MaryKathleenSpangenberg Reviews

Society of the Snow (2023)

Whereas the original takes the perspective of the, "Alive".......

[9/10 · 11 January 2024]

The Society of The Snow is an amazing work of masterful art. The book was a shocker back in my childhood and on everyones, "must read" list it seemed. It would probably be on a banned book list nowadays because of the obvious survival content.

Whereas the original book and film takes the perspective of the, "Alive"......This version takes the viewpoint and honors the dead. It is such a heartbreaking, glorious film. The cinematography is also spectacular. The crash and avalanche scenes are heart-pounding and so well done. Simply a beautiful movie. Bring tissues. A well done film tribute to a miracle and tragic situation.

The Book of Queer (2022– )

Campy, funny, but interesting way to learn history

[10/10 · 18 June 2022]

Lots of homophobes or closeted Hoovers on the review boards with this one. Love the word play. Still laughing at the 4 scores joke. Hahah! Clever writers, clever. Enjoy a history lesson and side glossary of education.

Let Them All Talk (2020)

Improved???????

[8/10 · 20 June 2021]

Why are so many people saying this was an improved movie? Even the director and writers are saying it is not and the actors had scripts. SMDH. Some parts are he claims are but most of the movie is not. Facts matter.

Cats (2019)

Sigh, just does not work as a movie due to the content and context.

[5/10 · 30 May 2021]

Personally this is the only musical I have ever seen that I just had no thrill for and had no desire to ever see again. I was never a fan. However, I do know enough about theater to love Andrew and the idea behind this literature piece.

To be fair, the joy of this show is the talent of the actors. The moves, the costumes, and the dancing which makes you in awe if done correctly. However, if you do not see it live, like sitting in the front row or at a theater set up specifically for this show, it is not good. If you see it at a traveling theater you will be disappointed. As far as a movie on screen. It just does not work. The joy is live with no special effects or edits. I did enjoy James' performance though.

Solos (2021)

I am so confused on critics reviews

[9/10 · 28 May 2021]

I found this show to be very smart, different, amazing, emotional, and heartfelt. Oh well, to each their own.

The Whole Truth (2016)

Spoiler Alert! I literally was shocked at the ending and that never happens.

[8/10 · 8 May 2021]

Possible spoiler Alert review! I always guess movie endings. This movie shocked me. I must have said, "too easy" on this one a million times watching and then WTF? A million times at the end. I did not see that coming. L Love Reeves. Good movie and not too long.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)

A great movie based on the book wrote by The real life man

[9/10 · 2 March 2019]

Ignore the review that says the story is not true. The book is an autobiography and the movie has Michael speaking at the end. There is pretty much massive amounts of documentation verifying his education. He went to school, several in fact, including Dartmouth and worked for varied non profits.

I am sure the movie might be a tad Hollywoodized as the "based on" ones all usually are but does not detract from this great Netflix film or facts.

Julie's Greenroom (2017)

This show is amazing!

[26 March 2017]

All the aspects of the arts are targeted each week with a special guest/guests artists. I am in heaven! I love that each week there is also a life learning lesson for the kids. Using Arts in curriculum is my joy as a teacher. Where has this show been my whole life? If you have kids, this is the show for them.

Hello, My Name Is Doris (2015)

This is a disturbing movie

[4/10 · 15 June 2016]

I agree with the naysayers about this movie being bothersome on so many levels. It is. Yes, the acting is great but the plot is dark, sad, depressing and actually kind of gross. I did feel very emotional at the blow out between brother and sister. I felt so sorry for the character and it explained a lot. I was also happy to see that Doris had a kind friendship in her life.

This movie has some great acting, true but the film is tragically sad, and sick in my opinion. I agree with the poster who said the movie would not be cute if you knew people in life that are like her in real life. I agree this movie is not a comedy at all. I never laughed once during the entire movie. If you like dark, sad, tragic movies about dysfunction then yes maybe you will like it.

Grace and Frankie (2015–2022)

Outstanding show series

[10/10 · 3 June 2016]

I do not watch much on TV or any type of on-line series but was referred to this show by a friend. I actually joined Netflix just to be able to watch season 2. It is an outstanding, wonderful, meaningful series. In my opinion it is the best show out there.

I find myself laughing so loud, non stop every time I watch. This series has a talented cast, and the best writers. The writers come up with wicked on-liners. The show has so much beauty, heart, humor, drama, soul, purpose and meaning. Great job! Do not shy away from the series. It seems to have so many messages that are needed in today's crazy society and life. It is a smart, fun, sad, and unique series to watch. You can not go wrong with the all star cast either.

I find myself thinking of the messages and themes of this show for a long while after watching. A rare treat in today's junkie world of lame TV/Series scripts.

Lucy (I) (2014)

Not a big Sci-Fi fan but I really liked this movie a lot

[7/10 · 24 February 2015]

I really enjoyed this movie. I found it very interesting and engaging. It was not super difficult to follow either as many other genre movies tend to be spoiling the fiction and fun of the movie. Of course it is not true. I never expect them to be real or accurate scientifically. It was fun, fascinating,and a suspenseful story. This movie has violence and gore for those asking so no kiddies. Scarlett did an amazing job acting in this movie. She did not have to stray far from her original personality. Lol- that was a joke but then again? I am not always the biggest lover of Sci-Fi movies but I really liked this one. I am broadening my horizons. I agree with the person who said it would make a great TV Show.It would.

Doctor Who: Last Christmas (2014) Season 9, Episode 0

This show was very touching.

[8/10 · 1 January 2015]

I am not sure what to think of season 8. At times I am watching and confused on Clara and the Dr. I keep asking myself a lot of questions like What happened to River? I thought the Master was dead. etc and so forth. Dr. 12 is really morbid, sad and cranky! However, then I realize you can not always think too hard with Dr. Who. Lol! I am still not sure I like the new Dr at all. He seems so different and well, pun intended, Alien compared to the others. With that said, I really, really and thoroughly enjoyed this special. It was touching, sweet, funny, sad and scary. Kudos! Enjoy watching. I do believe in miracles, Christmas cheer and Hope!

Wild (I) (2014)

The movie is okay- a bit long and somewhat boring but inspirational

[7/10 · 1 January 2015]

I was not bowled over by this movie but I did enjoy it.I had no issue with the movie but have not read the book. The scenery in the movie is gorgeous! It is an inspirational movie. I did not take away some of the same feelings as other reviewers did about everyone trying to attack her all the time or she traded her body for help. I am not sure where those viewers got that from.

To be honest, I will always love the movie, "The Way" best for this type of genre. Even though, "The Way" is fiction I was much more touched, moved, and inspired by the content of that film. I might be interested in reading the book after seeing this movie and learning more about Cheryl.

Unbroken (I) (2014)

The Movie is Fine but should lead you to the book

[8/10 · 27 December 2014]

The ending was made knowingly and upon request to not include his life after war. It seems this is the biggest criticism of the movie. Since I knew this coming in, I liked the movie. I did not love it but I liked it very much. I also disagree with the reviews on here criticizing the acting. No, that was wonderful on all accounts. The movie did tend to lag on brutality so watch bringing the little ones. However, that is part of Louie's story. The movie is meant to be mainstream Hollywood and no where comes close to the book's inspirational levels. How about enjoying both for the different genres they are? You will not be disappointed if you see the book and movie as separate genres with different goals.