3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Swallow’:
The swallowing objects aspect took more of a backseat in the story than I expected it to. And it was also more disturbing than I expected it to be.
Every single character was either awful or odd. The husband, his parents, the “hug guy,” the girl who shouted Hunter out at the party, the therapist, Hunter’s mom and biological “father.” Hunter’s loneliness was palpable.
It was nice to see SUCH a bleak film end on a somewhat optimistic note. I was thrilled to see that girl eat a burger and fries — and find the will to survive on her own.
Bonus Thought: Great performance by Haley Bennett.
Best superhero TV show ever. Hands down. Bravo to Cox and D'Onofrio! To say I'm excited for season two is an understatement.
People are hating on this episode, and I get it. But if this were an episode of The Twilight Zone, I think it may have gotten more praise… because it wasn’t awful. And points for it going in a direction I didn’t expect AT ALL. But, for Black Mirror, it definitely missed the bar.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Disenchanted’:
I absolutely loved revisiting these characters — and Amy Adams nailed it once again — but this film failed them. The wicked stepmother premise was a fantastic idea, but the execution was ultimately disappointing and the plot got a little sloppy. Many things didn’t connect. (Why exactly was Giselle dying at the end???) And Dempsey’s character had a ridiculous, unnecessary arc.
That production value. Wow. The difference from the original film is a bit jarring. I know this was a straight-to-streaming project, but many films that go this route still feel like a cinematic experience. This felt like a mediocre episode of Once Upon a Time. It deserved better.
None of the music stuck. Again, in complete contrast to the original, zero songs were catchy. There was more than enough time to create a solid soundtrack.
Bonus Thought: Enchanted was a film with so much heart and humor. There were glimpses of it here, but SO much of that was missing. Super bummed fan here.
First, we have multiple timelines. Then, we have multiple worlds. Now, we have different versions of characters existing from separate choices that are made (i.e. Jonas). These complexities will either be absolute genius or sheer ridiculousness. And we’ll know in two episodes. Maybe.
Why does it feel like there are wayyy too many versions of Martha out there? And why does it seem like both sides (Adam and Eva) want to keep the loop going? Neither want characters to divert from their paths, and these characters repeat everything regardless — which is kind of annoying. And is anyone else disappointed that Noah isn’t playing a bigger role? He was being set up as this major antagonist.
Again, everything could come together in a remarkable way and make an impressive amount of sense. OR what seemed like a well-thought-out story over the course of three seasons could ultimately result in a whole lot of randomness, that was simply made to appear clever.
Obviously, I want things to wrap up nicely, but there’s something frustrating about a show that delivers more questions than answers. That’s been the journey of this series. So will it even matter what the destination reveals itself to be?
Hilda getting her revenge was EVERYTHING.
My one criticism... and maybe someone could help me resolve this in my mind: Where did the second Sabrina - the one who freed our original Sabrina from stone at the beginning - come from? If Sabrina was trapped, how did a second one ever come into play?
My head hurts from this time travel stuff.
Those cameos were nostalgic heaven. Love it!
Whoever cast young Whiterose needs a raise.
My Review of ‘The Lighthouse’ in 3 Sentences:
I feel like I just watched a two-hour bar fight.
Even great cinematography can’t save a movie.
The farting was absolutely unnecessary.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Skinamarink’:
Just, no. I went in with an open mind. But no. This was way too random for me. I need some semblance of a story, not a string-out of creepy visuals and sounds. If I hadn’t read the synopsis, I would’ve been even more lost than I already was. The toy phone scene is a perfect example of something eerie that existed for no particular reason other than to be eerie. No.
The interactions and reactions were not realistic enough. I understand this film was more of a mood than a story. More of a dream than reality. But there were too many characters talking to other characters without a proper response, if that makes sense. And no child would be wandering that house alone.
There is something here, somewhere. An original idea that may inspire future horror films. The familiar glow and hum of a TV that we wake up to from nightmares. That momentary feeling of helplessness. It was all supremely atmospheric, for sure. But there was zero payoff.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things’:
I was beyond excited to see this after reading the book — a book that kept me on edge and creeped out the entire time. The ending was wild and left a lot up for interpretation. I was hoping the film would address so many of my questions. Instead, it became something I ultimately didn’t even care about. An awful adaptation.
The insight I had from the book kept me watching the film. I can’t even comprehend how ANYONE who didn’t read the book could make it all the way through, let alone understand how everything was connected.
The best parts of the book (yes, I can’t help but keep comparing) were the horror elements. These were completely removed. I’m all for a reimagining, but for the better. There was so much potential here. And with incredible talent. All lost.
Jessica is a selfish POS for the way she’s approaching Justin’s sobriety. It’s atrocious.
P.S. If that’s Justin in the casket six months later, I’m gonna be PISSED.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘1917’:
How the hell did they even film this? A cinematic achievement, indeed. The scope of it all is insane.
The two young actors were fantastic. Cared about them and their fate almost immediately.
Other reviews mention the film lacking despite its technical marvels. I wholeheartedly disagree. The storyline may have been simple, but I found it compelling, emotional and inspiring. And the score was fantastic. It wasn’t only filmed well.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Jurassic World Dominion’:
It was pure nostalgic joy to see the original cast together after all these years. Their chemistry is still magic, and they were clearly the highlight of this film. I even liked the direction they went in with Grant and Ellie. I was hoping for that outcome since the beginning. We JP fans are lucky to see our OG trio finally reunite.
Despite a few solid action scenes and some brief moments of greatness, this ultimately did not FEEL like a Jurassic Park film, something the earlier sequels still managed to somewhat achieve. And that’s what bothers me the most. The first half felt very much like a Mission: Impossible flick. I could have done with less espionage and over-the-top characters like Santos.
That plot didn’t deserve Ellie, Alan, and Ian. For a film that was meant to bring together two generations and serve as an epic Jurassic finale, it was sadly a fail. So many missed opportunities. There was no sense of true closure. No impactful full-circle moments. I tried explaining the storyline to my sister and it proved difficult. I may have lost her at kidnapped clones. All a bit forgettable. It wasn’t terrible, but it missed the mark for such a beloved franchise.
Bonus Thought: They should have stuck with the classic dinos. These hybrids left zero impact. And I would have been pissed off if T-Rex died in the end.
Extra Bonus Thought: Was it just me or was Dodgson terribly-acted with the worst dialogue? There were so many moments from him that fell so flat.
Extra Extra Bonus Thought: One blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment I appreciated was when the T-Rex walked behind a circular structure and provided a brief nod to the iconic JP logo.
WHAT a difference from the previous episode. A solid show ends with a whimper. SMH.
Not feeling the unhappy ending here. But Sabrina sacrificing herself, albeit depressing, could’ve worked with a more compelling battle. It just doesn’t feel like the stakes were high enough to warrant it. I feel like they’ve been through much worse. And this final “fight” felt sooo rushed and super contrived. Ultimately, the main character’s death ended up being somewhat anticlimactic. I felt as affected by it as her awful friends appeared to be.
There wasn’t proper closure for quite a few characters. The whole Father Blackwood arc with the temple and the sacrifice was SO odd. And what about the Spellman’s enchanted ceremony? Are the dead no longer saved by it? That could’ve been a nice twist.
In the end, I was expecting something epic and all I got was something unnecessarily bleak and dissatisfying.
I’ll still miss it tho.
This show is tons of fun, but I have some constant gripes about it: 1) I still can’t buy into Roz & Harvey. I just don’t see the connection or chemistry there. 2) I am enjoying these episodic mini-adventures with the various terrors, but it feels like things are wrapped up too perfectly — and forcefully — to the last season’s detriment. I think the final Big Bad would’ve worked better as one epic badass buildup. The threat feels super minuscule at this point. 3) Ambrose explaining anything is a bit hard to swallow, always delivered way too intensely and heavy-handedly. He always seems to act at a particular speed that he rarely diverts from. Everything is always the worst crisis imaginable. 4) I wish they’d stick with Sabrina wanting to remain independent and soul-searchy for a bit. She’s too good for either Nick or Harvey, and it’s frustrating to see her perpetually pining for them. 5) We need more Salem.
I take back everything I said before.
Yeah, things were mega-ultra-frustratingly-complicated, but this finale makes up for it all. It cleans up the mess with a clear-cut answer: these two worlds of wild connections and repeats were the product of one genius simply wanting his family back. And — ultimately — he succeeded! With a little help from our cast of characters, particularly Jonas, Martha, and Claudia (the kween who truly figured it all out).
This final episode was beautiful. I loved the lighting effects. I loved the final “dissolving” moments with all of our characters realizing the knot was untied. The moment with Jonas and Martha saving the family from the car wreck was incredibly heartwarming, as was the family’s reunion with Tannhaus. I loved how the colors were so much brighter in the origin world... the real world. It just all came together very well.
But who was that older man in the photo with Claudia and Regina? Egon? And what were they toasting Regina for? And what happened to Wöller last summer?!
It was also great to see everyone happy at the dinner table! And to see Peter living his best true life!! It dawned on me that the Nielsens never existed in the real world (good luck wrapping your brain around that if you haven’t yet). I’m sure that there’s so much more I didn’t pick up on! Perhaps this show was smarter than I ever gave it credit for.
The journey was confusing for sure, but when is time travel not? I’m officially giving ‘Dark’ all the praises. Kudos!
Wow... three major deaths in one episode. Crazy stuff.
Kudos to the casting department, yet again, with young Peter this time. It’s insane how I can instantly tell who these characters are based on the resemblance alone. Incredible!
Oh, Schitt’s Creek. I’m so glad I stumbled upon you when I did.
Such a magical show with a magical cast. Heart and soul. And all the humor a person could need. Moira Rose is one of the best television characters, ever. Catherine O’Hara is a Queen. Annie Murphy is a treasure. Eugene Levy is a legend. And Dan Levy is a genius.
A series that TRULY went out on top. Thank you for everything.
I’m not sure I like where they’re going with this old-man-tied-to-the-wall-of-a-castle stuff. And the whole passing-on-the-parasite thing.
If they keep creating more questions before providing any answers, the show will go south. That’s when things stop being entertaining and the frustration begins.
That net challenge is the stuff of nightmares.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Smile’:
Very The Ring. Very It Follows. Very Drag Me to Hell. It doesn’t venture into any new territory but, as with these other films, it’s a sufficiently-creepy ride with very convincing performances and a terrifying monster.
Many of the scares were basically ruined by the film’s trailer. I nearly saw every smile coming.
While the monster was definitely creepy — especially in it’s true form — I feel like it would’ve been better if it didn’t speak at all, and just smiled in silence the entire time.
I’m a sucker for an alternate reality storyline — and I loved this episode! The eldridge terror stuff gets a bit muddled and convoluted at times, but this was a fun romp regardless. All the references to both this iteration of Sabrina and the old 90s TGIF staple were an absolute delight.
For a show that can be so silly and over-the-top, it was great to see it parody itself here... with jabs at obligatory shirtless scenes, Lilith’s never-before-seen bedroom, the set model with artwork pending legal approval (which I’m assuming was a reference to the show’s real-life Satanic Temple lawsuit), and television rating stunts.
Much of this season, for me, exhibited why Sabrina ultimately succumbed to cancellation, but this episode showed off its creative potential — and reminded me that I’m really going to miss it.
I adore this show, but something is missing this season. I can’t exactly put my finger on what it is.
The Bonnet conclusion felt anticlimactic. Maybe it’s because we didn’t spend much time on him this season? There’s a bunch of random episodes with very little plot progression. And then, all of a sudden, we get a Bonnet episode — and it’s the one where he dies. I dunno.
I’m just not AS invested as I have been during other seasons.
Q is definitely a better, overall queen… but this was one of the episodes where I feel like the lip syncs are pointless… because Q was NOT impressive.
It felt like Black Mirror, but also not at all. Genuinely unsettling. I liked it.
That may be the best television cliffhanger I’ve ever seen. My goodness.
Side note: I’m a bit confused about the undercover cop’s story. The whole morse code thing is leaving me scratching my head. And is he now a circle guy or a square guy? I’m a little lost there.
Tiffany should have gone home. I supported them last episode, but this should have been their time. The team will continue to suffer as a result — and my sympathy will be gone.
3 Thoughts After Re-Watching ‘Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan’:
Still equally uncomfortable and absolutely hysterical to this day.
The scene — THAT one — is still absolutely nauseating to this day.
SO excited for the sequel this month! But the bar has been set pretty damn high.
The worst of this season’s episodes. It had a strong start (the applauding man on the operating table was fairly chilling) until it got to the point where her sister VERY CLEARLY did not throw the coin in the water.
If you’re gonna reboot a show of this stature, this many years later, you’ve gotta be smarter. That ending was obscenely predictable and drawn out.
No applause for this one.
