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Chicago Med (2015)
Used to be better, dropped my rating.
Loved it up until this season. I worked in the medical field for most of my adult life and cannot imagine that any department in any hospital would allow someone like Dr. Lenox, someone who is supposed to be a co-chair of a department, to come in and run roughshod over the staff, even firing one doctor right away. Someone in such a position would run things by her co-chair, or better yet, sit back for a bit, observing. She is thoroughly obnoxious and I may not be able to continue with this sshow much longer. The medical inaccuracies get old also. Are there no medical advisors? Staff would rebel against someone like her. One bad cast member can ruin an otherwise good show. Also not her place to trail an established OB into an operating room to rate her technique. She has to go. If you want accuracy, try to find Code Black. Bring back Crockett.
Shogun (2024)
Absolutely n
I am a huge fan of the 1983 mini series with Richard Chamberlain. He absolutely was John Blackthorrne. This FX series cannot begin to compare. It is tedious to watch. I am just an hour in and am giving up. If I want to read that much, I will read the book. This version seems to augment violence for violence's sake. Catholic bashing too which never sits well. They seemed to make a strong point of that early on. Volume is incredibly low, many scenes seen overly dark. Not as sumptuous as the original. I had this set as a series recording and deleted it after an hour in. It is rare that I ever like a remake. I think the only one that comes to mind was the A-Team movie. I spent most of the hour I watched not being able to truly concentrate because I had to read so much. I normally do not mind subtitles but this was painful. No thanks. I will now go buy the original.
The Fantasticks (2000)
If I had never seen the Sullivan Street Performance, maybe
If I had never had the joy of seeing the Sullivan Street production in the mid 60s, and 8-10 college and dinner theater productions (which were 100% faithful to the original), I would have been very content to see some version of this. While there is "more" in the movie, it somehow seems lacking. Too many songs were cut, as well as at least one very important line - "You must always leave the wall...". Yes, it was a wall in the Sullivan Street and other stage performances with very minimal props - a cardboard moon/sun, minimal costume budget but so full of wonder and joy. El Gallo advancing on the audience on an extension of the stage was breathtaking, as was his entrance through the audience. This was okay for what it is but I would so rathe have seen a movie of a stage performance.
The Good Doctor: Crazytown (2021)
I may be alone but
I am not at all happy with the show bringing in the new CEO who refers to patients as clients and wants patients to rate the doctors' performances. Everyone knows there can be personality conflicts that have nothing to do with a physician's ability.
New Amsterdam: Harmony (2021)
One of my least favorite episodes
I truly detest the addition of Veronica Fuentes and wish she would go away. Her character is ruining an exceptional show just as the new, manipulative CEO is ruining The Good Doctor.
Blue Denim (1959)
One I have never forgotten.
I saw this movie when it was first released. I was 12 and never, ever forgot its message. This movie, more so than any parental warnings, directed my teen dating years so that I would never be in the same position. I know many in today's tarnished world will not see the beauty in this film but it was truly daring for its time (and for a 12-year-old to see). I also have never forgotten the bit of normalcy in the humor when Art and his friend are playing cards, interspersed with a liberal use of the word "damn". I am very grateful I saw this before films became more unnecessarily explicit. The entire message was realized without one moment of nudity. Brilliant film with its atmosphere and poignancy aided by its being in black and white. I bought the DVD as soon as it became available.
Captive Heart: The James Mink Story (1996)
Excellent movie
I like this movie but wondered how much was true, especially in view of one scathing review here on IMDB. I went searching for the true end and foind this:
However, archives show that Mink never traveled to the American South but rather got British government officials to buy his daughter back on his behalf. In fact, some researchers even doubt that Mary was ever sold as a slave.
But what history seems to agree on is the fact that Mary did return to Toronto, where she gave birth to a son and lived on a Mink family farm on Don Rd. And Danforth Rds. Area, according to Toronto census records from the 1860s.
Mink and his family were doing very well then until an arsonist set fire to his hotel and livery. Since there was no insurance coverage then, Mink lost everything and later died in 1866 at the age of 55. At the time of his death, the powerful and proud man was living alone near what is currently Windsor Arms Hotel in Toronto.
Project Runway: #STREETWEAR (2021)
Show is being ruined
Political agenda is ruining so many shows. Also, any designer worth his or her salt, should be able to design for any race. Switching models is ridiculous.
Falling (2020)
Painfully abusive
I forced myself to finish this movie. It may be the most abusive film I have ever seen and will be extremely difficult to watch for anyone who has suffered abuse. Normally, I watch every Viggo movie but I felt he, his partner and Laura Linney forced their roles. Never again.
Taken (2017)
Exceptional.
Origin story of Brian Mills, played admirably by Clive Standen. At times, his height, stance and demeanor reminded me of a younger Loam Neeson. I enjoyed this tremendously and wish it had continued beyond two seasons. Every episode held my interest and had me wanting the next one. Casting was done well. It was nice having a story line that explained who Brian Mills was and why.
Copperhead (2013)
Poignant and heart-wrenching
This is one of the most exquisitely beautiful, yet heart-wrenching films I have ever seen. I watched it initially because of Francois Arnaud as I had just finished The Borgias. The scenery is magnificent. Sadly, the sentiments within the village seem to mimic the happenings in the US these days - what happens when one group seems to think it has the right to suppress the thoughts and speech of another. To paraphrase a comment in the movie - There is the war you read about in the newspaper, and then there is the real war.
It centers on a small, upstate NY town at the early stages of the Civil War. I believe the director is the same as with Gettysburg and Gods and Generals, but it is not part of the trilogy. That said, if the Civil War interests you, it is a must see.
Vikingdom (2013)
Fun way to spend a a few hours.
Props for creating Norway in a tropical climate. Is this equal to The Last Kingdom? Definitely not but if you love fantasy and Viking lore, there are worse ways to spend a few hours. It was nice to see Dominic Purcell in a role in which he has hair.
The Waltons: The Yearning (1978)
Very sweet episode about young love and lost love.
Barlowralph has already given a wonderful summary of the episode. I am just wondering if anyone knows what song Jason was playing on the piano when Elizabeth danced with her father. Thanks.
Tarzan in Manhattan (1989)
Fun 2 hours
I will admit I watched it to see JM-V but it was fun for a few hours. Some in other reviews feel Joe Lara was the best Tarzan ever as he portrayed him in 20+ Tarzan movies. I remain astounded by how much he reminds me of Nicolas Cage. I don't think he does a bad job at all, for the kind of movie it is. I will not set out to find the other 19 but I did learn he has become a country singer and has a very nice voice. Check his website or YouTube. So, it was fun for few hours not to have to try to keep plots and characters in mind but just laugh. He is not bad as Tarzan but my favorite remains the Disney animated one, or Alexander Skarsgard! If you enjoy Tarzan movies, this should be fun for you.
Hawaii Five-0: Ka 'i'o (2019)
One of the best episodes ever!
Kudos to all for this poignant episode, and the magnificent music at the time of a hard moment for Steve - Monasterium. Best version on YouTube called Gortoz A Ran by Denez Prigent and Lisa Gerrard, although the version in the show was by Giulio Franceschelli. I sure hope there is a season 11. To sum this up, Doris has gone rogue. Any more would give it away. If you are a fan of the show, be sure to see this one.
Renegade (1992)
Great show, but
I really enjoyed this series but absolutely hated Cannell's inserting himself into a part. I almost stopped watching because of him. I agree with one reviewer's thoughts that is a retelling of The Lone Ranger, many years later. I can truly see that. I had never seen Lorenzo Lamas in anything except Falcon Crest before starting in on Renegade. I watched from beginning to end, and am starting over again now. I am probably a lot older than most of the reviewers but I watch a lot of different things and I found this enjoyable enough to stay with it through all 5 seasons. I would have liked a more "definite" ending but it looked like it was headed in the right way in the last episode. Not every show has to be a masterpiece. If you enjoy the actors and the concept of a series, then it is worth your time.
Breakfast on Pluto (2005)
Cillian at his absolute perfect
I cannot imagine anyone else handling this role as well as Cillian. Most commenters first mention his recognizing he is a transvestite, preferring to live as a girl/woman. I am an adoptee so what hit me immediately was Kitten's quest for her mother. It touched me in a way perhaps only an adoptee can feel. I was fortunate in my adopted family and consider them my parents but ever in my mind from a young age was "Who made me, why am I the way I am, why did she not want/keep me". I connected immediately and started crying early. I recommended this movie to a very practical friend and her comment was "Never recommend a movie to me again". I was sad for her that she could not realize the beauty and heartbreak of the film, nor the extreme talent of Cillian.
Patrick realizes "he" prefers to be and act as a "she" and is tossed out of his foster home after his foster mother discovers him in her dress on returning from church. He is then on his own, fully able to be, act and dress as the young woman, Kitten. His journey broke my heart and I vacillated from being angry with his birth mother, grateful to the parish priest (Liam Neeson) for his caring, or angry with those on the journey who took advantage of Kitten. This was the second of Cillian's movies I had ever seen, with the first being The Wind that Shakes the Barley. I was mesmerized by how he becomes his part and I have been an ardent admirer ever since. It makes me sad when someone cannot appreciate his genius. I do remember thinking at the end how sad it was that a slim young actor looked better in a dress than I did at that stage of my life.
Absolutely brilliant performance that had me invested from the first in Kitten's journey. It seemed so real that I even went to my computer to see if it was based on a true story. That is Cillian's genius. Well worth the watching.
Disco Pigs (2001)
Still shaking my head but powerful
I like timelord-3s comments, which pretty much sum up what I would have said. However, as someone who is now a senior citizen, I was extremely grateful for the subtitles and wish all movies came with them. I have seen Disco Pigs twice now. The first time, I basically dismissed it as one of Cillian's early ventures before he fully developed his craft. How wrong I was to think so. He is masterful, especially when one considers the language between the two. Runt is definitely more able to relate to the ever-intruding world but Pig is not. Runt is his whole world and he does not manage well without her. After my second viewing, it reminds me a bit of the shy and innocent couple in Mozart and the Whale, if one of them had gone mad. I must have forgotten the ending because on second viewing, I was crying at the tragic choice Pig made, as if some clarity had grasped him for a moment over the severity of things he had done.
This is a heart-breaking film and I am so grateful I gave it a second viewing. I had never seen the actress who played Runt before, but Cillian was familiar to me from The Wind that Shakes the Barley (brilliant) and of course, Peaky Blinders. He is one of the most versatile and amazing actors I have ever seen. I felt that way after seeing The Wind that Shakes the Barley for the first time and my second viewing of Disco Pigs has just brought me to the full extent of his genius, no matter the role. He seems to choose works that really grab you and make you think, and he succeeds. My only regret is that I am unlikely to ever be able to see him perform this role live as I live in the US.
If you do not like it on one viewing, but like him, come back later and give it another chance. Well worth it. I came away with questions as to the "why" of the way they are. Are they on the Autism spectrum, or have they just been so close for so long that they need no one else? Definitely an art-type film that may not appeal on first viewing, not even for devoted Cillian fans.
In the Heart of the Sea (2015)
Enjoyable but curious about something.
Brendandevere has written an excellent review and I can add nothing to it. I like that Chris Hemsworth is expanding his roles, although he can play Thor any day in my book. My favorite role of his is in Rush. So, my questions about this movie are: Why assign the brilliant and superb Cillian Murphy to such a small role, and then why make his hair that awful color? Unnecessary. If you enjoy him in Peaky Blinders, watch him in The Wind that Shakes the Barley as well as Anthropoid.
Patch Adams (1998)
One of my favorites
For me, this movie showed Robin Williams' brilliance and I have watched it many, many times. Having been married to a med student in the 1960s, when doctors were held in high reverence, I can relate to how the medical community would have reacted to someone excessively happy. After I saw the movie, I was in touch with Dr. Adams and would gladly have gone to work at his planned Gesundheit hospital and clinic, without pay. What he tried to do was amazing. The medical community just was not ready for him or his ideas. Knowing how Robin struggled mentally, I wonder if he accepted this role to show us a glimpse of his struggles? Brilliant work. I find I still do not like Bob Gunton in anything, after his part in this. Isn't it funny how a good actor playing an evil or unkind individual can sour us for seeing that actor in anything else? I loved the woman who bathed in noodles!
Triumph of the Spirit (1989)
One of Dafoe's best performances
Others have reviewed the movie very well with those who have praised it. I was very taken with Willem Dafoe's performance and to me, this may be his best role. Superb acting, tragic story. I was reminded of the movie when watching Clive Owen and Lothaire Bluteau in Bent, another view of the tragedies perpetrated by the Nazis against anyone not "pure".
Kull the Conqueror (1997)
If you are a fan of the genre, fun movie
I have never seen the Conan movies and do not intend to, but I like Kevin Sorbo so watch him in a lot of different genre movies. While this movie is not award-worthy, it is a fun 90 minutes. I knew how tall Kevin was but had to look up Griffith's height as in some scenes he looks shorter than Kevin (but is actually 2" taller - watch his looming presence in John Carpenter's Vampires). I may just need to watch GB in Attila -again- now. I do feel Kevin got pigeon-holed after Hercules which is a shame because he does handle other roles very well.
Seoul 1945 (2006)
Wonderful series showing what happens to everyday people in the midst of civil war
A local public television station (MIND TV) aired this, and several Korean "soaps" years ago. While I enjoyed the "soaps", Seoul 1945 had a profound effect on me. I missed the first third bit it was not hard to understand how family and friends were affected when they were on opposite sides of the conflict - no matter how close they once may have been, lives were scarred forever. I would buy this series in a heartbeat if it were not so expensive. It covers the period from the end of Japanese occupation until the country is split into North and South. Another excellent one involving the same era is Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War. The Korean War was over before I was born and my uncle, who had been in the Air Force, did not speak of his time in Korea. Even during my school years, we did not learn much about the Korean conflict - perhaps because most of us had relatives who had been there. Not the usual war movie, but one which shows the effect of war on people who once were very close but divided by the conflict. Tragic but beautiful.
Black Beauty (1994)
My favorite film version.
Please note that the first video for this film, the one with the blond boy on the horse, seems to be from the 1971 version.
Maze (2017)
Glad to get to see this
Not being involved, I cannot comment on what truly went on in Long Kesh but were escape my plan, I doubt I would have stirred up trouble to bring attention to myself. I will admit that it is a little plodding, but I doubt establishing the plan was a quick thing. The republican prisoners seemed to be trying to get along with some of the prison officials and actually had more trouble from the Ulstermen in the facility, in the same block, who wanted to don orange suspenders and bang things while parading through the republican section. That is a move just asking for trouble and they got it - the republicans stayed and the Ulstermen were moved out. Once they got civilian clothes and the family visits they desired, they seemed to be model prisoners while quietly making arrangements for escape. This does not have the action and drama of "In the Name of the Father" but well worth seeing. BTW, I have heard the Region 1 DVD will not be made available in the US, but if you have the Comcast X1 platform, it is available for rent or purchase. I believe it became available on 6/25. A different and slower pace, with names not as well known as Bobby Sands and some of the other hunger strikers, but a worthy view anyway.