Rod_Duke Reviews

Happiness for Beginners (2023)

Vicky Wight is on the Right Trajectory - Someone to Watch

[8/10 · 29 July 2023]

The movie helps all of us see that we should embrace diversity.

Vicky weaves in numerous life lessons as she shows her obvious love for the outdoors and what Mother Nature has to offer.

If you are a hiker.

If you are a camper.

If you are an RVer.

If you just love the outdoors.

If you love boy meets girl.

You will love this movie.

Vicki gets 8 stars for Happiness for Beginners.

The plot and the story line 9.5 Stars.

Casting 10 stars.

Location, scenery and camera work 10 stars.

The bother could be toned down some and be a cooler person. Hard to see him and Jake as best friends.

The hikers introducing themselves- was a nice try at getting you to identify and like them, but .... Well you will see. Hang in there. The dialogue gets better quickly and then you are hooked to the end.

I am already looking forward to Vicki's next movie. She has a gem here that will stand the test of time. No technology gaps to cover 20 years from now. So this movie will still be relevant decades from now.

Enjoy!

Rod Duke.

A Love Song (2022)

Surprisingly Captivating

[8/10 · 6 January 2023]

This flick caught my eye. The limited dialogue somewhat makes you want to keep watching to see where it is going. The director does an excellent job with the scenery in Colorado.

If you happen to be an RVer or a camper, this will get your attention as well. There are millions of campers out there in travel trailers, fifth wheels, motorhomes, you name it. The price ranges could be from a few hundred dollars to a million or more.

Dale Dickey plays the part excellently. You immediately feel for her. Limited money, drinking warm beer, fishing for food and seemingly down on her luck, but up on her hope for something special that just might happen. A "flame" from the past.

The actors are good, and the set ups are perfectly aligned to the story line.

The brothers and little sister are an interesting attempt - I think - at a little comedy. It did make me smile, and her directed them with the motor as the transferred it was a nice touch. A side story line or two was needed, and this certainly did the trick.

In the end, what happens with love. Sometimes it works out, and sometimes it does not.

I gave this film 8 starts, because 1. I liked it. 2. Good directing and good acting and 3. Good filmography and scenery. This director will get bigger budget films soon, I am sure.

Will I watch it again. I just might, to see what I might have done differently in the filming and timing of certain scenes.

I give it a thumbs up for sure. Enjoy! Rod.

Inheritance (I) (2020)

Lilly Collins is in the Rise !

[7/10 · 9 October 2022]

I gave it 7 stars, suspenseful, good acting, Lilly Collins (Emily in Paris) is on the rise.

The Will is somewhat surprising - which is expected. More than money and the company is left behind. A thumb drive with a double hidden secrets.

Watch at night in a dark room!

Music is timely and good.

Cinematography could be better.

Filmed mostly in Birmingham Alabama and Mobile Alabama, which is very interesting. Wish I knew how that came about since I live in Alabama.

The story line can be believable - especially in October.

Money is always involved.

Dark secrets at multiple levels. Enjoy with a friend.

Mayberry Man (2021)

Watch This Movie With Your Kids and Family ! Life Lessons Are Always Good!

[9/10 · 10 October 2021]

If you are a fan of the movies, do this. Get your popcorn, get your soda, get your junior mints, turn the lights down, and yes, turn up the surround sound or music bar on your system.

This is a solid story line, with good directing and good acting. And they must have done all this in during the pandemic of course.

The Tribute artist are awesome. Especially Floyd and Barney. Man, they each have the voice and the mannerisms of the charters they mimic.

Chris - Needed what the judge sentenced him to. More judges should do something similar to this in the future. I can think of another actor or two in Hollywood who just might benefit from a week at Mayberry Days.

Good job to the director, actors and crews. If you every paid attention to Floyd the Barber - Two Chairs No Waiting - you know that Allan Newsome has him down to a T. Very funny expressions. Zoom in!!

Now this is a movie fans can enjoy forever. It is timeless, and the message is timeless.

Moving it up near Waking Ned Devine as one of my favorite movies. Oh, you haven't seen Waking Ned Devine? Well you are in for another treat. Especially if you ever dreamed of winning the lottery.

Cheers all,

now, where is that popcorn. Let's watch this moving again.