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Reviews
Midnight Mass (2021)
Predictable
After watching the first episode, it was very clear where this was going and it's social messages, but I kept wanting to scream at the TV, "Have you never watched a Vampire movie?!" I kept with it, although I must admit to fast forwarding through the sermonizing (yes, we know that all religion is corruptible and full of hypocrisy) to get to the interesting bits. Sadly, there were few. I appreciate the message this film was making, but it failed to deliver an entertaining or new delivery. I gave it four stars because a few of the characters were well-developed and interesting.
Ghosts (2019)
Funny, clever and sweet
All of the characters are interesting and likable, even the ones I don't want to like. This show makes me smile, laugh out loud and tear up on occasion. I hope for more seasons! Thank you!
The Little Things (2021)
Love the actors and the beginning; not so much the last 30 minutes
I appreciate the acting and always enjoy Denzel Washington's work but it was difficult to overcome the last part of the film. Suspending disbelief is an understatement. To go from obsessed over a case to basically covering up a colleagues behavior in one short night seems...lazy writing or at least falling back into stereotypes. There is a clear ending and resolution if one watches carefully, but not one that is unpredictable or even original. Man gets angry when family is threatened and kills. I really hope for one day a protagonist to say to a criminal, "really? That's the best you can do?!" and truly be smarter.
Sarah Cooper: Everything's Fine (2020)
Funny with a tinge of hysteria
I laughed (and sometimes cried) throughout this show. Laughing, because of the funny performances and writing, but crying because the absurdity, sadly, was not absurd but rather what is actually happening today. The writing was timely, spot-on scary and funny. Sometimes, very subtle humor and satire, and sometimes in your face, I appreciated both. I am a big fan of Maya Rudolph (The Good Place is a true gem) and the weather segment was especially hilarious. This is my first Sarah Cooper comedy, but I will definitely watch for more. Thank you for the laughs.
Game of Thrones: The Bells (2019)
Turn on a dime?
I am so disappointed in this episode (and eighth season) Why did the writers believe that characters needed to act out of character to make good television? Salaciousness? For seasons, certain characters have held certain beliefs, and this changed within one day? Do the writers believe all people are evil, vengeful and easily corrupted? That madness appears suddenly without warning? We get it that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, but not in people with humanity, regardless of what the writers would have us believe.. It is thoroughly unbelievable that characters change so dramatically unless writers were lying in the previous episodes about the characters. And that means they don't think very highly of their audience. I appreciate the acting and beauty of the filming, but the writers did a terrible adaptation. I will try to appreciate the first seven seasons and forget this one.
Criminal: UK: Alex (2020)
Incredibly layered story
This was a gripping episode for so many reasons. I thought I knew where this was going but it turned...who is (are) the bad guy(s)? The accused, the police, the accuser? I believe the system has always been on the side of the accused in the case of rape, but this show bravely but with sensitivity and intelligence takes on the very rare case of false accusations. I immediately disliked the character played by Mr Harington. And I was supposed to. My sympathy for the character at the end was surprising and not a little unnerving. Every character, including the brief for the accused, was well written and performed. Great, thought provoking episode from an excellent series.
Wisting (2019)
Great scenery. Predictable plot
I enjoyed seeing the beautiful winter, Norwegian scenery. Unfortunately the plot was predictable and the characters were stereotypical: driven but naive daughter, cold angry FBI special agent with a chip on the shoulder, and distant smart but ever so slightly distracted main detective. The acting wasn't terrible, just predictable. The supporting characters were much more interesting. I enjoy good crime drama (Wallander, Unforgotten, The Bridge) and this fell a bit short.
A Parks and Recreation Special (2020)
Exactly right
This was a funny, light, positive way to remind us of a few things and perhaps raise some money. As someone who remembers the words to the Lil Sebastian tribute song from the series, I felt taken back to a time without the daily stresses we feel today. Even if it was just for a short time, I appreciate the effort.
The Good Place: Live Panel Discussion (2020)
Thank you!
To all involved in making this The Good Place, thank you.
The Code (2019)
Entertaining
I do understand why errors in military visuals might annoy some viewers (I get annoyed when I hear the phrase "over and out" used in movies and tv shows) I enjoyed The Code despite these. The strength and compassion shown by the characters, the lack of competitive, combative posturing and the interesting cases made this show an enjoyable summer watch. It may be unrealistic but the reality of the military is all to well known. The Code is an enjoyable departure.
The Titan (2018)
Really?
Sadly, this movie lost me when "hero" asks a scientist "do you have kids?" Response: "no". Reply: " then shut up or get out". Really? Only parents have morals and ethics and worry about the future of the planet? Sad that a movie like this could be made in 2018. I kept my fingers crossed it would end badly for this character.