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Reviews
The Tourist (2022)
A Tortoise Ride in the Desert
It's not uncommon for a movie have an exciting start and then lose Momentum. But what do you if the initial episode is tedious? And one of the reviewers thought it started great, and then lost its way!
At least, in Breaking Bad, when the tortoise showed up in the desert, it carried the head of a drug dealer which was rather dramatic. I felt I was riding on a tortoise during the 1st Episode and actually hoping it would blow up, just for excitement. I am afraid the directors were hoping Jamie Dorman's strong presence could carry a script stretched too thin.
Unfortunately, I will never be able to confirm or deny what other reviewers said about the show. My "Tortoise Ride in the Desert" put me to sleep early.
Suits (2011)
The Writers Ran Out of Gas . . .
I have never attempted a Marathon but I have heard there is a "Wall" around 20 miles. Seems like many long-running series face the same problem. At least this one kept the winning pace longer than most. But after capturing your interest for so long, it was even more disappointing. .
Just imagine Bo Derek in the movie "10" with her smile, and her dreadlocks bouncing as she runs. Then she stumbles over a sand pail on the beach and falls flat on her face.
Of course, the decline of this series was not so dramatic, but was that disappointing. Wonderful cast of characters, good plot, and then it sunk into a soap opera.
Acceptable Risk (2017)
Warning: Written by Movie Junkie
"Killing Eve" was my favorite show until Covid suspended production and it seemed to lose its Mojo when it returned. That was understandable given the circumstances. This weekend I read the Critics were unhappy with the Final Season of "The Crown." That is also understandable for a series with 60 episodes.
What I don't get is how this series Lost Its Way in the middle of the 4th episode when there are only 6! They had piqued your curiosity along the with many loose ends and had developed the characters and then . . . Turned into that insurance commercial where the people hide in the dark shed with the chainsaws hanging down. Even the serial killer is confused.
My high school English teacher introduced us to the Latin term "Deus ex Machina" for a plot that runs out of gas and resorts to a "contrived plot device" for its resolution. I guess the writers can take some consolation in that their failure has a long tradition going back to the theater of the Greeks and Romans.
Or they can just remember Brando's line from 'On The Waterfront:' "I coulda been a contender instead of a bum!' But like Brando's character chose to take a dive instead of finishing the movie with the quality it began.
The Night Agent (2023)
A visit to the Carnival
Not surprising it starts as a Roller Coaster with Suspense. Once you've had your thrill and get another Ticket, it shifts to the Ferris Wheel of family history and Pending Romance. By Episode three, I am on the Merry-Go-Round of . . . Been here before.
The New Age fluff of a Female President and Asian Chief of Staff can't hide a superficial plot. When a character corrects an older co- worker that she's not Generation Z, I could see how much frosting was being layered on the Muffin.
I tried to finish Episode 3 but when the pickup line was: " Georgetown girls are supposed to be smart not beautiful, too . . . OMG 😱
Turks & Caicos (2014)
Part of a Trilogy
How would you rate Game of Thrones, Season 2? If you didn't see the beginning, you're jumping on
the "back of the Dragon" a little confused 🙄. This is a fella who left his job at MI6 in movie #1 of the Trilogy. Kind of confusing if you don't know that, and I doubt you'd rate the movie an "8" as I did.
A reviewer in the UK made a startling comparison of Johnny Worricker to Jason Bourne. The methods for solving their dilemmas is 180 degrees apart but both
are struggling with moral issues with the Country that trained them.
As usual with movies David Hare directs, the best actors seem to show up for roles and it is a treat for those of us watching.
Collision (2009)
Drop 1 Stone in the Pond and watch all the Ripples ...
Watched Collision a couple years ago and enjoyed almost as much this 2nd time around. Some shows have Suspense/ Mystery. Some have Character development. But as usual, Anthony Horowitz does a wonderful job of weaving both together.
Maybe I'm just a sucker for this type of basic plot. When driving I will occasionally flash on all the hopes and dreams going by in the other cars. And especially on busy freeways, I imagine we are are all a bunch of blood cells pumping through the same body.
How many different Dramas going by in each car, I often wonder. With a great group of actors, you get to see just how many are are contained in one Pile-Up. Happy Travels.
Heojil kyolshim (2022)
Oh, The Tides of the Moon . . .
I remember standing a parking lot with a friend after watching "Phantom Thread." We were both still in the grasp of its power but not sure if there was a message about the nature of Love. Having both been divorced we were well aware of the confusing ride "love" could produce. Maybe the original theater-goers for "Romeo and Juliet" felt the same although familiarity seems to have lessened the jolt over the centuries.
Although one could surely watch it as a "mystery movie" or another visual masterpiece from the director of "Homeboy," the impact for me was like watching the tides respond to the attraction of the Moon. The scientists may give us terms to explain it but in reality it is still a Mystery.
In the Dark (2017)
The Painful Side of Life . . . Handled with Sensitivity
I'm not sure why a scattering of very harsh critics. When I worked with home builders, they'd tell me about all the building inspectors who were Washed-Out contractors. Are there really that many armchair movie producers?? Read a couple mystery novels and decide you could direct and produce a better movie?
I went back after watching to see what were the critiques . . . Pace was wrong . . . 4 episodes didn't hang together . . . Poor acting. Lots of experts out there!
Tough subject handled with sensitivity to emotions involved. And yes, might have bit much for pregnant cop but if women can lift a car off a loved one, why not? Love is a powerful emotion!
Sure beats all the one-dimensional characters and car chases we get in the US. Guess the Brits are spoiled with more quality dramas but this one was at least an "8."
Love Hard (2021)
Christmas movies could use a new Classic
Not sure if it has the "staying power" of the Christmas Classics with Jimmy Stewart and Chevy Chase but was what touched me this Christmas. Having endured a couple divorces, I'm usually skeptical about romantic comedies. This one disarmed me! The acting and plot were just right to make "Over-The-Top" an enjoyable sleigh ride. It was ok for me to bless my own story: "Fools Rush in Where Angels Fear to Tread."
PS Was going to give it a 10 but the readers would assume I was just another Catfish! 😊
Since the website says I'm still 99 characters short, I will add a couple lines. Up til now my enjoyment of "Family Holidays" has been along the lines of the SNL Thanksgiving spoof of Adele's "Hello." I now have a new story to add where our human frailties are worth celebrating.
The Outfit (2022)
More of a Play than a Movie
They say "Be Careful What You Wish For." I must admit to be a Senior who is unsettled first by all the car-chase scenes that pose as Dramatic Action. Now we have Marvel figures replacing Character Development. Found myself watching To Kill a Mockingbird last week. I got it . . . I'm an Old Goat!
When I see Mark Rylance is the lead in The Outfit, I was all over it. To be honest if I hadn't become a fan of his portrayal of Cromwell in "Wolf Hall," I might not have made it through the very deliberate, stage-like pacing. But I was glad I got enjoy the ending.
Almost like a old British who-done-it, the best is saved for last. If you find the Theater boring, this may not be for you.
Kleo (2022)
Killing Eve meets Keystone Cops
Watched 1st episode on a whim and 6 episodes in now. I have the same fascination with central character as w Jodi Comer in Killing Eve as to "what makes her tick." Killing Eve had a much stronger supporting cast, script and budget but with Kleo I am always curious to see what will happen in the next episode.
A lot of shows have focused over the years on the foibles of the Russian, British, and American spy networks. Yet what happened to the East and West German spies when the Berlin Wall fell was new territory.
I find it greatly entertaining like the little car full of clowns that used to ramble in under the circus tent. With Kleo, you just keep wondering if Peter Sellers will jump out of the car.
Being the Ricardos (2021)
"Lucy, I'm Home!"
Actually gave it a 7 at the midpoint and changed to a 9 at the conclusion. Having grown up on the show, I expected a one dimensional portrayal of the characters. Boy, was I wrong. Would have been to stay with the stereotypes of the show. In addition to a wonderful cast, it surely didn't hurt having Aaron Sorkin involved.
Eye in the Sky (2015)
Drones and . . . Politics
Yes, it's Hollywood and not "real life" but was the best movie I've seen at exploring how "collateral damage" can become a political football. . . With no real Winners as the result. Of course there is melodrama, but the end result is to demonstrate the complexity of fighting terrorism today. No White Hats handed out at the end.
The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
Casting is Perfect
Like the famous "Breakfast Club," the movie captures high school angst in all its glory. And Woody makes the perfect caring but over-worked teacher. Nice job!
Informer (2018)
Collateral Damage
Felt like I just witnessed an "Emotional Drone Strike" where the collateral damage to connecting lives outweighed the value of arresting the "Terrorist." Thought the acting and plot development was the best I'd seen since "The Night Manager."