rayca7 Reviews

Disenchantment (2018–2023)

The Princess and the pee

[10/10 · 1 September 2018]

Bean is a hard-drinking, profane princess in Dreamland, ruled by her dysfunctional father who seeks the elixir of immortality. Her closest buds are a demon masquerading as a cat, and an elf, Elfo, who didn't quite fit in in Elfland. The three of them get up to the wildest adventures, always getting them in hot water, which they miraculously manage to survive. I've been binge watching this new series, and it's as addictive as the strongest hallucinogenic. So, if you're pressed for time, you might want to give it a pass, because, once you start watching, you'll be hooked.

Kim's Convenience (2016–2021)

An intercultural tour de force

[8/10 · 1 September 2018]

I have to start my review by stating that my wife, a Korean-American, doesn't really understand this show. Like many people who grew up in a different culture and moved as adults, she fails to see that it captures some of her actions, habits, and attributes perfectly. I lived in Korea for six years, have been married to a Korean for over 40 years, and have had extensive contact with expatriate Korean communities, so when I say this gets them pretty accurately, while at the same time being really funny--without being too insensitive--I think I know what I'm talking about. I particular identify with the travails of the children of the family, who are more Canadian than Korean, as evidenced by their terrible Korean pronunciation and frustration with many of their parents' ideas. I watched my two youngest go through much the same with their mother, and looking back on it, realize it was pretty funny. Some of the humor will probably be lost on an American audience, especially older Asian-Americans, but if you watch enough episodes, things become clear. Another outstanding offering from our friends in Canada, who seem to be dominating the TV landscape these days.

Midsomer Murders (1997– )

With change in producer, Midsomer Murders became a killer hit

[9/10 · 16 January 2018]

I began watching Midsomer Murders on a local NPR station (WETA-UK), when some of the older episodes were airing. Then, thanks to my son, I started watching it on Netflix. At first, it was just an interesting British mystery set in a rural area, but when I read some of the comments by original producer, Brian True-May as to why there were no characters of color in the series, I was a bit turned off, despite the fact that the stories were otherwise pretty well done. Then, True-May, as people of his ilk are prone to do, went a verbal step too far and was removed from the series. With the change, more characters of color began to appear, often in key roles, with no change in the essential direction of the show-and, in my opinion, the series is much the better for it. When John Nettles, the first DCI Barnaby, left the show, and was replaced by his cousin, played by Neil Dudgeon, I thought the series would lag, but was happily proved to be wrong. The new DCI Barnaby is as interesting in his own unique way, and Midsomer continues to be a part of England that, though I might like to visit, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want to live--or die--there. If you like British mystery and cop shows, you can't go wrong with this one.

George of the Jungle 2 (2003 Video)

A sequel that should have never been made

[2/10 · 8 January 2018]

The first 'George of the Jungle was really funny. Sequels always have an uphill battle, but this one starts at such a low level, it never reaches the base of the hill. The lame attempts at bathroom humor, the same gags done over and over, and a lead who fails to live up to the standard set by the original, makes this a movie that Disney should not be proud of. Worst of all, this is supposed to be a 'G' movie, but the level of ribald humor calls for a PG-14 at a minimum.

As much as I usually enjoy Disney movies, I found myself losing interest in this one within the first twenty minutes. Save yourself some disappointment and give this one a miss.

The Pinkertons: Forever Free (2015) Season 1, Episode 17

Good story, poor history

[6/10 · 12 February 2017]

I love this series, and the plot line of this episode was great. The history, however, was way, way off. After the Civil War, there was no 38th Infantry of Colored Troops. The only black regiments were, 9th and 10th Cavalry and 24th and 25th Infantry, which accounted for approximately 10% of the total army strength. It would, for me as a writer of historical fiction, been a much stronger story if it had been more accurate in this seemingly minor detail. Stories like this can serve a good purpose of educating the viewing audience of what really happened in our history. While changes are often made for dramatic purposes, keeping it accurate is also important, and in this case accuracy wouldn't have taken away from the drama. This is the only episode, so far, of this series that I've not thought absolutely first rate.

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Best Avenger movie yet

[9/10 · 1 January 2017]

When nations get together and decide the Avengers need to be supervised rather than allowed to fight evil on their own terms, it causes a split in the group. The Iron Man leads the group that joins the government, but Captain America refuses to surrender his independence and leads a group that is going its own way in pursuit of an evil man who is using psychological control to deploy terrorists.

The dialogue is a bit hokey in places, but, that's the beauty of the Avenger movies, it's about a more innocent time when such hokey dialogue was the way people really talked. Lots of extra characters in this one, including an African king's son who is a cat figure with amazing powers, and Spider Man, an adolescent fighting with the grownups.

While this one is typical Marvel action, there are also some philosophical messages skillfully inserted in this, the best Avenger movie yet.

Captain Phillips (2013)

Tom Hanks was great, even if they did change events a bit for drama

[8/10 · 12 October 2015]

Captain Phillips, the gut-wrenching story of a merchant vessel captain taken captive by Somali pirates, who was rescued by a Navy SEAL team in the Gulf of Aden. Some moments of high drama, with a little PC nod to how rough it is for young Somali thrown in (probably close to true). The take-down of the pirates was great action, but was far enough from what actually happened that it sort of spoiled it for me (sorry if this spoils it for anyone who hasn't seen the movie), but is still a great movie to watch, as it does give a good sense of the danger to world merchant shipping from piracy. Some great nods in the flick to the commercial greed that motivates the practice. Great shots of Navy ships and personnel in action.

Grandfathered (2015–2016)

John Stamos is great in 'Grandfathered'

[10/10 · 10 October 2015]

As someone who enjoyed John Stamos in 'Full House,' I wasn't expecting to like him in 'Grandfathered.' After all, how in the world, I thought, could he pull it off? Well, in the first place, I'm someone who resisted the title 'grandfather' until I held that first grandchild in my arms, and, I went through a few marriages before I realized that I really could settle down, so I guess I identified with his reluctant transition. In addition, let's face it, the guy's a great performer. Paget Brewster is great too - and after watching her in 'Criminal Minds,' I would never have thought she could pull off a comedic role. Hilarious situations, great dialogue, and accomplished cast all come together to make this a keeper sitcom for the 2015 season.

Blindspot (2015–2020)

A tough female hero for a change

[10/10 · 6 October 2015]

Jane Doe, the main female character in 'Blindspot,' doesn't know who she is, but she has abilities not possessed by the average person - male or female. She is vulnerable only in that she has no memory, and she doesn't know who put tattoos over her whole body, addressed to the FBI. But, there her vulnerability ends. When threatened, Jane kicks butt as well as any man, better than most. It doesn't hurt that she's drop-dead gorgeous; we're talking TV after all. This is, in my humble opinion, THE best offering of this TV season. Complete with a brooding FBI agent who has some serious issues, who happens to work for a tough woman senior agent, 'Blindspot' is set to defy all of the cinematic stereotypes about female characters, and it's about time.

Marza (2014)

"Marza" is not your typical war movie

[10/10 · 18 October 2014]

Every war spawns a whole host of books and films, and the second war in Iraq is no exception. Most, though, focus on the relationships among those who fight. 'Marza,' a film written, directed and produced by former Marine Regan A. Young is a film with a difference. The story of a cynical, battle-hardened Marine sergeant (played by Josh Ansley) who meets and befriends a quizzical, precocious young Iraqi girl, Marza (Claire Geare) who likes chicken and ice cream shows us the human side of war that is seldom portrayed. Sergeant John Whitacre is a man who has seen much war, and as a result has a decidedly dark view of life in general. Marza pulls him out of his funk in ways he could never have anticipated, and teaches him to feel again. This is a film that has both dark and light moments – and enough death to lift it from the category of a mood movie and firmly into the 'war' category. Young, a veteran of tours in Iraq, writes and directs this short film with a sense of awareness of the realities of war that most in the business lack. Moreover, he takes us into the depths of emotions that run rampant when death is a constant companion, and shows that even at the darkest hours, there is a glimmer of light and hope. If 'Marza' doesn't get an award for best short, independent film of 2014, there is no justice. And, if you can watch it with dry eyes, I'd suggest an immediate trip to an ophthalmologist, because your tear ducts are defective.