Theponykid Reviews

Ten Pound Poms (2023– )

Better than I anticipated

[9/10 · 14 June 2023]

I put this on expecting it to be boring, but wanted to see what it's all about at as it was filmed in a relatively close by town that we frequent (and I also had friends in it as extras). I was pleasantly surprised. How accurate it was, as an 80s born Aussie kid, I have no idea. But I still felt I learnt things about this great southern land. I had no idea UK residents were still coming over to start fresh in Australia as late as the 1950s, and were moved into such camps. I guess I'd never really thought about it. But I enjoyed the show, I ended up binge watching it over two days and longing for more. I did feel that some storylines seemed a bit unrealistic or dragged on a bit too much. The adoption story for one didn't seem fitting with the theme of the show. I would have liked to see more progress of the families, finding their feet despite early ups and downs, buying their homes and gaining that white picket fence they desired. The stories did focus a bit too much on negative aspects and struggles, which made it a bit of a downer. I'm pretty sure so many stories were still unresolved, so going by the final scene, we are hopefully in for a second season, and hopefully it will be more upbeat. But did I enjoy the show? Definitely. Did I recommend it to friends? Sure did. I gave it 9/10 because I was definitely entertained, whether or not it was accurate. I wasn't around so cannot comment on that.

Made in America (1993)

Not sure why rating is so low

[7/10 · 7 January 2023]

I stumbled across this movie one night and thought it was worth trying, and it didn't disappoint. On top of a good cast, I found it to be light hearted and entertaining, an overall positive movie with a good balance of comedy and drama. Random people from different worlds becoming unlikely friends and ultimately, family. And everyone learns about themselves and grows as individuals in the process. I personally did not find it "racist" like some other reviewers have said, but I also understand that it was from a completely different time to now. Plot points and lines of dialogue are only as racist as your mind wants them to be.

A Christmas Karen (2022)

It's watchable, just.

[3/10 · 24 December 2022]

Begins very cliche to set the scene, but it's really not very believable as it just feels corny like you are inside one live action Karen meme, the character is just not convincing. Then it goes into a silly fantasy phase which is very predictable where she's dragged through her past, present and future to see how she affects people.. The character (Karen) does not seem as if she's being impacted by her insight, nor the lessons she's being taught, at all. I'm not sure if it's poor acting or script writing here, but it seems like she hasn't learnt a thing, so when she wakes up as a dramatically changed woman, it becomes a bit cringeworthy to watch. I realise the director was obviously going for a comedy here and I love a good laugh and can find humour in most things, but I definitely didn't laugh throughout this movie, it was more of a constant groan and eye roll. The acting is B grade at best. The movie is watchable but it's certainly not something I'd be interested in watching a second time.

Look Both Ways (2022)

Definitely worth a watch

[8/10 · 20 August 2022]

If you liked the movie style of 'Sliding Doors', seeing how a simple moment in time can create two entirely different life paths, then you'll enjoy this. Nothing ground breaking here, but definitely worth the watch as far as Netflix releases go.

You Again (2010)

Glad I stumbled across this movie!

[8/10 · 19 August 2022]

This was one of those movies you stumble across while flicking through the streaming channels. I'd never heard of it before, but the plot sounded worth a go, and I was even happier when it started to realise that my girl crush Kristen Bell was the lead character. Supported by two of my other all time favourites, Jamie Lee Curtis and Betty White, I knew straight away it was going to be a great watch. And it did not disappoint. The characters were all quirky yet relatable and while the plot was somewhat predictable, in other ways it also wasn't. Not many movies hook me from the start and make me put down my phone and pay full attention, but this was definitely one of them and I'm so glad I stumbled across it. Will definitely watch it again.

June Again (2020)

A Must See

[8/10 · 13 February 2022]

I stumbled across this movie when I flicked on Netflix one night after work and just wanted something on in the background while I caught up on social media. But within moments, the movie had me hooked and I put down the phone and settled in for what turned out to be a great movie! Something a little different from the norm, and probably one of the best Aussie movies I've seen in years, with a top group of iconic Aussie actors, who played very relatable characters. I think I could see a bit of my own family in every one of them. The plot was not glaringly predictable either.

Disturbia (2007)

Just enough jump

[8/10 · 26 January 2022]

I don't normally like scary movies or thrillers, but I thought I'd give this one a go since it only has a PG rating and it did not disappoint. It has just enough to keep you on the edge of your seat and give you a little jump without messing you up enough so you won't sleep for days. I definitely recommend it for someone who likes tamer thrillers (similar to House of Wax).

The Secret Garden (2020)

Nothing unique about this version

[6/10 · 29 September 2020]

If The Secret Garden was a childhood classic for you, you won't be overly excited by this adaptation of the movie. There's really nothing different about it except different actors and one minor (and very unconvincing) variation to the plot towards the end. I took my 7yo niece and 10yo nephew along, and they found parts of the movie boring and hard to follow. The film has a lot of flash back scenes which confused the 7yo particularly. The topic of "dead parents" seem to be raised a lot unnecessarily throughout the movie which made it a bit more depressing than it could have been. Other adaptations of the movie focus more on the positive development of the children rather than the death of the parents. If you go into it with nothing to compare to, you might enjoy it a whole lot more. The group behind me in the cinema shed some years at the end, and my sister (who has not seen other versions) said she enjoyed it, but I was left feeling unsatisfied. I was expecting a modern twist to it but it just felt like a reenactment of the version I grew up with.

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)

Haven't laughed so much in a long time

[9/10 · 4 July 2020]

I stumbled across this movie one cold winter afternoon, knowing nothing about it, and even though I am not a Will Ferrell fan (in fact most of the time I really can't stand him), I hit the play button. I was excited to realise Rachel McAdams was in it, as she's one of my favourite actresses of all time. It just got a whole lot more interesting. I was only minutes into the movie when I found myself laughing. A lot. At first I thought it was the accents (okay, that probably had a lot to do with it) but this unlikely pair, the way they conversed and the clumsy relationship just made for fun times and lighthearted viewing. Add to that a whole bunch of catchy original songs. I have not enjoyed a movie this much in a long time, and am actually really surprised it's a Netflix movie as most of them are very B grade. Definitely add it to your watchlist!