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thealeciathomas
Reviews
River Wild (2023)
I love Leeton Meister so under rated
I loved her in gossip girl and I love her music too. Not sure why she's not as big as co star Blake Lively. This is NOTHING like the Meryl Streep version they both are about rafting down a wild river and there is a dangerous psycho criminal involved. Everything else is different this was very well directed acted and exciting. Gorgeous Idaho scenery too. It's a great little thriller and very appropriate for any age as long as it's realized it's got murders in it. No gore and no swearing. I don't know why I have to keep writing IMDB should require less words to post a review. Solid action Thriller!!!!!!
Monster (2022)
A true 10 Rating but be warned
It is VERY emotionally tough to sit through at least it was for me. I like so many am interested in true crime but all I knew about this case was he was a cannibal and tried to taxidermy body parts. Also one of his victims who escaped was actually returned to him by the cops. But the performances in this and direction rocked me to my core. I felt deep emotion watching this - there is not a bad performance in it with Evan Peters Nicey Nash and Richard Jenkins being of course the standouts. It really shows the horrible toll violent crime takes on all involved and how the loss of a loved one to crime is devastating.
It's not THAT gory it's just that it's pretty well known what's being shown here.
This is more then just a show it absolutely shook me and I know I'll be thinking about it for a long time.
The Color Purple (2023)
it's a film of the Broadway musical!
All the reviews saying why is there so much singing and dancing must be entirely unaware that there was a successful Broadway musical version of The Color purple in which Fantasia Barrino originally played Celie and Danielle Brooks played Sofia - they are reprising their roles here. I loved this film and found it very moving - mainly due to the strong performances. I thought it was directed absolutely beautifully- my family was engaged through the entire film.
The characters of mister and the girls father are alcoholics and mister is a sharecropper with very frustrating land yield, there's a lot of reasons why they are mean and abusive and it's shown.
This is a painful story for sure but Author Alice Walker did not shy away from tough subjects.
For me this was a ten.
This Is Me... Now: A Love Story (2024)
A work of art
I have never really been too into her music but I love her in films and I really love her style. This is just mind blowingly gorgeous it's really breathtaking. The intro art about the Puerto Rican lovers and the hummingbird was so amazing - it should be a coffee table book about the fable- and the way it was filmed - just wow. I have long appreciated the film The Cell with Jennifer and this reminded me of that. You see every penny of the cost on the screen that's for sure. I grew up when MTV started and played work of art videos - I hope with todays effects that more will be as lovely as this one. Plus she looks and dances just perfect.
The wedding sequence with Derek Hough in particular was stunning. I keep adding superlatives but I just really enjoyed this and will be watching it many times.
Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
Amazing but far too long
I read the book and this was very well done in how it was transferred to a story. It has a pretty interesting cast of characters who were all real. It should have been shorter although I was rarely bored. The period detail is perfect - no surprise in a Scorcese film. It also could have benefitted with some title cards showing what year we were now in - Leo and Lilys characters couple had two kids that whose origins were not explained very well. I struggled a bit to keep track of some of the supporting characters and I've read the book. The three leads were exceptional and they really looked like their historical counterparts. This is also a profoundly sad film giving a real insight in how Native American cultures were just obliterated with no thought at all about what was being lost. Also shows why greed is truly one of the deadly sins. Recommended.
Heart of Stone (2023)
Very original and exciting spy thriller
I don't understand the low ratings at all - I watched this cause a family member wanted to and I was expecting a mediocre by the numbers action film like last years "Red Notice" also starring Gal. I was very pleasantly surprised- this was quite original in story and the action sequences were thrilling. Gal Gadot was so good in it and I do hope there will be a sequel as Netflix has hinted at.
There were some twists I didn't see coming and I was definitely never bored by it. Plus it was obviously filmed on location all over the world. Give it a try if you enjoy fast paced action spy thrillers it's good!
Carnival Row (2019)
I wish there were more shows like this
I adore both Steampunk and Celtic myth so this is just perfect for me. This may be one of my favorite shows of all time I just adore it. It has such beautiful production values and the plot is gripping. The acting is great I have no issues with Cara she holds her own beautifully. I sure hope this is somehow continued in novels or comics as I REALLY enjoy this world and there is so little like it in entertainment today. Penny Dreadful was great but I was SOOOO disappointed in the Anne Rice adaptions - especially witching hour it differed from the books just too much. There is an audible book based on this world it's superb I hope they at least do more of those.
Shotgun Wedding (2022)
Very funny J Los best film in a very long time
We laughed so much and I'm pretty critical about comedy. Jennifer Coolidge reminded me that she started out in the great Christopher Guest comedies like Best of Show. She was hysterical and she can be an acquired taste Cheech Marin reminded us that he started in CHEECH AND CHONG MAN! And I have t seen Sonia Braga in forever kudos for featuring her she's amazing Just one truly funny situation after another plus a twist didn't see coming. So much better then Marry Me and Jennifer and Josh have genuine chemistry. Does not deserve a low rating great for an evening of unwinding and relaxing..... ...
Pinocchio (2022)
They changed the most important aspect of the story?!?
I was actually looking forward to this even though from the trailer the FX looked shoddy. I love not only the Disney animated version but any Pinocchio film. I've seen them all from Fairie Tale Theatre in the 80s, Jonathan Taylor Thomas in the 90s to Begninni to the Italian version from last year (which I loved) it's such an edge of your seat fantasy story. And the Disney version had such a great score as well. There was NO need to add the subplot about the puppeteer girl with polio and how she and her dancer doll are starting some kind of kinder gentler show. Just absurd. And they butchered "I've got no strings" there was no reason to get rid of the Dutch and Russian girl dolls -there was NOTHING offensive about them. Why is Monstro some kind of Kraken now?? Why are there girls on pleasure island?? But the Most unforgivable offense was KEEPING PINOCCHIO A PUPPET?!? Yes that's right he doesn't become a boy!!? Gepetto decides he's just as good a son the way he is! I guess so he can join the woke puppet show now. The new songs were horrible with the exception of Luke Evans number. Keegan M Key was the best thing about the entire film. Cynthia has a lovely voice and did Justice to "when you wish upon a star" so that's what my three stars are for but this was mostly unbearable. For shame Disney.
The Offer (2022)
Who knew so many obstacles?!?
Truly excellent and fast paced Hollywood story about the making of one of the greatest films of all time. Amazing how many obstacles the production team
Had to overcome. Fantastic performances especially Miles Teller and Matthew Goode who NAILS IT as the great "kid notorious " Robert Evans. My mom thought she wouldn't care for this - by the end of episode one she was hanging on every moment. I love Film history so I had been waiting for this for a long time. I loved Feud about making of what ever happened to Baby Jane and I love this just as much.
Turning Red (2022)
The Worst Pixar film I've seen
The reason for this has been mentioned by many others - it's very much aimed at tween girls. My family was very bored and couldn't wait for it to be over as we are NOT tween girls. With the crazy mood swings the "red panda aka menstruation" brings it's all just dumb and clumsy with the entire plot hinging on the heroine and her friends defying her mom and earning money to see a boy band in concert. Then her mom grandma and aunts schedule a literal magic spell conducted by a shaman at the same time as said concert to "separate girl and panda" This is the entire plot of the film - I'm
Serious. Unlike most GOOD Pixar like the Toy Story series, the Incredibles, Up Finding Nemo/Dory and monsters Inc there is no humor and clever references that older audience members can enjoy. The animation was stellar that's about it. I don't think Pixar is "going downhill" I loved Luca and Onward. This is just a rare misstep.
Reacher (2022)
My mom a fan of the books says this is amazing
We loved Alan as Hawk in Titans very sad when he was killed (for me) but it gave him a chance to star in a role he was born to play - Jack Reacher. My mom has read every one of the books and says this is the rare book to show that gets everything right. And he looks the part unlike Tom Cruise. My mom has already almost finished this and says tell anyone who loved the books this is a no miss also for folks who liked the Jack Ryan series.
Women of the Movement (2022)
Very moving and impeccably researched
This mini series is very well acted and contains amazing touches like paying attention to what the characters were wearing in historic photos (like Mamies stick animal print dress when Emmets coffin arrived) and duplicating it exactly. This show is full of countless authentic little touches and it adds so much. Cedric Joe who I last saw in Space Jam Ii is so charming as Emmett. Only four episodes in but I know this should be a 10 and also seen by as many people as possible.
Funny Thing About Love (2021)
Love Brooke White and Jon Heder
I adore both of these folks and they are two Instagram accounts I ALWAYS check out it's how I found this. I have all Brookes albums she's amazing - bringing awesome 70s singer /songwriter vibes today. I wish she'd be in more films as I also loved Banner 4th of July. And Jon I've adored since Napoleon I I'd Dynamite and Blades of Glory. He was in Brookes video for Get your boots on too check it out! Anyway my family EAGERLY preordered and thoroughly enjoyed this - all ages can enjoy it.
What Happened, Brittany Murphy? (2021)
Interesting but PLEASE get rid of You Tube "influencers" as commentators in documentaries
I found parts of this to be pretty interesting and a long overdue salute to one of the most charming and underrated modern actresses but I HAVE to dock it points for the absolutely HORRENDOUS "commentary" by you tube makeup tutorial "influencers" they did NOT know Brittney or anyone associated with her. Kindly stick to people who know what they are talking about if you want your film to be taken seriously please! So tired of social media as a source of anything!! Besides I thought it was determined that she died from mold spores that had a toxic reaction in her lungs to a body already weakened by prescription drugs and excessive dieting. The addition of the mom and brother of the husband show what a con artist her husband was for sure though.
French Exit (2020)
Was very excited to see this from trailer - turned out to be a real dud
The trailer for this film made it look like a wonderful quirky indie film with one of my all time favorites Michelle Pffiefer delivering as a world weary sarcastic but still quite glamorous diva forced to cope with - shudder- poverty! Plus I'm a huge sucker for ANYTHING set in beautiful Paris. I recently enjoyed Lucas Hedges in "Ben is back" with Julia Roberts too.
VERY glad I didn't drive all the way to San Francisco to see this now. The first 15-20 minutes are fine with Michelle's Frances learning about her impending poverty and she and her son setting off to France on an ocean liner with their black cat. But once they arrive in Paris after the cafe scene shown in the trailer where she sets the bouquet in the table on fire to get the attention of a rude waiter the film just falls apart. It's WAAAY too long and the plot just goes NOWHERE. I found the pushy neighbor who "just wants a friend " to be extremely irritating, I found the psychic they met on the ship didn't fit In the story well - neither does the PI she hires to find her cat. What's up with giving her remaining funds to homeless people - doesn't she think her SON could use it? Then people from NYC start to show up at the apartment and nothing makes sense. Then it just ends with no explanation of Michelle's fate. Very frustrating and poorly written.
The Big Leap (2021)
One of the strongest pilots I've seen in a very long time
We just loved this as a fan of talent reality shows like AGT and so you think you can dance and also character driven shows that contain music on them. The characters were ALL likable - especially the plucky girl and the football player, and Teri Polo and Piper Perabo are always great. Scott Foley was pretty funny too. I think this show has a lot of potential- we can't wait to see more of it.
Only Murders in the Building (2021)
It really does have everything
I have to preface by saying I LOVE Steve Martin and have since I was a teenager and saw him sing King Tut on SNL and as Dr Maxwell in the old Bee Gees Sgt Pepper movie. I made a scrapbook of him and everything. I feel he has rarely made a misstep in his career and I was thrilled to find out he was finally going to be in a series show. I love Martin and yes Selena too so... but there's a reason for the many high reviews as this show has it ALL! Truly laugh out loud comedy, great cinematography and sets and a truly twisty intriguing mystery that unfolds in a tantalizing way. I think the episode lengths are perfect too. Can't wait to see where this goes.
The Proposal (2009)
One of the greatest Comfort Films
This movie is like an old friend and it's just so funny as well. Everyone brings their A game here and what can one say about the great Betty White that hasn't already been said? A gem.
Clickbait (2021)
Very exciting and twisty domestic thriller
We loved this show - after the halfway point of episodes it really starts going like a freight train and has amazing twists and turns. The acting is great by all. This is the kind of show I love - one with those twists you don't see coming. I want more like this please.
Tom and Jerry (2021)
LOVED IT! So much fun Hannah and Barbera would be proud!
I do not get the low reviews this movie was so fun and creative and has hands down the best live action interacting with animated characters since Who Framed Roger Rabbit? The animation is absolutely Gorgeous and true to the spirit of Bill Hannah and Joseph Barbera's classic 40s and 50s Tom and Jerry shorts for MGM. I think the soundtrack is actually spot on for the scenes the songs are paired with especially "Can I kick it?" By a Tribe called Quest and "Bouncy House" by T Pain. Chloe especially shines here - I love her in anything. My household has watched this many times already for an instant boost. It's just delightful for kids and anyone who really loves animation.
When Nature Calls (2021)
Two stars for truly gorgeous footage
What possessed Helen Mirren to get involved in this? It's NOT funny in any way in fact it may have the most cringeworthy "jokes" I have ever heard. Just horrible. The animal and scenery footage is really breathtaking but one can find such footage on places like Nat Geo. Will not be watching again.
Welcome Home (2018)
Underrated VERY tense thriller
I just had to give this some love as I think it should be
MUCH higher rated. Aaron is suburb as always and Emily more then held her own. Just keeps ratcheting up the tension and suspense till it's almost unbearable - and that ending! Really makes one think about staying in an AIRBNB in a remote location where you don't understand the culture and don't speak the language! Or maybe ANY AIRBNB!! I also recommend Dave Franco's directing debut "The Rental" another AIRBNB gone wrong thriller! Both films deliver on the jump factor!
10,000 BC (2008)
Wonderful FANTASY Adventure beautifully acted
I just had to increase the rating of this gorgeously shot film as I think it's a crime it's so low. The cinematography is stunning and the CGI of the mammoths and sabertooth tiger are really incredible- the opening film mammoth hunt is absolutely stellar filmmaking. Also the giant ostrich-like creatures that attack the people on their journey WAS a real prehistoric beast that DID live at the same time as humans- it's called "the elephant bird" scientific name "apiornus Maximus" I KNOW cause I did a report in school on them as my dad owned a rare eggshell fragment from one!!
I thought the acting in this was very well done and moving. As far as the languages yes I agree with other reviewers - SO many human languages are completely extinct - this period in history is not documented by the written word only cave paintings. I found it great for all ages and not once was I bored.
Really enjoyed this I wish more films about prehistoric and early man would be made like this and the recent ALPHA.
The Marksman (2021)
WARNING DOG MURDER IN THIS
This was actually a pretty heart felt story and Liam was great as usual and the child actor surprisingly good. WHY did the dog need to die to make his character really "spring into action" There was a wonderful Border Collie actor in this that added a lot to the story and even helped on the journey. I really don't feel he had to die in it and I'm still upset about it. Ever since John Wick it seems Hollywood needs to use dog murder as the hero's motivation and I would have skipped this had I known.