matthewdgabriel Reviews

3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost (2023 TV Movie)

The Hallmark Channel's best Saturday night movie premiere of 2023

[8/10 · 8 October 2023]

Starting with its clever and appealing title, "3 BED, 2 BATH, 1 GHOST" is my vote for The Hallmark Channel's best new Saturday night feature of the year...and, trust me, I've seen (or, perhaps more apropos, endured) them all.

This is not Hallmark's first go at a story involving a ghost or an old estate, by any means, but, compared to the channel's usual offerings, this one feels rather fresh. Anyone familiar with The Hallmark Channel should be pleased with the return of the highly affable Julie Gonzalo and Chris McNally, who are apparently one of Hallmark's real-life power couples. As always, their performances here do not disappoint, mostly because they're consistently just so darn likable.

What's different this time is that this story features a third lead, and she's a true scene-stealer. Madeleine Arthur (2014's "Big Eyes" and Netflix's 2022 limited series, "Devil in Ohio," just to name a couple) as Roaring '20s youngly deceased socialite, Ruby, is a gem. Like her character, Arthur shines like gold here, and anyone would be blessed to be haunted by the likes of her. Speaking of shining like a gem, Arthur (Ruby) has the most gorgeous blue eyes that, in exterior daylight shots and interior shots where the light hits them just right, shimmer like sun-soaked shallow Caribbean tides. If Arthur were a devil in the aforementioned Netflix series, she's an angel this time around. That's versatility for ya!

This feature, I'm quite happy to state, left me genuinely satisfied, rather than disappointed. "3 Bed..." = 3 lead artists that, under competent direction and a well-written romantic story, gift Hallmark with a long-awaited crowning achievement (pun intended).

Monarch (2022)

I wouldn't be surprised if this MONARCH flew away after 1 season (or mid-season)

[5/10 · 13 September 2022]

The MONARCH premiere was exactly what I had expected it to be - mediocre and forgettable. Despite the star power of veteran Susan Sarandon, country star Trace Adkins, and the always likable and impressively talented Brits Anna Friel (Pushing Diasies) and Joshua Sasse (Galavant), the only glimmer of substance this pilot episode had was a well-done duet of the 1997 hit ballad, "How Do I Live." The introduction of its plots, subplots, and backstories, I could've easily lived without. This question remains: Do I want to continue watching a blasé series far too similar to other fleeting series like PROMISED LAND and FILTHY RICH simply because I like actors Sarandon, Friel, and Sasse -- despite the blatant fact that none of them could carry a Texas accent worth a darn? Moreover, do we really need another NASHVILLE? Hasn't this been done and done over dozens of times? "How do I live" without this series? My apologies to the fine cast, but the answer is...just fine!

Hotel Portofino (2022– )

"Ditto" the others: gorgeous scenery, affable actors, subpar material that could have been sooo much better!

[4/10 · 21 June 2022]

What a disappointment this was for me. I had read the synopsis, and was excited for its premiere. The creator's concept had so much potential to be a highly enjoyable and memorable hit series...but I agree with so many of the other reviewers, including tm-sheehan and marylou_booth. However, whereas Marylou gave up halfway through episode 3, I gave up after finishing episode 1. Too tedious and boring, and not a single character was made interesting enough in the first episode to justify continued viewing. Several fine (and recognizable) actors give commendable performances, but the real star in this dud of a series is the picturesque Italian riviera. You'll save time and aggravation by simply skimming through production stills (photos of the scenery). I am not surprised that this is airing on PBS here in the U. S. without being classified as a PBS Masterpiece series.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017–2023)

1 Star for Season 4!

[1/10 · 19 February 2022]

I've seen every episode to date. The acting is stellar; the production values, the scenic design and art direction, the costumes...all outstanding. The script, on the other hand, is atrocious. The main characters have grown so incredibly annoying, with the exception of Joel -- the one character who appears to have matured and bettered himself. Foremost, what ruined the first episode of Season 4 for me was the unnecessary, overabundant, thoroughly excessive use of profanity. I could not keep count of just how many times the "f-" bomb was spewed. With this verbiage added to her behavior, the main character of Midge has become an obnoxious, self-absorbed, selfish, bitter and jaded whining and ranting narcissist. NOTE TO AMY SHERMAN-PALLADINO: The cavalcade of "f-" bombs in almost every sentence of your script does not translate to humor, nor does it complement the theme of women's empowerment. Please realize this in time for your fifth and final season.

Encanto (2021)

A Disney Dud

[4/10 · 9 February 2022]

ENCANTO no me encanta. Despite my giving every effort to like this movie, I simply couldn't. The animation is great, which is why I've given the film 4 stars instead of none. My sincerest apologies for insulting the hugely gifted Lin-Manuel Miranda, but I found the songs to be unmemorable, even minutes after the movie ended. But the main problem I had with the film was the storyline -- cliche, shallow, unoriginal, and instantly forgettable. Simply and succinctly put, ENCANTO does not hold a candle (pun intended!) to the vastly superior COCO.

Seaside Hotel (2013– )

A Danish delight!

[10/10 · 31 January 2022]

I don't speak a lick of Danish, but I love to listen to it being spoken because it's so obscure to me. I've enjoyed every season and every episode of this series (thank goodness for English subtitles!)...I've seen various cast members come and go...and it has never failed to entertain me. The talented cast, the era, the locale, the costumes, the props are all top-notch. I've purchased every season on Blu-ray direct from Denmark, and, as long as this show continues to be produced, I will remain a loyal fan. A+!

All Creatures Great and Small (2020– )

A winter blues Sunday night delight!

[10/10 · 31 January 2022]

This series is like comfort food to me, but 100% guilt-free. Watching each episode brings me joy, which is exactly what we all could use these troublesome times, right? In summary, this is my favorite ensemble cast currently on the air. These actors are each extremely affable, and are exceptional together. Thank you, PBS Masterpiece (Theater)!

Ordinary Joe (2021–2022)

A "10" for Wolk, but a "1" for the writing

[5/10 · 24 September 2021]

With the exception of TELL ME A STORY Season One (a rare overacting misstep), lead actor, James Wolk, has been a small-screen treasure in everything he's done to date. Hence, a score of 10 goes to him and the other highly affable cast members. On the other hand, the pilot episode of this series revealed unacceptable, implausible flaws in all 3 storylines. That aside, I found the first quarter of the episode both interesting and inspiring; the remainder of the episode was mostly dull and boring, albeit no fault of the actors. I'm sorry for this fine ensemble of talent, because I simply cannot foresee this series lasting long. Let's hope Wolk soon fines a much better vehicle to showcase his skills, because he deserves that.

The Man with the Answers (2021)

Simple, sweet, and simply sweet!

[8/10 · 4 May 2021]

All too often, 'gay interest' movies seem to be more depressing than uplifting, so I welcomed this hopeful, sincere and realistic piece of art. The pace is slow and the action mostly calm, and that's not a detriment. The story is just so darn sweet, you can't help but be moved by it...and nowadays more than ever, we could all use this kind of film -- that takes our stress away and puts a smile on our faces. The two appealing leads, Vasilis Magouliotis and Anton Weil, give thoroughly impressive performances, and their characters are very affable. The locales are beautiful, and the soundtrack is enjoyable. I don't often think about seeing the same film more than once, but I can state for certain that I would willingly watch this one again. My thanks to all those involved in the making of this little gem.

Martin Eden (2019)

An excellent performance by the lead, but that's where the accolades end

[3/10 · 19 January 2021]

Luca Marinelli gives his all in this performance as the titular character, this I believe. I've always loved Italian cinema, and had such high hopes for this film. Alas, I was deeply disappointed. No fault of Marinelli's, I struggled to find the lead protagonist, Martin, likable or relatable. Had this been strictly a love story, I think it would have made a far more appealing and resonating film. Sadly, though, the movie is bogged down by sociopolitically-fueled angry ranting that ultimately weaken the love story and every other appealing aspect of the film. While the world is still in the midst of a relentless, ravishing pandemic, this is not the time for a dark, depressing, tragic, bleak, self-pitying narrative. Beloved favorites like Cinema Paradiso, this is not...doesn't come anywhere close. Unfortunately, I was just left to sigh and to wish that I had my $12 back.

The Exorcist (2016–2018)

A pleasant surprise in the form of a compelling story and its breakout star

[8/10 · 24 September 2016]

This new FOX entry to Fall 2016's television lineup makes a great companion to FX's "American Horror Story." As a lifelong fan of the original 1973 classic, I fully expected to be disappointed by this offering. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the 9/23/16 pilot episode. While it's great to see Geena Davis back on TV, the two main reasons I highly recommend this series are (1) a compelling story, especially for horror fans and believers in the supernatural -- including a clever twist in the first episode which I will not spoil, and (2) the affable lead actor, Alfonso Herrera, a Mexican telenovela star who shines in this major network English-speaking breakout role. Herrera portrays Father Tomas with such authentic emotion, he proves that he's got genuine acting chops to accompany his smoldering good looks.

This Is Us (2016–2022)

Watch the pilot! (Not giving away any spoilers here!)

[9/10 · 23 September 2016]

To give away any spoilers to anyone who has not yet seen the first episode would be criminal. The final few minutes of the episode are spectacular, so be sure to watch it in its entirety...and I don't mean, "watch it in the background while you do chores or play with your smartphone," I mean, "watch it without any distractions, and pay attention."

All I want to say is congratulations and thank you to Dan Fogelman ("Crazy Stupid Love," "Tangled," and so many more) for giving us the best new show of the season. Sure, it's a little over-the-top sappy, but it just works. It totally works. The entire cast is a set of talented actors whose characters are extremely likable, whether or not entirely relatable.

"This Is Us" is set as a series recording on my DVR -- I plan on watching every episode, and expect to enjoy each one. This one's a gem.

True Blood (2008–2014)

Season 7, Eps 1 (Final Season Premiere) = 'TARA'-ble!

[1/10 · 23 June 2014]

Having seen every episode since the beginning of the series, I could not be more disappointed and dissatisfied with the start of this final season. The 6/22 episode wasn't even a hot mess; it was just a mess. Angela Robinson's writing and Stephen Moyer's directing of the premiere were so uneven and poorly executed, I'm tempted to give up on the show early. Furthermore, the absence of Alexander Skarsgard's Eric, the mere 30-second cameo of Rutina Wesley's Tara, and the recasting of Jessica's new vamp boyfriend took my level of frustration to greater heights. HBO, you owe your loyal viewers a better send-off than this. Let's hope you'll redeem yourselves, and faster than a vamp can travel across continents.