thebeez53 Reviews

Yellowjackets (2021– )

Duped

[7/10 · 10 July 2023]

I was totally on board with the first season. Besides Dexter and Homeland, I don't think there has been a show where I've looked so forward to a new season. However, there is a trend in television now that I abhor. Can you say "dangling the carrot?" I get it. Writers/Directors/Producers all want to keep their jobs. But at what cost? I'm truly tired of this trend. I just finished Season 2 and I don't know much more than I did at the end of Season 1. Yellowstone and all its baggage: HUGE offender is this way. But back to Yellowjackets. There are some great actors playing the teen version of the characters; some quite compelling. Case in point, the actress playing the teen version of Natalie. Anyway, I really can't say if I will watch Season 3. And with the writers' strike, who knows when that will be? At that point, I may forget everything I've watched. Might not be a bad thing.

The Old Man (2022– )

So good, but see for yourself

[10/10 · 20 June 2022]

A reviewer had said "if you're breathing, you must see this," or words to that effect. Not often do I agree with reviews, but this time I do. There's a fight scene that is so realistic that I found myself squirming in my seat. Last time I felt that involved was the first time I saw "Jaws" in the theatre and my feet were moving just like Quint's as he was falling into the shark's mouth. This is a must-see for the marvelous Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow.

Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts (2022 TV Special)

MAGICAL!

[10/10 · 2 January 2022]

If you're a fan of the books and then the movies, this is a MUST. I was in my 40s, a mother of 2 sons, and I was the fan of the books. Couldn't get my sons to read but they became fans of the movies. The magic returns the moment you start this special. My only negative is that there wasn't enough time dedicated to Matthew Lewis. Neville Longbottom was an integral part of the books/movies and he was kind of mentioned in passing. Not everyone could be there, I assume, but those who were there were cherce (Spencer Tracy steal). Watch it. Twice. Even more.

Let Them All Talk (2020)

What was the point?

[1/10 · 30 August 2021]

I saw none.

The powers that be said my 3 word review was too short. So here goes: Horrible. Boring waste of time. Better?

Black Hawk Down (2001)

And I thought "Alien" was great

[10/10 · 26 August 2021]

But "Alien" didn't make me cry in the last 15 minutes. This movie did. Remembering well the image of the battered body of one of ours dragged through the streets of Mogadishu made me ignore this movie until today. And just today, I found out that that dead hero was from a town I lived in for 20 years here in Arizona. Maybe I cried because I am a mother of a man who is a submariner who I hope and pray is nowhere near Kabul. Or maybe it was the fact that I do remember this horrible incident and pray it never happens again. All I know is my reaction to a superbly-made movie during a previous time of tumult. How the man didn't win an Oscar for this is beyond me. So well done and an homage to the memory of those who were lost and to the survivors who fought so well. Too bad Somalia is still a pit.

The Handmaid's Tale (2017–2025)

Stepford Wives on Steroids

[9/10 · 30 April 2021]

It's compelling. Once you start to watch, I dare you to look away. You can't. It's horrific. It's shocking. It's 100% watchable. I'm in the middle of the 2nd season and am delighted to learn it's been renewed for a 5th season. And I'm female, and I'll be binge-watching the rest this weekend. It's just...that...good.

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)

So disappointed

[19 April 2021]

After all the hype and nominations, I wanted to like this. I really did. I just couldn't. Loved her in "The Help" and HTGAWM; loved him in "Black Panther" and in the past I watched "Fear The Walking Dead." But not even these 3 good actors could keep my attention.

The One (I) (2021)

Don't understand the hate

[9/10 · 8 April 2021]

I finished the series in 2 days. Totally held my interest. I don't get the negativity. Did we watch the same show? Watch it. You won't be sorry.

The Midnight Sky (2020)

Not so bad.

[7/10 · 27 December 2020]

Even one of Netflix's own reviewers said to skip it. I like making up my own mind, so I watched it yesterday. If you're not a stickler for details, it's okay. That reviewer also said that the ending was horrible. What else did he expect? I don't think the movie is Oscar-worthy, but it certainly isn't a waste of time. It makes you think.

True Colors (1991)

Perfect for an election year

[8/10 · 26 October 2020]

I am a fan of both and watched this for the first time today. How did I miss this? Spader is always good. I can watch him in anything. Thinking about entering politics? Watch this movie, and I hope you don't. Worth noting: I spied a very young John Slattery; the scene where they are at a restaurant just after getting to Washington, DC. Mr. Slattery didn't want or perhaps didn't get a credit for the film, but he's there, sans white hair of course. Well done look at friendship, politics and one's moral compass.

Grey's Anatomy (2005– )

Who Can I blame?

[7/10 · 11 August 2020]

Started this show as a favor to my youngest who is interested in medicine. I should have known better. I'm about to start Season 11 (binging) and I should have quit long ago, but this is something my kid and I can talk about. Just like HTGAWM, this show has declined into the ridiculous. Best thing about this show is Sandra Oh, who is always wonderful (See Killing Eve).

Want to see a show with fantastic writing? Watch "The West Wing" or "Breaking Bad" or "Better Call Saul" and say goodbye for good to this kind of tripe. Heck, go watch "ER"....anything is written better than this.

How many shows are Shonda Rhimes and Peter Nowalk involved in? Take my advice and avoid them all. No way would I ever start "Scandal." Or "Station 19." I know what will happen.

Parasite (2019)

As they say, that's two hours I won't get back....

[1/10 · 20 April 2020]

....and I thought "The Shape of Water" was a horrible Best Picture winner. "Joker." "1917." "Once Upon a Time In Hollywood." They all lose to....this? I just might be done watching the Academy Awards.

Joker (I) (2019)

You'll be transfixed

[10/10 · 14 January 2020]

...as I was watching this film. And to think I almost didn't watch this with my adult son. I haven't been this moved by a movie in a long time. Of course, it's disturbing, but it's brilliant. You watch Arthur Fleck transform into The Joker. A perfect performance by Joaquin Phoenix, a masterful directing job by Todd Phillips, all in a movie which will have you thinking about it long after you viewed it.

Joker (I) (2019)

Stunning

[10/10 · 1 January 2020]

Just mail the man the Oscar, and while you're at it, do the same for the director.

Judy (II) (2019)

This performance is Renee's "Fraud"

[3/10 · 29 December 2019]

So much potential; such a letdown. If she wins an Oscar for squinting, pursing her lips and walking hunched over, I will hurl along with never watching the Academy Awards ever again.

Ascension (2014)

What a stinker! *****SPOILER*****

[1/10 · 31 October 2019]

Can I un-friend the person who told me to watch this ridiculous series? Horrible acting. Another T&A show; totally unnecessary unless the script is bad (and it is). And since it was only 6 episodes, I plodded on, only to discover that the ending isn't explained at all! Didn't the execs know ahead of time that this wasn't going to be renewed? Then they could have put a bow on this program. But no. That would have made sense which this show didn't.

Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)

How can you not love this movie?

[10/10 · 21 August 2019]

If you're a fan of the series (and my eldest son has all of them, except one), this is the cream of the crop! Who needs scintillating dialogue? Who needs a plot? Not when there's monsters who are fighting one another. Come on....love the Godzilla!

First Man (2018)

Yawn

[4/10 · 13 August 2019]

When I read (I assume) HBO's description stating "...in this masterful film about the enigmatic astronaut..." I thought, did we watch the same movie? It's a great film....to put you to sleep. I watched the moon landing, and I'd rather view that multiple times than see this movie ever again. I loved "The Right Stuff," "Apollo 13" and even "The Martian" but nothing could have prepared me for this snooze-fest made all the more boring by the depiction of the Armstrongs. Do yourself a favor and watch "Contact" or even "Space Cowboys" but don't waste your time on this film.

A Star Is Born (2018)

Expecting so much more

[5/10 · 1 June 2019]

I had friends, whose opinions matter to me, tell me this version is great, better than the Streisand adaptation and on and on. I found this a great movie to fall asleep to. I have read some of the reviews and, folks, believe the ones who give 6 stars and under. Hugely disappointed and bored.

Lake Consequence (1993 TV Movie)

Sexiest movie I've ever seen

[10/10 · 1 March 2019]

If eroticism is what you're looking for, this movie is for you. Not the tv version, the one I saw years ago on a pay channel. Without a doubt, watch anything Zalman King (Red Shoe Diaries) is connected to, and he will fulfill your fantasies.

Burlesque (I) (2010)

The more I watched it...

[8/10 · 1 January 2019]

...the better I liked it. Saw it in the theatre when released, and I wasn't thrilled. Then it came to premium channels, and I watched again. And again. And yet again. The music grew on me and so did the story. Anyone who doesn't get chills when Aguilera hits that first note when the sound breaks down isn't a fan of music. She and Cher sounded fantastic. Watch it more than once, and you just might agree with me.

Face/Off (1997)

What a joke

[1/10 · 1 January 2019]

I have to seriously wonder about those who rated this movie a 10. I literally yelled at the tv screen when Nicholas Cage, who was near death but kept alive by machines, stands up and with his face off starts to smoke a cigarette. There's suspending belief and then there's insulting one's intelligence. This is the latter.

Homecoming (2018–2020)

I see no need for Season 2

[8/10 · 6 November 2018]

Any program that keeps my interest, I need to praise fairly high. This show kept me coming back for another episode. However, with the ending, somewhat ambiguous, I think we have a fair idea of how this situation will unfold. Did anyone notice in the second episode that the music used was from the movie, Klute? Talk about a big clue that we're watching something sinister. And then, towards the end, was it Episode 9 or perhaps it was the last, the music I heard strongly resembled music from All The President's Men. When Mr. Carrasco is in his cubicle, in the middle of all the other cubicles, and the camera is focused on him...that's when I started paying attention to the tune. If I'm right on both counts, I wonder how much it cost to use THOSE themes? In any case, this is another story which should make everyone's skin crawl. Despite my advanced years and that I should really know better, I cling to the Pollyanna persona I have cultivated over the years. I really try to think that people have the best of intents, but after watching this program, I have to question my beliefs. It's worth taking a look.

Diamond Head (1962)

Great escapism

[7/10 · 4 October 2018]

The people are pretty. The scenery is spectacular. What more do you want?

Sneakers (1992)

A "Perfect" cast. A "Perfect" film.

[10/10 · 30 July 2018]

I can watch this movie any time, and I have. It's now 2018, and it's just as enjoyable as it was when released. Suspense. Intrigue. Humor. Doesn't hurt that it features some of my favorite actors. Love this movie. I own it, so I can watch it any time. But there's something great about finding it on a channel when you weren't expecting it. Watch it again? Sure.