lesliejphillips Reviews

The L Word: Generation Q: Quiet Before the Storm (2023) Season 3, Episode 9

Finally! Back On Track!!

[10/10 · 16 January 2023]

This episode of GenQ is more like what fans expect

Having the OGs (Bette, Tina, Shane and Alice) in the same episode makes so much difference.

It was beautifully directed by Kate Moennig and the dialog was smart, funny, and touching. Angie's (Bette & Tina's daughter, played brilliantly by Jordan Hull) coming of age story is very poignant, and while she seems to be doing things that are very out of touch with the character we've come to know, here's hoping the writers can find an off-ramp for this bizarre storyline. Her moms are handling it as best as they can.

The return of another OG character at the end, Rose Rollins as Tasha, is a thrill to the fan base and will certainly provide a lot of interest in future episodes. She and Alice (Leisha Haley) who had been in a lengthy relationship in the original LWord series didn't miss a beat when they met each other in the most unusual way.

Next up is Bette and Tina's wedding. It should be the celebration of the century!

The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch (2020– )

Fascinating!

[10/10 · 25 August 2022]

I was really intrigued with this show during the first few episodes of Season 1, and it just kept getting better.

Seasons 2 and 3 were increasingly fascinating with each and every episode.

This show presents, in a very unique way, the history of the area in and around the ranch and the people who have lived there combined with the experiences of the present day residents and the scientists searching for answers to truly fascinating (and sometimes terrifying) phenomena.

Can't wait to see what is in the works for Season 4.

The Tinder Swindler (2022)

Gripping

[10/10 · 29 June 2022]

Documentaries don't often hold you in suspense, but this one will. It is very well done.

The wining, dining, flying, flaunting and deceit have no limits...almost.

Gentleman Jack (2019–2022)

Magnificent! Hoping for a Season Three & Beyound

[10/10 · 28 June 2022]

I just watched both seasons of Gentleman Jack. It most certainly deserves a Season 3!

You find yourself completely immersed in Miss Lister's character, played beautifully by Suranne Jones. Her boundless energy, quick wit, brilliant mind, and enterprising nature jump from the screen from the opening moments and carry through Season Two. She does not view herself as a person guided or persuaded by emotion, and, although she fancies herself a lady's woman, all that she truly desires is a true partnership, which she finds with Miss Walker (Sophie Rundle).

Miss Walker is an emotionally complex character. She has a fierce desire to be her own woman, but she lacks confidence. Scarred by family tragedies and her remaining family's efforts to control her, she simply shuts down. She is enthralled when she meets Miss Lister, but later she suffers a serious breakdown. Miss Lister helps her for a short time until the family separates them. Ms Rundle's portrayal of Miss Walker does an excellent job of bringing forth the confusion, pain and despair of mental illness coupled by a broken heart. It is a jubilant and heartwarming triumph when she eventually returns to her home and Miss Lister.

With Gentleman Jack, the writers and producers achieved their vision of a "different kind" of period drama. For example, because the main character, Miss Lister, is a "minor landowner" the characters (including her) walk almost everywhere they go from place to place on the estate, to work sites and to other homes: this truly fits the bill. Horses & carriages are reserved for more long-distance travel.

Many of the characters have deaths in their family to both the young and old. Such were the times in the early to middle 1800's.

So, is a Season Three in order? It very certainly is: after all, Miss Lister left a five million page diary! There's plenty of material to work with and much more of Miss Lister's and Miss Walker's story to be told.

New Amsterdam (2018–2023)

Once Great Show Ruined

[1/10 · 28 June 2021]

Loved the premise of New Amsterdam, the characters and the acting over the first couple of seasons.

But no more. If I could rate it less than one, I would find that appropriate.

Trying to force so many social justice issues on its viewers (Trans people, Black rights, and so on) has ruined this series. It has broken the continuity of the show and thrown the script into left field, literally.

This series is supposed to be about a hospital helping patients. Not a hospital championing every social justice issue under the sun. Sadly, a once really compelling, well-acted drama is ruined.

Homicide Hunter (2011–2020)

Wit & Humor Added To Serious Business!

[10/10 · 26 May 2021]

If you like true crime shows, you'll love "Homide Hunter:Lt. Joe Kenda". Even if you don't like these shows, you should give this one a chance.

The show follows cases worked by Joe in all stages of his career, from patrolman to detective. It often highlights the difficulty of "catching cases" at all hours of the day and night as is typical with law enforcement officers (LEOs). Joe will work the case with little or no sleep for days on end to follow all pertinent leads while the case is fresh & before the suspect(s) can slip away. Again, typical LEO work, especially for detectives.

But what is different is Joe's narration of the aspects of the case. His dry wit as he runs across certain behaviors of suspects or clues in the case is quite entertaining, while at the same time being informative.

Joe explains what steps are/aren't legal to take as he goes along, no matter how convinced he may be of the suspect's guilt.

Another interesting aspect of the show is that Joe is a 40+ year LEO veteran, so many of his cases have to be solved without the aid of DNA evidence.

Joe uses his collective experience, thorough investigative and deduction skills, and a great deal of patience to solve his cases.

Give this show a try. I think you'll like it!

Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

A Character With Great Conviction

[10/10 · 22 February 2021]

Jessica Chastain is a standout in this movie which chronicles the search for Usma Bin Laden and his ultimate killing by Navy S.E.A.L. Team Six.

I don't know how much poetic license was given to her character/actions as compared to the real-life operation, but in this movie, her character drives the hunt to locate Bin Laden i. Despite opposition and doubt by higher level CIA operatives, she will not relent in her belief that her team has located UBL's hiding place and simply will not stand down until she receives the backing of senior officials.

The movie depicts the difficulty of living/working in such a dangerous part of the world as well as the realities of war in a climate where no one can be trusted.

This movie is very entertaining and definitely one to watch.

FBI: Most Wanted (2020– )

Great Cast/Blend of Characters

[9/10 · 17 February 2021]

FBI:Most Wanted is a really good new-era police drama. They do a good job of blending the familiar crime drama types with ones with, for example, mad computer skills which gives it a fresh wrinkle to crime fighting.

I wasn't real sure I liked it when I watched the early episodes, but it has developed into a series I will watch weekly.

Ignore the critical reviews by people that have only watched one episode and give it a chance.

Yellowstone (2018– )

A modern Western that doesn't disappoint!

[10/10 · 27 December 2020]

Yellowstone's casting, acting, cinematography and production are fantastic. The story/plot lines are complex & almost always there are opposing forces in play that further add to this complexity, yet it is so masterfully produced that it is actually easy to follow. Each episode leaves you wanting to see the next one immediately!

I have owned, ridden, trained & shown western-use horses all my life & have been around cattle operations as well. The producers do a good job for the most part with the handling of the horses and in using authentic western saddles & tack. The set-up of the ranch is mostly believable as well. Sure there are some unrealistic things here & there, but it's television, not real life. Nothing worth nit-picking and certainly heads above what you usually see in western-themed television or big-screen movies.

The cinematography is wonderful, illustrating the grandeur of the Montana landscape as well as the action scenes with the horses/riders.

The acting is superb. Kevin Costner plays ranch owner & father John Dutton, a hard but fair man that expects much from his children and hired hands. Cole Hauser plays his ranch foreman, Rip, who is deeply devoted to John. John's children, played by Kelly Reilly, Luke Grimes and Wes Bentley couldn't be more different from one another and often find their personal aspirations in conflict with their duty to their father and which often put them at odds with one another.

One side note: Because of the format used, the viewer needs to watch the first couple of episodes before they will be familiarized with the characters. This is not a criticism and certainly shouldn't dissuade anyone from watching this extremely addictive series.

The Best of Enemies (2019)

Uplifting Story, Based On True Events HIGHLY RECOMMEND

[10/10 · 15 July 2020]

I really didn't know what to expect from this movie. Some of it was predictable-the deep hatred, mistrust and divisions of the times. Good old boys with guns and their not-so-secret club called the KKK getting its way through intimidation. Black folks tired of being treated as second class citizens and really not asking for so much when housing repairs weren't made by landlords. Then to make matters worse an elementary school for black children burns and the community finds itself at odds about the solution.

Enter the surprising element: Bill Riddick and the "charrette" or community conversation. Through facilitated talks, he was able to cool down the hot heads on both sides. And some (not all, of course) listened. They learned about each other, their families and their businesses in ways not before possible.

And when people listen, good things can happen.

The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love (1995)

Fabulous, sweet movie that will take you back in time

[10/10 · 9 June 2020]

Who doesn't remember their first love? And the crazy, intense feelings that seem to turn your world upside down...the sleepless nights, the images of that person in your head almost constantly?

Add in the fact that you're a girl and so is she. Your family is wealthy and hers is not; o"she" doesn't take school seriously like you do. But yet, "she" is she and you are you and nothing else really matters much does it?

Such are the makings for a first love adventure. And this film navigates it sweetly, letting the actors tell their true story.

Always (1989)

A beautiful story & a must see for aircraft buffs

[10/10 · 10 April 2020]

This movie caught my attention simply because it is about a pilot. But the story is so much deeper and much more beautiful than just the gritty flying scenes. Without giving too much away, the main character finds himself becoming the mentor for someone whom he normally would've viewed as a competitor and a threat to his personal happiness.

The aviators are part of a firefighting team in the post WWII era. Thus the introduction of the fabulous flying machines. You see, my father was a pilot and a WWII flight instructor. He flew light aircraft from age 16 to age 73. He flew commercially for Delta Airlines after the war until mandatory retirement at age 60. I never took up flying, but spent many an hour in the cockpit with Dad in his Beechcraft Bonanza. I've had many a vivid dream of flying the plane on my own from takeoff to landing, remembering what Dad did step by step.

So, it's fair to say I've always been intrigued by airplanes. My Dad would pour over the manuals of each plane he flew, and committed to memory the specifications of all of the mechanical, navigational, fuel, hydraulic, electrical, safety, etc systems. He flew everything from the the MD DC3 to the "stretch" MD DC8, one of the first high-occupancy modern jet aircraft. (He retired in 1974.)

In the movie, two Douglas A-26 Invader fire bombers:(Douglas B-26C Invader No. 57 and Douglas TB-26C Invader No. 59) were prominently featured. The flying for the film was performed by well-known film pilot Steve Hinton and Dennis Lynch the owner of the A-26s.

A number of other aircraft also appeared: Aeronca 7AC Champion, Bellanca 8KCAB Super Decathlon, Beechcraft Model 18, Cessna 337 Super Skymaster, Cessna 340, Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina, de Havilland Canada DHC-6-300 Twin Otter, Douglas C-54 Skymaster, Fairchild C-119C Flying Boxcar, McDonnell Douglas DC-10 and North American B-25J Mitchell.

Jackie Brown (1997)

Gripping story with unexpected twists

[10/10 · 28 March 2020]

Pam Grier is outstanding as the not-so-innocent flight attendant Jackie Brown. She plays the game beautifully and outwits the "experts" in a cunning chess game.

I'm surprised this movie hasn't gotten more recognition. It's really quite good.

What Keeps You Alive (2018)

Oddly Intriguing

[7/10 · 24 March 2020]

Loved the premise of this thriller as it is quite different to see a lesbian couple in the middle of a psychopathic thriller. The acting is superb and the cinematography is wonderful. It is set in a beautiful, rural, rustic setting which supports the cold nature of the protagonist. It is a little hard to follow as two characters, it seems, are really the same person and there are often flashbacks to before the trouble begins. I was pleased with the unexpected ending (no spoilers here) as it was as unique as the storyline itself. It's worth the watch - at least for me - because it proves plenty of suspense with a minimum of gore.

The Upside (2017)

Triumphant Film! A Must See

[10/10 · 16 January 2020]

This is actually my second review on this film. After reading all of the reviews, I was terribly put off by the people who either 1) had not seen it or 2) did - but in both cases, chose to trash it because it is a remake of the 2011 French film "The Intouchables".

It is totally unfair to rate this sweet, funny, inspiring film so poorly simply because it's a remake.

"The Upside" squarely stands on it's own with absolutely standout performances by Kevin Hart (both comedic and dramatic) and Bryan Cranston, who is brilliant and very believable as a quadriplegic. Nicole Kidman also does an amazing job of playing Cranston's rather up-tight office assistant and close friend.

The movie is laugh-out-loud funny at times but moreover it is tender, dramatic and joyous.

Ignore the lazy haters and watch this film. You won't be disappointed.

The Upside (2017)

Fantastic Movie! Manifests A Rainbow Of Emotions

[10/10 · 16 January 2020]

I rarely tear up while watching movies, but The Upside gave me tears of joy. It is funny, yes, with Kevin Hart what do you expect? But it is also serious, tender, hurtful, playful and yes, joyful.

Bryan Cranston delivers a powerful and convincing performance as wealthy paraplegic Phillip Lacasse. Ex-con Dell Scott, played by Kevin Hart, is hired to be his 24/7 personal assistant. Nicole Kidman does a superb job of playing Phillip's up-tight special assistant, Yvonne.

Phillip and Dell form a strong friendship during their time together and share some improbable adventures as well as some emotional breakthroughs.

This movie is not for children, but doesn't include much in the way of foul language, only mature situations.

The L Word: Generation Q (2019–2023)

Hit It Out Of The Park!

[10/10 · 9 December 2019]

Gen Q does a fabulous job of job of moving fast-forward in the lives and careers of the previous characters (Bette, Alice & Shane) while introducing a well-rounded cast of new characters.

The show is sexy, funny, pragmatic and dramatic.

Like the previous series, it leaves you wanting more as the episode ends.

S.W.A.T.: Day of Dread (2019) Season 2, Episode 21

Must Watch Episode

[10/10 · 5 September 2019]

Illustrates the difficulties of carrying out a mission in a civilian area and how when everything is done right, things can go wrong in an instant...or so it seems. Highlights the resilience of the officers who must trust their training and stand up to the mistrust of senior officers and their relentless interrogations trying to "break" the team. Mixed in with this are strong, moving personal situations that must be dealt with simultaneously.

Poms (2019)

Really cute, fun movie!

[9/10 · 17 August 2019]

Diane Keaton is always funny - and she was in POMS too, but also had a deeper, more vulnerable role. The movie was well-written & cast and moved at a good pace, sometimes devoted to serious situations, but most of the time it was just really cute, family-friendly comedy. I'd recommend it to anyone who'd like to kick back and escape all the heaviness of the news, world events and so on and indulge in some feel-good entertainment. To not give too much away - The movie is set at a retirement home, so there are situations of people passing away - so it might not be appropriate for very young viewers, or at least will require explanation at times. All in all, a great story about living in the moment and passing along wisdom to the younger generation.

Chicago P.D. (2014– )

Absolutely Riveting & Addictive!

[10/10 · 14 October 2018]

I've only been watching Chicago P.D. for a few months. Fortunately, I've been able to see most of the past seasons that are being rerun on cable. I really enjoy police/crime dramas in general, but what sets this show apart is its focus on the "intelligence" unit and the methods they employ to get the job done in a time-sensitive manner. They have strong (and smart) male and female members - some with various specialties (sniper, tech, military, etc) that make them a well-rounded team. I realize that some or maybe a lot of what they do is not realistic, but it makes for exciting and entertaining viewing and provides for a good deal of action. At the helm of the Intelligence team is Seargent Hank Voight, played by Jason Beghe. His aggressive tactics don't always sit well with the higher-ups, but he and his team certainly do get results, and he usually finds a way to keep himself and his team out of trouble. (Note I say "usually".) The leader of the "other team" in the station, the Patrolmen, is led by Seargent Trudy Platt, a no-nonsense and accomplished woman, but yet very funny at times because of her dry humor. She leads her team with an iron fist, but one believes it is because she: 1) wants them to be the best they can be (by-the-book); 2) wants them to come back alive each day; 3) wants them (secretly) to eventually earn a promotion. There is interaction between patrol and intelligence throughout the series and it gives a nice perspective of how patrol and detectives work together in general. Aside from the police work, each of the Intelligence and Patrol team members have challenges/changes in their personal lives and those are explored as well, adding a nice layer of complexity and balance to the storylines. A special treat in the Chicago P.D. series occurs when Chicago P.D. teams up with NYPD's SVU (Special Victims Unit) to solve cases or when Chicago P.D./Fire/Med combine to work large cases. All in all, the show is very well-scripted, filmed and acted and the music is very good also.

FBI (2018– )

"Prey" A Breakout Performance For FBI Characters

[10/10 · 10 October 2018]

Although the first two episodes of the pilot, FBI, were very good, the characters stood out more as individuals than as a team. In "Prey", they played off one another much better and there was much more emotion in their performances. Especially Jeremy Sisto, who was fantastic in Law & Order, but who has a much different role as floor team leader Jubal Valentine in FBI. Missy Peregrym has been the strongest character from the beginning, but this episode allowed her to show more emotion and humanity than the previous two episodes. Same goes for her partner, Omar Adom played by Zeeko Zaki - as well as their dependence on one another as partners. Another standout character is analyst Kristen Chazal, played by Ebonee Noel. She is smart, quick-witted and her special talents compliment the team very well. Looking forward to further character development on this promising new show.

Blue Bloods (2010–2024)

Great Police Drama For The Entire Family!

[10/10 · 7 October 2018]

I really enjoy all the police dramas: Law & Order (all series), Chicago P.D., CSI, the new FBI, etc. But my favorite hands-down is Blue Bloods. The show masterfully interweaves the everyday lives of the 4-generation NYPD family into each of the episodes. And it is done without excessive gore or foul language, which sets it apart from the other police/crime dramas and makes it a great family show. Additionally, in each of the episodes there is a teachable moment for a members(s) of the family, usually associated with a case one or more of the family is involved with, but not always. Although the family is exceptionally close, they do not always agree and often have to work through their problems, which adds to the reality and believeability of the show. The cast is outstanding - both the primary and supporting characters. Tom Selleck is excellent as head of the family and current NYC Police Commissioner Frank Reagan. Len Cariou plays his father, Henry Reagan, the former PC. Donnie Wahlberg is superb as Detective Danny Reagan and father of two young boys. Amy Carlson is cast as his wife Linda, a nurse. They endure many trying times, but are a rock-solid couple. Will Estes is cast as younger brother (and Harvard Law Grad) Jamie Reagan, who has a big heart and chooses to be a patrolman. He is tough, but fair, and has excellent street smarts and instincts. Bridget Moynahan is sister Erin Reagan, a Manhattan ADA and single mom to daughter Nicky Reagan. Supporting cast members come and go, and all are very good. Some of the more enduring and notableable ones are Vanessa Ray as Jamie's partner, "Eddie" Janko, Marisa Ramirez as Danny's partner, Maria Baez, Abigail Hawk as Detective Abigail Baker, Frank's right-hand woman in his office, and Gregory Jbara as Garrett Moore, Frank's Public Information Officer. If you haven't seen Blue Bloods, you should give it a try. You can pick it up anywhere in the series and quickly understand the character dynamics.

Good Girls (2018–2021)

Just plain smart and funny!

[10/10 · 30 September 2018]

Good Girls is perfectly cast with the emphasis on three suburban moms in different, financially difficult, circumstances. Although they result to crime to resolve their problems, it is written in a humorous way that makes it more like a comedy than a drama, although there are lots of tense and very serious situations they must face and figure ways to get out of. Doing bad things for good reasons is never an excuse for crime, but this is where a lot of the humor is woven into the storylines. Each of the women have their own unique difficulties in their family situation, which keeps them in the game even when they think maybe it best to look for an exit plan. Then add an evil "sub-contractor" and a nosey boss and it becomes all but impossible to quit. And this was just Season One. Season Two likely has many new twists and turns and new challenges to navigate. All in all, Good Girls is a really funny, smart, new show with a very unique premise.

Rizzoli & Isles (2010–2016)

Absolutely LOVE this show!

[10/10 · 30 September 2018]

The chemistry between all of the characters is smart, funny, serious, and downright entertaining. Angie Harmon & Sasha Alexander are great as best friends and a good combination of crime solvers by using the skills of thinking like a cop and thinking like a scientist. Angie Harmon's mom adds lots of humor by showing up in unexpected places/doing unexpected things. All of the characters play off one another well and work together as a sometimes dysfunctional team that pulls together in the end to solve the task at hand. It is a twist on your basic crime drama with comedic deference that makes it unusual and fun to watch.

Rise (2018)

RISE is wonderful and deserves a second season!

[10/10 · 26 September 2018]

For anyone who didn't catch the first season of RISE, you can, and should watch it via the online streaming options. I watched every moment of the spring 2018 season and thoroughly enjoyed it. I've read the reviews here, and don't understand why anyone would think this show to be unoriginal. Yes, the storyline is a bit slow-developing in some areas, but isn't this true of the first season of most series? If anything, RISE is TOO original and TOO real. The actors are not extravagantly dressed and their delivery of their lines not overly polished. The sets are a bit drab - like the small town fallen on hard times that is represents. But each and every actor and scene are absolutely believable. The raw authenticity of RISE is what makes it so unique and special. And the singing is top-notch. Listen to the full recorordings on YouTube and you will see how unbelievably talented the entire troupe is. As for social issues, yes, RISE addresses many. But go to any high school and these issues exist - they always have. If anything, RISE may well be "ahead of it's time" (for prime time anyway) in meeting these issues head-on.