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jlsmithgrad
Reviews
Gran Turismo (2023)
Racing from the mind of a gamer
Just saw a sneak peak showing. Great movie about racing from inside the mind of a gamer. It isn't just a racing movie and it isn't just a video game movie. Loosely based on the real life story of Jann Mardenborough, racing simulator player turned racer. The film had great performances by David Harbour and Archie Madekwe. It was also nice to see Darren Barnet (from Never Have I Ever) on the big screen. Keeps you on the edge of your seat for most of the film. Even made me tear up a few times. Sometimes the different views during the race scenes takes you out of it, but then gets back on track. I don't understand the reviews saying it had nothing to do with the trailer, or ones that said the trailer gave away too much. The trailer was just the right amount of a tease, and was accurate to what the movie was about: Racing from the perspective of a gamer.
Scream VI (2023)
Great, but predictable. One change would've made it amazing
Let me first say I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It was gory, it was full of jump scares, and you really care about the core cast. That being said, I predicted it was Quinn and her Dad and that they were Richie's family the second she said her brother died (which was close to the beginning). When it was revealed I was right but with an added 3rd killer and family member, I was actually pretty frustrated I was right. But I still enjoyed the movie. BUT what would've made this movie amazing instead of great, would've been bringing Stu back as the killer. There's just been so many references he's alive. I was really really hoping he would be the killer. Hoping they bring him back in Scream 7 for the ultimate finale.
The Noel Diary (2022)
Just so cringey
I love Justin Hartley and think he is an incredible actor after watching This Is Us, and was so excited to see him in a Christmas movie. But this movie was just terrible. Complete waste of Justin Hartley's talent, full of plot holes, and just truly head scratching moments. They can't get to where they're going because a storm is coming in, so they watch an outdoor movie?? Then the next morning you see there was barely a dusting of snow? It's winter and they sleep in the car instead of going somewhere? I would've stopped watching if I wasn't committed to finishing movies I start. I just hoped for and expected so much more out of this.
For All Mankind: Stranger in a Strange Land (2022)
Major Plot Twist Ending
I just finished the finale, and I'm completely speechless. That twist of an ending just blew my mind, I was shocked and gasped out loud. Still think the season 2 finale was one of the best episodes of tv I've ever seen and the best For All Mankind episode, but this was a close second for best For All Mankind episode. Shocked by the changes that will now be in place for season 4. I saw one spoiler so I knew one of the losses, but not the other. But wow, just in shock. Well done!
For All Mankind: The Sands of Ares (2022)
Return to form!
This episode was a much needed redemption after the past two episodes. This episode was a good return to form, and back to the original science meets character driven story telling. Helped tie up some loose ends with previous storylines, and added some character depth. This episode was not without heartbreak.
For All Mankind: Bring It Down (2022)
Disappointing Season.
For All Mankind has been my favorite show since it came out. Seasons 1 & 2 are flawless. But season 3, man, it just keeps going downhill. It's been flat, all over the place, and the storyline on Gordo and Tracy's kids is infuriating. The ending of season 2 with Gordo and Tracy was so beautifully done and gut wrenching, and now to have their kids becoming such giant disasters is just a disgrace to that story. I am so over Danny's story line, I want to punch him in the face after this episode. Then Jimmy, I don't even have words for his storyline either, it's such a disgrace to Gordo and Tracy. So help me if something happens to Ed. I'm glad the show was renewed for season 4, but please return it to its original magic, stop making it into something it's not.
Along for the Ride (2022)
Had such high hopes, but was very lackluster
Sarah Dessen is my favorite author, and Along for the Ride is one of my favorite books. I reread it in anticipation for this, and was so excited for it to come out. Unfortunately though I'm very disappointed as the movie fell flat. Really didn't feel any connections to the characters.
The movies was slow in places it didn't need to be (actually boring in some spots) and zipped through other important storylines. The struggle of Heidi raising Thisbe all on her own, and Auden stepping in to help on numerous occasions was completely non existent here, and it's a major plot point of the book. Thisbe was barely even crying in this movie. I get that it's a movie and things need to be condensed and changed, but I just feel like they did it so much that it kind of ruined the story. Auden and Heidi didn't really get along at first, Auden judged Heidi like her mom did, but in the movie they were close the whole time. Eli and Auden's relationship too was also pretty dry here, don't really get to connect with them and watch their feelings grow. I had such high hopes because it's my favorite book, Netflix, and was directed by the writer of the screenplay for To All the Boys I've Loved Before, but it didn't have that same spark as I hoped it would.