rich-rossi-50 Reviews

The Mentalist (2008–2015)

A fun show, that I enjoyed watching, but wouldn't call impressive.

[7/10 · 29 October 2023]

I just finished the finale of this show yesterday (which I found painful to watch because it was so cheesy). Overall it's a fun show with some clever writing and likable characters. My wife didn't watch this show with me, but there are times she would watch an episode or part of one. It was a bit embarrassing at times because things didn't make sense or the dialogue or plot was cliche, but it was still a fun watch. I recommend not watching this show and another genuinely great show at the same time (like Peaky Blinders, The Wire, or The Americans). The difference between a good show and a great show will become obvious quickly.

Harry & Meghan (2022)

Watch for yourself

[9/10 · 10 December 2022]

I don't usually pay much attention to royal family stuff. I've seen pieces of royal weddings because someone else was interested in them, but I would never turn on the TV of my own accord. I had seen "Suits" years ago and I knew that Harry and Meghan had "quit" the royal family or something because the news covers the heck out of it.

I figured I would watch this series to get it right from the source.

This is a well made documentary that explains the their story. I find both Harry and Meghan to be people that I respect. They are involved in humanitarian programs and had challenges growing up. I have always hated the paparazzi and will continue to do so. The documentary only has 3 of 6 parts released so they haven't covered the split from the royal family yet, but I imagine that I will find their reasons for doing do valid.

Finally, I find all these 1 star reviews to be very suspect. To someone who barely pays attention to royal stuff, it certainly seems like there is a well financed smear campaign going on.

Andor (2022– )

After some fun little drivel comes something superb

[10/10 · 24 November 2022]

My wife and I watched The Mandalorian, The Book of Bobba Fett and Obi Wan Kenobi. We enjoyed them all, but at times struggled with the corny writing. This has absolutely blown us away. It's an order of magnitude better than the others. The characters are consistent and believable and the plot draws you in. This isn't an excuse to show off some special effects, this is a story that draws you in and elicits some emotions. It draws parallels to the real world that are difficult to ignore and will have you examining human nature and your own sense of purpose. If you were going to have one Star Wars experience, this would be the one I would choose. (including the movies made in the last 20 years)

The Americans (2013–2018)

I miss this show so much!

[10/10 · 2 January 2022]

I watched this show in its entirety years ago and I wish I could watch it again for the first time. The acting is great, the storyline and characters are top notch, and the drama is perfectly appropriate for the challenges that would normally be faced.

It's very easy to empathize with characters even if they are enemies. This show is not about villains and heroes and that's a big part of what makes it great. It's a very intelligent show that will get you thinking and maybe examining your own moral code and view of the world.

Yellowstone (2018– )

Drama Fest

[4/10 · 2 January 2022]

This is basically a well made soap opera set in Montana. Some of the characters are likable, but most of them are not. Drama comes at you from every direction. I tried to like this show, but by the time the first season came to an end, the illusion that this is a "smart" show was right out the window. If you love the idea of "real cowboys", hate "city folk" and protesters in general, you will probably love this show.

Mulholland Drive (2001)

So Stupid

[1/10 · 9 October 2021]

I am so sad I wasted my time watching this piece of garbage. If you want to see an art movie and feel superior to everyone else because you "understand" this, watch the movie and rave about it. It was gripping half way through, but then devolved into total junk.

Goliath: Tongue Tied (2018) Season 2, Episode 8

This episode wasn't the problem

[1/10 · 13 June 2021]

This season was fun to watch, but nothing ties together at the end. A well written show will make sense of all the strange things that happened during the season. I remember thinking to myself part way through the season: "Why are things happening the way they are? It will be interesting to see how they wrap this up at the end of the season.". That never happened, there were loads of things that happened during the season that made no sense and were never explained. It's as though the episodes were written without knowing where things were leading in the first place.

The Punisher (2004)

Exactly what you predicted

[6/10 · 7 February 2021]

If you heard the premise of this movie and guessed the script you would be exactly right. It's very cliché, but if that is what you're after this will not disappoint. I was going to give it 5 stars, but it's satisfyingly corny. Enjoy.

Forrest Gump (1994)

An Absolute Masterpiece - The more you have experienced life, the better this movie gets

[10/10 · 15 January 2021]

I've seen this movie several times since it came out in 1994 and every time I see it I have more respect for it than the time before. The story, the acting, the music, and the cinematography are all top notch, but this movie has a magic. It is a watch that brings us together and allows us to see what is really important in life. Follow what you feel when you watch this movie, this is one of the greatest parables ever written.

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)

Poorly written, predictable, CGI fest

[4 January 2020]

I really enjoyed the first installment of Maleficent, but this sequel lost the magic of the first one. The story was clunky, the characters were one dimensional and predictable, and the humor was barely funny. Watch the first one again and just skip this one.

Joker (I) (2019)

A Masterpiece - not a masterpiece of the superhero genre.

[10/10 · 29 December 2019]

I saw that this film was highly rated and reviewed and I thought it would be a good movie, but I've been a victim of the "Superhero genre ratings boost" before. This movie was absolutely spectacular! The story, the acting, the dialogue, the angles, the score... Joaquin Phoenix was the star and his performance was legendary, but there was no bad acting. All the characters were very believable in their facial expressions, voice intonation, and personality. Of course the movie was disturbing, but it was obviously meant to be. It makes us think about society and what it would be like exist in it if your brain did not function "normally". If you are someone who suffers from "triggers" be careful, there are some moments that will mess with everyone's head.

Michael Clayton (2007)

Fantastic Dialogue, Story, and Acting

[10/10 · 24 April 2017]

There aren't many movies that I enjoy watching twice or more, this is certainly one of them. This is in the running to be my favorite movie of all time. This movie can be hard to follow, and can seem vulgar at times, but in reality the dialogue has a higher purpose: to illustrate how we can get lost in our personal objectives and lose track of the bigger picture. The majority of characters in this movie don't fall into the "good guy", "bad guy" category, they are various shades of gray, just like real people. If one puts themselves in the shoes of the characters, their actions are plausible and consistent with reality. If you don't want to have your brain challenged by a time-line that bounces around and a complicated story that requires the viewer to put the pieces together you might want to save this for another night, but don't miss it, it's an incredible piece of writing and filmmaking.

Inferno (I) (2016)

Fantastic Book - Terrible Movie!

[2/10 · 21 April 2017]

There are MANY reviews of this movie that point out the same thing, but I'm going to add to that because I'm disgusted. I read this book and it was one of the best books I've ever read.

I just got done watching the movie and they changed the ending, but changing the ending turns a brilliant, deeply philosophical idea into a cliché of a story.

Read the book! Don't watch this movie!

John Wick (2014)

Highly Stylized Action Movie with the Same Old Formula

[5/10 · 23 December 2016]

I had several friends tell me this was a great movie so I went into it with above average expectations. Sadly I was disappointed. I enjoy movies where the main characters are bigger than life, but this was just one big disappointment for me. There was no brains to the movie. The main character's mode of operation didn't have the slightest hint of realism. The fight scenes were well choreographed, but highly improbable and quite cliché. If you want action movies with a brain I highly recommend The Professional (Leon), Bourne Identity, or The Usual Suspects. If you want an action movie with a better story and more entertainment watch The Boondock Saints. If you're just looking for a highly stylized action movie, here is some basic entertainment for you.

Sling Blade (1996)

Extraordinary film with extraordinary acting

[10/10 · 10 October 2016]

This film has great acting and great dialogue. The characters are believable and really draw you in with their unique personalities.

If you are looking for a fun film, watch this on a different night. It has some dark overtones, but it's thought provoking and touches some raw emotions. The thought provoking portion deals with morals, religion, and absolute right and wrong. I don't think this movie has an agenda other than to make you think, which it does very well.

I've watched this movie about 3 times over the last 18 years and I've enjoyed it each time. This is one of those movies which can't be missed.