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DrCharlesMontague
Reviews
Frasier: Freddy's Birthday (2023)
Funnyish, but didn't match.
This episode had some decent humor, but the whole approach of Frasier and Lilith despising each other did not match with the older series. While Frasier and Lilith enjoyed some jabs in the older series, it never felt like they absolutely could not stand each other, and they were much more civil to each other, especially towards the end of the older series.
Overall it felt pretty forced. The ending where they eventually had a decent visit and even began to re-explore their famous fiery physical passion for each other felt much more like normal for these two. Would definitely love to see more Lilith in this series; they just need to do an adjustment and make the relationship more humorous again.
Curb Your Enthusiasm: Shaq (2001)
More proof that sports are dumb
An episode about Larry accidentally tripping Shaq (who I think is cool, even though I don't like sports-he lives in my sister's community and has a great reputation there), and everyone under the Sun overreacting and acting like whiny babies and wanting to ditch Larry over it, which is all too typical of sports-obsessed morons.
Cheryl's parents are even more annoying than she is, which I would not have thought possible until I saw it. The guy who plays her dad seems to almost always play a very annoying character, and I'm sure Larry subsidizes their existence only for them to act like ingrates in his house.
Larry saves this episode with the humor though, and his interaction with Shaq in the hospital is great!
Dawson's Creek: ...Must Come to an End (2003)
Unnecessary finale
As others have mentioned, the episode prior to the two-part finale should have been where they called it quits. This finale felt so contrived and was so underwhelming I put off watching the second part for days. There were really too many details missing to jump ahead five years, and the wrapping up of all of these characters felt forced and messy, with Joey doing the Joey thing and finally winding up with Pacey after years of seemingly happily cohabitating with other guys, Dawson having his career blossom so neatly and perfectly even though we all know that would be impossible, Jack and Doug suddenly being an item (albeit the usual highly awkward item that was this show's hallmark), and the way they decided to practically murder Jen in the end. I also will never understand why they never developed that little plot with Jen's half-sister. Like, did their mother find her and drown her or something? I'm glad for this angst-ridden drama to be over, but I'm disappointed they dragged out the finale the way they did.
Dawson's Creek: Everything Put Together Falls Apart (2002)
Slow Descent should have been the title.
I started watching this show for the nostalgia, since it was a thing when I was in HS, but I never watched it back then. It's been painful at times, but this episode was one of the most painful yet. Dawson himself has been diminished to a supporting character, it seems, which puts the spotlight annoyingly on Joey.
This episode encapsulates everything that is wrong with Joey. For someone who had such a struggle growing up, she is the most selfish and entitled person ever. Everywhere she goes she puts demands on others and basically expects a red carpet. How are you going to show up at a bar to study and gripe about what's on the jukebox, and eschew your picturesque designer dorm room for studying?
Joey's gross irresponsibility in "sleeping" through her big exam is one of the dumbest things I've ever seen, and the manner in which she wants to demand her professor give her another chance is nothing short of astonishing. As much as I don't like the professor, he's absolutely right to flunk her on the exam.
Speaking of the professor, he has to be one of the most outlandishly awful characters as well. Dude is super creepy in his pursuit of bullying students. Still though, he was right to not give Joey a pass on being late for the exam because she was irresponsible.
Then there's Pacey and his revolving door of women issues. Not knowing one's date and what they'll do at a company event (however sleazy and unrealistic) is a huge blunder, but that's Pacey's life.
Dawson's whole deal with this movie he's assisting in making is weird, and his romance with the actress is mysterious and unpromising. Taking her and his boss to his mom's house for Christmas also seems a bit disjointed.
None of the others had much going on in this episode, except for the building of Audrey's drinking problem platform. I think Jack showed up for a minute so Kerr could get paid, and there was a brief flash of Grams with Jen with her in church (?).
Reba: Reba the Realtor (2005)
How many times can something be mispronounced?
They pronounced it "reala-ter" all throughout this episode and it drove me nuts. It is "real-tor." Otherwise, it's your standard Reba episode.
Oh, IMDB requires 600 characters, so we'll go a bit further. Reba decides to be a realtor, and in typical sitcom fashion her first client is someone like her ex-husband, and there are clever-but-unrealistic plot developments such as the ex-husband not wanting to get rid of his bachelor pad and his new wife having squirrelled away bailout money in secret since the husband is a drip and bad with money, even though he's in a profession where it should be no problem.
This Is Where I Leave You (2014)
Meh.
It was entertaining enough I don't regret watching it, but it also wasn't great enough to be a repeat watch. It was CERTAINLY better than The Meyerowitz Stories, which is one of the worst movies of this type ever. This was, I guess, somewhere between Hanging Up and Elizabethtown? Kind of hard to say. Watch and see what you think! There's enough going on it's not a total waste. One utterly preposterous character was the one played by that guy from Star Wars. How anyone tolerated that mess as his character was portrayed is highly improbable, actually. Jane Fonda was good and didn't overcook the acting too much, although her character's one surprise move seemed a tad forced into the plot.
Duchess of Windsor: The Woman Who Stole the King's Heart (2017)
Terrible documentary.
Okay there were a smidge of interesting details in the beginning, but it really failed to deliver. I just turned it off about 2/3 through when I looked back up from my phone and saw they were back at the dress talking about her fashion icon stuff yet again. I was hoping to see more about her actual upbringing and any encounters people had. And what's with this oddball blend of proper British presentation combined with almost desperate historians in Baltimore, also combined with modern "street" music at odd moments? This was not good and you're better off reading Wikipedia or watching something on YouTube.
The Four Seasons (1981)
It was fine. I give it a solid C.
I had mixed expectations, given the cast but also the reviews and knowing how some movies have not aged well. This was sort of like a tidier and more dynamic version of The Big Chill in a way.
The overdone laughing was too much, and some of the gags were predictable, however that's because some of the things are actually realistic. Yes, I've been on a boat that ran aground, where the anchor slipped totally away, and yes I've had people get nice automobiles stuck in undesirable situations in group settings; so I guess they actually hit some nails on the heads there.
Overall, this was fine. Some of it was annoying and ridiculous, but mostly it was just not far-fetched. The most unfortunate character was Anne (the first wife of the one guy-the one who photographed vegetables). I felt like they wanted the audience to feel bad for her, but it was difficult to since she was just not likeable.
All Good Things (2010)
Good movie that draws attention to real case
I don't understand the bad reviews for this movie. It's not supposed to be some dumb and entertaining flick, but rather a movie based on an awful true story that stirs curiosity, which it does extremely well. I feel the casting was done rather well, and the actors made you feel something for the characters, especially Kirsten Dunst playing Marks' (Durst's) wife. Others have pointed out inaccuracies, but honestly from what I've read about the real case, it seems highly mysterious and I think the filmmakers actually did a great job making it as succinct and clear as possible. Probably the only part I did find a tad odd was their choice to also use Gosling for the aged Durst at the end.
American Gigolo (1980)
Good imperfect movie worth a watch.
This movie is surprisingly entertaining with its moody stylishness, and casually glamorous L. A. settings (loved the use of landmarks such as Perino's restaurant). It's almost like an R-rated and edgier episode of Columbo. As others have stated over and over, it *is* greatly let down by a weak plot-weak, but only because they didn't run with it. It's frustrating since the ingredients were definitely there, and if they had developed the plot more it would have been okay to even have longer runtime, but it felt like they wanted to just keep it at two hours and someone said "hurry up and finish it" in the end. Don't let it stop you from watching though. Definitely better than Basic Instinct or Body Of Evidence.
Columbo: Dead Weight (1971)
Great cast, but a dud of an episode.
Fantastic cast with a promising beginning, but it all dropped off steadily as the episode went on and was ultimately disappointing. It was so different to have a witness in the beginning of a Columbo episode, but they dropped the ball with it. The witness became frustrating with her insecurities, and her mother was infuriating.
The lack of obvious evidence in the General's house was pretty much impossible, as others have mentioned, and the whole plot was really too simplistic and predictable for Columbo. The scene where they're out on the yacht "testing the engines" is ridiculous as well. My family had a similar boat and they're just not that loud, nor do people typically go out and run them in such a way.
The Watcher (2022)
What is this?
The actual story of The Watcher was interesting and weird enough without needing to be fluffed up like this! Literally every character is terrible. Stereotypical awful parents, and the neighbors and other community members are way out there. Also, I'm no stranger to colorful language, but the use of the f-word is gratuitous to say the least. In one scene it's every other word out of Jennifer Coolidge's mouth, which is really a disservice to her since she's a great and fun actress.
I've never rolled my eyes so much throughout one episode of any series before. I usually finish a series no matter what (I suffered through the entire run of Weeds), but this is one I cannot continue to watch.
Mad About You: Weekend in L.A. (1998)
One more time Jamie was delusional
Sort of strange episode that showcased Jamie's weird tendencies and bizarre thinking. I know people have doubts about their life decisions (I have them ALL the time), but the way Jamie just belts it out and dreams things up is a little beyond. Also, a hot tub on an aeroplane???
Terms of Endearment (1983)
Not as enjoyable with age.
When I was a kid, "The Evening Star" (sequel to TOE) came on the movie channels a fair bit, and it was quite entertaining. Then I saw Terms of Endearment and found it interesting, if not nearly as entertaining. Now that I'm a more mature adult who has witnessed family and friends and their abhorrent practices with their relationships and raising their kids, I do not find the whole story as amusing. Now I just see a group of people who live in their own narcissistic universes who behave hypocritically and turn more and more terrible people out into the world.
One thing that's odd to me throughout these movies is how stuffy Aurora *acts*, but how she behaves otherwise is a different story. Both she and her daughter, Emma, want to be able to run around as they please, but they SURE don't want their interests running around on *them*.
Also, how much money did Aurora's husband leave her??? He died in the beginning of the first movie in like, the 1950's, and the whole story went through to 1996 by the timeline in the second movie, with Aurora living in her Houston mini-mansion filled with art and artifacts, driving Cadillacs, employing a full-time maid, and as far as I could tell Aurora never worked a day outside the home in her life (and in the home she had full-time help, all the time, but bellyached about her struggles constantly).
Weeds (2005)
The first two seasons are great!
The first two seasons are clever, imaginative, and hilarious. The REST of this series is a dumpster fire though. I watched the ENTIRE thing, thinking it would surely improve at some point since there were so many seasons. Each season surprised with how much worse it was than the prior season. Nancy becomes increasingly insufferable to watch. The nail in the coffin was when Celia left. Watch seasons 1 and 2, and then WALK AWAY.
The Spell (1977)
It had potential.
This movie has lots of good ingredients that could have made it pretty good if they tried about 20% harder. But it was, ultimately, kind of boring and fell flat for me. It was pretty low rent for Lee Grant in terms of the plot, but her acting lifted it somewhat. The scenery was typical mid-20th century beautiful California wealth, but the plot was truly ridiculous with an absolutely loathesome father and lots of noise made about the main character's fat, even though she really was not fat. One curiosity to me is this was said to be made for TV, but the scene where the dad notices his car hood is warm and exclaims "sh*t!" had me wondering if it originally made it onto TV that way.
You: Swing and a Miss (2021)
Jumping the shark?
So, this episode was definitely more interesting than literally all of season 3 so far, and I have not watched the last two episodes yet, but even though this episode was definitely spicier I'm wondering if this is where this show has officially "jumped the shark?"
The Office (2005)
Not my thing.
I enjoy a very wide variety of sitcoms and "mockumentaries," but I've encountered and tried to watch this show many times and it does absolutely nothing to draw me in. When it comes on after Seinfeld or something else decent on Comedy Central and I walk in on it, I find myself cringing at whatever someone on this show is saying. I'm no prude, and I enjoy South Park-style offensive humor, but The Office is uncomfortably offensive to me with some of the demeaning things I've heard people saying on it. Maybe it's because it's taking place in what is supposed to be a real environment? Oh, and it puts you to SLEEP. Great napping show, I guess.
Reba (2001)
Reba should stick to singing.
I like Reba McEntire and I think she's a great singer and performer. This show was a bad idea though. It's hard to know where to start, but basically Reba was jilted by her dummy ex-husband when he impregnated his obnoxious assistant, and said assistant has a creepy obsession with being Reba's best friend. Meanwhile there is bad parenting in droves. The oldest daughter lets herself become pregnant in high school by her dumb boyfriend, and the younger daughter is full of anger and snide remarks, and the youngest kid is basically ignored. The plots are ridiculous and although there are humorous moments, the whole thing really isn't funny. It's all kind of irresponsible and, not to mention, unrealistic.
Channel One News (1990)
It was informative, but...
I was in high school in the early 2000's when this was on, and I'll give it credit for at least making the other ignorant people at school somewhat aware of what was going on in the world and generating some form of mature discussions at the lunch table, etc. HOWEVER, the shameless amount of advertising was outrageous, looking back now as an adult with a marketing degree. So, it was a mixed bag.
The Golden Girls: All That Jazz (1989)
Humorous as usual, but frustrating plot.
Dorothy's son arrives due to being kicked out by his wife, and the frustrating part of this episode is how Dorothy is endlessly criticized no matter what she tries to do about it. Sophia hypocritically tells her she should "back her kid up more" (a real laugh, since Sophia was so abusive of Dorothy most of the time), and the others all acted like Dorothy was not tough enough.
Sabrina (1995)
A fantastic comfort movie.
I'm a dude and I realize this was supposed to be a "chick flick," but this movie has so many things going for it. Not only is it civilized and comforting (we all know it will turn out well, somehow), but the cool stuff throughout this movie such as the cars, the real estate, the aeroplanes and helicopters, etc. Are treats for the eyes. This movie is loaded with deep, intelligent comedy that will sadly be missed by today's world. A lot of people don't seem to get this movie, and that is the only disappointing part.
Uncle Buck (1989)
Comfort movie with a couple of flaws
This is a wonderfully enjoyable movie, with just the usual far-fetched bits such as an awful teenager who does a complete turnaround and WEAK parents. On that, the mother was SUCH a terrible and condescending person I wanted to slap. Her snooty attitude towards Buck, her dismal parenting skills, and the way she obviously expected her husband to wait on her like royalty were turn-offs. Otherwise though, come here for the plentiful comforting comedy of the late John Candy, the enormous and fluffy Chicago suburban mini mansion, and a soundtrack that's definitely not terrible. The neighbor, played by Laurie Metcalf, was a perfect supporting character and her brief appearances were greatly worthwhile.
Clarkson's Farm (2021)
Entertaining AND eye-opening!
Jeremy is one of my favorite TV personalities and he has really topped himself with this show. It is so delightfully entertaining, but not in any silly or ridiculous ways. I love how he calls attention to the struggles of farming, but he's also making it cool and interesting. The supporting characters are about as well chosen as James and Richard were as co-hosts for all of the years of car shows. Truly a masterpiece, and I cannot wait for more seasons.
The Ice Road (2021)
Not worthwhile.
This movie tries to stir socio-political fires and is insulting in how it does so. The plot is absurd, the treatment of the very characters they try to create empathy for is horrendous (movies like this only perpetuate stereotypes and attitudes), and it's just overall negative and unnecessary.