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MelH2023
Reviews
Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (2009)
A Heartwarming Journey of Triumph and Inspiration
"Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story" is a truly inspiring film that chronicles the extraordinary life of Dr. Ben Carson, brought to life with remarkable performances, especially by Cuba Gooding Jr. In the role of Dr. Carson. His portrayal skillfully captures the challenges and triumphs of Dr. Carson's journey, from a challenging childhood to becoming a renowned neurosurgeon. Kimberly Elise's portrayal of Dr. Carson's mother is equally exceptional, adding depth and emotion to the film as she lovingly supports her sons through their struggles and triumphs.
The movie not only showcases the power of determination and mentorship but also highlights a pivotal moment in medical history - Dr. Ben Carson's groundbreaking surgery to separate the craniopagus German twins. This remarkable achievement showcases his unparalleled skills as a neurosurgeon and serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication to advancing medical science while offering a glimpse into the incredible challenges he overcame to make this surgery a reality.
"Gifted Hands" is a powerful reminder that success is not only about personal accomplishments but also about giving back to the community and inspiring future generations. It beautifully captures the essence of resilience, faith, and the pursuit of excellence. Dr. Ben Carson's story is a source of inspiration for all, and this film does justice to his incredible journey, leaving viewers moved and uplifted by his indomitable spirit.
Whether you're interested in medicine, education, or simply in need of an uplifting story, this film is a must-watch. Get ready to be profoundly moved, perhaps even shedding a tear or two, by the extraordinary life of Dr. Ben Carson.
Hu Xin (2023)
My most favorite xianxia ever! even though I rarely watch these
After a lover's betrayal, the ancient dragon Tian Yao found himself badly wounded and heartbroken. The woman he loved betrayed him by dismembering him and stripping him of his dragon scales and then sealing his body parts in five places. Only by luck did his soul escape. Now reborn, he encounters Yan Hui, who vows to protect him as he retrieves his missing bones.
Tian Yao, the ancient spirit dragon, falls victim to betrayal by the deceitful Su Ying, who steals his heart and scales. Dismembered and dispersed, he encounters the dauntless Yan Hui, forming an uneasy alliance where he becomes her demon familiar, a dragon koi. Yan Hui pledges to help him recover his body parts, discovering the challenges of training the dangerous Tian Yao.
A mysterious cupid named Bai Xiaosheng comically influences their romance, eventually becoming an obstacle. Together, they embark on adventures, gaining lifelong friends along the way. Despite some typical xianxia tropes and one-dimensional villains, the friendships and adventures shine as the drama's highlights.
Zhou Ye once again showcases her talent as one of the most promising young actors in the industry. Her portrayal of Yan Hui is truly enchanting, radiating the effervescent enthusiasm and passionate idealism of youth that often eludes more seasoned actors. Her on-screen chemistry with Hou Minghao is undeniable, even though his acting is a work in progress. Hou Minghao's remarkable good looks occasionally distract from his performance, as he sometimes appears a bit stiff in inappropriate moments.
Interestingly, Hou Minghao's casting works well for his role, portraying an uncomplicated character who experiences love and hate with equal intensity. While his character may make some less-than-smart decisions, his pure-hearted nature makes it difficult to fault him. Despite occasional rough patches in their acting, this on-screen duo captivates viewers and had me wholeheartedly cheering for them throughout the series.
I want to conclude by mentioning that I approached this drama with no prior knowledge of the actors or the novel, making this review as unbiased as possible. However, the cast won me over completely. The remarkable chemistry between the two leads was not only convincing but also exceeded my expectations. The acting was top-notch, and I couldn't believe that Hou Minghao, who played the majestic dragon king and the milky dragon simultaneously, could deliver such a stellar performance. Zhou Ye's versatility as an actress truly shone, and she had me shedding tears along with her character on numerous occasions.
Furthermore, the entire cast demonstrated a deep commitment to and genuine connection with the viewers. They tirelessly engaged with fans, answering questions on Weibo and hosting live sessions. Their dedication and hard work deserve all the praise in the world, not just for their exceptional performances but also for their unwavering commitment to their audience.
Highly recommended. Definitely worth watching.
Lie Huo Jun Xiao (2019)
A Captivating Blend of Romance and Patriotism
"Arsenal Military Academy" is a remarkable Chinese drama that seamlessly blends romance, patriotism, and historical intrigue to create a captivating narrative that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish. With its well-developed characters, strong performances, and compelling storyline, this series deserves every bit of its 9/10 rating.
Set against the backdrop of China's turbulent Republican era, "Arsenal Military Academy" transports audiences to a time of political upheaval, espionage, and resistance against foreign powers. The story follows the resilient and tenacious Xie Xiang, played brilliantly by Bai Lu, who disguises herself as a male cadet to attend the prestigious Arsenal Military Academy. Her journey of becoming a soldier with a mission adds depth and layers to her character, making her an incredibly relatable and admirable protagonist.
Within the confines of the academy, Xie Xiang forms close bonds with a group of young male recruits, each with their unique personalities. Among them is the rich, hot-headed and affluent Gu Yan Zheng, portrayed with depth by Xu Kai, and the soft-spoken and introverted Shen Jun San, portrayed with quiet charm by Li Cheng-Pin. However, both Gu Yan Zheng and Shen Jun San find themselves entangled in a complex web of emotions, both harboring feelings for the enigmatic Xie Xiang.
The chemistry between Xie Xiang and the enigmatic Gu Yan Zheng, is undeniably electric. Their blossoming romance, while complicated by the fact that Xie Xiang is masquerading as a man, is beautifully depicted and adds an extra layer of tension and intrigue to the plot. Their love story is filled with touching moments that will tug at your heartstrings.
The supporting cast, including the lovable and hilarious group of cadets, each with their unique quirks and backgrounds, adds a perfect balance of humor and camaraderie to the show. The camaraderie among these characters is one of the highlights of the drama, showcasing the importance of friendship and teamwork in times of adversity.
Furthermore, "Arsenal Military Academy" does an outstanding job of weaving historical events and real-life figures into its fictional narrative. This historical authenticity adds depth and weight to the storyline, making it both educational and entertaining. The attention to detail in the sets, costumes, and military tactics is commendable.
The drama's pacing is on point, with a perfect balance of action-packed sequences and quieter, character-driven moments. The suspenseful plot twists and cliffhangers at the end of each episode will leave you eagerly anticipating the next instalment.
In conclusion, "Arsenal Military Academy" is a superbly crafted drama that manages to strike the perfect balance between romance, patriotism, and historical drama. With its engaging characters, brilliant performances, and a well-executed plot, it's a must-watch for fans of the genre. Whether you're drawn to the romance, the action, or the historical backdrop, this drama has something to offer everyone. I wholeheartedly give it a solid 9/10 stars and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling and emotionally resonant series.
The Lost City (2022)
Not what I anticipated
When I first laid eyes on the trailer, I experienced a fit of uncontrollable laughter. My excitement to watch this film knew no bounds, especially given the star-studded cast it boasted. It rekindled my childhood enthusiasm for adventurous treasure hunts on hidden islands, deciphering cryptic hieroglyphics, and embarking on thrilling escapades.
At the heart of the movie are two protagonists: Loretta Sage (played by Sandra Bullock), a romance novelist, and Alan/Dash (portrayed by Channing Tatum), her renowned cover model. Loretta's novel, "The Lost City of D," tantalizes readers with its enigmatic title, sparking wild speculations. But it's not what you might assume. Their journey unfolds on a perilous expedition to an uncharted paradise island, albeit not of their own volition. Loretta is kidnapped by a delusional, bittersweet billionaire, a media mogul who believes she holds the key to discovering treasure in a lost city on that very island, mirroring the plot of her own book.
My initial expectation, fueled by uproarious laughter induced by the trailer, was that this movie would captivate me from start to finish. Regrettably, that wasn't the case. It turned out to be somewhat lackluster, with moments of disappointment and monotony. Nevertheless, the same scenes that had amused me in the trailer still had me in stitches, along with some previously unseen gems. These redeeming moments make me inclined to recommend the film to others. I would, however, temper my recommendation by acknowledging that it may not live up to the hype but is still suitable for a laid-back day of viewing. Given the track record of Brad Pitt, Channing Tatum, and Sandra Bullock, I can't recall a single instance where their performances have fallen flat. Consequently, I attribute any shortcomings solely to the production team.
The plot was passable, while the storyline struck me as a bit wishy-washy. Certain segments left me pondering, "Why was that even included?" Additionally, I have reservations about the casting choices. Sandra and Channing certainly embodied their roles, and Brad Pitt, while fitting his character, seemed an unconventional choice for this particular storyline or genre. Frankly, I don't envision him as a comedic actor. I regret to say that Daniel Radcliffe felt out of place in this ensemble. He was an exceptional child actor in the Harry Potter series, but this role didn't suit him. I found myself wincing, thinking, "No, perhaps it's time to step away from acting." The remaining cast members appeared disengaged and seemed to be present merely to fulfill their roles in making a movie, resulting in characters that felt lackluster.
Maybe I should consider watching a 'behind the scenes' episode to uncover the rationale behind that rather questionable outfit (the onesie) they dressed Loretta in. I must admit, I found it quite dreadful. Sandra Bullock possesses an enviable physique, especially for her age, but that suit felt entirely out of place, even for a book interview. The color choice was off, and sequins? Seriously? I couldn't help but wonder, what kind of novelist wears a sequin onesie? And let's not forget about Beth's eyebrows... I suppose we were meant to take notice because they certainly stood out prominently.
Now, on to the peculiar moment when Alan covers his eyes as he asks Loretta, in a state of undress, to 'check his front' for leeches. It's a puzzling choice, to say the least. But credit where it's due, I appreciated the witty wordplay with the quote, "oh your plucky warrior hangs in tranquil solitude," which did manage to elicit a giggle from me.
All in all, I'd say it's a passable movie to watch, primarily for the sheer delight of witnessing these acclaimed actors share the screen. However, it might have caused a slight dent in their status as actors and actresses, given some of the creative choices and moments in the film.
Is 'cheese & rice' supposed to be a substitute for Jesus Christ? Just wondered.
M3GAN (2022)
Exceptionally Exciting
I rented this on YouTube Movies in 2023
When I first saw the trailer I was very excited to see it.
I thoroughly enjoyed it but since Im an older adult I found it to be a little mediocre. It has some fun, comedic, parts in it along with a good dialogue that any young robotic enthusiast would find as music to their ears. There were some horror/thriller parts in it but i didnt expect some scenes to make me laugh. Overall i think it was a great movie to watch and I totally agree with the PG13-Rating and Horror/Sci-Fi/Thriller genre as it felt like the target audience was for a younger generation. Also, the producers chose a good time for this to be released, right when the AI storm hits. I'd recommend this to anyone to watch.