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Karen Pirie (2022)
Not bad but the casting...
The story was OK if formulaic. The suspects, the boys that were thought to be with the victim that night, are suspected in order, 1,2,3 like so many other mysteries. It was, however, better than most of crime dramas that premiered recently.
But the casting. The actress playing Karen Pirie is on the dull side, stodgy almost. In the beginning, it felt about as exciting as a real police investigation.
There was absolutely no chemistry between her and the DS played by Zach Watt (who mostly acts the idiot).
His appearance borders on the ridiculous. There is one scene in the Scottish countryside with rest of the cast fitting comfortably in with their surroundings and his appearance is jarring - with his very skinny, expensive suit and his big Afro hair. This guy belongs in the city lights, not in a police department in Fife. There's got to be a better way to tick the box.
Carmel: ¿Quién mató a María Marta? (2020)
Makes me thankful for the US justice system, warts and all.
It was a very interesting documentary but not for everyone's taste. There's a short line in the beginning from one of the interviewees that makes it known that the case remains unresolved. I hate that because recently. All I seem to watch is documentaries that never resolve the central question.
But the Argentinian justice - oi vey! Other that some muddled DNA there is no clear or even decent forensic evidence. And the way charges are brought without forensic evidence, witnesses or motive is quite frankly, scary. Then bringing in the cartels as motive without a scintilla of evidence. Instead of outlawing double jeopardy, it seems that an overzealous prosecutor can keep indicting people at various courts until you find one that will rule the defendant guilty.
I'm also unclear how people can be charged with cover up without establishing that a crime was committed by those same people.
Overall, I still enjoyed it and like my title says, I'm thankful for the US Justice system, warts and all.
*One side note: The English subtitles weren't very good as evidenced by many clumsy translations that used odd words and expressions.
The Mountain Detective (2018)
Zero Character Development!
I watched this series based on the relatively high rating score. I don't recall ever seeing a show with zero character development so this was a first. I only watched one episode but that was enough.
The events as they unfold should stir some emotions and excitement: A groom shot coming out of a wedding chapel, a beautiful bride finding out the man she married is an imposter, etc. But everything that happens is completely lifeless. Not one character displays an ounce of personality nor do they convey any emotion. Even tired detective tropes would be welcome - a world-weary detective, an overbearing boss. But nothing. Nada. Zilch.
Find something more exciting to do like listening to a State of Union address or watching golf on TV.
Dirty John (2018)
Nothing Like the Original or the Book
I watched the original TV movie with Meredith Baxter and read the book on which it was based. This new version is nothing like either of these. Do yourself a favor & watch the Betty Broderick story, the TV movie on YouTube.
The real Betty Broderick obviously suffered from Borderline Personality Disorder. The book detailed how Betty was incredibly manipulative, scheming and out of control even before her husband left her. This new version portrays Betty as the victim when in reality, the real victims were her husband, his new wife and especially the kids.
Why this new version decided to to whitewash Betty and portray her as the poor, pitiful, helpless victim is obvious: Today's cult of the victim.
Emerald Falls (2008)
Delightful with a Touch of Suspense
What a charming little movie! Such a nice change of pace - engaging characters, crisp script, beautiful scenery. All this and a touch of suspense. It was quirky and a lot of fun. The characters were eccentric and the relationships among them were interesting and fun. It was especially nice to see a 15 year old boy portrayed in a positive light. I wish the TV - Film industry would realize likability isn't a bad thing and they would stop making everything so dark.
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Why oh why oh why?
Listen, I understand Hollywood's dark craze but why don't the writers understand that unrelenting misery turns most people off? Viewers need to make at least one connection to a character, someone you can relate to, empathize, root for - and as much as I love Kate Winslow, she is not that person, nor are any other of the characters. This show is completely without heart. Breaking Bad, The Wire - all took place in dismal situations but they had compassion and understanding of people and places.
The series is also all drama, not a tingle of suspense yet as of the 3rd episode, just a glut of cliches and caricatures. And what about humor? Even dark shows need humor - it's part of being human to find some humor, even in terrible situations. Without it, we would all go mad. Good writing recognizes this and applies humor to give us a release valve, a chance to let us get endeared to the characters.
I wanted so much to like this series since I've been a DelcoGal all my life; It's not a perfect place nor is it a place of implacable despair. Kudos for the strong work on the Delco accent, especially the pursed-lip pronunciation of the O's - home, over, phone, etc. Some of these were perfection. But bad cess on pronouncing creek as creek when everyone knows it's a crick. We'll let that slide if the series picks up in the next 4 episodes. We're generous like that.
The Practice (1997)
Oh, Please.
At first, I found this show entertaining with a perspective from a different kind of law firm and interesting characters. That didn't last too long. As the show progressed, the characters and plots started to go over the top.
The smug, self-righteous, arrogant speeches these "lawyers" gave in court were vomit-inducing. So dramatic, so absurd, I wanted them to lose every single case. I have no love for judges, but each and everyone of them deserved to be disbarred because of their treatment of the judges - arrogant, LOUD, disrespectful is a sure fire way of ending your legal career before it starts.
Most of the plots were absurd. Yeah, sure, a newbie wins a class action suit against Big Tobacco. And why the heck are a secretary at a law firm and a criminal defense attorney conducting a sting operation for a district attorney? And annoying Lindsey Dole gets a murder conviction overturned after whining and disrespecting Superior Court judges. As I said in the beginning, oh, please.
You (2018)
Cringe, Cringe, Cringe and Did I Mention Cringe?
Yes, all that cringe and more! The show has a great premise but that's all. It's painful to watch. I managed to get through he first episode only because I took it in doses. Again Hollywood misses the central tenant of story-telling: You have to feel empathy for at least one of the characters. The characters are loathsome; none have any redeeming qualities. I even wanted to smack Paco upside the head for being so cringe-worthy. Is this some writer's idea of what cool, hipster millennial are like? Well, if they are, civilization is doomed.
Strange Impersonation (1946)
Blubbery, Pasty-faced...Love Idol?
I normally love B pictures but this film was so cringe-inducing, it made my teeth ache. I know we're supposed to suspend disbelief but I'd need a whopping dose of the "Girl Chemist's" anesthesia to become brain-dead enough to accept this plot. There were so many agonizing aspects so I'll just mention the 2 that gave me a headache: the over-the-top scene when Jane Kanaski comes to call (so subtle) and the casting of William Gargan as a Hunky Catch. Gargan is so off-putting he made me uncomfortable watching as I could almost feel his soft, puffy, sweaty hands.
A Fragile Trust: Plagiarism, Power, and Jayson Blair at the New York Times (2013)
Ugh. This guy is still, "Look at me, look at me!"
I couldn't get past 23 minutes. Jayson Blair himself dominates the beginning so don't expect anything hard-hitting. He's still making excuses and begging for attention. The initial coverage in this film is almost glowing. He's a complete and total loser. Don't waste your money; no suspense, no tension, just Jason, Jason, Jason.
Ordeal by Innocence (2018)
When Will Writers Remember That You Have to Like the Characters?
Only made it 40 minutes into Episode 1. I thoroughly disliked every single character. Since I felt this, I didn't give 2 hoots what happened to them. And could've it been more boring? I can't think how.