kateAraya715 Reviews

Yellowstone (2018– )

Swift dive

[6/10 · 14 May 2024]

Started with 1883 which while beautiful should've been a clear warning on just how much silly Taylor Sheridan can commit to what should've been an almost simple path to perfection. The cast is ridiculously talented. The scenery is the star of the show and you miss it when you're watching anything else with an outdoor pov. The deep hurt to the gut anyone watching gets when considering what might happen to our most beautiful parts of our country when they're inundated with more Targets Starbucks and the mediocrity minded, greedy, purposely ignorant wealthy is absolutely real. There are so many gorgeous and small scenes that do absolutely nothing to move the story forward but absolutely give urbanites and city-dwellers a moment to understand what we are missing out on. Watching these small details focused on actual ranching, actual cowboying, actual Indigenous communities and their rituals, stresses, injustices, restrictions and the oppressive laws that no one outside their culture thinks about let alone cares about. There is so much to gain from this show. As someone with even a small percentage of Indigenous DNA, maybe I'm more sensitive to the damage humans continue to wreak upon Earth as so gloriously observed during the pandemic with wild animals roaming empty and human disregarded city streets.

Unfortunately this can get lost in the high school clown show that the writers have painted their potential masterpiece into.

Instead of focusing on the beauty of the land and the common interests of far right and far left viewers, we have to watch a grown woman with no self-control, who's supposed to be brilliant at everything except looking in the mirror. And her super confusing father who from one episode to the next goes from telling his psycho daughter "do I still have my son" when he thought she had killed him to "I have one son I regret" and "I only have one son". What is that? How are we supposed to care about this family? It's just gotten silly and you'd think they'd realize we have really had enough of dirty politics. Now we are forced into being subjected to it while trying anything to enjoy what life we can without it.

An shame. No wonder KC doesn't want to come back.

Rocco Schiavone (2016– )

Brilliant

[10/10 · 22 March 2024]

I've given 10 stars before - but man this show has everything. So well done!! Schiavone is a real piece of work. But he's absolutely someone to root for. He's a hero because he's flawed. And unapologetically short on manners but his life and his perspective is absolutely hilarious. For such a wide variety of interesting cases and subordinates surrounding him, the show is brilliant. To be able to write about a detective with a serious attitude but include laugh out loud belly laughs- it's perfection. After watching countless detective shows you kind of get used to guessing what trope they'll use next. This show has kept me hooked by not being like any other series I've seen. It's interesting, he's cool, the women are beautiful and not written as idiotic, the jokes are so funny and well-played, the conversations are so well-written they're real and seamless and I'm so happy it's in Italian. I don't speak Italian but the whole show works precisely because it's in Italian...truly brilliant. BRAVO!

Damsel (2024)

Yep. A 10.

[10/10 · 14 March 2024]

I gave this story 10 stars for 10 reasons.

It didn't try too hard. It didn't have to. It stems from a simple story, yes, but the twists and turns were the perfect amount and way to keep us guessing. And the story has the right amount of depth. Interesting and not confusing. And you'll care about the story and characters.

Every actor was exactly right. No over the top drama. The right ppl were the right amount of emotional at exactly the right times. They didn't force us to know their motives or showboat a specific trope of personality, which is so correct and breath of fresh air. And no one over acted. All the actors did an excellent job!

The cast was perfect.

The dragon was a multidimensional character and not just a terrorizing creature. And her voice(can't remember the name of that phenomenal actress) was perfect.

The main character is portrayed throughout with a particular character trait that I don't want to mention here but it played absolutely perfectly for such a remarkable story arc.

I love a movie that takes what seems like a simple story - and keeps it simple. I know that seems weird. But though it's simple - it is 100% not like anything else. It wasn't slow. It wasn't shallow. It wasn't trope-filled. This is the kind of movie that I would actually like to see a sequel of.

Millie Bobbie Brown just brings it. She must be a strong person because she shines as a strong brave kind intelligent hero.

The story also wasn't convoluted by a narcissistic director. Those ppl like to put it so much extra fluff to draw out a timeline and this director refrained from doing so. They knew they had just the right amount of everything for a good film. And that it's a perfect example of a good film it gets 10 stars.

I truly enjoyed watching this film.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023– )

Love this show!

[9/10 · 23 January 2024]

As a huge Godzilla fan I love this show. It's showing the origin story of Monarch makes it so much more interesting and fun. It's beautifully emotional without a hint of cheesiness. Each character is played beautifully. Especially the young Kentaro, and I LOVE Wyatt Russell's performance. I was surprised by how little I've seen of his work and thought he'd be a distraction/only cast bc of his Dad. But it's not the case at all. He and Kurt R were fun to watch and really fantastic. Perfect casting and excellent acting. I think every single Japanese actor was truly superb. Kentaro's mother broke my heart. Cate's mother the same. I love the quirkiness of the main Monarch dude who's not exactly a shallow one-note character. It's a crazy good story because it's not full of tropes and the expected. It gets a 9 only because I think Cate should've either been written better or the beautiful woman who played her was miscast. I truly believe the fault was in the writing. Her hostility from the get go being unexplained- and it didn't feel like it was because of what she found out about her father- was extremely annoying. Happily her character became better but a flat character arch and flat acting. I hate saying that. And the disrespect the kids are towards their parents is ridiculous. They aren't teenagers. But they're first written like teenagers and then treated as experienced monsters explorers. May and Kentaro were written and acted out perfectly and understandably but Cate not as strong. Thank goodness she's got an incredible cast around her and a fantastic story!! So entertaining!!

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

2 stars off for Antonio.

[9/10 · 14 January 2024]

I love a sweet and solid goodbye- if that's the case here. It was actually better than a couple in the line up and I was surprised by how much I really enjoyed it. Phoebe Waller-Bridges is excellent as her character. She's brilliant and is absolutely believable as a brilliant archeologist who has gone astray. The conversations between her and Indiana are more real and deeper than we have seen dialogue in previous Indy movies which I was really happy to see. I love the science fiction of these movies because they (almost) always bring the audience so much imagination and fun which basically the whole point of entertainment.

Of course, I was rooting for Indiana to stay - to hell with history and I said "....and that's so terrible?" as Indiana was responding to Helena with pretty much the same words.

Seeing Karen Allen at the end brought my disappointment that Indiana didn't stay to a full stop. The nostalgia was perfect and on point. To think I was 11 years old when I first watched this movie on a BetaMax video before it came out on video (my friend's father had connections lol) was - I can't explain it as eloquently as I'd like to , but it hit home in so many ways. We live so many memories through our moments viewing movies and as much as I say I wish they'd make more movies with original ideas, it's truly incredible to curl up with old friend like Indiana Jones and watch him on a new adventure. The popcorn tasted better and the tea was a perfect temperature. I loved every minute of it but one. - Antonio Banderas' ending was a waste of a beautiful talented actor who should've had a much bigger role in the movie. Without the ending he was given.

Idc if anyone feels how I did watching it. But I'd say thank you to Harrison Ford and Karen Allen and Phoebe Waller-Bridges for making a proper Indiana movie with a beautiful end. 🙏🏻

The Lincoln Lawyer: The Rules of Professional Conduct (2023) Season 2, Episode 1

What?

[4/10 · 13 January 2024]

Bad premise. How any lawyer who is supposed to be this good can think they're trapped by this guy is beyond me. Almost too easy to drop this guy in a dark hole. The case was done. Baller was not present when he rehired him, which if he went straight to the police would give credence to this fact and testify immediately about the guy B&Eing. It might be sticky but with the actual suspect in custody, the forensic evidence etc, for it being ep 1, so ridiculous. And his PI? A guy who's supposed to have some kind of brain function and reason? All of a sudden throwing his life away? His beloved fiancée away so Haller won't pay for his previous eff-ups? And nothing more annoying than a woman with an obvious agenda coming on so strong. And yes. She's a stalker. Are we watching the Real Housewives? Or a different super contrived version of it? Ugh. Super annoying. Just not a great way to start the season.

Fargo (2014–2024)

This why I can't watch tv anymore.

[2/10 · 13 December 2023]

If you want to be inundated with painful exasperation and incompetence then this is the show for you. I get it. We are desperate for any passive entertainment but shows like this have me losing weight by the shear number of brain cells fleeing from my brain. To believe that the only person in Fargo with a brain is the one-note wondering actor BBT and a hands tied behind her back female cop is as frustrating in every scene as you can imagine. If there is good acting in this show, it's by Alison Toleman (spelling?) who's restricted from being useful at every stage and Carradine who sadly has the smallest part. BBT is the absolute worst glorified actor in modern television/movies. Give him a weird voice and he's still got the humane equivalent of Slingblade. Actually Slingblade had more human feeling. Freeman is Freeman with the same nervousness he always has. OdenKirk is super talented but annoying as the stereotypically written idiotic MN cop. The guy who plays his brother is actually another bright spot - he does an excellent job with his part to be fair. The stupidity to be written and dignified by watching is a genre - while calling it a dark comedy - is a whack on actual dark comedies. It's too annoying to laugh. I can't pretend that crap writing like this is enjoyable or the Coen brothers are anything more than 12 yr olds laughing at the idiots who continue to pay and idolize them. I'm one season in and I'm out. Good luck.

Bye Bye Barry (2023)

Inspiring

[10/10 · 24 November 2023]

If you are someone with any sense of empathy or care enough about respecting the sensibilities of others you will walk away with 2 things. One is understanding of why Mr. Sanders retired and respect for his reason. You will also get to know a bit about who he is and he is one of very few people in the world of fame that has known exactly who he was from a very early age - and honored it. He didn't try to become what is expected he didn't play football for the accolades. He remained true to himself throughout his career and personal life and so stayed a solid and good man. Anyone who watches this and gives it a low rating because they feel he didn't give the answer they wanted - they were not listening and are likely surrounded by people that feel they aren't being heard too.

Learning who Barry Sanders is as a human being is inspiring and a blessing. Excellent movie hearing from different perspectives and his Dad - wow. Just good stuff. Bravo William - you raised a real standup man. God bless them all.

McFarland, USA (2015)

A beautiful movie! Deserves every star!!

[10/10 · 20 November 2023]

I wanted an uplifting movie to break out of school and life stress. Everything outside of aged Lasso and All Creatures... are so depressing.

This movie is absolutely incredible. The story being true makes it more beautiful regardless if there were any changes for dramatic purposes. The characters themselves are portrayed beautifully regardless of how much scene time they had. So much warmth and character depth and the arc of the main character portrayed by KCostner felt organic given the length of a movie - I was happy that they showed what was changing around him and why it was affecting his character's development. The young men were excellent. Their performances each felt authentic and just made cheer for them - and their parents! Even though the parents were sometimes misunderstood, the movie didn't force that misconception for long allowing the viewer to regain the hope and joy the movie was offering.

I wish this movie were more popular. It has so much heart and so many lessons for anyone who thinks their way of life and living is abruptly difficult. When you watch these young people work as hard as they do, for little to zero acceptance, opportunity, or even college degrees, this movie might teach you that if you really think about it- you can do anything.

I'm so grateful to have watched this movie. It's a blessing to share this country with people like Coach White, the Cougar running team and their entire community. Even as I live 2500 miles away.

Watch this movie!!! You won't regret it!!

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021–2024)

Yes. 10 Stars

[10/10 · 3 October 2023]

Surprised by how much I love this show! Not an animated show fan usually but it's Star Wars so ....it's now my all-time favorite Star Wars series. Including all the Disney live action series. Even Mando.

Shocked by how much and how many times I've watched it over again. First, it gives a new perspective on the clones and many of their personal experiences and perspectives which I really enjoy. Especially if you've watched some of the other animated series. This takes the original on screen prequels (ugh) and bc you need some semblance of Lucas' original vision, it fixes the atrocities of those films. It fleshes out ideas that should've been expounded on and reignites excitement for the Star Wars Universe again. The characters are interesting funny and emotional. I'm actually very satisfied with this being animated as opposed to live-action bc the writing could not be done better and an actor could too easily bring a negative influence to the superb writing. The voice actors are excellent!

The stories are sweet, sad, exciting, exploratory, funny, cute, heartbreaking, empathetic and inspiring.

You might want to watch the Clone Wars movie then the Clone Wars series first tbh but even if you don't, you'll probably love this series anyway. I am SO excited it's coming back in '24 for a 3rd season!!

Hijack (2023)

A reason for a 10

[10/10 · 30 August 2023]

I could not really find anything about this to dislike. There were No outrageous unbelievable plot holes, or character breaks for no reason other than forced plot lines and - c'mon - Idris freaking Elba!! He's fantastic!! And absolutely so much fun to watch, and a phenomenal actor and not just gorgeous.

This isn't a deep film in terms of art, but it is one that keeps moving at a fantastic pace, always something to be surprised by and no cheesy moments that break the mood but tender ones that do allow the viewer see people at better angles. Every character is developed-enough. And even the one blip in tropyism had so much going on, that the trope part didn't get in the way of an excellent climatic scene. The best characters were on the ground. This is my opinion because usually if you're not in the middle of the crazy-your character is written as unethical or dim or worse - in the bloody way. Every character was written with a brain. Many actors portrayed with just mere facial expressions what their character's thoughts were when they found themselves in dangerous or political situations. And the characters all did their jobs. The kids weren't written as overly whiny or super annoying-which is a personal ick of mine. I am dismayed by movies/tv these days because the writing seems so so so lazy that we are left dumber for having watched most of it. Not once did I think "why in the world would that character do THAT? It makes no sense!" Not once.

I thought it was a very well developed story and without giving anything away - an excellent ending - but also left room for a sequel!!

I really really enjoyed this series!!

Prometheus (I) (2012)

3 for cinematography

[3/10 · 26 August 2023]

A movie is a story about something or someone or many someones. This means the writing should be at least believable for the characters.

We are supposed to believe these characters are extremely intelligent scientists. But they some of the dumbest people ever written for this kind of character. Save Idris Elba. He can sell burgers to a vegan no matter how bad the story is. The lead character played by Noomi Rapace is a horrible rendering of a "human"(quotations bc she's so vile). She condescendingly asks another character if all he cares about is flying the ship - when she's literally the reason so many people die.

There are so many ridiculous scenes that no one with an extra 70+ years of experience in any life would react the way the main character especially does.

If they had written it from the POV of the Synthetic (Michael Fassbender's David) it would've been a much better story and much more interesting entertaining and thought-provoking.

There's nothing new here. No real departure from Alien. The worst is as always - if the writers had a paid any attention to human behavior (which is basic writing 101) this MIGHT have been much better. Charlize Theron does a good job too. Benedict Wong is underused. Again Idris Elba is always supreme.

Invasion (2021–2024)

Explain

[7/10 · 25 August 2023]

The sci-fi narrative and the development of the alien invasion story is fantastic. It's not boring unless you were born with an iPhone in your hand and immediate gratification is your vice. The show as a whole is hard to stop watching once you start. That's the good/great.

The bad: The choices of a single character are strictly writers' plotting - they are not natural nor consistent and the writing for this character and her family is so dumb it is horrible to admit but I was waiting for two of the family members to just die already. Which is awful when you realize you're talking about a kid. How OLD is this ridiculous child? She is supposed to be at least 10 and because the writers have yet to show her as suffering from a mental deficiency-she is the worst written character in the show and that's saying a lot considering her mom - the main character- is stoic and strong and determined and has her wits about her on day 1. 1-she finds out her "loving" husband is having an affair. -2-her kids' school is struck by some weird occurrence that makes ALL the kids even her daughter, get nosebleeds (except her son),3- her street is obliterated by what they think is either terrorism bombs or worse, 4-her husband begs the neighbor to take him with them and yes verbally out loud for the world to hear - so he can abandon his wife and children.5-she finds out it's an alien invasion. Through all this - She keeps her cool and does everything she can in order to save her family and then out of the blue she just forgets she has kids and goes off to gods know where to pretend she's a Dr? Only to "snap out of it" and run 20 miles back to her family ? Of course this is completely contrived in order for her story to move forward - to get a look at a tiny alien organism upfront in order to give her more necessity to her staying relevant to the story. But again - Her kids are basically balls of whiny flesh with no emotion or brain cells. They see their house blown, their neighbors panicking, people being killed, aliens attacking them and their parents, and they act like they are at Disney. They're supposed to be scared - I think? Yet these kids' with their whole world blown to bits are occupied with wanting toys and gummy bears. And basically no sentient ability to feel what their parents are feeling or remotely have a bit of wherewithal for their parents concerns. It's almost diabolical. With 12 nieces and nephews myself- I can honestly say that I'd think they're autistic if they were mine. Or I'd immediately start to imagine sending them off to live with my mother bc obviously I'm an awful parent. Their father also gets a medical procedure on the side of the road by their not-a-Dr-mother(one that miraculously has him walking upright and talking normally and eating a full Diner meal of a burger fries and a milkshake in the very next scene) and even in a show about an alien attack- THIS was the worst case of writer stupidity and forced suspended belief I've seen in recent memory. This is a show we are supposed to believe is a serious drama and they turned this storyline into something General Hospital would have a hard time selling.

All this being said - because I had to get that off my chest - obviously- everything else is engrossing and interesting. Even though some of the characters are literally just dumb. And you're wondering how they could possibly survive without the writers "making it so".

As a whole - 7/10ths of it is great. 3/10ths is quite sh*te.

Ted Lasso (2020– )

All 3 Seasons are written exactly as they should be.

[10/10 · 18 August 2023]

For anyone reading the bad reviews from ppl upset with Season One and Two- those reviewers do not fully appreciate what brilliance they witnessed. While Season One is Hilarious. Everything is fresh, funny and we are hit with a Ted love bomb. And he manages to loosen ppl's uptight opinion about him along the way and in the most gorgeous way too. Season Two shows the natural progression of relationships where everything is wonderful at the beginning- you don't know other people's pain or secrets or troubles. But now you do. And you see ppl make mistakes, forget why they're there, lose faith and lose hope. But it's still a joy to see Ted Lasso himself find a way to face his own demons and though some things work out for some ppl and others don't, Ted Lasso - as frustrating it is for us avg citizens - writes some truths about humans and friends and humanity and love and we should all continue to see how watching these characters work through their anxiety, maybe the viewer might see they have a way as well?

Season 3 was hard at first, bc it's not the goofy sweet show of S1. It is though quite literally flawless. Because it represents the end of even fantastic things- relationships or football seasons or friendships or enemy-ships. Like life. You make it the way you want it to go. And doing it The Lasso Way seems to have stunning results.

The show is NOT 3 separate seasons, it literally a full movie only chopped up into seasons and episodes.

This the very very VERY VERY BEST of tv writing. It is the finest in character building. It is the most remarkable in writing stories that are so relatable even for billionaires or hundredaires.

Because it's about a group of ppl going through a time in their life. Like Ted says at the end - it's not about him. It never was.

I'm sobbing for this to be the last season. It's been life-changing and reaffirming that it is up to us to treat the world with love self-respect, respect and dignity. Because you never know why may be watching. And for those smart enough to watch Ted Lasso- and think. You'll never post less than a 10/9 I'll even allow for an occasional 8. But lower than that, you need to check your soul.

This is absolutely what television should be. True brilliance. Thank you Jason, Brendan, Brett, Hannah, Juno, Nick, Jonathan and Phil. THE VERY BEST CAST IN THE VERY BEST TV SHOW EVER. PERIOD.

Inspector Morse (1987–2000)

Exhausted

[7/10 · 6 July 2023]

After I made the mistake of starting the Inspector Morse series trilogy in timeline order starting with Endeavor, Inspector Morse did not live up to Endeavor- to me. I then started Inspector Lewis and loved that as well. Maybe because Morse was filmed in the 90's and British tv crime dramas presented a different vibe then, but Morse -again to me - did not have the depth of character or range of personality as the character was portrayed in Endeavor or the characters of Lewis and Hathaway in Inspector Lewis. Those bookends to the Morse trilogy are just so fantastic, it's hard to write an opinion that the original material doesn't hold up to the newer series. I fell asleep watching Morse. I'll keep giving it a go bc I really enjoy the premise but it's more for nostalgia than enjoyment at this point.

A Man Called Otto (2022)

Took a long time to watch this movie.

[10/10 · 21 May 2023]

The book is one of my very favorites. I got married for the first time at 43 and read this shortly after. The book is amazingly touching and thoughtful. Though it has been a long while since I read it, I wasn't sure I was ready to watch it on the big screen - still haven't seen the Swedish version.

I felt this movie was so quiet but powerful in its message about how precious life is. Insignificant moments that add up to what could and should be miraculous and profound and beautiful. If you take this movie as it is without any preconceived notions, you will see the beauty of connecting to your community and understanding humanity is equal to real friendship.

For those giving this movie low ratings because gasp!! There are Hispanic Black and a single trans person in this movie are showing their personal emotionally stunted growth bc it is merely a reflection of today's topics, not the ones reflective of Swedish culture 10+ years ago when the original story was written. And NONE of it is even the point of the movie. So if you're not afraid to feel empathy for others regardless of how any person should look or feel or speak, then o think you will get something beautiful from watching this film. If on the other hand you believe that no one who doesn't dress, think, look, worship, speak, feel, behave as stunted as you think they should, then maybe you will be outraged by the (dare I say? GASP!) diverse cast and roles. Though again, it is not the point of the movie. But maybe you might see that being stuck, obtuse, set in your ways might be keeping you from enjoying a more enriched life. And I pray everyone watches this with an open heart. Bc the gift is in the message. Life is short.

It's really a beautiful film and I love that's it's filmed and set in Pittsburgh.

I loved it.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

So different from I expected!

[9/10 · 18 May 2023]

I was only going to use this as background noise while I did some work.... I am so glad I stopped working and I'm even happier that this movie gave me a reason to. Just the visuals alone are so cool and setting up Kang's story (played by the enormous talent that is Jonathan Majors) brought the level of depth interest and talent for a Superhero movie to a whole new level. And that's says a lot when you're watching Michael Douglas and Michelle Pfeiffer on screen who -though they didn't - can just phone it in and it's still fun to watch. I loved the whole aesthetic of the film from the Quantum realm to Evangeline Lilly looking gorgeous as a beautiful woman sans a ridiculous amount of Botox and playing a SuperBadAss along w Michelle Pfeiffer.

Of course Paul Rudd in any movie is always entertaining and funny. But the most favorite is that it's not a dull -get the facts and foundation out and who cares about the rest - movie. I think it'll be a whole other fantastic ride to see where Kang & The Gang (forgive but I was in the moment;)) are going to take us. It's the first in this set of Marvel movies that I was excited to see the end bc it ended on such a good high of anticipation for what's to come.

Idc what any laptop junkie says, you know, those who know every detail of every nuance of every scene by the weekend box office receipts come in, about this installment of AntMan- It's fun and interesting and leaves a LOT to get excited about. It's a REALLY GOOD Marvel movie. It's different and I loved it. Finally!!

Aftershock: Everest and the Nepal Earthquake (2022)

Irresponsible

[5/10 · 27 April 2023]

If you take nothing else from this documentary, take this: The absolute disconnect each of the visitors has to nature, self-awareness, personal responsibility, and their own humanity represented in this documentary is appalling. I've never remotely considered climbing Mt Everest an accomplishment but a crime against nature. The destruction of the mountain, the pollution, the garbage left behind, the learned lacked of humanity while stepping over the dead to get to an ego-driven checkbox on some egocentric list? Disgusting. If I were Everest I'd blow every week.

At the beginning, they tried to claim that "most ppl think it's just a bunch of rich ppl... some are just ordinary!" Ordinary?? How absolutely insulting and insane. Rich people are some of the most ordinary uncreative dangerously stupid inconsiderate creatures on earth. And this movie - while excellent- also leaves the viewer wondering why? Why make a doc about rich western ppl who have no connection to Nepal? The hotel owner, his employees and the reps of the govt and rescue effort, the villagers should have been the focus. Yes.

But I am also glad they showed the Israeli men too. They wear their victimhood like a badge of honor, continuously disrespecting the villagers who lost EVERYTHING, speaking as if the villagers were not equal to them, that THEIR lives were MORE important. They made me sick to my stomach Never once was there a mention - "if we are stuck here maybe we can find a way to help these people". Never happened once. Disgusting people.

Western culture has lost the plot. We are so beyond arrogant and ignorant this movie reveals that we, in our heart of hearts truly believe every mountain, every foreign culture, every THING belongs to us - to use and abuse at our will.

And the photographer? I'm waiting to see if she sells her photos and donates every penny to the villagers. Otherwise she's just as bad - and she never criticizes the behavior of her Israeli buddies either. The sorrow I felt for the people who lost their homes and loved ones still stays with me. The anger and grief I have for the selfishness of every visitor (except the HIV patient who gave compelling reasons for his decisions) still sickens me.

Narcos (2015–2017)

6 People

[9/10 · 26 April 2023]

There's is nothing better than watching a story told 100 times - and find it told better than any other way. This show is actually riveting. Every scene. Every line in the script. Every action. Brilliantly, the director and writers show Escobar as deeply in love with his wife and family he is but not burying it into a mass murdering, infantile, deranged, terrorist who single-handed Ky took his supposed beloved country and countrymen into a decade+ of hell on scorched earth. It's all there in a yin/yang of à personality, neither which leaves the screen too long.

The writing is brilliant. The action is on point as it is also reflected in the historical photographs portrayed throughout the series. Every single actor couldn't be more proud of their portrayals in this show. There are dozens and dozens of different characters and every one was flawlessly portrayed. Pascal and Holbrook are probably the weakest if you can believe that.

Wagner More(?) I can't say enough about him. He is Pablo Escobar. Just thoroughly brilliant.

The best is the way it shows the continued progress between a small town cigarette trafficker to the violent criminal. From the perspectives of each character. So you simultaneously loathe and sympathize with many of them.

My one issue. How does Escobar have a daughter grow from infant to 6 yr old while his son never ages? Maybe I missed something.

But if that's the single issue - it's most definitely mine.

Riveted to the point that I'm losing sleep to stay up later to watch more is a sign. This is brilliant.

What hit me the most - "6 people died so you and your buddy can have 'that oz of Coke'. Paraphrasing bc that fact is the one that matters. No one ever thinks the victims who are murdered between the growing, processing, transporting, packaging and selling of cocaine. That is the terror. And this show is an education in choices and stupidity. And luck being mistaken for success or intelligence.

Strange World (2022)

Wonderfully Unique

[10/10 · 24 April 2023]

I do not understand the negative reviews. I watch movies hoping to see new and different stories. I like variety and to be challenged into critical or creative thinking. I did not know what to expect- except I thought it'd probably be basically the same basic story. And maybe there was some basic premise father to son/father to son relationship issues. But the back story is so much more interesting and it respects the audience enough to give them a LOT to think about - Even with the imagery and discovery, it doesn't land squarely with the answers spelled out. It's definitely a movie worth watching more than once in order to go back and see what more the viewer might take away from the imagery for themselves.

Like Avatar, it has an extremely well-played message on both stories. If you want to get in touch with your brain and watch something that might let you open your mind up to new and/or different experiences and perspectives I think you will really enjoy this movie.

Lastly, there are some characters that might be under scrutiny for existing at all, let alone in this movie. And tho I do not belong to any group other than the square box no edges group, I'm moved thinking about people my age growing up and never seeing anyone they could relate to on screen. I grew up with Temple, Day, Blume, Austen, Eyre, Salinger so I could see myself in almost any character in books and or movies.

It is not only a brave choice to continue to add characters whom are not necessarily the majority in numbers, but are the majority in their relationships. Children should never be afraid to ask questions and they won't be if we keep the door open for them to feel comfortable enough to walk in and ask.

A dog with only 3 legs and being infinitely loved no matter what is the REAL message of this movie. Especially to anyone who has an issue with any human character portrayed. I loved it. I loved the positive message. I loved the no bad guys bc even they got the message and instantly understood the assignment. As did the creators of this beautiful movie. Bravo.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022)

Deserves a 10

[10/10 · 3 April 2023]

This is a movie. Exactly what I want in a movie is surprising entertainment fun and funny. Action is a bonus.

Really was looking forward to this movie. Hello Pedro!!! But was really surprised about how awesome this movie is. The relationship between Cage and Pascal was perfect and even had a lot of realism in the small talk and side talk. Tiffany Haddish is funny but not made to be a joke or jokester. The scenery is gorgeous! The storyline is unpredictable and though there are so many Easter Eggs and hilarious moments it's also warm and thoughtful and sweet.

I really am not a huge Cage fan - I like him since Valley Girl lol. But he's not the reason I watch his movies. Unlike Pedro Passcal who'd I eat h eat pretzels and pay lots of money to do so. Lol. But Cage is brilliant as always and really deserves a lot of praise for this "role" bc whether or not it's remotely close to his real life - it is hilarious and heartbreaking and touching all at the same time.

A truly great movie that does for the audience what the audience deserves. Just excellent storytelling, exotic locations, fun and interesting and hilarious characters. Bravo.

The Rookie: Feds: Out for Blood (2023) Season 1, Episode 12

It's not Einstein but fun usually doesn't present as Drama. Lol

[8/10 · 26 January 2023]

I love it. It's fun, easy to watch and follow when I'm doing work or household chores. Ms Nash-Betts is fun, funny, and super cute and the the cast is awesome especially her boss "Matt Garza" - very talented and plays the role easily. If you want serious crime detective stories with high drama - I do too - but there's lots of room for shows like this. The cast is talented, no one is pretending it's going to be Dexter or on the other hand-Ted Lasso. This is more a family show and I'm personally good with that. I enough crime in Florida politics these days. I love taking a break from "harsh reality". Not everything has to be Criminal Minds.

The Sinner: Part I (2017) Season 1, Episode 1

Great show. But.

[9/10 · 13 January 2023]

Bill Pullman and Jessica Biel are absolutely amazing. I can't say enough about such emotional characters being portrayed so brilliantly. You could actually imagine watching every scene being a fly in the wall.

Excellent writing. For the most part. 95% Excellent. Very unique storyline. Shorter, tense, informative, scenes played very well to this detective story. Wish more shows would follow their lead.

My issues are mine but here it goes.

How does the wife act like she doesn't know she's married to a detective?? I mean my husband's job and interests makes me know instinctively when his mind gets going. Walking in the woods w my - let's pretend - detective husband and he sees something and walks off completely focused, I'm not going to stand there yelling his name like an idiot. I'm going to follow him and be interested in what he's doing. This scene was so unrealistic to me. If she thought they were supposed to be trying ISN'T SHE part of that "they". Because the next scene she's acting like her world with him just isn't working - because of him???? Yeah. Ok. He's weird and not comfortable socially. She could or should break up with him bc it was not a good fit for her. But they write it as she can't even remotely find it in herself to just say that. She has to be the a-hole.

Like most shows, they write the spouse as if they are either really ignorant or an easy antagonist. As if there aren't enough threads to follow we have to bear witness to an excellent actress look nonsensical.

Other than that and the sex mistress- I guess that's what the woman is, scenes were personally annoying w the wife and hard to watch the mistress scenes - again to me personally. - THIS is almost as good as MindHunter.

If you like mysteries this one's for you.

Spirited (2022)

Future Christmas Classic

[10/10 · 26 December 2022]

It's not perfect. But that's exactly why I think this will become a Christmas Classic. RR and WF are so naturally a great team on screen and there are enough twists and turns that it adheres to the idea of watching over and over and eventually seeing things you missed the first (few) time(s).

I gave it a 10 bc it is SO FUN! And unpredictable! Ms. Spencer is gorgeous and picture perfect of class and grace w fantastic voice! The dance #s are so much fun to watch and I love the integration of each character having at least a somewhat developed character.

Loved it. Hilarious and sweet. Exactly what a Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell movie is.

Big Sky (2020–2023)

Yep. Not happening.

[1/10 · 31 October 2022]

I can't believe I watched this w a slight hope it would be decent.

They start off with whom I assume is supposed to be the heroine and we first meet her after she sleeps with her friend/coworker's estranged husband. I thought they'd write it that at least she'd had remorse or some shade but they literally kill him off and write it that she's somehow someone to cheer him on? I don't even like her already. Now am annoyed bc it started off well. So besides the kidnapping, the prostitute's survival - the ex wife and dead husband were the most interesting part of the show.

John Carroll is scary as heck. So is the actor who plays the kidnapper. He's from another show and he's awesome. But I don't expect they'll stay on long bc it seems they rid of the best actors quickly.