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Reviews
The Ridiculous 6 (2015)
just a note on a few characters...Blake Shelton stands in for Wyatt Urp and Ice for MArk Twain
I did enjoy this "easy going", "just for a giggles", comedy in the old spaghetti western style with a dash of slap stick. Not a full family comedy, since not all of the innuendos were appropriate for children. However, if you like Adam Sandler and his work, as well as not minding, mindless laughs and partly unscripted jokes, its a good way to enjoy an evening at home without having to put out too much thought or emotion, then go for it! It did have so many really great cameo actors, too ma y to mention here, and I just wanted to give a shout out to two of them that won me over the moment they stepped in front of the camera...naturals both of them. I loved Blake Shelton as an actor or they just picked the right guy for this character, Wyatt Urp, but I was surprisingly and happily shocked at how well he acts? I thought he was only a singer, song writer and general show moderator, besides being an all around nice guy! Great Job Shelton...I never knew you were as talented as you are! Sometimes, he says some things that seem a little off color, but he does it in a way that is non offensive and you can tell he is just being who he is, rather than pretending he is someone he is not. I saw that someone called him an idiot, but I think he is quite bright and plays it down, so that he can keep people around him comfortable. I do enjoy his sense of humor, so I think his character worked for this picture. I really also loved the work of Vanilla Ice with Mark Twain's Character! Seriously, this guy is so bright thinking on his feet and always so imaginative in all his roles. Some people just have it all in the creative right brain side and this guy does! He can do serious to funny to action and anything in between. I'm a little envious! My guess, Vanilla Ice, has other creative arts that he enjoys and participates in? Does anyone know more? If you think about how, in real life, Mark Twain's imagination must have been so free and wild, as well as his humorous quotes, you really can see Vanilla Ice throwing down his hilarious side with the Mark Twain part. Both these men did a fine job, and I really just wanted to give kudos to just these two men, in particular. I did wonder why we missed a happy go lucky character in this film, that Sandler has played in his comedies, in the past, but who really knows how hard he must have worked to get all of these famous actors together, and then to bring out the best in each one of them, for each and every one of the character roles? I'm sure it's not easy being cheesy, all the time? Good job Shelton and Ice! I'd like to see more of Shelton on scene for the right roles, since he really did surprise and delight!??? MORE PLEASE? As for Ice, he is a staple already and we all know he will likely always have a fan base, plus more! Kudos to both of you! And watch if you are just looking for a simple funny laugh out loud evening with the guys or your girl.
Wicked City (2015)
Love it so far...there are so many other choices on the tube right now which are total losers. This one is worth the time!
I do enjoy the pace and the controversial matter. I also love the acting. I understand there were some rewrites and new scenes, which I am guessing had to do with the ridiculous comments from critics saying its sexually gender demoralizing??? what? has anyone seen a "true crime" show concerning serial raper/killing, and the gory scenes suggested in those shows? Yet they get kudos, and the lost in time,father knows best networks cant seem to swallow reality or a slight taste of it? These are the realities of true crime, yet this show tries to keep it lower on the "reality" or "truth telling" crime radar, than some other series? The very topic of rape and serial killing is what this kind of crime is about, power and control. That's just what happens in a rape and serial killing story. I like the truth in it, though it does deviate just enough for me to see it as entertaining cop and serial killer bad guy show, rather than horror show or another one of those gore related to SCSI kind of shows. It's just enough different and new idea that its interesting and the actors are all seasoned and seem to be doing really well in capturing the characters and their roles. I also like the way they really hit on the 1980's vibe. That is well done. Its not a ten, but close enough for me to keep watching. Why is the rating so low here on IMDb?
Versailles (2015)
IMDb'S only review speaks way too much of gay sexuality and the dislike therefore??
What about the series? The acting is phenomenal on the parts of these two brothers, the king and prince, who play so well off of each other over sibling rivalry issues, lovers, power and the disdainful lusts and charades the king lays on his own brother, worst of all sleeping with his wife and sending to and fro throughout the project this was. i knew they worked o ae series to play him like a throw away pawn, we see how really conniving and devious this king really was...all very conceivable and convincing, as well as entertaining and full of decadence; often showing adjacent ways disgusting human race treated each other, then...sadly it hasn't changed much today? I don't now how true to fact this story is being told, but i did formal studies of the design aspects of Versailles as it was being built, during the old' college years...i wasn't aware, this was as big of a project as it was. The french were the first at Versailles to build one of the greatest aqueduct systems "in the world", and yet it only recently needed some rebuilding and deep repairs...that's how far ahead the French were ass it related to technology and civil engineering. The series shows the honesty of how messed up the use of power was back in the day...women are objects to be negotiate. i d also appreciate the honest dealings with the differences in how Europeans treat sexual nature, versus the USA! The rest of the supporting roles are many and well done, also. The costumes are right on, periodically speaking, and done very tastefully! Also, this series brings up issues we all face today...the rights for privacy our own personal sexual lives, the issues of govt versus small business and entrepreneur class getting what their worth, instead of paying for the royals lives, first and foremost, as if that is not one of the biggest issues of this last two decade, everywhere, as well as brings up social status and rights to be treated humanely, no matter who you are! the indignities women suffered, even in social status! I do really love the cinema photography. lots to delight! i don't know why the score is not better? The only other reviewer suggests "baloney on English accents" versus using French? Really? How many thousands of period pieces are done and almost all of them are in the British accent and topography, almost all the time...another ???do we care??? question? No, most assuredly, not. See this one...it's worth the time, and time does fly with this one!!! Enjoy!
Steve Jobs (2015)
Don't compare...Be tolerant and give honor, he deserves, to Job's!
I haven't seen this version, but I have watched every single one of the others, and each had something or a different view point to present. I can't say I've seen a poor version, yet, but i don't ever tune into lifetime movie channel for anything unless forced...meaning only if there are no other sources for a biography on a character, will I turn to the LMC for a biographical movie. Nonetheless, I did see the Ashton Kertchner version, and of all of them, until this new one, I thought this was the best Job's biopic film, so far. I am an Ashton fan, but when I was watching it, I didn't know it was him as the star until later, so that says a great deal about his acting skills to imitate a man so well, his person hood disappears. There was a late moment in his film, I then knew who it was...late into the movie. So, because I was such an admirer of Jobs, to want to see the next version, I will watch this one. That being said, the new Job's represented in this film, by the amazing Michael Fassbender, is a truly fantastic actor in his own right, in almost every dramatic film or series I've seen him in, and I'm sure with Danny Boyle, as Director, we shall have a nice piece of work to turn out on this film too. As i suggested earlier, try not to compare, but to find what each working group as to add to Job's life and death. It's truly an honor to have so many want to see who the man was, who changed the world as we know it, today! I am old enough to remember having to share a phone line with our neighbors, as the only way to communicate other than in person, face to face, so I am needless to say, honored to have been born in the same time period as such a brilliant man, as Steve Jobs was. Bravo, for another movie version of Jobs. Don't compare, but instead try to embrace, celebrate and be tolerant of all of the differences and each of different nuances from each of the Steve Jobs story tellers! Just like everyone in the human race, Job's had flaws, failings and his own eccentricities. He was no God, but what he did do, was no less great than Einstein, Ford, Bell, along with many others who changed our world for the better...let's remember him, flaws and all, even as we see flaws and all in each attempt to cover such a fascinating and brilliant character!
Reign: Three Queens, Two Tigers (2015)
Getting better and more realistic!
I've watched Reign from the beginning season in 2012, and this season, the third, seems to offer even more intrigue, excitement, emotional upheaval and plotting from within France and all neighboring countries around it, each vetting it's weakening positions, alliances and way into it's financial coffers. We also see the Queen Medici, mother of the King Francis' of France, and her much despised daughter-in-law, Queen Mary of Scotland, is still up to her old tricks, conniving and rues, to have Mary Queen of Scots (and France by Marriage) removed from France's thrown of power. The series was and is proving to be better and better, each season. The first season, as I watched, I felt the writers were choosing to focus on trivial nonsense, but I felt sucked into what seemed to be decent night time soap opera drama. However, I did stick with it, in the second season, because it has and continues to show the alliance between betrothed Francis and Mary, this alliance made between the two countries as a secure move for each countries position and wealth, later on, proving to show more scholarly foreign allegiance, then in the first season. Now, we do get to see that when these two main characters put their brilliant minds together, along with help from brother, Sebastian and Ladies of Queen Mary's Court, even when the stakes are high and their selfishness is cast aside, they all accomplish great things, even as youthful characters running a country! As we've watched their naiveté, early on, as a young couple, be cast off, they manage the hard choices, twists and turns, and deceitful characters who attempt to cheat, steal, and rob this country, it just so happens,they all still manage to come out smelling like roses. We quickly learn, that their many paths taken, which show us the wicked ways of royal and monarch lifestyles, as well as wickedness and greed found throughout the countryside as the "betters", who try to out smart them, also seen in surrounding countries, as well, which these two with the help of these two's strong entourage of loyal subjects, deflate and defeat the powers that try to deceive or over take them. around them, of their time. There are many a for who attempt to play So many plots to over take them and or strip them of their wealth and their lands that surround them, but they always come out on top! The two main character's King Francis and Queen Anne have much naiveness and folly, but are quite intelligent and are both seen as generally good characters (with human flaws and failings), their youthful character flaws begin to disappear, and because they're surrounded by a solid handful of very loyal friends and relatives, they begin to make their power, together, a serious one and a strong mark on history! These two have had to make mistakes, trust the wrong people and have had heart breaking affairs, but in the end become wise and grow thick skins. Yet, together, Francis and Mary become a formidable force for this area of the world; they are forces to be reckoned with and still loved by their friends and subjects. Though, this is not exactly "true to history record" as it could be, it's still great writing and quite entertaining. Each episode, now, better than before! This season shall prove to be a great one, based on this very first episode, which sets us up for the wiser couple understanding the game of war and politics, and being surrounded by mini stories in the main plot with their very loyal bastard brother who has seem to been ensnared by a witch and struggling to free himself from her snare, while close friends to the queen, all seem to carry out their own lives, which by first glance look quite lovely and graced with riches and wealth, however, on deeper glance, all seem weaker sex and fall pray to male powers, during this period in history, as was the way in the world, during this period. We also start the season with the frosty Queen of England, Elizabeth, looking to grab even more power in Europe, as she along with the help of the Exiled, enraged, jealous and manipulative Italian Queen, Medici, "mother in law" to Queen Mary and mother to Francis, once married to the King of France. Queen Elizabeth will take all the help she can get, as she attempts to take over all of the UK and gain her foothold into France, maybe even expand her empire beyond this, as is usual for the thirst of the English Monarchs, of that day and time; I do like the feisty spoiled and conniving, character actor, Rachel Skarsten, they chose for Queen Elizabeth's part, the "virgin queen", this season; she certainly seems to be a formidable enemy to take on the young couple of monarchs, in Reign. The seasons get better and better, though not always serious and believable, as harsh history would have been, it's still a great way to spend an hour each week!
Midwinter of the Spirit: Episode #1.1 (2015)
The title made me think this was about a drama midlife crisis when in fact it's a fantastic supernatural series! ten all the way!
I loved the first three episodes of this show called "Midwinter of the Spirit", but as I saw the shows title, at first, I nearly skipped over it. I am really attracted to shows that have a supernatural element, but especially those that triumph over evil. However, this title sounded a little like a drama, whereby someone was having a midlife crisis in their 40's-50's or something? But, not the case! I was glad that I had taken the time to read the little bit on the "couch tuners.com" website, which was sparse but enough to let me know it was far more than a show about a mid life crisis, but rather a series about a women in the role as a Catholic Priest, which is very rare in our country, indeed. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen it, here, in the states. Which brings up another point, it's made in another country, either the UK, Australian, or perhaps else where, as the accent is English but very hard to decipher for someone from the USA. I had a bit of trouble hearing every word, because of the accent, but it was very much worth going back to see what was being said, since the entire show and its writing is so good, that every thing said is important! I didn't want to miss a minute of the story. So far, this network, has broad casted only 3 episodes, and I have to assume, by the way the last episode ended, that we're not done, yet! At least, I hope not! The way the 3rd episode ended, watching a "very reputable priest" of this particular precinct, who's hidden an evil agenda has been revealed, by Merrily, then throws himself from the top of the cathedral once the female Vicar addresses his hidden agenda, out loud, after calling the police; the sirens sound in the background, as the Priest jumps! (Sorry for the spoiler if you did not see the warning on top.) The main character, Merrily, who is supposed to be a "female Vicar in training to become an exorcist", has a few flaws, in that she has a daughter who gets a bit lost in her own faith so Merrily has two people to watch out for spiritually, plus she has her own beginner's fears, and also she has been "unwilling to forgive" her dead ex-husband's abuse and selfishness towards her. Since the "need for exorcism has become extremely apparent not only in people, but in churches, nearby, in the community, Merrily's job will be even bigger then she signed up for. Thank goodness, she has a good teacher and he has been watching out for her, helping her out in the back ground; I feel that the writers are fantastic, have done their homework in historical roots of the church, as well as the duties and experiences of those in positions of exorcisms, and in the Christian faith and it's history. It's been a mighty good watch, with plenty of meat to sink your teeth into, and to keep you interested and intensely watching. Every bit as good as Brown's work in his supernatural historical pieces of work in many of his book/movie concerning the story of Mary Magdalen and the Knights Templars, as well as the CChristian Catholic church. Nonetheless, we are just getting into what type of demonic evil this story weaves its mini stories around, but it would appear to be satanic worship of some type, which involves the abuse of young little girls, so if you have no stomach for that sort of thing, here's your warning. It's a very difficult area of demonic worship to stomach, so no one would make you feel bad if you could not watch this, though the writers seem to keep visuals of this type to a very minimal amount' there's just enough to carry out the idea and no more. That's a good thing, because I'm very sensitive to the topic of child sexual abuse, myself! Another thing, i think they do a terrific job with use of sound affects and light bits of music, at just the right moments...that tells me the writing, scenes, acting, etc, are all so good they aren't using overdone sound affects to scare us! Great job on all fronts...television just gets better and better! We do not even have to pay for big theater prices to get the great acting arts right out of the cable or free streaming if you watch couch tuners or any other of the free Internet streaming. Lucky us for great television work and for free Internet streaming! By The Way, this streaming movies and television is not illegal; that's what's nice about keeping our Internet free! Make sure we keep fighting for our rights! We shouldn't have to pay ten different ways to see one show! Once a month is enough! Anyway, great show, this series "Midwinter of the Spirit" and this is on the right track for a 10 on the Internet Movie Database Site.
Dominion (2014)
Season Two
What a twist for an ending in season two! Fantastic! Can't wait for season three! The writing just gets better and better! I look forward to the next level of installment in evil in this apocalyptic version of scripture. I didn't see Noam's as a betrayer or that David would all the sudden give himself up for unselfish reasons? And how do we goon without the female lead? I'm excited to see what's in store for us next? Who will be Alex's heart to fight for? And where the world is God? Are we to believe there is no God to prevail over evil? Is man alone to fight Satan? These are questions I'm left with and I hope they're answered in season three? Look forward to it!
The Bastard Executioner (2015)
Wow...This deserves more than 6.7?
Though, i do like the plot and follow through as well as the depth of the characters, so far. I was shocked we only get a half hour of the series, each week? That's cheap on the part of the network? Almost no dramatic series makes it through a full season, with a half hour time slot, unless its a ridiculous bubble gum comedy? The first two episodes, together, gave me hope...a bit slow but exciting enough to see what is going on in each one of the characters heads. the gypsy might have some kind of evil brewing, the baroness is the good lady, while the executioner is there to make change in a baron/baroness run their fiefdom as way to live off their people rather then helping the labors do well, thereby they would do well. Yet, we see change coming through one man, though we don't know if he will be able to maintain his pure heart in this executioners position? It certainly has great potential, but good god, give it more then 20 minutes a week so it can be moved along a little faster pace. And what kind of fool says this is like Braveheart?? In no way was Braveheart's William, ever a joiner, nor did he move on the inside to bring about change?? He was rebel rouser, reckless and careless in his actions, and that movie was about a war to free a country and restore a king? None of this resides in this plot??? The plot and formula seems original, so far? Just needs more time, each week for deeper story development, and move along at a faster pace, would be advised? why is everyone so down on the gypsy women? She's going to be ugly soon, i think? who cares about her accent, on the whole??? by the Mr. Sutter, why do you have a gypsy witch going through the motions of her black magic then have her crossing herself as if she's Catholic...that's a little weird? I am still hoping for a better series? Come on guys, lets get the quality and time up there...at least make the half hour shine, even if that mean retakes, editing after the fact, and polishing! Get it together, guys!
State of Affairs (2014)
I liked Heigal now if the others were on board...
I loved the idea of the show, the acting of Heigel. I feel as the writer spends more time on delving into the premise, the overall theme and spending a little time on developing characters in the first few runs, it has a perfect score with me. IM always excited when writers take a true story of a female operative, and converts it to a television series, so kudos for those doing as well as they did in just the first hour. Its very tough challenge to get a hit show in a one hour time slot, particularly, when its placed in a late night time slot. I think they did a great job with cast choice, but I can see they have their work cut out, in creating that bond all series actors need to get the sizzle; as long as they try hard to get the earlier mentioned details down, and all falls in line, I think there is super potential, here. On another note, as long as men can handle a women in the white house and ONE IN A TOP CIA POSITION, they will write nice things, but the opposite is true if misogyny still runs ramped...LIKE THE MEN WHO GIVE THESE PILOTS a go no where score, IF ONLY FOR THE FACT THAT THERE ARE WOMEN IN NON TRADITIONAL ROLES; I like the chances of where this one is going! Keep going...has the feel of "Stike Back", but a new direction, with women in the tough roles. THIS PILOT? I THINK IT WILL ONLY GET BETTER.