Movies coming to a cinema near you..  and Live Actions are going to be big..

Frozen 2   scheduled to premier Nov 22 2019 Disney Trailer  

The Lion King  premiered in July 2019 Disney Trailer 

Dumbo  premiered March 29 2019 Disney Trailer 

Aladdin  live action premiered May 24 2019 Disney Trailer 

Toy Story 4   premiered June 21 2019 Disney Trailer  

Maleficent Mistress of Evil  scheduled to premier 10-18-2019  Disney Trailer 

Mulan  scheduled to premier March 27 2020 Disney Trailer

Secret Life of Pets 2  premiered May 25 2019  Trailer 

Avengers Endgame  was released in April 2019 Trailer 

Godzilla King of the Monsters  was released on May 31 2019  Trailer 

Ma  was released on May 31 2019 Trailer

Rocketman   was released on May 31 2019 Trailer

Joker   scheduled for release October 4 2019 Trailer

Men in Black International  released June 14 2019 Trailer 

Top Gun Maverick  scheduled for release June 26 2020 Trailer

Birds of Prey  Harley Quinn is Back scheduled for release February 7 2020 Trailer

Bad Boys for Life  scheduled for release January 17 2020 Trailer 

Godzilla vs Kong   scheduled for release March 13 2020  Trailer  

More films to watch for..

Lucy in the Sky .. Natalie Portman stars in a film loosely based on the downward spiral of Lisa Nowak's alleged criminal activities around her romantic involvement with fellow astronaut William Oefelein..release has not been scheduled ..

The Goldfinch.. Nicole Kidman stars in a film about a boy who was only 13 when his mother is killed in a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.. which changes the course of his life.. however through it all he holds on to a simple painting of a tiny goldfinch.. release has not been confirmed but it is suppose to be in 2019

Tragic Deep Dramas..

Some movies are much more than you bargained for.. They end up resonating with the viewer in some way..

1. Tully 2018 - is a drama film that follows the friendship between Marlo (Charlize Theron) a mother of three and Tully (Mackenzie Davis) her nanny.. After having her third child Marlo is completely overwhelmed and exhausted.. Her brother offers to pay for her a night nanny as a gift.. and at first Marlo is against the idea.. however despite being uneasy in the beginning Marlo and Tully soon bond and develop a close friendship.. Tully was a way for Marlo to bridge the gap.. while still holding her sanity intact.. I can't say enough about this movie.. it is full of twists and turns .. it is thought provoking and gut wrenching.. I found myself.. completely engrossed from start to finish and I have no doubt you will too.. Loved it.. 

Coping mechanisms with stress.. Preserving your sanity..

2.  Juno 2007 - is a coming of age comedy drama that follows a young sixteen year old independent teenager Juno MacGuff (Ellen Page) confronting an unplanned pregnancy one day at a time.. Juno understanding that she in the position to have a child considers an abortion .. than she decides to give the baby up for adoption instead.. thereby her child could get a suitable home and a childless couple would get a baby.. After meeting Mark and Vanessa Loring they agree to a closed adoption.. but drama ensues.. this movie is insightful, emotional, thought provoking and painfully real.. I loved it.. Sometimes the hardest things we do end up being the right things .. Definitely a must see film for the entire family..

3.  The Pursuit of Happyness 2006 - is a biographical drama based on entrepreneur Christopher Gardner's nearly one year struggle during the 80s with homelessness while raising his toddler son Christopher Jr... In the film Christopher Gardner (Will Smith) struggles to sell portable bone density scanners to physicians.. Christopher Jr. (is played by Will Smith's son Jaden Smith)..  I truly loved this film.. it is truly gut wrenching.. this young father struggles to keep his son safe and by his side, and consistently hustles to sell his scanners.. In the film.. one can visibly see how this man only wants a break .. the struggle is difficult to watch ..but the inspiration is extraordinary.. I can't even put into words .. how insightful, heart warming and dramatic this film is.. but it is truly worth seeing and one that should be watched by the whole family.. the title of the film is misspelled because Gardner's day care misspelled it and he complained to the owner that it needed to be changed..  Never give up trying.. is definitely the take away from the film ..

4.  Reign Over Me 2007 - is a epic drama with an exceptional cast.. The film follows Charlie Fineman (Adam Sandler) who lost everything important to him when the Twin Towers collapsed on Sept 11.. In the movie five years has passed since Charlie's family died and now he is completely withdrawn from life and is basically a shadow of the person he once was.. Fate however brings Charlie and his former college roommate Alan Johnson (Don Cheadle) together.. Shocked by how much his friend needs him .. This movie is inspirational .. gut wrenching and truly heart breaking.. I loved this movie.. I can honestly understand how painful memories can run so deep that you learn to hide from them.. I, myself unfortunately have a painful history that I have tried to move on from..
Please watch this film.. it is extremely touching ..  The film also has an amazing soundtrack.. definitely one of Adam Sandler's best films..

5.  The Shack 2017 - is a Christian drama based on a book by the same name by William P Young..
The film follows Mackenzie "Mack" Phillips (Sam Worthington) who as a child suffered physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his alcoholic father.. and how as an adult his life is shattered when on a camping trip his youngest daughter disappears .. The police soon determine that the little girl fell victim to a serial killer after finding her dress and blood in a cabin..  The tragedy is indescribable for not only his family but Mack .. however a note found in the mailbox gives Mack hope in getting answers.. This movie is exceptional.. inspirational and gut wrenching.. I am a Christian .. and much like Mack I can honestly say that dealing with that kind of pain would be inconceivable.. I truly found this movie at times overwhelming to watch .. but truly uplifting..

Historical Period Drama Films..

1.  Mudbound 2017 - is a epic period drama based on a book by the same name by Hillary Jordan.. The film follows 2 WWII veterans .. one is white Jamie McAllan (Garrett Hedlund) and one is black Ronsel Jackson (Jason Mitchell) .. who return to Mississippi only to address PTSD issues and racism.. This film is amazing.. the cast is truly exceptional .. The films depiction of the era is dynamic.. as each family struggles to survive in the poverty stricken Mississippi Delta.. I found myself totally engrossed in the struggles of both Laura McAllan (Carey Mulligan) the wife of Jamie's brother who lives in a loveless stagnant marriage with two small children.. and that of Florence Jackson (Mary J. Blige) a strong, hard working woman who struggles to keep her family safe during an extremely brutal and racially divided time.. The movie is poignant .. inspiring.. insightful.. gut wrenching and thought provoking..

The movie is packed full of intensely horrific scenes.. that are truly breath taking.. I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish..  Truly a movie worth watching..   Mudbound Film Depicts History


2.  The Light Between Oceans 2016 - is a romantic tragedy period drama based on a book by the same name by M.L. Stedman.. The movie tells the story of Tom Sherbourne, a Janus Rock lighthouse keeper and his wife Isabel Graysmark who rescue a infant girl from a washed ashore fishing boat.. However even though Tom knows regulations require him to report the discovery, his wife persuades him not to so that they may keep the child as their own.. Years later the couple discover that the child was assumed lost at sea with her father.. and that her grieving mother is very much alive..  I loved this film..it is very dramatic.. and heartbreaking .. I literally found myself glued to every word.. love love loved it..  definitely a movie worth watching..


3.  Gangs of New York 2002 - is an epic period drama set in the slums of New York .. based on a book by the same name by Herbert Asbury.. The film focuses on the 1863 feud between the Catholics and Protestants which erupts into violence along with a group of Irish immigrants protesting on wages.. The film features an ensemble cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, Cameron Diaz, Liam Neeson and many others.. This film is full of detail, inspiring and captivating.. I really enjoyed it.. After watching the film I did some research about the era..

The Gangs of New York


4.  Blow 2001 - is a biographical crime drama based on cocaine smuggler George Jung (Johnny Depp) .. Carlos Rivas, the Medellin Cartel and Pablo Escobar.. The film chronicles George Jung's rise as a premier "drug smuggler" importer of cocaine from the Medellin Cartel to the US.. The film details at how during the 70s the international drug trade was very lucrative and spawned a whole new generation.. even the title of the film "Blow" is slang for cocaine..  One of my first reviews on this blog was the movie "American Made" that chronicles the true story of Barry Seal a pilot and drug smuggler turned informant in the same drug trade..  I loved this film.. it was truly interesting, detailed and insightful .. A definite must see film..

George Jung 


5.   The Last of the Mohicans 1992 - is an epic historical drama during the French and Indian War in the Adirondack Mountains of NY in the year of 1757.. and based on the book The Last of the Mohicans: A Narrative of 1757 by James Fenimore Cooper as well as a 1936 film adaptation by George B. Seitz.. The film focuses on British Army Major Duncan Heyward and his task of escorting Colonel Munro's daughters Cora and Alice to their father .. Major Heyward is being guided by Magua who is a Huron warrior.. unfortunately they are ambushed but Heyward and the two women are rescued by a Mohican chief Chingachgook, his son Uncas and a white adopted son Hawkeye (Daniel Day Lewis).. the Mohicans agree to take them to Fort William Henry.. action abounds in this film.. Actually this film has everything a truly romantic love story, inspiring realism, along with plenty of drama and action from start to finish.. Love Love Loved every minute.. if you haven't seen this film.. you have to see it.. Amazing film..

The Last of the Mohicans and Fort William Henry


6.  A River Runs Through It 1992 - is a period coming of age epic drama and is based on a semi autobiographical book by the same name by Norman Maclean.. The film follows two sons of a Presbyterian minister as they grow up and come of age in the Rocky Mountain region of Montana during WWI, the Depression and Prohibition.. The movie features an outstanding cast.. is insightful, inspiring and gripping..   I truly love this film..  Exceptional movie..

Norman Maclean A River Runs Through It is a true story


7.  Free State of Jones 2016 - is a historical period war drama based on the life of Newton Knight (Matthew McConaughey) a poor farmer who served in the Confederate Army as a medic..  and Knight's armed revolt against the Confederacy in Jones County Mississippi during the Civil War..  Credits are given to the books The Free State of Jones by Victoria E Bynum and The State of Jones by Sally Jenkins and John Stauffer..  Knight's saw that it was wrong that the troops were taking crops and livestock for taxes.. He befriends slaves and from the swamps he helps them unite and revolt against the Confederacy.. raiding their convoys.. After the war Newton continues to fight for racial equalities.. Loved this film.. The movie is inspirational, detailed, thought provoking and dramatic..

Newton Knight

Free State of Jones True Story

More Action, Drama, Revenge Films..

After reviewing so many films.. I have come to the understanding that I tend to really be partial to action dramas.. especially the films that have a eye for an eye storyline..

1.  A Walk Among the Tombstones 2014 - is a drama action thriller based on a book by the same name by Lawrence Block.. The film stars Liam Neeson (one of my favorite actors) as retired Detective Matt Scudder who now is working as an unlicensed private detective..  In the movie.. Matt is approached by a drug trafficker whose wife has was kidnapped and brutally murdered..Scudder takes the case and soon discovers other similar cases.. Typical of Liam Neeson films this one has many twists and turns along the way.. including a homeless youth (named T.J.) that Matt befriends and seemingly takes under his wing..  Definitely a crime drama.. that I very much enjoyed and so will you.. 

2.  Death Wish 2018 - is a vigilante action drama film and a remake of the 1974 film by the same name that starred Charles Bronson.. In the 2018 film version, Bruce Willis plays a Chi Town physician named Paul Kersey who after men attack his wife and daughter sets out to get revenge.. Unintentionally Kersey soon becomes known as the "Grim Reaper" exacting revenge on any criminal he comes in contact with .. However Paul soon begins to draw attention to himself... leading Detective Raines to suspect Paul as the "Grim Reaper".. I have to say, all in all this is a good remake of the original 1974 film.. but the 1974 Charles Bronson Death Wish is epic and maintains its status as being one of the best vigilante films of all time...

Honorable Mention..

Death Wish 1974 - is the classic vigilante action film.. based on a book by the same name by Brian Garfield.. In the film Paul Kersey (Charles Bronson) is an architect who seeks vigilante justice after his wife is murdered and daughter is sexually assaulted during a gruesome home invasion.. After the release of the film in 1974.. the film was attacked due to its support of vigilantism.. however the public embraced the film due to the increasing crime rates during the 70s.. and even after all this time the film still resonates with people everywhere.. When I first watched the film.. I remember I was completely taken off guard (like what I presume most viewers were) by the horrific and gruesome events of the home invasion and reveled in him getting revenge and justice for his family..  

3.  Falling Down 1993 - is a drama action thriller.. In the film William Foster (Michael Douglas)  is a divorced and unemployed former defense engineer .. who after setting in traffic for an unimaginable amount of time abandons his vehicle and treks across Los Angeles on foot trying to reach the home of his estranged wife in order to spend time with his daughter at her B-Day party.. Along the way Foster encounters a number of increasing violent and emotional events.. Robert Duvall plays an aging LAPD sergeant Martin Prendergast assigned to track down Foster and bring an end to his rampage..
I have always loved this film.. and while the film met with mixed reviews..  it is magnetic and memorable .. Simply stated Foster plays a man at the end of his rope who after having a mental break takes matters into his own hands..

4.  Man on Fire 2004 - is an action drama based on a book by the same name by A.J. Quinnell.. The film follows John Creasy (Denzel Washington) an alcoholic former Special Forces operative, now working as a bodyguard.. After nine year old Lupita Ramos (Dakota Fanning) is abducted in Mexico City Creasy goes on a revenge rampage to find her.. This film features an outstanding cast including Christopher Walken, Marc Anthony, Mickey Rourke and Denzel just to name a few..  This film is packed with action and drama from start to finish.. I highly recommend this movie.. Loved it..

5.  The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo 2009 - is a Swedish drama revenge thriller based on a book by the same name by Stieg Larsson .. and is the first movie in the trilogy.  In the film wealthy recluse Henrik Vanger seeks closure.. after forty years ago his beloved niece disappeared .. and he believes that a member of his own family is responsible.. Vanger hires journalist Mikael Blomkvist and computer hacker Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) to come to his private property and dig into the circumstances in hopes of discovering the killer once and for all.. This movie is truly horrific.. Blomkvist and Salander uncover much more evil within the family than originally expected.. The movie is dark, intriguing, gut wrenching.. and full of twists and turns .. I highly recommend this film .. as a definite must watch film .. Not for children..

Honorable Mention..

The Girl Who Played with Fire 2009 - is a Swedish drama action thriller.. and sequel to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.. as well as based on the second book in the trilogy by Stieg Larsson.. The film follows Lisbeth Salander as she returns to Sweden after living abroad.. She falls under suspicion for murder of three people... Mikael Blomkvist does what he can to find her before the police do.. Salander fights to stay alive and clear her name .. This film is full of mystery and intrigue from start to finish. Loved it..

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest 2009 - is a Swedish drama action thriller and the last installment of the trilogy by Stieg Larsson..  This movie starts where The Girl Who Played with Fire left off.. with Lisbeth being airlifted with gunshot wounds inflicted by her father Zalachenko.. Her friend Blomkvist continues to gather evidence in hopes to build her defense to clear her name.. while Salander is awaiting trial for the three murders... The film is interesting and full of intrigue .. I highly suggest binge watching all three in the trilogy together.. in order to understand the bigger picture..

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo 2011 - is a psychological crime action drama thriller and is a remake of the 2009 film by the same name .. and based on the 1st book in the trilogy by Stieg Larsson..  The film stars Daniel Craig as journalist Mikael Blomkvist.. and Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander.. while this version follows much the same format as the 2009 original film .. there are notable differences.. and it is equally intriguing to watch and packed full of twists and turns .. I actually loved both versions..  definitely this film is one of the best remakes I have ever seen.. I was completely engrossed in the film from start to finish..

The Girl in the Spider's Web 2018 - is a action drama thriller based on a book by the same name by David Lagercrantz which is based on the same characters as in the trilogy by Stieg Larsson.. The film acts as a sequel to the remake 2011 version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.. and stars Claire Foy as Lisbeth Salander.. The film follows Salander as she tries to rescue and exact vengeance for battered women.. In the film Frans Balder hires hacker Lisbeth Salander to steal a computer program FireWall that can access codes for nuclear weapons.. which draws attention by not only the NSA but the Russians.. Action ensues along with a family member seeking revenge on Salander .. This film is intriguing and filled with action from start to finish.. Loved it..

6.  Upgrade 2018 - is a revenge action thriller film .. that follows Grey Trace, a man who after what he feels is a mugging gone wrong is left paralyzed and severely depressed over the murder of his wife..  Months later Grey returns home as a wheel bound quadriplegic under the care of his mother.. after a failed attempt to end his life.. he is visited by a man named Eron.. and receives a high tech chip that allows him to control his body..After the implantation he signs an agreement to conceal the upgrade from everyone.. and still pretend he is paralyzed.. When the microchip starts to speak to him through his mind .. the chip says it can help him get revenge on the men that severed his spine and killed his wife..

This film is a roller coaster ride from start to finish.. keeping you on the edge of your seat the whole time.. the film is intensely interesting .. and unique .. I loved it..

Dramatic Films.. I love intense drama, action and highly emotional movies..Here are some of my favorite thought provoking, inspiring and gut wrenching films..

1.  Brimstone 2016 - is an intense western drama thriller.. with an outstanding cast..

The film is very difficult to describe .. keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.. I found myself totally engrossed in the film from start to finish, at times being taken off guard at how horrific the events play out in the film.. The film starts out with a husband, a wife.. and two small children.. some deeply intense events happen..leaving the mom and her two small children fleeing the farm..

Horrific events take place in a brothel, were a young woman named Joanna is forced to silence herself in order to take Elizabeth's place.. Than the movie jumps to Joanna as she lived with her mother Anna and minister father.. there is a suicide and other horrific events leading to Joanna fleeing for her life..  Eventually Liz is hunted down in the mountains and the man she has feared all her life states he will beat and rape her young daughter.. Years later after being discovered Liz is driven to make a dramatic choice ..

Ultimately this is a western film depicting some truly horrific events that lead a young woman turned fugitive from predator seeking vengeance against her and anyone she loves.. While extremely hard to describe this film is extraordinary gripping to watch .. and gut wrenching.. A definite must see film... Not a movie for children..


2.  Ben is Back 2018 - is a drama film starring Lucas Hedges, the son of Peter Hedges who wrote and directed the film.. The film follows Holly (Julia Roberts) the mother of Ben Burns (Lucas Hedges) who tries to help her son who is a recovering addict after her son unexpectedly returns home on Christmas Eve from rehab.. Ben who is 19 years old only 77 days clean and is welcomed home by his mom who admittedly is totally consumed by her son's addiction.. Holly's maternal concerns are truly put to the test over the next 24 hours.. The movie is loosely based on Peter Hedges own real life experiences having dealt with addicts.. including sadly his mother's alcoholism...

I felt the movie.. was interesting, thought provoking and emotional .. I, myself lived with addicts and much like Holly had consistently tried to save them.. however addiction is intensely devastating to everyone involved.. unfortunately over the years I have had to watch addicts self destruct and die around me ..  I now understand that I could never have saved them from their demons ... because you can't save anyone that doesn't want to be saved..


3.  Destroyer 2018 - is a emotional crime drama which features a truly exceptional cast starring Nicole Kidman .. The film follows an LAPD officer (Kidman) who is assigned to go undercover in order to take out members of a gang .. however things don't go as planned and the film depicts at how intensely the horrific events of the past have taken a toll on her life.. and consumed by guilt .. The film first gripping scene .. plays a much bigger part in the film than one might think .. and overtime you see how Erin (Kidman) is driven to face her demons and get revenge for the death of her partner and father of her daughter..  I have to be honest.. Nicole Kidman was completely magnificent in this film.. I was completely engrossed from start to finish... Loved this movie.. A definite must see film..


4.  Life Itself 2018 - is an intense drama.. with an ensemble cast.. The film follows multiple couples that are all connected by one singular event.. following the event through numerous generations..

The film is hard to describe.. but in the first few minutes of the film .. Dr. Cait Morris life will end.. and yet that one event will essentially come to pass as a narrative for a much bigger story.. Involving a woman, a man in love and awaiting the birth of their child..  The film bounces in and out through flashbacks as the man Will (Oscar Issac) tells Dr. Cait (Annette Bening) of his life with his wife Abby (Olivia Wilde)..

This film is not only gut wrenching but thought provoking and I truly loved it.. A definite must see film..


5.  The Tale 2018 - is a drama written and directed by Jennifer Fox and focuses on telling Fox's own story of childhood sexual abuse and how it has affected her for her entire life including her relationships.... The film features an exceptional cast..

In the film Jennifer Fox (Laura Dern) is a filmmaker and professor when her mother Nettie calls her after discovering an essay she wrote when she was thirteen years old .. After reading the essay Jennifer begins to do research on her life .. uncovering that as a young teen ...she spent a lot of time at a horse training camp..  Ultimately realizing that her recollections of the events are inaccurate.. she painfully she has to face the truth..  This film is inspiring, heart breaking and traumatic but it also paints a good picture of how childhood sexual abuse can stay hidden and go unreported for years..


Honorable Mention

Pretty Baby 1978 - is a historical drama that focuses on a 12 year old prostitute in the red light district of New Orleans in 1917.. Violet (Brooke Shields) is the daughter of Hattie a working prostitute in a brothel.. Violet has grown up in the brothel and is a fidgety, brazen young girl ..  Madame Nell soon decides Violet is old enough for her virginity to be auctioned off..  This film has always been extremely controversial as it features a difficult subject matter.. I remember how gained mixed reviews when it premiered due to its depiction of child prostitution.. however it also is highly indicative of the era and during that time children were born into brothels.. and suspect to the lifestyle.. This movie is a classic and is worth watching..  Adults Only..

Action Adventure Films..  I have always loved good action packed films.. Likewise adventure films typically mean exploring .. as in different lands..

1.  The Mummy 2017 - is an action adventure thriller.. The film follows a US soldier Nick Morton (Tom Cruise) who accidentally discovers an ancient tomb of a trapped Egyptian princess Ahmanet (Sofia Boutella).. This film is full of action, drama and adventure.. Ahmanet who was cursed and buried alive for killing her father and family is truly a formidable force.. add in all her scary zombie minions..  Wow.. This film takes you on a wild roller coaster ride.. Loved it.. 

2.  Avatar 2009 - is a truly epic sci fi adventure action film .. The film which is set in the mid 22nd century.. follows humans colonizing Pandora.. a lush habitable moon .. The film is really difficult to put into words.. but is truly captivating.. I was mesmerized when the Na'vi which are a humanoid species indigenous to Pandora were first introduced to Jake Sully a Na'vi human hybrid known as an Avatar.. I loved the female Na'vi (Neytiri) that takes him under her wing..  This is an amazing film full of mind blowing visual effects and action.. love love loved it.. and so will you.. a definite must watch film

3.  Dracula Untold 2014 - is a dark fantasy action horror film .. The movie follows Count Dracula who is Vlad the Impaler (Luke Evans) rightfully named for slaughtering thousands by impaling them on spears..Vlad knowing that war is coming seeks help from a vampire.. and is told that there will be consequences ..ultimately offering Vlad his blood which will give Vlad powers.. This film is intense, and there are horrific battles.. as well as blood shed.. I have to be honest I was totally engrossed in the film.. the story is truly intriguing.. and a Dracula movie worth seeing..

Honorable Mention

Bram Stoker's Dracula 1992 - is a Gothic horror film based on the book Dracula by Bram Stoker.. The film focuses on Vlad Dracula (Gary Oldman) who returns from a victory against the Turks to find his beloved wife Elisabeta (Winona Ryder) has committed suicide after receiving a false report of his death.. When the priest tells him that his wife's soul is condemned for taking her own life.. Dracula destroys the chapel and renounces his faith.. stabbing the chapel's stone cross and drinking the blood .. the film then jumps to 1897 where Dracula comes to meet a young woman Mina Harker (Winona Ryder) that he believes to be his wife reincarnated.. The movie is dramatic and intriguing..keeping me on the edge of my seat..

4.  World War Z 2013 - is an apocalyptic action horror film based on a book by the same name by Max Books..The film follows Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt) a former UN investigator as he travels the world to find a way to stop a pandemic that turns people into zombies.. The zombies are unthinking and vicious and the virus is spreading like wildfire... This movie is crazy.. with insane action from start to finish.. and totally gripping..

5.  Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets 2017 - is a action adventure film.. Set in the 28th century.. the film focuses on a special police division created by the United Human Federation that was formed to preserve peace through the galaxy.. Major Valerian is a Federation soldier and his partner Laureline is a sergeant in the Federation as well as Valerian's love interest.. Mul, is a low tech humanoid race that lives peacefully.. and fishes for pearls that contain enormous energy..  Honestly I can't even describe this film..

This movie is a completely breathtaking, captivating .. literally the special effects are amazing and it is full of non stop action from start to finish..  A definite must see film

Romance Fantasy Films

1. The Age of Adaline 2015 - is a romantic fantasy film with an outstanding cast..The film follows Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) as a young woman who stopped aging at the age of 29.. in which she died during a tragic accident and then was revived by a lightning strike ..  The movie is full of dramatic events .. after all Adaline has never allowed herself to get close to anyone or stay too long in the same place.. in order to keep people from discovering she doesn't age.. I loved this movie .. the film is truly charming and heart warming .. Definitely a movie worth watching ..

2. The Lake House 2006 - is a romantic drama starring Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock and Christopher Plummer.. the film focuses on two separate points in time..  Alex Wyler (Reeves) an architect living in 2004 and Kate Forrester (Bullock) a doctor living in 2006.. the two meet via letters that are left in the mailbox at the lake house.. and begin to correspond remaining separated by time... I love love loved this film.. it is a great romance film..

3. The Time Traveler's Wife 2009 - is a romantic fantasy drama based on a 2003 book by the same name by Audrey Niffenegger.. The story follows Henry DeTamble (Eric Bana) a Chicago librarian with a rare paranormal genetic disorder that causes him to drift uncontrollably through time .. as he tries to build a romantic relationship with Clare Abshire (Rachel McAdams) who becomes his wife.. This film is intensely heart breaking and yet romantic.. I truly loved this movie ..

4. Meet Joe Black 1998 - is a romantic fantasy movie starring Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins and Claire Forlani.. The film focuses on Bill Parrish (Anthony Hopkins) a billionaire businessman who is about to celebrate his 65th birthday .. His youngest daughter Susan (Claire Forlani) is the light of his eye and a resident in internal medicine.. When Death (Brad Pitt) arrives at Bill's home and explains for as long as Bill will agree to be his guide on Earth .. Bill does not have to die.. until of course he is ready.. This movie is truly an emotional roller-coaster ride.. it is mesmerizing, thought provoking, romantic and gut wrenching ...  Truly an emotional masterpiece.. I loved it from start to finish..

5. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button 2008 - is a romantic fantasy drama loosely based on a short story by the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald.. The fill follows the life of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) who was born under unusual circumstances in New Orleans.. and than starts to age in reverse.. He meets Daisy (Cate Blanchett) a dancer who bounces in and out of his life and is his love interest.. This movie is outstanding..truly captivating, heart warming and gut wrenching all at the same time.. I loved it.. and you will too.. full of adventures and emotion a truly beautiful film with an outstanding cast..

Really Strong Females .. I love films that feature really strong female roles..

1.  The Help 2011 - is a period drama adapted from a book by the same name by Kathryn Stockett.. The film features an outstanding cast including Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Emma Stone, Jessica Chastain, and Allison Janney.. The film follows the story of a young white aspiring journalist woman named Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan.. and her relationship with two black maids.. Aibileen Clark and Minny Jackson during the 1963 Civil Rights Movement in Jackson Mississippi..

In an attempt to become recognized writer Skeeter decides to write a tell all book from the view point of the maids during this turbulent time.. exposing racism.. after all black domestic worker during the 60s in America were often referred to as "the help" hence the title of the book and the film..

I loved this film and found myself laughing and crying throughout the film.. It is extremely poignant and insightful.. I have to be honest, I found myself identifying with the film in many ways because when I was a child I had black nannies.. who were just as in the film housekeepers for my family that looked after me as well.. I remember, I was just like Skeeter I truly loved them.. and considered them family..

Real Life "The Help" 
Kathryn Stockett "The Help" 

2.  Cake 2014 - is a exceptional drama starring Jennifer Aniston.. The film focuses on Claire Bennett (Jennifer Aniston) who after surviving a tragic car accident that claimed the life of her son is left physically and emotionally disabled.. Claire is hostile, scarred, and struggling to cope with her pain both emotionally and physically.. The film is outstanding .. inspiring, gut wrenching and heart warming.. I loved every minute of it from start to finish.. I found myself completely engrossed in the story.. Definitely a film everyone should watch.. Jennifer Aniston's performance is raw, poignant and real.. truly phenomenal.. Claire's pain and agony comes across beautifully..

3.  If Beale Street Could Talk 2018 - is a poignant romantic drama based on a book by the same name by James Baldwin.. and features an outstanding cast.. The film follows a young Afro-American woman who with the support of her family seeks to clear the name of her wrongly incarcerated boyfriend and the father of her child.. I have to say I was completely spellbound by this film from start to finish.. set in the 70s the film shows the racial turmoil that the young couple endured as well as the community as a whole.. The film also captures their innocence especially Clementine "Tish" Rivers (KiKi Layne).. and their struggle to remain together .. The film is gripping, inspiring and yet heart breaking .. a definite must see

4.  Joy 2015 - is a biographical comedy drama based on the life of Joy Mangano (Jennifer Lawrence) a self made millionaire and businesswoman.. The film focuses on Joy's determination and struggle to overcome adversity in order to build her business empire.. The movie highlights the betrayal, innocence loss and family strife that Joy fiercely aspired to defeat in order to give her family a better life.. A truly inspiration story.. I loved it.. A must see film..

Joy Mangano - is a entrepreneur and inventor known for the self wringing Miracle Mop.. Joy is also the president of Ingenious Designs and regulars appears on HSN shopping network.. Joy Mangano released her autobiography Inventing Joy in 2017..

5.  Mary Queen of Scots 2018 -  is a historical drama based on the biography Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart.. by John Guy.. The film follows the life of Mary Queen of Scots (Saoirse Ronan) and her cousin Queen Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie).. and chronicles the 1569 conflict between England and Scotland .. At first I was reluctant to see this film but I am happy to say that it is gut wrenching and truly captivating.. I was total mesmerized throughout the film ..and I highly recommend it..

6.  Kings 2017 - is a romantic drama and follows the life of a young single mother Millie Dunbar (Halle Berry) and her eight adopted children in South LA.. Millie's neighbor Obie (Daniel Craig) is the only white man in the neighborhood and during the Rodney King riots they form an unlikely team to find one of Millie's kids.. Love Love Loved this film.. the film had everything .. action, drama, racial unrest, gunfire and romance.. I thought it was inspiring .. and as a parent myself it kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish..  really a film worth watching..

More Comedy .. I love a good laugh .. but I will admit I am picky ..

1.  Book Club 2018 - is a romantic comedy film starring Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen.. The film is about a group of four life long friends who as a part of their monthly book club decide to read Fifty Shades of Grey.. along with their subsequent life altering antics .. including online dating, Viagra and dance class.. I truly enjoyed the film .. however I think the film's success rested on its big name talent.. If they hadn't been able to put these four powerhouse ladies together I don't think it would have done as good as it did.. I highly recommend this film to any women a little on up in years..

2.  Downsizing 2017 - is a sci-fi fictional comedy drama with an outstanding cast.. including Matt Damon and Kristen Wiig.. The films follows the story of Paul and Audrey Safranek who decide to undertake a new procedure in which shrinks your body so they can start a whole new life in an experimental community ..The premise is you can shrink your life and therefore stretch your funds.. giving you the ability to live the good life on the other side of the process.. When Audrey chickens out at the last minute.. Paul is left somewhat broken and has to reassess his life and choices.. The film was definitely interesting and funny..  Although the film received mixed reviews .. I still would recommend it for a good laugh..

3. Dumplin 2018 - is a coming of age comedy based on a young adult book by the same name by Julie Murphy.. In the film Willowdean "Dumplin" Dickson (Danielle MacDonald) lives with her mother Rosie Dickson (Jennifer Aniston)... Dumplin's Aunt Lucy has recently passed .. Her aunt is also the one that  instilled a love of Dolly Parton and self confidence in Willowdean..Rosie on the other hand was the one who gave Willowdean her nickname of Dumplin..  and Rosie is a past beauty queen and kind of a celebrity in their small town .. The movie is really charming and funny however it also has some truly touching moments.. I loved the film.. and I highly recommend watching it.. a movie truly for the whole family..

4. I Feel Pretty 2018 - is a feel good romantic comedy that features an exceptional cast.. The film follows an insecure woman Renee Bennett (Amy Schumer) who after suffering a head injury during a SoulCycle class, gains over the top self confidence.. and when I say over the top .. I mean it.. she is hysterical..and thinks she is a really desirable beauty.. this movie is outlandishly funny.. Amy Schumer has always been an unrestrained comic when it comes to humor and this movie is a prime example .. I laughed from start to finish.. loved it..  a definite must see film..

5. Sex Tape 2014 - is a comedy film with an outstanding cast that includes Cameron Diaz, Jason Segel and Rob Lowe as well as many others.. The film is based on Jay and Annie Hargrove a young married couple who in an attempt to spice up their sex life making a very unique sex tape in which shows them having sex in every position.. However when done Annie asks Jay to delete the recording but he ends up inadvertently syncing the video to several iPads that the couple had previously given away.. OPS.. This film is hysterical.. and actually shows how an innocent lack of judgment can lead to chaos.. I highly recommend this film .. I laughed so hard.. and you will too..

Honorable Mention.. I love good comedy.. so I have listed some of my favorite comedy stand-ups

1. Ellen DeGeneres Relatable on Netflix    Family Friendly

2. Ray Romano Right Here, Around the Corner on Netflix   Family Friendly

3. Ricky Gervais Humanity on Netflix   Adults Only

4. Kevin James Never Don't Give Up on Netflix   Family Friendly

5. Jim Jefferies Freedumb on Netflix   Adults Only

Please revisit my prior postings as I have added some new reviews under the appropriate categories.. and feel free to comment on any review ..  Thank you so much for visiting

Some Films are Sleepers.. Films that for whatever reason miss the mark with some viewers while meeting the expectations of other viewers..


1. Boyhood 2014 - is a coming of age drama movie starring Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke and Ellar Coltrane.. The film depicts a boy growing up with divorced parents from age of six to eighteen..

I have to say while this movie was somewhat realistic.. depicting how kids who are a product of divorce are shuffled between two households and just learn to deal with the chaos of the baggage that surrounds them.. it was definitely not realistic of most divorces.. Arquette and Hawke were the exception when it comes to divorced parents trying to equally raise well adjusted kids.. but unfortunately not all divorced parents act so cordial to each other .. and although Arquette did a good job at showing how many divorced women with children subsequently can jump into abusive relationships after a divorce .. I kept anxiously waiting for more.. some kind of really dramatic ending .. but it just didn't happen..

The best thing about the film for me was how Patricia Arquette who plays the mom in the movie..  is reminiscing about her life and how she got married had kids.. got divorced.. got married .. got divorced .. got her career and her kids left one by one..and now what is next is her freaking funeral .. and how she somehow thought there would be more.. to her life.. something more.. Now mind you that is not word for word.. but in truth that is what I say to myself.. I got married had kids... got married again got divorced etc etc.. and what now after everything here I sit alone this isn't how at 20 years of age I pictured my life at 58 years .. I thought I'd have everything .. a white picket fence home.. full of love .. cooking cookies for my grandkids.. living with the love of my life.. sitting on a porch swing in the evenings.. loving life and smiling .. happy.. at peace  Well nope .. I have to agree with Arquette I thought there would be more.. and there isn't..  all I have left is my funeral..


2. Patch Adams 1998 - is a semi-biographical comedy drama based on the life of Dr. Hunter "Patch" Adams and his book Gesundheit: Good Health is a Laughing Matter by Dr. Adams and Maureen Mylander.. In the film Hunter "Patch" Adams (Robin Williams) decides he wants to be a doctor in order to help people.. enrolling in medical school.. With the help of his friends he opens a medical clinic to help all those who cannot pay .. Even though this film met with mixed reviews...I truly love it.. The film is full of warmth and compassion, as well as tragedy.. and just as in such films as Mrs. Doubtfire.. watching the film reminds me of the tragic loss of Robin Williams.. 

Hunter "Patch" Adams founded the Gesundheit Institute in 1971 .. He is a physician, activist, comedian and author.. He travels the world in an effort to bring care and humor to all people.. Adams lives in Urbana Illinois and continues to promote alternate health care.. for more information

Dr. Patch Adams
Gesundheit Institute  


3. Love of My Life 2017 -  is a Canadian comedy drama movie based on a woman named Grace (Anna Chancellor) who has just received a diagnosis that not only does she have a brain tumor but that she could die in just 5 days when they do surgery.. and that she should get her affairs in order..

Although the film received mixed reviews .. I can honestly say I enjoyed every minute of it.. and cried several times because I connected to her pain.. She has two daughters both of which are seemingly clueless but great young women just the same.. and a ex husband named Richard (John Hannah) that rushes to her side for fear that she was truly the greatest love of his life and he regrets having an affair that broke her heart.. and than she has her second husband that while a good man seems to be much more a follower than someone she can look to for support at this time in her life.. She also has her career which she seems to be driven to find peace with after all she doesn't want to leave loose ends.. and than for some misguided reason her first husband's ex shows up.. you know the one he had the affair with.. anyway.. gracious as she is .. she allows them all to spend time with her while she waits for her surgery..

I highly recommend this film.. not because it has tons of action..or great special effects.. but because it in its quiet way is touching .. and simply beautiful .. Love Love Loved it...


4. The Clan of the Cave Bear 1986 - is a drama prehistoric adventure film based on a book by the same name by Jean M. Auel.. and stars Daryl Hannah.. Dialogue in the movie is pretty non existent however there is sign language and subtitles.. The film is about a young Cro-Magnon girl who is separated from her kind (known as the Others) named Ayla (Daryl Hannah) who is found by a group of Neanderthals and raised as one of their own.. a part of the Clan of the Cave Bear.... However after she grows up she learns that her spirit is different from that of the clan and one that follows its own path.. I love this film and my children (the girls) have always loved this film as well.. Truly a film worthy of seeing


5. Julie & Julia 2009 - is a very funny comedy drama that embraces the life of Julia Child (Meryl Streep) through the early years of her culinary life with that of a struggling young New Yorker Julie Powell (Amy Adams) .. In the film Julie decides to start a blog to chronicle her aspiration of cooking all the recipes in Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking.. Truly a great film..I loved it..

Julie & Julia is based on the true story of Julie Powell Julie & Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen.. (later titled Julie & Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously) .. and Julia Child's autobiography.. My Life in France.. 

TV .. I believe people tend to watch TV shows based on what they have interests in .. such as crime investigations, parenting or culinary.. literally there are TV shows on everything..


1. Workin Moms 2017-present  is a comedy drama show based on four working moms .. Kate a public relations exec.. Anne a psychiatrist, Jenny an IT tech, and Frankie a real estate agent..  The show focuses on their struggles with motherhood, relationships, as well as balancing their careers..

2. 911 2018-present Fox  is an action drama series that follows the lives of Los Angeles first responders..including police officers, paramedics, firefighters and dispatchers.. The show features some intense traumatic and heart stopping moments.. as well as many controversial subjects.. I truly love this show..

3. The Resident 2018-present Fox  is a medical drama series and covers the lives and duties of medical personnel at Chastain Park Memorial Hospital.. while struggling with hospital bureaucracy.. The show's primary focus is that of Conrad Hawkins (Matt Czuchry) who is a senior resident..


4. The Good Doctor 2017-present ABC  is a medical drama series.. that follows Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore) a young autistic surgeon with savant syndrome as he takes a position with San Jose St Bonaventure Hospital.. as he struggles to connect personally and master his medical skills in order to save lives and receive approval from his colleagues..

5. New Amsterdam 2018-present NBC  is a medical drama series ..that follows Dr. Max Goodwin (Ryan Eggold) as the new medical director at New Amsterdam Hospital .. as he aims to reform healthcare as we know it.. including a massive overhaul of medical staff, bureaucracy, and the neglected facility.. I love this show..

Honorable Mention

We'll Meet Again 2018 PBS  is a history drama series that reunites people who have been separated by traumatic events.. The show features ordinary men and women who lived through extraordinary events in history (ie. war, terrorism, Holocaust, earthquakes).. Very interesting and inspiring..

This is Life with Lisa Ling 2014-present CNN  is a documentary drama series hosted by Lisa Ling.. as she reports on unconventional subcultures, communities and lifestyles in the US... the series is intensely  thought provoking and intriguing..

Our America with Lisa Ling 2011-2014 was a documentary drama series hosted by Lisa Ling.. that examined aspects of society that was commonly considered outside the mainstream..

Gogglebox 2013-present UK  is a British reality show that features families and groups of friends from all over the UK reacting to UK television programming from their homes.. This show is hilarious and I truly wish we had our own version of the show in the US.. I love it ..but I am only able to watch it on YouTube.. or through Channel 4 ..

Gogglebox Australia 2015-present is the Australia version Channel 4 Australia

Judge Judy 1996-present  is a reality court series .. featuring Judge Judy Sheindlin presiding over small claim disputes within a courtroom setting .. there are plenty of other judge shows on TV but Judge Judy will always be my favorite..

Lip Sync Battle 2015-present is a musical reality competition show where celebrities lip sync battle each other .. the show is hosted by LL Cool J and Chrissy Teigen..

Undercover Boss 2010- present  is a reality series based on the British series by the same name.. Each episode follows an upper management person of a business that decides to go undercover as a entry level employee in order to see the good points and issues within their company.. I love this series.. as you get to see some of the flaws of their companies.. as well as an inside look as to who actually run the companies..

Celebrity Undercover Boss  is a spinoff and features amazing artists (such as singers, athletes) that go undercover to assist others in their fields pursue their dreams..  Love this show as well..

The Launch 2018-present is a Canadian singing competition show .. and in each episode musicians perform for the judges were two are selected to sing before sing before a audience .. resulting in one being selected to record a song..  

The Incredible Dr. Pol 2011-present Nat Geo Wild.. is a reality show that follows Dr. Jan Pol, a Dutch American veterinarian along with his family and staff at his rural Michigan practice.. I love this show.. and everyone loves Dr. Pol..

Dog Whisperer 2004-2012.. was a reality dog training show.. Cesar Millan would help families and individuals with problem dogs.. Cesar is a canine expert and would help them to retrain their pets accordingly.. love love loved it..   Spin-off show .. Cesar 911 2014-2016  loved this one too..

Love after Lockup 2018-present .. is a reality show however I use the word reality loosely.. The couples supposedly meet their potential future spouses for the first time once the inmates are released from incarceration.. which leads to strong emotions, frequent bumps in the road.. after all these inmates are just tasting freedom for the first time in a long time .. Love after Lockup is definitely over the top.. especially since you will often find yourself thinking what in the world are these people doing.. don't be so gullible.. However I have to admit.. people are only human and unfortunately I have made far to many mistakes in life to be throwing stones.. I only started watching this show so I am in Season 2..but I have enjoyed it.. and it definitely keeps your attention..

Reality TV Shows.. Take them or leave them ..
Either way for most viewers they simply offer a getaway from for the mind..  After all most shows of this type .. a viewer can easily watch and if they enjoy the show they can add it to their regular viewing list.. and if they don't they can either turn the channel or simply use the show to pass the time..

1.  America's Next Top Model 2003 - present .. model competition created by Tyra Banks.. simple enough this show revolves around girls from literally all walks of life in a competition for an opportunity to get a model contract.. that in itself means so much.. it can catapult their careers..

2. Catfish The TV Show 2012 - present MTV .. a reality TV show on the truths and lies of online dating.. The series is based on the 2010 film Catfish and is co-hosted by Nev Schulman and Max Joseph.. Nev was actually catfished himself..when he met someone online and after carrying on an online relationship he actually discovered she had not been honest in describing herself..

The word Catfish when it comes to online dating is a person that creates a fake personal profile on social media, dating sites, etc.. and pretends to be someone other than themselves.. I, myself have been catfished on the Internet.. and not only can a catfish be someone that takes advantage of you but it can also be dangerous.. after all you maybe relaying your life honestly but a catfish can be anyone.. a predator, a con-man, a killer.. you really have no idea.. and I have come to the conclusion while you possibly might meet a nice guy.. it is just as likely that you could meet someone who is not there for the right reasons..  I know because I have meet more than one catfish online.. and only by the grace of god, I can honestly say am I still here..

3. Queer Eye 2018-present Netflix .. is a series and a reboot of the Bravo series Queer Eye for the Straight Guy .. it features a new Fab Five (Antoni Porowski food and wine, Tan France fashion expert, Karamo Brown culture, Bobby Berk design and Jonathon Van Ness grooming) ..In the show, the Fab Five transforms the lives of people including their homes, appearance and at times even outlooks about themselves.. I truly loved the original series and this show is no different.. truly enjoyable and touching to watch ..the good they do to help people everywhere..

The original series Queer Eye for the Straight Guy was on Bravo 2003-2007 and featured Ted Allen food and wine, Kyan Douglas grooming, Thom Filicia design, Carson Kressley fashion, Jai Rodriguez culture.. if you can find it anywhere you should try and watch the original as well..

4. Sister Wives 2010- present TLC .. is a series based on the life of a polygamist family.. The Browns which consist of Kody Brown and his four wives (Meri, Janelle, Christine and Robyn) and 18 children.. In the beginning The Browns were living in Lehi Utah but moved to Las Vegas Nevada in 2011.. and in 2018 to Baderville, Arizona... The show is very insightful, enjoyable and at times funny.. because it does give a glimpse into this alternative lifestyle, yet a lifestyle features normal issues that anyone can have.. no matter what kind of relationship they might be in.. I love watching it..  and even though there are other shows of this type..  Sister Wives is my favorite..

Below are two other polygamist family series..

My Five Wives 2013-2014 TLC was a series based on Brady Williams and his 5 wives (Paulie, Robyn, Rosemary, Nonie and Rhonda) and 25 kids..

Seeking Sister Wife premiered in 2018 TLC  is a new series based on the lives of several families that have decided to live as polygamists.. However from what I have seen these families are just starting their polygamist lifestyles.. and could really benefit with some mentoring.. The show definitely brings to light the pitfalls of choosing to live this lifestyle..

5. Chopped 2009-present Food Network ..is a cooking game show series which is hosted by Ted Allen.. In each show four chefs are pitted against each other in hopes to win 10,000 and than they also feature tournament battles..  Love the basket surprises and the creativity..

6. Top Chef 2006-present Bravo is a competition cooking series that features chefs in competition against one another through various challenges.. Judged through the years by a panel of many professional chefs and others in the food industry .. Two of the most notable however are Padma Lakshmi and Tom Colicchio.. The series has spawned multiple spin-off shows.. including Top Chef Masters, Top Chef Juniors.. along with many international versions of the show..

7.  Bar Rescue 2011-present .. is a reality series starring Jon Taffer a food and beverage industry consultant for nightclubs and bars.. In the show .. he goes into failing bars and pubs and offers his expertise along with renovations in order to save them..  I enjoy this show because sometimes he meets with owners that are completely clueless and resistant..

8.  The Masked Singer premiered in 2019 Fox  is a competition singing series hosted by Nick Cannon .. The show is based on the South Korean hit show King of Mask Singer..  The series features celebrities singing in head to toe costumes meant to hide their identities (ie. Monster, Unicorn).. at the end of the show one is voted to reveal their identity..

I have to admit at first I was terribly upset that after numerous competition and game shows..  this is what the powers that be had decided to offer viewers as a new show.. feeling that they had reached an all time low .. but after researching more on the origin ..and after watching it.. I can understand why the show is a hit..   After all its a guessing game on who is behind the mask from what I have seen they can be anyone from a sports to TV celebrity that we wouldn't think of as a singer .. and for the celebrity it gives them a chance to show a talent that they may have never displayed before..

9. House Hunters 1999-present HGTV is a reality show based on individuals and families reviewing three potential real estate properties with an agent.  Ultimately choosing one property by the end of the episode and than the show checks back in with them to see how their lives and property is working for them.. I love the show and enjoy watching how they decide on the property that they choose..

House Hunters International 2006-present HGTV is a reality show and a spin-off of House Hunters.. the shows follows the same format in that people are given three choices of property.. where at the end they choose one property ..  The only difference is House Hunters International shows people moving from one country to another country.. I probably watch this version of House Hunters the most because I like seeing what the buying property market is like in other countries..

I would like to also add that there are many more versions of House Hunters including House Hunters on Vacation, House Hunters Million Dollar Homes and House Hunters Renovation just to name a few..

10. The World's Best premiered in 2019 CBS  and is a reality talent competition hosted by James Corden..  The show features a variety of international performers being evaluated by three judges Drew Barrymore, Faith Hill, and RuPaul.. along with 50 international experts in various entertainment fields..  The show is very enjoyable but I do think it is kinda like another version of America's Got Talent .. and I love AGT..  The jury is still out on this show.. a lot depends on the ratings 

More TV Shows ..worthy of watching

For one reason or another sometimes even good shows can come to an end.. Perhaps the network didn't see what they had originally envisioned .. or sometimes the show just decides to end on a high note... In any case here are some of my favorite shows that came to an end but are still worth watching if you are able to locate them.. (Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu often continue to carry them)

1. Banshee 2013-2016 Cinemax  is an action crime series set in the rural town of Banshee PA (Amish country).. the shows follows an ex-con who after being released from prison is trying to lay low and reunite with his former lover.. Very quickly he is given the opportunity to assume the identity of Lucas Hood, the town's new sheriff that seemingly just rolled into town as well.. and is quickly murdered by two hitmen looking for the ex-con .. Hood soon discovers his former lover has also assumed a new identity (Carrie), is married and has children.. Hood struggles to maintain his new identity, hide from the mob boss (Rabbit) that has a hit out on him, and deal with the local kingpin Kai Proctor..  I loved the show.. and I binge watched it  The series was truly excellent .. I was totally engrossed from start to finish..

2. Breaking Bad 2008-2013 AMC  is a crime drama set in Albuquerque, NM .. the show follows the story of Walter White (Bryan Cranston) a struggling, depressed chemistry teacher at a local high school who was just diagnosed with lung cancer.. Mr. White decides to turn to a life of crime by producing and selling crystal meth to secure his family's financial future before he dies.. and one of his former students Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) agrees to help him for a cut of profit.. This series from start to finish, was off the charts .. it was wildly entertaining and full of action.. Even now the show still has a huge following..

There have been rumors of a possible Breaking Bad film.. but I have heard that Aaron Paul will be reprising his role of Jesse.. I can't wait..

Better Call Saul  AMC 2015- present is a spin-off series from Breaking Bad.. and covers the story of con-man turned small time lawyer Jimmy McGill who transforms himself into Saul Goodman.. I have seen the spin-off and although I enjoyed it for the most part.. It ultimately sadly at least for me doesn't compare to Breaking Bad..

3. Californication 2007-2014 Showtime is a comedy drama erotic series.. The show follows New Yorker Hank Moody (David Duchovny) a troubled writer who moves to Cali and suffers from writer's block.. Unfortunately Hank complicates his relationship with his longtime lover Karen (Natascha McElhone) and their young daughter Becca (Madeleine Martin).. by abusing alcohol, womanizing, and drugs.. I couldn't possibly explain this show other than to tell you that it is beyond jaw dropping.. I loved it from start to finish it really has everything.. it is extremely funny, interesting, full of drama, along with drugs, sex, and rock and roll.. Love Love Love .. a definite must see series..

4. Godless 2017 Netflix is a western drama 7 episode miniseries.. and follows La Belle a town of mostly women after almost all the men were killed in a mining accident.. along with Alice Fletcher a female rancher who lives outside of La Belle and who wounds a man outside her home then nurses him back to health.. agreeing to let him stay and work off his debt to her while he is healing.. The film can be described as definitely a woman's western.. it has a outstanding cast..  plenty of action, romance, guns, and comedy.. I loved this miniseries and I truly hope they reprise the series.. I highly recommend watching this show

5. Nurse Jackie 2009-2015 Showtime  is a comedy drama medical series and was based on an emergency nurse Jackie Peyton (Edie Falco) at a NYC hospital.. The show not only focused on her as a talented nurse working within an urban hospital.. but also focused on her addiction to pain medications and other substances including Percocet, Vicodin, Xanax and Fentanyl.. I truly loved this series.. and was extremely sad when it ended.. I have worked over 37 years in healthcare and why I have never been a drug abuser.. I have known nurses and doctors that have abused medication.. and while I really don't know to what and how much that they were doing before being caught.. I do know that Nurse Jackie was incredibly convincing on to what extremes a person that abuses will go to get drugs.. nurse or otherwise..  truly great show.. and a definite must see

Politics is one of the most arguable subjects people can discuss.. actually most people will avoid talking politics due to the explosive and combative subject matter.. I, myself have been known to bring up a political issue that is in the news and offer my stance on the subject and will almost  immediately find myself in some larger debate.. and unfortunately this can even be within my family.. 

After all politics and religion are the top two reasons that led people and countries into war.. 

1.  Vice 2018 - is a biographical comedy drama movie that follows Dick Cheney (Christian Bale) on his path to becoming one of the most powerful Vice Presidents in our history..  I found the film extremely interesting.. which actually surprised me.. For one Dick Cheney at one time was a lineman.. which hit home for me because my son in law is a lineman.. for another I learned he dropped out of Yale due to his struggles with alcohol.. In the movie it tells of how Cheney worked as a White House intern in 1969 under Nixon and his economic advisor Donald Rumsfeld.. and how he rose to be White House Chief of Staff for Gerald Ford etc etc... The movie has had mixed reviews.. and at times it shows the seedier side of the White House.. and politicians in general.. After all it reminds us at just how human politicians truly are..  Sadly even though I found it interesting it didn't surprise me, after all we've had plenty of disparaging politicians and likely will have much more in the future.. (i.e. Watergate, Clinton and Lewinsky, and Anthony Weiner just to name a few).. with that being said.. I highly recommend seeing this film.. 

2.  The Front Runner 2018 - is a political thriller based on the book All the Truth is Out: The Week Politics Went Tabloid by Matt Bai.. The film follows the rise of Colorado Senator Gary Hart (Hugh Jackman) a 1988 Democratic presidential candidate and his eventual demise after an extramarital affair surfaced..The film met with mixed reviews.. however I found the film profoundly interesting, after all I really didn't know too much about the scandal...  Sadly the film further draws attention to the derailment of moral integrity within our government.. and therefore a film worthy of seeing.  

3.  JFK 1991 - is a political drama thriller that follows the events that led up to the assassination of John F. Kennedy..  The film was based from the books Crossfire: The Plot that Killed Kennedy by Jim Marrs and On the Trail of the Assassins by James Carothers Garrison.. The film focuses on the alleged cover-up through the eyes of former District Attorney of Orleans Parish in Louisiana .. James "Jim" Garrison (Kevin Costner)..  Ultimately Lee Harvey Oswald (Gary Oldman) was found responsible by the Warren Commission.. The film features an outstanding cast.. plenty of drama..and only added to the conspiracy theories that surrounded Kennedy's assassination.. There were some mixed reviews by critics.. however I loved it.. I found it interesting and poignant.. Definitely one of my favorites..

JFK assassination
Warren Commission

4.  Lincoln 2012 - is a historical drama based loosely on the biographical book Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin covering the final months of Abraham Lincoln's life including his efforts to have the Thirteenth Amendment to the U. S. Constitution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.. The film has an outstanding cast that includes Daniel Day-Lewis (Abraham Lincoln), Sally Field (Mary Todd Lincoln), and many others..  This film is outstanding.. and features a large amount of historical content.. including the Civil War, Emancipation Proclamation and so much more.. I loved, loved, loved this film.. and thought it was truly inspiring.. a definite must see film..

Lincoln's assassination
Thirteenth Amendment U.S. Constitution

5.   Jackie 2016 - is a biographical drama film that stars Natalie Portman as Jackie Kennedy.. The film tells the story of her life just before, during and after the 1963 assassination of her husband John F. Kennedy .. It follows Jackie's days when she was First Lady in the White House and is partially based on the Theodore White's Life magazine interview with her as a widow at Hyannis Port in November of 1963.. The film is interesting.. insightful.. dramatic.. and heart breaking..

I have to admit I was caught off guard by the portrayal of Jackie Kennedy .. although I never of course knew her .. I thought her always to be a strong woman.. The emotions portrayed throughout the film are truly gripping to watch.. and the politics that ensue after President Kennedy's death are thought provoking..

True Stories.. One of my favorite types of movies to watch.. are films that are based on real life individuals or events..

1.  I, Tonya 2017 - is a biographical comedy drama that follows the life of figure skater Tonya Harding (Margot Robbie) and her connection to the 1994 brutal attack that was made on her skating rival Nancy Kerrigan... The film is loosely based on interviews and documentation from Tonya Harding and her ex Jeff Gillooly..  Right from the beginning of the film you see Tonya's mother LaVona Golden (Allison Janney) taking her four year old daughter to meet a skating coach which ignites her skating career.. it shows how she rose to be one of the best figure skaters at that time.. but the film also focuses how her lower class reputation, attitude and lack of money was a severe drawback.. I applaud the film for allowing the viewer to see that in many cases Tonya was her own worst enemy.. I say this because I think it wasn't her lack of financial ability that held her back in any way.. but instead..if she had represented herself in a better way instead of her constant refusal to change her attitude, anger and check her issues at the door..

I also felt like because of Tonya's obsession to at any cost be acknowledged for her abilities.. and Jeff Gillooly (who was invested in Tonya to continue winning at all cost)..is ultimately what led to the senseless attack made on Kerrigan.. The film also shows how indeed the attack itself is what led to her demise in skating.. shrouding her skating career forever  .. I loved the film and found it extremely interesting from start to finish.. This is a must see film .. and in many ways eye opening ..

2.  Brain on Fire 2016 - is a biographical drama based on the memoir Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan's ..  The film follows Susannah Cahalan (Chloe Grace Moretz) a New York Post writer, who begins suffering from a mysterious illness.. The film shows her family's frustration at the difficulty of getting accurate diagnosis for her illness.. especially since many of the medical professionals only seemed to offer psychological causes .. only after one physician asks for help from a colleague does a light begin to shine at the end of the tunnel..  Truly an inspiring film..
I loved it.. This film was extremely sad and disturbing but heartwarming as well.. Really a great story.. a definite must see for the entire family..

3.  American Sniper 2014 - is a biographical war drama loosely based on the memoir American Sniper: The autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History by Chris Kyle (a U.S. Navy Seal).. The film follows the life of Kyle (Bradley Cooper) who became the deadliest marksman in U.S. military history with 255 kills from four tours of duty in the Iraq War.. While Kyle was a celebrated soldier ..his tours took a heavy toll on his life as well as his families lives.. and after his discharge a physician suggested that he might help other severely wounded veterans in order to deal with his regret of those he was not able to save.. does Kyle begin to heal .. This film is intense, extremely insightful and interesting from start to finish.. sadly though this movie takes a horrifying turn .. and without saying to much I will only say it is gut-wrenching .. I truly loved the film and highly recommend it..

For more information about U.S. Navy Seal and sniper Chris Kyle
Chris Kyle The Legend

4.  Sully (also known as Sully: Miracle on the Hudson) 2016 - is a biographical drama film based on the autobiography Highest Duty by Chesley Sullenberger and Jeffrey Zaslow..  The film follows Sullenberger (Tom Hanks) January 2009 emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River..in which all of the passengers and crew survived..  In the film it shows the NTSB investigation of the flight and the actions of the pilots .. focusing on the fact that he possibly could have returned and landed back at the airport... This film is very insightful... and while I agree all crashes must be investigated in hopes of finding out the causes of why they happen along with what if anything can be done differently .. I felt like this man saved everyone.. and because he had to make a executive decision in an instance.. I applaud him just as I am certain those that went home safely to their families did as well.. Truly an excellent film..

For more information about Sullenberger
Flight 1549

Vigilante Action Drama Crime Films

1. Peppermint 2018 - is a vigilante action thriller.. the film follows a grieving mother (Jennifer Garner) who after her daughter and husband are killed in a cartel hit..  seeks justice.. Sadly after the tragic deaths of her family.. the justice system lets her down leaving her no choice but to seek revenge.. I loved this movie.. the whole movie is gripping and action packed.. I highly recommend it.. A definite must see

2. Cold Pursuit 2019 - is a action drama thriller film starring Liam Neeson.. The movie is a remake of a Norwegian vigilante film title In Order of Disappearance and both films were directed by Hans Moland... The film follows Nel Coxman (Liam Neeson) a snowplow driver when his wold comes crashing in after learning his son has died under mysterious circumstances.. As he searches for the truth he leaves a trail of revenge against a drug lord named Viking .. This film is what I would expect in a dramatic action Neeson film.. I loved it.. and was on the edge of my seat from start to finish..

After seeing Cold Pursuit .. I searched out the original Norwegian film In Order of Disappearance and it was actually great watching it and seeing what changes had been made for the US version..  The biggest changes in between the original film and the US film is when the mother comes in to confront her ex husband the drug lord and in the original he strikes her in the face.. it was shot very differently for the US film and just in case you wanted to know I loved the original movie as well..

I love Liam Neeson films..  and unfortunately I know he said something recently..that has developed into being controversial.. however I am human and even though I think he should have thought more before he said such a comment .. I do think that he is indeed human as well.. and humans make mistakes .. I pray for this world.. truly.. I would like to remind people of every color, sex etc.. that humans make mistake and we have a lot of freedoms in this country but in many countries in this world.. speaking out against things can also have consequences.. I feel sorry for anyone that is human and makes a mistake in this day and age.. and I accept his apology .. please let us all remember how to be human and turn the other cheek..

3. Revenge 2017 - is a gruesome revenge action movie .. the plot follows a young woman who is assaulted and left for dead in the desert by three men.. where she fights to stay alive and when her attackers learn she is alive she gets her revenge.. This movie is graphically horrific.. and will keep definitely keep you on the edge of your seat.. I highly recommend this film .. while it is gruesome the film does tell a story .. and is very worth watching.. Adults Only film.. 

4. Prisoners 2013 - is a drama crime thriller and features an ensemble cast including Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Terrence Howard and many others.. The film focuses on the abduction of two young girls in PA but after a suspect is found they release him .. leaving one of the fathers to take matters into his own hands..  This film is outstanding, thought provoking .. and totally engrossing.. this is a definite must see movie..

5. The Foreigner 2017 - is a crime action thriller based on a novel titled The Chinaman by Stephen Leather.. The film follows a businessman a former Vietnam War special forces vet (Jackie Chan) who now runs a restaurant in London .. When his daughter is killed in a clothing store bombing.. and after a group claims responsibility .. Quan (Chan) seeks to obtain the names of the perpetrators to get revenge.. This movie is exactly what I would expect from a Jackie Chan film.. it is packed with action.. I loved every second of it.. It is very dramatic ..   Absolutely perfect film...

6. Law Abiding Citizen 2009 - is a crime revenge thriller that takes place in Philadelphia and tells the story of Clyde Shelton (Gerald Butler) as he seeks justice for his wife and daughter who were killed during a home invasion... After their killer takes a plea deal and receives a reduced sentence in exchange for testifying against his accomplice.. After Shelton learns of the plea deal..he blames Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx) the prosecuting attorney and the legal system.. Clyde then seeks revenge for the lack of justice and his insurmountable pain he is going through..  I loved this film.. This film has everything drama, action, horror, crime and definitely makes you think...  Truly a movie worth watching..

Comedy, Mystery, Thriller, Drama, Action.. All Popular Genres


1. A Simple Favor 2018 - is a mystery comedy thriller film based on a book by the same name by Darcey Bell.. The movie follows Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick), a small town vlogger who befriends Emily Nelson (Blake Lively), a mysterious wealthy woman... and when her new best friend comes up missing she tries to solve her disappearance.. This film definitely keeps you guessing from start to finish.. and because I love mysteries I totally agreed with the vlogger .. everything seemed  suspect about Emily's sudden departure ... and I enjoyed watching Stephanie uncover the truth .. and you will too.. 

2. Bad Times at the El Royale 2018 - is a mystery crime thriller.. with an outstanding cast that includes Jeff Bridges, Dakota Johnson, Jon Hamm, Chris Hemsworth, Cynthia Erivo and many others.. The movie is set in 1969 and follows seven strangers as they arrive at a creepy hotel that straddles the Cali-Nevada border .. each harboring secrets.. This film has everything.. its scary, weird, interesting, there is action and has drama ..  I loved it and found it spellbinding..

3. Gerald's Game 2017 - is a Netflix psychological mystery thriller and is based on a Stephen King novel of the same name.. The film follows Jessie and Gerald as they innocently attempt to spice up their love life .. isolated getaway, Viagra, lingerie, handcuffs.. than everything goes shockingly awry.. This movie is an erotic psychological thriller that catches you off guard.. and makes you THINK

4. Gran Torino 2008 - is a drama film set in Detroit Michigan.. The film follows Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) a retired grouchy assembly line worker and Korean war vet.. who after 50 years of marriage who recently became a widower..  The film focuses on how his neighborhood is now populated by Asian immigrants and gang violence has become commonplace..  The movie features an outstanding cast including several Hmong-Americans..  This film has plenty of dramatic scenes and in my opinion is one of Eastwood's best..  A real must watch movie..

5. Hotel Artemis 2018 - is a psychological futuristic mystery thriller .. The film is set in Los Angeles.. and follows Jean Thomas (Jodie Foster) a nurse suffering from agoraphobia that runs a hidden hospital for criminals.  Sherman (Sterling K. Brown) is a professional criminal and after a bank heist goes awry is forced to take his wounded accomplices to the facility for medical attention .. The film is full of interesting guests.. and when a childhood friend of Thomas's son shows up at the door.. everything starts to go downhill fast..  The film is filled with some dramatically disturbing scenes.. along with plenty of thrilling action..  I literally was completely engrossed in the film.. 

More Action.. Everyone Loves Great Action movies right?

1. John Carter 2012 - is a sci-fi action film that follows the adventures of John Carter in his attempts to mediate civil anarchy among warring kingdoms..  John Carter activates a medallion and is transported to a dying planet where because of the planets low gravity makes it possible for Carter to jump high and perform feats of incredible strength.. This movie is packed with jaw dropping action.. and I really enjoyed every minute of it.. A must see for the whole family

2. Kong: Skull Island 2017 - is an action packed film which is a part of the King Kong franchise.. It has an outstanding cast which includes Samuel L. Jackson, John Goodman, Brie Larson and many others.. An expedition is sent to map out a recently discovered island known as Skull Island.. however upon arriving the expedition and their escorts are attacked by Kong.. uncovering that the expedition's plan was to prove that monsters exist.. The survivors ultimately decide to try and reach the resupply team rendezvous point in order to be rescued from the island...

Godzilla vs. Kong is another installment to the franchise and is scheduled to be released March 13 2020  Trailer  

Godzilla King of the Monsters  scheduled for release May 31 2019  Trailer 


There have been many King Kong films released ..  Honorable Mention include..

King Kong 2005 - is set in 1933 and tells the story of how an ambitious filmmaker hires a ship's crew to take him and his cast to the mysterious Skull Island.. However upon arriving they set out to capture Kong and bring him back to NYC..  The film stars Jack Black, Naomi Watts, and Adrien Brody and is action packed ..  Really enjoyed every minute..

King Kong 1933 - is the original King Kong movie and is most noted for the scenes that involve Kong and Fay Wray 

3. Skyscraper 2018 - is a crime action film starring Dwayne Johnson.. The film follows a former FBI agent who must rescue his family from a newly built high-tech skyscraper after it is taken over by criminals and set on fire..  The film has plenty of jaw dropping, edge of your seat action scenes.. and is truly an exceptional action movie.. Loved it.. A definite must see for the whole family..

4. Rampage 2018 - is a sci-fi action monster film .. and is loosely based on the Midway Games video game series of the same name.. The film follows an experiment gone wrong that causes animals to be mutated and grow to enormous size..   Dwayne Johnson is a primatologist named Davis Okoye who must team up with an albino gorilla he has worked with named George to stop the mutants from destroying Chicago..  The film has plenty of dynamic action and breathtaking visual effects.. I highly recommend it.. 

5. Legend of Tarzan 2016 - is an adventure action film .. In the film the man once called Tarzan (Alexander Skarsgard) has settled down in London with his wife Jane (Margot Robbie).. and is now living under his birth name John Clayton III.. John's story is legendary and is invited by King Leopold to visit Boma and report on the development of the Congo by Belgium.. An envoy, George Willaims (Samuel L. Jackson) reveals suspicions that Leopold is enslaving the Congo people .. he persuades Tarzan to go to the Congo... After Tarzan and Jane return to the Congo.. mercenaries raid the village, kill the tribal leader and capture Tarzan and Jane..

Love this film.. it had everything .. animals, action, romance, and both Tarzan (Skarsgard) and Williams (Jackson) are outstanding..  Truly enjoyable movie for the whole family..

While there have been many Tarzan movies released .. Honorable Mention include..

Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes 1984.. is an adventure action movie starring as Tarzan (Christopher Lambert) ..   The film follows how Tarzan's father John Lord Clayton and his pregnant wife Alice were shipwrecked on the African coast.. and Tarzan was born ..and how after his mother passed, the tree house was visited by apes one of whom killed his father .. However a female ape of the group heard his cries from his crib and adopted him .. eventually as a boy he discovered the tree-house in which he lived as a baby.. and realizes he is different from his ape family.. This film is full of twists and turns .. and enjoyable from start to finish.. loved it

Tarzan 1999 - is a truly beloved animated Walt Disney film..

Crime Dramas..

Crime Drama films are usually packed with plenty of twists and turns, while many times keeping you on the edge of your seat.. ..and many are actually based on real crime stories .. Here are some of my favorite Drama films..

1.  BlacKkKlansman 2018 - is a biographical crime drama based on the Black Klansman memoir written by Ron Stallworth.. The film follows Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) the first African-American detective in the early 70s, as he sets out to infiltrate and expose the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan.. The film features an outstanding cast that do an exceptional job at highlighting racial issues during that time.. In the film Stallworth recruits his Jewish coworker Flip Zimmerman to act as him in order to infiltrate the chapter.  The movie is definitely a snippet of history and insightful .. and definitely a must see ..

At the end of the film there is some real footage of the Charlottesville, VA 2017 Unite the Right Rally along with President Trump's statement made after it took place.. 

2.  Gotti 2018 - is a biographical crime drama based on the life of NYC mobster John Gotti (John Travolta) and his son John A. Gotti "Jr"..  Gotti was born in the Bronx and rose to become the boss of the Gambino crime family .. The film is insightful and has some very dramatic scenes.. The film features an outstanding cast and I truly enjoyed every minute of it..

John Joseph Gotti Jr.

3. Dallas Buyers Club 2013 - is a biographical drama based on the story of Ron Woodroof  (Matthew McConaughey) who after contracting the HIV virus created what ended up being called the Dallas Buyers Club .. one of several clubs during the 80s as a way to find and distribute drugs in order to treat HIV during that time.. Because HIV and AIDS was poorly understood a lot of unapproved medications were smuggled in and distributed under opposition from the FDA..

4. Molly's Game 2017 - is a biographical crime drama based on a memoir of the same name by Molly Bloom.. The film follows Molly Bloom (Jessica Chastain) who trained for years to become an Olympic skier .. who  unfortunately injured herself while trying to qualify for the Olympics.. Bloom was working as a waitress in 2004 and approached by an actor on hosting a high stakes poker game .. she was to cater to the players and manage the game .. which lead to Molly Bloom starting her own business as an event and catering company in 2007.. In 2009 Bloom had moved her underground poker games to NYC.. did I forget to mention that underground poker games were illegal.. and subject to raids..  I highly recommend this movie .. I truly enjoyed it..

5. Paterno 2018 - is a drama film based on the former Penn State football coach Joseph Vincent Paterno (Al Pacino).. The movie follows his career leading up to his dismissal during the university's child sex scandal in November of 2011 over allegations of sexual abuse made against retired assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.. The film highlights how truly beloved Joe Paterno was to everyone at the time of his dismissal ..  To be honest I thought Pacino did an excellent job of portraying Joe Paterno in this film.. and while at times the subject matter was uncomfortable to listen to.. I was engrossed in the film from start to finish..

Joe Paterno passed away from lung cancer complications literally 74 days after his dismissal due to allegations that Paterno knew of accusations being made against Sandusky as far back as 1976..