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Next Goal Wins (2023)
Far better than the trailer
I almost didn't see this new film because of the blah trailer. So glad I came to see it anyway! It's more grounded that a typical Taika Waititi film but who cares? This is a lovely film based on a true story and the characters & story are definitely worth your (just under) 2 hours.
Even with a slow pace, I was never bored. And I learned a little about American Samoa.
Takeaways: I'd take Michael Fassbender in a film like this over more serious films any day. And between this, Ted Lasso and Welcome to Wrexham, I think it's time to join the rest of the world and start focusing on soccer. Or maybe I'm just late to the party.
Blue Eye Samurai: The Great Fire of 1657 (2023)
So amazing until THIS episode
Not going to spell out specifics here but will refer to the ending generally and will therefore mark for spoilers.
I love this series for so many reasons, including the animation, the characters, the historical window into old Japan, the original story and the many surprises. What was a sad surprise to me was the ending of this ep & season. Let's just say the nickname of this ep could be "Avatar Part 2, again (groan)," which I assume the creators landed on to I guess ensure there was enough reason to extend this show for another season? Well, I'm here to tell the creators that they didn't need that sorry old trope of faux tension to sustain this incredible story. Everything else worked so well, did you really need to undermine Mizu with that antithetical ending? Everything up to that point felt like you were 100% there, and then when it came to the end you threw in the towel and went on vacation. I'm so disappointed. I mean, why be so groundbreakingly original only to finish by being so derivative?
S.W.A.T.: Sequel (2022)
Show should be called "Kenny J's daughter's reel show"
I'm learning the only point of SWAT, a once amazing show, is to provide Kenny Johnson's daughter a gig so she can have an acting reel. There's no other reason for her continued appearance on the show and I wonder if this is why others have given this ep a low rating too. Is there a legitimate reason for Luca to spend all this time and effort on an insignificant character for what is now at least the 4th time? The only reason this kid keeps getting screentime (any time is way too much) is because Kelly is his daughter in real life, and what I'm saying (again) is if the producers of SWAT want to continue lowering themselves to nepotism for a talentless young woman just because Kenny wants her in the show, that is unprofessional of the production and a gigantic waste of time for the viewers. I almost stopped watching once for this reason and I started again because I like the show and thought ooh finally she's gone but then like in this ep, the recap drags up the past in order to justify Kelly being in the episode. Not again, I exclaim at the TV. All this waste to get this kid an acting reel (what other reason could there be??) and it must be in Kenny's contract. Which means as long as this show is on, it's the Kenny & Kelly show. You've chosen them over us and them over quality and integrity. Can't watch anymore then.
Avenue 5: That's Why They Call It a Missile (2022)
Have to call it quits after this one
At the beginning of this season I had similar feelings about jumping ship on this once enjoyable show, but saw moments of brilliance that made it worth my time to continue (including Lucy Punch's TV show host and the evolution of Zach Woods's Matt character).
After this episode I'm going to have to part ways line the 2 halves of the ship. The show is still looney at times, but not enough to make up for no-longer-funny character traits of some and definitely not enough to make up for the horrific character Karen Kelly. I'll say it again, there is something about this actress/character that is so annoying I literally have to mute and look away whenever she's onscreen. Is it that she's such a good actress that her annoyingness is that good, or is this actress so unlikeable that having her play this unlikeable character is like a negative doubledown? It's likely the latter. Whatever they're trying to do with Karen, it isn't working this season and it's bad enough to make this fan turn away for good.
Also SPOILER: the "Ross & Rachel" ending of is the Captain married accidentally to Karen is the stupidest, lamest attempt at a cliffhanger ever because Karen is already married to Frank! So no, that means she's not accidentally married to Captain Ryan. But why even go there? And why give Karen more screentime when she ruins every scene she's in? Bye Avenue 5, that is unless you come to your senses and jettison Karen from the ship. Only then will I retun next season.
Saturday Night Live: Megan Thee Stallion (2022)
I guess Tom Hanks wasn't available
I'm not sure what happened SNL: if every performer known to man was out of town for the October 15 episode, couldn't you have rung up someone in the 5-timers Club like Tom Hanks or Steve Martin to do the show instead of settling for someone like Megan Thee Stallion? Why is she famous again? Oh right, MTS may be a good rapper/singer, but she is dreadful as a non-singing performer/host. Her rap persona was the only one used in every skit and the monologue, which by the way was the first time in the history of watching SNL that I could only understand every 10 words due to the host's too-fast talking and use of slang. The really sad part is the writers had to set the skit quality bars much lower than usual just to meet MTS at her own level. The result is a gigantic waste of this episode and I hope in future Lorne can look in his rolodex or the world at large for an endless supply of better options.
Avenue 5: No One Wants an Argument About Reality (2022)
Very funny with 1 exception
This Season 2 premiere episode was very entertaining with some real hilarious bits and I was so glad the show was back. It's a daffy show written with intelligence and with excellent acting. That's how I felt until 2/3 in when we are reintroduced to Karen. This actress in this show sticks out like a bad haircut at a beauty pageant. Why is she here? Is she related to a producer or married to Hugh Laurie? Didn't like her in last season either but she's somehow worse this season and aged like 20 years. Take her out and you've got a real winner that I can't wait to watch. Leave her in and the show dips down to a tolerable 7.
The Rookie: Double Down (2022)
Rosalind Dyer again?
Ugh, I was looking forward to this season but the show is already off to the wrong start. I am so tired of Rosalind Dyer. This character is so boring and unlikeable there's no reason to watch if this is all you can do. Why is the show putting everything on this character? I've never liked the character or the storylines around her. The actress is miscast and it's like the show can only write about the evil Rosalind Dyer. Said another way: the Rookie's writers and showrunner are the only people who care about watching Rosalind Dyer! Please move on. Otherwise there is no point in continuing with this show.
The Rookie: Enervo (2022)
Bailey always on John's calls also jumps the shark
Last week Bailey wasn't a fire fighter due to her being called for a week at the national guard. When the LAPD had to deal with weapons being taken from an armory the national guard shows up...lead by Bailey! "Who took my weapons?" she barks at John. He doesn't flinch because of course, whatever the show had to do to throw Bailey in another scene, they will do. On tonight's ahow, John hits a suspect vehicle with Neicy aka another over-the-top and unnecessary plot point to rev things up, and firefighters are on the scene and who's the first firefighter at John's smashed up car but Bailey! So she's back from the national guard already? I guess so, she must have a contrract that states she is literally the ONLY firefighter/national guard person in Los Angeles on this show. Did Jenna Dewan get a contract that states she must be the first and only rescuer in all of Nathan Fillion's scenes? It's absolutely ridiculous!! I too used to love this show, but it's trying too hard and is very unrealistic! Even Detective Lopez's wardrobe is over the top in this ep with tons of stars and sparkles. Gimme a break. It's all unbelievable and no longer good. I doubt I will be able ro watch after this season.
Better Things: England (2022)
Bad ep, so now I have Better Things to do
Right, this show used to be great, but something somewhere changed. I found this episode to be predictable, derivative, and suddenly the character of Sam Fox became an annoying, one-note character that I literally had to mute the episode halfway through for. I liked the Sam Fox character before, but what happened? When Max and her were dealing with Max's impending move to London at the bar, there was literally a 5-minute bit of Sam just making sounds ("ooof, wince, groan, umph, ooof, ugh, wow, um, groan, ooof..."). Unlike Sam Fox's fans, I am not fascinated to watch her make cranky character noises instead of drama. I'm guessing words weren't available? This uninteresting, annoying scene was quite a waste of time considering this 48-minute ep could shaved at least 10 minutes off if all of Sam's noises were deleted. All this is besides the other annoyances of the ep like the derivative Beatles street crossing, the of-course-Max-is-going-to-take-that-spot-in-her-cousin's-flat, the Phil bumping into a rando friend from the old neighbor in a London park who recognizes her instantly from over 60 years ago, and the fact that the entire family has the most pristine, perfectly pressed glamour clothes on in every scene despite sloppy packing and a 12-hour flight. I was so happy this was the last episode of the season, but I see another one just aired to round it out to 10. Great. I will finish the season, but then if the show comes back next year I promise I won't watch because I will have Better Things to do.
S.W.A.T. (2017)
Love the show; not the nepotism
I love this show, even paying extra to stream it on Paramount+. It was an 8 in my book. But on 2 past episodes Kenny Johnson brought his daughter on as a character and with all due respect this kid, per social media and a CBS promo with Kenny and a bunch of kids one year, it is clear that this girl is simply desperate for fame and her dad is obliging by having her appear on SWAT. Hey a father loves his daughter, that's a beautiful thing and usually I would respect that, but nepotism in this case is not a good look on a professional, awesome show like SWAT. This kid is not a good actress at all, it's clear she's only on because of her dad, and also if you're a fan you know this is his daughter so it breaks the 4th wall.
The last time her character appeared her mom seemed to have eyes for Luca, and I thought oh boy, that's how they're going to manipulate getting Kenny's daughter on the show more frequently. So I was thrilled when that storyline was dropped a season or two ago, followed by Kenny taking a short leave, followed by a Covid filming break. Now the show is back better than ever in Season 5 and I just read ahead to the January 9, 2022 ep. Omg, they're bringing the daughter back with the plot that her mom wants to date Luca! I guess there's no statute of limitations for reviving bad subplots from 2 years ago afterall. I promised myself if this jump-the-shark moment came to fruition that I would stop watching the show, it's too glaring to ignore, and I downgraded their rating to a 7.
9-1-1: Defend in Place (2021)
Brain surgery 101
Is there some reason this episode spent a majority of its time with close-ups of a human brain during brain surgery? I know it wasn't real, but it looked real (thanks 9-1-1?) and was part of the focus on a tertiary character I could care less about. I guess the whole point of this ep was to cast this surgeon in the light of hero, but I couldn't care less, and I think I counted 50 shots of the bloody brain throughout (one shot of the doctor, shot of brain, shot of nurse, shot of brain, short of OR machinery, shot of brain). Why? This is a show I usually enjoy but tonight's episode was a deal breaker. The plots were overly manipulative and I had to watch with my hand in front of my eyes to avoid the bloody brain closeups. One other thing: why was Jennifer Love Hewitt's name in the starting credits if she wasn't in the ep? Unless it was tagged onto the end, I didn't catch her in it. All in all, this episode was not good at all. Its soul was missing.
Saturday Night Live: Elon Musk/Miley Cyrus (2021)
Low rating by others undeserved: this episode with Elon rocked
Yes there was bad press before this show aired and I almost didn't watch it. That said, I am so glad I watched! This ep was a breathe of fresh air and Elon addressed the negative press flawlessly in his monologue. The other great thing about this episode is that finally, FINALLY, SNL left behind some of the previous years' redundant, stale skits for new ideas. I was about to drop SNL due to the dull, redundant weekly format: talk &/or game shows + hip hop videos + weekend update + musical guest and you're done. Y A W N. This ep broke the tired mold and actually threw in some zany, fresh stuff. Keep up the good work SNL: as long as you keep it fresh like this ep, I'm in.
Snowfall: Fight or Flight (2021)
Another thoughtless & poorly described season ender
I love this show, but I do not love when the episode description at season's end is a mismatch for the action we see on screen. This is thoughtless to viewers and sloppy on the part of the showrunners. I'm still not over when this happened on Season 2, Episode 10. Part of the ep description still says: "Lucia must sacrifice to save Gustavo's life." None of us will ever know what that really means, because if you watch that ep, Lucia is not in the episode. Her last ep was S2Ep9. We didn't even hear about Lucia again until Season 4 when Gustavo tried to look for her with the CIA's help. I wrote to FX after the end of Season 2 and tried to get more information--what sacrifice did Lucia make??--but there's no way to be heard by this show. That part about Lucia in S2Ep10 was edited out, yet the description remained as if it weren't edited out. Nice. So today, a couple of years and seasons later, it happened again. Part of the S4, Ep 10 description says: "Gustavo chooses a new path." Hmm, I don't know which S4Ep10 you all saw but I certainly didn't see Gustavo choose a new path. He saw pictures of Lucia from the CIA but is that choosing a new path? That's looking at pictures. So as much as I love this show and have been loyal to the start, I cannot stand the bait and switch. I wanted to see what sacrifice Lucia made two seasons ago and this season I wanted see Gustavo choose a new path. So very frustrating.
Big Sky (2020)
Too bad eps only run sporadically
I like this show, but how can it expect to keep viewer interest up if it's never on for more than a few weeks at a time. Each time it airs you get a few eps and then it's gone again for another month. In this age of binge-watching people like their shows to be on consistently, i.e., weekly. Can you please stop jerking viewers around and just air the rest of the season?
9-1-1: Lone Star: Displaced (2021)
Getting more contrived each week
I used to like this show but in season 2 it's going in the wrong direction. Own's ex Gwen was brought into Season 2 as Owen's ex for reasons I don't understand (the characters have little to no chemistry), and now we're supposed to suspend disbelief that the cancer- & chemo-surviving Owen got his not-likely-to-conceive ex-wife accidentally pregnant? I'm not sure why they felt it so important for these characters to have a forced bond per the TV pregnancy cliché, but this whole storyline is clearly forced and not believable. We're also on the 2nd set of Captain Vega's twins--different actresses--within the same season, and they're not great actors so the scenes at Vega's home with the always cooking Dad are very boring. And the emergencies are getting more and more contrived. Sorry, I'd cross the seven seas for Rob Lowe on a TV show, but in the near future it may not be for this one if they don't get their act together. The focus should be on the emergencies and the crew instead of these uninspiring, unbelievable relationships. The writers should take a cue from the Grace & Judd Ryder relationship in the show. That one feels real and interesting and it works, but in season 2 they thought it wasn't enough I suppose.
Where'd You Go, Bernadette (2019)
Least favorite Linklater
From the trailer I could tell I wasn't so into this story but gave it a shot because I'm a fan of Richard Linkletter. Unfortunately my gut was right. It was an okay movie but surprisingly my biggest issue was Cate Blanchett in the role. I had trouble feeling anything for the character. Usually I love this actress but I don't know, maybe this character was played too similarly to Blue Jasmine and that bothered me? Or maybe it's that she played the lost and anxious Bernadette too hard and cold so that it was impossible to feel any character sympathy for her. Oh well.
All About Nina (2018)
Gratuitous vomit the real star of this film
I was very excited to see this film and thought Ms. WInstead (who I loved in Fargo) was excellent as were the other actors. However I was often distracted by the character Nina's co-star, vomit. The decision to show the character vomiting throughout the film is one I will never understand. There are other ways to show extreme anxiety. At least most of the time the vomiting was shown from afar, but the decision to have her vomit on a lover in close-up? Why? Lately it seems that everything I watch shows a character vomiting, and in this case it took away from the movie. Ms. Winstead surely could have acted her extreme anxiety instead of the director/writer etc. using the vomit card. It made the movie at times unwatchable to me, and I think it was a cheap device and it's why I gave the movie a lower rating than I would have otherwise.