smaguilar Reviews

30 Rock (2006–2013)

Brilliant for first 4 seasons

[7/10 · 6 June 2021]

Great show that ran too long. First four seasons I rate 9. Consistently brilliant writing, great ensemble cast, many laugh out loud scenes. But it's very difficult to maintain this level of consistency year after year. Cracks start showing in season 5, but there are still plenty of good episodes, rate it 7. Seasons 6 and 7 take a nosedive as the writers run out of ideas and the comedy degenerates from witty fun to just plain stupid, rating drops to 5. So I give the show overall rating of 7.

Audrey (I) (2020)

Disappointing

[5/10 · 7 May 2021]

Disappointing documentary about one of my favorite actresses. The dramatic re-enactments were just horrible. I didn't feel like I got any in-depth knowledge of Audrey from this amateurish effort.

The Searchers (1956)

Not quite a classic

[6/10 · 7 April 2021]

The acting and direction for the most part are wonderful, the cinematography is outstanding, and John Wayne delivers a great performance. The story tackles themes that were quite controversial at the time and many critics consider this movie to be the greatest western ever made. I don't agree. The fatal flaws are a terrible attempt at comedy which is completely out of place, and an anti-climactic ending that is so abrupt that it doesn't make any sense. It's worth watching but I can't call it a classic.

Behind Her Eyes (2021)

A great binge

[8/10 · 25 February 2021]

Binged this in one day and really enjoyed it. Fast paced, lots of twists and turns, and I never saw that ending coming.

Diabolique (1955)

Tedious

[5/10 · 6 February 2021]

Not a "classic" in my book. Tedious and predictable. You will easily guess the so-called "shocking twist ending".

The Expanse: Nemesis Games (2021) Season 5, Episode 10

Massive Disappointment

[2/10 · 4 February 2021]

Alex heroically sacrifices himself to save the worthless Naomi, and his death is barely mentioned. No tears, no grief, the next thing you know Holden and Naomi are having a grand time at a cocktail party. I know Cas Anvar was removed from the show but that's no excuse for the way his character is treated. But no matter because we have a new crew member-Amos (untouched by Alex's death) is bringing Peaches on board-a character with about as much personality as a grape. At least Drummer seems to be back on track. Second part of the episode implies a return to actual science fiction with the Protomolecule, the Ring, etc., but that's for season 6. I rate 2 for this episode, 5 for the season. So disappointing, the first 3 seasons were a 9.

The Next Three Days (2010)

Suspend your disbelief and enjoy

[8/10 · 30 January 2021]

Sure it's highly improbable, but it's fast paced, suspenseful, intriguing, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

The Expanse: Hard Vacuum (2021) Season 5, Episode 8

Naomi Ad Nauseum

[3/10 · 25 January 2021]

Here we are season 5 episode 8, and The Expanse has turned into The Naomi Nagata Show. I've had more than enough of her tedious tearful family angst which has overshadowed the entire season. This episode did very little to advance the plot. There are so many other great characters but where are they? I miss them! First three seasons were great, season four was disappointing, season five started with a lot of promise until it got bogged down in Naomi Naomi Naomi. At this point I'm ready for this character to go, permanently. I can only hope the final episodes somehow manage to turn things around.