filmnoirthebest Reviews

Big Little Lies (2017–2019)

Good Season 2, Very Realistic!

[9/10 · 1 August 2019]

I can see why some feel a season 2 wasn't necessary. The story could have ended with season 1. But, there was a great deal for the characters to unpack and resolve! It was art imitating life because central characters Madeline and Celeste got on my nerve because in reality, I can't stand self-absorbed people who have no discretion to openly talk about Ziggy's situation any where near a precocious kid, or Nicole falling apart with so much at stake, but is what had me to binge watch in two sittings, GREAT ACTING AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT!

It was never boring, I appreciate dialogue and flushed out emotions and revelations! Didn't give it 10 stars because the characters were real life-like. If there is a Season 3, I will be watching, they left that door open! Laura Dern's character (love, love, loved) should have a comeback story, since her situation is not uncommon! Zoe did a fine job, as did Shailene, the entire cast (kids included) earned a season 3!

Escape at Dannemora (2018)

SUPERB STORYTELLING, WRITING, DIRECTING, ACTING, AND EDITING!

[10/10 · 11 February 2019]

I was totally captivated by this mini-series. The opening scene sealed the deal. The -production- values were off the charts! Here's a story that has been told so many times in film, yet this one stands alone, peerless!

Mesmerizing performances, gripping mystery and intrigue, while knowing how this story ends was amazing to watch unfold, frame by frame! Film students or aspiring filmmakers should study this film. I feel like, I was taught how to tell a story in film!

Thanks to Showtime, Ben, writers, editors, and the entire cast and crew for a job very well done!

Grown-ish (2018–2024)

I LOVE THIS SHOW FOR MANY REASONS...

[10/10 · 11 January 2018]

I thought this show was very different, creative and depicted many shades and aspects of teens who are recently grown, on college campuses, NOT ALL! Grown-ish this is just a slice! I work with young people, and feel like this show is spot-on for many young people, and definitely not for some or adults who feel it either!

I thought it would be the usual college-life comedy, and was pleasantly surprised to see a show that shows that young people are thinking, and not just about their G.P.A., but life, mistakes, fitting-in with back-stories that flesh out the characters in 24 minutes, OK!

I'm always grateful when there isn't a laugh-track for starters, but I think it's a very fresh show, and hopefully, it continues to unfold and tackle hot topics, make people laugh and gain more viewers!

Luke Cage (2016–2018)

A Great Show!

[10/10 · 5 October 2016]

I found little or nothing wrong with this show! I've only seen three episodes, but I'm sold! I like the writing, and actors not so familiar faces or the usual ones we see, so hooray for that! I love how the characters are fleshed out before we go into superhero mode! I'm not into action flicks without more than explosives and fights, but interesting storytelling is very important. Love the whole cast, the detective chick get cool points for playing basketball, I love that aspect added to her character! Luke Cage is just what we need right about now with so much going on in the world, in terms of moral decay and violence! Great Job!

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015–2019)

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome!!!

[10/10 · 20 April 2016]

This is one of the very best shows on television, especially in the comedy category. I love it! Rachel Bloom is so talented, as well as the entire cast! I had to read up on the cast because I didn't know most of the actors. It's sad this won't get the Modern Family publicity machine treatment or Bloom isn't being hailed as a newbie following in the footsteps of comedy madame Tina Fey and Amy, and rising stars Melissa McCarthy and Amy Schumer! She's fortunate to be on the CW and probably would have been canceled on one of the other networks. This show has everything with plenty of laugh-out-loud funny moments, no laugh track is required. It's an updated version of the incomparable Carol Burnett Show,but great in its own right! I hope Barbra Streisand makes a guest appearance, I think the two would play great off of each other! Rachel Bloom's costars are each tremendous stars in their own right, whether household names or not!Donna Lynne Champlin, Vella Lovell, Vincent Rodriquez, Pete Gardner, Gabrielle Ruiz, David Hull, Santino Fontano, Tovah Feldshuh, Amy Hill, Michael Hyatt, Tess Paras, Cedric Yarborough, and all of the wonderful and talented actors and crew that make this show great, I say thank you for providing fine television!!! This is must-see TV!!!

Mistresses (I) (2013–2016)

I thought this show was over with all the changes...NOT SO...

[10/10 · 5 October 2015]

While I miss Alyssa Milano, the show continued on with Calista helping to fill the void wonderfully. They completely revamped the show and the plot twists and turns were entertaining. I love the Calista character and the focus on fashion, and the women's lives, careers and conflicts. It does remind you of Desperate Housewives or Devious Maids with its blend of comedy and drama. There are plenty of Sci-fi or dark dramas to watch, so I don't mind cliché TV. It's television(over-the-top) folks, and they one hour to get it right and keep viewers watching! We live in a world full of harsh realities, Mistresses is an escape hour of uncomplicated, glossy TV-watching!

The Player (2015)

It's Fun, Not a complex drama, Law and Order, NCI or HTGAWM

[9/10 · 4 October 2015]

It's a fun show to watch, like someone said, it doesn't require much concentration. It's glossy, action-packed and entertaining, what I like, an hour of escapism. Of course, some of it is over the top, but that goes for most of the Broadcast network shows because they have ad revenues to build shows around. It's not House of Cards, Orphan Black, or Ray Donovan, but it is a fun show with a different plot twist that I find refreshing! I hope it's not canceled, but I no longer invest in shows lasting after Boss and Magic City were canceled. I will enjoy one season if that's it (really don't watch too much broadcast network programming). The networks should allow a show time to find it's pace, ideal time-slot and reworks, but that's not happening in our microwavable world. This is another reason writers create such awful plots or go over-the-top (i.e., Oil and Blood), they're working against time constraints, the first three episodes better seal the deal! Fingers crossed for a season 2 of The Player!

Quantico (2015–2018)

Love, Love, Love It!!!

[10/10 · 29 September 2015]

Well, we all have our opinions and are film critics in our own right! I couldn't believe the bad reviews. I rarely see a drama show that I enjoy each frame as I did Quantico. Usually, it's on Cable networks and not broadcast networks (Boss, Magic City, Ray Donovan, Nurse Jackie, Justified, Suits, breaking Bad)or Netflix (House of Cards). I found this storytelling compelling. It held my interest when it's so easy to turn-off and watch something else. There are loads of new programming to preview or news seasons to enjoy, so enduring a dud isn't an option. The acting and writing was good, maybe, because I know how incompetent so-called pros can be. I love the way the stories are told and the characters are fleshed out. The Chopra actress is beyond gorgeous, a new star on the horizon with a cool, relaxed acting style and chops. I don't expect for television shows not to be over-the-top, they must grab viewers quickly or get kicked to the curb by networks if they don't deliver good ratings. Networks don't give shows time to find their space or develop characters, so there will be imperfections. I hope people keep on watching!!!

Rosewood (2015–2017)

Rosewood, Give it a chance, it's a guilty pleasure...

[7/10 · 29 September 2015]

I enjoyed this show because it is lighthearted, glossy and colorful! I watch plenty of darker shows, so this is refreshing with it's retro whodunit treatments. It reminds me of the show Glades, which may have been a little more or less cheesy, but it's very watchable, IMO! After watching Gotham, Quantico, Scandal, HTGWM, and shows on Netflix and Hulu like Tyrant, Ray Donovan, Justified, Hand of God (Amazon), and so many others, I can greatly indulge this show! I love Morris Chestnut, he did a great job on Nurse Jackie and the detective Villa plays nicely with his Rosewood (Rosie) character. The plot is by numbers, and the premise somewhat incredulous if you're seeking true crime reality-like TV. But, since this show is so bright and corny, I hope viewers continue to tune in because there's no shortage of dark TV or grisly shows or decent comedies. We're in another golden age of television, and the choices are awesome! I say this after cutting my cable cord, and have now watched more interesting and enjoyable television than I ever did when I paid for monster cable. Rosewood may not be for everyone, but it's definitely for those who want some silliness and escapism like myself (scenic views, the ocean, beaches, palm trees)!

How to Get Away with Murder (2014–2020)

Not Sure Yet...Winner or Loser

[5/10 · 26 September 2014]

All the actors seemed really good. The story lines seems disjointed. But, the biggest distraction was Viola Davis' wigs, not good. She should have gotten better hair and wardrobe. Shonda really dropped the ball on her appearance. It was so distracting looking at her with hair that was so unbecoming. I've seen this pretty lady glammed up on the red carpets or for magazine editorial photo-shoots. If Viola didn't want to use chemicals and used her own hair, worn it natural, hair stylist to the stars Kim Kimble should have been on-board. It's sad because the show may have some flaws, but her look or aesthetic is critical to her character. Kerry Washington is a cute girl, but without her Olivia Pope wardrobe, hair, expensive wines and posh apartment, her character wouldn't be believable. Lynn Whitfield would have been my second choice because she's beautiful and a most talented actress. Viola probably had no say over hair and wardrobe, but whoever's responsible needs to get a consultant, hire me, but get some help. Viola is a beautiful and talented actress and this is not what we saw last night. She was better suited in her short stint on United States of Tara.