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Reviews
A Christmas Story Christmas (2022)
Now that's a sequel!
I strongly commend Peter Billingsley for holding out until the right script came along. I read an article about this discussing the need for good references (as in "Easter Eggs") as well as something new to bring to the table : this is it. It's not a remake or reboot, but a superbly believable and relatable follow-up. It's the perfect sequel, providing plenty of references to the original, whilst movie Ralphie's story along.
I'll admit, at times I had my doubts. (To avoid any sort of spoilers I won't cover any here.) But every one was covered before the end, and then some. And while the film can stand on its own merits, it really serves as a companion to the original. It was made for those of us who loved the original: that was truly a kid's movie with a lot that adults could relate to, while this is more for adults, particularly those adults who loved the first as kids. I will admit to a lot more tears with this one, happy tears.
Finally, whilst Billingsley has done great work behind the cameras (including the MCU, thank you very much), it was great seeing him act again: he was brilliant in the beginning, and he still has those acting chops!
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
A Wild Ride!
The film stands by itself, and that's a good thing. It's like Hong Kong done by Terry Gilliam flavored with a bit of Douglas Adams. Let it be it's own thing, and have fun!
The King's Daughter (2022)
Don't overthink it.
If you don't look for historical verisimilitude and just let it be itself, it's quite a nice divergence. Just enjoy it. It is imaginative, charming, and quite well acted. I now want to read the book in which it's based.
Teen Wolf: Maid of Gévaudan (2016)
Waste of a Real Frenchman
Throughout the series they've all butchered the pronunciation of foreign words, from Gaelic to Greek (though they did learn that the term is "triskelion" rather than "triskelé"). But so far the only one who pronounces Gévaudan correctly is the actor playing Sebastien - a real Frenchman - but apparently no one thought to ask him to help with all the French words!
Monsters of Man (2020)
Seriously?
The idea isn't bad, but the writing needs work. Only three of the actors seem to know how to act; the rest define the concept of overacting. Even the kids are better actors!
Red Notice (2021)
A Lovely Romp
It's not perfect, but it's loads of fun! The cast looks as if they're having fun, and I know I did! Reynolds's typical sarcasm is a perfect foil for Johnston's earnestness, and Gadot ties it all together!
The Mysterious Benedict Society (2021)
Not bad, but not anything close to great.
Why does Disney buy properties that are excellent, and then twist them into something less? Artemis Fowl comes immediately to mind, although that could have been much worse. And now the Benedict Society.
At first, it looked promising - more faithful to the original book than Disney is known for. But as the series developed, it went in odd diversions from it, with no discernable reason. I get that films can't really be like the books. But some of the decisions of the writers make no sense.
It stand on its own well enough, for those who haven't read any of the series; and they haven't strayed too far that they can't adapt the later books into something watchable. The actors do an excellent job (and would have done better with better content). I recommend it, though not highly.
I've seen far worse (Timeline springs immediately to mind!), and it's not as bad as Eisner sequels. The best I can hope for is that people will watch this and then wish to give the books a read - that would be true lemonade!
Chao ji de wo (2019)
Stick with it....
I'm far from an expert on Chinese cinema, but I've seen a bit - but I've never seen anything quite like this. It started off interesting, stayed that way fo a while, and finished off even better.
Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
Don't Watch for the Story.
The story is "meh;" the dialogue more so. The real reason to watch this is to see the actors play each other - and that's excellent! I won't say more, for that would give spoilers: see for yourself!
Christmas Break-In (2018)
It's a kid's Christmas movie - not Kubrick!
Forget that it's derivative and predictable: it's holiday entertainment, and should be watched as such. In the right frame of mind, it's really rather fun!
Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Not an ethnic story, but a human story!
I am as Caucasian as it gets, and almost as old as James Saito. I loved this film not because of its ethnicity, but because of its characters as people: I knew them, I am them (for my generation and ethnic background). This film works beyond such things, and I strongly recommend it!
Designated Survivor (2016)
Jury's Still Out
The first season was excellent, but the series flagged its second season, mostly because it lost its direction. The third season is a bit better, other than the fact that Netflix seems to be showing off its ability to use more vulgarity than the other networks. This is becoming very distracting.