mannoman-1 Reviews

Monday Mornings (2013)

Excellent show

[9/10 · 27 February 2013]

This is a thoroughly entertaining medical drama. I don't know what the negative posters expected. I suspect they are just negative people who like to find fault with everything.

The character development is superb. Stand out performances by VingRhames, Keoung Sim and Alfred Molina. There's really not a weak cast member. Story lines are good. It's not frenetic like ER, nor as bizarre as House. It's closer to Grey's anatomy with a strong focus on the medical issues and less on the soap opera aspects.

My family members in the health field agree this show is pretty much on target.

Check it out.

Body of Proof (2011–2013)

It has improved

[9/10 · 28 April 2011]

As much as I REALLY like Dana Delany, the first show did not showcase the writer's best abilities and I would have rated it a 5, at best. Nonetheless,I continue to watch the show and it has improved quite rapidly. The episode where Megan's (Dana) spoiled daughter has a school video project on what your parent does for a living was quite well written, particularly the closing. I think those who have given the show a chance have been pleasantly surprised.

Much has been said about Dana's character being obnoxious. I don't find her obnoxious at all. I think "direct" is a better word. The weakest links are the medical examiner's staff. They don't appear capable to have risen to that level of medical smarts. In general, the casting is a bit weak but, as always, Dana Delany is a joy and she carries the series.

Local Hero (1983)

Quirky but funny with great performances

[8/10 · 10 January 2006]

When I first rented/watched this movie in 1984 I wasn't sure what to make of it. It was nothing like I anticipated. What really stood out was the musical score - particularly the music over the ending credits. If you are a fan of Mark Knoppfler (Dire Straits) be sure to watch and listen to this movie.

Upon watching the film a 2nd time I was additionally taken by the writing, the acting and the beautiful Scottish landscape. This movie is a treasure but perhaps because I am from the U.S.and at the time had never visited any of the British Isles. I say that because there was a Scottish woman in our town who owned a local Scottish bakery that thought the movie was just 'dreadful", and made the Scots out to be stupid and heavy drinkers.

Nonetheless, in the summer of '85 my, then, wife and two children and I went to the British Isles and visited the area(s) where the movie was filmed. We even stayed in the same hotel as the actors and crew (Banff Springs Hotel - no affiliation with the hotel in Calgary by the same name). The hotel was very proud of their 'participation' in the making of the movie. It was fascinating to drive down the main road, to that small seaside village on Scotland's North Sea (Pennan), just like Peter Reigert (Mac) did in the movie. The village is at the base of the cliffs so it is not visible by land only from the sea. I wanted my picture taken by the red phone box across from "Gordon's hotel." Alas, the red box was flown in for the movie and was just a prop. But I digress.

The movie has a certain charm, innocence and softness, quite unlike the movies of today that are 'in your face.' It appears to be going in four or five possible directions at one time but in the end there is one constant - secure the land.

As someone else noted, Mac learns a few lessons about life and apparently comes home a better (albeit enlightened) man from the experience.

It's not for everyone, but I found it very enjoyable.