lkcphd Reviews

Doctor Who: The Star Beast (2023) Season Unknown, Episode Unknown

The return of the greats

[10/10 · 25 November 2023]

It's been a rough few years for Whovians, but all is well again. The incomparable R. T. Davies is back in the showrunner's seat. I never imagined it possible, but he is even better than he was when he brought the TARDIS out of moth balls. This episode has all of the cheeky humor I loved in his prior run. The writing is as sharp as ever, intricately woven for hardcore Whovians and new viewers in equal measure. He brought Tennant and Tate burst back into our lives with all of the quirky, delicious repartee I loved in series 4. Seeing Jacqueline King again is like meeting an old friend, and I couldn't get enough of her dogged determination to protect Donna from her memories. The newcomer, Yasmin Finney, has the quick wit and authenticity of her TV mom. I couldn't get enough of her! And we finally get some time with Karl Collins's Shaun Temple, and he's a perfect fit for the joyously unconventional Nobles.

I'm personally thrilled beyond measure for the return of the phenomenal Murray Gold. Even without the gorgeous sets and special effects, Gold's soundtrack is the embodiment of the excitement and frivolity of this episode. I don't know that I've ever felt such overwhelming joy from one episode of TV. If you've never watched Doctor Who, or if you stopped watching in recent years, give it 57 minutes. You will be a Whovian forever.

Bodies (2023)

Know that you are brilliant

[10/10 · 22 October 2023]

I must admit this is right up my alley. I'm a hardcore Whovian, Trekkie, and lover of both comics-turned-film (Marvel) period drama (think Downton Abbey). I believe it's a strange combination; I've never met anyone who enjoys all of these genres. Until now, maybe? This series is the exquisitely crafted intersection of all of them. It weaves together the lived and experiences of 4 people, scattered across time in London. Each time period is crafted, from costumes to music, with care and precision. It's both hopeful and tragic, and so compelling that I'm about to rewatch the entire series. If this is read by anyone affiliated in any way with its creation, know that you are brilliant. And your work is loved.

Champions (2023)

Break out talent!

[10/10 · 30 August 2023]

This is a fantastic movie - super funny and full of joy. We already know Hudson, Marin, and Harrleson are fantastic. Love them, and really enjoyed their scenes! But the real stars here are the new (to me) costars: Sinclair, Keith, Gunning, Iannucci, VonDerAhe, Hintz, Felder, Metcalf, and Edens. Each of them has their own style, and each bring their own flair to the film. I particularly enjoyed Iannucci's transformative shower scene (funny and heartwarming!), but I don't think there's a sloppy scene in the entire film. This is a fantastic story, and it's the sort of story that demands to be told. Every one of us has their own strengths and challenges, and that diversity must be reflected in our art. Champions is about a community of people who share similar strengths and authentic challenges. Beautiful film!

Outlander (2014– )

Way too much sexual violence

[1/10 · 21 May 2023]

I really enjoyed the first several episodes. It's beautifully crafted - costumes, locations, and holy crap the music! It's a really engaging combination of historical fiction and fantasy - two of my favorites genres. I'm uncomfortable with sexual violence, so when Claire is attacked the first and second time, I muted the TV and got through it. This isn't the first time I've loved a show that has this element. However, by the third sexual assault my comfort was being stretched a bit too far. I then Googled "sexual assault Outlander". Then I stopped watching. If you share my sensitivity, please Google for yourself and decide.

Relentless (2021)

Exploits a tragedy

[1/10 · 25 February 2023]

I have now watched every episode of this series - not because it was good, but because I hoped that something good would come of it. I wanted Ms. Whittaker to be found, or her family to find answers. It broke my heart to see how marginalized they are. This documentary did absolutely nothing for them. Well, Fontana enjoyed pointing out the things she bought for Alexandria to illustrate to the viewers that she thought the family was taking advantage of her. In fact it exploited their pain, exposed their mistakes for no reason other than it gave Fontana the chance to tell us how much those mistakes hurt *her*. How many documentaries feature the creator crying and whining about how hard it is for them to deal with the subject of their work? I can't believe this was actually published.

Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls (2022– )

A gift to humanity

[10/10 · 14 July 2022]

I can see that many people have some serious issues with this show. Let me remind them that Amazon has a "stop" option; if you don't like it, SHUT IT OFF.

For the rest of us, this show is an homage to being yourself - respecting and loving your own body and soul. If you understand and relate to Lizzo's (stone cold brilliant) music, this offers a window into the space where she herself learned to be the confident, strong woman that she is today. If people don't want to listen, shut off the damn TV. I'm watching every second.

Death on the Nile (2022)

Stunning and spectacular

[10/10 · 31 March 2022]

I've read a lot of Christie, seen her plays performed, but watched few movie adaptations. It goes without saying, she was perhaps one of the greatest writers of the English language.

Branaugh, too, is a genius. I know he's controversial; I wouldn't want to date him. But during my undergrad English degree his Shakespearean interpretations/adaptations were central in my courses and personal understanding of the Bard. He brings that same keen, at times obsessive attention to language and depth to the work of Ms. Christine.

This is a visual treat. I have never been to Egypt, but in this film the rich warmth of the desert light is captivating. The music is delicious, and Sophie Okonedo is particularly memorable. The film is riddled with talent and I found it a wonderful, titillating escape.

The Conners: Trucking Live in Front of a Fully Vaccinated Studio Audience (2021) Season 4, Episode 1

so much fun!!

[10/10 · 22 October 2021]

I'm loving the storylines, and looks like S4 is off to a great start. I respect and enjoy that they're acknowledging COVID and weaving that reality into their special brand of humor - equally bright and dark. This episode bursting through the 4th wall is a tear-jerking, laugh riot all on its own. The entire cast is great, but Metcalf, Gilbert, and Sagal are magic. "Sometimes you think this is the bottom, but this is the trap door to the next layer of hell".

The Prom (2020)

This is an 11

[10/10 · 16 December 2020]

Fantastic costumes and gorgeous dancing! Meryl Streep is a rock star (obv) but Corden stole my heart! This show should be viewed by every teenager in the US

The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two (2020)

Smart Christmas fun

[9/10 · 5 December 2020]

Like the original, this movie weaves together several cultural narratives to create a new and exciting holiday story. It's a visual delight, and the actors are all fantastic. The young actor who plays Jack is brilliant!

The Conners: Keep on Truckin' Six Feet Apart (2020) Season 3, Episode 1

We're trying to survive...

[10/10 · 23 October 2020]

...the most complicated, scary, and divisive period in modern American history. This episode is the Connors - in all of their quirky craziness - in 2020. Did anyone think they'd suddenly get it together and sail through COVID-19? And through it all, as always, is love and laughter.

Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist (2020–2021)

Humor and humanity

[10/10 · 18 February 2020]

Ten minutes into the pilot and I was hooked. There aren't many shows that truly deserve to be called "creative", but this is one that does. It's an artful balance of humor and humanity. Familiar songs strengthen the emotional connection with Zoey and her playful, colorful world. So far, the actors are solid. Mary Steenburgen and Lauren Graham each give their characters depth and charisma that elevates the entire cast. If you love music/musicals, watch!

For Life (2020–2021)

Art, life, and truth

[10/10 · 12 February 2020]

A beautifully crafted narrative about the life of a man fighting for truth. This is one of those compelling stories that has the potential to creep into the zeitgeist, then (hopefully) shift it towards justice.

The Aeronauts (2019)

WOW

[10/10 · 27 December 2019]

Grabbed me from the beginning, and by 24:00 I was in the balloon, gasping for breath. Brilliant images, intelligent and captivating

RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars: Sex and the Kitty Girl (2019) Season 4, Episode 9

Genuinely dissappointing

[1/10 · 9 February 2019]

I've loved Drag Race since Series 2. I have enjoyed the previous "All Stars", but this one seems to have lost the plot. I understand the value in changing the format to make these episodes different from the regular series. I also appreciate the idea that these girls - chosen as the best of the best - are evaluated by their peers. My problem is that the show has become overburdened with the "judging". I enjoy Drag Race for the incredible range of talent required to be a successful drag queen. The artistry of the costuming and make up - coupled with the need to be a competitive singer, dancer, and actor - make Drag Race fabulously entertaining! I have very little interest in the drama that has taken central to this show. From what I see on Twitter and other social media, I am squarely in the minority. I hope I am not entirely alone, and maybe the show can adjust focus and get back to what makes it such compelling television. Catty, whiney, nastiness can be found on every channel, but it's not necessary to make Drag Race special