Danie12 Reviews

Better Call Saul: Bagman (2020) Season 5, Episode 8

Kim...

[31 August 2023]

Read a user review in maybe season two or three that said "Chuck's not getting out of this alive and neither is Kim Wexler." Chuck, yeah, he had to go, but I didn't want to believe it about Kim, thought she'd wise up to Jimmy and leave him...this was the episode where I finally accepted it :(

Never finished Breaking Bad (don't worry, it's next) but I think I get the gist, no happy endings for your favorite characters. Looking forward to see her become the fullest version of her character, but not looking forward to what will happen as a result.

This wasn't my favorite episode, but the trivia really helped me appreciate it.

How I Met Your Father (2022–2023)

Are the other reviewers gaslighting me?!

[8/10 · 29 July 2023]

What I see is a relieving comedy about the struggles of being young and the joys of friendship shining through in the endless sea of 10 episode dramas that define streaming TV. This show is executed perfectly for what it is. It takes the well-known concept of the original (which, let's be honest, was just a friends knock-off that was 10x better) and puts a modern spin on it with HILLARY FREAKING DUFF starring. As an almost 30-something who grew up watching both Lizzie McGuire on Disney Channel and HIMYM on network TV this, show really makes me feel seen in a way the predecessor could never - with nods-aplenty to the show we all loved.

The actors are hotter and more diverse but still just as talented. The jokes and gags are suitable for 2023 sensibilities without sacrificing classic sitcom humor. The same hook of "who is she going to be with?" / "when are the writers just going to admit she's obviously going to be with X?!" is there. And to top it all off, the protagonist is actually LIKABLE, Ted Mosbey could never. I truly don't understand why more people aren't loving this and I really hope that the haters don't get a new favorite of mine cancelled before its time.

Also, Charlentina forever, kbye!!!!

The Crown: Fairytale (2020) Season 4, Episode 3

Edward, Margaret, now Charles and poor Diana

[9/10 · 17 February 2023]

This episode made me so emotional. I didn't know much about the royal family before watching this show, so seeing Margaret's story in the beginning following what happened to David/Edward pissed me off. By the time we get to Charles and Camilla I can't believe I'm seeing it play out again. As much as Charles' actions anger me, he nor Diana should have ever been in that position. Margaret says it best when she points out that the royal family CANNOT learn it's lesson.

Besides the heart breaking story, the acting and cinematography shine as usual. Diana roller skating through the palace, her scene alone in the ballroom, and the queen walking through the palace while it lights up with fireworks were all breathtaking. Camilla as a smoking silhouette at Highgrove was among my favorite shots as well.

The Traitors (2023– )

Real life Squid Games

[6/10 · 7 February 2023]

I really enjoyed watching this show and for some reason I was rooting for the traitors from the outset. However, by the last three episodes, I couldn't ignore how bizarrely twisted this whole concept is. The prize was only $250k - before taxes of course, and probably going to be split among people - a modest reward relative to other game shows. And to even "earn" the prize money, the players must complete often humiliating and verging on abusive missions (I'm looking at you cabin episode that had me dry heaving just watching). But the comparison in my review title came in the final moments, when one player feels the need to turn on both traitors and faithfuls to walk away alone with the cash. The cut scene shows this player rationalizing their decisions by talking about how much they need this money for their family. The final four players are all obviously burdened tremendously when the truth is revealed (including the winner). Like Squid Game, "winning," means you did things we consider amoral in any other circumstance. And all for what? So that we the viewers are entertained enough to come back and keep the ad money rolling in. Kind of disgusted with myself for being so into it.

Menorah in the Middle (2022)

As expected

[6/10 · 17 December 2022]

This movie is every bit as good as its Xmas counterparts - and better than many of those I have seen! The acting wasn't unbearable, the jokes were corny but obviously intentionally so, and I thought the story was well-paced.

If you're looking for a "rom com" this may not fit the bill but I would argue that these movies rarely do. Romantic, sure, but hardly comedies outside of a sprinkling of comic relief.

I must concede that the leads were both kind of spineless and hard to root for. However, I thought the story itself was interesting, the parents and brother were compelling characters, and even Chad had me wondering what his deal actually was (up until his "win win" scene).

I also enjoyed the dreidel game scene, the guest stars, and the b story of the brother.

I wasn't a fan of the weird lighting and did think it seemed like they went a little overboard with making Jewish references or jokes, but knowing how limited specifically Jewish movies are I feel like this may be the cause. Either creators haven't quite figured out the formula or audiences used to being inundated with Christmas and Christian references are more sensitive to Jewish references.

Nope (2022)

Excellent film - people love to hate Jordan Peele

[9/10 · 28 August 2022]

This movie was incredible and while I think "Us" is still my favorite of Peele's movies, "Nope" is a close second. This is a movie for people who like art and like to think, but it definitely has it's terrifying moments for those who came to be scared.

Just like with "Us" there are a lot of people here mad that Jordan Peele didn't make another "Get Out." The thing in common with all these negative reviews is that they didn't like the story. Seriously, it's all "great acting, amazing visuals, boring story, 3 stars." It's a movie though - if all you care about is the story go read a book!! That being said there's a LOT going on with this story if you actually WATCH what happens on screen, listen to what's NOT being said, think about the diverse backgrounds of these characters, their implied wants, their motivations, how they interact with the antagonist and each other. A lot of people mistake Peele's intentional mystery for plot holes, but I think that's the artiste leaving room for interpretation and analysis. I like that Peele's films sit with me for days after I view them and I know this one will too. If that's not what you came for don't waste your time.

Blown Away: Runway Walk (2021) Season 2, Episode 8

Biased judging is ruining this season

[1/10 · 1 February 2021]

It sucks because the episodes are so good until you get to the judging and they let you down again. Chris has talent but it's not fair that he gets to break the rules and not be dismissed.

Every episode I say to myself "finally, this HAS to be the one where he goes home" and every time the judges give him a pass, FOR WHAT???! The socks were UGLY. They didn't look like socks - which Katherine said. They are not high fashion which was THE MAIN CRITERIA. Get. him. outta here!!

Blown Away: Name That Toon (2021) Season 2, Episode 3

Political message or playing politics?

[1/10 · 31 January 2021]

As all the other reviewers are stating, the WRONG person was sent home on this episode. If anyone else failed to meet the brief criteria they would have been sent home. It's been clear from the beginning that Chris has connections on this show and that's the only reason he stayed in the competition.

The Devil All the Time (2020)

Southern Gothic Revival

[8/10 · 23 November 2020]

I have long been a fan of the Southern Gothic genre that critiques what we accept as normal while also telling a good damn story and this film has done both. Loved Tom Holland as Arvin and the chicken liver scene was one of my favorites in recent history. The omniscient narration made it feel like the god - who seemed to only betray the characters of this movie - was actually there watching all along and making sure things went down the way they had to.

8/10 because it seems out of place both in 2020 and in the setting of the 50s and 60s not to deal with racism or even have a Black character. Also, Pattinson's accent was atrocious and took me out of the movie at times.

Exhibit A (I) (2019)

Other reviewers missed the point

[8/10 · 21 July 2019]

If you are familiar with Loudenberg's other Netflix show The Confession Tapes, you know that there is going to be some bias toward the accused (sorry to burst your bubble but ALL documentaries are biased). However, there is no satifactory conclusion in these episodes because the point is to make viewers think about the real grey area in sciences that are generally considered reliable. If all we ever see is CSI and the like we will just assume that the investigators are always in the right and that is simply not the case. Loudenberg is trying to raise awareness about the questionable use of science to get convictions and I think she nails it in a way that keeps you interested.

Boy Meets Girl (I) (2014)

A response to the bad reviews

[9/10 · 29 June 2015]

Someone said this movie is a piece of propaganda, and I'm no film expert, but EVERY movie is some kind of propaganda. This is a low budget indie film, no one makes these movies simply for entertainment, the filmmaker had something to say and they SAID IT!

So A) if you're homophobic or transphobic you WILL NOT like this movie B) if you expect the main characters to be Sandra Bullock and James Franco, you WILL NOT like this movie.

These are young people and for many if not all of them this is their first movie. In the beginning especially the script is rough, the chemistry is questionable, and the plot moves unrealistically fast. BUT about half-way in you can see the characters (and their actors) develop, the chemistry grows between everyone, and the plot is actually very interesting and unexpected.

The academy and people who watch movies for technical things are not going to applaud this film, because to be honest it could have used a lot of work. But the subject is fresh, the content is good, and if you're trying to learn more about the transgender (and LGBQ) community this is a great film that I'm sure you will enjoy!

PS - someone said this movie is trying to suggest everyone is a little gay, it kind of is. We kind of are :)