kurtorterri Reviews

The Clouded Yellow (1950)

What the heck was that?

[1/10 · 29 December 2023]

I stumbled across this film on Youtube and thought that I was really going to enjoy seeing Trevor Howard and Jean Simmons in an interesting British mystery/thriller. I was greatly disappointed. There was no explanation AT ALL of exactly WHY certain people were murdered. No motive. No summation of facts. NOTHING. The villain of the film unfortunately has an unsatisfying denouement, to say the least. Creepy jerks like that deserve a much more satisfying comeuppance. You'll understand what I mean when it happens. And the ending is just stupidly and unnecessarily abrupt. This film was triumphant let down. If you haven't seen it, make it a HARD PASS.

The Mysterious Benedict Society: Big Day Today (2021) Season 1, Episode 8

What happened?!

[2/10 · 6 August 2021]

I don't understand it. I'm stunned and extremely disappointed with this final episode. All of the previous episodes were intriguing and enjoyable overall, even though they deviated quite substantially from the book in terms of certain character arcs and what not. But again, still enjoyable.

But maan ohhhh maaaan. This final episode was hurried, disjointed and sloppy. The writing was sooooo baaaaaad on this one, as well as the direction. Really, really disappointing.

I know this is generally a story for a younger audience, but the things they did in this episode were just simply ridiculous and insulting for ANY age group.

If this series is greenlit to continue future episodes, I truly hope they get better writers and directors and try to give more control to Trenton Lee Stewart because at least HE knows what he's doing!

The Surprise (2015)

"The Surprise" was exactly that! What a great film!

[7/10 · 27 April 2020]

I casually came across this film and decided to watch it since I really do enjoy most foreign films. I'm always pleasantly surprised by them and tend to appreciate them more than I do recent American cinema. I WILL NOT give anything away. The movie's title definitely lived up to its name. It helps that I didn't know anything whatsoever about the actors, the director, the core plot, etc. Beautifully and masterfully done. It was a great way to spend an afternoon. This film should not be missed, most especially by those of us who enjoy quirky characters and equally quirky plots. I genuinely loved this film!! Highly recommended!

I Know Where I'm Going! (1945)

I'm sorry but I must speak....

[1/10 · 30 June 2019]

What in the world are all of these glowering reviews for exactly??? I'm completely baffled that so many here actually thought this film was anywhere close to being good. There was absolutely ZERO chemistry between Hiller and Livesey's characters. I didn't detect ANY sexual tension AT ALL. There was no reason whatsoever for either one of them to even be attracted to one another, much less "fall in love". I only watched this film because of director Patty Jenkins' high praise for this movie during a Hollywood Reporter Director's Roundtable. I couldn't wait to see it, based on her praise and because I also love romantic films, when they're done well. Watching this was a HUGE disappointment, and once again firmly reminded me how we all have vastly unique and differing perspectives as humans. But man ohh maaaan, what was all of the hype about?! Unlike Capra's Oscar-winning masterpiece, "It Happened One Night", this film doesn't really capture, in my opinion, the "descent" of falling in love. Gable and Colbert were notably convincing as a couple "falling in love". You saw it in certain scenes, and their chemistry was palpable. Which is why this film garnered Oscars for Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Picture. Hiller and Livesey were unconvincing in their "feelings" for each other and the film left me feeling empty. That's an hour and a half of my life I sadly won't get back.

Maudie (2016)

How did this movie not receive any Academy Award nominations?!

[7/10 · 5 September 2018]

I do NOT understand how it is possible that Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke went completely unnoticed by the Academy. It truly boggles my mind. All of the other reviews pretty much summed up my feelings for this film and the performances. I'm left speechless that NO NOMINATIONS WERE GIVEN!! How in the world did such incredible acting performances get unrecognized? Sally Hawkins was simply superb. Ethan Hawke was amazing. Maybe his best performance yet. This movie is a gem. Definite must-see. And you too, will be scratching your head as to WHY these amazing actors didn't get even the slightest nod. Wow.

The Space Between Us (I) (2017)

Really?

[2/10 · 27 June 2017]

This movie is so blatantly awful my brain actually hurts. Although I like Asa Butterfield and Brit Robertson, this movie was sooooooo baaaaaad. I honestly cannot believe that this tripe was greenlit to go into production, much less into movie theaters. Everything about it was painful to watch. And that "so-called twist" ending? Saw it coming from a mile away. Ugh. Even writing this review hurts. I'm kicking myself for wasting almost two hours on this crap. The only positives are the cinematography and some of the songs. Other than that, this is definitely one you wanna skip.

The Lighthouse of the Whales (2016)

Lighthouses? Orcas? I'm soooooooo there!!

[8/10 · 25 April 2017]

I recently viewed this movie on Netflix and was pleasantly surprised by this wonderful film, that had more heart and depth than most films in the cinema today. To be fair, I cannot help but be bias towards it, simply because my absolute fascination and love for Orcas is profound. As the apex creatures in the ocean, they continue to intrigue me by their amazing hunting prowess, social skills, and incredible intelligence. This film definitely showcases all three. The cinematography is breathtaking. Not only of the Orcas, but of the gorgeous landscapes and vistas of Argentina. I still can't stop smiling.

Overall, I found the story very touching. A mother's devotion to her child is fierce, and a child that has emotional issues and hindrances? Well, watch out. The lead actors (Joaquin Furriel, Maribel Verdu)in this film were wonderful, and I didn't feel that the story was in any way saccharine, or overly sentimental.

This was a very, very enjoyable film. Highly recommended!