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jbbabycrafts
Reviews
1883 (2021)
Hate and Love It
I'm giving this a 5 because I hated it and my husband loved it. I think he was just humming *I should've been a cowboy* the whole time and he liked the scenery. And it is epic and sweeping and filled with bada$$ stoic characters like you expect from a good western. But for me it wandered into the absurd and I felt like the story wasn't unfolding as much as it was moving to make specic plots happen. Eg. The writer wanted a tornado so they made one happen. Do tornadoes not travel with rain in the west? The writer wanted Elsa to die. The writer wanted to show a leg be cut off.. weren't they taking that guy to get medical care in Fort Worth? All the Indians spoke English. Guess that would've been an easy misunderstanding to sort out if they'd just waited. She really forgot that cowboy fast. Who makes out in a tornado. *absurd* What's with all the suicides? As I watched Elsa lay down by the tree I couldn't help but think about the gold bracelet on her wrist that probably could've just paid for train tickets for her and her family. It wasn't 1843. The writer didn't have to shoot her with an arrow. Women died of UTIs, pregnancy, TB, influenza, tick bites... all much more likely than a poo tipped arrow. Why do they only have 2 kids? Did a bunch die or something? And the narration, aargh. This should've been titled Elsa's Song. Her sad tragic scenic song.
Belgravia: The Next Chapter (2024)
Massive Disappointment
I just realized this series is only based on Belgravia and is not written by Julian Fellowes. I'm 4 episodes in and my best description of the show is heavy, dreary and disappointing. It lacks redemption and charm. It's so drastically different I don't know why it's listed as a continuation of Belgravia when it could just as easily be a stand alone. They chose the most unlikeable couple in Belgravia and continued their story in a vacuum apparently with no grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins... is EVERYONE else dead? Even that could have been turned into a compelling story but it's been a slow, sad rollout with little beauty. Everyone's storylines feel doomed. I will say I enjoy the costumes and some of the acting is fantastic.
Great News (2017)
Great Comedy Series
We just discovered Great News on Netflix. Sure sone of the episodes cross into over the top territory but there are some monents of pure laugh out loud comedic gold in this series. The episode where Chuck has cataract surgery and is wearing the ear piece was brilliant. The show lises it's way a bit but hits its stride again in season 2. We're so disappointed it was canceled. If you're looking for an easy light hearted witty fast paced comedy check, Great News does not disappoint. It's a shame Netflix just added it. I'd love for them to do a reboot but Netflix would probably just destroy it like Arrested Development.
Best. Christmas. Ever! (2023)
Perfectly fine sweet Christmas movie
I was surprised when I saw so many low reviews. I'm curious how many of them watch Hallmark Christmas movies. Comparatively I thought this was an easy going sweet holiday movie. Sure it has plot holes, story arcs that make no sense, and cheesey acting. But this isn't a movie that takes itself too seriously. Overnight unexpected blizzards, heated driveways, hot air balloons, outdoor pageants, spontaneous songs. The story of a mom who has lost herself in the process of caring for her family and sacrificing her own dreams, who realizes how blessed she is and rekindles passion with her husband was surprisingly heavy for such a lighthearted movie, but it took a sweet turn.
Mr. Malcolm's List (2022)
An Easy Watch Thin Plot
The good:
The costumes are beautiful, scenery lovely, acting fine. I don't mind the colorblind casting- only sometimes had trouble keeping track of relatives. In that regard it became a bit confusing.
The bad:
The plot is thin at best. The leads just aren't very likeable. It's like they all have an emotional veil over them keeping you from accessing who they really are. The slight was weak- so he took her out for one date and didn't like her. No big deal, and she was unlikable. Why is a list arrogant and judgemental? I had a list and I'm glad I did. It's important for people to know what's important to them and what their non-negotiables are. And it's not mean to turn someone down, not everyone is the right person.
There were elements of Emma, Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility and as a lover of all things Jane Austen I appreciated the homage to her. I think with more time and attention given to the plot the movie could have been much better. As it was, it's an easy simple watch.
The Mick (2017)
Did we watch the same show as everyone else?
We've been looking for a new show and thought the premise of this show was promising. We liked the whole My Name is Earl vibe and we laughed at the first episode. But a few episodes in, there are no laughs, just depravity. Ted Lasso has sweetness. My Name is Earl had sweetness. Arrested Development had sweetness (at least season one). This show just has mess. The kids should be taken away. The aunt is a horrible person. She has no redeeming qualities at all. In fact, she's getting worse with each episode. Everything is stereotypical and over the top. We finally gave up and watched something else.
The Mummy (2017)
Long and Repetitive
I really tried to follow this movie but I was confused the whole time. I never understood what was motivating The Mummy. Tom Cruise was beat up over and over. And the action scenes were long and repetitive. Frankly we got a little bored. I didn't understand Dr Jeckyl's character. The movie is overly long. The ending was confusing. It shouldnt be rocket science here. What in the world was that all about? The movie really changed directions into origin story mode at the end. I think i would have enjoyed the sequal they set up at the end more... It wasn't the worst movie I've ever seen, but I was ready for it to end and don't need to ever see it again.
Who Killed Santa? A Murderville Murder Mystery (2022)
Fun Little Show
This reminded me of shows I watched growing up. Everything is over the top absurd and the impromptu actors are great, especially Maya. We especially liked the interrogation scene and dead Santa breaking character made us laugh. Just take it for what it is. When Pete shows up and Maya asks "why is he just now getting here" she's asking what everyone else is. Was that part of the joke? He seemed a bit lost but we couldn't blame him and hey, it worked because we still laughed. We haven't watched Murderville but after this we'll check it out. We're also rewatchibg Arrested Development right now and it was fun to see Will and Jason together again.
A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)
A Lazy Mess
So men get The Hangover and women get Bad Moms. Another true to life depiction of women getting the shaft. Every woman in this film is shallow, unlikable and dysfunctional. We didn't make it past the women getting drunk in the mall and grinding all over Santa. We had just watched Who Killed Santa and this movie felt similar with over the top absurd everything like it was all one big joke. Only we really enjoyed Who Killed Santa and Bad Moms Christmas just made us uncomfortable.
Each character has their own Bad Mom. No women in this movie are remotely normal. Its a real disservice to women in general. We deserve better.
Ticket to Paradise (2022)
Meh
We were looking for something new to watch on date night and splurged the $20 to watch this Early Access. It's a very easy movie to watch, predictable in every way. Nice to see George Clooney and Julia Robert's back together on the big screen. The setting is a gorgeous backdrop. We just found the story a bit flat. Probably because it's just not very compelling. I wish more had been put into the writing and the young puppy love French boyfriend was a strange addition. The storyline's been done in other movies with more energy. Also, what was up with Julia Robert's wardrobe in this movie? All in all it was just ok.
Falling for Christmas (2022)
Welcome back Lindsey!
It's no secret Hollywood chews up child actors and spits them out as a messy heap on the floor and then blames the actor for it. It's great to see Lindsay back on the screen again and rebuilding her life. The script doesn't give her a lot to work with here but she brings a genuine warmth and kindness to her character.
The Christmas backdrops are lavish and the movie is pretty much perfect for playing while putting up Christmas decorations or sitting drinking a warm mug of cocoa by your lighted tree.
I do wish the writers would have just embraced the Overboard theme and gone with it. They could have had him have a run in with him earlier with her acting rude, haughty and entitled- some sort of exaggerated horrible run in. He recognizes her later and decides to give her a little payback, but then of course they end up falling in love. This would've provided some emotion, comedy material and plot twists. Or they could've brought in more Santa magic. Well that's said and done but as it is, the movie is a bit flat. It's still an easy festive watch and great to see Lindsey back on the screen. Welcome back!
The Starling (2021)
Beautifully Done
We thought this movie was lovely. An intimate look at the different ways grief impacts us and how we re-engage in life after loss.
The acting was understated and believable. Melissa McCarthy really shines here as a woman trying to keep it all together while trying to work through her own grief. In a time when movies and TV shows are filled with women wearing 18 layers of eye liner and lash extensions, I loved the naturalness of the characters in this movie. It felt like real life.
The movie topic is heavy and may be a trigger for some. That said, I thought it's handled with sensitivity and compassion for its characters.
The Middle (2009)
We Love It
Our family has watched this show together many times and it's always good for a laugh. Now that our kids are teens, it's also almost therapeutic for me as a mom- maybe all of us. We feel so normal. And tonight watching it we realized Betty White was Brick's school librarian- pure gold. "No fractions for you Brick. No cursive. No field trip to an Amish farm. I want my books back or you're not moving on to 3rd grade."
Sue Heck could be our youngest. He's so unlucky. The stress of juggling a full time job and parenting. Trying so hard to never yell as a mom. Debra Messing couldn't be more perfect for her role and it's nice to watch a couple who love each other. All in all 10 stars. If you haven't seen it, check it out!
Persuasion (2022)
It's just ok
I appreciate they tried to do something creative here, especially given there are already two faithful beautiful adaptations of the novel. However, the story is meant to evoke emotion- longing, remorse, pressure, feeling trapped, and as I watched this movie I never really engaged in the story. Ann is a bit of a mess, but she's meant to be strong and steady, the large reason Captain Wentworth couldn't perceive her true feelings for him. I felt like the story didn't need Anne to keep talking to the camera- it was distracting and removed her from her own story. Overall I'm glad Jane Austen's work gets to be enjoyed by a new generation who will hopefully be inspired to read it.
Sanditon (2019)
The Magic is Back
I disliked season 1's story line but joined for season 2 because I'm a sucker for a good period romance. Season 2 embraces Sanditon's Austen roots, with tried and true themes reminiscent of Jane Eyre and Pride & Prejudice. I enjoyed season 2 immensely and am looking forward to season 3. Well done!
Around the World in 80 Days (2021)
Fun easy trip
I've never read the book so I had no expectations. For a TV series I thought this was well done. The acting was good, I enjoyed the creative story telling. Each country was shown in a distinct way- theres unique pain, suffering and struggle everywhere, but also kindness, compassion and love. We watched the characters mature and grow. I also appreciated the sets, music and costumes. Overall job well done.
Marry Me (2022)
Meh
So she's marrying a man half her age and wondering where she went wrong? The premise is just painful. The naughty nuns in the church church church church church church church (were there other words?) song- what in the world was that all about?? That sums up how I feel about this shallow movie.
The Gilded Age (2022)
Beautiful to look at but lacking in substance
I'm giving it 5 stars because the costumes, sets, even the hairstyles are all lovely to look at. I'm 4 episodes in and it's simply missing a compelling story. Many of the characters are shallow and selfish and hard to connect with. And it's lacking biting wit. I'm watching All Creatures Great and Small as well right now and somehow the simple stories of a country vet have managed to be more interesting. I'm sure I'll keep watching because I keep expecting something to happen. Also if my employee tries to seduce my husband he'd better sack her and not keep her around to spare my feelings. Don't worry, I'll get over it. Very silly plot.
Encanto (2021)
Beautiful visuals, underdeveloped story
This movie was lovely to look at and as others have noted, it was refreshing to see cartoon characters who looked more like every day life. The story itself was simply missing. It's a shame because there were so many, and I mean many, interesting characters to work with. One of the great things about The Incredibles was how characters creatively used their powers to face problems. This movie could have benefited from the same formula tackling family dynamics, learning to value one another's unique contributions, while facing an outside threat. In this case, the crisis of dwindling magic and a crumbling house wasn't enough to create an engaging story. When it ended we all looked at each other surprised and confused- that's it? It's over? It was fine to watch it once in Disney+ without paying extra. Just disappointing.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)
Simple, Entertaining, Great CGI
I watched Venom tonight with my husband and two teen sons. I told them I was going as a labor of love because I hated the first movie, which I have now seen 3 times (thanks Covid). I ended up liking this movie a lot more than I expected. The story line was very simple which was a refreshing change. It was also 90 minutes, and maybe reminded me of the movies of my youth. No need for Venom to get beat, then rally, then have an epic overly long fight scene. So to the movie creators- thank you- this was a pleasant surprise. Woody Harrelson was also superb. My only criticism is the movie assumes I know things that I don't. I was confused about where Carnage came from, why he called Venom dad and why he hated Venom. I had to Google the back story later but I don't think that should be necessary- and if they needed 10 minutes to insert Comic Books for Dummies 101 for people like me they had time. Maybe it's because we just watched Jungle Cruise, but the CGI in this was very fluid and never distracting. All in all it was an easy, fun night out with the fam.
Never Have I Ever (2020)
WTF was that?
Got through only episode 1 of season 1. There was so much potential for brilliance. But it will always just be potential. This was so awful. I'm pretty sure it sets women back a few decades. Centuries maybe.
Jungle Cruise (2021)
Meh
We streamed it on Disney + with our 13 and 15 year old boys. At an hour and a half in we were checking to see how much was left- and shocked to see how much was left. This movie could have benefited from a good haircut trimming it down. We were all really confused about the storyline. The consensus at the end was- that was weird. We've watched Journey to the Mysterious Island, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jumanji I&II all many times. This movie really lacked the magic. Not sure where the hype reviews came from. Did they watch the same movie? Also not sure who this is geared towards. Too long and scary for younger kids. I'd say wait for it to be free in Disney Plus or available at Red Box.
Loki (2021)
Meh
Loki is one of my favorite characters and I was really looking forward to this series. I'm 5 episodes in and overall disappointed with the story line. Everything that made Loki an interesting character has been removed in an effort to redeem him- right down to his costume. I hate the determinism theme and by season 5 it's all gotten a bit ridiculous and not even trying to take itself seriously. Overall disappointing.
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (2020)
Awful, bizarre, how is its rating so high?
This movie had none of the sweetness of SpongeBob, none of the witty humor of SpongeBob none of the catchy tunes of SpongeBob. Basically, it was only SpongeBob in name and character. My kids said it was weird and had no story. What a waste of money. Can't believe we paid $20 for this horrible mess of a movie.
The Letter for the King (2020)
Last episode ruined it
Changing my review after watching the last episode. Show fell apart.