Unintelligible. And, I wanted to like this show! Also I am a big fan of foreign films and television going way back. Nevertheless, I tried to follow the plot, being a fan of Clive Owen, and several other cast members, however, I found it nearly impossible. I even went online to read about what was going on, and still couldn't figure out what was going on - and I speak enough French to understand what characters were saying. I'm still shocked that others were able to understand a very complicated plot, with new characters introduced each episode without foundation, or enough info in the story to help one figure out who they are. Add to this, overall fatigue with stories that jump back and forth in time, again without adequate foundation. It is rare that I quit on a show, but I bailed after 5 episodes. I still couldn't tell you what the heck was going on. It wasn't the fault of the very good actors - the writing / plot assumed too much and I found it hard to hang on to the plot line from week to week. Maybe if I had watched it all at once... I think I came here to see if anyone else was as lost as I was while watching, but everyone here is apparently far more clever than me. Lol.
Reviews
5 Reviews
Cinderella
(I) (2021)
GREAT ENTERTAINMENT
4 September 2021
This clearly (judging by the reviews), is a movie you are either going to love or hate. Roughly half of the IMDB voters rate it 8+, and the other voters rate it under 5 stars. I believe this movie warrants a 7-7.5, but I have rated it higher to counterbalance those dunning the movie with 1-2 star reviews. Ok. It is a musical, so don't watch if you dislike musicals. Is this movie an academy award winner? No. However, it is entertaining, but may disappoint diehard musical aficionados because the songs are clever re-workings of popular tunes, and are not entirely original. By all means do not watch if you have it out for Camilla Cabello, because she has both singing and acting chops in this movie. And if you just hate musicals written with humor, by all means turn this off right away, because there are funny bits throughout this musical, made funnier if you have watched all the previous Cinderella movie iterations. Speaking of iterations, if you are just over the whole Cinderella thing, this one won't change your mind. It will however delight those looking for great dance numbers, great tunes (all of which you already know, so you can hum along), great musical actors, fun lyrics and a fun script. If you're a James Cordon hater, I guarantee you won't like him here, but if you do like him, he will not disappoint, and he may even make you laugh. If you are looking for something to criticize, this movie is as good as any, and maybe even better because it takes a stab at being diverse, inclusive, and politically correct. Whether it does so enough on any of these fronts is really up to you, and what you expect out of a light-hearted romp that does not take itself as seriously as you may be.
Joel McHale: Live from Pyongyang
(2019 TV Special)
"Humor is the great thing, the saving thing after all" - Twain
19 January 2021
I truly enjoyed Mr. McHale's stand up - I laughed hard, relating to much of the material covered. I don't expect everyone to find humor in the same things. That I do does not make another right or wrong. Since this is Mr. McHale's first stand up special, I figured I had to take a look, and am very glad I did. I began laughing when I read the title. He is a very funny man.
A Christmas Carol
(2019)
Most Excellent Adaptation
25 December 2019
I love Charles Dickens' writings. Nevertheless, I've never been a fan of A Christmas Carol - neither Dickens' original story nor any of the numerous adaptations of it - Until Now. This iteration is simply brilliant. Dickens Purists, please do not burn me at the stake for this next statement. This version of A Christmas Carol manages to further elevate Dickens' masterpiece (I don't have to like it to know a story is both brilliant and a universal tale that spans eras and ages). Thank you to all involved for the gift of this production. I am simply in awe.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
(2013–2014)
The Series AND The Movies are special.
1 September 2018
I watch way too much television and way too many movies.
I just discovered this exceptional series after watching several of the movies produced since the series. I tentively watched my first SS&D movie solely based on Mr Mabius' multi-faceted, excellent performances on Ugly Betty (another singular, well-written, remarkable and entertaining series chock full of talented actors, humor, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of the human condition). I am so glad I did because the entire cast is similarly wonderful.
I am a viewer whose viewing preferences tend towards the dark, serious, psychologically complex, and frequently, yes, such preferences include violence and explitives. (I mean no disregard to those who find such preferences antipodal to positive family values and morals). Nevertheless, no matter the viewing matter, unique and exemplary writing that honors my adult intelligence and fine, meritorious actors are, for me, the common denominator to most of what I choose to watch. This is, of course true of the SS&D movies and the series episodes I've seen so far, which move me in a way that simply nothing else does.
Yes, from the outset, the show's most obvious premise does require viewers to suspend disbelief (I cannot think of any form of media that does not - it is after all "media," which is an artform, not reality; even documentaries and news outlets have an agenda). The reward for such suspension is a chance to see and experience what unconditional positive regard and acceptance of each other looks like (especially including people never met before of varying race, creed, and color).
Does "unconditional positive regard" mean free of interpersonal conflict, loss, hardship, or syrupy-sweet discourse? No. Not at all. And because these elements of the human condition are included, is humor, laughter, and joy excluded? Of course not. One cannot be unconditional in his or her regard for others in an environment without conditions and diversity, or without people encumbered by their own frailties and limitations born out of life's experiences and expectations of life.
It is an absolute viewing pleasure to watch what is good, hopeful, and beautiful about human nature, and to observe and learn the lessons and behaviors inherently fundamental to the creation of more of the same in the world around us all.
I just discovered this exceptional series after watching several of the movies produced since the series. I tentively watched my first SS&D movie solely based on Mr Mabius' multi-faceted, excellent performances on Ugly Betty (another singular, well-written, remarkable and entertaining series chock full of talented actors, humor, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of the human condition). I am so glad I did because the entire cast is similarly wonderful.
I am a viewer whose viewing preferences tend towards the dark, serious, psychologically complex, and frequently, yes, such preferences include violence and explitives. (I mean no disregard to those who find such preferences antipodal to positive family values and morals). Nevertheless, no matter the viewing matter, unique and exemplary writing that honors my adult intelligence and fine, meritorious actors are, for me, the common denominator to most of what I choose to watch. This is, of course true of the SS&D movies and the series episodes I've seen so far, which move me in a way that simply nothing else does.
Yes, from the outset, the show's most obvious premise does require viewers to suspend disbelief (I cannot think of any form of media that does not - it is after all "media," which is an artform, not reality; even documentaries and news outlets have an agenda). The reward for such suspension is a chance to see and experience what unconditional positive regard and acceptance of each other looks like (especially including people never met before of varying race, creed, and color).
Does "unconditional positive regard" mean free of interpersonal conflict, loss, hardship, or syrupy-sweet discourse? No. Not at all. And because these elements of the human condition are included, is humor, laughter, and joy excluded? Of course not. One cannot be unconditional in his or her regard for others in an environment without conditions and diversity, or without people encumbered by their own frailties and limitations born out of life's experiences and expectations of life.
It is an absolute viewing pleasure to watch what is good, hopeful, and beautiful about human nature, and to observe and learn the lessons and behaviors inherently fundamental to the creation of more of the same in the world around us all.
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