masonjud-834-705224 Reviews

Out of Africa (1985)

I LOVE THIS FILM, BUT ....

[8/10 · 24 June 2022]

... remain puzzled that Denys Finch Hatton -- played by Robert Redford -- had not a trace of a British accent? Is it because he was Robert Redford and no one would believe his accent, or he just refused to do it? Don't get me wrong, I don't question his acting skills.

Acrimony (2018)

Black Verson of the Betty Broderick Story

[2/10 · 13 December 2021]

Discarded spouse has some legitimate grievances against ex-husband -- but doesn't handle them wisely at all. Acrimony is like the Broderick debacle but with a few bloody twists. Just viewed the film today on BET network which, unfortunately, included a full 63 minutes of intrusive, insipid and annoying commercials.

Leave It to Beaver (1957–1963)

Hilarious Thought Processes for the Boys.

[9/10 · 6 October 2021]

Love this show. One thing I find hilarious is the exaggerated terms the boys used to describe grown-up anger and punishment. You'd think dear Ward and June regularly beat the crap out of them or abused them in some way. The most these kids ever came to 'abuse' was the very occasional 'good talking to' from Dad. No 'clobbering' or 'yelling and screaming' as the boys talk about so often.

American Crime Story (2016– )

Is this a parody?

[2/10 · 22 September 2021]

I tried to take this program seriously, but I kept seeing one extreme stereotype after another -- chubby, silly Monica, trashy Paula, anorexic Ingraham, and greedy, vindictive Tripp etc. The male characters are just as bad. The Isikoff so-called journalist is pathetic. No reflections on the actors as I assume they're doing their best. This display generates no sympathy or understanding for any of these people. If it's meant to be taken seriously --- then Epic Fail.

How the West Was Won (1962)

Not A Black Person in Sight.

[1/10 · 14 August 2021]

Nearly three whole hours of revisionist American History made in 1962, and not a single Black person to be seen -- and nary a mention of slavery as playing a teensy weensy role in the Civil War. Couldn't avoid showing lots of Indians, though. Looks like Hollywood managed to find many extras who may even have had Indian ancestry. Great scenery and cinematography. That buffalo stampede was spectacular.

Indecent Proposal (1993)

UNREALISTIC.

[2 August 2021]

Unrealistic to the MAX, and not even as nice to look at as the equally unrealistic Pretty Woman. Harrelson was too annoying for words. The couple agrees that the wife sleep with the handsome millionaire who has offered the cash-strapped couple one million dollars for one night. Millionaire provides beautiful, romantic atmosphere for the one-night stand, pays off and they part. Enter: Seller's Remorse. Harrelson -- thinking with his balls -- won't let it go, and accuses her of 'enjoying it'. She should have slapped the crap out of him and his childishness, and left. But, alas, no and unending, very tiresome strife follows. Redford should have given them the name of a good marriage counselor and got out of their lives.

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (2021–2022)

WELL DONE, STANLEY TUCCI.

[9/10 · 31 May 2021]

I love Stanley Tucci in everything. I love Italy. I love food. Stanley loves Italy and he loves his native food. Thoroughly enjoyed this series, Searching for Italy. Tucci is the perfect host and guide because he knows NOT to get in the way of the real star -- Italian culture and food. I hope the series continues.

For Love or Money (1993)

FOR LOVE ...

[8/10 · 19 May 2021]

Found this film by accident at 4 am on cable. It's charming and sweet -- all due to the effortless performance by Michael J Fox who is also charming and sweet. Everything worked out as it should -- which hardly ever happens anymore. I'll watch it again, if I can find it.

The Undoing (2020)

A BIG UNANSWERED QUESTION

[8/10 · 12 November 2020]

At the end of the most recent episode, "Do No Harm", police show Kidman camera footage of her near the crime scene on the night of the murder. She says, "So I was out for a walk, I talk walks, I didn't even know where she lived." Actually, the murdered woman mentioned to Kidman at the auction party that she lived in Harlem. Kidman doesn't live in Harlem, so why would she be caught walking there?

Ray Donovan (2013–2020)

Hard to Watch

[8/10 · 10 January 2019]

I feel so much sadness when I look at Ray Donovan. That family has been so brutalized an, in turn, steeped in brutality that it's hard not to see them all as severely wounded creatures. Can they ever recover or is it just too late for everyone? Excellent cast.

Cat People (1942)

Another Val Lewton chiller.

[9/10 · 31 October 2018]

Saw this one as a youngster and it's still tingly. Lewton scares us NOT with what is actually seen but what is imagined. The only thing that annoys me is Oliver, the husband. What an oaf he is. Totally unsympathetic. Alice, the friend, is far smarter and more intuitive while Oliver just wanders around in a fog looking sad. Anyway, Val's films are fascinating as well as chilling. I watched Cat People today, Halloween.