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Reviews
Las largas sombras (2024)
Fantastic Series!
On one of my nights of insomnia, I started watching this Spanish series not knowing what to expect. WOW! It was an incredible ride! This show has it all: suspense, drama, secrets, friendships, affairs. I couldn't get enough of it. There are six episodes but they flew by so quickly. All of the actors and actresses are incredible. They are all compelling and gifted. The dialogue is whip smart and executed to perfection. Hulu offers it dubbed in English too which is also nice for those of us who don't speak Spanish fluently. I would highly recommend this smart series to anyone who appreciates true quality in storytelling.
Betrayed (1988)
Another Iowa Movie filmed Elsewhere
This movie came out in 1988 and was supposed to take place in Chicago and Iowa. I knew immediately this was not either place. I grew up in Iowa and wheat is not a crop there. They combine the fields which are corn and soybeans. No wheat. The wheat fields in the movie were pretty but not from Iowa. Okay now back to the story. The movie has a very good cast with the phenomenal Debra Winger in the leading role. Her co-Stars are also very good. It's not an easy movie to watch since it deals with a very dark subject matter: White Supremacy. Again, I lived in Iowa for 55 years and never met a white supremacist or heard talk of any being around. You never know I guess but I hate for people to think of Iowa that way. I live in the South now but still feel protective of my home state. It's a good movie despite the obvious flaws but the topic is so disturbing that it might be too dark for some.
The Bikeriders (2023)
EXCELLENT Cast, TERRIFIC wardrobe, music, Mood...
Ok let's just be honest here...whoever did the CASTING for this movie did a FABULOUS JOB! Everyone was exceptionally good in their roles. The bikes were great! The wardrobe department did an excellent job. The score was great. It started out interesting from the jump. Clearly this was meant to be a showcase of the very handsome Austin Butler but his character was not the most interesting one by a mile. The most intriguing characters in it were the ones played by Michael Shannon, Tom Hardy and the lovely actress who played Austin B's character's wife. I'm sorry I can't think of her name. It was a pretty good film but I wish there were a bit more emotional payoff. I felt like there was nobody to root for or against.
Richard Marx: Hazard (1992)
Who killed Mary? The world may never know
This song stays with you long after it's over. There are actually TWO videos for it. The first one is the official video. The second one is Chapter Two. Both are dark and unsettling with the death of Mary. Was she murdered or was it suicide? Richard's character is the town pariah after he may have killed his mother as a child. It's set in a gothic looking small town. The townspeople burn down Richard's trailer home near the end. So here's how I see it for the possible suspects in Mary's death. Just my opinion.
1. Richard's character
2. The sheriff
3. The unseen lover of Mary's from the car
4. Mary committed suicide by jumping off the bridge.
Poor Things (2023)
Sorry but not for me
I appreciate a movie with a unique concept if done well but I don't think this one was. The overall concept is very dark and disturbing. I read that some find this movie empowering to women but I find it anything but that. I don't know how so many people enjoy this. I hung in there hoping for it to get better but found it more disturbing as it went on. I'm not a fan of watching a brain damaged woman get repeatedly raped by multiple men. How is this artistic or empowering? I have always liked Emma Stone's work and am a fan. However I can't support this film. Congratulations to her for her success but don't really understand it in this case.
The Color Purple (2023)
So disappointed
The original film of The Color Purple was certainly not a musical with all the constant singing and dancing in the middle of scenes. It was far superior to this one. I would file this under movies that do not to be remade and definitely not turned into musicals. I found myself turned off repeatedly in the middle of a serious scene where hat everyone would bust into song and start dancing everywhere. The music and dancing ruined this film for me. It's a shame too because the actors and actresses were all excellent and would have done much better without the constant distraction of music and dancing routines. This is not a comedy. It's a serious drama. But it was hard to take it seriously with all the silliness in between the dramatic scenes. Sorry but I would NOT recommend this disappointment of a remake.
Dead End (2003)
Fun horror movie at its best
I didn't expect much from this movie but it's absolutely awesome! It's a horror film at its best. It's got a little humor, a lot of dread and fear, etc. I forgot to mention the cast is fantastic and the chemistry between all of the cast in the car is delightful. The son is snarky, immature but also funny. The dad is clueless and falls asleep while driving. Mom is nice and practical despite her husband driving unsafely and her son making snarky comments repeatedly. Then there's the daughter who is pretty but feeling carsick so is also complaining. I have no idea who the other guy in the backseat. Maybe he's another brother or boyfriend of the daughter. He doesn't say a lot either. But regardless, this movie is creepy in a great way like you KNOW something really terrible is happening but you can't seem to figure out what or why...
Panic (2021)
Why all the negativity? This is good stuff
I'm not the demographic this was written for but I remember being a teenager like it was yesterday. I got sucked in very quickly and I was going to just watch one episode. I couldn't WAIT to find out what happened in the second episode. Before I knew it, I had binged the whole series. It's not a kids show. It's just a very good series! It has a great cast of many unknown younger people and some terrific vets too. It kept me intrigued throughout each episode. Each episode is intriguing so you want to watch the next one. If you give this a try, I don't think you will be disappointed. Scary, fun, dark themes.
Another Woman's Child (1983)
Where do I begin? Linda Lavin's character is a saint
This is not a feel good film by a long shot. Linda Lavin plays a woman who is happily married to a successful man she adores. They have a lovely and happy home. So what could possibly go wrong? A child from an affair her husband had that she knew nothing about suddenly enters their life after the girl's mother passes. So now this perfectly normal childless couple are raising this little girl who is very unhappy, bratty and sometimes violent towards her new stepmother. She's always nice to dear old dad but like a Tasmanian devil to the poor stepmom. It's at times difficult to watch but ends on a more pleasant note thankfully.
Devious Deeds (2023)
Wow! I did NOT forget figure this one out!
I expected very little from a movie called Don't Kill the Babysitter but it was quite good! If you enjoy Lifetime thrillers, this one is worth the watch. Many Lifetime thrillers are a bit predictable but this one had me going the whole way through. I couldn't figure out the endgame of the one I suspected of being a villain. It wasn't that simple. Twists and turns continued throughout the movie leading me to be shocked when all was revealed. I literally shouted "WHAT!?!?!" But it all made sense but was incredibly creepy. The title of the movie is not great but the actual movie IS! Go in with an open mind and you will be pleasantly surprised!
Kalifornia (1993)
Chilling & Disturbing! Memorable
I saw this movie many years ago at the theater. It really creeped me out then. I decided to revisit it today many years and life experiences later. It's still an incredibly dark and disturbing film. Brad Pitt & Juliette Lewis play the leading characters with David Duchovny and his onscreen girlfriend character (sorry I can't think of her name) as supporting co-stars. First of all, I can't believe neither Pitt nor Lewis was nominated for any awards for this film. Pitt is not the gorgeous, all-American sex symbol in this movie. He is dark, damaged and very dangerous. Lewis is sweet, innocent and seems a bit slow. She believes in her man and practically worships him despite his terrible actions. This film holds up to scrutiny decades later.
Picture Her Dead (2023)
Best Lifetime Thriller in YEARS
Omg! This Lifetime Thriller just came out a couple weeks ago and it is fantastic! It was mysterious, creepy and fascinating throughout. I found myself going back and forth in my mind about how it was all going to turn out. Did I guess it? No. It's fascinating because the story is really good and somewhat original in my opinion. The actors and actresses are very talented in their roles. So many people seem suspicious but is it just the viewers own paranoia or maybe just mine! Lol But trust me that this movie held my attention every single second long. I was totally drawn in right away too! Watch this now. It's so good!
Dangerous Snow Day (2021)
Why the Snow Day Title? No Snow
This was actually a pretty decent movie as Lifetime type of movies go. But throughout the story, I kept waiting for the Dangerous snow day in the title. The film was about 95% over before one flake fell. It wasn't even a snow day. How odd. The movie was a pretty decent thriller with a twist at the end that I did not predict. I was sure that I knew the way it would end but nope. I did not. I'm a fan of movies in this genre that surprise me in a good way. It far exceeded my expectations. The acting was very good especially the police man. The children impressed me too. Adorable and talented. The script wasn't bad. I would recommend this little gem even without the snow day.
The Night Stalker (2016)
Lou Diamond Phillips is Chilling and Brilliant
Lou Diamond Phillips is Chilling and Brilliant in this account of the serial killer, Richard Ramirez aka The Night Stalker. Bellamy Young was miscast in her role opposite him. She is a very good actress but paled in comparison to her costar. She just seemed flat in their interactions which was a shame. If she had even tried to muster some intensity or strength, it would have made all the difference. Her character who was supposed to be a smart but slightly damaged lawyer, just came off as weak. The supporting cast was brilliant especially the young boy and man who played younger Richard. They not only looked exactly right but were fabulous in the part. The only thing that was troubling was the script which I felt was too sympathetic towards Ramirez.
Lake Alice (2017)
It's pretty decent
Oh come on! This movie is not that bad. Unless you're a critic for a major newspaper, this is a pretty decent litter gem of a horror movie. Obviously the filmmakers didn't have a huge budget but they clearly did the best they could with what they had. The cast is all very believable in their roles and I liked the snowy cabin and woods. It looked authentic and I almost felt the chill watching it. I thought the concept was interesting and the execution was just fine. I did guess a couple things but not everything. Horror from this era is just plain fun and entertainment. And this movie is one of the better ones.
Ghosts (2021)
Hilarious but Sweet Comedy
I am way late to the party but I'm finally here. I started watching this past week and it's an excellent series. The original advertisements I saw for this show looked silly and goofy to me. I was wrong. This is a hilarious comedy with a very sweet tone to it. I didn't have high hopes but was incredibly pleased to be wrong. The entire cast is excellent and appealing. Each of the ghosts has their own backstory which makes the show even more interesting. They are all from a different time in history, too, which makes it interesting. If you haven't watched it yet, please take my recommendation and give it a try.
When Vows Break (2019)
I would watch Jacob Young in anything! Sigh
It's actually a pretty decent lifetime sort of movie. Jacob Young, sexiest soap star of all time and musician, plays the bad guy in this soapy melodrama of a movie. Ella is a sweet, gorgeous young woman engaged to one of the hottest looking men on the planet (played by sexpot stud muffin, Jacob Young). Everything seems delightful for the pair until a fortune teller tells Ella that bad things will happen to her including her own death if she marries her fiance. Her friends and family are very concerned upon hearing this. But she decides to marry the gorgeous but sneaky guy anyway. Will the fortune teller be right? Check it out to see!
Locked Up: A Mother's Rage (1991)
Angela Bassett is excellent in a supporting role
This is a very good movie with an exceptionally good cast! Academy Award Winner Angels Bassett is a supporting role to Cheryl Ladd's leading role. Both are excellent. Dean Norris and Jean Smart are also terrific in their parts. Soap star Peter Reckell is also very good in his pivotal role. Everyone is good. Cheryl Ladd plays a beautiful, hard working but vulnerable single mother. She meets a guy she really likes but doesn't know he's a criminal who eventually sets her up to do his time in prison. She gets convicted while he gets probation for selling her out with his lies. Her sister takes the kids reluctantly. Things are not easy in prison but she makes the most of her time inside.
Dangerous Calling (2008)
Christian Thriller
Don't skip this one because you might think a Christian thriller will be boring because this one is definitely not! It starts out with the murder of a small community's pastor. Then the new pastor and his wife take over the flock. They are younger and more progressive than the previous minister who was a widower. They meet the bossy older woman who oversees everything that goes on in the church and town. She tries to control the narrative at church and the young couple. Her creepy adult son causes discomfort among the parishioners. This is anything but boring trust me. So much is going on. It's scary but i interesting.
No One Would Tell (1996)
This Should Be Required Viewing in All High Schools
Don't laugh and dismiss a movie because it's from Lifetime. THIS movie is extremely powerful and doesn't pull any punches. Candace Cameron Bure is a young, shy teen who catches the eye of the most popular wrestler in her school. Fred Savage is incredible in the role of her boyfriend. It all seems like a teen dream at first but hints of his controlling nature slip out here and there. Before you know it, he gives her a push, a shove a slap. A punch! He also gets between her friends and family isolating her. And he starts picking at her trying to chip away at her self esteem. This is a perfect portrayal of an abusive boyfriend. I am an adult woman who was triggered watching it. I'm lucky my story didn't end as hers did but it easily could have when I was in that sort of relationship. Please take this movie seriously. It is very accurate.
A Rage to Live (1965)
A Rage to Live - an excellent underrated film!
I just happened to find this brilliant little gem on YouTube this afternoon. It was filmed in 1965 before I was born. I knew nothing about it but thought the thumbnail looked interesting. The star of this movie is Suzanne Pleshette who I knew from Bob Newhart years later of course. Miss Pleshette is absolutely beautiful in the leading role of Grace. Grace is a fascinating character who can't resist her one temptation which is men. She is not one-dimensional though. Grace has feelings and is a nice person just has a real thing for the guys who she is sexually attracted to. She isn't perfect but struggles with saying no. When she falls in love with a good man, can she stay faithful? This woman isn't a nymphomaniac in my opinion but I believe she may have bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. She is very impulsive and often makes choices which she knows are not in her best interests. My heart goes out to Grace and all who love her.
Hypnotic (2023)
Oh no! It started out well...
I never give up on Ben Affleck. He's a great screenwriter, actor, director and more. My favorite films he did were Pearl Harbor and the mind-blowing thriller, Gone Girl. Sadly for quite a bit now, he keeps picking our clunkers to star in. I keep giving his new ones a chance to no avail.
Sadly This one is the same. It starts out intriguing but falls apart flat. It just goes all rogue in about 30 minutes. Then it just gets completely impossibly ridiculous and keeps going. Ben, I was really rooting for you to shine but this wasn't the route. An action thriller should not put someone to sleep. Please don't make a sequel.
Daughter (2022)
Something different but interesting
I rented Daughter because it sounded like something different which I have to say it was. Casper Van Dien plays father but is barely recognizable in this. There is father, mother, son and replaceable daughters because they keep escaping and get murdered. Then they find a new daughter and kidnap her. They are forced to live in their new family unit listening to father's strange pseudo-cultish ramblings. It soon becomes evident that something is wrong in this family and that something even darker is afoot. Why does mother tolerate this situation or is she part of it? Why do they need the daughter? What's up with the seemingly placid son? And obviously what is wrong with father? The answers lie somewhere in this intriguing if quite odd horror movie.
Magic Mike's Last Dance (2023)
Magic Mike should have danced MORE!!!!!
I am a Channing Tatum fan and enjoyed the first two Magic Mike films to see him dance again and again and again! The sexier the BETTER! These movies aren't for the art house crowd or the film elites. They are a Valentine to Channing Tatum's fans period. And we accept them gratefully. Now about this one...we get one sexy very short dance early in the film and one at the end. That's NOT ENOUGH! If this is his LAST DANCE, we want a movie filled with love, romance and most of all sexy dancing by Tatum! I have to say I was disappointed overall because I wanted at least a hot fast food meal and got a frozen tv dinner instead.
Australian Survivor (2016)
AUSTRALIAN SURVIVOR! Absolutely Perfect!
I've watched Survivor USA since it began many years ago. This show is what ours used to be! Ours has become soft through the years but this one is terrific, excellent players, difficult challenges, Gorgeous locations, excellent host Jonathan LaPaglia! I am so excited I finally found this show and am thoroughly enjoying each episode! My husband is too! You have no idea how many fans of your show there are in America! We talk about this on our regular Survivor page daily. Americans looooove Australian Survivor! Please keep up the excellent work! We are all excited about each episode! Love from the USA!