carolarugg Reviews

Renovation Aloha (2024– )

Like all the others in HGTV, but the locations are more exotic.

[5/10 · 29 February 2024]

The scenery is lovely and the couple and their crew do a beautiful job. However, the woman needs to hush up, take a breath, let her husband and others speak! Dear Lord, she cuts people off when they're talking because she apparently knows more than anyone on the island. I wanted to scream at the tv, "Shut up, shut up!!!" That heartfelt criticism aside, it's amazing what we in the states would consider tear downs and what they go for on the islands. The episode I saw belonged to a hoarder, had horrendous water damage as well as rat and mice infestation, and the walls were filled with thousands of bees. I couldn't believe that they paid 1.1 million but sold it furnished for only 2.5 million.

The Intern (I) (2015)

Outstanding! Nancy, you did it again.

[10/10 · 21 January 2024]

The story is so darn creative and relevant, and there wasn't a single cuss word or embarrassing sex scene. Every character was well cast, the sets were cozy, welcoming, and fun, and the choice of it being filmed in Brooklyn was brilliant. I loved the tree-lined streets.

Watching Mr. DeNiro keep his silence except when he had something pertinent to say makes me wish he was my intern when I was young and worked for a large corporation. I loved how his character positively influenced the young guys, from their choosing to wear ties and tucking in their shirts with collars to carrying a handkerchief in case a girl cried. What an easy albeit thoughtful life lesson.

Thank you Nancy, for a timeless, delightful movie. Hope to meet you one day soon. I'm 77.

A Holiday to Remember (1995 TV Movie)

Best of all the Holidays to Remember

[10/10 · 4 December 2023]

I absolutely love this movie, from the snowy countryside during the credits to the last scene in the charming farmhouse living room. The cast is perfect and so believable. It's almost as though the director asked them if they could follow them around with camera while they lived their lives. So many Christmss movie are smaltzy with very predictable storylines. We all knew Clay and Carolyn would get together, but I like that Clay admitted that if he had really wanted to marry her, he would have gone after her. It brought balance to what was a one sided romance and flight years before. It sure opened Carolyn's eyes.

Thank you for one of the best!

Down Home Fab (2023– )

Creative designing and non stop talking

[4/10 · 3 November 2023]

Does Chelsea ever get a sore throat from nonstop talking? Her poor husband is cut off when he tries to interject a single thought and there is no other conversation on the show. She's clever but I can't watch the series anymore. She reminds me of Allison on Windy City (aptly named); it's all "I I I Me Me Me." Let the contractor provide input, allow hubby to chat bc he's very talented in his own right. To those who complain that she overly uses black, it's her style. People who like that style would hire her. She tries to honor the clients' preferences while injecting her strong personality. But the blah blah blah is very annoying. Dear Lord!

Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)

So much fun!

[10/10 · 8 September 2023]

I've watched the trilogy probably 6 times (but watched the love scenes once) because it's such a good character study. The actors were directed so well; it was fun to watch the two main characters evolve and grow/change both physically and emotionally. Whoever was in charge of continuity nailed it. Whoever chose the music and songs nailed it. In fact, I'm listening to the soundtrack as I write this review. Even with the use of remote control cameras , I don't know how Jamie and Dakota recorded the love scenes. Too bad drones weren't around. Being able to look at the beautiful sets while they were going at it helped. It was just fun.

Rock the Block (2019– )

Get Allison off HGTV or direct her more closely!

[5/10 · 17 May 2023]

David, the show is delightful except for Allison. She is as full of herself in Rock the Block as she is in Windy City. An example of her arrogance is when she stated in a Rock episode that her competition was two other designers but she omitted Jasmine. I was elated, thrilled, beyond joyous when Jasmine won the competition!!!

It's unbearable to listen to her so I no longer watch when she participates. Everyone works so hard but watching her is like listening to fingernails on chalkboards. Someone needs to have a serious conversation with her bc she's very talented and her designs are beautiful. How about duct tape across her mouth? It comes in pretty colors!

Windy City Rehab (2019– )

Wahhhhhh

[1/10 · 17 May 2023]

I thought I was probably the only one who thought: Allison said "I" rather than "we" way too often, she comes across arrogant and full of herself, and not just in Windy City but Rock the Block as well; there's just too much uncomfortable drama shared on camera, the show is unsettling and unhappy to watch. That said, the finished product is gorgeous except there's no credit given to the hoard of people who worked hard to get it there. I know she reads these reviews so I sincerely hope she changes her attitude and the show focuses more on design rather than miserable process. We do not need to see squabbling between Allison and anyone else. HGTV, are you reading these reviews?

Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

Never tire of this lovely, charmer

[10/10 · 15 December 2022]

I challenge everyone to find any actor, any extras, any children, ANYONE in the movie who is wearing jeans. You won't. And if the actor should be wearing jeans or work clothes, it'll be a shot from the waist up.

There's a scene showing dozens of children lined up in Macy's to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what they want for Christmas. Every single kid is dressed to the nines. Their parents are in business suits or beautiful dresses and coats. It's just a classy, beautiful remake of a very old, very sweet Christmas movie.

Oh, and everyone's hair is perfectly cut, combed and styled. Everyone. Not a single detail was overlooked.👏👏👏👏👏👏. Such talent n the director, producer, crew, actors, everyone.

Leap Year (2010)

Sweet story and beautiful music

[10/10 · 24 August 2022]

I loved Amy and Matthew together; they were magical. She was so dang lucky: Goode is a great kisser! The scenery was breathtaking and the writing and casting were spot on. But oh my, the music will never leave my head. As I'm writing this, Alexa is playing the soundtrack. The piano/violin theme is transformative. When I hit Send, I'm going to write a Thank you to the brilliant composer and thank him/ her for the memorable music. P. S. I've watched Leap Year 5 times.

Fifty Shades Freed (2018)

BEST love story

[10/10 · 7 August 2022]

I've watched the series 4-5 times, (the sex scenes once.) It's a touching love story that defines patience, tolerance, forgiveness, and unconditional love. It's cast perfectly, everyone! The sets, settings, sites and costumes are wonderful.

I'm watching it right now, as a matter of fact!

The Glades (2010–2013)

Need more Seasons

[10/10 · 21 August 2020]

Oh how I miss this show. It was so entertaining and so very funny. You can't just leave us with Matt being shot and laying on the floor of the beautiful home he bought for his bride. Please make more episodes!

Maine Cabin Masters (2017– )

So hilarious!

[10/10 · 18 May 2020]

There are no pretentious players on this show! Most of the time, they look like they haven't bathed or combed their hair in weeks, but man oh man are they GOOD! They settle for nothing less than perfection ( or as close as possible), they all have camera time explaining what's going on so there are no "stars." Everyone is a star. What a wonderful show with just really cute, extremely talented artisans. Love it😘

The Christmas Secret (2014 TV Movie)

John Reardon is a good kisser.....

[10/10 · 22 November 2019]

......and Joy is adorable (she was excellent in Royal Matchmaker). Hallmark hit this one out of the park because of John and Joy. The supporting actors are also terrific. This is a genuinely unique storyline so kudos to the writers. By far, Christmas Secret is the best Hallmark Movie this season .

Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

A nearly perfect movie

[10/10 · 10 June 2019]

I don't know how many times I've watched this movie; dozens of times, I'm sure. It's a feast for the eyes; the scenes with Singapore are spectacular. I had to Google the city bc I was sure Jon Chu used CG-but no! The actors are gorgeous and I mean all of them, even The Mean Girls. Wonderful, spot on casting. The clothes, sets, locations blew me away. The writing was fabulous and nearly flawless. Just one, teeny, tiny incongruous point: Wouldn't Rachel have Googled Nick when they first met, and discovered his background? Anyway, doesn't matter; it's just a WONDERFUL movie. I'm watching it as I'm typing this review 😬

A Star Is Born (2018)

Brad is gallant: He gave Lady Gaga top billing

[9/10 · 9 June 2019]

How does an actor act drunk and drugged for the entire show?? Bradley Cooper was too believable as an alcoholic and drug addict. While watching him, I would have to go to The Tonigbt Show when he and Jimmy Fallon did nothing but laugh for 10 minutes straight. Then I could go back to A Star is Born.

Life of the Party (I) (2018)

What great physical comedy and fabulous writing

[9/10 · 30 April 2019]

Melissa is just a treasure. I've been spewing coffee out my mouth and nose the entire movie!! The casting is brilliant; every character is brilliant. Where was she when I was in college 50 years ago?

Roma (2018)

Dear Readers and Viewers....

[5/10 · 23 January 2019]

After reading and listening to rave reviews of this movie, I decided to watch it, and respectfully admit I was so bored the first 10 minutes, I exited Netflix. But I gave it and me another chance days later and resumed watching. I know nothing about cinematography or any other aspects of movie making, so there's a very good chance that all that expertise fell on deaf ears and blind eyes. It was an ok movie; nothing spectacular. What I did find charming was the loving relationship between the main actress and the "kids." The way she tenderly put them to bed and awoke them in the morning was special. Other than that, so so. One thing that irritated me was that the subtitles were in white, and they went up against a black and white and gray movie, sometimes making it difficult to read. I wish everyone associated with Roma my very best wishes and congratulations.

A Country Wedding (2015 TV Movie)

So Sweet!

[10/10 · 18 August 2018]

This is one of my favorite Hallmark movies. The casting is amazing; Autumn and Jessie are adorable and so believable. Every time I watch it, I hate when it ends. Where's the sequel????

A Country Wedding (2015 TV Movie)

One of the best Hallmark movies

[10/10 · 1 August 2018]

The pairing of Jesse and Autumn is one of the reasons this movie is engaging, delightful, and entertaining. And, Jesse's singing doesn't hurt, although after hearing the 2 seconds Autumn harmonizes with him makes me wish they had performed an entire song together. She has a lovely voice. Good job, Hallmark!

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)

Oh no here we go again

[6/10 · 22 July 2018]

In one, short, poignant scene, singing one lovely, heartfelt song, Meryl Streep stole the movie.

Book Club (I) (2018)

A burst-out-laughing movie!

[8/10 · 18 May 2018]

Candice Bergen stole the show! The movie provided several opportunities for soda to squirt out your nose! The music was really good, but esp the Meat Ball song coordinated with the dance scene. Glad Nelson got out of his tiresome funk. Would have loved more Dreyfus---w/ Candice. They were honestly adorable. And lastly, I wanted to put Garcia in my purse and bring him home! Cute cute cute. Lucky Keaton. Lucky lucky lucky.