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Reviews
Grotesquerie (2024)
God Knows, I tried
This series was torture and I finally gave up watching it at the end. By the episode 10, I really just had enough of the steam of conscious , dark, depressing mess. I do like Neisy and Courtney as actors even if their performances were fairly one dimensional "Felliniesque" portrayals.
It just did not offer me enough to make me care about any of these characters, so much so that I had to bail because I could tell that Ryan Murphey probably would not resolve it and I would leave angry and unsatisfied . And the cinematography was so dark, much of the time I felt I was watching a black screen. Don't bother!
Family Feud (1999)
Vulgar and not family friendly
Steve Harvey and his writers have ruined a show that at one time was fun and appropriate family time, but it has turned into just a vehicle for inappropriate ghetto humor that Steve Harvey totally embraces.
I often watched the show during the Richard Dawson years and he was playful and sometimes innuendo came to play, but the show's questions were not geared to fester the vulgarity that results in the answers
I say rework the show and ditch the perv Steve Harvey and get new writers who are not invested in making this a show that I don't want my children to watch . You don't need a bland host like Louie Anderson Rip or Richard Karns but one who can attract viewers with a PG personality and a show that reflects that.
Happy's Place (2024)
Needs adjustments
Ok, viewers are not stupid. In what planet does a woman find a lost sister who is 40 years younger? How about 10 years or even 15. I had trouble watching it after this reveal. And of course we must be politically correct with diversity out the ying Yang. We have an indigenous, Hispanic, OCD , and I sure a trans person will show up. I say ditch the sister and do a sitcom that makes sense . Reba was a bit too manic on the first episode and Melissa is working her groove. Rex Lind seems lost . But I will continue to watch for now and hope the producers change the list sister bit . It just does not work .
Murder in a Small Town (2024)
Easy Going Crime Drama
At first, I thought this was a tad too gentle with a PBS kind of flavor or a better produced Hallmark flair. But after completing the first episode I was hooked and began to appreciate the characters. It is a procedural crime drama but not overbearing, or tasteless. I find the stories hold my interest and the relationship pieces are developing. I really was unfamiliar with the work of Rossif Sutherland ( Karl) or Kristen Kreuk (Cassandra) but they have good chemistry. This is a Canadian production so I am getting introduced to some good Canadian actors. In my opinion this show is definitely a win for Fox.
Doctor Odyssey (2024)
Dismal stuff
Oh Dear God, what a horrific piece of garbage is this show. I would have enjoyed a medical drama on a cruise ship, but this Ryan Murphy attempt is just silly. Joshua Jackson does his best but the rest of the cast are supporting cast , especially Sean Teale and Don Johnson are just creepy.
The whole dance off scenario was simply weird and the attraction with the NP and the doctor is just overdone. Don Johnson as the captain simply recites platitudes. You really get no sense that these people know anything about medicine .
Ryan Murphy has done some good things but often goes flat with his lighter fare. I actually felt embarrassed to watch this as it is that cheesy.
Matlock (2024)
Nothing New
I absolutely found this show to be annoying and kind of sloppy in its presentation They cancelled the clever So Help Me Todd for this one . I like Kathy Bates but this character is pathetic and boring. I also found the lead lawyer, Skye Marshall to be an unlikeable character, and her acting to be subpar and one dimensional.
The whole cast of characters are very stereotypical and of course diversity hits you in the face. Jason Ritter is lost in this mess and Beau Brooks must really need work .
I was hoping this one would be a winner, but the manic, choppy camera work and amateurish direction kill this one for me.
TMZ Presents: Hollywood is High (2024)
TMZ Sleeze train is running
Dr Drew, psychiatrist media hoe, of course appears in this love fest for the new plant drugs to give perspective and Harvey Levin drools over using them and points out all the celebrities who sing their praises- ketamine, mushrooms Ayahuaska, cannabis, including Snoop Dog. Aaron Rodgers , Lady Gaga, Seth Rogan. Little is said about the negative experiences , or do they have any testimonials from celebrities who suffered from them except for Matthew Perry. It's all positive with your standard warning. Dr Drew does try in his elitist smug demeanor to give warning.
They do shift gears to give a dismal report on opioids and how they are the cancer in addictive disease. Very little mention said about cannabis addiction, or bad mushroom trips or psychotic breakdowns from Ayashuaka, or even suicide. The psychiatrists on the show were all research bias and not practically looking at abuse and what these drugs may be doing to brain chemistry. At least Dr Drew, who always pushes my buttons tried to examine these issues, but Harvey Levin is part of the Hollywood sleeve train and is probably a partaker of the illicit.
August: Osage County (2013)
A Gem
Loved this movie written by Tracey Letts adapted from his play. This movie has bravo performances that demonstrate the horrific complexities surrounding the dynamics in an alcoholic family, a pill popping cancer stricken mother and a chronic alcoholic father.
Sam Shepard plays the poet father who drinks his darkness away and lives in regrets while his wife played by Meryl Streep presents one of her strongest performances as the nasty victimized addict who depends on her trio of daughters to sooth her when her husband goes missing. Julia Roberts is fantastic as the angry hero daughter .Margo Martindale is especially convincing as The aunt. There is not a weak performance. Lots of dinner table fights and alcoholic family secrets get revealed .The whole thing had an Edward Albee vibe. Loved it.
Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood (2017)
Made me kind of ill
Scotty Bowers is supposed to be presented as some kind of likable man who offered a sex services to bisexual or closeted men and some women in the 50's and 60's He had a stable of male hustlers who he employed and seemed so proud of his deeds. Here is a man who had severe sexual trauma from his youth and used it to become a predator that the Hollywood types honored. He just appeared to me to be a totally self absorbed predator who was really good at marketing himself and his perversions and the closeted actors fed on his slime. This film does nothing to help LGBT values but does everything to promote how gays sexualize everything.
And he married and hid his secrets from his wife. These old retired hustlers in the movie seemed proud of their antics . It appears like old Hollywood was just a community of sick, narcissistic sex addicts . Sickening, but I must say a very fascinating watch. The hoarding was presented and that could have been another film itself. The man really needed professional help but never got it. Instead he became a sex addict to the stars. I took a shower after watching this one.
Elsbeth (2024)
Great fun...and clever
So this is not a serious procedural drama with great legal savvy, but a delightful witty comedy/drama with the charming Carrie Preston . I stopped watching The Good wife during her time in that show, so I was not familiar with the character. The show is more in the Columbo or Monk presentations , and does have some clever writing and a bunch of actors who add to the show. But ultimately it is the quirkiness and presence of Carrie Preston that makes this show work. This is one that I will definitely tend to watch.
I did not like the silly promotional snippets the network offered as I almost didn't watch because they were annoying.
Tracker (2024)
Perfect Show
Wow! I don't often say this but I love this series Usually in most television procedurals, I can find at least one character I find annoying. But with this show, I find all the characters are charming and make good television.
Justin Hartley does a great job as the lead and his intensity and aloofness reach an interesting balance. He is able to convey his focus for crime solving in his presence . The back story about his brother also brings interest. I hope the writers don't make this a primary detail in the upcoming events but continue to provide snippets. This is a show I look forward to seeing every week!
Where Is Wendy Williams? (2024)
Heartbreaking Stuff!
If this documentary does nothing else maybe it can shine light on the horrific guardian system as well as unfair banking processes when folks are in crisis.
Shot before a frontal lope dementia and aphasia diagnosis, this documentary truly shows the Hell Wendy was living in alcoholism and cognitive decline. It also shows her enablers who carted her around NYC and Los Angeles, who on camera said they had her best interest at heart. Will was totally aware of her failings and the woman Shawn was truly a deplorable character who I think was only after her money and turned her back on her 24 hour drinking. Very unlikeable woman. Her driver, Shawn and Will could certainly see Wendy was in major trouble in addition to drinking but ignored it. This was NOT denial it was abuse.
I think her son, niece and nephew have her best interest and her sister seems to be an appropriate guardian. My heart goes out to them because they appear to have been kept in the dark. So why not?
The documentary flowed nicely with some flaws In documenting forgetfulness they showed an early Wendy Clip where she forgot Steve Allen's last name. Bad choice as that is normal memory lapses we all have, not a sign of cognitive impairment. And that was like year 1 of the show. Also, apparently the family cannot call Wendy yet in a scene at the end of the documentary, Wendy calls Wanda and Wanda says she will call her back. Her son and nephew seem like solid young men.
It is a shame that the Wendy Williams Show producers did not respond but at this writing her producers are being investigated for financial issues with another show and are in big trouble. It would have been nice if there were scenes of a healthier Wendy. What the documentary shows is a confused, volatile, emotional and irrational and intoxicated Wendy , with little flashbacks to the Wendy the fans know.
I still wonder if her original diagnosis of Wernicke- Korsahoff alcohol related dementia is more appropriate than the frontal lope and aphasia label because of the extent of her drinking which was a long time process. More will be revealed. But there is no television future for Wendy.
The Blac China snippet and scenes with her kind father were so sad .
FBI: Most Wanted: Above & Beyond (2024)
Terrorists With A Heart.... Gag me
Oh, please give me a break. This show has become a walking billboard for left wing bullcrap. Terrorists trying to revenge cops who tortured them emerge in this episode and it is written so the audience must have empathy for the terrorists in spite of them murdering 3 people. The dead retired cops are implied to be partly responsible for their deaths because of their brutal interrogation techniques during the 911 days. It's Kumbaya television at its worst.
I like Dylan McDermott, but his character is just so damn annoying and the backstory with his brother is exhausting. I kind of wish he would be replaced.
This episode was particularly offensive to me. These Dick Wolf dramas all have blatant political agenda's that are ruining them all.
Anne Murray: Full Circle (2021)
Very satisfying
I discovered Anne Murray in 1970 after hearing her singing "Snowbird" and became an instant fan. I stayed a fan until she retired- also saw her in concerts.
This documentary is really made for her fans because she has been very open about her life and most of us know the information provided but it is a nice documentary about how she sacrificed a lot for the sake of her career and the regrets she has in spite of her gratefulness. It is not a tell all and she is very respectful of her team and her ex- husband who is shown to be a good man. It is produced well with great footage that I have never seen.
I would have liked to hear more about specific albums with her other producers, and her split with Brian Ahern in favor of Tom Catalono in production duties. She departed with Ahern after one of her best albums, Highly Prized Possession. And did Capitol regret parting with her after she had a top ten country hit,"Feed the Fire"
And there was some family stuff not mentioned like her parents death and her daughter's eating disorder struggles, or the death of Dianne Brooks one of her backup singers.
But all in all it was a very satisfying documentary.
Falling (2020)
Troubling to Watch
This directorial debut by Viggo Mortenson is a well crafted independent art house film that will leave you utterly depressed. I do not recommend viewing this film as holiday fare as I did.
The film tackles a father/ son relationship with a bigoted, homophobic dementia ridden father and his gay married son who attempts to caretake him. Lance Hendrickson is brilliant as the father who insults and berates his son and his partner the whole film. And Lance is appropriately understated as the son but does have one scene of meltdown. Laura Linney plays the daughter who swims between denial and embarrassment in a small but powerful part. Other cast members are effective in their parts, especially the actor who plays Willis as a young man ( Hendrickson's character)
My only storyline problem is that Willis is a totally despicable character, even though there is a flashback scene in a deer stand where he seems to have a heart. His son is a decent man who struggles with knowing his father withheld love and he is put in the position now of taking care of a man he does not like, but as a son feels he must nurture as he sinks more into dementia. I know this theme must ring true to many folks who caretake a parent where there are unresolved issues or dislike.
The flashbacks work, but often become a tad too artsy for me. And Mortenson put his brother in a small part as a doctor. But the brother looks so much like Viggo that the scene in the hospital room is flawed because they are in the scene together. Bad move.
The ending left me uneasy.
The Golden Bachelor (2023)
Just embarrassing
Dear God, the world has become a place of histrionic narcissists all vying for their one moment of self importance. What self respecting, strong woman would throw down her feminist sword and submit to this horrific display of media torture. Quite frankly, they all come off as needy and desperate with an over abundance of crocodile tears. And they all parade around their aging bodies, and sob stories for what, to gain a man who is so desperate he can't live alone. And this guy is just a wimp, cries at the drop of a cue card like an actor in a B Hallmark movie. The guy just creeps me out. I feel sorry for his children who were probably paid by the network to look supportive.
Leanne Morgan: I'm Every Woman (2023)
Refreshing and Clean
That awful pandemic gave me an opportunity to check out some new comics on streaming and I found her. I just loved her snippets on You tube and her upbeat, family friendly with some innuendo approach as well as her non standup check ins with her fans. I found myself laughing out loud at her southern observational and confessional humor
This special of new material does not disappoint, as it tackles life on the road, her family, life as empty nestors and her life in a southern town. Just funny stuff. Her timing is impeccable as usual and she is just so likable that you come away feeling you have just made a new friend.
So glad that she is not a blue comic, as that would ruin her persona. She throws in healthy innuendo and her facial expressions tell it all.
Matt Rife: Natural Selection (2023)
Awful Stuff
I think Matt Rife can be pretty engaging in his audience work that I see online. His timing is always on target and I generally laugh with enthusiasm.
But this Netflix special is just not funny. His jokes are tired and pretty cliche. He tries so hard to be comedic but the whole mess just seems forced and boring. I really like observational comics. I thought that Matt would have that style but this feels like a bunch of jokes meshed together with lots of cursing and sex themes and horrendous timing that just are not funny if you are over 18 and have half a brain. Maybe this guy is just not really a standup comic at all.
Frasier (2023)
Needs Fixing
Dear Lord, the first thing they need to do is to eliminate the character David, Niles son. He serves no purpose and is totally annoying and a pretty bad actor. Secondly, get rid of the boss and the girl with the baby. Keep the old professor, the fire fighters and his son.
Kelsey Grammer is good and I like his son but they really need to work on the context. The whole roommate with a baby does not work and there is nothing engaging about the girl. The best scenes are with Frasier and his son. Frasier would never share an office or buy an apartment building without research. It doesn't happen that way. And the horrible canned laughter. It needs a live audience. Recast and redirect.
Best Friends for Life (1998)
Powerful Acting
Although parts of this tv movie were a tad uneven, I found the story extremely moving and a testament to friendship. The best thing about the show as the wonderful acting of Linda Lavin and Gena Rowlands. I have always loved the acting chops of Linda Lavin and especially her theater work . This was a quiet performance but she brought strength and compassion to the character and Gena Rowlands is always fantastic in her work, bringing her anger and disappointment full throttle. I was disappointed in Helen Slater who just overacted miserably in this film, especially at the restaurant scene with Rowlands. I missed this one when it aired originally.
All Things Must Pass: The Rise and Fall of Tower Records (2015)
Back in Time
I live in a major east coast city and we never had a Tower Records but I was certainly aware of it and always visited when in NYC, or Los Angeles. It really did have its own sort of ambiance and each franchise was different. For me Tower Records was at its peak during the vinyl period.
Colin Hanks does an outstanding job of showing the progression of Tower Records from initially a Sacramento pharmacy selling 45's to an international record giant and the vision of Russ Solomon and his team of loyalists . Russ is portrayed as an all around good guy who enjoyed nurturing employees to find their strength and grow with the company. I loved the interviews with the employees and recording artists who loved the place. Unfortunately digital music and the death of the CD killed the stores . But Russ was not bitter and had a great attitude. Glad this was filmed before he died so we could get his perspective. An excellently paced documentary.
Hair (1979)
Total Disaster
One of my greatest pleasures was traveling to Los Angeles in the late 60's to see Jennifer Warnes , Bert Sommers and the cast of HAIR. This was great theater, fresh vibrant and every thing that you could want for a tribal rock opera, just as good as the NY version but with probably better LA singers like Warnes. And then years later came this Milo's Forman clunker with Treat Williams. It lost all the delight of a theater piece and became this pseudo psychedelic mess with many of the songs that we loved omitted like FrAnk Mills. Air and What a Piece of work. Treat, Nell Carter and others tried to give this clunker life, but it had no vision and failed miserably!
Judy Justice (2021)
A big Yawn
I actually loved to watch the old Judge Judy with her caustic wit and no nonsense way of dealing with her clients. Sometimes, she was really rough with them. That is gone on this show. What we have hear is Judy without the wit but with a senior crankiness that just doesn't work . The little snippets with her granddaughter or whoever she is just is ridiculous. It didn't work on The Peoples Court and doesn't work here. I never got bored with a Judge Judy show but this whole series is a big yawn. Also, she should ditch the other folks on the team and bring back Bird. Maybe she should just hang up her shingle.
The View (1997)
Mixed Feelings
First of all, I do like Whoopi Goldberg because she keeps the show moving and I like her sense of humor. And I like Alyssa Farrah Griffin who offers a more moderate approach and is a kind person. Sarah Haines is also a more moderated panelist and does a good job. Joy Behar makes me laugh. But Sunny Hoskins had got to go. She is a racist who pretends to be a loving person but the truth is she is a vindictive diva. Get her reparations ass off the show. I think Ana Narvanno should be full time- very funny. Enough already with the "View Your Deals "filler. I miss Rosie0 and Rosie Perez and Nichole Wallace and Paula Farris. I don't miss Megan McCain. I enjoy the show but not fond of the guests like Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren , Hilary who are overexposed. And too many topics on race-
The Wolfpack (2015)
Unanswered Questions
Ok, first of all this was a decent documentary although I did get awfully tired watching these teenage boys acting out scripts of movies. But these young men had some resilience in spite of their isolation from the world and a father who kept them locked in a tenement , a NYC lower east side apartment . They certainly did have a bond for each other, but I had trouble telling them apart so their personalities kind of became one- maybe that was intentional. And we really learn little about the father who was the isolation instigator other than he was a Hare Krishna of sorts and drank too much And the mother who seemed kind was an odd bird. Was she victimized by the husband or complicit in his actions.
It was good to see them begin to free themselves and wander outside. Other than isolation,we are not privy to information about physical or sexual abuse; although one son speaks generally about some things one could not forgive. I wanted to know more about the father who spoke in platitudes and offered no real insight.