Change Your Image
zontagirl1
Reviews
Jugée Coupable (2021)
A tight little series!
I enjoyed the premise of this 6 part series with twists and turns in every episode. There are so many improbabilities that should have lowered the rating but I still enjoyed a binge watching of the series. A young woman, applying for a job in another city, 6 hours away, has packed enough clothes for weeks: she didn't already have a job, flat or other responsibilities to which she could just drop? She has enough available money to stay in this town, but meals, gas for her car, etc? C'mon..... Also, it shows the murdered mother using a mobile telephone in 1995 small town France? Lastly, the protagonist is getting unexplained, anonymous text messages and they can't determine who sent them - I kept yelling at them to find the IP address- this is not hard. Saying all this, I was intrigued until the very end because I wanted to know who was the murderer. BTW, the scenery of Brittany is gorgeous!
Wire in the Blood: Still She Cries (2004)
Always reliable entertainment
A faithfully adapted series based on Val McDermid's well written and admired books. Characters align with how you imagined them and the storylines are pretty accurate from the original stories. The only comment I would have for this particular episode is that, if they are looking for bodies of murder victims in an open field, why not just use cadaver dogs? Even 20 years ago, highly trained animals were used for this type of exploration? As in the books, there is a sexual frisson between Carol and Tony which is handled quite tastefully. The Brits know how to make the most of the multitude of talented actors (not stars) so you will recognize them from Kingdom, Coronation Street, Eastenders, Grandchester, etc.
Signs (2002)
A classic thriller!
With excellent acting shared by both seasoned and novice actors, this film has it all. More than just a sci-fi or alien movie, this film focuses on some deep issues: grief, love, fear, family relationships, faith and strength - all explored with a solid script and a brilliant director behind the camera. I really appreciate the few but effective glances or quick peeks of the aliens before we face one in the climatic scene. One of only a few thrillers where the music does not overwhelm the film's atmosphere but rather respectfully complements it. A family in peril, a family working together, a family commiserating, a family sharing love; this family is what we hope a family would be, in what could be, the end of the world. SIGNS is a perfect title for this film - it is all about noticing details at many different levels and not necessarily appreciating them at the time.
Night Hunter (2018)
The twins thing - isn't that for daytime drama?
This started off so well and then...all I can say is that I made soup and Mac and Cheese during the film. Such great talent!! Ben Kingsley is a gem and Henry Cavill is a stiff, unbelievable character! Too much!
Non uccidere (2015)
Interesting story lines but unrealistic police procedures
I have enjoyed the series although there are serious flaws in how investigations are conducted. The lead detective never puts 'booties' on when entering a crime scene, occasionally wears gloves, runs cases like the Lone Ranger with a smattering of 'help' from her colleagues. We won't even talk about the inappropriate relationship with her boss and their public displays of affection - just unbelievable! And let's not forget, it is a terrible portrayal of Italian men who all seem to be cheating scum bags with over protective mothers (even of adult businessmen) and an indication that the police/judiciary want crimes wrapped up quickly, especially when people of power are involved. Saying all this, there is something compelling about the stories and the acting is acceptable.
Falling (2020)
Brilliant study of complex family dynamics
This is a gentle and tough, at the same time, story of a young, hard man who grows into a miserable old man peppered with dementia and the effects on his family. Amazing acting that is true to life, terribly sad in the honesty in portrayal of how anger, grief and bitterness permeates your whole life and how you deal with the bulls**t that is the legacy of a complicated childhood.
Znaki (2018)
Not entirely predictable!
I guessed who was the killer of the 2 later women from the second episode - not too difficult! The cast of characters are an interesting mix with believable personal qualities - both good and bad, although Agata is a f**g psychopath with some SERIOUS anger issues!!!! Laura's murderer was a surprise: I knew he was a bad guy but..... Aa a North American, I find it quite intriguing how Europe (and even the Nordic counties) still include WWII as part of their drama and crime stories. It took an episode and a half to 'get into it' but once I did, I was hooked!
The World's Most Extraordinary Homes (2017)
Brilliant houses, charming hosts
We are given the opportunity to visit homes which we would never, ever have a chance to experience. Despite other opinions, I enjoy the combo of a professional architect and a layperson who loves architecture- each with their own style. Caroline is excitable, energetic and speaks with her feelings while Piers brings his expertise to explain the details, engineering aspects and technical perspective. A delight!
Manhunter (1986)
GOOFS
When the forensic odontologist is describing the 'Tooth Fairy's teeth, he is taking about incisors when he is pointing to the cuspids (canines).
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)
No chemistry between lead actors
While the premise of mixed up or confused 'victims' is a solid trope, there is zero chemistry between Doris Day and James Stewart and they demonstrate completely and unbelievably no real relationship- they could be acting opposite to a green screen. Her acting is very amateurish and displays neither passion nor strong emotions. This doesn't hold up!
The Crown: Vergangenheit (2017)
No historical surprises here!
Anyone with a smattering of history is aware of the Duke of Windsor' nazi sympathies. This episode narrates the story very well with objective perspective while portraying the Duke as a petty, whiny, spoiled man-child.