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Reviews
The Good Wife: End (2016)
I don't get all the negativity.
It's hard to wrap up a series that's been in as long as Good Wife was. I'm in the minority here, I guess, but I thought it was great. Not the best episode by any stretch, But I was very satisfied - it was moody and mournful for lost lives and lives, and frenetic with the case at hand. The only thing really missing for me was some evidence secretly, anonymously provided by Kalinda, but there's no way to be all things to all people. I've read a lot of the negative reviews and of course everyone has a right to their opinion. But I can't think of anything that was missing. I appreciate when storytellers make bold choices. I think the characters were all true to themselves, the storyline relevant and poignant, and the ending audacious and surprising, but not unsupported or out of the blue. Good job, Good Wife. I really miss this show.
Mean Girls (2024)
Fun but why the mystery?
I'm not sure why the studio (?) decided to downplay the fact that this movie is a musical in its advertising - plenty of people (like me) love musicals! And I am a big fan of the Broadway show, so I was further disappointed that some of the best, biggest numbers were left out! I would have loved to see "Where do you belong?," "Roar," and "Stop" get the big screen treatment. But reviews should focus on what's there and not what's not. I enjoyed this movie, I appreciate how the movie has come full circle (movie to musical to movie musical) and I had a good time. I think the lack of commitment to the full musical style stymied my enjoyment a bit. So it's wanting in that regard. But the cast was superb and I had a good time with it. If you love Mean Girls and you enjoy musicals, it's a fun experience!
The Curious Case of Natalia Grace (2023)
That's It?
Just finished the first season and the ending made me say "huh?" Talk about anticlimactic! I know the producers are following a true story, but I have to think a better documentarian would have known how to stick the landing on such a wild, real twisty turny tale.
For me, everyone was somewhat sympathetic and understandable except for those who chose not to participate - you know who I mean if you've seen it! The dad was kind of a weirdo, but the truth, as they say, is usually somewhere in the middle.
I think Beth said it best when she made a comment about there maybe being more than one villain. I don't know that there's a true villain or a true hero here, just a lot of muddled facts and bad decisions (again, excepting for maybe the person whose version is missing - I certainly would have liked to have heard her take since her ex got to sling plenty of mud!
Hopefully season two will be better.
So Help Me Todd (2022)
Great Actors, Mediocre Mysteries
The winning actors and engaging family story lines are what have really drawn me in to this show. The mysteries and legal storylines could be better - the "whodunnits" seldom have a very satisfying payoff (they should track down some of the writers from "Veronica Mars..."). But I will keep tuning in for Marcia Gay Harden, Skylar Astin, and the whole Wright family and see if they can find story lines more worthy of the law firm's great cast. Seems like too many shows have actors that have to elevate their material. Such is the case with "So Help Me Todd." Great characters and great cast, and the family storylines are terrific - I was just hoping for more in the way of a law firm/PI show, especially one produced by Dr. Phil.
The Closer: The Life (2009)
Heartbreaking and Riveting Episode
Compelling episode with a satisfying resolution and a bravura performance from Stephanie Beatriz. What started out as a gang story turned into an episode that was both upsetting in its veracity and a gratifying (albeit bittersweet) ending. I'm a big fan of "The Closer" and it's fantastic leading lady. Watching her piece the story together and then wheedle one of her trademark confessions is a reminder why this show is a cut above most cop series. And episodes like this are why I never get tired of the repeats (at least, not yet!). Probably not my favorite episode but definitely on the list of my favorites. It's especially nice to see a series continue to offer twisty storylines and engaging mysteries five seasons in.
Debunked (2021)
Good, Fact-Based Reasoning
I appreciate people who can support their positions with facts as Mr. Shapiro does. Tackling such hot-button issues such as transgenderism, minimum wage, and systemic racism in law enforcement. Mr. Dhapiro strips away emotion to get into the cold, hard logic of each issue. I would be interested in a similar series that takes the opposite views of these issues, especially laying out each case in about 10 minutes, but I haven't seen one yet. Meanwhile, I hope that Mr. Shapiro continues to break down complicated and incendiary issues.
Inventing Anna (2022)
Way too sympathetic
Anna Depvey is a criminal. This is a good compelling story with great performances, but the sympathy and excuses they drum up for Anna are untenable. I have read Rachel is unhappy with how she's portrayed, but I felt bad for the Rachel character, even if she did eventually come out ahead. I get the fascination with con artists, many of them are intriguing individuals with interesting stories. What I don't get is the idea of rooting for them to succeed in their cons or to get away with their crimes or to feel sympathetic when they're caught and convicted.
Out of Sight (1998)
Better than the Book
I liked Elmore Leonard's book. I LOVE this movie. The ending really elevates it over its source material, I think.Its got everything - drama, humor, action, romance, heists, buddy story and several surprises. Plus - late-90s Clooney really is the coolest Clooney. And I honestly can't think of any female character in any movie who's cooler than Karen Sisco.
One of my all-time favorites.