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An error has ocurred. Please try againHow I do ratings: 10 - Virtually unachievable standards, inspired, stellar 9 - Among the best, special in most regards, few qualify 8 - Excellence in every regard, no serious flaws 7 - Excellent with some caveats 6 - Above average, enjoyable don't want to see again 5 - Average, entertaining but forgettable 4 - Below average, boring, offensive, sucked in some way 3 - Marginal, waste of time, uninspired 2 - Almost no value, painful or irritating 1 - No value whatsoever, walked out or quit watching
Reviews
Lou (2022)
Loved the cinematography but not the film
I took a chance on it because of the supposed connection to 1953 coup in Iran (by the CIA). It wasn't about that at all. They just dropped that episode as back story for a simplistic, predictable script that couldn't hold my attention. I respect Allison Janney a lot, but she picked a loser in this one. There's also a weird thing going on where they have two sociopathic types as key characters in a film that's a bit overly sentimental at the same time. I thought the gritty feel of the photography and the location were complimentary and well done. I just wish the story had been developed with more complexity and depended less on less on chases, scare tactics, and fear of what was going to pop out at you next type of tension. I think the idea could have potential, but it needs a more cerebral approach. I want my two hours back.
Thirteen Lives (2022)
Acting, directing, photography, scripting all first rate
The only way this could've been better would be more character development and dialog with the main characters, and more depth on the politics and technical difficulties. But it's already a 2 1/2 hour film, and that woul push it out even further. Ron Howard nailed it. The cinematography is amazing. The film feels like quality beginning to end.
Pieces of Her (2022)
Not even a nickels worth of satisfaction
It's almost as bad as a TV serial can be, and that's baaaad. I can handle a honest effort that misses the mark, but this is far below that. It's one of those frustrating time-wasters that throws titillating morsels without ever giving you a bite. Three episodes and I'm done, and still didn't get a nickels worth of satisfaction for my time.
The Railway Man (2013)
Among the best.
This is what filmmaking is about. Suffering, forgiveness, compassion, love. The human experience from both sides presented through a touching story of fundamental emotion and reconciliation. Among the best.
Homeland (2011)
You have to accept the fantasy enjoy the drama
The crazy woman/super intelligence operative thing is way too exaggerated to be believable, but the the plot lines and overall production is outstanding. If they had made Carrie about one tenth as unstable it would've made the show so much better. Oh well, it's tv and by any standard it's highly entertaining.
The Last Full Measure (2019)
One of the best war films I've seen.
And I've seen most of them. In the class with Private Ryan and Schindler's List in many ways, and reminiscent of Charlie Wilson's War. I don't know why it's not better known. I rarely rate anything a 10, but I feel this film deserves it.
Ava (2020)
Seriously disappointing
The only thing that kept me amused was the fact that Jessica Chastain has a ton of charisma and sex appeal. The script didn't give her anything good to work with though. Same for Malkovich and Ferrell. I can't believe any of them agreed to do this film. It's not art. Can't they tell what it's going to be by reading the script?
The Undoing (2020)
Seriously Disappointing
There's no way this thing deserves a 7.6 rating. Believe those who are saying they wish they had their six hours back. I feel sorry for Kidman- she's talented and has done a lot of good roles, but this one had no chance. The writing sucks, there's no plot buildup or complexity, and then it end in the most disappointing two minutes imaginable. I want my time back too.
Damnation (2017)
B Grade TV Production
I have no idea how this gets a 7.7 rating. The storyline isn't too bad, and may have had potential, but the acting and direction have a Hallmark Chanel kind of plastic feel that never lets you forget that you're watching a B production. The characters are mostly caricatures and lack real depth. I've seen my share of labor vs. business exploitation films, and I usually like them, but this is not among the believable or entertaining examples. I wish I had my 6 hours back.
Submission (2019)
Couldn't finish watching; gawd awful
How do films this bad even get made? If someone has the money to produce it, you'd think they'd be smart enough to read the script. Cheesy dialogue and cardboard characters aren't hard to spot. Oh well, whatever I watch next is going to seem like The Godfather by comparison.
Unbelievable (2019)
A rich, engaging series, thoroughly satisfying.
The writing, acting, editing are all top quality. I wish there were enough series of this caliber to see one every week. There is an honesty in how the characters are developed, and interact with the events, that makes it believable and intriguing. It's not as complex as most crime dramas try to be, and the resolution isn't overly suspenseful, but the direct, intimate nature of the film engages the viewer completely. I'll be watching it again, which I only do when the experience has been rich throughout.
Undercover (2019)
Don't waste your time
The glowing reviews are shills. This thing is thin, weak, annoying.
Quicksand (2019)
Slow, simplistic, underdeveloped plot and characters
I don't understand how this deserves a 7.7 rating. It's not awful, but it's a long way from excellent. Being fictional, you'd think it would've had some twists and turns, complexity, psychological intrigue. Instead, it's all on the surface with missed opportunities for deeper development of characters and relationships.
Somewhere in the Middle (2015)
A flat and uninspired attempt at the interwoven thread trick
I gave it a chance because it had a 8.6 rating. Previous reviewers (six total) must've had a dog in it, because there is no way this thing deserves that kind of rating. The characters are thin, stiff, and undeveloped. The dialog make you feel embarrassed. The pacing crawls along and makes you want to use fast forward. The plot is uninspired; it's a copy cat of the cinematic technique from Crash where seemingly unrelated threads intertwine, but lacks complexity. There is scarcely any conflict, climax or resolution. It just peters out at the end. And finally the viewer is left with a feeling of... eh, so what. Do yourself a favor, and pass.