dmoorejdrf Reviews

Dreams from Strangers (2015)

Message Lost On Bad Filming!

[2/10 · 21 June 2023]

There is a real story to tell about the suppression of homosexual Russia. This movie did not. It failed miserably!! There was more vintage Russia film age than there was a story line here. And what does the swimming footage have to do with the story. The writer and director tried WAY to hard to be artistic and obviously didn't have the talent to write a script that conveyed the extreme plight of homosexuality in Russia. The actors did an okay job given the awful scripts they were handed. I hope acting in this movie doesn't have a negative impact on their careers. But, I hope as well that the writers and directors find other careers.

Before We Die (2021– )

Bad Writing, Directing-Solid Acting

[4/10 · 21 May 2023]

I am a huge Lesley Sharp fan! If she's in it I'll watch it. I had previously watch the other series interpretation of this story. This adaptation had more evil characters than good. The premise of the whole first season and all but two episodes of the second season of protecting and saving the life of character Christian was for nothing as after extreme caution was wasted on a foolish scene of unprotected vulnerability. Fans of the show were dumbfounded, scratching their heads saying "why did I bother". We were led to believe that our hero cop, Billy, had also been killed, only to show up in the last seen of the series. The final slap in the face of fans was the mean and evil internal police leak got to fly off into the sunset never having to pay for being responsible for the deaths of four cops and Christen. I'm sure the writers are patting themselves on the back for there controversial storyline decisions, but I assure you I'll not watch another series/movie that they are associated with. Slap me in the face once...you got me, but you'll never do it again!

Imma Tataranni sostituto procuratore (2019– )

Stupid Relationship Plot Not A Crime Series

[3/10 · 24 April 2023]

This show started out with amazing potential. I thought it was unique in its approach. The talent displayed by the actress playing Imma Tataranni truly was the shows strength. The flirtation with her young assistant was quite amusing. The appeal of the series was the amusing investigative way Imma solved cases. Then the story line changed from the focus of case solving to the ridiculous relationship between Imma and her young assistant. First of all the idea that these two would be attracted to each other is just plain stupid. They have ZERO chemistry as a couple. It's hard to buy the young stud is pitifully in love with Imma. We've taken her imaginary fantasy and turned it into an utterly unbelievable potential reality. As Umma professes her love for her husband she can't stop thinking about the stud. If she loves her husband so much then why be upset when she hears the stud is going to be a father. If I want a soap opera I'll watch Young & The Retless. But I want a crime series not a soap opera.

Dead Ringers (2023)

Typical "Let Me Shock You" trash!

[1/10 · 23 April 2023]

This series is totally disgusting! I saw the Jeremy Irons version several years ago and found the plot disturbing and the graphic violence unnecessary. However, it relied on the storyline to "entertain" viewers and not sex & violence. I have been a huge Rachel Weiss fan until watcher her in this vulgar adaptation of this story. I've always considered her talent to be classic and not having to relay on gimmicks to showcase her abilities. I will not waste my time on another performance by her. Like so much of todays series and movie storytelling, Dead Ringers wants to appeal to your dark and perverted side. Those commending the acting, directing and writing of this series do so to satisfy their need for perverse entertainment. Critics love the "shock effect" often calling it artistic when in reality it is just plain trash.

Beyond Paradise (2023– )

Here We Go Again!

[3/10 · 16 April 2023]

Well, as seems to be the typical template for dramatic TV series these days, we have yet another lead character with a flawed personal relationship. We start out with a great lead relationship between the detective and his entrepreneurial wife. Enter, wife's old flame (ex-fiancé) who is still carrying a torch for the wife. Our detective hero is out spending his daytime (and some nighttime) hours solving murders, which are numerous for a town this size. Now time for drama! First ex fiancé makes an advance on the wife. She acts offended and slaps the cad. But, is all smiles when he fake apologizes. Additionally, the wife has trouble carrying a fetus full term. Knowing her hubby wants kids she becomes a martyr and decides to end the marriage to the man she "desperately" loves. All the while, murders are being solved as a backdrop to the soap opera relationship storylines. Now we have created the classic husband (not so handsome)/wife/ex fiancé (extremely handsome) triangle. It is stupid and unbelievable! The template format and predictable storyline show lack of imagination and talent from the writing team. What started out as a good show with great promise has turned into your hum drum typical TV series. It is boring and truly no longer worth the watch.....shouldn't be renewed for another season. As a footnote: Jamie Bamber is sadly type cast as the good looking other guy. I think he might have decent acting chops, but we don't get to see it because he is always hired to just be a relationship buster.

Hope Street (2020– )

Gets Worse

[2/10 · 21 March 2023]

This show started out with great promise. A bit slow in the beginning but character development helped build some interest. The relationship with Leila and Chief Dunwoody helped draw viewers in. Additionally, Leila's growing friendship with other towns people and the chiefs mother built for a wonderful nucleus. Then as good story lines go from decent to rotten this one does not disappoint. Enter the long absent wife of the chief mother of his children. She has come to make amends and win her family back. And in short order the chief must give his relationship with his wife a chance for the kids sake. So exit Leila the good storyline for wife a bad story! And exit many viewers that think this is BS and stupid writing.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

This Is What The Oscars Have Become?

[2/10 · 13 March 2023]

This movie is funny, like Caddy Shack or National Lampoons Vacation. It IS NOT Academy Award worthy. Nor were the performances of Michelle Yeoh or Jamie Lee Curtis. There is a reason people no longer tune into awards shows anymore.....they are a farce! This movie and it's selection as Picture of The Year, Best Leading Actress and Best Supporting Actress shows the total lack of talent in Hollywood. It is a total slap in the face to outstanding performances by the other actors, directors and writers. No wonder people aren't going to movies these days. Foreign movies and acting is out pacing crap like this film. I would much rather see Something Else, Anywhere, Anytime and Not All At Once!

Grand Isle (2019)

Had Its Moments

[6/10 · 11 March 2023]

I think the glaring negative of this movie is Nicholas Cage! His performance was that of a great acting has been. KaDee Strickland did a respectable job as the fem fatale! She embodied the tortured sex starved wife. Luke Benward was believable as the targeted hunk. The sultry scenes between him and Strickland sizzled. Unfortunately they were understated never reaching the expected potential of a movie made in the 21st century. The storyline wasn't particularly good, maybe even a bit contrived. I'll not be able to watch a Nick Cage movie the same way again. Hardly seems like the same guy from Moonstruck or National Treasue.

Smother (2021–2023)

Should've Stopped

[3/10 · 13 January 2023]

The first season of Smother was decent. I would've given it a 8 rating. There was a lot of mystery and character building. It was a good who done it. The end of season one was a bit hokey, but you could at least wrap your head around the decision to let dad take the hit for the murder/accident. Then comes season 2. Must have been a complete shift in writers. I understand you needed to have a storyline in order to have a reason for a second. The show is now centered around Finn, the illegitimate son of the murdered/dead man. He is in nearly every scene and came to stir up trouble for no apparent reason as if the man's family had anything to do with the family. And guess what? He conveniently shows up anywhere and everywhere at anytime. He manages to know everything about everyone. It's just plain stupid. Sorry it didn't get the second season that it deserved.

Vigil (2021– )

Rating For Suranne Jones

[8/10 · 12 January 2023]

I am a huge fan of Suranne Jones and that's why I didn't give a lower rating. Anything she's in is worth the watch. Shaun Evans also brings much to a series. I typically tune into anything he is in. Hope to see more from him. I enjoyed most of the storyline, whether accurate or not, it is, after all a TV show not a history lesson. What I found disappointing was the relationship between Suranne's character and Rose Leslie. TV and Movies have become so predictable throwing LBGTQ+ relationships into every show when it adds nothing to the storyline. It then becomes just a cliche. Sorry if that offends some!

Whitstable Pearl (2021– )

Worth Watching!

[8/10 · 16 December 2022]

Overall this is an excellent show. It's fun yet has some great crime stories that bind relationships together. The first season gave viewers the opportunity to bond with the characters and to gain a a feel for the town of Whitstable. As with all shows there are back stories with each of the characters. That's where we, both, engage with the characters but fall into the usual pairing challenges start. Unfortunately, we get the same relationship story every show falls into. Lead characters are attracted to each other conflicts arise, they are kept apart but clearly the attraction is still there. Toy with the audience "will they or won't they?" It shows great lack of talent on the writers part. There is no confidence in their writing creativity that allows a shows plot/s to carry the series. Unfortunately, Whitstable Pearl is just another of those series.

Three Pines (2022)

Solid Show

[10/10 · 3 December 2022]

This is a solid show! Great acting, great writing and great directing. Alfred Molina is the right guy for his character. He is convincing as a caring investigator in search of answers & truth. Unlike many lead detectives in most series he doesn't bring the proverbial chip on his shoulder attitude to his case and leadership style. Likewise his supporting team are believable as well. Their focus is on solving a case and not bringing dysfunctional personal lives to work with them. The storyline characters are interesting but not over played. The first two episodes truly gave you a whole town of suspects. I hope the writers stay true to this formula. It is a refreshing departure from the retread formulas used in most shows. The writing focuses on the mystery at hand using the twists and turns in the story's plot to entertain and hold an audience's interest. It doesn't have to rely on character flaws because of a weak or uninteresting general storyline. Alfred Molina is an outstanding actor. It's great to see his talent showcased in this series.

Van der Valk (2020–2023)

Superior To American TV

[9/10 · 7 November 2022]

Van Der Valk is another prime example of foreign tv superiority! We cleansed ourselves of American television several years ago and have never regretted it. The writing is outstanding as is the acting. Both seasons of Van der Valk have consistently kept viewers/fans entertained and in suspense. The lead characters are believable in their roles. The characters aren't perfect but they are likable. They aren't stars, they are actors/artist. Shows like Van der Valk aren't written for commercial and financial purposes, they are written to entertain the viewing audience. They don't go on forever like Grays Anatomy. They know when to call it quits. I am grateful for Van der Valk and the many quality foreign shows offerrees on streaming TV.

Grantchester (2014–2025)

How to go from 10 to O

[1/10 · 18 July 2022]

This was one of our all time favorite shows. It was about solving crime with great character study on the side. James Norton was flawed as the clergy and had a it of an issue with alcohol. But the new clergy chatacter is disgusting and ruining the show. He'd have sex with anything that breathed. And his drinking is equally as repulsive. It's starting to resemble Grays Anatomy! The writers must be on autopilot cause they sure aren't writing PBS worthy television series.

The Wolf of Snow Hollow (2020)

Mediocre

[5/10 · 22 June 2022]

Unfortunately this movie did not captivate me. Seemed more like a psychosis study of the main character rather than a horror flick! The mutilation of the victims did not match the actual physical capabilities of the perpetrator.....a would be werewolf. The acting/over acting of the main character made the movie seem amateur.

Wireless (2020)

Why?

[1/10 · 31 May 2022]

What a stupid and poorly acted movie! To be fair, I stopped watching this about 25-30 minutes in. I just could give anymore of my time on this. It is so stereotypical of what you'd expect for high school/freshman college aged kids. Writers give them no credit whatsoever. The plot was kinda stupid too. This is the kind of amateur writing/directing/actor you'd expect from American TV.

A Very British Scandal: Episode #1.2 (2021) Season 1, Episode 2

Strong Performances Give Credit To The Story

[10/10 · 26 May 2022]

Both Claire Foy and Paul Bettany are two of todays most outstanding actors. They are at their best in this mini-series. Any comparison to the Depp-Heard scandal is silly. This movie is based on a true story that happened nearly a century ago. The atrocities perpetrated on the part of both the Duke and the Dutchess are well documented. I believe the writer, director and actors did a superb job of telling a very sad story about the union of two people that should never have United.

Under the Vines (2021– )

An Escape for All The Right Reasons

[10/10 · 23 May 2022]

This is the type of feel good TV series that takes you away from the many sad things going on around us! Very well written and equally as well acted. It was perfectly cast. The amazingly talented Rebecca Gibney is at her very best. I became a fan several years ago, knowing that she'd bring respect to most anything she stars in, she's the draw. And through this I've gotten the opportunity to see Charles Edwards in a role that he defines. He plays his part perfectly and is a very nice compliment to Rebecca and her character. The supporting cast are ALL right on the money. Each actor has embraced his/her character perfectly. They are believable and they are charismatic and they are fun to spend time with. I also applaud the writers, directors and producers for collaborating to ensure they give us a great story, great characters and great actors. I cannot wait to see what they have in story for us in season two!!

Call Me Kat: Call Me the Bad Boy of Cheese (2022) Season 2, Episode 11

Hero to Zero

[7/10 · 18 May 2022]

My wife and I have become fans of this show. It has some great characters each playing his/her character perfectly. One of the great additions to the show is Christopher Rivas as Oscar. He is the perfect match to Mayim Bialiks Kat. The back and forth of Kat's friendship/relationship with Max falls FLAT. They make great friends that care about each other, but the have ZERO chemistry romantically. I am truly disappointed that the writers and producers decided to go in a different direction with Kat's romantic relationships. I thought it was extremely forward thinking to find Kat a partner that compliments who she is. This is one loyal viewer that may call it quits on this show. Looks like it's TV writing as usual!

Tyfelstei: An Alpine Horror Tale (2014)

Clothes Must Be Stale

[4/10 · 15 April 2022]

This is a definite B movie! It's worth the watch just to see how it's going to play out. The characters are almost likable. This strange, nearly desolate town would be charming if not meant to look gothic and evil. My biggest issue is that the title character is wearing the same clothes he came to town in. After several days he is still wearing the same shirt, pants, underwear and stale socks, never washed. He would have to stink like a garbage truck, yet the gorgeous female character seems attracted to him. It's these small details that scream low budget sophomoric writing.

The Rental (2020)

Gee, never saw this storyline before!

[2/10 · 10 April 2022]

Clearly, the title of this review is sarcastic! I Predicted the sex between main character and his brothers girlfriend the minute the foursome decided to vacation together. In spite of the fact that the main character really loved his wife and his brother he thought it was fine to boink his brothers girlfriend. And actually the storyline is even stupider! Mystery figure has cameras planted throughout the vacation home to catch the goings on of the renters. Not exactly sure why he's filming them. No evidence of sexual pleasure for the mystery figure. Killing the homes care taker for no apparent reason. I won't go on to explain the remaining silliness of this movie. I assure you, you've seen this movie before. Maybe a different title, different characters and different location but the plot is in imaginative and been done dozens of times. Vacationer serial killer. I really like Dan Stevens! I think he is a decent actor. This film was beneath his talents and I am disappointed that he found this film worthy of his time and talent. Maybe he did it as a favor to Dave Franco.

Moonstruck (1987)

OVERRATED!!!!!!!

[2/10 · 2 April 2022]

This has to be one of the most overrated movies of all times! The plot and acting were so subpar. The shear travesty that Cher would beat Glenn Close was the biggest injustice in the history of the Oscars. The hype for Cher was SO over the top it was actually nauseating. She performance was way overacted. Cher is not an actress, technically she is not a good singer. She has made a name for herself by reinventing herself. I recall her "Black Rose" period when she was fading into forever oblivion as a last ditch effort to remain relevant. She got lucky with an acting gig and the rest is history. She is not an actress though.

Being the Ricardos (2021)

NOT Lucy!

[3/10 · 27 March 2022]

First, I have to start by saying that I did not finish this movie. There's not enough makeup in the world that would make Nicole Kidman resemble Lucille Ball! And Javier Bardem isn't Desi Arnez! Lucy was an icon, bigger than life. She was a one of a kind genius! Neither lead actors gave Oscar worthy performances, albeit that The Academy Awards lack the glamour and sophistication of the 90's and earlier. I know Lucy Arnez wanted a movie that was a proper representation of her parents, but I don't think this was it. Yes, they made Nicole Kidman not look like Nicole Kidman. However, they absolutely failed to make Nicole Kidman look like Lucille Ball. I just couldn't get past her failed attempt to be Lucy. I loved Lucy and resent this mockery!

All Creatures Great and Small (2020– )

Finally, A Show Not Afraid To Be Wholesome!

[10/10 · 1 February 2022]

While most writers tend to believe you need to add sleaze and violence to be entertaining, All Creatures Great and Small proves you can tell a beautiful and feel good program by using positive characters and plots to bring, unfortunately, rare quality wholesome TV. I applaud the writers and the actors for making me believe that these characters actually are existed. ACGAS is our favorite TV show and I hope it has a very long life. Bravo to everyone involved.

Cold Zone (2017)

Nothing New Here

[1/10 · 15 January 2022]

This is the typical Syfy disaster movie! World ending natural catastrophe only hours away. All living things on earth will be destroyed. Humanity lies in the hands of one man and his raging hormone teenage son. Said nerdy teenage son gets connected to the hottest girl in town. The disaster brings a love connection to the two. And of course there is a group who simply will not listen to logic and against all odds heads out to face pending disaster head on. Of course they all die. And a few friendly favorites die along the way. At the very last possible second, our hero and his family pull off a one time only chance to beat the odds. Folks this template that EVERY disaster movie uses! There is nothing new here, just standard bad acting, bad directing, bad direction bad storyline. This movie did not need to be made! This is the kind of movie that can end a career before it even starts.