rwscrnn Reviews

Mystic (2020– )

AMAZING show

[10/10 · 14 February 2024]

This is a beautiful sweet cinematic gorgeous show with great acting interesting stories and dynamic families. It's also fun just getting a little look at New Zealand and Maori culture. It's is a teen/family horse show, but for that it has again great story set and acting. And the horses are beautiful and shots of riding is really good. And it has supernatural elements which I found really interesting. It does has a lot of drama, some unnecessary conflict from people simply not calling each other right away, but for the most part they actually make that make sense in the world. And despite all these factors, the show feels very grounded and realistic. The best part though is that even though ALL the characters make bad choices and cause hurt, THEY ALL always apologize fully and sincerely-and that's so refreshing to see in a show that is about horses and drama. More shows need to show people being accountable, and giving and receiving forgiveness and reconciling despite mistakes from selfishness.

27 Dresses (2008)

It holds up!

[10/10 · 10 December 2023]

I wish they made good romcoms like this still! Sweet and funny and good little character development for both male and female lead that isn't totally tied to them ending up together. The family dynamic fleshes it out more. And there's nothing too cringey in jokes etc! AND there are sincerely sweet romantic and good chemistry moments between leads! "I cried like a baby at the Keller wedding."!!

Speaking of, why did we never get more James marsden as leading man movies!!!! He is so cute and charming and interesting! Love him in enchanted but it's so buffony, and then west world is so heavy. Needed more light leads from him!

Happiness for Beginners (2023)

So soo good

[10/10 · 12 August 2023]

This movie is sooo good, it doesn't fall into the stupid movie rom com traps Which it EASILY could have with its premise. But every interaction is more real and human and the characters are pretty realistic even though they're funny and quirky. I love Beckett and feel like he's such a real representation of trip leader 😆 I also loved the real hiking tips and beautiful scenery for whole movie. And it doesn't over explain things, like the whole set up of her and love interest which obviously included the family but they Don't have a "confrontation" scene because they don't need to! They just show and don't tell.

But yes it's so good! All the characters were so well drawn and it was cute and funny and realistic/natural still! Didnt think it was cheesy hardly at all. The ending was sooo! Good and still realistic (like saying consider it, bc yeah! That's a lot to take on a blinding partner).

But yeah it made me laugh, made me cry, and made my heart go pitter patter. 10 stars!

Sound of Freedom (2023)

An amazingly well done film with a worthy message

[10/10 · 12 July 2023]

This was so well done and beautiful-in cinematography, acting, and writing-with an important message. It is not condescending or white savior-y. It shows people making choices to help other people. It has gorgeous shots, impelling leads, and interesting look into gov work and human trafficking.

To Me it also shows the power of Christ to love and rescue us, and those lost and alone in our world. To me it calls us to pray and confess, and obey Gods call in our lives, to live in freedom and help others do the same. For there is no other god who can save like this!

Definitely worth watching with open heart and mind.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017–2023)

Quality! But not as satisfying as 1-3 seasons

[9/10 · 31 May 2023]

I totally understand why they did what they did with the final season but I still don't love it. Season one and even season two and three were so charming and captivating because it was such a insular succinct story and world-you felt safe in this little world they created through the music and actors and characters and sets and costumes especially. Season four and five try to get too big and expansive which again I understand why-they were trying to build more into it and expand the story to the very end of Midges life, and explore some other themes and aspects of her life that weren't able to just be covered in the 1960s world and time frame. But honestly we didn't need it-it wasn't necessary; we would've been perfectly happy staying in the small world they created and just exploring and enjoying that place in space and who the character was in that time we didn't need to see the bitter or not bitter end. They also REALLY did us dirty by dropping Luke Kirby and Lenny Bruce almost entirely from the fifth season. They were so good together and the performances of them two on screen were so fun and so rich and so meaningful and we didn't get to see any of it or enjoy that! Again I understand that they felt Lenny Bruce served specific purpose and he wasn't really needed for that purpose in the same way in the fifth season but again we just wanted to enjoy the characters on screen we weren't asking for some great deep thing we just wanted to see them! Not only that but we got cheap replacement of Gordon ford-like who cares about him! His scene with midge were so meh! I DID love Carr and his rel with Susie-super cute.

The fifth season was also like a Gilmore girls reunion in a way that didn't really make sense. For example they brought back Milo as handsome man completely pointlessly and a lot of the other "funny" bits they were including throughout the season seemed very forced and pointless (eg zeldas plot) again because we lost a cohesive arc and line for the whole story so it just felt like bits and pieces together. They were good bits and pieces with some good writing and good jokes and good feeling moments (Tony shaloubs restaurant speech) but it didn't all go together cohesively because they were trying to do too much.

Also Midges character more broadly-and really Amy Sherman Palladinos writing-she seems to have these strong independent women but over and over the story progresses and the characters are lifted up both on this show and Gilmore girls by these magical men who fall in love with the leading ladies and basically do everything and give everything to them so it's like you're preaching independence yet there's always a man being the catalyst moving the plot forward. And this next point which mostly I like because I like living in a happy idealized world which is how ASP writes (except when it comes to the romantic relationships of her characters then it's all disaster and garbage over and over again-which is not what we want!), everyone always LOVES the main character. For example, I found it extremely unbelievable that male writing staff would be so quickly accepting and supportive of MM! So yeah while last season was solid and actually pretty good as far as endings go, I miss the MMM of season 1 And I miss Luke Kirby.

Schmigadoon! (2021–2023)

AMAZING!!!! So worth your time and with way more accolades!

[10/10 · 28 April 2023]

I instantly fell in love with this show when I saw first season, and only hoped for a second season. And it came! Totally sneaked up on me. The show is such a fun celebration of musicals. Personally I prefer the first season as it parodies/homages older classic musical. But there's been some really funny parodies to GODSPELL and Sondheim and of course Chicago in second season. In both, the singing and songs are truly so good! Excellent quality. And key and strong are such good leads funny great dancing and singing but still really grounded sweet emotional performances. And I love how they carry characters from first season but also add fun new ones.

Fire Country (2022– )

Pilot: Interesting!-Update: SO DAMN GOOD!!

[10/10 · 18 February 2023]

So I don't like "regular" cable shows especially CBS and usually NEVER actions/dramas like 911 and Chicago Fire and all those ridiculous shows. But I happened to see an ad/trailer and thought "that actually looks pretty good". So I decided to give it a go! I've only watched the pilot so far but it is good! It def has melodrama but it was interesting and very well shot. It got guy from Arrow! Glad to see he finally has a good role, didn't really nab much after arrow and he's good. He's good in this. The dad/captain character is really good too. And the friend Eve is likable. I will confess the other characters area a touch annoying, one review said none of the actors are fully comfortable in the character and I can see their point. But story is good too and by the end of the pilot I was sold. Which is stark comparison to new shows I've tried to watch recently where they're just all gross or blah. And funny to find this is executive produced by Jerry bruchkheimer! So not surprised it turned out well.

So finished the rest of the season, couldn't stop! So good. Excited for rest of season 1.

THE THING ABOUT THIS SHOW THATS special IS...that all the rediculous drama is in the crazy scenarios that unfold, and that's just entertaining (sometimes a little annoying bc like that def wouldn't! Happen) like Scorpion, but when it comes to the emotional and relational drama, it's all quite sincere and well done!!! The shows characters/relationships exhibit SO MUCH healthy communication, and lessons about being honest and vulnerable. They NEVER drag out "secrets" like shows normally do to kick up drama, they happen bc duh ppl get scared, but the characters quickly fess up/talk/resolve! And there is so much forgiveness and grace between the characters that is so beautiful and refreshing to see. It's really lovely. I cried several times. Def watch.

Spirited (2022)

Thoroughly enjoyable!!!

[9/10 · 23 December 2022]

I wasn't sure what to expect but this was so fun sweet mostly smart and just an amazingly well done musical! This movie asks what if the christmas carol was a large tech/Hollywood corporation (which is a little weird) but executed it as a Ryan Reynolds movie/a will Ferrell movie/a high school musical-but in the best ways. Also reminiscent of zoeys extraordinary playlist. Had some great music and songs too! They really used the music to tell the story and incorporated the musical parts seemlessly into the film as a whole.

It does have some cringey current references like "Karens" and trolls and dangers of social media and how "divided" people are and how easily people become divided, that will probably be dated in not too long. And not that addressing these topics is bad, but kind of does it in a way that just repeats what everyone's already said about it without actually challenging the issues, except for a few instances when characters made an individual personal choice to represent their character growth. I mean it did follow through in those moments, but to me still felt kind of shallow. But they did make up for it in some of the really deep meaningful songs that Will Ryan and Octavia had. I also wish they fleshed out uncle/niece relationship a bit more :/ but understand why they didn't.

Enola Holmes 2 (2022)

So good!!!!

[10/10 · 5 November 2022]

They really did an amazing job with this sequel!! It further explores all the great characters but still makes a completely different unique movie! They did kind of drop the ball with the mother a bit and the mystery was a lil bit easier to figure out. But still beautiful fun movie with a great villain! Turkey suspenseful, a little sad too though, with great romance the young leads had great chemistry! And sweet sibling interaction. They didn't have my Croft back though which was fine but I wished they redeemed that relationship from the first film. Surperbbjob! Everyone should watch enjoy and give Netflix props!

Rosaline (2022)

So good!!

[10/10 · 17 October 2022]

This is super silly and sweet and clever and heartwarming. They really balance the mix of modernism/historic period piece. It has romcom tropes but doesn't do it annoyingly! I especially appreciate they don't drag out the enemy girlfriends-they actually learn to like and forgive. So fun to watch and great leads-never saw Sean trawl super good!, wish there was more steamy scenes between them Bc they're chemistry was on point.

Definitely worth watching, but that's not surprising looking at the production team! Go Dan levy. And it's based on a book so solid source material. Clever how they give context to OG romo and Juliet story line.

Wedding Season (2022)

Omgosh so dumb

[3/10 · 29 August 2022]

I love this type of movie usually! Adding Indian ppl and NJ! I should love this, buuuut omg so dumb. I wanted To love Asha But her acting just felt false. And REALLY the big betrayal is my bf is a secret millionaire!!! That uses his money to generously give to charitable organizations!!!?? These romcoms are infamous for their stupid plots but this is next level. Who in their right mind would be UPSET at that reveal???? I'd be like HYPE, yes babe you're rich and famous and generous. Thankfully the friend breaks it down and yells at her-the one time romcom friend is sensible!

Also the family drama pressure was like really Asha you're whining bc your family loves you so much that they want you in a happy relationship. I mean yeah marriage pressure is a pain-but she just came across as a whiny baby. And she got mad at him lying!? When she lied to her whole family? It's just all dumb. And the whole B storyline with sisters wedding to white guy?? Like what were they trying to do?

Purple Hearts (2022)

Sweet SOLID movie, ignore naysayers

[8/10 · 27 August 2022]

This should have been a disgustingly cheesy and an overly dramatic hallmark movie but it was NOT. The two leads acted and felt real, the dev of the relationship was WAAAY more realistic than all dumb romcom fake rel stories, and their background was fleshed out, and the setting felt honest and contextual instead of all romantic movies that take place in "rich suburban America" or "big city" or "small town" OR "international place". It was a small look at life for lowering income families near military base in Cali. Plus the music was beautiful! And incorporated into the move well, which also just had beautiful cinematography. But yes I am not a fan of the Ariana grande singing style but oh well, still good singer!

The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022– )

Waaay better than it has a right to be

[9/10 · 25 August 2022]

I actually read this series after reading Jenny Han's To All the Boys series after watching the Netflix movie. This series is not near as good as her later work (TATB) but it is still moving and draws you in. Jenny Han has a way of writing that is so sincere and down to earth and real even when the storylines are so cliche. And amazingly Amazon hit it out of the park! To deliver that heart and sincerity amidst the teen drama-they even updated it addressing some of the unspoken themes of race and classism AND fleshed out some of the characters, namely the moms. I was originally not excited about the casting, but they were spot on! Belly was perfect. An excellently done series deserving of more seasons! But not sure how much attention this is getting which is a shame. Honestly there's just too many good shows now, smaller ones like this just don't get the notice.

Stumptown (2019–2020)

This was so good!!!

[10/10 · 27 February 2022]

I loved seeing Jake Johnson again!! It was such a good role for him. And cobie who I'm not a fan of was amazing!! And loved the incorporation of native people and stories and settings!! Such a good show. Network was dumb for not continuing on after covid shutdowns. :-(((((

An Astrological Guide for Broken Hearts (2021–2022)

Absolutely charming!

[10/10 · 19 January 2022]

I Love the characters and focus on friendship and interesting format! It is Totally charming sweet fun and engaging! I like watching shows made in other countries and languages as it's another layer to enjoy different culture and setting.

Dorfman in Love (2011)

Dont know why average is so low

[10/10 · 17 January 2022]

This is a seemingly simple cliche story but actually has so much heart and soul! With great performances and chemistry. With interesting real feel of setting and culture of characters. Well worth the watch and love and story stays with you!

Love and Monsters (2020)

Unexpectedly GOOD!

[10/10 · 16 January 2022]

This movies is actually really good and didn't get enough recognition or attention because of covid release. It of course has a silly over the top fictional premise but has really likable characters sweet moments comedy and of course the amazing performance of Dylan O'Brien! Especially if you like him as stiles in teen wolf, it's pure Dylan goodness and just a well executed story! Fun sweet funny and heartfelt.

Great News (2017–2018)

So underrated!!

[10/10 · 15 December 2021]

This is such a fun sweet funny ensemble show!!!! This is sadly one of many amazing shows that got unnoticed on cable networks then got prematurely cut! I only found the show once it was added to Netflix but then network cancelled after 2nd season :-( . They have to stop using old ratings measures to determine if show is successful or not! Anyway def worth the watch if you love silly sweet ensemble shows.

Cenerentola (2011– )

Absolutely enchanting

[10/10 · 19 July 2021]

One of the best Cinderella retellings! (Up there with ever after and Ella enchanted-the book) it's got history and gorgeous setting and amazing chemistry between actors and beautiful music and meaningful character arcs.

This Way Up (2019– )

AMAZING

[10/10 · 11 July 2021]

An incredible show that has so much honesty and heart and is Funny! Really reminds you to show up for others and keep laughing and loving even when you feel terrible. And it's just amazing well written and acted. The whole cast is phenomenal.