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MickyG333
Reviews
Unwrapping Christmas: Mia's Prince (2024)
Metaphorical qualities
7.0 stars.
Now we are introduced to the second female of the four in the "unwrapping" series. Immediately, we feel this is completely different from the first. It is about a woman having dreams of a perfect man. In her dreams he is a prince from an old Christmas tale titled "Christmas in Derbyshire" (pronounced darbyshire). It's her favorite historical romance novel.
The ambience of fairy tale is palpable from the beginning. Not fantasy or anything akin to that, just a simple and whimsical feeling of a somewhat lonely woman who is tired of being a pushover. She is momentarily swept into a better place.
As the story unfolds, her imaginary prince is very similar to a new stranger in her life. As we become acquainted with him and his wealthy family, it's clear that the two are going to face some adversity in their fledgling relationship, because she does not belong in his affluent world.
I enjoyed the atmosphere created by the music and cinematography. The story is not unique whatsoever, but I feel some credit is well deserved for creating a particular mood. This is a decent movie overall. In contrast, there are many minor, yet bothersome errors, which speaks volumes as to the director's proficiency. Get the little details right, is my only advice.
Unwrapping Christmas: Tina's Miracle (2024)
Average
6.6 stars.
This is the simple story of a woman who is trying to save an historical building. We've seen a variation of this trope at least 50 times in Hallmark movies.... Save the manor, shop, building, landmark, etc...
In the opening scene we see not one, but four female leads. There is no mystery that this is the first of several movies in a series. I figured, since there are four leading ladies, there must be four films in this "unwrapping" franchise. I see only three listed, but that simply means it's a couple weeks too early to list the air date of the fourth. I noticed that the most notable female of the four is not starring in the three listed, so I assume she'll get the fourth installment (the currently unlisted one). If one is released each week, the fourth one will be in early December. The first week in December is usually an important week for Hallmark releases.
This particular story begins very sluggishly, but it starts to grow on you gradually until the conclusion, which was somewhat endearing. But in the end, this film is right in the middle of the pack. If I had to pick a quintessential average Hallmark movie, this one is one of a thousand that blends in to the woodwork. I don't plan on returning to watch it, but it was nice for a one time viewing. It was not a total waste of time, if you are wondering.
Something from Tiffany's (2022)
Absolutely marvelous!
8.1 stars.
Now this is my kind of romance! All the ingredients mix for a perfect recipe in this beautiful and emotional roller coaster of wit, humor, and sarcasm.
Basically, there is a mixup with jewelry, and A pair of earrings gets switched with an engagement ring. The next thing you know a man is proposing, and the other man is backpedaling and we have one big crazy charade on our hands.
They have to figure out a way to get the jewelry back into the right hands, but the only way to do that is to weave a web of lies too difficult to manage for very long. But what this mishap does, is give fate a chance to set things right. Once you catch the vibes between our lead couple, you'll understand what I'm talking about. Great chemistry, brilliant dialogue, beautiful film.
The whole cast is absolutely wonderful and endearing, and this is a fun romcom ride that you must enjoy. I don't think the rating does it justice, this belongs at seven or higher. But that's OK, cause I enjoyed enough to say that I will return to watch this in a year or two, and again and again.
Celeste & Jesse Forever (2012)
Best friends are married
7.7 stars.
Imagine two best friends who are married but it doesn't work out in the end. That is 'Celeste & Jesse Forever'. They are in love and always will be, yet they can't remain married, because he is not quite measuring up to her standards.
This is a tragedy of epic proportions. If this movie reflects your life in any way, I feel sorry for you. It's amazing how a man and woman can be true soulmates, but since he has no aspirations, she has no choice but to eventually file for divorce. They both want kids, they are so great together, they remain best friends until the end, and even beyond the end, they are still besties...
This is the classic case of a woman who marries a guy hoping he will change, and yet they've been best friends for so long, she should realize he won't change, but she is disillusioned by that false hope.
Life doesn't work that way. And he, well all he needed to do was get a job. I mean, they both screwed up the best thing ever. And yet, they still remain best friends and so maybe it's not such a tragedy...
The ending was kinda sad. But there are lots of funny parts mixed in. I think you will enjoy this movie.
Time Cut (2024)
A tad cheesy
6.8 stars.
Listen, it's somewhat entertaining. The story is not great, the sci-fi/slasher theme has too many holes in it. The story is not meant to be plausible, but this particular sci-fi theme is really out there. It's just too fragile a narrative to be engrossing. It definitely is a cheesy Disney sort of teen slasher. But this is a horror film through and through so watch the youngsters.
I like the main female, she is the glue that keeps 'Outer Banks' interesting if you ask me. Her acting prowess exceeds most and I see big possibilities in her future. But she needs to avoid cheese ball stuff like this.
The outrageous aspects are primarily the time travel. Either make it more realistic or leave it out.
Some characters are shallow at best, but a few are likable, so it's entertaining in that respect. It's not scary like most but it still has a few disturbing parts.
Overall it falls short of classy horror or good sci-fi, it has no proper place to fit in, however I like the young actors, they did well.
Like Father (2018)
Feel good story
7.7 stars.
I love all the actors in this film, so I was already going to lose any neutral status right from the start. Bell is one of my favorite female stars of the past 20 years. Not in my top ten, but in my top 30 probably, which says a lot actually, considering I have literally 50 favorites of both male and females that generally don't ever disappoint. She is one of those rare women that will never disappoint you in a role. She is an icon. Think about all of her performances and you might agree, she is always good, always makes an impression. Grammer is one of those great male actors that you don't see very often, but when he comes to play, he plays best.
This is a classic and heartfelt story about an absent father and a damaged daughter who finally reunite and heal together. Wonderful, emotional, and hilarious, can't forget this is quite a funny film.
The Groomsmen Last Dance (2024)
Major improvement
7.4 stars.
I suppose this was the best of the three. At first I didn't appreciate the female Italian actress, she was very abrasive.
Once again we are taken hostage by this secret conversation between bridesmaid and pub owner. Bridesmaid is enigmatic about groomsmen and is telling the story of the third groomsman (Hynes in this story).
The meet cute is cliche in that he almost runs over the Italian woman. But she comes around and quickly becomes very likable. She has an exotic beauty that grows on you, a sharp Italian or Greek appearance which took a bit to get used to. As I ponder it a bit, I think now that it's more about her hardness than her look. She is intense at first, then she's suddenly very soft.
All that aside, this film is nothing like the first two. This is a good movie. Not a great movie, but above average, although not enough to make it to my 8.0 club. I don't plan on watching this in the next 5 years, but maybe in 7 or 8.
The Groomsmen: Second Chances (2024)
Acquired taste?
6.0 stars.
This is the rating I must give to a movie that I couldn't finish, but maybe there are people who like this sort of film. I am not a fan. All three of this trilogy (I just watched the third one and will review it soon) are similar in that thy seem to appeal to a specific demographic of movie watcher that I'm not part of.
I like the actors, they are all great. I don't enjoy the theme as far as the ideology and lifestyle aspects are concerned.
It's a shame they wasted three great leading men on this. Like I said, I couldn't finish the movie. Once I was watching the bridesmaid speaking to the pub lady again and spewing useless anecdotes about things we know nothing about and don't seem relevant...
Operation Nutcracker (2024)
Many magical moments
7.7 stars.
I think the casting is spot on. I'm surprised I didn't see this when it came out in July, so here we are three months later. I've been recording every new movie on Hallmark for the last three years but somehow I missed it. No matter. I'm glad to have the opportunity to finally watch it.
'Operation Nutcracker' fits right in with all of the great Christmas films of the past several years. It's not spectacular, but it is certainly far above average.
There were many great moments I felt a real warm feeling in my soul. With the number of wonderful feelings, I had, this would normally be 8.0-worthy. However, there were also a few awkward, or may be better described as, clumsy scenes where some of the chemistry was derailed. This could simply be a product of unknown factors in moviemaking. In the end, this is a great addition to anyone's Christmas collection.
Perhaps the extra three supporting cast members with more substantial than usual roles, served to knock it a little off balance, but it was a necessary facet for the story.
The Turnaround (2024)
Inspiring
7.6 stars.
I felt really warm and fuzzy watching this. Turner had a really rough start in 2023 season. I remember watching a game when they started giving him standing ovations, because me and my dad watch the Phils a lot and we were like, "wow, the Philly crowd is giving him a standing o, nobody ever does that in Philly. It's almost an unwritten rule for like 60 years or so, who knows, but those fans are the harshest in b-ball, but maybe not so much as they used to be and this time it helped to be nice. Just got done watching the Phillies choke out this season, so they are in the usual form. They have the worst history for championships compared to length of time the team has been around.
Daddio (2023)
One inspiring conversation
8.0 stars.
This is a film that everyone must see at least once. This is where you take your troubles and dreams and talk to someone you love and trust, and tell them about a person in your life called Daddio.
What a compelling story about a complex woman and a down-to-earth taxi driver. As they continue to talk, he pulls all of her sorrows out of her and it's all on the table for discussion and healing. But she is not just an ordinary woman, she's also a person of great empathy and she will win this game of honest discourse and reparation of the soul.
I was profoundly touched by these two wonderful actors.
Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong (2015)
Seems realistic
7.7 stars.
What I like about this film is how they do a lot of long takes with few cuts, so the actors have to get it right and I'm sure it took a while. That being said, I love movies like this that flow and seem realistic. This is what it might look like between two people who are falling in love at first sight. Let's be real, that's what this is. The girl is obviously frustrated at his lack of self-awareness, but wait, he is fully aware of everything, and I think she realizes this eventually, because she gives hints and he is picking up her hints, and so she knows he's aware of the situation. It's brilliant. I'm glad he finally communicates. And then comes the end, which I don't quite appreciate as the director probably wants me to. We needed a little more, just a little would have been fine, but they cut it off just a wee bit too soon. Close, but not enough, so this loses 0.4 stars for that ending.
The elephant in the room is the quandary that people just don't know how to handle. It's not until you get older that you realize you gotta spit it out, stop beating around the bush, especially with love, because life is too short.
Upside Down (2012)
No substance
5.8 stars.
This story is about gravity, yet it holds no gravity. There is almost zero substance to this plot. This movie could easily be 20 minutes instead of somewhere around 90 minutes long. The plot is so basic, but they stretch it out about as far as they possibly can. In my opinion, this movie should never have been made. The concept of anti-gravity, or whatever you want to call it, is interesting, but this film takes all the wind out of its sails. How flat can you make a romance? All they do is go through some strange treacherous experience to see each other over and over, and when they do they are chased and shot at over and over and why? There really isn't a good explanation, and so we see a bunch of upside down kissing, and there is no emotional impact at all. Terrible.
Barefoot (2014)
Evan Rachel Woods is luminous
7.8 stars.
I don't recall seeing her in anything until 'Westworld', even though I think I recognized her from various things I can't specifically recall, but I've not seen 'Barefoot' until today.
Speedman is one of those actors that you sort of get the same package in everything he is in, but that's fine, the formula works for this film. He is always a very sympathetic man in his roles. He always roots for the underdog and that makes him a likable personality.
Wood is absolutely amazing and I just KNOW that this role is what got her noticed for 'Westworld'. I just know it in my gut. You can say otherwise, but it's a strong hunch. I love her to death and forgot how much, because when 'Westworld' went off the deep end, I never saw her in anything since. I know she had serious problems with the ghoul she dated from the Hollywood underworld. Trust me, you've heard of him. You should see her documentary about that.
Saint Judy (2018)
Good generic courtroom drama
7.0 stars.
It's based on a true story, which makes this more interesting than most. I think it's dramatized just the right amount. I like the actors, they all did very well. On one hand, it's very real for any person who needs asylum in the USA, but there's a fine line between those who need it and those who are trying to cut corners and get citizenship any way they can. Let's face it, we would grant it to all these people if we could, but it's just not reasonable, because then it's nothing but an open can of worms and then everyone from every third world country will be in the USA before you know it. So the I. C. E. System is there for a reason. But this woman definitely got justice and amen to that.
Awake (2007)
Deliberate thriller
6.8 stars.
The way it all turns out is why a lot of people like this movie. I think people like it when the villains are revealed in a surprising and shocking way. The upside is that the plot was very well done, but it's toned way, way down for my taste. It plods along and then we are made aware of what's going on, but they mixed a few major details and didn't execute it quite as effectively as they should. The fact that he is awake is actually irrelevant. There is nothing gained by it at all. He does not have a hand in anything, he's just a bystander, so why does he witness everything if his observations are pointless? Oh well.
Swing Vote (2008)
Relevant every 4 years
6.3 stars.
This is a very offbeat movie. I didn't expect to see Costner portraying a character that has about 20 more IQ points than Forrest Gump. His character really is intellectually challenged, no doubt, and he doesn't do a bad job at playing him, which is odd to watch. I've never seen him play someone like that, because all of his parts are of intelligent and troubled men, usually powerful men. In this story, power is thrust upon him and he's not smart enough to realize it. His daughter is super smart and i really think this movie is about how she, this little girl, can transfer some of her intelligence onto her clueless dad. I'm not kidding, I think that's the theme. It's about children who need us adults to realize we are destroying our once awesome nation...other than the little girl, who gives us a most stellar performance, this film is a bust. Nobody else came to play ball, they all struck out, she hit a granny, but it's not enough to salvage this film.
The Groomsmen: First Look (2024)
Not great
6.3 stars.
I am fairly certain I left a review for this movie, guess not. I have no idea why. All I can say is it's not a great movie. The groom is a nice enough guy, but there are challenges that he must face in order to get the girl. There are two other groomsmen, who are his best friends. They seem to be good buddies, he's the more serious of the three. There is the narration being done by a bridesmaid, who is providing all the details about these men and their escapades.
We don't know who she is, or why she is telling the story in an empty Irish pub to an Irish woman, who runs the bar. So, with some mysterious woman telling this story that doesn't make a whole lotta sense, and the fact that we don't know why she is in the movie at all, really kills the continuity factor. Let's hope it becomes clearer as time goes on in the next two installments. I knew right away there was gonna be three of these, and when I looked it up, sure enough.
Romance is lacking, acting is fine. The humor is flat. This film is a strikeout.
Plus One (2019)
Hilarious!
8.2 stars.
I don't say a movie is hilarious unless it's over-the-top funny. Usually, I'd say "it's funnier than expected", or "Wow, didn't see that coming", but this time I'm just coming right out with the truth. This movie is one of the funniest I've seen the past 20 years. I don't know how they got it to work out so perfectly, the banter between these two is priceless. I figured after laughing five or six times I would have to give this a super flattering review, but then the laughs kept coming and coming, a few minutes of normal dialogue in between, then they brought on more laughs and another one-two punch, and I was starting to get tired. You know that feeling you get when you've laughed too much? Wow, it's been so many years since a movie hit my funny bone square-on like this. I thought it was me, nope, it's the industry. The industry doesn't make 'em funny like this nearly as often as they used to. At least, not for people my age (generation x)
Pixels (2015)
It's fun
7.2 stars.
This really is quite a fun little movie. I think that Adam Sandler is still doing well at this point in his career, but here we are now nine years later and i'm finally watching this movie. So the positive aspects definitely outweigh the negative ones. It's fun and has a gorgeous leading female with Michelle Monaghan. I've loved her and everything she's done, however, sometimes she portrays trailer park. In stark contrast, she is a decorated military woman and it looks very good on her.
The story is about a loser who was good at video games back in the 80s and 90s. But those video game abilities have no transferable skills until now. As with any Sandler film, it's goofy and strange, and every other weird, silly thing, but it's somewhat clever, and you gotta love his down to earth, one-liner sort of humor. All of his movies are generally the same with that and you can always pick out a Sandler film.
Woman of the Hour (2023)
Well made based on true crime
7.3 stars.
The actor portraying Alcala is creepy, so they got that part right. You must realize that most serial killers are not very creepy, so I'm surprised the woman who was the protagonist in real life (played by Kendrick) got a creepy vibe off of him. But as far as the presentation of the film goes, it's well done.
There are many true crime thriller movies out there that hit the nail on the head somewhat better, but this film is sufficient to give the impression of him being a cold-blooded man, yet seemingly very intelligent and exuding enough charisma to entice women into his web.
I like anything Kendrick does and I'm fairly certain most would agree she is one of the most likable actresses out there.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
To be seen by all humans
8.0 stars.
Once in a while a story comes along that must be witnessed by all humanity. There are a few movies that I believe fit into this special category of must-see films, not because they are necessarily great, but because in addition to great, they are essential. This is one. What other movies might fit into this category? I'm not entirely certain. This is sort of a standalone film. It's not a classic like 'The Sound of Music', or 'Dirty Dancing', but similar in that it's iconic and somewhat a coming of age story. It's also not quite the same as 'The Shawshank Redemption' is for adults, and not exactly like 'Mean Girls', or 'Napoleon Dynamite'. It's more like 'Paper Towns' in a way...in the way it makes you feel alone, like you were when you the most alone in your life, even if you're not currently alone, but you remember, it reminds you of what it feels like to be that scared and sad person you were when it was the worst it ever was.
Everyone needs to see this film. This film captures a feeling that is very difficult to communicate. I shudder to think of the humanity, the visceral reality of what it means to be a damaged individual, if for only a moment of your life you've been there, heaven forbid any longer than a few interminable moments. Unfortunately, for many, those moments become a chain of intermittent days, weeks, or months, then suddenly you realize those moments are the majority of your reality.
10 Years (2011)
A most intriguing ensemble
7.4 stars.
What in the world is going on? I've never heard of this movie and so I figure it looks cool, hey look it has Channing Tatum, hmmm, interesting. Next thing I see a half dozen big stars who all showed up for this film before any of them were big stars. Tatum was starting to rise in G. I. Joe just a couple years prior, but he was really only known for the Step Up movies and then 'Dear John', then 'The Eagle', which I remember slightly, but was really nothing to put a spotlight on his career. He exploded right when '10 Years' was released, how crazy is that? Then Chris Pratt (he does not look healthy in this movie) comes out of nowhere. The only thing he was known for at this point was 'Parks and Recreation'. And what sort of dumb luck has Oscar Isaac as one of the main characters? The only thing he was known for at this point were a few supporting roles, but they were in some pretty stellar films, which didn't hurt. Then his career exploded too, just around that time. He landed a few leading roles in somewhat lesser films, but then got lucky with Star Wars, and was an immediate household name. There are a few more big stars like Rosario Dawson, Jenna Dewan, Justin Long, Scott Porter, Aubrey Plaza, Kate Mara, Anthony Mackie, Ron Livingston. This feels like one of those ensemble movies where they put all the big stars in it, where they can't afford to pay them anything, it's just a plug for some cause or something. But in the case with '10 Years', I feel it was just a lucky coincidence they landed a fistfull of big stars right on the cusp of legendary status, but how could the casting director have guessed on not just one, but like seven actors whose careers all skyrocketed? This is like 'Breakfast Club' or 'The Outsiders', heck even 'A Few Good Men' was an ensemble cast, but they were all just becoming big, whereas in '10 Years', nobody would have guessed, it was still too soon for all of them. It's so surreal, I can't seem to shake it. How did they pick all the best before they were really known? I can't imagine this film had anything to do with catapulting any careers, quite the opposite actually. Especially for Pratt who looks really sick and bloated. What were his issues at that time? His appearance sure changed for 'Guardians of the Galaxy'. He was a new man just a couple years later.
This movie is nothing special, but because of the cast it's actually not bad. If this was a bunch of unknown actors, I'd give this a 5.9, but the acting is so superb and full of presence and charisma, I have to give this a decent score.
The Other Zoey (2023)
Lacks continuity, but it's entertaining
7.7 stars.
I'm sorry, but this is the kind of seemingly senseless YA romance that I love. I think the lead female is very likable and interesting, the lead male is also the perfect choice as a supposedly dumb jock type. He fits that mold, yet he's not actually dumb once his personality is developed. The story utilizes his head injury to camouflage the real guy for a while.
So, yes, this film is sort of all over the place, but that really only applies to the continuity of a few key elements. But for me it's very entertaining and fun. They did not actually go with the usual formula, the one that is very obvious, nope, they took us on a detour and went in another direction, one we didn't expect. It's not totally foreign, just a road less traveled in most YA romcoms.
There is a lot of depth between Zoey and her best friend, which makes for a great sideshow to follow the main romantic plot. In fact, this side story is just as relevant to the whole experience.
I think it's a great movie, sort of a mix between current rom coms and older ones. It's a transitional film. Just my thoughts.
Deepwater Horizon (2016)
Edge of your seat
7.8 stars.
My third time seeing this and it never gets old. I like to be reminded every few years of this horrific event that was in the news for years.
It's an action packed story about the explosion at a deep sea oil rig that was responsible for that well-known BP fiasco. It basically caused a massive environmental disaster that is still affecting the ecosystems of the surrounding area in the Gulf of Mexico.
Not only is this movie a very good description of the whole fiasco, but it keeps you on the edge of your seat as you watch the whole thing happen from start to finish. It sort of reminds me of an apocalyptic movie on a smaller scale. Instead of the earth's crust exploding, it's an oil rig exploding, but the impact of the cataclysm feels very similar to a near extinction event.
The way this film depicts the whole event is breathtaking (for lack of better terms). It's horrifying and explosive (no pun intended) and we can feel the impact of such awesome power running amok due to the careless practices of a greedy corporation. They placed the importance of money over safety and it finally came back to bite 'em. Unfortunately, the ecosystems of all wildlife on the planet were affected.