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kimberlyanngerber
Reviews
Gone in the Night (2022)
Gone - forward, backward and sideways
I was a little hesitant to watch this movie after reading all of the negative comments. However, since it starred Winona and Dermot, I thought perhaps it might be worth the watch. Sadly, I was wrong.
The plot and overall premise of the movie was interesting but could've been so much better. It failed direction and movement. The movie was distracting, confusing, and unbelievable. The story relied upon flashbacks to carry the movie through which was not only hard to keep track of but took away from what could've been a good storyline.
There wasn't a lot of suspense or any nail biting moments to keep you on the edge. Honestly, the worst LMN movie I ever watched had more intrigue than this movie. The only thing that kept me watching was Winona and Dermit performance, hoping for a twist and big finale.
I was waiting for this movie to redeem itself with an awesome ending after muddling through such a huge disappointment but there wasn't a true ending. It left viewers with speculation and questions and wondering why we invested 90 minutes we'll never get back.
Dying to Marry Him (2021)
Complete mess and waste of time
Generally, I love lifetime and LMN movies. However, it seems as of late the movies are considerably disappointing. I believe it's a combination of bad acting and lackluster storylines. This combined with the fact that nothing produced recently is unique. It seems to be the same psycho based genre that is getting very repetitious and old. It's the same theme played over and over again. This movie is so horrible it's almost comical. I've seen better acting in high school plays. I miss the days when they produced movies with well claimed actors and storylines that gripped you with terror as well as true life stories that had real substance. The storyline in this movie is a bit confusing especially surrounding the villainess. Combined this with the same old tale and boring actors who couldn't act their way out of a paper bag. If you happen upon this snooze fest, flipping the channel as fast as you can is the best advice I can offer.
Lizzie Borden Took an Ax (2014)
Complete Miss
I was anxiously awaiting for this movie to come out. I've been interested in this case for many years and have done extensive research on the murders. This movie was completely inaccurate and disappointing. The soundtrack was inappropriate for this movie. The murders took place in a small town during the Victorian era. The movie should have been accompanied by anything other than the annoying rock music played. The portrayal of Lizzie Borden was off, the house and setting was off. The time line, people involved, statements, trial and inquest were all off. For instance, her uncle arrived at their home the day before and spent the night. He was present the morning of the murders and returned later that day. Lizzie didn't burn her dress outdoors at night in a fire pit. She burned the dress during the day in the kitchen's stove with her friend, Alice Russell present. The comments concerning the murders that were overheard was not by the maid but during her stay in prison by a female prison guard. Lizzie was never noted to dress provocatively nor noted for going to late drinking parties. Those were just a few of the numerous inaccuracies throughout the movie. Although I like Christina Ricci, they could have chosen an actress more fit to portray Lizzie. Christina is more of a frail and petite woman which didn't hit the mark of Lizzie, who was more robust in stature. Her acting as well as some other actors in the movie was mediocre at best. For those fascinated by this case should watch Elizabeth Montgomery's portrayal in the 1975 The Legend of Lizzie Borden which is more accurate.
Parental Guidance (2012)
Expectations crushed by poor acting and lack of comedy
My expectations were high considering this movie had three major actors all of which are noted for comedic roles. My enthusiasm dropped within the first 15 minutes and only nosedived thereafter. It didn't take long to notice how considerably bad Bette Midler, Billy Crystal and Marisa Tomei's acting was in this overly drawn out and boring movie.
All actors seemed to to lack talent and struggled through lines. There were no moments I could honestly state were funny. It was mediocre at best. There seemed to be a huge disconnect between characters and the plot was not only unoriginal but had no deeming qualities. Marisa Tomei had an appearance of being tired or worn out which is quite the opposite from her usually bright and peppy self. I loved watching a lot of Bette's past performances but she definitely didn't shine in this role. There was a huge lack of enthusiasm reflected by the actors and it was obvious they missed many comedic punches. The entire movie lacked direction and the few lines that were somewhat funny seemed forced. Some of the elements of this movie I found to be degrading toward the adults and children alike. I would compare this to a thrown together made for television movie not a movie worthy for the big screen. It is a low grade movie at best.
The kids in this movie were cute although considered a bit irksome by other adults watching this movie with me. The only part I felt drawn to was when the one son conflicted with bullying due to his stuttering had the courage to overcome his awkwardness to publicly express himself. The entire scenario relating to the imaginary kangaroo friend of the youngest boy was utterly ridiculous.
I am confused to who is actually the targeted audience. I couldn't recommend as a movie an adult would find interesting or a family type movie but this film might appeal on some level to young children. For those that haven't seen this movie but still are compelled to do so should rent not buy a DVD.