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tracybass37
Reviews
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
Honestly just a lot of fun
I am a MASSIVE fan of the original Beetlejuice. I've seen it so many times, I nearly have the whole movie memorized. I also enjoyed the animated series when I was younger, but the OG movie is an annual must-watch movie. I've been waiting decades for this sequel, and I was always nervous about it, too. Too many times I've seen an amazing movie get diminished a bit by a lame or unnecessary sequel. And sure, maybe this one wasn't totally necessary. But you know what it is? FUN. Just like the first one, it has the same goofy personality. Michael, Catherine & Winona just fell back into their roles so seamlessly. Of course I missed Adam and Barbara, but I'm glad they got a brief but nice little acknowledgement and are in a better place now. And I really missed Otho, my favorite character from the original, but I'd like to think the great Glenn Shadix is smiling from somewhere on the Soul Train (you'll understand the joke once you see it). The new additions were also great! Jenna Ortega fit in perfectly as Lydia's daughter, yet she didn't feel like a direct photocopy of Wednesday, despite probably seeming similar on paper. Willem Dafoe, Justin Theroux and Monica Belluci were great additions as well. There were some fun twists along the way, and a great soundtrack. Could it have been a few minutes shorter? Sure. Do you have to rush to the cinema to watch? No, but I did and don't regret it. It was a fun little escape from reality, and I would recommend it for anyone who identifies at all with the strange and unusual ;)
Dune: Part Two (2024)
Use the restroom before, you don't want to miss a moment!
I read the first 3 Dune books about 15 years ago, I was a pretty big Dune dork back in the day, but then my interest waned and life got in the way. So I'd say my POV is somewhere between a mega Dune fan, and the general audience who doesn't know anything about the books. Zoom forward to 2021 and though I was excited for Part 1, I wasn't blown away by it (though I must admit I've enjoyed Part 1 more and more each time I've watched it). I went into Part 2 more curious than excited, but my gosh was I surprised by how much I enjoyed it!! I was running a little late to my showtime, and didn't get a chance to use the restroom before. I kept waiting for a "slow" or boring scene to sneak out--and that scene never came. Every moment felt important, and each scene held my attention so completely, that I decided the discomfort of needing to void wasn't worth missing a beat. So I guess it's rather silly to tell you all to use the restroom before, but learn from my mistakes! Dune Part 2 is mesmerizing, beautiful and heartbreaking all at once. It's been a really long time since I've had such a visceral reaction to a movie; I kept thinking to myself, "the movies are back!!" And even though it's long, by the end I was actually sad because I wanted more...although at least I could finally pee! ;)
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse (2022)
A warm, tender hug for anyone of any age....
I so, so rarely cry in movies...but this one truly tugged at my heart strings. I'm an adult woman who watched this with her 60-something parents, and it had us all with tears in our eyes. We had a rather sad holiday season, it didn't really feel as festive as past years but I still wanted to give this one a try. It just felt like a warm hug....or honestly, a therapy session that anyone can benefit from. Such a sweet and simple message, but so important. We both really needed this film. It reminded me a little bit of The Snowman, another tearjerker short winter film, but it was original in its own right. And with a much more hopeful ending, thankfully. Please give this little gem a try; it's only about 30 minutes, but each minute feels precious, and it will leave you feeling healed in a way I doubt you'd expect from a 30-minute animated movie.
Lost Ollie (2022)
Watch if you're in need of a cathartic cry.
I came upon this series unexpectedly, but I'm so glad I did. I ended up watching it very quickly- sure, some moments might drag a bit for some people, but I didn't mind that- and man oh man, this was a punch in the gut! I rarely cry in movies, and I was weeping by the end of this one. If you've been needing a good healthy cry, this might be your answer. Just as Ollie himself was carefully crafted with love, you can tell the creators poured their love into this show. I just wish it was getting more recognition! Yes, it's geared for kids (and I respect that it doesn't shy away from darkness, even knowing its main audience is likely younger), but I think all ages can enjoy it. It even prompted me to dig up my old favorite stuffed bunny rabbit from when I was a kid. Give this little gem a try, you may be as pleasantly surprised as I was <3.
Victorious (2010)
Bizarrely enjoyable watching it 10 years later, in my mid 20s
I was 15 when this show came out. I watched some episodes here & there and found it enjoyable enough, but didn't love it....it wasn't "mature" enough for my "discerning palette" (I mainly watched Gossip Girl, Vampire Diaries, Pretty Little Liars, etc. hahaha). In fact, most of my exposure to this show came from babysitting a little girl who was obsessed with it, so that probably also made me feel "too old" for it (gotta love teenager logic!). Zoom forward to 2020 and the craziness of this year, and out of boredom (and possibly psychological regression) I've revisited this show on Netflix. Only....I'm amazed at how much I am genuinely enjoying it! True, parts of this show haven't aged well....at all. But, it has some truly funny moments, catchy songs, and the cast had great chemistry overall. And of course it's fascinating to see Ariana Grande shine as Cat Valentine in the days before her mega stardom/success. Victorious didn't take itself too seriously, and as long as you don't either, you might just find yourself watching all 4 seasons in an alarmingly quick span like I did.
Forensic Files II (2020)
Welcome back, Forensic Files!
Forensic Files has been one of my favorite guilty pleasures for a long time. I've probably watched 80% of all the episodes and frequently watch re-runs. I'm pleased to say this is a worthy successor - or really, continuation - of the original. The new narrator is fine, but he's no Peter Thomas (but I'm also glad he isn't trying to replicate Thomas's distinct voice or narration style). It's interesting to see how far technology has come since the original series aired. For any fan of the original series, or any fan of true crime shows, this one is worth the watch.
His Dark Materials: The Daemon-Cages (2019)
Highly anticipated episode delivers!
This was probably the episode I anticipated the most coming into this series (well, this and the finale!), and it was everything I hoped for and more. The slow burn of this show is really paying off in a magnificent way. It's the best episode yet, which says something as each episode is a bit better than the last, and it started strong. Enjoy!
His Dark Materials: Lyra's Jordan (2019)
Strong start
As a lover of the books, I like many was a bit disappointed by the film and even more disappointed that we never saw the other books materialized on the screen. It's a bit early to predict the success of the entire show, but this TV adaptation started very strong, and if it continues this way (and BBC's involvement makes me trust that it will), we will finally have justice for this beloved book series. The CGI and cinematography is excellent quality, and it boasts a strong cast (the original movie had a strong cast, but this cast fits the book characters better for the most part). Even knowing how the story plays out, I'm really excited to see where this goes!
Euphoria (2019)
It won't be a 10/10 for everyone....but for some people, it will be perfect
This show definitely isn't for everyone. To be honest, I'm still not fully sure who the target demographic is. Maybe there is none. But it sure spoke to me. The acting is real and raw, with one of the best casts I have seen in a long time. The cinematography is breathtaking. The music is phenomenal and really adds so much character to the show. It juxtaposes shallowness with depth, depression with mania, despair with euphoria...the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Sure, it might not be 100% realistic, but the emotional heart of the show feels very real. It was so easy to watch, which is something that doesn't usually happen to me - even with shows I enjoy, I often find myself putting in effort to make it through certain episodes. This was not the case with Euphoria. I breezed through it fast, and it's one of the few shows in recent memory that has really lingered with me as long as this one has. Ultimately, I'd say to give it a try. It might not be for you, but if it is, there is so much to enjoy here.
The Snowman (1982)
Captures the transience of life perfectly.
I am so happy that I have rediscovered this film! I highly suggest you watch it, if you haven't--and it really doesn't have to be Christmastime to enjoy it.
What I love most about this movie is how it manages to be simultaneously so simple yet complex. The story itself is so simple-- there isn't even any dialogue-- yet it conveys some of the strongest, most powerful of human emotions: curiosity, excitement, friendship, happiness, and ultimately, grief.
And I must say, it's that last point that really separates The Snowman from other stories of its kind. Virtually all other children's stories end with a happy ending, whereas The Snowman has a heartbreaking ending-- but that's what is so amazing about this movie. It is REAL. Grief is something that every single person will experience at some point or another, and this movie captures the pain of grief so beautifully. It will resonate with anyone, child or adult. I mean, it still resonates with me (I hadn't seen this movie in about 20 years, since I was a small child, yet I remember it so clearly).
The lack of dialogue is brilliant. It goes to show that all people, regardless of what language they speak or where they are from, all feel the same emotions. We all know what it feels like to make a friend, to be imaginative, to be happy, and to feel grief over the loss of someone we care about.
It's a beautiful movie about the transience of life. It doesn't matter what language you speak, it doesn't matter how old you are: so long as you have a soul, you should watch this touching movie.
Oh, and the music is fabulous too!
Pretty Little Liars: A Dangerous gAme (2013)
June 11, hurry up!
This episode contained all the best elements of PLL: suspense, humor, drama, & massive surprises. Here are some the biggest shocks:
1) Toby is alive! I think we all knew it. If he was really truly dead I would have been forced to check into Radley Sanatarium myself. But, fortunately, such drastic measures aren't necessary. Not only is Toby still alive, but he and Spencer got back together!!!! Two of my favorite scenes from this episode were "Spoby" scenes. The first was when Toby met up with A in the bar, not expecting to see Spencer. Holy crap. Both actors were brilliant. Seriously, hats off to Troian Bellisario (she's always awesome, but hasn't her acting been Oscar-worthy this season?!?) and Keegan Allen!! Anyway, the next scene between them was at a motel. What's up with this show and motels? Regardless, they pretty much made up. Spencer was still clearly upset: "But if I saw you hurting the way that I know you saw me....." though she definitely forgave him. They end up sleeping together, while the song "Ride" plays in the background. Seriously, how could you NOT love a Spoby makeup sex scene with a Lana Del Rey song. It's pure synergistic perfection ;)
2) Shawna who? An interesting but confusing plot point involved Shawna, Jenna, and Melissa. How, exactly, are they involved? And honestly, who is this Shawna girl anyway? I feel like she suspiciously popped up out of nowhere. I'm curious to find out how this trio is involved with A.
3) Aria and Ezra. For people who love this couple, this episode is sad. For those who don't, you'll be fine. I'm rather neutral; I'm rooting for them, but they really need some space. More than just a couple episodes of space. I think they need half a season at least, at least! But we'll have to see where this relationship goes (especially with Ezra now teaching, and all that jazz). I must say this breakup was refreshing and should breath some life back into their story, which has felt stale lately. Random note: the scene on the stairs was a reference to the Pilot. If you don't remember, I suggest you re-watch the very first episode, and you'll know what I'm talking about. A fun walk down memory lane. So much as happened...
4) RED COAT!!! Despite the brief red herring (no pun intended) that Hanna is Red Coat, we soon realize it was just a trap between Aria, Hanna, and Emily to prove that Spencer is still on their side. The true Red Coat reveal is....drum roll....Alison!!!! Or is it? Well, I can't really say I was surprised. There have been numerous hints about Alison being alive. Which begs the question of the Twin Theory, Courtney pretending to be the real Alison. A fascinating twist! There have been several hints- the Halloween story & little ghost girl, Alison's statement in the last episode that "you didn't even know me when you knew me" and "girls fight way worse than boys." Hmm....
5) Is Mona....good? This episode certainly made it seem like both Toby and Mona are just as victimized by Big A as our four girls are.....but of course, this show is called Pretty Little LIARS for a reason. You never know who to believe in Rosewood. It may all have been an act (and Mona sure is good at acting...), but I really did get the impression her fears were sincere. The same goes for Toby.
6) Who/what is in the trunk of Wilden's car? Time will tell. June 11th, please hurry up!!
7) Missing characters & seemingly abandoned story lines: I was really happy to see Jenna's return, it's been much too long! But when will we see Lucas again? Will we ever see characters like Mike Montgomery or Holden return? Where's CeCe and Detective Wilden? Nohl Kahn? Will Ian Thomas ever come back in a flashback or something? When will we learn more about what happened to Garret? And of course, where is Jason?! Let's hope these questions will be answered in due time. And I would love to know more about Alison as "Vivian Darkbloom" (I'm a massive Nabokov and Lolita fan!), and if she really is A, was she faking those texts back in the first Halloween episode? So many questions!!
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For all you Hitchcock fans out there (and if you aren't, why aren't you? He was- is - a GENIUS. Go watch one of his movies!), this episode was an homage to "North by Northwest." Clever little references, just like the season 2 finale w/ "Psycho." It's not that you need to be familiar with the plot of North by Northwest, but if you have seen it, you'll appreciate the allusions.
Lots of resurrections in this episode. Toby, Alison, and even Wilden's car. Yep, that's Rosewood. This show seems more like "The Walking Dead" with each episode ;)
Great music. I know I already mentioned "Ride," but this episode had some other excellent songs such as "Invisible" by Plumb. I feel like so many shows and movies don't get enough recognition for their music, so I'm taking this moment to say thanks to the artists and producers who created and choose this excellent, powerful music.
Lastly, I feel it's only natural to reflect on Season 3 as a whole, since this was the finale. I think this season was strong, though 3A felt a bit slow. This was also the soapiest of all 3 seasons- but that's not a bad thing. The acting has gotten so good. As long as you can suspend disbelief and not take everything so seriously, this show is smart, consistent, and full of twists and turns. I trust the writers know where they're going and are excited for us to find everything out.
Until June 11!