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Reviews
Shrinking (2023)
I waited
I waited a little bit to write anything about this show even though I thought it was solid entertainment from the get go. I'm a Ted Lasso fan and I didn't think it quite measured up after the first couple of episodes, so I decided to wait and see a few more before deciding how I felt. Well now I'm, what, 7 or 8 episodes in and I'm fully into all elements of this gem and I 100% love it. Everything about it now is on par with TL and I couldn't be happier. Every episode seemed to get better and better as the characters and story developed. I don't think I have laughed out loud this much watching a series....well, since Ted Lasso.
The Menu (2022)
No thanks!
I guess I don't enjoy satire very much but if you want/like your satire to be completely ridiculous (maybe that's the definition?) and barely capable of eliciting a single chuckle, you've got the right movie. Aside from enjoying the acting skills of Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy, and the filming location which is near my home, I found very little to enjoy about this movie. I'm not a foodie, nor do I understand what compels someone to be one (maybe that's what I'm missing....maybe should have watched a few reality cooking shows in my life?), yet I still didn't find a point to this mostly unfunny drudge.
Tell Me Lies (2022)
I relived college
It's not perfect. There are some "no, I don't buy that" moments that annoyed me, but all in all it made me feel something. I kind of relived my college years in some ways. Let's face it; there's a lot of relationship drama (and otherwise) in college and this delivered - to my satisfaction.
The Stephen character I think is supposed to be a bit scary (no I didn't read the book) and I felt the actor portrays him well. If aloof and intense is what was called for, this guy delivered in spades. I thought he was the best part of the story. The actor who portrays Lucy was well cast also and the other female leads were adequate.
In from the Cold (2022)
I came for Margarita L. and stayed for the entertainment value
It got my attention because I'm a fan of Margarita L. But I had no idea where the show was going since I hadn't read anything about it. Started out as a Spy drama I guess....then that "something" happened that I wasn't expecting (so that's what the sci-fi description was all about) and decided I'd keep going... although I was on the fence up until then. Bottom line, The premise is a bit "Out there" but it is very entertaining. BTW what is up with the weird daughter side story, meaning the weird/psycho aspect? I'm 5 episodes in and don't get it.....yet.
El desorden que dejas (2020)
Hard to get past the student teacher dynamic
Surely students can't get away with talking to and treating teachers this way, can they? I'm only 5 minutes into the second episode and I'm not sure I can keep going. It's eating at me that much. I'll apologize if this story is a good one....and it's possible I'll keep going....but this over the top behavior portrayed by the students has me wondering why am I bothering. This can't represent reality can it?
Industry (2020)
I like it
Wow such polarizing reviews. I'm of the camp that this is fresh and fascinating stuff. Is it realistic? I have no idea but it's certainly entertaining - to me!
Hightown (2020)
Very good cop drama
Realistic, hard hitting cop show. I really enjoy the genre and this was one of the better ones I've seen lately. I haven't read the other reviews but I don't understand the 6 rating. I guess maybe I should sample some but I must be missing something. Did people expect a light hearted tourist friendly guide to the beauty of cape code? whale watching perhaps? Come on, this show is on point!
Normal People (2020)
What's wrong with these kids?
I still have 3 episodes to go but went ahead and maxed the score. I've read a few reviews indicating frustration with these characters. Yeah I agree. What's wrong with these 2 people that they can't figure this out? I haven't been dwelling on that though but instead losing myself in the seemingly perfect chemistry between 2 impossibly gifted actors. I haven't read the book and probably won't but full credit should given to everyone involved in this production. It's as close to blissful TV viewing as we're likely to get for a while.
David and Olivia? (2018)
Fun!
Finished this last weekend on NETFLIX and really enjoyed it. At only 3 short-ish episodes it went by way too fast. I hope more episodes come soon because the characters are really fun and likeable and the story is "mostly" believable and very entertaining, plus Kate is a real cutie!