JenExxifer Reviews

Road House (2024)

Fun, Fights, and Topless Men!

[10/10 · 29 March 2024]

I give this movie 10 stars for the fun, the fights, and the topless men!

I wasn't sure if I would like this update, but when I saw the preview I knew I had to see it.

I don't take entertainment seriously; what I do take seriously is men who don't hurt my eyes. Between Jake Gyllenhaal and Conor McGregor, my eyes never hurt once while watching the movie!

While I enjoy the original movie, and don't take it seriously, what I liked more about this update is the lack of female T&A which is prevalent in the original; I prefer men who are in shape showing off their bodies instead of topless women, because that's how I roll, and this movie didn't disappoint in that department!

Buff, shirtless men aside, this was a fun movie to watch with great action and fight scenes, good music, characters that make me smile (Knox is a riot and Dalton is so dang nice!), corny humor, plus a happy ending!

I'd recommend this movie for anyone who wants to turn off the thinking cap for a couple hours and indulge in a guilty pleasure of tough guys with good bodies!

Mikey and Nicky (1976)

A Stupendous Study in Awkwardness!

[10/10 · 17 February 2024]

I give this movie a 10-star rating for its spectacularly stupendous study in awkwardness!

I don't know what Elaine May's intention was with this film, but what came through to me was a strong feeling of awkwardness, as if I was in rooms and places with people where I shouldn't be.

And while the film isn't anything I need to watch more than once, I will give credit where it is due when a writer/director can make me feel awkward while watching a film; in this alone Elaine May thoroughly succeeded.

I did enjoy Peter Falk in an extremely anti-Columbo role, which I always get a kick out of; and John Cassavetes is so good at playing a crazy character he often leaves me wondering if he's even acting.

I appreciate the concept of the story, though the writing, directing, and editing could have been better.

The dark comedy and the situational awkwardness made me laugh in a few spots; I also got a kick out of seeing some of the other actors, including William Hickey.

So, I can't say it's all bad, but it's not all good, and it's totally 100% awkward, much like the 1970s.

If I was in my 20s I would probably think this film is cool because it's so different, so anti-establishment, and so obscure that to know about it is a sign of real film appreciation; but with age I see it as the typical 1970s anti-studio experimental cinematic artistry that doesn't stand the test of time, and nearly 50 years later it comes across as awkward rather than awesome.

Boone: The Bounty Hunter (2017)

More Awesomer than Renegade!

[10/10 · 29 January 2024]

I give this movie 10 stars because it's awesome, and even more awesomer than Renegade!

If you've ever wondered could there be something better than Lorenzo Lamas as an outlaw bounty hunter in the Renegade series, look no further than Boone: The Bounty Hunter!

The good thing about Boone is that it doesn't take itself seriously, much like the Renegade series, and I would not recommend this movie for anyone who takes entertainment seriously.

This movie is perfect for anyone who seriously enjoys the same things that make Renegade an awesome guilty pleasure: corny humor, fun action, ridiculous storylines, and totally great hair -- plus, Lorenzo Lamas is in it too!

What also makes Boone enjoyable to me is the lack of profanity, because 'F' bombs don't make movies better, and that's what makes this movie totally awesomer!

The bad thing about Boone is that it is not a series, nor is Branscombe Richmond in it, nor is Stephen J. 'Pop Collar' Cannell around to be part of such an awesome concept as a parody reality show based around a bounty hunter who very well could be the unknown love child of Reno Raines!

The Holly and the Ivy (1952)

Supremely Delightful & Worth the Drama!

[10/10 · 18 December 2023]

I give this movie 10 stars for being a supremely delightful Christmas movie that is worth the drama!

As the story unfolds, the audience learns of personal heartaches endured and the family dynamics involved.

Sometimes I think the drama is almost too heavy to deal with at Christmas, but then I'm reminded of the great writing, the quality acting, and the uplifting ending that always makes me glad I watch it (multiple times) every December!

Ralph Richardson (a.k.a. The Supreme Being from Time Bandits) makes this movie a supreme delight with his character's wit and wisdom. And seeing a young Denholm Elliott (a.k.a. Marcus Brody from the good Indiana Jones films) is quite a treat, too!

I recommend this movie for anyone who appreciates the power of spiritual healing, understanding, and new beginnings at Christmastime; and for anyone who also enjoys the classic carol 'The Holly and The Ivy' which is heard throughout the film!

The King of Queens: Cowardly Lyin' (2003) Season 5, Episode 19

Status Quo Double Standards

[10/10 · 31 October 2023]

I give this episode 10 stars for status quo double standards!

While watching this episode I couldn't help but imagine the roles reversed, so that Doug has Carrie lines, and vice versa, and Denise has Spence's lines, and vice versa.

If a wife was scared of her husband and lied to him because of it, it just wouldn't be as hilarious as a man lying to his wife because he's scared of her; and if a boyfriend threatened harm to his girlfriend, it just wouldn't be as funny as a girlfriend threatening to harm her boyfriend and liking it.

Double standards are so hilarious when women have the upper hand -- that's empowerment! (Written in a sarcastic tone)

Along with imagining the roles reversed, it's also fun to imagine no laugh track in this episode which would only make it obvious what King of Queens really is: a show about unhealthy people in unhealthy relationships.

I suppose there's no fun in that though, so throw in a laugh track to let people know it's okay to laugh when women threaten and verbally abuse men, because that's empowerment! (More sarcasm)

Sarcasm aside, watching this episode for the first time in 2023 makes me realize how long women characters in movies and TV have been like Carrie; it is nothing new and it is only status quo since the 1990s, which makes it as outdated as a 1950s housewife in the 1980s; nice women characters don't seem to exist anymore and that's not progress, that's regression.

Harry Wild: When Harry Met Fergus (2022) Season 1, Episode 1

Better Scenery than Characters!

[10/10 · 22 October 2023]

I give this episode 10 stars for the scenery and nothing else!

The concept is good in theory, a retired professor who takes up sleuthing and finds a young sidekick to mentor.

However, the character of Harry Wild is a 21st Century cliche of a modern woman who is a walking contradiction with more crass than class; she's worse than Alexa Crowe, and neither are Jessica Fletcher or Miss Marple.

I'm supposed to believe that a woman who handles being a professor for decades can't manage to keep her refrigerator stocked? As old as Harry Wild is, her traits are that of a student living on their own for the first time. That's not a dynamic character; that's a poorly developed character that needs a few more rewrites.

I guess it's supposed to be hip and ironic that a woman can be both characters of the Odd Couple, but TV programming has been loaded with tacky women characters who act more like men than women for decades, so it's nothing new to me and it doesn't hold my interest.

The scenery is great though, most definitely!

The Virginian: Lady of the House (1967) Season 5, Episode 28

Gaslighting the Graingers!

[10/10 · 20 October 2023]

I give this episode 10 stars for its gaslight twist!

Ever since the Graingers came to Shiloh, it seems there's always someone who has something against them; this time it is Mrs. Miles, the widow of an old friend of John Grainger's, played by Myrna Loy.

I like watching this story unfold around the classic gaslighting tactics employed by Mrs. Miles; she pushes and pulls the Graingers in multiple directions with manipulative mind games that leave John Grainger thinking everything is okay while Elizabeth and Stacey doubt themselves and question where they belong.

I'm sure many actresses could have done the role well, but Myrna Loy is quite enjoyable to watch since it's nothing like her Nora Charles character from the Thin Man series 30 years earlier in her career.

I'd recommend this episode to anyone who enjoys Myrna Loy and a malicious gaslighting in the old west!

The Commish: Nancy with the Laughing Face (1994) Season 4, Episode 6

Uplifting Ending!

[10/10 · 20 July 2023]

I give this episode 10 stars for the uplifting ending!

While the case isn't anything new in the world of the Commish (another kidnapping), the plot also includes Paulie's romantic attachment to his old girlfriend Nancy who is dealing with a kidnapped son caused by her husband's business dealings.

It's no surprise that Nancy doubts her marriage and returns to Paulie's arms.

But just when the story makes the viewer think Paulie is going to pick up Nancy's shattered pieces, he surprises the viewer by being a stand-up guy and encouraging Nancy's husband to be the husband she needs.

When so many storylines in numerous shows throughout the '90s focus on marital disintegration as if it's no big deal and a woman shouldn't have to put up with a man who makes a mistake, I love that this episode showed that there's a better choice to make for someone in Paulie's position who could help a marriage end, but he doesn't -- what a guy!

The Virginian: The Judgment (1963) Season 1, Episode 17

The Carewes Fought the Law, and the Law Won!

[10/10 · 23 June 2023]

I give this episode 10 stars for the classic struggle of upholding the law in the wild west!

Old westerns like this didn't make legal matters as intricate as modern television; plus, it's fiction, so it's fun to imagine simpler times and simpler laws.

Lee J. Cobb stands his ground as an unwavering judge who isn't scared of threats, and he knows that upholding the law is what he has to do, even if it isn't easy.

Clu Gulager does a fine job too as the lawless element who challenges the jury's verdict with terrorism and fear.

It's not really an original concept, of course, because the dilemma can be found in many other episodes, as well as many other westerns; but I think that's essential to a good western -- the timeless struggle of good versus bad, right versus wrong, and the law versus the lawless.

Wiseguy (1987–1990)

Music + Writing + Banks = Winning Entertainment!

[10/10 · 29 April 2023]

I give this winning series 10 stars for the theme music, the writing, and Jonathan Banks!

I never knew about this show until Binge TV started airing old reruns of it; as I learned more about the show by watching it and reading about it, I gained appreciation for the concept which I can tell must have been groundbreaking for the time; I was 10 when the show was originally on, so I was not the demographic back then.

It's hard not to like theme music by Mike Post, and Stephen J. 'Pop Collar' Cannell created some wonderful TV worlds in his career, even though he didn't write every episode of this series; the combination is another winner with Wiseguy.

Jonathan Banks is just one of many actors who are great to see from back in the day, before he was Mike on Breaking Bad; but Banks' delivery is always so good, he's worth watching in every episode, even when the drama takes a break in the lighter storylines of which there are a few.

It's also an enjoyable trip back to the late 1980s with the fashions, vehicles, and culture of the time.

I'd recommend this series for anyone who enjoys Stephen J. Cannell creations, Mike Post theme music, the 1980s, and tough guy Jonathan Banks who knows how to deliver his lines!

Renegade: Carrick O'Quinn (1994) Season 2, Episode 22

Carrick O'Who?

[10/10 · 15 April 2023]

I give this episode 10 stars for being a perfect example of how not to introduce characters for a new series!

How to make sure a new series doesn't happen: Introduce characters in a pilot episode two seasons into a show when they have never been in any other episodes of the series.

This will leave the regular viewers wondering: who are these people, what are they doing here, and why should I care about them?

This episode is non-essential to the Renegade series; it wasn't even bad in the tacky way that makes Renegade fun to watch; the storyline didn't have the same feel, which made it obvious that this had to be an attempted spinoff, along with the lack of Reno, Bobby, and Cheyenne.

Had the Carrick O'Quinn character been used in previous episodes, it would have worked better.

The only good in this episode is the example it sets for how not to set up a new series.

One Foot in Heaven (1941)

Uplifting Portrayal of Marriage in Fixer-Upper Homes!

[10/10 · 27 March 2023]

I give this movie 10 stars for its uplifting portrayal of married life in fixer-upper homes!

I DVRd this movie during 31 Days of Oscar on TCM (2023) and put it on tonight when I was needing to see a positive example that marriage is about growing through the hard times together with a good attitude, and it fit the bill perfectly!

This movie doesn't disappoint when it comes to showing that from hardships can come incredible love, dedication, admiration, and understanding of each other.

Granted, this movie isn't about the hardships of an abusive marriage which is something different; but just a marriage that demonstrates how life doesn't always go as planned, or you don't always get what you want, and it takes flexibility, understanding, love, and faith to grow through it together.

One Foot in Heaven is an uplifting reminder that challenges are part of marriage and rising to those challenges, instead of running from them, makes wives and husbands strong, and marriages stronger.

I would recommend this movie for anyone who is married and wants to see good marriages in film; or anyone whose marriage has been tested by living in a fixer-upper on a low income and still has their sense of humor!

The Virginian: Crime Wave in Buffalo Springs (1969) Season 7, Episode 17

Comedy Wave in Buffalo Springs

[10/10 · 10 March 2023]

I give this episode 10 stars because it's fun, ridiculous, and it has the Irish Rovers!

Even though I enjoy the entire series of The Virginian, there are some episodes that are quite heavy with drama and don't offer much in the way of laughter.

That's why an episode like this stands out - it's ridiculously fun!

The Irish Rovers appear a handful of times in Season 7 and their music is a nice touch to the series.

I also enjoy the fun opening sequence to this episode; it definitely sets the tone that this is not a regular old episode of The Virginian.

I wouldn't expect Crime Wave in Buffalo Springs to be everyone's cup of tea; and I would guess that an episode like this was used to either bring in new viewers, or reflect popular culture of the time, or to give regular viewers back in 1969 a break from the usual cattle-rustling escapade.

I think Crime Wave in Buffalo Springs is worth watching for anyone who enjoys the guest actors, the music of the Irish Rovers, and can appreciate the lighter, and rather ridiculous, side of westerns.

The Love Punch (2013)

Emma Thompson's Hair!

[10/10 · 10 January 2023]

I give this movie 10 stars for Emma Thompson's hair!

Her hair is so awesome in this movie, I wish I could have it.

Her hair is like a reverse mullet; it's short in the back and long in the front -- and it looks so good on her!

There are lots of other great things about this movie besides Ms. Thompson's hair -- the witty humor (especially when it comes to jokes about aging!), the funny characters, the beautiful scenery in places I'll never go, and an ending that left me feeling good that I didn't delete the movie from my DVR.

I do recommend watching this movie with subtitles due to the quick delivery of the lines combined with British accents -- but there's plenty of volume in Ms. Thompson's hair to enjoy the movie on mute!

Happy new year (2018)

A Fixer-Upper Christmas!

[10/10 · 23 December 2022]

I give this movie 10 stars because it's nice to watch a movie where Christmas is celebrated in a home that has more problems than mine!

I wasn't sure when the movie first started, since the first word in the movie is cursing, but once I saw the living conditions, I was on board!

Besides the problems of living in a fixer-upper, I appreciate the family dynamics of siblings with different families who don't necessarily get along, but they endure each other and make the best of what they've got.

Lots of funny humor when it comes to the awkwardness of family situations, and the highs and lows of family gatherings, but not what I would consider to be a family movie; just because there are kids in it doesn't mean it's for kids.

I would recommend this movie for adults who are happy to be spending Christmas away from relatives, because with a family like this it's more than enough!

Now that IMDb requires 600 characters for a movie review, the real shame is that all the one-sentence bad reviews of this movie don't get removed!

The Virginian: Girl on the Glass Mountain (1966) Season 5, Episode 14

Leave It To Hugh!

[10/10 · 20 December 2022]

I give this episode 10 stars for Hugh Beaumont and the timeless life lessons when it comes to marriage!

This episode aired three years after 'Leave It To Beaver' ended, and Hugh Beaumont is in fine form as a father figure again, but this time as a father to a spoiled daughter.

Hugh Beaumont does a great job in his delivery when it comes to accepting the blame for his daughter's situation and also in steering her in the right direction; he knew how to play a great dad, but it helps to have good writing too and this episode does not lack in that department.

Marriage is more than making a wife happy, as the story illustrates, and it isn't always the wife's fault when parents let her have everything her way; marriage takes meeting halfway and understanding that both are human, and it's nice to see those ideas in a television show.

A good episode all around and worth watching!

The Commish: The Letter of the Law (1994) Season 3, Episode 20

A Day Without The Commish is No Day At All!

[10/10 · 24 November 2022]

I give this episode 10 stars for how well they balanced a heavy topic with light humor!

Kidnapping one's own child to protect her from being molested is not a feel-good topic; the story also creates the dilemma between a mother doing what she believes is right when the courts fail and a good-hearted police commissioner doing his job to report a fugitive.

The main storyline scenario is heavy to me because such things do go on; parents do kidnap their own children from abusive spouses and children do get mistreated by their own parents; so it's not always entertaining to be reminded of the ugly things in this world.

But what makes up for it all is the side story which focuses on a down-on-his-luck actor/jingle writer who Tony saves from falling down an elevator shaft.

The next thing Tony knows, he can't get rid of the guy because he feels indebted to Tony for saving his life; luckily Officer Kelly gives Tony a tip on how to get rid of the guy, which is quite humorous as well.

Both storylines wrap up well with happy endings all around, but the side storyline is what really makes this episode enjoyable for me because it adds the perfect amount of humor in classic Commish style!

Expecting a Miracle (2009 TV Movie)

The Struggle is Marital

[10/10 · 19 November 2022]

I give this movie 10 stars for its story of marital struggles and uplifting miracles!

Struggles are part of marriage, and while the couple in the movie doesn't struggle financially, they do struggle with conceiving, which creates stress on them individually and puts serious tension on their union.

The characters, played by Jason Priestley and Teri Polo, seem ready to give up, but their hearts aren't entirely closed to each other and that means there is room for a miracle, which is nice to see in a movie these days.

I think the actors are good in their roles, and Cheech Marin as the wise Father Arturo is definitely my favorite. I also liked seeing Ed Lauter in a small supporting role.

I'd recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys the actors and appreciates uplifting stories of married couples who overcome struggles together.

The Night of the Grizzly (1966)

The Further Adventures of Cheyenne

[10/10 · 17 November 2022]

I give this movie 10 stars for the cast, the story, and because I just enjoy the movie!

A handful of the cast members were in various episodes of the Clint Walker series Cheyenne (Leo Gordon, Jack Elam, Ellen Corby, Nancy Kulp), so I see this movie as an extended Cheyenne episode, only instead of him being a roaming cowboy he's a retired lawman with a family.

Of course Clint Walker, as Big Jim Cole, takes his shirt off just like in Cheyenne, and that doesn't hurt the movie or my eyes; he even sings a song which is quite nice.

Jack Elam, Nancy Kulp, and Ellen Corby give enjoyable performances with good laughs.

Keenan Wynn is excellent as the human villain, and so is Leo Gordon; and then there's ol' Satan the villainous bear with fun effects from the time.

While Satan causes some strife at home for Big Jim Cole and his wife Angela, the two get through it, and that's what I like most about the story.

I'd recommend this movie for anyone who enjoys Clint Walker, family westerns, bad bears, and clean humor!

The Virginian: The Laramie Road (1965) Season 4, Episode 12

Lawman vs. Peer Pressure

[10/10 · 4 November 2022]

I give this episode 10 stars because I appreciate the principles of Lawman Ryker when he's under pressure!

Similar to 'Ring of Silence' (S4, E6) when Ryker had to put his lawman principles to the test against stagecoach strangers, in this episode his principles are again tested by his friends.

Ryker knows he's a lawman, but when his friends put the pressure on him Ryker has to stand for what he believes in, and he ultimately believes in the law; he is a lawman through and through, even if he has his doubts in justice.

I think Clu Gulager does a nice job as Ryker; I like that his character seems to struggle with the dynamics of being a lawman, because he knows what he must do even when the pressure is on him -- uphold the law.

National Velvet (1944)

Mr. and Mrs. Brown!

[10/10 · 3 November 2022]

I give this movie 10 stars for Mr. And Mrs. Brown, played by Donald Crisp and Anne Revere (in an Oscar-winning performance)!

I get more enjoyment out of the dialogue and dynamics between the parents than the horse storyline.

Donald Crisp plays a serious and loving father, but it's Anne Revere as Mrs. Brown who shines with some of the best lines in the movie; the wisdom of Mrs. Brown is timeless and inspiring.

I admire the character of Mrs. Brown as a patient mother with her four children as well as a patient wife with her husband. It's fiction of course, but it makes me feel good inside to watch a film that shows a content woman at home who has lived a full life and knows there's a time for dreams and a time to move on to the next thing.

I recommend National Velvet for anyone who enjoys classic films, parents who aren't nitwits, and a wise matriarchal/homemaker role model!

Du Barry Was a Lady (1943)

Music & Laughs!

[10/10 · 9 October 2022]

I give this movie 10 stars for the music and the laughs!

I watched this movie in 6 sessions while working out on my elliptical; each session was 15 to 18 minutes long, and every session included music!

Lots of musicals I've watched lose the music numbers after 30 minutes in, but not this one; it's enjoyable music too, fun and uplifting tunes, and Gene Kelly does a great dance routine as well.

Red Skelton keeps the one-liners coming, and he gets some help from Rags Ragland and Virginia O'Brien; along with the fashion and bright colors of the time, it was pleasing to watch the whole way through!

I'd recommend this film for anyone who is a fan of Red Skelton, Gene Kelly, Lucille Ball, and Tommy Dorsey music!

Everybody Loves Raymond: The Sigh (2002) Season 7, Episode 7

Mrs. Barone Builds Her Dream Bathroom

[12 September 2022]

Another funny adventure in the life of Ray and Debra that starts off similar to the bathroom-sharing scene in the movie 'Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House'.

As a housewife, I don't think Debra's housewifing skills are anything to admire, especially in this episode, and I think the character's behaviors are some of the worst in the series so far.

But it's comedy television, not real life, and even though I have personal reservations about a character it didn't stop me from laughing and enjoying the episode.

IMDb wants me to write more in order to make the review 600 characters, but that is all I have to say about the episode.

Turning Point (2011– )

Making The World Better!

[10/10 · 24 July 2022]

I give this series 10 stars for its uplifting positivity and because it showcases people who are making the world better!

What I like most about this series is that it focuses on people who create solutions to problems.

Many episodes give me the sniffles because the stories are so touching; to see how one person impacts multiple lives is moving and it makes me feel good to know there are people in this world who care enough to make this world better by starting where they're at with what they know.

Thanks to BYU-TV for airing this series and bravo to all the people highlighted in the episodes who are doing extraordinary things around this world to make it better!

Warlords of the Deep (1978)

The Further Adventures of Trampas!

[10/10 · 23 July 2022]

I give this movie 10 stars for its late '70s sci-fi charm plus Doug McClure!

The way I see it: Trampas has left Shiloh Ranch and his good buddy the Virginian behind; he has become a deep-sea diver in which his cowboy skills help him to defeat bad people and fantastic creatures.

The same question remains like in most episodes of The Virginian: Will Trampas get the girl?

Fun Fact: Before Cliff became a mailman and regular patron of Cheers, he visited Atlantis with Trampas.

Thanks to TCM for airing this blast from the past that puts the fun into sci-fi!