gsandra-26876 Reviews

Val (I) (2021)

Sympathize With Kilmer's Situation

[6/10 · 7 August 2021]

This is not a very convincing documentary. There may be an interesting film to be made about this man's life, but this isn't it.

Clarkson's Farm (2021– )

Very Funny Guy - Acerbic Wit Makes Me Laugh Out Loud

[8/10 · 4 August 2021]

For anyone who has spent any time at all on a farm or ranch, they will relate to the exasperation when things go wrong and you find yourself clueless and stupefied when you imagine you are going to outfox nature or the foxes.

Everybody thinks sheep are dumb. They like it that we underestimate them. Just try herding pigs or making them do something you want them to do. Nope.

Know that once you have named an animal, you can never eat them.

The Edge of Love (2008)

Male Reviewers Hated This Movie

[7/10 · 2 August 2021]

If you went by the mostlly male MetaCritic reviewers, you'd think this was one of the worst films ever made. I thought it was good -- not great -- but held my interest throughout and I thought the actors were very attractive and convincing in their roles.

I don't know anything about Dylan Thomas. From what was read/spoken in the film, I don't think much of his poetry. Sounds like he tried way too hard and reached, but missed. The lines were contrived and didn't seem to make much sense. I like Archibald MacLeisch.

Mathew Rhys was very good at playing the womanizing villain, but with charm and believability. Knightly and the other female lead were also interesting characters in this wartime drama.

I think more women would rate this film higher than men because women would understand the female friendship as well as the slick charm of a Mr. Wrong.

The Americans (2013–2018)

Matthew Rhys is a Remarkable Actor

[9/10 · 20 July 2021]

I finally got around to trying this series and I'm hooked. I wasn't expecting anything so terrific from commercial TV. The story is unique and twisty and the lead actors are magnetic. The supporting cast couldn't be more interesting as well, although I sometimes lost track of the many subjects involved on both sides -- Russian and American.

The writing is top notch and intricate. It's hard to write compelling stories in a series that runs for years and cover so many world events. I had no idea Russians lived among us.

Had to mention that Rhys is not only a great actor but a really attractive man with a lot of sex appeal. I'm going to look up his filmography and watch his other work.

Don't F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer (2019)

Right -- Don't Mess With Cats!

[8/10 · 16 June 2021]

First of all, I applaud the people on the web who diligently tracked down this creep and contributed to his capture. One less awful influence in the world. They/we did not contribute to anything untoward by their pursuit and the resulting film we watched. I was rooting for you all the way. I look at those "nerds" as worthy investigative journalist types -- seeking justice.

A case of legally justifiable stalking.

Woe be to anyone thinking they would harm my two cats.

Criminal: UK (2019–2020)

Fabulous Series!!

[9/10 · 7 June 2021]

This special criminal investigation unit TV series is the best of its kind I've ever watched. Each of the seven episodes available here in the States as of June 2021 are unique, captivating, clever, and fascinating to watch. The scripts were so intricately laid out and all the actors were perfect in their team interrogation roles. This is the kind of mature, original TV shows that is so rare these days. Most U. S.shows are juvenile and trite. It seem like Europe is where good stories are being produced for television. I recommend this to anyone who likes smart, interesting crime stories.

Des (2020)

David Tennant Is Mesmerizing in This Role

[9/10 · 6 June 2021]

Recommend this series to anyone who like the murder-mystery genre. Tennant's performance is magical in that he embodies this socipath's persona -- a meek-mannered Brit that no one suspected of anything. It's a perfect example of the banality of evil. People are routinely surprised at the violent nature of some of our fellow human beings. You don't really know what people are capable of.

Anyway, the whole cast is superb, the direction is flawless, and the production is a phenomenal success. I couldn't take my eyes off of the TV through the whole thing. Kudos to everyone involved in this terrific mini-series. P. S. I watched it twice -- it is that good.

The Investigation (2020)

The Danes Know How to Make a Fine Mystery Thriller!

[9/10 · 1 June 2021]

I haven't seen a crime/mystery thriller this good in years. The taut, suspenseful plot is spare and devoid of all the Hollywood subplots about detectives' love life and affairs at the office. This is a straight-up story about the pursuit of justice. I could hardly leave the ending of one episode and just go to bed -- it is that compelling.

The acting is superb, the story is unique, and it's a series I would recommend to anyone who loves the mystery genre.

City on a Hill (2019–2022)

Kevin Bacon Is SO GOOD in This Series

[8/10 · 17 May 2021]

Boy, Mr. Bacon nailed his unscrupulous, but smart, character in this captivating series about Boston crime and politics. All the actors were wonderful. I keep looking for awards for this show and its actors, but I don't see any. Weird. Maybe because of the pandemic? Some standout acting here. Should be recognized by the industry -- not just us viewers. Thanks to all involved in writing, production, photography, costumes, etc. Great job.

The Whole Truth (2016)

No, This Is Not the Way It Is In Real Life

[5/10 · 16 May 2021]

No, there is no way this smart kid would risk life in prison to protect this person! I was dumbfounded when the verdict was announced (I thought he was guilty because he had other choices rather than murder) and then the real killer was revealed. Really? The defendent would protect the person having sex with his mother? These people had no better choices they could possibly make? C'mon... A Metacritic said that this courtroom drama "reflects how real trials are conducted". REALLY??? The attorney is usually the real murderer? In real life, the son could have gathered video and/or audio evidence of his father's abuse and sent him away for decades. This was a really smart law student. No reason for him to bail out the lawyer. He and his mother had a fortune. They could run off and live anywhere. Stupid, manipulative story. Made me mad for wasting my time.

Patriot (2015–2018)

Smart, Intense, and Exhausting

[8/10 · 27 April 2021]

I don't know why Patriot only last two seasons. Maybe the writer ran out of ideas, maybe the cast members left, or maybe this series appealed to only a small number of viewers. Maybe all three.

The scripts were sharp and insightful about the insane intelligence (spy)community and how things usually go wrong. Our government's defense-contracting policies are nuts too. (See Iraq.)

The fast-paced plotting in this thriller keeps you glued to the TV and listening for every clue and every nuance -- so it's exhausting. Everything is not spelled out, so you have to pay attention and draw inferences (a lot) so that the storyline makes sense.

IThis series is for the discerning viewer. The acting, scripts, directing, and production are uniformly excellent.

Harrow (2018–2021)

Columbo -- But Smarter and Sexier

[8/10 · 24 March 2021]

This is a really interesting series -- well acted and directed with good scripts. The star is very watchable, smooth, and lovable. The cast does a first-rate job of adding humor and human interest to the mix. You have to pay attention when watching this show or else you'll miss the interesting stuff. Can't talk to anyone, knit, or stray.

I'm surprised I've missed this clever series since I'm always on the lookout for good crime/mystery series. I guess the Australian origin has something to do with that. I read somewhere that Guffuth is doing an American series much like this Australian original. Highly recommend this to those who like this genre.

Promising Young Woman (2020)

Caught a Little Wagner During the Roadside Hissy Fit Scene

[7/10 · 19 March 2021]

Vengeance is rarely so patient and clever. Mulligan gave it her best, but this is not the film that will get her the Oscar. This is the #MeToo movie that shines light on men's power versus women's word and the film is most powerful when revealing the tragedy of that fact.

Using a glorious Wagner interlude during the roadside hissy-fit scene was an amusing bit, although Wagner himself would be outraged.

The Flight Attendant (2020–2022)

Ripoff of "The Morning After"

[6/10 · 24 February 2021]

Jane Fonda and Jeff Bridges did this much better in 1986 mystery with the same setup. Check it out and you'll see what I mean.

Tiger (2021)

Parents Living Through Their Child

[7/10 · 24 February 2021]

The tragedy of this man's life starts with his father's domination of him before he was even 2 years old. I speak from experience -- having had a "stage mother" who was determined to make me a child movie star -- ballet lessons that deformed my feet from toe dancing, performing at every school, club, and social event she could enter me during my entire childhood. So, I know what Earl was doing to his child because I have been there. Children do what their parents want from them in order to (1) please them and (2) because they are virtually dependent on them for food and shelter. But a lot of the "interviewees" got in wrong in this "Tiger" series: You are watching child abuse and its results. The father's obsession stunted the child's development. Tiger had no childhood. He was taught to do tricks for the audience. Like a trained dog or seal. To perform. That's not good parenting -- it's child abuse. Note: I thought Ms. Uchitel's altered lips were going to explode on camera. She thinks this series makes her famous again; it makes her infamous. She doesn't know the difference.

Nomadland (2020)

Frances McDormand Is Flawless

[8/10 · 20 February 2021]

McDormand and this director create a fine if, in the end, unrealistic portrait of life on the road. There's a lot to be said (and shown) about exploring nature and being an independent spirit. The realities of thankless, low-paying jobs and the inevitability to struggling too keep up with vehicle expenses and lack of health care are daunting.

I understand that loners don't like being dependent on relatives and friends. These people didn't seem to explore Social Security, Medicaid, or other financial aid before setting off to explore America. Also, this film didn't address the dangers of women traveling the country alone. Still, the story was compelling and the reality-based supporting cast were terrific.

The Rider (2017)

Rodeo is brutal sport

[9/10 · 13 February 2021]

Wild horses are terrified and subjected to horrible treatment in rodeos, while men think they are macho in this brutal game. This movie is beautiful and the male star is someone who know how to tame wild horses through gentle moves that reduces the horse's fear and learns to trust. The man is caught in a closed culture of rodeo cowboys. The natural actors are sublime. The story is tender and heartbreaking. The director performed miracles with the actors and the natural landscape. An intimate look at a fading way of life and people having to adjust to real life. Overall, it's a tender look at a loving family and friends who care about each other. Marvelous movie.

Border (2018)

Points Given for Original Concept

[7/10 · 5 February 2021]

The director and actors fully realized the absolutely bold script they had. It was hard to take your eyes away from the story as it evolved. The problem arose when there was nowhere to go but down -- and that's what happened. The story became so twisted and bizarre that it lost me in the end. Still, the director did an amazing job with the material he had. Kudos to the makeup artists and photographers as well.

Another Round (2020)

Mikkelsen is Astounding

[9/10 · 4 February 2021]

Mads should get every 2020 award for Best Actor in a Foreign Film for his demanding and astonishing performance in this complicated, heart-wrenching, unique movie about how disillusionment and self-deception can lead to addiction and tragedy. Highly recommend. Also recommend "The Hunt."

Pieces of a Woman (2020)

What an Intelligent, Thoughtful Movie

[8/10 · 21 January 2021]

This movie and "Herself" were the two best movies for women, in particular, that I've watched recently. Maybe I've too little from movies in the last 10 years -- too much comic book, not enough substance.

Regardless of the obstacle, trauma, or setback, women should know that they can survive, even thrive, after disappointment or tragedy. Don't give up no matter what. Change is constant and women have the stamina to endure almost anything. I hope this film delivers this message to women who are wondering if things will ever get better. They will. I know.

Herself (2020)

A Magnificent Film About All Women

[9/10 · 18 January 2021]

This isn't just about women who have been abused by men. It's about the shared experience of women who have been compromised in a million small ways by the inequality that comes with the real-world power imbalance; by physical, sexual, or emotional intimidation; unequal responsibility for care of children after divorce; and, of course, the disparity in salary for doing the same work. So, this movie is about all women no matter their age or situation.

The U.S. is still a male-dominated society despite the fact that there are more women than men in the U.S. This isn't an indictment against all men -- just most -- and it's been 100+ years since women were "given" the right to vote.

Sinatra: All or Nothing at All (2015)

What a Self-Centered, Mean-Spirited Man

[5/10 · 18 January 2021]

I wish I hadn't watched this documentary because I've always thought that Sinatra was a fantastic talent, but this film reveals him to be a nasty, manipulative, self-serving person. Hearing his words of disrespect about every talented person he encountered -- every extraordinary singer or band leader of the time -- diminished my opinion of the man.

He wasn't "the best singer of his time," he was one of many, especially Bing Crosby or Peggy Lee. The bands who backed him up were extraordinary. The music and lyrics of the songs he got hold of (not written by him) were some of the best songs ever -- certainly better than the hyper-sound-manipulated songs of today.

My recommendation is that you just listen to Sinatra's music. Getting to know him (through this illuminating documentary) will disappoint you. The music is wonderful; the man was not.

The Lie (2018)

The Metacritics Got It Wrong -- This is a Good Film

[8/10 · 11 January 2021]

I found this movie believable, well acted, and the subject matter a touchy one for some parents.

The reason I found it believable is because people's children are an extension of their own egos. Parents with a neurotic/psychotic child, capable of committing a thoughtless murder, do not want to be seen as the parents of a "bad seed." Society would see fault in the parents of such a child, and I'm sure there are millions of times that parents have covered up minor or serious actions of their children and young adults. It's to protect themselves just as much as their children. Of course, one thing leads to another, and things often come unraveled.

I found this film's story line unique and completely possible (even probable in some dicey cases). I recommend this movie. It uncovers the lengths people will go to protect their child and themselves from responsibility and shame.

Pretend It's a City (2021)

Fran Lebowitz is a Funny Lady, But...

[7/10 · 9 January 2021]

Just looking at the opening overview of New York City, I would never want to live in a place so overcrowded and bleak. I live in the Pacific Northwest, where it's green, has mountains, rivers, and the Pacific ocean to the west of where I live in Washington State. I've been to several states in the north and nsouth, and also to Canada, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

This film was briskly edited and featured some of the best of Fran's quick wit and New York style. She clearly loves the city and its quirky norms. Maybe we all find the place that best suits our temperament.

The Souvenir (2019)

What a Yawn

[3/10 · 5 January 2021]

Overly eager, impressionable young woman meets fast-talking jerk who utters stupid opinions about everything and she listens and falls into bed with said jerk. He's likely a drug addict per their bedtime conversation. I didn't stick around to see how badly he used her and hurt her. Certain women are fools for these kind of fops. Boring movie; boring characters. You've been warned.