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Reviews
The Last of Us: Long, Long Time (2023)
Excellent
I don't game and know nothing about this game.
I loved this episode. It could stand alone as a film. The love story is as good as anything I have ever seen. Tender, romantic and so very refreshing. The two men just finding each other and falling in love was wonderful. A happy couple at the end of the world.
You can tell that Bill falls for Frank just watching him eat the meal he prepared. You see Frank fall for Bill for the tender way he watches out for him. All so natural and beautiful.
I have been a fan of Murray Bartlett for years. Only slightly aware of Nick Offerman but I am very impressed.
A Christmas to Treasure (2022)
Not that good
I really wanted to like this film. But it just is not that good.
The main issue is the story, then the writing. The plot is just dumb and there are so many inconsistencies.
The actors were ok but the two main guys who are married in real life seemed to have no chemistry. The one guys hair annoyed me the entire movie. He had these flippy banks that looked so "Herbie, I want to be a dentist" I know that sounds dumb but there was very little else to focus on.
The entire premise for the story was weak. The acting would have been ok except the story had no substance.
It took me two tries to watch.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022)
A Real Treat
I just stumbled on this and wow it is really good. I love the Guardians of the Galaxy and was very surprised to see a Christmas Special.
Very well done and delightful to watch. It is joining my list of holiday specials to watch.
The gang learns about Christmas and how important it is to Peter so they set out to do it right. Of course that involves going to Earth and finding Kevin Bacon the kidnapping him.
Drax. Rocket, Groot, Mantis are all in great form. Drax in particular is hilarious. Drax and Mantis get drunk doing shots in a dance club. They make money posing for pictures on the street.
This is alot of fun.
The Kids Are Alright (2018)
Best
This has to be one of the finest sit-coms ever produced. It has no flaws and each actor was perfect. The stories were great. Mom was a superstar. Each of the boys had such well thought out personalities and character development.
Timmy: The musical theater wannabe.
Frank: Frank was perfect, so flawed and human with a heart of gold.
Eddie: Second oldest. Easy going and simple. Always holding the baby.
My heart was broken when they cancelled. I kept hoping it would be picked up by a streaming service but never has.
I see some of the crap on and think wow, this show was MASH, Friends, Seinfeld. Top quality all the way. Such a waste.
A Christmas Gift from Bob (2020)
Heartwarming
This is a wonderful story that is based on truth. I watched the first film and just had to see this one. I was not disappointed.
Proof that a simple no drama story may be fulfilling. Luke Treadaway again blows it away with his portrayal of James. The was James and Bob just go about their lives and have such a profound impact on everyone.
My only issue is the zealousness of the "animal rights" authority and the concern on a single cat. As an American I don't think I undertand how the Brits do things.
I do appreciate how the young junkie reappears at the end cleaned up. It amazes me that this is based on real events.
A Street Cat Named Bob (2016)
Heartwarming
I stumbled on this and decided to watch it. It is so good. Just a feel good film based on a true story.
I love the small unassuming films that seem to sweep me off of my feet. That is exactly what happened here. Luke Treadaway is a fine talent and I like him in everything I have seen. Joann Froggat is excellent as well.
The story is heart rending at times of the addict trying to turn his life around. I won't say the cat saves him but Bob does become the friend and unconditional love that he needs.
Being American it is interesting to see the UK take on homelessness and addiction. I plan on checking the other films in the series.
Ithaca (2015)
Beautiful
A simple beautiful film. I have seen the original film 'The Human Comedy" and it is very good but dated in its treatment.
This film is finely crafted in the most simple and important ways.
The story of Homer and his coming of age delivering telgrams during the war. Seeing mothers and families find out about the death of a son / brother.
The love among the family and friends. Small characters with big stories. The simple Lionel who does not read and is best friends with the four year old Ulysses. They go to the library to look at the books because they are so pretty.
Lionel is waiting in line outside the movie theatre. When asked about it he states he has no money and he is in line because he was lonely and saw all of the people. He is picked on by other children yet declares his affection for everyone.
If you decide to see this film you will like it.
The Rookie: Feds (2022)
OK
To many people are complaining that this is not a "serious" cop show. I don't believe that was the intent at all. Imagine if there really was a show called Vampire Cop. That is what we have here. I prefer to take things for what they are. For what it is this show is OK, not great, but ok. I agree about the cleavage.
We all watch shows were the top brain surgeon in the world looks like a teen beauty queen or young frat stud. Shows are peppered with pretty people. I prefer to accept things as they are offered.
This show has a bit of tongue in cheek self mockery. Versus something like Chicago PD that takes itself way way too seriously.
The Greatest Beer Run Ever (2022)
Excellent
This is not a cute movie as some might think from the title.
It does take a bit to get going but is such an excellent story. Knowing it is based on real events gives it so much extra impact. One would be hard pressed to make up this kind of story.
It deals with Chickies growth from a gung-ho patriot on a bar stool to seeing the reality of what is going on in Viet Nam.
Zac Efron has true talent and he does not get credit for it in my opinion. He spends much time reacting to what he is seeing and the emotion just flows out of him. Overwhelming at some points.
When Oklahoma dies, the plane ride with just him and all of the flag covered coffins. His talk with Mrs. Minogue.
Well worth seeing.
Moonfall (2022)
Not Bad
I was not expecting much but was pleasantly surprised. Not a bad film. Yes some of it has been done before but what film is 100% original.
The casting was decent. The writing was ok. The main thing is it kept me interested. That says alot these days.
The premis was good with kind of a ring world feel about it. I liked that alot and have never seen it in a film before.
The action and visual was excellent and as I said it did keep me interested.
I read so many reviews that I think are overly critical and more the reviewer trying to show off. There are some real stinkers out there. I thought the Matrix was bs as it had no basis in science.
Storm of the Century (1999)
Too Long
A good example of how to stretch something out to take space.
I saw it was Steven King and that it was one of his favorites. I know it is an older title but still filled with has been and never was actors.
The acting is beyond bad. Colm Feore should be embarrassed at this.
The story is weak to say the least. The stretch everything out to fill the time allotted. The premise is somewhat intersting but never realizes itself.
I will say again that the acting is bad. Much melodrama and overlong monologues that are supposed to show depth and meaning. I muddled through to see the whole thing so I could give an honest review.
Looking (2014)
Season 1
To start I am gay and live in a large city.
I have only just gotten through season1 of this show. I don't know if I was expecting a gay Friends but I was not expecting Boys in the Band. The first 4 episodes were rough. I thought if I heard the word gay one more time I would scream. I long ago tired of real life people who are only gay, only black, only Jewish and make themselves one dimensional. That is all they have.
There is very very little humor and I found myself wondering why these people are friends.
Way too much fighting and I actually despise Augustin and someone should have punched his nose.
The cast is A list gay actors and everyone does a good job.
In particular I love Russell Tovey and have since I saw him in Being Human. As always Julia Duffy shines. She has matured but still with that obnoxious edge that she always brought to her roles.
Behind the Candelabra (2013)
Good, but difficult
I was born in the 50's. The honest truth is I have never liked Liberace. I always, even as a child, found him creepy and smarmy.
I understand that as the writer Scott Thorson would paint himself into a somewhat sympathetic light and that is to be expected. Some of the things portrayed would be needed to be taken with a grain of salt. The fact is that Liberace did have plastic surgery on Thorson trying to clone himself.
To me that lends credence to everything else.
Michael Douglas's portrayal is spot on. Matt Damn is also very good.
I could not watch this in one sitting but did it in two. The creep and yuck factor just would not allow me to do it.
As a gay man I have known many wealthy gay men who flatter, control, use then toss out younger men. It is very sad. That Liberace in the end did not plan anything for Thorson is sad. He tells him "he was the love of his life" but still did nothing.
Liberace died with an estate of $115 million dollars with very little family.
So that in itself says alot.
I feel bad that Thorson has had the troubles in his life that he has had to endure. Turned into a drug addict by the plastic surgeon and living a life ruined. Not even left with a face he can call his own.
The Three Stooges (2012)
Very Good
I am almost embarrassed at how much I enjoyed this. Watched it on a whim and it was great. The change to current times works well. The same slapstick humor we expect from the Stooges.
I have to say that. Chris Diamantopolous is almost too handsome to play Moe but he has the facial expressions down pat. Curley and Larry were also gems and you can tell they studied the old reels to make certain they got it right.
I love that Moe ends up on Jersey Shore and that casts reaction to him is priceless.
By far some of the best was the young actors playing them as kids. In particular Tyler Gisondo as Moe. He was beyond brilliant and had the perfect facial expressions to represent a young Moe. I see him in current things and he is very very good.
This film is goofy and mindless fun and a great way for me to spend a Sat afternoon. It just sort of popped up and I thought what the hell.
If you appreciate old fashioned slapstick humor this is a good modern take.
I also love the warning of "kids, don't do this at home" with demos of how they did things and the rubber props.
Beneath Us (2019)
Truth Review
I have not watched this yet. But I was looking at the reviews and some even that are positive are just stupid.
First: They are NOT speaking Mexican. They are speaking Spanish. Mexican is a nationality not a language.
Second: The vast majority coming across the border are NOT Mexican but Central American and everything else.
Mexico is doing it's best to try and take care of the people are end up there and that we send back. These people are traveling THROUGH Mexico
I don't get the MAGA hats that think Mexico is obligated to stop anyone from crossing the border. That is not their duty or obligation. If the Governor of Texas was the President of Mexico they would bus them from the south of Mexico, drop them at the border with some bottled water and say good luck.
Supernatural (2005)
Loved it up to the end
Haters gotta hate. Being critical does not make you discerning, cool or intelligent.
I binged all 15 seasons and I loved it. There were some episodes better than others. Yes. But you can't expect each one to top the previous. It does no work that way. The chemistry between Jared and Jensen is real. As time goes on you can feel the affection and to know they are besties in real life is great.
I cried when Dean died and it was hard to watch Sam alone. I really choked big time when they were reunited. I only wish Castiel would have been there.
I know how hard it was to tie up a story so long. They did a fine job with it. I loved the way Chuck was left. I liked how Jack turned out and you know its because Sam, Dean and Cass raised him right. You know everything is going to be alright.
I just don't get the haters. You miss so much looking for fault instead of just enjoying the ride.
Merlin (2008)
Favorite
I am a boomer. My grandmother was very keen on Arthurian legend and I was raised with the stories. I have read much over my life and even loved the Sword in the Stone.
There is not enough good that can be said of this series. Everything is excellent. I definitely have had a man crush on Colin Morgan. His smile is beautiful and infectious. The bromance with Merlin and Arthur is one of the greatest on any film. Even surpasses Butch and Sundance.
Through out I laughed, I cried, I choked back sobs. Few things have I been so invested in. Years past watching I am back watching the final two episodes.
The way it ends with Merlin present day, old, wandering. The once and future King has real meaning. They need to revisit this story, present day. The return of the King. Even a movie would do. It was left so open to follow up. I have always loved "the once and future king" idea.
I just finished the last two episodes. After seeing this so many times it just amazes me the physical and emotional response I get. When Merlin says "some men are born to be plowmen, some to be physicians and some to be great Kings. I was born to serve you, Arthur, it has been my destiny and I would not change a thing"
If anyone has not tried Supernatural. Try it. You won't be sorry.
The Sandman (2022)
Well Done
I don't understand those who say it looks cheap. Far from it. It is beautiful with ingenious sets and visuals. The casting is superb and I am impressed with Tom Sturridge. He has great talent and ephemeral beauty. The subject matter at times is shocking much the same way that Amazon The Boys is. Where you are thinking either I can't believe they did that or wow what a good idea.
Well done.
The Sandman: The Sound of Her Wings (2022)
Love It
I have never done reviews per episode before but I can't help it. This episode I wept. I felt a glow with the friendship aspect. Well done. Once again Tom Sturridge is a treasure.
The Sandman: 24/7 (2022)
Surprising
Once again everything was so well done. Understood the concept.
I do have to say that as a gay man I was very surprised at how gay this was. It was also a bit shocking.
The Sandman: A Hope in Hell (2022)
Stunning
How anyone is able to say this looks cheap escapes me.
I had no idea what to expect and usually only review after all episodes but I am just bursting. This whole thing so far is exactly what I like. I was a huge fan of Lucifer and of Supernatural.
Everything about this is over the top wonderful. I have not seen Tom Sturridge before but he is beyond excellent. He is hauntingly, achingly beautiful. Ethereal. He is so captivatingly beautiful. I will be looking for him and backtracking to see what else he has done.
When I read up before watching and saw that Colin Morgan was considered and rejected I was disappointed but not now. I am a huge Colin Morgan fan and loved the Merlin series as one of my all-time favorites. Worth a watch if you never have.
A Monster Calls (2016)
Unexpected
I was uncertain about watching this film but thought what the hell. I am very glad that I did. It is a treasure. I did not find it hard to follow at all and the story is enchanting and heart rending at the same time.
The acting is superb. In particular Lewis McDougall. He has not done much in his young career, I hope he does much more because he has so much talent. The others are all excellent as well.
The last 30 minutes I was total focused on what was happening and by the end had tears on my face. Though sad the ending was very satisfying.
The cinematography and effects are top notch.
Day Shift (2022)
Enjoyed It
I enjoyed this film. Love Jamie Foxx and really love Dave Franco. I don't think Dave gets his due. He is good and better looking than his brothers.
I was not expecting this to be as good as it was. I appreciate that Netflix, Amazon et al create so much content. They produce things that would not be done any other way. Since it is not broadcast, they don't have the same restrictions. I would definitely recommend this and it is included so nothing to lose.
Warm Bodies (2013)
Love It
I watched this several years ago and have seen it several times. I love it. It is funny, romantic and to me makes sense.
Most of the bad reviews seem to center on a notion that there are firm rules about what the undead are. They have to have rotting flesh and bad teeth.
This film does not follow that at all. There are some genuinely funny moments.
I rented it to start and like it so much I bought two DVDs, one to keep and one to loan. Everyone who I know loved it as well. If you are looking for Walking Dead or Night of the Living dead move on. This is not like that.
13: The Musical (2022)
Fun
I had no expectations and watch because I like music and dancing. I thought the kids had a ton of talent. I don't get the folks that expect everything to be the best or better than the last. I know people that will go to a restaurant and if every bite is not a mind blowing orgasm they complain. This was a fun little movie and I am glad I watched. In particular I liked Nolen Dubuc. I watch him dance on youtube and it is nice to see so much joy from someone doing what they love.