zaenkney Reviews

Role Play (2024)

What a great movie the family can watch together!

[9/10 · 22 January 2024]

Some may disagree that family time would be a good time for the movie, but I'm old and the things I see families watch these days are pretty outrageous, in my opinion. Even the disney movies, whether cartoon or not, show way too much of the human figure (especially on women) than is necessary during the developmental years of children who are targeted. I'm no prude at 71! I I lived through the 'Don't let the tamed one tell you how to live ~ Ghandi' days where communities of nudies went from 'WHAT!!!' to just edgy. A lot of good AND bad came from that. Has to be balance.

So, all that to say, this movie had balance and fun. We don't always need big CGI and constant action. Making fun of an assassin for kids is questionable. Children are a whole lot smarter than kids were when I was young; not as sheltered by far.

Every actor did a fine job, as far as I'm concerned. Love Cuoco! A great sit at home popcorn movies. We need more of these.

Set It Up (2018)

I was sad when it ended because it was soooo good...

[10/10 · 13 January 2024]

I passed this movie over many times trying to find SOMETHING to watch in this very cold winter of actors/writers/etc. Strike and horrible wars within the U. S. as well as what's going on around the world. I desperately need comedy (not the crudest kind) and positivity because life for many of us has already been tough enough (no exaggeration!) There are too many cut'em'up, mortify us to the edge, STUPID with no point, re-dos that don't, & so on, that searching for something worth watching is like walking a long plank only to drop off up to your navel into a qlutenous quagmire as you watch the portal peons clap. S I G H . . .

IGNORE the negative reviews. I'm very picky and this movie is qute humerous (meaning I giggled and smiled a lot which caused minor pain to my wrinkles). The movie also quite comedically mirrors 'our' tendencies, since time immemorial, to be pretty darn self centered, maybe demanding, even when there are those of us thinking we are doing it for the benefit of others. It shows us the various sides to human nature in such a funny way and that we can continue to grow. I did NOT find it shmaltzy, just great writing, acting and directing.

The two main characters were excellent! Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs, as always, were great. Digg's fit throwing were something to aspire to - my oldest son, when three y.o., could have learned from Taye's displays, yet I always thought my Nate was the best. Pete Davidson was amazing in his few times on screen. I'd love to see him in more movies like this, or in characters more like this even in edgier movies. He IS a funny guy!

Okay, I'm sure I could say more and have left some thoughts out, but this is very long winded for me. I'm done. Happy New Year, Hoping for some peace!!! :)

Kathryne.

NCIS: Sydney (2023– )

What's with that narrator!!!!

[1/10 · 1 December 2023]

I had to FORCE myself to keep watching after I sped through the first three minutes of the narrator's irritating blather and THEN the show got rather worse and worse. Thinking the 'voice' might be gone or interrupt less, disrupting my attention LESS, well, you just guess...

I would love to support any show, as well as the talent, that comes out of original series and have done my best, yet my attention has remains on the original. Hopefully this one gets cut quick OR somehow they call the nearest ambo and run it to the emergecy. Respectfully, Kate

As you (IMDB) need wordy Gurdys to give responses here, where a simple, yet well thought out opinion is not enough, let me give you word for thought:

"It is better wither to be silent, or to say things of more value than silence. Sooner throw a pearl at hazard than an idle or useless word; and do not say a little in many words, but a great deal in a few." ~ Pythagoras

"It does not take many words to speak the truth." ~ Chief Joseph.

"Never fail to know that if you are doing all the talking, you are boring somebody." ~ Helen Gurley Brown.

Amsterdam (2022)

From the Mind of an Aspergian loving Amsterdam's Message

[9/10 · 3 August 2023]

A delightful movie about mentally acute characters who also find themselves floating in the ether-parts of our world which, unfortunately, depicts them as a bit 'looney-tunes' compared to those who graze on grass day-long, as is the scope of their dreams. Family comes in more forms than a 'blood-borne nuclear clan'.

The parts of this movie that 'suddenly screeched to a halt for a very long slow flashback...' (as one reviewer wrote) I found to be seamlessly and artfully placed and gave depth that was needed regarding the history of the incident this was 'loosely based on' as well as many characters in the film. Since when do we need eye popping or even kick-in-the-butt drama every second. There are things to be gleaned in the quiet times that will knock our socks off. This movie knocked my socks off!

The acting was so good that I was NOT distracted from any element of the story.

Thank you to anyone who takes time to read this review. :)

Kathryne.

Three Pines (2022)

8

[8/10 · 20 April 2023]

I grew up on a Pacific Northwest Rez. My beading and babysitting got us by early in our marriage while my husband looked for work before his scheduled training began. During his course we had to live in an area of Idaho that was not welcoming. People threw things at us at times, said things... It was like that in the bigger city near our hometown. I'm 71 now. Went thru the AIM Mvmt. It was part of life.

While this series is a 'dramatization', I felt emotionally connected & at times triggered throughout. Not in a way that made me want put my fist thru a wall; I've been there. Fortunately, there is enough levity (not comedy) to somewhat lift the onerous moments. There is a message to take in.

The actors, overall, are great pros and the ones who are not, well they were great to watch and listen to. I wish them the best on their excellent journey to stardom.

The Capture (2019– )

Riveting!

[10/10 · 21 November 2022]

I found this series to be one of the finest and worth watching in one day in all my 70 years of life. The way the flashbacks were constructed amazed me. They were so easy to follow, almost magical in flow. No confusion for me. The program was weighted so heavily upon technology, equipped so well to have all our information and governments greedy to hold such power, my synapses haven't fires that much since I was in my 30's and my chest pounded like a Buddy Rich solo. A powerful series done extremely well. Did it's job, I believe... :D

Many of the dangers we face indeed arise from science and technology-but, more fundamentally, because we have become powerful without becoming commensurately wise. The world-altering powers that technology has delivered into our hands now require a degree of consideration and foresight that has never before been asked of us.

-Carl Sagan, Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space.

Rogue Agent (2022)

Excellent, realistic acting...

[9/10 · 14 August 2022]

This is the kind of relational programming I have been missing. No over-acting, women with no unnecessary hysterics (we are not all hysterical, many of us react as humans, not stereotypes which is also true of men). Gemma Arterton (as one person said) did not act in a 'wooden way' in my perspective. Her character acted like a grown up who was working through the issues.

I love how the movie moved through the storyline. I don't care for flashbacks usually as they can often confuse the story, so I was happy to see very little of that aspect. Although they can be done well at times.

I enjoyed the ending but was sad to see that within a short time his sentence was reduced.

Great story telling, a movie done very well with fine acting, in my humble opinion.

Kathryne.

The Terminal List (2022– )

MIGHT be an awsome movie...

[5 July 2022]

May as well go back to listening to movies on the radio, it'd would be so much cheaper (a side benefit) but the main thing is - who needs an expensive screen when you can't see what's going gone??? This isn't the only movie with all the 'dark' screen time, but this one has an awful lot of it. All the tech noise and people screaming (realism, I guess) and I just burned out quickly. Am I a wuss? No, I just didn't care enough. Am I sorry? No. There's enough going on in this world. Think I'll go look for something that doesn't take quite so much effort - OR, maybe I'll listen to the radio.

Joe Pickett (2021–2023)

The books, oh the books!!!!

[5/10 · 26 June 2022]

The books were addictive. I read each one through in one or two sittings and read most of them again. There was so much emphasis on Native American life in the way I lived it on the Rez which captivated me. Good people, various circumstances.... I wish the author's intent had been more spiritually translated. Although, there were glimpses. Aho.

A League of Their Own (1992)

In my top 5 - Definitely!

[10/10 · 23 April 2022]

A League of Their Own is in my top five for being tight, entertaining, the music, acting and Penny Marshall's fine tuning and humor. I'm sure that I've left out a lot of what I could say, but I'm no professional critic. I watch to be entertained and this one entertains everytime I watch, without any dead time to run to the fridge.

Tom Hanks' versitility at that time in his life was off the charts! I've been a fan of Geena Davis since I first saw her. She doesn't disappoint. Loved watching her chew and spit; reminded me of my aunt Rosetta. Those were the days. And when Tom spit and dribbled - holy moly! Only a drunk or a newby. LOL There are so many laughable moments in this movie - and just enough, not too much, poignant ones.

I played A-League softball late 60's through mid 90's. As a left-handed first base(wo)man/center or left fielder who could hit both lines and up the middle, as well as throw 80 mph sidearm and reach the catcher from centerfield fence. I was often picked up by other teams for out-of-town tournaments.

The only reason I bring this up is to hopefully communicate the level of love I have for the sport, the dedication I had to it. I dreamt about it, I wrote poetry, I dearly miss it. One team I was on would beat most teams and then go have car wash fund raisers in bikinis to earn money for away tourneys. Did I every grow up? OF COURSE! Partly...

I watch every couple of years and love it to death. I'm old and may not get many more watchings but it's one of my memory go-to's for joy.

I believe anyone, sports fan or not, will enjoy this movie.

Project Power (2020)

Loved it!

[9/10 · 19 March 2022]

Lots of action, humor where it was welcome, great actors... Not too graphic on the gore, in my opinion, Conan the Barbarian was worse for me. LOL The storyline was iffy but I enjoyed the cast and how they made it totally entertaining.

There's so much really awful stuff out there these past years (including awarded series and movies) that I felt this movie was truly refreshing, comparatively. It tugged at my heart strings, made me smile, gave a happy ending and I would watch it again down the road. The music was great! Bravo!

The Witnesses (2021– )

Very unexpected

[8/10 · 29 November 2021]

I thoroughly enjoyed this psychological thriller. My education is in Behavioral Sciences and while I'm not familiar with the methods used in this mystery/thriller, I was intrigued and in this day and age, I am surprised by that. There were red herrings (or were they?) that kept me engaged. If you are one who wants a certain outcome, you might be dissappointed. This had a little of both. Definitely one of the better series out there and the psycho-babble, of which some commenters refer to, is not so bad as it could have been. In fact, it was necessary to the plot (as is some bad language in other works and we put up with it). In fact, for me it helped a bit to advance the storyline.

We are all human, with human frailties (eeeeeeYup!), so sit back, close your eyes and go with the flow. My best to you all. Katie.

The Disappearance (2018–2022)

All these reviews!

[7/10 · 13 September 2021]

How dare a female lawyer act like the male lawyers do in most of these kind of series! Give it a chance. Or, remember these comments when you watch the male versions. Please.

Pretty Hard Cases (2021–2023)

Great Series! Family friendly

[9/10 · 13 September 2021]

I loved this and I hope it goes on a while. No bad language, no sexually explicit scenes, it's funny yet has real bad guy/gals. I did not get bored. But, then, I don't need explosions, car chases, CGI or blood and gore. This series is worth a watch. Sit back and enjoy.

Just sat through season 2. I don't write a lot of reviews anymore because there are so many AWFUL shows these days. So, I see I've already written one (badly at that). I'm getting old and my neurons are dropping instead of popping.

This series deserves another attempted review by me - but keep in mind I'm left handed, born on leap year, old and red headed.

I don't care to go on about all things that makes a program technically awards worthy. I want to be entertained and this one improved even more in the second go-round. There is drama, tension, humor (giggle worthy), some romance, surprises, etc. Are there plot-holes? Of course, as there are in 99% of all programming (even the news)! Wow, I guess that makes it true to life?

I like all kinds of genres (except horror and porn), so I'm fairly open-minded as to what I will watch while having no patience for that which wastes my time because I'm old. This series is absolutely delightful with actors, writers and directors that excel.

Give 'em Hell Malone (2009)

A Gruesome Noirmedy you must see unless you only like arthouse and love stories

[8/10 · 25 August 2021]

I wasn't gutrolling through this, but the dark comedy has me smiling and the blood and guts was so over the top it could not really offend unless you have a weak stomach. I looked at it and thought 'wow, great make-up artists at work!' Maybe that sounds bad, but in a movie like this I don't want to empathize with bad guys being blown to smithereens. It's really a parody, but one that was enjoyable, close enough in story and mood to keep me involved. I really enjoyed this one.

Undeniable (2014)

Very enjoyable movie to watch, great actors

[7/10 · 25 July 2021]

I a great movie to watch for a couple of hours during the weekend, or a win down before bed. The acting is solid and I am dang tired of the crap they are putting out these days. The blow up and outs, the screaming, head-banging music, the gore! I really enjoyed this. Family friendly, overall. I don't have to be a pretend professional critic snubbing my nose at a perfectly fine film. I just like it. Thanks for reading. :)

Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)

Loved it!

[9/10 · 17 July 2021]

I almost didn't watch this because of all the loser 5 and under reviews. That would have been a shame! There was an incredible amount of dark humor, some silliness, and great acting in this movie. I snickered in a lot of places through this. That's my kind of dramedy. I love a good guffaw, who doesn't. But a dark comedy that takes you a bit off-guard, well that's great for me.

Some commenters brought up harsh comparisons to a couple of other Directors. Sure this movie is somewhat derivative; what's wrong with that? It's not a film shooting for the Academy Awards. I so enjoyed seeing women (particularly these ones) carry this genre as well as they did. The six female leads (including Chloe Coleman) were a delight in conveying the vivre of their character as well as throwing darts of comedy.

Was nice to see Paul Giamatti doing his thing as an empathetic bad guy.

That's my take.

Les Honorables (2019–2022)

Worth watching

[7/10 · 22 March 2021]

Very decent production in my humble opinion. For those who are willing to sit through a series that moves at a moderate pace, giving time for character development, this is a pretty decent watch. I was engaged throughout. But I will admit, it's strange family fighting the cliche unbalanced brat-man who's been turned away and who, by the way, comes from a weird family.

The actors played their parts quite well.

Thought, in this time of very few choices, the fact that I gave this a 7 instead of a more solid 6, is telling.

Still, it was worth the time in a space I needed to fill.

Profesor T. (2018)

People with autism/asperger's

[8/10 · 22 February 2021]

People on the Autism spectrum, many of them are quite capable of many things. They especially can be capable of 'patterning' skills, they are prone to 'living well outside the constrains of social life', and often 'may' have more idiosyncrasies than the average person (whatever that may be in this day and age.) They are often excellent observers; YOU just don't notice. Anyone who assumes they understand autistic behavior, without educating themselves or being around many autistic people for extended time, cannot consider themselves knowledgeable. I have two children and had a mother who are and was autistic. I have Asperger's. Mine and my daughter's IQ are very high, my son's is quite low yet he has a job and drives because his strength is in mechanics and observation. This is a disorder of 'non-global' abilities. That means the person has areas they excel in and those they may not. There is no one scale, it varies. Each one is quite different.

The man in this show is overall very believable. It is thought that Einstein, and several other geniuses were and are on the scale. They are amazing and wonderfully weird.

The Professor and the Madman (2019)

Critics and Politics/ This movie was a highlight of my 2020 Movie Year

[9/10 · 18 December 2020]

Two great actors, Gibson and Penn, pulled off a movie, in chaos because of their own high expectations, and still brought it to fruition with a message need to be heard and envisioned. I was not distracted for a minute. In fact, I give kudos (not that anyone cares) to them for taking this project on. I hope to see more from Safinia, praying further movies maintain such quality, never bending to the crap that standards have been lowered to these last two decades (and I'm pretty open minded!)

This is a movie worth watching. Penn is usually picky when choosing a movie. Gibson was so smart to choose this one. It really showed his ever-present abilities when he invests himself in a project.

Valkyrien (2017– )

eeeeeYup, I liked it.

[8/10 · 10 November 2019]

A fantastical series with awesome and sideways characters. It's dark, has specters of humors in the shade of the story that hardly give time for a laugh yet definitely add to the personality of the entire movie. Of course there were medical potholes, but this movie is more about other things (being abandoned, shamed, loving each other, the value of money, all kinds of thing; what we value and what we don't). I enjoyed it very much.

A Simple Favor (2018)

Could possibly land in Cult genre someday

[8/10 · 8 November 2019]

I Loved It! The crazy cast, the mixture of very dark comedy, odd music and even the ending made it quite unique these days. Kept me off balance and engaged. I would watch it again after some time.

Chicago P.D.: False Positive (2019) Season 7, Episode 6

GONE TOO FAR THIS TIME! No, there are spoilers.

[1/10 · 31 October 2019]

False Positive Season 7, Episode 6 I have been watching this show since the beginning, trepdatiously. Jason Beghes' character basically runs his own underground P.D. with loyal minions who occasionally question his decisions at risk of What? Death? Firing? A daddy breakdown? I can't help but think of all the years Beghes spent in Hubbard's Scientology and wonder if he's now enjoying the sadist's role, well... sort of, through work. He does it well - veins standing out, spit flying, and all. Acting?

Overall, I've been intrigued by the series. But, this week's show, False Positive, about two boys who get shot in a drug house went waaaaaaaaaay too far over the line! Maybe like from China to Florida! I won't watch this series any longer!

There is so very much preaching, judging, second to 1000th guessing, did I say judging? eyebrow raising, conniving between cops, politicians and hoodlums, and bending of law to suit whatever wind turns Beghes character at the time I almost spewed during this one. Two boys get killed, one the boss lets them use the unaccepted tech to identify someone, they jump on him, he won't confess, so they put him in the hoosgow, and paul meets peter! The black guy dies AGAIN! Then the boss makes a back room deal with the hoodlums. WHA th Fudge!? Voigt's L.R. Hubbard, Trump narcissistic behavior has got to go! I don't have time for this kind of trumpistic crap. I AM DONE! Life's short, I'm tall, time to read a book. Thanks for anybody's attention. :)

Magnum P.I. (2018–2024)

Mould lost?!

[1/10 · 23 October 2019]

Sellick's Magnum broke the mould for dectective shows in the 80's. Moreover, Sellick, himself (charm, wit, coming from basic E.M.T. employment background), was totally relatable to the average person of that time. He and the show took TV prime time by surprise and maintained a high profile for quite a while. They were out of the box entertainment.

This new 'magnum' appears to be wet-loaded, impotent, and enjambed with very unMagnum context, contemplation and expression. So sad. Not the spirit, definitely in a box.

The 39 Steps (1935)

Hitchcock was hella woke!

[10/10 · 3 June 2019]

The 1935 viewing of this movie, with Peter Lorre, is wonderful! Watched it with my mother when I was little and several times since. I don't understand why he isn't credited. A shame!!! One of the greatest character actors ever. I have watched every rendition of this movie available and would love to see a credible view of it as a play.

Hitchcock was absolutely 'woke' ahead of his time! :)