putneychick Reviews

Mother of the Bride (2024)

Loved watching it due to a couple of things that worked...

[7/10 · 9 May 2024]

First I like Brooke Shields. She is funny in her own special way. Bulky, not so attractive, and yet because of her quirky and clumsy acting, she looks adorable.

Second - Benjamin Brat - he certainly looks good for a man who does not look a day older than 60 plus. The pairing of them though not perfect but they still come out quite okay even though the chemistry could be greater. Loved the character Lucas as Brook Shields' love interest. A pity that he had only a small part to play. He could have made the film funnier by appearing in more scenes and making things awkward for Brooke Shields and Brat.

Third - the young couple Emma and RJ - were kinda of underplayed. Could not sense the strong chemistry between them but Emma as when playing solo, did well especially her scenes with Brooke Shields that were emotionally touching.

Fourth - loved that the movie's backdrop was in Thailand, it helped to spice up the movie more, making it more scenic, colourful and with swimming pools scenes, beach scenes and the fantastic soundtrack did help the make the movie really enjoyable to watch.

Fifth - some good comic lines by supporting cast. Would have loved that the young couple too did have some cool stand up lines and the RJ character was definitely underplayed Sixth - the gay couple could have also been given more supporting role but again, they were sidelined most of the times which was a shame.

Seventh - liked the closing scene where everyone was seen enjoying each other and dancing away and having so much fun jiving. That was great to watch and made me smile.

Eighth - who sponsors a black gown to a bridesmaid ??

That is hilarious.

Ninth - would love to see Brooke Shields making comedies. She is great in that.

Tenth - gave it a high rating cos I truly enjoyed watching it even though it was not an original movie and pretty predictable but somehow it still turned out reasonably decent.

All the Light We Cannot See (2023)

Beautiful movie!

[9/10 · 18 March 2024]

Don't know why but I just felt that despite the setting .i.e war scenario in the Nazi's era, this is really a beautiful movie captivating a lot of emotions in all the characters. Each character is so strongly acted out bringing out each scene outstanding storytelling. Loved the cinematography and especially the good old radio and how just listening to the voice makes everyone listening in come alive and happy. Enjoyed every bit of the movie.

As for the casting, wished that Hugh and Mark had more playtime to bring out more of their characters especially for Hugh and how the professor bit come about.

Marie and Werner stood out in their own respective roles. Extremely talented stars.

Supporting cast: the evil guy I thought overacted a bit unless he was supposed to be psychotic. The other supporting cast like the prostitute -she was good but given too short a screen time.

Really loved the scenes, the props etc giving a real feel to the movie.

Beckham (2023)

Never knew the Beckhams until now.....

[10/10 · 10 October 2023]

Never seen a football match, let alone see David Beckham play. Of course I heard about David Beckham and Victoria Posh Spice - just in name as they get splashed around everywhere in headlines. This documentary excellently made make me understand why David Beckham played great football and how as in any life, you go through the ups and downs but played out to the world. That must have been some pressure. I don't know how he handled it but he seems to have this resilience, inner strength in him that helps him to survive anything. Amazing. Don't have much to say about Posh Spice, feels that she is tough, but at times also pretentious and somehow seems to have a hold over David, strange as it may sounds. I guess they are a good combo bringing out the best in each other.

I don't watch football and through this documentary, I managed to see so much and now can understand the excitement and the madness surrounding football. And David Beckham somehow managed to bring football to a whole new level with his mild-mannered charisma and good looks. Surprised to see that he is a person who likes to be organised - Wow where can I get a guy like that. Look at his wardrobe - perfect ensemble. He even knew someone had been at his wardrobe when something was out of place. That was so funny.. The documentary had a good mix of showing professional football and what it was like in that world and also well intermixed with all the short interviews plus adding a personal side of Beckham which we got to know. I hardly watch documentaries as they tend to be boring for me and this one was exactly the opposite. It got me hooked with each episode. Entertaining stuff for a documentary.

Unstable (2023– )

What a fun series to watch!!

[8/10 · 26 July 2023]

It was fast paced, witty dialogue, weird characters shining at their weakest moments and ironically bringing out the loveable humour in each character. Loved Anna the right-hand woman using her British accent to the max making this series highly enjoyable to watch. Have not watched Rob Lowe since St Elmo's Fire as I was deemed him as a good looking actor who cannot act. He has proven me wrong as he was quite funny in his role though at times he did over act but saved by the good writing where the lines had to be delivered with the right punch. Surprised that his son is a total opposite of him in terms of looks, character and personality - probably he had it easy playing the son cos I have a suspicion that he is really playing himself. Not easy living in the shadow of a famous actor I guess which was also part of the storyline. Overall, I enjoyed watching it as the whole cast did incredibly well to hold the series together. Most importantly, it was funny watching each of them roll!! Loved the scientist partner-duo too and Macolm who could scare anyone with his 'frankenstein ' stare and hairdo and yet extremely vulnerable and loveable character in the series. Better stop now or I will just continue rambling on and repeating myself on how much I enjoyed watching "Unstable" to my surprise with Rob Lowe as the lead and.one of the co-creators of the series. Well done!

The Out-Laws (2023)

HIghly entertaining despite the flaws!

[8/10 · 17 July 2023]

It brought out the laughs in me and that was what I needed for a Monday evening after a hard start at work. Silly, entertaining and yes the movie had some legit stars like Pierce Brosnan and Ellen Barkin.the rest of the supporting cast did their bit to make the comedy caper absolutely hilarious as well. Not at all a perfect movie as it had so many flaws here and there like the mob appearing in a cake shop kidnapping the daughter, some flat dialogue or rather expected line of humour and stereotyped scenes, there was no originality but yet somehow it was fun watching it and I think it was largely down to the main actor pulling it off - Adam Devine.

The Last Thing He Told Me: Sanctuary (2023) Season 1, Episode 7

What an anti-climax!

[3/10 · 21 May 2023]

The first few episodes were really exciting and it got worse towards the end. I found Jennifer Garner's acting terrible for this series. She was extremely stiff and trying to act natural turned out to be unnatural. The plot just got worse and messy and I found it hard to keep myself entertained or give myself reason to stay tuned so I ended up doing things in between to come back to watch it faithfully to the end. What a total disappointment for a series that started well.

Only worthy of mention was the strong acting by Angourie Rice. NikolaJ Coster Waldau's active scenes were too short and most of the scenes showing him were in passing so a total waste of him being in the series to exploit his full acting range. At the end the whole show was about Jennifer Garner and only if she could have acted better, it would have been a good series.

We Have a Ghost (2023)

Hugely entertaining but ...

[7/10 · 31 March 2023]

It is not a movie without faults. Loved that it had some great actors like David Harbour, Tig Notaro, Jennifer. Coolidge ( too short an appearance) but something just did not flow smoothly trying to throw in so many things into the movie, like father-son issue, son-neighbour girl love interest, agent with her boss issue as well as too many familiar scenes, car chase, hotel room scene, police scene. I felt it got a bit messy towards the end... So not sure where the focus was but I did love the twist in the story line of what happened to the ghost in the first case so giving it a higher rating as it was an entertaining film with a little bit of everything thrown in.

Your Place or Mine (2023)

Magic was missing!

[3/10 · 11 February 2023]

I love Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher. Somehow putting them together in the movie just did not bring out any magic or chemistry which was really sad. A number of factors could have contributed to that: (1) Lack of physical scenes together for us to sense some energy between them and when they were together, it was just dead (2) Plot was not about romance it was more on Ashton babysitting the son and Reese finding her way in New York and most of the time mutually exclusive threads running parallel to each other and not able to build up on the romance (3) Storyline was kinda of weak and superficial bringing no depth to the main characters or even the side characters like. Minka, Alicia or Zen could have been given more development as there was potential of having some more funny laughs; and (4) the short scene between Reese and Ashton making out was just too short and also replaying it a couple of times just did not cut it - that scene could have been the opportunity to create some sizzling chemistry between Reese and Ashton but nada. So overall, when I finished watching it, I felt short-changed. Did not feel at all like a rom-com. Sorry to say that.

Treason (2022)

glad that I plod on...

[8/10 · 30 December 2022]

The first two episodes were really dragging but the suspense was slowly building up and I think it was the excellent acting by Olga that kept me up with hope:-) True enough, the pace picked up and it was really an exciting thriller with lots of plot twists and ultimate betrayal till the very end. Even the main star had an unexpected ending The storyline may have some loose ends but I love the cast with some stellar acting. They managed to pull off the series all neatly wrapped up in 5 episodes. Good entertainment, wonderful backdrop of central London in many of the scenes and fantastic cinematography as well on the landscape as well as the inside of some of most beautiful homes.

The Bear: Braciole (2022) Season 1, Episode 8

Riveting, authentic and intense

[10/10 · 19 December 2022]

And it touches every part of your soul watching Jeremy Allen White going through the emotions of his roller coaster. If I were him, I would have suffered a nervous breakdown but I guess thats what kitchen experiences either make you or break you! The other characters were so real and down-to-earth, effortless acting making the show a joy to watch. It had an element of raw intensity and true grit to everything they do. The finale was such a great closure for everyone - hoping to see season 2 too. What a great fantastic show couldn't believe that it was that good. Blind me over and over again.:-)

Inside Man (II) (2022)

Very silly show

[2/10 · 16 December 2022]

Have problems enjoying this series cos the plot is ridiculously far-fetched in particular with the vicar keeping the maths teacher as a hostage in his cellar and this is all because of a peodophile that he is trying to protect!!! And Tucci's acting got to a stage where it was irritable and off to the end. He acted like he is a leader of a cult group. And there is this journalist whose acting is so so bad and deadpanned. The only saving grace is when Tucci is with his cell mate trying to solve crimes - that could have been explored more rather than wasting the whole of the series on the vicar spiralling down towards insanity. Hope there is no season 2 as it was really bad!!

Harry & Meghan (2022)

Anti-climax really !

[2/10 · 9 December 2022]

Was hoping for a solid documentary on them two but it was fluffy romance between them and the little bits which could have been better developed were just glimpses like her mom talking about her daughter getting involved with Henry and it would all be racial undertones. Wished there was more meat to the bone. It was really boring after a while as it was repetitive especially with so many of her friends praising her and the Panorama bit about Diana was totally unnecessary. In fact the interviews by the 'official' spokesmen on Britain, slavery, culture, racism held my interest more but sadly it was not dealt in depth linking to Harry and Meghan. There were no paparazzi footage on Meghan just some snippets but loads on Princess Diana. Why? Anyway, it was an anti-climax three episodes and nothing I could takeaway that was significantly different from what I already know from the press coverage.

Trevor Noah: I Wish You Would (2022 TV Special)

Trevor Noah doing what he does best!

[8/10 · 22 November 2022]

He is so good at doing accents, impersonation etc and the last joke was the best with a twist bringing the show to a fantastic closing. Always love seeing him laugh at his own jokes too by giving us the cheeky grin and purported innocence. Overall, I enjoyed his show cos he really made me laugh so much and did not realise his hour was up. It went so quickly. Good entertainment..Thank you Trevor Noah very much.

Looking forward to seeing more of his stand-ups as he is such an intelligent comedian offering a unique perspective and always making sound reflections and sincere opinions through his brand of humour.

Master Cheng (2019)

Beautiful and heartwarming

[8/10 · 14 January 2022]

I'm Chinese so was puzzled with the title when I happened to turn onto Netflix this evening. What a pleasant surprise watching this film and bringing back food memories seeing him cook those dishes. Setting was unusual -in Finland and actors were extremely understated so no Hollywood frills which made this movie very different and lovely to watch. Blend of some Chinese music as well as times and I was so happy that I could understand the Chinese language even though I had not used it for years due to me living in Denmark for 20 years. The landscapes were just breathtaking.

The Lost Daughter (2021)

pace erratic and directing at times erratic too

[3/10 · 7 January 2022]

I was hoping by continuing to watch this movie, I will get some clear direction but the only direction I get was the flashbacks which provided a lot of meaning to the main character and who she is. The present scenes - many were totally irrelevant ( walking back to the hotel a couple of times got hit by a cone etc) and repetitive especially showing the main character and her movements.. you already get a sense of her just loitering around trying to get a sense of enjoyment and with those scenes, the pace was very erratic and dragging to the point of being boring. At the end I was disappointed with the movie cos I did not seem to get anything out of it apart from the fact that she came to terms with her being the mother that she was and still is. No doubt the flashback scenes were great and the main character played by Olivia Coleman and Buckley was excellent. Not too crazy with Dakota playing her part - she looked overacting at times. But what do I know? :-)

Starstruck (2021–2023)

She is a delight to watch

[8/10 · 25 December 2021]

Love this new series. She is such a character - so lovable, adorable and just a normal human being trying to live her life, with worts and whatever. Not sure if I can ever find the room mate that she has cos she is just amazing and funny. Overall, the script holds the conversations very well especially with the main character. The only thing which I cannot fathom is that the actor she is involved with appears to be a famous actor but yet he is so understated and just seems like any normal guy on the street! Felt so good after watching the whole series. Can't wait for season 2.

Spoiled Brats (2021)

Delightful !

[8/10 · 29 November 2021]

I truly enjoyed watching it. Even though the storyline is nothing original and predictable, it is the cast that made the film entertaining, funny and fun to watch. So whether it is a remake or not, it is a movie that is worth watching on its own merits.

Charlie's Angels (2019)

Fun re-make

[7/10 · 18 October 2021]

Surprisingly, I enjoyed the movie with Kristian Stewart leading the angels and Elizabeth Bank playing a major role. The cast was a strong cast and every now and then, it appeared like light comedy filled with fun packed action. Kristian Stewart is really a talented actress and seemed to appear in this movie seamlessly and effortless ly not even needing to try to act.

The Kissing Booth 3 (2021)

So bad so bad....

[1/10 · 14 August 2021]

The acting somehow sucks maybe the actors themselves knew that the storyline was really weak but they still have to plough through. Extremely superficial and why is Chloe with a sharp British accent still in the movie?? Seemed so out of place. And why is it still called Kissing Booth and 3 when it has nothing to do with the booth story anymore??

Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)

ebbs and flows

[4/10 · 31 July 2021]

I found this movie quite hilarious to watch especially the slow-motioned fighting scenes at the diner. It did not manage to keep me sitting on the edge of my seat or glued to it. It was actually a movie that kept me doing other things than watching it completely because there was really nothing you have not seen before in this movie. So quite boring and predictable lines and acting. But I gave a 4 because the stellar cast made this movie watchable. It was its saving grace.

Naomi Osaka (2021)

Expecting a better depiction of Naomi Osaka

[4/10 · 18 July 2021]

I watched this documentary hoping to gain a better insight to a young tennis player who is so successful and yet seems to display a lot of insecurities, that appears to make her miserable most of the time. Quite an enigma. Unfortunately, the documentary did not seem to provide a clear answer to why she is who she is today. Was hoping to see more of her family upbringing, talks with her mom, dad and sister but there was very little of that which could have helped to provide some understanding of Naomi's character and behaviour. A lot of scenes did not flow nicely and I was quite confused with what I was watching, for example, doing video shoots - for who, when? Osaka Foundation - that could have been dealt a bit more with her talking about this school for young Haitian kids learning tennis. The two coaches were interviewed. Why not Sascha Bajin , the coach that she was under when she won her first two Grand Slams which could shed a bit about her start in training for the Grand Slams? Maybe there was a real falling out which could explain his exclusion in this documentary. Nevertheless this could have provided some idea of why Naomi made that decision instead of putting out a statement that she cared more about her happiness above everything else, which in all honesty, does not say anything about the termination per se. Here I think there could be some more elaboration of why she did what she did as it was a decision that shocked the tennis world and it would show us who she is really right from the beginning of her tennis career. I loved the scenes of BLM protests - that was long enough to understand why Naomi did what she had to do. The last episode ended quite abruptly and I thought it was getting off to a good start in knowing more about her but I guess we will have to wait for season 2 then. Overall, I expected a more transparent documentary of who she is but it was merely snippets of a lot of many things put together, some nicely done ( love the videos when the sisters were playing tennis, BLM protest, Osaka foundation), some quite incoherently ( model shoots, advertisements, fashion show, scenes of her and her therapist done repeatedly while the TV is on), painting only a superficial picture of her whom we or maybe just me already knew right from the beginning when I started following her tennis career. I think this documentary in my personal view has not helped me in understanding who she is really. And maybe that is the question and answer.. she is on her own journey of finding herself and discovering her own identity.

Lupin: Chapter 10 (2021) Season 2, Episode 5

Thoroughly Entertaining and Spellbound

[9/10 · 21 June 2021]

Do not understand a word of French but with the helpful subtitles, the pace of the series, the acting, the humour and the clever flashbacks - they were all done in a slick manner. Many a times, flashbacks can create confusion but these flashbacks actually help with the storytelling and how everything gets pieced in the end. Very classy and sophisticated - loved watching Omar Sy and his sidekick plus the young sidekick too. Hope there will be a new season featuring the trio plus the kind, blurry but somehow smart detective working with his gut instincts and trustworthiness.

Lupin (2021– )

Excellent series!

[10/10 · 10 January 2021]

Never watched a French series but I accidentally saw it coming up on Netflix and we clicked. Thanks to the wonderful subtitles and Omar Sy playing the lead role, I was just glued to the series and binged it all at one go tonight! Excellent plot with its twists and turns as well as throwing in flashbacks nicely tucked in between digging a bit into the characters' beginnings and relationships with each other. Of course there were some loose ends, but it was more than compensated by the pace of the series plus its cast which every role just seems to fit into the big scheme of things. Looking eagerly to season 2.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

One of the best movies ever!

[10/10 · 3 January 2021]

Made in 1946 and yet watching it as my first movie for 2021 reminds me so much of what we should be thankful for - being YOURSELF that is filled with kindness, generosity, sacrificing and full of love and tenderness. It is a story told with humour, magic, angels and connecting with people of all kinds and most of all, it is an entertaining film that pulls at your heart strings. Love this movie with James Stewart and Donna Reed playing their ideal roles. Thanks Frank Capra for making this timeless classic

Ghost (1990)

Still enjoyable after 30 years!!

[10/10 · 2 January 2021]

Thought I will give myself a treat and watch "Ghost" since I have not seen it for ages. It is still such a watchable film due to the main characters and tight story line. Whoopi is outstanding in this role. Wished that she will play another role like this again soon! Miss her in films -boring watching her do talk shows. Patrick Swayze - such a talented actor that lived a short life. Demi was absolutely angelic in this movie - her natural beauty shines through and through. And the music - I loved the old record player with the display of records and decking one record on the player and then it goes back into the slot and come down the next record. Where can I get this vintage record player?:-)