Category Archives: reviews

Keys to the Kingdom? Where’s the Lock?

Posted on December 19, 2025 by cdsmiller17

Wake Up Dead Man (2025) We watched this third Knives Out mystery on Netflix last weekend. It’s a story about spiritual insights into human nature. It is also a critique of religion and beliefs. Over the space of the Holy … Continue reading →

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Star in a Pantomime to Avoid Being “Buttons” Holed?

Posted on December 18, 2025 by cdsmiller17

Tinsel Town (2025) I never thought I’d see the day that Keifer Sutherland would make a running joke of his own career in order to prove to the world that he has many more acting talents than the one-note agent … Continue reading →

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There’s Truth to the Premise of This Christmas Film

Posted on December 15, 2025 by cdsmiller17

Oh. What. Fun. (2025) Literally, not. At Christmastime, mothers are overloaded with preparing the presents, the food and the entertainment. Their kids underappreciate the work they do. This Amazon Prime film tries to bring this situation to our collective attention. … Continue reading →

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Baby “Jesus” Gets to Experience a Modern Christmas

Posted on December 14, 2025 by cdsmiller17

Man vs Baby (2025) The premise is preposterous, but this Netflix series of 4 episodes is fun. Rowen Atkinson has evolved his Mr. Bean persona into a more mature, thoughtful individual, named Trevor Bingley. After the chaos of Man vs. Bee, … Continue reading →

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How to Fake It When You Can’t Make It @ Christmas

Posted on December 13, 2025 by cdsmiller17

Joy to the World (2025) No, this is not a Hallmark movie. The false front of the perfect Christmas dinner with the perfect family is what this film is lampooning. But it’s not funny. It’s not even perfectly pathetic, because … Continue reading →

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Two Robbin’ Hoods in Santa Outfits?

Posted on December 12, 2025 by cdsmiller17

Jingle Bell Heist (2025) This is a Christmas film with a twist: two individuals join forces to pay back a corrupt store owner. Don’t expect great acting or a too-clever story line. They get caught but the store owner gets … Continue reading →

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A “Reverse Mrs. Doubtfire”? No, Not Really

Posted on December 11, 2025 by cdsmiller17

My Secret Santa (2025) A bit of a fluffy snowflake, this one. The suspension of belief helps, but it also interferes with the enjoyment of the two main stars interacting. (And this was filmed in Kamloops, BC, last February.) To … Continue reading →

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Why, to the North Pole, of course! This is…

Posted on December 10, 2025 by cdsmiller17

The Polar Express (2004) This film was on the CBC, again, last night. It has become our perennial favourite. Because it was originally produced as a 3D movie, there are a lot of precipitous rides involved. Even when viewed ordinarily, … Continue reading →

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His Smile Hid a Lifetime of Sadness

Posted on November 28, 2025 by cdsmiller17

John Candy: I Like Me (2025) When your father dies of a sudden heart attack (at age 35) on your 5th birthday, and everyone celebrates it as if nothing has happened, the burden that you would carry for the rest … Continue reading →

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These Wishes Caused a Lot of Consequences

Posted on November 27, 2025 by cdsmiller17

(AKA) 12 Christmas Wishes for My Dog (2011) The lesson here is to consider the cause and effect of wishes. Wouldn’t we all wish for things to change when life starts to drift sideways? But, as I’ve often said, be … Continue reading →

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