scootampa Reviews

A Christmas Carol (2019)

NOT your typical Charles Dickens storyline.

[10/10 · 7 December 2023]

Melancholic, rich with visual tapestries and beautiful writing, this series is NOT to be missed for lovers of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Imaginative storytelling that fills in the gaps and explains many missing inquisitions. Not for the faint of heart, there are story lines here that are not very loving nor kind but it harkens back to what London might have been like in the 1860's. There are moments of joy and kindness even enough to make one cry. This is truly a masterpiece and after seeing this series it will become part of your yearly holiday viewing traditions. Acting, set decorating, visual effects, costumes and script all merge to bring this parallel story of a beloved classic to fuller, more mature realization.

Down Low (2023)

WHO GREEN-LIT THIS CRAP? Tries too hard to be everything.

[2/10 · 14 October 2023]

Gay man here so Just my opinion.

I gave this 2 stars for effort and that's about it. What a waste of talent. The script is terrible, and every single joke tries too hard to land. Ludicrous and over the top situations have very little if any follow through. It tries to shock in all the worst, most disrespectful ways. Insane situations that never seem to culminate and this movie is DATED as it feels like it should have been made 10 years ago if the streaming platforms/networks would have allowed it. I wish I had more positive things to add but unfortunately that's all I got. Good luck and don't waste your money like I did.

Succession (2018–2023)

EXHAUSTING, BAH-RILLIANT, HYSTERICAL show!

[9/10 · 22 May 2023]

I HATED HATED HATED this show for 3 seasons. I hung in there because of the hype and thought i might be missing something. The Roy kids? Omg. Scheming, evil, starved for genuine love and incapable of showing or sustaining it. This show is so layered and nuanced yet can be blunt and crude. I do believe that the head of a multi billion dollar company has to be mercurial, controlling, strong and unrelenting! Right? Can one run that top 1/2% of company money and not be? Brian Cox? Come on! Incredible. Scene stealing. I do believe the type of entrepreneur he portrays have to be/are one in a billion. Can the offspring EVER live up to the creative genius? ALL ACTORS A+++++ (I have a theater degree too so Im not blowing smoke up..... ). I've never seen a series where I absolutely despised all the main characters and then have it slowly, deliberately revealed like a chess game what made each of them the way they are portrayed. FLAWLESS WRITING! Kudos! If it ain't on the page it cannot be brought to life onscreen. Voyeuristic pleasures at Gobsmacking wealth in EVERY. Single. Scene. What a privileged yet unmistakably sad family. Great Television and HBO MAX is on a ROLL! I do hate that the current "trend" is for shows to bow out at their peak in popularity. How are they going to wrap up next weeks series finale???

Silo (2023– )

ENGAGING, WELL ACTED AND SUBLIME. PRODUCTION VALUES!

[8/10 · 20 May 2023]

First of all, i know NOTHING of the books upon which this series is based. Also, being American it is HYSTERICAL listening to the Brits doing their version our accents. However, that is where the critiques end for me. Incredibly nail biting, and two names makes it all possible: REBECCA FERGUSON. Sublime casting and what an ensemble it is. Only on episode 4 yet I am hooked. Episode 3 was a nail biter so all you doubters give it time. Great plots need to unfold so patience in this series I have a feeling will be a virtue. Great job so far APPLE! I look forward to more episodes and plot lines. Fingers crossed.

Downton Abbey (2010–2015)

CRIKEY! What a jewel of a series.

[10/10 · 2 May 2023]

Where to begin? The directing, acting, writing, costumes, set decoration, music and hair, (YES 4 Emmys later) are ALL top notch. Without fault really. If one rates this series below even a 7, it is for personal likes/dislikes that are quite unrelated to the series. There is a reason why British actors are among some of the best in the world. Their highly competitive and highly regarded conservatories and colleges are among the best in the world. It shows and shines exquisitely in this Masterpiece. Having watched the complete series 5 times, I am still in awe of this timeless effort at creating a perfect, frozen in time period from 1912- New Years Eve 1927. DO NOT DELAY. Watch immediately and then watch it again.

Christmas in the Rockies (2020 TV Movie)

The chemistry between the two Romantic leads are so fake and cloying.

[2/10 · 23 December 2022]

Ok. First of all, Harrison, the romantic lead needs to shampoo his hair and the make up team needs to powder down his shiny greasy face. Her father is WAY TOO YOUNG! What were they thinking? The backdrops are so superimposed and fake looking. The fact that she would train in THREE WEEKS TIME to compete in a lumberjack competition against people who have been doing it their entire lives? The acting is HORRIFIC. Dad needs acting classes as well as his accountant/daughters ex boyfriend. I've seen High School plays better than this. I do like that it's not a visually typical Hallmark movie where it looks like a garland monster puked all over the town and houses. Bah Humbug!

Barbarian (2022)

The most ridiculous CRAP I've seen in a long time. (And I've seen HUNDREDS of Horror Movies!)

[1/10 · 26 October 2022]

I don't know a single female who would IGNORE NUMEROUS signs and opportunities to just LEAVE a dangerous and potentially violent situation. Many times she literally just had to WALK OUT THE DOOR. This scenario opens the movie and thus ruins any credibility the rest of the movie may have. No thank you! I've read Gavin de Beckers book THE GIFT OF FEAR which gave this Director inspiration to write this particular movie. Save yourself the time and just read the book. I have a difficult time following movies that set up implausible situations at the very beginning of the movie. Then, ON TOP OF THIS, the SECOND scenario unfolds, and now a MAN also totally ignores conventional intelligence and STAYS in the house.

Then there is the THIRD implausible scenario that sets up a major character into ridiculous behavior. I do see the humor in this movie mainly because it is soooooooo bad.

The cherry on the sundae so to soeak and Also, worst of all, I'm from Detroit and don't care for the way this city is being portrayed.

Script is extremely misogynistic and written poorly. I don't understand all the good reviews.

Fire Island (I) (2022)

Well this movie set us back 25 years!

[4/10 · 20 June 2022]

I'm a 65 year old Gay Man. I felt like I was watching this movie in 1992. It's that stereotypically uneducated and unenlightened. Promiscuous Gays? Check. Gays love Drugs? Check. Gays with vapid punchline driven dialogue? Check. Vodka guzzling Obnoxious Queens? Check. Two Dimensional horrific direction and writing and why weren't any of these characters developed? Even poor Margaret Cho was reduced to a hag used by all her gay boyfriends. Where is HER backstory? I physically felt nauseous and sad because this movie set us back 30 years. We have come so far until this movie.

Night Sky (2022)

Really? That's it? 8 episodes for what?

[5/10 · 30 May 2022]

Good acting. Period. Love Sissy and J. K. Simmons.

Script goes in circles with dead ends that NEVER resolve.

It's like a fun house maze without the fun.

The Batman (2022)

VISUAL, GRITTY, ARRESTING.

[8/10 · 24 April 2022]

With a different tonality than all the other Bat movies that came before, you are in for a surprising treat. Paired down yet complicated in new and imaginative ways with wise casting and terrific Directing. The only things preventing me from giving this movie a well deserved 10 is Robert Pattinson's vocal impersonation of Clint Eastwood. A bit annoying. Also while the music score was deliciously different it was very repetitive. The same 4 measures OVER and OVER. Not deal breakers by any means. Well done overall and worth every second of its bloated almost 3 hour run time!

Parenthood (2010–2015)

Uneven writing at worst. Engaging at best.

[6/10 · 1 March 2022]

Extremely misogynistic . All the Mothers/housewives are neurotic and stressed, the children are absolute dangerous asinine brats and the Grandma acts like she's sucking down Quaaludes every 3 hours. However, like any big family there are bound to be characters you can't stand. Listen, I'm a HUGE fan of Lauren Graham but her dumping men and wishy-washy commitments are the same way she was in GILMORE GIRLS! Also, you better love pancakes because this show features them in every scene! It's kinda like a family train wreck that you can't look away from. I do like the improvisational style and 3 camera technique that the Director/Creator is known for. He created Friday Night Lights and He uses a similar technique in this series.

Into the Woods (2014)

Second half very disconnected.

[7/10 · 9 February 2022]

Loved all the actors, especially Emily Blunt, Anna Kendrick and Meryl Streep. The women steal this movie IMO.

The Theatrical version has always been problematic in the second half, however, being a Disney movie the second half was made worse by their wanting to please too many people of the Disney persuasion. The second half was originally much darker. The narration to connect scenes was obnoxious but perhaps crucial to audiences unaware of the theatrical GENIUS of Stephen Sondheim (May He Rest In Peace). THE LAST MIDNIGHT was sung and acted and produced FLAWLESSLY. Meryl tore. It. Up. All in all a very decent job by entire cast and crew. It's not an easy movie to make. Hats off to Rob Marshall!

And Just Like That... (2021– )

Not bad. Not great.

[6/10 · 4 February 2022]

Love the addition of minority Actors. It's all the WOKE references I have issues with as it doesn't sit true for the original characters. I do like Miranda's journey so far, it seems the most interesting for her story arc. The clothes aren't even close to SITC Patricia Fields. Carrie looks dowdy and like a bag lady most of the time. I have hopes for Season 2. It's gotta be tough writing and fitting so many expectations into 10 episodes.

Old (2021)

What a CROCK of inconsistency!

[4/10 · 20 October 2021]

Some age rapidly, some don't. Some characters pulverize to bones and some barely have crows feet around their eyes. Director Is getting LAZY. The ending twists are gimmicky and he needs to worry more about the journey along the way. I will say I felt like I aged 44 years just watching this convoluted mess.

The Resort (2021)

The "RESORTA"

[1/10 · 8 August 2021]

Sorta bad. Laughingly bad. Ludicrous plot. Nothing happens until last 20 minutes and I think I aged 20 years. Acting was bad high school production.

Steel Magnolias (1989)

Sappy, but what a guilty pleasure!

[8/10 · 2 May 2021]

Having recently lost my Sister, this movie makes me cry more than it did when it came out. Yes it's manipulative and over zealous and overacted. However, and this is a big deal to me, it's like coming home to a house full of family with a roaring fire, food in the oven and laughter to be shared. It's warm, fuzzy and has hysterical one liners. The female actresses are all superb. Herbert Ross should have dialed it down a bit but there are a lot of truths to living in the south in Robert Harding's gorgeous TRUE play/screenplay about his Sister. What a treasure and tribute to her!! Thank you Robert. We will always have this movie.

Debris (2021)

UH, WHAT? Convoluted.

[4/10 · 31 March 2021]

This show tries too hard with too many plots, issues, REALLY BAD CONTINUITY and BLATANT inconsistencies. Too many too mention. A bit of focus here might have really helped however only on episode 4. Hopefully it will all work out to become a bit clearer? We can hope.

Servant (2019–2023)

Repeat, repeat, repeat.

[4/10 · 19 February 2021]

M. Night! Land the plane already. This show is like watching paint dry. Started out terrific but lost its way in the second season. I'm bored and feeling manipulated. And not in a good way.

Supernova (II) (2020)

No Chemistry. Nada, Zilch

[4/10 · 17 February 2021]

Movie came across like an Advanced Acting Class. I love both Mr. Firth and Mr. Tucci's work, Just not together. The only mouth kissing and attempted lovemaking was in the dark? All we saw representing there love was a childlike kiss on the forehead. Not cool. Where are the fully realized Gay characters. Very flat. Script was clichéd and overly maudlin.

Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist (2020–2021)

KEEP WATCHING!

[10/10 · 11 January 2021]

Here's the dealio: This show is unlike anything you have ever seen. Don't expect anything. Let it take you on it's magical, soap opera, musical theater, performance art, dance and drama ride. It's funny, and also can be very touching. I've bawled my eyes out a couple of times for very good reason. To me, this show is about the relationships. Ya gotta suspend beliefs and previous ideas of what this show is. Trust me, it's NOTHING like you could ever imagine. The main Character Zoey is also her own woman. I dare say there has never been a character quite like her on TV. Oh and I forgot, EVERYONE DOES THEIR OWN SINGING AND DANCING. Boom. Mike drop!

Vikings (2013–2020)

Meh. A bit underwhelmed.

[4/10 · 4 January 2021]

Acting is weak. Accents are HORRIFIC. Lines and plots are downright simplistic and cliché. Characters are two dimensional at best. Lead Actor smirks and smiles his way through scenes even when not appropriate for the plot or action.

White Christmas (1954)

Pure unadulterated Holiday JOY!

[10/10 · 24 December 2020]

Full of tap, Jazz hands, phenomenal dancing, singing, costumes and stage productions all wrapped up in a big red bow of saccharin sweetness! I wouldn't have it any other way!

The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two (2020)

Loved it! Fun and so well done.

[8/10 · 26 November 2020]

Love the juxtaposition of Tropical and North Pole. The CGI was terrific and everything looked so polished and realistic. Anyone who didn't like this movie? BAH HUMBUG!

The Mothman Prophecies (2002)

Eerie, chilling, haunting and full of messages.

[10/10 · 1 November 2020]

I'm watching this movie for the 9th time. It's that good. Each time I get something different from it. This film is 18 years old and feels like it's brand new. Each time I have a different explanation for what happened during the sightings and the plot. Don't go into this film with any expectations. Let the actors and director take you on an unforgettable journey.

Schitt's Creek (2015–2020)

Love Canadians and Canadian Humor

[10/10 · 4 October 2020]

This show is pretty much flawless. I had a hard time grasping it During The first season but I knew I WAS VIEWING SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. No laugh tracks, no music backgrounds. Think how hard that is to not "overstuff" each episode like American Episodic Comedies. The acting therefore HAS to be top notch. These actors do not disappoint! Catherine O'Hara? I mean COME ON! The weird can't quite place it accent and the wigs? Omg. Eugene, Dan and the supporting cast are all Flawless. Also thrilled that this show swept the Comedy and Comedy Acting Emmys. Well deserved. CA-CAW! CA-CAW!