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janetch
Reviews
A Christmas Story Christmas (2022)
A lovely blend of new story, flashbacks, and nostalgia
Is it perfect? No, of course not, probably because we all had our own picture of what would make the ideal sequel. But it was lovely, enjoyable, and entertaining. All of the original characters who could came back did so. Peter Billingsley did an incredible job of being the adult Ralphie.
It would have been cool had the parents both been able to return, of course, but since Darren McGavin had passed on and Melinda Dillon was too ill (she died just 2 months after the movie came out), it was not meant to be. Julie Hagerty did a reasonable job of portraying Ralphie's mom.
This movie has now become an annual tradition along with the original. Together they are my favorite Christmas movie/story.
Geostorm (2017)
Was it hokey? Of course! Was it still fun? Also of course!
Geostorm was no worse than all the other environmental disaster movies made in the last few years and it was considerably better than some. Was the science skirted? All of these movies skirt around the science. That's not the point. They use enough real science to keep the story line from veering too far off but ignore enough science so the action scenes and (usually) silly scenario can work. These are great "popcorn movies" when you just want a good action story that isn't Marvel or Tom Cruise. I love these hokey disaster movies. They're the same great escapism as the "giant ant/rabbit/frog/plant/whatever caused by radioactive waste" movies of yesteryear. Just enjoy the d*mn movie and stop picking the science apart. You're missing the whole point.
Blown Away: Episode #3.10 (2022)
So disappointed in the final choice
The judges chose wrong. John was brilliant, but he didn't grow that much throughout the competition. Minhi's growth was visible and phenomenal. I was also really disappointed in John's final installation. It was cute but barely took any space on his side of the gallery. On the other hand, in spite of Minhi's serious difficulties with the glass, costing her hours of time, she still pulled off a stunning installation that filled the space. The judges blew it.
Instant Dream Home (2022)
The host spoiled it for me
I really hate those screaming, over-emotional, dramatic hosts. Danielle brings nothing to the show other than distraction. The show is an interesting premise although you could find more deserving recipients in some cases. And lose the pointless drama. It's not necessary.
Outer Range: The Void (2022)
Great start but half of it was way too dark to see
I couldn't see half the show because today's directors seem to think that any light at all will spoil the mood of their night shots. They need to realize that made-for-TV means people aren't watching on a.60+ foot screen in an almost pitch black theater. Literally impossible to see on a standard (or even a big-screen) TV in a living room.
The Expanse: Why We Fight (2022)
I'm really tired of watching black screens
The entire opening was unwatchable. Did they forget to light the set? Did only one person have a cigarette lighter to use? Directors need to remember that these "made for TV" series' and movies are watched in rooms with smaller screens and light potentially coming in from outside. Setting a mood is one thing, but almost completely black is ridiculous.
Nancy Drew (2019)
Leave it to Hollywood to ruin another classic
I grew up on Nancy Drew books. I had the entire set or original books (most 1st edition). I ended up as an author writing private investigator mysteries. I was excited to give this series a try. I didn't expect Nancy to still be the innocent, goody two shoes she was in the books, but holy crap. She and her absolute BFFs now despise each other. Nick is a felon instead of football star (I don't care what color he is -- it's his character they ruined). Dad is a POS instead of one of the city's most respected lawyers. This isn't Nancy Drew. Whoever is writing this trash stole the name and nothing else.
Diagnosis: Detective Work (2019)
Fascinating story but her dad is a first-class a-hole
His attitude toward her hope was disgusting. His demand that she give him grandkids, even if she'd be passing on a genetic disease, was beyond disgusting. Then after a diagnosis he goes after her because she has to be careful what she eats. He's a total selfish jerk.
This story does prove, however, the value of a national healthcare system. Imagine asking a medical center in the US to sequence someone's entire genome, especially if they have no insurance. It also proves how important diet is and how crappy American food quality is.
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)
Everything I love about Star Trek is in this episode
I love this episode because it is the best of Roddenberry's vision of the future and of how Star Trek portrayed it. Humans working together. Humor. Friendship, dedication, and loyalty. Good science (within the framework of the ST universe). The acting was brilliant. The various characters were each at their best. Their chemistry together was perfect. I can't watch this movie without both smiling and tearing up.
Another Life (2019)
At least the mobius shaped ship was cool to look at
I made it 14 minutes. Right up to the point where Niko (Katee Sackhoff) says, "It's gonna be okay, I promise." You say this to a toddler who has misplaced a stuffed animal, not to the supposedly professional and skilled spaceship crew on a critical mission.
I grew up during the heyday of NASA -- the best and the brightest were the country's role models. And ONLY the best led the missions. If I were a millennial, I'd be raging at how stupid and whiney this show has made them look.
Pixels (2015)
Perfectly fun camp. And mullets!
Critics panned the movie for precisely the reasons it's fun. It highlights the fun of video games and arcades in the 80s. The plot isn't deep, but it's creative. The special effects were first rate. It *IS* a movie made using 2015 technology, it's just set in the "blocky pixel" days of the 80s. The marriage of those two elements is excellent. And who can pass on a chance to see Peter Dinklage in a mullet! Ignore the critics. Watch this movie for the fun that it is.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
It's hard to make a sequel as good as the first, but they pulled it off
Saw the movie today and was thoroughly entertained. The characters we love are all back, plus some new characters who offer some great casting surprises. I purposely hadn't read the reviews, so did not know those particular actors were a part of this movie. I though it was well cast and everyone did a great job. The special effects sometimes were the usual Hollywood over-the-top, but overall they didn't detract from the movie. And, as usual, Stan Lee's cameo was hilarious.
The story itself could have been unassuming and so-so, but the addition of truly emotional and "get's ya' right here" moments upped the ante, making the entire movie all the better. Even Baby Groot, whom I expected to be too kitschy and cliché (*cough* JarJar *cough*) was a great addition. His tiny character was entertaining, funny, and touching.
Comic space operas aren't supposed to be tear jerkers, but I wasn't the only one in the theater swiping a cheek near the end. No spoilers here -- just go see it for yourself. But if you have even a half-cell's worth of emotion in you, you might want to tuck a tissue into your pocket.
And be SURE to stay through the credits to get a peak at the future.
The Hunger Games (2012)
When will Hollywood remember the value of Steady Cams
The movie was well made and pretty much followed the plot. Where it was necessary to carry a plot element but eliminate the character on whom the plot point centered in the book, they found a clever way to reroute that element to another character. There were a few things I was hoping to see that weren't there, but the movie is already 2.5 hours. All that said, however..... Dear Hollywood, shaky, hand-held cameras are dramatic and artistic and provide a gritty realism. ON THE OTHER HAND, shaky, hand-held cameras are annoying, distracting, occasionally nauseating, and do NOT provide the atmosphere you envisioned in your head. So stop it already. Steady Cams were invented for a reason.
I will not see this movie again because of the bad camera work.