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denimberet
Reviews
All the Light We Cannot See (2023)
Worth it!
Wow, this was one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. The acting, cinematography, and writing were excellent, and it was moving without being sentimental. I wish we had found out more about what happened after the end, and I was dubious about the lack of a language barrier between Germans and French, but they are my only complaints. This is all the more remarkable because I really did not enjoy the novel much at all. Most of the time the book is better than the movie but not for me in this case. I also was more impressed with Hofmann this time. In Dark I found him annoying and unimpressive, but this movie uncovers his genuine talent, and his English is so good, you wouldn't know he's really German just by listening to him. If you are tired of insipid, empty movies and want something of lasting quality for a change-- and don't mind some heavy drama-- give this one a chance.
Damsel (2024)
Lots of fun for a casual movie night!
Fantasy isn't my favorite genre, but I thought this one was a lot of fun. LOTR or Willow it is not. I highly doubt it will stand the test of time because it lacks the depth and complexity of great fantasy movies. Even so, it was (for me, anyway) a nail-biter and a perfect low-investment, high-velocity movie for a night when you just want pure entertainment. There are a few missteps that made me roll my eyes a bit, such as Brown's overdone makeup, but I wasn't expecting great art. My only regret is that I watched it right before bedtime, because it was so exciting that I had a hard time falling asleep and sleeping deeply.
Young Sheldon (2017)
One of the best!
I avoid most modern sitcoms, tending to favor the classics like I Love Lucy, but halfway in, I am thoroughly enjoying this one. The writing is sharp and laugh-out-loud funny to me, and I genuinely like most of the characters. I also love seeing the 80s come back to life. The only thing I really find annoying is the lack of realism with the portrayal of Baptists. I wish they'd had better advisors, since they did a good job with the show in so many other ways. For example, people just don't raise their hands during a sermon to ask the pastor questions, so for Sheldon to do this without receiving a reprimand or a request to save his questions for after church just isn't believable, even for a sit-com. And the typical Baptist family of the 80s and often even today would not allow alcohol in the home, nor would they have sex outside of marriage, at least openly and without compunction. And gambling, like Meemaw? No way! Not a Baptist of that day, even a less devout one. I wish they'd have made the dad and pastor stronger leaders (weak or silly ones are a tired trope-- this dad should be leading the family in prayer and church attendance for a change)
I also wish they'd made Sheldon agnostic, instead of atheist--atheism is not believable at that age for a kid from a Baptist home, prodigy or not, and it would better show the progression of his character. I'm so tired of Hollywood never portraying Christians with accuracy, but at least in this show its with some respect and not with mockery. And it is genuinely funny with frequent voiceovers by adult Sheldon. I look forward to the rest of the seasons!
Leave the World Behind (2023)
If you like Shyamalan movies...
Like a lot of other people, I was in shock when the movie ended, because it was completely abrupt and unexpected. I looked at my husband, and he looked at me, and we both checked the movie's run time again because...WHAT was that??? But it got me thinking, like it was supposed to do, and that's when I realized that this one is literary movie-- meant to evoke thought and discussion more than to provide entertainment. It did the latter, too, but more in a M. Night Shyamalan sort of way than an "Independence Day" way. The movie is a thriller but with slow reveals--like "The Village" and "Signs". There is a lot to infer, consider, compare, and discuss about this movie, not the least of which is "Why the heck did the Obamas produce this movie?" When I saw their names on the screen, I was immediately wary about it being just a hit on conservatives or Republicans, but it wasn't really political or divisive at all--quite the opposite. The movie did remind me, too, of Don't Look Up with its similar kind of weird, but where I thought DLU was brilliant, despite its more political angle, this is a couple of steps below that. If you watch it, you will enjoy it more if you don't expect blockbuster splash but literary slow burn.
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (2023)
Excellent minor gem
My mother didn't let me read this book when I was young in the 70s, and I never got around to it once I was older, so I can't compare the movie with the book. I did notice that Blume is one of the producers though, so I feel confident that the movie is faithful. It's a truly excellent production--authentic to the 70s, beautifully acted, poignant and real--a sweet little gem about growing up. I only gave it an 8, though, because the religious subtext was disturbing to me on a couple of levels, and I don't like how Blume handled it at all. My mother didn't let me read it because of the puberty elements, but I don't think she knew about the religious subtext, and I would not let my girls read it because of that. Non-religious readers will greatly approve, but religious readers may be offended--and for good reasons. That said, I did like the very end.
Bones (2005)
Okay not great
Just finished season 4, and we're taking a break. We started to realize that we were liking the characters less, not more. They should be starting to feel like friends by now, but some of the things they say, do, and think are really turning us off. Lighthearted comments about religion, romance, marriage, science, and such have fallen flat or struck us as immoral or disgusting one too many times. For example, there is an interesting interplay of science (Bones) and faith (Booth), but Booth is a Catholic who doesn't behave at all like one and who can't answer tough questions with intelligence and authentically Catholic answers. The show in general feels a lot like NCIS and White Collar but is not as well done. We may come back to it later.
Old (2021)
Great idea, meh results
I enjoy MNS's movies because of their Twiglight Zone vibe, but he's done better ones. This one is clever, and the ending is a great reveal of what has been going on, so in that way it doesn't disappoint. The problem is the dull, often awkward script, the unnatural dialogue, and the emotionless acting. The story is thin with no character development or depth of feeling, and I felt like the plot could have had more complexity to it. It was intriguing enough to watch all the way through, but I don't think this was his best. The sad thing is that I think it could have been. Maybe it was written and conceived too fast.
Asteroid (2021)
Don't bother. Really._
This has got to be one of the worst movies I've ever seen. The plot is odd and full of holes, necessary explanations never come, and the ending could hardly be less satisfying. Character actions often made no sense, and efforts at wit and humor fell flat I am one of those people who can easily suspend my disbelief and give most weak movies a pass, but this one is different. I'm giving it three stars because it held my attention long enough to watch the whole thing, but I wish i hadn't. If you want to watch a movie on asteroids that is genuinely well-written, wwll,,acted, and clever, watch Don't Look Up.
Resident Alien (2021)
Wow...just wow!
I was reluctant to watch this because I'm not a sci-fi fan, but wow, was I surprised! As a Coloradoan myself, I can easily tell that it's not filmed in Colorado and especially not in the southern part, where it is set, so I kind of wish they'd picked a different filming location, but it's fun that Colorado is a setting for a change. More than that, though, it is a fun and memorable show! I can't decide if it's a comedy or drama, and some of it is even moving and insightful. Yet in the very next scene I might laugh out loud. This is a show that I can see will likely run its course within another couple of seasons, but I look forward to season 3. My only complaint is that it is sometimes a little dirty, which makes it a show I couldn't watch with my kids, and there is also a fair amount of blasphemous swearing. I'm not sure why people are so insensitive to how offensive this is to so many people in this era of over-the-top sensitivity, and it gets pretty old in this show. Generally, though, it's unique and special, the kind that doesn't come around very often.
Ragnarok (2020)
Could have been so much more
Just finished the whole thing, and now that I am on the other side, I wish I hadn't bothered. While the first season was intriguing and kept me watching, the modern-pagan darkness and depravity of the whole left me feeling icky. Worse, the ending wasn't worth the whole experience for me. It was intriguing with a "no way" twist to it, but it was basically a trick ending that left me deflated and disappointed. My expectations were for an epic-level show, not what it ended up being. I'm marking this as containing spoilers because the savvy will guess at the ending even with the little I have just said. In the right hands, this could have been a really amazing show.
West Side Story (2021)
Not enamored but impressed
I've never been a fan of this musical, but I am a fan of movie musicals in general, so I was curious to see how it was different from the original. I was pleasantly impressed. I think it is a definite improvement over the original, and some of it was quite moving. The weakest part, I felt, was the ending. It could have packed a bigger emotional punch and shown more clearly the ending of the feud of the Jets and Sharks. After all, this is a retelling of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet", and the end of the feud that came with the lovers' deaths was a stronger, more important part of the play and gave it more meaning overall. I have seen a review that picked this movie apart along racial lines, arguing about stereotypes and the weak portrayals of the Puerto Ricans. But such reviews miss the point. This is Shakespeare in a new setting, and it's about the dangers of hate and the healing powers of love. It's not about race and should not be viewed through a racial lens. Plus, it's a Golden-era Broadway musical made new for modern audiences, and it's a pretty good one at that. Focus on that.
Lockwood & Co. (2023)
So much potential but...
I'm not surprised this got no/few terrible reviews, because it doesn't deserve that, but I'm really surprised it got high reviews. I just don't think it's that great and would have stopped after episode 3 if my husband hadn't wanted to continue. The concept is original and interesting, even compelling, but the execution is awkward and clunky, and there isn't enough world-building to help me really enter into the story and suspend my disbelief. There is so much potential that wasn't taken advantage of, such as opportunities for character development and a history of the "Problem" that is the reason for the teenage agents. Like, why do the characters seem stuck in 1990 in terms of clothes and technology but indicate it's taking place now? What started it all? Overall, I just ended up confused half the time and wanting more information the other half. The characters hint at some depth an and complexity, yet we never really get to know them. I thought maybe the writers would reveal this parallel universe gradually, but I'm near the end and just frustrated by the lack of story depth and the lack of world-building. I'm also sick of the Christian blasphemy. Shows need to show some sensitivity to all religions or none of them.
Outer Banks (2020)
Fun but crazy
This is kind of like a 24 with teens in terms of nonstop action that gets crazier and more outlandish with every season. I've always been good at suspension of disbelief with stories, but it's not easy with this show. It's unrealistic to the point of ridiculous. Plus, the characters are soooo dumb, and too often they lack good character as people--lying, cheating, stealing, etc. However, one major redeeming aspect of the show is its strong themes of friendship and loyalty, which at times are quite moving, and the show avoids adding in gratuitous sex, which would ruin these important themes. Plus, the scenery is pretty, the story is exciting, and some of the acting and character development is impressive--particularly the actors who play JJ and Rafe. I'll keep watching when season 4 comes out but I expect to do a lot more eye-rolling .
Manifest (2018)
Outlandish but great ending
Manifest often annoyed me for several things. Mainly these included its quasi-religious storyline with the stereotyped "Hollywood" Christian (either nerdy or evil), its disproportionate (sometimes in-your-face) same-sex romances, its sometimes silly dialogue, and some of its outlandish storyline events. That said, I liked most of the characters, and it tried to go deeper than just a thrill ride. It was fun, original, and exciting, and the season 4 finale was unexpectedly very satisfying--the perfect ending, really, and one I didn't see coming. If you start watching it, I suggest watching all the way through to the end.
Slumberland (2022)
Much better than expected
My husband and I weren't expecting much beyond a trite kids' movie; we mainly watched it because the special effects looked so amazing. They were award-worthy, for sure, truly incredible! But it was no trite story. Yes, it was a bit predictable, but it was fun, engaging, original, and well-acted. Parents, if you are looking for a good family night movie, this one may be something you'll all enjoy. It might not be the best choice for kids under 7 or 8, because one theme/subject matter is the death of a parent. It isn't particularly scary, but if your child hasn't faced the concept of death, yet, you may want to consider whether this is a good way to introduce it. I hope this movie gets the attention it deserves; it's so much better than a lot of kid movies being made these days!
Tolkien (2019)
A biographical disaster
Having recently completed a major project about Tolkien, I now have some expertise about the true story of his life, and I decided to watch this movie just for fun to celebrate the end of my project. I didn't expect it to be completely accurate, since it's a movie and less than 2 hours long, but I also didn't expect it to be as awful as it is. Except for the actress who plays Edith Bratt, who is almost the spitting image of the real person, the movie makers seem to have cared nothing for Tolkien's real story--which, incidentally, is fascinating enough without "help" from Hollywood. It's not just that there are some inaccuracies and groan-worthy artistic license; it's hardly the real story at all! Some basic structural points are in place, but there are so few of these, even, that I almost felt like I was watching a different life story. It was so bad, in fact, that I couldn't finish it. I'm going to fast-forward to see the end of it, just because, but I cannot watch the whole thing. Forty-five minutes was more than enough. Shame on these moviemakers! It is one thing to take some artistic license for the sake of a reasonable run time or other unavoidable production problems, but it is quite another thing to take such liberties that the person's life is almost unrecognizable! If you are interested in a movie version of Tolkien's life, bypass this one. Surely there's something better out there!
Effie Gray (2014)
Better than expected
I thought I'd find this moody film dull and too slow to enjoy without fast-forwarding a few times, but like The Wonder--a similarly moody, very slow British film--I was pleasantly surprised. It is a bit slow, but I found it engaging, interesting, and moving with a satisfying ending. I also loved that Emma Thompson was in it, although for once she is in a supporting role (but she also wrote the screenplay). My only complaint is that there was too much left to the audience's interpretation, too little dialogue to provide sufficient clarity. For example, Ruskin accuses Effie of great wickedness but never explains what she did that was wicked. It just left me struggling to understand his attitude towards her, which keeps her clear but him an enigma. Maybe this was intentional, but a little more from him would have helped me enjoy the movie more. I don't like head-scratching characters much.
White Noise (2022)
Unusual but not for me
I have seen some strange movies in my life, and this is one of that category. I am not really sure what I just saw, actually. I loved the recreation of my childhood world, but the story was weird and disjointed and so was the dialogue. I think I got the "point" but the end and why it was called white noise, but it was sad to me, not brilliant or amazing or funny. Like so many movies, it was spiritually empty, as well as offensive with a nun who believed in nothing and gave the other characters just more emptiness, instead of the faith and light she was supposed to share. At heart this is nothing but another sad expression of soulless atheism under the banner of "art"-- just quirkier than most.
Dark (2017)
Dark means...dark in every way.
I know that this series gets rave reviews, and to an extent it deserves them, but know yourself before you watch it, and know what you're getting into. The title is descriptive of the whole series--emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. If you are religious, know that it is philosophical in a depressingly godless way. If you don't handle dark entertainment well, if you end up feeling oppressed, know that this is that kind of show. The story is fascinating and original and mind-bending but also serious to the point where there's hardly any laughter or smiling or joy. The characters are spiritually lost and constantly filled with either sorrow, anger, or angst. Just be aware. If my husband and I had known all this, we wouldn't have started it. That said, we just finished it. The last half was very well done and the ending was --to my great relief--very satisfying, even lovely. Still, The Back to the Future trilogy is much more fun and better overall.
Hillbilly Elegy (2020)
Excellent and brilliantly acted
I'm truly baffled by the negative backlash. This is an excellent, beautifully filmed movie with powerful acting. Close and Adams both deserve awards, in fact. I felt like I was watching real people through a window in time, not actors. The book is excellent, too. It's pretty stupid for people to discredit Vance's own lived experiences and claim that the book and movie are full of myths and inaccuracies. If you experienced something else, then tell your own story. This is Vance's, and it's as valid as yours is. For those who can handle a tough, sometimes painful drama, this is a great choice. My only complaint is that I thought the ending was weak and unsatisfactory.
Jamestown (2017)
Dwnton Abbey fans, stay away
I'm into episode 2 and don't think I'll continue. This may be produced by Downton Abbey but the quality is nowhere near the same. DA was believable, beautiful, and brilliantly written. This is beautiful but that's it. I didn't believe from the beginning because of what I know about history. The characters are way too modern, and the story didn't seem like it could really happen. Even Verity's hair looked unnatural. It seemed like the scriptwriters didn't do much homework. It was more like they went off what they could remember of high school history classes. I did like some of the characters, but they just weren't realistic enough. I could have perhaps continued watching the show just for fun and not taken it so seriously, but the problems were just too distracting.