laughing_cat

Please keep Vicky Wight away from future Katherine Center book adaptations. PLEASE. She is 0/2 as a screenwriter and director. I was extremely disappointed in this version of one of my favorite books. Chopping the entire section where Helen and Jake drive together to the hike? WTH? A terrible creative decision. Or should I say "uncreative?" It left the rest of the story lacking in foundation we need.

My skepticism about casting was, ironically, a non issue. Sadly, the script is so thin and badly done that all of the book's special moments are left flimsy and diluted. I'd love to see The Bodyguard adapted too. But not by Vicky Wight.

Another terrific episode, powerful and poignant with some harsh lessons. My one gripe is that one of the European characters I could've sworn died in the previous episode somehow resurrected again in this one. This time the person stayed in the background and had no lines, but appeared enough to make me think..."huh???"

What does it mean to be human? What does it mean to love? Is the pursuit of happiness more important than the attainment of it? Do we only grow through pain and conflict? Is it selfish to enjoy something you shouldn't? Does society, the individual, or religion decide these things?

These are all questions that surface in this entertaining yet profound film. I loved it. The two main characters are excellently cast. The story will leave you re-examining the meaning of Life.

Great film!

Speaking as a woman who had an absent father, watching close relationships between fathers and daughters on film is always emotional for me. I watch with longing, remorse, and even a bit of envy. That being said, this movie is beautiful. I've only seen Amanda Seyfried in Les Miserables and Mamma Mia, but she really shows her acting chops here. And Russell Crowe is his usual amazing, talented self. He is intense on and off the screen, but he is my favorite living actor. No one plays the broken man better than him. The irony is that these two never share any scenes, as their stories are told in a parallel way, showing us Jake's (Crowe) immense struggles as a single dad and his grownup daughter, Kate (Seyfried,) carelessly navigating a life that has ripped away everyone she loves. The supporting cast is terrific, especially the two young actresses. It is poignant, gut wrenching, but redemptive. One of the best films I've seen in a very long time.

Let's dismiss for a moment the things everyone is focusing on in reviews: the bizarre number in black face, Joan Crawford's dubbed singing and slightly frightening appearance. I want to focus on the acting.

Watch Crawford's micro-expressions in certain scenes. Like when she's at the piano comparing her version and Tye's version of a song, looking around to see if anyone is watching her. Watch that bedroom scene when she's by herself imitating how she thinks a blind person experiences the world with the clock, the phone, the lighter. And then, after complaining that Sundays are never beautiful, opening the drapes and realizing how blessed she is to see. Knowing what we do about her- her perfectionism, ambition, and vanity-you have to wonder how much the character of Jenny resonated with Joan the person.

Meanwhile, there's the dashing Michael Wilding as Tye Graham. His under-appreciated performance is barely mentioned in any review I've read. I thought he was magnificent. His performance is dignified, subtle, and convincing. I'd never seen him in a film before and was very impressed. He definitely holds his own opposite the intimidating Joan Crawford. The scenes between the two of them are mesmerizing.

So yes, there's plenty to critique about Torch Song, but there's plenty to appreciate too. It was made in 1953, when tone, pace, music and dialogue were different than they are today. I find it entertaining. What more could you want?

Great casting and so much promise, but the last third of the movie just dies a slow death. I would've loved an alternate ending with Gene Hackman and Jason Lee as father and son playing the women. But no. It's almost like it changed writers partway through the development.

What makes Val Kilmer a bit different than other actors? There is a rare depth to everything his does. Despite the fact that his beautiful speaking voice is gone, the depth remains and permeates throughout this film. I loved learning about this life, his losses, and his devotion to his children. His acting career may be over, but he still has a lot to give, as evidenced by this film. We love you, Val! You are one of the most talented actors to ever grace the screen.

I really liked this show when it began. Great characters, mainly John Stamos as an inspiring coach who is trying to redeem his career. Then the modern agenda took over--teenagers who are entitled, unforgiving, selfish, and can't ever keep a secret. Suddenly it is the adults constantly apologizing to them. Between the teenage lesbian kiss and the coach's whiny daughter who lamented how his job decisions turned HER life upside down, I was glad for the season to be over. The horrors, a parent's job location ruining her life? Good grief. By the end of the season, the entire team was being disrespectful and ungrateful. This group of teenagers will make you never want to have kids.

Of course when Audrey Hepburn is shown, she's mesmerizing. But those dance sequences with other actresses are pointless. Overall it's well done but does not stand out from any other documentaries I've seen about this iconic woman.

I really liked the way this film began and, if had only been about surfing it would've been great. But around 2/3 in it took a twisted detour that ruined the movie for me. Sex between a knowing adult and a naive preteen should not be shown as sweet. It's called statutory rape, people. Add to that the countless F-bombs and, as time went by, the film just went downhill. It had so much potential, but no. It doesn't matter that it was a memoir. This is not a coming of age tale that needs to be told or seen. It is VERY adult. And even some adults, like myself, will squirm with some of the things that happen.

I love this show! Just discovered it on Hulu and have totally binged it. I kept wondering why it didn't survive (see what I did there) until Season 3. What the heck? Axing 3 main characters and replacing them with 1 dishrag actor, terrible storylines, more graphic content...no wonder it got cancelled. How could the show not flatline 😁 when such drastic changes are made? Watch 1&2, skip 3. That's my advice.

Kind of a mix between Dr Quinn Medicine Woman and Grey's Anatomy (with much less sex.) Mel, Jack, Preacher and even ornery Doc are good characters. But Hope McCrea is like the Jar Jar Binks of this show. She is, without a doubt, one of the worst, most annoying characters I've ever seen on any show EVER. I'd give it a higher rating if she left.

I'm not sure I understand the negativity...

I adore the Hitchcock version, while the newer BBC version with Emilia Fox and Charles Dance always felt very miscast and the 1970's BBC version was just blah. But this 2020 remake was a happy surprise. I thought the casting was excellent and it has a modernity that I think many will appreciate, maybe even motivating them to read the source material. While it may not have the sleek polish of a 1940's movie with the unparalleled Laurence Olivier, this is a very worthy attempt.

For those who criticize the Lily James character of the "new Mrs. DeWinter," she is supposed to be "jumpy" and unsure of herself. That is the character. Armie Hammer brought a posh sophistication that also impressed me, since he was the casting choice I questioned the most, and Kristin Scott Thomas was delightfully creepy.

It's been years since I read the book, but I'm downloading it soon to reread. And even if the movie is not 100% faithful to the book, it's certainly faithful enough at its core. Even the Hitchcock movie had changes.

Whether you read the book or not, this version is worth your time. Great for a girl's night once the pandemic ends!

It's fun to see Ann Rutherford (Scarlett's younger sister in Gone With the Wind) in a later role. All of the supporting actors do a great job.

The concept is great, but it's flawed. Live Ariel is pretty boring. Would've liked to see a live version of King Triton so the ending could be live. I was happily surprised to see Graham Phillips as Prince Eric since I'm a huge fan of The Good Wife. John Stamos was funny as the chef, but even he needed more energy. Shaggy as Sebastian was OK. Amber Riley and the ALWAYS FABULOUS Queen Latifah were the best of the live performances. Wonderful, colorful visuals, puppetry, and arielist gymnastics added a lot. It was good, but it could've been so much better.

Disney is really losing its magic with the majority of these pointless live action remakes. WHY are they tampering with the classics? Cinderella, Jungle Book and (distantly) Beauty and the Beast are the only semi-worthy contenders. This version of Aladdin is visually stunning, no doubt, but the acting is BAD. Really, really bad. The actors are wooden and amateurish, like a freshman drama class with no range or experience. Even the usually charming Will Smith is lacking. And Jafar should be older, more intense and menacing. This guy is like an A Team villain. Save yourself 2 hours and watch the original or, if you have the opportunity, see the stage adaptation. This version is TERRIBLE.

As others have said, this new format feels like Dateline. What happened to 4-6 mysteries per episode? We already know they are unsolved, so 52 minutes is a LONG time to spend on something with no closure. I do not see this one lasting very long unless the pace is improved.

Haven't not read the book, I cannot compare the movie to its source material. But it was cute with a satisfying, karmic ending. I have seen The Holiday, which has a similar premise, and I think I still prefer it. Tara Road (the movie) is heavier and plodding at times, but fine for a single viewing.

Uptown Girls is a cute, corny movie trying to be deeper than it actually is. Brittany Murphy's acting (may she rest in peace) is very bland and not leading actor material. Dakota Fanning, however, is a force to be reckoned with, even at 9 years old. She easily steals every scene. You're better off missing this one.

Clean, funny, and endearing. You'll smile all the way through. Family-friendly too.

We bought this movie a few years ago and finally got around to seeing it. We howled with laughter! It's just hilarious, quirky, and fun. Corny, yes, but who cares? It's a feel-good movie in a world that needs some feelin good.

Having a bad day? Upset? Feeling defeated? This joyous movie is the cure. Rosalind Russell is a tour de force that dominates the screen with her buoyant performance of Auntie Mame. But don't underestimate her. Mame Dennis is a smart, savvy, clever woman who champions fairness and helping others. Despite the long running time, the movie flies by as you tag along on her adventures. Everyone loves Auntie Mame and you will too!

I'm sure this was originally marketed as a vehicle for Hayley Mills, but I think Rosalind Russell is the true star of this movie. Her twinkling eyes when she's disciplining the girls, her playfulness, her love, and sorrow seem like a lifetime of history is bottled up in her wonderful character. She had a rare presence that changed a room the moment she entered. That fun cameo by the real Gypsy Rose Lee, whose mother was portrayed by Russell in "Gypsy," was also a bit of brilliant casting. All in all, an absolutely delightful film with a lot of heart. Much more a drama with a bit of comedy tossed in to keep it light. I rented it, loved it, and had to buy it.

These two actors are magical together, and they prove it again in this film. Well acted, not schmaltzy, and very touching. I loved it.

Every detective or medical show must decide how much of the characters' personal lives to allow in with the plot. Instinct is teetering on the brink, but it's still engaging and has great characters. Alan Cumming is a personal favorite. He brings so much heart to everything he does. The chemistry between a Dylan an Lizzie really works. I hope this show lasts!