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ruthann-zaroff
Reviews
El cuerpo en llamas (2023)
Really Good "Waste of Time"
I had no preconceived notions going in. Just looking for a murder mystery. I am a huge fan of true crime drama, and also procedural forensics. Yeah, if you are in search of a cinematic "tour de France" (joke turn of phrase that my late husband always used, instead on "tour de force"), this isn't it.
This way exceeded my expectations. I am not a native Spanish speaker, but I know enough to decipher the lyrics of the periodic background songs -- so the soundtrack is excellent, and is a sort of character in the story. To know this is a true story is telling within the framework of the series. This is a series that should be binge watched.
The Kovak Box (2006)
So very bad it is good!
I am assuming Timothy Hutton must have needed some money when he signed on to this film. The reason I am giving a seven is because, toward the end, I decided it was so very, very bad, that it was good. Toward the end I was laughing, and I very much enjoyed the rollicking ride. As far as the storyline goes, it was completely nonsensical, and I love sci-fi and fantasy, so my mind was open. This, as gravitas as it seems to want to be, is just incredibly spoof-ful and hilarious. Also adding, it would probably be a good idea to know some Spanish, because the sequences when Spanish is spoken are not subtitled. But not missing much -- you can probably figure it out from the context.
Asteroid City (2023)
Timely and magical
I am a long time fan of Wes Anderson and have invested funds to have BluRays of all of his films.
No one sets a scene like Wes. Moonrise Kingdom was unspeakably beautiful, partly because of the color pallete. The first Wes Anderson film I was was The Royal Tannenbaums, quite by accident. But it got me hooked, so here I am, reviewing this quite wonderful film.
Regarding this film, I disagree with other reviewers. This is the magnificence of Wes Anderson. The color. The music. The artistic individual scenes, many like Polaroid shots. The carefully chosen and awesome cast is the icing on the cake. A story that needs to be told -- I pity those who don't get it.
The Carol Duvall Show (1994)
The Original Martha
I grew up in the Detroit area, and every morning when I was young I looked forward to the Carol Duvall craft segments during the local news.
When Carol got her own show on HGTV, I was thrilled! And I cannot even count how much money I spent on new crafts because of Carol's show.
She was alway so cheerful and had the very best guests. I learned so much.
I learned about fiber arts, tile arts, Fimo clay, rubber stamping -- and many more crafts in probably would not have discovered on my own.
I had exactly two items on my bucket list -- perform at the Raven Gallery (I am a folk musician), and be a guest on Carol's show. Sadly those two ships have sailed!
RIP, Carol.
Unbelievable (2019)
Dever, Wever, Collette tour de force!
This is an amazing exploration of people who are not believed when they are abused. Toni Collette is a longtime favorite actress. Merritt Wever and Kaitlin Dever are actresses to watch. Absolutely with a solid ten.
Loot (2022)
Look, it's not a cinematic tour de force...
... it is a bit of frippery. Kind of a vacay from my mundane world. I love Maya Rudolph. Wish there was a bit more of Adam Scott -- maybe in upcoming episodes. Don't overthink it -- just sit back and enjoy the ride.
The Big Leap (2021)
Quite like it, but . . .
My ONLY quibble: Being a native Detroiter, if a show takes place in Detroit, why not actually shoot in Detroit? They used a lot of stock images of my city, but I am sure the economy could use the boost, instead of shooting in Chicago. That being said, I love the cast and the concept. I know nothing about dance, but I like this show, which says a lot about the compelling storyline.
Les Misérables (2012)
A Little Bit of Heaven
Every single actor (A-list, et al.) is superb. They can sing and emote. Anne Hathaway and Russell Crowe are especially stunning. Highest accolades to all. Russell Crowe singing "Stars" is the icing in the cake. The entire story in one song.
Cruel Summer (2021)
If you liked Big Little Lies . . .
. . . then this show is for you. I avoided it at first because I assumed it was just another teen angst series. It is so much more. Give it a go!
Confessions of a Time Traveler - The Man from 3036 (2020)
Thought went into this, but . . .
Very similar in concept to The Blair Witch Project. Tried to be serious, but so many scientific and logical holes. But it is fun to watch, just to look for the holes. The three-star review is because it is at least fun.
Shirley (2020)
A biography through the lens of one of Shirley's tales
This movie is superbly acted. It is not your typical biography, but is told as Shirley Jackson viewed her own mad life within the eye of a book she wrote (Hangsaman.) Do not expect accuracy or fact, this is a fantasy. It prompted me to read her oeuvre. One of my favorite movies is based on her novel The Haunting of Hill House ("The Haunting," 1963).
The Twilight Zone (2019)
Peele Channels Serling
This is an amazing homage by Jordan Peele of the iconic Rod Serling. Just as not every episode of The Twilight Zone was perfect, the same is true with this Peele reboot. There are bumps in the road, but the bumps are few.
In reading other reviewers' scathing comments, I can only guess they are all people who do not appreciate Peele's consideration of themes with people of color, or themes addressing gender topics. I, a self-described intelligent White American conservative female senior citizen, appreciate his brilliant sensitivity. A 21st century Rod Serling would be proud.
Wish Upon (2017)
The Monkey's Paw meets Jumanji
The title of my review says it all. I love all of the iterations of the classical "The Monkey's Paw" stories, tv shows, and films. This one also adds a whiff of Jumanji. Pretty good cast, not a bad story, but if you are a fan of either, you will know the whole storyline from the outset. Still, not a bad time to waste an hour and a half.
At Home with the Georgians (2010)
Mildly interesting, but . . .
I am a former librarian. To see this host paw over actual historical documents with bare hands is appalling. One can only hope that perhaps that these were stage props, but I suspect not. And the host wears basically tee-shirt and blue jeans throughout. How are we to take her seriously? This subject matter deserves better.