thejdrage Reviews

A Man in Full (2024)

OMG! Went from an 8 to a 6 in one bad sex scene

[6/10 · 11 May 2024]

I wasn't going to write a review, but then the last episode hit and....... well, I was compelled to say this contains one of the worst, most gratuitous sex scene I've ever wished I'd fast forwarded through. But it was so bad, I had to watch - like a car wreck. Yes! Diane Lane looks great in it! And her totally unnecessary gym scenes now make sense (no they don't).

This is a good series to binge for the fun of it, until you realize what you're really watching. It's shades of our lives (except for Diane Lane - she's in a movie of her own) and it's wildly subtle, while being in our face.

I also want you to know that when reviewers say the ending was an easy way out - it's true. I kept wondering if I'd missed the last episode. I had not.

It's a strange watch, but the courtrooms scenes are brilliant! The final one alone is worth the watch.

To say this is an odd series is an understatement. Give it a go. Or not!

Bodkin (2024– )

Started out great!

[5/10 · 11 May 2024]

This series started out a 10 and then it literally lost me.

It repeats the points of view over and over again from different angles - but not well. They lost me in Episode 5.

I am not a Will Forte fan, but have seen him in some parts where he is good and this could have been one of them, but given that the series is so convoluted, no one could shine - except for Ger Kelly and his singing!

There are some very funny parts and this could have been a terrifically funny and smart series if the power-that-be hadn't gotten in their own way. They had the cast and the location (Ireland is a character on its own!) for a hit and they missed.

Made me sad. I couldn't finish it. Too bad it got lost going around and around and around chasing its own trail.

Steve Trevino: Simple Man (2024 TV Special)

Steve Trevino, please adopt me

[8/10 · 12 March 2024]

I am not easily amused. I give comics of all sorts 10 minutes to make me smile, not laugh, just smile. Steve Trevino is open and honest to his core - and we can learn a lot from him. I smiled until my face hurt - and I laughed. A lot.

He uses his family for his material, and it could be my family or my friends families. His mother melted my heart.

As a woman, I would like to have liked to have had a dad like Trevino. It does my heart good to know that their are awesome dads out there!! And I wish my son had a father like him!

If you want an in depth, fun but hard, look into the soul of a good family, this is your chance to view it with an honesty that is built on love and respect - with some unique recipes tossed in for flavor.

Above all, enjoy!

Saint X (2023)

Wozer of an ending ....

[7/10 · 1 March 2024]

The first couple of episodes were .... not great. Nor did they have promise except for Josh Bonzie who played the older Gogo (the younger Gogo was also excellent). He is the only reason I finished watching the series. And was rewarded with a doozie of an ending!

Be aware that the name of "young" Emily is Claire (she decided to go by her middle name when .......) but that wasn't made clear for a few episodes - and it made the watching very confusing. Poor story telling, IMHO. There was a lot of WTF? Going on because of the back and forth story telling, spanning 21 years. The names Claire and Emily being bantered back and forth with only one character.

This is not a great piece of literature, but it's good to watch and study of human nature.

Is it worth the watch? I'd say Yes. Just remember, the first episodes are fodder for that final one. And that's the payday!

The Fastest Woman on Earth (2022)

The Fastest Woman on Earth - AND her Team

[8/10 · 25 February 2024]

Having been a woman in a man's world a thousand years ago (aviation), I know that I couldn't have gone far without the men who surrounded me and taught me so very well, and kept my aircraft in tip top shape (I flew aerobatics).

What Jessi Combs did was amazing - and so was the team that supported and respected and loved her. BTW - she earned all of it - and they knew it.

This documentary was a tribute to people who are extraordinary and want to find a way to go faster (and higher) and help one another - at all costs. For Jessi, it was the cost of family. My flight instructor admonished me to "Stay with your own kind". He was right. I wish I could have told that to Jessi.

The addition of Kitty O'Neil's achievements - and life - was a bonus and the fact that Jessi looked up to her was a lesson for all of us.

The way this documentary was presented (inside the "car") was edgy - and let us hear and feel exactly what was happening - taking us to the edge. Taking us over the line to the record breaking speeds.

Thank you, Jessi Combs AND Thank You to her wonderful Team. We lost you far too soon.

Extraordinary Women (2011– )

Make sure you know how to put on Close Caption

[6/10 · 20 February 2024]

FIrst off, all the segments, except for Amelia Earhart who was a terrible example of a pilot of any gender, were most interesting. And interestingly, only one of them was in the late 20th and 21st Century, darling Dr. Ruth. Otherwise, they were all secure in the world of black and white film.

The first 3 segments are very well done - meaning you can actually hear what's being said by the narrator. In the second half, the music totally overwhelms the narrator and anyone else who's speaking. You need to have Close Captioning on to know what's being said.

Frankly I think that was worth taking off a star.

I wish there would be a second season - with other women, such as Golda Meir and Beryl Markham. And please don't use the sound engineer that did the sound for the second half of this series.

I did learn a lot of new things about the women I knew. And this is a worthwhile series ........ as long as you know how to turn on CC.

Expats (2023–2024)

Fell asleep 5 times in Episode 5, soooo 5 stars

[5/10 · 17 February 2024]

I had high hopes for this series, but it's obvious it isn't going to improve with age. Speaking of age, I am not a teen who is obsessed with speed and action as some reviewers have said people who don't care for this series are. I do like speed and action in its place, but come on.

I also like Nichole Kidman and used to love Jack Huston, but am not so thrilled with either of them in this project. The entire acting team seems to be phoning it in. And I blame the director for trying to make this an art film rather than a gritty one that it is.

Hong Kong comes of beautifully, when it wants to and shows its underbelly when appropriate. That's the good part!

I really did fall asleep 5 times in the latest episode and I had high hopes that that was the final one! It was not, there is one to go. Have no idea if I'll watch it or not. I am not at all married to this series.

All that said, give it a go! The scenery might just catch your eye! After all, it IS Hong Kong!

The Tourist (2022–2024)

Bing until 5 AM if you're not careful

[8/10 · 11 February 2024]

This looked good and once Ólafur Darri Ólafsson entered the scene, I remembered that I'd seen this before. Add in Danielle Macdonald (the trainee constable) and Damon Herriman, you know it's going to be one hell of a good show!

The scenery is, at times spectacular. And others, down and gritty. Kinda like the story itself.

The story is filled with twists and turns as you learn a bit more about who - and what - the tourist really is, so don't take a break without putting it on pause.

I'm glad Netflix put this on "rerun". I've actually run out of things to view and this is refreshing and actually smart. What a change from the usual stuff that's out there now.

Give it a whirl - and you'll be up at 4 AM too if you binge it too late in the day.

History's Greatest Hoaxes (2016)

Nope. Needs to be 1 hour show and ditch The Experts

[2/10 · 6 February 2024]

I thought this would be interesting and it might have been if it were an hour long show instead of six boring episodes where each "expert" gives their opinion and adds facts that are often wrong (the cave men were afraid of the the big bad dinosaurs. She's off her timeline by around 65 million years, but she's the expert?) One of the experts thinks it's his job to add humor, but he isn't funny. And the list goes on and on and on. And each "expert" says the same thing differently, but we have to listen to each one of them on each episode. Did I say that already?? Oops.

This was a waste of time. But it's a good one to have on for background noise if you need to do something else - like vacuum.

Dinner Time Live with David Chang (2024– )

WTF? I'm an uninvited guest.

[3/10 · 27 January 2024]

I am 10 minutes into the first episode and all that's happened is talking about the difference between soup and stew and a lively debate about left overs while The Guests eat and David Chang does stuff around the kitchen - Live.

I now know that you can poach eggs in the microwave, but have no idea how other than you use water and not vinegar. Will check it out on the internet. But a "live" show watching people eat is just strange to me. (Isn't this a fetish some people pay to watch??)

No - I am not going to watch it for another hour to see if it gets better. If a show doesn't catch my attention in the first 10 minutes, I move on to the next one.

To me, this is certainly not as advertised. And as an unwanted guest, I'll make an exit and leave quietly.

If you give it a go, I hope you feel much more welcomed than I did.

The Underdoggs (2024)

Wait for it ............ A ZINGER!

[7/10 · 27 January 2024]

I am a long time fan of Snoop Dogg. This is a fun movie that has a lot of salty language from every section of the cast, so, get used to it and be rewarded with some brilliant one liners that will have you laughing out loud!

It's a sports movie only in that it does show what sportsmanship is about - trying your best to win, but being gracious all the way around - just like I envision Snoop Dogg to be in his real life. (Make sure to watch the credits!)

There are two great dogs in it! Pit bulls who are very well behaved and sweet. They are actually kind of funny too...

Is this a movie for kids? Not really. But it is a fun movie for adults who wish their kids' coaches are a bit more like "Two Js".

And an absolute must for any Snoop Dogg, Omar Epps fan. Also a good part for George Lopez too. It fit him well. All around, the cast was fun to watch and root for - or against! Enjoy!

The Good Father: The Martin MacNeill Story (2021 TV Movie)

Laughably bad, so sad

[3/10 · 21 January 2024]

I'm trying to watch this movie, but it really is SO bad, that I can only take so much of it at a time. And now I'm wondering why am I trying to finish it? And it's because it's based on a true story.

The acting, except for the young actress playing Alexis, is beyond over the top. It's vaudevillian. I've seen these actors in other projects and they are good actors! So I'm going to place the choice on the director.

I think the story, had it been told more coherently and far less dramatically, is sadly fascinating, especially given the makeup of the father. "Good" family man. A doctor, for heavens sake! A dad to a bunch of girls. And he falls in lust with a hussy (just had to used that word!!) with an unforgettable name. And then he does what he feels he needs to do to position Gypsy closer to him.

As luck would have it, despite himself, he and his wife raised an incredible oldest girl and she knew how to take care of things. And away we go!!

I say that last part only from reading other reviews. I haven't gotten that far, nor will I. I can't waste more time on this project. Did want to write a review to give you a chance to hear from yet one more reviewer who says: This is awful. Save yourself!! BUT! If you don't believe us - give it a go. You might be one of the people who actually like it! Then you can write a review saying how wrong we are!

American Murderer (2022)

A fascinating study into a man and a family

[9/10 · 21 January 2024]

My view of this film is that it is, IMHO, one of the best studies into a man and his family that I've seen on film or even in documentaries.

Unfortunately for me, I've known people like this - I think we all have whether we know it or not.

This film has a strong cast (including Jacki Weaver, a favorite actress from Down Under who played their mother) who made it easy to follow the story based on actual accounts. And I forgot about that until the end. Jason's story is complex and maddening. The people left in his wake have stories too.

In this film, it makes Jason one character that I would like to sit down with and talk with but ....

I read all the negative reviews and saw the low IMDb score, but took a chance anyway given the story. I'm glad I did and you might be too.

Savage Salvation (2022)

If you're in a kick a$$ mood, this is for you

[7/10 · 21 January 2024]

First off, I am a die hard Jack Huston fan. Seeing him leave his elegant self behind and become a down and dirty southern man was interesting (in a good way) for a change.

Then there's the obvious, of course, De Niro and Malkovich. I thought they did fine with their southern accents. Am not sure why other reviewers panned them. Given the amount of foreign actors (British and the Scandinavians) who play Americans all the time, let's give our icons a break!

Per usual, let's toss in some Dale Dickey (Ruby's mom) to add southern authenticity to the film. If you don't know her name, you certainly know her face and voice.

So, the film isn't lacking in good actors at all.

Secondly - I am not a great violence person. BUT! That's what this movie is about. And the opening scene is, to me, brilliant!

It does tell a tale. Step by step for us.

I liked it. Would I watch it again? No. Was it a waste of time? No. Would I recommend it to you? I'd say, give it a go. If the beginning scenes draw you in, enjoy! If not, go on to the next film/movie in the line up.

Boy Swallows Universe (2024)

A Surprise to this American who wished she'd read the book first

[9/10 · 13 January 2024]

I needed a new series to warm me up during our literal arctic blast, so an Aussie one seemed a good idea. It was BRILLIANT!

As an American, I am well acquainted with Brian Brown, Anthony LaPaglia, Simon Baker, and the always incomparable Deborah Mailman. The other cast members, while new to me, will be ones that I will be on the look-out for from now on. The young Eli reminded me of a young Heath Ledger and made me smile - a lot - as did his brother Gus. OMG!!

I truly wish I had read the book before seeing the series. As usual, some scenes need a suspension of belief. The things I would have missed in the book are the paintings we were treated to in this. Outstanding! Beyond creative. And something that drew me into the story even more.

This series is "feel good" all the way around, with some violence here and there. Not always deserved, but that's life isn't it?

I hope you enjoy this series half as much as I did!! If you're a reader, I'd recommend you read the book first!!

Thank you, Australia!

The Beautiful Lie (2015)

Beats the book and the 1948 Movie version IMHO

[8/10 · 12 January 2024]

As an avid reader, it has always been a secret shame of mine that I could never finish Tolstoy's 1,000 page book which is the base for this series. (Though singer/"actor" Marlong Williams claims in his IMDB Bio that it is his music which moves the film along. His music is unique and added a lot to the the series, but to compare himself to Tolstoy is a massive leap in the ego arena, IMHO.)

Back to the actual film. I also watched the 1948 movie version of the book (for a book report, I confess), and was BEGGING that particular Anna to throw herself under the train LONG before the end and end MY misery, thus enforcing my skepticism of the book.

I checked out The Beautiful Lie because of Sarah Snook and binged it because of its connection to Tolstoy's classic book and the fact these actors AND the story drew me along with them.

And, finally I get it - I understand it! WOW! Australia got it right! They put together a brilliant series with complex and brutally flawed characters that we all know if we are honest with ourselves. It puts people in situations a lot of us have probably been in once or twice. (You've been at THAT dinner where you finally kept your mouth shut but your eyes were far to wide open and you couldn't believe what was being said!)

You get to watch people grow and morph - and find their truth, no matter how sad or ugly or lovely.

Thank you, Tolstoy! (NO!! I will NO read the book!)

Role Play (2024)

Star studded and not terribly long, with Bill Nighy!!!

[7/10 · 12 January 2024]

I will watch anything with Bill Nighy in it. He can do (almost) no wrong. And he proved himself again in "Role Play". He stepped up and made a great foil for Kaley Cucoco and David Oyelowo to play off of and get the story going.

This is a fun movie with some comedy and a strong family that has a crack in it they aren't quite aware of until it's too late and it turns into an addition to the Grand Canyon.

The music is okay given that I don't recall any of it and have no earworms at all.

A good portion of action, bad shooting and a glass house where you must suspend belief in what it really is made of.

There are some actual surprises in this script.

It's FUN! Watch it if you can use some bubble gum for your brain!

AND it has Bill Nighy!!!! (Love that guy.)

Foe (2023)

Where is the Fi, in this Sci-Fi?

[4/10 · 5 January 2024]

We are 30 minutes in with beautiful cinematography and country, and music telling us how we are supposed to feel which is a very good idea given that we have absolutely NO IDEA what is going on.

Last week we might have finished it, but we slogged our way through too many badly made series to let a movie hold up captive right now. And that's what this movie feels like - to us.

Given its pedigree of the people on this project, we are ..... surprised. Unpleasantly. But having read the majority of reviews, apparently we are, sadly, not alone in wondering what is actually happening with this attractive young couple in the year 2065.

We fast forwarded and didn't see a hint of outer space, but a whole lot of the male leads pecks. Oh, and chickens. Lots of chickens.

So, if like Sci-Fi for the mind and chickens, this is the movie for you!

House of the Dragon (2022– )

Sex and gory battles in brilliant costumes!

[4/10 · 5 January 2024]

That's really all I have to say. Except for we do learn a bit more about dragons and that's always a good thing! And the dragons in this series are magnificent!! (most of the time..)

Matt Smith is about the only saving grace, not his character, but Matt Smith, the actor. And Eve Best. They carry the shows continuity along nicely.

The king had a fairly consistent 5 o'clock shadow that made him look .... tired and seedy. But mostly seedy. He wasn't terribly good GoT genetic material. IMHO.

I agree with a lot of the reviewers who say that none of the characters are worth our effort to care about them. It's hard when really, all we see them do is screw and fight - in all sorts of places. However!!! They are all beautifully costumed (if they aren't stark naked!). Even the art in the queen's rooms is erotic. Someone had a fun time in set decoration!!

I am watching this for costumes only. I do a lot of fast forwarding.

Would I watch it again? No. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't give it a go and see if it's for you. You might enjoy the costumes too!!

Extended Family (2023–2024)

Old and tired jokes in a new show.

[2/10 · 26 December 2023]

I watched about 3 scenes (20 minutes) of Extended Family and they were all totally unoriginal and no one could have made them funny, least of all Jon Cryer. As usual, Cryer acted funny versus being funny, though the material wouldn't have done anyone a favor.

It's like the writers had a contest on who could find the most cliches and tired story lines. Nor do they get all their Celtic facts correct. They forgot an entire country or two that is also Celtic besides the Irish. So, they also missed another group of people to expand their joke and offend. (Not saying that in anger, but out of jealousy!)

I can't watch any more of this. Anything that starts out this bad cannot improve to the point to keep my attention. Nor be worth my time.

Give it a go! You might find something in it I missed.

Great Photo, Lovely Life (2023)

OMG! Can't finish it.

[8/10 · 21 December 2023]

Nope. Can't watch anymore than the 30 minutes I have endured with this complex family who was allowed to endure (thanks to the mothers and a horrible court system at the time) such atrocities by a man who explains that they wanted "it". And that he was instructing them.

As a child, I was protected by a Scottish Tiger of a mother from anyone who thought of causing harm or distress.

Sadly, most women have all met these lowlifes in all phases of our lives. Work, play, and in the home of friends who have forgiven their abusers and then turned them loose on their friends. Men also have their versions of this living, breathing tolerated nightmare.

My inability to watch it to the end is because of the rawness of this project and how personal it is. That said, it obviously re-awoke things in me that created much less than a lovely life.

Kubrick by Kubrick (2020)

Brilliant and satisfying for a Kubrick fan - How can you not be a fan?

[7/10 · 21 December 2023]

To get the main problem out of the way first (and the reason for a fairly low score), there were several interviews done by French film reviewers and astronomers, but it wasn't translated. So unless you are bilingual in French, you'll miss what I have to think were some very interesting comments and views.

This is a documentary literally about Kubrick by Kubrick for the most part. And what a treat it is. It shows interviews and new ones of people who were involved in his projects and their thoughts of what it was like to work with/for Stanley.

Why it took so long to come to light and then they didn't bother to translate about 10% of the comments, I have no idea. Very un-Kubrick!

Project Greenlight (2001–2023)

Took a bit to get over Jason Mann

[6/10 · 21 December 2023]

I watched the train wreck that was and obviously is Jason Mann Season (2??) and was HORRIFIED at this "young" man's ARROGANCE and total lack of empathy toward anyone but HIMSELF. What was even sadder was seeing the hosts (Matt and Ben) bend to his "artistic" whims and, quite frankly, childish tantrums.

I just looked up what he's been doing and, obviously, he took enough rope to hobble himself in the world of film. Somehow, with this invaluable and unique opportunity - he's remained highly unproductive and totally forgettable in his work.

All THAT said! It was fascinating watching "The Process".

And am looking forward to the next season - which will have a female director. Fingers crossed that this one is fun to watch! And gives us someone to CHEER for!

Edit - OMG! Am finishing up Episode 2. The director they chose is very "in her head" with zero sense of urgency, so everything is pulling teeth - I AM BORED. Also, she doesn't seem to have views of her own and needs a lot of hand holding. Yeah. No. Have taken away 2 stars. Will give it one more episode.

Mob Land (2023)

This is a good ol boy, fast talkin', sweet talkin' film

[6/10 · 15 December 2023]

First off, I'm not a John Travolta fan, but watched this just for him - and it was worth it. Other reviewers who say he's old and out of shape, well, aren't we all at some point?

This is a good ensemble film. Nothing great, but an interesting watch and get a lot of down home southern homilies - they are a type of religion in the south.

The problem was, that everyone was a philosopher.

There were some surprising performances, quiet, smooth. My favorite was Timothy V. Murphy - who played Sheriff Ben. Not a big part, but he was a great foil for Travolta.

It's not the best film around, but it has good music and it's worth the watch when there's nothing else that tickles your fancy.

The Great Beauty (2013)

As the lead actor said, " I can't waste any more time doing things I don't want to do."

[3/10 · 13 December 2023]

I watched a bit more than half of this before I decided I'd spent enough time watching people indulging in, well, everything.

The cinematography of Rome itself is brilliant! But Rome is like a beautiful model that can't take a bad photo.

Everything is over the top. Clothes, music, dancing, sex. At one point, I was ready to use a birthday wish to see a McDonald's or Taco Bell or an obnoxious American tourist family. Instead it was all beauty (some very old and incredibly tired) all the time. Beautiful bodies on display - often. Women's bodies.

Half way through I stopped it and saw that there was an hour left. AN HOUR! I couldn't take any more of the beautiful breasts, clothes, music and buildings. So, I stopped watching it.

Now - all THAT said, I am old enough to know the old art theatre favorites, King of Hearts by Philippe de Broca and all of Federico Fellini's works.

The Great Beauty is not those. I have no doubt that there are people who will like it and more power to them!! There is a lot to like in this film. It was just too much for me.