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Reviews
The Family Plan (2023)
Really fun movie
Mark Wahlburg always delivers no matter something just entertaining or profound. Wasn't sure if I would watch all of it but glad that I did. Truly a feel good, fun, high octane (last part) romp. Good performances all around. Because of lots of shooting and (non graphic) killing of bad guys towards the last part of the film, not sure that little kids should see it though it's pretty family friendly for over half of the film. I watched it on Sunday evening, wanted to be entertained but also pause to deal with evening stuff and didn't lose the thread. Definitely entertaining enough to watch when you can't figure out what mood you're in and don't want something heavy.
Justified: City Primeval (2023)
FINALLY!!! Get through episodes 1-3...
For those who wrote reviews before episode 4, I hope that you didn't give up. I shared your disappointment in the first 2 episodes and especially the character of the daughter. After watching Episode 4, I was bummed that there are only 3 or 4 more episodes. It finally took off!!! Finally JUSTIFIED and great satisfaction with the characters. I wasn't really liking the character that replaced Boyd Crowder but in episode 4 it seems that all the characters/actors were given the freedom to go for it and the magic happened. The closing scenes, with Raylan and Carolyn in one and Clement and Marcus in another were brilliantly directed, powerfully restrained and gave me great satisfaction and confidence that Justified is going to deliver.
Deputy (2020)
Fox Does It Again
I don't understand the criticisms about this show. Fox has consistently had (of late) some of the best dramas on network television. This one has a cast of seasoned actors, the script is tight and well directed. Mostly I don't have high expectations for really high quality new programs but I could tell after watching one episode that this one is only going to get better. The actors are top notch so if the writers can deliver good material, this one has the potential of being around for awhile. I suggest giving it a look.
All Rise (2019)
WTF???
They canceled For The People, a great legal drama that focused on contemporary issues of social justice, with Aaron Sorkin-esque smart, witty, dialogue for another sappy, stupid and without any redeeming qualities, soap drama. Shame on those that made these decisions.
Mark Felt: The Man Who Brought Down the White House (2017)
Profoundly Important
I don't understand the negative reviews. Watched with friends and all agreed that the story is more relevant now than when it came out two years ago. Mark Felt was a courageous hero in his commitment to getting the truth out, despite the tremendous personal risk. Liam Neeson's performance as Felt was credible and flawless as a career FBI agent. Feel that Robert Mueller is out of the mold that Felt exemplified, that of integrity and sense of higher purpose. The overall production of the film, actors and directing, was extremely well done. If the film fell short in including greater history of Felts family, specifically his wife and children, that is a minor flaw compared to decisions to focus on the political climate, agency and corruption that he exposed.
City on a Hill (2019)
Knocks it out of the park!!
First, Kevin Bacon delivers an outstanding performance. So great to see him in a meaty role that allows him to strut his considerable acting chops. Blown away. Haven't seen this in a long time. A real pleasure to watch him work his character. Great performances all around which means top notch directors, script and story, albeit dark. Fully engaging. Highly recommend.
Flashpoint (2008)
Topnotch
One of the best television series I've ever seen. Fantastic storylines, solid acting (at times, superb acting) and directing. The principal ensemble actors are well cast. They capture high octane action but do not lose sight of the importance of character development and relationships between members of the team. Well done.
For the People (2018)
GREAT Show
One of the best written legal series since Boston Legal. Like Boston Legal, there is a careful balance between intelligent dialogue, humor and focus on contemporary social/political issues. This show has some of the best written and delivered, razor sharp banter (think Aaron Sorkin) on television. Truly one of the best to come along in ages.
The Enemy Within (2019)
Well done...good spy series
This started off a bit iffy but stuck with it hoping it would take off and I'm glad that I did. Well worth watching if you enjoy spy dramas. The first season's focus is on one storyline. All principle actors do solid work, and the writing, though somewhat formulaic, is comparable in quality to other years long running cop shows.
Flashpoint (2008)
Topnotch
One of the best television series I've ever seen. Fantastic storylines, solid acting (at times, superb acting) and directing. The principal ensemble actors are well cast. They capture high octane action but do not lose sight of the importance of character development and relationships between members of the team. Well done.
The Last Post (2017)
Well done
I don't understand the negative reviews. This is an interesting and compelling story, great acting, directing, totally engaging. Compared to so much stupid, vapid, network television, this program is extremely high quality and sophisticated. I can't speak to the authenticity of the depiction of British military and operations but as far as it being good, solid entertainment, I give it high marks.
Death Wish (2018)
Vintage Bruce Revenge
Hey folks, this is not up for a best picture/actor Oscar so if that's what you're looking for this is not it. However, if you're looking for a satisfying Bruce Willis revenge film with his characteristic take justice into his own hands and get the bad guys, this will scratch that itch.
The Blacklist (2013)
Unequivocally the best show on network television
This has consistently been one of the most well written and directed series with a top notch ensemble cast led by the very talented James Spader. If anyone reading this review is wondering whether to invest their time in giving this a chance, I recommend taking the leap. You won't be disappointed.
The Blacklist (2013)
Unequivocally the best show on network television
This has consistently been one of the most well written and directed series with a top notch ensemble cast led by the very talented James Spader. If anyone reading this review is wondering whether to invest their time in giving this a chance, I recommend taking the leap. You won't be disappointed.
Bull (2016)
Great series
One of the few really well done network dramas (with a little natural, easy humor). I was entirely unfamiliar with Dr. Phil's first career (who is an advisor and one of the executive producers...as is Steven Spielberg for those who have not noticed in the credits). That the basis of the series relies on Dr. Phil's experiences, the stories (whether they are fictitious or a combination of actual cases/fiction), and process of selecting juries based on character profiles of jurors, is truly very interesting. 80% of the time, I think that each episode has a good script, is well acted and directed. There is some unevenness in the actors skills, though most of the cast, certainly the top four main characters as well as guest actors, deliver solid performances. Other than lack of interest in the genre, I don't understand the poor reviews. This is an interesting and unique story line that is not found anywhere else on television. Give it a chance. I will be very disappointed if the series gets canceled due to lack of viewership.
Homeland (2011)
Fantastic series for 4 seasons...
I am so disappointed that the Claire Danes character, Carrie Mathisson, has become so obnoxious that it's hard to watch. The writers are apparently resting on their laurels for the success of the series. Carrie's character has devolved into a caricature...how many ways are there for her to basically follow the same script, same dialogue? She's become a cliche. Please humanize this character, make her 3 dimensional, allow her to mature and stop reinacting her flaws on every episode. Your primary protagonist is bringing down the quality that this series had in spades in the first three seasons.
The Last Ship (2014)
Downhill after first two seasons
The first two seasons of this show were a solid 10 stars. Great writing, directing and acting. I don't know what happened in subsequent seasons but think that they lost their original writers and directors. It's been very disappointing to see the series sputter through its final season.
Elementary (2012)
Best detective series on network television
Clever, well written and directed. Great actors, never dull or boring. Multiracial cast plus Miller's superb diction adds to the sheer joy of watching this series.