September 2024 Quickie Reviews

september 2024 BREAKDOWN

• 28 films/series total (not including Hallmark films)
• 6 foreign films/series
• 14 re-watches
• 5 classic film
• 4 tv series

Biggest Disappointment: Reagan

Favorite Discovery: Tomorrow

Tv Series

Under the Vines (2021 -) – My appreciation for this New Zealand based drama crept up on me. It focuses on two people who are re-starting their lives after inheriting a winery. The writers took a slice of life approach with some great character development. I’m especially loving main character Daisy who comes across as a flighty spoiled but aging party girl, but who begins to show some determination, kindness and a forgiving heart. I like the way the other main characters slowly grow into a supportive community for each other. And it’s nice to see a realistic antagonist who isn’t evil, but just driven in her goals.

Only Murders in the Building (Season 4) – I continue to love the odd and quirky threesome of amateur detectives who after a brief visit to L.A. to sign off the movie rights to their podcast are back at the Arconia to solve the murder of Charles’ close friend and stunt double Sazz. However, each successive season feels like the characters become more and more a parody of themselves. None of them have had much character development, so they all feel like they are stuck in their lovable loser cycle. The excessive amounts of guest spots by famous faces feels less original, more gimmicky and self-serving diminishing their impact,

A Gentleman in Moscow (2024) -I haven’t read the book (I know, I know!), so I don’t know how this adaptation compares, but this series was fantastic. As someone who is fascinated with Russian culture and history I really enjoyed the setting and the amount of time it covers. Though many historical events are only obliquely referenced, it still manages to give a sense of the events outside of the hotel where the hero resides. . Ewan McGregor and the rest of the cast are wonderful in their roles. Even though there is a lot of tragedy and sadness, it is not the focus of the story. I appreciated the found family aspect of the story as well as the central point of the story that survival and living with grace and kindness is its’ own set of victory. As a whole there is so much depth to this story that leaves me with a lot to ponder

Frasier (2023) – I’m aways hesitant about reboots and/or sequels because they rarely live up to the original and while this one lacks the exceptionally smart and witty writing as well as the lovably quirky characters, I was still able to enjoy it.  Though the interactions and dialogue delivery can feel more theatrical and less natural, I like the throwbacks to the original series. The relationship between Frasier and son Freddy feels like it comes full circle as they end up living together much like Frasier and his father did.

Foreign Films & series

When I Fly Towards You (2023) -This coming of age school drama is full of innocence and sweetness and had me smiling all the way through. I loved the mixed group of five friends who really seemed to enjoy one another and supported each other in all things. It was nice to see that none of them were in a hurry to enter into romantic relationships even though they each had crushes, but instead allowed things to develop naturally and in the right time. There was no jealousy or lack of sincerity among them. I loved seeing how the main male lead would leak little smiles whenever he was around his love interest – so cute!

Are You the One (2024) – I love a good enemies to lovers romance and this particular premise the hero takes advantage of the heroine’s (and his secret nemesis) amnesia to pretend she is his wife intrigued me immediately. Sadly, I almost gave up in the first half. I was very much put off by the “hero”s lies and manipulation. I was also disappointed by the lack of conflict and bickering between them as I had expected with this trope. The plot moved at the pace of a turtle and seemed to go around in circles with no progress. Fortunately, the second half addressed all my early frustrations as the pace finally picked up and the hero suffers for his deception but eventually redeems himself well. After which their relationship was a lot of fun to watch. Since they were both martial artists, I would have loved to see more fight scenes with them together. In fact, most of the action takes place offscreen which is a bit disappointing. It’s not one of my favorite series this year, but thanks to the well written character development of the main leads as well as the growth of their relationship in the last half, I managed to enjoy it anyway.

Tomorrow (2022) – For a series about a team of grim reapers who save people from committing suicide this was surprisingly moving and heartfelt. Even though I was worried that it would be too dark, the writers did a great job of balancing the sadness and trauma with some lighter and humorous moments. I loved how the show was able to use discussions and scenes of death to highlight the value and meaning of life in a sincere and thoughtful way. Each episode focused on a different person and often called attention to historical and/or societal issues. I cried several times particularly in the episodes about the Korean War vet who felt his life was wasted, the suicidal dog who wanted to protect his owner and also the story about the Japanese comfort women.  I’m grateful that this show allowed me to feel empathy and gain some understanding towards fictional characters which can be translated into emotion towards real people. Despite or maybe because this stirred so much emotion in  me, this will be on my list of most impactful entertainment experiences this year.

Romance in the House (2024) – This family reunion drama was a nice change of pace with its’ slice of life approach that didn’t rely on tropes. The way it explored the deeper relationship issues between the estranged parents and also the parents and children was thoughtfully done and the way the two romances developed felt more realistic than usual. I especially loved the fighting fathers scene towards the end which really cracked me up as they each bragged and defended their children who were on the sidelines trying to break up the fight. The pace was a bit slower than I would have liked, so I’m glad the series only ran for twelve episodes. I also found some of the supporting characters irritating or annoying, such as the immature younger brother as well as a few of the neighbors. Overall this is a sweet yet underwhelming series.

Catch the Ghost (2019) – A romantic crime drama, this features a group of subway cops working to hunt down a group of pickpockets and a serial killer. There is an added complication as one of the female cops believes her sister to be one of the victims. The twists and turns of each investigation kept each episode infused with mystery. Just as I thought I knew what was happening and who was responsible, I was proved wrong. However, despite the engaging mystery and the tension woven into the story I found myself just wanting to skip to the end, mainly because the heroine was so frustrating to me. She was an empathetic, brave person but she was also very reckless and selfish in the pursuit of justice to the detriment of those around her.

No Love No Gain (2024) – I love an adorable Shin Min A, so I’m thrilled to see her in another rom-com and one which involves a contract marriage. The first half of this is silly fun, which is my jam, but the second half was a bit of a slog as it incorporated more serious and darker elements including death and a murderer on the loose. It was nice to see a story that included foster parenting as a main plot point and I enjoyed the bond between the heroine and her younger sister, but didn’t really think the middle sister added much to the story line. I had no interest in the secondary love stories. The main romance was rather engaging in its’ everyday ordinariness, despite the outlandish beginning. The way the two show their care for each other through thoughtfulness and sacrifice and without fanfare really touced me.

Classic Films

Dark Victory (1939) – Bette Davis is a fantastic actress, but one I’ve always had to take in small doses. But I love her role in this as a kind, but spoiled dying heiress. It’s one of of her more vulnerable portrayals and it is enhanced by her pairing with many time co-star George Brent as her doctor turned husband. The writing subtly highlights themes of the value of life and dying well. I surprised myself by tearing up at the end as Davis character bravely faces her own death.

Front Page Woman (1935) – Though nothing exceptional, I enjoyed this battle of the sexes comedy featuring a two reporters who try to outdo each other in pursuit of news stories while also maintaining a personal relationship. There’s not much to it, but Bette Davis and George Brent have a playful chemistry and the talent to make it work. In a nice surprise at the end, the heroine does not have to sacrifice her career for love.

The Gay Divorcee (1934) – I had forgotten a lot about this early pairing of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. While it’s not as polished as their later films, it still has their special spark. The push and pull between them in their dance to Night and Day is the best part of this musical, especially since the later number The Continental goes on waaay too long for me. As usual the supporting actors like Edward Everett Horton, Eric Blore and Alice Brady only add to the entertaining value. Brady as Rogers scatterbrained aunt is especially delightful.

Double Wedding (1937) – You can’t go wrong with a William Powell and Myrna Loy film, but this is one of my least favorites. The characters don’t really suit them and their normal playful chemistry. Powell as a bohemian artist is too far a stretch and I prefer Loy less uptight and more playful. Not to mention it lacks their normal playful banter.

Other rewatches – The Easiest Way

Post 1980’s

Rear Window (1998) – I’m not sure why anyone felt this film needed to be re-made, but I have to commend Christopher Reeve for choosing a role that allowed him to work so well within his handicap and for being vulnerable enough to show his limitations on screen. Quite a few changes were made from the original, but what did remain the same is that visual of that brick apartment wall of windows as well as the voyeuristic feel of the male lead spying on his neighbors. Sadly, the rest of this film suffers greatly by comparison.

Maid in Manhattan (2002) – I enjoyed this better than I remembered. Although it reminded me of Jennifer Lopez’ role as another working class woman struggling to rise through the ranks in the film Second Act. This one is a bit of a Cinderella tale with Liam Nelson playing a politician who falls for Lopez’ hotel maid and her adorable son.  Watching this was like a time warp to what I remember of old school NYC which gave me the warm and fuzzies.

The Last Dance (2000) – Classic film legend Maureen O’Hara stars in this made for tv movie as a widowed and dying former teacher. One of her former student’s reconnects with her and their relationship benefits both of them. This felt very much like a Hallmark movie with its’ positive message and sappy approach, but I liked it as it reinforced the experiences I’ve had with the elderly. They definitely have much to give and teach those who will take the time to listen and build a relationship. It was sweet how she became a pseudo grandma to his children and became a part of his family. But she also taught them how appreciate memories, moments and each other.

Reagan (2024) – I admire Reagan and really wanted to like this film, but despite it feeling almost sacrilegious to say so, this was a major disappointment. The script was all over the place, the dialogue was cheesy and the messaging heavy handed enough to feel like a propaganda film. The film probably did too much in trying to cover most of Reagan’s life from childhood on, but it was interesting to learn more about his early years.  Dennis Quaid was very believable as the beloved President. While I’m glad this film got made, I wish the overall quality had been better.

Re-watch  -Not Another Happy Happy Ending, Laws of Attraction, Finding You, Death on the Nile, Downton Abbey, Runaway Bride, Six Days Seven Nights, Quartet, How Do You Know

Hallmark – Head Over Heels, My Favorite Wedding, A Time to Dance, Christmas Child, His & Hers, As Luck Would Have It, Sweet Pecan Summer, Betty’s Bad Luck in Love, The Cases of Mystery Lane Death is Listening, A Feeling of Home, Paris Wine & Romance