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aliciaengel010
Reviews
Dirty John (2018)
Intriguing and Well Done, but the characters are really not sympathetic (Possible Spoilers)
I was hooked on this show as it was well done and I just kept watching to see what John would do next - and what crazy event from the past would be explored. It's intriguing for anyone interested in true crime.
I have to say, though, that I really can't bring myself to sympathize with Debra Newell. I tried really hard not to victim blame because I too dated a sociopath for a couple of years and I know how manipulative they can be and how they can literally convince you to believe the most outrageous things. They can tear you apart to the point where you are doubting your own sanity. But in my defense, I was in my early twenties and not very experienced with men back then, not a successful business woman in her fifties who'd been divorced 4 times (that right there is a red flag). There also weren't really any warning signs in the beginning with my ex. Debra was literally presented with mountains of evidence that John was a bad guy (to say the least) and still went back to him after her family went through hell trying to help her get away. Then she acted all shocked and victimized and couldn't understand why her family was upset with her. As far as I'm concerned she's not really a victim anymore at that point. (I think the real Debra Newell seems to love painting herself as a victim when she really brought this all on herself). She's really just all around not a likable character/person. I was screaming at her through my TV, basically.
I did like that this series explored the past stories of Debra's sister's murder and that whole aspect, as well as John's first wife Tonia (who I actually did sympathize with). The acting was great; Eric Bana played such a good sociopath that now I can't unsee it. Lol.
Overall, a good series to watch but unfortunately there isn't really anybody to root for. It provides an overall good message to trust your gut and really look out for yourself. Be careful who you date and bring into your life and never underestimate the power of a background check.
Till Death Us Do Part (1992)
Not bad at all- Very enjoyable
So I read the book by Bugliosi and loved it, so I had to get this movie. It's obviously made on a shoe-string of a budget but still enjoyable nonetheless.
There were some inaccuracies that bothered me, i.e. Bugliosi did NOT have to ride herd on the detective like he did in the movie, Michael Brockington told what he knew to cops long before the trial, Alan did not meet Judy at the bar and nor did she work for it (He met her at a gym that she worked at)... and so on but that's probably just me nitpicking.
Overall though, the acting in this movie is really good. Treat Williams does an awesome job as Allan Palliko (although he was far more handsome and charming than the real Alan aka Paul Perveler).. and Arliss Howard also does great as Bugliosi and was probably the best thing about the film. Rebecca Jenkins also does great and adds a sympathetic touch to the character of Sandra Stockton; to an extent I actually felt sorry for her as she seemed very manipulated by Alan Palliko. I don't know if the real Sandra is just as cold as Allan, but they didn't portray it that way in the movie. I always thought Sandra only serving seven years was ridiculous, but after watching this, I can't help but wonder if maybe she was just infatuated and went along with Allan the whole time out of love, as she obviously had low self esteem and never got much attention from men. And of course Alan gets the death penalty which he deserves.
Overall enjoyable and recommended for anyone who read the book, if you don't mind a few inaccuracies and missing key points.