juliafrizzell Reviews

Hacks (2021– )

Can't wait for Season 3!!

[9/10 · 10 August 2022]

This show was brilliantly cast! It's such a great representation of the generational differences seen everyday in current society. And it does it without being too preachy or politically correct; humor is always at the core. I loved the witty banter between Deborah and Ava, and found their chemistry so believable. Jimmy was definitely a stand out! What talent!

Jean Smart, girl you make most 40 year olds look bad.. simply stunning. Been a fan for years, but I really think this is her best role yet! It truly showcases her brilliant range, impeccable timing and skillful acting.. she makes it look so effortless!

Absolutely enjoyed it from the very first episode to the last. Phenomenal!

Candy (2022)

It's definitely different..

[6/10 · 13 May 2022]

I wasn't sure at first, but finished the final episode today. It felt like if Napoleon Dynamite were a true crime story it would go something like this. It skims the very surface of creating a connection with each character, never really going beyond the superficial. And perhaps that's the idea, keeping it restrained enough to reflect the presentation of mundane, middle class Christian families and the outward perfection they desperately wanted to convey.

Jessica did a great job, with a script that obviously had its limitations and managed to pull off the affable yet competitive nature of Candy; always "happy", smiling, willing to help others as a way of reminding everyone (and herself) just how perfect she was. While inwardly she was anything but. Coveting other women's husbands, wishing she had a spicy marriage, flaunting her body, having affairs, and putting so much emphasis on how amazing her house was all while smiling and mastering the art of the "backhanded compliment".. reminds me of a few women I've known personally.

My biggest complaint? It seemed like Betty's character could've been given a little more respect and not portrayed as an overly insecure, anxious wife that hen pecked her husband for no reason. He after all did have an affair.

Overall, it's worth the watch.. just maybe not more than once.

Pieces of Her (2022)

Loose ends..

[6/10 · 22 March 2022]

While being very intriguing and definitely suspenseful, this series falls flat in many ways. An interesting plot with meaningful storylines seemed to meander without fully ever coming to any one solid ending.

It really fell short of so many possibilities, considering the layered intrigues throughout each episode. What a disappointing ending, although worth the watch, I just wish it would've really explored the depths of some of the more suspenseful characters and ended with a "gotcha" moment. I was waiting and hoping, but to no avail. It was more like a sad trombone playing with a giant question mark in the sky.

Home Fires (2015–2016)

Would've given it a solid 10..

[9/10 · 22 February 2022]

Oh, how I wish I would've read the reviews before finding myself totally invested in a series that ended well before it's time!

Great plot, fantastic characters, refined acting and an exceptional storyline; excellent glimpse into life in the 1940s amidst the backdrop of WW2.

Why they canceled this binge worthy series is outside my realm of understanding! How utterly disappointing to be left with such an unbelievably maddening cliffhanger. Seems all the greats get canceled, but they could've at least given the viewers closure before such an abrupt abandonment; ending it right at such a pivotal point in the show was just sad.

It's definitely worth the watch, but brace yourself for the inevitable disappointment. Excellent series otherwise!

The White Princess (2017)

Phenomenal!

[9/10 · 30 December 2021]

Wow. What a treasure of talent, dynamic plots and exquisite costuming! It was a thrill to watch and so incredibly well done, I couldn't stop watching!

Perfect cast, great storytelling with wonderful direction. The cinematography was so realistic and the evolution of costuming, almost mirroring the evolution of each character, was simply perfect.

I definitely recommend! Well done, indeed!

The White Queen (2013)

Couldn't do it.

[3/10 · 30 December 2021]

If you're interested in bad acting, excessive nudity, poor costuming and soap operas then this is the show for you.

I couldn't make it past the third episode because it literally devolved into maybe 10 minutes of dialogue replaced by 20 minutes of gratuitous sex scenes.

The White Princess was far more evolved and had a dynamic cast that really made for spectacular viewing. So, maybe skip this dud and watch that instead. You'll thank me later.

Terrible.

Being the Ricardos (2021)

Waaaaaah!

[5/10 · 28 December 2021]

One would expect with such an amazing cast, the story of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz would've been larger than life; full of their brilliant imaginations, and impeccable comedic genius that made "I Love Lucy" such a groundbreaking and much beloved sitcom.

Sadly, it wasn't. Nicole's performance seemed so flat and unnecessarily dark. She sounded like Lucy and mimicked her mannerisms, but that's where it ended. Not one time was she funny or even remotely animated. And it could also be down to Sorkin's direction, but either way this version of Lucy made her a grim, narcissistic bully that seemed very one dimensional and overtly domineering.

It was a bitter, jaded and depressing film sprinkled with vulgar language and expressionless faces. Not what I expected at all. A TWO HOUR film that just stagnated and meandered around, never bringing life to any of these characters. What a missed opportunity!

Nine Perfect Strangers (2021)

You've got this strange effect on me..

[9/10 · 6 October 2021]

And I like it. This series was excellent. Not being the biggest fan of Nicole Kidman, I wasn't sure what to expect. To say I was pleasantly surprised would be pretty accurate. She gave a truly layered and complex performance to an equally complex storyline. Really breathed life into a riveting topic, especially with such a dynamic cast of great actors. Their performances were so raw at times, particularly those of Michael Shannon and Melissa McCarthy.

Suspenseful, soul searching and surprisingly intriguing. It's a journey. That's for sure, and a trippy one at that. Never really quite knew what to expect and that's the best part! Definitely worth watching. Great premise and an even better cast. Highly recommend!

Diana (I) (2021)

Absolute drivel.

[1/10 · 6 October 2021]

If I could've given this a -10 stars, I would have. Do yourself a favor and just avoid this at all cost. And if you must, then have the bleach ready for your eyeballs and earmuffs for your ears. You're going to need it.

AWFUL.

Maid (2021)

Couldn't stop watching!

[10/10 · 5 October 2021]

Maid, is a pure gem...had me invested from the very first episode. It's clever, well written and brilliantly scripted. Her story is full of witty humor, love gained and lost, hard times and good times but most importantly, a real glimpse into the life of someone who refuses to give up.

At times it was as if a mirror were being held up and I was looking at my younger self... and Alex really personifies the love, struggles, self sacrifice and perseverance it takes to be a young single mom with dreams. Against all odds, even the seemingly insurmountable, we get to see her work out her own fate.

The complex relationships within a dysfunctional family can repeat itself, yet this brave young woman vowed to break that cycle. No matter the hard road she had before her she chose to fight. And as someone who's stumbled on that similar path of uncertainty, it was so rewarding to see her eventually prevail. Through tears, laughter and reflection I rooted for her every step of the way. And you will too! It's by far one of the best I've seen in a long time.

Well done, Alaska.

The Professor and the Madman (2019)

Who's seen this on Drunk History?

[8/10 · 6 September 2021]

I admit being introduced to this riveting tale through the scotch laden retelling by Derek Waters and his much acclaimed, "Drunk History".. and it was almost undeniably impossible to believe, even through the inebriated lens of comedy and laughter.

Yet sometimes the impossible, even implausible circumstances in life make for truly inspiring stories of redemption, forgiveness and love. That's the core of this fascinating movie that inextricably unites a brilliant, yet tortured mind with that of the most unlikely of allies; a widow, a security guard, and a Professor. All aligned in their belief that beyond pain, beyond suffering and beyond loss there are lessons learned. And love, even in its most simple form, can elicit an understanding of another's trespasses.

Brilliant performance by Sean Penn. He really brought Dr. Minor to life, his mental anguish and paranoia were almost palpable. Mel Gibson and Natalie Dormer are both exceptional. Great cast and a really interesting subject, especially for anyone who loves movies based on true events.

Godmothered (2020)

Lighthearted and fun!

[8/10 · 31 August 2021]

Sometimes you just have to let your inner child out, and this reworking of an old tale allowed just that. I loved it. Quirky, funny and textured storyline with a really fantastic cast brought this movie to life.

It's a fun family movie with heart. One that I was pleasantly surprised by. Watch it and have a few laughs, with Jillian Bell and Isla Fisher you have no other choice. Definitely recommend.

Black Swan (2010)

Absolute RUBBISH.

[2/10 · 10 August 2021]

I hated it.

It had plot holes bigger than Swiss cheese, with a pungent odor of recycled garbage. I think watching this one dimensional film for almost two hours has given me my own psychotic breakdown.

The end.

Val (I) (2021)

Poignant

[9/10 · 6 August 2021]

So touching. There's a lot to unpack in this documentary, and it's done so well. Especially if you're over forty, have gone through a divorce or possibly dealing with a chronic illness...shines a light of self reflection that so many of us can relate to. A reminder that regardless of fame and fortune, a man is still human and will undoubtedly experience the same collective gains and losses in this life that we all share; love, heartbreak, joy, grief, success, and failure. And inevitably, time.

Val's journey is captivating and it's so beautiful to hear it told through his words and his son's voice. He really bares his soul and sometimes it made me cry other times I had to laugh..but through it all I felt compelled to admire a man, that in so many ways and in so many amazing roles, has quite literally been part of the soundtrack of my life... and for what's it worth, he'll always be my Huckleberry.

Val, you're so loved. Thanks for letting your fans see the best part of you. Your heart.

The Age of Adaline (2015)

Exquisite

[8/10 · 6 July 2021]

Blake Lively is so feminine and brings so much charm to this performance. This review is so "after the fact" ( I know ) but I was so taken with the magic of this movie and the pure beauty in the interwoven storyline, that I just had to write a quick review. Late and all.

It has such an interesting and whimsical format, it made me feel invested from the very beginning. A love story that spans decades and brings to life an enchanting, yet mostly forgotten aspect of romance; a restraint that builds interest, a flirtatious touch, a light embrace, shared interests. Things that sometimes get lost in the modern day representations of love. It's this demure aspect I really enjoyed about this film. And as an added bonus the fashion worn by Adaline was astounding! I highly recommend this movie. It definitely has so much heart. Will be watching again!

The Tomorrow War (2021)

Entertaining!

[9/10 · 5 July 2021]

What's not to love? Action, humor, jumpy scares, aliens, apocalyptic visuals with a nod to some great 90s Sci-fi classics. Also has a very human aspect of love and redemption which gives it a more complex storyline. It's pure fun escapism and if you're looking for that, this movie is definitely for you. It's incredibly well done, especially the parts that made me jump! Not many movies have that effect on me and I just loved it.

Halston (2021)

Absolutely BRILLIANT!

[10/10 · 26 May 2021]

If Ewan McGregor doesn't sweep every award available for his performance as Halston, I will be shocked! I am old enough to have heard of Halston growing up, but I knew very little about the man behind the name. This series is everything you need to know and then some; shocking, endearing, heartbreaking and ultimately, human.

Halston's genius and creativity spanned decades and for good reason, he was an absolute force to be reckoned with. Ewan is beyond captivating as Halston, he IS Halston. He brings to life Halston's enormous personality, from his insecurities to his indulgences, with so much finesse it's as if you're watching Halston himself.

And all the supporting cast from Liza to Elsa to Victor, give such impeccable performances, I can't begin to unravel the talent there! Every single person involved with this series had their moment of symbiotic perfection; they were perfection itself.

If you love fashion mixed with the historical and human context surrounding it, Halston is absolutely a must my darlings! Decadent, sensual, creative, driven, outspoken and sometimes even hated. This is the story of a man who conquered the world early on, loved hard, played hard and even lost hard, yet eventually reclaimed his life and happiness.

Halston is a Herculean story of what it is to be a god amongst mere mortals, while slowly discovering you're mortal after all.

Shrill (2019–2021)

Sometimes great and sometimes not..

[6/10 · 18 May 2021]

I went into watching this completely without any expectations. For the most part, I'd never heard of or even seen most of the main characters in this series. I decided to watch all three seasons before I left any review; hoping there would be a more profound evolution as the show went on.

Although super funny at times, it seemed to be an endeavor that tried too hard at some points. The characters are all in their early thirties to late forties and based on some of the overtly juvenile and weirdly gross depictions of sex, human anatomy and random crudeness, it felt like they were more like teenagers trapped in adult bodies. And it just got a little too literal when maybe a less primitive approach to comedy would work better.

I can't say that I hated it, I didn't. The timing and chemistry between some of the main characters was really great. Yet, there were also times when it wasn't and it was painful. What could've been a journey on self discovery, evolution and personal growth turned in to being more or less a sounding board for how not to be the very thing you claim to hate. And also, middle school level dialogue between grown folks is not my favorite thing.

The Shape of Water (2017)

Guillermo is a whole vibe.

[9/10 · 10 May 2021]

What can I say? If you're familiar with Guillermo del Toro's films and love them, this won't disappoint. He has a definite penchant for seamlessly blending film noir, occult history, enchanted love with a *touch* of dark violence and absolutely stunning visuals.

I was instantly taken with the characters and 1960s Cold War era feel of this film, coupled with the thematic ideals of that time in history. To love his films is to also understand he's weaving elements of actual history into them; whether it's Nazi's, the Cold War, or Communist Scientists. He even touches upon the taboos of homophobia and race relations which make the heart sad, but help create an engaging atmosphere that make his movies so incredibly moving.

If you love Hellboy, this has a very similar feel but with more romantic and less violent overtones. I absolutely adored the beautiful visuals of this film. Not to mention the lead actress, Sally Hawkins, was a great choice! Octavia Spencer is also a personal favorite and funny as ever. I've yet to see her in something I haven't liked. And let's not even talk about the extremely menacing role of Michael Shannon! He was excellent.

Guillermo del Toro is a masterful and highly imaginative screenwriter and director and I absolutely LOVED this film.. late review and all.

The Serpent (2021)

Thrilling!!

[10/10 · 8 April 2021]

This by far, is one of the most brilliantly portrayed series I think I've ever seen. I'm truly astonished by the complex and absolute magnificent performances of these actors, tasked with bringing these real people and events to life. It is almost difficult to express how profoundly affected and invested I felt watching this true story unfold before me. Tahar Rahim and Jenna Coleman were so utterly captivating together. With such chemistry that it was almost palpable. Billy Howle's performance was incredible and so intensely believable. Honestly, every single actor portrayal in this series was spot on. Brilliant, even.

The directors, producers, screenwriters..they all brought this horrific story to life with such ferocity of spirit that I cannot help but believe they honored all the lives that intersected with The Serpent, Charles Sobhraj. And honor them they did! With such respect I found myself overcome with emotion so raw, I sobbed for all the lives this man so callously disregarded.

Don't miss out on this one! Thrilling, captivating and utterly hypnotic. If you love suspense with a flair for cinematic authenticity you won't be disappointed! From the tones and hues of the 70s to incorporating actual clips from the cities during that time, The Serpent invites you in and what a ride it is.

Nomadland (2020)

Life changing

[10/10 · 25 February 2021]

Watching this movie made me so aware of all the things I've yet to do. The beauty I overlook and disregard, the days that melt into one another without realization of sunsets lost. Whether it's by choice, circumstance, luck, or tragedy..Whatever you call it, the layers sometimes become so complex and so dense, before we know it life itself has happened. Is happening. Do we merely exist as feckless wanderers? Almost unaware of time passing or do we become active participants living and breathing the moment we are existing in?

This is what this movie meant to me. Fern took something inside of me and made it feel real; the courage to overcome fear and step into the vast unknown and embrace it. Watching the road stretch out into the mountains of the great American west, seeing it all so raw for the first time was transformative. It felt like I could close my eyes and be there..windows down and wind in my hair..arm waving in time to the subtle soundtrack of a favorite composer and pianist of mine, Ludovico Einaudi. Like I too could take tragedy and find beauty in it.

This is the lovely escapism I found in Fern. A film that let me glimpse a life outside of my own chronic illness and feel free, uncaged. And for that, I say thank you. To everyone involved in this film, I wish you could have seen this through my eyes. It was blurry at times thanks to tears, but it was beautiful. So very beautiful.

Doctor Foster: A Woman Scorned (2015–2017)

Dr Foster a woman scorned?

[6/10 · 21 February 2021]

Amongst other things. Watching a life once thought to be quite normal suddenly descend into this rapid fire, free fall succession of betrayals is a voyeuristic journey.

First season's dynamic plot, cast, and brilliant character portrayal of Suranne Jones would've certainly been a solid eight stars. Maybe even nine. But then Season two was born and from there the tight storyline began to unravel like a poorly made sweater. Including the introduction of bizarre and irrelevant plots with the seemingly ever confusing actions of a desperate Dr. Foster.

Overall it's a great series, dives deep into the well worn landscape of love, betrayal, and the madness that sometimes is marriage.

I Am Somebody's Child: The Regina Louise Story (2019 TV Movie)

Love will find a way.

[10/10 · 2 February 2021]

The true story of Regina Louise resounds so deeply in my soul, it nearly broke my heart watching this movie. Although my own mother was no orphan, she endured a lot of the same types of abuse and indifference Regina suffered. Not to mention the lasting effects trauma and betrayal leave behind on a young mind. Let's just say I could sympathize with her "anger problems".

Angela Fairley's performance as a young Regina was absolutely brilliant. She and Ginnifer were GREAT together and really brought to life such a sincerely heartbreaking and heartwarming story. That regardless of politics, ideologies, ignorance or any other obstacle : LOVE WILL FIND A WAY. And this amazing story proves that. Thanks Lifetime, you made my eyes sweat. Again.

The Queen's Gambit (2020)

Orphans, Drugs, and Chess ... OH MY!

[10/10 · 31 January 2021]

Oh, and what fun it was to watch Beth Harmon grow up in the 1960's. From the shy, drab little girl to the impeccably dressed chess phenom; we watch as she takes the world by storm set against the backdrop of a male dominated sport and her very real struggles with mental health and sobriety.

From the stunning sets with mid century modern decor, to the character development between Beth and the people who love her, to that innate desire to see the underdog prevail; The Queen's Gambit takes you on an extraordinary journey of a brilliant girl finding herself somewhere in between madness and genius.

I LOVED IT!!!

GLOW (2017–2019)

So much YES, but....

[8/10 · 31 January 2021]

GLOW is absolutely FANTASTIC! And this series had it all. Talk about encompassing the 80's! I was absolutely astonished at the the real physicality these actors brought with them to their roles! It was so much fun to watch. The chemistry was so right, I grew to basically love every single one of the characters and that is saying a lot! This series is pure comedic GOLD!!

*SPOILER ALERT(s)* I was so invested in Bash once I realized he was in love with his butler, and how that really humanized him.. to me. Seeing him fight against his homosexuality out of so much fear ; his mom, his wealth, society, his own insecurities, and with AIDS on the horizon...was so heartbreaking. But the threesome with him, Rhonda and the other guy seemed like it could be the step to being open. And I think in some way Rhonda was offering that.. whatever "that" looked like. Bash just couldn't do it and that was a bummer. But to say that was my only disappointment would be an absolute lie. The REAL HEARTACHE? Being so invested in the storyline of multiple characters through 3 seasons, only for them to leave you absolutely hanging and confused by their crap excuse for an ending.

Debbie and Ruth? Ruth and Sam!? Who else saw Ruth being a total badass stepmom to Justine after she and Sam got hitched? No just me? Why did they make Ruth this real creative force, with courage and vision (with a real gift for directing) ..A beautifully flawed creature always smiling in that endearing "I'll never be bitter like the rest of you way".. only to have her stomp off after professing her love for Sam, WHY? Because she didn't get the part? On to Debbie..Offers Ruth a DIRECTING job, and a way out of the very thing Ruth professed to be so sick of. Yet we see Ruth take neither the man she loves, or the job she's built for. God it's like someone waved the "wrap it up wand" over the very last episode of the very last season ( of one of the BEST series I've watched in a very long time) and said hurry TF up, here's half a script, wipe your ass with it and call it a night. What a complete sad trombone ending. Uggggg.

On a side note though? DAMN GEENA DAVIS GO AHEAD GIRL!!! The END.