degrimstead-1 Reviews

Communion (1989)

Oh boy, what a disappointment

[5/10 · 25 April 2024]

I really found this movie to be a mess. Just sloppily made! Unless the channel I watched it on cut out some scenes - ? Waiting for the abduction scene(s) was interminable. Then it never really happened! I read the book years ago and I know there was a lot more in it than in this film. These are good actors and the family scenes were sweet, but the screenplay and maybe the directing were just lacking. Ending with the 3 of them standing on a roof - what does that mean?? Were they looking for the aliens to come back? It just made no sense. It's not surprising to me that it rates just 5.5 stars on this page. I guess the makers counted on the subject to just draw people to it, but it just did not deliver.

The Haunting (1963)

This film scared the bejesus out of me when young

[10/10 · 21 March 2024]

And I'm rewatching it now after 61 years to see if it still bothers me. Yep, still very scary!! The music plays a major part (as I guess it does in most horror films), and Julie Harris is terrific - you really identify with her and experience everything from her point of view. Poor Russ Tamblyn, I have a feeling he's not going to last long (he's the youngest one in the film). Interesting that director Robert Wise used him in "West Side Story" 2 years earlier then in this film. I'll continue watching and be glad it's not nighttime - I'm sure I'd have trouble sleeping just as I did last time! (Great horror film.)

The TV Set (2006)

It's so weird

[5/10 · 17 March 2024]

When you watch a movie that's full of promise, but turns out to be very mediocre. Dozens of good actors in it but they just can't bring it to life. What were they all thinking when they read the script and signed on? I'm guessing they thought "well if so-and-so is in it I'm sure it'll turn out to be great." They must have really regretted it afterward. (I love David Duchovny and check out everything he does, but he must have regretted this one. Well, it's not TERRIBLE, just very blah.) Sigourney Weaver's good, as always, as is Judy Greer. I suppose Duchovny's good too but none of them adequately sells the story.

The X-Files: Travelers (1998) Season 5, Episode 15

Not my favorite episode, but interesting I guess

[8/10 · 30 January 2024]

I found it a little boring, but of course it was interesting to see Cancer Man plus Mulder's dad when they were younger. But here's my question: What was Mulder doing with a wedding ring on?? Was this just a mistake by the wardrobe people? I'm guessing the actor was married to Teo Leoni at that time, but it surprises me if the writers wanted us to think he was married before. Don't we always think of him as a loner? I don't recall any other reference in the show to his ever being a husband! He'd be a whole other character. (Of course those of us with a crush on Duchovny always wanted to think of him as being available. ;o)

Outlander: A Practical Guide for Time-Travelers (2023) Season 7, Episode 7

Can someone please tell me

[8/10 · 31 July 2023]

Who Buck McKenzie is? How did he fit into the original time in Scotland? I know he must be part of Jamie's family but I just don't remember him. What happened between him and Bree/Roger when they went back? I just don't recall the name "Buck." It gets hard when there's so much time between seasons to keep track of people and events in the different times. Kinda cool that he came forward tho. I love the time travel aspect of the show and glad they're really getting into it! I look forward to seeing Roger back in time next week. Creepy how that neighbor stole Jem and I hope he punishes him appropriately.

Charade (1963)

Such a classic

[10/10 · 19 March 2023]

I'm watching it again on TCM now, and watch it every chance I get. Hepburn and Grant both in their prime. Great story, script, some very funny lines. I don't normally go in for murder mysteries but this is so charming I just can't resist. I hear Grant was uncomfortable with the romance since he was so much older than Hepburn but they're both such good actors it doesn't really bother us. Besides, who could ever resist either one of these gorgeous people?? One thing that bugs me is that no one talks about the excellent opening and closing credits. Maybe they didn't give awards for that sort of thing back then. But I'm glad the music was at least nominated for an Oscar since it was excellent. Great film!!

Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration (2022 TV Special)

Pretty confusing

[7/10 · 29 December 2022]

I'm thinking they just tried to do too much here. They tried to combine storyboards, animated version footage and live actors to tell the story again, but it was too much of a mish-mash to make sense. Including the small live audience who applauded at the strangest times. Disappointing too that the couple never danced together nor kissed! Not very romantic. Josh Groban had gushed about the amazing costume/contraption they built for him but it didn't come off well with him peeking out from underneath. And as much as I admire H. E. R.'s talent I thought having her come down the stairs playing her electric guitar was just weird.

A Christmas Visitor (2002 TV Movie)

Change your main page!

[8/10 · 29 November 2022]

You give away the ending in "crazy credits"! You shouldn't spoil it for anyone, it's the best part of the movie and a huge surprise. Other than that ... this is one of my all-time favorite Christmas TV movies. The performances are excellent, it's not silly like other movies and takes on the heavy subject of military service really well. Also includes that Christmas magic you always like to see. Unfortunately it isn't shown as much as it used to be, but hopefully it'll come back a lot in December. (I'm seeing it on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel, first at 2 AM and then at 6 AM - they need to put it on in primetime so more people can discover it.)

The Orville: Twice in a Lifetime (2022) Season 3, Episode 6

What more could you want

[9/10 · 27 July 2022]

From a sci-fi series?? Fantastic effects (that ship is so cool), a time travel story to ponder, and a warm-and-fuzzy story you can really relate to. Bravo!

The Orville (2017–2022)

WOW - the 3rd episode

[9/10 · 1 July 2022]

Of the re-boot, titled "Mortality Paradox," was AWESOME! Fantastic CGI, very imaginative story and loved that last line (I won't spoil it) - I'm right there with the captain/Seth McFarlane. I can see what he has been saying in interviews, that the budget on hulu is allowing them to do amazing things. I so agree! Best sci-fi episode on TV I've seen in a long while.

Gaslit (2022)

I was intrigued by the few few episodes

[3/10 · 11 June 2022]

But at this point YUK, I've decided this is terrible. Sleazy, sordid - no information here, just showing us the worst behavior of each participant. I thought I'd learn something about Martha Mitchell but all I know is she was thrown under the bus by her husband and did a lot of drinking and drugs. The downward spiral of Gordy Liddy in prison was the worst. What's the point of this thing?? If you REALLY want to learn the facts about Watergate check out CNN's 4-part documentary "Watergate: Blueprint for a Scandal." EXCELLENT.

Watergate: Blueprint for a Scandal (2022– )

I've been watching "Gaslit"

[10/10 · 11 June 2022]

Hoping to learn some inside details about Watergate, but what a total waste of time! It's sleazy and sordid and I feel like I'm learning nothing. Then i started watching this. OMG, it is so great!! Best way to get an education about this horrible event in our nation's history.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)

Wow, what a good movie!

[9/10 · 23 May 2022]

I hadn't heard anything about it so figured it was a flop. Came across it on Starz the other night and I was so impressed! Such totally quirky characters, great production values (must have cost a fortune to make) and the special effects are awesome. I esp love the little Stay-Puft guys, ha ha. Interesting that they kept the ghosts exactly the same as in the original movie but I guess that was on purpose; nice move. I was so surprised at who showed up at the end! And what a touching tribute to Harold Ramis. A really fitting sequel IMO.

The Good Doctor: Sons (2022) Season 5, Episode 18

As someone else here mentioned

[8/10 · 18 May 2022]

They stole this episode's story from an old episode of "ER." Come on, do they think medical show lovers weren't going to notice? Pretty lame, writers. I feel really bad for the couple that they'll always associate their happiest moment with the most awful event ever. Especially Shawn with his autism and related emotional issues - how can he ever recover from this?

Superman & Lois (2021–2024)

So disappointed

[3/10 · 4 May 2022]

I got kinda bored with this show a few months ago so stopped watching, then I checked out an episode tonight. Can they REALLY not think of something more clever than giving every character a "dark side" one by one? It's gotten way too predictable. Christopher Reeve would be so disappointed.

Outlander (2014– )

What's goiing on with the episodes??

[8/10 · 18 April 2022]

Last week they showed Episode 6, and there isn't one tonight (4/17). Next Sunday's episode is #8, according to my DVR. What about Episode 7 ??

Last week's sure ended on a cliffhanger, with it appearing to town members that Claire committed murder. We need to see her get out of that one and not be burned at the stake for being a witch.

Shining Vale (2022–2023)

Glad to see others are liking this

[7/10 · 14 March 2022]

I'm so surprised at all the bad reviews, esp from critics. I think this show is fun! I don't like horror and I think the scary stuff is just right. Funny writing and the family dynamic is interesting. Let's see, what was that other Courteney Cox comedy that was totally panned by the critics but the viewers liked? Oh yeah - "Friends."

Nashville (2012–2018)

StartTV channel reruns

[9/10 · 28 December 2021]

DANG IT! After they scared me a few weeks ago by not showing the continuing reruns on my DVR, then made me happy by showing them anyway (and they've appeared there since), this morning it's actually not on! They're showing "Profiler" instead and I can't find any listing for it in the next few weeks. BRING IT BACK, StartTV! It's a great & addictive show, even in reruns.

Christmas with Holly (2012 TV Movie)

One of the best of these made-for-TV movies

[8/10 · 22 December 2021]

I know these Xmas movies are not for everyone (mainly because most are so by-the-book and lamely acted), but this is one I can highly recommend. Highlights are the beautiful scenery (it takes place in Friday Harbor, WA so features nice island and water views) - an unusual, appealing story - not just one but THREE very handsome young men who are actually good actors - a very pretty and appealing young woman - real chemistry between the couple - one of the cutest kids ever in these Hallmark movies - and a lovely final scene with Christmas sailboats and a full moon.

American Crime Story: Exiles (2021) Season 3, Episode 1

OMG, this is such a good series!!

[10/10 · 12 December 2021]

I put off watching it for a while, thinking it would probably be sordid and overly sensational. But once I finally starting watching the episodes I soon got hooked. SUCH good writing, accuracy, acting, dialog. I should have known from the stellar cast, many of whom are very picky about the roles they choose. A definite 10. It's like an accurate record of this time in American history.

Nashville (2012–2018)

reruns on SmartTV

[9/10 · 5 December 2021]

I can't find a listing for this show after Sunday night. Are they going to stop showing it?? Nooooo! Just about my favorite show these days. Am I the only one?

La Brea (2021–2024)

Season finale

[4/10 · 2 December 2021]

What was that? 0 questions answered, and even more people get swallowed up? Aarrgghh. The writing is often silly & predictable, it's annoying how good people look every day (esp the women) even tho they have no showers or beauty salons, and even tho it seems that grandfather holds a lot of keys he's revealed nothing.

The Center Seat: 55 Years of Star Trek (2021–2022)

So frustrating

[1/10 · 28 November 2021]

TV Guide included a promo for this show in this week's edition, plus it was in the listings for 10 PM on Fri on the History Channel. But it wasn't on! I wrote to the History channel to complain but they gave me a vague answer. Boy would I love to see all eps in this series, but it appears you have to subscribe to some streaming channel to get it - ?

Christmas Sail (2021 TV Movie)

Oh "Starbuck"

[2/10 · 14 November 2021]

I'm guessing you were trying to change your tough image from "Battlestar Galactica," but you sure picked the wrong project. You were probably inspired by your co-star Tricia Helfer's two Christmas movies but hers were oh so much better. This one has a very weak story, terribly predictable, cornball dialog and very little chemistry between the two love interests. Especially uncomfortable scenes come toward the end when Katee laughs hysterically for no reason. Is she thinking about how silly the movie is? And OMG, the kid's dialog! Makes you want to send her away to boarding school. The only bright spot is Terry O'Quinn, who always does a great job with his roles.

Nashville (2012–2018)

This show is so good

[9/10 · 4 November 2021]

That I watched it the first time and am now totally hooked on the reruns! So glad smartTV is showing it but I do wish it was at a better time than 1 AM PST.