greskeneveland Reviews

All Creatures Great and Small (2020– )

I will always love Herriot.

[10/10 · 18 October 2022]

I have read most, if not all, of his books. I have watched the original series. To this day the Herriot books are some of my absolute favorites. That is partly why I was always somewhat disappointed with the original series. It followed the books almost to the letter but it always felt somewhat 'dry' to me. It didn't have the heart that the books had. Without that emotion the show became kinda hokey.

This remake makes up for that in a big way. It brings about the emotional factor that the original series lacked. The acting is great and the characters are portrayed beautifully. The books show their personalities in a big way, and the actors embody them with perfection. Siegfried somehow manages to juggle the bombastic yet dignified air he does in the books. Tristan has that lackadaisical charm. Helen holding so much on her shoulders. Last but certainly not least there is James, often feeling somewhat uncertain but standing up and taking it on the chin.

And frankly, who can't stare at the gorgeous Matt Lewis for a time? He makes an excellent Hulton, but he will always be Neville Longbottom to me. No matter who he plays he will always be nice to look at!

Cycle 2017 (2017)

The message is NOT encouraging people too stay in abusive relationships

[7/10 · 21 October 2021]

I had to leave a review because the one review I saw that had a message was that this movie encourages people too stay in abusive relationships. That is not the case. The message is that it is up to the abuser to stop the abuse... Not for everyone around him or her to fix it for them.

The point in the terminology of 'break the cycle' is too point out that many abusers were abused themselves. This does not give them and excuse. They have to be willing to do the work to do better.

It is true that all of the relationships that were reflected on that got a second look a few months later had continued. 3 out of 4 of them had continued successfully. The people who were willing to change and put in the work were able to make their partner feel safe and appreciated. However, one of them did not change and the consequences were dire for him. In one of the successful relationships the partner even said she would have left him had things not improved.

That review tells me that the reviewer believes that if someone is in and abusive relationship and they don't leave it is their fault. It is *not* their fault. It isn't always that simple.

If you can leave an abusive relationship you Totally should. But if you can't... That doesn't mean you deserve it. I hope you got the help you deserve.

Nowhere Safe (2014 TV Movie)

Unexpectedly Good

[9/10 · 12 July 2021]

I expected this to be as trite as these movies tend to be, but it actually kept me engaged and made me laugh in a few parts. Sure, it is as sappy as you can get, but these types of movies are. And I like that the girl went to another school and they bullying followed her... Because this happens to a lot of kids and many who had the bullying follow them did not manage to rise above. This might give them hope.

Angus (1995)

Super Underrated

[10/10 · 18 April 2021]

I was 15 when I saw this movie for the first time. I have a craniofacial difference which led me to be severely bullied in school. I can honestly say this movie is one of the reasons I didn't give up. It is funny, heartfelt and inspiring. I can still watch it and crack up. I can still watch it and cry, remembering the despair I felt as a kid and seeing Angus rise above.

More kids should watch this movie.

Zerophilia (2005)

When you boil it down this is about loving yourself

[9/10 · 7 April 2021]

It isn't really about gender or sexuality in the long run... It is more about accepting yourself even when it is hard and/or confusing. I thought it was super cute.

And it really melted my brain to see the kid from Alley Cats Strike in a 'sexy' role. Haha!

Play the Game (2009)

Surprised me

[8/10 · 29 July 2018]

I watched this on a whim years ago thinking 'this looks cute... And I like Andy Griffith'. While it IS cute it is also quite funny and more involved than I expected. I will admit, as a kid who grew up with Mayberry and Matlock the racy humor tickled me. I watched it again recently to see if it still held up and I still enjoyed it thoroughly. I can't rate it a 9 or a 10 because truthfully it *is* very saccharin at times... But definitely worth the watch if you like silly but heartfelt rom-coms.