MickyG333 Reviews

Everything Puppies (2024 TV Movie)

This film takes two steps backward

[7/10 · 20 May 2024]

6.8 stars.

While I really like both lead actors, this story fails to entertain in most ways that I would prefer. The romantic aspect is all but non-existent, which I can tolerate as long as the story can rise to the challenge. Unfortunately, it does not.

A woman has created a puppy biscuit shaped like a bone (like Milkbone dog biscuits) and all the dogs and pups seem to love this brand more than the others on the market. It's also one of the healthiest versions. A large competitor does everything he can to shut down her fledgling dog food business. One very charming man at a large pet store does his best to help the woman get the product on the shelves. This is their story.

The charming and good looking man falls for the woman, he's a muscle bound store manager. She is somewhat endearing, but we don't get to see anything special happen between them. There are some misunderstandings, but the drama is lackluster. Her friend (who is a partner in her doggy business) is likable, but undeveloped as a personality. He has an ex-girlfriend (sort of) who is his currently his superior and works at the corporate office of the pet store chain for which he is a manager of one store location. There is nothing interesting about her at all. She's not even antagonist worthy, just a character with no depth.

'Puppies Everywhere' didn't bring me any excitement or anticipation, because it's too generic and limited and there isn't a large variety of puppies in the film. What I described above is literally most of the story. There aren't any real twists or turns, no side story to elevate the experience, no wow factor. None of the supporting cast stand out as being exceptional. This film is bland. I have no plans to see this again.

A Whitewater Romance (2024 TV Movie)

Stuck in a Busby loop

[6/10 · 19 May 2024]

5.7 stars.

Poor girl. She has been stuck in the same film for the past 6 years. I will start by saying things were looking pretty good when she was in the Darcy stories, the first one was not bad, but they ended it in 2018 with 'Marrying Mr. Darcy', which was a flop. She has appeared in a couple good Christmas stories, the past several years, but that's about all.

Her Hallmark choices have been a bust since then. 2020: 'Love in the Forecast', felt somewhat fresh, but I had no idea the direction her "wilderness" career would be headed. That was the first taste of her outdoorsy characters, and like I said, it was not too bad. But then they copycat it with 'Chasing Waterfalls' in 2021, which was actually an improvement, but then 'Warming Up to You', same song, third verse, 'Marry Me in Yosemite'-fourth verse, 'Love in Zion National...'-fifth, and now 'A Whitewater Romance'-sixth. Please make this the final attempt at the same character. I actually thought she might actually be the same character, literally, which would have been more agreeable for me. At least it would contain some cohesion and a rational explanation for the repetitive out-of-doors theme. Give Busby a break guys and let her expand her options - out with the outdoors and in with the indoors.

The Wedding Planner (2001)

Entertaining and fun

[8/10 · 19 May 2024]

7.8 stars.

'The Wedding Planner' is a fun and entertaining film. What more is needed to rate it above 5 stars? I mean, let's be realistic, sure it's cheesy, somewhat of a copycat of a dozen other films about weddings, no doubt, but it's a well made movie and the acting is good and it's not a disappointment. So why the low rating? Oh well, who cares I suppose, but I wish people would be more forgiving, just because they may have such high expectations, totally inflated ones perhaps...sure JLO was no Julia Roberts, and Matthew Mc. Is no Brad Pitt, but they both hold their own quite well. There is decent chemistry, the supporting cast are skilled and charismatic...I rate films based on rewatchability and entertainment. This fits the profile of something I'd watch every 5 years or so. I've seen it thrice, maybe four times. The scenes in the park are classic, with the dancing and the old films. A sound romance this is.

The Happy Camper (2023 TV Movie)

Nothing better to do

[5/10 · 17 May 2024]

5.2 stars.

I decided to queue this up as I sat down for a late breakfast. The question quickly emerged: what am I watching? This movie is absolutely nothing original or fun whatsoever. The acting is okay, that's all. But I can think of a thousand different ways to utilize these poor actors than to settle for something as un-entertaining as 'The Happy Camper'. To be honest, I only got through the first 45 minutes, then fast forwarded to the final 15, just to say I watched half of it. It's just not normal for a woman of her talents to be so interested and excited about renovating a dilapidated old camper. This movie is dangerous, because it doesn't warn of the toxic chemicals and materials used to manufacture these trailers. She is ripping it apart, not wearing a hazmat suit? I'm not kidding, the materials will kill you. That was enough for me to shut this puppy down and move on.

A Taste of Praise (2023)

Choose your battles

[5/10 · 17 May 2024]

5.4 stars.

No production is going to touch this film with a ten foot pole. This was obviously produced by a Christian company who wants to tell the story from the "other" perspective. What I recall in the news was that this baker refused to bake a cake for a gay couple's wedding. I never heard any additional details.

According to this movie, the baker refused to make a custom wedding cake, not just a generic one. Apparently, his bakery specializes in custom cakes, the most creative and amazing ones in the area. So, the fact he refused to make a "custom" cake might not be so bad. Apparently, he did offer to make a generic cake, I don't know, but I don't think so. I just read some article about it, and it doesn't mention the level of cake involved. Does it matter? Well, he feels it's rebellion against his God to make a custom cake for any group or person that represents a lifestyle or ideology that opposes Christianity. He was willing to sell any of the other generic goods to them, however, just not anything custom made. So, what's the difference? Think about it. So what if a Muslim wanted a cake for their wedding? What if he was to make a cake for a very wealthy Wall Street mogul who requested it be carved into the shape of a dollar sign and the occasion was about being rich; and the baker knew secretly that his wealth was from a Ponzi scheme? Or, what if it was for a Planned Parenthood employee party? What if it was for a celebrity that he really admires, but he knows that celebrity contributes to the campaign of a shady politician?

Think long and hard on this. Life is nothing but uncertainty, gray areas and blurred lines. In my opinion, he should have made the cake, as long as it did not perpetuate the type of lifestyle he disagreed with or advertise anything abominable or deviant in its presentation. What if the couple simply wanted a really cool cake with flowers or a sports car? That would be generic enough. He seems to have felt it was sacrilegious or evil to be in a same sex relationship, so he wanted nothing to do with them whatsoever. Again, where do you draw the line? You have to be really careful when you "stand up" for your beliefs, because if not consistent across the board, you are only insulting yourself and frankly, taking your God's name in vain.

Here's something somewhat surreal, I can point out at least four gay actors, beside the gay couple. The pastor, two of the bakers and the drama teacher. Am I missing something? This film is a conradiction.

A Mile in His Shoes (2011 TV Movie)

Too forgettable

[6/10 · 17 May 2024]

5.7 stars.

I'm a stickler for playing by the rules of filmmaking. When some independent movie like this one is released, I expect the scriptwriter and director to stick to the system. I was very disappointed in the presentation of 'A Mile in His Shoes' and after 48 minutes, I stopped the movie and removed it from my watchlist on Prime. Where to begin...

This is not an accurate portrayal of Asperger syndrome (I don't know if they call it that anymore, but in 2011, probably still did). Big fat no-no. If you can't get the characteristics of the condition right, DON'T bother making the movie. Watching the actor misrepresent everything about it is an automatic thumbs down. I don't blame him, it's obviously the director's fault. In reality, the character would be intelligent and likely appear to be over-nerdy, yet this guy seems more mentally challenged and prone to odd mood swings and fits, and that's not normally how it goes. He asks the coach if he thinks a tomato or an orange is more round, then he says potatoes aren't round. This is what a mentally challenged person would say, but an Asperger person would think a question like this was juvenile and half-witted. It might mimic autism, and while Asperger may be on the spectrum, they are different.

Next, I noticed the baseball games were not realistic for college play (or any play), I think the score was wrong when the other team hit a homer, the announcer said it was 3-0, and they put 2 points on the board instead of 3. Again, big fat no-no for people who watch baseball and appreciate accuracy. You get the scores wrong, it's time for you to look for another job, not only as a scorekeeper, but as a filmmaker (get what I did there?). Next, the other pitcher was apparently pitching a shutout, yet his team was like 0-12, (zero wins and twelve losses-a really bad record) so what were the odds he would be pitching a shutout if they were a winless team, and why would coach (Cain) replace him with the new guy to finish the game? It doesn't track at all.

Let's rewind to his decision to draft him in the first place. He puts this challenged young man on the team, and can he even catch a baseball? We don't know, but he grew up on a farm and seemingly has zero baseball knowledge or skills, yet he's pitching soon after and if he's never played baseball, NO, NO, NO. He'd have to learn to catch and hit the ball as well. Most pitchers have to bat at some point. It's just LAZY, LAZY, LAZY filmmaking and it's an insult to film buffs like myself.

I feel like the theme is how playing baseball can help people cope with their mental challenges. It helps people focus their special skills on the sport. It's a wonderful idea, so next time let's get it right so the audience can enjoy the movie instead of dissecting it.

This is one of Dean Cain's better performances. He doesn't have the option of being too cheesy or corny in this more serious role. That's the only upside of this experience, but it was short-lived.

War Dogs (2016)

Creeping compromise

[8/10 · 16 May 2024]

8.4 stars.

People succumb to creeping compromise all too easily in this world. Dabble a little bit into the illegal, get lucky, have a decent, IQ, learn some basic negotiation skills, be willing to look the other way a little...the perfect recipe for becoming an arms dealer.

In his own mind, a young man has the perfect life except for one thing - he's not rich. As his character deftly narrates throughout the whole film, he starts us off with his back story. He gives massages to "old men" in Florida for about $75 an hour. Well, that's not too bad, because if you do the math, he probably was earning at least $50,000 a year...and that's only working part time. And he has the perfect girlfriend, beautiful, nice, understanding, supportive...

He happens to run into his old buddy from younger days. This friend is in the gun running business, he's a small time arms dealer, but he's working on becoming a kingpin in the trade. Business is easy and very lucrative for him, and he hasn't even delved much into the illegal stuff yet, but soon it all goes south.

This story is about how these two twenty-somethings turn into hardened men very quickly, not mature and stable men, but dangerous and volatile ones in a very cutthroat and dubious profession. This can be really shady stuff, but it starts of mainly legal. Inevitably, they cross the line here a little, there a little - creeping into the black market side of selling weapons to small armies.

Then his buddy starts to get too greedy, and causes our protagonist (if you want to call him that) to be thrust into a life-threatening situation. Now he has nothing to lose, because his baby girl and baby momma might have to live without him (if you get my drift). And it's no help that his "friend" is untrustworthy and a con artist, which our protagonist suspected all along, but couldn't quite believe it to be true, because he was too naive and they were making too much money. He had conned several previous associates, but the evidence was lacking. Once our good guy has a gun pointed to his head, it's time to get out and cut his losses.

This movie is absolutely thrilling and epic in chronicling two naive young men who negotiate multi-million dollar government weapon contracts. This profession puts them in harm's way - getting shot, kidnapped, threatened. Most of it happens in questionable places...Iraq, Jordan, Albania...you name it. They dabbled in it and almost got killed on multiple occasions, yet they kept coming back for the money.

This film tells the story in a most riveting and entertaining way and I found no flaws in the presentation.

You've Got Mail (1998)

Erudite romance

[8/10 · 15 May 2024]

8.3 stars.

I think about when I first saw this...I was but a young man in my twenties. And did I fully comprehend the scope of a romance story with this level of depth? No, I most certainly did not. But wait, 'You've Got Mail' is so very juvenile and basic, right? I mean, how can a romance like this hold a candle to anything the likes of Harry Met Sally, or 'Sleepless in Seattle' for Meg Ryan? Let's omit 'Joe Vs the Volcano' which doesn't count as a noteworthy anything. But let's widen the scope and include greats like 'Pretty Woman', 'Love Actually', 'Jerry Maguire'...Heck, let's take a time machine back to the 60's for 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', 'Bye Bye Birdy', and the 70's with 'Annie Hall'. These are the ones I see listed in a quick search. I've seen them all. Funny, I don't see 'The Graduate' on any lists. I wonder if it was too cringe for its era, and now it's just not PC in so many ways...my point is that innumerable cleverly written romance films have been around for a very long time, so when one like 'You've Got Mail' hits the big time, we have to sit and wonder what is so special about it...what sets it apart from the previous ones? Nothing. Except it is original because of the fresh internet aspect and, of course, Hanks and Ryan are at their very vest. Arguably, they are both at the height of their careers. For these two reasons alone, this film was devastatingly groundbreaking. To gross 230 million in the 90's - for a romance film - was pretty much unheard of. And yet, it is eclipsed by 'Sleepless in Seattle', which was released 5 years prior. At least, if you account for inflation. So what makes this film great? Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks' on-screen chemistry, that's what. There is no coincidence they co-starred in more than a few romance films together. The formula: clever dialogue, Hanks, Ryan, decent director = magic. Why didn't they collaborate on any more romances after this? I'm not sure anyone has the answer. I read somewhere that Hanks was supposed to be in 'When Harry Met Sally', but turned it down. Interesting.

The Judge (2014)

Well-balanced courtroom drama

[8/10 · 15 May 2024]

8.0 stars.

This is my kind of movie when it comes to the thrill of two powerful lawyers (Downey Jr vs Billy Bob Thornton) battling in a courtroom in a murder trial. These types of movies seem to be popular more than not. But there is much more to this story than courtroom drama, murder, and intrigue. It's primarily about a father and his three sons and an enormous rift between them.

'The Judge' is one of those dark films, almost noir-esque, where the courtroom is notably underlit, the shadows cast off the faces of each character are ominous and bleak. The background of the murder trial is thrilling and mysterious. Interestingly, the film depicts one of the darkest courtrooms in cinema I've seen in years. Even in most Grisham films, or 'A Few Good Men', at least we can see and recognize all the people, but not with 'The Judge'. I'm not sure why it's so dark, but I wanted to emphasize the fact.

It's about an old judge named Joseph (Duvall) who was too hard on his son Hank (Downey Jr), but Hank always wanted to be like him and eventually becomes a hot shot lawyer, probably a better lawman than he. Joseph has never been proud of Hank and we don't know why, at first, except to assume he is hard on him because he's reminded of himself. Eventually we are shown the cause for his disdain, and why Hank left his family and town behind. He even left the love of his life Samantha (Farmiga) to escape his father's derision. Joseph is not nearly so harsh on Hanks two brothers, so we see his contempt is aimed solely Hank, and soon we find out why.

'The Judge' is superbly accomplished and the script is nothing short of a brilliant study into the dysfunction of a family of men. It adeptly draws a sketch of a family dynamic, and how only Joseph can be the alpha, afterall, he is father and Judge. The other intellectual genius, Hank, had to get out of the picture, which he did...went far away to the other side of the country. But that left the other two sons to fend for themselves for many years. Their mother has recently died, which precipitates Hank returning for the funeral.

The youngest son is mentally challenged and needs to be cared for to some extent. The eldest, Joseph's favorite son Glen (D'Onofrio), was maimed in a car accident many years ago. Unfortunately, Hank was the driver. The accident caused him to lose some function in his pitching hand, and therefore his chances to become a professional baseball player were forfeit. Now Glen owns an automotive shop and is married with children, but it's obvious he is unfulfilled and generally bedraggled. Joseph hates Hank for causing this.

Only a few days after the death of his wife of 50 years, Joseph is suspected of murder. The reasons and circumstances surrounding this are too many to list. Needless to say, Joseph is now on trial for murder and the only chance he's got for acquittal is to be defended by Hank. Hank's services are unwelcomed and spurned by Joseph, but eventually he comes around for various reasons. Let the pure drama commence.

The personalities are engaging and rich, the story is full of conflict and drama, therefore, this is a must-see.

The Edge of Seventeen (2016)

Visceral teenage girl angst

[8/10 · 15 May 2024]

8.1 stars.

I can only imagine these are the feelings that teenage girls must manage on a daily basis in high school. What is the lesson to be learned for a man like myself? Probably nothing. But what I'm reminded of is that the age of seventeen has a significant edge to it. It seems obvious the title speaks of this edge, the precipice, walking the thin line, living on a razor; all of these metaphors that apply to a girl who is either 17 or will be very soon. She is living on the edge of greatness, concurrently in a virtual nightmare, yet potentially the most amazing and fun era of her life.

I think this film attempts to capture the essence of it and quite frankly (in my ignorant, yet hopeful and humble opinion) it nails it perfectly. The only unrealistic aspects are that everyone is so pretty. I mean, everyone is too good looking and so it's not completely honest as far as that goes. A young girl this pretty usually does not have zero friends...unless she was heretofore ugly and then recently blossomed, which it seems the writer is trying to suggest, but it falls a bit short of that mark. She would quickly make many shallow friends immediately after her transformation into the gorgeous creature that is portrayed by Stanfield (one of my favorite young actresses-I really loved her in True Grit). Yet the time elapses, she is wonderfully stunning for months, but without the usual conglomeration of devotees.

Entertaining from start to finish is how I'd best describe it.

A Walk to Remember (2002)

Wide-eyed appeasement

[8/10 · 14 May 2024]

8.4 stars.

Gosh, did I see this twenty years ago? I'm thinking I did, but only bits and pieces remained with me. Now here we are on the second go round and what a little slice of heaven I had almost forgotten.

This will always be a movie to remember. It just works. One of those instant romantic classics that helps teach us about pain and faith. Like her character says (paraphrasing), you can't enjoy the light (blessings and joy) without the darkness. And now I know why her personality is so beautiful and lovable. She has matured much too quickly, but it all makes sense and it all fits together like the perfect tragic vision of loveliness.

'A Walk to Remember' was out of time and place in this genre, it is therefore timeless...how it captures the essence of trueness, embodies the genuine and consummate aspirations of the soul.

Yes, I'm being sappy, but I just have to say this movie does seem to fit the mold for an uplifting and tearful experience rarely seen being portrayed by such young and inexperienced actors...they really nailed it.

Sure, in some respects, this film is rushed and shoddy, somewhat clunky...but as a whole, it is sheer brilliance. The music was a bit much, that's the only downside. Don't get me wrong, the music is decent, there's just too much. The upside is an endless array of nuanced magic, captured in too short a story. I have demands for more of whatever enchantment the filmmaker has sealed in a time capsule of romantic bliss. I'm done with the schmalz. If you are seeing this for the first time right now, I envy your next 101 minutes.

God's Not Dead (2014)

Allegorical and elementary

[7/10 · 14 May 2024]

7.3 stars.

Okay, my initial thoughts do not equal the sum total of my final ones. For the most part, I was entertained, not for its amazingly profound theological impact (which it does NOT impart), but for the capable acting and various mood swings we are the beneficiaries of witnessing. I also enjoyed some of the clever, in-your-face moments, which felt like an underdog making a steady and satisfying comeback from time to time.

My overall impression is this is an allegorical lecture about creation versus evolution. Is God real and did he create the universe, or are most of the philosophers and scientists correct in their theory of the opposite? The allegory consists of several anecdotes of the lives of twelve people.

I enjoyed the story, but it's a bit too elementary. The women are too dull-witted and seemingly weak to provide much of a moral impact. Our college boy, let's call him the protagonist-pro-creationist...is attempting to prove that God exists and meanwhile his girlfriend of 6 years, who is supposedly Christian, presents a haphazard and impetuous ultimatum. It's all too unrealistic (thus my allegory theory). The professor's girlfriend is much too simple minded and subservient to be any kind of stalwart...too trite to symbolize contemporary female strength. But, I suppose, since she is a Christian and living under the thumb of an arrogant man who denies the existence of a creator, it makes partial sense. The professor is adamant to a fault that there is no God and his threats are fervent, but to the audience, the relationship is a contradiction. He is zealously against religion and has known she was a Christian since they met. It doesn't add up, unless he was simply trying to get some "tail" (as some might crudely describe it). The debate between student and professor is efficacious in that they present a broad spectrum of academic issues as they each defend their beliefs. This is the most impactful aspect of the movie for me. I should have taken notes. "Philosophy is dead". Is God dead? You might enjoy (if nothing else) the robot zombies the other students in the class represent.

There are several secondary characters (possibly one too many people to focus upon). The reverend subplot is superfluous, as is the lawyer and his protege, the Asians and Muslims. In spite of some needless characters, they added some emotional impact to the film as a whole, so I can understand why the filmmaker didn't remove them.

I still enjoyed 'God's Not Dead' in spite of its acute unsophistication. The characters are all intertwined in a really interesting way, which when revealed, was a pleasant surprise. But, In the end, the plethora of storylines minimized the protagonist's impact.

Lola (I) (2024)

I watched it

[6/10 · 12 May 2024]

6.0 stars.

I mean how bad can it be? At first it seems like it's going to be a normal movie about a young pretty girl who is a stripper and trying to get by with a low life, mother and stepdad. She is simply trying to make enough money to free herself and her nine-year-old brother, who is gender dysphoric. But things get worse and worse, and could they get any worse?

This is an extremely depressing tale of a person with no escape from her dead-end existence. But the story is naive. There are too many gaps where we need dialogue and fluff. The writer didn't give us anything to chew on. Instead we are left with a traumatic and unfulfilled narrative with no purpose or theme. Anyone could write this. And yet I somehow wanted to finish it. And then it starts to look like...and then it's over.

A Country Romance (2021 TV Movie)

Slow motion

[7/10 · 11 May 2024]

6.5 stars.

Just barely rounds up to a 7. It's somewhat difficult to manage placing this story in the realm of possible for several reasons. The main actor is not straight, so envisioning him as it is already difficult. But that's the reality of Hollywood, once an actor comes out, there's no stuffing themselves back in. Sure, we could say it's no different than trying to believe a straight portraying a non character. So be it. It's all about getting into the romance and enjoying the experience of attraction between two leads, knowing that one of them isn't capable of being that for the other. Ok, like I said, so be it.

Now let's talk about the movie. This story is presented to us in slow motion. I am not kidding. The tempo of conversation is literally turned down to 65%. Every sentence is deliberate, so the 90 minutes of run time is telling a 60 minute story. The story itself is not original in any way. In fact, this is about as unoriginal and monotonous as they come. So what was good about it? It's very relaxing and ASMR-like. This is a good film to unwind and end your hectic day with. Just too slow moving for any entertainment, but it has value in other respects.

Mother of the Bride (2024)

Netflix propaganda?

[7/10 · 11 May 2024]

6.9 stars.

This isn't bad and it's certainly not 4.9 stars bad. Is Netflix lying when they say this was #1 on their movie list this week? It doesn't have too many reviews and the rating is way too low for a #1, so I'm confused.

It's a decent rom com, Bratt and Shields have good chemistry. For two people in their late 50's they look really great. I will do my best to look that youthful when I get there, which isn't far off. Both of them have physiques of ripped 35 year olds, young looking faces, good all around health and tone.

The movie is generic. It's about a destination wedding on a tropical island resort, the whole family is there - not too many members. CMM is a supporting hot younger guy who is trying to get with Shield's character. Bratt's character is trying to get her attention again, to win her affections the way he had her 30 years ago in college. Meanwhile her daughter is marrying his son. There was history between several of the fifty something group - they all went to college together, lots of memories and drama.

Not a bad story, so I'm perplexed at the low ratings. Not great, sure, but entertaining enough.

Love, of Course (2018 TV Movie)

Great chemistry

[8/10 · 9 May 2024]

7.8 stars.

The leads have great chemistry, which elevates 'Love, of Course' from average to above. It's about a woman driving with her daughter to help her move into college in Oregon. While there, she is offered a permanent job, but it's a difficult decision, because her home is in Los Angeles. Her husband has long since passed. While considering this permanent career opportunity and a much needed change of scenery, she is given the job on a temporary basis to see if she is a perfect fit. A male professor is helping her with the duties. The romance sparks.

The chemistry between these two is undeniable. The woman's daughter has a minor role, but enough for us to get acquainted with her endearing character.

I wish they would have given the daughter 10 more minutes of screen time, but overall this film hits the spot for romance.

Baby Reindeer (2024)

Watched in one day

[8/10 · 8 May 2024]

8.4 stars.

I don't know how to describe this miniseries. It's unlike anything I've ever seen, yet contains so many similarities to many shows. The fact that I watched it all in one day says a lot. It's about 3.5 hours long in total, seven episodes about 30-40 minutes each.

What we have here is a jaw-dropping story based on true events that will leave you speechless. I can say this much, the author captured the reality of his life in so profound a manner, I could not believe what I was watching. The confusion that takes place in the mind of a person who suffers with chronically low self-worth, for any number of reasons...it can be mind numbing, and crazy making.

Funny, most of us don't learn from advice, we have to experience it for ourselves. Such is life. The damage can cause people to repeatedly fall into the same mistakes and traps. Some say this is the definition of insanity, but it's more accurately disillusionment caused by a lack of faith and confidence in your intuition...a direct result of chronic abuse. And there is also some guilt and shame and the intense desire for acceptance that follows.

The main character exhibits all of these traits as a result of what he has endured, the rape, the stalking, the comedy, the gaslighting. What an extraordinary and chilling journey for this man. No wonder he was trapped in an endless loop of pity and remorse for his malefactors.

Anyone But You (2023)

Salacious but amusing

[8/10 · 7 May 2024]

8.0 stars.

This movie is the romantic total package as it checks almost every proper box a rom com should, and some improper boxes too. The story has been done a trillion times, but it never gets old, if done right. 'Anyone But You' is quality viewing even if it's fairly crude with a lot of language. F-bombs left and right, not just a few, maybe a few too many for comfort, but maybe the choice words were a necessary element for this particular story. The vulgarity only serves as a guide to the inner frustrations of the lead characters. The reason is because we have two young adults who are very angsty and a bit deflated about the direction of their personal lives. Both have hit a slump in their romantic endeavors and are feeling disillusioned with love in general. He was devastated by a breakup some time ago, and she as well. We aren't fully aware of why or how the breakups occurred, but they were somewhat recent. As the plot continues, more of their past comes to light and previous romantic partners emerge.

This romantic tale begins in a coffee shop meet-cute, which is very hilarious and clever. Things couldn't be more wonderful until a misunderstanding which leaves them both in shock due to the apparent betrayal by both. Naturally, each blames the other for something that never happened. This seething distaste lasts for almost two years.

Now they are stuck seeing each other again at a destination wedding between his friend and her sister. We get to meet her parents and other parents, some friends, and a relative or two. It's a nightmare week where just about anything goes. The loathing they have for each other must be moderated by the other people involved before it gets out of hand, but the agendas and schemes run amok and threaten to derail the wedding itself.

I was not disappointed with the craftiness of this film. Looking beyond the language and quasi-nudity, it's one of the most entertaining and witless, yet exceedingly witty dialogues I've had the pleasure of experiencing in a while. The music and scenery were amazing, not to mention the sterling production as a whole.

Elevator Girl (2010 TV Movie)

Learning to compromise in life

[7/10 · 7 May 2024]

7.3 stars.

A young hot-shot lawyer and a free spirited woman get stuck on an elevator together and immediately spark an attraction. It's a rocky path to happiness and relationship bliss from that point forward. He is a bit hesitant to date her openly, because she is of "lower" class than he, but he's not a bad guy; it's just his place in life for the moment. But he immediately learns that life is more than status and appearances. He accepts that he's made a big mistake and makes up to her. She is very satisfied with him, and accepts him wholeheartedly. Things go smoothly for a while, but soon he starts to see traits in her that he feels she should improve upon. At first she is open to suggestions, until it goes just a little too far. This takes a toll on the relationship and it goes awry. Eventually, she realizes that maybe she should rethink her own life choices. Will they get a second chance to try again?

This is a nice and easy-going love story about two people who learn to stop and take a glance in the mirror and make a genuine effort to improve themselves. It's a nice bit of instruction for all of us: get out of your comfort zone before you can't find your way out.

'Elevator Girl' is an interesting title, but I can think of a dozen better ones.

Love Under the Stars (2015 TV Movie)

Sapp-a-licious

[8/10 · 6 May 2024]

8.0 stars.

I've not been blessed with the opportunity to see this until now. After monitoring and watching just about every film in existence (since 2005 or so) in the family genre (Hallmark, UP, Family channels),this one has eluded me? Wow, so they haven't aired this, that I can see, for over two full years on any of those channels, but who knows, I could've simply missed it (probably not).

What a wonderful experience going on a journey with a woman who is working on her third college degree. She's 30 years young, has dated a number of college men, and is now learning all about what it means to truly love people through the eyes of a little girl and her daddy.

That's all I have to say about it. The movie is sappy and sad and fun and wonderful. Enjoy!

Dark Waters (2019)

Stopped Teflon years ago

[8/10 · 3 May 2024]

8.4 stars.

If I didn't know better, I'd guess this was a film based on a Grisham novel. But NO, this is real. The film is compelling and gripping even beyond most of the Grisham novel based films. I stopped using Teflon after watching 'Dark Waters', but anyone who watches this can't continue to use it and consider themselves sane.

Ruffalo is a genius as usual. He is perfect for roles like this and I really like his style of acting. He always makes a character his own, and this is no different. He is the quintessential underdog, a small cog in the wheel of big chemical and industrial powerhouses who take advantage of the public. He is the lawyer who got suckered into a no-win-scenario case as a favor for his grammer (grandma), not realizing it would become a class action lawsuit resulting in a hundreds-of-millions dollar settlement.

The atmosphere created by the director is brilliant, one of those rare hard-hitting, fact-based stories about corporate corruption and deception on a grand scale. We all knew that Dupont (however great a company they have been for us, because they were instrumental in creating the atomic bomb) had more skeletons in the closet than most. Arguably the largest and mega-wealthiest corporation of its kind ever to exist on planet earth, but equally mega-destroying our ecosystems in the process.

12 Dates of Christmas (2011 TV Movie)

Retains its freshness

[8/10 · 2 May 2024]

8.1 stars.

I must've seen this three times now, but spread out evenly over the past decade. It popped up in Prime Video, figured why not, so I just bought it, because it was on sale, a very huge sale. I anticipate I'll watch it again in a few years, and again some years after. I just love both actors, they really shine, are so charismatic, and have great chemistry. Some people know how to do romance, both of these actors got it down to a science.

I was a bit perplexed by the number of dates (days) she repeats. It seems like about 30 at least, because some of the information didn't fit into such a small number. But that was my only critique worth mentioning. The rest is so entertaining and lovely and it just makes you want to get out there and fall in love again (or for the first time).

The Reckoning (2015 TV Movie)

Let the casting divide you

[7/10 · 30 April 2024]

7.2 stars.

All three of these movies were average for me, so I don't plan on seeing them again. This one was no different than #2 in that once again they changed the cast, but now a new actor portrays her long lost Amish boyfriend, Daniel. I really liked the actor portraying Daniel in the second film, but they switched him out for some scruffy looking guy. And along with Mr. Scruff is a questionable scrub whom he associates with. These dudes look like shady trailer trash. But as time passes, Daniel's character becomes more palatable. And then we have her adoptive Amish parents who appear to also be different actors as well. I thought they were likable enough. And we also meet a couple other characters that are fine.

So, suddenly, I prefer the new guy in her life. He's tall, handsome, and relatable. Why did the author have to diminish her old flame into a half a man? If I were the author, I would have deleted his character from the franchise. Either resurrect him as the long lost love interest and soulmate that he should've been, or remove him altogether. And when he finally sees her for the first time in so many years, the meeting is anti-climactic. This was the moment I was anticipating since finishing 'The Confession' (a few hours ago...*snicker*), but it was a disappointment. The last 10 minutes wrapped up a bit too fast. At that point I was thinking they packed too much material into the ending. All in all this is not the most impactful conclusion for the trilogy.

The main actress (Leclerc) grows on the audience even more profoundly than in the second film. I really liked her in this, and so the romance has some redeeming value that make this watchable. Notwithstanding, 'The Reckoning' is not an improvement over the first two.

The Confession (2013 TV Movie)

Transition from Amish to society

[7/10 · 30 April 2024]

7.4 stars.

I liked this one better than 'The Shunning', because there is more to the story and it's not totally shrouded in an Amish atmosphere. The producers could have made the first one better if they had provided more to the story, given us more variety and simply enlarged it a bit more. I certainly didn't enjoy the fact they dropped the original actress for this one. But I'm guessing she chose not to be in this for her own reasons. So we are left with this actress, who at first does not satisfy my subtle desire for continuity and consistency, however she grows on you. Actually, the actress who plays her doppelganger of sorts, was actually a better fit for the leading role. I actually liked her more.

Overall 'The Confession' is not a better film than 'The Shunning' in most respects, like cinematography, acting, music...but what was ten times better is the storyline, writing and dialogue. And we had a sinister man with a sinister plot to get the inheritance (not really sinister, but it was criminal). Just that aspect alone elevates this film above the first. I am somewhat disappointed to have no choice but rate this higher, because the first one was much higher quality production (in my opinion). If only they had made this a two movie set instead of three and stayed with the original actress...

The Shunning (2011 TV Movie)

Full on Amish

[7/10 · 29 April 2024]

7.2 stars.

I somewhat enjoyed the poignant factors in 'The Shunning'. It's not at all what I was expecting. We see some short scenes of a girl who we know is Amish, yet she's living in the secular world. But that was only a short scene, so I'm wondering if it was a daydream, or a flash into the future, or if the whole film was a flashback. But I'm not bothering to rewind and see exactly what I missed, I'm going to move on to the sequel.

Like I said, this film is enjoyable enough for a viewing. I'll probably not watch it again...well maybe in 15 years or so, who knows. My re-watch list generally has to be a 7.5 or higher.

Not much else to say except it's a touching story, but there is too much wasted potential. The plot is too basic. I think that's because they planned two sequels. Maybe next time make one sequel, pack more of a wallup two movies, instead of watering down three.