mcvallin-389-686890 Reviews

I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson (2019– )

If you're thinking you don't like it...

[9/10 · 21 June 2023]

Rewatch it. Embrace the awkwardness. I'm pretty sure that Tim said some of the skits on this show are sketches/ideas that he pitched to SNL, but they shot him down. Then they let him go from the show.

And now he's making them look like fools. Now Netflix has its own version of SNL with this show. Lots of SNL alum appearances too . It just takes some getting used to, like your privates getting into a pool... it's a little uncomfortable at first, but it's just fine in the end.

It's such a disappointment when something great is discovered too late. Like Van Gogh. Or Arrested Development. This shouldn't be on that list.

All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

This is like a marathon, it's tough to finish, but you'll be happy you did

[8/10 · 10 March 2023]

First off, it's probably a good idea to do like I did and break it into two halves. Much of this is for time, but it also helps emotionally. This thing is a rough watch, and it's themes and images are difficult to see at times and will stick with you for a while after you watch it. At least that's how it was for me.

This is my first time experiencing this work and I really only watched it cuz it's nominated for 9 Oscars. Rightfully so.

The reviews criticizing the lack of character development do have some merit. However, I think that it may be intentional...soldiers that don't know one another are put forth in life or death situations all the time. They are forced to form a brotherly bond to survive, regardless of how much they might know about the other. To me, all we had to know for the story was that they were good people that stupidly, and for the wrong reasons, joined the war. I should also say, the characters are likable, they just don't blossom like some might prefer.

There are some extremely gruesome and raw scenes in this film. It's like saving private Ryan with Tarantino directing and screenplay by Cormac McCarthy. The cinematography is amazing. The OG score is chilling. And honestly, the Paul character should have been considered for some awards, he did a great job.

Overall, watch it but be prepared for some stuff.

The Last of Us: Long, Long Time (2023) Season 1, Episode 3

Remove politics, religion, and what makes you a little uncomfortable, then give this 1 star

[10/10 · 10 February 2023]

I could gush about this episode all day long. IMO, one of the most well done episodes in TV. Ever. BUT I couldn't help but see the variance in audience ratings on here... most are ten, almost the rest are ones.

We have all been subject to entities that try to push an agenda. Unfortunately it happens a lot, and most of us have a red flag that pops up in our heads when it does. I think that those flags are why more people than I thought would really dislike this episode.

Looking at this episode objectively, without any personal, religious, or political agendas, there was a great backstory that painted a picture of how it really was for a person in the years after the pandemic, how Joel and Tess were connected with Bill and Frank, and how they were able to help each other, even through death and not liking one another. The story went off the beaten path, but it found its way back in stride.

If the dude/guy stuff bothers you, fast forward for 90 seconds. Don't cost yourself another hour + of premium entertainment and feels.

Reboot (2022)

Not gonna go crazy yet, but it's good...

[7/10 · 21 September 2022]

So far so good. Doesn't hit it out of the park, but it's quality. Great cast and concept, and it seems to be put together thoughtfully. Ironically, it's a seemingly good show that's riding on the shoulders of what's wrong with the entertainment industry right now, which is crappy reboots and minimal original content.

Hand clap 👏🏼 to Hulu, who quite obviously don't take themselves too seriously seeing that the show they are fictionally rebooting with their own station in the show actually airs on Hulu in real life.

Add Steven Leviton (?) as the show runner (who is responsible for Modern Family) plus Paul Reiser, and this has potential to go places. Can't see it for running more than a few seasons, but for my wife and me, it's as good or better than anything on TV right now.

Vacation Friends (2021)

Fun

[6/10 · 1 August 2022]

Listen, this isn't winning any Oscars, but if you're looking for a surprisingly decent and light, funny movie to pass the time, check this one out. Nothing too special, bud a lot better than I thought it was going to be.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

If you don't like Tom Cruise

[10/10 · 10 July 2022]

If you don't like Tom Cruise, then you are camped at my site with no port-o-potty. I don't care for the guy. He is an entitled, crazy, bonkers man. But the guy can make movies. If your perception of him, or political views, or whatever else keeps you up at night is keeping you from seeing this movie, you should put that aside and watch it in the theater while it's still there. Please. Do yourself a damn favor. He's going to be a millionaire without your money.

The Office (2005–2013)

Best show ever

[10/10 · 16 June 2020]

If you don't laugh, you're brain dead. This show is comic genius... until Michael leaves at the end of season 7. Then it starts to suck. But those first seven... oh man, you can't do any better.

I Know This Much Is True (2020)

Fans of the book

[8/10 · 14 May 2020]

Really tough to come to any conclusions after only one episode, but it seems like it's staying true to the book. For anyone that has not read it, it is an absolute epic tale. I hope this series does the book justice...it's one of the greatest books I've ever read.

The Outsider (2020)

What's with the bad reviews???

[8/10 · 6 March 2020]

The season has not ended yet. I don't get how some reviews can be this bad for a season that has yet to come to an end. So far, for me, this has been enjoyable to watch. It resembles the movie Fallen with Denzel Washington. If you saw and/or liked that movie, how fair would it have been to review it without having seen the last 30 minutes? Yes, this is a slow burn, but the acting and suspense carry it. If a small amount of your mind cannot think outside the box, which is actually something that some of the characters go through during the show, then I guess you shouldn't watch this. But, it's Stephen King! Knowing that, you should expect an element of weirdness. I guess some people can't handle that. But, if you can open your mind a little bit and commit to it, this is definitely worth the watch.

1917 (2019)

Great film

[7/10 · 11 January 2020]

This was a masterfully directed and shot film. Not really much of a backstory to anything, including the characters, which brings it down a notch a little bit for me to a seven. That was probably the intention, in fact I'm assuming it definitely was, but it did take away some appeal for me. However, the cinematography and direction is absolutely amazing. No question that Sam Mendes should have received the best director Golden Globe. Great film, best watched in the theater in my opinion, definitely worth your money.

The Losers (I) (2010)

Don't let the star rating fool you

[2/10 · 30 March 2019]

Don't know if they have bots putting some of these reviews in, but that's the only thing I can think of that would give this such a high rating. The cast and the 6.4 star rating lured me in, but don't let it happen to you. Just not good at all. Thought it might have potential at the beginning but it completely lets down in the end. Only likable character is Chris Evans' which made me give it a 2 instead of a 1. Waste of time.

Baby Mama (2008)

It is what it is

[6/10 · 5 November 2018]

I know this subject doesn't help too much, but it's true. A decent comedy, not full of laughs, but there's a few, and it's topical. Don't expect too much, but worth the watch. Wouldn't recommend buying though.

Turner & Hooch (1989)

You will like this if you love dogs

[7/10 · 21 October 2018]

Listen, if you are looking for a cop drama/thriller, look somewhere else. While there may not be many comedic lines, if you have ever owned a dog, especially a rambunctious one, you will relate to this and probably cry. It's not a completely bleak ending, but definitely worth the watch if you are a dog lover.

American Animals (2018)

Not the greatest, but worth it

[7/10 · 20 October 2018]

Most movies that say they are based on a true story are extremely loosely based on said story. Obviously, some of this story was "Hollywooded", but the fact that the real life characters were incorporated was definitely reason to believe that it was pretty close to what really happened. I think that this style of moviemaking, weaving a documentary into a feature film, is the future of movies that are based on real events. This film is captivating and definitely worth a watch. It won't win an Oscar, but it had me zoned in from beginning to end.

The Last Man on Earth (2015–2018)

The next Arrested Development

[9/10 · 10 May 2018]

Now, I know this might be a stretch, because comparing any show to one of the funniest shows that's ever been made is... irresponsible.

I'm not comparing the shows themselves, but the circumstances surrounding their demise.

Arrested Development was cancelled for lack of viewership, not because it was a bad show, quite the opposite. The same can be said for this, as it's looking at the real possibility of being cancelled after 4 seasons.

I can honestly say that I haven't laughed this hard at a show in a long time, especially a network show. It takes a minute for it to blossom, but once it does, you won't be sorry.

I found it hard to connect/start to like the supporting characters. But the more you watch it, the easier it gets to do so. Will Forte is the guiding light; every time he opens his mouth I'm probably laughing.

It's not easy to explain, and may not be for everyone, as can be said for most things. But definitely give it a try, I would say at least until the first couple episodes of season two.

Nathan for You (2013–2017)

Just watch it

[10/10 · 28 April 2018]

I cried and my face hurt from laughing. The extent that he takes things and the commitment he has to his ridiculous ideas is amazing. I really hope that he'll be able to continue with the show, but people will probably catch on... I hope not, but all good things must come to an end.

This is a hidden gem that gets overlooked. It has an 8.8 rating right now, thanks to people with a dim sense of humor that gave it a 1. Would be much higher without the curmudgeons.

JUST WATCH IT

Movie 43 (2013)

not for everyone

[5/10 · 23 July 2013]

Listen, you have to be in the right frame of mind to watch this movie and"appreciate" its humor. It's vulgar, unnecessary, and in some parts just too obscene to laugh at. But if you know this going into it, don't be surprised when it turns out like this website's reviews tell it to be . Either people give it a 1 or 2, or a 9 or 10. That has to tell you something. Which is why I'm giving it a 5. It's like SNL with all big name actors, a big budget, and a no network to sensor anything. Peter Farrelly directs half the skits. This is what you're in for when you see it. Don't watch it on a second date, or with your 16 year old son who you've been trying so hard to connect with and Ted sort of broke the ice, but was pretty awkward. Watch it after you've smoked a bowl with your significant other who doesn't mind repulsive humor with little content.

Portlandia (2011–2018)

Solid show

[8/10 · 11 March 2013]

I am very glad I started watching this show, and am also glad that it streams on Netflix as I'm not sure I even get IFC. Every episode is funny, but, as with any TV shows (especially sketch comedy) there are some skits that are better than others. Most of the characters and sketches focus on the apparent headway that the west coast is making with hipster/green/vegan/feminist/alternative transportation lifestyles. (side note- the biker skit made me laugh very hard). This show will not be for everyone, but watch the first one or two episodes and you will know if you like it or not. No shame in thinking something isn't funny. As I said, I'm not a fan of every skit, though they're all tolerable, and it's worth muddling through for the sketches that make you laugh your ass off. The only big downside is that I can see it getting repetitive if it goes too long. Five seasons at most is my prediction. WATCH IT. They are only half hour episodes, and it's a good break from big network canned laughter BS. I posted before said bike skit link below if you want a good taste.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3nMnr8ZirI

Jeff, Who Lives at Home (2011)

worth watching if you're debating sending back on netflix

[5/10 · 26 June 2012]

I was expecting great performances from Segel and Helms, likable characters and an engrossing plot line surrounding why this 30 year old guy still lives at home and how he is going to move on in his life. I guess I didn't feel like these criteria were met.

The first half of the movie was rough; I did not connect with any of the characters and thought the brother seemed like a jerk. Jeff's "quest" to see the signs in his life connect seemed written in and forced. The mother's online secret admirer was the only thing that kept me interested and guessing.

For me the turning point was in the hotel room when Pat and Linda had it out. Thought it was well scripted and acted.

From that point on things get better. Though Jeff is still set on seeing "Signs" in his life, it does seem like (without trying too hard) the movie comes through. The ending water scene where everyone comes together is sort of redeeming. Best part of the movie.

I still am confused about his mom, how she is not a lesbian, and ends up how she does. What was Carol's intentions with Sharon (and vice versa), seeing that, for her whole life, she has only swung for one team?

When I see a good movie, I remember it days and weeks, sometimes years after i've seen it. I will forget about this one after tomorrow. BUT I am not a seasoned critic. I may be missing something. Worth watching for yourself.