ZillyPutty Reviews

Sugar (2024– )

Disappointing Neo Noir? Or...

[7/10 · 28 April 2024]

I am five episodes into Sugar. Like others, I am a big fan of the cast, especially Colin Farrell and Amy Ryan. I love how Farrell often tries offbeat projects, and I really wanted to like his latest selection.

In this series, his character, Sugar, is a melancholic private investigator who belongs to a secret club of former spies, and experiences a lot of flashbacks involving a family member. His inner monologue is often the narration. A young woman is missing and he is commissioned by her famous/wealthy Hollywood family to find her. So we have multiple plots going on, which is fine in itself, but then other ingredients are added which make the whole story really tedious.

First, creator Mark Protosevich cannot trust viewers to believe that this is a neo-Noir project, so he insists on reminding us by interjecting clips of classic Noir films. Then he muddies the dialogue by constantly layering old Noir-ish instrumental music into the scenes. Do you get it? It's Noir! You're watching Noir! Get it?

Second, I love Amy Ryan but her chemistry with Farrell is awful and her delivery is somehow very wrong for this piece. This is perhaps the most disappointing aspect of the series for me.

Third, while Noir can be boring due to pacing, the constant muddiness of sound and distractions of the classic film clips makes it really hard remain attentive or interested.

That said, I do really like the Noir genre, so for me, it is worth finishing the series and getting my monthly subscription's worth of viewing.

*****EDIT: I am now six episodes in, and some of the things that I complained about now make a lot of sense, so perhaps sit tight until you finish this episode.

Monk: Mr. Monk Goes to a Wedding (2005) Season 4, Episode 7

Levine Shines in Physical Comedy

[8/10 · 23 March 2024]

I am probably very biased, as I am quite fond of this series, but I wanted to highlight this episode for a reason that is perhaps overlooked in the Monk universe.

In this episode, Natalie must attend a wedding and needs a last-minute replacement for her date, whose appendix has burst. Randy offers to attend the wedding with her. There is an important subplot that involves spoilers, but let's just say that Monk and the Captain end up at the resort in order to assist Randy and then later solve a murder and catch a serial killer of sorts.

Towards the end of the episode, Ted Levine is allowed another opportunity (similar to the episode with the chimpanzee) to demonstrate his talent for physical comedy. It's a minor part of the episode, but it is quite amusing and I urge you to revisit it if you missed it.

A Murder at the End of the World (2023)

Two Stars for the Setting Only

[2/10 · 20 December 2023]

Flawed as it was, I was actually a fan of the OA, although I found Brit Marling's delivery to be painful. I was very upset when the show was canceled and was looking forward to watching this show.

I am actually speechless. I cannot fathom how this was written by the same team as for the OA. With the exception of Clive Owen and the actor who portrays Ray, everyone else's acting was embarrassingly wooden or overacted. The story is also poorly developed and I was very uncomfortable with the grooming that takes place in the earlier episodes. The protagonist's lecture in the final episode was cringeworthy.

To end this, I'll say something nice: the scenery/setting was lovely.

Longmire (2012–2017)

Gets better after season 1

[7/10 · 3 September 2023]

Regarding Season 1: I was trying to think of what Longmire reminds me of in terms of the soap-opera writing and forced community-theater acting by the minor characters, and I'd have to say cheesy Big Sky is probably somewhat analogous, although at least that show had the very entertaining duo of Tonya and Donno to keep it afloat for a while.

The remaining seasons have much improved acting and better dialogue. I have not read the books, but the television series includes the following themes: tribal sovereignty; the history of the US's human rights violations against indigenous populations (such as secretive, forced sterilization of women and the kidnapping and the relocation of Native children from their homes); traditional Native American (Crow/Cheyenne) spirituality and medical practices; White savior complex/White guilt; combat-induced PTSD; daddy-daughter issues; toxic masculinity; gambling debt; and drug (heroin) addiction.

Overall, this show is a good binge.

Fantail (2013)

Underrated Film

[9/10 · 14 May 2023]

I have just watched three of Sophie Henderson's films, and I while I enjoyed all three, I think that this is her most poetic one. She tends to show the non-tourist's perspective of New Zealand and focuses on the side effects of poverty: economic stagnation and magical thinking. She also casts many indigenous actors in her films, which is very refreshing and adds authenticity to her story telling.

In this film, she plays the protagonist, Tania - a young white woman who shares caretaking duties for her ill mother with her Maori-looking brother. Tania waxes nostalgia about her deceased father, who her mother says was a pilot. She works the overnight shift at a gas station and spends much of her time calling her younger brother to check on him. Most of story revolves around interactions at the gas station and her phone calls. In spite of the static setting, the film is quite moving. I hope that more people get a chance to see Henderson shine in this gem.

Florida Man (2023)

Entertaining, Easy Binge

[7/10 · 23 April 2023]

This is a good series with good acting; a bit of dark humor; and a decent, engaging plot.

It is not an award-winning series and there are obvious and annoying flaws, such as the protagonist being the only member of his family to have a Spanish accent (also LaPaglia's occasional Aussie slips), and the conspicuous absence of Southern accents. I cannot comment on the Philly accent, but at least it seemed like something was trying to be accomplished there.

I thought that the portrayal of nationally understood "Florida" behaviors and characters was actually somewhat soft-balled. If anyone was offended, they might want to read more non-Fox/OANN news articles about both the state of FL and the world.

Soda Springs (2012)

Slow and Predictable

[3/10 · 14 October 2022]

A man goes to jail for a fatal drunk driving accident. Years later, he discovers that he will be released in two hours with no money or prospects. He goes to his mother's house (in the same town as of the accident) and she doesn't recognize him for a second. Didn't she ever visit him?

Anyway, he is persona non grata due to the vehicular homicide and also because of his reputation as a womanizer. He runs into his ex wife and others who present some challenging situations. The cops try to hassle him and fists are thrown a couple of times throughout the film.

I just read a review saying this was a nice, clean film. LOL. So we have drunk driving/vehicular homicide, cheating/philandering, and physical fights but someone drew the line at the two or three "bad" words uttered in this film and decided to overdub them with "cleaner" words. I guess that makes it a clean, Hallmark-ish kind of film?

Anyway, the acting isn't bad, it's just a blah, slow film of a man in a very white town that is unnecessarily censored for "bad" language.

Tell Me Lies (2022– )

Normal People-ish

[6/10 · 12 October 2022]

This show is just as exhausting as Hulu's Normal People, but the acting is very good. The male and female lead are both extremely unlikable for different reasons: He is vicious, vindictive, and gaslighting and she is vicious, vindictive, and immature. Oh wait, maybe they aren't so different : ). White is Katy Sagal's real-life son. His acting is good, but the hobbling around really contradicts his ladykiller vibe. I think that we all know men who were not the most attractive but were still great at manipulating women, so I mostly find his "presentation" believable. The female protagonist simply has a major, major case of being d!ckmatized. He's the first guy to make her come and she has fallen under his spell. She rages with jealousy, he rages with jealousy over his ex. They're perfectly sour together.

Big Sky (2020–2023)

just short of being a decent parody/camp show

[3/10 · 27 September 2022]

It's hard to describe how bad the script and acting are for this show. Unfortunately, they are not bad enough to make it entertaining as a parody of Northern PI/cop shows. That Kelley didn't push the show further in that direction is a huge missed opportunity. This show really highlights how bad Winnick's acting is when she isn't portraying a Viking with a vaguely antiquated Scandinavian accent, and makes decent actors like Carroll Lynch and Metwally look like cheeseballs. The only reason that I am watching this show is that I cancelled my Netflix subscription and need something to kind-of watch while I do my physical therapy exercises. But to be honest, I just can't bear to watch it most of the time that I am doing them.

The Other Two (2019–2023)

Gets better with each episode

[9/10 · 28 August 2022]

I wasn't sure about this show, but the more that I watched it, the more I liked it. I think that my favorite character is Lance, whose arc provides a delightful surprise. Josh Segarra interprets Lance perfectly. The sibling dynamic is excellent and well performed and Molly Shannon is given more air time as the show progresses. Nice non-stereotypical representation of a gay man by Drew Tarver. Nice balance of cynicism with empathy, especially by Helene Yorke. Ken Marino never disappoints as a lovable and sometimes astute doofus entertainment manager. Excellent minor character portrayals by Wanda Sykes and Brandon Scott Jones.

The Hater (2022)

The IMDB Haters Didn't Watch the Whole Film

[8/10 · 24 July 2022]

I get it, the beginning was very tense and the protagonist was annoyingly angry. She was supposed to be. The chemistry that the actors have with each other is excellent, and there absolutely is character development/growth for Dorothy. Dorothy does actually reflect on her mistakes and does end up listening to her R opponent, her campaign manager (R), her grandfather (R).

Sweet Magnolias (2020– )

Excellent Hate-Watching Experience

[4/10 · 6 February 2022]

This is pure dreck, but fun to hate watch. The super-Christian, pro-forced birth/adoption, completely fantastical male suitors just make every second incredibly nauseating.

Single Drunk Female (2022–2023)

It's fine

[7/10 · 30 January 2022]

Nope, it's not Mom, but while Mom was touching it also could be cliché at times, so I'm not understanding that particular criticism. Honestly, my biggest criticism so far is that this is supposedly set in Boston and they aren't fooling anyone about that IMO. The houses don't look like Boston, only one person has the accent and it's incredibly cartoonish, Boston bars do not have racially diverse clientele except near colleges, etc. Just set it in Chicago if you're gonna film in Chicago.

The Accidental Wolf (2018– )

50/50 so far

[5/10 · 15 January 2022]

I've only seen season 1. I'm either incredibly impressed or almost embarrassed for the writers. When the characters are not giving extremely overwrought speeches that ruin any lovely subtlety that exists in this series, I am quite riveted. I saw this as a free promo on prime, and I don't think I will pay Topic to see the second season.

Forbrydelsen (2007–2012)

Compelling with Some Annoying Flaws

[7/10 · 28 September 2021]

Many have extolled the virtues of this show. It is indeed compelling, bingeable TV and the acting is quite good, more so in Season 2 rather than 1 (IMO).

Yes Season 1 is far too long, but can we instead talk about how Pernille's head doesn't move but her eyes shift all over the place like a ventriloquist's dummy? Also, it was pretty obvious who the perp was from Episode 1. Other pet peeves include: Every scene is partial or near-total darkness. It doesn't matter if it's day time, in an office setting where shadows obscure prop paperwork that surely no one can read. Lund NEVER thinks to turn on a light in any building that she enters. Nope, she must use a flashlight to maintain the creep factor. Also, the repeated fatal flaw (which obviously drives the whole series) is how the police never learn to investigate more than one suspect at a time, and are quick to fire anyone once the tunnel vision doesn't work out. So stupid.

Luckily, by Season 2, Lund learns how to flip a light switch (huzzah!), but the procedural tunnel vision continues. I found it much harder to decide who the perp was, but at least I figured it out before the reveal. Buch is the most interesting character in this season, and Nicholas Bro does an outstanding job in portraying a truly Kafkaesque experience with the Danish government. Your blood pressure will rise empathetically as you watch him repeatedly bang his head against the System.

As a general aside, every Scandinavian program and film that I have watched has a very tall male lead and petite female lead. As a tall woman who has been to Denmark and Sweden several times (and has witnessed a great number of tall ladies who live there), I take offense to this discriminatory trend in casting : ). Won't someone think of the Nordic Amazons?

On the Verge (2021)

The stars are for Shue

[3/10 · 10 September 2021]

As a middle-aged woman, I am painfully embarrassed by this drivel. Thanks so much for perpetuating the cliche of the hysterical female, Delpy. Elizabeth Shue is sort of operating on her own plane and was the only semi-enjoyable aspect of watching this show.

The Chair (2021)

one funny part

[6/10 · 31 August 2021]

The chemistry between Duplass and Carganilla is excellent, and her scenes were really the only times that I laughed.

To respond to another review: I work with Ivy League academics and yes there are still octogenarian faculty members who wear tweeds and elbow patches, but not as many nowadays.

Suburban Gothic (2014)

Dennings, Wise, Waters, and Soundtrack

[4/10 · 24 July 2021]

This film is heavy on quirkiness but light on quality. Kat Dennings and Ray Wise do what they can, and John Waters cameos. The soundtrack is good.

Katla (2021)

Watch it for the cinematography

[3/10 · 20 July 2021]

Everyone saying that the characters are acting senselessly is correct. The plot is Swiss cheese. Some of the male characters are painfully dim. The photography is worth viewing, though.

Alice in Paris (2016–2020)

Cute but Obviously Promotional

[6/10 · 18 July 2021]

This is a Tastemade production. Look it up. Meant to promote food and travel. It's filmed with Amelie in mind, and the actors succeed at completing the assignment. In spite of the ulterior motive, the resulting show is quite cute.

Doubting Thomas (I) (2018)

no

[2/10 · 9 June 2021]

This is harsh, but McFadden's writing and acting are just terrible in this film. It's painful to watch.

Fairhaven (2012)

It's fine

[4/10 · 7 June 2021]

I feel like I've seen a version of this film so many times. White person goes home to semi-gritty Northeastern town for funeral/other issue, meets up with those who stayed, they all have problems.

The cinematography is nice but it's not stunning, and it's certainly not Night of the Hunter (seriously, other reviewer?).

Dirty John (2018–2020)

Blame the writing and production (Season 1)

[3/10 · 5 June 2021]

Season 1 is based on a true story. Connie Britton gets Debbie's mannerisms correct, but really this series just drags needlessly and some of the writing is just terrible. I could have sworn I was at least seven episodes in when I noticed I was only on episode 3. I soon stopped and switched to the 41-min. Dateline episode that covers this same story. The actresses playing the daughters are a little caricatured, but not totally far off from how one of the real daughters presents herself. Totally agree with the other reviewer who complained about the present-day costuming of Jean Smart as the grandmother.