lafchef Reviews

Ted Lasso (2020–2023)

Best Show in a Decade

[10/10 · 11 June 2023]

For the many of the same reasons we went crazy over Guardians of the Galaxy, this epic sit-jump-scream-front flip-com/ dramady. The developers & writers & producers of Lasso left nothing undone. Storylines, controversies and killer music -from beginning to the last episode. No spoiler here - this show will be in the company of greats- M. A. S. H- , SCRUBS, Catastrophe- all wicked smart- so thank you. Jason Sudeikis- thank you to the casting directors- thank you- to every amazing performance from Every amazing actor- thank you - this was lovely. All the strong roles for females, sensitivity for LGBTQ+ community- and great insight into complex male relationships. Thank you! And yes - we do love us some Roy Kent.

Transatlantic (2023)

Good start- weak script

[4/10 · 8 April 2023]

The premise is engaging and the female lead is strong. The costumes , the scenery and (for the most part) the casting is respectable. The jumping off point is the current Hollywood obsession for writing LGBTT into every single project. I would welcome a movie of the period about how being true to your sexual preference made life more difficult or better, somehow. But writing dialogue for the sake of checking a box, cheapens the representation. It is an insensitive manner with which to portray a topic which should garner a more dignified approach. It is the opposite of creating a good screenplay. Shame on Hollywood. No matter how good the character portrayal was for this series, I cannot watch the rest.

Yellowstone (2018– )

Spotty with sprinkle of Stunning

[7/10 · 2 January 2023]

Having heard raves about this series and being a fairly solid Kevin Costner fan, I was happy to see Peacock Plus featured all lead up seasons. The first season included a set-up for a far fetched family dynamic. The direction of veteran actor Kelly Reilly is disappointing. Wes Bentley is almost intolerable as a gender confused character with wide mood swings to match his on-screen sister. So far, Costner's performance is solid. I understand this is Taylor Sheridan's concept, but I believe the character development for the principal actors is so poorly executed, it becomes a distraction to an otherwise enjoyable series. The adult children behaviors are so freakishly weird, it is hard to focus on the good parts of this series. Like the historical accuracy of many of the Native American parts of the script. ( well done!) and the cinematography - just wow. Also , loved the focus on cowboy life and how casinos are shored up financially. Last but not least, love the island of misfits "Jimmy" cowhand character. I'm still watching. Maybe season 2 will improve....a 7/10 is all I can offer at this point!

Fatman (2020)

Crusty Kris Cringle

[9/10 · 1 January 2023]

Dark humor with a message. Walton Goggins plays an excellent bad guy. Marianne Jean-Babtiste is great. Mel Gibson - as Santa is crusty- but has heart as Santa. Perfect middle age couple Mr and Mrs Claus... The Plymouth Fury is killer. I imagine the low rating has more to do with language and killing. Clearly NOT a movie for under 13 or those who still believe, but if you are looking for young at heart, this is your film!

Also, musical score was old school And well executed- while The camera angles and set design is impressive.

It has twists and turn and was never boring. The cast was well selected, no lackluster performances.

Nope (2022)

MORE than Funnier OR Scarier

[10/10 · 23 November 2022]

YUP, JP did it again. There were so many things about this film to love. The historical perspective of black cowboy/ horsemanship. The close knit bond between OJ and his sister. The inside peek at irreverent attitudes some Hollywood directors have for the animal elements in their films. Last but not least, the techno-geek-WAY-cool-vintage-film equipment. A lot to love, Yet... without giving away the plot, there were plenty of Sci- Fi eerie creepy moments, this just wasn't the edge of your seat horrifying flick I was expecting.

Still , with outstanding performances from less than 5 skilled actors, I have no problem rating this film as "need to see it".

This review amended, after second time around. It will be a classic. The casting and MUSICAL SCORE was genius. Warning : Don't watch unless you are alert. You don't want to miss a thing!

Nope, you don't!

The English (2022)

Vintage Spaghetti Western_Elevated

[10/10 · 23 November 2022]

Emily Blunt and Chaske Spenser... along with a wholly talented supporting cast, make this film series so refreshingly stunning. It is in the tradition of Spaghetti westerns, with a spin of leading female roles . The story is unfolded with flashbacks and slow reveals. The dialogue is often limited to 3 and four words- segmented but with an occasional extended conversation between main characters. For example, Rafe Sprall , episode 4, is a Tom Hardy_like_English_accent character playing the role of bad guy to the hilt. Cinematography was award winning. Crystal blue skies - amazingly beautiful landscape scenes , rich tapestry of fabrics in wardrobe , this film is like a visual buffet. Not a series for squeamish, but rather for those who are brave enough to view a fictionalized but also surely somewhat accurate version of earlier American and English history as it intersected the lives of Indigenous Americans. It is NOT like anything you have seen. Although Emily Blunt's character is highly improbable, this series should make the viewer want to know more. Topics like the buffalo gun, how Native Americans were rounded up, pushed back... along with the tale of unscrupulous tactics like extermination of thousands of buffalo- in order to eliminate tribal food source.

If you are a early American colonist descendant or even a Brit from across the pond, don't expect to feel especially proud of your ancestors ill- gotten gains. If you are Native American, you might see a story line you recognize and an effort from a filmmaker to gain perspective from largely unrepresentative people- in film and print.

Love in the Villa (2022)

A little slice of lovely

[9/10 · 13 September 2022]

If you are a hopeless romantic, this is the sweetest little movie! Miss Graham is the Ying to Tom Hopper's Yang. The Tom Hopper I live to watch takes on a completely different role. And Kat is adorable! Very fifties kind of innocent film. Think Cary Grant. Grace Kelly. No spoiler alert here, just a promise that this is a fun and frivolous little film. Interspersed with the richness of Italy and wine and the language of love, it lives up to the genre romantic comedy. Peaks and valleys- hoping the girl gets the boy. And twists and turns along the way! For me, watching these two actors was a joy! Lovely!

Cooper's Bar (2022– )

Short & SWEET

[9/10 · 18 August 2022]

Like the chicken wings, this show is packed with good punch. Love the plot lines. All mini segment shows... with all the hip lingo. Trash on Range-rover, lights in backyard bar, wise cracking mall cop. Cheerful English dude, and ballsy wife make this show. Cooper is a Danny DeVito-esque character who is fabulously funny!

Wild Mountain Thyme (2020)

A Perfect & Delightful Movie!

[10/10 · 4 June 2022]

In this era of poorly written scripts, gore and bad acting, this little gem of a romantic movie is surprisingly delightful. The all star cast - big names like Christopher Walken, Emily Blunt, Jamie Dornan & Jon Hamm, along with a largely unknown to American film for a supporting cast - it was magnificent! The cinematography captured the lush Irish countryside & was perfectly matched to the beautiful script of this story. The music was epic. No spoiler, but you will absolutely root for the unlikely hero(s) of the film. With all your heart and soul. Only an individual with no imagination could have given this movie a poor rating. Watch it. You'll see!

Legacy (IV) (2020)

Great scenery and weak supporting cast

[2/10 · 7 December 2021]

Luke Goss and 3 other actors - well cast. The cast and extras assembled are a mismatched poorly asssembled B film. It's as if they spent all budget on Goss, not leaving resources for the sheriffs clothing... mismatched , Ill fitting uniforms- goodwill would have been a better wardrobe consultant. Ian Sharpe, Renton Alexa. And Matt Valvaldi were simply miscast. This film, and I watched in its entirety, was the worst directed film since Nicholas Cage film. Left Behind.

Narcos: Mexico (2018–2021)

Life in the Fast Lane

[10/10 · 14 November 2021]

Whether you lived through the 70's and 80's or just heard about it, this series is so well written and directed...you will feel like you were there. Even Gringos can enjoy this production. This is in the company of Wire and breaking bad, for crime drama centered around drug trade. Peña is 5 star, and the supporting cast is phenomenal. The female roles could have been more developed, but testosterone dictates this script- and probably rightly so. It's excellent. Watch it.

The Harder They Fall (2021)

Excellent, old school meets Hot, New Hip & Cool!

[10/10 · 4 November 2021]

Ok. Not sure what that pissy score of 5.7 is about... but seriously? If Mel Brooks and Blazing saddles can have a cult following, surely this wind ''em up, raw hide - edge of your seat western will garner the attention of a true Wild West enthusiast! The story has twists and turns and the cinematography is superb. Not to mention the awesome sound track. The supporting cast is as fabulous as Idris. If you like westerns and you don't watch this , you might just be loco !

Bombshell (I) (2019)

Don't wait to watch...

[10/10 · 6 October 2021]

While I'm not sure why it took me so long to watch this, I'm really glad I got around to it. Very believable performance by all leading actors. Excellently scripted, Women have been shoved on their knees and forced to suck it up (pun intended) for so long , it is remarkable to watch a film that chronicles the path to fame and fortune. The sad & pathetic part... is the slug-like perpetrators who wield such power. Hating Fox News as I did, I remember watching the cleavage and upper thighs of these blondes, sandwiched between the stuffed shirt pasty white males and thing "why"? Watch this movie snd you might gain understanding. For all women And the men who love them - a must see!

Beckett (2021)

Edge of your seat!

[10/10 · 23 August 2021]

No doubt this is the best American on foreign soil/ conspiracy/ can't tell good guys from bad guys movie since Bourne Identity! Love the way the hero can't catch a break and somehow he keeps going. The star, John David Washington, will have your attention from the first scene and you will be rooting for him every step of the way! An atypical hero, his performance is stellar! No spoiler alerts , just get your popcorn settle in for a heck of a ride! I don't usually read other reviews, but I can't understand what this film is not All "10's" Sll the way.

Barney Thomson (2015)

Fargo Funny

[9/10 · 21 August 2021]

This is a must see sleeper hit. Emma Thompson is a spectacular mum to the character Barney Thompson. But the script is the real star. Every line, quip... priceless. It was as gruesome as Fargo but with a Glasgow twist. Hysterical!

Deep State (2018–2019)

Better than Homeland

[10/10 · 21 August 2021]

Second season was no disappointment. Walton Goggins is perfect for this role ... but the casting is superb- across the board. The writers are skilled at setting the stage for how the game of politics is played and for building a plot! All the players work well together. Fox should have already found a slot for the next season.

Jolt (2021)

could have been better...

[4/10 · 27 July 2021]

This could be a perfect example of when you add all elements of political correctness with a hefty dose of anti ageism, pro- LGBT ism, and a respectable cast- with a super power-esque script, you can still miss the mark. Kate B. Stylist should be fired as should her botox admin team. She is naturally beautiful and the tossed blonde hair with puff lips was a horrible distraction . Bobby C was the only consistent performance. Lamar acting was uneven, as she was inappropriately jutted to forefront of scenes that should have been to another actor... what was that about? Even Stanley T. Did not give his normal 110%. It could have been better, it should have been better!!!!

Hacks (2021– )

riveting, sharp witted, and perfectly cast!

[10/10 · 29 June 2021]

So, We all know about the genius of Jean Smart... but the chemistry between she and Hannah Einbinder, that was really something special. The writing is exceptional ( hats off to Aniello, Downs and Statsky) but damn , the casting ( Abellera and McCarthy) wow. I believe in this patchwork, behind the scenes, exploratory of comedy.

No spoilers... but it is a must see. Jean Smart is spectacular as Deb Vance and Hannah's Ava was tragic and triumphant- all at once.

You must see this.

City Island (2009)

Worth Retrieving

[10/10 · 7 June 2021]

There is a new uptick in better data mining for what movies are best suited to our tastes. This movie is a watch again and again. It feels like you live there ( on City Island ) and Andy Garcia performance is priceless... heartfelt and full of characters who have that real deal quality. This is a must see!

Black Monday (2019–2021)

Eighties called...

[9/10 · 12 May 2021]

This series is as hysterically funny and moving as it is musically entertaining. As a child of the 70's and 80's, Black Monday is a poignant reminder of just how convoluted American values were during that era. Mixed in with a healthy representation of vice and greed, the script nails the lack of respect for diversity with a genuine depiction of how power and corruption go hand snd hand. Don C. Gives stellar performances, as do Regina H and Andrew R. The supporting cast members are excellent. During season 1 and 2 , I often felt like I was in a Broadway musical. Can't wait to watch season 3!

Hope Gap (2019)

Emphatically Enigmatic, Nighy and Bening are Stunning!

[10/10 · 2 March 2021]

Mysterious, because love is often a bit of a mystery, and the characters Grace and Edward are no exception. The film capably captures the peaks and valleys of a life between two people that peaks during the time of parenting a young child. The story uses elegant prose to accentuate the movements between this couple, as if the chapters of their lives were like stanzas in a poem.

No spoiler alert. Every man, woman or child of estranged parents should see this film. To remind us of the hope inside of all of us.

Racer and the Jailbird (2017)

Classic love story

[10/10 · 6 October 2020]

Boy meets girl. Forbidden love. Passion. Love denied. Love sustained. Your basic love story recipe with lots of twists-and turns. All subtitles- but not difficult to understand . It was a beautiful little movie with an unexpected ending. Not depressing, rather inspirational!

A Little Chaos (2014)

Mean Girls don't rule

[10/10 · 6 October 2020]

A fanciful piece with warmth, irony, humor and a large serving of sensuality. Kate Winslet Alan and Matt - all giving stellar performances. You are always rooting for the underdog in this film! It was well directed and beautifully cast.

Homeland (2011–2020)

Eight great seasons!

[10/10 · 9 September 2020]

Who doesn't love Carrie? From season 1, the Bipolar condition is well covered in the script, and amazingly accurate. If you live for spy and are intrigued by corruption in government- this is the series for you! Not surprised the writers/ creators made their exit during this most recent administration. Would have been way too scary! Thumbs up all the way!

Weightless (I) (2017)

Moving film about Life, love and the beauty of imperfection

[9/10 · 9 September 2020]

A sparse script with flawless performances by Newcomer Eli Haley (Will). Tender moments between his character and his father, his fish and a little girl Down the street. Joel ( the main character) has a complicated psyche that makes caring for the pre teen son he has never met seem untenable. As the plot unfolds, we see plenty of good between father and son. It is a little like reading a Sylvia Plath poem. Painful to witness, but it stirs something within. Actors Phoebe Young ( Carla) and Eli Haley are surprisingly fresh amid a cast of well seasoned performers.