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jalessi-1
Reviews
Paging Mr. Darcy (2024)
Lower rating for 1 reason
I rated this low for one reason only - I hate the sister (the character). She is immature, self-absorbed, selfish, and extremely annoying. Unfortunately, the actress went over the top in accentuating the character's very negative characteristics. When the sister was onscreen, she took the attention away from the other actors? Including the excellent Will Kemp & Mallory Jansen. Like all narcissists, the sister sucks the air out of the room. We see enough of that in the real world, in a movie I'd prefer a little more subtlety.
The story line, the scenes between the two main actors are engaging & interesting. Will Kemp can mix a sense of regalness (ftom his dance training) with a command of both comedy & drama. There was real chemistry between him & Mallory Jansen.
Christmas at the Golden Dragon (2022)
We are a nation of many stories that eventually connect us
We are a nation of immigrants. My ancestors came here from Finland, Great Britain & Germany. Each group that came to America faced great challenges that they worked hard to overcome. In recent years, there has been a movement of hate towards immigrants, and that is as wrong as wrong can be. This movie weaves together immigrant and family stories to show, as only a story can, how we can grow together, while celebrating individual differences and make rich communities. I love this movie and how it so beautifully told a worthy story. I commend Hallmark for going beyond the familiar and stretching into how we can be better people together.
A Splash of Love (2022)
One performance a big problem
Rhiannon Fish's almost incessant screeching & rapid speech ruined the movie for me. Her actions were more like a hyperactive 5 year old rather than a PhD student researcher. Whoever directed her to that performance made a huge mistake. I'm surprised my ears didn't bleed. The whales were wonderful to watch & the scenery was gorgeous. What a waste,
Under the Banner of Heaven (2022)
They lost me with the dog scene
My rating doesn't reflect the cast, acting or technical aspects of the series.
SPOILER ALERT
They lost me at the graphic dog torture scene in the 2nd episode. I can't unhear the sounds or unsee the sight. The graphic scene was long & tortuous and unnecessary. If there was a broader point to make, they could have found another way.
North to Home (2022)
One of the best movies I've seen about healing from trauma
This is one of the best movies I've seen about the long term effects of trauma, and how to heal from trauma - over time & by connecting with others. It's not overly dramatic, it's straightforward and clear. The movie takes its time fleshing out the characters so that the viewer can really care about each of them. The actors are superb.
A Dickens of a Holiday! (2021)
Wow.
What a depth of character from Kristoffer Polaha's
transformation from a superficial action star not close to meeting his potential (I'm referring to the character) to Scrooge. The scenes with Mr. Polaha and Brooke D'Orsay were so good as her Director helped the action star go inward, into his body, to discover the depth of his own character and potential. *SPOILER ALERT* And the added touch of what happens on stage leads to the healing of long held family hurts was very satisfying. An emotionally involving film that was a pleasure to watch.
An Unexpected Christmas (2021)
A captivating story
There is a palpable and enjoyable chemistry between Tyler Hynes & Bethany Joy Lenz. It's the kind of chemistry Cary Grant & Rosalind Russell, and Clark Gable & Carole Lombard had. Every moment these couples are on the screen, the energy sparks up & the viewer is captivated. In addition, the screenplay flows, the human intersections between the characters is heart warming. I've watched this movie twice & enjoyed it more. I'll watch it again and again,