Sarah423 Reviews

Walker: Witt's End (2024) Season 4, Episode 8

Relationships

[10/10 · 24 May 2024]

Shows I used to watch (some I still watch, thanks to netflix) were frequently on for a number of years. I enjoy that longevity.

I don't know if that was due to the system of selection back then or the difficulties of development, but I heard frequently in discussions that many very long-running shows didn't hit their stride until a couple seasons in.

In a similar vein, Walker hit its stride last year and continues on at full pace now.

It makes sense: seasons one and two being during covid lockdowns, the Texas freak snowstorm, various cast accidents and "life" events too varied to mention.

So at last we are here. Walker has leveled up from "very good" to "excellent," especially on a fourth network level budget.

I've always loved the show, but I can say it's even better now.

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However, reflecting, it might have those trials by fire that forged the very foundational relationships the writers can now play with, using such ease.

I cheered seeing characters noticing Walker's hyperfixation on the Jackal case. It's a bit late, of course. They tried to sidestep the issue and self-deceive, accept he was "Fine"

Now, we see his social network and we begin to trust them again. We actively want to trust them, because we have grown to know them all.

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Bless Auggie (Kale Culley), in particular, who doesn't really come to the realization himself about his father but rather because he overhears a conversation. But he acts on it. To this Cordell responds.

Bless Liam (Keegan Allen) who comes in gentler this time, realizing he was too harsh the last. Little brother doing what he can about the big brother he both is aggravated by and yet adores.

Bless Trey (Jeff Pierre) and Larry (Coby Bell) for continuing to remind Cordell of limits and push with what impact they can have to pry him away from his behaviors.

PTSD is under the umbrella of acquired neurodivergence, so this isn't merely Cordell being "stubborn." And their approaches can't be the same as on someone merely acting so.

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In a way, that's why I'm not going to be as harsh on Stella (Violet Brinson) as I feel like being. Yes, she uses her uncle's concern for her father's behavior. She manipulates. She lies to her brother. She fixates and doesn't stop to think.

However, I'm beginning to wonder if the writers--who compared Stella and Cordell a couple times--aren't trying to show she is going through the same issues as him. And that she deserves the same mental health advocacy, too.

Thus, I groaned at the screen several times, rolling my eyes at her not doing what common sense would indicate. Calling in the Rangers she knows so well. The lawyer. Her family.

But I sense the writers are being far more clever than the mere plotline here. That intercut edit of Cordi and Stella at the end was enlightening.

Making the viewers think? In this era of tv?

I can't wait to see more.

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As to the plotline, it was a rouser.

We had action and suspense, an evil villainess played by the absolutely fabulous Sharon Lawrence.

We had romance, with Cassie (Ashley Reyes) and Luna (Justin Johnson Cortez) cute, sweet, and very hot.

Ben (Matt Pascua) and Liam were the established and reliable couple, a nice but not preaching way to add solid LGBT representation.

We had sentimental moments with mentions of Emily Walker (Gen Padalecki, never forgotten) and big time family feels.

An amazing scene between Cordell (Jared Padalecki) and his son which made me tear up in empathy to both.

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However the absolute drop silent moment was the end scene with Cordell and Larry, where we get every bit of the weight Walker is feeling through Padalecki's performance.

His face showing more than mere words could convey.

What a master class from someone who's proven himself through two decades of work in tv.

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We also continue to have the "Walker Style" of incredible needle drops, stunning edits, and locations that are veritable love letters to Austin.

I do so adore this show.

Wildfire: Pilot (2005) Season 1, Episode 0

Good "Pick Me Up"

[9/10 · 22 May 2024]

A wonderful antidote to a bad day, Genevieve Cortese stars as Kris Furillo in Wildfire.

This is a cute "teen" drama, populated by twenty year olds, with a solid set up of characters.

I was pleased to see Nana Visitor, Dennis Weaver, and Greg Serano joining Cortese (now Padalecki)--all actors I recognize and have watched before. The entire cast performs well.

Music is upbeat, a little loud in spots.

Editing is good. Camera manages some tricky shots.

I'm thinking it must have been difficult having horses as such an integral part of the pilot, but the crew did well showing them off.

I'm looking forward to continuing to watch this series on netflix.

It's really nice to have a homey sort of series to go to on days when you need to relax and have fun.

Bridgerton: Old Friends (2024) Season 3, Episode 4

Fun

[10/10 · 18 May 2024]

This season of Bridgerton does not strike me as complicated or complex. We've seen Penelope's story over the seasons and we well know with whom she'll end up paired.

Far more complex is my sympathy for Queen Charlotte now and hope that she'll be somehow fed or comforted by whatever transpires with both Lady Whistledown and with Charlotte's sparkler. (In the first, I expect the Queen to have success in her sleuthing. In the second, I fear she'll once again lose, but perhaps not feel badly since she does truly understand passion and love)

The fun for me was not in the love story or the "will he/won't he" but rather that it's just pleasant to see Penelope be respected after so much disrespect.

They don't immediately repair the breach between the best friends. This caused the first leak that hurt Pen and will undoubtedly cause the final blow up. But I'm betting on old friends being reconciled, because I think the young women of the ton have more sense than we think.

Fun also to see her drop those garish outfits. I'm not even much into fashion, but it's such a relief to see them gone that I laughed at myself.

Bridgerton is pure and simply a fun binge watch with very little historical value, but also no pretense. It's the weekend and I'm liking that.

Walker: Hold Me Now (2024) Season 4, Episode 7

Amazing Entertainment, and also a "Thinker"

[10/10 · 16 May 2024]

I had to explain to friends today why this episode had me so pre-occupied and why anyone who used to watch Walker and fell off should come back.

The series deserves a second look, even a double watch like I did to get the details down.

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First watch: this is wildly entertaining TV with beautiful videography and a sense of place/family/time. The music absolutely rocks.

Last night's episode had it all--characters we love, heartfelt moments, humor, plus a suspenseful case.

There were no holes or anything to criticize, which for me is unusual. I can usually find some thread to pick or some opinion to spout, since that's what imdb viewer reviews are here for.

But as they say 10/10 no notes to actors, crew, or writers.

Perfection on all.

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Second watch: Why it preoccupies me even after enjoying the basic story explains why Walker is a favorite of mine.

There's a bright line through the series of how to deal with mental health. How we sometimes judge ourselves against "coming through" for others at work and in life instead of being gentle with personal needs.

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Last night it was how they dealt with "fine." That people can be carrying loads that may be partially or wholly invisible and they've been trained by society to always say they are "fine."

Even those closest to Cordell, who suspect he isn't "fine," still accept that comfort for themselves instead of finding a way to solve his problem. "Fine" is the stopping point instead of a beginning.

Abilene, one of my favorite characters, leads with judgment about what Cordell "should" be doing, which isn't the pure support he needs to be comfortable enough to accept help.

Liam does the same, approaching from an angle of what he'd had to do to cover for Cordell before.

They are both right and yet very wrong in their toxic "tough love."

It reminds me, unfortunately, of how we deal in real life with situations of grieving or illness, where there's no societal framework for long term needs or that people may fall back after being re-triggered.

Our jobs and careers expect colleagues to pick up the slack, which is juggling a short term solution.

So we actively seek the answer "fine," even if we're well meaning. We want to help, but don't take the time to put our own selves aside and sit there for hours in the silence with the person who's hurting. Both they and we accept the social convention that after a short period, the task is just to "suck it up."

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I'm not sure what the answer is and will be interested in how the writers handle this. Cordell is both to "blame" for not opening up when his family approaches, but also absolutely and completely "innocent" because they aren't approaching in a way that he needs.

It's no wonder he feels not only empty nesting but also completely isolated emotionally. No one listened on his small requests, why should he even try to reach out for more?

Cordell's obsession with the Jackal is a reaction to real triggers--what he went through himself in that horrific experience (with Larry) and during the "era" of Emily's death. All the failures he piled on himself, some justified, many not.

There are so many accurate mental health details here as I re-watched, right down to a slight ringing buzz in the audio when Cordell is feeling the stress of ptsd.

Maybe I should watch a third time.

This episode is a thinker and deserves the time (as does anyone feeling the stress of issues in mental health.)

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

Universe Building

[7/10 · 10 May 2024]

In my mind, you watch a Planet of the Apes movie for fun and escapism. Yes, there are big messages well-embedded in the formula plots. There are heroes and villains and action. It practically hits you over the head on even the first watch.

Mainly though, for me, viewers go to make an evening of it with friends, munch popcorn, and lean back in the theater recliners. The magical feeling of recycled air and expectation. A night out.

Concerning that in our case we were the only ones in the theater (almost thought we'd hit a trial run, but tickets were indeed bought) I'm hoping attendance does pick up.

Honestly this thing is a big screen sort of experience, so better to watch it now than waiting for it to stream later.

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The special effects were both impressive and also sometimes fell short. By that I mean, it's a long way from Roddy McDowell, but every once in awhile the glossier fakery still fell through when you least expected.

The movie wandered and showed us some cool universe building. I'm assuming this new Ape series will build on that. And for us, that was enough to make it worth the time.

Sometimes entertainment is just for fun.

Walker: We All Fall Down (2024) Season 4, Episode 6

Good, Bad, Ugly

[8/10 · 9 May 2024]

My first reaction, scene one: yay, Hoyt!

My second reaction: ah, no, kids lying and "Aunt" Geri? I'm uncomfortable enough with her being so much Cordell's unequal without throwing in another reminder she's an "Aunt" to the kids.

But rather than going chronologically, let's just hit the highlights.

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THE GOOD: Well, actually great.

The Jackal story line with Larry's reactions and Cordell jumping in to support his best friend (with all those complications) is immense.

I'm hanging on every scene with Padalecki and Bell.

Also great, the moments between Hoyt (Matt Barr) and Cordell. Barr and Padalecki are excellent scene partners and can both play into the angst while being action heros as well.

And yes, I'd call Hoyt a hero, because even if he was a felon his heart was gold. He deserves nothing but love.

I fully buy into the idea that friends can be as tight as family. That they look out for each other, even if it's not convenient. And they do that even without being begged or needing to say the words. (Great, though, when Larry does.)

These portions of the episode kept me going and they averaged up my number of stars by a lot. They are the scenes you want to pause and come back to, definitely were the reason I'll rewatch later.

(Side note: that last scene of Cordell in the "quiet" was amazing both in acting and cinematography. Padalecki standing on the precipice as Walker gave me chills)

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THE BAD: While the acting by Violet Brinson and Kale Culley was wonderful, I'm not liking that the kids are still lying.

I suppose Stella takes after her father in trying to help the hapless (maybe) Witt. So I like that heart, even if I still don't feel the rationale adequate.

However, how can they keep disappointing their father and lying to him when doing so? They're basically good kids, so how are they heartless to him when they have empathy to strangers?

I thought s1-3 it was an issue of the effects of grief and maturity, since the show does try to have good representation of various age groups. And kids do go through things to learn. They needed grace.

I thought we were somewhat over this last year, but I'll hang on and hope it's a minor bump.

Still not dvr/FF/skipping ahead on them, however, because of what the actors dug out of the scenes inside of that storyline.

THE UGLY:

Geri is actually beautiful, but the writers have given me yet one more key to why she's so incredibly flawed, broken and careless of others.

We find out that behind those protective walls called "boundaries," she's a full box of grievances that she can't really work on or she'll have to address how she played a huge part along with longtime love Hoyt.

What messy choices they made over their decade plus of love, and what impacts that has had. She built that final wall heaven high.

Just to name one impact, of course, she's now pushed away Cordell multiple times, used excuses to run away. (That this time she's correct about him Empty Nesting is the proverbial broken clock being right twice a day) The self-protection is strong in that one, even if she dresses it up prettily and ties it in bows.

As to going to OKC, I refer anyone who may read this (if anyone ever does) back to my comments on the last episode. The girl boss routine and telling rather than collaborating not only doesn't make sense, but also is at odds with her professed love.

It's a new project. It can be delayed without giving up any career potential. Cordi has been empty nesting this whole year, hasn't she had eyes during that time? And now he's also OBVIOUSLY spiralling, don't you help people you love?

Geri is the relationship version of Harry Met Sally's salad. She thinks she's easy going and helpful, but she's a mass of rules and "dressing on the side."

I do see that more clearly after last night, excellent job by the writers, but it makes me even more sure she's not adequate. And for a title character, shouldn't the love interest at least be more than a pretty face?

(Edit to add: I understand in real life all people have flaws and we just find the person whose flaws most match up with ours and make allowances, but this is fiction. It would be nice if the hero I'm here for was choosing someone whom I'd have coffee with, not erase from my contacts)

Rather (2023)

Informative

[7/10 · 5 May 2024]

"Love never fails" and "Courage" are the two tag lines for Dan Rather, according to this interesting biographical film.

Told through a series of clips and interviews, nothing really new is unearthed by producers, but it is still a good review of the reporter's life.

Rather was at the scene of important events from the start of his career and continued to try to visit the locations of stories as well as do research. This led to viewers latching onto the grittier, more realistic feel of his reports than if he'd merely sat behind a desk.

Rather did run into problems a few times, however, pushing a little too hard perhaps (or a little too fast.) The movie covers this angle as well.

Further, watching the chronology, viewers realize how much the news media landscape has changed--worthy to think about all by itself.

Dark Waters (2019)

Important Watch

[9/10 · 4 May 2024]

Parkersburg, along with other West Virginia towns and even the capitol, have had troubles with chemical plants and coal mines.

Historically, the state has had a number of chemical manufacturing plants along the rivers and laws favorable to keeping those plants due to jobs.

Dark Waters tells the story of one DuPont landfill and a decade-long lawsuit to give surrounding property owners compensation for a toxic chemical once used to make Teflon that had seeped into their water supply. Turn one rock over and be shocked. Keep turning them over and the dark underneath keeps spreading.

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Mark Ruffalo plays Robert Bilott, and a more reluctant hero you'd be pressed to find. Bilott represented the OTHER side, defending corporations at Cincinnati's Taft Hollister law firm.

He reached to find paperwork, evaluations, rationale that defended DuPont when approached by his grandmother's neighbor, Wilbur Tennant.

Tennant (played by Bill Camp) had tried everyone and everything he could think of before coming to Bilott. He'd accumulated an amazing amount of critical documentation and analysis even as a layman.

He was a good farmer, after all, and he knew both his stock and his land--what farming had been like before the landfill and after.

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The story is compelling and long-time activist Ruffalo makes the most of it. The case laid out like this is an important, must see watch.

I took a point off because some of the portrayals felt a bit overdone from the area people. However, deep respect for the cast for the many things they did get right.

Walker: We've Been Here Before (2024) Season 4, Episode 5

Mostly Excellent

[8/10 · 2 May 2024]

There were parts of this episode that were so perfectly put together it made me spontaneously applaud: Establishing shots of the ranch in the morning as Bonham checks on Liam; the soft glow of sunlight as Cassie is in the kitchen with Luna; the camera catching Abeline's gaze at her husband, filled with beauty and love.

The music lifted many moments in the episode and thoses visuals became almost transcendant.

I loved, too, the beginnings of discussions on addiction. This goes for James as well as, perhaps, watching the potential addiction of Liam.

At one point Cordell expresses surprise at a bit of evidence in the Jackal case and Larry passes it off as having assumed it was a father getting baby food in the small morning hours.

But did Larry's drinking cause him to be less than stellar? And is that why he's so angry; does his anger directed fully at Walker come mixed with guilt at himself?

Jared Padalecki and Coby Bell handle these nuanced scenes like the pros they are.

I love the show doesn't shy away from such issues, but rather trusts viewers to come along for the ride.

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All the scenes with Coby Bell hit the perfect notes of tragedy, even when I was angry at the character for dumping his anger too fully on his friend/found family.

The scene between Bell and Keirran Giovanni (Kelly, Larry's wife) was handled so carefully and acted so wonderfully. Giovanni hasn't had as many scenes as some of the rest of the cast, but this put her as a major player in my mind. (And so grateful that the already successful, smart Kelly is also loyal enough to make an attempt to take back her own load in the situation. She tries to tell Larry it wasn't all Cordi, and what he did Cordi did out of love)

It all stirred big emotions--the very essence of storytelling.

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I enjoyed how family held family accountable without shaming.

Abeline calling the kids over to remind them of the chores they'd agreed to in starting the sanctuary. Stella, especially, needed that nudge. She's right on the cusp of adulthood and adulthood sometimes stinks.

I didn't feel that Stella agreeing to the treasure hunt from her "ghost" was well explained in earlier episodes, because I'm still not sure why she should care at all about Witt. Care moderately enough to get him help from Liam or Cordell, perhaps, but care enough to keep his secrets and do his footwork? No.

So that problem keeps getting pushed onto other episodes where I wait to understand.

The research itself, however, made me sit up. As a fan of Walker Independence, I'd hoped there might be some resolution of the "feud" Walker's season two opened up to launch the spin off.

This does feel like that, with a lot of familiar name drops. (Glad, however, we won't see Colton back. Hoping we don't see Denise, her husband, her mother. And if we lose her biological sister, Geri, I won't really mind.) The Davidsons were well set up as villains of the lowest order who thought they were entitled to sympathy and, in Tom's case, love.

Bold move taking it on in this economy, but viewers wanted it and the show responded. Huge thanks to producers Padalecki and Anna Fricke for that.

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And we still get an amazing serial killer set up.

I'm sitting impatiently as a viewer in trying to guess the identity of the Jackal. And if there could be two, because something is off.

However, this tension is a good one.

I'm actively worried it might be Luna, with Cassie choosing the wrong man again. However, I'm equally nervous the Jackal might target Luna and Cassie will have to face his death. Guest stars are red shirts, after all.

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I enjoyed Trey as Cassie's wingman, even if they had a "moment" in last season's finale we've stepped away from. I'm glad they kept them platonic and colleagues on the Ranger staff.

Jeff Pierre is the cutest wingman ever, too. "The vibes be a vibing" "swagger for miles" (But did Luna say that same phrase back? Did he leave a bug at their table? And if he did is that just a detective who's justifiably cautious of other cops?)

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This episode had tons to commend it.

It also had a few significant misses that made me give it less than a ten.

Simple things, first: why was the stump Liam ran into so far off the road? He could have hit a dip or a branch fallen in the way, what with his driving while texting.

But instead with no exaggerated swerve, we're supposed to think he hit a random tree trunk?

It just seemed oddly done, in spite of the beautiful overhead shot.

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Then another minor oddity: the gift basket.

After all the precautions and comments, would the team have left the gift basket with booze sitting there where the Captain might crack?

We know they were "allowed" to take from it, given Cassie's comment at the top of the episode.

And it was just so ham handedly THERE.

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Third, and most glaring to me, is the attempt to retcon Geri as a hard working businesswoman.

This is certainly necessary and I fully appreciate both the need and the attempt since we seem to be stuck with her as the latest "girlfriend." As a viewer, I literally crave him to be with someone competent and smart. But the episode was littered with unearned comments where viewers were told that she's great.

I flinched a bit an ep back when Cordell called her a "co-owner" when I'm not sure where she got money to put back into the bar (perhaps from Hoyt's estate?) We know she delayed expensive repairs that Cordell handled--or more probably hired out.

We know she ran Sidestep into the ground until she had to get money from loan sharks. We know Emily's death benefits covered her huge fail.

Now, we get Abeline commenting on how much she's working, ok that's good she's doing that now. But we get Geri bragging about how much work she's done on the business when last season she fully dropped everything and just wandered off.

She needs a retcon to be any sort of business partner, but we had three seasons of her slagging and it can't be undone in a few episodes. And as a viewer, I never like being hit so obviously over the head by telling me what I'm "supposed" to be seeing. (Show me, persuade me, make me believe it)

Especially aggravating was that Geri decided to do an OKC branch "on her own" and that she tells Cordell the next morning in the kitchen, rather than asking for input.

Is she not only raised to co-owner but sole owner now?

He, of course, is amiable, just as he went out of his way to fix her broken mug a segment ago, but she never even tried to get his shirt back (precious memories of Emily, swept out of her way)

Rather than showing her as a true equal, these situations make her look careless and entitled. And it also makes him look less than careful of his own boundaries, hero or not. I do not like even hints of Cordell the dupe.

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Anyway, most of the episode was beyond A+ but sometimes it's details that throw you out of a really good story. Still eight out of ten, so still very good, but I wish the show had more time to breathe a little.

And I'm wondering if they wish that themselves, poor creatives. They deserve more time, more budget, and more of everything else.

The Judge (2014)

Cliche Plot, but Brilliant Acting

[8/10 · 2 May 2024]

This is a long film that follows the plotline you'd expect out of the gate. That doesn't necessarily make it a problem, however, because the key to the film is the brilliant character work of both Robert Downey Junior and Robert Duvall as a father and son who are estranged and need to reconcile.

Downey, as Hank Palmer, also has to reconcile with his brothers and to figure out his place in the world. (Outstanding work by Vincent D'Onofrio and Jeremy Strong as the brothers, by the way)

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The key point seems to be about "judgment," about the giving and receiving of both the judgment of others versus the grace they can bestow.

We see flashbacks of how his father judged Hank for an earlier indiscretion then how that judgment echoed down through time to impact the current day and the Judge himself.

I won't go through the culmination, but it's well worth the time. (And if you need to think of it as a mini-series and break it in half, so be it thanks to streaming.)

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I did take off a point due to some over saturated establishing shots that I personally found distracting. It might not be the case for other viewers though.

Otherwise it was a very good film for grown ups and I understand why it got support at film festivals early on.

Clarice (2021)

Solid Creep Show in line with Novels

[9/10 · 30 April 2024]

I'd never heard of this show and ran across it while streaming.

(If networks wonder why shows die so fast, perhaps it's because they lack the time and promotion for people to even find them.)

It's solidly creepy, both visually and through the choices made by the writers.

The lead actress (Rebecca Breeds) does an excellent call back to Jodie Foster with her accent, and yet makes this variation on the role her own.

I loved all the movies based on the books, as well as the books themselves. (Can't compare it to Hannibal as some others are; never saw that show) This is a good addition to the oeuvre.

Ben Is Back (2018)

Hard Hitting

[9/10 · 28 April 2024]

Lucas Hedges (Ben) and Julia Roberts (his mother, Holly) lead this story of a family in crisis over drug addiction.

It's a complex situation and the movie hits a variety of notes. We see the doctor who overprescribed, thinking opioids were harmless (and yet, as a mother, Holly blames him of course) We have allusions to how a teacher in a tough spot with bills for his cancer-ridden wife is a drug source. There are also gritty scenes of a drug underworld of the kind tv usually portrays.

The plot introduces us to a range of addicts--a dead friend of Ben's, a friend so deep into addiction he's on the street, people struggling at NA trying to stay clean.

They are the background against we see Ben.

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Ben is back home on an unapproved trip from rehab. It's Christmas and he should go back, but his stepfather agrees he can stay. (Courtney B Vance in a small role, along with Kathryn Newton as Ben's sister )

His mother does everything she can to make sure he stays clean until returning to rehab, but of course you can't control an addict.

I won't give away the plot, but it's a tense one right down to the last minutes. Hedges and Roberts manage the brittle relationship of addict and mother--a powerful mixture of fear and love, sometimes tinged with anger. Tour de force.

The movie is heavy and thoughtful, very layered, and well worth a watch.

A Passage to India (1984)

Beautiful but Frustrating

[5/10 · 26 April 2024]

This award winning film by David Lean has the grace and sweep of a larger story (India's history) while focusing on a smaller one (the racism of colonials in a particular town and how it leads to a court case.)

Given Lean's catalogue of successes, this certainly should have worked but for me it did not.

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The first character I thought I might care for is Mrs. Moore, who starts off condemning silly rules and divisions of people living side by side. Even here, though, she doesn't really make any sweeping changes but rather just sees how some basic rules of society's expectations can be circumvented to make her feel more emotionally comfortable.

She is very full of commentary, so I was disappointed in her very circumscribed acts and then, of course, her later abandonment of the entire situation.

The fact that her heart failed her in the end is both literal and metaphorical.

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Moore (Peggy Ashcroft) travelled to India with Adela (Judy Davis), whom she hopes to have as a future daughter in law, marrying her son.

Adela is the typical sweet young lady, yearning for more.

She also assumes they will meet some of the local people, and so she and her MIL arrange with the head of the local university (Richard Fielding, played by James Fox) to gather a small group.

This leads to an expedition with Dr. Aziz (Victor Banerjee) where a mistaken event turns into an assault case.

The thing is, we've seen this set up done better.

Adela feels forced by expectation into making an accusation, but from our vantage she just comes across as spineless. She never did feel much like a romantic figure, never seemed particularly anything, so the fact that she's so easily manipulated is, frankly, annoying.

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Aziz is betrayed, and both his position as a marginalized member of that society and a falsely accusesd man should gain viewer empathy.

And it does, in part, but the character has been a clownish sycophant off and on during the movie, so he already half betrayed himself.

When I say it's been done "better," what I mean is that the characters, even Aziz, are never deeply enough developed in spite of the film's length.

Yet in the end, he is the best and most relatable of the group.

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The film itself is beautiful in scenery and costume.

But in the end it does a disservice, because it doesn't make viewers care enough and fails to send a clear message of how horrible that era in history was.

Finally, and perhaps I should have led with this, at the point this film was made, the one character was definitely in "brown face" (Alec Guinness as Professor Godbole) That alone makes this film one I do not recommend as a watch.

Dead Boy Detectives (2024– )

Quirky History and Supernatural Smash

[9/10 · 25 April 2024]

Dead Boy Detectives is a fun science fiction-fantasy mash up with retro overtones.

The detectives are ghosts hiding from Death ("on the lam" according to another character) while handling their work.

The pace is fast, sometimes almost frenetic, which means this is not second screen fare.

A lot depends on the leads being likable, which they are, but even more depends on the framing and writing by Steve Yockey.

Yockey excels.

Cast and writing are at the front, of course, but this particular series is also dependant on the quirky set dec, locations, and overall tone of filming. And fortunately the entire smash up works.

I haven't watched any of the other shows in this comic "Universe," and probably won't. Fortunately this show can stand on its own.

Walker: Insane B.S. and Bloodshed (2024) Season 4, Episode 4

Home Run

[10/10 · 25 April 2024]

This is what Walker does best: action and intrigue with strong underpinnings of platonic character relationships.

The Walker cast and writers have dropped the old stereotype of "CW Pretty" (though they still are very much so) and got down to the brass tacks of story telling for adults.

I'm a fan.

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Fast paced, the writers moved the Jackal plot line forward. (And it's both grisly and yet not so graphic to keep it off network.) I am already totally involved trying to weigh various possible villains.

And why a jackal? There has to be a deep psychological scar somewhere.

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At the same time, they introduced a new character (the glorious Luna, played by a familiar face from the Independence universe) Took the friendship of Larry and Cordell three steps forward, then a huge step back. Getting the two together will be a joy, but you don't ditch such a close friend even if they do something that breaches your trust (especially in cases like this and done for selfless reasons.)

We see Stella unfortunately conflicted about saving a man she didn't know, yet we also see Stella with her brother in one of those tight sibling moments that viewers love.

Family, man.

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Special kudos to scenes with Coby Bell and Jared Padalecki, because what an incredible range of emotions to play in such a short space of time.

However, there is praise enough to go around. Everyone played their roles brilliantly, including the crew (lighting--wow, videography, music, props)

I have so many theories now that I can barely wait until next week, which given the landscape of the entertainment industry getting viewers to watch live/weekly is saying a lot.

Places in the Heart (1984)

Excellent in spite of Minor Flaws

[9/10 · 23 April 2024]

I thoroughly enjoyed this look back at the depression era south, with protagonists that are all in different ways marginalized from society.

First is Sally Fields as Edna Spaulding, who loses her husband in the first few minutes. Respected as the wife of the sheriff, it is obvious that she's now just left to "poor relation" status as bankers and cotton sellers seek to cheat her out of what little she has.

Next, Danny Glover plays a powerful character in Moze--a man who is constantly in danger because of his race, yet manages to reach out and be a hero.

He's definitely the brains when it comes to cotton farming, in fact it's his plan at first.

Final of the triumvirate is John Malkovich as Mr. Will. How nice to see a blind man as a main character. And how wonderful as that character opens up and cares.

Malkovich plays him with his usual attention to complexity (fascinating to watch)

---

The minor flaw I see is being distracted by a B-plot of an affair by Edna's brother in law.

There was enough in the story of Edna and her found family joining up, taking on the challenge, proving themselves.

No disrespect to the quartet of actors in the B-plot, their characters added to the overall feel of the small town. But I'd rather they'd been treated as even more as background players. (Like the lady in the car, for example.)

Sometimes the interruptions were abrupt, and I kept waiting for their importance to somehow make sense to the A-plot story.

---

Costuming, locations, audio were all top notch.

The feel of the movie is of both desperation, yet beauty.

What a inspiring "place" the creator has shared.

Killing Eve (2018–2022)

An excellent two-season watch

[9/10 · 19 April 2024]

I wondered why a show with Sandra Oh wasn't an automatic renewal for more seasons. Thanks to it being streamed on Netflix, I now know.

The first two seasons are every bit as good as rumored by fans.

Acting brilliant, characters quirky, nicely filmed. To me, Oh is the best of the troupe, though I can see why fans quickly rallied round Jodie Comer.

Oh is Eve, a MI5 officer who's smart, independent, and a bit bored with her life. Comer is Villanelle, the assassin she's assigned to hunt down.

The chase (or perhaps dance is a better term) is kept interesting by the writers at first. Then something slides in season three and, honestly, I do not recommend you bother with season four.

As a Sandra Oh die hard, I had to, but it really wasn't good (though certainly not the cast's fault.)

My rating, therefore, is for the first two seasons--well worth a binge.

Walker: Lessons from the Gift Shop (2024) Season 4, Episode 3

Hoping for Renewal

[8/10 · 18 April 2024]

Since we are in renewal season, let's just go over the positives and hope the network bosses agree:

Walker once again delivers a very well-crafted episode on a CW budget. The fact that it manages to do so week after week is a tribute to the skill of the people there

I may want to debate certain choices the writers have made on Walker's relationship (yet doesn't discourse equal engaged viewers?) Still, I also want to mention how great it is to watch a show where dialogue is so finely tuned that you can most times tell who's talking by the lines said. In other words, kudos to the Walker writers room.

Editing is spectacular. There is a lot going on, especially this season perhaps because of the shorter run.

However, editing and clever directing choices keep viewing smooth and transitions clear.

The tone of the show is consistent. It has by now developed a Walker style that I'm enjoying. It's so hard for a tv series to "hit its stride" in this economic climate of mass cancellation, so what a joy to see a show that has managed to accomplish just that.

I'm personally here for the case work, but need complex characters, too. This show delivers.

It has diversity on all fronts, while not pandering or preaching. This is effective in that it "shows" rather than "tells"

Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

Amazing Depth of Emotion

[10/10 · 17 April 2024]

A young Tom Cruise shows impeccable talent and range in managing a complicated character--veteran Ron Kovic-- and carries viewers along on his complex journey of grief and redemption.

Kovic starts the movie as a boy so caught up in patriotism that he willingly volunteers for Vietnam.

Himself born on the 4th of July, Kovic is a small town athlete who without the war's interruption would have gone on to college and successfully built a business.

Rotary on Wednesdays. Golf games at the club.

Instead, he finds his life suddenly ground up and spit out by a war machine that first ignores his mental anguish over a wrong decision (accidental friendly fire) and repeatedly sends him back out on the line.

He later notes that he could have stayed down when first shot, but didn't. This brings up the idea that perhaps he was self-punishing that incident, even after it was well past.

Kovic goes on to protest the war, as some veterans did.

It isn't that he's less patriotic (though some vets would resent such activities) He's simply "differently patriotic"--believing that the US should stick to the principals small town life had taught him the country has.

There are two sides to patriotism, and Kovic has his.

---

Besides impressive acting from Cruise, the entire cast levels up.

Add in tight editing and audio, authentic feeling costumes, excellent locations and videography

The entire film is a home run.

Sex and the City (1998–2004)

Didn't Age Well

[5/10 · 16 April 2024]

I watched the first couple of seasons and then gave up.

You can see what the show might have been and why it had impact when it was first on air. (And perhaps for back then the sexuality was enough to keep it going after the first season's discussion points were gone.)

However, I never related to the main character who seemed to bring a lot of problems on herself. Apparently viewers are supposed to only support and never criticize these empowered women, but after a while you realize writers needed to do some lifting themselves.

It's no longer enough to be just about the fashions.

Further, when first aired, it might have been edgy to have a "gay friend," but some stereotypes were just ridiculous. Same with racism, sexism, and what constitutes consent on both sides.

I watched the movies, which sometimes fell prey to the same issues. But in the series, I found myself beginning to regularly fast forward past the cringe. Thus, I stoppped.

O.J.: Made in America (2016)

Comprehensive

[9/10 · 13 April 2024]

I can remember the bronco chase and the trial, know a great deal about the time period and "history." However, this documentary was still a good watch.

It moves slow and sometimes feels overpacked, but really that attention to detail is its major strength. By the end, you understand how the OJ myth was created in both the public's mind and in Simpson's own.

And you see how the history of police corruption in the area also had an impact. (No one I remember doubted that the detective must have played fast and loose with the evidence, even if it was not all planted.)

That led to some people thinking him innocent and cheering at the verdict, while also many others cheering because the prosecutors and cops had failed in making a case.

Simpson's death made me want to revisit all of this, review, weigh and balance. This comprehensive documentary allows that and then some.

Scoop (2024)

Watchable

[6/10 · 12 April 2024]

The acting far exceeded the content in this documentary-lite about Prince Andrew's interview with Emily Maitlis (here, played by Gillian Anderson in what was the real scoop of the night)

The process is outlined--how was Newsnight in the right place at the right time to score an hour? Completely obvious answer: journalists and segment bookers weave a network of contacts on the daily, hoping some will pan out.

It was vaguely interesting to see the booker be the hero after being treated with less respect by the more "serious" staff, but her story was also sketched in and lacking enough complexity.

There was no new information to be gleaned here, just a general review of what happened and that it was put to good use by the press, when the Palace had hoped it would help them instead.

I guess what I would have hoped is that the writing would have more weight, given the quality of the cast and crew.

So while this is still a decent second screen movie, I'm glad I didn't pay for a ticket and caught it streaming instead.

Walker: Maybe It's Maybelline (2024) Season 4, Episode 2

Great Follow up on a Busy Night

[10/10 · 11 April 2024]

It's DIFFICULT to watch Walker on live TV, but I managed

Wednesdays are a busy night and my CW station went dark with the new owners so it was a real hunt.

But this episode was well worth the effort.

---

We see the writers fully using their cast not just to hit romantic plot points or case details or even season arcs--but, rather, all three at once with a balance and restraint that was a joy to behold.

I actually liked Geri briefly, mainly because she was paired with Cassie and struck the tone I remember from season one.

The two were both single and living their lives, Bechdel Test passed, which was fun.

Cassie was also fully part of the Ranger team. Writers have managed that transition and given us a tiny powerhouse who hits hard.

Loving the respect from Trey and Cordell.

---

Trey's dating life was alluded to, almost humorously (gorgeous date!) and then we find it is still rocky after guest character Maybelline shuts him down.

Ben and Liam's relationship also "shown, not told" in a wonderfully casual way that a solid relationship allows. Same for Abeline and Bonham--my favorite couple, honestly, and these two pairs are really the only ones I need any updates on, "coupled up."

---

The episode was jam packed with good themes and messaging and yet wasn't preachy.

So many excellent points about mental health and that it helps to talk. So many good points about parenting--the days are long and the years, short.

Cordell is once again shown as thoroughly competent in spite of having flaws, in spite of having to work on things. And he's competent in both his work and emotional lives.

Thank heavens.

No one needs to push the character; he's pushing himself almost too hard already and getting it done.

--- We even get small notes showing us the Walker Ranch is successful (wedding venue booked, Bonham no longer nervous about taking more time off)

And a very brief case with an thoroughly wise and strong woman (shout out to Debra Mooney and the writers for giving us complex older characters, even as one offs)

10/10 No Notes Great job all around.

Irish Wish (2024)

Formula with Basic Likability

[7/10 · 7 April 2024]

I'll be honest and say I didn't feel the chemistry of this ensemble, which is a major part of the success of these formula movies.

However, I'm here for Lohan's efforts in bringing us comfortable stories with likable actors, so I'm still not going to drag it down.

Love her, love Ed Speleers. Love the Irish locations and beautiful shots.

It's a fantasy romcom, so that viewers need a suspension of disbelief is clear from the start. (Not sure why anyone would complain about that, given it "is what it is" from the intro)

Not going to give it higher than a seven, granted, but it was a decent movie for a Saturday afternoon. In this climate, that's a LOT.

Walker: The Quiet (2024) Season 4, Episode 1

Nice Start

[9/10 · 7 April 2024]

The writers came out swinging with a solid opener introducing the season's theme and villain while also keeping track of multiple characters we love.

Like all intros, that made the episode move along quickly so you can't glance away or you'll miss out.

---

I was frankly amused by the highly choreographed makeout scene of the first couple minutes, which made me flinch at first (disliking his newest girlfriend) but then made me laugh.

The comedy timing of a man interrupted and frustrated was incredibly well done by Jared Padalecki. He does have over two decades of practice, after all, and this was just plain cute. And he was just plain hot

---

Next up, the show's patented use of Texas Things--this time a love of big steaks--to have them plan one of Walker's items on his bucket list for his birthday party. (We get to infer Cordell's birthday from the titlecard as being in mid-November)

Later, of course, even in giving him just One Thing, plans go-awry-then-get-saved with his parents pulling together a homegrown party instead.

Kudos to the subtle diversity in including both Liam and Ben over the family table time in the morning. Ben is now a fully integrated part of the family.

This show doesn't do "knock you over the head and force feed you diversity." This show sets the bar higher by accepting the challenge of serving nuanced, consistent, persistent moments along the way.

---

Cut next to Cordell on the job, with broad humor reflecting back to Trey jumping into a rustler's truck but this time more realistic and bumpy. Very, very bumpy.

There's the self-deprecating humor of Cordell trying to figure the next bit out. But he comes out on top, of course, our hero making a great stunt slide and take down of the bad guy.

Loved the shot.

There is a thin line between making the lead look less than intelligent versus heroic and this walked it.

(Later the writers make fun of themselves, even, mentioning television reboots and Hawk Shadow--now exploring feelings and family more, like this show versus Norris's one)

---

A major story line is Cassie returning from a case with the FBI, some tension as she starts to explore going elsewhere and the sad line of "everyone leaves." (Cordell's face here--chef's kiss)

I'm hoping the show doesn't lose Ashley Reyes to other roles, because she is perfect in this one. I'm glad, however, that they pivoted and didn't make her character romantically involved with Trey (Jeff Pierre can have chemistry with air, but can't we have a show without all the romantic complications sometime?)

We catch a little braggadocio and swagger as Cass tells other Rangers about the take down, complete with helicopter wash. We see her considering which life path might make more impact.

Great scene where the Captain (Coby Bell) tells her she can have an impact with the Rangers, as well.

---

Indeed, Coby Bell had more than one major scene in this opener.

It was absolute gut-wrenching pathos at the end as we find out what the Jackal case did to Larry last time and we see Cordell start down that awful "Quiet" path.

Both Bell and Padalecki rocked the ending tone, which sets us up for the new plot.

That these cast members have amazing range--humor, action, drama--just underscores how lucky CW was to ever get this show and how I wish they did more to promote it.

---

Finally, special shout out to the music department.

The needle drops are excellent and always add to the series, but this episode was especially "wow."