MyMovieTVRomance Reviews

Gigli (2003)

If people call this bad, they don't know what bad is!

[7/10 · 17 May 2024]

I actually thought this had some really good dialogue and it wasn't nearly as bad as it's reputation would have us believe. It was actually pretty good. In fact, I would give it a higher rating, except that I wasn't expecting a couple violent scenes, which almost ruined it for me. But then, it was redeemed in the end by a certain scene on the beach with the autistic boy, which proves that God works in mysterious ways! I immediately had the feeling upon seeing that, but whoever wrote it was divinely inspired, whether they realized it or not. Because things like that do happen in life. They are called Godwinks.

And, just like Jennifer Lopez in the movies says, guys usually don't do it for me, but Ben Affleck in this film somehow manages to be an exception. What a pretty boy! He reminds me a lot of Joan Jett's brother. I watched this movie for Jennifer lopez, and I ended up especially enamored with Ben Affleck! Go figure! That being said, Jennifer Lopez was quite a looker herself in this film. I was quite fond of her updos in this film as well.

The only cons that I really can think of about this movie is that it's an r-rated rom-com, and I'm not fond of any romantic comedy that is r-rated. Although, this, along with Jennifer Lopez's other r-rated romantic comedy, shotgun wedding, is very good. But they would be much better if they were PG or PG-13 at the most. That being said, this movie isn't nearly as bad as people say it is, and I rather enjoyed it.

The kidnapped brother was annoying to me until about a quarter of the way through, and then he started to be more endearing. By that point, I started to enjoy the movie itself overall.

Shotgun Wedding (2022)

The movie trailer doesn't do it justice!

[8/10 · 16 May 2024]

This was surprisingly good!

The trailer made it seem like it would be excessively violent and hard on a weak stomach, but it actually wasn't. Yes, there was violence, but in a James Bond kind of way that wasn't hard to take.

This movie is like James Bond meets Rocky and Bullwinkle meats Runaway Bride.

It's very light and exciting. It feels like a throwback to the romcoms and action comedies of the 1990s. No, it doesn't feel as fresh as those still do, because there's something about the 1980s and 1990s that just suited romance and action comedies so well where it felt sincere every moment. Even the absurd felt true and earnest. Today, even the most well-meaning films have an air of cynicism to them and arrogance, I think because that's where we are as a society mentally. I hope someday we can get back to that genuine sincerity and, if I may say, Romanticism of the past. But in the meantime, this is a great step in that direction.

Jennifer Lopez has fabulous rom-coms. I would say she's my favorite leading Lady of the modern romcom, just based on this and about four other of her films. Also, above all else, I really appreciate her reverence for marriage in real life and in the films that she makes, because marriage is a sacred Bond fitting for something as sacred as one of a kind romantic soulmate love. Even though modern society likes to undermine and downplay the importance of marriage in modern times, time cannot diminish sacredness, and that's another thing I like about her movies. The one thing I didn't like about this one though, is the talk of premarital and extramarital sex. But hey, it's still more wholesome than a lot of rom-coms made today. So, it's still one of my favorite recent films. And I hope she makes many more of the genre.

The rest of the cast was perfect, and once again the scoring of the movie was also fabulous. A very pleasant watch, and I'm almost sorry I put it off for so long!

Side notes: I loved the "South Pacific" references, because it's one of my favorite musicals of all time, particularly the Glenn Close adaptation. And, someone I know is half filipino, so it was very nice to see that this was set in The Philippines.

And finally, all of the baseball references were so cute to me, and they reminded me of my own favorite baseball fanatic, Joan Jett! I love you, Joanie!

Secrets & Scandals of Carry On (2023 TV Movie)

A staggeringly prolific film series that offers something new each time!

[8/10 · 16 May 2024]

This definitely made me want to watch just about all the films. Film film franchises are basically TV shows in extra long format. And this is a really cool TV show, with a different story every time!

The carry-on films make me think of the Bob Hope/Bing Crosby road films.

Sad What happened to the cast. John Sims seems like a really sweet person especially. Add this to the list of all the Joan I like! I think I'll start with her film "Carry on, Teacher!" (1959), made just a year or less after my girl Joan Jett was born!

It's nice to know that there's always something new to learn about Cinema, and for every Cinema aficionado, carry on films will be something worth checking out, being that they are some of the most profitable in British film history! And for fans of pre-modern comedy in general, you will get a kick out of how Free and easy these films feel compared to the uptight mores of today. Ironically, the films had to do a lot to get around the sensors, but although our censorship system is more inclusive in theory, it is actually more rigid now in practice, when you think about how much of this type of comedy would not be made today for much the same reasons.

Cheer up, let yourself feel carefree, and go watch a carry-on film!

Do Revenge (2022)

Not just a revenge movie - but better!

[9/10 · 14 May 2024]

One of the best movies of its type I've ever seen! And I loved that it was inspired by the Patricia Highsmith story "Strangers on a Train" which gives this movie an air of sophisticated allure that it wouldn't otherwise have.

This is like "Clueless" meets "Mean Girls" meets "Heathers"- but with more heart. This movie sees the humanity and everyone, so that even the bad guys are sympathetic, because we are made to understand everyone so well. Everybody is so well thought out in this film. It doesn't come from a mean place, but from a place of frustration and vengeance, but not heartlessness. There's a lot of forgiveness here that I love.

Other praiseworthy notes of this film are the song selections included throughout, which are fantastic for every riot grrrrl fan, and every fan of Pop music. Also, the set design, the locations, the color palette, I'll make this film like a delectable piece of candy!

I also absolutely love the occasional voiceovers, and the cast. I'm a big fan of Maya Hawk, who has become an absolute favorite of mine. She reminds me of another Liza Minnelli. There's just something very Liza about her, and it makes her very adorable to me. I hope she gets to Star and co-star and many more films in the future!

Also, it's got one of the best closing sequences put to screen, and superb title cards.

It's truly one of the best films of its kind, ever made!

A House on the Bayou (2021)

Old-school, but with today's blood and gore.

[6/10 · 12 May 2024]

Didn't love it, but I guess it's fair to say I did like it to a certain degree.

I'm not much for revenge films, or for films about justice - because I think it can get quite mean- even if it was seemingly deserved, I don't like seeing people be cruel to anyone, deserved or not. That said, I was a fan of the old school kind of film score, which reminded me of something that would be in a 1970s horror flick, reminded me of the Halloween franchise film scoring. I was also a fan of the actress that played the teenage daughter - she reminded me a lot of Joan Jett as a teenager. At least in the eyes. I also thought it was amusing that in one scene, I believe the old man was going through records and mentioned one being the best of June allyson. I didn't know June Allyson had a record haha. So I liked that.

Not a great film, but very good for what it is - with a couple of twists and turns that will take you by surprise.

The Idea of You (2024)

Don't throw love away because of other people's ideas of you!

[7/10 · 3 May 2024]

Take the 2023 Jennifer Lopez film Marry Me, mix it with the 1999 Julia Roberts film Notting Hill, and you get this movie basically.

Good for what it is. But, why do people have to go and make things so complicated, in the words of Avril Lavigne?

This movie was pleasant, but also frustrating because the female character was too hung up on her age and what other people thought. Meanwhile, she had a literal Prince charming they're waiting for her, time and time again. All that precious time wasted, worrying over nothing.

If anything, this movie demonstrates why people shouldn't let anything get in the way of true love, how silly it is to do so.

Miller's Girl (2024)

Beautiful and Savage at the same time. Melodrama at its best!

[10/10 · 3 May 2024]

I'm only 23 minutes in, and already this is a new favorite!

Everything from the narration, to the color, to the music, the cultural references, and the actors and actresses! This film is like a delicacy for the senses! It is poetry! I love it!!

Jenna Ortega is definitely one of my favorite stars of this era. Anytime I see her, I know it's going to be something I like! I'm just lucky that way - because I would like her even if I didn't like the movies, but as luck would have it, the people I like tend to be in movies I like as well. Thank God! What a joy!

Every time I see Jenna Ortega, I think the new Elena Anaya. They look so much alike, they could play mother and daughter! Love them both - so beautiful! And so is this movie! Will update further, once I see the rest of it. But for now, 10 out of 10 stars!

Update: Well, that took a turn! Without giving any spoilers, I will just say that it isn't quite the demure, sweet little piece of poetry that I saw it as at first. Nonetheless, it's still such a good movie, I must keep the rating the way it is.

Side note: This is another film to add to my Joan / Alice connections collection, because out of the blue, there's a character named Alice in this film, and she is seeing shortly after the poet Joan Didion is mentioned. And with this being a kind of a love story, I like that connection very much!

Swung (2015)

It's trying to tell me something!

[6/10 · 1 May 2024]

Not really anything special, except for the fact that it stars Elena Anaya, who I really like. Otherwise, this seems like an excuse to make a p**** without making a p****. Not that I mind, but it just didn't do much for me.

That being said, her name was Alice in the movie, which is my name. And in the first few minutes of the movie, Alice mentions Joan - her neighbor from across the way. This movie also includes the name of my sister, as if to reinforce the connection being personal to me. So yes, this is a yet another entry into my Joan/Alice connections collection! In that way, I guess this movie is pretty special.

On another note, Elena must have a connection with the name Alice herself, because she was featured in the TV show Jett a couple of years after this movie was made, where she played the nanny to Jett's daughter, Alice. And everything comes full circle!

And now that I think about it even more, no wonder the connections are there. My girl Joan Jett would just love the eroticism that these characters strive for.

Anna May Wong: In Her Own Words (2013)

Made in a very cinematic, interesting way! Not boring!

[9/10 · 1 May 2024]

This was so well made, I'm surprised at how low rated it is. It was very innovative in the way that it had somebody acting as Anna May Wong telling her story, in the real Anna May's words. It really brought her to life, as though she was still here.

In addition to this, there is footage of the actual Anna May throughout her career interspersed into this documentary, along with live commentary from people who knew her, as well as those who have studied her.

This documentary was short, less than 60 minutes long, but jam packed with everything that will have you feel like you knew her by the end. Well done!

Side note: The actress who plays Anna May Wong in this film kept reminding me of Joan Jett! Something about her eyes, and the shape of her mouth. The way that she moved her eyes and mouth, it reminds me of my Joanie. Joan is not even Asian, she's caucasian, but sometimes she does have an Asian look about her. That being said, even Whoopi Goldberg has also reminded me of Joan at some points. Everywhere I look, I see her face, to quote one of Joan Jett's own songs!

Put another way, I definitely am drawn to the actress that plays Anna May Wong in this lovely documentary. Anything that can remind me of my girl Joanie, I'm happy with. And it's a revelation, to see that what I love about Joan transcends the races - every ethnicity, every sort of person, if they are anything like my girl at all, I will spot it. I love you, Joanie! 😘💞

Oh, and I just remembered - I was thinking about my girl the minute that the person playing Anna May mentioned being a fatalist, because that's the exact word Joan used during one of her interviews, when she was asked whether she was a pragmatist or a fatalist, i believe. She said that she was mainly a fatalist. And she's one of the only people I had ever heard use that word to refer to themselves, until now. Like I said, if there's anything about something that is anything like my girl, I will spot it! And this documentary is probably one that she would like too!

New York Minute (I) (2004)

A movie about a rocker chick and her sister, yet they don't make reference to Joan Jett?!

[8/10 · 26 April 2024]

This was a lot of fun! Hard to understand why it was the Olsen twins last movie, because they did so well, one would think they would want to do more. But, at least they went out on a bang with their acting careers!

I kept waiting for a Joan Jett reference, or at least a Joan Jett sighting in a CD collection or something, but it didn't come. However, there was plenty of rock and roll talk, and mention of her friend Iggy Pop, and the inclusion of Blondie, who are friends of hers. So, the whole movie made me just think about her and about how she should have been mentioned at least!

This film features the band simple plan actually in concert, which also made me think of Joan Jett, because in 2018 they met each other. What a missed opportunity, not to at least have my girl make a cameo in this film!

Anyway, what a great teen comedy caper! Very enjoyable! My favorite part was the scene in the bling bling place haha! Recommended for anyone who likes light-hearted fun.

Bonus points for the fact that it was set in my girl Joan jett's home place of Nassau county! Again, she was all over this film, without actually being in it. It's another reason why I like it! It was also a little bit of an Alice in Wonderland vib at the beginning, which was cool. So, the Alice/Joan connections continue.

Love & Death (2023)

Elizabeth Olsen keeps being in things that I love!

[8/10 · 23 April 2024]

At first I kind of looked down my nose that this version of the true life case of Candy Montgomery brought to the screen, because I felt that it was a poor imitation of the Hulu series called Candy. I didn't like how different Elizabeth Olsen looked to the actual Candy Montgomery compared to Jessica Biel and how the Hulu series felt very much more authentic. But now that some time has passed, I have come back to this series to finish it, and I'm beginning to love it on its own merits.

This series has a wonderful opening sequence, a great theme song, fabulous direction, beautiful visuals, and yes Elizabeth Olsen looks nothing like candy montgomery, but that's okay. Because she is eye candy, and when I'm watching something, I want a little eye candy! This whole series is eye candy.

The Hulu series is a darker take, therefore more realistic. This series is lighter and has more of a wholesome, if that's possible, tone to it. Elizabeth Olsen plays candy in a more lovable way. I loved Jessica Biel as candy, but I think the reason I didn't appreciate this one as much before is because of the fact that I was still thinking about the other one - I was too distracted by it to appreciate this.

My advice to anyone who wants to watch this show is to space out the viewing of the Hulu series versus this one, if you plan to see both of them. Because if you don't space them out you are probably going to like the one you see first the best, and then you might not appreciate the second one. They're both good, just in different ways.

Rest in peace Betty Gore. And Candy, I'm sorry things escalated to that point.

Annabelle Comes Home (2019)

Nice to see a horror movie with so much decency.

[6/10 · 10 March 2024]

What I like about the horror movies of The conjuring universe is that they are filled with people of immense kindness and decency. That's why I miss them when they are not on the screen. In this particular case, with this movie, there was not enough Vera Farmiga in this one, and not enough Ed and Lorraine Warren sweetness.

Yes, this is part of a horror movie franchise, but unlike most horror movie franchises, the Ed and Lorraine Warren universe is full of sweetness and faith, and meaning. It's not just all gruesome is like most horror. And this one is no exception, it did have a lot of sweetness. But just not enough of my favorite characters from the franchise.

I liked it, but it's probably my least favorite of the Annabelle series. The first one, simply titled Annabelle, is the best - in a very Rosemary's Baby kind of way.

Flo's Discipline (1912)

Florence Lawrence- the first movie star, and this is my first time seeing her!

[7/10 · 9 March 2024]

Okay, so it is a 14 minute little silent movie, but it featured the first movie star - Florence lawrence. It's a cinematic crime that i, a cinema buff, had never heard of her until just yesterday, while listening to the audiobook TCM'S Forgotten Stars.

While watching this, I couldn't help but marvel at the fact that back in those days, people not only got a movie show, but they got a concert too. Two treats in one! Because remember, either it would be a piano player or it would be a full orchestra sometime, right below the screen - playing music, to punctuate the scenes.

Yes, we have talking pictures now. But at what cost? Now, if we want to see a concert, we have to go and see a concert. Back then, we could just see one without making any extra effort. They didn't know how good they had it!

But you know, now that I think about it, we can still do that, because remember that 2011 movie - the artist - that was a silent movie? It had music. It was done up as a tribute to silent film. Well, if we want the full silent film experience, people watching that movie should have been treated to not the music fused to the film, but to a live orchestra playing the music while they're watching the film. If we want to bring back something, let's bring back that every once in awhile! How cool would that be?!

Sunday in New York (1963)

My sister, Eileen - for the 1960s!

[8/10 · 24 February 2024]

Started at the halfway point, and I'm finally going to watch it all the way through for the second time. I've watched it several times all the way up to the 40 minute point, and haven't been able to make it past that for whatever reason, whether it's bad timing or that I was too tired that night. But today, I just decided not to start it from the beginning and started where I keep leaving off. It's a very good movie. I like it much more this time than before. And I even liked it before.

It's much more modern and edgy than most romantic comedies of the early 60s, because they literally talk about sex in a frank way. The dialogue is pretty modern. But, it still has a wholesomeness and charm that only movies from the 1960s on back had.

Jane Fonda's great in this film, but reminding me that she's even more beautiful as an older woman. She's one of those people that aged like fine wine. I'm finding myself more and more fond of her.

The man who played her brother, not sure of his name, is very much my type when it comes to men. He reminds me of Robert Preston and James Garner rolled into one. A very handsome, likable guy.

Other thoughts: What was with the water looking so swampy during the rowboat scene? Usually, I'm used to the water looking beautiful and silver, or beautiful and blue. But this water even looks a little dirty. Very unusual, for a movie of that type to feature a scene that doesn't look pristinely beautiful.

Also, Jane Fonda kept reminding me of someone in this movie, and then it dawned on me - Miley Cyrus! :-) was an actress in the 1960s, she would be Jane fonda. They look like they are definitely related. The biggest difference is that Miley has a very horse, different kind of voice. Speaking of voice, I've just realized that Jane Fonda sounds like a cross between Elizabeth Montgomery and Sandy Dennis- while looking like a cross between Sandy Dennis and Miley cyrus.

Also, in this movie Jane Fonda plays a woman named Eileen. It may be because there's a movie called Eileen that I love, it may be because Eileen is the name of one of my favorite people from YouTube, or it may be something else, but for whatever reason, I think Eileen might be my favorite female name! So, of course that adds to my affection for this film.

I don't know if it's because I recently found out Joan Jett is a fan of Jane fonda, and Joan Jett is my girl. So maybe that's why I'm growing in my fondness for fonda, but I definitely like her a lot more than I used to! I think I'll watch Harry sundown next, as far as her movies go.

This Is Me... Now (2024)

If you don't like this, you're not a romantic!

[7/10 · 17 February 2024]

Jennifer Lopez just basically made a movie about my life philosophy. I guess she was bound to know, since she's been living in my head rent free ever since I realized we are basically soul sisters, bonded by that thing called romanticism.

There are very few genuine romantics in the world these days, it seems. I think it might even be fair to say that there have always been fairly few romantics in the world. Most people are pragmatists and cynics. And most people don't seem to respect the intricacies of a relationship the way a romantic does. I like this, because Jennifer and I are practically twins in this way. She is a genuine romantic like me, and watching this felt as though someone scooped up a bit of my soul, and put it on screen.

I'm so happy that Jennifer exists in this world to show us that true love is real, that the world doesn't have to be just a dog eat dog, cynical place. And that romantic love is to be valued. And on a personal note, I relate to waking up to my own destiny, realizing that the universe does have my best interest at heart. In fact, as I was watching this, I received some signs of my own - in the form of comments popping up on my phone from a stranger who is connected to my love.

I love the cameos by various celebrities too, especially Jane Fonda, whom I have been watching a bit of lately. So that was quite the synchronicity! The idea that astrological signs are out there truly guiding us, the idea that forces beyond our knowledge are wishing us well and wanting the best for us, it's just so fabulous!

This is basically one big music video, with dialogue dispersed in between the songs. It's not perfect, and some of the dancing is dorky, but anything that restores or inspires faith in people, faith in goodness, faith in happiness, faith in destiny - that's for me!

Lily for President? (1982 TV Special)

Jane Wagner, you did it again! One of my favorite writers has written one of my favorite tv specials!

[9/10 · 16 February 2024]

One of the best times I've ever had watching a TV special! Jane Wagner, you are a genius of a writer! The way you see the world, your brain is beautiful! And so is your taste in women - because your wife, Lily Tomlin, was so very pretty in this!

Some random thoughts:

I think they were inspired by meet John Doe and Mr Smith goes to Washington with this special. It was very clear in the way Lily was dressing. Also, Lily has a beautiful , such sweet voice!

Also, I just happened to remember this on the same day that I just happened to go early voting, which was 2/15/2024! I didn't put two and two together until after I voted. It was not planned that I would be watching this on voting day, but how appropriate! So, because of that, this special will always have a special place in my heart! Synchronicity, baby!

Bonus points for the fact that the mock-up character of Agnes angst and the manic depressives is still one of the best bands I've ever seen - even though it's just a spoof. That song, which was supposed to be a spoof, is as good as anything that hardcore punk rock has ever put out! As I said, the writer, Jane Wagner, she's a genius!

Call Me Kate (2023)

Full of joy and spirit! Watching this is transformative, it takes your way to a better place in time.

[9/10 · 5 February 2024]

Oh, to live the life of the bourgeoisie back in the days of glamor gone by. Her life seems so fun, I'm up until her brother's death. I'm not all the way done with the documentary yet, but it makes me want to live in her era of you so badly! I've always liked that era, but to live it as well and freely as she did, while still having the sophisticated lure of the glamor of the time is so perfect! Just perfection!

I'm not even a huge Hepburn fan, but there's something infectiously joyful about the way this documentary has been made, so that we pick up on Kate's own Joy of life. And it makes me very happy. If you want to be happy, and feel like you are taking a trip to a more glamorous and classy time, all without being stuck up, all while being down to earth, watch this documentary!

The Wonderful World of Disney: Annie (1999) Season 3, Episode 5

Enjoyable remake. A slightly different take on the story, set at Christmas time.

[7/10 · 2 February 2024]

I remember seeing this before, years ago - but I don't think I ever watched the whole thing. This time I did. It's very good, but it lacks the campy charm of the original. That being said, this cast is superb, but I do miss Carol Burnett. I think that's the part I missed the most. Carol Burnett's Miss Hannigan is the signature Miss Hannigan, and she at least ended up having a redemption ark, unlike in this version.

There are a few differences here, such as the fact that Daddy Warbucks in this one doesn't have the cantankerous nature of Daddy Warbucks in the original. He's much more smooth, right from the start. This is also a shorter version, there are a few things that might have been cut, such as the guy with the turbine in the original. He's not even in this one. But this version does have some things the other one doesn't have - such as a Christmas setting, and a couple of songs that are not in the original.

All in all, it's close in quality to the original, but still not quite up to it. But whether somebody prefers this one over the original we'll just have to do with how much they enjoy Carol Burnett, I think.

Annie (1982)

For fans of cartoons and movies, everyone will find something to like in this one!

[7/10 · 1 February 2024]

A little cartoony for an old fashioned musical, but I guess that's to be expected since it's based on a comic strip. I really like it though. I used to have an Annie poster on my bedroom wall!

These days, my favorite part of it is Carol Burnett as Miss Hannigan. And I just love how ultimately, she proved herself to have some good inside. I won't spoil it for others who haven't seen the movie, but I will just say it was my favorite part.

Another thing about Carol in this movie, she's super sexy when she kisses the radio haha! And I'm not even kidding. I just love how in touch with her feminine wiles she is. And even though she plays a boozing, bitter orphanage marm, I ultimately sympathized with her. Like, I thought that a lot of times, the kids caused her to be the grouch she was, by constantly laughing at her and mocking her. Sometimes I felt like if they would just be nice to her, it could change her.

Anyways, Carol Burnett is Miss Hannigan was especially sexy during certain scenes, and I loved her bedroom! Got to love that rags trying for riches 1930s aesthetic!

My other favorite part of this movie was the dog! Oh my gosh, what a perfect dog!!

If you like cartoons and Disney musicals, you will like this movie, even if you don't like traditional movie musicals. Because as I say, this has the feeling of a live-action cartoon for much of the time. But even if you aren't a fan of animated films, you will like this for its 1930s aesthetic and it's great stars.

No wonder I had the poster on my wall when I was a kid! This is a good movie!! And absence makes the heart grow fonder, because I think I like it more now than I did before!

That Funny Feeling (1965)

The funny feeling that there's a higher power at work here!

[7/10 · 29 January 2024]

Amazingly, 2 days ago, to be exact, the name Joan Howell popped up on the phone. I wasn't even typing anybody's name. She popped up as a suggested contact. So I looked the name up, and then this movie showed up in search results.

Come to find out, Joan Howell is someone my brother-in-law works with. But naturally, given what I just discovered in search, I have to watch this movie again! I didn't even remember that her name was Joan!

Another Joan synchronicity to add to my Joan journal. So fitting, considering how the film opens, with a word on all the planets in our galaxy, and how everything moves together in some kind of order. It's got me to thinking - out of all the people in all the world, isn't it amazing that Joan Howell popped up as a suggested contact?!

There are no coincidences, only Godwinks!

Good movie, by the way! It's exactly the kind of 1960s rom-com I adore, with the perfect look and everything. As I said in another review for another Sandra Day film, there is something very special about the look of a 60s rom-com. And I don't just mean in terms of fashion, but in terms of the look of the film stock itself. There's something very distinct about it.

Relatedly, anyone who wants to see kind of a remake of this film, I would recommend the Jennifer Lopez movie Maid in Manhattan (2002). It's not an official remake, but there are definite parallels enough to where it feels like this movie totally influenced that one.

Doctor, You've Got to Be Kidding! (1967)

A keen example of how quickly times changed from the earlier part of the decade.

[7/10 · 29 January 2024]

Well, they sure were naughty!

This movie was a little too much like today to please my old fashioned heart, but it was very good. And there were three or four excellent songs in this film.

Positively amazing how drastically the mores depicted on screen changed between the early 1960s to the mid-to-late 1960s. It's almost a different era altogether, in just two or three years. Incredible!

Sandra Dee, as always, is adorable. But my favorite in this one was Celeste Holme as her mother, who was just a great big ball of energy! I always get jazzed by that vib. It's very Leo rising.

Also of note is George Hamilton, who I first laid eyes on I think in the movie Casper Meets Wendy from 1998. He played a dashing, if sinister old man in that movie. So it was interesting seeing him as a young man here. I also saw him in the movie Love at First Bite, another Halloween style film - when he was more or less becoming middle-aged. So, again, interesting to see him more at the start of his career in a more traditional role.

On a more technical note, I must say that there is something very beautiful about the way romantic comedies of the 1960s looked. It's something about the color saturation of the film. It has a distinctly 1960s feeling to it, as opposed to 1950s or even 1970s. It's very much its own thing. And very beautiful.

Good, lighthearted fair. Recommended for fans of the romcom genre.

Quiz Lady (2023)

For TV geeks everywhere!

[10/10 · 28 January 2024]

One of the most enjoyable movies I've ever seen, so one of the best - as it's just thoroughly satisfying and deserving of all the stars!

This is going to sound silly, let's be honest, you probably already think I'm silly for saying this is one of the best movies I've ever seen, since it's a silly movie. But why must silly movies get less respect? But to make this even sillier, I will admit that I avoided this movie for a while because I thought that it was going to turn out to be a drama. I thought somebody was going to die of some disease, or that someone was deathly ill. Don't ask me why I thought that, but I did. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised to find out that that wasn't the vibe of this film at all!

There are a couple of serious threads running through the film, but for the most part is a lighthearted romp that will have you laughing and feeling good. And for any fan of movies and tv, you will see yourself represented in this film, as the lead character lets her geek flag fly. And not just the lead character, but the beautiful Holland Taylor turns out to also be a TV geek in the film! I mean, this film deserves an extra star just for having Holland in it! She doesn't get enough parts in movies, and just seeing her is a joy. She's like the American Maggie Smith, except we Americans don't seem to appreciate our older actresses the way the Brits do. So, I'm glad just anytime I can see her. And she ended up being a hoot here.

Look out for Paul Reubens AKA Pee-wee Herman's last appearance on a movie as well.

This film is just a delight!

Genie (III) (2023)

Deserves a higher rating than what it has here! Maybe the best Christmas movie of 2023.

[8/10 · 28 January 2024]

I'm finding Melissa McCarthy to be a real turn-on! Especially when she's styled right, she is definitely a crush of mine. I feel so warm and cozy about her. And this movie itself is so warm and cozy. The best Christmas movie of 2023? Maybe so!

Fun fact: When I first saw the trailer for this film, I said to myself it seems like we're making a return to the fun tone of 1980s / 1990s movies. Well, it turns out, there's a reason for that - this is a remake of a 1990s movie! And in fact, the same person who made the first movie is the same person responsible for this one. So, you're not really missing anything by not watching the original. The writer of the original said that he never felt like it was fleshed out to his liking, so he wanted to redo it. And now he got the chance. Dreams do come true, and wishes sometimes our granted. That's what this movie is all about, and everything comes full circle! :-)

Manna from Heaven (2002)

This movie itself feels like a gift from God!

[9/10 · 28 January 2024]

Got about halfway through last time, before I fell asleep because my schedule is like that. Sleep just has a way of creeping up on me or staying away. But this night, I'm going to finish it! However, I'm starting from the beginning again. Because movies are just more fun that way. I'll let you know what I think when it's over...

So far, so good! Not exactly what it's been sold as, but the cast is solid, and it's cute for a very low budget film.

UPDATE: Had to change the rating from 8 to 9 Stars, which translates to 4 and 1/2 stars out of 5, on this site, because the ending just was so perfect! There was a lot of heart in this movie, even though certain moments did take us out of the Capra mode that it was going for, into the crude modern day times. However, ultimately, this movie is one of tremendous goodness. And what I love about it, is it has that goodness without being overly heavy-handed or saccharine. So, it's a new favorite of mine!

Watching the commentary version of the movie, on the dvd, really fills in some of the gaps of the viewers understanding and it heightened my appreciation of the film even more. It turns out, the movie is full of sweetness and Magic the likes of which are not typically in a modern day film. The cast is also very good, filled with respected and iconic people, such as Shirley Jones of The Partridge Family, Wendie Malick of Hot in Cleveland, and Cloris leachman of the Mary Tyler Moore Show. It's a movie about good deeds, but it's also a movie about love. Even romantic love has a spot in this movie - both older and younger love is portrayed. And I adore the fact that it's upbeat in nature. It's a movie that shows that life doesn't have to be so serious to be good or meaningful. Faith can be something to lighten our load, and not heavy our hearts.

It made me feel good in the end. Good in a way that I feel like made me a better person. This movie feels like it represents me, the way I think and feel. We all have those movies that feel personal to us. This is one of them for me.

Recommended for anyone who likes uplifting movies about fate and faith. Also this is a true ensemble film in the Robert Altman sense. My favorite storyline was Wendie Malick- whom I just find so attractive - and her relationship with the detective. It wasn't even that fleshed out, but it had me in my feelings. It made me feel romantic, but in a happy-go-lucky kind of way. It's the kind of love that would give me a spring in my step, instead of not being able to eat or sleep. This whole movie is the kind of movie that gives me a spring in my step!

For the Love of George (2018)

So much potential. Could have been so much better!

[5/10 · 28 January 2024]

Watching this film now, and not 2 minutes into the opening credits, and there's a JJ credited as line producer! Wow!! That's like the fifth Joan Jett connection I've gotten today, with every single movie I'm watching having a Joan or JJ in the movie or in the credits. I am just blown away!

Okay, now back to the movie!

UPDATE: Okay, rating this is going to be difficult, because I didn't exactly like it. But yet, it's the kind of movie I like. How's that for a mind twister?!

It's my kind of film, when my kind of film isn't done to my standards. So, I guess to say that I don't like it is not exactly honest, but nor would it be honest to say that I was pleased by how it ultimately shaped up. Not the kind of uplifting film that I was hoping for. In fact, for me at least, a bit of a downer.