PEEPLES (2013) – My rating: 5/10

Made for TV as oppose to the big screen!                                                          A cute story but it’s been done better many times before.  There were a few funny scenes however, I found Peeples to be too unrealistic.  David Alan Grier, who I always find over the top, funny did an awesome job of portraying the annal father living in the Hamptons with his annal family.   There were more skeletons in their closet than in a science lab.  They were not your typical family and they didn’t have typical family issues.  Over all, it was a stress free movie with some laughs — you can’t go wrong with that!  I wonder who’s idea it was to couple Kerry Washington with Craig Robinson.  That was funny in itself.  I didn’t sense any real chemistry between them.  I would recommend waiting for the DVD on this one — Movies are much too pricy to invest on Peeples.

DJANGO UNCHAINED (2012) – My rating: 9.5/10

Oh my, what is there to say about Django, except the D is silent.  I went on a fantasy, gun totting, America at its worse, wanted for bounty killing spree ride that hasn’t been seen since the likes of Natural Born Killers.  And I was rooting for the killers all the way.  Django is an action packed thrill ride and a feel good movie that I don’t expect will win any Oscars however, this movie will go down in history as one of a kind.  The entertainment factors are endless.  The acting was superb and the German, played by Christoph Waltz was unsurpassed. With Quentin Tarantino as director and Leo Dicaprio as a shrewd plantation owner with Samual L. Jackson as his right hand lackey, what else would we expect.   Django  is up for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best sound Editing, Best Writing (Original Screenplay) and Best Cinematography.   I don’t expect any Oscars to be won but I can tell you Christoph Waltz took his character to a place we won’t soon forget.  Red Foxx and Kerry Washington rounded out a cast that was unforgettable.  I loved this movie and highly recommend it.

[Christoph Waltz won Best Supporting Actor! ]

SCANDAL – My rating: 10/10

Wow, was I surprised by this fast moving series!  Shonda Rhimes has outdone herself.  When this show was first advertised, I thought it was going to be a flimsy, soap opera-ish story, much like Pan Am.  Instead, I was mesmerized from the very first episode.  The perfect actress for the perfect role.  Kerry Washington is showing a side of her talent I’d never seen before.  Her wit, personality, intelligence, beauty, charisma and more makes for a super character much needed in the world of political deceitfulness and cover-ups.

Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice are both really good shows but Scandal gets the edge.  As the creator of all three series, Shonda has proven to be an exceptional writer.  She is educating us while entertaining us simultaneously. Who knew the extent of political coverups or the masterful minds it requires to nicely cover a scandal?  I can hardly wait for the next episode just to see what controversy will be put to rest.

The cast is superb, the writing is excellent, and the situations each week are worthy of your time and indulgence.  Bring your brain power, you’ll need it, as the dialogue is fast moving.  Kudos to Shonda Rhimes.  Scandal currently airs on ABC TV.