Allen Glenn – Google

Having completed the series, I can confidently say that 'The Fall of the House of Usher' is a true gem in the world of television. It is beautifully crafted and stands out with outstanding performances from each actor, especially Carla Gugino's remarkable portrayal as a reaper. From the very first episode, the series had me hooked, leaving me in suspense and anticipation as I continued to watch, eager to unravel the plot and reach the conclusion. Each actor brought their unique shine to every scene, making their characters memorable.

After recently rewatching 'Not One Less,' I can confidently say that it remains one of the best films of 1999 and a cinematic masterpiece that has stood the test of time. I've had the pleasure of revisiting this film several times over the years, including last month and just recently, and it never fails to captivate me. Each viewing is as powerful and moving as the first. This film has an enchanting quality that never ceases to bring tears to my eyes. To me, it stands as a shining example of China's excellence in foreign cinema. The heart of the story lies in a young rural girl who steps into the role of a substitute teacher with a heartfelt promise – not a single student will miss attending class. Her remarkable journey to the city to find a missing pupil and bring them back to school is a testament to her unwavering courage and determination. The performances of the cast are nothing short of exceptional, and each character's portrayal is incredibly convincing. 'Not One Less' is far more than a mere political or propaganda piece; it's a universal message about the enduring importance of determination and education in our lives. This film continues to be a profound cinematic experience that tugs at the heartstrings. It's a poignant reminder of the enduring value of perseverance and the transformative power of education. 'Not One Less' has left an indelible mark on my cinematic journey, and I believe it will continue to inspire and touch the hearts of viewers for generations to come.

Ballerina" (발레리나), a 2023 Korean action-packed film, proved to be a thrilling ride that didn't disappoint when it came to delivering an adrenaline rush. While I must admit that the storyline felt somewhat predictable, the film more than made up for it with its spectacularly executed action sequences. The choreography of the action scenes was nothing short of exceptional, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout. The film managed to blend elements of drama into its narrative, ultimately crafting a story of sweet revenge. It revolves around the tragic incident of a best friend's suicide due to blackmail involving explicit video footage. The surviving friend is then tasked with avenging her untimely death. What truly stood out were the marvelously crafted cinematic effects and the skillful use of lighting, which enhanced the overall experience. While I wouldn't label it as the absolute best in its genre, "Ballerina" is undeniably a good and thoroughly enjoyable Korean revenge action film. Having watched the film, I can confidently say that it succeeds in delivering on the promise of action-packed thrills and a compelling, if somewhat predictable, storyline. If you're a fan of the genre, it's definitely worth giving "Ballerina" a watch for its intense action sequences and dramatic revenge plot.

Having just watched 'Riding in Cars with Boys,' I couldn't help but be moved by this incredible true story. I've actually seen this film five times now, and it never fails to captivate me. It's one of those rare gems that I can watch over and over again without ever getting bored. The performances of all the actors in this movie are truly exceptional, but Drew Barrymore, in particular, deserves special recognition. She absolutely nailed her role and portrayed her character with such depth and authenticity that I'm left wondering why she didn't receive a Best Actress nomination. This film is not just an ordinary love story; it's a powerful lesson, especially for teenagers in high school. It serves as a stark reminder that while young love is beautiful, getting too serious too quickly, without realizing the potential consequences, can lead to early marriage and teenage pregnancy, which can be destructive to one's future. What I appreciate most about 'Riding in Cars with Boys' is how it portrays the unwavering love and support of parents, no matter what challenges their children face. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and cooperation within a family unit to navigate the battlefield of life. Despite the struggles and hardships, the film beautifully conveys the message that with determination and support from loved ones, we can overcome anything. I can't recommend this movie enough. I've made it a regular part of my movie marathons with friends, and I believe it's one of the standout films of 2001. It's a touching and heartfelt cinematic experience that leaves a lasting impact.

As I settled in to watch 'The Nun II' (2023), my excitement was palpable, especially as a devoted fan of the Conjuring universe. The prospect of further expanding this horror universe into franchise movies held immense promise. However, as the film unfolded, it became evident that it didn't quite manage to keep me on the edge of my seat with excitement. While it offered a supernatural horror theme, it somehow fell short in delivering the spine-chilling moments and thrilling sequences that I had come to expect. It's worth noting that the first installment of 'The Nun' had left a more significant impact on me in terms of scary elements and storytelling. Instead of a pure horror experience, 'The Nun II' seemed to veer into adventure-action-horror territory, reminiscent of films like 'The Mummy.' Nevertheless, I must give credit where it's due – the recurring lead actor delivered an impressive performance, and the cinematic effects were visually stunning

The Art of Racing in the Rain for the second time reaffirmed my love for this film, and I can confidently say it's a cinematic masterpiece. The screenplay brilliantly brought the best-selling novel to life, and with each viewing, it's like savoring a fine wine that only gets better with time. The performances of the cast were nothing short of perfection. As I immersed myself in the story, I marveled at the depth of emotion and authenticity each actor brought to their role. The film's heart lies in the profound bond between the dog and his owner, a relationship beautifully narrated from the dog's perspective. Kevin Costner's voiceover added a superb layer of emotion, making it a compelling and dramatic storytelling experience. This film is a tribute to love in all its forms. It portrays the struggles we face to be with our loved ones, the sacrifices we make in life, and the enduring pursuit of our passions, even when they seem at odds with our deepest desires. It's a heartfelt rollercoaster of emotions that resonated deeply with me. "The Art of Racing in the Rain" is the kind of movie that leaves you sighing in awe and doesn't let you go until the very end. It doesn't hold back; instead, it challenges you and leaves you with profound realizations about the connections we share with both humans and our faithful animal companions. This film is truly inspirational and never loses its magic, no matter how many times you watch it.

Watching 'Reptile' (2023) left me with a complex set of feelings. While it was billed as a drama thriller, I found it to be more of a hard-hitting drama than a heart-pounding thriller. The film engaged me in a deep, dramatic storyline, but it left me longing for a more intense thrill and a quicker resolution to the central crime. Benicio Del Toro's performance was an absolute highlight, and he brought an exemplary touch to every scene he appeared in. His acting was a standout element that held the film together. However, my main gripe with the film was its pacing. It took a long time to get to the point of resolving the crime, and the movie focused heavily on the investigation process. I had hoped for a more gripping depiction of how the crime was committed and how it would be uncovered. Instead, the film seemed to drag on with the investigation, which made it feel somewhat monotonous and less thrilling. I wish the movie had delved more into the actual crime itself and the discovery of the culprit's identity. Instead, it ended with the criminal playing golf and being approached by the police, which left me feeling unsatisfied. Despite these criticisms, I can't deny the strong performances of the entire cast and the impressive cinematic angles used throughout the film. There were certainly elements to appreciate, even if the overall balance between drama and thriller aspects didn't quite hit the mark for me. Reptile' was a movie that had its merits, especially in terms of its performances and visual style. It's the kind of film that could spark lively discussions with friends, especially when dissecting its various elements over a cup of coffee.

Man in an Orange Shirt is indeed a remarkable and emotionally charged film that explores love across generations, skillfully weaving together two interconnected love stories. The film's ability to transcend time and showcase the enduring nature of love is one of its strongest aspects. The writing in the movie is beautifully executed, and the narrative structure allows for a deep exploration of the characters' emotions and relationships. The two separate yet interlinked love stories provide a rich tapestry that keeps viewers engaged and emotionally invested throughout. The casting choices are spot-on, with the actors delivering outstanding performances that add depth and authenticity to their respective roles. A well-chosen cast can make or break a film, and in this case, the ensemble truly shines. It's evident that the film evoked strong emotions in you, which is a testament to its power to connect with the audience on a profound level. The ability to elicit such a heartfelt response speaks to the quality of the storytelling and the performances of the cast. Overall, "Man in an Orange Shirt" appears to be a beautifully crafted film that not only tells a compelling love story but also explores themes of love, societal expectations, and the passage of time. Praise for the entire cast and crew is well-deserved, as it seems they succeeded in creating a truly exemplary and moving cinematic experience. My heartfelt applause is a fitting tribute to a film that touched your emotions deeply.