michelleishappy Reviews

All My Children (1970–2011)

It got beyond weird at the end

[6/10 · 28 April 2024]

I had a crush on Tad (Michael E. Knight). Probably still do, and loved Nina's hair lol. I stopped watching after it got RIDICULOUS with Erica's "aborted" baby being removed and transplanted into the doctor's wife. The doctor and his wife raised the boy, who came back as a very handsome adult (played by Colin Egglesworth) seeking to know Erica. There are just some social issues that were utterly mishandled by this soap, and even WORSE--"One Life to Live." 🙄 The talents of good actors and actresses were so wasted on drivel-laden soap operas. At least Egglesworth went on to star in "Rizzoli and Isles," a pretty good show.

NCIS: Hawai'i (2021–2024)

Overacting along with UN-believable story lines 🙄

[1/10 · 18 February 2024]

Where do I begin? Not even the beautiful scenery can rescue this dud. I think it needs new writers, as the storyline is so ridiculous! We tuned in for the first time tonight and my Aunt finally asked me if I was liking the show and my answer was that it's stupid, but I thought she was enjoying it so I said nothing. She thought it was stupid but thought I was enjoying it. Goodness NO! We had a good bit of laughter about that. So the channel was quickly changed. Sometimes when you watch a show it doesn't seem so dumb, but 20 years later you watch a rerun and wonder how in the world you ever watched such a dumb, cheesy show (Cue Buck Rogers in the 23rd century here). Well this episode didn't need 20 years. Maybe the actors are good but they had to OVERact to cover the many incredulous plot holes. I've watched the original NCIS two or three times. It's not that great either (and I can't stand Mark Harmon), but it was more or less stomachable. I prefer these actors than the original, but seriously, fix the writing!

The Shadow Riders (1982 TV Movie)

The soundtrack sucks

[4/10 · 28 August 2023]

How do you ruin western stars' talent? Put them in a cheesy movie like this. The music and dialog remind me of a Dukes of Hazzard episide. Actually, DoH is better. If they'd had better music, THAT ACTUALLY WENT WITH EACH SCENE, that would have helped a little bit. Overall, the plot was just too, too predictable. There are a few "cute" moments here and there, but just not enough to bolstee the movie. I recognized Harry Carey Jr. So that was a nice surprise. I really wish they'd had a different female lead. I'm not teething to slight Ms. Ross, but it's not a good fit. She's been good in a couple of Gunsmoke episodes I've seen, but this one just wasn't a good fit. No showcasing the other females either. They were sadly relegated to just the background. This movie falls way short of expectations for a good western.

Risen (2016)

So realistic and full of surprises

[10/10 · 19 November 2022]

An amazingly realistic movie. Oh my, that was surprising. It's a blend of the true life grit, blood, sweat, agony, love and death of Christ on His Cross, alongside a cynical and fatigued Roman Tribune who wants only peace and quiet in his life.

The Tribune tries to make sense of what he's seen and experienced, beginning at the Crucifixion of the Nazarene. He begins searching for Christ to find answers to the many questions he has.

This movie is now one of my favorite movies ever. I stumbled upon it in the Pureflix app but didn't get far, and then their contract to play it ran out. I begged them to please get this movie again, as it was always on my mind and I desperately desired to finish it. Long story short, they got the movie back, I finished watching it, and wow! It is amazing.

Waterhole #3 (1967)

Goodness what a boring movie

[1/10 · 6 November 2022]

This movie was slow-going and I was frequently distracted. It's a yawner for sure. I don't find a bit of it funny, and I have liked other movies by the same director.

Boring movie! Boring! Boring!

Doing taxes would be more exciting than watching this movie. Watching a mumbling, bumbling speech by Potus Biden is more funny than the tired jokes in this movie.

The only two things good about this movie are the scenery, and finally seeing the end credits roll.

If you are suffering from insomnia, watching this movie will be the cure.

There are many more westerns that are really funny. Sadly, this one isn't one.

Blue Ridge (2020)

A surprising conclusion!

[7/10 · 1 November 2022]

I like the rugged sheriff and the female deputy. But the male deputy over-rednecked his part.

There's some good subplots, and the acting is good in places. The one gruff fueding patriarch acted very well. He was true to character, and very believable! I had seen the other patriarch, played by Graeme (Graham?) Greene (sp) in several other things, and he's always consistently good. But I liked this other fellow.

I was surprised that this wasn't a series! Hello????? There's plenty about the characters that would develop and round out nicely in a full or mini-series. They missed an opportunity in not doing this. Yes, there was over-acting at times by most characters. Overall, though, it was entertaining.

I read a couple of other reviewers complaining about the music. I was so engrossed in this movie that I didn't notice any music. So, it clearly wasn't a problem for me.

One character seemed to leap over a railing after being shot, and that didn't seem plausible at all. I need to watch that part again.

The Virginian: We've Lost a Train (1965) Season 3, Episode 30

A rather stupid episode

[1/10 · 18 October 2022]

We love The Virginian. In fact, its theme song is my phone's ringer. We watch it every day, but this episode is just ridiculously stupid.

Maybe it's the plot. The whole thing is just an unbelievable farce. It was perhaps a good idea, to bring two westerns--Laredo and The Virginian--together. Each good shows. And to cram in Fernando Lamas somehow. But ugh. I was terribly bored with this whole thing.

Lamas is some Mexican federale officer or something. When he first encountered the combo crew in Mexico, he ordered them out or he would have them arrested. Then later when he encountered them again, nothing. Just macho small talk. Most federales would then have made good on the earlier threat. Several instances like this are why this episode is just not credible. Maybe it's the screenplay, who knows?

Rawhide: Incident with an Executioner (1959) Season 1, Episode 3

We watched the whole thing and...

[2/10 · 6 October 2022]

The end doesn't make sense. WHOM was Jardin after, and WHY? What did the contents of the satchel really mean?

Yes, it was an intense episode, and Duryea played his sinister, mostly silent part very well. He creeps us out in everything he does. But to us, the end was seriously lacking. What did the doll, note, and deaths mean in relation to the passengers and Rawhide workers? Why did the boss order Rowdy to throw them into the fire? Can someone please explain? We've watched a LOT of westerns, but this one left us shaking our heads. If anything, this could have had a sequel. At least it was good to see James Drury in his early days--if only for a short time.

Gunsmoke: Cleavus (1971) Season 16, Episode 21

Superb performance by Robert Totten

[6/10 · 23 August 2022]

We just watched this episode, and what a performance by Robert Totten as the title character, especially his final moments. Even though Cleavus is a rather hard-headed and annoying character, Totten portrayed him so well. I was surprised that he'd been in quite a few other episodes of Gunsmoke, as I don't recall him. Now will look for him.

Commando (1985)

Cheesy movie, even worse dialog.

[2/10 · 28 July 2022]

Typical 80s movie. 🙄 Ridiculous displays of Schwarzenegger's muscular prowess (he does look good though, but lifting a phone booth to his head--with someone inside? Yeah, no). But it's bad dialogue, bad acting, bad script.

Many Rivers to Cross (1955)

Borrrrring

[1/10 · 25 July 2022]

I couldn't get through 10 minutes of this movie. Cheesy dialog and mostly stiff, bad acting. I wanted to see James Arness, but didn't get far enough. I couldn't force myself to watch any longer.

Dog (I) (2022)

Not nearly as good as we thought it'd be

[5/10 · 23 May 2022]

In taking the soldier-dog to her handler's funeral, they go through some wild, strange, and frankly, not-very-believable scenarios. The good thing about the movie is the growing trust between them. They really come to need one another.

Several instances of PTSD are shown, which helps those of us civilians understand our beloved soldiers' struggles better.

The Shoes of the Fisherman (I) (1968)

Anthony Quinn makes an excellent Pope

[7/10 · 17 April 2022]

Excellent scenes of the Vatican. I've been there about 25 years ago, and one never forgets the grandeur. Abd that's the beautiful contrast in this movie: the humble, simple Priest, elevated to Cardinal and then swept into the Papacy.

The Hallelujah Trail (1965)

Remick is terrible, the movie not much better

[1/10 · 29 March 2022]

Watching it right now for the first time (and we watch westerns every day), and this movie is just plain BORING. That's really sad. Actors with great of experience just do not shine in this movie.

Wagon Train (1957–1965)

A series of adventure and human hearts

[8/10 · 22 March 2022]

Even though this series aired before I was born, it's been a joy to discover. I wish they'd have kept and credited the awesome vocals of the theme song throughout the series. Popular voiceover artist and singer Thurl Ravenscroft (of Tony the Tiger fame) was a part of the vocal ensemble behind the theme song. My Mother loves the character drawings in the opening and closing scenes. So much behind-the-scenes talent help make this series a true western gem.

Batman (1966–1968)

Way better than modern Batman movies

[6/10 · 20 February 2022]

Lighthearted crime-fighting classic TV show. This is how Batman really is--not the dark, sinister-looking BORING Batman movies of modern days. This is the Batman I choose to remember, and it always brings a smile to my face. West and Ward are the REAL "DYNAMIC DUO."

The 'Burbs (1989)

Bruce Dern is a gem (I can't believe I said it)

[2/10 · 5 February 2022]

The movie is rather sadly stupid. The plot is not feasable. Overall, it's a waste of acting talent. We did love the character of the neighbor Art, and Bruce Dern was a lot of fun to watch. It was nice to see him playing a comic role, rather than a bad, creepy guy, as he often played in westerns. He (and the guy playing Art) were really the only shining spots in this very poor excuse of a movie.

Sadly, there is plenty of foul language, such as repeated instances of the GD word. Totally unnecessary, and it detracted from what little there was of a plot.

Mackenna's Gold (1969)

Special effects at the end

[7/10 · 23 January 2022]

The special effects in the canyon at the end of the movie are incredibly done. Very, very realistic. We would love to know how they were done! Would be nice to see something in them.

Pass the Ammo (1987)

A funny movie!

[7/10 · 21 May 2021]

There is so much fun in this movie. Anthony Geary as the pot-smoking TV engineer, Handsome Bill Paxton as the boyfriend of Linda Kozlowski. Annie Potts as the uber-innocent preacher's wife, and Tim Curry as a PREACHER? The plot is plausible, as how many have given hard-earned $$$ to shyster preachers? A LOT. This movie is a Good vs. Bad scenario, but with a twist. Those presumed good (the preacher and his organization) ended up exposed as evil. The bad guys are revealed to be good, honest folk. There is one questionable scene which should have been cut, due to its graphic suggestiveness, so heads up.

The soundtrack is awesome and I wish it had been released onto CD. Songs like "Lay Your Money down for Jesus," used when they passed the donation basket, was written and performed by a pair (as in twins) of then-Branson performers, is my favorite.

It goes in part like this: "Lay Your Money down for Jesus, He died for your sins.

Lay Your Money down for Jesus, you owe your life to Him!" FUNNY!

Family (1976–1980)

Awful

[1/10 · 29 March 2021]

One of the most boring, depressing, dark sitcoms I ever grew up with. I hated it.

Law & Order: Promote This! (2009) Season 19, Episode 18

Heart-rending for everyone involved

[7/10 · 29 March 2021]

3 spoiled teens attack hispanics looking for day work. They kill one, put another in a coma. The issues presented in this episode (against illegals and racism) have been around in the U. S. pretty much since the country's birth.

The mother (Teresa Yenque) of one of the victims, the one left comatose (Oswaldo Morales), turns in a spectacular acting performance. She's why I looked up info on this episode--to see who she is. As well, the hispanic mother of one of the perps, shows her own intra-cultural bias, using a derrogative term on the witness stand, for hispanic laborers, considering herself of a better class than they.

Valerie (1957)

Surprising, Super, Suspenseful!!!

[9/10 · 20 January 2021]

I had never heard of this movie before, and had not really seen any of the actors (I did recognize Gage Clarke, aka Mr. Botkin of "Gunsmoke.")

This is Alfred Hitchcock-style comes to the West. Do I believe her? Do I believe him? Who is telling the truth? Is the Reverend being honest? Is the brother? Is she a seductress? Is she a victim?

The suspense builds to an undeniable conclusion! I really enjoyed this movie and actually want to see it again!

The A-Team (2010)

A fast flop

[3/10 · 16 January 2021]

The first 30 minutes were not too bad. A bunch of good actors elsewhere, but they tried too hard to copy the originals. It is overkill. I think the real problem is the writing. I am sadly disappointed. And I really love the TV series.

The Rare Breed (1966)

Too predictable

[1/10 · 3 January 2021]

Juliet Mills as Maureen O'Hara's daughter is so DISBELIEVABLE. Different accents...blah...there's not even any hint of similarity. Maybe if the stylist had given Mills reddish hair, it would have helped.

The fight scenes are boring, and oh so predictable. There are a few good background actors who are quite good, but their talents are wasted in this droll movie.

The script...ugh...the plot...maybe it's the screenplay that's so bad.

Don't waste your time watching this, as I did.

At least the Hereford bull, Vindicator is CUTE.

Holly & Ivy (2020 TV Movie)

Brilliant script, wonderful acting

[10/10 · 22 December 2020]

I rarely get "into" cheesy Christmas movies, but this one is different. It's not cheesy and has a believable plot. It's a win-win with a good script, and actors who really can act! I will watch this over and over!