merriegoround Reviews

Enlighten Us (2016)

Fascinating and enlightening

[8/10 · 22 April 2021]

There are two categories of documentaries for me. Ones I have heard about the events but want an in depth picture of what happened or stories I have never heard of. This was the former. I had seen this story before but not this detailed. Mostly because you hear from the man himself. At first you think documentarians are there to tell his story in a sympathetic light, but as you watch you realize that is not the case at all.

The craftiness of this film is that they don't have to call out James Ray as a charlatan, a hypocrite, a narcissist. He does that for them, the more you watch and listen the more he buries himself. It was in parts fascinating and infuriating. The fascination was in the subtlety of letting the viewer draw their own conclusion without having to state the conclusion of his character outright. It was infuriating to see this man who had a clear hand in the death of three people never take responsibility for it unless it was for profit. It was only on stage at his new attempts to rebuild his career as a self help guru that he ever even mentioned those who died, the tragedy of it, or claimed any responsibility. In all of his interviews he never did that. It is a glaring omission that is enlightening on just who he is while serving as a warning. Don't believe the facade of humility and sincerity. Because while he said over and over he wanted to help people, it's clear he only wanted to help himself.

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)

A positive review...

[9/10 · 28 December 2015]

I have to say I'm surprised to see all the negative reviews here. I just saw the movie yesterday and am still just bursting at the seams with excitement. I hadn't planned to write a review, but I think some positivity is needed here. I won't give any spoilers or plot points in this review.

I grew up with the original trilogy and to this day it is one of my favorite trilogies of all time. As a grand sweeping, coming of age, good vs. evil story line, nothing tops it. I also have to admit, I did not love the prequel trilogy nearly as much. I wanted to love it, I really did, but it fell far short for me. So now you know where I stand on the franchise.

I loved the first installment of the new trilogy. How much I love it will only show over time. What I mean is the original trilogy I can watch over and over again over the years and still love it. I can certainly see myself sitting down to watch The Force Awakens again, but only time will tell it's staying power. And of course that greatly hinges on the next two installments.

What I loved about The Force Awakens was the honoring of the original trilogy, from the beginning with the scrolling text, to the scene fade outs, to bringing in many familiar faces and lots of new faces. There is definitely a lot of nostalgia through out the film, but in a good way that makes you smile, not grind your teeth or rolls your eyes. The new characters definitely add to the Star Wars universe in a way that completely fits in. While the original characters remind your of everything you loved about the original trilogy

I have to say the acting/directing was spot on. All of the new actors, virtual unknowns, were perfect for their roles. The villains were perfectly dark and ominous. The heroes filled you with hope from the first time you saw them. There were some humorous moments, but not too much. Nothing was over the top. I particularly loved how they made the storm troopers three dimensional. They are no longer a step above set props. There is definitely more to them and their story in this one.

The story itself was fast paced from the opening. There was very little to no build up. From the start you find yourself right in the middle of the action. At the end you're left wanting to watch it all over again (on the big screen) and at the same wanting find out what happens next.

Overall, it was a great movie, a great story, and I think the biggest compliment I could give is that I would pay to see it again on the big screen and the wait for the next installment will be agony.

The Leftovers (2014–2017)

First episode not enough to make me want to come back for more...

[2/10 · 30 June 2014]

I watched the Leftovers preview last night. I had been looking forward to the show because the premise was interesting and fairly unique. The possibilities for this story-line of a percentage of the world's population just disappearing have not been fully explored. Clearly by my rating, however, I was greatly disappointed by this attempt.

The show definitely grabbed me within the first few minutes but lost me more and more as the show progressed.

What the show did well was letting you know the state of the world as it sits after the disappearance event through the news casts, and... That's about all I can say it did well.

What it did not do well was just about everything else. I understand there is supposed to be some mystery and suspense surrounding the show, however in building suspense, you have to hook your viewer and draw them in to your story. The Leftovers did not do that for me. I understand that the show is based off of a book, and this show seems to pander to those readers. If I have to read the books to understand the show and what's going on, then the writer and director have failed from the outset. An film or TV adaptation should stand alone from it's original source. Someone who sits down to view an adaptation should be able to watch and enjoy the film/show, regardless of whether or not they read the book or even know of its existence.

That is where I think this show failed. It left too many questions out there, basic questions, without rewarding me for having hung in there for the last hour. Ultimately at the end of the hour I found I just don't care. I don't care who the people are, their ties to each other. I don't care about the groups represented and what they stand for. I don't care if the event was the rapture, Aliens, or a time warp to another dimension. I'm sure the book is wonderful, it seems to have a large and faithful fan base, I just don't think the show did it justice.

On a high note, Justin Theroux looks great with his shirt off... yum!

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)

If you loved the book the movie will not disappoint.

[10/10 · 12 December 2005]

While no movie can strictly hold to every detail of a book for many reasons, many times in the adaption so much gets lost it leaves one who has read the book disappointed. This was not that movie. The essence, the heart, and spirit of this story is fully alive, beating and moving through out. The important points were there! As an adult I found it exciting to watch with times of tension and anticipation, and yet I can't wait to take my two young children. This is the best adaptation of "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" yet, and while that may not say much let me add C.S. Lewis would be proud. Applause to the makers for doing such an excellent job.

If you have not read the book go see the movie anyway, you will enjoy it, then go read the book. You will enjoy that too.