empressive Reviews

Love & Death (2023)

First win for HBO after failed Max rebranding

[17 July 2023]

HBO has now rebranded as "MAX" for some idiotic reason and have been the joke of the PR world for this misstep, but I have got to hand it to them- Love&Death is a true winner.

The stellar production quality is on par with what the network previously know as HBO has always been known for...

It's whimsical and dramatic with a little suspense tied in.

Elizabeth Olsen shines, she's such a gem and this was her best work.

Minus two stars only because they could've done a little more editing to trim the fat. The pace could be much more enjoyable had this been 6 episodes.

There were some unnecessary down times that weren't needed (why did they even show the Kentucky funeral scene, or long talks between candy & pat at the end in the middle of the exciting trial?)

However the story is fascinating and this cast did brilliant at conveying one of the most famous trials of the century.

Mindhunter (2017–2019)

Rare Series with Intelligent Writing, Quality Production

[1 January 2023]

Netflix hit a home run with this series.

Kudos to those in charge who gave the green light for Mindhunter and signed off on what seems like a generous budget.

The investment paid off, this is by far one of Netflix's greatest accomplishments.

Mindhunter is a masterclass in script writing.

The series on serial killers manages to create tension and suspense without showing any of the actual crimes, but rather through dialogue.

While the background storyline is how the FBI Behavior Analysis Unit came to fruition, the subplots are in solving high profile murders through analysis and studying the psyche of such killers.

The bread and butter of the show are the prison interviews with notorious serial killers including Ed Kemp, Charles Manson, and Richard Speck The agents work to gain an understanding of these crimes and create profiles to aid in solving crimes going forward.

The one part that could have been left out is the relationship subplot of Holden, and also could have done without the scenes of Wendy's dating life.

Aside from that, if you liked the quality of the Americans, if you liked the script of Narcos, if you liked the premise of House, and if you liked the concept of Dexter- it is sort of a blend of those 4 and you get Mindhunter.

Warning- it is only 2 seasons. The writers and actors have left the door open for another season, but at this point most have moved on now to other projects and this seems like it will never happen. So be prepared for needing to fill the Mindhunter void. You may end up just having to watch it a few more times to get that fix, because truly nothing out there is on par with this gem.

Black Bird (2022)

Good for an Apple series, nowhere near Mindhunter

[1 January 2023]

This was decent for an Apple series, but the reviews that compares this to the Netflix's series Mindhunter must have forgotten how well-written and top echelon Mindhunter is.

Black Bird has a good premise, a good story... but it's executed in a way that has this forced cheesy element, especially all of the dialogue and scenes with the female cop.

Not sure if it was a time-crunch issue, a budget issue, or a personnel issue of someone who works on CSI quality shows making executive decisions... this had potential to be levels better and it does not really even start to get there until the final episode.

Credit for producing something to fill the void Mindhunter left. The mystery is there, the tension builds, it just felt more basic cable than premium content subscription quality.

Triangle of Sadness (2022)

The trailer was 10x better than the movie

[18 December 2022]

I reallyyyyyyyy wanted to like this movie.

The trailer was awesome, and the comparisons to White Lotus in some of the reviews had me sold.

Plus Woody Harrelson is in it!

However it's nothing like White Lotus, it's very slow and the humor element fell short for me. If scenes of vomit and explosions on the toilet make you laugh, it might work for you.

And I love all types of comedy and satire, this just didn't land for me.

The most clever part was the third act, but by that time it had already fell flat for me and needed more to change my overall feelings about to the movie.

I wanted to love this!

Luckiest Girl Alive (2022)

Perfect cast, that ending though?

[10 October 2022]

Spoiler Alert

It's like the Babadook of SA.

I love the Babadook movie so that's a good thing.

For those that don't know the scary film, it's about how trauma manifests itself until you deal with it, in order to control it.

Back to Luckiest Girl Alive, It was an amazing cast and well paced.

The part where she destroys her chance at a good marriage because she hasn't fought her demons yet was VERY real.

Here's my issue- the ending.

An op-ed really?

And I get it, this was probably written before the JD/AH trial but even before then the whole Op-Ed route has been played out by frauds grifting on the #metoo movement.

For that reason, I wish it had been something else like her own thing- launching her own substack/blog and used the recording of Deans confession as the hook.

Or play the confession on a loudspeaker during one of his stupid book signings and film it so it goes viral.

Like anything , literally ANYTHING other than an Op-Ed.

Also, total side note: no idea why she stabbed her friend who was getting revenge for her.

He wasn't going to hurt her, that seemed confusing and was probably the biggest shock moment of the whole movie.

The Woman in the House (2022)

The ending is great

[9 April 2022]

If you don't have a sense of humor, you may not like satire because it's not meant to be taken seriously. This show is light, it's unique, and has some pretty funny moments.. and at this current pandemic +war time, that is refreshing.

Personally, I found the ending quite funny. It's one of the highlights of the show. I almost wish we had known earlier and played it out more.

Downton Abbey (2010–2015)

A British Telenovela

[20 January 2022]

The 4 positives stars are for the production, the actors specifically Maggie Smith, the historical references, and decent musical score.

The script though, good heavens, especially once season 3 starts it's almost hard to watch it's so...cheesy.

The overacting such as when 2 characters reunite and hug after only being separated a few hours, with forced musical score to try to elicit emotion instead of actual content, makes you realize you're watching a PG rated telenovela with fancy costumes and British accents.

In the first 2 seasons it's less noticeable as the set and imagery are gorgeous... but as the series goes on the little comic relief moments from Maggie's character (the grandmother) seem to be all that is left to carry each episode and it's just not enough.

It's a very digestible easy watch where the viewer isn't required to think much, while at the same time the cringey script may feel like the show is insulting the viewers' intelligence.

The White Lotus (2021–2025)

A Fun, Refreshing, Perfect Gem

[23 December 2021]

So based on the negative reviews, it seems like if you don't have a sense of humor or are easily offended then don't watch.

However, if you like to laugh, and you like the few shows that still dare to go to dark satirical places then you are in for a very fun ride.

I can't get enough of this show. I watched it on my own, then again with family, and again with friends. I can't even remember the last time I've watched a series more than once, and each time still felt new and fun and I continued to get entertained all 3 times.

Connie Britton's character is my absolute favorite, followed by the feud between Mr Patton and Armond.

The scenery is gorgeous, the opening theme music with that wildlife wall paper is like a hypotonic way to take the viewer out of their head and into the the world of The White Lotus resort.

The storytelling and script is very strong. It's satire, it pokes fun at privilege and societal stereotypes in an over-the-top yet brilliant way. Enjoy the ride, it's a breath of fresh air.

Maid (2021)

Trigger warning- those that have actually struggled may find this offensive

[7 November 2021]

I have no words, is IMDB rigged with fake reviews? This is utter trash. It's so incredibly tone-deft to actual people struggling who work hard and do not make all the utterly selfish idiotic decisions this lady does.

The story of privilege who doesn't know she's privileged and is delusional enough to think her suffering is worthy anywhere near struggles of real Americans.

Someone said this is like a lifetime movie, I'd say that's an understatement. Don't waste your time or fall for Netflix's algorithms.

The Lizzie Borden Chronicles (2015)

Could see Netflix picking this up for another season or two

[4 March 2016]

Ricci's portrayal of Lizzie Borden is captivating enough to give the first episode a shot; and if you like it the series only gets better... second episode you get to see Mike from Breaking Bad! (Johnathon Banks). Not to mention the lovely DuVall.

Great writing, well paced, jammed packed every episode, with hints of dexter-like moments... and Ricci is still just as easy to fall in love with even as a demented sociopath murderer.

In her own world, it's almost as if Borden sees herself as a vigilante. As deranged as Lizzie is, she refuses to ever be a victim- through her confidence, indifference to what anyone says or thinks about her, her incredible wit, and by her flawless ability to adapt her demeanor based on the situation. Fascinating to see life in her eyes.

Ricci's best role since 'black snake moan'...

(side note- disregard complaints about the music, some of the score is modern/relatable to viewers.. adds an edgy twist.. so what if the music is not from that time period? )

Cocaine Cowboys 2 (2008)

An Addicting Surprise

[7 October 2011]

While meant to be a documentary, I found the storyline portrayal to be more along the lines of a captivating series such as 'Intervention', drawing you in even though you may not have planned to watch it.

We have seen the drug trade glorified in countless movies, but what makes this docu-drama standout out is that its characters are real and portray themselves in raw form while speaking to the camera. Interviews with the dealers, police, former hit men, everyone except Griselda herself though we hear her voice on recorded prison calls replayed a few times throughout the film.

Footage is a mixture of old recordings, reenactments, interviews, photo montages, and whatever could not fall into one of those categories is therefore sketched out in a cartoon-like manner. There is even footage of how to cook crack.

Stereotypes of all kinds exist about Oakland, but not usually one of overnight local millionaires running an international multi-billion dollar operation. (though an illegal operation, but that's not the point). By the end of the movie a light is shed on a piece of history not widely known to most, of both Oakland and Griselda's empire.

The end of the movie ties up nicely with closure and laughter of the totally bizarre yet true series of events which saved the Godmother and others from prison or even the death penalty.

Raw, authentic, dramatic, slightly comedic, and definitely a movie appealing to viewers of several different genres.