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Reviews
World of Dance: The Qualifiers 1 (2017)
The season premiere fizzled more than it sizzled
With all the build-up over the past couple months about this new dance show, I was pretty excited for it to start. I've watched "So You Can Think You Can Dance" for about 5 seasons now, and it has been an excellently thought-out dance competition show, and very enjoyable, so I figured "World Of Dance" would be a very high-caliber show, with a focus on group competitions.
When I watched the season premiere (this episode being reviewed) I came away very disappointed in the format, delivery, and overall feel of the show. While it had some great dance content, the judging portion of the show fell flat in my estimation. "Lame" was the word that came to mind. The show felt more like a game show or popularity contest than it did a serious dance competition. The subjectivity felt much more keen in this show, which was ironic, given the attempt to use a "grading scale" that should improve objectivity; for some reason it seemed to have the opposite effect. It felt like this show was starting out with the same judging slump that plagued American Idol the last few years of its life. Maybe it's just not a good fit for JLo, and she should focus on the areas where she really shines.
On a more positive note, having Jenna as a host was a good move, and she carried out her role with class and heartwarming empathy.
I enjoy watching dance competitions, so I'll give the next episode a shot, but the show will lose me pretty quickly if it stays on the same trajectory.
Nashville: Back in the Saddle Again (2017)
Probably my least favorite episode of all 5 seasons
Did they change writers again? This return of the show mid-season is a new low for the series, in my opinion. Nashville has been one of my favorite dramas of all time over the years, but it has sunk into a pathetic mess of depressing story lines in this episode. Maybe they've run out of brilliant moments and inspirational, heart-warming ideas. I'm seriously considering hanging up my hat on this show and moving on. I just hate to have this episode be my final memory of Nashville. On a more positive note, there were two redeeming factors: 1) The amazing song that Maddie is producing, and 2) Charles Esten -- who has the most emotional depth as a male actor that I've ever seen, and whose presence on the show is its most enduring quality at this point.
Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
The most Academy-Award-Worthy Movie I've seen in ages
Wow. Just wow. Even though I really don't enjoy graphic war scenes, the presentation of this movie in total was one of the finest I've ever seen. Not very many movies deserve a '10', in my opinion. This one does. In fact, it is the most "Academy-Award-Worthy" movie I have seen in ages. This movie is the real deal, and I love Mel Gibson more than ever for making it. (I've followed Mr Gibson since Gallipoli, and Patriot is still one of my all-time faves.) The fact that this is based on a true story, just puts it over the top for deep, emotional inspiration. I didn't know this war story before, but it has to be one of the greatest of all time. Every character role was played brilliantly by the cast. The directing and cinematography were flawless. This movie is gut-level impacting. I wish every adult in the USA would see this movie. Maybe it would get our nation back on track regarding what real life, courage, and heroism really look like. Thanks Mel, for making this story come alive in such a powerful way, and for putting a film on the market that honors God and core values.
The Resurrection of Gavin Stone (2017)
Brett Dalton & Anjelah were both brilliant in this feel-good film
This movie had a lot of layers nicely compacted into the main character, that got me emotionally involved in this film in a surprising way. Brett pulled off his role perfectly, and Anjelah was a great counterpart. I always end up respecting actors more highly when they do roles such as the ones in this movie, so whereas I liked Mr Dalton before from other roles, he was particularly endearing in this one. This movie is suitable for anyone who just likes pure human-nature-drama that weaves comedy, emotion, romance & moral dilemma into a feel-good tale. I'm very glad I watched it. It was refreshing to not be bombarded with intense graphic action, violence, trash talk, or dubious/insincere acting. This movie was clean, straightforward, and had a great message.
Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love (2016)
A great sequel to Coat Of Many Colors
This movie, "Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love", as a sequel to "Coat of Many Colors" really stays true to the concept of the first one -- it brings to life the childhood of Dolly Parton and emphasizes the special events and moments that shaped her life. Through both movies, she draws us into an era where life was simple, but hard, and the love of family, combined with faith, proved to be a powerful combination that could stand the tests of life. The cast has been superb both times; this sequel was flawless in its transition from the first movie. It felt completely natural and I was instantly drawn back in to the story line. Ms Nettles surprised me once again at how gifted she is as an actress, and Alyvia Alyn Lind further established herself in my book as the best child actor to appear on the scene in a very long time. I personally feel honored to have these special glimpses into Dolly's life, and I believe her stories were definitely worth telling, and I'm so glad they have been. When I was growing up, when "9 to 5" came out, and she was in her prime as a country star, I had a completely different perception of Dolly Parton, and these movies have made me feel like I have been invited into her intimate life and can understand the amazing woman she really is. I have a huge respect for her now, and I'm thankful she has blessed us with these heartwarming stories that bring us back to what life is truly all about, when all the chaos and fluff are stripped away. These movies make me have the same warm, feel-good, aftertaste that I always had from Little House on the Prairie. Triumph over tragedy, faith in God, the importance of family, and that love always wins in the end -- the basics never fail us. If you have never seen "Coat Of Many Colors", I encourage you to watch it first.