Change Your Image
kathrynturner-05790
Reviews
Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal (2024)
Ashley Madison was a robot the entire time!
There is no self righteousness involved with the fact that you have the right to know if your partner is cheating on you or not. If you want to have multiple partners, be honest with yourself first, and do not create a life with one person, whom you promised to be faithful to, until death do you part. It's pretty simple, just don't get married and live your life single instead. There is more honor in doing that versus getting married just to keep up appearances and then to be a secretive weirdo and just cheat constantly. I felt so bad for the two married women they interviewed. They were both so weak-minded. It was hard to watch. To the Sam and Nia couple: please, get a real therapist. A "pastor" is not a real therapist. It was very obvious that Sam would still be cheating on his wife had he not gotten caught. The most hilarious part of this documentary was the fact that almost all of the women on the official Ashley Madison website were bots, and the married men were throwing their money at robots. Good watch! And the last line of it was brilliant!
Maid (2021)
M is for marvelous!
I felt all the emotions in this one! Watching this, especially as a DV survivor was very gripping as well as healing. While very raw and real, it's still filled with a lot of hope. All I want for Alex and her daughter is to stay put in their new town and never return- like her mother/grandmother did previously. This is the only way to break that generational curse. The actress who played the grandmother did a standout performance as well, and each character develops in their own unique way, while also showcasing their imperfections and learned emotional control, or lack there of. The father/grandfather completely unable to see how he failed his own daughter and granddaughter because of his pride and patriarch-infused ego. He will never fully heal because he cannot admit his own wrong-doings, rather he blames alcohol for what his hands did. Ironically, the main character, Alex, is finally able to say outloud- "I'm so stupid." At least she admitted her mistake in going back to her abuser for the second time. Admitting her mistake, allowed her to fully heal and gain strength to move upwards in her life and leave her abuser for good. It was nice to see that human side of the writing as she acknowledged her role in her own behavior versus claiming a victim mentality forever. It's the only way to grow and I enjoyed seeing this series explore this topic and shed knowledge on how hard it is for people to escape their abusers.
Don't F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer (2019)
Good, until the end
Gripping and interesting! This documentary features a lot of twists and turns that will definitely leave you wanting to find out just what happened. The story spans so far across time as well as the globe as the group tries to figure out who the mysterious cat killer is. It's possible that Luca was planning to murder a person the whole time, and it's also possible that he got the idea from the group, who did essentially "egg him on" while unknowingly feeding his inner narrative that was inspired by the gruesome films he watched during his childhood. I didn't like the ending when the main person who searched for Luca posed a question about how we as viewers of the documentary are possibly complacent in Luca's crimes. I believe that was her own extreme guilt and shame talking. However, if she is going to go as far as to accuse documentary viewers to be complacent in a murder, she should really be accusing the writers, actors and producers of the movie, Basic Instinct. As well as all of the other violent movies and songs that inspired Luca's murdering crimes. If you're going to go out on a very far limb, you might as well drag all of Hollywood and social media into the complacent category... right? In other words, no, I don't agree with her that a genre or category of life can be an accessory to murder. Murder was done by the one and only, Luca and I hope she can move on and not blame herself or loose anymore sleep over HIS crimes.
Wildflower (2022)
Beautiful and honest
What I loved about this film is the honesty and fearless attitude it portrayed. As a parent of a disabled person, it can feel like "can't, can't, can't" all the time, but that is a lie, and this film shows two very capable people who were lucky to have support that inspired them to "can." This film encourages while also educating others who might not know about the world of disability. The film isn't all about being disabled, but rather about every person's life challenges, and how each character relates to each other, ultimately using their shortcomings to create whole relationships and build each other up even more.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Kept me interested but also confused
I am sure the point of this film was to be thought provoking about the whys and the hows of each character's motive, and it does a good job of that and keeping the viewer engaged till the end for some kind of resolution, which to no avail. However, I still really want to know exactly how this teen boy cursed an entire family in his plot for revenge! Part of me thinks his mother had something to do with it too. The night she met the doctor, she licked his hands. Makes me wonder if that was part of the curse's catalyst? Sadly, the viewer will never really know, but I expect that the wife's character thought he was a demon or dark deity of some sort, and so when she washed and kissed his feet, she was trying to align herself with "it" in hopes that it would stop going after her children. This would be her second attempt to try to sacrifice her husband instead since he is the one that caused the curse. She did state that before to the teen boy and he acted as if he had no control over the curse, but I am not sure of that. I can't blame the wife for trying, she was desperate! She also seemed to have to do a lot of things she didn't want to do to please her husband and he had zero appreciation for her. All in all, that's why she ended up setting the boy free in an act of rebellion towards her husband. I was glad she got the chance to do that and expand her character a bit more. All of that aside, the acting is very cold and monotone, which adds to the creep factor and mystery. I am sure this was done intentionally, along with the music timing since that seems to be this director's style amongst his films. I don't want to see this film again, but I am glad that I did!
The Favourite (2018)
Two abusers who deserve each other
I don't know what it is about this particular director's films, but he always leaves me wanting more of the story at the endings. I suppose that is the mark of a good film! Basically Queen Anne and Abigail are cut from the same cloth, yet displayed in different ways. They're both very manipulative and self-serving and frankly, they deserve each other. The final scene shows them in their statures, opposite each other, both fully knowing what the other has done and is also capable of in the future. I enjoyed the visual hierarchy of this scene, it was powerful to the viewer and finished off the tone for the movie with a nice big bow. It seemed obvious to the viewer that they both hated and feared each other, but were going to continue to use each other for the remainder of their existences in order to get what they wanted. The true hero of the movie was Lady Sarah, who loved her country and the Queen in truth. Her character was very strong. I see her as getting the better end of the deal, to essentially be set free and not have to endure the Queen's passive abuse and game playing any longer, despite the fact that she did actually love her. In time, she will heal and live a better life. The score in this movie is also essential to the viewer, again, leaving you wanting more through repetition and growth.
Poor Things (2023)
Give it time
At first, I wasn't sure if this movie was for me and I was slightly confused as to how it did so well amongst the general public. Around 45 minutes in is when it starts to really become interesting and you definitely want to know more about all of the characters. Each character and how they develop throughout the story is what makes this film truly unique. The male characters have always been bold and able do as they wish, so it was amazing to see the female characters do the same thing! I don't think this movie was about feminism, but more about humanism and being true to yourself. It was so refreshing to see Bella be able to be her true self and live a life without shame. The film definitely left me wanting more!
Betrayal: The Perfect Husband (2023)
It was ok...
Sadly, I was expecting it to be some earth shattering stuff that he did, but he just did what most men do anyways, especially when they're married. The fact that he sexually assaulted a student was the main issue and crime that he committed. Everything else, sounds like just a routine sex addicted male. Pretty boring! I'm sorry she was cheated on, but the main part of the story should have been the actual crime he committed against a minor. I wish we could have heard more from her and how she has moved forward and helped other victims who are minors. Jennifer, the wife, seems extremely naive and still thought that he would apologize or feel some kind of remorse for cheating on her, but that's not that way an addict's brain works. Bottom line, the student who was assaulted should of had more air time in this documentary.
Take Care of Maya (2023)
Very compelling power plays
First of all, the true victim is Maya and I hope she is feeling supported and thriving. It seemed that she was doing well in her teen years and after being off the high dosage of Ketamine. Perhaps it helped in the beginning of her illness, but eventually it caused her stomach pain and that was rectified by her coming off of it eventually.
I feel the mother had no support, she was already struggling with her mental health obviously from being the primary caretaker of her daughter and doing all of the research and care and trying to find doctors to listen and help. Everyone always forgets to care for the caretaker. Caretakers are at risk for attempting suicide much more than the average person. The hospital staff didn't like the mother because she was outspoken and that's true, most doctors don't like when you advocate. The father wasn't as involved in Maya's care and couldn't even answer basic questions about doctors they saw or didn't see once his wife had passed. He certainly didn't provide emotional support for his wife. He caved the second the hospital tried to pin them against each other. It's not surprising that the mother took her own life. She felt it was the only way to get her daughter back home. She sacrificed herself for her daughter. I do feel the mother had mental health issues, I think the fact that she obsessively wrote everything down that had to do with her daughter's illness was inductive of high levels of anxiety, but I don't think she had Munchussin by proxy.
The hospital does need to take ownership of what happened and the abuse they did to this family based on falsehoods. The father needs to take ownership of providing no support for his wife. When mothers are not supported in any capacity, children do not thrive.
Boys on the Side (1995)
Breaks molds and ahead of its time
The chemistry between all of the actors is what makes
this movie great. They all have a bond that can be felt by the viewer. The movie topic is sensitive, yet breaks barriers and stigmas. One of the best scenes is between Jane and Abe, when Jane finally accepts him and realizes he isn't the stereotypical guy she has seen before and been let down by time and time again in terms of how those actions affect her friends. This film fights stereotypes in a raw and honest way that is just barely done in film anymore. Mary Louise Parker's character is so complex and I enjoyed how she had revelations about who she was and who she loved, essentially breaking her own mold at the end and finally being free to be her true self. This is a must see for everyone, it definitely makes you value all human beings and all different kinds of relationships more.
A Friend of the Family (2022)
Disturbing and hard to believe
The acting is phenomenal, especially when these actors are having to channel some very disturbing people who actually existed. Yes, the villain is "B", but the parents of Jan are also grossly responsible for mishandling every single situation. It goes well beyond even mishandling things on the parent's part. They like to blame it on the simple thought, "oh the 70s were a different time.", but I have a hard time believing that. It all boils down to people trusting "church going folks" way too much. I feel awful for Jan and what she must have gone through believing all of those lies for years. The anxiety it must have caused her would be so painful for life. I hope she has done a lot of therapy and healing. She didn't deserve to have such neglectful and selfish parents, who ultimately didn't follow their gut instincts or protect her well. The show highlights all of B's awful transgressions and her parent's mistakes tooIt does allow the viewer to see and accept that the parents became well aware of what they did wrong. I am glad to see the family ended up being saved.
Rain Man (1988)
A good movie, but nothing like living with an Autistic person
You can see clearly why this film is great and also how it won many awards. However, it's not accurate at all of what it is like living with an Autistic person. This is the fun Hollywood version of Autism that is super watered down and only shows the good parts about Autism, it's not accurate at all. I hope that viewers don't get the wrong impression of what profound Autism is since there are many many facets to it. If you've met one Autistic person, then you have met one Autistic person. I would still recommend this movie to viewers who are willing to be open minded and see some amazing acting along the way.
The Little Mermaid (2023)
Perfect singing and performances all around
We saw this movie in 3D and it was an experience! The cinematography was stunning in every scene from the bright colors, to the architecture and the score. Every actor sang very well and gave a great performance that kept true to the original characters of the animated film, but with a little something more too. The ending was so well done and creative to see a slight spin on the original story. Every detail of this film was thought about and the costumes were enjoyable to see. I did miss the Sebastian and chef scene, but aside from that, I believe that had more creative lee-way to add to the market and boat scene between Ariel and Prince Eric which was a fun extra to see.
The Starling (2021)
A very relatable film
This story of grief and all the ups and downs that go with it happens to be very relatable for most humans. The metaphors and the music help tie this film together in a cohesive way that sits well with the viewer. It's not too sad and the characters both have growth throughout the film that gives a hopeful ending. As the viewer, you know they will stumble again and again as life goes on, but that's the relatable part. They will be there to pick each other back up. This film shows that it takes a village of people and even animals that you can trust (even trusting that they will hurt you too). I recommend watching this with an open mind. It brings a sense of light heartened-ness to a very difficult topic.
Drugstore Cowboy (1989)
Always leaves me wanting more
I've seen this film a few times, I like to re-watch it! It always leaves me wanting more and rooting for the main character, Bob. It pains me when him and Diane can no longer be together because they're on different paths, but at the end when Bob says that he will, "tell her himself," well that's telling that Bob will fall off the sober wagon and resume his drug life because that's where he has the most control in life unfortunately. At least that is the way he sees it. The viewer can see he has more potential and therefore is always rooting for him. It's a great film with very well throughout backgrounds and music to accommodate the heavy scenes. Everything lines up well and the actors are very believable and genuine.
Atypical (2017)
Very good and relatable as a parent of an Autistic person
This is very good and the actors do a a great job at providing lots of layers to their characters. Even though my daughter is Nonverbal Autistic, I still have the same fears as the mom in this show, so I relate to her the most. All parents of Autistic children can relate to each other no matter where their children fall on the Autism spectrum. It's an understanding that only we know. The writers do well at depicting the family dynamics and how living and caring for an Autistic person affects them all differently. The mom feels like she has lost her identity in her worries and her role in being the protector of her Autistic son while the Dad feels displaced and longs for a meaningful relationship with his son while going to great lengths to achieve that and preserve his marriage. The sister wants to do her best in school and sports in order to leave one day, likely because she feels unseen in the family since she is neurotypical and she doesn't require as much help as her brother. All in all, it's a sweet show with a strong family dynamic and it's very relatable.
Music (2021)
Incredible story
This was an amazing film to watch and the different storylines all came together in a beautiful and meaningful way. As a mom of a non-speaking Autistic girl, I thought the actress did a very good job representing this part of the community, to be seen and heard in the media is a big deal. Yes, it's a more severe form of Autism being portrayed and that can make some people uncomfortable, so make sure you can open your mind before watching. The dancing and musical scenes were interesting. I suppose it's to help the viewer peek into the mind of the character, Music and I thought that was uniquely done. I often wonder what my daughter is thinking about when she stares into space laughing. I think a lot of special needs parents need to see this film and appreciate it for what it is. Everyone's form of Autism is vastly different.
Vengeance (2022)
Excellent and felt authentic
This movie has great writing with lines that really make you think and stay with you. It felt authentic to the times we're living in as well. The story line was also something new which felt good to watch, it really pulled you in and made you feel a part of the Texas family, small-town feel where things are not what they seem. A lot of small towns have that "don't ask, don't tell"mentality and this one definitely did, which felt real and true to watch. The best actor in the bunch was the older brother, full of heart. I enjoyed the twists and turns, it felt unexpected for sure. I wish we could have seen more about the repercussions of the main character abandoning the podcast at the end, that would have been good to see.
White Noise (2022)
Too many plot elements in one movie, but great cast and acting
I will say the positives of this movie are a great cast with top acting skills and even the dialogue is intriguing and flows well. The set design, costumes and colors (especially the grocery store) are all very well done too. However, there are way too many themes built into one film that makes it difficult for the viewer to connect to the story as well as the characters. It almost feels like you're watching a couple movies built into one. It definitely left me wanting more, which can be a good thing sometimes. I understand that all of the different themes are supposed to connect back to the central thought or plot of all the characters "fearing death" in their own way and with their own individual sets of coping skills, but it left many elements unfinished along the way to make this point. I still enjoyed the movie for the acting, sets, design and cinematography.
Pam & Tommy (2022)
Very well done, on point acting
This was a blast to watch! It was wild and fast paced and really showed how the 90s were, especially in the early days of the internet. I think a lot of people miss the 90s, especially now days! I also felt so bad for Pam. I think a lot of women can relate to her and her story. I never knew much about her since I was so young when all of this happened, but it still gave me a good sense of nostalgia, which is the best to have while watching a show. You can connect with it a lot more. The actors did an amazing job telling this story with grit and heart. The soundtrack for the show is perfection too. I loved all the 90s songs that truly fit the mood for what was happening in the show. Great timing! I hope to see these actors in other productions too!
Blonde (2022)
Poor Marilyn
It's growing tired to have movies made where the men act like disgusting humans, obsessed with sex, and the women are portrayed as used objects. Can we really not do any better? It's so over played. All of that aside, the actress who played Marilyn did an amazing job, however, most of the pieces to this particular story were entirely fictional. It had a few modern day pandering moments as well, because Hollywood will just not quit with the agenda. All in all, I appreciated the cinematography and I love the real Marilyn Monroe who was a very smart and successful woman, despite the lies told in this film about her.
Candy (2022)
Very good but off factually
I live in Wylie, I see the house all the time. It does have a sadness to it. The acting was amazing and the story is very sad. The creators of this show inaccurately described Betty, and for that, I do not understand. They painted Betty to be an unlikeable character in her community, when that was a lie. Everyone in Wylie loved Betty! Her church friends, community and students. She was never fired from Dodd Elementary. It doesn't makes any sense why they showed her to be a nuisance to her community. Everyone in town didn't like her husband, he was known to of had a lot of affairs. Candy murdered her because she wanted her husband, pure and simple. Great acting and suspense though. I just wish they would have accurately portrayed Betty and shown her side of it.
With Honors (1994)
Moving with great acting
This movie tugs at your heart strings and is beautifully written with a lot of lines that really make you think about the world and how it's shaped by society and our pre-conceived judgements. The actors are all phenomenal and it's a well casted movie. 90s movies really are some of the best with deep and thoughtful topics. Everything about this movie is very elegant while simultaneously covering more controversial topics like homelessness. The title of this movie does it justice. I loved that each character had major developments and positive changes throughout the film. They all better people in the end through less ego and more togetherness.
The Other Sister (1999)
Good movie but unrealistic
As a parent of a disabled child in a similar arena as Carla (the main character. I could never send my child away to live in a home. To me, that part was very unrealistic. However, these people have money and perhaps didn't want to be bothered with the extra parental strength it takes to have a mentally disabled child. That part aside, it's a beautiful love story and any parent could only hope that their child finds love like that.
Shopgirl (2005)
Lovely film with substance
I really liked the ending of this movie and how all three characters grew so much throughout the film. In life, we usually do keep people at arm's length and we do miss out on things because of trying to protect ourselves, so that theme from the novel carried over well into the movie. It's very relatable.