rossfrc Reviews

Bloodlands (2021–2022)

Confusing

[5/10 · 11 March 2023]

I really liked the first 2 episodes but by the third episode it became a different direction in the main character as well as the story. I quickly got lost in what was happening, it seemed like there was a huge hole from episode 2 to episode 3, some of the characters changed who they were like in the blink of the light. The ending by episode 4 seemed very weak, kind of like everyone was tired from their efforts and just gave up.

Not sure if I will try season two, cannot decide the characters will be worth my time to watch. I really got caught up with it to begin with and I liked how the characters were developing and then the last half of show made me irritated that I put 2 more hours into it!

The Etruscan Smile (2018)

It made me smile

[10/10 · 11 June 2022]

I liked this movie a lot. I liked the characters and the story line. I thought all the actors were excellent in their roles. The strained relationship between father and adult son was very believable, which many people can relate to either as the parent or the child or perhaps even both.

But the scenes between the grandfather and grandson stoled the movie for me. Especially the one towards the end when he was holding the sleeping baby and his tear fell onto the baby's cheek - that was a true grandparent moment. I have no idea how it was actually filmed but it was very natural and touching, not at all like a movie scene.

Finally I enjoyed it because it took my mind off all the bad news going on in the world which is overwhelming at times. It was nice to smile and feel good.

Christmas Story (2007)

Sweet movie

[9/10 · 1 January 2022]

I came across this movie by chance. I started to watch this movie to see if I had seen it. I hadn't but it quickly drew me in and I watched the whole movie. The scenery is spectacular, I really like that it was filmed outside not a movie set. The story was sad, sweet and just what a story about Santa Claus and how he came to be, should be. The acting was good I didn't feel like it was done by amateurs or that all they were doing is reciting their lines. I think it's a wonderful family movie that could be watched every year, a classic.

The movie was in English, I cannot say what language it was filmed in originally but if not English then the dubbing was excellent.

I highly recommend this movie.

The Waltons: Homecoming (2021 TV Movie)

Not quite, needs a few tweets.

[3/10 · 30 November 2021]

Definitely not as good as the original.

No one spoke with the right accent, too much swearing by the kids, seemed to be more concerned about being politically correct than portraying authenticity of the time and place. Mama and daddy Walton looked or acted too young. Where was Ben?

I liked that God, Christmas and faith was portrayed. I liked the young man who played John Boy. I liked that it is a family show and that it is about a loving family.

I don't think I would watch it if this was a series. I watched and loved The Walton's from the very beginning 50 years ago, the original cast members really are the Walton family as far as I am concerned. I would always compare the two shows, and the new version would come up short. But I do think a new show for a new audience would be wonderful - as long as it stays true to the same values that was so important to the original. I would also hope that it would have the power to touch the hearts of a new audience, like it did for me 50 years ago and still does to this day.

Mum (2016–2019)

Wonderful

[10/10 · 16 October 2021]

I loved this show. Mum has the patience of Job. I would watch this show and one minute I wanted to be more like her and the next minute I wanted to yell at her and tell her to quit letting everyone walk all over her! And it was almost painful at times watching this romance evolve. It was also incredibly sweet. But in the end I was amazed at how well it worked. Mum never pushed anyone to change she just kept smiling, picking up after everyone and listening to their self centered prattle! Like steady drops of water eventually her patience and consideration made a quiet but huge difference in everyone's lives.

I do have to say I feel sorry for the people who rated this show poorly, I think they missed out on a wonderful opportunity to feel good.

The Cafe (I) (2011–2013)

Gentle

[10/10 · 16 October 2021]

This is a great show to watch after spending 18+ months dealing with COVID and the stress it has created. I love the gentleness of the story and the characters. I love the sweet nature of the people, how considerate they are to each other and what makes this show work so well is because all of these people are quirky. Normally there might be one or two characters who could be called quirky, but in this show all the characters are quirky, it's just some have a higher degree of it. The real beauty is that they know it and they all accept each other for who they are. They live their everyday lives being kind.

So even though it is a television show it helps me to believe that the world is just going through a tough time right now but one day soon I will be sitting in a seaside cafe, drinking a cup of tea and laughing with a group of gentle, quirky people who care, a lot, about each other.

Enemy at the Door (1978–1980)

Actually is excellent

[9/10 · 17 August 2021]

I am always interested in WWII shows that tell about the experience that civilians had during this time. Especially British citizens because they were fighting much longer and pretty much alone for over 3 years. This show did not disappoint in telling a story that not many people knew or thought about probably. But this show has an added story/surprise that from my point of view has rarely been shown. The show not only tries to tell the story of the people on the island who had to live under the German occupation but it also tries to show what it was like for some of the members of the occupying force who tried to follow their conscience as they did their duty.

I have to say the writing and the acting from the actors were excellent in portraying this dilemma that some of them faced. I felt the struggle while watching the Germans soldiers tried to be fair in situations that maybe they didn't agree with but wanting to honor why the Germans were fighting. It was difficult for them to separate this from the Nazi beliefs and Hitler's fanaticism.

In many ways I saw the struggles that both side faced. And it was all due to how well the actors portrayed their characters. I will repeat excellent acting.

For anyone who hasn't watched this or maybe started and then quit - you are missing out. Watch it and let yourself be drawn in by each episode as it goes deeper into what people experienced as the war progresses and as both sides become more familiar with each other, as both good and bad emerges in the people involved I agree with what other reviewers has said - I wish it would have had more than 2 seasons. I want to know who survived and what happened to the Germans who tried to be fair and faithful?

Keeping Faith: Episode #3.6 (2020) Season 3, Episode 6

Sad to see it but ending is satisfying.

[10/10 · 11 May 2021]

Great show, all 3 seasons. Great writing, great acting (by all actors) I enjoyed the location as well as how important it was to the storyl.ine. I am an American (USA) and I watch the shows on Acorn TV because they are so refreshing from the standard fare on American TV.

This show is high quality at anytime but especially with the poor selection available here.

The ending was a perfect way to bring closure for the characters. I am sad that I don't get to look forward to the next season!

Keeping Faith (2017–2021)

Excellent

[10/10 · 1 May 2021]

I wanted to give this a 9 out of 10 stars not because it doesn't deserve 10 but because Faith will irritate me when she throws one of her tantrums! But I realize that those tantrums are all part of what makes Faith complicated. And if she wasn't complicated this show would not be worth watching. I have been watching this since it was released on Acorn in the USA. And I have to say every season has been a new mystery involving the main characters and the basic storyline, but it shows a whole new twist. That's what keeps me coming back every season. I think the acting is excellent, the writing is also excellent but I am impressed how creative the writers are with each storyline. I also like the visual images that are used, never needing verbal representation. For example, the way Faith walks in her high heels, the vivid color of her shoes, her coat and her lipstick and how she applies it. Such powerful imagery that sets the storyline, the character of Faith. All of it has helped me to get caught up. So despite my irritation with her tantrums I have to give it 10 out of 10, I have no choice.

One Lane Bridge (2020– )

Interesting twists

[8/10 · 29 April 2021]

I wanted to add a review from someone who doesn't live in New Zealand or the southern hemisphere. I thought this show was very good, lots of twists in the plot which kept me guessing throughout. It came together for me just before the guilty person confessed and I think that is due to the writing not because I was slow! There was definitely a lot of connections to to various characters that made them a good suspect for the murder. I know nothing about Maori beliefs but from a spectator's viewpoint it came together and seemed plausible. I thought all of the actors were believable in their roles and I liked the unanswered questions at the end because that leaves it wide open for season 2. So I look forward to another season of trying to solving "who done it?"

Spirit of the Game (2016)

Low budget doesn't mean poorly made

[8/10 · 15 February 2021]

I just watched this movie and I thought other reviews that mentioned low budget, poor acting, writing, and filming effects were unfair. I want to say I am not a Mormon (don't want to be a Mormon) and this was my first "Mormon movie", I was pleasantly surprised. It is a great family movie. I have watched a lot of religious movies in my lifetime (I am 65+) so you could call me a fan of all different kinds of inspiring religious movies (Christian, Muslim, Catholic, Hindu etc ) SO from my "vast" knowledge I want to say this movie is worth your time. You will not come away knowing a lot about more about the Mormon beliefs, but you will (or should) admire the dedication demonstrated in this movie that could be attributed to the characters Mormon's belief. You can then decide for yourself what more you might want to know, or not. But if you are a fan of family friendly movies put this on your list. I think it was well done, just don't expect all the high price special effects and I don't think you will be disappointed. (I rated it 8 out of 10 because I am reluctant to promote Mormonism. A personal bias.)