Change Your Image
bettillee
Reviews
Survival of the Thickest (2023)
Hilarious!
I watched this program because I had seen Michelle Buteau in the First Wives Club. That one is funny, but this one is amazing. Ms. Buteau is so dang, funny, and unpretentious. This is what was needed in the TV verse, for all of us girls who are a bit chunky but not proud. She made me realize that I need to be proud because I'm kind of beautiful too! I'm only on the third episode, but I know that this is one of those that I'm gonna binge today, seeing as Covid has me stuck in the house what better way to spend the time since I have to lay here in bed anyway. There were many things that I could've watched, but I'm really happy that I chose this. This is a series that all the ladies need to watch for a good laugh.
Black Cake (2023)
Excellent adaptation
This is a series that I have waited to see. The book was exceptional comprised of a story that was engaging and kept you wanting more. The series fleshes out the characters, extremely well, and unbelievably, rivals the book. Mia Isaac is beautiful, very talented, and she adds a layer to the teleplay that is exceptional. I especially enjoyed the costuming, because it was very much within the period that the story is set in. The way that Eleanor's hair is styled is truly a throwback from the era that I haven't seen accomplished this well in many other movies, and the settings, London and Scotland, are a beautiful canvas for a very beautiful story. There have been many books written by and about people of color in the last few years, and I have read many of them, but this is the first one that I found that was truly a good book and movie, that has not been hyped simply because it was written by a person of color. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the telling of a good story.
I must add this addendum to my review for the simple reason that the ending of Black Cake was extremely disappointing. I don't like to make up an ending that should have been, and although I had given this series a ten, I changed it to a seven strictly based on the fact that the ending was very unfulfilling.
All the Light We Cannot See (2023)
Mesmerizing...
I was a fan of the book that this movie is based on from the first chapter. I didn't believe that it could be successfully translated into a movie, but this one truly is an achievement. The actors portraying the characters are spot on, from the wonderful child Marie-Laure to the adult Marie. The use of two blind actresses added to the beauty of this movie. Their movements were those of actual blind individuals and not the movements of sighted actresses. Mark Ruffalo turns out an amazing performance as he always does and Hugh Laurie is exceptional. I was enthralled with this book, and I'm very happy to see it as a movie.
The Requin (2022)
Awful, stupid movie
Dumb, just dumb! I can't believe I spent time watching this terrible, terrible movie! It really had no redeeming qualities, and they were both monumentally stupid. Really, the shark ate him because he was stupid! Who lights a fire on a raft, a wooden raft? When they did that, I was done. I was ready to turn it off, but like a fool I kept watching. When he came back as a ghost, I felt like I was gonna throw up from the stupidity of it all. Well, as all the other people said, please don't waste your time, but go and watch a really good movie, like the Pale Blue Eye on Netflix. That one is really worth the time.
Don't Worry Darling (2022)
Dud
This movie was a total disappointment. There were, however, some good points. The music was great, the costumes were fabulous, and the sets were lush and wonderfully campy. Unfortunately, the story was lousy. It was like a poor copy of the Stepford Wives, both the Katherine Ross and the Nicole Kidman versions, but not as good as either. And those two films were also pretty lame. I read one review that said there was off-screen drama associated with this film, but my dislike cannot be attributed to that, since I did not read nor hear about any of it. Ms. Wilde was on point with Book Club, but this one is a total failure. Glad I didn't waste my time and money sitting in a movie theater viewing it, because this film was a real disappointment.
Beast (2022)
The daughters were ridiculous
Both of those young women - his daughters - those two dumb, annoying, know-it-all cows, gave new meaning to stupid. No matter what they were told, they had to do it their way, and their decisions were incredibly ludicrous. Neither of them heeded their father, and they are why I couldn't finish this movie. Done. Both of them need to shelve the acting gigs, do the movie viewing public a favor, and go back to serving folks at the Jack-in-the-Box, in the company of whomever wrote this tripe. That being said, Idris has had very few missteps, but this one, in the company of his "daughters" should never have been put on film. As one other reviewer said, the Ghost and the Darkness was the very best of lion hunting human movies and it was a true story. This drivel was a total waste.
The Umbrella Academy (2019)
Season three - what the?
The first two seasons were really innovative and fun. Season three is a total dumpster fire; ridiculous, senseless and a total waste of time. Won't be watching that one to the end.
The Guardians of Justice (2022)
0 would be a fitting rating
Absolutely the worst programming I've ever tried to watch. This series tries to be stylistic, but fails miserably. It wants to be avant grade, but no go there either. Jiggling the crummy animation is a lousy cinematic technique that also just doesn't work. The sad fact is that this crappy attempt at cinema tries to wink and nod to "those in the know", and unfortunately, there are few who will honestly say that this schlocky mish-mash is a watchable project. Bottom line: this is a don't-waste-your-time, pitifully stupid series. It looks cheap, unfocused and is totally unwatchable. Will Yun Lee, you really need to get this one off of your resume.
Deep Water (2022)
This movie stinks!
Affleck is, as always, good. His low key delivery of his part is the only good thing about this movie. Ana de Armas is disgusting to the point that I have no desire to see her in any movies whatsoever going forward. She the most unsympathetic actress I have seen in a long time. The storyline moves so slowly that you have no desire to finish watching the movie. All I can say is - don't waste 115 minutes of your life watching this tripe.
Reacher (2022)
Now this guy is Jack Reacher
Is it possible to fall in love with a fictional character? I do believe that I have a crush on Jack Reacher. I have read every book that Lee Child has written about him, and each one has been a standalone classic. There were a couple that were not great, but the majority are well worth a read. That being said, I was waiting for the consummate Reacher on film. Don't get me wrong, Tom Cruise is at the top of his game in almost every movie he's in, but I never could buy him as Reacher. Although his mannerisms were a fair representation of the character, he's just not big enough. Alan Ritchson not only embodies the look of Reacher, but he has the speech patterns and moves that you would expect this character to have. His words are spare, his muscles are unbelievable, and after only one episode, I can see my day being devoted to a binge watch of this series. Amazon thank you! You have made me a very happy reader, and now I will be a very happy viewer!
Colin in Black and White (2021)
Excellent, and highly recommended
All of you haters need to back off! Once again, Ms. Duvernay shows why she is the queen of the movies! Every episode was fantastic, and as one reviewer said, those who are looking at it and say it's trash, are most likely white folks who are Trumpov supporters. They wouldn't and couldn't say anything good about a program that featured Black people, anymore than they could say something good about Colin Kapernick. They are so enamored of their whiteness that they cannot see a good program when they watch it. They can't see it because they are the perpetrators of the indignities that he endured. All Black people have experienced these scenarios. They are definitely not unique, and Colin relates them very well. We have all experienced these cracker moves. Colin is amazing; he narrates this program, makes you believe, and his parents, although their hearts were in the right place, were too obtuse to get it.
I heartily recommend this series, and to all of the Colin haters out there: get over yourselves, and give credit where credit is due. This is a good program.
Earthquake (1974)
A true waste of film
This movie was made at the height of disaster flicks, and although most of them were unwatchable, this one is the worst. Stilted acting was the forte, and by the time it was made, Carlton Heston wasn't close to being believable as a romantic lead. And with a young, pretty Genevieve Bujold? Gimme a break. The most laughable part in the film though, is Ava Gardner playing the daughter of Lorne Green! Ridiculous! When was she conceived, when he was minus 10? She looks old enough and was old enough to be his mother! My advice is do not waste your time on this flop. Nobody looks good..except maybe Richard Roundtree. His part is as bad as all the rest, but he looks good at it.
Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)
Excellent
This movie is excellent on a number of levels. The story is great, and holds to the Michael Koryta book, Angelina makes you believe that she is a total bad ass, and the setting is perfect. It takes you in within the first five minutes and does not let go. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and I respect Angelina, who has always been a fabulous actress, even more than I did before, and I have never been disappointed by her performances. She is awesome, and this movie is a not to be missed.
Ad Astra (2019)
Love Brad, but this one is a bit boring.
I'm certain this is a good movie. It simply has to be, 'cause Brad Pitt is in it. Unfortunately, it's a bit of a snooze fest. If we could pick up the pace a little, and get rid of the monotone soundtrack, we might have a watchable movie. Still, it is not the worst move I've seen this year. That distinction goes to Us.
Hunters (2020)
Dumb ending
Many reviewers have had problems with comic book references in this series, but to me, they are valid and spot on. They fit, as do the costumes and speech patterns. After all, it's 1977. That being said, let me get to the bad of this production. I found the series to be excellent until the very end. Then, unfortunately it devolved into stupidity and a really bad case of willful suspension of disbelief. All of the characters were wonderful, especially and of course Al Pacino, and Logan Lerman was excellent, but their combined talents could not save the dumb ending. I'm really disappointed, and really can't see myself wasting time on season 2.
They Remain (2018)
Mindnumbingly boring
Yes I know, mindnumbingly is probably not a real word, but this movie was one of the most boring I've ever seen. I only watched it because I enjoy William Harper Jackson's performance in The Good Place, but his talents are totally wasted in this crappy movie. I watched about a half hour and knew things were not going to get any better. This is a definite don't waste your time movie.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle (2018)
True to the novel
I read this book in junior high at the recommendation of my English teacher. I loved it then and I've since read all of Shirley Jackson's writings. She was influential for Stephen King and I'm sure for many other horror writers, and the reason is obvious - her books are chilling. Her short story, The Lottery is classic. That being said, this movie was pretty true to the novel as I remember it, and it is an exceptional adaptation. For those who did not enjoy it, you must not have read her other works. Give it a chance and look at the deeper meaning.
A Scanner Darkly (2006)
Weird
I'm not a fan. Too weird for me, and I usually love all of the actors, especially Reeves and Downey, but this one was too out there for me.
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)
Big disappointment
I left wishing that someone could obliviate me so that I could forget how bad this movie was. No problem. I was fortunate to forget about it by supper. What a bloated, blighted nothing of a movie! Truly one of the worst I've seen this year. I have it 2 stars only because the special effects were somewhat cool. And...if anyone wants to tell me what this mishmash was about, please don't bother, cause there weren't enough redeeming moments in this film worthy of memory.
Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017)
Worth watching on all counts
Roman J. Israel, Esq. is movie that is an excellent display of the goodness and evil found in all of us; an exhibition of all of our grace and foibles, an inherent facet of our lives. Our lives are rife with good intentions, just as Roman Israel's was, but he lost his way while on his own personal journey. I cannot say that this is a movie I could watch many times, but that is not because it is flawed. It is, as I said, excellent from all angles. Roman J. Israel is a man of conscience, conviction and honesty, to a higher degree than other mortals. He made me want to be a better person.
Denzel Washington has never disappointed me, from his first foray into movies as the black son of George Segal in Carbon Copy, to his incomparable portrayal of an honest, upright cowboy in the Magnificent Seven. In this movie, he is not the handsome, stunning leading man as he was in his other movies. He is a 70's throwback: dumpy, dowdy in an exceptionally ill-fitting suit, and sporting an Afro that his son adopted in Black Klansman. That being said, he is still Denzel Washington, a man who dominates the screen with his sheer force of personality, and he makes you believe the character that he is inhabiting. And, as a side note, he can never discard that fabulous walk, even as a frumpy, poorly dressed but brilliant attorney. Roman J. Israel, Esq. is a must watch movie that invokes the better instincts in all of us.
The Missing (2003)
Thoughtful movie
"The Missing" was a combination of a number of elements: a western, the supernatural, love, death, and hate. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and did not need to employ willful suspension of disbelief. I found it to be an excellent depiction of the hardships of the times, well captured emotionally and visually. The west was not a place for sissies, and Maggie was a strong woman with the backbone to survive. Dot was also a well-tanned little hide, but Lily was more delicate. All three characters were superb. Tommy Lee Jones was, as always, impossible to ignore and showed the acting range that few possess. The man is simple fantastic. Through the power of his direction, Ron Howard led the viewer through the story, and sure, Lily was a whiner; the women made stupid mistakes, as did the men; but the story was well told and fascinating. The witch angle was a skillful twist, based in truth, which added an element of suspense not normally found in a western. All in all, I thought the movie was a marvelously told story from beginning to end, and once again, the actors and Mr. Howard have given my dollars worth, and no disappointment.