franca13 Reviews

Better Call Saul (2015–2022)

It's Like Crack!

[10/10 · 26 July 2022]

I am so going to miss this when it concludes! I thought Breaking Bad was arguably as close to perfect as a dramatic series could get. And then, along came Saul. Not better, but absolutely equal. The complex characterizations, the interweaving and finesse of plot lines, the wonderful cast, and the excellent storytelling will have me watching this again and again.

Drunk History: UK (2015–2017)

Pale, Pale Imitation

[3/10 · 14 January 2022]

I wanted to like this. I really did. With a degree in both English History and English Lit, I was so looking forward to a bit of inspired, witty, self-deprecating British humor, all in good fun. But alas, it was not meant to be. It was a sincere attempt, no doubt. But it was just not that funny. It really felt like it was all too forced and contrived, particularly on the part of the comedians imparting the stories. I could only sit through a few episodes, then it was back to the original US version. I don't know - maybe Americans are just that much easier to laugh at? Anyway...

Bingo Hell (2021)

Hell, Indeed...

[1/10 · 4 October 2021]

This one was utterly excruciating to sit through. Predictable, cheesy, poorly written, and freely utilizing offensive tropes and stereotypes throughout. Not one likable character, especially the main character. Never have I wanted to punch a bunch of old people in the face like I did watching this movie. Sorry, Grandma 🙁.

I gave it a 1 because 0 wasn't an option.

The War with Grandpa (2020)

Ugh! Awful!

[1/10 · 25 September 2021]

There is so much wrong here, it's hard to know where to start. To begin with, a "nice" family movie to enjoy with the kids? Really? About the last thing I would ever want my kids to observe is the horrible way this nasty little kid attempts to terrorize, abuse and physically endanger his grandfather for something that is not in his control, like "stealing" his room; or the way this poor old guy's controlling daughter takes away his dignity and sense of self-worth by treating him like a pre-schooler and trying to diminish what bit of independence he has left, and think this is a normal and acceptable family dynamic. And to top it all off, the audience is supposed to feel all warm and fuzzy because they occasionally SAY "I love you" to each other, when actions clearly dictate the opposite, like that makes all the abuse acceptable. Then there are the scenes where characters run from the law, lie, intimidate children and allow them to think they might be harmed by their grandfathers, illustrate school bullying perpetrated by some troglodytes that looks like they could be tried as adults, etc. I am truly sorry this was so bad, because some of the talent in this film were among my very favorites, ie, DeNiro, Walken, Thurman, but there was so little about it that was redeemable. No matter how Igor hearted you try to dress it up, abuse is never funny, cute, or acceptable, no matter how it's dressed up.