bay-77008 Reviews

The Regime (2024)

It's kooky and once more people watch the score will go up.

[8/10 · 4 March 2024]

Based on the first episode I'm all in and look forward to the rest of series. Some critics say it isn't funny. I guess that depends on one's particular brand of humor. There are levels and genres of humor. The Regime certainly isn't laugh out loud hilarious and I don't know why anyone expected it to be based on the trailers. Our main character is a very quirky, eccentric woman who believes she is righteous in all she does but has a paranoia of mold. Well, so do I, even if not to her degree. In this episode we learn that her father died of lung disease so it stands to reason she'd be scared and to the degree she is scared is the funny part. Kate Winslet delivers in spades and she gets better every time I watch her. She has the capacity in The Regine to garner sympathy while just having brow beaten one of her staff. It's kooky!

Blue Lights (2023– )

Fast paced, entertaining, good acting, gritty and heartfelt..

[9/10 · 23 January 2024]

As usual, many early reviewers never gave it a chance, often quitting before the first episode is even over. Repeat after me, THIS IS NOT A DOCUMENTARY. If a crime series followed the every day proceedings of being a cop ANYWHERE, it would be a snooze. It's unrealistic to expect any story to be interesting without some drama, suspension of disbelief, etc. These so called experts on the goings on of cops in NI seem to miss the point of what makes watchable TV. Perhaps they prefer docuseries and such, but anyway, please give this a try. You won't be disappointed. I was very pleasantly surprised and look forward to episode 3.

Evil Under the Sun (1982)

Titled ensemble cast, incredible scenery, Cole Porter = mood lifting!

[10/10 · 11 January 2024]

I watch this movie over and over again. Maggie Smith, Peter Ustinov, Dianna Rigg, James Mason and Roddy McDowell at an Adriatic seaside resort with Cole Porter wonderfully arranged in the background, sunshine, blue waters and .... murder of course! This is also racier than most Agatha Christie movies with a flamboyantly gay McDowell character and lots of innuendoes and double entendres. This isn't an Oscar winner, perhaps but it is invigorating and fun! Ustinov is wonderful and makes me love Poirot when I never have before. The acting is overall good if McDowell's acting is a little over the top., Again, I don't care, I love this movie.

The House Across the Street (2022)

Cringy main character but still good. Let me explain.

[7/10 · 9 January 2024]

I watched on Acorn or Britbox and experienced no loud music drowning out the dialogue. To me, it became clear in the 1st episode that the main character (Claudia) is an empath to the degree that she not only feels what others are feeling but she yearns to do so, and even goes to the extent of emulating these people in pain. She wants to feel everything they feel. It's almost like she wants to eat their pain for them. She's creepy in doing so and many times it's cringy to watch, but the acting is not wooden at all, except by the dead girls mother, who if you paid attention admitted to lacking feelings. Hell, she dancing and drinking in her living room only days after her daughter was had disappeared. Claudia's voice is annoying, no doubt, but didn't deter me from watching. Her acting was spot on.

I also wonder at the number of viewers who didn't understand the plot or the ending. Remember she had cancer and went back to her doctor because she thought it was coming back. Claudia felt her life was over either way since both her husband and son have abandoned her. In her mind why not save the family and take the heat herself since she saw no future.

Claudia was certainly weird as well as depressed and lonely. As an empath she absorbed people's pain and suffering and even made one of the the biggest sacrifices one can make, to fall on the sword to save others.

Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)

Good, fast paced and entertaining for the whole family.

[7/10 · 5 January 2024]

Is it simple? Yes. Easy to follow? Yes. Are there edge of your seat moments. Yes. Is it a bit of a thrill? Yes. Is it an Oscar winning film? No. Did I expect it to be? No. Did I enjoy it? Yes. I watched it for what it is and it sped by with zero moments of boredom.

The boy's acting is good and he's believable in his role. Angelina plays tough girl well and she is believable, outside of her beauty, as a fire jumper.

The bad guys are immediately so easy to hate you want badly to do them in yourself.

The fire scenes are thrilling and the scenery is beautiful.

I'm a snob sometimes, too, but this movie doesn't deserve all the bad reviews.

Foe (2023)

Was this really good or really bad? I am on the fence.

[7/10 · 5 January 2024]

I thought I'd explain what I think really happened because a good number of viewers seem to have missed some points.

Year 2065, Midwestern US, scorched earth, no vegetation. In a farmhouse on a vast expanse of dry, dusty dead farmland, a young married couple lives in isolation but for their mundane jobs, hers as a waitress and his at a chicken processing plant. Right off you know that the wife, Hen, is unhappy and he is clueless about it.

One night a G-man shows up in the middle of the night to claim that the husband, Junior, has been picked in a lottery to join a team on a satellite in space above the earth where they will make efforts to create life off the dying planet. Junior is no more than an ordinary man so why he was selected due to his strength and prowess is a question. Junior will go away and leave Hen alone, but the G-man has a plan. They will create a robot in Junior's likeness with all his memories and feelings to keep her company while he's gone. Right.

The process begins and the G-man moves in to observe both Junior and Hen so they can create the best robot and this goes on throughout most of the movie as we watch Junior deteriorate psychologically and I wonder if he's ever going to actually leave.

Well apparently, he did leave and the whole time we've been watching not real Junior but robot junior because real Junior arrives back one day. Time has passed and he is led to a room where the robot is now being subdued and chained to the floor. The robot doesn't know he isn't the real Junior and cries in anguish calling out for a distraught Hen who has fallen in love with him.

Robot Junior is then plastic wrapped and taken away while real Junior is remains but is jealous and angry. Hen had revealed to the G-man early on that she would truly like to just leave if she had the courage and move on to new horizons. So when she realizes she is now stuck with a man she doesn't love, she leaves him an empty note that "says nothing and everything at the same time". She is gone and real Junior wails in sadness.

Next thing you know there are bright lights outside and a happier Hen walks through the door. She is back. But it's a robot Hen. Final scene, real Hen is on a flight looking out the window.

Fool Me Once (2024)

Not as bad as some of these reviews claim but full of silly plot twists and a weak lead.

[6/10 · 3 January 2024]

I could kiss the reviewer wrote wrote my same thoughts here. Why didn't Maya shoot the road ahead of the oncoming vehicle in question? It's the type of decision a ten year old could make. Stop the threat without killing the people in question. If this follows the book then I am not a Harlen Coben fan. Also, the lead actress was unbelievable as any kind of military character and her Botox prevented expression of any kind. I watched this series in part for Joanna Lumley but even her character wasn't worth the effort. And then the most ridiculous ending ever! A police detective allowing a murderer to take off on her own? And then the nanny cam again? Preposterous content! I gave it a 6 for its curiosity factor. I also agree that it was at least 3 episodes too long.

May December (2023)

Cringy, vacuous, slow and disappointing.

[5/10 · 10 December 2023]

First off, not everyone knows the true story on which this is based. So right off the bat there were question marks. I watched anyway, waiting for something to happen. More back story, flashbacks, some sign of emotions from any of them (except a daughter who came to visit who showed some anger). Otherwise it played more like a weird dream where the characters in it say little and seem robotic. The acting was fine but I don't get the point of the story except that Grace was fine with her decisions in life and the truly troubled player was Natalie Portman's character who has a bit of an All About Eve going on. In the end without more drama, this story wasn't worth being made into a movie.

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (2023)

At times heart wrenching, but beautiful and mysterious

[8/10 · 13 August 2023]

The scenery is NOT dark and dim. Someone's TV settings need adjusting. No, this was never meant to be a plot driven "action" movie so if that's want you want, skip watching it. Otherwise if a mystery down under interests you, watch this series. It's beautifully filmed. The acting is top notch. Most people who aren't Aussies won't notice Sigourney's wavering accent.

I will admit that episodes 1-3 out the 4 available at the moment were more interesting. The actress who plays young Alice is appealing and believable. Kudos to Alyla! I am unable, however to warm to the older Alice at this point and I hope that changes. All the flower designs and flowers themselves are beautiful. As wells as the beach scenes.

Run Rabbit Run (2023)

This movie is no more than a big FU to its viewers

[3/10 · 2 July 2023]

Seriously? Why bother making a film that offers no character development, no back story and no conclusion or explanation. In the end I take it she killed her sister, her mother never trusted her again so the became estranged and her father whom she had a close relationship (and who I think helped her hold it together over the years) just died. The 7th birthday of her daughter seemed to bring forth her mental illness and I assume many of the inexplicable scenes were either memories or hallucinations. Not sure if her sister Alice loved rabbits or if the stuffed rabbits on the floor of Alice's bedroom were real or a hallucination, but the arrival of the white rabbit (real or not) set off the mental illness.

But... the unanswered questions remain. Was there a supernatural aspect in this or not. It's like the writer couldn't make up their mind. Did Alice come back as a sort of ghost and enter the body of Mia off and on? And was it the ghost of Alice who influenced Miia to go th the cliff or was Mia already dead, too?

Ugh. What an annoying movie.

The Idol (2023)

Shock value fodder with a silly story and disappointing finale.

[1/10 · 19 June 2023]

I originally gave this 4 stars but after the final episode I lowered it to 1. Why? The ending ruined any expectations I had for a any kind of decent outcome. What we got instead was an insult to the audience other than for young and inexperienced viewers who don't know any better. There was plenty of almost nudity and in my opinion depressing sex for the unstable. There was some good music and not by Josselyn, but by one of her entourage Chloe. I think the writing and the concept and the outcome was sophomoric and really shallow, not to mention disjointed from the rest of the episodes. Suddenly Tedros is an alcoholic incapable of standing up for himself after 4 episodes of him being in complete control? Just like that? Suddenly his worshippers drop him like poison after allowing him each episode to abuse them? Why? Things to get tied up in life so neatly. Very childish show and if I were in my early 20's I'd probably like it better. For shock value if anything.

Reality (I) (2023)

Excellent study of a real event. Not action packed. Just good.

[9/10 · 1 June 2023]

I'm always amused by the typical reviews from plot driven movie fans who can't stand a minute without action, violence, sex or all three. If you instead prefer good acting, dialogue and nuance, ignore the negative reviews. If you enjoy something that makes you think, this is for you. The movie isn't telling you what's right and what's wrong. It gives you the exact picture of what actually happened and how it happened. The acting by the two main leads is excellent. The tension aspect is substantial and will pull you in from the get go. If you are impatient, however, this is not for you, either. Kudos to Sydney and and Josh. They were compelling. In the end you'll know how the FBI works when interrogating a suspect. Very strangely but it worked. My opinion is that they want her to confess rather than come out and tell her they've caught her. And the rest is all intimidation. Seven agents. Really?

Missing (I) (2023)

Worth the watch, but the acting is par at best

[7/10 · 8 April 2023]

My issues sadly are with the some of the acting, mainly of the lead character. I liked the idea of the movie being focused mainly on what was going on on the pc monitor and how she used Google to find what she needed. But... I didn't think her acting was very good. It was more forced and unnatural than authentic.

Also you'll need to suspend reality in a big way, which didn't bother me so much. In the end it was entertaining enough, albeit the movie was meant for a young audience not so critical of reality issues.

I would have liked to have seen a lot more of Nia Long and Amy Landecker which would have improved things a little. .

The Night Agent (2023– )

Decent action/intrigue despite the mostly wooden acting.

[8/10 · 29 March 2023]

The story was decent albeit having a few questionable plot devices. But the acting was really par at best with the exception of the lead female (Rose) who was good. But most of the main cast called it in or just aren't that good.

It's true the cast were unknowns for the most part but it's hard to believe 90% of them were that bad, so I have to look to the direction, too.

I don't mind an unknown cast. If they can act and the story is good, who cares, but in this case there might be a reason they are lesser known.

So most characters were wooden while one over acted (the VP's daughter). Again, it might all fall onto the director.

Beyond Paradise (2023– )

No, not Death in Paradise. Much better, with more depth!

[10/10 · 4 March 2023]

It looks like some reviewers simply want DIP all over again but that would be unoriginal and tedious. Instead, this series is a bit more serious and emotional than DIP. Okay, so the first episode, like so many in a new series, starts off a little bumpy but by episode 2, everything falls into place. And despite what one reviewer said, Humphrey hasn't changed one bit from his clumsy, sweet self. In fact he's even more lovable now. I think the negative reviews are from those who either didn't give it a chance or wanted a repeat of DIP. Although I enjoy DIP, it can be a bit silly at times. Beyond Paradise is not silly. That's why it's so much better.

The Good Karma Hospital (2017–2023)

Just wonderful. Moving, well acted and visually beautiful.

[10/10 · 4 March 2023]

I fell in love with this pretty fast. Amanda Redman is perfect in the role of medical director of a small intimate hospital in an Indian Village. The cast is a good balance of mostly Indian characters playing both major and small parts, as well as a British element. The scenery is dreamy and the aura on screen is just divine. You can feel how different life is there. The pace is slower, the people are calmer and you can almost smell the flowers. If you're curious about life in rural India, there's plenty of poverty, but there's also something wonderful that might be inexplicable. Is it love or just good karma?

The Rig (2023– )

Edge of your seat downer. Spielberg could have made this so much better.

[6/10 · 6 January 2023]

I almost quit watching mid' first episode due to the unrelenting anger among the entire crew just about. However I stuck by and watched the entire series. On one hand it kept me watching while on the other I couldn't wait for it to end. All in all it was quite absurd and the characters were given little to work with in range other than anger and resentment. A little of that goes a long way and and this went all they way. The acting for the main characters, with the exception of the female lead, was what I'd expect from them - good, considering the direction and dialogue. I was disappointed in Emily Hampshire's performance, though, even if it did improve as the series progressed (or should I say regressed). I liked her in Schitt's Creek, so expected more.

* Best performance was by Mark Bonnar who was the only reason I stayed after the first episode.

I didn't mind the set and I felt like I was on the rig, so I don't agree with other reviews that make fun of it. But the plant life and the premise were a stretch and the ending was even worse than the beginning.

If you can get through the first episode you might hang on for the rest, but the anger might exhaust you. Wondering if the director understands nuance and any other feelings than plain anger. I'm thinking he was working out his own issues with some of the characters.

Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives. (2022)

A failure of an attempt to look the innocent victim.

[4/10 · 5 November 2022]

First I felt sorry for her, then I thought, "how stupid can she be", then I reminded myself of her success in business and ultimately now believe she's full of doo doo. This series was clearly some kind of attempt to clear her name somewhat and make her look like an innocent victim. Nope, I'm not having it. Anthony is no doubt a real creep but from the get go it never seemed true that she fell in love with such an obviously mentally ill man. I believe at the time she thought he could benefit her financially and then she got in too deep. I do not believe she was dumb enough to actually believe all of his BS. Even her father said at the end that she, yes, did marry him for what she thought would be financial gain. I don't think she meant to hurt people and stiff them, and it doesn't seem like she benefitted at all, but she is not without guilt. Strange woman. Very strange man.

Recipes for Love and Murder (2022– )

Wonderful and quirky characters, gorgeous scenery. Lovely series.

[10/10 · 5 October 2022]

I loved this gentle murder mystery mixed with a little romance, comedy and a lot of cooking. I was mesmerized by some of the magnificent scenery. The food is luscious. The characters are varied in culture and likable. This is the type of series that you can just sit back and totally relax watching. There's little to no violence and vulgarity, but not devoid of a necessary amount to be current. I wanted to step into Caroo, the town and to move right into Tannie Maria's home. If your looking for fast action, lots of blood and gore with little substance this is not for you. But if you love character development this is it.

Inheritance (I) (2020)

Emily, go back to Paris!

[2/10 · 2 October 2022]

Everything about this movies was bad.

Let's start with the terrible acting. I thought I'd give Inheritance a try because I've enjoyed Lily Collins in Emily Goes To Paris, but sadly I'm more than disappoints in this role. It was one note and unlikable and there were no nuances to the character. I can't say any of the other actors were any better.

But the directing was even more atrocious with forced acting and lots of shouting. When all of the actors look bad, whose fault is it really?

And then there's the horrible writing. The story line is so absurd, I don't know where to begin. Let's just say the father leaving his daughter (in his will) a key to a bunker where he's been keeping a chained up man, yet not bothering to tell her why, who he is or what she's supposed to do with him, when in fact he's dangerous and insane.

In the Dark (2019–2022)

Obnoxious main character who progressively worsens in S3 and S4.

[6/10 · 22 September 2022]

I liked Season 1 & 2. I liked Murphy, the sight impaired main character, and put aside her behavior as "rebellious bad girl", but by the finale I hate her. She's extremely selfish and self centered and takes advantage of everyone who's kind to her. She lies as much as she breathes. She neglects her seeing eye dog and feeds him horrible junk food. She drags everyone down with her and I honestly thought it was she who should have have been murdered in the end. But now she is irredeemable. She's a cold blooded murderer. She's like one of Charlie Manson's freaks in the way she felt joy and release doing it. I don't forgive her. I don't mind unhappy endings but this was grotesque.

Outer Range (2022– )

Well acted, well directed, dark and mystical sci fi series.

[8/10 · 9 September 2022]

This is not for those who prefer fast moving, action pieces with all the questions answered immediately, but rather for those who enjoy character development and for the reveals to keep one waiting and wondering. I binge watched and never got bored or impatient as I enjoyed the unlayering of the character's back stories. There is a Twin Peaks feel about this but easier to follow. There is a religious undertone throughout with lots of questions about God and good versus evil. I loved it and I hope there will be at least one more season to wrap this up! Also, nice Wyoming scenery in places If you're in a hurry for answers and action, look elsewhere.

Echoes (2022)

Ugh. Bad acting, bad script...

[3/10 · 22 August 2022]

I tried to care but I couldn't care less what happens to any of them after one boring dreary episode. Embarrassingly bad. I hated the lead character from the start.

Keeping Faith (2017–2021)

Beautifully filmed, superbly acted, moving and intense.

[10/10 · 3 July 2022]

I watched all three seasons and although I won't spoil the very end there was an aspect of it that was so dear I cried out of joy. In fact I cried often for Faith the heroine. Sometimes I did wish she'd catch a break but Eve Myles' acting is so so good that I put up with her pain. Faith is brave, strong, empathetic, kind and feisty. There are lots of scenes with moving music and no dialogue but they are a key part of the overall feel of the movie. The locations are some of the most beautiful and the beach scenes made me long to walk upon them.

Four Seasons (2008–2009)

British/German Dynasty-Downton Abbey Hallmark Style

[4/10 · 16 June 2022]

Very strange production. Bad casting, bad acting and even worse directing. The younger female lead looked and acted about 12, hence no chemistry with her male counterpart. The director thought by showing her cleavage in every outfit, no matter where she was or how inappropriate, would make her look more mature. It didn't work. Many of the other cast members seemed like extras rather than actual actors.

There are a few highlights, however. Of the few believable and enjoyable characters Juliette Mills (Lady Florence) stole every scene and Tom Conti (Charles) deserved credit for being one of the few truly likable and natural characters. I came to like Senta Bergen (Julia) and also thought Frank Finley (Alex) did a fine job.

Lots of over acting and stilted bogy language. Michael York's (Stephen) scenes were over the top.

If you enjoy sappy, predictable love stories with pretty scenery (Hallmark or Netflix-style) you'll probably enjoy this. And hey, I watched the whole thing despite my review. I had to see it through.