galuwatra Reviews

X (II) (2022)

Don't believe the hype.

[5/10 · 9 February 2024]

After reading some of the accolades and that the film was BAFTA nominated, I was excited to see a really good horror film. Suffice to say I did not get it. I've read reviews that it was so realistically 70s not so much I grew up in the 70s, it's just OK as far as a representation. I'll also never understand why movies are so dark. It is so dark you can barely differentiate one person from another and I'm watching on a 70 inch screen. The movie would've been more enjoyable if they had taken a little bit of the humor at the very end and sprinkled more of it throughout the entire film. I hate to write bad reviews, but this was just not a great movie.

Army of the Dead (2021)

EDITING, paging editing, we need you.

[4/10 · 3 February 2024]

I absolutely hate to give bad or even mediocre reviews, but it is important in this case. This movie could have been great a little bit horror comedy. Tig Notaro's character was the star as far as the comedy aspect goes. This movie is just entirely too long. 2 1/2 hours??? There are just far too many scenes that go nowhere since you can't even see what's going on because it's so dark they could've easily cut an hour out of this movie and possibly had a good film. The special computer effects are obviously impressive, but they're just just too few of them, yet we are inundated with scenes of talking, talking, talking and not in an interesting, informative, or enjoyable way. I really wanted to like this movie.

Squaring the Circle: The Story of Hipgnosis (2022)

Art, from a bygone & powerful era.

[10/10 · 28 January 2024]

A huge part of my childhood and most people from my generation, growing up in the 60's & 70's, was staring at album covers, reading every word of the liner notes just visually ingesting art, for art's sake. This documentary gives us a glorious, backstage, pass to the inner workings of some of the biggest bands of the era. Hearing Noel Gallagher detail about how his daughter didn't understand that album artwork was a thing was absolutely heartbreaking. We would literally just stare at the album cover while listening to the album much like we sat at the breakfast table and stared at the cereal box and read every word on the front and back and sides when we were eating cereal in the mornings. It just brought back so many great memories and the thrill of physically holding an album the smell of the album cover You felt going through the motions of opening the sleeve, putting the album on the turntable and then sitting back and waiting to hear something you've never heard. It really was a beautiful time to be a music and art lover. This gargantuan outlet for artists is now, as Noel said, just a tiny square, on iTunes.

Open Wide (I) (2024)

If you are interested in ortho & dentistry, you'll love it!!!

[10/10 · 27 January 2024]

I have worked in the field of dentistry for over 20 years. This documentary was absolutely fascinating to me. I felt strongly compelled to write a review because I find it misleading & quite sad when reviewers watch a program that holds absolutely no interest for them and they feel the need to give it, a very disappointing one star. Why do that? There are a lot of quacks in the field of dentistry, orthodontics, any specialty. This documentary really gives you a behind the curtain at everything that's involved in correcting occlusion and the aesthetics of having a beautiful smile. I know that personally if I had not had orthodontia, I would not be the person I am now smiling all the time friendly to everyone I wouldn't of had the opportunities that I've had to work front desk at an office and greet patients. A lot of people who have slightly crooked teeth have perfectly healthy teeth, and a great life. For others it's a game changer and really lowers their quality of enjoyment of life. I'd love to see more documentaries about the subject of dentistry, obviously.

The Killer (2023)

If you like talking, this is the one, for you.

[6/10 · 11 November 2023]

The best part of this entire film is the soundtrack by the amazing band, The Smiths and singer Morrissey. The way they wove the songs throughout the film was very well done. I found the "plot" (not really a plot, per se, just a series of "job" difficult to follow. There really wasn't much of a plot it's the same old rehashed hitman Moral dilemma film we've all seen 100 times. It was beautifully shot and the locations were very interesting and complex. Tilda Swinton, as always was perfection, Arliss Howard was under utilized, and Michael Fassbender was very good at playing a master hit man. The clever use of 70s TV characters as his aliases did give me a chuckle..

Edge of the Axe (1988)

Great seeing cars from my childhood.

[5/10 · 27 October 2023]

It's what you'd expect from a cheesy 80's slasher film. Did enjoy seeing the clothes, the hairstyles, and especially the automobiles from my childhood. I wish the ax had been taken to that soundtrack my God you can hardly watch the scenes where they're playing silly music especially the opening I love the opening shot of the car wash .......gas was $.99. Those were pretty good but golly bum that soundtrack is dreadful!!!! I wish they'd coughed up the extra money and got actual original songs from the 80s they would've fit perfectly and made it a lot more watchable and enjoyable. Silly overall but it was the 80's.

Inside No. 9 (2014–2024)

They've still got it!!!!

[10/10 · 23 October 2023]

I've just finished watching season eight and I'm absolutely blown away! I can't think of one other series, that number 1 ever reached this summit of entertainment or possessed this level of razor sharp edge, unbelievably clever storylines or kept me on the edge of my seat. I know that was a terribly long sentence but I'm excited. These days it seems like almost any program or film I watch; I immediately say, "Oh, let me guess, this character did it or this happens next". I'm usually right, everything old is new again we've been there done that; not with Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton. They are the most absolute writers of ORIGINAL comedy and horror and they keep the content incredibly clever and suspenseful. They think of every detail. I'm thrilled every year to see new content. Every episode is a 10 out of 10. I'll think about them for DAYS! I even re-watch them because I find detail, that I missed, on the 1st watch.

Veronica (I) (2017)

Surprising twist, at the end, brilliant subtle effects.

[10/10 · 22 October 2023]

When this film first started, I thought oh no I do not wanna watch a movie about three little kids, and their daily care. But I quickly found myself drawn into the family and especially felt for the eldest daughter Veronica, who is tasked with taking care of these children, while their widowed mother worked, seemingly all hours of the day and night. I could feel her pain at losing her father, and what totally changed her life from a possibly Carefree teenager to nail someone who does nothing but take care of her younger siblings and go to school. The special effects were very subtle, but brilliantly orchestrated. The twist at the end really got me. I did not see it coming. I highly recommend this film.

Ravenous (2017)

Cinematically Beautiful filmed with heart and a dash of comedy.

[9/10 · 20 October 2023]

I was just incredibly impressed with this film, first of all it is cinematically absolutely gorgeous. The vistas of the mountains & the forest under the blue skies were absolutely beautiful. I grew to care for the characters which I think is always important and a horror film because if you don't care, if they are killed, you're not invested. The relationship between the first zombie hunters was so sweet you can tell they've been friends for many, many years, and loved one another. I loved that there were several jokes & even comedic gags, running through it.

I love when a zombie film or any other scary film shows us a human side of what we perceive is 100% evil. We see these zombies or infected as thinking human beings, but with a sinister agenda. This was one of the best scary films I've seen in a very long time.

Eli (I) (2019)

Suspenseful with an unexpected twist.

[9/10 · 7 October 2023]

I didn't really know what to expect from this film. As soon as I saw that Lily Taylor was in it, I knew it would be a good watch. I've never seen anything she was in that I didn't enjoy. She plays a doctor, who supposedly hint, hint heels children With severe sensitivity to air and sun. The boy has a very protective mom and dad and we can see that they have given up everything they have to try to cure their son. I enjoyed the suspenseful nature of it you're not really sure what you're saying or he saying is real or not. I found it very frightening at times, and I absolutely did not see the twist at the end coming, which is pretty rare for a seasoned film watcher. L O L I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Creepshow 3 (2006 Video)

Not one redeeming quality.

[1/10 · 23 July 2023]

I almost never write an unflattering review of a television show or movie. The original Creepshow is one of my favorite scary movies of all times so when I saw Creepshow three I was intrigued. Suffice to say I should have not wasted my time. The acting oh my gosh I shouldn't even call it that was beyond sophomoric. The storylines were just silly. It was like watching a bad episode of Dragnet were the people who were writing the series clearly had never seen any real life characters with depth. If you do start watching and expect it to get better, don't as silly and poorly written, and poorly acted as the first segment was, the others are even worse .

The Manson Brothers Midnight Zombie Massacre (2021)

Watch COCKNEY vs ZOMBIES instead.

[2/10 · 30 April 2023]

I wasn't expecting a whole lot from this movie but my goodness I could barely get through the first five minutes. Number one is the terrible and I mean terrible, fake southern accents. It seems as is any filmmaker who wants to show people who are uneducated and borderline poverty level always resort to a southern accent. I get it I live in the south, but this one was just about unbearable. If you want a fun and I mean fun film to watch watch Cockneys versus Zombies, at least that movie provides good, and I mean good acting, great writing, and a beautiful, cockney accent that is legitimate, avoid this one and watch that one- you'll be glad you did!

Elevator (V) (2012)

If you watch to watch a GREAT Elevator film try DEVIL.

[3/10 · 28 April 2023]

I had really high hopes for this movie, because I loved the movie devil. Which is sit in an elevator, but it is far more dramatic has much better acting in storyline and suspense. This was just meh. Another in a long line of tired, revenge stories that go south. I was bored to tears through most of it. The dialogue was predictable. The characters were very clichéd. It was more like something from a Hallmark movie than a major motion picture I'm going to suggest again That you try to find DEVIL- that movie was full of jump scares, suspense, great writing and great acting. I absolutely loved it. It will not disappoint!

House of Gucci (2021)

It had SO much potential!!!

[3/10 · 19 March 2023]

I absolutely hate it when I start watching a movie and it starts out so wonderfully: the scenery is beautiful the wardrobe is gorgeous and then I see a horrifically badly placed wig. The wig for Adam driver was pretty atrocious, but my Lord when I first saw Jared Leto playing Paulo. I was absolutely embarrassed for him. The character looked interesting, but you could instantly tell it was a fake bald cap. His character throughout the film was such a letdown, and tried to be comedic when there was nothing to be comedic about. I honestly can't believe his scenes were kept in the film. They were absolutely dreadful. I thought Gaga did a good job.

Junior Bake Off (2011– )

Harry Hill is a wickedly brilliant presenter!!!!!

[9/10 · 17 February 2023]

My husband is the baker in the family, but I really enjoyed watching the Junior I love the road British bake off. When I saw the junior back off was on Netflix , I was extremely pleased to see that Harry Hill, one of my all time favorite comedians, was the host. He is absolutely brilliant and hilarious and does a great job of both, comforting the children and keeping the show fun for adults.

As always, the setting is picturesque, the challenges are beyond difficult, and the children do an amazing job for their ages. I laughed so much at Harry Hill that I literally needed to "rewind" the programmer to hear what I'd missed.

Locke & Key (2020–2022)

Should have ended with season two.

[9/10 · 17 February 2023]

I truly enjoyed season one and two. Yes, they were cheesy moments and I don't feel that the character of the mother is very well acted. The adventures and drama and mystery are in thralling at times. I hate when I show that I enjoy just well and truly jump the shark. As soon as the season three episode began, I knew it was a different show. It is absolutely dreadful. My other complaint is why on earth does everything have to be filmed in the dark? I'm finding this in so many Netflix shows that everything is so dark. You can't even tell what's happening. It's as if they filmed it in my basement. Enjoy seasons 1 & 2.

Woman of the Dead (2022– )

Predictable.

[4/10 · 5 February 2023]

I really wanted to like this film. The setting was absolutely gorgeous. I thought that with a female lead mortician the story would be very interesting but I was immediately perplexed. WHY, was she seeking revenge when her husband's death was 100% his own fault. We see him pull out onto a highway on a motorcycle and not even look to see that a vehicle is barreling toward him. I think that the riders could've come up with a much more creative way to have him killed so that it actually looked like murder and not just a vehicle accident that once again was his fault and avoidable. I also thought that the portion of the story about her parents dying because she fell asleep with a headset on on a boat was far-fetched - anybody who goes boating knows that you look out for each other this just seemed a little bit ridiculous and a teenager jamming out to classical music on her iPod headset- that was a little bit silly.

The Black Phone (2021)

A thrill ride & true throwback to the 1970's.

[10/10 · 21 January 2023]

I truly didn't know what to expect from this film I've heard good things, but once I saw that it was written by Joe Hill. I knew I was in for a thrill ride. I grew up in the 70s and I vividly remember being shown films, in elementary school, with a character called patch the pony. He told us all not to get in a car with strangers. Said strangers would tell you they had puppies or candy, but you were never to get in the car with them. It scared the living crap out of everyone of us kids. It was a far more innocent time, and they did an excellent job with the clothes, the cars, the houses. And the general attitude of the film. Finn & Gwen we're played by FANTASTIC young actors & Ethan Hawke was terrifying.

Mammals (2022)

Don't pay attention to the haters. It's great.

[10/10 · 11 November 2022]

This show grabbed my interest within the 1st five minutes. I can only surmise that the people giving a low rating are doing so because they don't like James Corden, for some reason. I am a huge fan of his & he knocked it out of the park. He is a brilliant comedic and dramatic actor. This show is heartbreaking , interesting & quirky. I watched without any expectations & was extremely pleased with the entire series. Every character's life, in the show, is messy & complicated. All of the performances were excellent. Ignore the bad reviews, this one is definitely worth a watch. I love any show that truly surprises me & this one certainly did!

Inside No. 9: Merrily, Merrily (2022) Season 7, Episode 1

This series NEVER disappoints!!!

[10/10 · 2 October 2022]

MY ALL TIME FAVORITE SERIES!!!! I was EXTREMELY excited to see that there was a new season of Inside No. 9. I cannot think of another series that has made me laugh & cry & marvel at the brilliantly written episodes. Steve Pemberton & Reece Sheersmith are GENIUSES!!! Their acting performances are equally as brilliantly as their writing. Every show is well cast & the settings are perfection. After each episode I continue to think about it, for weeks. I never cease to be amazed at how powerful these #9s are. Laughing my @$$ off, as I type, watching an episode!!! I just can't praise this show highly enough!

Twister (I) (1996)

Except for a cartoonish southern accent, it's a great flick.

[9/10 · 11 September 2022]

There has got to be a special place in hades, for the person who made Jami Gertz, affect a horrifically, cartoonish Southern US accent. They need to be accompanied by the person that allowed the mother in a Christmas story to have a curly perm on a movie that was set in the 1940s and 50s. The action scenes, in Twister are nothing short of phenominal. There is a lot of bang for your buck, in this one. A tornado, hit our town, when I was a very little girl and I remember going to a neighbors chicken farm and crawling through the wreckage because I was so small to save all the chicks. I was in Miami, just after Hurricane Andrew, you truly cannot imagine the devastation of a natural disaster, until you see it 1st hand.

The Real Housewives of Dubai (2022– )

Caroline Stansbury needs her own show.

[1/10 · 14 July 2022]

I could absolutely not believe how disappointing this program was. This is supposed to be escapism television yet there are multitudes of screaming brats in every scene. No one watches the real housewives to see children's screaming and being absolutely demanding brats in every scene. I would watch a Caroline Stanbury show with her family on a loop 24 seven that is exactly what we need to see either a return of ladies of London or a Caroline Stansberry standalone show.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Band Candy (1998) Season 3, Episode 6

My favorite!!!!

[10/10 · 24 June 2022]

I laugh out loud, at this one! Joyce & Giles, together is hilarious. All the grown ups, at the Bronze cracked me up, too. I remember being surprised when I'd see my teachers, outside of school. Anthony Head's acting was superb, the physicality really made him look younger. I just LOVE this one!

Ema (2019)

Could have been brilliant.

[5/10 · 8 June 2022]

There were far too many scenes with just overly pretentious monologues. I was surprised by the ending but not pleasantly. It was a film that I couldn't stop watching.

Hard Cell (2022)

Well, I didn't see THAT coming!

[10/10 · 30 May 2022]

I have adored Catherine Tate, for many years. No surprise here but she is brilliant! The entire cast was funny & the nicknames had me cracking up. I was surprised, very pleasantly, by the ending, as well.