Change Your Image
rademacheralyssa
Reviews
Champions (2023)
Regionals aren't intentional. Besides that, A+
I was definitely a fan of this film! My only criticism is that they didn't follow the standard order of Special Olympics events. More below.
BRIEF SYNOPSIS - A minor league basketball coach ends up making a "boo boo" and, due to his coaching experience, is offered the opportunity to coach a local basketball team of adults with special needs, instead of going to jail.
PROS - This movie shows people with special needs as they truly are. SO many people think that people with special needs are dumb, childish, immature, etc. This movie shows them as PEOPLE - some live independently, have jobs, drive, etc. Everybody has different capabilities, and this movie does well to touch on that.
There IS some vulgarity, which may limit the audience a bit of who watches this. However, as mentioned before, these are PEOPLE. All people are vulgar at times, so it I'm glad that they don't shy away from this.
In addition to the basic "boo boo" words they come to mind, this movie mentions the ignorant use of "the R word." This word is often synonymous with people with special needs, and this movie mentions that this is a boo boo word, going on to highlighting the players as actual people.
The very end of movie, with credits, shows everyone dressed up and having fun. THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENS. State tournaments typically have a dance on Saturday night in which all athletes, coaches, and volunteers are invited. Everybody gets dressed up and has fun. There are NO inhibitions on the dance floor, and is honestly a blast for all.
CONS - In this film, the team plays several games and discusses how the Regional Tournament is in Winnipeg, Canada. Anyone who is remotely involved in Special Olympics knows that the Regionals are not international. Teams play against local teams, then all are invited to Regionals, which are typically less than two hours away. Pending standings at Regionals, teams are then invited to the State Tournament. Typically, this would end the season. Only select athletes across the state are invited to the national/international tournaments. Therefore, a regionals tournament would not be in Canada.
All in all, I highly recommend this movie! You'll laugh. You'll tear up. You'll wanna watch it again.
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder: BeBe (2023)
Not the best, but they did it
Synopsis: In this episode, Penny is stuck babysitting her younger siblings while she's trying to hang out with her friends in a museum. One of the twins, Bebe runs off and engages in risky behavior. After displaying the same type of behavior at home, Trudy (mom) suggests going to the doctor to check for injuries, and baby Bebe is referred to another doctor and believed to have autism.
While I don't think Disney handled this storyline in the best way, I'm glad that they handled it. One of the most heart wrenching parts is, after the doctor suggests Bebe may be on the spectrum, Oscar (dad) makes a comment like "Who are you to call my baby stupid?" As someone who has worked with people with special needs, this is a HUGE thought that so many people have, and I honestly found it brave of Disney to even point out the negative viewpoints. Oscar comes around and realizes that Bebe DOES need help.
What I disliked about this episode... They made it seem as if this just happened, and not like this is something Bebe deals with for his whole life. I understand it's only a 30 minute episode, but I wish they would have made a few small allusions to autism in other episodes this season to round out the storyline a bit.
All in all, props to Disney for bringing in a difficult storyline.
1UP (2022)
Why? Isn't terrible...
All of the negative reviews are shocking to me! Although this may not be the best movie in the world, it is far from the worst, and not deserving of 2.8⭐ rating.
In my opinion, this movie was marketed to the wrong demographic. I feel like they could have taken out the drug use and some of the cussing, and stuck a PG rating on it. The R is a bit much. The people who would appreciate this movie most aren't old enough to legally watch it.
Maggie (2022)
"That's so NOT Raven"
"Maggie" is a fun, easy watch. Episodes are short and sweet. Similar premise to Disney's "That's So Raven" (they even mentioned it in the show), but more grown up and less silly/goofy. Also appreciate how the main characters are in their 30s and not 20s like so many other shows nowadays. I honestly really enjoyed watching all 13 episodes.
Here's hoping for a Season 2!
My Fake Boyfriend (2022)
Cute!!
I was surprised with all the negative reviews. I thought this movie was cute!! Maybe a bit far fetched with the AI fake superstar boyfriend, but cute! I also always love a good bromance.
If you're looking for an easy watch rom com (with a couple of former Disney kids), I recommend!
God's Favorite Idiot (2022)
Tried, but no
I really wanted to like this show. I was waiting for it to be better. But I actually dozed off during the first few episodes. Instead of a binge, it was a five-night affair... For eight episodes.
To me, it was another basic Melissa McCarthy project. She tries to be overly funny, and it just comes off as meh most of the time.
When they tried to bring in serious content, it was hard to believe because everything else was so overdone trying to be funny.
Funniest parts - Melissa McCarthy's clothing (the Budweiser shirt is the best thing I've ever seen); completely doing the opposite of what others say; her "cooking;" and Tom's bathroom scenes.
Not funny - all of Satan's bits. Just couldn't believe it.
The last episode ended on a cliffhanger (of course) but, like, not even a good cliffhanger. It kinda just... Stopped.
This is one show that I'll be okay if it doesn't get renewed.
The Big Leap: Big Dumb Life (2021)
Cried
I'd be lying if I didn't cry during this episode. Paula's story is one that so many are familiar with, but don't really talk about. Nick seems to finally get a heart during this episode. Plus we hear the stories of some of the smaller characters. The cast coming together even more during the lockdown (partially due to booze), was just captivating.
The Big Leap (2021)
Modern Breakfast Club
So it definitely took me a few episodes to really get into this show, but as S1 is ending, I am fully invested. Each character's story is deep and engaging, but when they come together, it's a new magic. This group of strangers has gained a new family (all while being filmed, of course). Basically a modern-day Breakfast Club... With dancing.
Only Murders in the Building: Open and Shut (2021)
Still so many questions!!
Season 1 finished out so nicely, and glad that we finally figured out WHO KILLED TIM KONO (and how!) We got to see all of our characters briefly once more, and it was a nice spin having a voiceover by Tim.
But of course there was a cliffhanger at the end leading to so many more questions about another murder!!
Country Comfort (2021)
The Nanny with accents
Con: the southern accents sound fake at times and get annoying
Pro: sweet storyline with excellent singing, and cameo from Leann freakin Rimes!
This seems like a remake of 90s The Nanny and 00s Jessie, with a country twist. Wish they would have concluded the season a little better to at least see who won the competition. Although a tad annoying, I'll be looking for a season 2.
Zero Chill (2021)
Rated G
The show definitely has a few plot holes/unlikely plotlines, but it is Rated G, meaning it was intended for KIDS and FAMILIES. With that understanding, it's a really sweet show that shows the figure skating life compared to the hockey life.
I would be happy to see a season 2 to see how they further develop the characters. Also curious if they give Kayla a love interest. (I was a little surprised/impressed that we didn't see that already. Props to the writers for just letting the girl have fun!)