fayandray Reviews

Dinner with the Parents (2024– )

It's Pretty Bad

[1/10 · 22 May 2024]

It really is nothing like the original. There's zero chemistry and the exposition dialog is forced. In the British version, a scene wasn't specifically created to display an aspect of a character's personality. Instead, a scene of the story provided the opportunity to show the audience who the characters are all at once... it was natural.

The added exaggeration of the younger brother (this one lives at home to show how immature he is) and father (this one isn't nearly as quirky in his non-verbal behavior and his lines aren't quirky enough) makes the whole thing worse.

It doesn't help that it's a CBS production - the saccharine tone is pervasive, so any dry humor is extinguished all together. There was no point in trying for an American remake if the writers held themselves back. If it was going to be a streaming show, they should've gone for it. Alas, it appears that the producers thought it would be on broadcast TV and dumbed it down accordingly.

Ripley (2024)

Was Ready to Put Aside the 1999 Version

[4/10 · 7 April 2024]

I didn't like the 1999 version at first, but as time went on, I came to love it for the pacing, costumes, performances and scenery (to me, Italy is another character of the story). It has become one of those reliable movies that I rewatch when I can't find anything else to put on.

So when I saw this was coming out, I was super excited. I could tell it was gonna be different from the original, and that was fine with me. I figured that the story would be strong enough to keep me interested.

When I started the first episode, I loved the b&w. But I quickly realized that there's a lot of mood building by way of single closeup shots - for example an ashtray with a lit cigarette would be held for like 10 seconds or falling water during a shower for just as much time. The use of single camera and centering also became tedious for me. Of course there were times where it worked beautifully, but after a while, I really wanted there to be little bit more movement.

I can understand why this movie is getting such high reviews - especially if one hasn't seen Hitchcock. But what Hitchcock had were better performances and tighter pacing. While I love me some Adam Scott, he's too old for the role, and my first thought when Johnny Flynn came on the screen was "They don't look similar at all - at least Matt Damon's hair could mimic Jude Law's. How's this gonna work?" And then the performances were really underwhelming. Every actor in this is talented, but the director instructed them to give extremely deadpan performances. Lastly, I was really disappointed in the actor who did Freddie Miles. Philip Seymour Hoffman was such a powerhouse that whoever filled the role in this version needed to bring something to it; I'm not talking about her gender, I'm talking about some sort of dark charisma that repelled and compelled. Can't tell if it was direction, her ability or even the script. Probably all of them.

So admittedly, I've only fast forwarded through 3 episodes. I will probably fast forward through the rest of it at some point. Based on the extra time spent on mood in the first 3 episodes, this definitely could have been told in four.

Brockmire (2017–2020)

Best of Dramedy... and I liked Season 4!

[10/10 · 28 March 2024]

I just finished watching this show, four years after it ended. Since I'm so late to the party, I'm not going to get into the specifics of hilarity brought to screen, because it's all been said before. Instead, I'll write about the show as a whole, because I believe viewing it as a binge versus a weekly watch helped me appreciate where the story ended up. Had I watched once a week, I definitely would've thought "WTH?" at the S4 time jump and gave up.

I finished three seasons in two days, but stopped watching for a while because of all the reviews here bashing S4. I didn't want to be disappointed. I wanted to love seasons 1-3 without the mar of strange storytelling in the last season (Ballers comes to mind). Wow, I'm so glad I gave it a chance.

With S1, I already thought it was the best scripted comedy on TV ever. I would have been happy as if S1 was stretched out a couple more years, but the story kept moving forward in his life; forward in the sense that we see Jim evolve over many years. Not just micro stories of his drunken escapades over a small portion of his life.

I bet a lot of people were bummed when he got sober. I understand the sentiment, especially if they watched it in real time. There wasn't a change in writing in S4. The writing is just as good and the character is the same. It was the story that went into an unexpected direction for most.

Personally, I think the writers and showrunners did a fantastic job wrapping up the show. It showed way more heart than I would have ever expected after seeing S1E1. To have 32 episodes and not one be wasted is pretty amazing. It's a gem of a show that will be rewatched many times.

Finding Yingying (2020)

Followed The Family's Journey

[5/10 · 6 February 2024]

This is an emotional documentary, which is to be expected. I didn't expect to follow the family instead of the investigation, though.

Honestly, there were private family moments I wish were left to themselves, as I didn't feel right being an audience to it. Also, I wish there was more context regarding Chinese culture. As an Asian American myself, there are comments at which I understood were made culturally (I.e. Grandparents), but felt extremely offended by as an American. I'm not sure what the point in including some of that without context. I could see it being off putting to a western viewer.

Ultimately, I was looking for a documentary about the investigation. This was not it. It's about remembering YingYing and following her family's journey through the ordeal. My favorite parts were learning about all that the killer's ex-gf did to bring him to justice and her reading a letter to the family in Mandarin. Those were my favorite moments because it was the first I'd heard of them.

This is the weakest of the (shockingly good) MTV docs that are out on Paramount+. It's is the type of doc that make me feel bad for viewing true crime as entertainment. I gave it a 5 for decent production values and sentiment.

Ted (2024)

Dare I Say Better than the Movies

[10/10 · 23 January 2024]

We have a Peacock account mostly for English Premier League soccer. Once in a while, a decent movie is released, but the library isn't that great. With Ted the TV show, the platform is now one of the best value (to us) streamers around.

It's the same humor as the movies, but done better because smaller stories and character arcs can be fleshed out over multiple hours. We did not stop laughing for the full hour. In fact, there were more laughs in this first hour than both movies combined. I hope it can keep up this momentum. Also, R-rated TV comedies are few and far between... so this one is different (in a good way) for sure!

The Modelizer (2023)

Main Character Not Likeable

[4/10 · 21 January 2024]

I saw this dude in Big Short, opposite Steve Carrell. He's supposed to be a dick in that one. Did he have to be a dick in this one too? Or is this the actor's only lane? This actor also happened to write this movie, which makes sense considering, I guess.

What's with his hair? I get he's trying to portray a real person, but ultimately, whoever he's playing is made to look like a caricature. And I'm sorry, but he's a little too old to be playing this character. Unless main guy is supposed to be in his 50s, which is totally pathetic for the story, then. I don't know, I just wish this guy had better roles than being a dick, because I (49AF) find him attractive.

The music chosen shows what kind of light-hearted rom-com it's trying to be. It's not subtle in what it's telling you to feel at any given moment. This movie is ultimately really sad, instead. It's all a big spoof of what it wants to be. Production values are shockingly good, which is why I gave it a 4.

Capturing the Killer Nurse (2022)

THIS is the Definitive Watch on the Subject

[10/10 · 12 December 2023]

I watched The Good Nurse and listened to a podcast about it. I was shockingly enlightened by this doc. I had no idea the extent of Poison Control's knowledge of, and concern for, the situation. I already knew about the despicable cover up by the hospital via Mary Lund, but never knew about the details.

I'm not used to documentaries having an original musical score, but this one works well. It effectively communicates the dire situation and race to get him off the streets. I audibly gasped multiple times and found my jaw dropped when learning of the many people that knew he was a danger.

One of the few great true crime docs on NF.

The Worst of Evil (2023– )

There Are Good Korean Shows, Then There's This

[10/10 · 8 December 2023]

I am a fan of K-dramas. Often told in one season, the stories usually peter out in the second to the last episode, as it gets wrapped up. Not this one. It is, without a doubt, the best Kdrama I've ever seen. I stayed up bingeing because I couldn't stop and had to find out what was to happen. Never a dull episode. The acting is top notch, the pace never slows and the fight scenes are as good as the best action movies.

I could write more, but there are a ton of reviews here on IMDB that provide more details. I can't add much more, except to reinforce what's already been said. I will probably watch it again while I get my partner to watch. And I've never rewatched a kDrama. Highly recommend.

Obliterated (2023)

Changed My Mindset To Avoid Giving It a 1

[7/10 · 1 December 2023]

I was about 5 minutes into the first episode when I thought I wouldn't be able to get through it, much less the whole series. Now I'm on E3 and pretty sure I'll finish the series, except not as a binge, just filler when I feel like it.

How'd I get through it? I gave it a chance and remembered there used to be shows like this on broadcast TV. The TV landscape has changed so much over the last decade, but in a more serious direction, that tries (often successfully) to get us to binge. When something like this comes along, we automatically think it juvenile (which it is) from all the gross humor (which it has).

The acting by the lead is pretty bad, but everyone else is decent for the vibe of the show, which props her up. I think as long as you go in with a mindset of not taking it too seriously, it can actually be enjoyed. I'm thinking it's along the lines of late 90s outrageous comedy (Ace Ventura, American Pie, Dude Where's My Car) that we haven't seen in a while.

30 Coins (2020–2023)

I Want More HBO Europe in My Life

[8/10 · 28 October 2023]

I'm only on episode 4, but I have thoroughly enjoyed this series so far. Although I am a lapsed Catholic, all that childhood catechism really sunk into me. So I'm a sucker for anything involving Church conspiracies and supernatural occurrences. It simultaneously fascinates and freaks me out. When done well, I really enjoy them.

This is one of the best shows of the genre that I have ever seen. Part of the appeal is that it's a Spanish production. The locale and culture totally contribute to the eeriness, and the acting is first-rate. I'm American, but understand (Spain) Spanish - the subtitles are decent but could be a tad better in an effort to understand each character just a little more.

Each episode is jam packed with story and it hasn't let up. I say that as a fan of the genre. I imagine a non-fan would think it stupid and that's ok. If you're one of those, I cannot recommend. But if you are fan, it's an enthusiastic thumbs up.

Somewhere in Queens (2022)

Real and Wholesome

[8/10 · 14 October 2023]

Ever since I stopped using DVDs I know I've been missing out on independent films. The previews always turned me onto something else I'd want to see, but we don't have that so much with streaming. This is the kind of independent movie I worry about missing out on.

I'm SO glad this movie was available on Hulu. Its a film about a family, but not necessarily a family film. I cried, laughed and rooted for everyone in it. There were no bad guys in it, just people who loved each other that sometimes did the wrong thing for the right reasons.

Movies as sweet as this, without being saccharine, are few and far between. As someone who never watched his show and disappointed with his earlier movies, I actually now want to check out more Ray Romano stuff of the last 5 years or so.

Silenced (2011)

Brutal and Haunting

[10/10 · 3 October 2023]

I have never watched such a brutal movie, Korean or not. Except maybe Manchester By the Sea. I cried the same way, but they were different kinds of pain. The depiction of what happens to the kids is horrendous, I had to look away for a lot of it. It's truly traumatizing to view. I had to stop and take breaks. I read once that psychologists recommend playing tetris to prevent traumatic memory embedding, so I played something distracting during many of the breaks, but I don't think it will work.

It's a movie that needs to be watched, at least once, so as to learn about human history. I won't be able to bring myself to watch it again, though. I'm just glad that something positive came from this story, as I've read Korea changed some of its laws re: children and SA because of this film.

Love Again (I) (2023)

Bad Enough That This Makes Me Want to Watch the Original

[4/10 · 4 September 2023]

Not really sure what I just watched. Bizarre to see two competent actors be directed in this way. There was such a disconnect that I might have believed each actor had filmed their scenes separately/edited together, had I not actually seen them on screen together. It didn't help that they kept saying they were in NYC, but clearly filmed in London - it just added to the strangeness of it.

Ultimately, if the script was written this way, then it was the weakest point. If the director cut out a lot of it in editing, then maybe that's why the story didn't work. Who knows.

Anyways, it's too bad, because I do love a good romcom. I'm seriously thinking about watching the original version just to see why that one worked and this one didn't.

Beef (2023– )

I Vacillate

[5/10 · 6 August 2023]

I thought the first few episodes were brilliant, but something happened around E8, where I started questioning characters motivations and almost dropping out of finishing the show. But, since I binged, and the actors all do so well in this, I ended up finishing it in a day.

I am Asian, 49F first generation American. I really appreciated what this show does for the landscape of television and Asians in media. However, there is a lot to critique in this show. I agree with a lot of the middling reviews on here: the group writing approach created a story that contains an atmosphere of incredulity. There was no reasonable explanation for many of these motives.

I love dark comedy, but this one wasn't quite it for me. I watched for the acting and got much more (Wong and Yeun are incredible). Not sure I would recommend it enthusiastically, but if one is bored, why not.

Savages (I) (2012)

Could Have Been Much Better

[4/10 · 4 August 2023]

I expect a lot more from Oliver Stone. The story itself was good, but the execution in terms of editing made feel like something is missing to make this a great film.

The voiceover is pretty bad, and it made me put off watching it like 4 times. So once I got past that, it's pretty much what I expected as a moviegoer in terms of story. Oliver Stone's shaky cam doesn't do it for me. He uses it too much and in the wrong/unnecessary places.

The ending was way too abrupt and wrapped up like a gift with a bow on top of it via voiceover. I def wouldn't watch this again and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

Survival of the Thickest (2023– )

Totally Unexpected!

[10/10 · 18 July 2023]

I avoided this for a couple days, because I haven't been a fan of Michelle Bateaux's standup or supporting roles (Always Be My Maybe). I knew I was gonna watch this eventually, but I never thought I'd binge it in an afternoon! I rated this an 8 up until the literal last minute of the show, which made me cry, then change the rating to a 10.

This is the perfect vehicle for her! I love everything about it: the direction, comedy, acting, pacing, editing, drama, co-stars, story... I cannot even imagine this not getting renewed, because I *need* to know what happens to this character and her group of friends!

The only thing that bothered me were the voice cut-ins that were edited in to cover up something they wanted to change in the original joke or script. It was always done when her back was turned, so it was plausible that she said it, but the change in "air" around the sound was obvious and distracting. Other than that, no complaints!

And Just Like That...: Chapter Three (2023) Season 2, Episode 3

The Reason We Keep Watching

[10/10 · 29 June 2023]

I haven't rated or reviewed SATC. I haven't even rated or reviewed this show's main page. But, I'm rating and reviewing this episode because it is *that* good.

TBH, I've been watching this show out of nostalgia. I haven't been looking forward to new episodes, mostly because I have found all previous episodes to be near-cartoonish and forced in story, directing and acting. Finally, we have an episode that returns to form with heart and honesty. Finally, there is a story that brings about great chemistry between the new characters and original characters.

This episode was written in such a way that the story felt natural instead of contrived. If it continues, I will be looking for it every Thursday. Fingers crossed!

Queenmaker: The Making of an It Girl (2023)

So Much Deception

[6/10 · 18 May 2023]

No way would I have watched this documentary had I known what it was really about. The trailer and thumbnail picture/movie poster in no way indicates that it was about the bloggers holding a pedestal on one hand, a trash can in the other and how they wielded these tools to create a new type of celebrity. And certainly, neither the trailer or poster indicated that it was going to be about one specific blogger.

Now that I'm finished with it, I realize that the doc's mini-description here on IMDB is the most honest thing about it: "In the height of heiress-era NYC, an anonymous blogger infiltrated Manhattan's elite, brings socialite celebrity to new heights. When the website creator was unmasked, the mastermind was not the one anybody expected."

I cannot tell if the director was purposely obtuse in her editing of the the first half of the film, because even until the "reveal", I didn't know I was watching something about a blogger from the aughts. I really wanted to watch something about the history of the period, but instead there is more deception and pain when Morgan is introduced. I mean, even the way the "reveal" is handled told me that the director was trying to get a certain reaction - it felt very much like Maury and Springer.

Morgan's ex-bff says she doesn't have a good relationship with reality, and it's quite evident when she's telling the viewer about things that couldn't have happened. For example, she said her company sent her a car for work in the mornings.... LOL um NO; I worked in the city for a couple of years - no way an intern is getting a car every morning. And then her obsession with straight Tommy. Even years later she talks as if they had any sort of relationship.

Then there's all the horrible things she did to her family. There was a shot of her parents in front of their family home - very humble beginnings. She tells people that she borrowed against an inheritance to pay for drugs, partying and presumably all the cosmetic work. I call BS on that, especially when she admitted her parents went into bankruptcy because of all the borrowing.

I get that this person is in pain, but what is the reason to put it on display like this? Sure, it's a funny tidbit that she's behind the "Gossip Girl"-like blog, but is it deserving of all this (both negative and positive)? I wonder why the director wanted to tell this story at all, given that this whole thing was handled like a reality show. This doc didn't do anything to make me feel anything except disappointment in humanity. I give it a 6 for decent production values.

The Bubble (2022)

Better Than Its IMDB Rating

[9/10 · 16 May 2023]

I went in expecting this to be really bad. I've watched some pretty bad movies with just as good of a story/script, way lower production values and given them higher ratings than this movie's current 4.7.

I enjoyed the comedy in this! It's like old-school sitcom writing with decent actors and no live audience. It's still funny! I'm pretty surprised that some are saying there's no worth to this movie, because I audibly laughed numerous times during the viewing.

Someone here compared it to Tropic Thunder, which I totally love. TT did it way better, but it doesn't mean there isn't reason to watch this one. Just put it on and enjoy, even if it's in the background, because there'll be at least one thing you'll catch and find funny.

The Darkness (I) (2016)

Watched in Background

[6/10 · 8 May 2023]

I am sure that the way I consumed this movie is reflected in the rating. Had I sat and actively paid attention to the movie, rather than putter around with the headphones on, doing other things like eat breakfast and/or actual work on my laptop, I may have been much less inclined to keep going. Tbh, I think the acting saved this. The special effects are horrible, but the people sell it, so you go with it.

It's like listening to an audio-book: I get the gist for the most part and I want to find out what's going to happen. For this type of movie and viewing, that's about as much as all one can ask for.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023)

First Shonda Show and Binged Within One Day

[10/10 · 5 May 2023]

I've tried most Shonda shows and have never gotten through the first 30 mins. I was hooked on this show from E1, didn't stop watching til 6 episodes later and hoping it will get an S2! Although, I will say the way this was wrapped up, it seems they don't expect another season.

I wasn't a huge fan of Bridgerton, mostly because it didn't explain (at least in the short time I gave it) how there were black aristocrats in Regency England. Now I know this show is total fantasy, but as long as it's not just left as a gaping hole, I can suspend reality to go along with a fantasy - Queen Charlotte has no holes and addressed everything directly.

The writing is fantastic, the show is evenly paced and I really really root for the characters! Hope there's another season!

The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari (2022)

Amazing Doc

[9/10 · 24 February 2023]

Harrowing story, evidenced by first-person footage from many survivors. I can't believe there's so much to see, but it's also incredibly painful to watch what these people went through. As a documentary, I thought it was well-done. I wish it was a tad bit longer, especially after reviewing many other stories (60 Minutes Australia, Four Corners, Outside Magazine) that told the story of more passengers and victims.

I am disappointed in reading reviews here describing cultural differences, stating that Americans are more apt to think of legal consequence, whereas Brits/Aussies/Kiwis see it as a natural disaster without responsibility. If that was true, then Aussie Stephanie Brewitt wouldn't be suing Royal Caribbean.

Farzi (2023– )

This Show Has Cinched This American Viewer

[10/10 · 12 February 2023]

I am an avid watcher of movies and TV and totally open to productions outside of America. While I have tried some Indian media, I couldn't get into most of it until now. This show had me within 10 minutes. I cannot stop watching.

The production values are extremely high (how much money do they spend on one episode?!?), the direction is handled expertly, the acting is tops and the story is engaging in the same vein as Breaking Bad. Yup, I just wrote that. It doesn't take as long to develop as BB, but the way it tells the story of each character and their motivations changing as time goes on... it's done very well so as to be satisfying for the viewer. That's what I mean by similar to BB.

I started early this morning and will be finished by early afternoon. I'm sad I only have 3 episodes to go. Hoping that like K-shows, it's a one and done season, because I would hate to wait for the next. Boy, am I glad Amazon bought the rights for this, because I am much more open to Indian productions than I already was.

Well done all around!

Shithouse (2020)

A Debut On This (Must-Be Non-Existent) Budget?

[5/10 · 29 January 2023]

I am quite shocked at how good this movie is for a debut from someone who wrote, directed and acted the lead. Aside from the obvious story around the couple's romance, the separate story on the lead's need to grow up is difficult to understand, because it required a higher level of, at minimum, editing. Without special effects and/or music to explain the silence despite the on-screen text dialogue and moving lips, it just comes off as weird and confusing. I'm surprised the writer didn't figure out a way to do it within the confines of the budget.

I don't know who the lead/director/writer is, but he definitely deserves more chances. I'll be keeping an eye out for him.

Shotgun Wedding (2022)

Way Better Than Her Last One

[6/10 · 28 January 2023]

No, it's not gonna win any awards. Is it stupid? Totally. But is it fun? Yeah. JLo's last vehicle (with Owen Wilson) was so plainly a vanity project, while this one only had elements of vanity LOL. Nevertheless, I laughed in enough places and I rooted for the couple to win. I enjoyed the running around, the couple's development and the movie's side characters. It could've maybe developed more of the side character stories by toning down some of the "action", but ultimately, I was entertained, which is what I was looking for. At the point in movie history, that's all anyone can ask for anymore.