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Reviews
Agnes (2021)
Unfocused
I can't remember the last time I saw a movie start off in one direction and then suddenly veer to the side. It was two different movies incoherently sewn together. There were subplots that didn't fit into the storyline. And then the credits suddenly started rolling and I wasn't sure what the movie was supposed to be about, so I didn't have any closure. I didn't even know who the main character was supposed to be until the second storyline started!
If you're looking for a movie about demon possession and exorcism, then keep scrolling. You could remove the entire possession subplot and you wouldn't miss it because it's barely relevant.
Ghosts (2019)
This Show is My Happy Place
I might be mildly obsessed with this show. I was introduced by way of the American version (which I also love!), but this show has a special quality about it that cannot be duplicated. It's smart, funny, touching, and you can tell that everyone truly enjoyed working together. They only stream seasons 1 & 2 in America, but I was able to purchase all five seasons on Apple TV+ (if you're looking to do the same). I only wish there were more episodes! I'm used to network tv seasons having around 22 episodes each. Ghosts having only 7 per season leaves me wanting more of this gem. But, the series was wrapped up beautifully, and it felt complete. Well done!
Missing: Dead or Alive? (2023)
Scripted or Not ...
I don't know if this show is 100% documentary or somewhat or entirely scripted. I wasn't there. The question is, did I like it? Yes.
I am a huge fan of Dateline and 20/20. I've been watching those shows for years, primarily for the one reason I keep tuning in: I don't know "whodunnit" until the end. I get to figure out the crime along with the experts. This show works the same way - will they be found alive or dead? I can take the journey with the officials in order to find out.
Whether these cases are scripted or not, the theme remains the same: people can go missing at the drop of a hat, and it takes some very skilled and experienced people to try to find them. If that interests you, then this show will probably appeal to you.
Quiz Lady (2023)
Outstanding movie!
For the first time in a really long time, we have a movie with an original plot, a solid cast, and zero gimmicks. I felt as though every character could actually be someone I know, so the movie was very relatable for me. It's funny, it's heartfelt, and it's creative.
I live under a rock, so I didn't know who Awkwafina was, but now I'm a fan! She's a solid talent and I hope to see more from her. I was thrilled to see Sandra Oh in a character so far removed from her Grey's Anatomy character, and I thought she sparkled.
I love going into movies without knowing anything about the plot, so I started this one to pass some time and ended up cancelling an appointment so I could finish it. I now have leg hair of unspeakable length, but it was worth it.
Dashcam (2021)
Like Blair Witch, but Scary
When I first started watching the movie, I was wondering how the filmmakers thought they could possibly get away with making a scary movie based on dashcam footage. Then I realized I'd been watching for an hour already and I was loving it. Yes, the main character is annoying (probably based on what every non-American thinks Americans are like), but she did make me laugh out loud. I thought it was a great combination of jump scares and good old-fashioned horror spiced with the occasional humor.
I was never bored because I thought the pacing was great, and the dialogue felt very natural. If you love jumpscares and laughing at people being intentionally ridiculous, then give it a watch and judge for yourself.
Dangerous Game: The Legacy Murders (2022)
Had so much potential
When I saw a newspaper clipping of HH Holmes' "Murder Castle" framed on the living room wall, I was instantly intrigued and ready for a wild ride of mazes, sinister rooms, and all-out chaos. By the end of the movie, I was still waiting for them. There was so much potential with the plot that just didn't materialize. If you're going to reference the Murder Castle and suggest that the characters are in an updated version, you need to see that through. There were only two "murder rooms", if you will, but we see characters trying to navigate a poorly-lit hallway that suggests there are several more rooms to see in that gigantic mansion. Nope! Just two. And one is used more than once. It's as though there was a struggle between using the mansion to its full murderous potential, and spending the time on developing character relationships. In an hour and a half, it's difficult to do both. I think it would have made a great limited series if they had the time to flesh all of that out. In the end, I think it was less about drawing the parallels between the family and HH Holmes, and more about finding excuses to murder each other. From that standpoint, I was disappointed.
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (2022)
Every Child of the 80s Should Watch This
Anyone expecting a serious biopic of Weird Al obviously has no idea who he is. I thought the movie was brilliant - true Weird Al fashion. I grew up on Dr. Demento and Weird Al, so this brought me back to my childhood in the best way possible. The acting was spectacular, the references hysterical, and the comedy completely hilarious. If you grew up with Weird Al, then you'll truly appreciate this movie. I cannot think of a better way to honor his legacy. I also cannot think of another 143 characters to write about, but that's what IMDB tells me I'll need before I can submit this. Did you know that in 1985.
Halloween Ends (2022)
Missed Opportunity
This is the culmination of four decades of the most iconic horror story of all time. It was not the right time to introduce a new character and storyline that concludes before the movie does (and if they plan to resurrect it somehow with the character's spawn, then the spirit of the franchise will jump the shark!). It also didn't make sense to have one of the characters move to the dark side in the grand finale, when there's no other vehicle to carry it over into another story. There was so much time wasted on this storyline - I would have preferred to see what Michael Myers had been up to all these years, and hopefully not all of them would have been living in a sewer like a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.
The Addams Family 2 (2021)
What? I liked it!
I thought the animation was spectacular, the voice talents were perfection, and I laughed through the whole movie. I can understand why some people may not have liked it because it journeys outside the familiar Addams house where we are accustomed to seeing our favorite ghouls. But I don't think that made the story less interesting or the jokes less funny. If you liked the first movie, I suggest watching this one with an open mind, and you may find yourself enjoying it!
Since I still have more characters to use up before I can submit this review, let's talk about the animation. I felt like I was watching a big blockbuster movie that - Oh! I made it. I can submit this now.
Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)
Worth the wait!
Once again, the Sanderson Sisters do not disappoint! I was laughing out loud at their antics.
This film was clearly made for the fans, as references to the original are peppered throughout. It is NOT laziness - it's a nod to the fans. And I loved it!
I was also impressed how they worked in a bit of modern technology, BUT they didn't rely on it for what could have been potentially cheap gags. The characters directly interacted with each other, which made me nostalgic for 1993 when my friends and I would actually go on adventures together like in both movies. I tip my hat to Disney for showing young audiences that there is life outside of electronics. Thank you, Bette, for bringing this back!
Blonde (2022)
More like "Bland"
If this is a movie about exploitation, then it's only fitting that the actress playing Marilyn was subjected to numerous topless scenes that were completely gratuitous. And this is coming from someone who loves the movie "Showgirls"! And don't get me started on the abortion scenes from the point of view of her cervix - not groundbreaking; just disgusting. If they were going for shock value, the only shock I experienced was realizing that this film actually got made. I only watched the whole thing hoping for something good to hold onto, but my hand was empty when the credits rolled. The whole thing was ridiculous. I wouldn't be surprised if their next movie is about Michael Jackson growing up in the Von Trapp family.
The Expecting (2020)
Modern Day Rosemary with a Twist
I really wish this could have been expanded into a standard-length show. I like the plot, but I think so much more could have been explored, and I need a season 2 to satisfy my curiosity.
Is it predictable? Of course - it's a horror movie with a pregnant woman. Those are always predictable, but isn't that why we watch them? We know something's growing in the character, but we stay tuned to see what it is. Baby? Demon? Two-headed velociraptor?
I think it was done well, and the cast did a great job of elevating the story past its predicability. If this were reworked into a feature-length movie or standard 20-minute episodes, I would watch it again!
The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch (2020)
Fun, but fake?
I have been interested in this ranch for years, so I was really hoping for something great. But is this just a fictional series? Either the owner of the ranch is being coached by the production team, or he's a bad actor. And there are occasions when the scientists seem stumped by something I can explain away with my high school science knowledge. Also, they don't use control subjects to prove or disprove their experiments. Anywho, it's fun to watch so I'll give it that.
It Takes a Christmas Village (2021)
Not bad.
What can I say? It's the same formula as every other Christmas movie out there on Lifetime or Hallmark and I think the lead actress has asthma, but otherwise it's pretty good.
Ghosted (2017)
Deserves a second chance.
Craig Robinson and Adam Scott are a fantastic pairing. And, like most tv series, it took a few episodes for this one to find its footing. Unfortunately, the show was cancelled just as it gained traction and now we'll never see the great show it had the potential to be.
Fifty Shades of Black (2016)
I Laughed Way Too Hard.
I don't know know why the ratings are so low - I laughed through the whole thing! I'll totally watch this again! Also, I can't submit this review until it contains 150 characters, so .... BABABOOIE BABABOOIE.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
What am I looking at?
I know it's the "style" to be dark and moody, but every scene is lit like it's midnight and they had 3 candles available. Great for jumpscares, but if I can't even tell who or what I'm looking at, then what's the point?
The Highwaymen (2019)
This is what a movie ought to be.
A Bonnie and Clyde movie that's not about Bonnie and Clyde, yet I was engaged the whole time! It's so beautifully put together - the photography, the score, the costumes, the direction, the acting ... and never a dull moment. This is what a movie ought to be.
Skyman (2019)
Good story, poorly executed.
I liked the idea of the story, but the dialogue is cringe-worthy and the acting is over the top. And the characters are weak - sometimes they'd say things that didn't jive with their personalities. Or they'd do the dreaded "look at the camera and shake your head." But worst of all - how did they get the found footage if Carl was still holding onto the camera to shoot it?
Radium Girls (2018)
Oh, how I wanted to love this.
It's a nice story, but it's loosely based upon the events. The depiction of radium affliction is grossly understated, and the pacing is slow enough to allow you the time to absorb the dull dialogue. Had they focused on the Ottawa plant instead, there would have been a lot more material to work with, and it would have been far more interesting.
Red Sparrow (2018)
Too bad, because I like the actors.
I'm not even really sure what I just watched. There was gratuitous violence, sexual deviancy, and unfortunate accents. And usually, I like that kind of stuff.