Change Your Image
dwmyers_99
Reviews
Perry Mason (2020)
Well made, but who are these people?
Once I was able to lose the thought of Earl Stanley Gardner spinning in his grave, I enjoyed the series. The production values are superb, but I continue to be turned off when well known literary characters are recreated in name only. You will enjoy this series more if you have never read any of the Perry Mason novels. Unfortunately, I have read them all. Your mileage may vary.
Designated Survivor (2016)
Thank you, Netflix
Every negative review here reads like something from the religious conservatives, a group that is as non-religious as one can get. Political leanings aside, I am glad the show is back and enjoy it a lot. Perhaps they should give conservative views a tad more opportunity and not concentrate on homosexuality, profanity, race and women's issues all at once. That might help the right to get their kn knickers untangled a bit. I am currently halfway through season three and look forward to each new episode.
Murder Mystery (2019)
Worth the time to watch
As I sat through this mildly amusing Netflix comedy murder mystery, I couldn't stop thinking how much better it would have been with Woody Allen and Diane Keaton reprising their roles in Manhattan Murder Mystery. Jennifer Aniston tries hard, and Adam Sandler is, well, Adam Sandler. He doesn't seem to be able to dial it down and comes across as more annoying than humorous. With all that said, you won't feel as though you have wasted your time watching it. The supporting cast holds its own.
Darkest Hour (2017)
An outstanding film
I have read several reviews where people complain about this film portraying events that didn't really occur. To those people I say go watch a documentary. To revive a quote, or possibly paraphrase the great Roger Ebert, who in reviewing (I believe) Thirteen Days said that "Maybe it didn't really happen like this, but it looked as though it could have."
The atmosphere is captured quite well, and Gary Oldman made me feel as though I was actually watching Winston Churchill. I enjoyed this film immensely and couldn't wait to get the DVD, which you should do if you haven't seen this yet.
Jack Ryan (2018)
Definitely worth watching
I have read a lot of negative reviews from Tom Clancy purists, and I understand their point of view.I get upset when people play around withr Sherlock Holmes. But to pan this series and call it unwatchable is to throw the baby out with the bath water. I might not agree with some of the casting. but they all do a credible job. I like John Krasinski as an early Jack Ryan. I find him quite likable with a good combination of naivete and daring.
I watched the series over four nights and found the story line and performances to be more than satisfying and am looking forward to a second season. If you keep your expectations under control and accept it for what it is, you should find this series well worth your while.
Bosch (2014)
An excellent show
I wish to add to the glowing reviews of this show. I just finished season 4 and thought it was the best one so far with its many plot twists and surprises. I love the entire cast of this show. I would take exception to the several negative comments about the performance of Madison Linz as Bosch's daughter Maddie. As the father of two daughters, I think her portrayal of a teenager is spot on. bouncing back an forth between moodiness and loving daughter. I suspect that those who say she can't act haven't spent that much time with a teenager around.
I don't know if is just me or not, but it took me a while to figure out the back story on season 4. For the longest time, I felt as though I had missed an initial episode that laid out the background story of what was to transpire. Perhaps never having read the books contribute to this, but I thought a little more plot development was in order.
I highly recommend this series and look forward to more episodes.
The Pale Horse (1997)
Mediocre at best
We rented this expecting to have a cozy evening at home. I came away very disappointed. Most Agatha Christie adaptations are very good, and I was not familiar with this particular story. The first 15 minutes promise an entertaining experience, but then it more or less runs off the tracks.
The writing is pretty poor and should have provided additional exposition. Watching this was like reading a novel and skipping the even numbered chapters. I had only a faint clue as what was going on and could not figure out why the characters were doing or why they were doing it, mostly the latter.
In the future, I will stick to the Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple stories. With them, you know what you are getting and won't be disappointed.
Topper Returns (1941)
A delightful old mystery
One of my favorites of the 30's and 40's light comedy-mysteries. Spooky house, hidden passages and a murderer to catch. Carole Landis never looked better, and Joan Blondell is at her funniest. A shame that films like this one aren't seen much anymore. The B/W version is better to watch than the colorized version, but either is worth watching. Recently re-issued as a low cost DVD.