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johannakemp
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The Girlfriend Experience (2016)
Season 1 & 2 good but season 3 - No.
I knew from the opening sequence in Season 3 that I'd get annoyed with the AI aspect, escorting hidden behind the veil of analysis in human behaviour as this girl is doing her PHD in the study so why not become a prostitute to better understand?
What I didn't like was her smugness in every situation. She's trying to analyse what her clients want in order to become a better escort and record them to collect data for her research all while being a smug little brat.
Season 1 and 2 were easy to follow, the lighting was almost industrial like as were the characters. They all wanted something and wasted no time in getting it which made the scenes interesting. Season 3 we're left wondering what her intentions are as money isn't the primary objective anymore.
I also agree with the choice of actress being a mistake.
Sure, they want a studious woman but this is a girl that looks no older than 16 to 20 playing mind games with high profiled men. It gives off a somewhat petulant vibe with a girl this young.
Season 1 was about money, power and independence, Season 2 covered corruption, materialism, love and heartbreak, Season 3 is just a mess of too many things. Sex and Science just isn't working this time round...
The Girlfriend Experience: Mirrors (2021)
Season 3 - escorting for nerds.
I knew from the opening sequence that I'd get annoyed with the AI aspect, escorting hidden behind the veil of analysis in human behaviour as this girl is doing her PHD in the study so why not become a prostitute to better understand?
What I didn't like was her smugness in every situation. She's trying to analyse what her clients want in order to become a better escort and record them to collect data for her thesis all while being a smug little brat.
Season 1 and 2 were easy to follow, the lighting was almost industrial like as were the characters. They all wanted something and wasted no time in getting it which made the scenes interesting. Season 3 we're left wondering what her intentions are as money isn't the primary objective anymore.
I also agree with the choice of actress being a mistake.
Sure, they want a studious woman but this is a girl that looks no older that 16 to 20 playing mind games with high profiled men. It gives off a somewhat petulance vibe with a girl this young.
Season 1 was about money and independence, Season 2 covered corruption, materialism, love and heartbreak, Season 3 is just a mess of too many things. Sex and Science just isn't working this time round...
The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window (2022)
Why did I watch this?
I guess I kept hoping it would get better but it was the biggest pile o poop I could have ever watched.
I don't wanna get into the plot holes or the "why would you's", all I can say is that it gets worse and worse and the cheese factor is off the charts.
This is not comedy. This is crap.
Divorce (2016)
The kids?!
There are no redeeming characters in this show.
It's nice to see SJP in a different role as a devoted mother that made a mistake however why are all the characters so selfish, rude and inconsiderate? The kids especially are complete ungrateful brats.
Everyone's a comic in this show except SJP and the kids yet the jokes aren't very funny.
Pro: SJP's fashion. I prefer what she wears in this show more than in SATC.
Shopgirl (2005)
Beautiful!
I have loved this movie since 2005, it's one I always go back to at least once a year. So beautifully written and executed, I couldn't imagine any other actors playing their parts. The score is also worth mentioning because it invokes those emotions. It's really nice to see Steve Martin in a non comedic role, being the writer it was wise of him to play the part as he was so well connected. This has stayed in my top 10 for 16 years!
Maid (2021)
The Struggle Is Real
What can I say... It's a KNOCKOUT!!
Hooked from the get go. The central character Alex struggling to navigate life as a DV survivor and single mother in a cruel and merciless world is a mirror for so many women in that situation. My own mother included. In this particular case, the DV is down to Coercive Control, a type of abuse often overlooked by the government or legal system. Alex is doing the best she can to keep her head above water to shelter and feed her child reluctantly relying on the government or people around her for help however often that help comes at a cost. The only currency or qualification she has is by cleaning or doing odd jobs. Being a single and homeless mother is not her only concern, her erratic and unhinged mother (played by her real life mother Andie MacDowell) adds another layer of complication to her story. The performances by this mother daughter duo is so amazing to watch, it's really great to see MacDowell back on screen in what I would say is her best role ever! And her daughter Margaret is cast perfectly as Alex, I'm blown away by the talent. I often forget that this is a show as I'm so drawn into the story, I'm screaming at the TV screen for people to just cut her a break. Anything good that happens for Alex is a reward for us viewers and when something bad happens, we feel the blow. But her determination is unwavering and we keep cheering her on.
All in all this show is a 10+. I really hope they continue with Alex's story, it's tragic, inspirational and it's real. I've told my mother to watch this show, a reminder of just how far she's come from the days of being penniless with 2 small children in tow.
Mum, we love and appreciate you.
Thank you for making this show. Fingers crossed for more seasons to come.
Hidden in Plain Sight (2019)
Who edited this pile o poo?
Is this a joke? Firstly, I can barely hear the dialog over the terrible soundtrack which is probably a blessing as the writing and story is so awful I can't fathom how this was ever made. And the acting was embarrassing. Had to switch off after 20 mins and that's 20 mins too long. A good case study on how to make a bad movie.
Equals (2015)
Wow... All the feels.
I am NOT a sci-fi fan in the slightest so it took me a while to watch this, only to find that the sci-fi takes a backseat to what really is a heart wrenchingly beautiful love story. The two leads knock it outta the park with chemistry. They play their characters so well and captivate you. Kristen Stewart is magnificent and I've always liked Nicholas Hoult.
The fact that I finished this movie 20 mins ago and I'm still affected tells me that this is a well written and and excellently made gem. I'm left slightly traumatised, hopeful and my imagination is rampant with possibility.
Paranormal Witness (2011)
The Exorcist
I came across this show on a lazy day and started to realise this wasn't just your typical ghost hunting type show where barely anything happens. The episodes are well done, great effects and acting so I started watching more n more. THEN came the Exorcist episode. Oh.My.God...... I couldn't sleep for a week!! That was by far the scariest thing I've ever watched. Scarier than any good horror movie. Absolutely terrifying.
Demon House is another one that really spooked me.
This is definitely one of those shows that has the ability to genuinely creep you out. Wish they'd do more seasons. It's that good I've even paid for all of the seasons so my brother who's a paranormal enthusiast could watch it and even he, who's watched a lotta Paranormal stuff confirmed this was a well produced and scary show. Some eps can be a bit dragged out but then you come across one that'll shake you to the core and keep you up at night with the lights on and for me that was the Exorcist episode. Still can't bring myself to watch it again, it'll take a lot of psyching myself up to give it another watch. Same with Demon House. Eeek!!
Mr Inbetween (2018)
On behalf of society- THANK YOU!
I had to start an account purely to give my input on how brilliant this show is! If I could give a show more than 10 stars, it's this one. I remember when the Foxtel adverts started and whilst I saw there was some humour to it, I'd thought to myself "eh, another hitman show." Boy was I pleasantly surprised when one day I was hungover on the couch and Foxtel were showing reruns from Ep 1 so decided I'd give it a look in and fall asleep. Well it's fair to say I didn't get any hangover sleep that day because I was hooked from from the first scene and particularly 10 mins in when Ray does his mate Gary a particular hilarious favour... I knew then that this isn't just another hitman show, this is a show about an average guy with all the normal day to day trappings any average guy has. A best mate, girlfriend, daughter, an ex wife, a brother etc.. What trapped me was the normalcy of his life and what a generally nice dude Ray is outside of what he does for a crust. You can't help but like the guy and that's what makes it interesting.
A particularly nice touch to the show is the anger management classes. By all means Ray shouldn't really have to be there, we see that he's a generally calm sort of character, a man of few words but 'on behalf of society' he IS doing us a favour by teaching d**kheads a lesson. As an Aussie myself, these type of entitled d**kheads do exist and do need a good kick up the a**s so Ray, on behalf of society, thank you.
I'm also surprised to learn that not only is the lead actor the writer and creator of the show, but that no Australian network jumped on this sooner! Surprisingly, this was picked up my FX (an American network) so this is a big win for them and a loss for the Aussie networks that missed out. Another surprising fact that I discovered was that Scott Ryan isn't particularly a seasoned actor but you wouldn't think so watching his flawless performance. Scott has a certain acting style that has the ability to make you laugh without him having to say much, or make you tremble with that sinister smile. His face alone has so much character! This guy is going places and hope to see much more of him in future whether it be in acting or writing. I'm halfway through season 2 now and am loving it as much as season 1. They're opening us up to Ray's personal life bit by bit.. Hopefully FX know what they've gained in this, an absolute gem! Please keep this show going, I can truly see this show with a few seasons under its belt because it's getting better and better with each episode in season 2 and I see people binge watching all seasons on other subscription TV platforms should they keep this going.
And on behalf of Australia, thank you FX and Scott Ryan for giving Oz a show that isn't another mainstream garbage soapie, Mr Inbetween has finally given us something real and substantial and I as well as anyone I've discussed this show with wants more and more. We really hope the seasons keep coming. Massive congrats to all that made this happen.
Honestly one of the best, up there with Sopranos and Breaking Bad.
And Congrats to Scott Ryan for a well earned and deserved Logie for season 1 alone. Imagine how many more awards are in store if they keep this series running?!