mdreser44 Reviews

Father Stu (2022)

I loved this! So full of Wisdom.

[8/10 · 16 September 2023]

In opposition to what the "Critics" and Megacritic wrote about this, that, and the other thing, I found this story on Stuart Long's life to be meaningful, uplifting, and full of wisdom.

I love wisdom! Father Stu's story was captivating, using all his roughness to get straight to the point, to the real meaning, of each experience.

Personally, I could care less about the logistics of moviemaking. I want to know, "What does it have to say!?" And "Father Stu" had plenty to say. It was a very unexpected storyline. The various characters were interesting. The ending was amazing. If there's any dept in your character, I highly recommend this simplified story.

Make Me Believe (2023)

Such a pleasure to see a healthy love story.

[7/10 · 9 September 2023]

But also, it is a joy to see all the beautiful scenery of life in Turkey. The scenery chosen is very elegant.

Many people may think it too light-hearted, but I saw a depth in it that might not be obvious to some. For example, there is more respect for romance, and more depth in their relationship. A seriousness in their romantic decisionS, not shallowness.

I did ponder at times (because I'm fond of philosophizing) why it offered such a 'European' view of relations, rather than an Islamic perspective that represents 98% of the people. But I certainly didn't complain. It is a genteel story and we enjoyed it thoroughly!

A Tourist's Guide to Love (2023)

So fantastic to learn about Vietnam life today!

[8/10 · 8 July 2023]

I enjoyed learning about so many aspects of Vietnam today, and about the people. And I'm so grateful the love story is about love, not just touchy-feely romance. The actors played natural characters. And to be honest, Americans look a bit shallow.

The different aspects of the country, from ancient historical sites to modern city-life, were fascinating. The personalities were fascinating. It has given me a whole modern perspective of the people and their country, and for that I'm grateful. It's lighthearted and genteel. If you like that, don't miss it! P. S. If you want to visit, and get around on your own, learn to ride a motorbike well, and by their rules.

A Man Called Otto (2022)

Nicely done!

[8/10 · 7 May 2023]

Ironically, we had unwittingly just watched the Swedish version, "A Man Called Ove" the night before! There are only slight differences, the main one being Otto, et al, who speak English instead of Swedish (with English subtitles). They're both based on the novel about Ove, written by Fredrik Backman.

Otto/Ove is a thought-provoking story about the varieties of human nature, about loss, about human interactions. It's mostly about Otto's grief over the loss of his beloved Sonya. At times, it's hilarious. It makes a definite point about life, love, pain and friends.

Tom Hanks is his usual relatable, reliable self; Mariano Trevino is a pistol; Truman Hanks plays a very low-key younger Otto, in love for the first (and only) time with life-loving Sonya, played by Rachel Keller. Definitely worth watching by those who study life.

Joe Bell (2020)

So moving and thought-provoking.

[7/10 · 18 April 2023]

Perhaps the production was not as fastidious as some critics prefer...but it is true, sincere, greatly touches our conscience. So very, very moving. I especially liked the integrity of the characters' personalities. The honesty. I can't begin to imagine going through such an experience.

I knew nothing of this story before seeing this film, so I'm very grateful it was produced. The message is very, very needed. It brings to light the ignorant confusion of our world, and brings to my mind a question: why is one form of "improper sex" worse than all other forms of "improper sex?" That is the one question the movie does not address.

The Chosen (2017– )

BE the Truth

[10/10 · 14 September 2022]

Never have I seen a Christian movie or program that gives so much reality to the spiritual aspect of our lives! The Chosen is much more than following a belief system. It is about each learning-and then being-the truth. Theology is not so important in it as is spiritual growth, spiritual lostness, spiritual healing, learning a spiritual path to the truth. Not what you believe, but how you live. It looks deep inside each human in the story. Also, there is an elegance to the acting, each actor portraying a message about each life. So well done! And I appreciate the humanness of Jesus, as well as his followers. No one is wearing a halo of righteousness.

I find The Chosen very moving, compassionate, strong yet gentle, wise-a story filled with love. I've watched both seasons 4, 5, 6, times so far. Each time, I learn something new.

The Shack (2012)

Very thought-proving! And much like an NDE experience.

[8/10 · 24 June 2022]

Loved it so much, I had to watch it twice this week! I found it especially impressive because the focus was not on religiosity, but rather on spiritual growth through a tragedy. It's similar to NDEs (near-death experiences) which seem always to focus on spiritual growth-not religion; each one a vastly different and very personal experience. This movie follows that pattern. It's very warm-hearted, very thought-provoking. The acting was gentle, not dynamic which is only reason I rated it 8. Otherwise, a 10.

Collateral Beauty (2016)

It moved me to look for my own collateral beauties.

[8/10 · 19 November 2021]

At first, it was hard to grasp the direction of the story. But as it unfolded, it was like watching a rosebud blossom into a lovely, deep pink rose. I do love wisdom.

Then Came You (2020)

Not an Oscar movie, but humorous, charming, and thought-provoking.

[6/10 · 14 August 2021]

Lots of little surprises, fun things, serious things. We really enjoyed it! Perhaps it more appreciated by older, every-day kind of people. But it does have some wisdom, some love, some strength. And the creativity in it is a real heart-warmer!

Holiday in the Wild (2019)

Interesting and uplifting.

[7/10 · 24 July 2021]

Seeing all the film shots of Zambia, of the animals, and especially the elephant sanctuary. Elephants are very, very intelligent, and I really enjoyed this storyline about them. It's a family class film, so don't expect violence and mayhem, etc. But it's really delightful to meet kindly African sanctuary members, and especially to learn the work they do to save elephants. It stated that the elephant population has decreased 65% in the last 10 years, so all the elephant sanctuaries need all the help they can get to keep on saving them! Plus, there are incredible shots of scenery and night skies.

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)

Happy Hour++

[7/10 · 28 July 2018]

A happy way to spend 114 minutes. Loved seeing favorite actresses and actors! Loved Lily James' vibrant performance! And loved the ABBA music! I suppose one could 'critique' certain aspects...but why bother? Just sit back and enjoy your happiness.

A Walk in the Woods (2015)

Hilarious! It's a 'Feel-GREAT' movie

[10/10 · 5 September 2015]

I have NOT read the book...So the little 'incorrect' things or the little incongruities don't mean a thing to me. This movie is a delight to watch unfold. And soooo funny! I loved the contrast between Redford and Nolte, they really complimented each other; loved the unexpected people, and outrageous incidents. It was interesting to learn about the trail and trail-hiking--the hikers seem a special group of people. And it was interesting to learn about the problems of the forests, although I wonder what can be done about it (nothing stopped the American Chestnut blight). The scenery was beautiful--I would have liked even more shots. Best of all, however, was the hilarity. We all were holding our sides! Nolte was grand. Redford was elegant and refined. Emma Thompson is wonderful in every part she plays. And Mary Steenburgen is still so beautiful. It was good to see them all!

Mistress America (2015)

Like a high school stage play... AWFUL

[1/10 · 4 September 2015]

It may seem odd, but I did like the actors, just not their parts. Most of them seemed miscast. But I did like them, and I wish them well. The director, I think, brought in too much swishing, swooshing movement and there was too much pseudo-sophisticated hyper-talk, which made the actors all seem amateurish. The story-line was so subtle, I never did get it, unless it was about lost,lonely souls living in New York, where everyone seems lost and lonely anyway. The characters were implausible (does anyone act like that in real life?). NONE of it seemed like real life. This truly did seem like a high school stage play with kids trying to put on a 'sophisticated' production. I actually wanted to get up and leave after about 20 minutes, but my spouse wouldn't let me because we'd already paid for it. The one thing that seemed true about it was that I really did feel everyone's pain. And that was due to the acting.

Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)

Not all that great!

[3/10 · 17 February 2015]

An interesting storyline that went from elegant to trashy to sickening to tasteful to distasteful. What kind of people think that exploding heads is a comedy act? Or for that matter, a mother trying to kill her little girl!? Finally, ends with the "requisite" piece of ass that serves absolutely no purpose in the story line and is done in such a trashy way. Very crass and off-putting. Vaughn and Goldman seem to have social issues with sick humor.

The storyline is fun, clever, whimsical, unexpected, and very 'James Bond' as intended. It was a delightful--except for the "comic touches" that ruin it and are distasteful. The actors were very appealing -- and elegant. It was not Oscar/BAFTA-worthy, but was fun. Except for the parts that kick you in the gut. And if my review makes you feel like a yo-yo going upper, downer, upper, downer...that is the way the movie feels.