blackrose909 Reviews

Scarygirl (2023)

It had potential

[6/10 · 4 November 2023]

I took my year 9 students to watch this movie as part of a wellbeing day program. I didn't realise it was an Australian film, which was nice, seeing as I'm Australian.

There was a lot of potential, but I really struggled with the plot and dialogue/script. It could have been geared towards an older audience, but was too simplistic for myself, my colleagues and our students.

Certainly there are some big name actors providing voices, and kudos to them for supporting the Australian film industry.

Hopefully the Australian film industry will get stronger writers in. The talent exists, as witnessed by the many wonderful novels that come from local authors, maybe there isn't enough money at the moment to attract them.

As much as I want to support local, I can't (in good faith) recommend this movie.

Fever Pitch (1997)

Probably true to life but so unlikeable

[7/10 · 17 July 2023]

The characters do feel very real, and I see that this is based on Hornby's autobiography. I found the characters extremely unlikeable, both the male and female leads, and the story dragged on, despite the short runtime.

I love Colin Firth generally, and the acting from all parties is excellent. I just wish I had more empathy for the characters.

There is no chemistry, and I cannot understand why anyone would date someone who invests 10% or less of their energy on the relationship. Someone who does not listen, who almost always puts you second, who is unwilling to make comprises and has so little self-awareness. In short, an extreme version of my ex (and not the one into football either).

If you want to learn about real-life characters/psychology, stories and relationships, then this is your ticket.

If you want to be entertained and watch characters that you can get behind, or a medium/fast-paced film, please skip.

Your Place or Mine (2023)

A gem

[7/10 · 10 February 2023]

This romantic comedy, or perhaps romantic dramedy, was a rare find. As much as I enjoy "bad" romcoms like 27 Dresses, I much prefer films that go beyond cheap humour and shallow under-developed characters.

Your Place or Mine was neither cheap nor shallow.

I loved that time was spent delving into the characters and their pasts. I love that characters were flawed in ways that spoke to their childhood trauma. I loved that we saw the sadness that sometimes comes in later life, when we have not followed our passion and lost the spark.

I also loved how attractive Ashton Kutcher was as an older man. Wow.

Thank you to the writer, producers and cast, for the surprise and joy that this movie was.

Mr. Wonderful (1993)

A decent romance

[8/10 · 4 November 2021]

I watched this movie for the first time tonight in November 2021, almost 30 years after it was made. I loved it.

The cast was excellent, the themes were very relevant and the characters strangely relatable. Some have complained about a predictable plot. I somewhat agree with this, but can't say that I come across many movies where the ex-husband is trying to find ex-wife a new husband. I found it kind of hilarious.

I love the evolution of the main characters and their relationship. It's wonderful to watch people grow and realise important things about themselves, whatever the future may hold. Would recommend.

Second Act (2018)

Awful plot but meaningful themes and rounded characters

[7/10 · 24 April 2021]

I enjoyed the movie overall, but in fairness, I expected it to be completely meaningless, which it was not.

I really loved the characters, especially the best friend, who says things as they are, and is (mostly) unapologetic about her swearing. I also loved Milo Ventimiglia's character, who I wish we saw more of. J-Lo's character is well-rounded and mostly likeable, but some of her lines are seriously awful.

While some disagree with this opinion, I quite liked that the movie had some deeper themes, rather than being a stock standard rom-com.

The one thing that really lets it down is the ridiculous plot. As another review suggests, the two plots do not work together. In addition, some of the plot twists are utterly absurd. I am fine with some suspension of disbelief, but the sort of details that they put in this plot, I am not capable of suspending my disbelief to that degree.

I probably won't watch this again, but enjoyed enough of it to say that I don't regret watching it.

(Gave it a 7 because it compares better to the other 5.8 star movies I've seen, but I think a fairer rating would be 6.1).

Upside Down (I) (2012)

Visually stunning and completely incoherent

[6/10 · 5 December 2020]

This movie would have made an amazing 5-minute music video. It looks great, there's a gist of a story and typically, you might interpret the song and video yourself.

Sadly, you are unable to do that here. No one with intellect and any sense of logic, could put this story together in a coherent way.

I can't tell if it's bad writing, bad directing or bad editing. I suspect it's all three, especially seeing as the director wrote the screenplay.

Perfectionists sometimes get a bad rap, but I wish that there was at least one who had worked on this movie. It's as if the writer/director/editor got 20% of it right and thought, "oh yeah, that's close enough, we don't need to work on the rest".

I also agree with other reviewers, who have spoken about the lack of character development, and the lack of chemistry between actors. Some of the scenes are totally cringe-worthy, I can't understand why they weren't re-shot.

Such a shame, I hope they remake it someday. It's not like I'll have high expectations after watching this version so it can't hurt, right?

Holidate (2020)

Cringe

[5/10 · 24 November 2020]

I'm used to bad holiday movies.

Sometimes, despite how cheesy they are, the actors are convincing, the scenes well executed, and you suspend disbelief to enjoy the journey.

In this case, two perfectly decent actors have combined to become less than they are separately. Neither are convincing, perhaps because the characters are so unlikeable. At no point in time, did I hope for them to get together.

I'm a bit in shock at how bad this was, to be able to articulate the other problems.

Netflix, I love you and I love a lot of the originals you've made, but I think there needs to be a stronger vetting process on where you spend your funds.

Love Life (2020–2021)

Low risk, low return

[6/10 · 3 August 2020]

Such a promising idea, I suppose the plot summary made me want to watch it. Short episodes, with the whole season comprising 11 episodes, plus Anna Kendrick is in it and when has she not been good?

The answer would be "in this". Her character is one of many irritating characters. Whilst her character experiences growth, there are too many things that make her unlikeable. Also unlikeable are most of the men that she dated, and her best friend.

The thing is, each character needs a redeeming quality. I am yet to find one in most of the characters on this show. It tried to do too much, and ended up doing nothing at all.

Would not recommend watching, but as this review title suggests, it's low risk so if you have the time and nothing better to do, you can watch it. If you don't like it, you'll probably soon forget the show anyway, as I soon will.

Charmed (1998–2006)

Pain and pleasure

[9/10 · 24 May 2020]

I got hooked on Charmed when I was 11. I didn't see it past season 4, because my favourite sister was gone. Twenty years later, I decided to rewatch it. The plan was to watch the first three seasons, but I found that I couldn't stop.

There are many things that I found annoying in the show. Alyssa Milano as an actress, Rose McGowan as an actress, Drew Fuller as an actor, most of the male characters for the way their characters were written, the way that streaming services have taken out all the original music because the CW have not made the effort to purchase the rights again.

Despite all of these issues, big and small, I love the show. I love Prue and Piper's strength, Leo's kindness, Phoebe's naivety, Paige's independence. I love the vision of having a show that put family first and always at the core of the story. I love the message that good wins out over evil, and that power corrupts unless it is used responsibly and for the good of others. I admire Piper and Leo's enduring love, with its ups and downs. Despite a mostly male team of directors, I am awed at how well the female creator's vision of strong women held true. The plot, the humour, the villains, all added to the enduring nature of Charmed.

Though it's been over twenty years since the original release, the themes have become more relevant in today's world, and the message as poignant as ever. A hilarious juxtaposition to the extremely outdated fashion and technology of the late 90s and early 2000s. I expected to have outgrown this show, but having just watched all 179 episodes over the last couple of months, I find myself enjoying and appreciating it more than I did at the age of 11.

Penny Dreadful (2014–2016)

Grateful to have given this a chance

[9/10 · 8 April 2020]

After watching the first two episodes of the show, I genuinely considered quitting. There was too much violence, sex and gore for my liking, the theme seemed cliched, the plot made no sense and the characters were shallow and annoying. Gosh was I glad I kept going - I think it was episode 4 that hooked me, and within a matter of a week, I had watched the entire series.

Don't get me wrong, the pace was slower than I preferred, there was still more violence and gore than what I'd like and I was a little disappointed with the third quarter of the final episode. However, it is not often that I come across this level of care taken with character development, actor selection, allusions/quotes of famous poetry/literature and research (or knowledge) of history. I must also commend the care taken with sets and costumes, which have been designed in line with strict standards that are far above similar television shows or movies that I have seen.

The three things that have really stuck with me as I try to move on from this show, are as follows: 1) The thorough treatment given to the theme of duality (good vs evil), redemption and the traps of immortality, all of which I am continuing to reflect upon. 2) Characters that I continue to admire, though the show is at an end. In particular, Ethan Chandler, Sir Malcolm Murray, Vanessa Ives and Dr. Sweet (whom I wish they'd dedicated more time to). 3) The perfection experienced when the right actor is chosen for the role. Despite finding most characters annoying at first, I could not imagine better choices for the characters as the show developed. I have never been a huge fan of Josh Hartnett, but it's as though the writer/director saw into his soul and transformed the best of his light into his character on screen.

This show would be too dark, gruesome, horrific and violent for some of my friends, but if this does not apply to you, then I would highly recommend it.

Altered Carbon (2018–2020)

Wonderful overall, season 2 actors a problem

[10/10 · 28 February 2020]

I have not chosen to change my rating since season 1 of the show.

However, I agree with most others, the casting for season 2 has really degraded the whole show. Though characters can change sleeves, the idea is that they keep their personalities (you would think). And yet, Kovacs has changed personalities along with his sleeve. No more brooding manner, the character has lost his defining anger, which was always just below the surface. He does not command intimidation or respect. Nor does he have any real chemistry with Quellchrist Falconer.

I also agree that it would have been nice if old actors could have been written into the second season properly. Rather than guest appearances as clones or ghosts, I would have loved to have seen Miss Elizabeth come back in person to help them. She was such a kick-ass lady.

Onto the pros, I did still like the plot and the general writing, even if Mackie couldn't pull it off. Other actors and characters were well-written and may have done better with a stronger lead to play off.

Unlike some others, I enjoyed the soundtrack.

Overall, a show that I would still highly recommend and I keenly await the next season.

Before I Fall (2017)

Cause for reflection

[8/10 · 9 January 2020]

As everyone else has pointed out, this seemed at first to be another Groundhog Day/Russian Doll variation. In the first half, I thought to myself, why do all of these stories have to follow the same plot? The lead character will grow a halo and manage to get out of the time loop when he or she reaches sainthood. Why bother re-doing it?

As the movie progressed though, I saw that it might come to a different end, something more meaningful, and I was glad that my prediction proved to be valid.

What I loved about this film is that it made me ponder the human experience. Why is it that people become more moral and more kind when they find out that they can't take anything with them when they die? Lashing out, saying mean things that you wouldn't normally, robbing a bank (not part of this movie), getting laid, none of that lasts if everyone else forgets and you don't get to keep the winnings. Kindness though, even if others forget, you remember it and feel like you didn't just waste another day stuck in the loop.

It came to me that if reincarnation exists, perhaps this is the reason. When we experience life only once, we botch it up, but if we go through the cycle, we may eventually learn the real value of life. Perhaps at each iteration, the soul learns a bit more and gravitates a little further each time towards the light? At some point, we realise that with death, we cannot take away wealth, comfort or power over others to the grave. Nor can we keep the petty satisfaction gained in belittling others. You may argue that kindness doesn't last either if we lose our memory of self, but somehow it still makes sense to me.

Philosophy and life reflections aside, I am quite glad that this movie was made and that I made the sound decision of watching it.

Marriage Story (2019)

Great acting, but character and plot writing lacking

[7/10 · 23 December 2019]

I expected this movie to be moved more than it was. Adam Driver is a real stand-out, but both leads had more to offer that the writing did not flesh out. Neither character were particularly flawed or inspiring and thus, neither were very endearing when they really could have been. My parents got divorced when I was 7 so I don't think it's the lack of context that's missing for me.

I compare this to something like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, where the actors are raw. I feel that Noah Baumbach did not get the best out of the actors, who are capable of more. The plot was extremely slow in many parts and the movie could have been 30 minutes shorter, without losing any value.

I'm basically agreeing with one of the previous reviews that the acting was great, was the writing was mediocre when it could have been amazing. So much potential in a drama like this and so sad to see the wasted talent.

Jessica Jones (2015–2019)

All glitter

[7/10 · 14 June 2018]

This show seemed so promising. The mysterious past, the sardonic sense of humour, the whirl of supporting characters with hints of their own demons. Now that I've watched all of the first season, I'm convinced that there's no meat on the bone. The only thing that made this worthwhile was the character of Kilgrave (and the actor with it). Apart from that, it's a wannabe super-hero movie/series with glimpses of Sin City, a zombie show and Suits, but doesn't manage any of these well. I am disappointed. I really liked the sound of each character, as well as the plot, but it just doesn't come together, no matter how long I waited. Wasted talent.

Gilmore Girls (2000–2007)

The epitome of consistency

[10/10 · 8 December 2017]

There are so many good shows out there. I have a few favourites, yet none of them compares to the consistency that I've found in Gilmore Girls.

I first watched the show when it came out, when I was still a teenager. I enjoyed it then, but I didn't finish the series and never fully appreciated the wit and humour the way that I do now, as a 30-year-old.

Unlike all of my other favourite shows, I never had a season where I thought "uh gee, they've lost the plot, don't know if I should bother continuing". Don't get me wrong, there are parts where I cringe a bit because I don't like what's happening in the story, or perhaps what happens (or doesn't happen) to a character. In fact, there are one or two seasons where I got really annoyed with one of the key characters.

Despite this, the quality never truly wanes. Each episode is so carefully written and so funny. Gilmore Girls really made me laugh, as well as making me cry on occasion.

I don't think it's for everyone, but I truly love it and I can confidently say that if you like the first season, you'll love the rest. Highly recommended.

Jane Eyre (2006)

Romantic as hell but without soul

[7/10 · 14 April 2012]

I normally don't take the trouble to write reviews for films but I make an exception for this since Jane Eyre is, after all, my favourite book.

There is a lot to say about this particular adaptation with Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens - I'll start by listing the strengths.

Firstly, I believe that this version is the most enjoyable for those who have never read Jane Eyre or do not possess too much attention to detail (in this case a plus). It also contains the strongest bond/spark between the two main characters portrayed, which in my opinion other versions have not done too well with. It is truly a romance and probably one of the best ever made.

In terms of weaknesses, the biggest weakness for me is the script. Having read the book at least 10 times, I felt that the language was often butchered. Sentences were semi-modernised or summarised to be more easily understood by a less intelligent audience, as were the costumes. More importantly, the adapted script fails to portray Jane's strength of character and her integrity. You see her passion but you don't see her internal struggle or her success at avoiding temptation and remaining true to her beliefs.

The actors were quite good and I think they did a great job, but due to limitations in the script, they did not portray the true characters of the book. Mr Rochester is less intimidating and less bitter while Jane is more expressive and less conservative. As a whole, I found this a little hard to watch, despite enjoying the exaggerated romance at times.

If you're an avid fan of the book and care about accuracy, I would recommend the 1983 BBC adaptation with Timothy Dalton and Zelah Clarke. If you have already seen another adaptation then I haven't much to say because I strongly believe that the first one you see will always be your favourite. For all others, I would recommend this version, which appears to be the most popular and would be extremely enjoyable for those less obsessed or less pedantic than myself.

Home Alone 3 (1997)

Funny as, i loved it!

[8/10 · 7 June 2007]

Now, I can see that this film has a very low average and I'm guessing that it's because it's the third in the series of Home Alone movies and maybe because of the change of actors, especially the main actor, Alex.

I however, saw this movie before the other Home Alone movies, I was about 12 years old at the time and I absolutely loved it. I remember laughing so much my stomach hurt, literally. I saw it again just now and well, my opinion hasn't changed. The plot was good and the villains were awesome, especially after their little accidents lol..

I don't know how it would be if I had seen this as the third in the series but as a stand-alone film, it was extremely enjoyable and very entertaining. I would definitely suggest it if you want a good, light-hearted comedy coz this is quite perfect. Enjoy!

Warriors of Virtue (1997)

Fantastic if you're a Chinese traditional or Taoist

[8/10 · 22 October 2006]

Well, as one of the other users pointed out, this movie is in fact based on the Taoist philosophy, which is somewhat religious. It uses most of the 8 virtues, as listed in ancient Chinese philosophy, which many people still value.

For people who are unaware of all this, especially those who care little for virtues and vices, I can see why this movie seemed so bad.

However, I do not think it is anywhere near the worst/cheesiest movie of all time. I personally enjoyed it immensely when I saw it as a child and later as a teenager. Why are people being so harsh? Do they not appreciate the concept of peer pressure and the triumph of good over evil. Well to be more precise, the movie revealed bad people as having good in them, which I think is important for everyone to remember.

People today are so very self-cantered and unforgiving and in this light, I believe this movie is more than just a kid's movie or action-flick and as such, deserves more credit than it is currently getting.