Skip to main content
Ride Home Reviews

Ride Home Reviews

By Ride Home Reviews

Welcome to Ride Home Reviews where I talk about new feature films and some of my streaming tv favorites just after I watch them, so you can get my spontaneous response! As someone who has studied films and tv since I was young and even went to school for it, I love giving my observation on what I see for you.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
PodBean Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Ride Home Review - Papillon

Ride Home ReviewsSep 01, 2018

00:00
04:56
Troop Zero - Ride Home Reviews New Stream Review

Troop Zero - Ride Home Reviews New Stream Review

In rural 1977 Georgia, a misfit girl dreams of life in outer space. When a competition offers her a chance to be recorded on NASA's Golden Record, she recruits a makeshift troop of Birdie Scouts, forging friendships that last a lifetime.

Directors: Bert (as Bert & Bertie), Bertie (as Bert & Bertie)
Writers: Lucy Alibar (screenplay), Lucy Alibar
Stars: Mckenna Grace, Viola Davis, Jim Gaffigan

Likes: Concepts of gender non-conforming roles and the golden record, music and direction

Dislikes: Predictable story filled with cliches

What to watch for: The character of Smash portrayed by Johanna Colon

MY rating: Yes

Apr 23, 202005:43
Captain Fantastic - #RetroReview
Apr 21, 202006:59
Bombshell - New Stream Review - Ride Home Reviews Episode 428

Bombshell - New Stream Review - Ride Home Reviews Episode 428

A group of women take on Fox News head Roger Ailes and the toxic atmosphere he presided over at the network.

Director: Jay Roach
Writer: Charles Randolph
Stars: Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie

Likes: The first act, the cast, the makeup 

Dislikes: the second and third acts, the misuse of the cast, too much focus on the anatgonist. 

 What to watch for: The editing especially in the first act  

MY rating: No

Apr 16, 202007:58
The Opposite of Sex - #RetroReview

The Opposite of Sex - #RetroReview

A 16-year-old girl visits her gay half-brother and ends up seducing his boyfriend, thus wreaking havoc on all of their lives.

Director: Don Roos
Writer: Don Roos
Stars: Christina Ricci, Martin Donovan, Lisa Kudrow

Likes: The Story. Lisa Kudrow

Dislikes: The majority of the cast. The direction. 

What to Watch for : Lisa Kudrow is brilliant. She's the only reason to watch this movie.

MY rating: No

Apr 14, 202006:22
Ford vs. Ferrari - New Movie

Ford vs. Ferrari - New Movie

American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference and the laws of physics to build a revolutionary race car for Ford in order to defeat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.

Director: James Mangold
Writers: Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth
Stars: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal

Likes: Christian Bale, Cinematography, Editing, Pacing

Dislikes; Underwhelming story concept, the ending. 

What to Watch for: A particular shot during the Daytona race scene.

MY Rating: Yes

Apr 09, 202007:38
Haywire - #RetroReview

Haywire - #RetroReview

A black ops super soldier seeks payback after she is betrayed and set up during a mission.

Director: Steven Soderbergh
Writer: Lem Dobbs
Stars: Gina Carano, Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender

Likes: Fight Choreography including the editing during it.

Dislikes: Everything else

What to watch for: The use of sound during the hand to hand moments

MY Rating: #%$ NO!

Apr 07, 202007:38
Book Smart - New Stream Review
Apr 03, 202008:23
 The Florida Project - #RetroReview
Mar 31, 202007:45
New Review: The Banker

New Review: The Banker

In the 1960s two African-American entrepreneurs hire a working-class white man to pretend to be the head of their business empire while they pose as a janitor and chauffeur.

Director: George Nolfi

Writers: Brad Kane (story by), Niceole R. Levy (screenplay by)
Stars: Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult, Anthony Mackie

Likes: The Cast, the story, the score

Dislikes: Some character and plot choices, didn't like the ending monologue

What to Watch For: The subtle use of Taylor Black's character

MY rating: Yes

Mar 26, 202007:15
RetroReview - Elizabeth: The Golden Age

RetroReview - Elizabeth: The Golden Age

A mature Queen Elizabeth endures multiple crises late in her reign including court intrigues, an assassination plot, the Spanish Armada, and romantic disappointments.

Director: Shekhar Kapur

Writers: William Nicholson, Michael Hirst

Stars: Cate Blanchett, Clive Owen, Geoffrey Rush

Likes: Art Direction, Costumes, Production Design

Dislikes: Pacing was terrible, Story elements were confusing, the direction

What to Watch for: Cate Blanchett reprising her role as Elizabeth

MY rating: No

Mar 24, 202006:37
The Last Black Man in San Francisco

The Last Black Man in San Francisco

A young man searches for home in the changing city that seems to have left him behind.

Director: Joe Talbot
Writers: Jimmie Fails (story), Joe Talbot (story)
Stars: Jimmie Fails, Jonathan Majors, Rob Morgan

Likes: Cast, Story, Cinematography

Dislikes: Needed a little more backstory, parts of third act seemed rushed

What to Watch for: The subtle art of the camerawork.

MY rating: Yes

Mar 19, 202007:35
New Format For The Time Being

New Format For The Time Being

Due to the Corona Virus, the theatres have been shut down so we will be changing the format of the show right now.  We will be doing streaming the whole time. So the podcast will be have retro reviews on Tuesdays at 6 and newer streaming and originals on Thursdays at 6. So subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform as well as follow on Instagram and like on Facebook. We will also be restarting our YouTube channel as well. Look to see you there! 

Mar 17, 202003:35
The Invisible Man
Mar 05, 202006:49
Inside Llewyn Davis

Inside Llewyn Davis

A week in the life of a young singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961.

Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Writers: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Stars:Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman

Likes: Oscar Isaac, the supporting cast, the cat motif

Dislikes: Didn't like the cinematography, didn't like overall feel

What to watch for: The scene with Isaac, Justin Timberlake and Adam Driver

MY rating: Meh


Mar 03, 202006:33
Marriage Story

Marriage Story

Noah Baumbach's incisive and compassionate look at a marriage breaking up and a family staying together.

Director: Noah Baumbach

Writer: Noah Baumbach

Stars: Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Julia Greer

Likes: The cast, the direction, the structure

Dislikes: Muted plot point, Cinmatography

What to Watch For: The climactic scene between Johansson and Adam Driver

MY Rating: Hell Yes!

Feb 27, 202006:35
Colossal
Feb 25, 202005:49
Birds of Prey

Birds of Prey

After splitting with the Joker, Harley Quinn joins superheroes Black Canary, Huntress and Renee Montoya to save a young girl from an evil crime lord.

Director: Cathy Yan
Writer: Christina Hodson
Stars: Margot Robbie, Rosie Perez, Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Likes: Art Direction, visuals, Margot Robbie

Dislikes: Direction, Lack of energy from the rest of the cast, unnecessary rating.

What to Watch for: Harley Quinn on skates

MY rating: No.

Feb 20, 202007:09
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

Scott Pilgrim must defeat his new girlfriend's seven evil exes in order to win her heart.

Director: Edgar Wright
Writers: Michael Bacall (screenplay), Edgar Wright (screenplay)
Stars: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin

Likes: The cast, visual style, sound design

Dislikes: Got gimmicky, story tapered off between second and third act.

What to watch for: The animation interludes

MY rating: Meh....

Feb 18, 202006:20
The Gentleman

The Gentleman

An American expat tries to sell off his highly profitable marijuana empire in London, triggering plots, schemes, bribery and blackmail in an attempt to steal his domain out from under him.

Director: Guy Ritchie
Writers: Guy Ritchie (screenplay by), Guy Ritchie (story by)
Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Michelle Dockery

Likes: The cast and the characters they played. The music.

Dislikes: The pacing was slow. Cliche'd story elements. Not what you would expect from a Guy Ritchie Film

What to Watch For: Matthew McConaughey's 3rd act monologue

MY rating: No.

Feb 13, 202005:38
Game of Thrones Season 8

Game of Thrones Season 8

Nine noble families fight for control over the mythical lands of Westeros, while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for thousands of years.

Creators: David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
Stars: Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington

Likes; Visual Effects, the epic scale. the dragons

Dislikes: The last three episodes, the unnecessary romances, the change in direction with Danaerys. 

Favorite Episode: The Long Night

MY Rating: No

Feb 11, 202006:56
On the Basis of Sex

On the Basis of Sex

The true story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, her struggles for equal rights, and the early cases of a historic career that lead to her nomination and confirmation as U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice.

Director: Mimi Leder
Writer: Daniel Stiepleman
Stars: Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux

Likes: The cast, The costuming, the first act was very good. 

Dislikes: The lack of chemistry between Jones and Hammer, the case they chose was dull, seemed very cliche at points. 

What to watch for: The performance of Cailee Spaeny

MY Rating: meh

Feb 07, 202006:56
Runaways Season 3

Runaways Season 3

After discovering their parents are super-villains in disguise, a group of teenagers band together to run away from their homes in order to atone for their parents' actions and to discover the secrets of their origins.

Creators: Stephanie Savage, Josh Schwartz
Stars: Rhenzy Feliz, Lyrica Okano, Virginia Gardner

Likes: Elizabeth Hurley as Morgan Le Fay, Cloak and Dagger crossover

Dislikes: Alien/Parent story arc should not have resolved in season 2. Limited development of the new villain. Last episode was terrible. Acting and CG was terrible. They almost completely mailed it in on their final season.

Favorite Episode: Devil's Torture Chamber

MY Rating: No

Feb 04, 202007:26
The Farewell

The Farewell

A Chinese family discovers their grandmother has only a short while left to live and decide to keep her in the dark, scheduling a wedding to gather before she dies.

Director: Lulu Wang
Writer: Lulu Wang
Stars: Shuzhen Zhao, Awkwafina, X Mayo

Likes: The cast, The Story concept, the direction

Dislikes: The ending

What to Watch for: A look into the Chinese/Chinese American cultural differences.

MY rating: Yes

Jan 31, 202006:26
The Crown Season 3

The Crown Season 3

Follows the political rivalries and romance of Queen Elizabeth II's reign and the events that shaped the second half of the twentieth century.

Creator: Peter Morgan
Stars: Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Matt Smith

Likes: Feel of the show, the new cast, being a procedural

Dislikes: Not enough Helena Bonham Carter, the Prime Minister political tension wasn't detailed enough.

Favorite Episode: Tywysog Cymru

My rating: Yes

Jan 28, 202007:35
Just Mercy

Just Mercy

World-renowned civil rights defense attorney Bryan Stevenson works to free a wrongly condemned death row prisoner.

Director: Destin Daniel Cretton
Writers: Destin Daniel Cretton, Andrew Lanham
Stars: Brie Larson, Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx

Likes: Make up, hair and production design, Characters Performance

Dislikes: Underwhelming story, Major unnecessary scene, not enough tension

What to Watch For: End credit pictures

MY rating: Meh

Jan 23, 202007:10
Good Boys
Jan 21, 202005:49
1917
Jan 16, 202008:14
The Mandalorian

The Mandalorian

The travels of a lone bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy, far from the authority of the New Republic.

Creator: Jon Favreau
Stars: Pedro Pascal, Carl Weathers, Gina Carano

Likes: The story, settings, costumes and makeup. Plus, the "feel"

Dislikes: Got a little dry in the middle episodes, some of the CG was not up to par. 

Favorite episodes: 

Chapter 7: The Reckoning

Chapter 8: Redemption

MY rating: Yes!

Jan 14, 202006:11
Best and Worst of 2019

Best and Worst of 2019

Here is my Best and Worst List

Best:

Roma, Joker, The Lighthouse, Parasite, The Irishman

Worst: 

The Lion King, Gemini Man, X-Men: Dark Phoenix

Honorable TV Mentions:

Stranger Things 3, Good Omens 

Hidden Gem:

Rare Exports

Jan 07, 202009:40
Uncut Gems
Jan 02, 202006:11
Game of Thrones Season 7

Game of Thrones Season 7

Nine noble families fight for control over the mythical lands of Westeros, while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for thousands of years.

Creators: David Benioff, D.B. Weiss

Stars: Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington

Likes: The pacing, the battles, the connection of the characters and the flow of the story. 

Dislikes: The abbreviated season, Arya and Bran's story arcs from previous seasons. Jon Snow and Daenarys romance. 

Favorite Episode: Dragonstone (7.1)

MY Rating: Yes

Dec 31, 201906:30
The Irishman

The Irishman

A mob hitman recalls his possible involvement with the slaying of Jimmy Hoffa.

Director: Martin Scorsese
Writers: Steven Zaillian (screenplay), Charles Brandt (book)
Stars: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci

What I liked: Just about everything. The cast, the story, the direction, the setting...

What I didn't like: Deniro's de-aging, a couple of dialogue bits at the end were out of place.

What to watch for: Al Pacino's performance. 

MY Rating: Hell YES!

Dec 26, 201907:01
Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

The surviving Resistance faces the First Order once more in the final chapter of the Skywalker saga.

Director:J.J. Abrams

Writers: Chris Terrio (screenplay by), J.J. Abrams (screenplay by)

Stars: Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver

What I liked: The New Locations, The Closure of the Kylo Ren/Rey Story, vindication for a couple of classic characters.

What I didn't like: Story was rushed in Act 1 and 3. The story was incomplete for a couple of the new characters. felt that The Last Jedi was cast aside as a storytelling tool. 

What to Watch for: Cameos. 

MY rating: Meh

Dec 24, 201907:33
Honey Boy

Honey Boy

A young actor's stormy childhood and early adult years as he struggles to reconcile with his father and deal with his mental health.

Director: Alma Har'el

Writer: Shia LaBeouf

Stars: Shia LaBeouf, Lucas Hedges, Noah Jupe

Likes: Noah Jupe, the editing

Dislikes: The story was predictable, the chemistry between Jupe and LaBeouf couldve been better.

What to watch for: The opening scene and the pacing of it through the edit. 

MY Rating: Meh

Dec 19, 201905:20
Rare Exports

Rare Exports

In the depths of the Korvatunturi mountains, 486 meters deep, lies the closest ever guarded secret of Christmas. The time has come to dig it up. This Christmas everyone will believe in Santa Claus.

Director: Jalmari Helander

Writers: Jalmari Helander, Jalmari Helander (based on the original idea by) (as The Helander Brothers)

Stars: Jorma Tommila, Onni Tommila, Peeter Jakobi

Likes: Cast, Original Story, Cinematography

Dislikes: Would have liked a little more background. 

What to Watch for: Female Representation

MY rating: Yes. 

Dec 17, 201905:44
Queen and Slim

Queen and Slim

A couple's first date takes an unexpected turn when a police officer pulls them over.

Director: Melina Matsoukas

Writers: Lena Waithe (screenplay by), James Frey (story by)

Stars: Daniel Kaluuya, Jodie Turner-Smith, Bokeem Woodbine

Likes: Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner Smith, the use of narration, the cinematography

Dislikes: The length, the lack of development with secondary characters

What to watch for: The use of vehicles within the three act structure.

MY rating: Yes.

Dec 12, 201906:17
Game of Thrones Season 6

Game of Thrones Season 6

Nine noble families fight for control over the mythical lands of Westeros, while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for thousands of years.

Creators:David Benioff, D.B. Weiss

Stars: Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington

Likes: The accelerated pace mid way through the season, the conclusion of some characters, the season ending was powerful. 

Dislikes: The plodding pace at the beginning of the season. Not a fan of Bran's story. 

Favorite Episode: The Broken Man

MY Rating: Yes.

Dec 10, 201906:34
Knives Out

Knives Out

A detective investigates the death of a patriarch of an eccentric, combative family.

Director: Rian Johnson

Writer: Rian Johnson

Stars: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas


Likes: The cast, the editing, Daniel Craig

Dislikes: Thought the story was too predictable for this highly skilled cast.

What to Watch for: The Coffee Mug

MY Rating: Yes.

Dec 05, 201906:43
American Horror Story: Apocalypse
Dec 03, 201906:07
New Movie of the Week: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

New Movie of the Week: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod.

Director: Marielle Heller

Writers: Micah Fitzerman-Blue, Noah Harpster

Stars: Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Chris Cooper

Likes: Tom Hanks, the transitions done in a "Mr. Rogers Style"

Dislikes: I didn't like the focus of the story not being Mr. Rogers. I wasn't invested in the character that was the focus. 

What to Watch for: The fourth wall break in the third act. 

MY rating: Meh

Nov 28, 201906:10
El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie

El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie

A sequel, of sorts, to Breaking Bad following Jesse Pinkman after the events captured in the finale of Breaking Bad. Jesse is now on the run, as a massive police manhunt for him is in operation.

Director: Vince Gilligan

Writers: Vince Gilligan,

Stars: Aaron Paul, Jonathan Banks, Matt Jones

Likes: Great to see the characters again. Jesse Plemons was excellent

Dislikes: Really didn't need this story and it was kind of flat. 

What to watch for: Robert Forster

MY Rating: Meh

Nov 26, 201906:33
Parasite

Parasite

All unemployed, Ki-taek and his family take peculiar interest in the wealthy and glamorous Parks, as they ingratiate themselves into their lives and get entangled in an unexpected incident.

Director: Bong Joon Ho

Writers: Han Jin Won (screenplay), Bong Joon Ho (screenplay)

Stars: Kang-ho Song, Sun-kyun Lee, Yeo-jeong Jo

Likes: The cast, the direction, the camera work

Dislikes: The third act seemed to slow down a bit more than it should

What to watch for: The choreography of the con in the second act. 

MY rating: Hell, yes!

Nov 21, 201906:21
Game of Thrones Season 5

Game of Thrones Season 5

Nine noble families fight for control over the mythical lands of Westeros, while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for thousands of years.

Creators: David Benioff, D.B. Weiss

Stars: Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington

Likes: The development of the Sparrows. The closure of the Barathians. The character of Ramsey Bolton

Dislikes: The various non stories. Arya Stark's journey, Danareys being queen. Where was Bran Stark? 

Favorite Episode: Hardhome

MY rating; Meh

Nov 19, 201905:60
Jo Jo Rabbit

Jo Jo Rabbit

A young boy in Hitler's army finds out his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their home.

Director: Taika Waititi

Writers: Christine Leunens (novel), Taika Waititi (screenplay

Stars: Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Scarlett Johansson

Likes: The cast, the story, the feel and pacing of the film
Dislikes: Not a whole lot

What to watch for: Taika Waititi's role as Hitler

MY rating: Hell yes!

Nov 14, 201906:09
Harriet

Harriet

The extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America's greatest heroes, whose courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.

Director: Kasi Lemmons

Writers: Gregory Allen Howard (screenplay by), Kasi Lemmons (screenplay by)

Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn

Likes: Cynthia Erivo, the overall story, the historical aspect

Dislikes: The performance of the slave owners, lack of intensity

What to Watch For: More facts on Harriet Tubman just before the credits and the tintype photos of the cast during the credits

MY rating: Meh....

Nov 12, 201906:09
The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse

The hypnotic and hallucinatory tale of two lighthouse keepers on a remote and mysterious New England island in the 1890s.

Director: Robert Eggers

Writers: Max Eggers, Robert Eggers

Stars: Willem Dafoe, Robert Pattinson, Valeriia Karaman


What did I like: The feel of the film, cinematography, the cast

What I didn't like: Not much

What to watch for: Willem Defoe's Performance, I smell Oscar

MY rating: Hell Yes!


Oct 31, 201906:09
Game of Thrones Season 4

Game of Thrones Season 4

Nine noble families fight for control over the mythical lands of Westeros, while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for thousands of years.

Creators: David Benioff, D.B. Weiss

Stars: Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington

Likes: Cinematography, Settings, Production Design, Costumes, really liked how it started and ended.

Dislikes: The lull in the middle of the season, needed more of Bran Stark's journey. Peter Dinklage and Pedro Pascal really stood out this season.

Favorite episodes: 

The Mountain and the Viper

The Watchers on the Wall

MY rating: Yes. 

Oct 29, 201906:18
Zombieland: Double Tap

Zombieland: Double Tap

Columbus, Tallahassee, Wichita, and Little Rock move to the American heartland as they face off against evolved zombies, fellow survivors, and the growing pains of the snarky makeshift family.

Director: Ruben Fleischer
Writers: Dave Callaham (screenplay), Rhett Reese (screenplay)
Stars: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone 

What I liked: Camera work, editing, cast

What I didn't like: Story was not compelling, unnecessary sequel. 

What to Watch for: Stay to the end.

MY rating: Meh


Oct 24, 201906:03
On the Mend: The TV Series

On the Mend: The TV Series

So, I had a stroke, right? Well, that gave me some time to watch some stuff while I was recovering. 

Here is a list of the series' I watched. 

Orange is the New Black Season 7 (Final Season)

The Flash Season 5

The Walking Dead Season 9

Shameless Season 9

Game of Thrones Seasons 1-3

What are your thoughts on any of these seasons? I was underwhelmed with most the exception being Game of Thrones. 

Oct 22, 201909:09
New Movie of the Week: Gemini Man

New Movie of the Week: Gemini Man

An over-the-hill hitman faces off against a younger clone of himself.

Director: Ang Lee
Writers: David Benioff (screenplay), Billy Ray (screenplay) 

Stars: Will Smith, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clive Owen

Likes: De-aged Will Smith (most of the movie) Columbia fight scene

Dislikes: Everything

What to Watch for: Nothing 

MY rating: Hell No

Oct 17, 201905:23