moveebuff1953 Reviews

The Last Thing He Told Me (2023– )

I was really hoping to like The Last Thing He Told Me

[3/10 · 25 October 2023]

I was really hoping to like The Last Thing He Told Me....even after reading the lousy reviews. I really like Jennifer Garner and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as actors but this story is like watching paint dry. I should have stopped after the first episode but I thought I'd give it a chance. I actually had it on in the background while working on my computer, looking at the tv screen once in a while when the music would sound ominous. The teenage step daughter was nauseating and self indulgent, never giving her step mother a chance to form a bond. The plot is really lame in my opinion and it was pretty easy to figure out the "mystery".

Not really worth the watch...unfortunately ...

Harley & Katya (2022)

Excellent documentary ...left me speechless

[10/10 · 27 September 2023]

It is always fun to watch a child who has such a passion in their field of choice, that they give it 100% effort.

Two of these children who came from completely different backgrounds, not speaking each others language, could communicate solely with their love of figure skating.

Harley, a sweet young indigenous boy from Australia is paired with a tiny Russian girl who is driven from a very young age to win. Both are willing to make skating their priority in life with hopes of winning an Olympic medal.

I had worries about Katya leaving Russia and becoming an Australian citizen. Red flags flew up in my mind.

Harley & Katya skated so beautifully together. It was wonderful to watch them skate at competitions.

It is well known that as a Russian there are dire consequences for failure. Katya was well aware of that since her coach was constantly yelling at her to do better.'

The result of Katya's decision to go back to Russia to perfect her skating along with Harley as her partner no doubt was an embarrassment to the Russians.

Finding out that her health was failing to the point where she could no longer skate, was, in my opinion the final nail in the coffin for her.

Russians are brutal and when they are unhappy with you because you have shamed the motherland, and suddenly fall out of a window, I find it hard to believe that she took her own life.

I wonder if anyone will agree with my suspicions.

Barbie (I) (2023)

Maybe it's me....

[3/10 · 4 August 2023]

I almost walked out but I was with my friends. I even wore a pink dress. I really wanted to like this movie but it was way too ridiculous for my liking. I should have known that it would be more for barbie fans but I was never really into Barbie.

Ryan Gosling will look back someday and wonder why he did this nonsensical movie.

Margot Robbie was excellent as Barbie and if you're a fan of Barbie then you'll like the movie.

I came home and had to have a glass of wine.

I'm looking forward to seeing the new Tom Cruise movie...way more my style. So it really depends on your taste in entertainment. Maybe I should have had a couple of glasses of wine before going...LOL.

Litvinenko (2022)

Unmasking A Murderer

[9/10 · 11 January 2023]

This is a brilliant insight into the murderous Russian regime. The deniability on every level is laughable.

David Tennant's portrayal of Litvinenko is brilliant. Margarita Levieva as his wife is solid and believable.

This is not only a drama but a thriller true crime which will hook you from the first the first episode.

I hope that those who watch Litvinenko will understand the difficulty of bringing justice to those in power.

Mark Bonner, Neil Maskell along with supporting cast are brilliant. It is obvious that a lot of care was taken to depict the true story of a murder that was orchestrated by an evil regime.

The Lost Daughter (2021)

Kept hoping it would get better

[4/10 · 3 January 2022]

If it wasn't for Olivia Colman, I would have never watched the whole movie. Yes the performances were strong but the story was sad and depressing. Dakota Johnson is beautiful that's a given and probably why she was picked for this film. Ed Harris is getting scary looking (sorry Ed) ...The whole "doll story" is just bizarre. What a waste of talent IMHO.

Apocalypto (2006)

A Masterpiece ....

[10/10 · 18 December 2021]

Just rewatched Apocalypto and if you haven't seen it I highly recommend it because it is one of the most beautifully filmed feature. Everything is authentic..the language, the music, the costumes, the reality of life for the Mayan people. It is suspenseful & tragic. It will leave you speechless.

This film was so underrated most likely to the controversy surrounding Gibson at the time.

The Unforgivable (2021)

Very slow but watchable

[6/10 · 13 December 2021]

As a Sandra Bullock fan I felt compelled to watch The Unforgivable...She did not disappoint ...her portrayal as a convict was convincing and believable. The story itself is heart wrenching as you watch someone who paid the price for a crime and does not catch any breaks upon release. This seemed like a very American movie because guns are accepted as something every person has easy access to one.

Why would someone confess to murder when we know that a 5 year old would never be held accountable?

Worth a watch if you are a Bullock fan.

Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker (2020)

Brilliant Performance by Octavia Spencer

[8/10 · 25 October 2021]

I didn't know anything about Madam C. J. Walker before watching this movie..I loved everything about this story. The acting was believable, it was nice to see Blair Underwood who I hadn't seen in years. The costumes were beautiful, the story of Madam Walker's struggles tore at my heartstrings. I can't even imagine the hardships that had to be overcome in order to be successful in a time of blatant racism in America. A very inspirational story that I'm glad was put on the screen for everyone to enjoy.

Prodigal Son (2019–2021)

Entertaining but predictable

[6/10 · 13 October 2021]

Michael Sheen and Tom Payne shine in their roles. Halston Sage wasn't a good cast for the role of Ainsley Whitly...(sorry Halston) ....Watching her was cringe worthy for me.

I found the story lines very far fetched and predictable. This is no where near the quality of the Blacklist by any means.

The Guilty (2021)

Jake Gyllenhaal...That's all you need to know

[8/10 · 2 October 2021]

The level of emotions this guy can portray is worth the watch of The Guilty... This more like a one man act play than a movie since there isn't a lot of action and no scene changes. This movie is for those of us who enjoy a psychological thriller. I loved the twist in the story.... The voices were done by amazing actors.

Hillbilly Elegy (2020)

Couldn't get through it

[4/10 · 3 December 2020]

Yes the acting by Amy Adams & Glenn Close is stellar as expected but it was not enough to inspire me to watch the movie until the end without fast forwarding. My rating is based on having read the book which I loved.

Down to Earth with Zac Efron (2020– )

Interesting topics....boring hosts

[4/10 · 17 July 2020]

First of all I'm a huge Zac Efron fan so I was really excited to watch this series...Unfortunately I could barely make it through the first episode without being bored with the hosts. Their banter was annoying especially when they would laugh at stuff that wasn't funny IMHO....Zac should stick to acting...

The Animal People (2019)

A Voice for the Voiceless

[10/10 · 11 March 2020]

Until people start caring about how animals treated by greedy corporations that control gov't the poor animals will never stop being tormented in labs. It is easy to say you love animals because you have a dog or a cat but do you love animals enough to stand up and advocate for them? My heart go out to the activists who risked everything for the sake of the voiceless animals. I salute the brave who walk the walk...I love animals and stopped eating them because of it. I truly believe and hope that future generations will have more kindness and compassion in their hearts to actually stand up to ruthless uncaring corporations and gov't and say "ENOUGH" no more cruelty.

Uncut Gems (2019)

B Movie at Best

[1/10 · 8 February 2020]

What a complete waste of my time...should have shut it off after the first 10 min. but I kept hoping that it would get better. It did not. Nothing but yelling swearing.

The Irishman (2019)

Like watching cement dry

[6/10 · 3 December 2019]

For starters you should know that I am a big fan of all the main actors in this movie and yes the acting is incredible. However, for this particular movie it would have been smarter to go with younger actors. All the actors looked like cartoon characters. I had to laugh when I heard Joe Pesci calling DeNiro "kid". Both actors were so old looking so that was annoying as I could only focus on how old they all looked. The story itself is interesting for those of us who actually know who Jimmy Hoffa was. I found the movie dragged to the point of boredom. I'm glad that I didn't go to the theatre to watch it and instead watched it in the comfort of my home.

Trotsky (2017)

Excellent Piece of Fiction

[9/10 · 14 September 2019]

Loved this series for the acting, cinematography, and entertainment in general. That being said, it is so obviously a slanted portrayal of the actual historical events. Pure Russian propaganda. For truth and facts this is not where you will find them.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)

Depressing

[3 September 2019]

I managed to get through this movie only because I'm a big fan of Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman. All the acting is incredible but the story itself is so depressing that I don't recommend it. I loved "The Lobster" so I thought I would enjoy another quirky dystopian mind binding film by the same director but no....this film is so dark that unless you are a film critic or have 2 hours to waste and don't suffer from depression ...then go for it.

BlacKkKlansman (2018)

Spike Lee Brilliant Film

[8/10 · 19 May 2019]

This film is right up there with American History X for showing the danger of racism in America. This film should be shown in every high school in the USA to hopefully educate the youth of America how easily minds can be molded to believe that there is a superior race which can divide and even destroy a nation. This is why most uneducated white people love Trump. It might as well be David Duke in the White House. A stellar cast led by John David Washington as Ron Stallworth who infiltrated the KKK ...oh the irony. Adam Driver as Flip Zimmerman had me holding my breath while he was being questioned by the Klansman Felix Kendrickson played remarkably by Jasper Pääkkönen. This film should be an Oscar contender for best film, cinematography, score and more. The final clips reveal just how American has spiralled back to the 60's to a time of hatred towards black Americans. Everything old is new again...

A Star Is Born (2018)

Superb acting by Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper

[8/10 · 7 April 2019]

I was actually apprehensive about watching this movie b/c of all they hype. I needed to be in the right mood to see the two well known stars in roles where the whole time we're watching the movie we know we are watching Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper. To me being able to look at a famous person and still be moved by their acting is a testament to their acting abilities. I am a big fan of both the stars so I didn't want to be disappointed and I was not. Lady Gaga was believable from the start ...she was a natural at acting. The emotions she had to portray were so genuine it drew me into her character enough to feel her heartbreak and to feel sad for her. Bradley Cooper was brilliant as the country singer with drug and alcohol addiction problems. He shines in this role as he has in every role i've seen him in. I loved the puppy ...he even made me cry. I felt the film did drag on a bit so that's why I only gave it 8 stars. Cooper and Gaga get 10 stars for their performances. Well worth watching and of course the soundtrack is amazing.

Girl (II) (2018)

This is true cinematic brilliance

[8/10 · 16 March 2019]

Girl is the type of movie that will hopefully open your eyes and heart to the little known challenges that face someone caught in the wrong body. I fell in love with Lana almost immediately because of her sensitive, kind, passionate character. She brings you deep into her world of the pain it takes to hide her unwanted features with such elegance and composure. Even when egged on by fellow dancers she holds in her pain in hope of acceptance. Victor Polster is brilliant as the graceful and beautiful Lana. The determination, blood, sweat and tears it takes to be a ballerina is mind boggling but for Lara it is a passion she is not willing to give up on no matter what it takes.

Roma (2018)

Mundane...at best

[4/10 · 10 January 2019]

Seriously? People thought this was a great movie? What did I sleep through... Does anyone think that maids in Mexico have a fun life? Was this eye opening for some? This movie hardly had a pulse. It was as slow as pouring molasses. It would have been just as dreary if it were in colour but I suppose black and white was befitting of this drab movie. Yes I felt sorry for the maid who's life is nothing but work. At least she had the love of the family she was working for. How many maids do absolutely everything for a family and they are not shown any love or compassion in return? The world is not a level playing field. Either you're born into a family where you can grow and accomplish as much as you want or you are born into poverty with no hope for education to give you a better life.

Tully (2018)

Motherhood

[5/10 · 27 November 2018]

When considering having 2 or more children every woman should watch this movie. Motherhood is not easy unless you are super rich and can afford full time help. Otherwise like most of us you will find it physically and emotionally exhausting. Tully doesn't hold back on how difficult being a mother can be especially for women who feel they need to be "on" 24 x 7. Charlize Theron was perfect as the mom who is basically going through the motions not realizing it is taking a toll on her health. Mackenzie Davis (who I loved in Halt & Catch Fire) is the perfect alter ego who is just capable of doing everything and is always happy. As with most husbands, they go off to work and don't realize the amount of stress and work involved in being a full time mom. Having 2 kids screaming for even 2 min can make you crazy. I think Tully is a movie about the reality of motherhood taken to a dark point which many women experience with postpartum. In conclusion ...would I recommend this movie? Probably not to anyone who hasn't had kids....they wouldn't understand anyway.

Three Identical Strangers (2018)

As a mother of twins

[8/10 · 20 October 2018]

As a mother of twins this story was heartbreaking for me to watch. I feel that three babies were cheated out of developing that special bond that so many siblings have. They were deprived of interacting as babies, toddlers, school aged children who most likely would have had a very different life experience. I could feel their pain even though they smiled for the cameras. They were never given the chance just to be a family together. They were basically lab rats used for a scientific study that will not be published until they are all dead. This should never have been allowed and is disgusts me that these three boys were kept apart. The pain and anguish they have suffered since discovering each other is unconscionable. I wish the surviving brothers peace and comfort for their remaining lives.

The Front Runner (2018)

Just mediocre at best

[5/10 · 16 September 2018]

Just saw The Front Runner at TIFF tonight. Only went to see it because Hugh Jackman & Vera Farmega are two of my favourite actors (I'm Ukrainian background) I was cautiously hopeful that there would be something intriguing to this story that I was already familiar with. Slow to start, I kept waiting for that aha moment but it never really appeared. The Front Runner basically shows the hard working back room people who lead a campaign for whom they are willing to sacrifice their time & energy for a person they strongly believe in. I don't know why Hugh Jackman was cast as the lead as he is Australian so we know he's faking his American accent and I don't know why he agreed to the role. Vera Farmiga played the role well but there wasn't much to it. I doubt if this will even open in theatres. It will probably go straight to rental.

The Wall (II) (2017)

Intense Psychological Thriller

[7/10 · 3 March 2018]

What I loved about this movie is that it gives you a perspective of what an enemy thinks of a soldier who is in the enemies country. The Iraqi sniper has two advantages...he speaks english and knows Army "lingo". It doesn't take long for the American to figure out that the person he is speaking to by radio is his enemy. He is being taunted by this Iraqi who has the advantage of being hidden from sight and can see the two Americans. Aaron Taylor-Johnson gives a brilliant portrayal of a desperate, badly injured soldier who is desperate to find the location of the Iraqi sniper. This is really a one man movie which I stumbled upon and can't understand why I had never heard of it before. I love movies that are psychological thrillers and "The Wall" certainly falls into that category. I don't have any military experience so I wasn't focusing on what equipment these guys were using which some other reviewers who most likely have experience in combat, were commenting on what a soldier would be carrying aka binoculars. It's unfortunate that they are missing the point of this movie which to me is the Iraqi is not buying into the American reasons for being in his country. The Iraqi is questioning the insanity of blowing up a school in his country and then thinking that by sending teams to reconstruct infrastructure that Americans themselves previously destroyed was somehow going to make up for all the death and destruction.