kerose Reviews

Too Young to Be a Dad (2002 TV Movie)

As a Dad, I relate to the protagonist

[9/10 · 21 June 2020]

I was 36 when I became a Dad. Today on Father's Day I watched this movie along with my wife and two teenagers (age 14 and 18).

I cried. I hugged my daughter - she is my first born, and it took me back to the night that she was born.

So here's to all dads out there young and old. Happy Father's Day!!!

Watch this with your family.

Mary Poppins Returns (2018)

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

[10/10 · 2 January 2019]

Here is why this will be a classic equal to the original film starring Julie Andrews:

1. Excellent acting that doesn't call attention to itself. The actors are their roles - for example, I would not have known it was Meryl Streep in her role - I commend the actors for actually being so in their parts. Angela Lansbury was also not immediately obvious. Dick Van Dyke was the one who was obvious, but that added to his role.

2. The music was very well done. I loved the orchestration and high quality! (I'm a professional musician.)

3. The cinematography was likewise superb. The special effects did not stand out as special effects, but just flowed with the story. For example, as an adult, I can see which parts of the film are obvious cartoons and as an engineer, I can appreciate what it takes to bring cartoons together with live action. It is not an easy feat in this day and age.

If there is any weakness I think this film is underrated.

Perfect in every way! I am a 53 year old man.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (1968–2001)

Someone who talks to kids respectfully

[10/10 · 27 December 2017]

At age 52, I have fond memories of watching Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood when public television was in its infancy. Fred Rogers not only talked about feelings, but he also addressed young people in a way that respected us as intelligent people in our own right. Sure, he had the Neighborhood of Make Believe, and the entity he referred to as his "television house." The best part is that on one episode he addressed us and said, "Here's why you won't see me in the neighborhood of make believe" and went on to describe how he works with the puppets behind the scenes. In another episode, he shows the studio and how they put the show together.

One memorable episode dealt with Mr. Rogers getting a traffic ticket and going before the judge - he's human, too.

Mr. Rogers always made it clear that it is good to play and to pretend. I strive to be the kind person that Mr. Rogers was - I want to have that same calm demeanor.

Long live Fred Rogers in our hearts. I wish I could have met the man.

Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)

A family tradition

[10/10 · 22 December 2017]

40 years ago when I was 11 going on 12, my Dad and I went to see a fascinating new movie called "Star Wars" at our local small-town cinema. I was dazzled. My father liked the use of holography in the special effects. It is a great memory. Everyone was talking about it.

It's 40 years later. I'm the father. My son is 11 going on 12 and we went to see the movie together. We had a great time sharing popcorn and enjoying the latest story. We like the new characters, and the prominence of women in the story - my son learned about the Bechdel test from his sixth grade teacher (who is a man), and this movie passes the Bechdel test, to our delight.

We both feel this is a good story - and my son is a lot more well versed in the particulars, I highly recommend this for a men's night out, a women's night out, or a family night out. I am not sure what other people are complaining about.

Go see this. It is epic!

The Book of Daniel (2006)

Is This for Real?

[7 January 2006]

I'm a fairly liberal Episcopalian and an organist/choirmaster in an Episcopal Church where the Rector is one of the first women ever ordained as a priest. In fact, I know a lady bishop who looks a lot like the character portrayed by Ellen Burstyn, but is quite the opposite. (The bishop I know, whom I won't identify, is very warm, compassionate, humble, and pastoral. I only wish the bishops portrayed here exhibited that kind of warmth.) I am glad that the Episcopal Church is portrayed in its 21st century form on network television. Unfortunately, it's like EVERY character has this very dark side. People I know just aren't like that. It's bad enough that the mother berates her daughter as if she were 4 years old. (I'm the father of a 4 year old daughter, and while I sometimes have to raise my voice to get her attention, I do NOT berate her.) Then to add insult to injury, her father (the Rector) keeps popping Vicodin pills. The Bishop even asks for one. I am SO GLAD I do not serve in the diocese or parish. Then at the end the Bishop has an affair with the retired Bishop who also happens to be the priest's father. Can you get more screwed up than that? (I realize Bishops are people, too, and personally, I have no problem with two consenting adults with what they do in private unless it comes from an inappropriate power relationship - like a boss with a subordinate or a counselor with a client.) Aside from the dysfunctionality, we have the makings of an excellent story. Obviously, the producers and writers do not know much about the Episcopal Church. In fact, life in a real Episcopal Church is interesting enough without having to spice it up all of these embellishments. For example, the parish I serve has had declining membership for a long time due to changes in the neighborhood (can we say urban blight?). My rector took that position as she wanted a challenge, and she has one. The people there are very nice, and that keeps me going. Money is tight, and we are trying to be an effective urban ministry. We have people from all walks of life in this small parish - different nationalities, races, lifestyles.

If I had a change to make about this program, this would be it: The focus would be more on the spiritual journeys these people take. Some people might be dysfunctional, but others would function quite well.

Just remember one thing: The church is not a haven for saints, but a hospital for sinners.

Me and You and Everyone We Know (2005)

One of the WORST films ever!

[1/10 · 5 September 2005]

The story line in this film has potential, and I think Miranda July's performance is excellent. The material presented in this film is vulgar and of a highly perverse nature. For example, a man pouring charcoal starter fluid over his hand and lighting it - and that's one of the more normal scenes! I found the depiction of a 6 year old being so street-smart on certain topics as well as certain adult-child interactions to be offensive. Why do we need this material in this film? There is also a scene of two people meeting who met on-line meeting in the park, and it turns out to be a grown woman and the same 6 year old street-smart boy.

Now I am not conservative, but I draw the line in depicting young children in sex acts, or at least the implication of the same. In this day and age of sexual abuse in churches, we don't need this! Finally, I don't understand why this film won so many awards. Maybe I'm missing something. Is our society so sick that the vast majority of commentators on this film would rate it so highly? I consider myself open-minded, but I'm not THIS open. The other two worst movies of all time (that some consider good) are "Trick" and "Center of the World."

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

A definite classic! Excellent orchestral music & visual effects

[10/10 · 4 June 2005]

This is the only one of two Star Wars movies I have seen on first run - the other one is the original Star Wars movie I went to see with my Dad. He was especially excited due to the inclusion of holograms in the film, and holography was the center of his doctoral dissertation.

Concerning visual effects, the ones in this film were extremely well done. The problem with so many visual effects in our time is it is obvious that they were done very quickly on a computer. The music was especially excellent - I'm glad that not only was the London Symphony Orchestra properly credited, but so were some of the musicians therein (such as the concertmaster). As a conservatory-trained professional musician (as well as engineer), I enjoyed this film as much for the music and visuals as I did the plot. In fact, the shear beauty of some of the music brought tears to my eyes.

One last thing: Stay for the credits so you can hear ALL the music! This is a return to a bygone era where quality came first, and the "bottom line" came second. It's a quality I would like to see more of. This is especially refreshing after seeing so many films with cheesy visual effects and synthesized music.

PS: When the movie begins with a wonderful fanfare at the beginning, you can tell it's going to be something special. I also appreciate that the beginning has the title immediately without all the pre-title information (who cares if it's a "Twentieth Century Fox.....presents.....a George Lucas Production..........Star Wars"? We already know that anyway!) Now this is the way to do movies!

The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)

Rip-Roaringly Funny! Mia Thermopolis for President!

[6 October 2004]

I am a lover of comedy - the more a movie makes me laugh, the better! I'm also the king of the Situation Comedy (i.e., "Sitcom"), and my parents always say that it's fun to watch me watch television.

Now for the movie: I really didn't have high expectations. Was I ever in for a surprise! My wife, a young adult and children's librarian, has sneaked every Princess Diaries book home for me to read. (I'm the 38 year old father of my own 2 1/2 year old little princess.) I felt this movie was better than the first. Yes, the movie producers take quite a few liberties in their diversion from the books, but so what? It's just plain fun!

Part of the fun of this movie is the physical comedy aspects - a la Lucille Ball. I thought having the mattress sliding down an incline inside the castle was way cool, or Mia's best friend and mother hiding in the closet (each at different times), or riding side-saddled with a fake leg. Of course, Mia's klutziness greatly enhances the comedic opportunities! Then there's a surprise at the end, but I won't tell you what it is here since that would spoil the movie for those of you who have not seen it. (In the previews for the first movie, I just loved the scene where Mia caught her napkin on fire from the candles at a formal state dinner - I just knew I had to see that movie!)

Another reason this movie is fun: In this year of the presidential election and all the ensuing seriousness (a lot of angry people!), nothing could be more timely than this picture. Here you see Mia adjusting to being a princess, and then a queen of the fictitious country Genovia, and demonstrating true kindness. Even though she's a princess, she's still Mia, and you just fall in love with her! (Stop snickering -- my wife knows about all my crushes on female movie stars.) I wish Mia could be the president of the United States. Mia Thermopolis for President! (I bet she could straighten out the mess this country is in, too!) You go, girl!

Chicago (2002)

Wonderful special effects, but not a good film - save your money

[13 February 2003]

While the special effects were wonderful, and the music was good, the story line was shallow, and so were the characters. My wife loved it, but she's a sucker for anything with an Academy Award nomination and an "all-star" cast. Of special note that the actors are not professional singers, and this was especially noticeable in the poor vocal techniques of the actors. (Note that I am a graduate of one of a music school that ranks among the top three in the USA and is a big opera school.) Instead of an "all-star" cast, professional singers should have been hired - especially given the plot was so thin. It was also a depressing movie. It's also as if this film tries too hard to get an Academy award.

Finally, I am like Andy Rooney - I cannot stand a film with too much "good acting" that calls attention to itself. This could have been a good film if professional singers were hired and taught how to act rather than hire professional actors and attempt to teach them how to sing. This is an insult to the music profession.

Save your money for something that is actually good and that has no hopes of winning an Academy Award (I cannot stand to watch the Academy Awards).