Rosalie Maher – Google

I found this series addicting like a car wreck you can't turn away from. The acting was good. But I realized there were many unanswered questions when I found myself googling them to find out what happened after I watched the series end. This was probably due to a lot happening, many characters, and varying plot lines that did connect to the overall theme of politics, crime, corruption, and the justice system or lack of justice. I found myself caught up in Little Man's story. I was hoping for redemption and justice for him. If you have time to watch it through it is worth a watch. There are a few gross scenes that were put in with the dog that could have been left out. I guess they figured the dog should get more camera time although he seemed to be a big part of the film somehow. Maybe to give Bryan Cranston a reason to walk some instead of running.

I really enjoyed this movie. It's obvious from the start that Adam Sandler loves basketball. It reminded me of those good basketball stories I read and movies I watched years ago. This is more than a basketball story, although you get to see some good basketball and some references to past great players. The acting is great and believable. The family aspect and Sandler's relationship with Bo brought heart to the story. Robert Duvall at 91 has still got it and with Sandler, it makes for a great opening scene. I love these two actors. The actor who played Bo has a future in the movies if he wants it. Maybe after basketball. And who knew Kenny Smith could act. I guess I won't quit Netflix just yet. I hope they get more movies like this one.

The acting by the young actors was superb. They are beautiful. It was a difficult film to watch given how spoiled and comfortable we are to not have to suffer so much loss just to be able to get to a better life. I think everyone who has ever doubted that immigrants want what we have and are willing to risk the suffering and obstacles to make the journey to get here should see this movie. Be prepared to weep.

I read all Louise Erdrich's novels and stories. She's such a detailed writer, yet has a sly humor in the details. She weaves a great story around interesting characters. This one didn't disappoint. I grew up in Northern Minnesota and worked not far from North Dakota one year so I could relate to the setting. I was surprised that the editors didn't catch the three pointers in basketball she wrote about. They didn't start three pointers in high school until after 1986. I loved to play basketball and watched all the high school tournament games so I picked up on that. Red Lake had a great state tournament game one year. Very exciting.

Unless it's Marvel, there seems to be little interest in the anti-hero movies of the past. A drama of real conflict shows the raw side of life and often there is no resolution because this is life. Makes me wonder how many happy families there are out there given some of the reviews. Shia has managed to write of his childhood in an honest, painful, dark and sometimes funny way. If it makes you uncomfortable watching it, think about living it. I can see why many young people struggling would relate to this movie. There's a message of redemption in his success. Overcoming abuse is a lifetime journey. First one must identify it, find healing, and most importantly not pass it on. Happy endings are not the same for everyone. The movie is a success.

If you go to Last Christmas expecting Love Actually you probably will be disappointed. You might think the baggage metaphor,or the bird poop, a bit too obvious. However the movie has heart and there are some funny moments. I think the message is what makes this movie work. The acting is good and George Michael's music great. He had heart too. He cared. Sometimes the world is just too much for sensitive souls.