elbonian00-218-882971 Reviews

Christmas Time (2017)

Unexpectedly Enjoyable!

[8/10 · 17 December 2023]

Did NOT see this one coming! Showcases the creativity that can be found in small budget Indie films. With an unknown cast, original music, barely a handful of sets -- most of that snow -- and ... yet somehow it just works! The character of Jake (and probably the actor himself) is reminiscent of John Candy without being silly, and the rest of the cast creates a compelling and complementary backdrop for his musings -- real or imagined. High points: The "eyewitness" account of the Nativity is hilarious, yet somehow to be taken seriously, and the psychotherapist could easily be underestimated but don't! Be sure to appreciate his making the most of a small part. Stick around for the credits -- you know what's coming -- you just don't know "when".

Coffee Shop (2014)

Hallmark lite, but...

[10/10 · 4 October 2020]

If you choose to watch this movie, you likely come with the expectations that it's like a Hallmark flick. And it is. Pretty people, confident women, diverse cast, romance, mistaken identity, that scene where there's a big misunderstanding... yeah, it's all there. But even as cookie cutter as those are, you KNOW why you watch 'em! Good to see the leads from October Baby together again. Enjoy!

Murdoch Mysteries (2008– )

Too "woke" for its time...

[6/10 · 15 April 2020]

On its ascent into TV immortality, this unique detective series was about science, intellect, and innovation well ahead of its time. In recent years it has devolved into smug intersectional sermonizing. The writers appear to be attempting to rewrite the history of the North American cultural conscience, ascribing to it a woke perspective that wouldn't assert itself as a cultural seismic event for a century yet.

Not Cinderella's Type (2018)

Cinderella, but no fairy tale...

[9/10 · 13 October 2019]

Emotional abuse, or better said, emotional distress, comes in many forms, not all intentional, and not always even from external sources. Anyway, it's a thing, it hurts, and... it needs healing. It takes a whole person approach to address it, and ultimately, there are scars. On the up side, we grow a little, sometimes a lot, and we're better than before, though it takes a while to see it. Friends and faith, even better, faithful friends, make all the difference! !

Fat Chance (2016)

Look deeper

[8/10 · 15 July 2019]

Just finished watching this on Pureflix. I like that it's based a true story, though you don't get the true end of the story until the credits start to roll. Definitely worth the wait.

Typical of lower budget faith films, you might catch yourself thinking a scene or a line could have been better, but that's in some way the point of this film -- it's not the superficial things that really matter.

Watch it for the story, discover for yourself the true glory.

Mister Scrooge to See You (2013)

Prepare to be surprised!

[8/10 · 22 December 2018]

I was expecting the usual Christian "B" movie, with an unknown cast, tiny budget, and tentative acting. Ok, there is that... BUT... it's a very clever modulation of the Dickens tale that I find clever and uplifting. A must see!

The Trial (2010)

B cast delivers A performance

[8/10 · 18 March 2017]

Several of the cast members appear in other movies (Remember the Titans, the Ultimate Gift) and it's good to see them continuing to contribute to the motion picture arts even in a 2nd tier movie. The plot is classic Southern courtroom drama, and appropriately, a little drawn out and deliberative. Several plots intertwine in this film (don't they always?), and so the film's title is really a double meaning: There is a courtroom "trial", and at the same time, the lead actor (Modine) is undergoing trials on the personal and professional level. This film won't be hailed as in the same ilk as Grisham, but it doesn't assert itself to be. Watch it for the personal trial, not the courtroom trial, and you'll catch the intended meaning.

Definitely will recommend it to my friends.