I really don't get the low ratings. Boundaries is an absolute little gem of a film. It also serves as a perfect example of why I started disregarding reviews/ratings on this site years ago. I found it be quirky and absolutely enjoyable. There were fantastic performances by all involved. Vera Farmiga and Christopher Plummer were wonderful together. I also enjoyed the cameos by Christopher Lloyd and Peter Fonda. Do yourself a favor and ignore the unwarranted and ridiculously low reviews/ratings and give this highly underrated film a chance. I'm sure glad I did. I would recommend this film to friends and family without hesitation.
Reviews
26 Reviews
Boundaries
(I) (2018)
Why all the hate?? Boundaries is a thoroughly enjoyable film.
15 September 2022
The Bear
(2022– )
If you can't take the heat
24 June 2022
Get out of the kitchen. This show is so spot on about how real kitchens function. Having worked in several high end and lower end restaurants. I can tell you this is the real deal. For all those low star reviewers, you just don't get it. This is not a glitzy Hollywood romanticized fantasy. Great acting, accurate terminology and technique. Absolutely love it! Hope there will be more.
Tell Me Your Secrets
(I) (2021)
A hot mess but totally entertaining!!
22 February 2021
A ridiculous but enticing drama/thriller. It's like watching a Lifetime/B movie with solid actors. I hope they make a Season 2. It's like eating greasy fries....you know they're bad for you but they taste oh so good. You can't help but want more.
The Week Of
(2018)
One Of The Worst Movies I Have Ever Seen
9 July 2019
Without a doubt this is the one of the worst movies I have ever seen. It's weird in a bad way. The dialogue and jokes are cringe worthy. If you have any reservations about watching this pile of garbage, do yourself a favor and just don't.
Chambers
(2019)
Truly Terrible
29 April 2019
I somehow managed to make it though all 10 episodes. I love slow paced unique stories. Sadly, this is not one of them. Do yourself a favor, if you watch an episode or two and feel lukewarm about it, just stop watching. I assure you it does not get better. Trust me on this!
The characters are wholly unlikable and in an uninteresting way. I couldn't care less what happened to any of the characters. I had been looking forward to this series and I don't think I could have been more disappointed. Wish I has just stopped after the first episode.
The characters are wholly unlikable and in an uninteresting way. I couldn't care less what happened to any of the characters. I had been looking forward to this series and I don't think I could have been more disappointed. Wish I has just stopped after the first episode.
Brain on Fire
(2016)
4 Stars and that is only for bringing awareness
10 January 2019
What a shame! The movie really deserves 1 or 2 stars. I don't know which is worse, the acting or the direction. The story itself is interesting and it could have done so much better. I don't care to even waste any more time going into further detail. Check out the professional critic reviews - they spell out all that is wrong with this disaster.
James White
(2015)
Raw, Intense, Dark - 10 Stars
6 January 2019
This is not an easy film to watch, but it is well worth it. I realize this film especially resonated with me because I faced similar circumstances caring for my mom. That said, I found the experiences and performances to be raw and honest. Abbott and Nixon were both outstanding. If you like stellar performances and films that aren't afraid to take on very difficult subject matter then I highly recommend this film.
The Innocents
(2018)
Ignore the low rating and bad reviews!!!!!
28 August 2018
I really don't get the low ratings and bad reviews of this series. It seems like a lot of the low-rating reviewers only watched 1 or 2 episodes at best. I've seen far inferior shows rated much higher. That said, I strongly suggest watching and deciding for yourself. It is an interesting premise and beautifully shot. The characters hold your attention and the actors do a superb job. I am especially impressed with the two leads. I found myself looking forward to each next episode and finished the series in 2 evenings. If you like supernatural dramas I highly recommend giving The Innocents a try.
The Company Men
(2010)
Poor Little Rich Boy(s)
25 August 2018
The premise of this film is fantastic but the writing and execution is abysmal. Ben Affleck's character is wholly unlikable and entirely unsympathetic. He saunters around like a spoiled petulant child. Hard to feel sympathy for someone who has to sell their Porsche and lives in an 850K house. I understand people live beyond their means, but when the crap hits the fan it's time to wake up. Instead Affleck's character has a temper tantrum because his wife (played wonderfully by Rosemarie DeWitt) stopped paying country club dues. Be aware this is not a thinking person's film. At one point Affleck's character goes out of town for an interview and tells his wife that he'll stay in a Motel 6 and eat affordably. From the shots at the hotel, he's not staying in any kind of Motel 6 I've ever seen. It was far too high end to be a Motel 6. The only good thing I can say about this movie is that is shows how the wealthy are truly out of touch. By that, I'm not only referring to corporate oligarchs, but the director and art director of this miserable pile of garbage. This film adds insult to injury with an absurd feel good ending. Truly sorry I wasted my time on this dreck.
Van Helsing
(2016–2021)
Suprsingly not as bad as the 5.8 rating
5 August 2017
I almost unilaterally hate SyFy channel shows but this one surprised me a bit. Another exception was Helix. Is Van Helsing great? No, but it's entertaining enough. Yes, of course it's cheesy at times but overall I actually enjoy watching it. I'm up to Episode 8 Season 1. I usually watch much higher quality series and films with great writing, acting and cinematography. That said, this is like a guilty pleasure. Don't take it seriously or expect to be intellectually challenged or stimulated. Enjoy it for what it is. Low budget and mindless entertainment. Give it a try, you'll figure out for yourself early on whether you want to continue watching. For me it's great for when I just want to turn my brain on low and enjoy the ride.
Ozark
(2017–2022)
Revised Review and Rating
22 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I have mixed feelings about this show and in my original review I wasn't certain if I was going to continue past episode six. I'm glad I did, because the acting is for the most part is tight and well done. Laura Linney is great as always and Jason Bateman is as well.
I was harsh in my original review, partially because I was irritated with the countless comparisons to Breaking Bad, a series I love. While Ozark certainly is in the same crime genre and shares some similarities, the two series are fundamentally different in tone, mood, style and writing.
I'm am still bothered by certain aspects of the writing which I have gone into further detail below.
MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD:
The first issue that really rankled me was when the character Ruth, portrayed as a tough as nails, criminally intelligent Ozark local thief took 19K and put it in cheap trailer kitchen cabinets with a lock on it that a 10 year old could bust open with a screwdriver in order to keep her idiot uncles from taking it after they already blew $1000.00 on booze and something else I can't even remember. Of course, she knows they are idiots and yet she makes it obvious where she's put the money. She proceeds to makes ridiculous threats that they better not touch any more of the money. And, as I said, anyone could bust open the cabinets where she stashed the money and that's exactly what her idiot uncles do. Not long after, this same girl rigs up a trap to electrocute a main character and even tests her trap by using a mouse to make sure it works. GIVE ME A BREAK. She's clever enough to do that, but not clever enough to stash 19K in a safe place? Granted, I did think the scene showing what the idiot uncles did with the money was one of the few if not the only funny scene in the show. But all in all, that is what I call LAZY writing.
That said, it is a tense series and worth a watch if you like crime dramas. Since there have been SO many comparisons to Breaking Bad:
Breaking Bad is a solid 10 and I rate Ozark as an 8 taking into consideration all the dreck out there.
I was harsh in my original review, partially because I was irritated with the countless comparisons to Breaking Bad, a series I love. While Ozark certainly is in the same crime genre and shares some similarities, the two series are fundamentally different in tone, mood, style and writing.
I'm am still bothered by certain aspects of the writing which I have gone into further detail below.
MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD:
The first issue that really rankled me was when the character Ruth, portrayed as a tough as nails, criminally intelligent Ozark local thief took 19K and put it in cheap trailer kitchen cabinets with a lock on it that a 10 year old could bust open with a screwdriver in order to keep her idiot uncles from taking it after they already blew $1000.00 on booze and something else I can't even remember. Of course, she knows they are idiots and yet she makes it obvious where she's put the money. She proceeds to makes ridiculous threats that they better not touch any more of the money. And, as I said, anyone could bust open the cabinets where she stashed the money and that's exactly what her idiot uncles do. Not long after, this same girl rigs up a trap to electrocute a main character and even tests her trap by using a mouse to make sure it works. GIVE ME A BREAK. She's clever enough to do that, but not clever enough to stash 19K in a safe place? Granted, I did think the scene showing what the idiot uncles did with the money was one of the few if not the only funny scene in the show. But all in all, that is what I call LAZY writing.
That said, it is a tense series and worth a watch if you like crime dramas. Since there have been SO many comparisons to Breaking Bad:
Breaking Bad is a solid 10 and I rate Ozark as an 8 taking into consideration all the dreck out there.
To the Bone
(I) (2017)
Reprehensible and Infuriating
15 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Possible Spoilers: I initially gave To The Bone a higher rating until I read that the lead actress, Lily Collins actually has suffered from an eating disorder for years. I also read that she lost more than 20 pounds to play the role of the anorexic lead character, Ellen. If this is true, I am more than appalled and outraged.
This is a very sensitive topic for many people and I deeply relate having had a mother who suffered from anorexia and ultimately died from complications from the condition.
Again, if what I have read is true, with all the special effects make-up available I find it more than appalling that this actress lost over 20 pounds to play this role. Regardless of whether she used a nutritionist (as indicated in several articles) or not, this is more than irresponsible and reprehensible. It would be like giving a recovering alcoholic or drug addict a role and suggest they actually get intoxicated on set.
I strongly believe there should be more films about this often misunderstood and controversial illness, but I cannot condone the manner in which this film was made.
This is a very sensitive topic for many people and I deeply relate having had a mother who suffered from anorexia and ultimately died from complications from the condition.
Again, if what I have read is true, with all the special effects make-up available I find it more than appalling that this actress lost over 20 pounds to play this role. Regardless of whether she used a nutritionist (as indicated in several articles) or not, this is more than irresponsible and reprehensible. It would be like giving a recovering alcoholic or drug addict a role and suggest they actually get intoxicated on set.
I strongly believe there should be more films about this often misunderstood and controversial illness, but I cannot condone the manner in which this film was made.
The Free World
(2016)
Highly Underrated Film
20 June 2017
Like another reviewer, I too am really surprised by the low rating. I am so glad I decided to ignore the rating and give this movie a chance. The acting is suburb by both leads and supporting actors. Both Moss and Holbrook performances are stellar. Their pasts and pain meld and bond them together.
I am not going to reveal any of the story, but it is a subtle, sparse, intense and moving indie film. It is not a light movie that will make you feel warm and fuzzy. It's not meant to be. It shows the world realistically with all of its injustice, cruelty and yet also shows compassion. It is a movie that I know will stay with me for a long time.
If you are a fan of indie films with suburb acting and a story with depth I highly suggest giving it a watch.
I am not going to reveal any of the story, but it is a subtle, sparse, intense and moving indie film. It is not a light movie that will make you feel warm and fuzzy. It's not meant to be. It shows the world realistically with all of its injustice, cruelty and yet also shows compassion. It is a movie that I know will stay with me for a long time.
If you are a fan of indie films with suburb acting and a story with depth I highly suggest giving it a watch.
The Affair
(2014–2019)
Don't Believe The Hype! This is Truly Terrible
16 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I have NO clue as to why this series has such high ratings and glowing reviews. The only explanation I can come up with is the fan base must be made up of cheesy lifetime programming or soap opera viewers. I made it through Season 1 Episode 4 and called it quits.
I love slowly paced films and shows but this was agonizing. It is such a shame because some of the acting was decent and the concept was interesting. The writing was abysmal. Give it a try if you dare, but don't expect much. And take the 8 star rating with a large (Grand Canyon sized) grain of salt.
POSSIBLE SPOILER AHEAD:
There were many things that bugged me about this show, but what really irritated me was that the story is about 2 people having an illicit affair in a super small town where the female lead and her husband are both well known, having been born and raised there. YET, despite this, the 2 leads having the affair run around together all over town, meet in public places, and actually kiss in plain sight in the public library. What a joke!
I love slowly paced films and shows but this was agonizing. It is such a shame because some of the acting was decent and the concept was interesting. The writing was abysmal. Give it a try if you dare, but don't expect much. And take the 8 star rating with a large (Grand Canyon sized) grain of salt.
POSSIBLE SPOILER AHEAD:
There were many things that bugged me about this show, but what really irritated me was that the story is about 2 people having an illicit affair in a super small town where the female lead and her husband are both well known, having been born and raised there. YET, despite this, the 2 leads having the affair run around together all over town, meet in public places, and actually kiss in plain sight in the public library. What a joke!
I'm Dying Up Here
(2017–2018)
Great So Far - Ignore the 1 star reviews
13 June 2017
I truly do not understand all the negativity and one star reviews of this show. I don't write a lot of reviews, but felt compelled to when I saw the low rating and negative reviews.
There's only 2 episodes at the time of this review, but I really enjoyed the writing, acting and overall feel of the show. It's not a sitcom, folks. It's a comedy/drama. There are serious moments and situations. That said, there were many laugh out loud moments and I have thoroughly enjoyed what I have seen so far. Melissa Leo as Goldie delivers a stand out performance.
Several reviewers complain about the seventies costuming and sets being over the top. I grew up in the seventies and I think it's spot on and I love the look of the show.
Ignore the one star reviews and give it a try. I'm really glad I didn't let the 6.5 rating stop me from missing out on a great new series.
There's only 2 episodes at the time of this review, but I really enjoyed the writing, acting and overall feel of the show. It's not a sitcom, folks. It's a comedy/drama. There are serious moments and situations. That said, there were many laugh out loud moments and I have thoroughly enjoyed what I have seen so far. Melissa Leo as Goldie delivers a stand out performance.
Several reviewers complain about the seventies costuming and sets being over the top. I grew up in the seventies and I think it's spot on and I love the look of the show.
Ignore the one star reviews and give it a try. I'm really glad I didn't let the 6.5 rating stop me from missing out on a great new series.
Secret in Their Eyes
(2015)
Ignore the bad reviews comparing this to the original
4 June 2017
This film is far better than than 6.2 rating it has received which seems mostly to come from those wanting to compare it to the Argentinian original. I am rating this as a separate film and not comparing it to the original. The acting is top notch and believable. Ejiofor, Kidman and Roberts all do a great job.
It's an interesting crime thriller with some twists and turns. It's about a team of rising investigators, along with their supervisor, whose worlds are suddenly torn apart during a homicide investigation that hits close to home. It was completely watchable and entertaining. I'm not saying this is a high brow, blow your socks of type of movie, but it certainly deserves a far higher rating.
I am certainly not saying that the original might not be much better. I have it on my list to watch but in my opinion, if you like thrillers and movies with some twists and turns and want to be entertained I recommend giving it a chance.
It's an interesting crime thriller with some twists and turns. It's about a team of rising investigators, along with their supervisor, whose worlds are suddenly torn apart during a homicide investigation that hits close to home. It was completely watchable and entertaining. I'm not saying this is a high brow, blow your socks of type of movie, but it certainly deserves a far higher rating.
I am certainly not saying that the original might not be much better. I have it on my list to watch but in my opinion, if you like thrillers and movies with some twists and turns and want to be entertained I recommend giving it a chance.
October Road
(2007–2008)
Don't waste your time
3 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I don't believe I am revealing any spoilers as I just used the summary of the show posted on this site, but just to be safe I will click the spoiler button.
I was able to make it through one and a half episodes when I had to say enough is enough. The story is about a writer who returns to his hometown to face the people whom he based his book on.
I was expecting more considering Laura Prepon and Tom Berenger were in the cast. The lead Bryan Greenberg is beyond awful. I see/feel no chemistry between any of the characters. Why anyone would care whether this writer came home or not is beyond me. He is shallow, pretentious and exactly the kind of person who thinks he so brilliant that he fails to realize he's nothing but a pompous idiot with an absurdly high opinion of himself. I also got a strong sense of this character's sense of entitlement. If the lead was a better actor, perhaps he could have pulled off the character, but this guy is about as interesting and compelling as watching paint dry.
Sorry I wasted my time on this.
I was able to make it through one and a half episodes when I had to say enough is enough. The story is about a writer who returns to his hometown to face the people whom he based his book on.
I was expecting more considering Laura Prepon and Tom Berenger were in the cast. The lead Bryan Greenberg is beyond awful. I see/feel no chemistry between any of the characters. Why anyone would care whether this writer came home or not is beyond me. He is shallow, pretentious and exactly the kind of person who thinks he so brilliant that he fails to realize he's nothing but a pompous idiot with an absurdly high opinion of himself. I also got a strong sense of this character's sense of entitlement. If the lead was a better actor, perhaps he could have pulled off the character, but this guy is about as interesting and compelling as watching paint dry.
Sorry I wasted my time on this.
A Picture of You
(2013)
I don't even know where to begin......
19 April 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Wow, I love small indie films and and truly appreciate slowly paced films, but this mess has the pulse of a corpse.
The premise is that estranged siblings (brother and sister), travel from New York City to rural Pennsylvania to pack up the home of their recently deceased mother. While there, they make a discovery that turns their world upside-down.
To put it simply, this movie was awful. Horrible, flat and unconvincing acting all around. The "discovery" turning their world upside down is beyond ridiculous. They freak out over 3 images (which you can barely make out) that indicates their mother had a sex life. Wow! Shocking!
Making it even worse was how little emotion was shown from either leads regarding the death of their mother. You'd think they were packing up some dead stranger's house.
Very disappointing and I'm sorry I wasted an hour and 20 minutes of my time.
The premise is that estranged siblings (brother and sister), travel from New York City to rural Pennsylvania to pack up the home of their recently deceased mother. While there, they make a discovery that turns their world upside-down.
To put it simply, this movie was awful. Horrible, flat and unconvincing acting all around. The "discovery" turning their world upside down is beyond ridiculous. They freak out over 3 images (which you can barely make out) that indicates their mother had a sex life. Wow! Shocking!
Making it even worse was how little emotion was shown from either leads regarding the death of their mother. You'd think they were packing up some dead stranger's house.
Very disappointing and I'm sorry I wasted an hour and 20 minutes of my time.
Siren
(II) (2013)
Well worth the watch
22 January 2017
Siren is a film with an unusual surrealistic premise. If you like slow paced but intriguing ideas I would highly recommend this film. The story centers around Leigh who lives behind locked gates and surrounded by security cameras in a little cottage. The mystery behind her isolation is interestingly revealed. I think this is movie highly underrated and I would ignore any low ratings and give it a try. I don't write a lot of reviews, but I felt this movie truly deserves some attention and I hope to encourage people to check it out.
Pardon the aside, but one 2 star reviewer complained that 4 key points were not explained. Clearly that viewer wasn't paying any attention to the film because all the answers were right there if you were actually paying attention.
Bottom line if you like unusual and artistic films, give it a watch.
Pardon the aside, but one 2 star reviewer complained that 4 key points were not explained. Clearly that viewer wasn't paying any attention to the film because all the answers were right there if you were actually paying attention.
Bottom line if you like unusual and artistic films, give it a watch.
Knock Knock
(I) (2015)
Possibly the worst movie ever made
9 October 2016
I really wish I had listened to other reviewers. That said, I am all for giving movies even with a low IMDb rating a chance because tastes are subjective. If I could give this film a negative rating I would happily do so. It truly is the most ridiculous piece of crap I think I have ever seen. The acting was abysmal and the premise was beyond absurd. They used a great song (used in an older amazing film) at the end which was the last straw for me. Not naming the song or band so no spoilers. I cannot believe Keanu Reeves participated in this piece of excrement. I hope he needed the money because my god, what an embarrassment. There were elements used (social media) that could be implemented nicely in a well scripted film. This wasn't it. Watch it if you feel you must but expect the worst because that is exactly what you will get.
Ricki and the Flash
(2015)
What A Mess...
16 July 2016
A hot mess in fact. Incredible cast and an idea that could have been interesting. I absolutely adore Meryl Streep, but I felt myself cringing every time she and her cover band performed. The last 30 minutes or so were painful, especially the last 10 minutes. Talk about a ham handed ending. I went into this with very low expectations and yet still found it disappointing.
I read another reviewer who mentioned Kevin Kline putting his head in Meryl Streep's lap ala Sophie's Choice (which happens to be one of my all time favorite films). I'm glad I wasn't the only one to notice that strange connection. Sadly, I couldn't help but think what a crime it is to have Streep and Kline reunited in this terribly bungled film.
I read another reviewer who mentioned Kevin Kline putting his head in Meryl Streep's lap ala Sophie's Choice (which happens to be one of my all time favorite films). I'm glad I wasn't the only one to notice that strange connection. Sadly, I couldn't help but think what a crime it is to have Streep and Kline reunited in this terribly bungled film.
The Fundamentals of Caring
(2016)
Absolute Gem and A Must See
29 June 2016
I truly enjoyed this film and really didn't want to see it end. Not sure if this has been mentioned on any of the other reviews or boards, but I thought this film had a similar spirit to The Road Within, another fantastic and quirky road trip film. Some critics complain about the predictability of the film, but I couldn't disagree more. I never felt deceived or played to with clichés. There was a definite playfulness that I greatly appreciated. There was great chemistry among all the cast and I would highly recommend a watch. It's uplifting, hopeful, poignant and often at times laugh out loud funny. Based on a novel, the story is about a middle aged man who has suffered incredible losses and becomes a caregiver and gains a new perspective. A true gem and one i could see re-watching with friends and family. I rarely write reviews, but this is one I am more than happy to make the time and spread the word!
The Riches
(2007–2008)
8 Star Rating? Am I watching a different show?
28 April 2016
I find it almost impossible to believe that this show gets such stellar ratings. The premise is great, but the writing and execution is horrendous. I am a big fan of Eddie Izzard and I like Minnie Driver as well. I find it depressing to see their talents squandered on abysmal writing.
Eddie Izzard is the only saving grace of this show. His performance is the one and only reason I was able to make it through the first two episodes. Minnie Driver's character is beyond annoying and feels completely false. She really should not attempt a southern accent - it isn't remotely believable. Great idea for a character, but horrendous execution.
I love offbeat, dark and quirky shows, but this one seriously missed the mark. What a disappointment.
Eddie Izzard is the only saving grace of this show. His performance is the one and only reason I was able to make it through the first two episodes. Minnie Driver's character is beyond annoying and feels completely false. She really should not attempt a southern accent - it isn't remotely believable. Great idea for a character, but horrendous execution.
I love offbeat, dark and quirky shows, but this one seriously missed the mark. What a disappointment.
Uganda Be Kidding Me Live
(2014 TV Special)
Uganda Wish You Never Saw This Crap Show
26 January 2016
I actually feel irritated that I am bothering to even take the time to write a review for such a horrible piece of crap. I was pretty neutral on Chelsea Handler before watching this, leaning towards thinking she was raunchy but pretty funny.
Now, all I can think is what a ridiculous and pompous jackass. Enough already with flaunting your money. When I watch comedy, I like to laugh - not be insulted. I couldn't believe it when I was searching for more info about her and saw her net worth was $35 Million. That's the REAL joke - and a sick one at that.
I almost wouldn't have minded her constantly throwing her wealthy lifestyle around IF she had actually said something that was funny enough for me to laugh. I never even cracked a smile.
Now, all I can think is what a ridiculous and pompous jackass. Enough already with flaunting your money. When I watch comedy, I like to laugh - not be insulted. I couldn't believe it when I was searching for more info about her and saw her net worth was $35 Million. That's the REAL joke - and a sick one at that.
I almost wouldn't have minded her constantly throwing her wealthy lifestyle around IF she had actually said something that was funny enough for me to laugh. I never even cracked a smile.
Bo Burnham: what.
(2013 TV Special)
I don't get the 8+ rating
25 December 2015
I had not heard of this comedian before and found this special on Netflix and thought I would give it a try. To sum up my thoughts... I do appreciate Bo Burnham's wit and cleverness. I also appreciate his silly and zany performance as well as his musical talents. I just don't find it laugh out loud funny.
Unfortunately, I found What. to be annoying and Bo's singing voice sounds like nails on a chalkboard to me. It's looking doubtful that I will continue watching past 35 minutes. That said, I give him credit for being young, clever and making it happen for himself. And hey, I suggest at least checking out his set because who knows, maybe his comedy is right up your alley.
Unfortunately, I found What. to be annoying and Bo's singing voice sounds like nails on a chalkboard to me. It's looking doubtful that I will continue watching past 35 minutes. That said, I give him credit for being young, clever and making it happen for himself. And hey, I suggest at least checking out his set because who knows, maybe his comedy is right up your alley.
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