GreyEyedGrrl Reviews

Annika (2021– )

I Love this show!

[9/10 · 18 October 2023]

I found this show on Prime about 18 months ago. To begin with I'm a sucker for anything Nicola Walker does and had just found out she died in another show. Tried to see if there was anything I missed and up pops *Annika* . Between the 4th wall breaks and the lit reviews, this part allows Ms Walker to be her quirky best. And for a murder show it's also pretty funny.

Yes, I understand that some folks aren't fond of the 4th wall breaks. I think that Annika uses them when her mind is so full of information and connections she just has to let something out to keep the pressure in her brain at a workable level. She's a mess at work, with her colleagues, with her boss, at home, with her daughter, and just general walking through her world stuff. That being said she is outrageously intelligent and so good at her job. She loves hard, but doesn't know how to express it so that others understand her.

I can't say enough good about this show, just asking that it's given a chance.

The Monuments Men (2014)

Surprisingly good

[8/10 · 3 August 2023]

Was looking on YouTube for something to watch and this popped up several times in the past week. Decent cast, why not at least start it? I found myself totally engrossed in this film. The story makes me want to learn more about the real folks and I felt a bit sick when I realized what Neuschwanstein was used for as I had visited there in 1990. I don't understand all the folks who have trashed this film, but I suspect it has more to do with George Clooney's politics rather than his art. Regardless, if he doesn't offend you this is a decent movie with a good historical story. Plus, how flipping talented is Cate Blanchett?

Shetland: Episode #7.5 (2022) Season 7, Episode 5

Such a horrible series for a beloved show

[3/10 · 19 October 2022]

I have loved Shetland since it first came out, however this particular series has ticked me off from the beginning. Once cherished characters have turned insufferable (Jimmy, Tosh) and characters specific to this series have no redeeming qualities (Rachel & Danny Cairns). I've kept up with it only to see if they can make me care enough to find out if there will be another year.

The loss of Jimmy's father was a serious blow to the character during the last season, but the show also lost Jimmy's daughter as well as Duncan which made Jimmy's only focus work. All work & no play and all that. And why after 7 years did the writers decide this is now the perfect time for Jimmy to start dating now that he has nobody else in his life?

Tosh has became significantly unpleasant and I'm not sure if this was a style choice to show how she is pulled in different directions or just lazy writing; I'm voting on lazy writing. You see the same one note characteristics in all members of the Cairns family, Rachel, Danny & the living daughter who didn't leave enough of an impression for me to bother learning her name.

Yes, I probably should have waited until I finished this particular series to write a review, but I believe the fact I didn't is indicative of how much I truly hated this year. This is not to say last year was stellar (it wasn't) but the enjoyment of this show has been going significantly downhill for a couple of years. If by some stretch of the imagination that the ending changes my opinion I will edit this. If it doesn't I will continue to mourn the loss of this show. At least I still have Vera.

The Love Punch (2013)

Pink Panther meets Love Actually

[7/10 · 5 December 2021]

Not the greatest film in the world, but a strong, enjoyable cast with the main quartet. All 4 actors are familiar and which makes this silliness watchable. There aren't many surprises with the plot and the plot does get very silly, but like a Big Mac & fries while it may not be the healthiest thing, sometimes that's just what will work.

Maigret (2016–2017)

Heartbroken that it was cancelled

[10/10 · 3 November 2021]

Thanks to Britbox, I just discovered this fabulous series. I've only been familiar with Rowan Atkinson's comedic roles until his interesting turn in Love Actually. While I'm sad to know there were only 4 episodes of this incarnation of Maigret it is so worth the time. Amazing cast! And the phenomenal Lucy Cohu is such a perfect counterpoint to Atkinson as his wife. I know television in the UK will frequently continue shows after several years hiatus; this one deserves such a chance.

Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)

Mindless Fun

[8/10 · 24 August 2021]

I went into this film with very limited expectations; mainly the killer cast. By the time Paul Giamatti shows up in the diner it was a "oh, he's in it too?!" moment. I am an absolute wimp when it comes to gore in film so when I caught myself smiling at parts and enjoying it I was surprised. No, this isn't Schindler's List, but it doesn't try to be. It's just a fun time.

Underneath the Same Moon (2019)

OhEmGee is this horrible.

[3/10 · 18 April 2021]

I can't blame the film on the main duo; their acting is fair. What is absolutely horrible is the writing! Has this writer ever had a real conversation with a woman because this script makes me doubt it. The male protagonist's sister is such a badly written character she should have been left on the cutting room floor. The woman's acting is not good, but I put the major fault on the writing. I did finish the film because like a bad car crash, you just have to watch. But don't start this film and it will be safer for you.

The Nines (2007)

Very weird, but weird is good.

[8/10 · 6 March 2021]

This is the sort of movie I enjoy to the Nth degree. It's a head-scratcher, but you're picking up clues as it goes along. I knew nothing about this until I saw it on Amazon Prime as a freebie. Jumped over here to watch the trailer, but let's be honest. Ryan Reynolds & Melissa McCarthy? It wasn't a hard sell. By the time I watched the trailer I was already hitting play. I won't give away anything because you really need to experience it knowing as little as possible. Don't be afraid to watch the trailer because that can help you determine if you'll be interested. I know I'll rewatch this within the next month to pick up things I missed. If you like films where you aren't spoon-fed the plot I think you will find this enjoyable.

Virgin River (2019– )

Semi-enjoyable fluff...

[11 December 2019]

I have not read any of the books that are the source material so I had no preconceived idea of characters, story arcs, etc. Was thoroughly enjoying the film even with the predictable path the story was taking. But who doesn't enjoy a bit of fluff? Even the strange spasms Annette O'Toole was making with her face was quirky rather than annoying. HOWEVER (and here there be dragons... or spoilers) after devoting approx 7 hours to this film for the ending to go in such a direction was not only out of the blue, but very disappointing. It made no sense for Mel to suddenly decide to return to L.A. and run away from Jack in the last 2 minutes. Several previous reviews discussed how this story differs wildly from the books and I'm glad; I can't imagine an author splitting up the couple at the last moment after we have invested in them to get together.