cassielea Reviews

Holiday Road (2023 TV Movie)

Based on real events? True story?

[1/10 · 22 December 2023]

Give credit where credit is due.

This movie is of course one of Hallmark's better storylines - BECAUSE IT ISN'T THEIRS. They stole it from the real people who traversed together in a van from Orlando to Knoxville and documented it all on video and tiktok. What a shame too. Even going as far as stealing direct scenes and dialogues "I'm here for the snacks" come on. I rated it a 1 because while the storyline is amazing, Hallmark pulled the rug out from under the people whose story it actually is.

If nothing else, I will keep this as a 1 based on morals and principles. The blatant theft is astounding. The "writers" and everyone, even the actors and execs, should be ashamed.

Handmade Love (2020–2021)

Lovely Mini-series

[10/10 · 29 November 2023]

If you are in the mood for a quick, cute little show this is it. A little bit of drama, a little bit of fantasy, a little bit of humor, and a little bit of romance makes this the perfect binge watch. Plus, Lee Soo Hyuk is, as always, wonderful with his powerful look and seductive voice, he captivates as Woven from the moment we meet him. But don't discount this series because it may seem predictable. It's worthy of a couple hours for sure. The music and the tailor shop set decor really bring it all together creating a beautiful ambiance that's enough of a reason for me to want to go find my own mystically owned tailor shop! It's a show I will watch again and again!

Alias Grace: Part 6 (2017) Season 1, Episode 6

Excellent Final Episode

[9/10 · 27 September 2021]

This whole mini-series is fantastically done. It remains mostly true to Atwood's book of the same name and adds closure where it is needed. It plays out like the rest of the episodes, recounting when needed and learning the "truth". The hypnosis scene was pivotal in the revelation of such as well as the next stage of Dr. Jordan's life and the lead in to the finalization of the story. It is neither horror nor graphic, it is eloquent when needed and satisfying to see. While some questions remain unanswered for those who know not the true events as well as Atwood's book, it is still exceptionally closed. (The only reason I took off one star is because it does end differently from Atwood's book which it is primarily based but it is still very good)

He's All That (2021)

Miramax / Netflix FAIL

[1/10 · 29 August 2021]

Really what else can be said about this that isn't already stated? It's horrible. It hurts to watch. If I didn't know Addison Rae was tiktok dance & weird Kardashian sleepover famous I would swear they just randomly picked someone out of a shopping mall. And all the product placement was distracting. Well... I actually think I enjoyed spotting all the items vs whatever the heck she was doing (it sure wasn't acting). She needs to stay in her tiktok world. No more tiktok movies please. Buchanan was okay (not exactly likable though) in his other Netflix show Cobra Kai but this just shows he isn't great at range. Or they just gave him cruddy directions and poor script notes. Either way, he never even looked like ugly duckling boy, instead they made him a little dirty but that's it. He mostly just had that deer in headlights expression when standing there. And I'm ashamed of Cook & Lillard who are legitimately good actors. What motivated them? Promises of gold and rubies?? Because after seeing this they've gotta be disappointed too. They aren't even the same characters - TOTAL MISSED OPPORTUNITY that would have made fans of the original at least a little happy.

Overall, AVOID THIS ATROCITY!! George Bernard Shaw is ROLLING in his grave right now.

Tattoo Redo (2021)

Surprisingly Good (if you like this kind of thing)

[9/10 · 31 July 2021]

Most tattoo shows (and make-up effects shows) are the same with little to no real variance episode after episode. I expected the same when I decided to turn this on. While the formula is redundant (not a complaint), the episodes actually aren't. The tattoo artists each have individual styles that show through on their cover ups. The people there to receive tattoos (& whomever they are with) come across genuine and not like actors (like one person commented on in another review). The host is actually a comedian and good at helping everyone relax and enjoy the ride.

Viewers should remember a few things though.

1. The show is edited to create suspense. Not scripted, EDITED. It isn't that kind of reality show.

2. The process of getting a heavily saturated tattoo (most cover ups have to be) is long. Very long. Hours long. It isn't five minutes. These people spend ALL DAY in the warehouse shop to get them.

3. It isn't some random person picking tattoos. The artist consults with the person who accompanied the one getting the work. It ranges from friend to relative to partner but it is always someone close who actually knows the person. They edit out most of the consult which can last easily a couple of hours as this isn't a process that is taken lightly.

If you enjoy looking at tattoos good and bad, it is worth giving it a try. If you are expecting something crazy, try How Far is Tattoo Far. If you want just tattoos and not the people, the competition Ink Master might be better suited.

Chad (2021–2024)

Creepy and Not Suitable for Television

[1/10 · 1 April 2021]

Seriously why is a 40 year old actress (who still looks like a middle aged adult actress even with all the makeup) playing a 14 year old boy? And with other teenagers?? This is beyond creepy and disturbing. Get a 14 year old actor to play the part please because this is unsettling and cringe-worthy. I really thought it was a joke at first. Please take this off the air and burn it. All of it. It is gross.

The Sweeter Side of Life (2013 TV Movie)

So Disappointed

[1/10 · 16 February 2021]

Within the first 20 minutes of watching this train wreck there are so many red flags but I just want to address two here: the main characture (yes you read that right) mentions in her drug induced haze that she forgot to tip the taxi driver to which the over the top stereotypical Irish father responds that the driver is a Jew and already charged for that. WOW. Really Hallmark?? Then when she goes with her father to his bakery we meet his employee, yet another stereotype this time of the heavy set Italian to which she and Paddy (father) bash his weight. Then have to shove him into a car. Dang. This may have been humorous to some almost a decade ago but now it's just plain hate. I love Hallmark but really they need to pull this crap fest and bury it. I mean they pulled Lori Loughlan movies for her what? Buying her kids college entrances? This movie is offensive why not pull it??? Disappointed.

Walker: Pilot (2021) Season 1, Episode 1

not my Cordell

[1/10 · 27 January 2021]

This page is flooded with fans of Supernatural. I get it. Everyone loves Sam. But really...

Walker is NOT a reboot of the Norris classic series. It is a reimagining. This guy is a guilt laden abusive alcoholic with massive mental issues. Maybe he will overcome all the issues as this version but it sure doesn't line up with the iconic former Marine WTR. This pilot lacks on so many levels from camera angles (flares? why?) to fluidity to plot, and then there's the music... can we pick appropriate timing and volume and selection? It's all kind of random. Also trying to figure out is Micki a gender variant of Trivette and Liam of Alex? Weird choices. It seems to only share a main character name and locale and that's it. Really I see this Walker as kind of wimpy definitely not a former military bad a** detective who knows martial arts. Jared is a decent actor but this was not the role for him. I think if the CW wanted to cash in on the SPN Fandom for longer they should've tapped Jensen Ackles. He's at least got more of the build and isn't lanky looking.

So if you are a fan of the original, pretend this isn't related and maybe you can get through it without teeth grinding. If you don't know the original then you'll probably think it's a masterpiece but really you should go watch the original before you bolster it too much. But it's just my opinion and you know how the saying goes about opinions...

The Stand (2020–2021)

Only watch if you don't know the story

[1/10 · 19 December 2020]

Seriously. Don't watch this if you are a fan of the literary giant that is King or his massive novel The Stand. The first episode is beyond disappointing. A friend (and I use that term loosely) watched it as well but with no knowledge of the storyline or anything other than "'IT' was awesome so this is gonna be so cool!" & that friend was enthralled enough to want to watch more. I don't know why the powers that be signed off on the script or the editing because it is trash. I'm surprised that King allowed this. I'd rather watch Under the Dome after it strayed so far from the book and jumped the shark. At least it was coherent.

Father of the Year (2018)

Not terrific (but not too bad)

[6/10 · 26 July 2018]

Kind of superficial but lots of little quirky fun moments and funny scenes. Some "WTF?!" points too. Worth a watch if you wanna pass some time and don't want anything too deep or too, well, anything.