marybrodo Reviews

Sanditon (2019–2023)

Season 1: Good Season 2: Great Season 3: Just fine

[8/10 · 21 April 2023]

I re-watched Seasons 1 and 2 in anticipation of Season 3 coming out. Season 1 is engaging and decently written, and thought it was good. Season 2 is, in my opinion, an even better written script, and I really enjoyed it. Season 3's script was pretty aggressively average, but is was good enough and did a fine job in bringing about a satisfying ending.

Things I did not like: the actors who played Augusta, Lady Susan (but I liked her romance); the storyline with Esther; the missing Lord Babington; some of the scenery in Season 2.

Things I liked: the costumes; the actors who played Charlotte, Georgiana, Xander Colbourne, Samuel Colbourne, Miss Hankins, Arthur, Mary; Captain Fraser; the dance scenes; the romantic meetings and kisses.

As others have said, would love to see a Christmas Day sequel, especially involving Augusta.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)

So complex, relatable, and moving

[9/10 · 22 October 2022]

This series has many things going for it, and others have written about them, so I will defer.

What I am amazed at is how many of the tensions of the human condition are creatively addressed in this "day in the life of an attorney" series. You see parental love and parental abandonment; workplace bullying and workplace empathy; the battle between greed and a quest for fairness; romantic love and romantic tug-of-war; and many more allegories for our daily quest to overcome pain and find goodness.

And the tale of the nahrwal has to be one of the most moving parables of survival, self-awareness, and community ever written.

In addition to all of this "heavy" stuff, it is whimsical and charming.

Highly recommend.

Persuasion (I) (2022)

No chemistry

[1/10 · 17 July 2022]

A lot of this movie annoyed me, but I will keep things brief and only write of the central problem: little to no chemistry between Jane and Wentworth. This caused me to not care a whit whether they reunited. I would recommend that you do not waste your time watching this. At the end of the movie, you will feel like saying "who gives a rat's patootie about these two, and why did I just waste precious hours watching them?"

Glória (2021)

Such a compelling watch!

[7/10 · 2 June 2022]

There is a lot of graphic violence in this series, and that is why I dropped it to a 7 from what probably would have been a 9. I think the point of the cruelty and the dangers faced could have been made with more subtlety.

Having said that, I was glued to this series. It is such a compelling watch, and you are drawn in quickly (unlike other reviewers, I did not find Episodes 1 and 2 slow). The acting is very good (I thought the lead was incredible, but enjoyed pretty much all of the characters) and, as others have said, the cinematography, interesting historical context, fabulous soundtrack, and amazing '60s vibe, added to the multi-layered plot made this one of the best series I have seen in a long time.

To the producers: Cut the graphic violence if you have a Season 2, please, and you could have a true masterpiece.

Toscana (II) (2022)

Was there a plot in there?

[1/10 · 1 June 2022]

A brilliant chef learns that his father has died and all of his professional mien goes down the tubes in mere seconds and with a torrent of profanity. He goes to Italy and makes a few appreciative faces about the food. After brief, mostly antagonistic interaction with a figure from his childhood, he is kissing her romantically--- the night before her wedding. He decides to stay in Italy.

Was there a plot in there? Don't waste your time.

Anatomy of a Scandal (2022)

Had me pulled in tight--- and then dropped me with a thunderous contrivance.

[4/10 · 17 April 2022]

I had read the reviews here prior to watching, and could not understand, up to just before the end of episode 4, why so many were negative. The acting is great (Sienna Miller and Joshua McGuire, in particular), the cinematography is effective and the dialogue engaging.

Then, I came to the "twist" in the plot, and my positive sense went abruptly and completely down the tubes. I get it--- there has to be some theatrical license and we have to accept contrivance in plots to be entertained. But, the professional ethical lapse breach--- and the many plot threads that flow from it--- that we are expected to swallow is joltingly ridiculous. Don't watch this.

The Last Letter from Your Lover (2021)

Was drawn in from beginning to end

[9/10 · 30 July 2021]

I was completely enchanted by the acting, soundtrack, humor, scenery, retro-wardrobe, and storylines. I thought it developed the plight of the limitations of a 1960s woman---even a wealthy one--- well, and gave a good contrast to the plight of the 21st century career woman, also. While it was a bit predictable, and parts of the romance seemed rushed at times, it still had a command of my attention throughout. I enjoyed it and highly recommend.

The Cook of Castamar (2021)

Romance, plot twists, gorgeous scenery and music: what's not to like?

[8/10 · 25 July 2021]

This series completely entertained me. There were some flaws, but, overall, I would recommend.

Flaws: 1. The graphic sex scenes did not add much to anything.

2. I never got the Amelia/Gabriel relationship at all. Not one bit.

3. Amelia's facial expressions. Is there anyone in the world that makes those faces?

4. I agree; some early episodes could have been cut a bit to allow for a two episode ending and a fuller resolution.

5. Diego's teeth... dentures? There were so perfect but did not seem to fit his smile.

Why I enjoyed it: 1. Scenery, costumes and music.

2. Great acting: Carla, Diego, Mercedes, Enrique, Elisa, and the King in particular.

3. Loved the overlay of the beauty of cooking.

4. Thought there were some nice plot lines about loyalty, but also about treachery.

It cracks me up when people say they don't like period pieces because they are not realistic. I, for one, am glad that we don't have to deal with scenes of chamber pots, constant disease, and piles of horse manure in the streets. So, ignore those critics for sure.

Rushed ending aside, give this a chance, for nearly two weeks of nightly enjoyment.

Jane Eyre (2006)

All around amazing

[10/10 · 2 January 2021]

As we all struggle through the pandemic of 2020, I find myself getting through it by watching more movies than I ever have. I am so glad I came upon this marvelous version of Jane Eyre.

I first watched the George C. Scott/Susannah York version in high school (!), and have read the novel and caught parts of other productions--- most notably, Timothy Dalton--- through the years. I think this version is by far the best.

1. I really believe it captures the essence of the novel. I don't believe you can ever catch an entire book in a movie (so don't know why so many people seem to expect that). I think the novel is about overcoming horrible rejection to find nurturing love, with all the stops, starts, fears, and elation that goes with that years-long process. And I think this version captures that essence. Incidentally, I think there is a lot of underlying, seething passion in the novel (think about it, they describe Rochester as having at least three mistresses!), so I don't know why so many people object to the flashback depicting passion between Jane and Rochester. If nothing else, it certainly illustrated why Jane knew they could never live anywhere near each other without her becoming a kept woman.

2. The cinematography and the music are glorious. I have sat with my eyes closed just listening to the beautiful score, but mostly watch with my eyes open to see the incredible inside and outside shots. Marvelous.

3. The acting is great, and Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens both just shine. As many others have written, Ruth Wilson has an economy of facial expression that is able to convey emotions in the most encompassing manner. Toby Stephens captures lord of the manor and vulnerable, trusting partner incredibly well. Their shared scenes were wonderful.

My favorite scenes: the falling of the horse meeting; walking down the hall and up the stairway and tower to care for wounded Richard; the discovery of Bertha aftermath and explanation; and the amazing final reunion.

It's a treat. Burn some stuck in the house during a pandemic time and enjoy.

The Queen's Gambit (2020)

To reach beyond your grasp

[10/10 · 28 October 2020]

I am not sure that I am going to be able to articulate how this series impacted me, because it hits at so many levels that I am still sorting it out. You take in sumptuous beauty and callous ugliness; aching loyalty and heartbreaking betrayal; glorious hope and grueling despair. The last chess scene, when, clean of all drugs and alcohol, Beth gathers it all in, gazes upward to her intellect's creation of a gorgeous chessboard, and reaches beyond her grasp was overwhelming. All of the acting (but, wow, Anya!), the cinematography, screenplay, music, and costumes are works of art. Do not miss this.

Rebecca (I) (2020)

Unforced errors

[5/10 · 22 October 2020]

I am an enormous fan of the novel, having first read it about fifty years ago, and re-read it numerous times over the years. I never expect a movie to be exactly like the book--- I don't think it's possible most of the time---I just want the move to capture the spirit and essence of the book.

I really the first 90 minutes or so of the movie, and then, CLUNK. The climax and denouement inexplicably veered from the spirit and essence of the novel. The weird party/dream scenes, the graphics of a dead body---both in and out of the water---, and the biggest unforced error during the scene when Maxim loads a gun and goads his wife to shoot him. In the novel, their love is cemented in that scene of confession, and it is super important to believe that they have re-discovered each other, which is not communicated in this movie. Also, the scene where she sneaks into the doctor's office, and in general, the way that they wove Favell into the plot, were enormous fails.

It's not a bad way to spend two hours. As mentioned, I enjoyed the first three quarters of it and the cinematography is gorgeous. A ton of unforced errors with the resolution disappoints and causes me to give what is probably a pretty generous rating of 5.

Enola Holmes (2020)

Too much violence for me; too bad, otherwise it was great

[6/10 · 25 September 2020]

I loved the mystery, sleuthing, creative story, gorgeous cinematography, female empowerment, and great acting, especially Enola and Tewkesbury. It could have been so entertaining, but...

I guess I am just an old softie, but I thought it was way too violent. The scenes in the warehouse between Enola and the predator, and then in the mansion between Enola, Tewkesbury and the predator, in my opinion, were gratuitously violent. They could have exhibited menace and maleficence without being so graphic, and their intensity was stark in comparison to the lighthearted nature of the remainder of the movie. People have referred to it as being family-friendly--- maybe for 11 or 12 year old or older, but younger than that would bring about a lot of nightmares.

I would also like to have seen more of Enola and Tewkesbury on screen; their relationship was sweet, and should have been developed more.

Missed the mark for me. Maybe a sequel would meet it.

Virgin River (2019– )

Season 1: 10 stars Season 2: 3 stars so disappointing Average: around 6 stars

[6/10 · 8 September 2020]

I loved Season 1: the relationships and characters were developed. Jack and Mel did a lot of fun things together, and had serious conversations and I slowly felt like I was getting to know them and like them, just as they were getting to know each other and like each other. The other characters were also interesting and fun to watch. Definitely, Hope was as annoying as heck. But, the fact that she was so aggravating showed what a great character was developed. I thought the many "soapy" contrivances worked: they were handled well and added to the character development.

I watched all of the first 3 episodes of Season 2, and rapidly skimmed through the last 7. It's such an awful disappointment. The three main plot "segments"---Mel being Charmaine's healthcare provider/expert, Doc dating Muriel so that the town does not know he and Hope are reconciling, and Jack's dangerous interference in the drug trade--- are just churningly awful. They suck the life out of the characters and by the end of it, the characters are one-dimensional and boring. Even Jack and Mel lose the marvelous chemistry they had that was the central energy of Season 1.

I would like to hope that the writers could get their acts together and recapture the hard work and charm of Season 1, but I am not optimistic. I couldn't wait for Season 2; I doubt I will finish it, and I doubt even more that I will watch a Season 3.

The Exception (2016)

awful

[2/10 · 8 September 2020]

In the very beginning of the film, there is a scene between the Brandt character and Mieke character that made me nauseous. I will leave it at that, because I am trying to keep out any spoilers, but it set a tone that made the remainder of the movie kind of a dark ridiculous. So much of the essence of the movie depended on a trusting, caring relationship between Brandt and Mieke. After that first awful scene, there was no way that I could be convinced of such a relationship.

The only reason I gave any stars is that I did learn a bit more about the nineteenth and twentieth century German aristocracy. Other than that, I am shocked that so many big names were a part of such an awful show.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018)

Absolutely loved it; you had to be snoozing throughout not to!

[10/10 · 25 August 2020]

I am utterly baffled by the nasty reviews of this wonderful movie.

First, movies are usually "not as good as the book". Why would anyone ever have that expectation? Second, well, okay, the romance was predictable. But, my goodness, nothing else in the movie was! I don't want to write spoilers, so will just say each character in this movie had a depth and complexity and struggle that was beautifully acted. And there was nothing predictable at all as to how their heartbreak was revealed, or the loving support they received from each other to help them to face it and survive. Finally, why ding the film because of the set location? (I still love My Big Fat Greek Wedding, though it was filmed in Toronto, and set in my hometown of Chicago.)

The acting was wonderful: Lily James, Michiel Huisman and Katherine Parkinson touched me the most, but the cast was all great. I also loved the cinematography, music, and costumes.

I laughed and cried and got goosebumps at this beautifully told story of ugliness and darkness entwined with hope, care, resilience and compassion. The people who wrote the sourpuss reviews really need to open their eyes and ears and try it again. They have missed the nuances, and that has caused them to miss out on a fantastic movie experience.