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Old (2021)
Was this a high school student film?
Can't believe this was a M. Night Shyamalan film considering how bad it was and how good some of his others are.
Others have criticized the acting. Some of the actors I recognized, however their acting was as though "Old" was their first movie just out of acting school after maybe getting a D grade.
Much of the camera work was downright awful with some closeup shots having some of the actors almost out of frame.
The story was choppy. What happened to being picked up after a few hours, not the days they ended up being on the beach?
But apparently at the end, the whole thing was some medical trial experiment, (killing people in the process) so it doesn't matter anyway.
The only redeeming factor was, I saw this on Freevee and didn't have to pay to watch it.
Ghosts (2021)
Needs a laugh track
I haven't seen the British version of Ghosts, so there is nothing for me to compare this series to other than itself.
I watched six episodes and I honestly can't find anything funny about it.
The actors including Rose McIver, sometimes come off in their acting as though this is their first TV show.
I can sometimes see something that maybe was intended to be humorous either said or done, but fell flat. After six episodes it's time for me to stop watching Ghosts.
One of the that things that is intended to add comedic value, is the the guy (one of the ghosts) that has no pants. There supposedly was an explanation as to why, but I apparently missed that episode. I more than likely wouldn't have found it funny anyway.
I did chuckle at something said about peanut butter, but I can't remember why or what episode it was in.
History's Greatest Mysteries: Endurance: The Hunt for Shackleton's Ice Ship (2020)
Endurance Found
In a reshowing of Shackleton's Endurance on March 22, 2022, with three minutes to spare, it is announced that the ship was found. Disappointing though, instead of actual video footage of the ship, a 15 second computer generated video depicting what the Endurance looks like is shown. It was an interesting show with the telling of the crew's struggle, survivor and rescue. Just a disappointing ending.
Eternals (2021)
Other movies to watch
Watching this now, about 30 minites into it, don't know if I'm going to get to the end. There are other movies I want to see and this just isn't holding my interest. One question: On Disney+ why does the movie repeatedly switch back and forth from full screen to letterbox?
Don't Look Up (2021)
An hour was enough.
Several people mentioned this movie in comments in a Facebook ad about the movie Moon Fall (some were confusing Don't Look Up with Moon Fall which is currently in theaters). After about an hour into the movie and finding some moments somewhat, maybe amusing I felt it was time to find something else to watch, since this isn't the only movie in existence. And it was getting close to lunch. Time for a meatball sub.
American Auto (2021)
Done after 10 minutes.
In the first few minutes the show manages to alienate Catholics and Christians when Sadie uses Jesus' name in vain. Later Jews - Wesley: "Ewell payne would have not wanted that woman (Catherine) running his company." Jack: "Why she Jewish or something?"
Then a situation is set up where racism and white privilege is presented.
A lesson can be learned from the producers of the Andy Griffith Show, that was aired in the 60's during a time of civil unrest and the Vietnam war. Nothing in the real world was ever mentioned in the show. The producer's reasoning for this; people wanted to come home turn on a TV show to be simply entertained. Forgetting for maybe a few hours what was happening in real life. Now we have to put up with a network and show's political narrative instead of just simply staying neutral. Add to the somewhat bad over acting, I barely made it to the ten minute mark.
An Unexpected Christmas (2021)
Was enjoying it in the beginning but....
Liked the interaction between Bethany Joy Lentz (Emily) and Tyler Hynes (Jaime). Alison Wandzura plays Jamie's sister Becca and there is good banter between the two siblings. The story has been done before. Emily and Jamie, a previously broken up couple (unbeknownst to the family) find themselves pretending to be together for Jamie's family during a Christmas visit. Becca is also involved with a children's Christmas play. One reviewer wondered about the unicorn in the play, but that ties in with the hanging rainbow and that Becca is lesbian. Hallmark is including more LGBTQ characters in their movies, another being When a Bell Rings. In the future, I'll probably just bypass the new movies and stick with the older ones.
The Journey of Natty Gann (1985)
Enjoyed this on TV. Available on Xfinity
Remember seeing this on TV after the theatrical release, and really enjoyed it. Surprisingly it wasn't shown again. Recently I did a search to see if it was available anywhere and found it on DVD through Amazon. However some of the reviews had complaints about the poor quality and that it was in 4:3 pan and scan format. For Xfinity users, you can rent or buy the movie ($14.95 to buy) in a restored, original theatrical format copy.
The Nanny Express (2008)
Undisciplined kids, annoying moments
While I enjoyed this movie, it did have some annoying moments. The kids seemingly having no discipline, the daughter in a constant state of anger. The daughter getting a near new car on her 16th birthday, which in California would have given her only six months driving experience (driving only with a licensed driver), provided she passed her driving test on the same day. A cringeworthy moment of her talking on her cellphone while driving, which would have been illegal. The movie was originally shown July 11, 2008. A law went into effect July 1, 2008 prohibiting the use of a cellphone while driving.
Asteroid vs Earth (2014)
Unbelievable plot
Asteroid headed for earth, can't destroy or move it so we move the planet. Like you're driving a Suzuki Samurai and come upon a 20 ton boulder and decide it's easier to try and move the boulder, than the vehicle.
I like the scenes in the submarine when it gets rocked back and forth in one scene, and in another scene, rolled over after getting hit by a tsunami, how the free standing computer monitors, the crew sitting (unstrapped) in office chairs (that are not bolted down), manage to basically stay in one place.
An American Christmas Carol (1979)
Still good after 41 years
I saw this when it was first run in 1979 on ABC. Happy Days was still in production, so it was at the time interesting to see Henry Winkler do a character other than the Fonz. In An American Christmas Carol, that takes place at Christmas time during the Depression, Winkler plays Benedict Slade, a Scrooge like businessman who unsympathetically reposesses items from people who have gotten behind on payments, which Winkler does well. Not the best, but a decent adaptation. I have thought about it over the years and considered it one of those lost movies, until I found it on Tubi, which must have been remastered in HD, since it looks as though it was just made, though still in 4:3 screen format. You can also find it on Peacock.
Star Trek: Voyager (1995)
More of a gripe about how Netflix is showing the episodes.
ST Voyager is my favorite ST series, which is currently on Netflix. I had gone through the series several years ago on Netflix, and decided to watch it again.
The series was shot in 4:3 TV format and that's how it was shown the first time I had seen it on Netflix. Using the zoom feature on my TV, I was able to almost fill the screen without chopping off heads.
However recently, I decided to go through the series again, but noticed instead of showing it in the 4:3 format, the picture is being stretched to fill the 16:9 screen, thereby distorting the image, especially people. I don't understand how this would be preferable other than the way I mentioned before.
If an old series was shot in 4:3 format, keep it that way, don't distort it just to fill the screen.
10 stars for Star Trek Voyager.
1 star for the way Netflix is showing it.
Westworld (2016)
Slow, then at times went into F word fest
Caught the first episode of season one during Xfinity's Watchathon. Started slow, trying to figure out what was going on. Several scenes it was how many and unnecessary times the F word could be said. If I had HBO I probably wouldn't continue with the rest of the series.
World on Fire (2019)
Didn't finish the first episode.
When a male doctor and a male saxophone player started showing affection for each other as the doctor was cleaning a wound on the saxophone player's head, I stopped watching and will not finish the series. Another show were the LGBT crap gets shoved in your face. If you want to have a show about a time in history, then do it accurately, not what you think it should have been.
Lost in Space (1965)
Serious, silly with an unbelievable spaceship
I was ten years old when Lost In Space started. It amazes me now that my parents actually let us watch this show, due to the fact we only had one TV and they had to watch it also.
I remember the serious episodes at the beginning, and how it became on the silly side the during the later seasons.
Even at ten, the thing that bugged me the most was the Jupiter 2. It was supposed to have three levels. The first being the control deck. The level just below being the sleeping, living, eating areas. Then a third below that referred to as "the core" which was where the propulsion systems, reactor etc. was located. There was also supposed to be space for the chariot and the pod (shuttle).
The problem was that the first deck windows took up a good portion of the ship. So how did everything else fit into it?
I remember hearing not to long ago, that there was never any intent to make it to scale. Unlike the Enterprise on Star Trek.
Northern Rescue (2019)
One of the most dysfunctional TV families
It's one crisis after another, with each of the family members. As one thing gets settled, another family relationship is falling apart, thoughout the entire ten episode first season. There is absolutely no peace in this family.
One episode has the dad (William Baldwin) and his oldest daughter Maddie (Amalia Williamson) get in a heated argument ending with the dad kicking Maddie out of the truck, which involves her walking home in the dark on a lonely stretch of roadway. In the meantime the rest of the family is at home having a wedding anniversary party for the dad and the recently deceased mom, with no concern over the missing family member. The only highlight is Tux the penguin.
There is several episodes involving under age marijuana and alcohol use. One reviewer said the show is "fun for the WHOLE family." Far from it. If you want to see a true family show, check out Heartland. It's currently in it's 13th season and has been a high rated show the entire time.
How It Ends (2018)
I GET THE TITLE!
"How It Ends" is not about how the story ends in the movie. 'How it ends' is how the movie itself ends, how it (the movie) ends. Like a TV series that gets canceled too soon, a dangling cliffhanger, untied loose ends, a story that
Sister of the Bride (2019)
Movie crew should know what car parts are for.
At one point in the movie Ben, Stephanie's Fiancee, walks into the garage where Stephanie's Dad, Robert is working on a vintage car. Ben identifies it as a 1955 Ford Thunderbird, which impresses Robert, and asks if it is running. Robert says no, says it needs an idler arm. Ben looks at the engine naming off several parts, again impressing Robert, telling him his dad is a mechanic. Later on Robert receives a package with an idler arm in it, apparently from Ben's dad. Further on Robert is in the Thunderbird starting it. As Ben is walking up, he says "sounds good", then Robert drives off. All this implying that an idler arm is part of the engine, it is actually part of the steering assembly.
Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
Enjoyed it, more after rewatching.
When I first watched this I assumed it was a remake, however realized it is a sequel to the original Mary Poppins, as this one takes place about 30 years later.
Emily Blunt did a great job as the returning Mary Poppins.
Interestingly, the animation sequences had the hand drawn look, style of the original, even though it more than likely was done by computer.
Overall enjoyed this a lot.
Rim of the World (2019)
Another movie with kids using adult language.
This movie is rated TV-14, but has what used to be considered R rated language. One of the actors is 14, another 12, two are 17 years old, but are using words that begin with "s" and "f". Does this make the movie more amusing for adults to watch hearing kids talk like that? Do parents now let their children watch movies with language like this? Maybe so, because it was parents of the actors who let them talk like this for the movie. Seems like the english language is eroding, if what was considered 'vulgar', is now acceptable, especially for children.
Downsizing (2017)
Movie forgot what the title was
As with others, was expecting something different, or more. Starts out good, Paul and Audrey Safranek (Matt Damon - Kristen Wiig) decide to become "small". Paul goes through with it, but at the last minute Audrey backs out. Ultimately she files for divorce. The movie then veers off in different directions, seemingly forgetting the "Downsizing" storyline. There are then few if any comparisons to their size and the outside world (the rain is normal rain for their size and the boat scenes on a river is as though they were normal size), at times me forgetting that the characters are supposed to be small. Then toward the end of the movie there is a f*bomb fest with actress Hong Chau, maybe because the script writers liked writing it, the cast and crew members liked hearing Hong Chau say it, or Hong Chau herself liked saying it. At one point Paul Safranek asks her character not to use such a vulgar term, but ends saying it himself several times. Should have waited to see the movie on free TV, but wasted $5 on it from the $5 bin at Walmart.
The Silence (2019)
Okay, Poor acting...
Okay, saw this just after A Quiet Place, which was much better. Okay. You would think that this was John Corbett's first movie, his acting was that bad. Okay.
Kiernan Shipka, who plays the daughter Ally, is supposed to be completely deaf, however her speech is so much like a hearing person, that you forget that she's supposed to be deaf, she even whispers several times throughout the movie. Okay. Then there is Stanley Tucci who says "Okay" way too many times. Okay. Special Effects were good, not great.
Rise (2018)
Was expecting more *Spoilers*
Seems like this has been done before. A controversial performance wants to be done, the higher ups don't want it done, kids/teacher protests, the show goes on.
One of the students on the football team and getting poor grades in the class of the same teacher that is also directing the theater group. The teacher finds out how good the student sings and wants him in the performance of 'Spring Awakening' . The coach agrees, but as long as the teacher gives the student (the team's top player) a passing grade on a test, which he had been given a D, which at that point according to school district policy couldn't play football. The student is also upset about not being able to play, because a college scholarship is involved. Which doesn't make sense, if he is getting crappy grades in high school what does he expect to do in college, if he could even get in? An example of sports being favored over education.
The kids start rehearsing 'Spring Awakening', the principle finds out about the subject matter and says no, they have to do 'Pirates of Penzance' instead, a tamer play.
The teacher, his assistant (also a teacher at the school) and the students decide to retaliate by gathering up the pirates costumes and burn them (arson, destruction of school property). Instead of the teachers getting fired, the students suspended or expelled, they get rewarded by the principal giving in and allowing them do the first play.
Of course there was the football student saying he wouldn't play in the upcoming game, possibly causing a game loss (extortion).
So if you don't get your way, destroy something.
The main story is about the teacher wanting to do controversial things such as the play, but 20 years from now what's going to be more important, what you learned in school for a life career, or what play you did.
I probably won't be watching any more episodes.
A Christmas Melody (2015)
Enjoyable
Enjoyed this movie, of course typical Hallmark fare. At first, I thought this was Mariah Carey's acting debut, but according to the Comcast program guide, she has done two others. One she flopped,the other did apparently very well. It seemed like she was so intent on directing herself, with the many spotlighted close- ups that her acting fell flat in this movie. The real star of the movie was Fina Strazza who played nine year old Emily Parson.
Star Trek: Discovery (2017)
Too much high tech for the supposed time period, confusing episode.
May contain spoilers. Was wondering at what point in time this Star Trek would take place. Thought maybe after Next Generation and Voyager, but then at the start of the episode a hand held communicator was used, then a phaser both the same as the original Star Trek (Kirk). But all the other technology is superior to that of the original, in some cases even Next Generation, DS9 and Voyager. At least in Star Trek Enterprise, they held some restraint on overdoing the tech part unlike this Star Trek. All the other first episode Star Treks were intros to their respective series, this one, I felt like I was starting the series in the middle, sort of confusing as to what was supposed to be going on and then there's this faceless robot head on a female body, that's part of the bridge crew. I definitely would not pay to watch this on All Access, and probably won't when or if it makes it to regular TV.