CarmaChan Reviews

The Bear (2022– )

Not a comedy, but worth watching

[7/10 · 29 February 2024]

Okay, first of all, I have to get this off my chest - because this series keeps getting nominated as a comedy, and it is not funny. It's a drama. It's manic, frenetic, insane, and dark. Once in a while someone does or says something that is a little amusing. But this is not a comedy. It's not even a dark comedy. It's a drama. So please stop putting it in the wrong category. WTF?

The first episode is so noisy and nuts, I found it unbearable, and I gave up on the series. I didn't even get through the first episode. People yelling constantly. I grew up in a restaurant family. Never like that. Yeah, it got busy and it got hectic, but there was no yelling or cussing in the kitchen. I've worked in the restaurant business. Who are these people? Whatever.

It's fiction. The family story is what pulls you in. And what got me to tolerate the insanity long enough to care about the characters was the fact that it won so many awards. I decided to give it another try.

I willl warn readers that the Christmas episode in season 2 is really difficult to watch. I almost gave up on the series again, but pushed through and got to the end of season 2 and I'm glad I did.

So that is what I have been wanting to say - it's not a comedy, it's not funny, it's noisy and crazy and manic, but if you hang in there, the story is worthwhile. It should nominated for drama. If The Bear is a comedy, then This Is Us is a comedy and so is every other drama.

Harry & Meghan (2022)

Appropriate. Candid. The right thing to do.

[9/10 · 16 December 2022]

I am very glad that I watched all six episodes with an open heart and mind, curious about what happened, from their perspective, and how they managed to geth through it. I don't follow tabloids at all, they're disgusting trash, and I have learned how to stop trolls and bullies from touching my headspace -- simply avoid so-called "social" media. It's all click bait.

I find Harry and Meghan utterly believable and courageous, and totally appropriate. Their willingness to share their experience and perspective with the world is a contribution to the evolving conversations and efforts to de-stigmatize mental health.

It warms my heart to see Diana's son so happy in love and so obviously cherished by Meghan. Diana would be beaming with pride about them. I wish them all the best.

Dexter: New Blood (2021–2022)

Harrison

[9/10 · 13 December 2021]

I'm gutted at what Harrison is going through and has gone through. At first, I was disappointed that the actor playing Harrison was not one of the twins who played him before, but having watched 6 episodes now with Jack Alcott's portrayal of Harrison, I understand what they saw in this young actor. This Harrison is a very complex character and Alcott is bringing him to life so much so that I am rooting for Harrison above Dexter--and I love Dexter!

As always, Dexter is pretty much emotionally unavailable, and that drives me crazy, because I feel empathy for the people who are trying to love him and bond with him. At the same time, he's trying to protect his troubled teen from himself and from himself--Harrison needs more than Dexter can give, but they're trying, and we're hoping for them that they'll get it together in their own special way.

I love Debra's presence! She makes me laugh, as she represents Dexter's memories of her as well has his projected fears and self-loathing. Dexter Morgan is an extremely complicated character, and the writers, director, and Michael C. Hall have perfectly brought him back.

Angela's last line in Episode 6 is genius!

Midsommar (2019)

I feel cheated

[6/10 · 24 July 2019]

We saw this in theater last night. It is rare for me to give a movie such a low rating, and I'll be clear about why I can't rate this higher than 6 out of 10 stars.

Plot. This movie has a gaping hole in the plot about 15 minutes into the story and the writer failed to address it. You can't ask audiences to get over such a chasm of disbelief. My husband is pretty generous as a movie lover and he couldn't get over it. So the rest of the movie you're still asking, "Why are they still there?" It's implausible.

That said, there is a lot going for the movie... strong performances... cinematography... interesting setting... unusual.

Unlike "Get Out" which I had to watch twice more in a week because it was so much fun, I will never watch this movie again. But it is worth seeing once, though some scenes are grotesque and cannot be unseen (I blocked my view, knowing what was coming).

It's really messed up. It's weird. And it has the weirdest porn scene I've ever seen, and I've seen some weird stuff - but this exceeds all weirdness. And that was a very funny part, the entire audience in the theater was laughing.

The protagonist is a very strong character and carries this film - fantastic job by Florence Pugh!

I believe all the writer had to do to close that gaping hole in the plot was to make it more of a trap. Otherwise, we're sitting there stuck on "Why are they still there?" Made no sense.

The Vanishing (II) (2018)

Haunting, flawless storytelling

[10/10 · 25 June 2019]

We watched this yesterday on Amazon and this morning, I find myself searching for clues of the real events. I won't spoil this experience for any of you. It is unfathomable to me that this movie has an average rating below 7 stars (as of this writing) - what fault has anyone found?

The film is well made. I'm not a technician, but as a movie lover, I found nothing less than perfection in the visuals, sound, and all aspects of production.

The performances are also flawless and riveting.

The story itself, and the way it is unfolded here, just chills to the bone, and I cannot stop thinking about it. So consider it highly recommended by this movie lover. There is nothing disappointing here, it's a must-see, and I'm sure I will watch it again!

Chernobyl: Please Remain Calm (2019) Season 1, Episode 2

Utterly Chilling

[10/10 · 27 May 2019]

You think you know a thing. You think you understand enough of what happened. This telling of events will send shivers up your spine. It is utterly horrifying, what happened, why it happened, how lax people can get, how easily this can happen again, how close we - the Earth, the whole human family and all life - how close we came to an ending. Bravo to the creators of this mini-series for an important job well done.

Star Trek: Discovery (2017–2024)

Took a while, but won me over

[9/10 · 11 May 2019]

The first few episodes were really hard for me to watch. Too many Klingons and long, slow scenes of Klingon dialogue. I gave up for a while, and months later I tried again and hung in there, first because I had run out of favorites to watch, and then because I like the character of Michael Burnham portrayed by Sonequa Martin-Green.

*** Spoilers ***

Once the initial foundation of a war with Klingons was established, they were able to move into more characters and plot twists that hooked me. For starters, Michael in prison. What a fascinating, dark, edgy twist for a Star Trek semi-vulcan officer who was on track to become a captain! Branded as a traitor for mutiny and blamed for starting the war with Klingons, she is plunged into a strikingly unique role in the saga.

Then there is the ship's distinctiveness. The show is named "Discovery" not because that is the mission, but because that is the name of a very special experimental ship that did not belong to Star Fleet. It was an elaborate R&D vessel with an experimental new propulsion system, until Star Fleet confiscated it for military purposes. The Discovery's crew resents that. The new captain from "Fleet" is nothing like any we've seen before. He is rude and uncomfortably borderline unethical. He does not have the same values we are accustomed to seeing Star Fleet officers have - except in the occasional episode where an Enterprise crew encounters a rogue or alien-influenced captain. He recruits the traitor and exploits her situation and her unique skills.

Since the show is only available via the CBS All Access streaming outlet, they have decided they can drop an F bomb now and then. The first time I heard that it was a shock. I'm not shocked by F bombs, but this is Star Trek! I'm not sure I like them messing with Gene Roddenberry's vibe, but I will give them a pass as long as they don't go berserk with their newfound freedom to drop an occasional naughty words. Don't turn into Veep! I love Veep, don't misunderstand me, but this is Star Trek! Respect the creator's vision.

I absolutely adore the spore drive! That entire concept, with the tardigrade and fungi in the universe and zapping into or through other dimensions - APPLAUSE!!! CHEERS!!! WHISTLES!!! Really cool, exciting, imaginative, innovative ideas! Now, don't tell me somebody else already thought of that, I don't care if it was suggested or written elsewhere, I love what this show did with the idea.

I love that Michael Burnham has extraordinary empathy.

I love that some of the characters are uncomfortably dark because they come from an alternate universe.

I especially love the diversity seen in this cast and in the characters they bring to life so exquisitely.

The show totally hooked me by the end of Season 2 such that I feel great anticipation about Season 3 and confident these writers, actors, and artists of every kind it takes to create a great Star Trek series will deliver years of satisfying relationships, twists and plausible surprises.

Did I forget to mention Spock? No, I would never forget my favorite Vulcan. What a pure delight this version is! I was a little hesitant to like this "Spock has a sister" bit - but now I see, now I see why and how we have never heard Spock speak of Michael Burnham.

I could go into more details about what I love about each character, particular episodes, and the arches, but I have said enough to let the producers and investors know this is a fantastic success and to deliver a big thank you and well done to the cast and crew!

Period. End of Sentence. (2018)

Only wish it told more of the story

[9/10 · 31 March 2019]

This short documentary is so enlightening and such an important, wonderful way to reveal the struggles of women in poverty and in cultures where this subject is still so taboo they can't talk about it, that I really wish this was a full-length documentary. There is so much more to the story than this well done short reveals. Very well done! I am so glad it was honored with an Oscar, I would not have known about it, were it not for the Oscar ceremony, which I always watch, and then watch the nominees and winners that I haven't heard about before the show. Thank you!

The Vietnam War (2017)

Enlightening, Riveting, and Deeply Revealing

[10/10 · 19 December 2018]

When I first saw that Ken Burns had taken on the Vietnam War as a topic, two things happened. First, I felt eager to see it, and then I dreaded it. I knew I could trust Burns with this sensitive topic; and I knew he would leave no stone unturned. He creates, for my taste, the best documentary possible of every topic he engages.

Then a third thing happened: I learned things I had never heard before. I am sixty years of age, I've been having conversations, reading news, listening to radio, watching television, for decades in America, and there are certain facts revealed in this series that shocked me. I thought I knew everything I needed to know about the Vietnam War. I was wrong.

Wow.

The Staircase (2004–2018)

And Justice for None

[8/10 · 8 October 2018]

I write this with the children and grandchildren in mind. I want you to know that what I find most appalling in this documentary is the perjury and conspiracy of justice officials whose sworn duty is to objectively collect and faithfully document and report evidence--not to falsify and withhold facts to bolster one side's theory of what happened.

This is one of many times that the justice system has been rigged by false reporting or withheld facts. There was news years ago of another crime lab in Texas, where many cases were overturned because of fabrication and tampering of evidence and outright perjury on the witness stand. This case was only one that was impacted by the lies of SBI Agent Duane Deaver. It completely undermines society when this type of corruption and conspiracy occurs. I have completely lost faith in the justice system.

Furthermore, if I had been on that jury there is no way that I would have convicted. Deaver's experiments were absurd--I would have seen that, and I would have believed the experts of the defense--their theory of how Kathleen could have slipped on the third step, hit the back of her head on the molding, slid down, slumped over, tried to get up and slipped on the blood and fell back again, coughed up blood--that was completely more believable to me than the idea that someone stood in that staircase beating someone and did not get a single spray of blood on their shirt or the ceiling.

The entire situation is so very, very sad and tragic. I don't believe for one second that anything nefarious happened to Elizabeth Ratliff in Germany. She had a stroke and fell.

I find it very sad and telling that the sisters of Kathleen were supportive until they learned that this man had private fantasies that of course nobody knew he had--that doesn't make someone evil or suddenly they're completely somebody else.

The judge was wrong to allow the State to prejudice the jury. The State should have been limited to present the facts of this incident on its own forensic evidence.

In addition to the perjury of the SBI agent and the obvious bias and inflammatory comments of the medical examiner, Deborah Radisch, who also seemed to be playing judge, jury and executioner, the police knew about the supposed mysteriously missing murder weapon and hid that fact too. It's all so corrupt and hideously wrong, it only leaves me disgusted with the so-called justice system, and feeling tremendous sympathy for the family members who have been torn apart and put through hell.

Duane Deaver should go to prison. That would be justice!

Instead, we have justice for none. The system failed because not one single honest person came forward in time to stop this hell from being perpetrated on this family. It is deeply disturbing!

A Star Is Born (2018)

Flawless and Extraordinary

[10/10 · 5 October 2018]

There are few films that have caused my anticipation level to reach the point of buying advance tickets and counting down the days to the premier. As soon as I saw the first trailer for this fourth, flawless and extraordinary version of a story that never gets old, I began watching everything I could... interviews, red carpet appearances, Lady Gaga music videos, and of course, I had to watch the Barbra Streisand movie again!

We saw this film last night, on it's opening night in California, and it did not disappoint one bit! I do believe Lady Gaga will earn an Oscar for her performance--she deserves it! And Bradley Cooper deserves an Oscar for directing and acting as well. I absolutely love everything about the artistic choices in this movie! From the moment Ally first went on stage with Jack, I decided I had to see this movie again on the big screen.

I also pre-ordered the soundtrack and was happy to have it available to play this morning. All day I have been thinking about this movie. I am so glad it was made, glad Lady Gaga was chosen, and utterly impressed with the entire cast, writing, production, and above all, the music!

Being John Malkovich (1999)

Unforgettable and it set the bar high for dark comedy

[9/10 · 7 March 2018]

I have seen this movie multiple times. I thought I had already reviewed it, but as I looked back over my reviews on IMDb, realized, I had been silent on my favorite dark comedy. A failure I must amend immediately.

What made me think of this movie today is Catherine Keener in Get Out, the 2017 gem created by Jordan Peele, which I had to praise after watching it last night on HBO. I think it was a really smart choice for Peele to cast her. I will never forget her, since seeing her in Being John Malkovich.

What I love about this movie is, well, everything--no, let me take away 1 star and give it 9, because as I recall, the ending did get a little too drawn out and overstayed its welcome. The ending did remind me of a lesson learned at UCLA Screenwriting taught by Professor Richard Walter, about beginnings and endings and when to exit the scene, and examples of sometimes when directors can't get off the stage. But it wasn't too bad, the ending, it didn't spoil the whole movie, it just went on beyond what felt like a good ending.

As for the 9 stars I give it--everything, from the moment the story begins, drew me into this deliciously weird world, and it was as funny as it was mesmerizing!

Every time I mention this movie to someone, I feel the urge to watch it again. And every time I have watched it again, I fall in love with its weirdness and humor all over again. So it should definitely be on the watch list of anyone who has not seen it, who likes dark comedy. I can't think of a better dark comedy than Being John Malkovich!

Get Out (I) (2017)

The Right Amount of Bizarre

[9/10 · 7 March 2018]

I am not going to spoil the fun for anyone who has yet to engage in this cinematic treat! The first I heard of it was during the Oscars show on March 4th--Jordan Peele wrote, directed & produced an Oscar-nominated movie? Where have I been, in a cave? Well, sort of, yes...I don't hang out much on social media, and I've been watching commercial-free on-demand shows for quite some time. And since the wildfires destroyed my home in northern California in the wee hours of October 9th, I haven't been in the movie market!

I had to see this. And now I have to see it again, even though I watched it last night--it's that fun--it's that strange--it's that good! It's the right amount of bizarre. I mean, seriously--these actors who are playing these characters are so perfect, I really want Jordan Peele to hear this virtual applause!!! The casting is great, and the direction made it perfect. I really had no idea what this plot was about. I had not seen a trailer or anything. All I knew is that Jordan Peele, a favorite comedian since Key & Peele have been busting my gut for years, was nominated for a movie that he wrote, directed, and produced. Must see. And wow, it did not disappoint me at all.

The tension built ever so slightly and carefully. The characters showed just the right amount of bizarre--I wasn't sure--is there something wrong with that person? Is there? That was a little odd, okay...that was...I'm not sure.

I loved the reference to "Eyes Wide Shut"--hilarious!

I was feeling Twilight Zoned. It was like Stepford Wives meshed with The Help. It's so much FUN!!!

I rarely give a movie all 10 stars because most movies do have room for improvement. I gave this movie 9 stars because it is that close to perfection as an artistic expression of oh so much more than its surface--this movie runs very deep in my humble opinion--it made me think very deeply, it is provocative in an enjoyable way, it is metaphorical and philosophical without being preachy or evangelical. Really well done, Mr. Peele! And kudos to the entire cast and crew! Thanks for this gem!

Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

The most intriguing threesome in cinematic history

[10/10 · 7 October 2017]

It's Saturday morning. Blade Runner 2049 officially released last night, the reviews are in, my husband tells me a headline written by someone who is clearly disappointed--in the money that came in? I can't imagine being disappointed in the movie!

I can imagine a slow build at the box office for this epic scifi sequel, because young people with whom I've spoken were utterly unfamiliar with the fact that Blade Runner is one of the top 3 scifi films of all time.

Scifi doesn't get better than Blade Runner and 2049.

I told two colleagues yesterday that I'd seen the movie on Thursday night and restrained myself from hyping it too much...I hate to hype it up and ruin it for others. I hate spoilers. I hate reading reviews before I see a movie, and more often than not I hate reading reviews after I've seen a movie because it taints my experience. I write reviews when I feel strongly about applauding the work of a great crew and cast, or explaining where it lost me for the artisans of future movies and series.

Let me just say that not only does BR2049 feature the most intriguing threesome ever filmed--which is saying something--it also moves and twists in mysterious ways, in plausible ways, in deliciously gritty and dirty and sensual ways. This is film noir at is utmost best.

I love that it starts out with minimalism and slowly builds with perfect foreplay and a climactic ending that I will not forget.

I love that Ryan Gosling is the star, the protagonist, the leading man, the blade runner of 2049, and I love that I had to wait to see our beloved Mr. Ford until exactly the right moment in the telling of a complex, rich & believable plot.

I love/hate this world. I adore the cinematography, the characters, the way they're portrayed. I rated this movie 10 stars because I find no fault with it. It is a magnificent work of art, it is a great movie, it is everything we want a movie to be. And it is rare that an almost 3-hour movie doesn't feel like one.

At no point while watching did I feel restless, bored, irritated, impatience, or "that's ridiculous". Solid plot. Outstanding performances. Excellent dialogue. Perfect audio, visual, special fx, makeup, wardrobe, music... it's all so smoothly blended, one doesn't notice it while watching, one is simply, blissfully engaged.

Episodes (2011–2017)

My absolute favorite comedy show on TV!

[9/10 · 24 September 2017]

I fell in love with this show in the first ten minutes and have loved every episode since! My only complaint is that the seasons are so short and too far apart--it's agony waiting for it to come back! But when it does finally come back, it never disappoints!

The mixture of these two comedic genius writers from Britain and Matt LeBlanc, with all the nuances--I do not want to spoil the joy for anyone, I only want to go on record as saying this is one of the funniest comedy shows ever and it is a must-see!

I just love what they're doing in the current season--coming back strongly hilarious!!! THANK YOU.

It (I) (2017)

Laughed Out Loud

[7/10 · 24 September 2017]

I'll admit I am the worst kind of friend you want to watch a horror movie with because they don't scare me at all, they are all so ridiculous! Going to see "IT" was not my idea, I tagged along with a group that wanted to see it. I really tried to suppress my giggles, but I just couldn't help it.

First of all, let me tell you the only horror movie that scared me as an adult was THE SHINING. Not because of any of the ooky-booky stuff like redrum or blood floods, but because crazy drunk people are scary! Crazy drunks are real monsters and you never know when they're going to get too drunk and too crazy--it happens suddenly, and what are you going to do--leave your sleeping child with them? Run out into the freezing night half naked?

Clowns are a joke. I can understand why a little kid might be afraid of some clowns, but come on--teenagers--are you seriously afraid of clowns?

This particular plot is so full of holes it was too funny. First it's a ship going down a sewer drain. Then there's red balloons. And we all float down here. And then the spooky house. Blood coming out of a sink. None of it tied together. It's a hodgepodge of imagery and nonsense. It's like seeing a little kid's imagination for over two hours. I just had to laugh.

Cinematically it was well done. The actors were all good. As usual with a teen story, they had to exploit the little girl. They had to oggle her training bra. Of course all the pervs needed to see that scene for just a few more seconds.

The clown himself--Pennywise the Dancing Clown that never danced--was iconic and the makeup was a great choice.

The movie was well done, and I don't blame the genre, so I give it 7 stars because it's pretty good, but come on...this is NOT a "Great" movie!

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016)

Benghazi Simplified

[7/10 · 19 April 2017]

I am giving this movie only 7 out of 10 stars because I think the producers and writers did not go far enough to clarify why more help did not come. It is nice to see the humanity and heroism of some of the people who were there when the ambassador was attacked. It was informative to see how it unfolded according to those who were on the ground, assuming the storytellers were true to their accounts and their accounts were objective. To be objective means you have to recognize that you don't know what you don't know and you might be wrong about what you think you know.

So it was an interesting movie to watch, a sad story, a mess, maybe a stupid mess, but every person who was there had a choice whether or not to be there. Personally, I don't understand why any sane person goes to the Middle East. If you choose to put yourself in the middle of that mess, don't expect me to sympathize or cheer when you survive their tribal egomania.

The Middle East is a lost cause, that's what this film confirms. It reminds us that outsiders don't belong there. It shows us why it was a mistake to get involved in their tribal conflicts. We have better things to do - there are many places in this world where the majority of the people and the governments want our help and we do not give them our help - that is the question. Why wasn't there better security for this small group of Americans who shouldn't have gone there in the first place? That's someone else's question, not mine. My question is why are we in the Middle East at all? Why aren't we "helping" Africa and/or South America? Why aren't we helping the governments and people who have real problems and who want our help to become more civilized? Why is that conflict - in that region between those tribes who have hated each other for thousands of years - why is that conflict worthy of the sacrifice of our sons and their children?

Yes, the people who were there and were faced with aggression and certain death were remarkable in their struggle to survive. It's a bit like cheering for someone who survives diving into a snake pit.

Don't dive into snake pits.

Shameless (2011–2021)

Some train wrecks are unwatchable

[5/10 · 19 April 2017]

I can usually see beyond the spiritual gore of these types of shows enough to appreciate the performance art, even in a horror story like Shameless, unfortunately, this series lost me as a viewer a long time ago. The characters are simply too repugnant. I tried repeatedly to find some entertainment value, but it was not worth the effort. Every episode took another little piece of my heart and did not give anything back. I am starting to lose respect for Showtime. I don't know why - I mean, it's all there in the title, isn't it? Shameless. A show about people who have no shame.

In Aristotle's textbook about the performing arts (Greek theater, what worked, what didn't), he talked about characters who were too repugnant. Showtime seems to be toying with that line to see how far they can push the boundary, but there is such a thing as becoming boring - like watching a cat play with a dead mouse, eventually you take the dead mouse away and throw it in the garbage where it belongs.

Showtime has done a lot of these repugnant type shows - but some of them they are doing with genius, like Ray Donovan and The Affair, which are poignant and have some real soul and depth and range.

A better title for Shameless would be Senseless!

Billions (2016–2023)

I really hate these types

[8/10 · 19 April 2017]

I love the actors, but I hate the types of people portrayed in this series. It is almost too repugnant. I must admit the casting and performances are excellent, as is the production quality and writing. Nonetheless, watching the show leaves me feeling nauseated, disgusted, and depressed because deep inside I know that although this is fiction, this is probably more true than any of us want to imagine.

I think this is why the 99% hate the 1% - because we know the only way to get there is corruption. And they are not merely corrupt themselves, they are corrupting others along the way. Corrupting and destroying all the possible good in the world. What's worse, they make grand charitable gestures to mask the greed and avarice.

I am so sick of their truffles and fetishes. The only reason I rated the series 8 is because of the quality of production and performances. I think the writers can do more to make the series less depressing. These people have no redeeming traits at all. They're all jerks with no souls. That's too one-dimensional for me, but because I love Damian Lewis and the new character Taylor is interesting, and because I still have a tiny thread of hope in me that someone is going to do something redeeming - I just can't believe every single person is going to stay on their corrupt trajectory - surely one of them will say "this is all wrong and I am not going to let you get away with it!" I guess deep down I still have hope in humanity, though this show gives me little reason to think anyone cares about anything more than their ego.

Bates Motel (2013–2017)

Poignant, deeply affecting and darkly humorous

[10/10 · 12 April 2017]

I have been watching this series from the start and it has never let me down. It is one of those rare shows I look forward to with great anticipation, and already feel sad that we are in the final season. What started out as an interesting backstory to Norman Bates and his corpse of a mother as we know them from the classic Alfred Hitchcock movie, Psycho, has become an outstanding invention of a very plausible tragedy that pulls at the heart strings while it repulses, surprises, and sometimes amuses us. As other reviewers have stated, it is riveting!

This is an artistic rendering of a topic that is socially relevant, as society strives to de-stigmatize the 10% of the human family who struggle with mental health issues. I have personally known two people who had been diagnosed with Multiple Personality Disorder, who shared their stories with me, and taught me about the difficult and delicate process of integrating the personalities and becoming more functional (no or less blackouts). Neither of the people I knew had homicidal urges, as Norman Bates does, but the blackouts and alter egos were very frightening and disruptive to them. I have also grown up with an older brother who became schizophrenic at age 19, so I have first hand insight into that struggle for sanity and survival. My brother was also never violent or dangerous to others, though he attempted suicide more than once and finally ended his life in 1983.

Having had these experiences seems to give me a special sympathy toward Norman as a character. Freddie Highmore has been an outstanding actor since childhood. Most people probably recognize him from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005). My favorite early film with Freddie is Finding Neverland (2004).

I cannot say enough good things about this series. Everyone involved in the production of this unforgettable backstory which has given Norman Bates and his mother more depth than I expected! And to do it with touches of comedy at the same time has made it all the richer.

Bates Motel is a must-see for every fan of Psycho, and for the younger generations who didn't grow up with that classic horror movie, I recommend watching that first. This series has made me want to go back and watch it again.

The Good Wife (2009–2016)

The Good, the Bad, and the Noisy

[7/10 · 14 December 2016]

I recently started "binge-watching" this series, so my views are different from viewers who have watched the show on a weekly basis, and I am going to do all I can to avoid spoilers.

While this show has a great cast of actors and a slew of interesting characters, there are too many episodes that rely on noise as drama. Too often, I find myself irritated by the frequency of manic lawyers shouting over each other in a court or conference room. The writers should stop relying on this device as a method of creating dramatic tension. More often than not, it merely annoys viewers and makes us reach for the remote.

The loss of a significant relationship gave the writers an opportunity to grow the main character in imaginative, innovative, fresh ways. Instead, they shoved her into politics against her will. I am quickly losing all compassion for the protagonist. I also find myself caring less about other characters as the story sprawls into implausible reaches.

Depending on what happens in Season 6, I may or may not care enough to watch new episodes when I catch up to the current season. I hope they steer away from campaigning. Maybe this is 2016 election year nausea talking.

American Horror Story (2011– )

Clever and endlessly twisted!

[10/10 · 12 November 2016]

I have to say I am loving this Roanoke Nightmare! It's so much fun watching the story about the story, then the reality show about the reality show - it's so deliciously convoluted! It is great to see all the familiar faces playing different roles! Can't wait to see the next episode!

Horror has never been my thing, the only reason I tuned into AHS was Lady Gaga, and then I began to see why the show had won Emmy Awards, a decided to watch Seasons 1-4. And now this, those hillbillies crack me up! The backstory is plausible. The blood moon theme is fun. The cast and crew have really outdone themselves!

Lucifer: Everything's Coming Up Lucifer (2016) Season 2, Episode 1

Biblically Correct, mostly:)

[8/10 · 1 November 2016]

As a teen, I had to study the Christian Bible (King James Version) every single night. We went chapter by chapter, as a group, from Genesis to Revelations and then started over. So there isn't much I don't know about what is in there and what isn't, and this series, Lucifer, shows that the writers have done their homework!

They are taking poetic license to flesh it out in this storyline of the devil taking a vacation on Earth, and it's a lot of fun if you aren't superstitious about it! I am sure the title alone is terrifying for some! But for me, well, I have always felt sympathy for the fallen angels because, according to biblical scholars, there is no redemption for them. It just doesn't seem fair. Why are humans eligible for salvation up to their last minute of death--all they have to do is cry out to Jesus for mercy, right? Not so for Lucifer and the fallen ones.

And besides the eternal punishment, why is there no mention at all in the Bible of the heavenly mother? Is God a hermaphrodite?

Anyway, I am really laughing my guts out at this series because this concept of Lucifer in modern times is truly hilarious and very well done! But I'll warn you, there is a whole lot of shaking' going on, so brace yourself for a little guilty pleasure!

Equals (2015)

This movie is EXCELLENT!

[9/10 · 30 October 2016]

This movie is EXCELLENT! The only reason I am giving it 9 instead of 10 stars is that the volume of the dialogue is often so soft, captions are necessary. However, they did everything else right! First of all, the writing is solid. The characters, plot, dialogue - it's all there, done the way movies are supposed to be.

The casting is excellent. Every actor gave a completely believable performance.

The directing is excellent. There is a lot of dramatic tension conveyed through nuance. I love that it is not over-the-top drama. It is exactly as it should be for a movie about a society that hates emotion.

At first, I was a little disturbed by the blandness of the setting, but that too is perfectly in line with the plot.

So I highly recommend this movie. Its subtlety is perfection for such a deep subject and disturbing concept. This is a universal concept, for misfits who learn young to hide what they really think and feel in order to avoid being ostracized, but here the impact is much worse than merely being outcast.

I do not know or care why others did not like it (it had only 6-star average rating when I wrote this, and Rotten Tomatoes was at 31%) - I have no idea why it received such low ratings. This is a very striking movie that will tug at your heart strings! Cheers!!!

11.22.63 (2016)

Not usually a fan of time travel stories, but...

[8/10 · 27 July 2016]

This is a Hulu Original and it is obvious that the Hulu team invested a worthy amount of time and money, teaming up with J.J. Abrams, and this show lives up to his reputation in the art of visual storytelling. I am not usually a fan of time travel stories (except for Bill and Ted's), but my better half persuaded me to give this one a try and it helped that James Franco played the lead. Everything about this series is done right and it is a spectacular 1960-63 period piece.

*** Spoilers ***

The ending, the plot itself, is where I felt disappointed because I have seen the "Dark Legacy" documentary which presents overwhelming evidence about suppressed facts related to the murder of JFK. Knowing these facts made it impossible for me to appreciate a story that points to Oswald as a lone fanatic. Once 11.22.63 went there, I was disappointed, but I cut Stephen King some slack because he wrote the novel in 2011, and because it has been very unpopular to theorize that the CIA was behind the murder of a president. So for me, the plot was dull once it focused on Oswald as the culprit. Furthermore, the last episode completely lost me when it showed the world worse off as a result of preventing the assassination -- that makes me angry at Stephen King for suggesting that the world could possibly have a better result when a world class peacemaker is murdered. Ugh.

Nevertheless, set aside the disgust with King's ideas about Oswald and JFK, and you can enjoy what is a very good series that the crew and cast should be very proud of. Very well done!