but this one is not even sure of what is really going on. It Just keeps moving along with no real rhyme or reason. Seriously, the only highlight for me was Zulay Henao....Probably could have saved everyone a lot of trouble and just made this a 40minute runtime and the rest of the film would best be served showing Zulay Henao on screen for the remaining hour. Puff - Puff - PASS

The Con is On (2018)

Really wanted to like this but....

[3/10 · 31 July 2018]

With an ensemble cast that includes Uma Thurman, Tim Roth, Alice Eve, Maggie Q, Sofia Vergara, Crispin Glover, Stephen Fry and Parker Posey....you'd think a movie fan would at least walk away from this film somewhat entertained. Wrong....

What you get Is a 90minute cluster of a movie With no direction and just keeps movie forward with no real chance for a real conclusion. Even the ending is so ho-hum you will question why did you even waste your time on this dreck.

3 out of 10 because at least most of the actors tried to put forth an effort.

Life on the Line (I) (2015)

A weeks worth of soap opera reruns in a 90 minute movie

[3/10 · 24 July 2018]

What a shame...

What could have been a simple movie about the dangers Texas linemen or any Lineman has to go through was instead a total mess that felt like I was watching a weeks worth of general hospital reruns wrapped up in a 90minute movie.

What a shame....

Father of the Year (2018)

When a sitcom premise becomes a movie

[6/10 · 22 July 2018]

Full disclosure...I find Adam Sandler/Happy Madison comedies enjoyable.

Ok with that out of the way, Father of the year is a pretty weak premise. The entire film is set up on that classic "my dad can beat up your dad" yet it seems not even the writers can properly keep up with the meatless premise. The story jumps around a lot and the editing is kinda choppy like you can tell they trimmed the film to keep it short.

David Spade is doing a "Boston" accent which he tries to stay consistent with it but loses it from time to time. Still he does a good job and is actually funny. The token young kids are pretty generic except for Matt Shively, he showed great comedic timely and played his role perfectly. The rest of the cast is rounded out by the usual Happy Madison club members.

Overall...nothing great but has its moments. if you've enjoyed The Happy Madison brand you'll find this funny.

Meet Dave (2008)

Why so serious...

[6/10 · 21 July 2018]

I don't get why some reviewers feel they have this duty to review every film like it's up for a best picture nomination. This is a very well done science fiction comedy that moves well (run time about 90mins) and is well acted. Loads of familiar faces in the film so that usually helps a movie find an audience on Netflix/Amz/Hulu. It has its usual comedy pratfalls but overall it's a cute flick that you will have no issues enjoying with your family....I mean Hollywood should have room for films like these too. It wasn't always about comic book franchises and animation studios.

Sex Drive (2008)

Underrated Teenage Comedy

[8/10 · 12 July 2018]

Teenage comedies were all the rage in the 80's and again in late 90's and early 00's but in the late 2000's one of the last true great coming of age teenage comedies was released and unfortunately doesn't get the praise it deserves and gets lost in the shuffle. I think it's mostly because of the lack of "name" actors and also because teenage comedies reached a point of overload. Audiences were burnt out from the genre which is unfortunate because this movie is filled with laughs throughout. Hopefully as years go by streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu will allow a new set of viewers the chance to discover this hidden gem.

This Is Happening (2015)

Missed the mark....

[4/10 · 3 June 2018]

Eh...Not very well acted besides Cloris Leachman. Once the movie ends you can tell what the writer of the story was hoping to accomplish with this film..That old "family trying to rediscover and get over the death that tore them apart" deal but it was a bit of a mess that wasn't helped by the weakness of the actors playing the roles. Again, Cloris Leachman was good, she's a pro,

I Do & I Don't (2007)

Only Watched it for Bryan Callan

[3/10 · 28 May 2018]

Not an easy film to get through....90 minutes seemed to take forever. The acting was fine but the material just wasn't there...gave it a 3 because it was just boring. If you're a fan of Bryan Callan like me - watch his podcast clips on YouTube.

Gringo (2018)

Fun Crime Caper

[6/10 · 26 May 2018]

The Trailers and Promo materials really tried to tap into that "medical/legalization of marijuana" trend but this film is really just a fun crime caper that is well acted and fun. It has its flaws like the pointless subplot w/Amanda Seyfried and Harry Treadaway, but you have a cast that's entertaining and the film moves well so it doesn't bore you. I know the reason why they shoved the marijuana angle down our throats during the promotion of the film....it's a hot topic and without it the film is just another kidnapping, comedic crime caper - so they needed an angle...so can't really fault them on the reasoning. Nonetheless with or without it's well acted and funny.

The Debt Collector (2018)

What's with the Cows?

[4/10 · 26 May 2018]

First off I'm a pretty easy guy to please when it comes to movies and this flick is a pretty standard "5" on a 10 scale but I must deduct a point for the pointless Cow cut scenes. Then that ending??? WTF?? Is the director some anti-beef guy? Is he a hardcore vegetarian? Yeesh

P.S. I Love You (2007)

Very Overrated

[3/10 · 30 September 2012]

I finally got around to watching "P.S. I Love You" and i must say it's by far one of the most Overrated romantic films i've ever had the misfortune of seeing. I really cant see how one can be reduced to a blubbering mess after watching a film that so badly tries to stray away from a golden romantic premise and basically does everything in it's power to dumb down most of the film with poorly timed comedic acting, and moments.

You never really get a chance to feel bad for Hillary Swank's character and you never get to mourn Gerald Butler because of that same reason. The acting overall was pretty bad as well, the worst being Harry Connick Jr. who usually doesn't strike me as a bad actor but man did he crap the bed in this one. I'm not sure if they told him to play the lovelorn doofus or he came up with it himself, either way he pretty much brought the film down in my opinion. The rest of the cast wasn't as bad as Connick but they did the film no favors. Besides Lisa Kudrow and Kathy Bates, no one really shined for an extended time.