An Amish Murder

(2013)

My Netflix review #109


I agree with many of the reviewers,this not a bad movie. However, this is not a murder mystery with twists and turns. While the murder(s) are violent, this film flows along not challenging the viewer or even providing a cheap scare. It is well-acted for the most part. The scenery is beautiful. The score is evocative. As for the plot, I figured out who the guilty party was fairly quickly. It is a credit to the directing and acting that I stayed until the conclusion. While the ending is a bit abrupt, there is a certain sense of closure in the last scene.

Women Aren't Funny (2014)

This is a funny film irrespective of the category in which it is placed. I think that the reviews have been mixed as this film implies standup routines. The image/poster advertising this film implies documentary. This is not a standup film nor is it a typical documentary. My impression is that this film is a satirical take on the super-serious tone of some documentaries (and its presenters) with an added let's film everything method of current reality shows. This film could use some editing. Maybe provide more interviews along with less Rich Voss gruffness? Rich Voss's pseudo-irascibility would be more potent if used sparingly. SPOILER: We are all funny. Some are intentionally so, the rest of us just stumble into that category.

Imaginary Friend

(2012)

My actual rating is 2.5 stars, but system does not allow for that notation. I have to admit, when I saw that this was a Lifetime movie I almost gave it a pass. It drags in the first 10-15 minutes, but picked up some steam as the movie progressed. There are no "nice" people in this movie. Even the police seemed alternately clueless and subject to stereotypical behavior. On commercial tv this film probably had a difficult job to maintain viewer interest. There must have been innumerable commercials judging by the small pauses scattered throughout the movie I found it interesting as these "small pauses" increased exponentially in the last 30 minutes of the movie ("commercial tv revealed"). SPOILER: By the last half of this film, the characters did a 180. So everyone got to emote. Taken as a very dark comedy, it is entertaining. The character played by Lacey Chabert became more coherent, duplicitous and intriguing. While I cannot recommend this movie, it is well-filmed, attractive to look at and decently acted. Just know that the plot has more holes than those found on the map from the movie, "Time Bandits" ;)

Penguins of Madagascar: The Movie

(2014)

(My Netflix review #104)

This is a frenetically fun and colorful movie. There is never a moment when it drags. Puns are in generous supply. The voice acting is excellent. Listen for a character's ("Classified") difficulty in pronouncing the word, penguin. The soundtrack adds even more energy to an already energetic movie. The movie allows for the shortest attention spans to be entertained (kind of good news/bad news). Just put the intellectual/logical portion of your brain on hold and anyone can thoroughly enjoy this movie. It has puns, physical humor along with action and adventure. The beginning narration starts with a very familiar voice. (SEMI-SPOILER) I actually thought it was an impressionist, but it turned out to be the person that I had though it to be. Guess that individual has more of a sense of humor than I had previously thought. Watch this movie without candy, soda or sugar, it provides an integral sugar rush without the worry of calories.

The Search for General Tso

documentary

(2014)

(This is my 105th Netflix review)



This film was an unexpectedly very involving and enlightening documentary. I took the title at face value and assumed it would be either culinary or historical. This very well-written and impeccably filmed documentary was both. The viewer will (painlessly) learn elements of Chinese history which intersected with USA history in the 19th century gold rush. I had no idea that there were are as many ways to prepare this dish as there are chefs who do the preparation. You will learn who people think originated the dish, who actually originated the dish (and SPOILER ALERT) that there was actually a real General Tso. One fact unrelated to the quality of either the movie or the dish (both great), I noticed during the closing credits. In the section of the credits entitled, "This film made possible by the generous support of..." The first name (list was alphabetical) was Justin Beeber. I am not a fan of this performer (is there another Justin Beeber out there?) , but just goes to show that everyone is multilayered, just as any good movie or any good meal.

TIG

a Netflix original - documentary

(2015)

(my 104th review on Netflix)


I am a BC (before cataclysms) fan of Tig Notaro so admittedly I am "presold". However I loved this documentary with the only negative being that I wished it could have included more standup. I am guessing that inclusion of a set might have broken the flow of this documentary. I learned so much about Tig, beyond the public evidence of comedy and bravery. The direction, editing and music background were excellent. Walking the viewer through her fertility issues was most generous of her and the potential surrogate and her family. Tig is funny in a superhero sense, some of us can hardly smile our way through a commute to our work. This documentary is informative and involving. Most of all this is a documentary which can approaches its subject through so many aspects of her life that it is watchable by any adult. Tig is a survivor and as a bonus for her fans supremely funny.

Antarctica: A Year on Ice

(2013)

Documentary

(my 103rd Netflix review)



Even on my computer screen, this documentary conveyed the spectacular panorama of Antarctica. Anthony Powell (produced, directed and filmed) made this movie flow. The score was an excellent accompaniment to the visuals. The images of having to remove snow from the inside of dwellings was amusing. There is limited views of the non-human natives (penguins and seals). Without going into detail, nature, "no intervention", is the law. I learned that the multi-national research stations seemed to communicate and assist one another like that Federation from that famous series and movie. However, this is not a location for ordinary individuals. These workers seemed focused, willing to take calculated risks and had a sense of humor. During the credits were short segments on firsts, what the returnees would eat and what they would do when they returned home. These returnees were realistic concerning this location and missed family events. However their passion and love for this almost alien location was obvious.

An Honest Liar (2014)

a documentary on James Randi

(NOTE:  This is my 102nd review on Netflix)



This documentary provides entertainment by using truth. While a few of the individuals whom James Randi had exposed may argue that point, no one can deny the honesty concerning the personal revelations by Mr. Randi. The direction and editing of this film never caused any interview or scene to become overlong or boring. Documentaries can be preachy or boring. This film was neither. Stay for all the credits. There is a personal note from Deyvi and James Randi. At 0:15 there is an amusingly ironic comment which perfectly complements this film. SPOILER: So happy that Mr. Randi was able to marry his long time partner Deyvi. Perhaps that will allow Deyvi to remain in this country.