pbenen

IMDb member since October 2011
    Lifetime Total
    25+
    IMDb Member
    12 years

Reviews

The Camp Host
(2024)

Oddly good film
I watch a lot of b- horror (especially on Tubi), this one is a step above normal. The 2 leads do a great job as a real couple and the bad person is very convincing as a psychopath. The premise used the quintessential campground, but uses it in a newer way. The cinematography is superb for this type of film and there are limited night scenes (which I can't stand). The semi-yuppie couple argue like one would expect. The kills aren't too gory, but they are creative. Again, this is a very unique Mar Vista film that I did not anticipate as being this good. The female lead is a perfect fit for this role.

Bermuda Island
(2023)

Strange Movie
The reviews here are all over the place as is this film. It's definitely not a 1 due to the bizarreness of it-is it really a serious movie? Tom Sizemore plays a fat, pasty sky maitre de who mumbles. There are subplots such as WW1 veterans being satan and goofy mean FBI agents. The production seems to be intentionally amateurisic -which adds to the overall experience of this film. The creatures are fake looking "black lagoon" types that also seem to be charicatures of themselves (if that is possible). My rating is based on the viewing experience, not story or acting or especially special effects.

You People
(2023)

Eddie Murphy hasn't aged
Movie was one gigantic stereotype. Jonah Hill is heavy again, but still accurately Jewish. Every Jewish and especially African American stereotype was used. Of course " boomers" are always the morons that they are nowadays. All music is some form of misogynistic rap interspersed like the '70s show. Eddie Murphy does not look 61, but his acting is like he is 61. Does have lots of cameos- especially in the beginning. I suppose if you have Netflix, you might watch since it's made and filmed in LA. I watched it on a cross continent flight, so I had no problem finishing, but you have seen this before- just not as obnoxiously.

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot
(2018)

Standard pseudo intellectual Alcoholic
Of course the acting and direction was top notch, but the story has been seen numerous times before. John is smarter and definitely studlier than most. The hot women can't leave him alone, be it the nurses, the hot pilot or the fellow paraplegics. His story is probably no different than millions of others that made mistakes early in life, he just gets to have many more woman due to his intelligence and wittiness.

The cinematography was great, however I grew up in the 70' and it wasn't as depressing as this movie makes it out to be. Jonah Hill is a natural in his roll. Overall, a good movie, not a great movie.

The Sand
(2015)

A little draggy, but the Scenery
A neat concept (aliens at the beach), fairly well done. Drags a bit, has oddly placed dialog BUT the females in the movie are very good looking and scantily clad for the entire movie.

See How They Run
(2014)

Watchable
Standard witch/demon fair. The demon girls were neat, not necessarily scary. Plot is similar to many other films, but it goes smoothly. Actresses are all very good looking and lead actress shows off her exemplary body numerous times.

The Everglades Killings
(2019)

Slightly better than expected
Storyline was somewhat unique. Characters were made very unlikeable. Nudity was top notch. Of course there are plot holes (why do they murder, etc), But overall it was and easy 90 minute watch.

The Tinder Swindler
(2022)

Boring Documentary
As others have previously stated, it is hard to feel sorry for women that just wanted a rich dude on Tinder. You could tell the guy was a standerd Tinder Dbag by all the weird glasses he wore.

The White Lotus
(2021)

Entertaining enough
The male characters are all complete goofball/losers. The female characters are all super witty, good looking and wise. Sydney's character is the most advanced high school sophomore in history. But, the show is still entertaining.

I have actually been to that Four Seasons, and there are more than 4 people on the staff.

Into the Dark
(2018)

Into the Dark mediocrity
I would actually give it a 8 for the series, but a 4-5 for comparison value. Into the dark usually means a 20 minute story told in 75 minutes, but you may have to pay attention the whole 75 because they throw in tidbits of useful information here and there. Acting and production values are 1st rate, cinematography is great. Ending was brief and was anti -climatic.

The Good Doctor
(2017)

You too can watch your favorite characters
Wear masks and play video games all night. Show was entertaining for first three seasons, now they have apparently moved to NYC in April and all patients have and die from Covid.

The Glass Castle
(2017)

Strange story with good acting
Didn't read the book, but if you like violent drunks, enablers, child abuse and child molestation this is your movie. Woody is great as usual -so it makes the story worse. The father has loads of money in land and starves his family for 3 days - amongst numerous other heinous things he did. Apparently, he did not do one positive thing for anyone ever

Bobbie Jo and the Outlaw
(1976)

Nice basic bank robber story
Lynda was quite the looker, as was Merrie Lynn Ross. cinematography and locations were also good. Funny that this 1976 middle of the road movie is better than 80% of Netflix films.

The Maid's Room
(2013)

A nicely told story
Many reviews have called it boring, but I disagree (and I have very little patience for boring films). Acting was quite good, direction was also even. The musical score was what kept the pace. I would give it a view and keep an open mind to the story telling.

A Teacher
(2020)

A touch unrealistic but watchable
The guy (Ryder from M&J), has a hot girlfriend, and is allegedly quite intelligent. His girlfriend(S) would most likely have picked up on the horny teacher constantly with the dude and would have " torn her a new one" in some way (like reporting her). A more successful target, for the horny teacher, would probably be a less studly student. Still entertaining enough to watch.

The Good Doctor
(2017)

You too can watch your favorite characters
Wear masks and play video games all night. Show was entertaining for first three seasons, now they have apparently moved to NYC in April and all patients have and die from Covid.

American Pie Presents: Girls' Rules
(2020)

Watchable by Netflix standards
Agree with many of the negative comments, however it isn't preachy or that boring. It is also American ( as name indicates), therefore more watchable than many of Netflix's overseas choices. No nudity is somewhat disappointing, but acting was serviceable.

The Invisible Man
(2020)

Strange take on classic
Study multi billionaire genius ( and family) die while trying to play games with average looking ex wife. Almost entertaining

The Babysitter: Killer Queen
(2020)

Significantly better than Cuties
Entertaining, great music (Cramps, Queen, Focus). Neat simple story with enough gore and good looking people to keep engaged.

The Assistant
(2019)

Unrealistic
Not as boring as many reviews, but probably not to representative of many offices in today's environment - maybe a Weinstein's, but if someone actually knows this, then that someone was also willingly in that environment.

Hopefully a graduate from Northwestern wouldn't refer to a good hotel using Beverly Hillbilly speak "fancy hotel". Julie Garner saves the movie.

The Healer
(2016)

Non-PC and popular on Netflix
Well made film. Nice cinematography and script. Lately Netflix promotes mostly PC type films and this movie is not, it is entertaining and quite enjoyable to watch.

Do Not Be Deceived
(2018)

A good change of LMN archetypes
Nicky Whalen would have a congregation of many 12-20 year old dudes. I watch many LIfetime movies and this one was entertaining enough to be in the upper 50% and The Bible verse spewing villain is cool to.

Welcome Home
(2018)

Emrata provides reason to watch
Film has common threads with other good films, but those don't have Emily. A touch slow, but entertaining and not hard to follow. Does make Todi seem kind a desirable place to visit

Mommy's Little Princess
(2019)

Uniquely LMN
Taking LMN female evilness and inserting into little girl. Lizzie does a great job of making this a "One of a kind " Lifetime movie. Definitely entertaining

Hogar
(2020)

Spanish LMN
Reminded me of a well produced and acted Lifetime Movie. Not as much female involvement, but same type of storyline. Ending is somewhat annoying and unexpected (based on initial character development)

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