ejcschwartz Reviews

My Southern Family Christmas (2022 TV Movie)

A pleasant surprise

[10/10 · 20 December 2022]

My wife conscripts me to watch at least 6 or 8 Hallmark Christmas movies every year. I do it because I like my wife a whole lot more than the movies. But I can't remember the last time enjoyed one of these hallmark shows as much as this one. It's unique for its central focus on a father-daughter relationship and that it's a very believable and touching story. The romance plot was a bit clunky compared to the standard for Hallmark and similar holiday movies. I didn't find that distracting and if someone would say it's a trade off, it's well worth it.

Alright, maybe I was ripe for a new take on a holiday tradition. I think anyone that enjoys these holiday shows much more than me will also appreciate this one for being new and genuine. And thank God for a cast and setting that is relatable. I'm halfway through the 2022 tour of duty and what is distracting is the portrayal of characters better suited for royalty in cartoon fairytales but pretending to live ordinary lives and every day jobs. I really didn't get that vibe from this movie and that was a nice touch as well.

Ancient Apocalypse (2022)

Really awful

[1/10 · 20 December 2022]

Of all the shows Netflix produces and hypes, it's not unusual to see a real stinker pop up but it is astonishing this one would find love from Netflix audiences. The more admirable a show tries to paint hunting for Bigfoot or haunted houses, there's a line when it's no longer funny and really insulting. Ancient Apocalypse is way over that line.

My advice, if you've ever appreciated a story about the science thousands of people dedicate their lives in order to make our's better, skip the heartache of seeing that defiled by Mr. Hancock's crew. Graham Hancock is not and never has been a credible professional of any field: journalist, scientist, archeologist, or historian. He's a truly gifted charlatan who has played a huge role in moving conspiracy theory from tinfoil hats and 2 AM radio to high profile daytime entertainment. To answer why scientific discovery and achievement is less valued or believed every year, few can tie the spot Graham Hancock holds at the top 10 or 20 reasons. Mr. Hancock held the torch of belligerent cynicism before half of today's "deniers" and "anti-this or that" were born.

Honestly if this show becomes a mark for the new low Netflix will stay in, I'd feel better spending my money just buying the seasons of Stranger Things or Wednesday.