ltc0928 Reviews

The Voice (2011– )

Much bearable than Idol and X Factor

[8/10 · 27 March 2013]

So a couple or so years ago, I decided to write off all singing shows; they're just all the same and have become uninteresting to me. I did end up giving X Factor a chance; it was too flashy, loud and dramatic for me. Then I gave Sing-Off a chance; I'm not gonna lie, I actually ended up loving it for its originality and great judge panel (side note: I'm so stoked that it's back for another season this year!!).

So I recently saw an article with some video clips from season 4 of The Voice and one contestant, whose name is Judith, prompted me to go ahead and give the show a chance. I just need to see how far she makes it in the show, because her voice is splendidly amazing. So after watching the premiere episodes, I may actually enjoy it. First off, I have respect for Adam, Shakira and Usher as artists (not so much Blake only because I've never heard of him before this show), and they're a funny group with good chemistry.

I also love the fact that, unlike American Idol, the contestants aren't being judged off their looks or outfits. They're being judged solely off their singing capabilities. I'm also happy that The Voice doesn't waste viewers' time with horrible/stupid performances. They only invite great singers to the stage instead of trying to pull in viewers with outrageously stupid acts. Now I'm not saying all of the contestants on the show are amazing singers; I've definitely heard some not-so-great ones, but it's not silly like Idol.

I feel like The Voice has a good thing going on with the vibe of the show, slight originality and some great judges. Hopefully it sticks around!

Real Husbands of Hollywood (2013– )

Pleasantly surprised

[9/10 · 15 March 2013]

It takes a lot for me to laugh at comedy these days, but, surprisingly, I was cracking up at this show! I'm tired of how comedy movies/shows these days rely on crude humor to be funny; RHOH doesn't, which made me keep watching. Of course, there is going to be some crude humor, but I like how it doesn't rely heavily on it. Kevin Hart is a fool, haha and I just love the main cast and how funny they are.

The guys have great chemistry, which, as many know, is important for a movie/TV show to work.

I hope RHOH sticks around, because this show is hilarious.

9/10

Mirror Mirror (I) (2012)

Waste of talent. Hopefully Armie can redeem himself in Lone Ranger.

[3/10 · 29 December 2012]

From the very beginning of the movie, I was already becoming unimpressed. The animation CGI was just plain weird, and Julia Robert's "comedic" one liners weren't funny at all. Don't get me wrong - I absolutely love Julia Roberts, but I'll admit, as other reviewers stated, that she was not meant for this role. She's too sweet and kind and, frankly, it didn't work well.

When she found out her right-hand man lied to her about killing Snow, it was as if it was no big deal. I'd expect her to send someone out to kill her immediately, for her to be in a rampage.... something, but she just left this major problem on her hands, as if Snow wouldn't come back and try to defeat her.

Probably the biggest issue I had with this movie was the dialogue. I guess trying to stretch the movie past an hour and a half was the reason for all the "filler" dialogue. There were times in the movie where the dwarfs would go back and forth, bickering, when it just wasn't necessary. Then the kiss. It took them forever to realize "true love's kiss will break the spell" and took about five minutes for her to finally kiss the guy. I mean, kiss him and move on.

Also, what was up with that goodbye letter? She says she's leaving - for a stupid reason, in my opinion - and when they proceed to go after her she's... still there? Just another way to stretch the movie out.

And the production design. It was... weird. I didn't like the way the Queen got to her magic mirror and the CGI looked out of place, in my opinion.

The "battle" scene. Weak. And I thought Snow was really stupid for thinking she could destroy the beast on her own. Seriously? I hate it when these dumb girls in these movies (cough - Kristen in Eclipse - cough) think they can go out and play the hero. If you're going against someone or something bigger, stronger and scarier than you, you're probably going to need some help. Let the dwarfs and the Prince help you defeat the Beast.

There are three good things I'll say about the movie. Lilly Collins is just so pretty to look at, Armie Hammer's face <3 and the cute dwarf who had a serious crush on Snow White; haha, he was funny - but the rest of the movie was not. They tried and failed.

I understand this movie was really geared toward children, but I don't even think my seven year old niece would enjoy this. To be honest, it was kinda boring.

Oh, and the credits. I don't understand the Bollywood song at the end. I just don't understand why that happened.

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

I actually really enjoyed this movie!

[7/10 · 20 August 2012]

Personally, I like rom coms; it's nice to be able to kick back and watch a light hearted, feel good film that doesn't involve blood and gore every once in a while. Yes, this movie is predictable and unoriginal, but it works.

I watched this movie mainly because of Kate Hudson; she's one of my favorite actors because she has such a great personality and really brings her characters to life - and she's done it again in this film.

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is filled with a lot of funny moments mainly due to (Hudson) and her crazy antics to accomplish her goal of getting Ben (McConaughey) to dump her. The things (that actually do drive most men crazy - and not in a good way) she does are so funny and out there; mixed with her facial expressions and energetic acting, it really makes the film memorable. The things she does, along with knowing how Ben would react - as would any man - really made me laugh out loud because it's so ridiculously funny, especially how well Hudson plays her role.

Also, an important factor, Matthew and Kate's chemistry is strong throughout and that really helps the movie tie together and stand out from it's typical plot. You know what's going to happen but, thanks to their acting and Kate's antics, it makes this film enjoyable and worth watching again.

Brave (2012)

It could have been better

[5/10 · 13 August 2012]

In my own opinion, I fervently believe that Pixar doesn't make mistakes. So of course I was going to watch Brave and I thought that it was going to be amazing. Afterwards, I felt that it was... generic, predictable and slightly boring.

After watching the trailer I was under the assumption that Brave was going to be an adventure- type movie. When it neared the middle, I realized that she wasn't going anywhere, and that kind of brought the movie down for me. Add that with the fact that the plot was a plot that we've all seen before. Honestly, there's nothing wrong with a plot like this where the main character learns a valuable lesson about not taking things for granted, but there was nothing special added here. I watched this movie, successfully predicting what would happen next, and it made the movie kind of a drag.

Also, I felt that the characters lacked... depth, I guess I could say. They weren't memorable. I couldn't even tell you names besides Merida. I feel that the writers didn't spend enough time to really develop the characters as much as they should have.

On the plus side, Brave was done nicely in a visual sense. Also, I loved how the writers portrayed Princess Merida as an independent, headstrong girl who didn't need a man to save her. She wasn't a damsel in distress and I loved that about her character.

I'll admit, I'm a little biased so I wouldn't say the movie was outright terrible, but I will say that I wish the movie's plot was thought out and executed better. I do think that Brave was a nice movie, but it's not something I'd go out and purchase on DVD or rave about to others who haven't seen it yet. I'd tell others to just to Redbox it because, considering the movie's non- special, typical story, I'd go as far as to say that it's not worth the ridiculous price of a movie ticket nowadays.

For Better or Worse (2011–2017)

Definitely better than previous Perry shows

[7/10 · 27 July 2012]

To my surprise, For Better or Worse isn't as bad as House of Payne or any of Perry's movies (with the exception of Diary of a Mad Black Woman and Madea's Family Reunion - I'll admit those are my favorites). Is it an amazing show? No of course not, it's Tyler Perry; we all know 90% of his work is garbage. But the show does have an interesting storyline that has gotten me through 6 episodes of the first season so far. The dialogue is... okay. It's not the best script, but I feel that the actors have enough on-screen chemistry to make it work. The cast can act pretty well also.

The only major problem I have with this show is the two supporting cast members, the "funny" characters - the intern and one of Angela's best friends. They're not funny at all. Although, they both did have one line each that was pretty funny. I feel that the main problem is that they overdo it to the point where it gets annoying. Perry could've done a better job casting them. I get that you need the comical character or two to help the cast and show flow, but those two definitely aren't helping. Whenever they appear on screen, I find myself wishing they'd just stop talking and go away.

Overall, I can see the show keeping a decent viewer rate. I don't think it's worth running home to set your DVR or buying the season on DVD. It's a simple, sometimes funny, decently scripted and acted show that I can see sticking around for two or three seasons.

The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl (2011–2023)

A refreshing show that everyone can relate to.

[9/10 · 9 July 2012]

The show follows J, an everyday, average, awkward black girl, as she journeys through the awkward life and romantic situations in her life.

When we view black women on TV they are usually these sexy, long-haired, beautiful perfect-looking women who may be experts on men, who seem to have everything they want in life - money, rich husbands, fancy cars - but then comes the web series The Mis-adventures of Awkward Black Girl.

The creator, Issa Rae, who also plays the lead character J, wanted to make a show that awkward guys/girls can relate to, and she succeeds just that. This show is so realistic, organic and fresh.

As someone awkward myself, it is refreshing to be able to watch a show like this because it's so easy to relate to. The situations that J finds herself in like what to do with a guy you like, or how you deal with an evil co-worker are everyday situations people in general find themselves in; even sociable, easy-going people have their awkward moments in life, and so everyone can relate to J & her life in some way.

Aside from being easily relatable, the cast brings so much to the table. Issa Rae says that she is awkward in real life and that makes her character, J, very convincing. You get a glimpse into her way of thinking and you're able to relate to her thoughts and actions. The supporting cast - her awkward best friend, co-workers, love interests are talented people who have good on-screen chemistry and some are pretty funny characters.

One aspect that definitely supports and makes the show is the dialogue. Not only is ABG relatable, but it's also really funny. The scenes and jokes that are supposed to be funny are and, at times, hilarious, and the characters who are made to be funny definitely deliver thanks to the actors portraying them.

ABG has been created because of how, most of the time, black women are portrayed as these gorgeous, perfect women. Its purpose is to give viewers something to relate and connect to themselves and their own life situations. Something on the show may happen that'll cause you to think, "Oh my gosh, I go through the same thing!" It is a refreshing and relatable show, and I'm so glad to see something like Awkward Black Girl created and presented to us and I hope the show and its team have many more successes to come.

The Mis-adventures of Awkward Black Girl's first and current second season can be seen on Youtube. Give it a chance like I did, it really does have something to offer.

Hugo (2011)

Thank God for special effects.

[5/10 · 6 January 2012]

The cinematography and music were great. The plot? Confusing. Boring. Inconsistent. I almost fell asleep once. The movie dragged on and in different directions. It was about the boy trying to "solve a mystery his father left for him," then it went on to be about the toy store guy and his past as a film giant. It was like a big film history lesson. I kept expecting Hugo and his friend to go on some cool adventure uncovering a secret or mystery about his father or that automaton. Man, I really wish they went on a cool adventure. And honestly, they could have left out the bit about his father. In my opinion, his role or even existence was unnecessary. Not to mention, I feel like Jude Law was too young to play his dad; it should have been an old, white-haired man with a curled up moustache and some spectacles, but that's all besides the point.

So yes, the plot honestly did not go anywhere. Nothing was interesting about it, but at least the actors held up on on their end. I have no complaints about the casting - except the part about Jude Law above. Well, at least the look of the movie & scores caught and kept my attention throughout - except through the bit that had me near snoring.

Preacher's Kid (2010)

It was alright.

[8 August 2011]

I don't know why this got such a low rating... It was good for what it was. The acting was pretty decent and the songs were a plus. Although the plot line was definitely predictable (for me, that is) it was still interesting to watch. There was a good chunk of the movie where I was mad though - I really get into movies, so maybe I was just analyzing it too much. But, as stated, for what it was, I think it was worth taking the time out to watch it. I think this movie teaches a good life lesson also.

People apparently knew everyone up in this movie, I only knew the father and the main girl's friend (Smart Guy, Half & Half) but I thought they all did a decent job & after finding out they're all apparently singers. So yeah, go watch the movie. Everyone's opinion is different, but you might enjoy it. It's not an award-winning movie but it definitely held my interest.

Stomp the Yard (2007)

It was alright.

[5/10 · 12 May 2011]

When I first watched this movie, I honestly hated it. The storyline was, naturally, predictable and the acting was just alright. But I ended up watching the movie again and it grew on me. I love all the dancing and stepping, and I've learned to deal with the plot. It's really just the dancing that made this one of my now favorite movies. So Stomp the Yard doesn't have the best storyline. The good parts about this movie are the dancing, music, and might I add, all of Columbus Short and Brian White's fineness throughout, haha. If you love dancing movies as I do, then you should give this movie a chance. Don't let the poor rating fool you; for what it is, it really is a decent movie.