banananatime Reviews

Saving Hope (2012–2017)

Worst love triangles ever

[27 April 2024]

I love Erica Durance, and I love love, and I love tense love triangles (usually). So this show started off pretty good, I'd say for the first season MAYBE second season. After that? I don't know how the writers could possibly make me hate both of Alex's love interests so much. I started skipping through so many scenes that I didn't even know what was going on anymore by the middle of season three, and I just skipped ahead to reading spoilers. Yep, somehow the writers even made it worse, so I'm glad I have made the decision to stop watching this. Props to all of the actors though, and I especially love watching Canadian shows like this where the guest stars are all people I recognize from other Canadian shows, it's a small world for those actors! The music for the show was also very good I'd say, based on how often I had shazam open.

Beauty and the Beast (2012–2016)

Can't keep watching

[16 April 2024]

I read through quite a lot of reviews that seemed to have given up watching after only watching a few episodes, so I found myself wondering, how did I make it to season 3??? Well, no longer. I can't take another 2 seasons.

Yes there's lots of plot holes, but I like the cast, I found myself getting emotional as well as laughing sometimes. But I finally realized, the only reason I made it to season 3 is because I'm a romantic, and this particular romance story was very intriguing. Until now. Now the rose coloured glasses have come off and I feel like I am literally dying while watching them have the exact same emotionally draining conversations repeatedly, and none of it makes sense! Cat is determined to have a BIGGER purpose in life, as if we didn't just spend 2 seasons watching them save people all day long, 24/7. After we spent 2 seasons watching them crying and shaking their fists at the sky because they could never experience normalcy and happiness. Cat also seems to make up morals and rules on the spot, and everyone must follow them or else EVERYTHING IS LOST. IT WILL ALL HAVE BEEN FOR NOTHING. Good grief. She herself is not morally superior, she treats her friends and family like garbage, she's practically committing time theft at work with the personal cases she's always doing (ok fine she's a detective somehow, but doesn't seem realistic). But it's ok, she's still on her moral high ground despite living in a world where killing one horrible person could save hundreds, but it's not "real" justice! Or where she and Gabe actually scolded Vincent over and over for using his abilities to track down a serial killer, cause it's not real justice either!

So long story short, I probably should have cut my losses a bit earlier. I jumped ahead and read the plot for some episodes where they get married and crap so I'm going to close this romantic HEA now. Reminder to self: never rewatch this.

Can't Buy Me Love (1987)

Shocking

[3 April 2024]

As a millennial just watching this in 2024, I have to say.... I'm pretty shocked THIS is the type of culture boomers want to revert back to. Talk about cliques and prejudice, this went far beyond the typical trope of popularity begetting happiness, it was actually like nobody in the movie learned anything except for the 2 main characters. Everyone else remained as prejudiced and ignorant (and horny) as they started. Despite the revelation about him "paying her like a prostitute", nobody asked any questions like, why did I actually like spending time with him then? Or learned that he actually paid the money to the cleaners not directly to her like a prostitute (lack of justice!). Anyway, I can understand why this movie was enjoyed at its time, but the trope lives on and is better portrayed in movies these days, in my opinion.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Different

[21 September 2023]

Well the main reason I wanted to write a review at all was because I watched and liked this movie because of Miles Teller. Amazing casting choice, and I think many women feel the same.

After reading some questionably biased commentary on how Tom Cruise "saved theatrical distribution" due to this movie being made during the pandemic, I was a little flabbergasted. I suppose Cruise doesn't have anything to own up for regarding his sacred religion anymore, he just IS Maverick so everyone loves and adores him. I also find it ridiculous that in every movie he's cast, they FAKE how he's taller than the women he's dating. Supposedly he's the same height as Connelly except in all of the movie shots he's significantly taller. How does he keep getting away with it? Does he wear platforms or do they give him a little stool? Anyway I don't even remember most of his parts in the movie unless Rooster was also in it - great job Miles!

Depp V Heard (2023)

What is the point?

[19 August 2023]

Everyone has already made up their minds about this trial and these two people. This series didn't sway me, nor did I learn anything new from it. However I did notice there were some very questionable and controversial "content creators" who were included in this series and it completely discredited the series. Patrick Bet-David? Ben Shapiro? Candace Owens? The Daily Wire? Podcasts from previous reality show actors like the Bachelor? Why do these people have any credibility in society? And why is everyone who sides with JD a "JD fan" but everyone who sides with AH is a "feminist "?? All of this feels so calculated and gross.

A Perfect Story (2023)

Slow burn perfection

[8 August 2023]

The alternate ending doesn't really matter to me, as I see it does for some people. I personally think it's just supposed to show people how impactful each of their actions are in life. Regardless, these two people have a lovely friendship AND more, and it's beautiful to watch. Not to mention, the actors are literally perfect and it felt so wonderful to watch them... I kept thinking to myself that I hope this book is translated into English because I really love slow-burn romances and considering this was made into a 5 part Netflix series it's probably a worthwhile book to read as well. The scenery was nothing to complain about for the movie though ;)

The Dressmaker (I) (2015)

Beautiful

[30 July 2023]

This movie made me cry a lot, in a good way mostly, but I reckon I would have given it a 10 if one particular person didn't meet their demise...

Oh, 450 more characters? Well Kate Winslet is so talented and beautiful, I'd love to learn more about how someone with a British accent somehow changes it into an Australian accent so easily. It seems like it would still be difficult but I was questioning whether she was British at one point because she did it so well. In terms of casting, I found it hard to believe that certain characters were all supposed to be the same age, as they were all together in school. Ok character limit met!

Happiness for Beginners (2023)

Read the book

[30 July 2023]

Only 2 minutes into this movie I immediately recognized the plot and realized I have read this book; didn't realize based on the title alone, but that's how strong the book plot hit me back when I read it over 3 years ago... According to my book review, this is one of the best books I've read and I even wanted to read it again someday. So it being made into a movie is a dream come true, and it did live up to my expectations but still think people should read the book! Always. The movie was lovely, the book was way more of a slow burn if you like that type of thing. Lastly, they should have kept Beckett's original monologue, it was so good I wrote it out at the time *ahem*: "I'm sorry human beings are such a blight. I'm sorry we litter your earth and choke the fish in your oceans. We have been given incomprehensible beauty on this earth, but we don't see it. We walk around angry and blind and ungrateful. I wish we were better, our dumb human race, but I don't have much hope that we ever will be. The best I can do today is say: Thank you for this world of miracles. We will try to be more grateful. And less ridiculous."

Do Revenge (2022)

Will be a classic one day

[24 March 2023]

The people who rated this low clearly do not understand the art form that older movies once were. This isn't about morals these days, or the plot twists being too crazy to handle... how can you not realize that was all intentional? It's about not taking yourself too seriously. I had fun watching this and I'm pretty sure that's the point. I mean, there were some valuable messages in there too, but we already knew most of those didn't we? Don't be a mean girl, don't be a cheater, drugs are bad mmmk? It's an amazing movie, if you actually appreciate movies. Also, it was supposed to be cliche, duh.

Promising Young Woman (2020)

Is this my new favourite movie?

[17 March 2023]

I'm flabbergasted that I'm only discovering this movie 3 years after it came out. I love every single actress and actor in this movie, and I'm shocked it wasn't a book made into a movie, it was so good and full of character depth. The plot centred around revenge was a very appealing bonus. All that said, the movie had a lot to live up to and IT. DID. It blew me away, and I would watch it again immediately except it left me feeling both sick and empty inside because there is just so much truth to the society we live in. The plot twists were almost too easy to see.... why? Because.... men. I actually don't hate men, I don't want to. But here I am bawling about men anyway. Now to feel better, I'll need to watch an uplifting fictional movie with men as the heroes; shouldn't be hard to find. Also, the soundtrack was wonderful. Thank you for this masterpiece.

Arctic Heart (2016)

Loved it but ...

[11 March 2023]

I actually kind of loved this movie, it started off rather silly and made me laugh quite a few times, and it was also a little nerdy which was great... but then it became more about the romance. I watched the movie because of Guillaume, but then I discovered the insanely beautiful Charlotte, and her character was very smart and turned out to be pretty calculating as well. The only thing I'm wondering is why they didn't address the fact that the reason the experiments failed was because HE didn't give her an orgasm the whole time! I mean he looked ashamed of himself but he probably should have said something to her?? It went from that to him being in love I suppose... kinda odd.

Endless Love (2014)

Love and hate this

[18 January 2023]

I love the women in this movie, I love the love in this movie. But damn is there a lot of toxic masculinity in this story. And granted, that's the fault of the original movie not necessarily this one. But if you stop to think about how men are the only problematic people in this whole movie (aside from the ex, slightly, I guess, but she did no worse than what David did to her in the beginning and it wasn't a big deal, even laughable). Every scene with men vs. Men provoking each other's fragile masculinity is actually laughable, but also heartbreaking because this is the world women have to suffer in. I know this isn't a NEW movie but damn, it scares me. Men like this are the reason I will never give up my power and independence as a woman.

I Love My Dad (2022)

Not really a comedy...

[16 December 2022]

It might have started out as a comedy, and the trailer makes it seem as such, but in my opinion it's pretty dark. Isn't dark comedy a movie genre?

Perhaps there should be a warning about suicidal themes (not a spoiler)... Despite some pretty funny moments and some characters that brought a little light back to the film, I was filled with dread and anxiety the whole time. My heart broke several times.

Considering it's based on a true story, props to James Morosini for creating this very emotional film. And seemingly forgiving his dad? All of the actors were phenomenal as well. Can't think of anything else to say in order to hit the min character limit!

Look Both Ways (2022)

Timely. Anyone who doesn't get it...

[21 August 2022]

People think this is light hearted, superficial, or even copied. For anyone who doesn't get it, you clearly are not aware of the lives women face today. Was there ever a question of ending the pregnancy? No, of course not. Her life was ruined by not having a choice, his was not. She and him both lived their dreams by the CHANCE they didn't get pregnant. This is very poignant. Also Lili is just so beautiful.

Atypical (2017–2021)

Love this show

[20 August 2022]

I love this show and feel like I can watch it no matter what mood I'm in. I can understand why some are disappointed in season 4, but that's pretty common when a show tries to continue to be interesting. Also the music/soundtrack is amazing, especially in season 4. I read a few reviews and didn't see many giving kudos to Paige's character so I want to do that as well. She might be sort of on the sidelines but she was a main character to me!!

Coroner: One Drum (2020) Season 2, Episode 5

Not sure if it's the horrible script or horrible acting

[9 June 2022]

I appreciate the message SO much. But the way this was executed and delivered was horrible. In particular, Alison inappropriately forcing a kid to spend the day with her (when she OFTEN complains about babysitting) to prove a point that they were destined to meet or something, and her awkward acting of why she took the job despite not having really any impact on anything, then accusing Jenny of thinking she's ridiculous. It was just too much.

The Circle (2020– )

Every season is different

[28 May 2022]

For those of you who like the realness of the 1st season, you'll also like the 4th. I was starting to worry the cringe factor was getting too high because people were being so strategic and performative, but this last season, and in general all of them, have some very real, amazing people. And the diversity represented in this show is the reality I want to live in. Also, you can't deny it's absolutely hilarious, and then the added perk of 90s celebrities like the Spice Girls just makes me feel like I'm in heaven.

The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On (2022– )

Sexist

[9 April 2022]

As a woman who doesn't want to have kids, it was pretty offensive to watch a woman who's main boundary was to not have children (she said she doesn't feel comfortable around them!) have her FIRST conversation with a man be plowed over and ultimately be asked to overcome it, as if it's a fault, and despite not fully understanding where she's coming from. He was eager for her to admit it was about pregnancy affecting her body, rather than the lifelong consequences of raising a human being that she's not comfortable with. Then for her to actually acquiesce to it like it's not even that important of a concern, is absolutely mind blowing and reinforcing of the persistent sexist mindset that still exists. So much for women representing the rest of us, not that I should have expected it from such a shallow show.

A Honeymoon to Remember (2021 TV Movie)

Both couples were duds

[27 March 2022]

Some of these other reviews made me laugh by saying the sister's romance was more mature and believable. All they talked about was food! Hilarious though. The sand competition was when this movie really became irredeemable for me, the new guy seemed to have a personality disorder and I've never witnessed such poor acting.