rjb-51149 Reviews

The Carmichael Show (2015–2017)

I discovered this treasure when they released it on Hulu

[10/10 · 13 May 2024]

I don't know how I missed this show when it was on NBC. Every episode I am finding myself laughing out loud. It also makes you think because a lot of the episodes revolve around social issues. I have to say Loretta Devine and David Alan Grier steal every scene they're in. The writing is very sharp and sometimes I can't believe what they get away with. It's so refreshing to see a show that's not politically correct. I really wish this show was still on. I've already gone through all three seasons on Hulu and I've decided to go through them again. Brilliant show, in fact very reminiscent of a Norman Lear show. I don't know how they let this one get away.

American Fiction (2023)

Would have given it 10 stars if not for the ending.

[9/10 · 23 January 2024]

This movie had me laughing out loud in the theater. There was so many brilliant scenes in it, too numerous to name here. Jeffrey Wright was absolutely brilliant in this role. He walked a fine line between being uncomfortably rigid and somebody who you felt great empathy for. Sterling K Brown stole every scene he was in as the brother. Leslie Uggams can do no wrong and is still beautiful. I also thought Erika Alexander was perfect as his girlfriend. His publisher, played by Miriam Shor, was note perfect and hilarious. The script had so many quotable lines that I need to see it again. The only problem I had was the ending. There were so many better ways to end it. Don't let that stop you. One of the best movies I have seen in a long time.

What We Do in the Shadows (2019–2024)

The Only Show I Watch Regularly Because it's Hysterical!

[10/10 · 19 July 2023]

I initially checked out this show because it's set in Staten Island, and that's my hometown. What I didn't expect was how completely hilarious it would be. The characters are all well thought out, and the actors play them brilliantly. It taught me the meaning of a laugh out loud show. Not a bad episode in the bunch. They're not exactly good people( well they are vampires after all)but you grow to love each and every one of them. I re-watch episodes because I'm laughing so hard and I miss things. Plus, the Staten Island references are so spot on, that Sean could actually be my neighbor. Now I need to see the original movie!

Flamin' Hot (2023)

A real feel good movie from beginning to end!

[10/10 · 11 June 2023]

I don't really care if the story is true or not. It was a very emotional story and very well acted. It had me from the beginning and kept me to the end. The leads, Jesse Garcia and Annie Gonzalez were excellent. This movie could have been a saccharine mess. Eva Longoria directed with a deft touch and kept the story moving. In my opinion, it was not your typical rags to riches story. The main thing the film had was heart. I teared up at the end, and I did not feel manipulated. The "villains" in the piece were pretty stereotypical white people. I've heard various accounts of the story being altered, but if you just take it for what it is, you' ll enjoy it.

Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody (2022)

Much better Than I expected

[8/10 · 12 February 2023]

I went into this thinking that there was no way they could make a decent biopic of Whitney Houston. I thought they would shy away from certain things. However, they did not. Her story is here warts and all. I was at first put off because Naomi Ackie does not look like Whitney Houston. However, she absolutely kills it. After a while, it's the performance that you pay attention to. She has the moves down to a T. Her lip syncing is incredible. The story is over 2 hours but moves along very well. Even Whitney's voice in the later years she had down. Great performance. Stanley Tucci could not be more perfect as Clive Davis. The story is sad but the music makes you remember what an incredible performer she was. This movie should have done much better in the theaters and at awards season. Some people have compared this to a TV movie, but this was so much more than just a Lifetime movie of the week. The attention to detail was amazing. Give it a chance. You'll be glad you did.

To Leslie (2022)

This movie blew me away

[10/10 · 29 January 2023]

I had heard good things about this movie, so when the Academy Awards were announced, I gave it a try. Andrea Riseborough's performance blew me away. She was heartbreaking and she really became that character. It was kind of hard to have sympathy for her, because everything she did she did to herself. However, somehow by the end of the film, you're rooting for her. The movie is slow at times, but it's a character study, but by no means is it boring. The movie was well cast. Special shout out to Marc Maron. His chemistry with Andrea carried this movie. He has become quite an actor. He says a lot with his eyes and conveys empathy quite well. Kind of reminded me of James Garner's character in Murphy's Romance. People need to see this and you will know why. Andrea is nominated for an Academy Award. Totally deserved the nomination.

Abbott Elementary (2021– )

Binge-Worthy

[10/10 · 2 April 2022]

I binged this show while recovering from surgery, on Jimmy Kimmel's recommendation. It's s hilarious and so smart. Every character gets to shine, and it's truly an ensemble workplace show, in the tradition of Taxi and The Office. Even though everyone is great on the show, to me, the most hilarious character is the school principal Ava, played to perfection by Janelle James. Also glad to see comedy vets Sheryl Lee Ralph and Lisa Ann Walter get their due. I smell Emmys all around!

CODA (2021)

Last Half Hour Broke Me

[10/10 · 13 February 2022]

I knew nothing about this movie until the nominations were announced. What a pleasant surprise! The lead performance by Emilia Jones was.perfection. I was shocked when I learned she was English. All the performances were great, especially Troy Kotsur, Marlee Marlin and Daniel Durant, who all happen to be deaf in real life. Movies don't usually get me all emotional, but the scene on the truck between Ruby and her father, and the scene with Both Sides Now brought tears to my eyes. I loved this movie from start to finish and have already watched it twice.

B Positive (2020–2022)

Second season so much better than the first

[8/10 · 29 October 2021]

I used to watch this show off and on in the first season. It was basically just something to pass the time. However, after seeing Annaleigh Ashford on Impeachment, I was so impressed that I gave the show a second look. To my delight, the second season is a total revamping of the show. They changed the focus to the assisted living home, and added great veteran supporting characters. Linda Lavin was on the first season, but she wasn't used enough. They beefed up her part and she's great. They also added Hector Elizondo, Priscilla Lopez, Ben Vereen and a surprisingly hilarious Jane Seymour. The way she plays an over the hill bimbo makes me laugh every time. I think if you weren't happy with this show the first season you should give it a second look.

I Am Woman (2019)

A Nice Surprise to Revisit the '70s

[8/10 · 30 November 2020]

I had no idea this movie even existed. I was looking on Netflix for something to watch and I was delightfully surprised to find this film. Helen Reddy quite frankly is one of those icons that immediately transports me back to my '70s AM radio listening. This movie doesn't claim to be anything more than it is. It is a director's version of Helen Reddy's life. The lead, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, is actually quite good as Helen. The supporting players, Evan Peters as Jeff Wald and Danielle McDonald as Lilian Roxon, support her well and are the standouts in the piece. Some may argue that this is nothing but a lifetime movie, but all Helen's songs are there, the backstory is one that I really didn't know anything about and I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting that era. Look it's not Shakespeare, but it doesn't pretend to be. As biopics go, it held my interest and it was very entertaining. People forget about how big Helen was. This movie will remind them and hopefully introduce her to a new generation.

Long Shot (2019)

Much Better Than I Thought It'd Be

[8/10 · 18 December 2019]

This is a much better film than i heard it was. It's the very definition of a romantic comedy. There were several laugh out loud moments. While I don't normally think of Seth Rogan as a romantic lead, he's utterly charming in this. Charlize Theron is luminous and , in my opinion, they had undeniable chemistry. They really look like they enjoyed one another. June Diane Raphael is perfect in the "Eve Arden" role. This should have done better at the box office. I only watched it because it was on HBO. I'm glad I did.

Second Act (2018)

Very Enjoyable Comedy

[8/10 · 24 December 2018]

I only went to see this because my wife is a huge J Love fan. To my surprise and delight, the movie is really well done. The heartwarming parts work well, and the comedy is laugh out loud funny. J Love is luminous throughout the film, and this is really a film where she shines. The inspired casting of Leah Remini as her best friend ( who nearly steals the film along with Dierdre Friel and Lacretta as J Lo's co workers) really uses the chemistry they have as friends in real life. There is a twist to the plot which I will not reveal. Beautifully shot, great use of NY as a backdrop and a great supporting cast with not a false note in the bunch. It held my attention, and that's saying something as well. I hope to see Leah Remini get some more films after this, because she makes a great sidekick. I loved it.