rich-85001 Reviews

Black Summer (2019–2021)

Rage zombie apocalypse at its best!

[10/10 · 20 May 2024]

First off, know these are the fast moving rage zombies, not the traditional Romero slow moving zombies. Second- this captures the fear, terror, hopelessness, run for your life excitement possibly better than any other zombie show. And I'm a huge fan of The Walking Dead. The first few episodes are incredible - run for your life, no time to think excitement. And the actors, although mostly unknown, carry that excitement, hope and hopelessness as well as any in any TV drama series. The actions of the characters are right on the money- it perfectly conveys the fact that the entire world has changed and you either adapt or die. Just outstanding - my only wish is that there were more seasons.

Unfrosted (2024)

Even better the second time.

[10/10 · 17 May 2024]

I watched Unfrosted the first time with a group of people, and I really liked it. So many stars, so many funny scenes, and just plain fun and silly. Then I watched it again by myself. This time, I loved it. Laugh out loud scenes. Silliness cranked High. And the funniest fake funeral ever. Here's what you don't get, which is why I'm sure it didn't do better with viewers- there's no apocalypse predictions, there's no gratuitous sex scenes, there's no cutthroat violence, and there's no tricky Untold plot twists that even after the end of it you still don't get. What it is, is a funny, silly, friendly movie that keeps throwing jokes at you every few seconds. I can't wait to watch it a third time.

Genie (III) (2023)

Fun Movie with some Great Scenes

[9/10 · 24 November 2023]

The four top stars bring the funny, the heart and the soul, but add Marc Maron, Luis Guzman and Alan Cummings in fabulous supporting roles and the whole movie gets an upgrade from the regular holiday movie. I particularly could have seen more of Maron and Guzman's characters. The genie 'rule changes' are welcome for this movie, and some of the answers to the wishes are particularly hilarious. One word of advice - don't get too bogged down in certain timing elements, particularly with the beginning and the end of the movie. Remember - you're watching a movie about a genie, so all of your logic doesn't really apply. Definitely a movie I will look for again next Christmas.

Ghosts (2021– )

Stop with the stupid Comparisons...

[10/10 · 10 November 2023]

There was a book by Richard Hooker called Mash. Then there was a movie starring Elliott Gould and Donald Sutherland called Mash. Then there was a TV show called Mash. Same premise, same characters, same title, and all very popular - but three very different types of entertainment, and comparing them would be foolish because they are so different. Same thing goes here - if you like the British humor of the English version of Ghosts, then watch that. If you like the character development and continuing story lines, then you'll love the Ghosts American version. Me? I like them both, but for very different reasons because, and once again, they're two different types of shows. The British version has that beat it to death, off-kilter humor, while the American version has more continuing story lines and much deeper character development. Both funny, both well done- two different shows, watch them both.

The Neighbors (2012–2014)

Fast moving and Hilariously Self-Aware.

[10/10 · 7 April 2023]

So many layers- just the throw away lines are funnier than a lot of other shows. Lots of details that if you're on your phone you'll completely miss. Perfect references to the fact it's a TV show without relying on breaking the forth wall. The only show I can think of that makes fun of itself so relentlessly. Great casting, which despite being such a bizarre concept, keeps the show grounded and gives each episode a ton of heart. I was so sad when it ended at the 2nd season- my guess is that it was a little too smart for the average viewer. But so happy to be able to rewatch the whole thing on streaming!

Six (2022)

You know it's good when you want more.

[10/10 · 11 November 2022]

Saw this on the Dust channel, which is the TV version of reading great short sci-fi stories, and shorts like Six are what makes it a great channel. Very well crafted story, solid seasoned actors, varied settings and camera work make it a first class production. As for the story - you don't know where it's going, and suddenly it's over. I actually shouted 'No!' at the TV when the credits started to roll. In its very short running time, the characters had a depth some tv series don't achieve after multiple episodes (or seasons). I'd love to know what happens next with another episode or an expansion, but that's not likely. But nonetheless, glad I got to see this.

See How They Run (2022)

Easy for People to Miss a Lot

[10/10 · 2 November 2022]

A deceptively simple fun movie that is extremely well put together. The narration and the follow through is hilarious on its own but easily overlooked. It moves quick and the actors keep it at just the right tone. Sam Rockwell and Saoirse Ronan have great chemistry (an overused example, but they'd be great to reboot the 'Thin Man' series). And as a trivia nut, I was on Google looking up everything from Richard Attenborough and Agatha Christie to the history of The Ambassador Theater and The Mousetrap. I'm going to wait a few weeks and then watch it again; even knowing what happens won't make the trip any less fun!

The Guardians of Justice (Will Save You!) (2022– )

Crazy Fun - like TV's Batman on Evil Steroids!

[9/10 · 5 March 2022]

Original and inspired- so many social references that make fun of everybody, that both the extreme sides of conservatives and liberals can come together to hate this show. Meanwhile, the rest of us can have a blast. The show moves fast, blends real life with animation, and throws in loads of sight gags. It's not like anything else out there - and that's a very good thing!

The Gilded Age: Never the New (2022) Season 1, Episode 1

Witty Dialogue, Interesting Characters - A Fun Watch!

[9/10 · 26 January 2022]

The pompous old society, the ridiculous 'rules' they lived by, the overdone everything - and yes, this was America. With just one episode in, it looks to be entertaining and fun. Of course, the haters, bigots, and wanna-be's won't like it, but the rest of us will have a blast!

Carol for Another Christmas (1964 TV Movie)

The second half is spellbinding and pure Rod Serling.

[10/10 · 9 January 2022]

Truth and ethics without being tied to a political party. In a time of malaria and tuberculosis, where having the world blown up seemed like a strong possibility- the message, in a Sci-Fi wrapper, was clear. The first half of set up and exposition was somewhat heavy, so take a five-minute break and then come watch the second half starting with the Ghost of Christmas present. Pure Rod Serling- so on the money - no Solutions, just theories and ideas. If you thought this was too preachy, you've obviously missed the point.

The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat (1982 TV Short)

Nope.

[1/10 · 25 December 2021]

Grinch doesn't look like the Grinch, Max doesn't look like Max, animation is awful, story is sub par and almost unrecognizable as a Dr. Seuss story, and the ending is out of the 1940's instead of 1982. If you feel that you need to see it, especially don't watch it at the same time you watch the Wonderful animated Grinch Stole Christmas - it will suck the joy and happiness from your soul. Yes, it's that horrible.

Vacation Friends (2021)

Just kept laughing

[9/10 · 30 August 2021]

Even when I knew what was coming, it still made me laugh- sometimes giggles, sometimes full out loud laughing. I can't tell you why, but it just works. And if they do a 2nd one, I'll be watching as soon as it comes out.

Lost in Space (2018–2021)

Best rendition of an old idea!

[10/10 · 5 June 2021]

As a kid, I loved the monster of the week format of the 1960's Lost in Space. Now it's unwatchable to binge, but an episode here or there isn't too bad. In 1998, I hoped the Lost in Space movie would become a franchise- but it was not to be. Even in 2002, the WB made an unsold pilot called The Robinsons:Lost in Space (it's on YouTube). Lots of Teen Angst, still fun. But now - Netflix has brought Lost in Space to its True Glory. The best part- this family actually seems like it was prepped to go into space, as opposed to the 60s series where the women's main job was to serve meals on folding tables on alien planets. This one has lots of action, just enough family drama to keep you invested, and special effects that rival any theater release. And if you have never seen even a minute of any other Lost in Space - this stands as just great sci-fi.