The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window (streaming on Netflix)
Hey everyone! It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve been here. I’ve been super busy at work and in life in general. I’ve actually even watched a couple things, but I never sat down to write a review(s). In comes a snow/ice day, and here we are.
This mini-series kinda snuck in on me. I hadn’t heard anything about it. I like Kristen Bell, and I tend to like stuff like this, so I gave it a shot. Let me just go ahead and tell you…it’ll pull you right in. So, here’s the deal.
Kristen Bell (The Good Place, Frozen) stars as Anna (same name as her character from Frozen), a heartbroken woman who’s every day is the same since she experienced an unimaginable tragedy. She sits with her wine, staring out the window, just watching life go by without her. However, when a handsome neighbor moves in across the street, maybe she starts to see some light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. But then she witnesses a gruesome murder…maybe. That’s right. Maybe she witnessed a murder. Did she really though? Anyway, this could go on and on for a while.
As far as my thoughts, I enjoyed it. I kind of had a thought early on that maybe it’s somewhat of a spoof on the psychological thriller genre. After watching all 8 episodes, I still think that’s a little true deep down. Or maybe kinda deep down. Just read the title, folks. There was a thriller that came out last year called, “The Woman in the Window.” There are also glimpses of Emily Blunt’s 2016 film, “The Girl on the Train.” Anyone remember 1987’s “Fatal Attraction?” What about the Richard Gere (not-so-classic) “Final Analysis?” These are all films that may or may not have been spoofed by “The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window.”
Now don’t get me wrong though. It’s still a pretty well-made thriller. When I say “spoof,” I don’t mean it’s like “Hot Spots” or “Airplane.” It’s not a comedy. It’s a real thriller that just makes a point to poke a little fun at some other psychological thrillers. Do you follow? Clear as mud? Good deal.
But don’t just take my word for it. We’ve got another snow day on our hands, so kick back and watch the series. Like I mentioned before, it’s 8 episodes, but the episodes are mostly 40 minutes or less.
“The Woman in the House…” is rated TV-MA for some adult language, violence, brief nudity, and a sex scene that…well…DAAAAANG! I’ll give this one a 3.9/5.
The Home Team (streaming on Netflix)
This should be a fairly short review, because all you really have to say is that this is a Happy Madison film. In case you somehow don’t know what that means, it’s a film made by Adam Sandler’s film company. I actually thought this one would be a LITTLE more serious than it was, but I loved it nonetheless.
“Home Team” is the story about New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton coaching his son’s 6th grade football teal and after Payton was suspended for the entire 2012 season as a result of his role in the Saints “Bountygate” scandal. In this movie, Payton was portrayed by the always funny Kevin James (The King of Queens, Paul Blart: Mall Cop.”
Taylor Lautner (The Twilight series, The Ridiculous 6) co-stars with James as does James’ brother, Gary Valentine (The King of Queens, Here Comes the Boom.) Sandler’s wife, Jackie Sandler, also stars in the movie along with her and Adam’s daughter, Sunny Sandler, and Adam’s nephew, Jared Sandler. Other notables in the movie include Sandler and James’ buddy, Rob Schneider (The Animal, Grown-Ups) and an appearance by the great Chris Farley’s brother, John.
So, like I said, I really liked this one. My 13-year-old son and I watched it and we laughed throughout. In a lot of ways, it’s your typical Happy Madison movie. Silly bathroom-type, very juvenile humor, but that’s what I love and that’s what has made these guys millionaires!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it a million more times, I typically don’t watch movies so that I can think and analyze. I want mindless entertainment. I want things like “Happy Gilmore,” “Fast & Furious,” “Dumb & Dumber,” and “Die Hard.” You don’t have to think about those movies. You just sit back and enjoy. If I want to think, I’ll read a book or sign up for some sort of college course.
Anyway, if you like comedy, give this one a go. Gather the kiddos and share a big bucket of popcorn and some laughs. The critics destroyed it, but let’s be honest…they suck and usually like boring movies.
“Home Team” is rated PG for crude material, a little bit of language, and some suggestive references. I’ll give this one a 3.8/5.
The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild (streaming on Disney+
This one really will be brief. I didn’t like this new installment in the historically hilarious “Ice Age” saga. I’ve always loved these movies. I love how voice actors like Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond), John Leguizamo (Playing With Fire), and Dennis Leary (Rescue Me) really brought these characters to life. However, in my opinion, sometimes it’s time to call it quits. This installment was done with virtually none of the original stars, and it just seems like a desperate attempt to keep the franchise alive.
This movie centers around Ellie’s possum brother’s, Crash and Eddie. Desperate for some distance from their older sister, Ellie, the carefree daredevils set out to find a place of their own. Of course, they pretty quickly find themselves in all sorts of trouble. They end up being rescued by a one-eyed, adventure-loving, dinosaur-hunting weasel named Buck Wild, and together they must face the dinosaurs who inhabit the Lost World.
We watched it last night with our 2 girls, Ella (10) and Emma (9). They liked it. Ella just told me the one thing she didn’t like about it is the lack of the other “Ice Age” characters. Emma said she just missed the crazy squirrel.
So, in my house, the ones who are the target audience for this movie liked it. Emma actually just told me she wants to watch it again. So, I guess it’s a good one for the kiddos. However, if you’re a little older, and you loved the original “Ice Age” movies, this one will disappoint.
“The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild” is rated PG for some action and mild language. Personally, I give this one a 1/5.
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