Natasha_Dean Reviews

McMillan & Wife: All Bets Off (1976) Season 6, Episode 1

Series 6 really did a disservice to the McMillan and Wife Cannon

[2/10 · 31 May 2023]

Episode 1 of series six enters with a quick mention that Sally McMillan and their child have been killed in a plane crash and it's been 8 months.

Despite how close they were from Seasons 1-5, Mac has already moved on and has a brand new girl friend every single episode.

Sally is never brought up again, Mac is never shown mourning her; and it's business as usual.

Due to this, series 6 just falls flat; the magic is gone and McMillan on his own just doesn't have the same sparkle.

I don't know what the writers were thinking, but this really did the series cannon a disservice, and it does not work.

Deadwater Fell (2020)

David Tennant deserves a BAFTA for this!

[10/10 · 17 April 2022]

Deadwater Fell is a fantastically well done production, and all of the actors portray their parts marvelously, but David Tennant beats them all with his performance as Tom Kendrick!

The character is so deeply layered, at first he seems sweet, gentle, loving and adorable; but as time unfolds his true colors are shown, and he is revealed to be narcissistic, obsessive compulsive, controlling, abusive, manipulative, and down right sociopathic.

The shocks with each unfolding moment keep you on the edge of your seat, as they slowly unravel, telling the true story of what can go unseen, and warning the viewers not to trust what appears to be perfection in a seemingly idyllic family unit.

Tennant is absolutely bone chillingly terrifying.

10 out of 10! Highly recommend.

Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase (2019)

Cute but nothing like the books

[4/10 · 12 May 2020]

The movie really only had one thing going for it that made me stick to it from beginning to end; the enchanting actress who played Nancy. She literally saved the movie from being hate-able. Plus her dynamic with the other girls was adorable and I enjoyed their camaraderie and banter. However, the movie had no surprises; and it was way too predictable. I knew they were drugged when they all complained of headaches in the morning and I automatically knew how all of the electrical stuff was done with the speakers, the lights and everything else. Even the 'ghost' wasn't scary cuz I knew it was literally smoke and mirrors. Again, I know this was a kids movie, but come on, you can't surprise us even just a teeny bit? I automatically knew who all the bad guys were. I knew from the second the first incident against Nancy occurred. Of course as someone who grew up reading the books, I also had help figuring out the bad guys because the names were the same from the book. However, that is all about this movie that even slightly resembled the books. As an avid reader and collector of the Nancy Drew books, I've always been very protective of this series and for good reason. People continue to mess it up no matter how much good intent they begin with. This movie was nothing like the book. Nothing at all. In the credits it says based on the novels by Carolyn Keene. Honestly, they should have said "loosely based." It would have been more honest. If you're a Nancy Drew purist like me you will probably hate this movie. But it redeemed itself with the powerhouse lead actress who played Nancy. The movie is literally worth watching for her and her alone. That girl is going big places, and will be a huge name soon. Mark my words. She is the first truly talented actress I have seen on the screen of any age since 1982. And that is saying something! Well done Sophia!

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)

I stopped watching after 5 minutes.

[1/10 · 3 January 2020]

This movie is vastly different from the Harry Potter series, and from the previous "fantastic beasts and where to find them". This movie deliberately goes out of its way to frighten viewers, completely takes away from the entire Harry Potter series, and is pointless and violent. It seems that the people who produced this film felt the only way it would be successful would be to have a high gore and scare quotient, and to run amok with a storyline that is generally family friendly and make it the reverse. The feeling of the film is palpably terrifying, and made me feel afraid from the second the opening sequence began. I don't know what JK Rowling was thinking, allowing this film to become a soft core horror film; but apparently she thought that seeking high ratings and high box office money was better than making a worth while story for the whole family to enjoy. Fantastic Beasts and where to find them was brilliant. It still remained within the family category, and didn't go over the top with the violence. The crimes of Grindlewald is the opposite. I am extremely disappointed and will not be watching anymore of this franchise.

Tip on a Dead Jockey (1957)

Jack Lord shines as the best friend of a shell shocked pilot !

[10/10 · 3 April 2019]

Tip on a Dead Jockey was a supporting role for 37 year old Jack Lord who was just starting out in his career as an actor. The film itself kinda plods along for the most part, but Jack totally saves the film. The cast is fantastic. Robert Taylor is a great leading man, Dorothy Malone is a decent leading lady. Gia Scalia shimmers as Lord's wife Paquita and the actor who plays Toto (who's name has slipped my memory at present) is adorable. Together they make a relatively slow and uninteresting story under normal circumstances enjoyable. However had Jack Lord not been in this film, I don't believe the movie would have made it at all. The writing isn't all that fantastic. And the main premise that Taylor's character is suffering from PSTD after experiencing too much death while flying, though a good plot, isn't enough to carry the picture on it's own. The writers did do a decent job however of finding a way to make him conquer his demons, and that helped bring a bit of life to an otherwise lifeless storyline. The title however is really a misnomer, as racing and Jockeys isn't anywhere close to the main plot theme. However, I would definitely recommend this film for the simple pleasure of seeing Jack Lord's performance. He is the reason I have given this film 10 stars. They are all for him! Though Lord would not make it as a film star, finding his niche in Television as the head of Hawaii five-O eleven years later, Jack's performance as Jimmy in this film is absolutely superb, and is a must see for Lord fans world wide.

A Very Special Favor (1965)

I hate to say it, but this one disappointed me. . .

[2/10 · 18 January 2019]

I absolutely adore Rock Hudson, and when I learned he had done a romantic comedy with my favorite actress, the marvelous Leslie Caron, I was enthusiastic to acquire my own copy of the film. Quickly I purchased it and eagerly awaited the time that I could sit and savor the film from start to finish. When the time came and the movie began, I was at first very excited to see what would happen between my two big screen favorites, only to be bitterly disappointed. I later learned that this film was Rock's least favorite ever made, and after watching it, I can completely understand why. The basis for the film's plot, has a sickening undertone where a woman's father, fearing she is doomed to a sexless and platonic existence with her obviously effeminate fiancé, hires Rock's character to basically gaslight his daughter into finding her sexual self. When Hudson succeeds in scaring the woman so deeply to her core that she is emotionally distressed to the point of a complete breakdown, her father, having only seconds beforehand been reunited with her after a 25 year absence, swears revenge on the man he has hired after seeing how much his daughter has been hurt. Caron then turns the tables with equal ferocity, and manages to flip Hudson the same way he flipped her, shaking his sexual confidence to pitiful levels. It is after this that the father then decides that the two would be a match made in heaven and tries to get them together. Hudson, feeling desperate to regain his sexual prowess once again, agrees, and In order to convince Caron that they are meant for each other, concocts a ruse in which he dresses his secretary Mickey (Nita Talbot) who has long nursed an open crush on him, as a man (hair cut and all) and runs off to a hotel with her, giving off the appearances of a homo-erotic tryst.

The ruse works and all live happily ever after as the credits roll. Meanwhile, the viewer is left with a sick feeling in their stomach and a rotten taste in their mouth. This movie MIGHT have worked if it had been better written, and a method other than mutual gaslighting between the "lovers" to be was used as the method of wooing. The whole plot that a happy successful career woman soon to be 30 needed to be loosened up or be doomed to a life of sexless spinsterity is frankly, highly offensive.

And though the movie has one or two points that tickle the funny bone, one will not be moved to tears of laughter watching this film. They may, however, be moved to tears of sorrow that they wasted an hour and a half watching this pitiful excuse for a romantic comedy.

As I said in the title, I was sincerely disappointed that I didn't find this movie enjoyable. I wanted it so desperately to work; but unfortunately, in this case, the writers were just too darn lazy to try and write a decent plot, and thus the entire movie suffers, as does the audience.

Two thumbs down from me.

The Affair (1973 TV Movie)

This movie really sucked.

[2/10 · 20 July 2018]

I was very excited for this film. Being an ardent admirer of Natalie Wood and Loving seeing her paired with her husband I expected this to be a sweepingly romantic and wonderful movie. I was absolutely wrong. The movie began beautifully and Immediately after the romance and bliss started, the whole thing shot itself in the head and died.

It's the story of Courtney, (played by Natalie) a 32 year old musician and polio survivor who has never been loved, never given herself to anyone, meets a man called Marcus (played by Robert Wagner) who changes all of that for her. They fall in love, she loses her virginity to him and they become serious. He is divorced and has two boys around the ages of 8 and 9. The boys loathe her for absolutely no reason. And constantly refer to her as "she" as tho she were a dog or a cat that no one wanted. After a few months Marcus's Ex wife remarries and he is so broken by this that he tells Courtney that he "can't handle it anymore", (he never says what it is) and leaves her. The next day she drives up to her brother's home, sees his brother's girlfriend is very happy and very pregnant, becomes upset by this, has a nervous breakdown and breaks a glass in her hand; cutting herself to bits and almost bleeding to death. She ends up in the hospital. The movie ends with her moving in with her brother and never finding love again.

Basically the movie teaches that if you're over 30 and never had love that there is no hope of you being happy, and even if you do find love you won't be able to keep it; because anyone over 30 is damaged goods and undesirable for long term or happy relationships. Very stupid storyline. If you were hoping for a sweepingly romantic film that makes you feel light and fluffy at the end? Don't watch this movie. Instead of being all laughter and happiness after watching this film, You'll come away feeling like a deflated balloon. Don't waste your time or money.

Killer Shark (1950)

Actually a very good film

[7/10 · 2 July 2017]

Killer Shark gets a lot of flack from the general public but I can't really figure out exactly why. It has a good cast, generally good acting from everyone in it, and a decent story line. Sure it's got a couple of gaps in the plot, but remember this is a Poverty Row B movie we're talking about here. We shouldn't expect a masterpiece. That being said, I found it to be a very enjoyable film that held my interest from beginning to end. Roddy McDowall was a delight in the film, and he made the movie quite funny in some places (specifically his first night in the sleeping quarters having to endure the loud snores and dangling arms of one of the crew members!) The film touches on coming of age, and reuniting a broken family, making new friends and finding love and responsibility at a young age, and drives its messages home. Overall I feel it deserves more credit than it gets, and is definitely worth seeing for fans of Roddy McDowall.

The Princess Bride (1987)

Fantastic family film, and a timeless comedy classic!

[10/10 · 2 July 2017]

The Princess Bride has always been the go-to "I want to scream with laughter" film for my family, and with very good reason. It never disappoints! Despite being watched to the point of perfect memorization, the movie never ceases to tickle my funny bone, and I always end up in stitches! The casting is gorgeous, the writing cheeky, the innuendos tasteful, the jokes delightful, and the characters eternally endearing. One cannot complain about the message the film sends either, that true love is the strongest power in the universe and can conquer all odds and adversities, even death. My favorite characters from the film are undeniably Wesley (of course! he's everyone's favorite) and Inigo. Both are brave, cunning, and willing to take any measure to bring the baddies to justice. (and the fact that they're both drop dead gorgeous doesn't hurt either.) Beautifully portrayed by the gorgeous Carey Elwes and the sweet faced Mandy Patinkin, they perfectly frame the movie. Peter Falk is adorable (as always) as the grandfather/narrator, and Robin Wright is flawless in her performance as butter cup. This film is a must see/must add to your collection type of movie, as it is a work of art for the entire family to love and enjoy. It's timelessness has endured for 30 years, and will continue to do so forever more. To the writers, producers, director and actors of the production, well done dear friends; very well done!

Léon: The Professional (1994)

Wonderfully offbeat film!

[8/10 · 2 July 2017]

Luc Besson has made a name for himself making films with offbeat story lines and characters; and this one is an addition to his list of memorable films. Wonderfully cast and beautifully shot, The Professional is a film that keeps the audience on it's toes from opening credits til "The End". Gary Oldman shines as the deliciously nutty dirty cop Stansfield, and there is good reason as to why this is one of his more famous roles. With over the top delivery in such lines as "EVERYONE!" it's impossible to take your eyes off of Oldman. Jean Reno is also someone you refuse not to watch. His character's ruthless ability to kill, colored by his childish innocence despite his career as a hired killer make him lovable and sympathetic. And the heartbreaking performance from the wonderful Natalie Portman as the confused and older than her years Mathilda, who is orphaned by the murderous Stansfield and is driven by a thirst for revenge; makes your heart stop, and the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. Though full of course language and lots of blood, the film is an enjoyable one; and a must see for Reno, Portman and Oldman fans everywhere.