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Reviews
Preacher (2016)
Even Better the Second Time Around Via Streaming
I loved Preacher first time around on AMC. Each week, I patiently waited to watch the next episode. Now, I re-watched it as soon as it dropped on Netflix. WOW. Big difference without constant commercial interruptions. Thanks! I swear it's funnier, bloodier, and more intense when watching it non-stop. I even enjoyed all the opening credits, and theme song each episode, instead of skipping.
So many weekly cliff-hangers are now resolved quickly and painlessly. I'm still humming Come on Eileen, and visualizing one of the most action-packed episodes, that showed the tight bond Jesse, Tulip and Cassidy had with one another. I think the term, "Forever" applied to the trio, and got stronger over the duration of the four seasons. Flashbacks of Humperdoo clones exploding over and over, leading up to The Allfather's spectacular death, including the vial of Jesse's soul falling out of the last particle of a bloody sphincter. OMG. I could spend hours talking about the sick, black humor that left me laughing out loud. If you already saw the original screening, do yourself a favor, and stream it again. So many details will come to light. I may wait another few years to view it again, but I know every time I hear Van Morrison's Sweet Thing, I'll just start crying again.
Chimp Crazy (2024)
Delusional Misplaced Love
Note, Tonia is seen holding and cuddling very young chimps (babies) but the older so-called "cherished" adult chimps that she would "die" for, are all locked up. The cover photo is deceptive, in that she is NOT sitting in close proximity to the adult chimp. The whole point of this documentary is that these beautiful human-like chimps ARE being abused by the caregivers that love them the most. Loads of actual film is provided showing how close baby chimps were raised alongside their circus handler's own babies. One handler even breast-fed a prematurely born chimp alongside her own baby girl. A cute, adorable Tonka or Connor worked well in Hallmark card photos or Hollywood movies up until they were 5to 6 years old. Chimps live long lives, so after 38 years old in boring captivity, they are not being "LOVED" but locked-up. Touching fingers or holding onto the bottom of Tonia's sneaker through cage bars, is not fulfilling, but a sad part of being held prisoner for the rest of their life, FOREVER. These intelligent creatures receive a worse plight than many human prisoners. Feeding them "treats" like Happy Meals, once in a blue moon, is considered loving? Fear is demonstrated when in order to clean a cage, a chimp must be transferred to another cage via a series of connecting sky-ways, never coming in contact with Tonia. Tonia is so passionate with her inmates, as long as they are behind glass, or steel mesh bars to protect her. Painting a cute mural on a back wall is no substitute for fresh air, sunlight, and real trees to climb.
I live near the Brookfield Zoo, outside Chicago. Years ago they constructed a huge environment, called Tropic World, instead of cages to house great apes so that they could live together like they do in the wild. Peta has every right to fight for their eventual freedom. Tonia cares more about her professionally applied false eyelashes and coiffed hair, than she does for her "children's" welfare. Peta won the civil case against Tonia, so episode #2 should reveal how most of the chimps adapt to their new sanctuary' s more natural environment. As being raised in cages, they can never be released in the wilds of African Jungles. Alan Cummings ads his personal comments throughout this series, as he has worked on movie projects with a number of these same chimps many years ago, and formed deep personal bonds, especially with Tonka. I guess since Peta removed the chimps from the Missouri compound, they found that Tonka was not with the other chimps. So we will have to wait to find out his plight in episode #2.
So having finished the final episode tonight, I'm adding to my review. The 10/10 still stands. What a piece of work. Tonia,Tonia,Tonia. She finally got what she deserved in the end.
Mauled by an adult chimp at a friend's house. You'll cheer when you see the big chunk of her left laying there at the hospital. I doubt if they could sew it back on. They reviewed all the chimps that died before their time, mostly due to having to be put down after attacking someone. Tonia still wants another chimp,gorilla, orangutan, or capuchin, to baby. All her sad, pathetic, whining for the camera doesn't make you want to sympathize with her. She blatantly perjured herself to the court by lying that Tonka was dead and cremated, even though she kept him in a basement in her home animal compound. It was only after the filmmaker overheard her planning to have Tonka euthanized, and a juicy reward was offered for information on Tonka's whereabouts, that PETA finally removed Tonka. He seems a lot happier in his new chimp paradise.
She owes PETA for the legal fees that they incurred taking her to court, and owes a bunch of other bills, but she keeps spending her money on her pet projects. Now she wants to buy and island, so she can live amongst an assorted group of primates. Great ending, for an eye-opening documentary you'll not soon forget.
The Bikeriders (2023)
Ah, Those Were The Days
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Nothing like, Sons of Anarchy, but then I didn't expect it to be. I was surprised that this not filmed in Illinois. Some of the country scenery was accurate, but the style of the homes in the city, were not correct. I have so many great memories from that period. I drove a vintage BMW R50 back in the early 70's. My husband also had his own vintage BMW. All our biker friends were not members of the MC club, that was depicted from the Chicago area, but they all drove Harleys.
I was the only woman biker that got to attend their cruises, and was honored because the Harley riders usually didn't like to include other makes of bikes.
Jodie Comer is one of my favorite actresses, and I was amazed by her taking on such a challenging role. She nailed it! The variety of the tough guys just hanging out between bonfires, local bars drinking beer,and shooting pool seemed legit, even though I never experienced that part of the MC camaraderie. Bikers that I knew shared stories about buddies who were "members". No thanks. I would rather see it on the screen, than live that part of it. Wives and kids were always running around the forest preserves, and the big picnics depicted really happened that way. Wardrobe was well done for that period. The typical Harley's were stock, and not chopped, but I felt the movie showed some colors that many bikers from that era wouldn't have been caught dead driving. It was true that most bikers had day jobs, but it was to pay for bike repairs. This movie may have been short on plot, but it was an immersive experience. I'm probably going to call a few of my friends, and let them know that they should check out this movie.
Fantasmas (2024)
DADA Fantasmasglorious!
Julio Torres never presents a cliche' subject. Go with the flow, and enjoy every delicious moment. Surprises around every single corner awaits. Stories within stories, within stories. He packs each half hour segment like a can of sardines with his enchanting plots. His wardrobe and background settings are done with an artist's vision of both beautiful colors and unique geometric shapes. He may have changed his hair color of choice from blue to orange, but his signature creativity is still woven in the wickedly absurd vignettes. The new characters that he introduces to us like Chester the driver, played by Tomas Matos or Steve Buscemi, as the unforgettable Q, are hysterical! I can't wait for the next episode to come an take me into his magically twisted dreamland of delight.
HELLO! The Daily Lowdown: Lady Gaga finally announces Chromatica Ball concert film - details (2024)
MUST SEE GAGA! THANK-YOU HBO MAX!
I've attended some of the greatest bands in their prime, Pink Floyd, Stones, Zeppelin, Genesis,JethroTull, Zappa, Metallica and maybe a 100 more in the 70's,80's, and 90's. I've been never to a Lady Gaga concert in person, but this put me right in front and up close. This was one of the greatest concerts I've ever seen. Lady Gaga does all her big hits, and new songs from her latest Chromatica Ball Tour. Two hours of high intensity dancing, vocals, costumes, camera angles, and big screen content projections. She plays some solos, on a tricked out-twisted branch covered grand piano that's on a stage way out in the middle of the audience of 32K fans. I could not sit still. Supposedly she had Covid-19. During this concert, but she never lets that stop her. The concert is broken down into 4 acts and a finale. Each act features a different color theme, and type of wardrobe.
Onstage were 3 guitarists, a bassist, a keyboardist, and drummer. Her background dancers set off the numbers with her with well rehearsed precision. A total feast for the ears and eyes. Peter Gabriel would be proud!
Stöld (2024)
A Virtual Trip tTo "Sápmi"
I worked for Scandinavian Design for 10 years. During that time I never knew anything about the Sami people that populate this corner of the world. We call it Lapland, but the indigenous people who inhabit it call their homeland, "Sápmi" . Parts of northern Sweden, Norway, and Finland, are inhabited by a rich culture that's hundreds of years old, that still rely on herding reindeer. "Stolen" is about the Sami living in today's world.
This movie may not have a unique plot, but it doesn't lack in cinematography, realistic characters, and authentic wardrobe. The plight of the reindeer herders depicted in this film will open your eyes to a life that's full of hard work, struggles with racist neighbors, and dealing with climate change. It also shows how well they have adapted to the modern world of cellphones, snowmobiles, and social media. I enjoyed the little details, like the beautiful Solje jewelry, and colorful costumes. This movie will immerse you in a story that covers about 20 years of a young girl's life. She becomes an outspoken activist against the people who are killing reindeer to punish the herders. Mining also threatens them, even though many herders have turned to working for the mining company, just to survive. There is a rift amongst family members and townspeople who don't want to rock the boat. "Stolen" will leave a thought provoking impression on you. Maybe make you want to travel to "Sápmi". It looks gorgeous both in winter or summer.
3 Body Problem (2024)
Panama Canal
Just when you thought that it couldn't get any better than a 10, along comes the ship, appropriately named, Last Judgement, chugging down the Panama Canal. Sliced and diced like no other series has done before on such a large scale. If I could give it 11 stars, I would. Plus the soundtrack with Rolling Stones, Blind Faith, and Radiohead (cover) tunes are perfectly woven into meaningful scenes in various episodes. I still have a few more episodes to watch but I want to savor the experience of watching what I consider the very best series of 2024. I rank it with The Last of Us. Kudos to the cast for playing characters that matter. The hardest part will be holding my breath, waiting for the other 3 seasons.
Seuwiteuhom (2020)
Glad I Resumed Episode 1
I started watching this series again. I starred about 3/4's of the way through episode 1 and wondered what the heck was going on. They were just starting to open the gate. So, I replayed it from the beginning, and then I remembered what was going on. The roof-top ballet, and suicidal teen. I managed to see the first 3 episodes, and got hooked. Maybe it was the chick playing bass. Maybe it was the first real mutant monster with the big long mouth, and blood sucking tentacle. I loved it. I don't watch most spatter movies like I used to, but this one caught my attention. The metal guitar riffs in some of the soundtrack is my kind of music, but the Tubular Bells instrumentals are a bit cliche. The uniqueness of each of the monsters, and their ability to "take a licking and keep on ticking" only heightens the dread. How about that monster with half it's head sliced off, sightless, and enhanced hearing grotesque one ear? It still talks! So far so good. It keeps getting more intense. I can't tell what are hallucinations, and what is real, but the bloody noses come and are gone in the next scene, so each person is different. At least it's dubbed, and English subtitles are used for messages, TV screens, and signage. I'm taking a short break before I dive back into episode 4, but plan to keep binging until the end. The Walking Dead on steroids.
John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
Loved the Nod to The Wariors, Boppers.
Every scene was totally original, and a visual feast for the eyes. The Osaka Continental, with the gorgeous lights, and artwork that filling the background during the fast-paced fight scenes.
The close-up of the Paris DJ's lips as she spoke into the retro microphone, were taken right out of the classic Walter Hill movie The Warriors, right down to Nowhere to Run, by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. She even called the guys, out there going to stop Wick from getting to Montmartre, "Boppers." Hill would be proud to see how his 1979 movie got memorable tributes in some of this ultra violent movie. I'm sure if he made it today, it would have over-the-top fight scenes in it as well.
The Berlin nightclub, made my jaw drop. What a cool idea mixing a crowded dance floor, streaming curtains of waterfalls, and deadly, relentless fighting in the middle, not stopping the hundreds of dancers.
The wardrobe was stunning. The Marquise was dressed to the nines, and I could wait to see what he was wearing in each scene. I was equally impressed as the Osaka Continental's Concierge disrobing into her fight ensemble. Bad guys wore interesting body armor, or designer suits.
I didn't think almost three hours was too long, or the plot too thin as some other reviewers. This movie is good enough to watch a few times.
Blue Beetle (2023)
Better dubbing in 1956 Godzilla: King of the Monsters!
The sound effects were about 3 seconds out of sync. Punches swing, wait for it..... sound effects of the hit come eons later. And what language were the actors speaking, Japanese? Russian? Certainly, Spanish words are being spoken but don't even sync with lip movements. They did a better job with Raymond Burr's dubbing over Japanese Godzilla in the 1950's. Whole family acts like idiots chanting and jumping around trying to get Jaime (hero) to open the box with the Scarab in it. Pathetic acting all around. If any of these actors thought that they were doing justice to their Mexican heritage, sorry they failed. I'm surprised that Susan Sarandon was so desperate as to lower herself to (act?) in this atrocity. Don't waste 2 hours of your life, watching this, even on MAX. O yeah, the ending kiss where Jaime's blue beetle legs pop out and go erect, is one sick overdone joke, and the family taunts clearly was the icing on the cake for this reviewer.
Bupkis (2023)
Real Life Is Crazier Than Fiction, With A Twist.
Kudos to a great cast! A surprise cameo actor in every scene. Pete Davidson plays himself, accompanied by Joe Pesci as his grandfather, and Edie Falco as his mom. It's a funny glimpse at his real-life, merged with humorous situations. It will keep you wondering just how much of the plot is true, and what is fantasy. I was skeptical, for about one minute, then instantly eager to go along for this wild ride. The episodes are intertwined with flashbacks from Pete's childhood that link to present day events with his family and friends. I especially loved the urinal scene from his uncle's wedding. This series is too racy for prime-time, and Peacock lets the F-bombs fly. TG for cable. It's a feel-good series that will be a big success. You can't help but fall in love with Preston Brodrick who plays a young Pete.
American Horror Story: Thank You For Your Service (2022)
Glimpse Of Gay Experience Beyond Pose With Horror.
Ryan Murphy opened my eyes to a LGBTQ community sub-culture in NYC that I didn't know existed, in his award winning series, Pose. He continues down this same genre, but this time adding the full-blown horror of AHS.
This series takes place in the early 80's, when more than one monster stalked the gay community. Not only were they hunted by kidnapping sadists and serial killers, but were abused physically and verbally by the police, who could care less. So many of the actual horrors could be based on facts. Mixed in is a relationship between a police detective, who is still in the closet and also has a lover who publishes a Gay newspaper. The two team up to find out who the predator is that's killing Gays. Conspiracy theories abound as to the origin of the HIV/AIDS, as a sub-plot, with a strange Dr. Who is both treating her patients with unique symptoms before AIDS is considered a deadly virus, as well as studying a new disease that's killing the deer population on Fire Island. Government conspiracy? More breadcrumbs to follow. This is only one more of the many horrors. Murphy and Falchuck know how to scare the crap out of the viewers. You realize you're a voyeur who can't look away. You will be repulsed and sickened, but that's what horror is meant to do.
Reginald the Vampire (2022)
Comedy With Blood, Pop Colors Non-Stop
I was intrigued from the very first image advertising this show. SyFy Channel has produced some entertaining series, so I gave it a try. It didn't disappoint me. The neon glow to the sets, are just what my mood requires, and the color combinations jump off the screen. Reginald is likeable and he copes with being overweight by constantly joking about it, when other's make fun of him. He has some strange friendships with co-workers, as well as some of his customers at the Slurpee Shack. ( A refreshing change from your typical burger joint) It depicts a different take on the vampire genre. You root for the poor guy and all his miserable setbacks. I'm not a Spiderman geek, so that isn't coloring my previous impressions of the actor playing Reginald. Innocent Blood was a favorite camp vamp movie I used to have in my collection, so I do appreciate a good comedy of horror. The smart-ass little girl seems to know more about vamp lore than Reginald ever will, and helps him more than Maurice, his maker. It's not for everyone, but I am looking forward to the 3rd episode.
The Old Man (2022)
Cheering for the dogs!
Imagine what John Wick will have to do when he retires? Jeff Bridges' character's back story slowly unfolds to become a fast-paced action tale that keeps your interest. His two dogs have some skills that remind me of the ones in John Wick II. The anticipation as you wait for them to save the day, when all looks bleak for our hero, is rewarded. Cheers for the beasts! All the other reviewers have given you the solid truth about how great this cast is. I can't tell you how eager I was to come to this page to read other's reviews and to write something after watching the first episode a few hours ago. I'm saving the second episode for tonight. It's the first exciting new action series I've seen this year. I can't wait until Amy's character comes alive in future episodes. She sounds like a chip off her old man, a real badass. FX has a way of creating memorable series like Fargo, and this one is going to be praised by the critics, and win some awards too.
The Baby (2022)
Twisted and Sick In A Delightful Way.
The brief description from HBO deceived me. Glad I was bored, and took the risk. I'm really into series like Killing Eve, and this has it all. Blood, strange characters, dark humor, and a fabulous wardrobe! I'm impatiently waiting for more episodes to drop. Those were not your grandma-ma's crocheted baby booties.
True Story with Ed & Randall (2022)
Every story so far has been hilarious.
I've been laughing so hard, multiple times, and I'm only on the second episode. I wonder where they find these people. The telling of these real-life adventures, just keep getting better as the stories progress. The two hosts have intelligent questions, that add to the story-teller's excitement. I did pick up on the omission of the actress Alexa Mansour from the cast credits, who plays the high school age Yasmin, in the second episode, Yasmin. The first story about Rick Steigerwald's Superbowl experience kept me laughing the entire time. It just kept getting better and better. What's not to love about this show?
Station Eleven (2021)
Peeling Back the Layers While Blending of This Is Us and with Covid on Steroids
I thought is was going to have a cliche plot. Not so. This is scary enough with all that we are going through today, by showing us a much bleaker outcome with the flash-forwards. I expected this to be the complete opposite of how it is playing out. Featuring the lives of each of the characters that we meet in the first episode, and then embellishing on how their lives have progressed before and after the schitt hits the fan.
Living near Chicago, I do indeed recognize various real locations and vibes of the city. It was not all filmed in Canada as a previous reviewer gripes. The somber mood of one location is shot in contrast with the sunny, overgrown flash-forward of the same place in the future, devoid of human life, but thriving with nature. There are new unexpected plot revelations, and you are constantly amazed. I care about these characters now, and wonder who will survive, or how they will meet their end. Who knew that Bill Pullman's speech from the movie Independence Day could move Shakespearean actors? I put it on par with The Leftovers. Big Clue...When you see that Jeremy Podeswa on the director credits for the first episode, it can't be a bad series.