POST MORTEM – I found this Norwegian supernatural tale delightful! Dubbed in English, it captured my attention from the beginning. Only six episodes, and only one season so far (I’m rooting for more), the work is great! It’s not the typical horror scenario. The pacing is character driven and the exact type of paranormal disorder the protagonist is afflicted with hasn’t yet been revealed. We only know it’s hereditary. And there are edge-of-your seat thrilling situations in each episode from which our gal (a natural ginger beauty) must escape. All of the characters were endearing and there’s plenty of humor in the mix. I looked forward to every episode! Bummed it’s over. Girlfriends – 1; Boyfriends – 1. Cheers!!
MIDNIGHT MASS – the peeps are unanimous. This thing is dull, monotonous and LONG. Mike said it’s a slow burn that never ignites. Kelly and I agree, except we disagree it was ever burning at all. Excruciatingly excessive dialogue. Blah, blah, blah, BORING!! And if I hear one more hymn or Bible quote my head will explode! That said, we find some of the casting exceptional. The actor playing the priest is ideal for the role, the actor playing Riley is great. Kate Siegel, who plays Erin Green, is always top notch and always cast in Mike Flanagan’s productions. It’s a perk of being married to the boss, but she’s got the chops to warrant the work. There is one boyfriend and one girlfriend in this for Kelly and me, but they are not worth viewing this series – skip it. Zero toasts.
THE ICE ROAD – far-fetched, predictable, subpar adventure film starring Liam Neeson. Dialogue, plot and some of the actors lacking. That said, multiple events on the ice road are edge-of-your-seat thrilling. Are they worth an hour and a half of your viewing time? I dunno. But one of the peeps seemed to think so. My take – zero toasts, zero boyfriends/girlfriends.
STEVE MARTIN & MARTIN SHORT AN EVENING YOU WILL FORGET FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE – A comedy special on NetFlix from 2018. Very funny. Cheers!
WANDERLUST – One-season British character study into marriage and the sexual disillusion/dissatisfaction which often arises after years of monotony and boredom. The problem is I didn’t like any of these characters and I didn’t care about their relationship or their unorthodox choices in attempting to revitalize their marriage. The pace was also as monotonous and boring in this piece as in the relationship of the characters and I didn’t think I would be able to stick with it. Alas, I hung in until the final episode which was also disappointing. I didn’t understand the ending or whether these characters had really accomplished anything with regard to truly addressing their issues. Lots of side relationship stories with the grown kids as well which didn’t add to the plot or belong in the piece. Basically a waste of time with zero boyfriends/girlfriends.
DAVID FOSTER OFF THE RECORD – Apparently I am into music documentaries lately because I have watched three in the last two weeks! This latest one about legendary music producer David Foster was no less interesting than the other two, although David is a breed unto himself. If I had to describe him in one word based on what I saw in this piece, it would be “Enigma.” Brash, arrogant, controlling, egotistical, selfish AND brilliant, candid, flawed, generous, caring all at the same time. I wanted to slug him or hug him throughout the viewing. I suppose all of this makes him truly human. At any rate, it is a fascinating trip through the psyche and life of this unique artist with lots of commentary from family, celebrities and David himself (who often offers the most brutally honest assessment of all). Cheers!!
THE COOK OF CASTAMAR – Based on the book La Cocinera de Castamar written by Fernando Muñez, this NetFlix period piece is quite good. Filmed in Spanish but dubbed in English, Sandi and I both fell in love with the cook! Michelle Jenner is excellent (and beautiful) in the lead role and the character herself is a precious human being. It is worth watching for Michelle’s performance alone. Not so much the other lead, Roberto Enriquez as Lord Diego. Sandi and I agree he is miscast. He is too old for the role and there is no chemistry between he and Michelle, which is crucial if we are to believe their romance. Definitely melodramatic, (there many dastardly, unsavory types running around) it is still a pleasure to watch. Cheers! Boyfriends – 2; Girlfriends – 1.
CLIVE DAVIS THE SOUNDTRACK OF OUR LIVES – I had no idea Clive Davis was a legendary music mogul who achieved fame and admiration during the 60s and carried it forward to present day. I learned from this excellent documentary that he has an uncanny ability to spot raw talent which enabled him to produce some of the greatest groups and hit records of the last forty years. More importantly, these now famous musicians credit him with a unique desire to honor the artist and their craft first and foremost which created a rare trust between talent and record producer. I was fascinated. The most intriguing aspect of the piece was Clive’s bond with the late, great Whitney Houston. He was responsible for developing her career and showcasing her voice for the world. The two had a father-daughter bond that began when she was an unknown teenager and lasted until her untimely death. He was heartbroken and still mourns her loss. Cheers to this documentary. Boyfriends – 0; Girlfriends – 1 (Whitney).
COUNT ME IN – Excellent NetFlix documentary about some of our favorite drummers from popular bands over the years. This piece covers great drummers from all eras and genres of music, and includes their mentors, auditions, lifestyle and love of keeping the beat which drives their passion. As the mother of a drummer myself, I see Mike in many of these musicians, both as a child and an adult. The timing of this release is poignant as well with the recent passing of Charlie Watts. A great, unintended tribute to his profession and his role in musical history. In addition, I found the personalities of these drummers as delightful and engaging as their musicianship. Cheers to these rhythmic talents! May they keep on keeping us dancing to the beat!! Boyfriends – Lots!! Girlfriends – None.
BRAND NEW CHERRY FLAVOR – Based on the novel by Todd Grimson, this new NetFlix show is a bizarre, strange, non-sensical mind-bender which is disturbing and gives me a headache. If you like that sort of thing, tune in. If not, skip it. Zero toasts, zero boyfriends and zero girlfriends. Basically a zero all around.
