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Reviews
Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent (2024)
Where Are The LAWyers?
We see one short scene with the Deputy Crown Attorney. So basically this is another police procedural - a whodunnit. Which would be okay, for some, except this is Law & Order. When half the reason for watching the show is absent, it falls flat.
I've been watching Law & Order since it premiered in 1990. The draw for me was watching a case from essentially the beginning until the end - win or lose. The ins and outs of the head game. The ways in which the system pieces together a case. This is what the franchise has lost. (Not just the T. O. series.) Find this magic formula again, and I'll watch it wherever it's set.
There are way too many similar shows with different characters clogging up the airways because producers think their audiences need the speed, violence, and sex. Bring back the intellect and intrigue. Until then, I'm out.
Mystery on Mistletoe Lane (2023)
FINALLY, Hallmark!
Finally, a MfTVM worthy of the Hallmark name! Well done all. The writing is quite clever and not too syrupy or vapid and tedious - evidenced by actors who don't look embarrassed to speak the lines. In fact, the actors do a lovely job of keeping it real and not schmacty. (As real as can be in a Christmasy Hallmark movie.) It was beautifully directed as Mr. Harmon didn't beat the viewer over the head with obviousness or too much manipulation as so many of these pieces do. The costumes, make-up, set dec all felt down-to-earth even in a movie all about over-the-top Christmas. I'm not a fan of Christmas made for tv movies, but I enjoyed this one very much. Thanks for your effort team!
L'Agence: l'immobilier de luxe en famille: Episode #3.3 (2023)
Intriguing
I enjoy the scenery, the grandeur of the homes, and the connection of the family. Over the three seasons, I find Martin's self-importance has become unbearable - I fast-forward through or mute his parts now. Otherwise, I truly enjoy seeing these homes and the people who purchase them. Often, these people have slightly more accessible personalities than expected. I am truly amazed by just how seemingly honest the family is about their clientele in a public forum. If I were a client, or family member, it might be off-putting. Though most of the clients seem to be fairly comfortable in their own egos.
Griff's Canadian Adventure (2022)
Perpetuating Canadian Stereotypes
Picking the cold late fall time of the year along with specifically seeking Canadian mythology just perpetuates inconsistent and inconsiderate stereotypes. (Not the beautiful warm summers nor the fun, twinkling-snow winters.) Canada is much prettier, smarter, and interesting than this series portrays. There are some nice informational points, though a Google search can provide these. A show like this is meant to encourage people to explore the regions spotlighted. However, this show chose places that most Canadians didn't even visit, especially at that time of year! It wasn't charming or encouraging, and frankly, it didn't do it's job of finding the gems and the charisma of a spectacular travel region - the enormous, varied, and enchanting country of Canada. It's so much more than these stereotypes and lazy presentations.
Father Brown: The Island of Dreams (2022)
Covid Times
To be fair, filming during Covid Times I expect offers an abundance of challenges. This is not Father Brown's best season, but it IS still one of my favorite escapes. I'll hang in there hoping for better seasons to come!
The Madame Blanc Mysteries (2021)
Just My Style
I disagree with some of the other reviews here. I am not the kind of viewer who likes pigeon-hole genres. I love that the characters appear very real-to-life, including the over-the-top comedy. I "know" these charters in real life - all of them. Sometimes funny, sometimes low, always authentic. I appreciate that they haven't gone down the rabbit hole with the usual film/television requirements of "these are the elements on the checklist you must follow to fit here or here." I connect with these characters and enjoy each one. The storylines are gentle enough for late-night viewing and interesting enough to hold my attention. For me, it's that comfortable blanket with a cup of tea in the evening that I'm seeking at this time.
Cinderella (2021)
Every Movie Has an Agenda
For those critiquing, I hear you. Truly. Though every single media effort has an agenda. Every. One. That's the point of media.
I appreciated the overt messages of this film. There's no subtle manipulation. It is sung, spoken, and shouted loud & proud. The music was delicious! Most social initiatives touched - diversity, inclusion, complexity, perspective, growth, and autonomy.
If you prefer your agendas offered more inconspicuously and you have struggles with social justice - this film simply isn't for you. I hope kids and adults world-wide watch it at least once if only for the discussion and ideas it might offer.