nitaroyal Reviews

The Hill (2023)

Sappy, and a great spotlight on hypocrisy

[7/10 · 21 January 2024]

Prepare for a preachy dose of diabetic coma, but the movie is quite watchable. I think it was unintentional, but it also tells the story of his hypocrite father. Dad had no qualms in following his calling to the detriment of his family but did all he could to deny that opportunity to his son. It's always enjoyable to see the story of someone I never knew existed, and this guy was in that category. The movie could have done with a little more salt and less sugar, as it lands right in the genre of a "Hallmark Christmas movie". But if Rickey Hill had as much input as I've read, then I guess that's what he wanted.

The Irrational (2023– )

Thought-provoking so far

[9/10 · 10 October 2023]

After only a couple of episodes, I'll continue to tune in. The psychology is intriguing, and we'll have to see if the story lines hold up as the series progresses. It certainly provides a lot of food for thought, and a refreshing, original slant on mystery shows.

The first episodes may have stretched reality a bit, in terms of interactions and results, but they pulled it off. If you're into such shows as "The Mentalist", this may be a good choice for you.

I'll definitely continue watching and hope that they flesh out some of the support characters as the show develops. There's a lot of potential here.

A Man Called Otto (2022)

Gran Torino without the grit and gore

[8/10 · 18 May 2023]

I'll admit that I enjoyed it, but am surprised that it even got made. The plot is a duplicate of Gran Torino. Same grouchy and bitter widower, mourning the loss of the wife he adored. Similarly, just retired, and with a health condition that has him at risk. Same plot of neighbors moving in, who initially annoy him, but eventually he gets "converted" and becomes a friend and benefactor as well as a neighborhood hero. Storyline doesn't include the violence and bloodshed of Gran Torino, so may be more suitable for children, Similar tear-jerk ending. But since I enjoyed GT, I didn't mind this "softer" remake.

Enemy (2013)

Started great, but crashed at the ending

[3/10 · 30 July 2022]

JG is wonderful in dual roles, and the plot was intriguing. Though a bit disjointed from the opening scene, the movie reeled me in easily. It actually became quite riveting, but abruptly ended bizarrely with no clarity or even hint as to the meaning. Very disappointing, so only the acting gets the starts.

A Killer Next Door (2020)

Bad in SO many ways

[1/10 · 8 July 2022]

I can see why John Walsh wouldn't approve of using his and his son's real names! Beyond bad acting, and numerous obvious flaws, it isn't even staying true to the details of the real story. There are many documentaries about John List - watch one of those instead!