vanettelstarr Reviews

Westworld (2016–2022)

Even better than my original review...if there were a 12, Id check it!

[10/10 · 28 November 2016]

This is a series that far outweighs even the heaviest heavy weight block buster epic contenders, this year, or well, quite honestly, of all time....there are only a few that win the all time list, but this one comes close...trust me?! I mean that sincerely. Id paid so much money over the years to see the greatest movies, as my father, when i was a child, turned me into a movie buff, addicted to seeing through plots, characters, seeing the end before the end was even there yet. This one is only a simple made for TV series, yet the twists and turns, and the character reads are hard to even follow..as you suspected one character to be a bad guy, only to find out he is one of the big shots in the industry of making westward, the theme park, a sort of life changing ride of the virtual century, some time in the future, where we get to get away from the mundane and do a character check, in this lawless unreality! Only to find out, people and agendas are not what you thought they would be, and that this plot even switches, twists and turns so rapidly, still maintaining its own narrative! Its fantastic beyond fantastic! It will not fail you or fail to offer you anything, anything at all, even if you weren't looking for it. Though, at the point of only episode 9 in our first season. I mean, if there is even a question mark in whether or not there will be a season 2, i think you just have to watch the first six episodes, and you have that answer already. The humanoid lookalikes, surprise, and astonish, as well as we are starting to see so many characters disappear, be killed, accidentally or not, this is turning into one of the best "WHO DONE ITS", that it should go down in history of a first one of its kind...a series that feels like a movie, in each installment, with the top of the line actors, costumes, directors, the best editors, photo story boards, cinematographers, character interviews and casting directors, and so on... etc...?! Promise you, you will not be left wanting for a more, upon the end of each and everyone of these episodes...not like some series, and yes, even a movie or two...who shamelessly throw you into to cliff hanger situation, week after week or in case ..so you are truly addicted and must watch or your life won-tn feel complete? This one is complete, week after week, except for more! More of this man made world, and the madness of espionage, and counter corp espionage, as well as a few true love stories, and a cowboys and Indians, as well as who will win this espionage trip, if you can even figure out who is creating the problems. Like i said, i have been trained to see where the holes and leaks and the covered up the entrance to the real rabbit hole, might be...and I've found myself shocked so many times, I'm getting used to just going along for the fun filled, fantastic ride. I've decided, after all these years of using so many great mystery dramas, as my guild post of who done its, but decided that its more fun and more exciting to ride along with one of thee best written and well conceived pieces of work, in order to just enjoy the creative work of so many greats! The actors of course are all either winners or nominated winners of prestigious awards, already, the writers are top of the line, the editors, the cinematographers, the whole damn crew...well, after 50 years, i can say there hasn't been anything much better, even if this were to be a movie of the most decorated characters, the list line up of crews, and a group of workers that are all voted best at the top of the lists of each of their field in movies...with a small or limited budget for their marketing??? I can not say anything more...just watch it and see what I am speaking to you about. Sometimes, the only way to experience top of the line cashmere, is to put it on and wear it all day....this is the case with one of the best films made for TV, this year, or this last century, if I might be safe in saying so...it feels complete and right, every time! You will question, but you are left with enough to satiate you and keep you coming back in a healthy manner! Enjoy!

Natural Selection (2016)

A rising star, not given enough credit, but if we watch and if groomed by the right manager could be the Next IT person!

[6/10 · 30 July 2016]

This film wasn't that well thought out as far as the writing goes, but i do think one actor stands out in the whole cast and certainly should be at the top of all the actors lists. It certainly wasn't about the characters that filled in the gaps, it was about the pain one child held over losing his girl friend, years earlier, and how THAT pain became corrosive, over time, with no one to help him as he went down in his own sinking ship...NOT About the passive youth (supposed to be the protagonist, but lacked gusto?) And his mother (poor actress all around) who'd lost the father to suicide, years earlier. The actor by the name of Ryan Munzert deserves a lot more credit then he got on the list of actors, as his name is at the bottom, when he out acted anyone of the popular actors or what was supposed to be the main actors. He really does play an antagonist well, but I could see him being the protagonist and showing him as being passionate in that role, as well. He has the it, thing going on and is quite notable in his efforts. Watch for him. Though Kathrine Macnamera, stars in mortal instruments I.V. show, she didn't do this film much justice. Munzert was in whole different league. I suggest we watch out for this kid...IF He plays his cards right, he will work on all types of roles and wont get pigeon holed, like many good looking young men do early in their careers. Id give the over all theme a 5 and the acting about a 6.7 overall, with Munzert more than pulling his part, out, at a 7.8. I don't know why the whole "Jesus thing", was thrown in at the end, really ruined it for me...the reason for the title and the tract of the theme was not a religious argument, though some one wanted to make sure they made a point that did not fit, here? As usual someone for the religious path, has to ruin a story by making it about religion, when its just so simple; its about life. The pain left to rot inside a soul, turns sour, while pain that is dealt with and released, can be turned into something usable and can CREATE LIFE, to help others in pain, in some way. It always comes down to a choice and whether the adults in charge are willing to help the youth, around them, dump the old baggage and find purpose in their lives. Sadly it should have ended with the young man who wanted to save the boy, not leaving his side, as he fell to his death. If you want to throw religion in there, that is what love and god are about...LOVING In spite of someone doing the wrong things do to past pain.

Roadies (2016)

20 seconds to...lets get ready for funny stuff!

[19 June 2016]

This is going to be a tremendous hit, I'm convinced. A perfect mix of people, the electricity that happens with each of the characters, and the level of actors who are on this program are phenomenal...I think we are starting to see a revolution in the TV industry! We aren't suffering fools...we will move on to better stuff that is absolutely free on the internet, if the cable companies don't produce movie quality series, so this should be great! It's Certainly a topic no one has explored, totally, with the exception of fans and journalists in "almost famous?" Though its a little more obscure with the roadies as the ones who live vicariously through the band, this show starts out where it certainly touch's anyone's life who loves music and seeks the answers behind the scenes...like real life bands, One Direction, Swift, J.T., the arrogant ones I wont mention, all the women who have made it big these last years, the musicians, who are out there every week, week after week, beating the pavement with the long road hauls over thousands of miles and many parties, and then the stories they all must have to tell!!!! Share the juicy stories using this format. We all think they are true, so, just use this fictional band to tell the mishaps and the fights, and the drama, and who really got who pregnant, and for what reason, etc...If, indeed you listen to music, buy it, review it online, read about or listen to biographic topics of these people's lives, if you seek out and go to concerts for the love of music, you will love this show. Late night TV shows has been all the same...zombies, zombies and more zombies, blood and guts, and or devil stuff. Thank you for a less serious comedic show, that has real stories behind them and feels like it has the teeth to stick around, I hope. I am a huge music lover, so when I find a topic I like I stick with the shows. I'm sure you are no different. Nonetheless, I go to great lengths to find out as much as i can about the musicians I listen to, so i can see how there would be the occasional stalker. I've never gone to that level, but it certainly has felt that way, when I'm at home reading up about their personal lives and what they are up to next? But truth be told, there is no one that knows these people more than the roadies! Well, and personal trainers, stylists, etc...but the roadies make friends with the stylists, etc...they get the stories, and the managers have the fill of the stories...so if this first season is anything close to what really goes on..I'm excited. Perhaps, they will even address real life challenges, like the documentary done by 30 seconds to mars did...they showed just how much management steals, and leaves the bands in such severe debt, they cant even pay their people nor pay for their lifestyles, if they are to be fiscally responsible? Maybe, this will be a platform for change in the music industry as well? I'm sure roadies are far more dedicated and far more likely to be bound by contracts of confidentiality, yet, who knows....Imagine all the examples to be used in cases like say..Justin Beeper? Or the perfectionist, Miss T. Oh, and Jared Letto, with feet in two careers, perfectly talented, a genius when it comes to making his music and trying to change the art model of music making industry, much like Grohl and Jack White! Wow, so much material and so little time! Here's to what should be a good group of writers, actors, the loyal followers with the use of the internet, who will follow along, just like they do in real life musicians? I was waiting to see what kind of band it is, and what the music would be like? Is this going to be like the movie,"ALMOST FAMOUS!"? Yummy stuff, if so....

Public Morals (2015)

Public Moral gets Public Standing Ovation

[10/10 · 19 September 2015]

Sometimes, the commercials and the early build up is better then the actual experience. this is not the case here, as I thought it was better than the build up! This one gets my standing ovation for not being a "loser" series, like so many remake, make over and redone series, of late, which we're being bombarded with, over the last decade. Anyone can take a book or a movie and turn it into a slow role, fall asleep as yo go, TV series. This is all new material and doesn't feel recycled, even though its period and loosely based on past "plain clothed cops" in the big city. There are lots of surprises. Should be top of the line, highly rated TV series for many seasons to come, if there are no politics involved. Has the feel of several movies of this period, but seems to have real originality in that it may be taking from true criminal case files. I guess I should do some research, because I'm not sure of the background for the material. Not knowing, however, thats a draw for me. I do know, though, that for me, I always enjoy knowing a story has a link to a true crime, somewhere? I hope to see this as one of the draws, as this creates a dynamic feel. So far, I can see so many ways this type of series can go, and because it's period, there is numerous possibility for going forward in terms on chronological adventure. The writers are top notch, already accredited rights in their own field; nice character development as the plot and characters have plenty of well thought out preparation, execution and follow through, while actors chosen for each character is well cast and plenty of room for more diversity, plus every one of these people are a group of fully accredited and seasoned actors,with all of their own following, so no need for much "selling" or marketing, in this department. I do like how they've taken nostalgia and redressed it to look as if its a little further along in the forensics and policing field. I think we will see the writers pushing the envelope in other ways, as well, which will be adding a new slant on good times to be had by all in the late 60's early 70's as well as all the drama and social unrest felt during this period. Which reminds me, noted that there is diverse set of circumstances and social standings in the story line, family, group, etc... so a vast representation of all strata of cultures and morals situations will arise. We see where the first season has set up so many different pathways for the next season to follow, that I think there will excitement to be had in the writing room. This series is strong, diverse, dynamic, shows an inside slant on what unclothed officers might have done or could do in their position and how it might affect all around them, while giving us nostalgia to draw in all types of viewers, young and old. I enjoy that it feels edgy...no time for getting popcorn! The series Public Morals will gain public ovation, so forget popcorn! You'll be too into the story and each new weekly installment!

Thanks for Sharing (2012)

Realism with the breadth of light heartedness

[9/10 · 24 February 2014]

I loved this movie!!! bravo for the brave souls who tackled it! I own a masters as a movie connoisseur, and have some familiarity with the 12 step program, myself. Amazing and righteously done! This film is so close to the experiences of an addict and or co-addict, that I was utterly convinced that the many who worked on this film really have a grasp on how quickly ones path can take a dark turn, if he/she is honest enough with themselves to broach this topic and turn themselves over to 12 step community and a higher power to get the help they need.This film elegantly captures the reality of "the life". Grace and nurture are definitely found and used, here, in the face of such grim subject matter of this film, which for some means life and death. This is a beautiful compassionate film which shows not only how tough relationships are in a "normal persons" life, but goes out of its way to show how much harder they are for those who face the imbalance of sexual/relational addiction in ones life; but it offers it in a compassionate mannerism of hope and faith in the light of such difficulties for those who are afflicted. WE still don't know what causes the mind this imbalance, but Im grateful that there are those out in the entertainment biz, who handle such delicate matters with a grace, compassion, love for our human brothers and sisters who suffer with this (and similar maladies), and maybe even offer a light to a better path...perhaps even an easier softer approach for many circumstance covered in this piece of work. Its not just a piece of art, but educational informative work and sometimes shows we can approach life with all the joy, humor and brevity needed to get us through one day at a time. Even one those played their part were showing the honesty of how humans behave and how forgiveness and love goes sooo far in the human condition of recovery. Thanks to all who worked on this film; its beautifully honest while being real.