judywalker2 Reviews (368)

Sinners (2025)

Devilishly perfect

[10/10 · 30 April 2025]

Sinner, another masterpiece for Coogler. He understands filmmaking and the black experience. Now he showed he understands black music. Even though I had heard a lot about what some of the themes of this film were, you don't really feel their impact until you watch them on the big screen. The dance sequence has was great. To incorporate all of those music genres into one sequence brings the true story to light. It is interesting how tremendous passion for something lends itself to writers molding that passion into an addiction that leads to a persons' undoing. Music and writing have been used in this way in many a movie. This movie elevates this connection ad makes it gorgeous. Coodles to Coogler.

The Wild Robot (2024)

Pretty but just okay

[6/10 · 19 March 2025]

The Wild Robot is a pretty looking film with some cute elements and good voices. But as a whole movie it's just okay. The story doesn't live up to the beauty of the film itself and so it becomes a bit of a disappointment in the end. The relationship between the characters mirrors some of Disney's earlier animated films and it would have been nice since the character in the movie is more modern if they had elevated the story a little more. A robot and a bird both suffering from being out of place could have had more meaning if written better. It would've been nice to get a little more backstory on where the Robot came from so when you see the place revealed what happened would've made more sense. By the end of the movie I was more bored than moved. Too bad I really wanted to like this one a lot. Again it is beautiful I guess that counts for something.

Emilia Pérez (2024)

Different

[8/10 · 24 February 2025]

Emilia Perez is probably one of the most original movies I've seen in a long time. I saw it with no preconceived expectations, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The performances by the three female leads were excellent and unexpected. The characters are written well, and I was totally engrossed in the story. This movie really surprised me with its depth.

The visuals are stunning, and the music rhythms really meshed with the story. It's nice to someone thinking outside the box and bringing something different to the cinema. I applaud this story and the actresses that brought it to light. I think it's worth a look for any movie lover.

The Pitt (2025– )

Pretty good series

[9/10 · 21 February 2025]

I'm in healthcare so I just had to watch this instead of Doctor Odessey. At first, I didn't think I was going to like the everything happens in a day format, but it works. The characters are engaging and well written. Some of the medical situations are over-dramatized and some things are just plan incorrect. But for the most part they get it right. I also like the fact they do some subtle education of the public concerning out healthcare system. I like how it highlights how frustrated and concerned healthcare providers are about the resources they don't have, the pressure they feel and how much they care about each and every patient and their family. Bravo.

Captain America: Brave New World (2025)

Just mediocre

[5/10 · 21 February 2025]

I went into this movie with low expectations. It's C grade at best. Mackie does a great job as he always does. The new Cap suit is good and used effectively in the first action scene but not in the last one with the Red Hulk. Carl Lumbly also does a great job. Harrison Ford is okay, but he looks distressed during the entire film, I guess a prelude to his transformation. Shira Haas makes an interesting new addition. It was nice to see an old Marvel and Cap friend for a few minutes. Giancarlo Esposito was wasted. I wish his character had a larger presence and a back story that explained better why he and his team were there. The ultimate villain is not very interesting or impressive and that's a real problem for this movie. When President Ross makes his transformation, I almost laughed out loud to see them wasting all those bullets, like those worked on the Green Hulk. The Red Hulk/Cap fight was just okay. The resolution was predictable. The after credits scene could have been skipped as it added nothing to the storyline. The new Falcon is an okay character but there was too much silly banter for me. The writers could have done better by the Sam's Captain America. The story just didn't' service the new Captain America very well, especially after what they did with the Falcon and the Winter soldier. I really wanted this movie to be as impactful as that show, and it just wasn't. It seemed longer than the 1h 58 mins because a lot of it was really boring. This movie just seems like a prelude to other films. I thought they might give us a little hint about who was going to be part of the new Avengers. I'm waiting for the Thunderbolts. I think that will be a better, more fun movie. At least I hope so.

Gladiator II (2024)

Really bad

[2/10 · 11 February 2025]

I really didn't want to watch this movie because I loved the first Gladiator movie so much. My daughter reminded me I had to support my favorite actor, Denzel. So, I watched it. I should have stuck to my original stance. Though I enjoyed hearing some of the original music again, I play the original soundtrack all the time, this movie isn't even a good rinse and repeat. No story, no interesting characters, no good original music. One ridiculous situation after another from beginning to end. A really painful experience for movie lovers. I feel sorry for all the talented actors involved in this mess.

The Day of the Jackal (2024– )

Loved this from beginning to end

[10/10 · 28 January 2025]

I loved Jackal. This is a really engaging story with good characters. This was much better than I expected. It is fast paced and gripping. It's a wonderfully twisted tale with many surprises. And underlying political tones. The characters are written in a very human manner with flaws. Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch are great leads. They carry the story, but the side characters are also used very effectively. I really think they did a good job with the locations and the overall story. The ending was a surprise which doesn't often happen to me. I hope the series continues into another good season.

Watson (2024– )

Not the best idea for a series

[4/10 · 27 January 2025]

I love, love, love Morris Chestnut but this show is overly dramatic and boring. I'm not sure who this show is for. As a medical professional it's just a silly show trying to be smart. Watson is a halfway interesting character, but the rest of his physician crew are stereotypical smarties with bad attitudes. I really wish they had made the series more like Bones. With smart people really wanting to find the answer to a medical problem to benefit normal people or to help people who don't have access to such care.

Of course, at the conclusion they had to throw in their overarching mystery. By that time, I didn't care.

From (2022– )

Starting to wear thin

[6/10 · 21 September 2024]

I saw some reviews on this show and the first two seasons were free on Amazon Video so I decided to tune in. The first season was interesting but the story is already starting to wear thin in season 2. Some of the main characters are great and I enjoy watching them i.e. Boyd, Donna, Kenny, Fatima, Kristi. It's just that the mystery isn't going anywhere and too many of the characters are just rotten for no reason. Also, the so-called smart characters just act annoying, no wonder no one wants to believe what their saying. I hope the third season is better. Hope I'll be able to watch it without having to get a subscription to another streaming channel.

The Acolyte (2024)

Disappointing

[4/10 · 2 July 2024]

Why do they keep making these Stars Wars shows where you would have had to read some obscure comic or saw some animated show? Why can't they make a cohesive story that anyone can understand. This could have been so good if they had started from the beginning and really built a story, instead of jumping into some fight scene, with characters you know nothing about. I tuned into this show for Carrie Anne Moss and Amandia Stenberg. Only one of them has remained in the story and I don't think her character is all that interesting. This is why I didn't like the character of Rey in the Star Wars revivals. No interesting backstory and annoying side characters. Now another failure, sad.

Dark Matter (2024– )

Could've been interesting but ultimately boring

[5/10 · 2 July 2024]

I guess someone thought this was an interesting idea, and maybe it could've been if it had starred a better actor. I just don't garner much sympathy for the lead actor and his plight. The premise, though filled with scientific babble, doesn't really explain what is going on very well. It hard to be focused with so many alternate realities and so many of the same characters in them. I just got bored toward the end and really didn't care any more. The only character I thought had an interesting story was the psychologist. Her story made sense. Her journey was meaningful. Don't think I'd be willing to watch another season except to find out what happens to her.

Fallout (2024– )

Surprisingly good

[10/10 · 16 May 2024]

I don't have any prior knowledge when it comes to this show, so my enjoyment of it was quite a surprise. The writers did a great job setting the stage and giving novices a sense of this world. The acting is stellar with interesting characters that grab you right away, especially Cooper, Lucy and Maximus. Gets really nice to see Leslie Uggams on screen again, she is great. I haven't finished the season; it will be interesting to delve more into Lucy and Cooper and the groups in the bunker. I'm really glad they went through Cooper's backstory, and I hope that we get more about Lucy's father, if and when she finds him.

Tracker: Off the Books (2024) Season 1, Episode 12

Really enjoyed this

[10/10 · 16 May 2024]

I am a fan of Tracker since my daughter turned me on to it. Also, a huge Jensen Ackles fan. I thought this episode was great, especially after we meet Colter's other sibling. I hope we find out more about Russell cause he's really interesting. Of course, Jensen brings grade A acting every time and he and Justin play well together.

It will be really great when we get to delve into the family history. Their mother is definitely sketchy, so is Russell and his job. It will be interesting to see where it all goes. I like the side characters, especially Reenie. Hope they get a few seasons out of this show and Jensen gets to play Russell for a while longer.

3 Body Problem (2024– )

Interesting but just not interesting enough

[6/10 · 11 May 2024]

3 Body Problem starts out as something very interesting with a lot of science behind it and some interesting characters. I was really intrigued at first by the group trying to solve the nature of the problem. There are a lot of interesting characters, problem is after each episode I didn't remember any of their names. That's a problem, no one grabbed me enough to remember them. As the episode evolved the science was interesting but the characters and situation became less so. I really dislike that it started with a scientific problem that needed to be solved and turned into a race to stop something totally lame from happening. I don't know what's going to happen in the next season, if there is one, but I probably will watch if there is. I just didn't love it and I really love sci-fi.

Shōgun (2024–2026)

Just not as enjoyable as I hoped

[6/10 · 3 May 2024]

I saw the original Shogun with Richard Chamberlain and though not the best depiction of Japanese culture, it was enjoyable to watch. This remake was less enjoyable. Starting with the muted tones and sometimes difficult to follow dialog, the characters are less than engaging. There are only three standouts, Mariko, of course. The story was more hers than Toranaga's to me. Yasbushige was another standout and Lady Ochiba.

Overall, it was just lot of long sad scenes, with exposition. The worst character was Blackthorne. Nothing about the character or the actor's portrayal endeared me to his plight. All in all, a beautiful look into Japan but a less than enjoyable story.

Elsbeth (2024– )

Not as impressed as I thought I would be

[5/10 · 2 May 2024]

I loved Elsbeth on the Good Wife and the Good Fight, but so far I'm not impressed with this solo effort for her. It's like Columbo without the suspense, and I should add that on Columbo you knew who the killer was in advance; back them the killers were a whole lot smarter than the characters in Elsbeth. That fact makes it a bit boring after a while. We've seen her hijinks before and after a while they just irritate you.

I will probably continue to watch till the season ends. But I'm not enjoying it as much as I hoped I would. Really disappointed. Maybe it will get better when they reveal more.

Damsel (2024)

Enjoyable

[8/10 · 14 March 2024]

Though Damsel projected almost its entire story in the trailer, I found it enjoyable. I always love seeing Robin Wright and Angela Bassett, Millie was also great. But the real standout is the Dragon, voiced by Shohreh Aghdashloo who's voice I just adore.

The visuals in the movie are stellar and what they are able to accomplish with just Millie on screen is fantastic. I do wish the backstory had been better fleshed out and I think they should have done more with the prince. I have read that the book does a better job with both.

This is definitely a B movie but it's a good time and people should watch it in that vein. It's a fun movie with a nice ending.

American Fiction (2023)

Enjoyable movie

[8/10 · 11 February 2024]

I couldn't wait to see this movie. The casts are some of my favorite actors. American Fiction is an enjoyable and thought-provoking movie, especially to a closet writer. Jeffrey Wright, Sterling Brown, Leslie Uggams and Erika Alexander are great. It's funny and poignant without being in your face preachy. I think it's a movie anyone would enjoy. That being said I really don't find its story Oscar worthy nor are the performances in particular. Don't get me wrong Jeffrey Wright should have been recognized long ago and Sterling K Brown is good in everything he has done. But the story itself if lacking. Origin should have been given a chance to compete. It's an Oscar worthy story and the lead performer gives an Oscar worthy performance.

But I get off subject. For a good time and something to discuss with your Black friends and your true White friends, so see America Fiction.

Role Play (I) (2024)

Just dumb

[3/10 · 4 February 2024]

Someone in Hollywood really likes Kaley Cuoco. I tuned into this movie cause I liked some of the others with this premise, but after watching this one I think its time they stop. Why David Oyelowo wanted to star in produce this nonsense I will never know. The only interesting characters are Bill Nighy and Connie Nielsen who are not in the movie nearly enough. The children are really irritating. The character Emma could have been interesting if we had her story told better. Also I would have liked to see how the couple really met. I thought is was funny how many times a year she did her job. I would like a job like that. Again, these streaming movies are deteriorating one at a time.

If You Were the Last (2023)

Not fun to watch

[4/10 · 4 February 2024]

I love Anthony Mackie so of course I had to try this movie, but it really wasn't much fun to watch. Sure, it's a popcorn flick and the two leads are cute together but in a non-romantic way.... and that's the problem. I just didn't get them as a couple, as colleagues yes, but romantically no. Also, I just didn't like the silly cartoon take on a science fiction film. If they wanted to use those kinds of antics, they should have gone for more of a Lower Decks vibe. I was so bored of the whole thing by the middle of the movie I fast forwarded to the end. I beginning to think these straight to streaming movies are mostly silly faire.

A Murder at the End of the World (2023)

Did I like it? Not so much.

[5/10 · 28 January 2024]

I thought this movie might be interesting when I say the previews. Clive Owens usually stars in some relatively good movies. I started watching and was intrigued by Darby's story and Andy's story. Then the story got ridiculously complicated and nonsensical, and I started tuning out during episodes. The closer it got to the end, the more irritating the story and the dialog got. By the end, I didn't care anymore who did what. The end was also extremely predictable.

The visuals were striking, and the actors put in good performances for the sloppy material they were given. I just don't think the plot was very well thought out and the ending was disappointing.

Origin (2023)

Brilliant

[10/10 · 28 January 2024]

I have been waiting to see Origin since I heard about after it got a standing ovation at a film festival. I watched for days to see where it was going to be shown and finally it came to my local theater. I had read good reviews and bad ones, but I knew I had to see it. And I was right. I haven't ever been moved so much by a film as I was moved by this one. My husband, who usually doesn't pay attention to artsy films, paid attention to this one. You have to get use to the time jumps but they work effectively. The movie is brilliant, with a stellar story, gut wrenchingly beautiful performances from the cast, and a message that hits you, whether you want to think about it or not. I agree with one reviewer who said everyone in the world should see this movie.

All the Light We Cannot See (2023)

Could have been way better

[4/10 · 15 December 2023]

When I watch shows which are adapted from books that I haven't read I always wonder if the book was better. This story of French resistance featuring a blind radio operator and a German boy who is also festinated with radios should have been extremely engrossing and enjoyable. But this limited series was not. The production spent too much time on overly dramatic dialog and objects that were the least important to the story. I wish they had concentrated on the characters more especially Etienne. His story should have one of highlights of the story. This was just a missed opportunity. We all know how bad the Nazis were this should have been a story about the good people in a terrible war.

The Marvels (2023)

Written by a 12-year-old for other 12-year olds.

[5/10 · 14 December 2023]

Went to see this movie with my 17- and 11-year-old granddaughters. One is a Ms. Marvel fan and the other is now. For me I was hoping for something that children and adults could enjoy. But, no only kids will enjoy this silly mess.

I enjoyed the Captain Marvel movie and thought the criticism was not warranted. I also loved Wanda Vision and the introduction of Monica Rambeau and I was hoping for at least a good continuation of her story. I didn't watch Ms. Marvel because I'm not a teen and I knew it wasn't for me; and after watching her parts in this movie I'm glad I stuck to that.

All three actresses are good and of course Samuel L in always a pleasure to see, but none of the other characters including the so-called villain were the least bit interesting. Most of the scenes were just downright silly. I hope they continue Monica's story with better writing and I wish Marvel would stop being silly and go back to making movies for adults and kids.

Found (2023–2025)

Could be really good

[6/10 · 3 December 2023]

I started watching this after I saw a preview. It looked really interesting, and the first few episodes of Season 1 were interesting. But as the season progressed the stories have become less interesting to frankly boring.

I the show is about the relationship between Gabi and Sir but the show is called found, so the people they need to find should be interesting too. So far, they've been less than interesting.

The acting is top notch especially the two actresses that play Gabi and the actor who plays Sir. Margaret, Zeke and Dhan are also interesting characters. Lacey should be an interesting character, but she isn't, and Mark Trent is kind unnecessary and boring.

I hope the stories get better because I would like to see the conflict between Sir and Gabi continue to grow. It would be nice if the people their looking for get more depth to their stories.