taggart77 Reviews

Booksmart (2019)

If you're not laughing or having fun, I'll buy you an electric blanket and defibrillator for your cold, dead heart.

[9/10 · 18 June 2019]

I loved this movie. I saw it in a packed theater on opening night and people were dying of laughter. There was so much fantastic writing and energy, so many bold performances, and so many moments that reminded me of the wild spirit of youth. I can only think that the bad reviews here are trying to balance out the super positive ones. Because there's no way that many people couldn't find it funny. Aside from the excellent visual storytelling and filmmaking, the soundtrack was also brilliant. Dan the Automater chose a bevy of obscure tracks that enhance the atmosphere and narrative expertly.

Here's how I see the movie: American Graffiti, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Breakfast Club, Dazed and Confused, American Pie (a seniors graduating comedy that everyone saw), Superbad, and Booksmart.

Transsiberian (2008)

First 15 minutes promise great things, but quickly falls off into nothingness.

[4/10 · 24 March 2009]

In the first part of the movie, I was impressed by the director's confidence to sit in a scene to create tension. Look, they're just sitting at that table, but we know something more is happening! However, about 20 minutes in, I realized that's just what the director does - sits on a scene or beat until it bores you, and then moves on. I kept watching, assuming the movie would deliver on the promise created at the start, but that happened too late and too poorly. Not only did the plot devolve into meandering tangents, but I grew to hate the protagonist. Her primary conflict lost credibility, but the director just stuck with it.

A disappointing waste of a good premise.

A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa (2008 TV Movie)

They finally got it right.

[9/10 · 18 December 2008]

The last Muppet Christmas special was abysmal. The one where Kermit sees what the world would have been like without him. Too dark, too freaky. But this, this is sweet. A little too cheesy sometimes, but I'd rather that than too mature. I've loved the Muppets since I was a kid and still watch the 80's specials at the holidays. This one is finally on that level. Lots of characters offering their running gags, great cameos, beautiful sets, and a lovely finish. The songs weren't quite up to par, but I was glad they decided to have musical numbers. That's the heartwarming Muppets I remember! Thank you Henson studios for bringing them back (and including Pepe the Prawn and Bobo in there)!