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tmichelet
Reviews
Happiness for Beginners (2023)
Loved it but I'm a hiker
Loved this movie and have watched it twice so far. The scenery was great and the leads were attractive with good chemistry. Yeah some of the characters were cliches but you can likely relate to at least one person's back story. The bonding experience of the group during their trek seemed credible - not unlike people going to boot camp. One element that was unrealistic was all the wardrobe changes. No way all those clothes could have fit in Helen's and Jake's rucksacks. The movie was like a fashion show for hikers. I was surprised that more clothing companies weren't named in the credits because there was so much product placement in the film. REI and Howler Brothers were duly credited. Hate to admit I bought some items from REI after viewing all the gear. Ultimately it is a feel good movie; however, it does touch on some "meaning of life" issues. So not all fluff.
Outlander: A Life Well Lost (2023)
Disappointing start to S7
This was a dull episode and a let down after waiting for Outlander to return. I took several breaks putting the show on pause, which is not a good sign. I feel like the show gave me whiplash about Tom Christie. Didn't he used to loathe Claire? This episode just doesn't fit well in the series overall.
The scenery and atmosphere were attractive in terms of the positives. The vocals during the opening score were lovely. Can't get into Roger as a minister and his time travel quote in this episode seemed far fetched. Overall there was not much that occurred of interest. This episode seemed mainly filler until finding a new manner for Claire to get rescued.
Only Murders in the Building: Framed (2022)
Enjoyed the addition of MacLaine
She fit into the NYC vibe by with her quirkiness. Normally I like Amy Schumer. Not in this particular role however. The painting motive is intriguing. But so far Season 1 was better.
Becoming Elizabeth (2022)
Outstanding Start
I didn't really have expectations for this series but was thoroughly impressed by the first episode. The costumes and scenery were beautiful. The lighting was beautiful and one scene in particular looked like a Vermeer painting although that would be anachronistic. Perhaps the director was shooting for Holbein?. The chemistry between Elizabeth and Thomas was excellent and her expressions conveyed so much emotion. I look forward to the next episode. Will have to brush up a lot on my history to see how accurate the story is. But I will watch either way because it is so visually appealing and the period is fascinating.
Love Actually (2003)
disappointed in underlying themes
While the acting was splendid and the cast consisted of many of my favorite actors, I was quite disappointed in the subtext. I found it quite sexist and insulting. Several of the male cast chose to be with much younger women who were not their equals. The most overt statement was made by one man who said English women were stuck up. No wonder if the men only appreciate subservient women. The Prime Minister, played by Hugh Grant, chose to fall for a much younger, uneducated and insecure woman who was a low level member of his staff. (I found it incredible that such a person would be on his staff to begin with.) The writer played by Colin Firth, although suffering from an earlier betrayal by his partner, falls for a younger housekeeper who he can't communicate with due to the language barrier. Clearly a substantive relationship. The executive played by Alan Rickman falls for a much younger, blatant tart on his staff when he has the charming and elegant Emma Thompson at home. What does this all say about men's choices? They don't want an equal, they want sexy staff at home. In other aspects, this movie seemed to contain forward thinking. However, the overall message was unenlightened and depressing.