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Respect (2021)
Jennifer Hudson is brilliant in this biography picture of Aretha Franklin
Jennifer Hudson is brilliant in this biography picture of Aretha Franklin. Over the course of two decades, she has proven herself to be one of the most remarkable black female performers I have ever witnessed on screen. The intensity of her performances on screen is so remarkable that you will shed tears multiple times in each of her movies. She is a gifted individual who brings joy to all fans of Hollywood; myself included. I came into the world in 1968, just three months prior to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. My mother loved Aretha Franklin's music and acting. I was unaware for four decades that Dr. King had a close friendship with Miss Franklin's family and her father, who was a Baptist preacher. When she was 16 years old, Aretha toured with Dr. King and eventually performed at his funeral in 1968. Aretha Franklin serenaded the funeral procession as it made its way to Morehouse College, singing the iconic song 'We Shall Overcome'. It's astonishing how many historical details you can still be unaware of, even if you were born and raised during the tumultuous 1960s and 1970s in the United States. Both my parents and Aretha were born in the 1940s. Every day of my life, our home was filled with the music of the Queen of Soul. The years between 1950 and 1980, when the movie Blues Brothers came out, were filled with countless memories in the movie "Respect." At 56 in 2024, some of my childhood memories with my parents have become faded. Emotions overwhelmed me as I watched the biography film "Respect," reliving the ups and downs of Ms. Franklin's extraordinary life. I discovered something interesting - Ms. Dinah Washington, who called herself the Queen of the Blues, was actually friends with the Franklin family. Surprisingly, she was quite angry with Aretha Franklin for performing her songs when she started her career in blues clubs during the 1960s. Well done, Bravo Film Crew!
Hitsville: The Making of Motown (2019)
Fierce rivalry among the renowned 1970s boy and girl R&B bands are absolutely captivating.
Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson, the two founders of Motown Records USA, narrate this documentary. The incredible narratives about the Jackson 5's early beginnings, Stevie Wonder's remarkable start at the age of 12, his romantic involvement with Diana Ross, and the fierce rivalry among the renowned 1970s boy and girl R&B bands are absolutely captivating. The hit songs of the 1970s by R&B groups were often chosen for promotion across the country through private meetings attended by Berry, Smokey, and various office staff members. Between 1950 and 1980, radio DJs owned the airwaves, playing albums that were available for purchase at record stores, appealing to listeners of all ages. I was born in 1968. Streaming media and social media channels were not part of our lives back then.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)
Movie script captured the essence of the (1984) original Ghostbusters film
This movie script perfectly captured the essence of the (1984) original Ghostbusters film, pleasing lifelong fans of the franchise. The Spengler family reunites with the original Ghostbusters at the iconic New York City firehouse, Hook & Ladder 8, where the Ghostbuster organization's journey first began. The writers included some old 1984 ghosts in this film as well. I was impressed by how the film crew and editors skillfully included Harold Ramis in the Afterlife (2021) film. The passing of Harold in 2014 left all his fans deeply saddened. Now that we know Dr. Egon Spengler's family has inherited his super-natural-scientific talents, it is game on for the next generation of Ghostbusters. The cameo characters of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts and William Atherton were brilliant. Seeing those characters again in the movie script was extremely satisfying and resonated with me as a member of the Generation X fans. I'm not finding Finn Wolfhard's portrayal of Trevor Spengler convincing in this iteration of Ghostbusters. It's as if his personality took a complete 180 compared to the script of the Afterlife film. In my opinion, Finn portrayed the character with more depth in the Afterlife (2021) edition of Ghostbusters. It could be attributed to his involvement in script writing, but the portrayal of the 18-year-old brother in the Spengler family didn't resonate with me. McKenna Grace, Paul Rudd, and Carrie Coon nailed their parts in the Spengler family business.
Damsel (2024)
A captivating story because Elodie has an intense aversion to death
For those of us who love fantasy and the acting professional by the name of Millie Bobby Brown, this Netflix film is for you. Damsel (2024) A dutiful damsel agrees to marry a handsome prince, only to find the royal family has recruited her as a sacrifice to repay an ancient debt. What makes this story captivating is that the character Elodie, played by Millie Bobby Brown, has an intense aversion to death. Elodie embraces her destiny as a member of the royal bloodline, but her life is not solely determined by the existence of dragons, royal families, and obedient villagers. This movie plot is the quintessential story of a hero's journey with her family, royal bloodline and friends by her side.
The Gentlemen (2019)
This story is great because it is narrated by the gossip reporter
This rendition of "The Gentlemen" is an intriguing narrative narrated by the character Fletcher, played by the talented Hugh Grant. The Gentlemen (2019) version is about an American expat, Michael Pearson, who tries to sell off his highly profitable marijuana empire in London, triggering plots, schemes, bribery and blackmail in an attempt to steal his domain out from under him. What makes this story interesting is that it's narrated from the perspective of a gossip reporter who wants to be part of the criminal action by blackmailing the involved crime families. This idiot gossip reporter has just snapped and said to himself, "screw everyone, I want my piece of the action because I have dirt with evidence on everyone involved". Guy Ritchie, ladies and gentlemen, is extremely successful and has a team of talented actors at his disposal. Bravo!
Buying Beverly Hills (2022)
75% drama involving the real estate agents in Beverly Hills, 25% about selling homes.
Buying Beverly Hills has some magnificent homes for sale on it. The restaurant scenes and house party scenes are entertaining. People who have resided in Los Angeles county for 10-50 years have witnessed the awe-inspiring million dollar residences, attended parties held in some of these luxurious homes, dined at upscale restaurants just minutes away from these properties, or stayed in top-notch hotels located near these homes. What the majority of Hollywood fans don't want is additional drama centered on the families and real estate agents involved in selling those homes for the owners. Yes, many of the owners happen to be well-known celebrities. This TV show mainly focuses on the drama and parties among the Beverly Hills real estate agents, with only a small portion, around 25%, dedicated to selling homes. Who cares, in my humble opinion?
The Gentlemen (2024)
Entertaining, witty, charming, and gruesome in a United Kingdom melancholy sort of way
I'm not even sure where to begin with this TV series on Netflix. The Gentlemen (2024) when aristocratic Eddie inherits the family estate, he discovers that it's home to a huge third party weed empire, and its proprietors aren't going anywhere. Theo James gives a brilliant performance as the new Duke, who not only inherits his father's wealth and estate but also all of his major problems in the first episode. Kaya Scodelario exudes a remarkable level of coolness and composure in each episode, leaving you curious if she will ever succumb to the pressure. Each time Daniel Ings' character, the brother of Duke Horniman, appears on screen, it guarantees a hilariously entertaining and over-the-top performance. That character clearly does not deserve to be the head of the family estate. This series is entertaining, witty, charming, and gruesome in a United Kingdom melancholy sort of way that only Guy Ritchie's team can bring to their audience.
Road House (2024)
The 2024 version is almost as good as the 1998 version.
It's okay, not too shabby. As someone who loves the 1998 version of Road House starring Patrick Swayze, Kelly Lynch, and Sam Elliott, I have to admit that the 2024 version is almost as good as the original. Believe it or not, Road House (1998) ranks as my second favorite movie ever, out of a total of 902 films that I have rated over the course of my adult life, spanning 40 years. Jake Gyllenhaal, known for his role as Dalton. His an ex-UFC fighter, that becomes a bouncer at a Road House in the Florida Keys. However, he soon realizes that this seemingly perfect paradise is not what it appears to be. Jake is an exceptional performer. One of my personal favorites is when he plays the main character in "Prince of Persia". I'm uncertain if that movie helped him secure a role in Road House 2024, but I strongly believe it did. His portrayal of the Prince of Persia in 2010 was truly remarkable. Another actor who really stood out for me in this film was Conor McGregor, portraying the character Knox. This individual excels in every aspect of his life, including UFC, marketing, interviews, politics, and now Hollywood movies. In this movie, his on-screen performance is phenomenal as the ultimate villain of the UFC, determined to annihilate anything and anyone in his path to achieve his ultimate objective. In this film, you can expect plenty of laughter, heartfelt humor, a portrayal of a family man with integrity, and some sexy moments to keep you engaged throughout its 120-minute runtime.
The Commitments (1991)
The Commitments are the Saviors of Soul in their own Dublin, Ireland way
St. Patrick's Day holiday has many meanings. There are a lot of Irish type movies out there. The Commitments are the saviors of soul in their own Dublin, Ireland way. The film and its soundtrack are exceptional, immersing you in the heart of a country during St. Patrick's Day weekend as you search for some soul to accompany your Irish Guinness beer or Irish Whiskey. Whether you're looking for a witty Irish pun or a one-liner for a St. Patrick's Day Instagram caption (Pat Maloney's "Whether I drink often or just once in a while; I'm always sure to raise a glass to the dear old Emerald Isle" fits the bill), or something more serious to share with your children (like the old Irish blessing, "May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow"), there's something in the movies for just about every Irish occasion. Don't forget to pair a great Irish movie with meat pie, soda bread and a green cocktail or two! "The Commitments" is a hilarious, musical, and occasionally poignant film that depicts the turbulent journey of a Dublin Soul band's rise and fall. Managed by Jimmy Rabbitte, an unemployed wheeler and dealer with a vision to create "The World's Hardest Working Band ". Jimmy Rabbitte, tired of the music scene in Ireland, formed a soul band in the style of Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, and Aretha Franklin. He handpicked a talented group of young white musicians from the working-class neighborhoods of Dublin, Ireland. Most of the young actors in the film had little experience but were chosen based on their musical backgrounds and how closely they resembled the characters in the novel. The movie led to the release of two soundtrack albums. The first album reached #8 on the Billboard 200 chart and received triple-platinum certification, while the second album achieved gold sales status. The Commitments have achieved a cult following and are considered one of the greatest Irish movies ever produced.
Married at First Sight (2014)
Most of the participants are lying about who they really are on the marriage questionnaire.
After binge watching all of season 1 and 12 of the Married at First Sight 2014 TV Show, I finally came to the realization that dating follows a similar process both online and offline, before the social media boom and the unfortunate events of the dance club terrorist attacks and the three-year pandemic in 2020. Throughout the 2020 pandemic, everyone on Earth experienced a three-year period of social distancing and lockdown. This reality TV show follows singles yearning for a lifelong partnership as they agree to a provocative proposal of getting legally married to a stranger the moment they first meet at the altar. After 330 episodes over the course of 10 years (2014 to 2024), the only option left for these couples is to adhere to the principles of the 5 love languages. (1) Quality time, (2) Words of affirmation, (3) Physical touch, (4) Acts of service, (5) Receiving gifts. The online questionnaire, which asks single individuals who they want to marry before being matched by experts, only reveals how compatible they are with a potential partner based on the incomplete information they provide in the survey. It's so obvious that most of the participants are lying about who they really are on the marriage questionnaire. It is common for individuals to avoid mentioning any negative aspects or habits about themselves while filling out surveys. Despite being experts in the five love languages, the match-makers are unable to determine how these languages impact the divorces on the show. Various factors influence human interaction such as upbringing, physical attraction to others, pet-peeves when living together as a couple, pet training methods, reliance on comfort food during late-night moments of sadness, and their relationship with alcohol. People are unlikely to be honest about themselves in a dating app profile or questionnaire. The true measure of any marriage is how couples prioritize the five love languages. By considering how married couples in this show prioritize the five love languages, it becomes clear why the divorce rate among couples on the show is 80%. As of 2024, the experts in matchmaking have successfully matched 64 couples, compiling data from season 1 to 16 of professional static sites. Even though most married couples have divorced within 8 weeks, there are still 12 couples who remain together, accounting for approximately 20 percent.
The Crew (2021)
If you're a fan of NASCAR, then this TV series might be right up your alley.
If you're a fan of NASCAR, then this TV series might be right up your alley. You won't gain any technical knowledge about NASCAR vehicles. However, my reason for starting to watch this TV show is my deep admiration for Kevin James as an actor, writer and producer. Netflix executives are aggressively offering a wide range of content in the online streaming industry due to their substantial revenue. With that said, Kevin James brings it with his down-to-earth comedy check-downs in everyday situations for at work, home and social friend hang-out times after work. He is the guy you just want to hang with when the work is done for the day. Jillian Mueller is a talented actress who portrayed the role of the "Bosses" daughter exceptionally well. Many of us are familiar with how things work behind the scenes in NASCAR, especially for fans who know the ins and outs of NASCAR. My favorite episodes involve interactions between Sarah Stiles, Kevin Gibson and various NASCAR sponsors throughout the season. The NASCAR driver dynamics between Jessie De La Cruz and Jake Martin are pretty EPIC as well. I believe that the scenes and interactions between them catered to the younger viewers. I also really liked Gary Anthony Williams' portrayal of the NASCAR Chief Engineer and Sarah Stiles' performance as office manager Beth Pagie in the TV series.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024)
This show serves as an outstanding professor for both the young and old.
From 2005 to 2008, my children and I were avid viewers of this TV show with an engaging storyline. Watching this TV show together as a family every Sunday was the highlight of our week, long before streaming services like Netflix existed and allowed us to binge-watch multiple episodes at once. Two decades later, the Nickelodeon team has revived this incredible show, transforming it from animation to live-action heroes within the Earth, Fire, Water, and Air universe. The world is divided into four elemental nations: The Northern and Southern Water Tribes, the Earth Kingdom, the Fire Nation, and the Air Nomads. The Avatar upholds the balance between the nations, but everything changed when the Fire Nation invaded. Only the Avatar, master of all four elements, can stop them. What makes this show truly exceptional is its incorporation of the four elements, which explore real-world themes of love, family, friendship, hate, war, doubt, failure, and ultimately, the triumphs that come from collaborating with like-minded individuals. This show serves as an outstanding professor for both the young and old. Bravo to the teams for their immense effort in bringing this spectacular show to life twenty years later. It's an amazing product!
The Lieutenant (1963)
My father's platoon was featured in this 1963 TV Show
Just found out through Ancestry Dot Com that my father's platoon was on the 1963 TV Show called the "The Lieutenant". He was among the Marine Recruits positioned in the front row during the initial 5 minutes of episode 3 in Season 1. The show was about the trials of a young U. S. Marine Lieutenant and his comrades at Camp Pendleton in San Diego. A Marine platoon is a subdivision of a company soldiers, usually forming a tactical unit that is commanded by a lieutenant and divided into several sections. The Louisiana recruits were featured with Gary Lockwood and Robert Vaughn in the episode titled "The Proud and Angry".
Afterlife of the Party (2021)
The casting director did a wonderful job casting.
Ok, so Victoria Justice was great as Cassie to be sure. I've liked her since she was one of the regular cast in the first season of Zoey 101. This script is 99% of the way there. The final minute of this movie could have benefited from more collaboration and creative input from the writers and director to explore different endings. However, with that said. Anyone who has every lost a loved one, mother, father, best friend or sibling and wanted a second chance to spend time with them for a few moments, this is the film for them. The film checked off all the movie experience moments you look for in a fantastic film. The chemistry between Cassie, Lisa, Val and the rest of the cast was amazing. The casting director did a wonderful job casting. I laughed, cried, was shocked and ultimately walked away thinking the world is a better place with this film, cast and music soundtrack in it.
The Greatest Night in Pop (2024)
Understanding the extensive collaborations and personal sacrifices made by these mega stars
It's amazing what we grow up "not knowing" in our insignificant lives. I did not know that Dan Aykroyd was part of this song. The stress that Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones and crew were under two months before, and the day of, the American Music Awards in 1985 is insane. This was such an emotional and uplifting documentary on Netflix for baby boomers, GenX, the world, and all generations to come. Understanding the extensive collaborations and personal sacrifices made by these mega stars for the USA, Africa, and the world adds an extra layer of significance to the "We Are The World" song released in 1985. Unbelievable!
Kevin James: Irregardless (2024)
Family TV episodes in comedy club format.
I prefer to see Kevin in TV and films. However, watching him in standup comedy format is fantastic as well. The comedic stories were entertaining and sounded more like family TV episodes in comedy club format. I guess the other episodes will be in the same format. We'll see. Loved the intro walk-on music. He comes on stage like a boss in smoke but has trouble breathing for the first 10 minutes. I have been a fan of Kevin James for 15 years, enjoying his unique style in shows like King Of Queens, Kevin Can Wait, and his family-oriented Hollywood films. The ending with all the fans and producers is wonderful stuff! His last two movies have similar type endings. Fun, festive and lets all party like regular human beings in life type of vibe.
Falling for Christmas (2022)
I believe Lindsay has found her inner voice as an adult actress.
I'm not going to lie. It's been rough for Lindsay in the moviemaking business since co-starting next to the legend Jamie Lee Curtis in the movie called Freaky Friday (2003). They were both brilliant in that movie together. The Herbie Fully Loaded (2005) movie was not her best because of the movie script. So many child acting stars go by the wayside in the film industry after they turn 21 years old. In this movie, Falling For Christmas (2022), I believe Lindsay has found her inner voice as an adult actress. This movie is a wonderful plot mix of the movie Overboard (1987) and It's A Wonderful Life (1946) all in one modern movie. Netflix has been turning out a record number of Christmas movies between 2019 and 2024. It is nice to see that some directors like Janeen Damian are taking acting on Netflix original films more seriously than others.
The Other Zoey (2023)
All the makings of a classic ROMCOM
So I love this movie people. I'm one of those 1980's ROMCOM GEN X nuts that needs a great new contender among the Millennials and GEN Z actors. This is my first experience with GEN Z legends Josephine Langford, Drew Starkey and Mallori Johnson. Not sure what film projects they worked on before but, they knocked it out of the park in this 21st century ROMCOM instant classic. A few acting scenes need some directing work between the parents of Zoey Wallace while they were on vacation. Maybe it was casting? Who knows? Other than that, the chemistry between Zoey Miller, Zach MacLaren and Elle were totally believable. All the ROMCOM magic of the 1980s in Hollywood movies just sprang forward into the 21st century with this movie. Made me laugh, cry, angry, shocked, sad and overjoyed in the party scenes like back in the 80s. Good job team! All the makings of a classic ROMCOM.
Role Play (2024)
The movie's plot had a sort of "Point of No Return" movie plot feel to it.
This movie was great! I have been waiting to see it for a few weeks now. Amazon Prime finally released it for fans on streaming. The movie's plot had a sort of "Point of No Return" movie plot feel to it. You could compare Bridget Fonda's character role to Kaley Cuoco's character role in this movie. Kaley, Bill, and Connie knocked their script parts out of the park. I mean, come on, we all love Connie's iconic roles in Gladiator and Wonder Woman's mom. She is amazing as a villain in this one as well. The only part that I felt needed a little better casting was the role of Dave Brackett. I felt a small amount of chemistry between Kaley and David on the screen. However, it could have felt more real with a different actor on film next to Kaley. The Chemistry between Bridget Fonda and Dermot Mulroney in the movie "Point of Not Return" felt more real. Not sure who that actor would be for Kaley to seem more real. That is the Casting Director's job. LoL!
The Old Way (2023)
We all have a choice of which side to be on, hero or villain
Great western movie with a Clint Eastwood and Denzel Washington kind of vibe. This script and actors compare to some of the best western movies of all time. The story line follows an amazing linage between the good guys, the bad and the innocent. Some people want to be involved in the law while others stand by and watch it happen to them. We all have a choice of which side to be on, hero or villain. A villain is a character whose evil actions or motives are important to the plot. While a hero is a person we admire and idealized for their courage, outstanding achievements, and noble qualities. I believe the McCallister and Briggs families do that very thing in this movie script.
A Walk in the Clouds (1995)
Amazing 360 degree chemistry on the screen from start to finish
For me this is one of the top valentine movies of all time. The romance oozes out of Keanu Reeves and Aitana Sanchez-Gijon. What makes this movie even more romantic is the script's character development for the mama, papa, and grandparents played by Giancario, Angelica, Anthony Quinn and Evangelina, respectively. The latino famalia, workers and community bring to life the romance of the rancheros from back in the nineteen hundreds. Amazing 360 degree chemistry on the screen from start to finish. A married soldier returning from World War II poses as a pregnant woman's husband to save her from her father's anger and honor is only half of this drama romance story.
Bustin' Loose (1981)
Ultimately, children need to have an adult that has their back
Movie fans think this film is about a criminal that drives school children across the united states in a school bus. This script goes way deeper than that within the story lines for each underprivileged child on that bus. The heroic nature of their school teacher, Ms. Vivan, goes beyond just taking care of them in their time of need. They become family on a cross-country road trip of salvation while learning how to live life in an unforgiving world. The film script shows how kind and generous adults can be when they truly see how unfortunate circumstances impact children. Ultimately, children from all walks of life need to have an adult that has their back through every stage in life.
Harlem Nights (1989)
It was a time of positioning within the entertainment, security, bar, music industry
Sure, this classic movie contains legendary actors like Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, Della Reese and Michael Lerner. However, the script is just as legendary in the context of how Harlem was organized into social groups during the roaring 1920s and 1930s. It was a time of owner positioning within the entertainment, security, bar, gambling and music businesses, all wrapped up in a tight bow. This movement was happening in Harlem, Chicago, New Orleans, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The fashion industry was so popular that the dress up themes still resonate one hundred years later for New year's eve parties, Halloween parties, award shows and any black-tie affair.
Top Gun (1986)
They imbedded real life US Naval stories within the movie script
They released this film in 1986, the year I graduated from high school. The next step in my life was to join college at the University of Southern California. However, in the back of my mind was this amazing movie about a Navy Fighter Pilot School in San Diego, California, that starred Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis and Val Kilmer. So when the opportunity arose within my own life, I joined the United States Navy and my first tour of duty was on a Naval Aircraft Carrier, similar to the ones see in this classic 80s movie. Obviously, the movie is about the US Navy conflicts within International waters. However, the reason this movie is in the top two hundred movies of all time is because they imbedded real life US Naval stories within the movie script similar to my own Naval career path.
Weird Science (1985)
Lisa teaches Gary and Wyatt how to be popular
The cool thing about this movie is that Kelly LeBrock's character, Lisa, is teaching Gary and Wyatt how to be popular within the high school social jungle. Sure, school is about learning and yes, Lisa is a gorgeous woman. However, most western civilizations know that high school is more than just learning science, technology, language, arts, finances and business communications from books. Most teenagers spend seventy-five percent of their high school careers interacting with other kids, trying to figure out how they fit into the game of life. That's why this movie script is a top two hundred movie of all time.