Bonnie Jones

Loyal fan, been watching the Equalizer w/Queen Latifah since its' inception. Sadly, it's running out of steam.You know the writers are in trouble when "Robyn" is required to do battle w/ samurai swords thirty minutes in. The camera pulls back, maybe to Idaho every time she's asked to run, jump, or do battle. Fifty years young, sporting those silly, loosely tied hi-tops, chasing down the bad guy(s) she's an accident waiting to happen. Prediction: hip replacement/knee surgery. I LOVE this talented actress/singer still, I wish she were in a different role maybe a struggling jazz nightclub singer. We'd get to hear her sing and they'd save on stunt doubles. And don't get me started on her teen daughter now subjected to heavy make-up, eyelashes and a push-up bra. A ratings booster? Nah. It's just silly as is the worrying sister. Where is her easel when she needs it? In spite of my gripes, I'll watch this season in the hopes that they hire a few good writers, costume designers, and take a different direction. Less physicality, more brain power. Oh, and beef up 'ol Dante's role for a little lightweight action. Quit teasing us.

Pure voyeurism, my husband and I looked forward to the season premiere, and a return to good character development; sadly it was a total bust. Way too many story lines laced with sloppy writing, sexy craziness with Charlie Manson thrown in for good measure. 9-1-1 is a show with a good ensemble, so much so we were truly invested in the characters, our Monday night family friendly escape. Tonight the show went sideways real fast for ratings and shock. Can't believe it but adieu 9-1-1.

It's an oldie but a goodie; if you missed it, give it a try. No drama here, just a light diversion with messages about the glass ceiling. Whoopi is so much fun, supporting cast members Diane Wiest, Bebe Neuwirth, Lainie Kazan and more. There's a lot of truth here on a few levels and three cheers to the make-up department. Did you like Dave, Eddie, Sister Act, and Vinny? Give this a whirl.

Film Noir Buffs! If you are a native San Franciscan or maybe a wannbe, then this is the film for you. (On the Waterfront) Lee J. Cobb romancing (Father Knows Best) Jane Wyman - what a perfect combo. For me, it was kind of thrilling to see Cobb lay a big fat one (think: kiss) on Wyman. He didn't get to do that in any other films but he gets his chance here and he's pretty adept. The San Francisco backdrop filmed in 1950 is a kick in the pants. I recognized all the neighborhoods AND many of the houses that still remain. The climatic ending is fantastic (again for those longing to see San Francisco in its heyday). Fort Point and all the other tourist traps prior to their commercialization is really interesting and, if you like old odd-ball cars you'll get a kick out of his brother's ride. Finally, check out the interior sets, his brother's apartment for instance. Four years prior to Rear Window, Hitchcock probably caught this film with a lot of story even without the sound.

Did you find “Slum Dog Millionaire” riveting? “Crash” too? Today I was the lone ticket-holder for the morning showing of “Better Days,” a Chinese (sub-titled) drama by Derek Tsang, starring Jackson Yee and Zhou Dongyu. “Better Days,” perfect in every way, is a dramatic thriller, centering on the Chinese gaokao, the two-day national college entrance exam where the futures of ten million students hang in the balance. Bullies, absentee families, body guards, societal pressures, and a little bit of love, provide an emotional roller coaster beginning to end. Oscar-worthy acting, coupled with several well-written story lines will keep you guessing. The score and make-up round out this near perfect film. Stay for the credits - and you’ll ultimately see a very satisfying movie. One last thought, "Better Days" should be shown in ever high school in America, not just as a language tool but more important, as a social tool. It's a real eye opener.

From San Francisco: Just saw what SHOULD have won the 2020 Oscar for animated shorts. I was blown away by Sister on so many levels. The story line, wool figures, their faces, expressions, clothes, shapes, light touches everywhere. How the family prepared for their family portrait! The big baby, the tooth tree. Whimsical, endearing, surprising and oh so touching. And now I'm upset because, due to the Hollywood politics it didn't win. I watched them all. Sister was the best. Thank you Siqi!