metsfandave86 Reviews

The Family Stone (2005)

Great cast horrible story and execution

[1/10 · 14 January 2022]

This movie is a great example of how a great cast can still destroy a script. The Family Stone centers on a young up and coming business woman who has been invited to her boyfriends Christmas. It appears she has met some family members before based on a few references. From the beginning it is clear the family does not like this young woman and they do everything and say everything to make her feel uncomfortable.

The family is a melting pot of characters. Happily married husband and wife dealing with wife's cancer diagnosis. A successful business man for a son, a happily married housewife for a daughter, a son and daughter who both seem to be trying to find their place in the world. Then there is the deaf, gay brother who also finds himself in an inter-racial relationship.

Let me say the gay inter-racial relationship seems a bit much when you add the hearing impairment. It is not needed for the storyline. The character does not have many lines and is just there for the ride throughout the movie.

The climax of the movie happens at the dinner table when the young woman played by Sarah Jessica Parker questions the mom on when she wished for all gay boys. As a guest in their house this was out of line, but the reasons for her questions were normal for the conversation. Again she was rudely told her place like she did not belong.

It was clear the family did not want this girl in their family, but all that changed when the young woman invited her sister to come for support. When the sister arrived she hit it off with her sisters boyfriend and Sarah Jessica Parker's character hit it off with another brother. By the end of the movie everyone seemed happy and in love with the young woman though with a different member of the family.

Confusing...you don't like her and not s good fit for one brother, but now she is one of the family when with another brothet.

The Yankles (2009)

Not Great, but Not Bad either

[7/10 · 22 September 2021]

This movie is about a Jewish baseball team. Their coach trying to resurrect his image after a botched play cost his team a championship. He is given the chance to teach these Orthodox Jews the National pastime. It is not a great movie and the acting is just so so, but it is a cute movie worth watching one time.

Pete's Dragon (2016)

This dragon has no fire

[1/10 · 15 August 2021]

This was a horrible attempt at a remake. The storyline was so weak with weak performances from the actors. They needed more character development. When you put this film up against the original the remake does nothing. This film with a redo on the storyline actually stands by itself and should not be considered a remake. The dragon in this version is too computerized. It made me appreciate the animation features of the original dragon way more.

Ali (2001)

Not the KO it could have been

[5/10 · 12 August 2021]

Will Smith did a good Ali. The storyline was a little slow as it was mostly about his religious/political stance. They could have done more with the boxing and they barely touched the Ali/Cossell relationship. It came across like boxing was a side job. This is not a sports movie. This is a history lesson, political statement with a small mention of Ali being the greatest boxer of all time.

Boy Meets World (1993–2000)

A Modern Day Leave It to Beaver

[8/10 · 12 August 2021]

I remember this show from my youth, now my family are watching entire series on Disney Plus. This show does a lot of things right. It chronicles the life of youngster Cory Matthews and how he handles growing up from elementary through college years. His group includes his family. His mom and dad raising 3 children always have the right answer for Cory and their other kids. His best friend Shawn Hunter who lives a troubled life is fighting his own deamons, however the two friends would do literally anything for the other. Cory does find himself in trouble from time to time, but he has a teacher/principal Mr. Feeny who pours love and discipline into him, Mr. Feeny becomes one of the biggest influences in Mr. Matthews life. Then there is Topenga. They have been friends for a very long time. They eventually become high school sweethearts and write one of the greatest tv sitcom romances ever. This is a really good show that can get goofy at times, but they handle teen issues with dignity and care. One of the things that make this show so fun is the number of actors that made appearances on this show. Too many to mention, but it is fun when they show up on the screen.

The Andy Griffith Show (1960–1968)

This show is so good that you will want to move Mayberry

[10/10 · 1 June 2021]

The Andy Griffith Show takes place in the town of Mayberry. Mayberry is not real, but many believe it is modeled after Andy's real life hometown of Mt. Airy, NC.

Over the years The Andy Griffith Show has become a staple in many ways. Many love individual characters, storylines, episodes and even the simple life of a small town life where you know everyone.

The Andy Griffith show is pure and innocent and teaches wholesome lessons about life. As people watch this show they go back to simpler times and wish they could relocate to Mayberry.

As you watch you find yourself in love with the characters and even quoting the many one liners this show produces.

Don't just watch this show, become apart of the lives of the characters and town of Mayberry.

Last Man Standing (2011–2021)

Great show that did not finish well

[7/10 · 31 May 2021]

This show started off so good. The political humor drove this show and eventually drove it off the air. The character changes really hurt this show especially Mandy. No Eve during the final season really crippled the show. Mike and Eve worked well with each other. Mike and Jen never worked.

Let me say it was a good show. It was clean and tasteful and you just don't see that anymore. I wish it would have stayed consistent to it's beginning, but I will miss this show.

Return to Mayberry (1986 TV Movie)

When it comes to The Andy Griffith Show this was horrible

[3/10 · 27 May 2021]

First off let me say that I am a huge Andy Griffith Show fan. My dad raised me on the reruns and a former co-worker and I used to quiz each other on the show at work. A few years ago I watched the reunion movie Return to Mayberry for the first time and thought it was ok, however I did not really pay attention to details. So when I watched it again about 6 months ago I paid closer attention to details and found that this movie is a disappointment and just does not deliver the same ole Mayberry charm the show did in it's prime. First off I will say it was nice to see some of the old characters back on screen ie...Andy, Barney, Opie, Helen, Thelma Lou, Howard, Otis, Ernest T, Gomer, Goober and The Darlings.

One of the things that disappointed me was the Storyline. The storyline in Return to Mayberry made many color episodes fun to watch. The monster in Myers Lake and Ernest T's involvement seemed like a huge stretch for The Andy Griffith Show. The set used for Mayberry did NOT look anything like Mayberry, it actually looked like a completely different town. A sober Otis was nice but did not seem to fit in this situation.

I can see where some people might like this, but having been around this show for a few years I found it very disappointing.

2012 (I) (2009)

This has a Noah's Ark feel

[9/10 · 26 May 2021]

The earth is literally crumbling all around, and if you have the golden ticket you can board one of three ships built to save the human race. When you see the storyline played out it has a Noah's Ark kind of feel.

The special effects are really cool. One scene has a limo driving through town while the whole town behind it is literally falling into the ocean. Another scene shows a small airplane flying off a runway while massive earthquakes and swallowing up the earth behind it.

The acting is actually pretty good. Special nod to Woody Harrleson who plays a conspiracy theorist brilliantly.

If you like intense action with great special effects you will love this movie.

Popeye (1980)

Robin Williams is a character genius

[8/10 · 25 May 2021]

Of all the characters Robin Williams ever played, his portrayal of Popeye the Sailor Man might just be his best. His look and the voice he used was spot on. The storyline was a little quirky, but for this movie it fit. Shelley Duvall as Olive Oil was fantastic. If you are looking for a fun movie with really good character acting that takes you back to the cartoon series or comic strip, Popeye starring Robin Williams is a great family film.

Mr. Holland's Opus (1995)

A Musical Masterpiece

[10/10 · 22 May 2021]

Mr. Holland's Opus is an amazing movie. The acting, music, storyline and attention to detail related to history was spot on. Mr. Holland is a traveling musician that finds himself needing a new gig. He lands a job as a high school music teacher. Not real excited about the opportunity, he does not realize this new gig will change his life forever.

For sometime, Mr. Holland has been writing a music piece, but there is always something keeping him from writing...class, rehersal, drivers ed, etc. One of the things that makes this movie so special is (unbeknownst to Mr. Holland) is the impact he had on students. My favorite character in the movie is Gertrude Lang. Her character went from wimpy and unconfident to governor of the state. Mr. Holland invested in her and so many students over the many years of his career. The final scene tells the whole story. The school board closes down fine arts in the school and forces Mr. Holland to retire. On his final day, as he is leaving the school for the last time, Mr. Holland hears noises coming from the auditorium. He arrives to the auditorium, opens the doors to a standing ovation of former students, faculty and loved ones who came to surprise him and thank him for all he has meant to them, the school and community.

Mr. Holland, who has finally completed his musical piece is asked to direct an orchestra of current and former students in the playing of his masterpiece. The message of that final concert is that Mr. Holland's masterpiece or Opus was not on a sheet of music, but in ALL of the lives he impacted as a teacher.

The acting in this movie was simply amazing. The storyline was realistic, including the battle over dismissing fine arts in public schools.

Having attended and participated in a music program in high school, I learned under a teacher that made the same impact as Mr. Holland. This movie takes me back to my music days and to better times.

Honest Thief (2020)

The Taken series is better, but this is good

[8/10 · 19 May 2021]

I am really starting to like anything Liam Neeson is in. I will say I do not believe this is his best performance as this movie does not have the action that say Taken does. What I do like is the storyline. The movie is about a thief that wants to turn himself in because he has found love with a young lady played by Kate Walsh. The thief calls the authorities to turn himself in...to authenticate his story he tells the authorities where the money is. Two agents assigned to the case find the money, things change when one of the agents get greedy and go rogue planning to keep the money and convinces his partner to join him in the theft. I will not spoil anything else.

My two favorite parts of the movie was when Liam Neeson's character blows up the rogue agents house and puts a dummy bomb on the rogue agents car.

The acting in the movie was just ok...my rating is based wholly on the storyline.

The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers (2021–2022)

A fun way to expand The Mighty Ducks franchise

[9/10 · 18 May 2021]

This is NOT a movie but a series that is showing on Disney Plus. It takes place a few years after Gordon Bombay and The Mighty Ducks. When this series starts the Ducks are a Dynasty with a cocky coach that wins state every year at no cost. Lauren Graham plays a single mom who kid gets kicked off the Ducks. Frustrated by the way the cocky coach talked to her son, starts their own team named "The Don't Bother's." This team has no business being on the ice except these kids want to matter and be viewed in the same way as everyone else.

This series has done a good job connecting to the movie franchise by having Emilio Esteves reprise his portrayal of Gordon Bombay. In this series he is in hiding at a low budget run down skate rink and doesn't want anything to do with hockey until he meets up with The Don't Bother's. One episode several of the original Mighty Ducks from the first movie make an appearance at a Ducks gala and pay tribute to their forgotten coach because no one else will honor Gordon Bombay.

I have enjoyed watching this with my son. It has been fun reliving those Ducks days.

My only issue with the series...one of the members of The Don't Bother's has two moms. There is no reason this needs to be in the storyline. So far it has not added any value to the series. Keep in mind this is a Disney production so that may be the only reason why that shows up at all.

Straw Dogs (2011)

Have not seen original, but here are my thoughts

[3/10 · 17 May 2021]

Let me begin by saying I was not aware this was a remake. Had never heard of Straw Dogs or an original film till I read all reviews about this edition. I have seen other films that would be comparable to this type of movie. I would start off by saying that this movie is predictable. You have a couple of underdogs (the married couple) harassed or bullied by thugs (the straw dogs or work crew) there is a violent sexual encounter between the thugs and female member of married couple and a final climax where the underdogs have had enough and literally take out their revenge in a bloody graffic scene that leaves the underdogs the lone ones standing.

There is one storyline that does not make any sense to me. The football coach, his daughter and mentally challenged young man. I do not see any reason why these three characters should be in the storyline. The only thing I see is it provided an avenue to get the underdogs and Straw Dogs to the same location for the final graffic scene.

Several reviews comment on the wife's response to the rape(s). While the husband did not know about the assault, he constantly blamed her and really never tried to defend her before the Straw Dogs. It was very clear the wife was growing more and more frustrated with her husband which might explain some of her behaviors ie...the way she dressed in front of the straw dogs, flashing the straw dogs, and even her response to the first attack.

The final scene was not about the husband defending his wife's honor or getting his revenge for attacking or hurting his wife...it was all about protecting someone (the mentally challenged young man) whose character/storyline should never have been in the movie in the first place.

Overall predictable movie with too many characters and weak character development.

Cats (2019)

Not Broadway but a Great Movie

[8/10 · 9 January 2020]

I have always loved Cats and when I saw this was coming to theater I was excited. My wife and I bought tickets to see it, THEN I started to read reviews. Let me say I was very scared to see it. However I was very pleased with the final outcome. This is not a Broadway production, the singing is so so with the exception of Jennifer Hudson and Taylor Swift. Hudson's version of Memory was fantastic. Swift seemed like she had done musical theater many times before.

I loved the outfits. Everyone looked like they were actually Cats and their movements in their outfits was mesmerizing. The dancing, effects and cinematography was amazing.

There are a lot of 1 ratings for Cats, way too many if you ask me. No it is not perfect, but for a musical turned into a movie it is very well done. If you do read reviews don't let them drive you away, go in with an open mind.

Enjoy Jennifer Hudson...she is amazing