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Reviews
Im Westen nichts Neues (2022)
An Insult to Remarque
At its worst, this iteration is a preachy clunk on your head that 'war is bad, m'kay?' It fails to focus on the meaningful parts of the book except in two key scenes. Instead, it wastes most of its time on splashes of mud and blood contrasted with the pristine conditions of a few politicians and generals. It spent no time focusing on the home front and no time focusing on the illusions and myths that were shattered between social indoctrination and the fight in the trench. I was very disappointed, especially from a German production. The Nazis would not have banned this version. They could have used it to justify the concept of Dolschstoss...
Walk of Shame (2014)
Banks breaks out
Elizabeth Banks carried this title, which deserves a special place among female-led comedies. Solid script with some excellent supporting characters, this movie is a warm and upbeat take on the life of a career woman. It is paced well, largely quite original, holds up well with time (I watched it in 2021 and when released in 2014).
A Timeless Christmas (2020)
Thoughtfully Written and Romantic
I watch a LOT of Hallmark so when I tell you that Timeless Christmas is romantic, I want you to know that it is an adjective I only rarely use. The writers took the time to imagine what these characters had experienced prior to their meeting and to have the main male character go through a visible arc of personal reflection and growth. The story felt cared for by the actors and director. The props and costumes were meaningful. And whereas most Hallmark movies rely on a predictable understanding between the male and female leads, this skips it entirely in favor of the aforementioned thoughtfulness. I really think this is one of the top-tier offerings from the channel. I hope you watch it and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
American Murder: The Family Next Door (2020)
Victims Deserve to Speak
Shanann deserves to tell her side of the story, and through this, you will see her, and her daughters Bella and Celeste, as real people who through no fault of their own became victims of a madman. This is a must watch for any American. I felt so much viewing it, especially a sense of loss at the lovely lives that were literally smothered. It tells a common story of betrayal and infidelity, a marriage in rapid decline. It shows the love of friends and family for Shannan and Bella and Celeste, and the toll it took on them to have to live through this awful ordeal. In particular, it is well paced and deeply informative without narrating what's going on. I came out of it feeling something unique. I just want everyone to see this.
Bridal Wave (2015)
Arielle Kebbel is great, along with supporting cast
A favorite of mine because the story is a bit out of the ordinary for Hallmark (don't worry, it's mostly the same happy-ending lovable pop-writing that we love and adore). Arielle Kebler is underutilized by Hallmark. She's acting great, creates a believable character, and shows progression. So does her supporting cast, led by J. Smith who must have sold her soul or first-born to remain so beautiful through time! Mr. Walker is the William Holden of Hallmark and will always deliver. This does more than the average Hallmark to set the brand. Anyone should enjoy it.
Under the Autumn Moon (2018)
Acting and cinematography are great
Hallmark does a great job with this one based on Lily's great screen presence (her smile is disarming) and believable chemistry with Wes is solid. A great supporting cast fills out the story, and it's all filmed in a beautiful fall setting (in Manitoba Canada). You know Hallmark is cliche, but it feels really good here
Passengers (2016)
A good story with relateable characters
This is a Robinson Crusoe story at its heart, and it deals with that subject well enough that I recommend this movie. It has a lot of humor and human empathy in the characters, the sets are really cool, and the space graphics are very entertaining.
The science is a bit of a wreck, but it's not "Robert Heinlein's 'Passengers'" is it? You can read the "goofs" section to get an idea of what's off and decide if that ruins it for you.
I loved it. I really did. SciFi doesn't get enough coverage. This is only mildly sci-fi, and is mostly just good storytelling.
My Honor Was Loyalty (2016)
Meh
It accurately follows the path of LAH from about Kursk forward. It's a story about an individual soldier, but his story arc isn't too deep. Generally, war takes a toll on people, and that's what you witness. It's got a nice soundtrack, good location shooting. In terms of equipment and etc., it's not the best, but it has a story and characters, and it's not the worst two hours I ever spent. Plus, it was good practice for my German.