danekera-97717 Reviews

Unfrosted (2024)

Brilliant. Funny.

[9/10 · 11 May 2024]

I know that Jerry Seinfeld got a lot of bad press for his stupid 'woke' comments prior to the release of this film and I'm guessing people are giving it low ratings (without actually watching the movie) just because they can.

But this movie is funny. Really funny. Lots of 60s and 70s pop culture jokes...especially for those of us who grew up in the era of real 'cereal wars.' (Stan calling Ad Man #1 "Florsheim" was brilliant!) This movie isn't trying to be serious or even satire. It's just a funny look at a part of American history when the food conveniences we have now were just starting to become popular.

The zingers and one-liners go so fast...you really have to pay attention or you'll miss something. I don't know how many times I thought...oh yeah...I remember that from when I was a kid.

Melissa McCarthy is amazing. The Dumpster kids were funny. Even Amy Schumer was perfect for the role of Marjorie Post.

The rioting of the cereal (and other foods) mascots becoming a parody of January 6 was over the top and so funny I had to stop the movie and laugh.

Give this movie a chance and let it entertain you. It's funny...take it for its comedic value and nothing more. It's not a documentary people!

Argylle (2024)

What a Dumb Movie

[4/10 · 7 May 2024]

Not sure what I can add that hasn't already been said. This movie was just bad. And not in a 'so bad it's good' way.

It's boring.

CGI is horrible. It was like watching a movie from the 90s...technology has moved way beyond what was used in this movie.

Catherine O'Hara using her Moira Rose voice. Why?

There's fighting. Then more fighting. Then even more fighting. There is shooting. Then more shooting. Then even more shooting.

Gave it more than 1 star for the twist...that was pretty cool.

I think it tried to be 'real but not real' like 'Barbie' but failed spectacularly. Or tried to be satire of James Bond, Slow Horses, Bourne movies, etc. But fails spectacularly at that as well.

I watched it because a friend liked it and recommended it...I think because of Alfie (the cat...not the former CIA director...) but I struggled to get through the silliness and uneven plot lines. I don't believe I'll ever watch it again.

You can't ice skate on crude oil. The dancing-while-shooting in the colored smoke was funny for about 10 seconds then it went flat.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Four Movements (2019) Season 6, Episode 4

Bye, Gina

[3/10 · 2 April 2024]

The character of Gina was fun the first season. She was quirky but added to the oddball characters that made up the 99. Even in the second season she had some good laughs. Her interactions with Boyle were so funny. But starting in the third season she just got outlandish and boring. Narcissistic and full of herself and added nothing to the storylines. My favorite episodes were the ones where she was gone (thank you bus!).

This episode...her farewell...was especially painful. The character was just way over-the-top and unbelievable, as well as annoying and grated on my nerves. I turned it off after 10 minutes. And I haven't missed her a bit in the following episodes.

The Orville (2017–2022)

S1 & S2...Awesome. S3...What?

[6/10 · 7 January 2024]

The first two seasons of The Orville had a lot going for it...good writing, inventive plots, fun and interesting characters. It was a show that didn't take itself seriously while delivering excellent shows.

There was just enough action to keep interest piqued and plenty of humor mixed in. The interaction with aliens was a constant and moved each episode forward.

While some of the storylines were boring...anything with Bortis and the Doctor...an intelligent and educated woman...becoming a giggly girl over a robot...yuck. But there was enough other plot points to keep me watching.

But Season 3...what? Now the show takes itself seriously. It's dark. Creepy. And drags on and on and on before something actually happens. The episodes are 20 minutes longer but the extra times adds nothing.

And S3E3...a Q-like character? And not even a fun and interesting take on a classic ST character. It's bad enough the Krill are just Cardassians...if you're going to copy characters at least own it.

Which brings me to Charly. Ugh. What a boring one-dimensional character.

Not sure I can make it through S3.

Slow Horses: Footprints (2023) Season 3, Episode 6

Worn Out Trope

[5/10 · 30 December 2023]

After 2 phenomenal seasons of interesting twists, turns, and characters, this show is now relying on the worn out trope of 'we're a band of misfits who now have to save ourselves from our own higher ups.' It's old and really disappointing that the writers of Season 3 went this way. No real character development and nothing to keep a viewer glued to the TV.

While many died gruesome deaths in Seasons 1-2, 3 just heaps it on...more shooting, more deaths. That's not the clever British show I love...it's lazy American-style writing that relies on lots of shooting to make the plot.

I'm hoping that the next season is better.

The Morning Show: The Kármán Line (2023) Season 3, Episode 1

Same Old Stuff

[6/10 · 30 September 2023]

Here we go...Alex is reminding Cory that she is responsible for the success of UBA and UBA+. Bradley is arguing with Stella about how they were supposed to change UBA and she should be able to tell the abortion story and THEN Bradley is defensive and angry at Laura because she didn't behave exactly like she wanted her too while they were in Montana. In other words...zero character development or new angles to drive the plot forward.

And I'm only 30 minutes into the episode.

Not sure I can sit through more episodes of the same old thing...toxic workplace, everybody angry and fighting all the time.

The Morning Show: La Amara Vita (2021) Season 2, Episode 7

Oh Look. They're Arguing Again.

[6/10 · 30 September 2023]

He argues with her. She argues with her. He argues with him. Young argues with old. Brother argues with sister.

LOL. At this point in Season 2 it's just commonplace that every single scene is someone arguing with somebody else. It's just never ending. Is 'argument' the only type of dialogue that the writers know?

TMS is the most toxic place to work filled with the most toxic and unhappy people. Nobody is happy. Nobody has a happy moment.

And Mitch just needs to go away. The whole Italy side story is just boring and bizarre. Adds zero to the series.

Which is depressing after the delight that was Season 1. Season 2 has just become nothing but people arguing in circles with absolutely no point whatsoever.

West Side Story (2021)

Just Didn't Work

[6/10 · 4 September 2023]

First...it's important to say that I watched this before I watched the original 1961 movie so I didn't like it on its own. But after watching the original immediately after I realized what the issues were. What just didn't work.

1. The original was a campy 1961 musical...took itself just seriously enough to be an impactful movie. This update tried to do the same but with 2017 production and cultural values. Felt to me like a 'fish out of water' movie. Should've just made it a current movie facing the racism, bigotry, and homophobia that many face today.

2. Never bought the love between Tony and Maria. No connection between the two characters. No chemistry between Elgort and Zegler. The dance scene behind the bleachers didn't make sense until I saw the original with the other dancers and it made sense.

3. Tony and Maria had no on-screen presence. Both had almost no facial expressions, even when singing or trying to express love to each other. Elgort just walked around and sang...1961 Tony sang with his eyes and his body...he was interesting to watch. Zegler's Maria might have been trying to convey innocent but she just seemed wooden and expressionless instead.

The only things that saved this movie for me was the entire 'America' dance scene and Ariana DeBose as Anita. She deserved all the awards that she won.

And Rita Moreno as Doc was amazing as well.

Barbie (I) (2023)

Brilliant Filmmaking

[10/10 · 11 August 2023]

Finally went to see what this billion-dollar-grossing film was all about and...wow...what an awesome movie. I can see why misogynistic men have spoken very loudly against it.

Was it cute? Yeah. Was it funny? Yeah. Was it full of pink and fun songs? Yeah. Was it full of a deep understanding of what women have gone through and...still go through as they try to deal with all of societies pressures...some by other women but most by the patriarchy that still want to see women living the lives they saw on TV growing up? Yeah.

I knew the movie nailed it when Barbie and Ken first arrived in the Real World at the beach and he's thrilled to be there and doesn't see the underlying violence. But Barbie does...and she said she could see violence everywhere. Pretty much the same as in real life for women in bars, in dark parking lots, on the streets in broad day light.

Lots of in jokes of the history of Barbie (I had a weird Barbie!), lots of adult themes that go over the heads of kids. (One day those little girls will grow up and understand the line "you can't even beach yourself!" And it will be funny.) Probably the most thought out and in-depth analysis of the perils of women trying to have it all...even more than last year's Oscar winner 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' but I'm sure this film won't get that recognition because it's a 'kids' movie based on a toy. But 'Barbie' does a much better job.

Go see it. You won't regret it.

The Diplomat (II) (2023– )

An Amazing Must Watch

[10/10 · 4 August 2023]

I stumbled across 'The Diplomat' late one night and watched all episodes one after the other. I couldn't stop watching!

Whip-smart writing, superb acting, and a storyline that goes from crazy to funny back to crazy then WTF?

I've read the reviews where the only complaint is that Keri Russell's character eats poorly, doesn't wear the most fashionable clothes and maybe needs a makeover. Those are...of course...who just want to see women perfectly coiffed and standing around in high heels being perfect women (that don't really exist in real life). Kate Wyler isn't the most poised and she makes no apologies for that and it makes me love her all the more and I'm glad her staff finally stopped making her be who she wasn't.

What Kate Wyler is..? Experienced, intelligent, and passionate about her work. It's clear when people listen when she talks that her reputation precedes her.

Her main problem (after those who wish she'd be more girly girly) is her ambitious and equally experienced and intelligent husband, former Ambassador Hal. While he says he's happy to be a back-up singer, one never really knows if he's telling the truth or not. Their relationship is awful and funny at the same time.

The supporting cast is rounded out by equally compelling characters played by amazing actors. Watching Rory Kinnear play the deranged PM Trowbridge is a real treat.

If there was one thing that kind of dragged was the relationship between Heyford and Eidra. I don't think it added anything to the storyline.

I am in eager anticipation of Season 2!

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017–2023)

Glad It's Finally Over

[6/10 · 4 June 2023]

Remember when this show first aired and everyone was talking about it..? How fresh and new and funny it was? Like watching 'Gilmore Girls' but Jewish and in a different time period. But by a season 3 it was coming up completely lacking in what made it so great in the first place.

I loved this show...it sucked me in and kept me glued to the TV to binge watch the first season and then anticipating the next seasons. I wasn't disappointed until...she was left standing on the tarmac while Shy Baldwin's plane left without her. After that the show just seemed to lose its spark and wander from plot line to plot line.

Things that irritated me: -She's the worst mother ever. She just pawns her kids off onto the first person she runs into. She's never there for them. Not surprised in the last season to find that she is estranged from them in the future.

-her parents started smart and capable then...both had separate mid-life crises that took up way too many episodes, her father became a bumbling idiot who had a meltdown because he misspelled the name of an actress and her mother (who...remember...lived in her own in Paris) couldn't figure out how to light the stove. So disappointing that such a level of ignorance was a major plot point in the final episodes.

-The final season treated Midge like she was still working at the Gaslight. People who should have known who she was had never heard of her...she'd toured with the USO! She'd toured with Shy Baldwin! She'd done her act at major venues but...suddenly no one knows who she is?

-can we all agree that Midge is a serious narcissist who can't see anything but her own happiness, no matter what it cost those around her? She treated Susie like dirt almost the whole series. Yeah...she helped people when it suited her, but for the most part it was only me, me, me.

By the time she series ended it was hard to cheer for her or feel sorry for her when her mouth got her yet into another bad predicament.

Best character development award goes to Joel. He was a real stinker at first who really turned his life around after realizing what a huge mistake he'd made. Sad to see Mei leave him but I think it was an important plot point...she had plans for her life before she met him and she wasn't going to change them for anyone.

Best part? The fashion! The dresses. The suits. The costumes of the showgirls. Yeah...that made the show worth watching.

Ted Lasso: 4-5-1 (2023) Season 3, Episode 3

Boring

[5/10 · 4 June 2023]

This season is less appealing than the previous two...there doesn't seem to be the same snap that Seasons 1 and 2 had. It's almost like watching two different shows. There doesn't seem to be any camaraderie. There doesn't seem to be the same level of respect that seasons 1 and 2 worked up to. Too little character development of characters we actually care about. Episodes used to end on a high note...with lessons learned and relationships made stronger.

The Zara storyline is just silly. His character isn't believable.

And way too many silly side stories...Shandy. The psychic. Jane.

Hope the last episodes are better.

Schmigadoon! (2021–2023)

Please Let There Be A Season 3!

[10/10 · 7 May 2023]

I stumbled across this show one night flipping through streaming services. I have always been a fan of Cecily Strong and still miss her in SNL so...why not watch this strange show called 'Schmigadoon!' I loved it from the very beginning! I have always been a big fan of musicals...the more showy and over-the-top the better and this show starts out strong and stays that way through both seasons. Some people might say it's satire but I think instead it pays homage to the shows of decades past. For the most part I always knew what musical they were stealing from during both seasons (and so glad they got in 'Phantom of the Opera' at the end with the chandelier finally landing on someone!).

The jokes are smart, the musical numbers are spot on and I love how Cecily Strong admits that as a size 12 she can't compete with the skinny girls but...there she is...singing and dancing and showing them all how it's done.

Loved Patrick Martin in 'Spirited' and I hope he's found a home on Apple TV.

My favorite part was watching the actors change characters between season 1 and season 2 with Dove Cameron and Alan Cumming as my favorites.

I can only hope that there is a season 3...

Midsommar (2019)

Long, Slow, Boring

[5/10 · 15 April 2023]

I'd heard so many good things about this movie and I was excited to finally get to watch it. I noticed that it was 2:30 long...and after watching it I think it could have easily been 45 minutes shorter and still told a good story.

I'm not even sure what happened in the beginning...the scenes were so dark it was hard to see what was happening. I guess that's a popular film technique now...keep it dark to show how 'dark' someone's life is. It's now an overused trope and I almost quit watching.

Then the story moved to Sweden and I though things would pick up but...no...the rest of the movie just moved at an excruciatingly slow pace.

Scenes were just drawn out too long...did the director think his audience is too stupid to figure things out? I fast-forwarded through quite a bit of it but don't feel like I missed anything important.

And were honestly supposed to believe this 'festival' only happens every 90 years? And yet...everyone knew exactly what they're supposed to do all the time? How to act at the dinner table and how all the rituals worked? Even the little kids? Do they practice for 89 years? And with a 90-year span...that means most will experience it only once, a few will never even experience it all. And yet it's deeply ingrained into their culture? That's preposterous.

There was one brilliant part of this whole movie: when Pelle was talking to Dani in the apartment before they went to Sweden (right before she went into the bathroom) and he was telling her about the May Queen...I could tell the exact moment when he realized that Dani would be the next May Queen. I could see it in his eyes.

Fantasy Island (2021–2023)

Okay But Stop With the Soap Opera Storylines

[7/10 · 15 April 2023]

Like most people leaving reviews I loved the original show. Even watched the earlier reboot. Nice to see a woman at the helm and they carried on the Roark family with Elena. The fantasies are fun to watch although most are predictable but...we all know each episode will end with shiny happy faces who learned a lesson and can now move on with their lives.

My issues come with the soap opera storylines. Elena and Javier? Really? Can't one show have a strong female character who doesn't turn into a giddy schoolgirl in love with the hot guy? Elena was strong and in charge of the island. I hate seeing her first whimpering about secretly falling in love and now whimpering because she had to break off the relationship.

And the whole Isla the mermaid love story with her sidekick? Ugh...that's even worse. It's bad enough she's so syrupy sweet but now she's in love but doesn't even know with who?

Honestly...I just now fast-forward through all the soap opera storylines and just watch those related to guests' fantasies.

Bones: The Family in the Feud (2012) Season 7, Episode 11

Whiny Whiny Brennan

[5/10 · 28 March 2023]

I watched the series 'Bones' while it originally aired and now, re-watching it, especially after Brennan had Christine, made me realize how whiny Brennan got about her baby and basically everything else after the baby was born. She's brilliant but...also annoying and downright stubborn, unappealing and ugly.

The whole 'my dad abandoned me!' is boring. Getting angry at Max because he didn't immediately answer his phone just shows how ignorant of life she really is. Sending out the police to search for him was a huge overreaction. Her character really changed...for the worst...after she had her baby.

Oh, and the fake southern West Virginia accents and the accompanying hillbilly music was stupid.

The Menu (2022)

If You're Going To Do Satire Then Do Satire

[7/10 · 26 February 2023]

From the trailer I thought this movie would be decent satire like 'Waiting For Godot' or 'A Mighty Wind.' Satire that most people understand but...this fell flat. It was entertaining but just ran out of steam about halfway through. The cult of kitchen employees was silly...especially the sous chef who stabbed Chef. And then at the end...one person is let free after ordering a cheeseburger? And the rest just sit there and let themselves be burned? What? None of it makes sense whatsoever. It wasn't clever or thoughtful. I watched it...won't watch it again. Maybe I just need to eat at more fine dining restaurants.

Slow Horses (2022– )

Surrounded by Misfits, Losers and Boozers

[10/10 · 18 February 2023]

Updated review during Season 3: I won't change my rating but wanted to update to say how frustrated I am with Season 3. The trope of 'we are a band of misfits who must save ourselves from our own people' is boring, overused, and terribly uninteresting. The first two seasons were slick and full of twists, turns, and interesting characters. This season is just shooting and yelling. Boring.

When I heard the first line of the opening song...the title of my review...I knew that I was in for a wild and exhilarating ride. And I was not disappointed. This show takes all the squeaky-clean of MI-5 (Spooks in the UK) and James Bond and turns it upside down.

The group of 'slow horses', led by overweight, grubby, hygenically-challenged Jackson Lamb, are the cast-offs of the elite MI-5. Put aside to rot in an old building for some screw up or another, they hurl insults at each other but...somehow manage to outwit and outsmart the agents still in good favor at MI-5.

Whip smart writing and amazing acting in the part of all the characters really out together a show that entertains and captivates. Lots of twists and turns (although...honestly...some of them are predictable) and even some double-cross.

Kristen Scott Thomas and Gary Oldman are utterly amazing in their roles. What a great choice in casting.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse (2022)

Beautiful

[10/10 · 30 January 2023]

I've enjoyed the book for so long that I was excited when I finally got to watch this short film.

So uplifting, joyous, amazing. What a wonderful story of love, friendship, and kindness.

The artistry and music add just the right nuances to this short film. There was just enough tension to keep the story interesting, and just enough sweetness to not be overly sweet. It was a perfect blend of everything.

Can't lie...kept worrying about a lost boy in the cold and falling in the water but...I can suspend belief to enjoy this.

Ignore all the naysayers and take 34 minutes to sit and joy the beauty that is 'The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse.'

Spirited (2022)

Ignore the Naysayers

[10/10 · 23 December 2022]

Seriously...people have given this movie low ratings because they just don't like musicals (then don't watch it). Or it's too long (it's not). Or they failed to research the movie and thought it would be family appropriate (it's really not).

I have it a perfect rating because this movie is funny, witty, and a nice fresh take on a worn-out story. The whole concept of a 'behind-the-scenes' look at 'A Christmas Carol' is brilliant.

Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds are hysterical as they play off of each other...Reynolds plays up the 'I am awful, I know it, and I am not doing what you say' to Ferrell's 'you will be redeemed if it's the last thing I do' attitude perfectly.

And yes, there is singing. And dancing...oh so much dancing. Because it's a MUSICAL. The songs are funny and the dancers are awesome.

And don't forget the gem that is Octavia Spencer. I was so happy to see her in this film.

Give this movie a chance. You won't regret it.

Dead to Me (2019–2022)

Couldn't Stop Watching But Should Have

[6/10 · 18 December 2022]

I watched the whole series...mostly for Christina Applegate. But the more it played out...Season 3...the more of a struggle it was to watch.

The plot has more twists and turns than any other 3 shows I've watched combined. Almost hard to follow and try to keep up with all the lies and close calls.

And the crying. So much crying. One (or both) of them was crying at least 4 times an episode, more in the last few episodes. They just cry at the drop of a hat.

Thing is, I just didn't buy the two women falling all over each other under the guise of 'best friends.' Did neither of them not have any friends before they met each other? Was it really so easy to just forget everything and everyone else in their lives? Suddenly it's just Judy and Jen and no one else really mattered...not Jen's kids or job or Ben or the police detectives or other relatives. Their worlds just revolves around each other. I find that...unbelievable.

Spring Baking Championship (2015– )

Horrible 2022 Season

[2/10 · 8 November 2022]

I've made some of Molly Yeh's recipes so I was excited about seeing her host the 2022 Spring Baking Championship. Sadly that excitement was short-lived...she was horrible. Actually, overall the whole season was horrible.

The challenges were basic...like they were picked for beginners instead of established professional bakers. Sprinkles? Cookie salad? I could see the fire burning out of the bakers with each passing episode. I'm sure they've watched previous baking championship episodes and thought they were going to be making exquisite items befitting their level of expertise, only to be met with...sprinkles.

And bringing in two more bakers after the first episode? (And after eliminating two bakers?) And bringing an eliminated baker back? Who came up with these ideas?

It was heartbreaking to see Romy quit but I don't blame him. His talents had been wasted since Episode 1. A highly trained French pastry chef in the finale and asked to bake with...sprinkles.

And the winner? Who served an underbaked cheesecake at one point? And who made a basic chocolate birthday cake in the final round? First time I've ever questioned the judges' abilities after years of Halloween, Holiday, and Spring Baking Championships.

I'm eagerly awaiting 2023 Spring Baking Championship...unless it's hosted by Molly Yeh. I'll turn it off.

Mare of Easttown (2021)

Ignore The Low Ratings

[10/10 · 23 October 2022]

If you read the low-rated reviews you will see that those people don't like this show for all the reasons that Kate Winslet worked so hard to make this show work: a plot that isn't driven by incessant gun violence; no women investigating crime scenes while wearing heels, tight clothes and perfectly-groomed hair; same-sex relationships; swearing; smoking.

This show is perfect. Mare is probably the most unheroic heroine I've ever seen...both loathed and loved by the community at the same time. At times I hated her but then at other times I was so in awe at her flaws and capabilities. The rest of the characters were an excellent depiction of a small, blue-collar Pennsylvania town, including the accents, clothing, and choice of food. She never gave up on solving the cases that were made more difficult by a community that blamed her for things outside of her control and a family that was on the verge of falling apart.

So...if you're looking for glitz and glamour and lots of American-style gun violence then look elsewhere. If you're looking for a show depicting real people dealing with real problems then sit back and watch this show.