MJ Brewer

As a screenwriter, the rule is simple: no words should be wasted—saying less is often more. Unfortunately, this film said far too much and dragged on far too long. There’s simply no plausible reason these characters would make a trade when they could take everything. Why would they? It felt like a disappointing mash-up of Quentin Tarantino, Wes Craven, and a touch of John Carpenter, all while aiming for a John Wick aesthetic but missing the mark. Two and a half hours? Far too much for far too little.

The Gray Man, starring Ryan Gosling, is one of his finest performances—and there are many. This film is NOT for shallow thinkers who have to have everything pointed out to them with a big red arrow pointing at a derelict hiding behind a garbage can. If you’re a person who enjoys having your mind spurred with tension and action, you’ll live this movie. One has to wonder if Rotten Tomatoes isn’t Rotten Couch Potatoes sometimes, because they’re WAY OFF here.

“The Kominsky Method" is a fantastic show that challenges stereotypes about older generations. It reminds us that age is just a number and that people can still have vibrant and fulfilling lives no matter their age. The friendship, romance, and family dynamics portrayed in the show are not only relatable but also incredibly funny. It's refreshing to see elderly characters depicted in such a realistic and entertaining way. I believe that anyone who watches this show will gain a greater appreciation for the complexities and joys of life at any age.

This flick divides those who understand and those who will never get it. The privileged people who have always had everything handed to them have no concept of what this movie speaks of, but those who've led a difficult life of constantly fighting the odds, just to stay alive (forget remaining sane) can liken themselves to particular aspects of Joker. The script and direction of the film was written by someone who has had extensive experience in this area, and my hat's off to Joaquin who's taken the time and diligence to reach into the depths of himself to find this inner being. I've never respected Joaquin Phoenix as an actor, but this performance outdoes any performance I've seen by ANY actor. Not for the faint of heart, by any means, and certainly not for those who propose looking down on others as a sense of gratification. Yes, there's violence. But unlike most bloody movies, this film has substance thicker than the blood on display. If you are looking for a hysterically laughing movie, go see something else. If you search for the most meaningful movies of 2019, this is undoubtedly the show you're searching for. What I wouldn't do to meet the screenwriter of this film. As a single mother who has fought tooth and nail for my own kids, graduated as a creative writer, and struggles through challenge after challenge, I get that life isn't fair. The episodes of hysterical laughing/crying aren't foreign to me, but I also get that we can't quit. After all, aren't we all Jokers on the inside -- just a little bit?

When people watch a movie, the arch should somehow emit a final emotion that encapsulates all of the events being tied together. Macy Gray did an incredible job with her role, as did each of the characters. (Some were so good, I’ll never watch another John Cusak movie, which sucks after falling in love after watching him in The Sure Thing, amongst other films..) Both shocked and surprised at the other actors’ choice in participation. I totally get not wanting to be saddled into the anticipated characterization of the same type of characters—but, my God, when turning roles down—this should have been a HUGE, “Thanks, but no,” moment. Granted, some are big names, but any dent in your reputation should be considered a dent you didn’t have before this release. The only people who could possibly enjoy this show are here for the sex—not the story. Awful. Awful. Awful plot…. and where in the hell did our narrator disappear to, we were attached to Anita—-she disappeared.

Left me absolutely dumbfounded that Alex growing up so lonely and unloved found his life fulfilled after climbing so many dangerous climbs. Isn’t it stupendous that he was able to finally find true happiness with an unexpected smile at the end that even caught Alex off-guard? Alex, “Superman” of rock climbing, had a difficult time in compromising the singular activity that made him feel worthwhile. But when he finally removes his “safety harness,” for that new incredible addition in his life, he takes a leap into his own unknown—a rush! A must-see for anyone who deserves an honest glance at the important aspects of life and what can be accomplished in time.

Without completely ruining the film for others, there was a point in the film that tripped up the continuum, but the acting was spectacular. Sarah Snook is a name unfamiliar, but wow, she was awesome in carrying out her role. Ethan Hawke is always mind-boggling with his flexibility of character. And overall, the writing shot for a "big mystery" that revealed itself quite early on in the show. (Although the part that got mangled would have been extraordinary, had it been done correctly.) Worth seeing? Probably. Because I watch an extensive amount of films, as a writer, I'm a little more careful about my five-star choices.

Although the acting was okay, it definitely was not exceptional, especially for Chris Hemsworth. He doesn’t play a very convincing “bad guy.” It’s unclear if the audience anticipates him playing a good guy so the time, or if he just is a good guy. But the casting was way off. However, the lead was okay. But the plot was rather thin. It’s obvious the writer was intent on selling the idea of the film anticipating a “full buy-in before the contract was signed.” Rather than throwing this one away, I’d say it’s worth a rewrite. There’s something there, but it’s definitely being missed.

Unlike any movie I’ve seen before, this film shows the importance of relationships and imaginations, plus the beauty of persistence. We all have fears; it’sa matter of how we each face our fears that determines our character. A fantastic show of talent for Jason Memoa, as I’ve not seen his humorous side until now, and it’s most pleasing. The other cast members were also enticing, and they’ll be seen more later, I’m certain. The writing for this production was incredible, as a few of the details have been used in the past, such as the blue and yellowish filters for mood enhancement. But the scenery, for me, was the highest alteration of the subconscious mood. The angles, shots, and cinematography, along with SFX were incredible! Although the plot was a bit slow getting underway, due to backstory reveals, it was worth holding out for the coming together. I am quite a harsh critic on cinema, but this one made the grade. Thank you for sharing!

Although it starts off interestingly enough, the writing quickly becomes so ridiculously cliche that it makes one want to gag. I found myself forcing myself to watch by episode 5 with bleak hopes of improvement, having dedicated so much time to the show already. However, the longer I watched, the more ridiculous it became; for example, in episode 6, the officer grills Anna, stating it’s clear Anna has a serious chemical dependency because she got her address confused. (BTW- After a car accident, I found I couldn’t use my phone correctly, but I assure you I was NOT under the influence at 8:00 a.m. and 7 mos. pregnant!) Yes, the show continued getting worse still, unbelievably.) By the 8th episode, I’m punishing myself because I can’t possibly watch 7 shows and stop with only one remaining—God, help me. Please let this be over with quickly and instilling a minuscule amount of pain. “Dark Comedy?” Is this because they didn’t want to create a new category for “Silly Waste of Audience Time.” Good News: as a Kristen Bell movie, she can only go up from here! P.S. Take this trio’s computers for a bit and give them a resting vacation with a pad of thick-lined paper and a box of big crayons, flat on one side. Let them start anew with a cup of milk and a couple of oreos. P.P.S. Yes. Yes, I most certainly could do an entire world and a half better.