marciaoh Reviews

The Lowe Files (2017)

Fun, Family Affair Reality Show

[9/10 · 5 August 2017]

This series is surprisingly easy to watch with Rob Lowe as the likable dad traipsing around California tracking ghosts and paranormal activities with his two skeptical, college age sons. I usually avoid programs purporting to uncover the spirits of dead people using strange and often ridiculous gadgets, flashing lights and squeaky noises. But, this show offers a tongue-in-cheek look at the supernatural with a bonus opportunity for viewers to see historical sites throughout the state. Watching Rob Lowe interact with his sons reveals a happy family enjoying time spent together offering a unique opportunity for viewers to see seemingly well-adjusted Hollywood kids, normal and healthy.

Provenance (2017)

Blinded By Love

[10/10 · 22 July 2017]

Provenance is a haunting, beautifully done film. The acting is superior. The soundtrack, directing, cinematography and script are also outstanding. The peaceful, idyllic setting in a quaint town in the south of France, contrasts with the moody discontent, the despair of the character's inner turmoil.

There is an abundance of clever foreshadowing that reinforces the themes. Clues symbolically intertwine to support the shocking final twist such as the movie's title and Peter's (Harry MacQueen) job as an historian.

The music soundtrack dominated by piano/violin melodies acts almost as another character in the movie with it's vibrant, violently passionate tones, then sudden juxtaposition to lilting melodic whispers, complementing and interconnecting with John's (Christian McKay) emotions. Music connects the main characters in a web of joy teetering on destruction.

The end is disturbing and poignant. It makes the viewers question their lives and feelings about the world and love.

This movie decidedly deserves to win awards!!

Campfire Kiss (2017 TV Movie)

Campfire Mess

[5/10 · 1 May 2017]

There is no cohesive story or conflict developed in Campfire Kiss therefore, it is difficult for the audience to stay interested. The main characters have zero chemistry. Danica McKellar, Dana, who has some talent as an actress, in this movie, comes across as unlikable and irritating. There is no justification for her anger at Steve (Paul Green) throughout most of the film. We're suppose to believe that because Steve, the owner of a sporting goods store, was talking to his daughter on his cell phone when Danica, a customer, wanted his attention, then playfully teased her, that this brief encounter justifies Dana's irrational anger at this man for the entire first part of the film. Throughout the rest of her encounters with Steve, Dana goes in and out of adolescent flirtation to unexplained rage. Even the usual, spectacular Hallmark scenery is not remarkable in Campfire Kiss. Avoid spending two hours watching this unappealing, lack of romance mess.

While You Were Dating (2017 TV Movie)

Cute but a bit boring

[6/10 · 1 May 2017]

The premise of this Hallmark film is good--a divorced couple meet and start chatting online unaware of each other's identities. After the first awkward date and inherit conflicts, the movie loses some of it's energy and falls into many of the usual Hallmark romance clichés. William Baldwin is appealing as the jaded Nick but no one is going to win any Emmy awards for acting in this cute but not very exciting movie.

Moonlight in Vermont (2017 TV Movie)

Moonlight in Vermont is Romantic and Well-Written

[9/10 · 16 April 2017]

The title is what first attracted me to this Hallmark film because it seemed quaint, promising romance and fantasy. It delivered both and much more. Unlike some Hallmark movies, the narrative hung together with a cohesive story, conflict, setting and theme. I especially liked the interaction between Fiona and Nate starting as enemies and ending as lovers. My favorite scene was when Fiona and Nate had their first intimate contact when they slow-danced at the Maple Faire Dance-the twinkling lights and music set a beautiful, romantic scene and the song "Moonlight In Vermont" background soundtrack, sung by a Sinatra-like male, made the scene magical. I loved all the references to Vermont maple syrup and the old traditions like the food from the past being used as ambiance. The scenery is gorgeous in this movie. The inn, owned by Fiona's father, is so inviting, the viewer can't help but wish they could book a reservation for the holidays at this lovely hotel.

Garage Sale Mysteries: Garage Sale Mystery (2013) Season 1, Episode 1

Antiques and Mystery

[6/10 · 25 March 2017]

This, the first in the Hallmark Garage Sale Mystery series, is not as good as the later Garage Sale films. However, Lori Laughlin is likable and engaging as the housewife/sleuth Jennifer Shannon. Her job as owner of an antique shop adds a nice thread tying her part-time interest as a younger, American, Miss Marple and her thrift store, collectibles enterprise. The cast of characters in this movie adds intrigue to the narrative. I have only a couple of critical comments. First, the plot was rather predictable. I figured out the murderer before midway through the show. Second, the young detective, who acts as a romantic interest for Jennifer's daughter who is recovering from a recent break-up, is completely incompetent, yet the audience is suppose to take him seriously. He is slow witted, one dimensional and utterly unbelievable as the officer in charge of the murder investigation. This detective is a mediocre actor who lacks energy and passion. Worse, he is a lousy detective who misses every clue. Jennifer, a housewife with supposedly no experience in solving crimes, figures out each detail concerning the death of her friend then delivers every new discovery to the young detective. The conclusion is preposterous when Jennifer's daughter, with a straight and serious face, thanks the doofus detective for keeping her mother safe. Then, she kisses the cop as intelligent viewers wonder what in the world the daughter finds admirable about this dense guy. The biggest irony is that Jennifer was not kept safe by the dullard detective, as she was almost shot by the killer in the last few scenes--the bumbling lead detective having apparently no idea that Jennifer was in mortal peril.

The Wedding March (2016 TV Movie)

Scenery Best Part of Movie

[6/10 · 11 February 2017]

The lush greenery, rolling hills, crystal lakes and clear blue skies steal every scene in this Hallmark romance. The acting is adequate; the faces of the women are all perfect with not one visible wrinkle. Like all Hallmark films, this is a fantasy with just enough low key conflict to keep the audience mildly interested. Mick, as the aging rock star, seems decades older than Olivia, yet we are asked to believe they were once in college together. Mick would have looked more appropriate with Olivia's mother. Olivia's wig is so awful that it distracts from the story. Hallmark has a habit of forcing impossibly bad wigs on it's lead female characters. The Wedding March is a somewhat entertaining film lacking any truly memorable moments.

The Bridge Part 2 (2016 TV Movie)

Capturing the Magic of Reading

[9/10 · 29 January 2017]

The Bridge bookstore, a place where the bookish characters congregate for comfort and enlightenment from the proprietors, Donna and Charlie, admirably acted by Faith Ford and Ted McGinley, is the setting for this engaging film. In this the second part of two, Katie Findlay and Wyatt Nash are reunited as Molly and Ryan, two characters from different social classes and worlds. Their complex and conflict filled relationship is forged because of their mutual love of books. The best part of this movie is that it demonstrates the romance of books that can be held in one's hands rather than consumed online. The story line also is a battle cry to support independent bookstores. The beautiful scenery, filmed to capture all the seasons, including the twinkling, snowy charm of Christmas, makes this movie a comforting treat to watch. There are several tearful, tense moments that will keep the viewer interested. Steve Bacic, as the villainous father who is transformed in the end, does a fine job conveying emotional turmoil in dealing with his daughter. Overall, The Bridge Part 2, is two hours well spent and might motivate you to pick up that book you've been meaning to read.

Christmas Land (2015 TV Movie)

A Movie To Put You Into the Christmas Spirit

[9/10 · 8 January 2017]

Although this Hallmark plot is similar to others in the Hallmark Christmas collection, the well cast actors in this appealing story and the uniquely picturesque setting contribute to the special charm of this film. The opening scene with Nikki as a young child making Christmas ornaments with her grandmother, then the grandmother filming a video of she and her beloved granddaughter on the sleigh adds unity to the plot and theme. Long after the grandmother's passing, the video she made is part of the motivation for luring Nikki back to live at Christmas Land. The conflict is strong throughout complete with a Scrooge like real estate agent who conspires with Nikki's heartless, big city boyfriend to steal the farm from her. The negative reviews of this lovely film on this site baffle me because the reviews seem to be critiquing a plot device that merely reveals the reality of the real estate business today. It's as if some Hallmark viewers cannot accept any realism in a Hallmark movie. In the final scenes of the film, the forgiving attitude of Nikki and the townspeople toward the ruthless estate agent seem to anger many viewers. Yet, it is not out of character for the generous, yuletide-spirited townspeople and the transformed Nikki who is re-energized by Christmas cheer to forgive the greedy real estate villain as they celebrate saving Christmas Land. The ending of Christmas Land offers the happy-ever-after idealism of all Hallmark films complete with the loving couple kissing in the final scene but it also adds a dose of realism that contributes to a larger message. If you have a chance to see this captivating movie, you should do so.

Hinterland (III) (2014)

Unique and Artistic

[10/10 · 6 August 2015]

I like Hinterland. It is avant-garde and artistically done--the cinematography with unconventional camera angles and uneven shots are not typical and shock the viewer then pull them into the story. The film depicts breathtakingly picturesque scenery of the beautiful English countryside with wild ponies and animals milling around the highway, all creating images of life and expectation.

Hinterland is an unusually quiet film in this world of bombastic, loud, clichéd cinema. I especially like the beginning of Hinterland--the still, close shots of rooms, the desk, the bathtub--no movement until suddenly a man climbs from a tub establish a haunting mileau.

This film will be a big hit with millennials because it relates to the theme of lost youth searching for meaning.

The original soundtrack is captivating and, with the woman's soulful vocals, is haunting.

The conflicts come out of two young people trying to figure out unknown futures which cause them both fear and trepidation. They're both a bit in love with each other, but are terrified of commitment, of becoming stuck in lives that would take away their freedom to live vibrant, authentic experiences without boundaries like the wild horses roaming the English hills.

Happyish (2015)

Unlikeable Characters--May Contain a Spoiler

[6/10 · 26 July 2015]

Now that Happyish is officially canceled, I'm searching for answers as to why it didn't make it. I watched the show every week, which may seem odd since I really wasn't a fan of the series. I suppose the talented Brit, Steve Coogan and Bradley Whitford, pulled me in at first. Then, the quirky, irreverent humor interested me. However, the main problem with Happyish is that it presents no truly likable characters. The central family is miserable and seems to wallow in self-pity in such a pathologically unhealthy way that the audience becomes uncomfortable and a bit embarrassed. Since the family is attractive, live in an upscale home, are educated and have enviable careers, it's difficult for most viewers to empathize with their misery. The scripts sort of repeat the same overused refrain each week--millennials and Swedes are all evil villains and corporate America eats people's souls. There is no subtext or probing for deeper insights, just the cloying monotony of rather overdone story lines. All the characters, even the Swedish group who take over the ad company, are one dimensional and shallow. I've begun to wonder why so much contemporary television uses Swedish people as the antagonists--are Swedes now the postmodern symbols of blond, blue eyed monsters--the entitled white power structure? To this point, in the incredibly well done HBO hit, Nurse Jackie, the writers pinned the downfall of the hospital, the central workplace and life-blood of the characters, on the Swedes. Have American TV producers simply run out of villains that are politically correct? Swedes, family angst, fear of aging, psychological despair and Jewish self-identity all get short shifted in Happyish and the viewer comes away not happyish at all.

Wayward Pines (2015–2016)

Mesmerizing, Haunting, Great New Series

[10/10 · 4 July 2015]

The creative elements all work together beautifully in this gem of a horror series. Matt Dillion, surprisingly convincing as the slightly battle-scarred secret agent, Ethan Burke, masterfully captures the taut, nuanced portrayal of the reluctant Wayward Pine's sheriff. The supporting cast of characters is a collection of talent unexpected in a Fox TV thriller. Carla Gugino, unvalued for years as an actress, seems finally to be given a role worthy of her many acting gifts. As one of the nervous townsfolk, Juliette Lewis captures the soul of the bewitching, yet neurotic, heartbreakingly tragic, barmaid in an Emmy winning performance. Toby Jones, a veteran of major films, turns in an outstanding performance as the repulsively ingratiating psychiatrist. Melissa Leo, as Nurse Pam, captures the evil madness of a woman on the edge. The list of outstanding acting talent in this series seems endless--Terrence Howard, Hope Davis and Reed Diamond are just a few more personalities that contribute to the Wayward Pine's winning cast. The casting, special effects, art direction, directing, even the original music score by Charlie Clouser all help make this series unforgettable. M. Night Shyamalan and all of the producers of this series should prepare themselves for a smash success. To be a prisoner in paradise is the uncomfortable irony that Wayward Pine's invites us to ponder as terrifying, mysterious creatures wait just outside the city limits.

The Odd Couple (2015–2017)

Perry is Miscast

[2/10 · 21 February 2015]

I wanted to like this show. But, after watching fifteen minutes of it, I realized that it just wasn't working. If you've seen the original Neil Simon film "The Odd Couple" or even watched the 1970s television version with Jack Klugman and Tony Randell, you know that this new reincarnation hasn't got the snap or sparkle of the other two. The writing in this CBS bad imitation of "The Odd Couple" is sophomoric with an irritating laugh track prodding us to find something remotely funny in this boring series. Matthew Perry is horribly miscast as the slob and grouch Oscar Maddison. With his perfectly coiffed hair, botoxed forehead and designer Hollywood voice, Perry is not remotely believable as the ragged, jaded New Yorker Oscar Madison. Perry is too much metrosexual, the pretty boy and not enough Brooklyn bad boy. Neil Simon created Oscar to be jaded, unkempt,brash, a tough-talking, sports junkie. If one truly wishes to see Oscar played to perfection, watch Walter Matthau in the original Odd Couple. Somewhere the great Neil Simon must be regretting allowing his name to be used in the opening credits of this awkward show.

Liz & Dick (2012 TV Movie)

Uncomfortably Awkward Performance

[2/10 · 26 November 2012]

Lohan was not remotely believable as Liz Taylor. For one, Taylor had a remarkably unique voice with a bit of an English accent since she was born in the UK. Taylor's voice was soft, airy, almost girlish and full of drama. Lohan made no attempt to sound even remotely like Taylor. Lohan's voice is husky like she's smoked too many cigarettes. Lohan sounded like a hardened truck driver without any of the femininity that made Liz Taylor so attractive. In this film, Lohan talked way too fast--she giggled in the wrong places and frowned oddly at the wrong moments. Lohan didn't project any authenticity at all.

Lohan's mannerisms, gestures and facial expressions didn't match the emotional moments she was suppose to be portraying throughout this film. It was like she was rushing through each scene so she could go somewhere more important rather than stick around and try to perform in this dumb movie.

Taylor's body was very curvy--most of her adult life she struggled with overweight, yet, she always projected a raw sexuality that jumped off the screen. Also, Taylor had huge breasts. That's one thing Burton used to say he loved about Taylor. Yet, Lohan appeared scrawny and flat chested in many scenes, as she moved clumsily around trying desperately to be sexy.

Overall, Lohan's performance was almost laughable--sort of a cartoon version of the remarkable Liz Taylor.

The guy who played Richard Burton was much better than Lohan. He is gorgeous. But, this actor had a lousy script to deal with and Lohan to interact with, so he struggled to be believable.

The script was superficial and flimsy.

My grade for the film is a C- verging into D.

Sons of Hollywood (2006– )

Worst Show On Television Ever

[1/10 · 15 October 2009]

When I first watched this show, I had to continually remind myself that it was a reality series. I couldn't believe any three men would be so narcissistic, unlikeable and out of touch with real reality that they could think the public would embrace their reckless disregard for civility, manners, intelligent conversation and empathy. All three men seem scary-obnoxious, money-obsessed, celebrity addicted, puffed up on their own conceited notion that everyone cares about their seemingly wasted lives--frantically racing from one hot party to another, ordering piles of designer food they don't eat, throwing away hundreds of dollars in Vegas and grabbing women's breasts. Couldn't A&E dig up some other more worthy contender for a series other than a show about pathetic, poor little rich boys who can't make it out of Daddy's shadow, yet are content to live useless lives on papas multi-millions? Sean Stewart is so hideously repulsive you almost feel sorry for him. And Randy Spelling's lame whining about how broken up he is about his father's death as Randy flew off to Hawaii gagged and embarrassed me. Aaron Spelling and Rod Stewart must be thoroughly disappointed in their sons of Hollywood, yet both superstar men created their offspring--two twentyish gems of grotesque overindulged Hollyhorror.

Cougar Town (2009–2015)

Uncomfortably Bad Show

[1/10 · 15 October 2009]

I've watched this series every week since it began thinking that perhaps the next show would be better than the previous one. But, each week I'm disappointed.

The main problem with "Cougar Town" is that it isn't funny or well-written. The characters are painfully superficial without authenticity. Unlike "Sex and the City" which was skillfully crafted with wit and genius, "Cougar Town" lacks both charm and intelligence. The Courteney Cox character, Jules Cobb, has no real interests beyond an obsession with her looks and whether she's attractive enough to hook a good looking man. The story lines all revolve around Jules pathetically stalking some unrealistically handsome guy, frantic he won't think she's attractive enough to want to sleep with her, then, magically, in the end, he validates her weirdly needy ego, by paying attention to her. Jules' main focus is luring males who are as vacuous as she is. The idea that a man or a woman might have other attributes beyond simply a hot body or unlined face is apparently lost on this pathetic cast. Unlike Carrie Bradshaw in "Sex and the City,"who was looking for love and intimacy not just sex, and who had a serious and creative career as a writer, Jules Cobb shows no commitment to her job or to finding a meaningful attachment to a man. It's all about sex. Jules, as of episode three, had not attempted one smart or romantic conversation with the boy-candy, young man she sleeps with beyond comparing notes about how well either of them performed gymnastically in bed. The other characters are equally shallow and cliché--just caricatures of cartoon people--the frumpy housewife buddy, the slutty, side-kick girl friend, the vapid, dumb-jock ex-husband, the 40ish, GQ handsome, neighbor dude who dates only Gen Y girls. The audience has no empathy or connection with any of these people. Perhaps the most ludicrous idea of all is that the viewer is expected to believe that Courteney Cox, as Jules Cobb, eats midnight pastry or has problems interesting any man whether 20 or 60. With her perfect features helped by thousands of dollars in surgical intervention and her size 2 body, most middle aged women can't relate to Cox as Cobb, the hungry cougar. In this mess of a sit-com, all the women come off as predatory, sexual addicts who are cognitively challenged. Hopefully, the network will have the good sense to blow "Cougar Town" off the map.