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Reviews
The Last of the Winthrops (2022)
I really have no idea why this movie was made.
The protagonist is a sweet,likeable person but the story is not set up well, we jump into hearing this woman talk about herself and history, and other people talk about her but no reason why. Then she's off on a genealogical trip with some vague suggestion about getting closer to her father, at least as much as I could guess. Nothing is explained well. The music is grand, sweeping, and overdramatic for something I've been given no reason to have an emotional connection to. Then she's challenged by some news that strangely mirrors some history in her father's family that was quickly brushed over and the connection is never made the whole movie, to me that was the connective point, that her father likely wasn't even a Winthrop. But is was missed. This whole movie was pointless.
Our Flag Means Death: Pilot (2022)
Worldbuilding episode
The show tone and premise is so different from all other shows I didn't know what to make of it at first. The pilot was definitely no indication of what was to come but a nice gentle start to get the viewer onboard with the core characters at a time they are getting to know each other as well. It's fun and I enjoyed the characters off the bat. And I love the music selection. An intriguing set up for sure.
As a person who loves historical accuracy above all else I was surprisingly not turned off by any anachronisms. There is such honesty to the relationships that I didn't need the authenticity of sets or language to find the value in the story being told.
Secrets, Lies and DNA Ties (2022)
So, So, Cringe
They really seem unprofessional. You don't go to professional DNA services to have them cold call potential relatives and just beg "Please, please, please" to get them to talk. The client could do that themselves.
And the awkward, unbelievable fake drama with the staff is 100% a waste of audience time.
I just have no idea what these people do that the clients can't do through self DNA testing sites. Instead of the patronizing fake situations threaded into the client stories they could be explaining part of their process that makes their service valuable and not some way of scamming people to pay extra for things they can do themselves.
Giving 4 stars for the client stories with are the only interesting part of this show.
Ideal Home (2018)
Hidden Gem
I find this movie so satisfying to watch. It's one of my go-to rewatch favorites. I think it's because the characters and situations feel so real and in some cases very personally relatable, even as a cis het middle aged white woman. The performances are just perfection.
I also have a mid-30s guy friend that I discovered loves this movie as well, we both have it on DVD.
It's a great option for Steve Coogan and Paul Rudd fans (and Jesk fans aka Jake McDorman).
The only downside to me is the marketing and art, I can't stand it. The "These Dads Suck" looks like it's the movie title which is confusing on it's own. But worse, it makes it seem like some dude comedy like American Pie or The Hangover, and it's not that vibe at all. Sharp-witted dark humor is not the same as being "edgy". It really does the movie a disservice and I think has skewed audience expectations and probably contributed to it getting lower ratings.
It Had to Be You (2000)
Wasted potential
After seeing a teaser clip I went into it thinking it would be fun to watch just to see how bad it would be, it did not disappoint in that respect. I was hoping I'd be wrong and it would be a pleasant surprise considering all the actors were good and very likable. But the dialog and story all felt first draft, kind of high school play quality to it all. Weird nonsensical moments all over the place, the tone was off, the dialog awkward and odd, the drama and pacing was flat, chemistry spotty. I love Olivia D'Abo, and she was definitely fun to watch in this, but her mixed Jersey/British accent was a trip.
What We Do in the Shadows: Reunited (2022)
Whole Season was a Let Down
The cliff-hanger from last season left me excited for this one, then the whole set up was wasted, basically trashed, and everything was wrapped-up a quickly as possible to forget it and move on. WTH.
This was foreshadowing of the whole 4th season that brought back our favorite characters but left behind all the charm and heart of the previous 3.
There were some funny moments of course, but overall it comes off as if they have all new writers that don't understand the tone of this universe and what makes it funny at its core.
Why does Nadja just yell all the time now? And the relationship between Guillermo and Nandor is turning from a will they won't they to plain emotional abuse.
Empire Records (1995)
HOT MESS
As someone who existed in the 90s the same age as the actors and characters I did find some of it nostalgic. The music selection was a mess and didn't capture the era well, but there were a few good one's mixed in. It was refreshing to see realistic 90s clothes and the actors were good.
The story was a mess, lacked logic and continuity, other than the fact that it was a nonsensical mess the whole way through. The characters were barely tolerable and the scenarios unrealistic in every way. The attempt at humor was weak and overall the movie felt like it was trying to be too many things at once. Overall if felt like a wannabe John Hughes movie past relevance even in 1995.
The Cult of the Family (2019)
Chaotic Mess
There are some important stories and interviews in here, but even though I watched the whole thing I still couldn't keep track of what happened when and to whom. No clear narrative, no clear set up. Jumping from one point in the timeline to another with no clarifying info. One of the worst documentaries I've ever seen. But would love to see this history handled with a clear and thorough hand someday.
Black Love (2017)
Perfect for everyone interested in better relationships
Having stories and perspectives on how other couples navigate their own relationships from the beginning to some of the most difficult times in their lives in such an honest and open way is amazing to see. These are all very human stories from very genuine and relatable couples that are a joy to watch.
It's great to get all of these different perspectives to help me understand all the ways it can be done. I personally connect more to some couples than others and it gives me a sense of what I want and some ways I could work toward getting it.
The fact that this is focused on African American couples is just a bonus! (Even white people can get tired of seeing ONLY white people on T.V. all of the time). It doesn't hurt that there are some VERY attractive people in it either. I can't get enough of this show!!!