zoesamhap Reviews

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Wow ... and more

[9/10 · 7 May 2023]

I am a Marvel fan and I think it helps to have seen the previous two movies. I dont' say all MCU efforts are good or even great but this one. First of all cried like a six year old three times, my teenagers were awkwardly patting my hand. It's not for the faint of heart. Also definitely super gory part at the end. I mean really and horror movies are another genre I enjoy. The interaction between the characters was wonderful. Like my family especially my kids. Funny a lot of times which was needed 'cause damn!! Sometimes. Not an expert, nor a critic (obviously), but wouldn't bring anyone who's sensitive about animals or gore.

It was a worthy closing of that part of the guardians' adventures.

Two after credit scenes, though very mumbly on the second one which feels cheap.

Black as Night (2021)

Fun light horror

[6/10 · 1 October 2021]

Vampires, social commentary, goofiness of adolescence and humor. Pleasant way to pass an afternoon. Interesting view point instead of anticipating all the usual predictable parts of a vampire movie, I enjoyed the twists. It didn't take itself too seriously which was nice. Could it be improved, sure, but it's a fun movie for those who enjoy vampire movies.

Cinderella (I) (2021)

It's just candy

[5/10 · 11 September 2021]

Too much makes you feel blah. But it's bright, cheerful and optimistic. It doesn't take itself seriously and I don't think anyone should see it as a post-feminist dissertation on 1700 century roles of women. It's a movie with talking mice, magic and the obsolete position of a royal family. So do I look to this movie for seriousness and thought provoking moments, no. Sometimes I want to watch candy, knowing it might be too sweet, tooth-aching at times but still a nice harmless diversion. Wouldn't pay money to watch in theater though. Loved the costumes.

Malignant (I) (2021)

Very few scares, lots of blood and then it made me giggle

[3/10 · 10 September 2021]

There were some good jump scares in the beginning though some were spoiled by the trailer. Acting.... well I feel they didn't have a lot to work with therefore one is always looking shocked, one says you've got to be kidding every other sentence, and one is always scared and screaming.

Spoilers

The dénuement is laughable. I'm sorry I can suspend disbelief like anyone watching horror, sci-fi and so on but here, oh boy. I actually giggled when the big reveal came on screen. Maybe it's Covid brain but really giggling and then the movie became sooooooo bad, so very very bad. I feel bad for anyone involved in this movie other than the ones who made these decisions.

If you can watch it for free and it's part of your to watch list then sure, but I wouldn't waste any cash on this.

Trese (2021)

Animation is great and engaging, dialogue made me turn it off

[5/10 · 6 July 2021]

I loved the animation. And I really enjoyed the story. But the dialogue! Oh boy ... the voices were flat, the lines were just not good. It was worse than a 1990's AI trying to pass as human dialogue. I was looking forward to it from the synopsis and previous reviews. Maybe it was a bad day, maybe the stars weren't aligned but it would take a lot to get me to give this another chance.

Just a layman opinion.

Chicago Med (2015– )

Seriously?

[2/10 · 4 February 2021]

They're all criminals, endlessly breaking the law, HIPAA, assisted suicide, altering labs.... it never ends. When they aren't all sleeping with everyone, they continuously show blatant disregard for patient rights, patient choices, confidentiality, their peers.... it's vomit inducing. I know it's a show, but as a healthcare worker this is repulsive. No consequences ever, no self reflection, no humility. How many people do these doctors and nurses have to kill before losing their licenses. Taking care of patients is endless hard choices, it's following the rules even when you don't want to, it's sometimes going against instincts because it's what the patient decides. Not these smug, holier than thou, attitudes.

Dads (II) (2019)

Good mix of dads

[8/10 · 27 June 2020]

Yes, there are stars and Hollywood people but there are also "real" dads, some of whom have gone through terrible things for themselves or for their children. They make themselves vulnerable and it doesn't make them less. Whether the Hollywood dads have the means to have ten nannies and housekeepers and so on, they are still stating the fears you'd think most parents have - to raise good kids, to raise kids in safety and all the fears and uncertainties that come with being a parent. Showed it to my teens. My favorite part was the teenage section.

Brothers (I) (2008)

Not a critic but Very beautiful film from a gentile point of view

[9/10 · 26 February 2010]

Don't have any big movie technical review, just a person sitting in the theater telling everyone what she saw and how it made her feel:

Saw this movie last night at a Jewish film festival in Scottsdale, AZ.

First have to say, the director is a friend but I previously, never saw any of his work.

Also, I have no strong religious affiliations and no great understanding of Judaism or Israel other than through pop culture, so this might be a completely different perspective than from someone who practicing religion.

So i went in with no expectations other than to support my friend.

First the scenery was beautiful, one could see the love felt for the country. The rolling hills, the light all worked very well to give a mood, a view of the emotional connection for the characters. I was a little worried about the subtitles, the movie is mainly in Hebrew, since they tend to not translate the scene well, but from the reaction around me, they seemed to be correct and on point.

Symbolism abounded through the movie, most of it subtle and not beating you over the head. The music was wonderful, haunting.

I thought the acting was excellent, effortless. the people (they are not all professional actors) believing in what they were presenting and it showed. I thought the connection with the audience was deep, you felt as if you knew them, felt their feelings and wanted solutions to their problems.

The dialog was deep and surprisingly funny at times to alleviate some of the tension.

I was actually moved to tears several times and that surprised me since I watch a lot of movies and no longer get moved by predictable tear- jerkers.

It is not a fast paced, action filmed movie and if that is what you want, it won't please. I have friends I would not watch this movie with because the pace at the beginning is not fast enough.

I thought it exemplified a lot about people in general and the conflicts that can exist between people, family, friends and strangers simply we do not talk nor listen. Then again that is just my opinion.

I would definitely see it again and hope to find it on DVD to add it to my collection. It stayed with me all night and still lingers in my thoughts today.