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robert7567
Reviews
Napoleon (2023)
When Hollywood doesn't say no to a famous Director...
...this is the absolutely terrible dribble you end up with. I had such high hopes for this Scott piece and disappointed doesn't begin to express how I feel. Why was this film not in French? It's okay for people to read subtitles. If you're afraid Americans won't respond well to it, leave it alone and allow the French to make a film about their guy. Why did it feel as though I were sitting through a bullet-point presentation? The acting felt forced and amateurish even though there were significant talent casted. The dialogue felt contrite. It lacked emotional depth.
Apple could have made this into a series and perhaps, it would have been better. Or better yet, a documentary.
Good Grief (2023)
Beautiful fim
This is a quiet film beautifully shot and understatedly told about the complexities of relationships- intimate and otherwise. I'm baffled by some of the reviews - this genre can be corny and everything doesn't have to be "realistic" - and yes, some 30+ year olds don't have everything quite figured out! And yes - sometimes a holiday tryst is also okay especially when both parties aren't expecting more than the present.
As a gay man, I appreciate the maturity of these new wave of films depicting queer relationships in their complexities! Guess what - gay people go through the same ish as heteros! Bravo to Daniel Levy.
Tore (2023)
Love, loneliness, death, grief, family...
These are but some of the themes of this well written and acted series.
I'm personally surprised by the reviews critical of the actions taken by the lead, Tore. The character is a rather sheltered young man who chooses to remain living with his father even at the age of 25 or 27. Is he lazy? Is he afraid to leave home due to insecurities?
After a tragic incident, he falls into denial and makes less than wise choices. Several times over. To me, each of these actions make sense if you consider Tore hasn't yet grieved and chooses to remain shut down. If the reviewers who find his actions unbelievable, that may be due to them wanting a happy go lucky script and not one based on some element of reality and truth. Allow yourself to take the wild and crazy journey with that character to understand grief and loss and anger and fear and uncertainty and first love and loss. Will you be required to suspend belief at certain times, absolutely. Example: the elderly lady surprisingly finding the strength to lug a ladder to a foot bridge. Yes, that's a head scratcher. But that's not the point. The point is: why is she where she is and what's driving her? Grief and loss. Are the circumstances under which MJ is "stolen" or "retrieved" also a head scratcher? Yeah, but again, artistic liberties are allowed.
I highly recommend this series and love seeing the maturity and varied type of films/series depicting the queer life. Yes, we're no different than heteros. And we're complex and confusing and crazy and sane just like them. And we grieve just as complex too. And we make ridiculous choices.
Model (2020)
Amateurish...
Everything about this series is amateurish. The photo shoots feel low budgeted with a high school photographer. One challenge had the contestants race across Cape Town in "designer" clothing only to next have to separate waste, then travel to another waste management system plant for an immediate photo shoot. Why? Who thought that made any sense? Then you could tell some of the photo shoots were ripped directly from ANTM and brought nothing new and exciting. Yawn
Finally, as some have already pointed out, subtitles should be across the board - even when English is spoken. But I suppose the overall budget for this "production" was on the lower end. Get rid of the champagne and use that cash for something better.
Uncoupled (2022)
I'm confused...
...but why do all the characters speak like that? Who decided this should be the verbal tone of the series? With the exception of Tisha Campbell and Marcia Gay-Hatden, the other actors come across as amateur and stiff. NPH is unlikebale and mediocre at best. The script feels forced. The attempts at humor fall flat almost 95% of the time. This is absolute garbage. Honestly, representation matters but if this is the best the so-called "brightest and most creative" can cobble together, I can do without series such as this.
Stonewall (2015)
Yet another whitewashed version of facts
Thanks for diminishing the role trans people of color played in the gay liberation movement by showcasing white beauty and savior mentality. Even within the gay community racism rears its ugly head.
Big Boys (2022)
Brilliant stories and performances
This series is absolutely brilliant- heartwarming, human, realistic about mental struggles, identity and family. I laughed and cried. I was hopeful and anxious (will Danny die?). I truly hope there'll be a season 2.
My Fake Boyfriend (2022)
Ugh 🤕
At long last, the queer community is being represented in rom-coms. Sadly, this was a very difficult viewing experience. The acting felt amateurish which was shockingly disappointing since these actors are professionals. The lines felt forced. And let's be honest, in the gay community, I don't see a muscled bound Mary falling for a scrawny self defense teacher (why didn't they flip the roles???). That may be harsh but it's the reality.
And let's not talk about the jail time for the massive defrauding monetary schemes. Honestly, is this is the best creative minds can peddle?
The First Lady (2022)
Interesting concept, poor script and casting
Great idea around portraying these lionesses of American history in a role that's primarily ceremonial. Sexism. Racism. Classism. Loss. All these and more are woven nicely in the storytelling.
I'm a massive fan of all leading actors and actresses. However, I found Viola's lip pursing in her portrayal of Michelle Obama to be overdone and distracting. I'm honestly surprised that a director allowed this through the entire series without calling it out. I'm curious as to the conversations around the incessant pursing of lips.
Gillian Anderson and Michelle Pfieffer on the other hand we're exquisitely wonderful. Sure Eleanor Roosevelt smiled more but this is something that can be easily forgiven.
Cobalt Blue (2022)
A cheap knockoff of Call Me By Your Name
There are simply too many references to Call Me By Your Name: summer romance where young male falls for old mysterious man, immersion in education, fruit, drunken stroll, the list is endless. Started out well and quickly fell flat. I do, however, enjoy the background references such as the posters to Indian films if the time such as FIRE. This may be a big hit in India but I was underwhelmed.
The Man with the Answers (2021)
Searching for answers is a much better title
I'm eating this 5 stars only because the actors are okay to look at and the film had potential. Unfortunately we're left with knowing very little about Mathias and I'm not sure which of the character has the answers. I'm also left confused and wanting to know what's the attraction between the two main characters. The story is simply flat. Sorry, wanted to really enjoy this film.
Tiny Pretty Things (2020)
Shame on Netflix...
...for green lighting this mess. Acting is dreadful. What they call a plot line has more holes than a sieve and is predictable. Instead of wasting money of such dribble, save it for more interesting, well written and well acted series.
Too Hot to Handle (2020)
Absolute trash
Netflix is actually scraping the bottom of the barrel with this dribble. Shame on you, Netflix. Shame on you.