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Paging Mr. Darcy (2024)
Well done, Will Kemp!
Though Will Kemp might not fit the role of Jane Austen's Fitzwilliam Darcy as well as Colin Firth or Matthew Macfadyen, he certainly fits the role of Sam Lee to a tee, a shy, financially independent nerd who turns into the Jane Austen Lovers of America (JALA) Conference's Darcy once a year---well done!
Mallory Jansen's transformation from a pompous Ph. D. who looks down on people like Sam Lee who attend JALA-type gatherings to someone who, in the end, could enjoy dancing in a batiste evening dress with the JALA crowd seems to have been too abrupt. (I know character transformations can be tricky, so this is not entirely her fault.) Her Doctor Eloise Cavendish (emphasis on the "Doctor") reminds me of Anna Chancellor's villainous Caroline Bingley (in the 1995 Pride and Prejudice miniseries).
Lessons in Chemistry (2023)
Intelligent, socially clueless, trauma-familiar female chemist in the 1950s
I'm not a fan of Brie Larson, but I must admit that she is pretty good as an intelligent, socially clueless, trauma-familiar female chemist in the 1950s who brings her science into cooking. I first thought that Sally Hawkins might be better playing Elizabeth Zott, but perhaps not, as she might be a little bit sweeter, though I wouldn't mind such a portrayal, as strength comes in many forms. Anyway, Lewis Pullman, playing a world-famous chemist who becomes our heroine's professional and then later romantic partner, at least until the second episode, is good, too. As is 6:30, the stray curly-haired terrier (or is s/he a barbet?). Unfortunately, nothing in this world lasts forever. The first two episodes do a great job of introducing our main character, and I look forward to a fine season.
Gray (2023)
Has potential
The concept, apparently from David Baldacci, has promise: a CIA spy hiding for 20 years for being suspected of treason comes out to find a mole and renew family ties.
Patricia Clarkson is a good actress but could not quite pull off the physicality of Cornelia Gray, whether in physical fights or when using psychosexual weapons. Two of the three heads of Cerberus were caricatures, almost stooges. The creator of Cerberus also lacked the menace with which he was characterized by Gray. Also lacking bite was his lackey, played by Tim Rozon, who was not bad as a protagonist in the sci-fi/fantasy series Wynona Earp or Surreal Estate.
The relationships between Gray and the better-fleshed-out head of Cerberus, Kevin Tagg (played by Rupert Everett), and between Gray and the rookie, Sarah Beckham (played by Lydia West), whose father many believe was killed by Gray, kept the narrative going. I wouldn't mind a second season.
Rent-a-Groom (2023)
Stafford Perry
Stafford Perry carried this film. His acting was delightful, as was the backstory and transition of his character. Kylee Bush is undoubtedly pretty but could have benefited from a tighter script and direction. Jessy Schram or Jen Lilley might have fit the role better and might have had greater chemistry with the lead actor.
The film could be better (e.g., fewer caricatures and incredible events or situations; tighter script and direction). Still, I'm giving it ten stars because, firstly, its visual and aural simplicity is refreshing compared to typical Hallmarkian romcoms and, secondly, its current IMDB rating (5.1) needs to be higher.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022)
Superb visuals, very good actors, interesting characterizations!
Superb visuals. Numenor was splendid, and Khazad-Dum, awesome.
Very good actors, especially Morfydd Clark (Saint Maud, for which she won a BAFTA Cymru for Best Actress), Joseph Mawle (The Passion), Lloyd Owen, and Robert Aramayo.
Interesting characterizations, especially of Galadriel and Adar, but also of Elrond-Durin, Gandalf (the Stranger)-Nori, Galadriel-Elendil, and of course, Galadriel-Halbrand.
I am very glad that the showrunners decided to make Galadriel the lead character of Season 1, if not of the entire series. After all, Tolkien called her the greatest of the Noldor. I understand that the show had to make Gil-galad appear more regal and powerful than Galadriel (despite her being much older and greater) in order to amplify her transformational arc.
The show is far from perfect (dialogues were either insipid or cheesy at times) but is not bad! Looking forward to Season 2, especially to the further transformation of Galadriel (I won't be surprised if the showrunners will being her to Lothlorien during the Second Age, so that we can see her wield the Ring of Water), to the redemption of Adar, and to the introduction of Cirdan, who will wield the Ring of Fire!