Reviews

I for one always like watching interesting docs and this "Look Into My Eyes" was one that was no different as it follows thru interviews and chat sessions with several different "New York City" residents all who have had life experiences that involve lost loved ones who have left to soon. And many recount how these loses have affected their personal lives and thru talking with and becoming clients of psychics this has helped them function more and better. Also from acting, singing, and expressing feelings thru art drawings this too helps with each loss and dealing with life in the spirit world of tarot cards, and the supernatural that could exist in the form of the gone loved ones that they miss. The film is touching, heart warming, and brings out emotions proving that connections thru talk, expression, and belief in the spirit world brings help and hope.

I for one thru the years have been a fan and watcher of movies and series of the mafia, and anything with Sly Stallone had me in as here in his first major television role which was created by Taylor Sheridan("Yellowstone") and written by Terrence Winter("The Sopranos"). The story is compelling with twist and turns as Sly is Dwight Manfredi a New York City bred Mafia cap who took a fall and spent 25 years in prison. Now after his release a new start and a new life guess what in all places Tulsa, Oklahoma. This series is typical mob dialogue with profane talk and threats, all while the key character Dwight is trying to find himself and be a liked guy, it's like he's such a loveable anti- hero. Flashbacks and memories from "The Big Apple" haunt Dwight like his strained relationship with his grown daughter, still building a new empire and new extended family await in the Sooner state. The series is back and fourth with connections, with themes that involve trust, loyalty, and honesty. This series may not be "The Sopranos" still Stallone's work is that of gold.

1988's "Beetlejuice" is one film that is atmospheric and it skews one's view of the world with odd shaped houses and different characters everyone is in their own little world. Director Tim Burton who is a master of this method living in the clouds(Burton even borrowed some from the Pee Wee Herman movies). Still aside from the sets and graphics, the story involves a couple Adam(Alec Baldwin) and Barbara(Geena Davis) who suddenly become deceased only later haunt their dream house when a new couple move in with their future seeing like daughter who can communicate with the dead. The scenes are far out funny and silly really wild and crazy from the head demon ghost played just fine by Michael Keaton. Overall the film is a fun okay watch yet not one of Tim's blockbusters as Burton's 1989 "Batman" is his best ever.

Movies and films today are different and many push the limit and this latest drama suspense like thriller "Blink Twice" does that for sure. Starring Channing Tatum as Slater King a high tech like billionaire who's always on the go for fun and a party with new investments and games. So when attending a fund raising party on an island with friends he lures waitress Frida(Naomi Ackie)under his spell. And soon she sees things under the cover and corners are sadistic like with kinky sex games that involve drugging, being tied up and gagged and wild intercourse. This film is visually raw and the on screen chemistry of the characters make it work so if your into a raw gritty strange film then gives this a watch.

The 1992 Summer slam was an international PPV event held across the pond in London, England was one pretty good and well done memorable event that wrestling fans enjoyed. Starting out with a rush tag team match in which "The Legion of Doom" defeated the "Million Dollar Man" and "IRS". The action would build up and get better despite some lackluster matches with " Crush" and "Repo Man" and "Virgil". It was a big joy seeing " Earthquake" and "Typhoon" hold on to the tag team title with a victory over The Beverly Brothers". Interesting was seeing how Flair and Henning played in the WWF title match with Randy Savage and the Ultimate Warrior. In a scary match was seeing Kampala face off against the Undertaker as the dead man had this giant frightened! For the intercontinental title was the British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith getting a thrilling victory over Bret Hart. Overall pretty well done card for the WWF not the greatest still it was one that was entertaining for the fans.

If your a MLB baseball fan and follow the game and have favorite players and teams during the season, then this "MLB" Network morning series "MLB Central" is the one to watch! Every weekday morning the show features highlights from the previous games of the night before. Also previews of the upcoming games of the day are featured, along with the latest stats of players and team records are updated and given. Plus players visit the studio set for interviews and they are even asked trivia questions and questions about their personal likes and dislikes! And graphics and charts and a studio field break down all things baseball. Plus the hosts give current pop culture references when talking baseball and takes and insights from ex players Mark DeRosa and Robert Flores is a joy. Too the on screen chemistry they have with the beautiful and attractive Lauren Shehadi is in all star form! Overall good fun baseball news show to watch.

I for one have always been a fan of suspense and drama like thrillers, and this new independent release "Skincare" fits all of those themes as it is a thrilling and entertaining ride. Set in the city of angels and glitz and look glamour of "Los Angeles" you have the attractive and successful Hope Goldman(the good and excellent Elizabeth Banks) who runs a high end aestheician business, only a competitor appears as a rival named Angel Vergara opens a shop across the street from her. And soon it's more than competition that Hope has to worry about as one by one her life and world becomes twisted and unraveled as nothing or no one is who they seem, Hope is shattered in an online like form she's been hacked her identity and privacy has been invaded. This movie becomes more than just a cosmetics and look good story, it turns into a dangerous cat and mouse game drama suspense thriller! So if you like Hitchcock style or stalker like thrillers then "Skincare" is one entertaining film to watch plus Elizabeth Banks gives an A game performance.

This episode of "Walker Texas Ranger" called "Crusader" which first aired on January 31, 1998 is one that was memorable and entertaining in a heartfelt way. For that it featured the legendary wrestler(the now late) "Hot Rod Roddy Piper". The episode involves family and the mob, Cody Conway(Piper) is a fan favorite wrestler who receives some bad news, only to complicate matters he hears from his ex Barbara(the beautiful Linda Purl) and word is the mob is after her and Cody's son. The episode has drama and suspense, and it thrills as typical you the viewer cheer for Chuck and the good guys. Despite murder, and killers on the run the Conway family thru pain achieve victory. Overall good and memorable late season episode of the series which was made a watch with Linda Purl and Piper.

This "MWC" episode titled "Turning Japanese" first aired on March 17, 1996 and was part of the 10th season, and I must say that like most episodes it was again very funny, outrageous, and the storyline pushed the limit! It involves Al's next door neighbor bank teller Marcy D' Arcy(the good Amanda Bearse) who's up for a promotion as she could become a banker, and lead teller, it's all in the hands of a Japanese bank president Mr. Shimokawa(the super great Pat Morita from "The Karate Kid") who does business with Marcy's U. S. branch. So upon his visit Marcy decides to entertain Shimokawa and try to impress him with Japanese culture as she even has a Japan family play as the Bundy's! And also funny was having Jefferson(Ted McGinley) entertain with karaoke! However surprise surprise when sounds of the old rattle trap dodge are heard, it's wanting this for his collection that pleases Mr. Shimokawa most! So Marcy has a plan somehow someway she must get Al to sell his beloved clunker, only after this plan Al has something for Marcy to put on and show at the local strip club. And the episode twist and everything goes down the drain after Mr. Shimokawa shows up and sees Marcy instead of a promotion, and dodge sell it's a brawl for all! Overall funny and far out fun episode of the series!

"Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes" is without a doubt a compelling, provocative, and revealing doc that any film buff or movie history fan should see. Elizabeth from an early age shined by getting her start at age 10 in 1943's "Lassie Come Home". Soon Taylor electrified as she became the stuff of legend. On the "HBO" doc it's mostly her voice that we hear which was pulled from over 40 hours of discovered audio recordings with Richard Meryman.

Taylor admits she made mistakes and was not perfect as her love life and many marriages would prove, and like any doc we the viewers are treated to photos, film clips, footage, and headlines, always when she wed and divorced it was front page news.

Highlighted was Elizabeth growing up in front of the camera from her young teen roles to winning an Oscar for "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf?". She owed much of her success to her parents for helping her get involved in movies learning to act at acting and film school.

Taylor's life was a roller coaster from being swept off her feet by director Mike Todd and dealing with his tragic death in a plane crash. Then Liz romanced Eddie Fisher after he left Debbie Reynolds, only Elizabeth changed again leaving Eddie for Richard Burton whom she meet on the set of "Cleopatra".

Touching was highlighting Taylor's friendships with closeted gay actors such as Roddy McDowall and Rock Hudson, which later lead to her activism for AIDS research. Good look at a legendary actress who's work public and private will never be forgotten.

"HBO" has once again scored and produced a hit with one of it's original sports docs. "Charlie Hustle & the Matter of Pete Rose" is a must watch for any baseball or sports fan. A four part series which highlights and looks at the life and career of the legend Pete Rose, you the viewer will find it memorable with old classic game footage, and interviews. Plus a current treat is hearing from Pete as he reflects back on his life and rise to fame all darkened by gambling. Others interviews from broadcasters, ex players, and fans give focus and insight on his bid for the baseball hall of fame, it's revealing and compelling hearing different takes. Even though Gambling has become the norm still Rose is looked at differently, you the viewer make your own judgement hero or criminal? Wonderful well done sports doc that is a must see.

Call "Fly Me to the Moon" a drama, comedy, or historical space mission anyway it entertains. Set in the 1960's in the Sputnik era, it involves the launch of a "NASA" mission into space. And right on the U. S's, heels are the Soviet Union so how with doubt, politics, and drama can this be pulled off? Enter the world of advertising and marketing in the form of the beautiful Kelly Jones(Scarlett Johansson) as she helps and guides the leader of the launch Cole Davis(Channing Tatum). Along the way sparks of love and intimate feel fly between the two. The chemistry is all pro form, the scenes feel like the 60's and the story is historical as the way it's teased and marketed this movie is an entertaining watch!

This episode of "The Bold and the Beautiful" which aired on Friday 7-19-24 was one hot and sexy memorable episode. After Steffy and Finn have made love Steffy has laid down the law to Hope at "FC" about the job and she also tells Hope that her marriage with Finn is rock solid as she gets support over Sheila. Finn(Tanner Novlan) also lets Liam not to even think of him or Steffy. Back at the office Steffy(Jacqueline Wood) just can't break away from the Logan family. In a somewhat funny and weird scene when Steffy finds an office door at "FC" locked after unlocking she finds her dad Ridge(T. Kaye) making love with Brooke(Katherine Kelly Lang)! Wow, Brooke had a memorable eye candy scene sporting a sexy grey colored bra! Hope to see Brooke and the other actresses in more sexy colored bras in upcoming episodes.

This episode of "The Bold and the Beautiful" which aired on Thursday 7-18-24 was one drama filled and hot steamy memorable episode. Still with all of the drama and uncertainty going on with Shelia and the investigations of the murders, Hope still feels for her and her father. Plus we see mother Brooke has taken a stance telling daughter Hope not to feel sorry for her or not to back Finn into helping his mom. Speaking of Finn(Tanner Novlan) he finally catches a break from work and gets some downtime at home and some R@R with the children away it's one on one with him and Steffy(Jacqueline Wood) as the two share some intimate steamy hot and passionate scenes! Nice to see the two making love in the memorable episode!

Faye Dunaway was one of my favorite actresses she always played each role in such a classy and elegant and very sexy way. This "HBO" doc called just plain "Faye" is a treat and delight for any of her fans, as Dunaway is interviewed and she reflects on her life and Florida upbringing till her journey thru stage into the studios, as she becomes a fine actress. The footage is vintage and it brings back memories for all film buffs and fans of Faye, as during the 70's she was the queen of the big screen. Certainly her highs were "Bonnie and Clyde", "Chinatown", and "Network" and Dunaway talks very frank about the good times of stardom. Yet the bad times were mentioned like her over the top choices when she did "Mommie Dearest", it proves that an acting life is not easy. On the revealing side of life is hearing from Faye's son Liam it was touching and memorable as they go thru old family photos. Along the way though Dunaway's life was no bed of roses as she dealt with mental health issues. Still thru it all this doc proves that pain and the ups and downs was what made Faye so super good and great, a must watch for any old film fan.

Wow I must say so far one of the better movies that I've seen this summer is this horror thriller "MaXXXine", the story is well written and interesting, and the scenes and sets and music really captures the times of the mid 80's. Set in 1985 out in L. A.(the city of angels) it's the story of Maxine Minx(Mia Goth) a small town rural Texas girl who's escaped a secret past only to earn her living as an adult film star, however finally she gets her big break when cast in a B list horror film. How does she mange all of this during the decade of greed, excess, and the "Reagan" era also it's a summer rain of terror from the "Night Stalker" as no young girls are safe. Thru all of the drama and other secret subplots are brought to light it's as if though Maxine had some daddy issues she had to escape. Her past has followed her(look for Kevin Bacon as a flawed P. I) and she really has to get tough to survive. The pace and tension and drama of the film is well done as things come to light for Maxine, overall really this film is a metaphor of escape, finding fame and going against the grain by being set free from a tortured past. This is one fine horror drama film that entertains and ends with satisfaction as the wild card, wild child heroine "MaXXXine" finds some peace and comfort as she reaches long overdue fame.

Being a sports fan and keeping up with pop culture and past times I really like series like these and with "Hulu's" limited series "Clipped" I gave it a shot. And wow talk about crying foul how many times can those involved foul out. The series in a blunt and brash fashion takes a look at the life of ex "L. A. Clippers" owner Donald Sterling(Ed O' Neill from "MWC") and how he was banned for life from the "NBA". The series hams it up and tries to be juicy and tabloid like style as each episode showcased leaked comments that Sterling made to his former mistress V. Stiviano. Also behind the scenes with Sterling is the strained relationship with his wife and business partner Shelly(Jacki Weaver). In a good supporting turn is veteran Laurence Fishburne as Clippers head coach Doc Rivers who deals with the power struggle from within the franchise while trying to coach the team to a championship. The issues are sensitive and tough yet this series is fearless with it as it is entertaining for any sports or "NBA" fan despite the fact that it's not the Lakers or "Winning Time".

If your like me and watch plenty of movies and are a film buff then you know that the movies directed by Yorgos Lanthimos are complex, strange, and different, a little confusing as you the viewer have to search for the meaning and form your own take. This latest work "Kinds of Kindness" is much the same yet the acting and on screen chemistry is in all pro and all star form. You get a pleasure seeing the wonderful Emma Stone and the supporting performances from Willem Dafoe, Jesse Plemons, and Margaret Qualley make the film a joy. Set and told like a book with different stories and chapters, you see it a man Robert(Plemons) who just can't escape his normal life as he's controlled by Raymond(Dafoe). Then the other stories go on with a mixture of accidents, blood, and a missing person still thru it all love is felt with sex and raw passion. Really this is film is a metaphor as to what people will do and how far they will go to please and be kind to others and find happiness. Overall probably not the greatest film ever made yet still for it's subplots, and different stories and wild out crazy things it does entertain any film watcher.

Being an old classic wrestling fan and enjoying history. I must say that "The Vice Channel" has done it again with this doc a four part one "Who Killed WCW?". The footage was revealing and vintage bringing back classic memories and fond times of this 90's pop culture wrestling league who for awhile was topping Vince and the "WWF" in the ratings do to it's brash and provocative style. Interviews are revealing and telling with former CEO and company head man Eric Bischoff, plus hearing the words from former wrestling employees like Bret Hart, Goldberg, The Rock, Kevin Nash, and Booker T. Raises questions as you ask who's at fault with the evidence shown still you be the judge. Well documented was how Hogan and his "NWO" politics influenced things and the ego's of veterans was a power struggle with up and coming young grapplers. The early creative style was a wild show with wrestlers as "Oz" and alien like characters even in ring executions! Despite the success with Eric his style and creative mistakes and friendship with Hulk was a burden, plus things didn't improve when Vince Russo came on board as he was to over the top caring more about ratings even spanning the "WCW" brand into Hollywood movies. Thru it all executives at "Turner" didn't have their backs and didn't support the sport as the "AOL" and "Time Warner" merger killed it in the early 2000's as "Nitro" blew up and became Vince's new raw "WWE" toy. So much happened you will still be asking yourself as a fan and citizen as who is to blame. Hey they say all good things come to an end. This is a must watch and see for wrestling fans and wrestling history buffs.

I as a film fan and history buff always enjoy period pieces and movies about the past. So I did indeed see the start of an epic from Kevin Costner(who directed and also stars) "Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1" looks at a brutal and somewhat evil and touch and go time in history. You see the tense scenes of battle and the struggle for living as the film spans a pre and post Civil War period. All of this drama involves the wanting and desire to have settlements of land in the old west. The film spans thru many characters as it involves, Cowboys, Indians, and down right outlaws. As greed and ego dominates when it comes to wanting to control newly unsettled lands. The film is plenty to take in with it's movement of time and characters, still it's a compelling journey as the story of different subplots starts to blend in. The on screen acting and cinematography brings good chemistry for you as a viewer. Thru it all it's the start of courage and being brave as the whole journey is a long and hard battle for land. This for sure is one saga to watch as it should be a historical and educational showcase for most film viewers and history lovers.

"The Bikeriders" is one compelling and provocative time piece drama that entertains showing that connection, trust, and friendship is what matters most thru the years. Set in and around about a 10 year period from 1963 till 1973 the film told thru flashback style takes a look at the lives and times of "The Vandals" a midwestern motorcycle club. The film showcases an underworld subculture that these characters rode in much of it being a world of blood and violence. Kathy(Jodie Comer) tells her memories thru interviews as thru the years times became trying for the whole band of bikers. The group is held strong and tight by lead man Johnny(Tom Hardy) and his young understudy Benny(Austin Butler from "Elvis") is a wild card character that helps keep the group together and on their toes like family. The acting and chemistry on screen is all pro form with Butler, Hardy, and Comer. The film sends a message of sticking together thru thick and thin even when the times are blended with blood and violence, it's loyalty and being together that conquers all.

Growing up as a little kid in the 80's I was into pro wrestling watching it on TV, and it's impact on pop culture grew with action figures. And you guessed it they took it to kids with this "CBS" Saturday morning cartoon "Rock 'n' Wrestling". It was colorful and in animation with stories and adventures of real life "WWF" wrestlers. Featuring fan favorite Hulk Hogan was a treat for little hulk want to be's. The conflict with the wrestling bad guys like Pipper and Shiek was fun as trouble was found like in most cartoons and the theme song was a catch as this series really was a draw to young ones to be bigger "WWF" fans. Overall classic memorable series.

Baseball an American past time has a following and they play so many games a season with three and four game sets day after day. Well so much goes on from runs, hits, strikeouts, homeruns, outs, and foul and fair balls to a sacrifice fly for a win! When the past games of the day and night are complete then all thru the night and into the morning tune into "MLB Network's" "Quick Pitch" series for highlights and recaps of all of the games that just happened. Also stats and box scores are provided and many of the talented hosts put on skits that blend history and the sport of baseball, and many players and teams are tied in with current pop culture references. Look for new host the sexy and talented Abby Labar as she is some eye candy in front of the camera. This for sure is the fast paced catch show that any MLB fan should watch.

"Vice's" "Dark Side of the Ring" series the season finale episode of season 5 was an excellent one "Black Saturday: The Rise of Vince". As it shed light on how Vince Jr. Started a plan the and working of slowing yet surely destroying the regional wrestling league system. Popular in the early to mid 80's on "WTBS" was Saturday broadcast of "GA Championship Wrestling" however when the territory started to face money problems when found by booker and performer Ole Anderson then leader Jim Barnette was fair game to be tossed. Only this take over from Ole lead Jim to partner with Vince as soon McMahon started to seize wrestling talent from the peach state and soon the airwaves in Atlanta were gagged up and Vince had his "WWF" Northeast product on "WTBS". And this if you know wrestling history really impacted the "NWA" and the regional territory system that fans enjoyed. Interviews and footage shown is revealing and in top notch form listening to the Brisco brothers and the legendary manager and wrestling historian Jim Cornette was right on(always a joy to hear Jim's takes and thoughts). Though thru power struggle and differences Vince in the end sees his rise become a downfall after creating a billion dollar industry wow how things come full circle and spin around. Overall excellent episode one that any old wrestling fan and history buff must see.

"The Vice Channel" has once again made another excellent gem type series as this one "Icons Unearthed" is fantastic and all pro like as it looks at the behind the scenes making of some of Hollywood's biggest movie franchises. Each episode is so revealing and informative as it features vintage historic behind the scenes footage(some even early movie making moments!) and interviews with cast and crew are given where they give their own takes and thoughts. And the many pop culture experts tell about the secret history of each franchise and how it impacted movie cinema and American pop culture. So far the series has had many seasons as it most popular and most watched and well like one's by me have been the seasons of "Star Wars,", "Batman", and "Marvel". Overall this is one series that film buffs and film and pop culture historians should not miss.