srife10 Reviews

Urban Cowboy (1980)

A Movie That Presents the Honky Tonk Era Of The Late 70's/Early 80's

[8/10 · 27 December 2022]

Urban Cowboy was released in 1980 when country music was becoming a pop crossover and these types of bars were popping up in many mainstream American cities. You could find Urban Cowboys and Cowgirls in every major American city after the release of this movie and cowboy boots, hats and Wrangler jeans became extremely popular.

The country music movement in mainstream America was short-lived, but those of us who lived it, loved being part of Gilley's, the mechanical bulls and the two-step and line dancing.

When I watch this movie now and allow myself to revisit those times, I recall how innocent we were and how much fun it was to become a cowgirl, even if it was just for a night.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse (2022)

Swept Away

[8/10 · 26 December 2022]

I was absolutely swept up by this beautifully told story and the innocence of its characters. I was anxiously awaiting the unfolding of the lovely, sensitive animation as it depicts this sweet boy's journey. His animal friends highlight his travels and are his steadfast allies and guardians as he tries to find his way home. I felt as if I were transported back to the wonder and innocence of my childhood as I watched this story unfold.

The animation is so beautiful in the way that it portrays the world and the characters in it. It allows the viewer to take a look back at life and recall a more simple and innocent time. It allows us to view the world through the eyes of a child and just how beautiful and quiet that world can be.

No Man of God (2021)

Profiling In It's Infancy

[8/10 · 21 December 2022]

If you liked Mindhunter, you'll love this movie. This film delves into the relationship between Theodore Bundy and a very young Bill Hagmaier as he was just starting out in the FBI's behavioral science department and as the department was just beginning their work on profiling. This work was in it's infancy, and the bureau was looking for ways to gain more knowledge into criminals, the way they thought and to expand its program.

This movie takes a look at the interpersonal relationship that slowly develops between Agent Bill Hagmaier and Bundy over the course of recorded interviews that took place with Bundy. Hagmaier is trying to build rapport and trust with Bundy, so that he can eventually garner more intelligence for his burgeoning program. He is also hoping, that he can somehow outwit Ted and eventually get him to trust the process to the point where he confesses to the murders of the other young women that the FBI suspects him of killing.

Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me (2014)

Poignant View Of A Brilliant And Funny Artist And Family Man

[10/10 · 19 December 2022]

This beautiful documentary is a must see for any family in the throes of supporting a loved one who is battling their way through the ravaging disease that is Alzheimer's.

I was fortunate enough to view this film when my own father was in the later stages of his battle with this disease. Just like Mr. Campbell, my father was a devoted music professor and loved music. It is the way that he connected with the world around him. I also believe that it was the way that he connected with me, my brother and my younger sister.

This film portrays Alzheimer's in a very real light as well as how the disease affects loved ones that are trying to be the support system for the patient living with this diagnosis.

Glen Campbell was a prolific writer, session player and artist in his own right. This film truly highlights his genius, humor, love of family and humility.

Spirited (2022)

Such A Disappointment

[3/10 · 4 December 2022]

Why do they keep making big budget musicals with big name actors that just can't sing and carry the movie? This is one of my biggest problems with this film besides the wandering, rambling plot line that just never seems to connect and keep the audience caring about what happens to the main characters.

I was so excited to see this film considering the fact that two of my favorite actors would be starting in it. I tried two separate times to watch this film in entirety, but it just kept losing me.

The only redeeming factor in the entire film is the song GOOD AFTERNOON, but Ryan Reynolds' attempt at a British accent even ruins that.

Dazed and Confused (1993)

A Peek Back On High School In The 70's

[8/10 · 26 July 2022]

I admire this film on many levels and for many reasons, but mainly for how the director allows the viewer to glimpse a moment in history and to feel exactly what it felt like to live life as a high school student in the 1970's.

I was one of those kids struggling to find my way through life, and I identify with many of the characters in this film. I love seeing the burgeoning careers of so many of our now famous actors who are making their debut in this film. Th soundtrack is a perfect fit to the storyline a is a great accompaniment to the film.

Dickinson (2019–2021)

Emily Dickinson Renewed

[9/10 · 13 June 2022]

I didn't expect to like this series as much as I did. It is a mix of old and new concepts as the viewer gets to know Emily Dickinson as we have never known her before. The producers allow us to recognize that perhaps many of her poems were written to her best friend and that the two friends were in fact very much in love. This was in fact a very taboo subject at that time and young Emily struggled with her desires and love for her married best friend.

She was such a brilliant writer who was so ahead of her time and we are so lucky to have her written works still with us today.

The First Lady (2022)

Uneven Casting

[6/10 · 12 June 2022]

I have enjoyed this series and the historical background regarding our strong First Ladies over the past decades, however Viola Davis detracts from the otherwise stellar performances of the other stars in this series. I found myself so annoyed and distracted by her facial expressions of her Michelle Obama performance that I would fast forward through her sections of the series so that I could enjoy the wonderful performances by Michelle Pfeiffer and Gillian Anderson.

These women hold their own and deliver such powerful and believable depictions of our First Ladies over the past decades. We owe so much to them.

The Beatles: Get Back (2021)

Talent and Musicianship At Work

[9/10 · 26 November 2021]

The low ratings that are listed for this movie obviously come from viewers who have no musical background. This documentary gives the viewer an inside look at the genius that was the Beatles and their incredible creative process. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how these four men joined their talents and created some of our most loved songs. If you love the creative process and The Beatles, then add this documentary to your watchlist. You will enjoy it.

tick, tick... BOOM! (2021)

A Wonderful Tribute To Larson And Broadway

[10/10 · 23 November 2021]

I was instantly swept away by Andrew Garfield's performance and that of all of the leads in this film. It has been quite some time since I was able to enjoy a film that enveloped my love of music and especially that of broadway's music.

I was especially impressed by Garfield's dedication to this project and his ability to pull off such a demanding role.

The Red Balloon (1956)

A Childhood Masterpiece

[5/10 · 4 February 2019]

I first saw this film as a child of five. I revisited it many times over the years as the Masterpiece that is is. I don't remember if it was subtitled in my childhood in the 60's, but I still gleaned the story of the charming boy and his balloon.

Beautiful Boy (I) (2018)

Beautiful Boy

[8/10 · 5 January 2019]

For me, this film was both difficult to watch but at the same time, a very healing experience. I believe that BEAUTIFUL BOY does a great job of defining what is truly like to be an addict. There are no clean and clear lines when you are trying to beat addiction and families that are trying to help an addict are torn between helping that person and the addict needing to make the decision on their own to get better. When you are in the throes of addiction or ""the disease" you want to stop but feel as if you can't find the power to do so, no matter how many bridges you have burned, people you have hurt or mistakes you have made.

I watched the film unfold and as I did, I saw myself in the main character so many times. I felt his pain and conflict and I also felt the pain and betrayal in his father and mother as they tried numerous times to help and support their beloved son.

I am grateful for films like this that truly shed light on the addiction crisis and those who are seeking help.

Mrs. Santa Claus (1996 TV Movie)

Breath Of Fresh Air In The World Of Christmas Movies

[8/10 · 1 December 2018]

I remember watching this movie when it first aired on television and being swept away by the story and the music. In a world where so many lame, poorly executed holiday movies are made every year, this movie is a joy to watch. First of all it stars Angela Lansbury who is box office gold. The score is highlighted with delightful and memorable songs throughout. I love that it takes place in the early 1900's featuring a Mrs. Clause who is liberated before her time and therefore features a strong leading lady. Yes it is a musical, but the music helps to carry the story along and never seems to slow down the storyline.

This is one holiday movie that will become one of your favorite holiday classics.