sonbyrd Reviews

Carrie Pilby (2016)

poor script

[5/10 · 30 October 2023]

I feel like the writers approached this with the sole purpose of promoting the career of the leading actress - and failed miserably. The actress is arguably good in other roles, but the writing (dialog and the script itself) was (in m opinion) really poor.

I gave it five stars because the casting was great. Additionally, the cinematography was quite good with a lot of night shots of NYC which were surely difficult to pull off. I initially started watching because Nathan Lane is in it, but past the opening sequence his role is negligible.

Sadly I just couldn't get past the fact that there was ALMOST no substance to the story, and some of the dialog was horribly contrived. There was one highlight with Gabriel Byrne, however, which serves as the exception - and which I won't spoil for anyone who wants to watch.

The Law According to Lidia Poët (2023– )

superb

[10/10 · 22 April 2023]

Incredibly binge-worthy. The cast, the sets, the costumes (down to the hairstyles!) as well as the very appropriate storylines which reflect the era quite accurately, are all incredibly well done. I can't wait for the second season. It's worth noting that the music is contemporary as well as the occasional cuss word, neither of which are appropriate to the era, but without this poetic license, I doubt if the attention span of today's viewer would get them many votes from the generation that is so well represented in this excellent cast. Kudos to all involved, and let's hurry up and get the second season rolling.

Clarkson's Farm (2021– )

priceless look at farming in the 21st century

[10/10 · 2 March 2023]

I used to think the Cotswolds would be an idyllic place to live, but seeing how the farmers are treated there via the "planning" commission and the "haters" in the community, I have no desire to visit there any longer. Regardless of what the haters think of Clarkson, has their hate so short-sighted them as to drive out the people who are responsible for the survival of their very own grandchildren?

I was born into a family of farmers in the U. S. who gave it up long ago (largely because of that same red tape, albeit NOTHING compared to what Clarkson and his cooperative are facing in England, that has insidiously infiltrated our lives and livelihoods). I have learned more about farming from Clarkson's Farm (and Kaleb Cooper) than I ever learned from my own family. Shame on those who would do pretty much anything to bite the hand that quite literally feeds them. If a farmer needs the support of a disgusting American corporation such as amazon in order to help him make a go of it in these times, they should be thrilled that amongst them is at least one person who is clever enough to figure out how to survive - because neither they nor their children nor their way of life can go without food for very long.

I doubt if Clarkson can carry on too many seasons because it's just too hard, too many sleepless nights, too expensive, vandalism, regulations, bankruptcy. But I for one hope this documentary of real life farming in the 21st century survives as long as is humanly possible. I'm grateful for it.

The Pale Blue Eye (2022)

Should have gotten Oscar nod

[10/10 · 31 January 2023]

I can't believe this didn't get an Oscar nod for Harry Melling. Christian Bale is also amazing, but the standout in this well-written mystery is Melling whose portrayal of a young Edgar Allen Poe absolutely blew me away. (and not just me but everyone I know who has watched it). Additionally, the writing, costumes, set design all are excellent. Totally left us all spellbound. The twist (surprise ending) makes this film all the more intricate and worthy of so much more than it has received in the press. If ever there was a period piece to compete with the old Sherlock Holmes mysteries, this is it.

Hope Street (2020– )

waiting for the next season!!

[9/10 · 2 April 2022]

I really like this show. MOST of the characters are really likeable (except for Concepta), and i find the variety of plots quite refreshing. I get sick of shows that are every single one about violence and death. This has a perfect mix and is actually more what reality in a small town would actually look like. Though I AM from a small town, it's far from this beautiful location, and the Irish accents are so lovely to the ears of this born and bred texan. I'm starting to wonder if Hope Street is coming back, however, and getting a bit worried. Every time I find a show I like, it seems it gets cancelled. I'm hoping they're just slow.

Plandemic (2020– )

Valuable, well documented, and a must-see

[10/10 · 8 September 2020]

One of the best documentaries out there. The host is one of the best, asking the right questions but not getting in the way. The information is probably the most valuable and timely of any documentary I've ever seen. HIGHLY recommend.

Shetland (2013– )

Authentic, moody, brilliant

[10/10 · 12 May 2017]

Absolutely love this contemporary Scottish series. Wonderful acting, authentic dialects, superb plots that keep you guessing. I haven't guessed one right yet! The scenery is sparse but beautiful, offsetting the overall gray skies in this part of the world. I can see how this series has received so many nominations (and a win). My family is addicted to this one.

The Mrs Bradley Mysteries (1998–2000)

Sets and costumes are great

[6/10 · 25 March 2017]

..but sadly, i found the writing not nearly up to snuff of most BBC mysteries. Combined with directing at a snail's pace, I longed for Miss Fisher mysteries set in the same era where the pace didn't put me to sleep. The acting is good as you would expect from these veterans, but they just don't have much to work with in terms of script.

That Vitamin Movie (2016)

Evidentiary proof that vitamins help and heal in many cases

[10/10 · 22 March 2017]

Can't say enough about how much the studies quoted in this film have made a difference in my health, especially those on Vitamin C. Very grateful for this info. Having had a chronic infection for several years, i was never advised that vitamin C has been tested on those with my infection with good results. After only one month using high doses as outlined in this film,i was able to exercise and increase my strength significantly. This info can help a lot of people.