rossmcfarlen Reviews

American Crime Story: Stand by Your Man (2021) Season 3, Episode 8

An episode that makes the previous 7 worth watching...

[9/10 · 8 December 2021]

This concerns the time HRC had her Tammy Wynette moment...

Both Eddie Falco and Clive Owen are outstanding in an episode that explores the essential dynamics of the Hill&Bill relationship ie. Her drive and determination into turning her wayward Bill into a POTUS to remember.

She did that alright!

In this episode Clive Owen rocks Bill with a perfect accent and in some scenes you can actually believe Bill is in the room. It's a nuanced performance and Clive gets it just right.

When you watch one episode every week over many weeks you can get the 'where is all this leading/going' feeling...but this episode makes the lead-up and the previous episodes ALL worth watching...I'm hoping the last two episodes have the same compelling power as Episode 8.

Dashing Home for Christmas (2020 TV Movie)

Dashing away from crud...

[4/10 · 2 December 2021]

Within moments of starting to watch this slightly below average TV movie, I wished the film would stop and the TV channel put on the much superior Debbie McCumbers's 'Dashing Through The Snow' (2015) - clearly that film and its 'gotta get home for Christmas but there are major impediments along the way...' plot are the source material for this mediocre project from last year.

In DTTS we at least have two quirky charismatic characters played by two talented actors in Meghan Ory and Andrew W Walker - who engage in flirting and banter and some goofiness, whereas in this 2020 effort we have two characters who are poles apart in terms of personality, and the Emily character has got to be the most unlikeable lead I've seen in a long time. To call her charmless would be an understatement.

Endlessly looking at that phone; endlessly worrying about work & career; endlessly worried about getting home for Christmas to spend time with her equally annoying family. They're primarily annoying because they care so much for the overly self-obsessed Emily who clearly is a textbook narcissist.

The Clark Kent guy wearing the spectacles most of the time, is more appealing of the two - but since there is no chemistry between these two it's really irrelevant how he comes across. Also, that they keep bumping into each other is an over-worked plot contrivance and I lost interest in both the couple and the story half-way through.

Writing up Emily as a stuck-up, over-preening obsessive and then getting her to turn on her 'charm' just as she realizes she may have a thing for the slightly geeky mug she's running around in circles is a stretch in credulity that is a stretch too far. Seriously this Emily character is far too annoying to have a movie written about her. Only turning on the charm after Cupid's arrow strikes, only shows a phoniness that's very unappealing and makes this TV movie more shallow than similar flicks out there.

If you found this crud disappointing and you've already seen the film mentioned above (DTTS) I strongly recommend you look up the very superior 'Project Christmas Wish' (my review will get you there!).

PCW really is the high standard all these Christmas romance flicks should be aiming for...dash over there and away from here!

Project Christmas Wish (2020 TV Movie)

A 10/10 it is!

[10/10 · 28 November 2021]

I rarely, if ever, score a film a ten but this one really deserves it!

Not finding the title nor the logline particularly eye-catching or appealing I began watching this flick with a prejudice that it would turn into mediocrity - in other words another forgettable piece of crud, in a genre that attracts too many average scores on here.

But this one took me completely by surprise...

Probably just as rare for me, is to refer to the acting, but on this occasion, it would be amiss not to mention the superlative performance at the HEART (how many TV films have a heart?) of this story proffered by the very gifted Amanda Schull - there are comedic, slightly goofy moments; and childlike banter with children and co-workers; romantic and melancholic moments that Ms Schull performs to perfection. It is rare indeed to see a fully drawn three-dimensional character in a TV film, so this is worth remarking upon here.

Her role is matched admirably by Travis Van Winkle (unrecognisable from that other festive gem 'Christmas Getaway' (2017) - there's a double-bill for the Christmas stocking this year, figuratively speaking as 'Getaway' is very good indeed! Clearly Mr. Van Winkle has an eagle-eye for above average scripts, and he is very good match for Ms. Schull.

He plays a prickly widower/father who is still recovering from the the loss of his late wife and mother of his young daughter, who (both) are struggling during the Yuletide - specifically Christmas festivities (which he banned for both of them because of painful memories).

This is where Ms Schull's character steps in and blows away the cobwebs and the 'bah humbug' from the lives of father & daughter. And of course romance ensues...but's it's a slippery path, surprisingly here, strewn with a few broken paving stones.

A Christmas-themed romance that's not afraid to look at the dark pits in the human soul - there is no cheap sentimentality here, but a strong air of authenticity, which is the hen's teeth of cheesy romantic dramas in general.

This film, as I've already mentioned has a big heart, and fortunately the cheese and the sugar are in short-supply, which gives this drama a very superior finish - despite the very starry and festive backdrop. - if there was one tree, one candle, one Christmas ornament this film would still work - the overly festive jazzy background not needed, but of course this must be included because of the genre for which it was made.

To reveal more would be to spoil; but do watch out for magic moments in the Gingerbread House (I didn't know they actually existed!) - a dreamy private household that a child (of any age) would want to dream in during the season of child-like escapism.

If you love the Christmas romance genre accompanied by a little bit of dreamy escapism then this movie is a must-see!

The Christmas Waltz (2020 TV Movie)

American Smooth

[8/10 · 22 November 2021]

Bride-to-be (Chabert) waltzes into unexpected romance with the high kicking & highly balletic dance teacher (Kemp) after her Christmas wedding plans are put on the backburner, unexpectedly. Her roguish fiancée seems to be solely preoccupied with his own career drama in the run-up to their wedding day, leaving the Chabert character in the lurch.

That she recovers too quickly from this major disappointment (there is a little blubbing in one scene) is rather implausible - but suspension of disbelief is a good trait to have when watching Christmas romances of the TV variety.

BUT recover she does - and Mr Kemp helps put a spring back in her step before ultimately sweeping her off her feet (pun x 2 intended) after many hours of rehearsal at his dance studio.

The story telling is skillful and the dialogue between the two leads brings the yarn along nicely - as they bring authenticity and strong chemistry to their roles, both on the dance floor and off it. The scene on the drizzled street where they pay homage to 'Singing In The Rain' (with requisite umbrella to hand) is particularly striking and makes this feature stand out from the competition.

Overall this is an enchanting Christmas film of the dancing-into-romance variety that is worth a repeated view or two.

PS: one quibble is that the accompanying music (lacklustre rendition of 'The Christmas Waltz used at the end, for example) for both rehearsals and grand finale is not familiar or particularly memorable/likeable but this, fortunately, doesn't affect the overall quality of the production.

The Christmas Ball (2020 TV Movie)

Waltz of the Flowers

[7/10 · 10 November 2021]

If you like a film with a dance theme, particularly, Tchaikovsky's 'Nutcracker', you'll be charmed by this festive romantic Anglo/American drama.

Normally this genre is invariably made in the USA/Canada but this one is mainly set in England with some scenes set in a dance studio in Boston, Mass - the unfamiliar setting for this story adding further to its charm.

I found the story, characters and dialogue intriguing ie not clichéd or run-of-the-mill - and The Ball itself is a visual/audio delight.

A bigger budget (to give the story premise more credence ie Aunt Bridget's house is being assessed for National Trust status as the Ball is taking place) and perhaps better casting of the leads may have given this a superior finish, but it is what it is; and given the Christmas Romance genre attracts a lot of mediocrity this feature is certainly not in that category.

Which is why I score it a 7. The dance scenes really pull this one up above average fare.

The performances are perfectly fine, but Caroline Langrishe as Aunt Bridget is delightful, and of course being a former ballerina she is a dream on the dancefloor as are the other three leads.

If you love the 'Waltz of the Flowers' from the The Nutcracker it's a MUST SEE!

The Christmas Chalet (2019 TV Movie)

Christmas Get Together

[8/10 · 8 November 2021]

Kicking off the story with a similar premise to that other festive gem - 'Christmas Getaway' (2017) - a double-booked chalet provides the setting for an unexpected meeting between a solitary author/curmudgeon/Grinch-type and a divorced magazine photographer (with her mother and daughter in tow) - anticipated squabble ensues.

The initial dispute over the double-booking results in both households sharing the same chalet over the festive season with the 'bah humbug' author going upstairs to the 'Grinch's Lair' under the timber roof as would be expected - and that's AFTER he took down all the decorations in the chalet which remind him of the dreaded season NOT to be jolly!

Yet despite the rules that were laid down after the dispute was settled he soon succumbs to the charms of the three women he's forced to co-habit with over the festive season. Particularly as Grandma & Grand-daughter are fans of his published works; which they refer to here and there.

What begins as a business-like/friendly arrangement spontaneously combusts into romance between Jack and Grace.

We've seen this story many times, but this one is a cut above the rest as the truth of the author's curmudgeonly pathologies and solitary nature are rooted, deeply, in family dysfunction (thus his memories of Christmas are not particularly heart-warming); and this provides the film with a double-edged sword that cuts through any festive schmaltz that might be lurking near the fripperies of the season, like fallen pine needles, figuratively speaking, behind the nowhere-to-be-seen Norway Spruce (see below). The unexpected romantic development blows the cobwebs off of Jack's heart.

Robin Dunne is excellent playing the part of the fully-rounded aforementioned famous-author/Christmas-Grinch and the rest of the cast match his sterling performance.

Perhaps the biggest sign that we're not quite seeing what we've seen many times before is the item used to create a delightful 'Christmas Tree' - charming and ingenious.

I believe this one deserves and an 8 out of 10.

The Sun Also Rises (1957)

Bulls, Boors And Brawls

[6/10 · 31 January 2021]

Visually stunning Cinnemascope production of the acclaimed Hemingway novel, with the star power of Hollywood A-list cast (1950s), great costumes, and stunning location shooting...the reasons I give one extra star.

However, what matters the yarn (plot - what plot?) and the main characters (middle-aged yanks loafing around Spain & France in the years following WWI) leave a lot to be desired...the 'yarn' is turgid (at least on the screen, never read the book) as it revolves around a motley crue of dissolute and nomadic narcissists - constantly looking for drunken high kicks, only to stumble into everyday hangover existential misery.

The characters may have jumped off Hemingway's typewriter, but here they're a borefest of meandering lives with zero direction.

"Don't we pay for the things we do...though?", says the jaded sex-addicted character played by Ms Gardiner.

"You already asked that earlier on...", snaps an equally jaded Mr Power (bored of this mooching pack of ex-pats) now repelled by her fatigue and leech qualities that have eventually replaced her initial charms.

Yet, despite the many limitations of this story and the navel-gazing drifting characters, this film has a compelling quality - Errol Flynn captivates as a penniless boor and the bullfights are wonderfully staged (not withstanding the cruelty of the 'sport') with matadors in full highly-ornate traditional costume. Tyrone Power, no matter how poor the material, is as ever a compelling presence onscreen.

It's chewing gum for the eyes - average fair but highly watchable.

Stalked by My Husband's Ex (2020 TV Movie)

Givvittamiss!

[4/10 · 4 January 2021]

Custody battle and remarriage soapy drama, featuring violent alcoholic psycho-ex, turns into unengaging borefest...yawn!

Christmas Made to Order (2018 TV Movie)

Lots of cheese and frosted cookies....

[6/10 · 9 December 2020]

Warning: not for the hyperglycemic or the lactose-intolerant!

I was expecting to hate this based on low scores and poor reviews on here...BUT, shamefully, I liked it!

It's cheesy & sugary and yet it works at the superficial level it was created on...it's better than it should be, and I've seen worse.

Not so keen on the male lead and his overly preened eyebrows but the leading lady had a nice presence, and both worked well together.

This could turn into an annual 'guilty pleasure', for many viewers!

Christmas Wonderland (2018 TV Movie)

The Ghost of Romance Past

[7/10 · 9 December 2020]

The embers of a teenage love affair are rekindled in this lighthearted engaging drama in the Christmas romance genre, which is nicely sewed with a thread of humour and light banter throughout.

The two leads work very well together, in character, and both have a relaxed acting style that brings a strong note of authenticity to the proceedings.

Beneath the seasonal fluff & glitter is a poignant streak about why this couple separated in the first place - Heidi moved to New York to pursue a professional career as an artist (but ends up as a gallery assistant) and Chris remained in hometown to pursue a career in teaching at the high school, he attended with Heidi, with extracurricular activities as ice hockey coach...and now has last-minute duty to organize the annual high school Christmas Ball, just as Heidi returns to town on brief visit.

Though they pursued different paths, both have not found new partners in the romance department.

However, after many years of estrangement, Cupid now intervenes and conspires to bring the two lovebirds back to a place of reconnection & self-reflection, with the old doubts and aspirations casting shadows on their reignited romance.

This movie is well above average for the genre and I could watch again without complaints.

Two Turtle Doves (2019 TV Movie)

High Scores From Where Exactly?

[3/10 · 4 December 2020]

With a 7/10 rating on here (and higher from many) I had high expectations for this one...but found it overly contrived, mawkish and about as shallow as a children's paddling pool.

The bugbear that ticked me off straight away is that the characters pretend they don't know each other, but it soon transpires they know ALL about each other's lives as Grandma's house is right nextdoor to the lawyer (a widower & very young daughter, who was an 'elf' in Grandma's house, the previous Christmas!) who was hired to take care of Grandma's will & estate after she died at the top of the year.

Pretending they don't know each other was too fake for me as I presume the lawyer/friend/neighbour of Grandma would have attended the smalltown funeral and would have met her beloved granddaughters (cousin x 2) at that point in time...the heavily pregnant cousin also pretended not to know the lawyer given powers of attorney by her late Grandmother either - incredulity stretched by a long mile.

Then the sentimentality over the ornaments inspired by the carol, 'The 12 Days Of Christmas' was also overworked and incredulous - a busy academic working for an imminent fellowship; back in town to tidy up Grandma's estate BUT finds herself getting worked up over the two missing Turtle Doves ornament just made me switch off, I couldn't suspend disbelief any longer after that.

"Get your priorities right darling!", was the thought that crossed my mind with this nonsensical sentimental distraction.

Three quarters way through I lost complete interest and stopped watching.

I've seen much better quality TV films in this genre in recent weeks than this under-roasted festive bird served up with cold stuffing & corked wine.

Only 3/10 from me.

Trading Christmas (2010 TV Movie)

Christmas Romcom To Treasure

[8/10 · 25 November 2020]

Though I do recall seeing this many years ago, I found this more engaging second time around, perhaps not noting its merits on first viewing.

Here we have a clever plot with three strands, which sees two disparate couples finding romance unexpectedly after last-minute change of Christmas plans in the USA - where the characters are all based in different states.

The main plot has the romance, the subplot has the comedy and the third plot involves Emily's daughter, who's a bit annoying but whose own romance proves to be a useful distraction from the romance and the comedy of the two main romantic stories.

The two romantic leads have superb chemistry - I wondered if anything developed off-set? A nice factor here is that these two characters contrast strongly and live completely different lives which may explain the added frisson to their unexpected romance.

Apparently this is based on the same story that was used for the A-list screenplay 'The Holiday' with Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz. I've seen that and I can assure you this TV film is vastly superior, in that it is far more engaging than that big budget Hollywood movie.

The romance is right, the comedy is right - it works, and rookie romcom writers would do well to keep this one as a standard to aim for.

Though made in 2011 (TV films seem to have a shorter shelf life than theater movies) this will play on some channel a few times each yuletide.

'Tis the Season for Love (2015 TV Movie)

Average fare but...

[7/10 · 18 November 2020]

...lifted to another level by the presence of the lovely and engaging Sarah Lancaster.

I've seen SL in quite a few TV movies and she has the knack of making average fare thoroughly engaging with her relaxed acting style - she seems to fit into roles with great ease and never ever seems to be acting, which is an extraordinary gift. Never underestimate charm in actors - some have it, and many don't. Ms Lancaster has it in spades, and it's underpinned by a quality of humility which again some actors don't seem to have.

...and children seem to really enjoy her company which explains the sheer ease (for the viewer) with which she works/acts with them in this flick.

The story is average but the setting is very nice - there's a scene on the ice rink which is thoroughly delightful visually...I'll say no more.

I could watch this again without any complaints.

Christmas Around the Corner (2018 TV Movie)

Christmas In Vermont

[8/10 · 25 October 2020]

Engaging Christmas romance oozing festive charm & cheer, firmly held together by the authentic acting style of Alexandra Breckenridge, who plays the part of the disillusioned urbanite/business-manager/yuppy with distinction and heart; playing each note of the unfolding yarn, perfectly, like a piano virtuoso.

I hope to see more of her in films of this genre - she's that good.

I watch a lot of Christmas romances, and if the casting choices are wrong it can all go south very quickly. Though the male lead turns in a regular performance, it is Ms Breckenridge who brings much more of the festive charm to the screen, of the duo - I don't think it's the fault of the actor in particular, but more the way his part was written.

As the dialogue sounds authentic (I can't recall any bum notes at all) particular credit should also be given to the people who wrote the teleplay; which centres around Alexandra's character who needs to recharge the batteries on a last-minute trip to a quaint village in snowy Vermont at yuletide, after experiencing a major professional disappointment.

I think this one can be watched every year and it's charm & festive cheer will remain intact.

Law & Order: Aftershock (1996) Season 6, Episode 23

Was Claire's fate always hinted at?

[10/10 · 19 October 2020]

Of all the ADAs who came and went over a 20 year series, it is Gill Hennessy's character, Claire Kincaid, who is my overall favourite.

Though confident, bright, knowledgable and hard-working, Claire conveys a sense of the unsettled ingenue, and no matter how committed to each brief (read episode), she may not be a right match, psychologically, to her chosen profession.

This uncertainty is alluded to in another episode when she jokes with an old classmate from Law School (fitting setup to the close of this episode) about them both packing it all in to run a flower shop - I presume somewhere in Hicksville where there are no city cops, disillusioned lawyers and no dregs of urban mankind; the meat & spuds of the Law & Order franchise.

These career doubts percolates nicely into Kincaid's final episode on L&O, when she returns to aforementioned Law School (after a pointedly grim start to the day) and has a philosophical chat with her old Professor (step-father) about the whys & wherefores of the death penalty.

Her black leather jacket & denim jeans betraying a rebellious spirit; but also a sense that she's in soul searching mode about her career in law, after going through a recent work-related trauma.

*****

The subsequent ADAs, have their own strengths & merits...but none have Kincaid's self-deprecating charm and moral uncertainty about their chosen profession. It's this self-doubt and and a conveyed sense of uncertainty that made Kincaid particularly special IMO.

A forlorn ending, but a must-see episode for all fans as we get to see the very human side to cops & lawyers: Briscoe & Briscoe's sidekick, McCoy & Kincaid.

Poor Claire...

Matchmaker Mysteries: A Killer Engagement (2019) Season 1, Episode 1

Gave it a chance...

[1/10 · 6 October 2020]

Fluffy, glib, smug characters chirping along to the plucked (and annoying) strings on the soundtrack of this 'every day is Valentine's Day' hearts & roses whodunnit bore-fest)...how can there be any 'mystery' (or even romance!) when the leads are so pleased with themselves?

Charmless dreck.

I agree with all the 1, 2, 3 scores.

The Sisterhood (2019 TV Movie)

Sistas In Da Hood...

[8/10 · 24 September 2020]

Superb TV flick (nothing fluffy here hence no need to insert the word 'chick') that uses the rarely employed setting of an all-female cult (attracting divorced and separated women frustrated with their daily domestic struggles and strapped finances) as a backdrop for a suspenseful thriller that features skilful twists & turns along the route. The cult attracts the vulnerable and delivers nice benefits...at a price!

If you can imagine a sorority for down to earth women where the books are cooked to keep the leader/bestselling-author under the radar away from the IRS, then you can see where this is going.

Nicely played by the three leads (Lisa Berry as the nice-but-nasty 'Queen' has a compelling presence; as do Claire Coffee and Siobhan Murphy as the real sisters with a dysfunctional history of codependency) and all the supporting characters.

I'm surprised more TV movies are not made at this standard and proves that a good setting with strong contrasting characters can prove very entertaining and engaging, particularly with a good plot and realistic dialogue.

I'd like to watch this again - it's that good.

Stressed to Death (2019 TV Movie)

More OTT than PTSD...

[1/10 · 7 September 2020]

A poorly conceived premise (not worth repeating here) gives way to a lot of shouting, soapy drama, threats of gunfire, shootouts, bleedouts and an awful lot of grey duct tape to restrain the abducted (gag, bind wrists & ankles, slit with knife and run away...gag, bind wrists & ankles, slit with knife, run away....rinse & repeat...yada yada).

As the main protagonists/antagonists are in a heightened state of emotion throughout this yarn (rage, panic, anger, reunion joy, aforementioned PTSD accompanied by brain fog - and that's brain fog for the poor 'bar stewards' who find themselves watching this big fat turkey that won't squeeze into the oven!) there's little to engage the viewer on an intellectual level, ermmm...you know, witty banter and a gripping narrative with intriguing plot points...I suspect rookie writers worked on this gem of a stinker.

If this is the Primal Scream pyscho drama as a TV flick, then it's one of the weakest TV flicks I've seen in a very long time! My other reviews testify to that fact.

The 1 out of 10 rating delivered by many reviewers is well-deserved.

Law & Order: Savior (1996) Season 6, Episode 16

Cracking humourous dialogue...

[9/10 · 2 September 2020]

....between ADA Kincaid and Margot Bell about pursuing alternative careers to the legal field.

Law & Order: Jeopardy (1995) Season 6, Episode 4

Standout episode.

[10/10 · 2 September 2020]

Adam Schiff:

"You got around double jeopardy...you climbed Everest in your shorts...on a very cold day".

Law & Order: Strike (2008) Season 18, Episode 16

One hour of mesmerising drama...

[10/10 · 2 September 2020]

Alana De La Garza shines like a beacon of integrity in this beautifully set and well-written episode.

Law & Order: Old Friends (1994) Season 4, Episode 22

Crème De La Crème

[9/10 · 10 August 2020]

One of the best (and funniest - cracking dialogue -example below) episodes from the Orbach & Noth golden age of this twenty-year old TV show.

"...one of the mistakes you're making is not telling the truth".

Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)

Hard to watch...

[3/10 · 8 August 2020]

I didn't understand why 'Back To The Future' (BTF) had to be remade start to finish (Stoltz was fired and replaced by Michael J Fox) until watching this highly-rated 'brat pack' flick from the mid 80s directed by the legendary John Hughes .

As an aficionado of the genre I've seen many 80s films, but this one sucks big time for me. Perhaps Molly Ringwald turned down the Lea Thompson part either because: a) she didn't like Stoltz in the lead role; or b) didn't like the script; or c) both.

The big issue for me is that Stoltz has all the allure of a bag of wilting lettuce at the back of the fridge and is completely devoid of any charisma, in my opinion. Any of his peers at this time would have rocked this role. I don't wish to be mean or personal; I think he is completely miscast in this role.

Lea Thompson never appealed to me in this or BTF; and Mary Stuart Masterson, is the more watchable of the trio if you dig the girl drummer schtick (pun intended). And if you do, the novelty of a drumming tomboy loses its quirky appeal after about fìve minutes.

For years, SKOW was difficult to get hold of and it was always on my watchlist of must-see 80s films. As such, I can't express how unegaging/disappointing it was for me on watching it...and I don't comprehend the 10/10 scores it gets on here either.

IMO, possibly John Hughes' weakest film from the 1980s.

To Have and to Hold (2019 TV Movie)

Intriguing drama about adult relationships

[7/10 · 17 June 2020]

Initially, I thought this was from the thriller genre, but halfway through it dawned on me, finally, that I was watching a drama about relationships - romantic & otherwise.

The dialogue is real and the four leads do a very good job playing the characters, as they attempt to pursue their individual dreams. The photography & interior decor for urban rural settings are superb, capturing the essence of both and very pleasant to drink in.

You'll see many films in this genre but this is certainly above average (there's nothing to nitpick here - this is solid filmmaking) and worth another viewing or three.

In 2020 - where quality screenwriting is to be found in TV series/TV movies and rarely in the clunky Hollywood releases, where the emphasis can be on star power and special effects - dramas like this one are rare to find indeed.

Family Pictures (2019 TV Movie)

Above Average...

[6/10 · 1 June 2020]

The bigamist with two wives yarn is re-heated in this above average TV 'chick flick'.

Because it's based on a book (true story I believe) it's slightly less formulaic than the average TV movie - and despite some occasional moments of clunky dialogue this is an above-average TV feature film.

The three leads (and rest of cast) give superb performances; there's a 'don't miss' scene in the ladies restroom near the court room, where the two wives have a showdown, exchanging loaded insults from a place of betrayal, devastation, and mutual empathy.

The ending (showdown with errant hubby) has a super-duper surprise which I won't spoil - the ending is not sad is all I'll say!

Worth watching...including the striking photography and location shooting.