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Reviews
Hoax: The Kidnapping of Sherri Papini (2023)
Disappointing retelling
I was pretty excited to watch this film. Like much of America, I was fascinated by this bizarre, true story we witnessed in the news. Disappointingly this lifetime production was a. Dull retelling.
Even being based on a true story, it is typical in such films that liberties are taken, parts are exaggerated, and facts are changed. However, it seemed that this was unnecessarily done here; and worse, doing so actually took away from the story, rather than adding to it, as is usually intended.
For instance, legitimate details in the interviews and conversations we see/are all privy to online were altered, which made me question more of the film itself...and including them would've actually made the production more interesting!
I found Jamie King, the woman who portrayed Sherri, pretty dull and monotone, though she did at times capture Sherri's anxiety, deflection, and manipulative behavior.
There were a few times where some scenes were rushed or perhaps overedited, which only exacerbated viewer confusion AND boredom. It seemed apparent that this film had little-to-no cooperation from those actually involved In the ordeal. I'm sure that not many were cooperative, most especially Sherri herself, but it seemed so impersonal and amateurly crafted. There were moments where it was lightly comedic, and of course sad in theory, but even then and overall It lacked real soul. There is debate about whether or not the husband was at all aware before the conclusion of the investigation, but certainly their kids weren't; yet I found it difficult to be very sympathetic to anyone here.
The whole story/format felt rushed, and dare I say- after four+ years of that ridiculous case- even rushed to the screen. Like it felt a bit premature. I found the 1.5-hour recording of the concluding police interview online to be more intriguing than this movie of the same length. Perhaps after more time, those personally involved would be a bit more informative, thereby providing a more detailed telling, about which we could muster more understanding and compassion/empathy. Instead, I was actually ready for it to end.
Secrets in the Building (2022)
Not fantastic, but not as bad as "deedrala" rated...
I wasn't even going to review this film, but clearly "deedrala" did not pay attention... Or worse, could not comprehend it, even with it being so incredibly simplistic.
The ENTIRE reason why Josh/Dan struck up a relationship with the newcomers, was so he can have access to their unit/condo. It literally could not have been more obvious that the teddy bear he brought was a decoy/teddy~cam.
The existence of said camera answers all of the questions s/he laid out in her/his review. He could monitor their comings and goings, as well as their guests', and when they'd eat the cake {which, admittedly, is pretty gross that they ate it so long after he made it, even refrigerated}. He used that info as his cues.
The screaming match that Helene and Channing had was also fairly obviously about H's ex-husband/C's dad, who Helene pleaded that C avoid, cautioning her that he was "just using" her". Moreover, it was clear that it was a male who Channing was complaining to on the phone in the locker-room after Norah's soccer tryout, when she asked him to "fix it". All hints pointed to it being her estranged dad; though one MIGHT consider/suspect it could POSSIBLY be Aiden, albeit unlikely.
"Josh" likely keyed the car in the night, or had his kid be his lookout, which explains his gall and ability to carry it out.
Re: the end, Michelle was still moving after Dan attacked her, so she absolutely could've made it downstairs in time to save her kid.
This film was a pretty run-of-the-mill soapy original Lifetime movie: terribly predictable, mostly overacted, and at times frustrating. That said, it's hilariously ironic when reviewers can't pick up on that which is COMPLETELY SPELLED OUT in such films, that even they, themselves, deem elementary ("fourth grade" is what that reviewer stated). Laughable, and a bit unfortunate.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed the film. The acting by both moms was decent, and the actress who played Michelle was particularly authentic & engaging. The scenery was well lit, but at times confusing between the residence- which looked like an office building or school- in the school itself. (Even the bizarre sign in the elevator at the end alluded to it being such, though I guess they converted the now vacated condo to the CS office.)
I completely agree about Lawrence and Channing being WAY OTT, and C's sudden transformation being unrealistic. Norah also irked my soul at times, being too meek an naive, esp in such a new environment. It's true that no one (including Lawrence) liked Helene, but she was admittedly troubled, and did try to connect with Michelle (who reciprocated).
There were also a few continuity errors:
The nonsensical debate/convo btwn Aiden & Norah re: walking her home was a moot point, being that she DROVE to the party. Channing arrived home before Norah did, even though the disciplinary talk did not take longer than the soccer practice. The hostess of the party did not see C in her home, even when she went to the pool area where the hostess was standing. These errors were minor, but noticeable, thus annoying.
I'd say that the most annoying one was in the end when the pair remained inside, as police escorted the assailant out...when the building was about to be FUMIGATED.
It's debatable whether or not Helene would know about the true Josh's vaca/absence, but Michelle was uncharacteristically idiotic to eat the cake after what she'd literally JUST learned. I thought the writers missed a good opportunity to have M take "Josh" up on the camera offer, but perhaps they couldn't see a good ending with that. At least they did finally tie her deceased hubby's golf club in at the end.
Still, I was interested in seeing the film through, curious how it would all turn out. Light & easy watch. 5.3/10.
Dateline: The Last Day (2022)
Incomplete Info makes for Inadequate Story
In episode 5: "Lanelle Barsock", the show deliberately neglects to include major details which would help viewers to fill in gaps, and better understand the killer's motive.
The victim and killer were not simply friends, they had been lesbian lovers who met in Craigslist personal ads. To the chagrin of the killer, the victim ended the tryst. "Dateline" tried to hide that, and in addition to that willful neglect, they outright stated that it was simply a matter of a financially "broke" and unstable woman being envious of her friend's ambition and success. They claim that the killer was obsessed with her friend due to her own lack, and wanted to assume her persona.
The killer might have been broke, although I don't see how she was easily able to flee to Belize; and certainly she was psychologically unstable to carry out the murder. But not for the reasons of personal envy that the show expressed. The victim decided to focus her attention on her boyfriend, and the killer's JEALOUSY and obsession was based on that. The killer was actually her lover who felt jilted and used. That, of course, does not justify murder, but it differs greatly from the deaths and motive inferred by "Dateline".
There are better accounts of this story elsewhere, equipped with the essential details, that provide the viewers with more understanding and satiation (especially when the killer is captured in Belize).
There are no individual episode ratings or reviews allowed for this series, yet. I cannot rate the entire series, because I only saw that one episode, and due to the intentional lack and misdirection of that episode, I will not continue with this series (cannot trust its accuracy).
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Murdered at a Bad Address (2019)
Had to leave this.
I literally cannot stop crying since watching this episode of SVU. I adored the strength of the "Project Kid", and the whole story was fantastic. The writing and storylines are almost always great, but this time, plus the acting of Guillermo sent me over the edge.
I've always been a freedom fighter, passionate of justice and self-empowerment for all (with a particular interest in The Oppressed)...and my inability to let this episode go is a clear indication that I must actually do work toward it on a much larger scale.
The "unchained walk" at the end.........So incredibly powerful.
I need to see more Guillermo Diaz on my screen in roles/portrayals such as these (when my emotions can handle). Simon's story...very touching indeed. And how wonderful it was seeing M.E. Warner. There's so much more to comment about, but eye literally can't right now.
Highly recommended episode.