RodolfoLasparri Reviews

The Ghost Writer (2010)

Solid

[7/10 · 31 May 2021]

Definitely worth a watch.

Good story, with top notch production values and acting.

The only real downside?

Kim Cattrall trying to renew her British accent just doesn't work.

Pablo Escobar: El Patrón del Mal (2012)

Lesson: Making Drugs Illegal Causes More Harm Than the Actual Drugs

[8/10 · 9 July 2020]

1st, if you've not seen Narcos and Narcos Mexico, suggest giving those a watch first. If not a Netflix subscriber, it's worth a one or two month subscription for these two programs alone.

If Narcos and Narcos Mexico are 9s, Pablo Escobar: El Patron del Mal is a solid 8, or 7 at worst.

Once in a awhile, it gets a tad corny with the Latin sad soap opera music at a funeral,etc...but, that's part of the charm too.

This program doesn't glorify Escobar in any way. Rather, it pants a complex character of a genius Sociopath. His mother comes off as a Machiavellian with "pragmatic & flexible morals", who cares more about her son, than for the world, her country, and others.

Side note: Would have been nice if they picked at least a marginally attractive actress to play Mrs. Escobar. She might have "inner beauty", but damn, she's rough on the eyes. Fine job on the initial actress who played the teen Mrs. Escobar.

Also, as a non-Spanish speaker who wants to learn some basic Spanish, via osmosis, hearing Colombian Spanish with English sub-titles really helps to pick up more and more conversation in real life here in South Florida, New York, etc.

Hannibal (2013–2015)

Definitely Worth a Watch

[7/10 · 9 June 2020]

It's all been said here.

But must add that Hugh Dancy's over acting (Will Graham) brings the show from a solid 8 down to a 7, or 6 if he has too much screen time.

He's on the verge of breakdown in every other scene. Sweats, shakes, etc....ech.

Mads Mikkelsen as Dr. Hannibal Lecter, cures all ills though. Fantastic.

Love the gay guy from Kids in the Hall, Scott Thompson. Does a great job with mix of a serious and classic comedic relief character, a crime scene investigator.

Queen of the South (2016–2021)

I Tried, Really Tried, To Like This Show

[5/10 · 8 June 2020]

If Narcos, Breaking Bad, and Narcos Mexico were 9+, this is a 6 at best.

I gave it 5 episodes. No go.

The camera work for dramatic effect is awful.

The lead female villain/drug dealer wife of a fellow drug dealer/politician, is a horrible actress, and tough on the eyes to boot.

To believe the main heroine, Alice Braga as Teresa Mendoza, is a sex symbol is a bizarre fantasy.

Her dramatic look? The poor mousy thing has a look of constipation on her face. With make-up and hair pulled back, she looks even worse.

The writing is OK, with some excellent actors from movies and shows I've seen over the years...a few from "Narcos Mexico", "Clear and Present Danger", and even "Weeds".

Pass There's just too many better options out there.

Designated Survivor (2016–2019)

Seasons 1& 2, Fine, mikd Leftist preaching mixed with Economic Ignorance

[5/10 · 7 March 2020]

So sad, another show ruined. It's like watching "Good Times"...a moral lesson for the unwashed masses in every episode.

Season 3 goes full Bernie Sanders.

Victimhood of all non Whites, the Poor, the rich ate babies to obtain their unjust wealth, etc

Get Carter (1971)

Watch for the history & styles of the time. Pass if looking for art.

[5/10 · 6 July 2019]

This film has aged worse than Brigitte Bardot Watch for the history & styles of the time. Pass if looking for art.

A Bridge Too Far (1977)

Magnificent Cast & Director In a Film That Just Doesn't Stand Up Over Time

[6/10 · 27 June 2019]

Worth watching for the cast, uniforms, equipment, and settings ...while reading a good book, or catching up on email. Meaning, this film is fine.... as background noise.

The dialogue liberties taken to make this historical drama? Tired, dated, & corny.

Also, the writers and director should receive a collective Wet Willy for forcing Gene Hackman to speak in a fake Polish accent. It's painfully bad.

Leaving Neverland (2019)

Fascinating. Horrifying.

[8/10 · 5 March 2019]

Tough watch, but if you're a parent, uncle, aunt, etc, this is a helpful to must watch....when it comes to protection of children.

The one stars? Uber fans who have had a their false god "defamed"

This documentary is just too well to be false. Bluntly, true information can never be defamatory.

The man is gone. If alive? I surgical castration and jail would be justice on the criminal aspect.

For the civil? No amount of money is too much.

Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)

SJW Trash

[3/10 · 3 January 2019]

Professional critics again telling the public what we must like and watch, to be as moral and wonderful as them.

Santa Clarita Diet (2017–2019)

Race Mixing Crammed Down Our Throats. Fun Show Too.

[8/10 · 31 May 2018]

As a New Yorker, don't care about race, gender, etc. Just don't walk too slowly, and leave space for others to get out of the subway if blocking the exit :)

OK, within the first five minutes, 2 mixed race couples. Barf.

Including a Black guy and Asian woman. I'm Asian, and apart the the odd looking Black/Asian fellow from 2 Live Crew of the 90s, there's not too many of that mix around. Reason? Asian ladies don't go for Black guys as a rule. Common, I don't know if this was strictly due to the writer, or some PC meeting making "suggestions".

Onto the show.

Fun and lighthearted dark comedy. A wife who turns into a zombie and needs to eat people. Formula stuff...put character type A into situation B.....zaniness ensues. Thank goodness there's no laugh track.

But, even though the entire show, writing and characters are beyond obvious...been there/done that......it works.

The Gauntlet (1977)

A Great B Movie

[8/10 · 23 April 2018]

Approach this as a B movie, & you'll have a great ride.

If you enjoy Dirty Harry, you'll enjoy this movie.

Sure, some out, well most of it, is over-the-top corny, but that's the fun.

The Exorcist (1973)

Just Doesn't Hold Up

[7/10 · 7 March 2018]

After many years, watched it again (since it just appeared on HBO).

Was very much looking forward to the horror it inspired 20 plus years ago.

1st, the good: The acting is fine. Polished professionals.

OK, now the "horror".

When Regan threw up, her head turned 180 degrees, lifted the bed, said nasty things, etc...sorry, I laughed. Mild terror for a second, but then, amusement.

Now in fairness, I'm a cafeteria Catholic (I believe in some aspects of religion, and at the same time know the earth to be billions of years old, not a the few thousand as the Bible claims).

I don't believe in a Devil or evil spirits, and find possession as real as the alien in the movie "Alien". Prove it. "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof".

I, Claudius (1976)

HBO's "Rome" vs "I, Claudius"? No Contest.

[5/10 · 21 February 2018]

9/10 vs. 5/10

Having read so many positive reviews, I very much wanted to like I, Claudius.

I appreciate their efforts, the costumes, and sets...but....eeeeh. I've enjoyed elementary school bands and high school plays more. Much more.

The pacing is slow, and the performances remind me the pompous Jon Lovitz character on Saturday Night Live.... "I"m acting!!".

I want the hour of my life back spent screening episode 1.