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Reviews
A Haunting in Venice (2023)
Too dark literally - the cinematography
Very much love Branagh in everything he does but this film was not one I loved. The casting was believable except for the mother/opera diva, there are actually 'types' if a casting crew would study Chinese face reading. The camera angles were a nice touch, but the lighting was much too dim to appreciate the interior villa shots and the sets and scenery are half the experience for me, killing off the medium so early (which may have been in the book?) when such a wonderful actress, Michelle Yeoh, agreed to stay for a second seance and would have upped the suspense and was very disappointing. I fast forwarded just to see whodunnit. Favorite character was the doctor's son. Hope Branagh does another Poirot film with a different casting director.
Eiffel (2021)
Amazing production quality
The production of this film is astounding and although I prefer historical dramas to be based on real life events, I enjoyed the love storyline. It had to be fabricated when the documentation doesn't exist and the film depends on sales to a mass market, otherwise it would have been a documentary. The amount of extras and costumes and sets was impressive and I could sense how much the French admired their Eiffel history. It is truly someone and something to be proud and showed the world a glimpse 'behind the scenes' of his genius. Romain and Emma have a wonderful chemistry and his makeup and hair adequately age his character, however, hers did not quite hit the mark on aging her beauty 20 years, she is stunning in every scene.
Emily (2022)
Hypnotic
I am so glad that I went back to this film after pausing it for months. I could not really get into the first half and just gave up but as I was logging onto Showtime I was sucked back in where I left off at the beginning of their first love scene and it pulled me in through to the very end. I loved the nonverbal communication in this film, the actors must have had training in the manner of that era. Artsy type film that is moving and compelling and intriguing. Those sound like synonyms but they have subtle differences or they would be all be the same word. Emma Mackey is brilliant and portrayed a somewhat believable version of historical events.
Joyride (2022)
Superb emotional drama
This film evokes so many raw emotions that I was a bit uncomfortable for a few bits, but sat with it, paused the film and then came back to it. I knew it wouldn't disappoint in the end with Olivia Coleman. It's clear why she is an award winning actress. Her expansive range of emotions is communicated on her face without words. It was satisfying to watch her transformation, albeit through struggles, to the other side of coming to terms with her mother and with her newborn. What a 'joy' to see her character evolve in front of our eyes, to see her come out of the fog she had been living in, and to witness her experience maternal love and the angst that comes with that. The young man who played Mully was well cast and the director paced the character development well for such an intense few days.
Länge leve bonusfamiljen (2022)
Really good with twists and turns
As an avid fan of the series, I was thrilled to see a movie with the beloved characters back in the US in 2023. This was a perfect way to give fans some closure to the series, answer lots of questions, and let people know how things ended. I thought the movie had lots of twists and turns and was very well written, it had a lot to cram into a little over an hour and a half so we didn't get to see much of some of our favorite characters but this was better than no ending to their story. This movie needed to be made if they were not going to do another season of the series. I would love to see another movie sequel to see what happened next! I suspect that like most humans, Lisa got jealous of Elin, she thought she was over Patrik and wanted him to start over with someone new as long as it wasn't the woman he cheated on her with. It sets up the whole stage for this new trajectory to unfold. Lisa is going to start developing feelings for Patrik again because someone else likes him. When he was controlling, or sullen, or nitpicking her she felt self conscious for being an air head, inconsiderate, or a liar - all of which her character is and which is why they were like oil and water, they were only good when they were an emulsion but as soon as they separated they had a hard time getting blended again. They have to be shaken up vigorously to blend. I think they have achieved that all throughout this movie. Laughed out loud too and a few scenes! I mean full volume LOL!
True Things (2021)
Well cast and very real
Love anything with Ruth Wilson. Even though the story was a bit slow, the cast were able to depict the addictive nature that two emotional needy people can fall into when there is a strong attraction but too many emotional issues to make a lasting connection. Kate craves love and mistakes sex for intimacy. She supposes Blond will come around to her advances at having a real relationship where two people are honest and considerate. But he is too psychologically damaged from his childhood and has attachment issues. As soon as she gets too close he starts withdrawing but she is already hooked on him, and like a drug she needs a fix, whether it is just a text from him or another hook up. Her life is already unfulfilled when she meets him, she is bored and seeking someone to make her feel alive. Blond emotionally manipulates her into thinking they could maybe have a future but keeps letting her down. She gives in one more time to him like someone who can't resist a tempting treat and meets him in Spain for his sister's wedding, by now, after not hearing from him for weeks, she is starting to wean herself off of him. Thankfully something finally clicks that he will never be who she wants him to be, not ever, and she gives up on expecting him to treat her with dignity. The ending is perfect as she gives him his own medicine.
Te quiero, imbécil (2020)
Adorable rom-com ride
It may be predictable but go along for the ride, it's still fun! With beautiful sets and people. Superb casting of the lead characters and the most of the music is Shazam worthy. The story takes some turns but gets to the same destination, and what a perfect ending! This film elicits feelings and when a film does that it is worth watching. It is like watching destiny play itself out, no spoilers here so will keep it short. Spanish cinema is getting better and better, this film may be a bit formulaic of American romantic comedies but that recipe works, so why not enjoy a meal you know will be good?
Johnny (2022)
Emotional and redemptive
The film has a bit of a slow start but stick with it, it is worth it in the end. The casting is great! What an amazing story of these two men's lives and such a powerful medium in film to tell the story to millions of other humans on this journey. It is the kind of film that will linger after you've watched it because the characters touch you so deeply. I hope Poland is going to be making more films of this caliber. The music is so good that I hit Shazam several times, but they must not have much of a Polish database because it couldn't find several of the pieces. So glad that Netflix is offering more international television and film.
La otra mirada (2018)
Good soapy drama
Excellent series with sumptuous scenery and costumes, fine acting, and story lines that keep the pace going. Some of it is far fetched, like how quickly they forgive each other or easily they overcome their prejudices, but we all want to watch how things 'could' be in human relationships, rather than how they really are typically where people hold grudges and intentionally hurt others. TV is meant to make you feel better about life, not worse, not remind you how horrible humans can be to each other, that's what the news is for. This show is emotionally entertaining and broaches subjects that are still relevant in the 21st century.
Mother's Little Helpers (2019)
This is real life
If anyone has ever been with someone in hospice or a parent/step parent dying, this is so relatable. Otherwise, it may be the reason for some low reviews.
This movie shows a family that is given the rare opportunity to process what happened in their lives, and discover who their mother really was, and how it affected who they became. It's a telling story of the lies and facades people put on to be who they want others to think they are, or who they wanted to be. It shows a slice of the truth to each of them, so they can let go, and accept what was and what is now. Would like to have seen more emotion from the mother, but maybe that was her character. She looked to young and well to be the mother.
The End (2020)
Loved this series and looking for season 2!
I loved this series and waiting for season 2. It is one of a kind facing real life. Harriet is perfect in this role, and her relationship with Noni is life affirming and healing.
Gösta (2019)
Quirky, Real, funny, enlightening
Series that made me laugh, feel empathy, see the reality of life as uncomfortable as it can be at times, contemplate why we do the things we do and the human condition. The lead Vilhelm is adorable and so lovely, he makes the show so enjoyable and will fall in love with his character.
Unge lovende (2015)
Addictive television
Realistic and interesting and beautifully designed and filmed storylines. Loved it and wanted to see more.
The Bookshop (2017)
Something missing...
Wonderfully cast! The main lack in this film for me was the director. It fell flat!
White Lies (2013)
Riveting
I could not stop watching this anymore than one can put a good book down. the best dialogue and story line, I found the energy medicine and the symbolism powerful, transporting me back to time and place, very moving.
Looking (2014)
Authentic and entertaining
I absolutely love the episode where Patrick and Richie get to know each other, it is so authentic and as a woman made me think differently about men in general. Richie is a keeper! Too bad they don't show nudity. The series is emotionally raw, culturally educational, not over dramatized, and keeps the viewer interested even if they don't connect with one of the characters due to the engaging interactions within the cast. The addition of a female friend who is straight, edgy, sassy, bs detector, and cute makes me want a gay male bff. The character development is well written and acted. Really glad I happened upon this series, it's been a pleasant surprise.