Mom's Minute

Introduction to You Don’t Know Me Netflix Series Review

You Don’t Know Me is a 4-episode BBC series that is streaming on Netflix and initially was in the top ten movies or series to watch. However, the series did not retain its top-ten status for long as new shows appeared on Netflix such as Hustle and others.  

During my series review of You Don’t Know Me, I will share some highlights from the 4 episode series for you, and I will let you know if you should check out or pass on the You Don’t Know Me Netflix series.

So, without further ado, let’s get started on my movie review of You Don’t Know Me Netflix series.

Synopsis of You Don’t Know Me Netflix Series

Samuel Adewunmi as Hero is accused of murder - a crime he states he did not commit. Specifically, Samuel Adewunmi’s character is accused of destroying drug dealer Jamil played by Roger Nsengyumva. Samuel Adewunmi's character is now on trial for Roger Nsengyumva's character murder.

Samuel Adewunmi's character represented himself at his trial instead of using the services of a lawyer. During his defense testimony, Samuel Adewunmi’s character shares with the judge, jury and the gallery of people at his trial why he is innocent via flashbacks.

During Samuel Adewunmi’s character flashbacks, you will also see how his relationship with Sophie Wilde as Kyra started as well as how she was constantly in and out of contact with him throughout this story.

It is ultimately up to the jury to decide if Samuel Adewunmi's character is telling the truth or if he is making up a logical, believable story to show that he is innocent.

Logic Behind You Don’t Know Me Netflix Series

As told by Samuel Adewumi’s character, his girlfriend, Sophie Wilde’s character disappeared unexpectedly which led him to post missing signs around their local area. He was really concerned for her safety until Samuel Adewumi’s character found out that she was earning her money in an unsavory way – and not by her own will. 

 At first he decided to go about his business and not concern himself with his newly found information about Sophie Wilde’s character. That is – until his sister caused him to feel guilty by not wanting to rescue Sophie Wilde’s character.

This is where the logic comes into play. If Samuel Adewumi’s character initially decided to remain with his smart decision not to get further involved with Sophie Wilde as Kyra, he would not be in the dire situation he is in now – being jailed and accused of murder.

However, I guess without Samuel Adewumi’s character constantly making wrong decisions, including dragging his family in what he was doing – then there would not even be a story to tell.

Damsel in Distress Syndrome in You Don’t Know Me Netflix Series

To emphasize further that Sophie Wilde’s character needed to be "saved,”  the storyline has Samuel Adewumi's character actually kidnap and forcefully take her from the streets to his home. Sophie Wilde’s character did not resist, however, shortly after this incidence, she left and once again, he had to go out to find her. 

I think the writer got too caught up in the damsel in distress scenario – even though it was obvious that Sophie Wilde's character did not want to be rescued. To make matters worse, she barely spoke up to explain that she was in this predicament because of her own choice to help her brother in this manner who is in prison. Even more importantly, there was no reason to bring Samuel Adewumi's character into her sordid business.

The Ending to You Don’t Know Me Netflix Series

I will not spoil the ending of You Don’t Know Me Netflix series for you, but suffice it to say that during the fourth and final episode of the series, several different storylines were given by Samuel Adewumi's character during his defense trial. He even admits he knew who performed the crime. Or did he? You will know why I asked this question if you watch the Netflix series, You Don’t Know Me. 

The writer creatively ends the series on an interesting note – which I will not divulge here. You will know what I’m talking about if you watch the four-part BBC Netflix series -  You Don't Know Me.

Assessment of You Don’t Know Me Netflix Series

If you watch the You Don't Know Me Netflix series, you may find a hint of resemblance to a movie I reviewed, The Unforgivable starring Sandra Bullock.

With that being said, I think the BBC Netflix You Don't Know Me series storyline did a disservice to women by having not one but both women Sophie Willde as Kyra and Bukky Bakray as his sister depicted as not standing up for themselves, not doing the right thing and not making the right decisions.

Of course this is a movie and is not real life, but I shudder to think that someone may follow in this character's footsteps and make what will probably be the biggest mistake in his life.

However, I think You Don’t Know Me Netflix series will keep your attention as you follow Samuel Adewunmi’s character as he digs himself deeper into a hole and who is now facing the disastrous result – possible imprisonment for murder.

Rating of You Don’t KNow me Netflix Series

Based on a rating of 1 star to 5 stars with 5 stars being the highest, I rate You Don't Know Me Netflix series 3 stars.

Introduction to Kevin Hart The Man from Toronto Netflix Movie Review

Kevin Hart The Man from Toronto film is currently trending as one of the top 10 movies streaming on Netflix. As a top 10 film, you may be interested to know if it is really worth your time to watch Kevin Hart The Man from Toronto Netflix movie.

Specifically, you may want to know is there anything about Kevin Hart The Man from Toronto Netflix movie that distinquishes it from the rest of his similar-type films. You also may be curious if there were any standout actor(s) in Kevin Hart The Man from Toronto Netflix movie.

The questions above and more are answered in my movie review of Kevin Hart The Man from Toronto Netflix film. 

Synopsis of Kevin Hart The Man from Toronto Netflix Movie

Kevin Hart plays the part of a fitness trainer and retailer, Teddy who toots many of his exercise products – mostly those of a non-contact nature for a price.

While Kevin Hart’s character is trying to celebrate his wife’s (actor Jasmine Matthews as Lori) birthday, he is recruited by the FBI to impersonate a highly dangerous assassin. The assassin is none other than The Man from Toronto played by Woody Harrelson. 

Initially, there is friction and arguments between the main two characters -- Kevin Hart as the impersonator of The Man From Toronto, and Woody Harrelson as The Man From Toronto. However, as the story progresses, they seem to form a comradery.

To make a long story short, Kevin Hart The Man from Toronto Netflix film becomes one of those buddy-buddy type movies, similar to other Kevin Hart’s movie characters he has played before alongside actors such as The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) and others.

As a subplot, there are numerous assassins from other locations, international and domestic, such as The Man from Miami, The Man from Tokyo and others who have been ordered by their handler, Ellen Barkin’s character, to hunt down The Man from Toronto.

The combination of Kevin Hart’s comedic character impersonating an assassin, who by the way is using him also as The Man from Toronto impersonator  – makes for some humorous scenes in Kevin Hart The Man from Toronto Netflix movie.

Action in Kevin Hart The Man from Toronto Netflix Movie

Barring the comedic lines and sketches in the film, you may be impressed by the quality of the action scenes in Kevin Hart The Man from Toronto Netflix movie. As a warning, there is violence in Kevin Hart The Man from Toronto Netflix film which supports the movie's rating of PG-13. 

I applaud Kevin Hart The Man from Toronto fight choreography team as well as the behind the scenes movie staff responsible for the chases, and explosion scenes, etc. which of course includes stunt people. Watching their craftmanship at work may have you thinking that you are watching a Tom Cruise or a James Bond action movie. That is, if you didn’t already know that the movie is a Kevin Hart film.

Standout Actor in Kevin Hart The Man from Toronto Netflix Movie

In my opinion, the standout actor in Kevin Hart The Man from Toronto Netflix movie was Pierson Fode who played the part of The Man from Miami. It was not his acting skills, per se, that made him noticeable in the film. 

I think he stood out because of the combination of his formidable presence and his seemingly ruthless persistence in pursuing The Man from Toronto, whether it was Kevin Hart’s or Woody Harrelson's character. In other words, The Man from Miami seemed to be intent on his targets and appeared to keep showing up at every turn. You will know what I'm referring to if you watch Kevin Hart The Man from Toronto Netflix movie.

Assessment of Kevin Hart The Man from Toronto Netflix Movie

Initially, you may not be overly impressed with Kevin Hart The Man from Toronto Netflix movie. For instance, you may think that Kevin Hart basically plays himself in all his movies. 

However, as the story moves along with the additional characters, including appearances by Jasmine Matthews as Kevin Hart character's wife, Lori and Kaley Cuoco who played the part of Anne, Lori’s friend as well as other characters, I believe you may not mind watching Kevin Hart The Man from Toronto Netflix movie.

Personally, I enjoyed the action scenes in Kevin Hart The Man from Toronto Netflix movie, more so than the storyline. You may too, or you may enjoy watching the movie as a whole.  

After watching Kevin Hart The Man from Toronto Netflix film, I did not feel as if my time had been wasted on the one hour, fifty-two minutes movie. You may feel the same as well.

Rating of Kevin Hart THe Man From Toronto Netflix Movie

Based on a rating of 1 star to 5 stars with 5 stars being the highest, I rate Kevin Hart The Man From Toronto Netflix movie 3 stars.

Introduction to Sylvester Stallone Backtrace Netflix Movie Review

It has been awhile since Sylvester Stallone who is known for the Rocky and Creed films has made a movie. When Sylvester Stallone Netflix movie, Backtrace appeared on Netflix as a top ten movie, I decided to check it out.

Has Sylvester Stallone settled for “”sitting behind the desk” type scenes or is he out and about where all the action is. Even more importantly, has he followed Bruce Willis’ footsteps before he sadly retired from acting and now uses his name for small parts for a big paycheck? 

Check out my movie review of Sylvester Stallone Backtrace Netflix film to find out the above and more.

By the way, I watched Sylvester Stallone Backtrace movie on Netfix; however, this film may be streaming on other services as well.

Synopsis of Sylvester Stallone Backtrace Netflix Movie

There is no intriguing storyline here. The plot of this 2018 film centers around a bank robbery gone wrong where part of the stolen money is found, but there is 20 million dollars missing.

The robber is Donavan “Mac” MacDonald played by Matthew Modine who with a group of men robbed a bank, delivered the money to criminals, and met their demise – All except for one, that is. The remaining robber, Donavan "Mac" MacDonald, got in a shootout, managed to survive, but developed amnesia and now is serving time in prison.

Enter Ryan Guzman as Lucas who befriends Donavan “Mac” MacDonald’s character and devises a plan with the help of others for this character to escape prison. They have a serum for the robber that gradually helps him to regain his memory – all for the sole purpose of trying to find where the rest of the stolen money was hidden.

Sylvester Stallone’s Role in Backtrace Netflix Movie

Sylvester Stallone plays the small part of Detective Sykes who has spent seven years working on this robbery case. When Sylvester Stallone's character finds out the robber has escaped from prison, he first sends a rookie to check out where the robber and his cohorts are holed up. For what it’s worth, Sylvester Stallone’s role in the Backtrace movie was more of a bit-part;  however, I applaud him participating in the action in the movie -- no matter how minimum his role was.

Suspense in Sylvester Stallone Backtrace Netflix Movie

There is a hint of suspense in the movie because of the shovel one of the robbers is holding in the first few minutes of the movie – before their fatal ambush. However, there is a twist regarding the shovel. I will not divulge the twist here just in case you decide to watch Sylvester Stallone Netflix movie Backtrace.

Of suspense to me was whether or not Sylvester Stallone would play the bad or the good cop. A little ways in the movie, you will find out if he plays such a cop or if this role was given to another actor instead.

Blunders in Sylvester Stallone Backtrace Netflix Movie

Spoiler Alert: I  thought it was odd when towards the end of the movie, everyone seemed to somehow congregate at an old abandoned warehouse. I will attribute this happening to what I call movie magic. 

Another movie magic moment was how throughout the film when the robber has escaped prison, the serum appeared to make him weak – but towards the end of the movie, he suddenly seems to gain all of his strength back during the action scenes.

John Wick Leanings in Sylvester Stallone Backtrace Netflix Movie

 Looks like the director was going for a John Wick type fim, because of the overuse of weapons in the Netflix movie, Sylvester Stallone Backtrace. Personally, I think these gunfight scenes were overused and overdone. This time could have been used to show the viewing audience more of the family-angle of the robber and the people who helped him escape.

Assessment of Sylvester Stallone Backtrace Netflix Movie

Sylvester Stallone Netflix Backtrace movie has a fair amount of action that will probably keep your interest. If you enjoy these types of action crime movies, or if you are a fan of Sylvester Stallone, you may want to check out his 2018 Backtrace Netflix movie.

Sylvester Stallone Netflix Backtrace movie lasts only one hour and thirty-six minutes so it should not take up much of your time.

Rating of Sylvester Stallone Backtrace Netflix Movie

Based on a rating of 1 star to 5 stars with 5 stars being the highest, I rate Sylvester Stallone Backtrace Netflix movie 3 stars.

Introduction to Jennifer Lopez Marry Me Movie Review

Do you recall when the Jennifer Lopez Marry Me movie was only shown in movie theaters and Peacock streaming service for a price? Well, the good (or bad) news is that Jennifer Lopez’s Marry Me Rom Com (Romantic Comedy) is now available for free on Amazon Prime video as well as other streaming services, stil for a price. I chose to watch Jennifer Lopez for free on Amazon Prime video.

Rom Coms usually have a cliche plot, especially at the end of the movie with one person running behind the other when they suddenly change their mind about something and want to reach said person before they board a plane.  

Was Jennifer Lopez’s Marry Me movie any different than the above scenario? Were there any standout scenes in the movie? Do I think you would enjoy watching the movie? Find the answers to these questions and more in my movie review of Jennifer Lopez Marry Me movie.

Synopsis of Jennifer Lopez Marry Me Movie

Jennifer Lopez Marry Me movie shows behind the scenes depictions of a music pop star, starring Jennifer Lopez as Katarina “Kat” Valdez. Her character is constantly surrounded by cameras, the paparazzi, assistants and other people as she prepares to perform on stage or at concerts.This particular Marry Me performance was to be a media spectacular event with Jennifer Lopez’s character asking her fiance and fellow singer Maluma as Bastian to marry her in front of about 20 million people. 

However, shortly before she appears on stage, Jennifer Lopez’s character finds out her fiance has cheated on her. But as they say the show must go on. So she goes on with her performance in her glittery wedding gown and veil. 

While making a speech, she notices a strange man (Owen Wilson as math teacher, Charlie Gilbert) in the audience holding a sign that says, “Marry Me” that someone had passed to him. To everyone’s surprise and probably a surprise to herself, she answers verbally” Yes, I will marry you” while on stage, and believe it or not, they actually got married.

Realism of Jennifer Lopez Marry Me Movie

It goes without saying that the storyline of Jennifer Lopez Marry Me movie itself is unbelievable – mainly because it is unlikely that a so-called mega celebrity star would choose a stranger out of the audience to marry. Even more odd is the storyline goes on to show that the stranger, Owen Wilson’s character tries to fit in with her celebrity lifestyle which led to them – get this – having a romantic relationship.

The facade continues with Jennifer Lopez’s character dragging him along with her to all of her celebrity-type events, and he in turn sharing with her his interest in math as well as an upcoming math contest which will involve his daughter as well as her classmates.

To be fair, the Jennifer Lopez Marry Me movie is based on a graphic novel by Bobby Crosby so any resemblance to realism would probably be by accident instead of by intent. 

Positives of Jennifer Lopez Marry Me Movie

With the above being said, there are some positive vibes in the Jennifer Lopez Marry Me movie. For example, I enjoyed watching her interactions with the math teacher’s students as well as when they went out on ordinary dates, such as bowling, etc.

Another positive and in my opinion, the stand out scene in the Jennifer Lopez Marry Me movie was when the couple had a bet between themselves to be completely different than who they are – her being a celebrity with lots of helpers, and him being an anti-social media person. I think this scene was the highlight of the movie, especially when Jennifer Lopez’s character performs an act that was totally unexpected when she was unable to find the key to her mansion.

You will know the scene I’m referring to if you watch the film, Jennifer Lopez Marry Me.

Another positive aspect of the Jennifer Lopez Marry Me movie is some of the song selections she sang while on stage, especially one of her songs entitled After Love that you may enjoy listening to.

Assessment of Jennifer Lopez Marry Me Movie

In a nutshell, I was not overall mpressed by the Jennifer Lopez Marry Me movie.The plot was far-fetched and there were cliche type scenes throughout the film. Owen Wilson is known for acting in Rom Com roles, however, I think he fell short in this one.

 Also of note is the need for acting lessons for Jennifer Lopez’s other co-star Maluma as Bastian who failed to appear as if he was affected or phased by her marrying a stranger instead of himself. In other words, he seemed to just walk through his lines.

Like me, you may be disappointed in the Jennifer Lopez Marry Me movie, not only because of the hackneyed plot but also due to the cliche type action of her changing her mind at the last minute while on a TV show and deciding that she had to leave right away to run after the math teacher.

I recommend you listen to a few songs from the film track if you like, but it’s fine to skip watching the Jennifer Lopez Marry Me movie. Instead, you may want to spend your time doing something else for enjoyment or entertainment.

Rating of Jennifer Lopez Marry Me Movie

Based on a rating of 1 star to 5 stars with 5 stars being the highest, I rate the Jennifer Lopez Marry Me Movie 2 stars.

Introduction to A Stalker in the House Movie Review

My first thought when I saw the title of this movie – A Stalker in The House – was that a more compelling title to grab viewers' attention would be “A Stalker in my House” instead of “A Stalker in the House.”

However, after watching the movie, I realize the reason for the title since the stalker was initially a serial-type stalker who would stalk victims at their houses. So using the term “the House” instead “my House” seems apropos.

But I digress. You have probably seen plenty of similar-type stalker movies that follow the same playbook. However, unlike other stalker movies, you may not see a potential victim make as many mistakes in dealing with a stalker as the character did in the movie, A Stalker in the House.

 To find out her mistakes and more, check out my movie review of A Stalker in the House.

By the way, I watched A Stalker in the House film on Amazon Prime Video for free; however, the movie may be  streaming on other services as well.

Synopsis of A Stalker in the House Movie

The movie A Stalker in the House is on the surface basically a regular run-of-the mill stalker movie. The major difference I see in the plot is the numerous blunders or missteps the last woman he stalked made and quite foolishly kept on making throughout A Stalker in the House movie.

The gist of A Stalker in the House movie is that the stalker (Jack Pearson as Mike) met his latest prey or victim on an on-line dating service. During their first date, when he grew more and more persistent with his date, she resisted. After multiple rejections from her, he seemed even more obsessed with stalking the victim.

The rest is history as they say with the stalker continuing to text or try to contact her, even though it was obvious that Veronika Issa's character as Jen was not interested in him or wanted to see him.

Subplots involve the stalker’s destruction of anyone who visited or knew the main female character Veronika Issa as Jen – including her best friend Michelle Ng as Lisa and many of her other friends.

Movie Magic in A Stalker in the House Movie

In addition to being a stalker, Jack Pearson’s character would resort to destroying her friends either by first pretending to befriend them or just outright accosting them violently, most of the time while out in public no less. 

The movie magic comes into play when the story plot seems to dismiss the destruction of these characters as something that did not warrant inquiries where at least one family member or friend would ask Veronika Issa’s character about them missing.

 Interestingly enough, even Veronika Issa as Jen, the main character did not seem concerned or appeared to follow up on the whereabouts of her best friend when her texts went unanswered and she went missing.

In real life, I believe at least one of the victim's relatives or friends would have contacted Veronika Issa’s character to look for the missing person who is now deceased at the hands of the stalker. At the very minimum, a detective or policeman would have showed up at her apartment to question her regarding the missing person’s whereabouts.

Too Many Characters in A Stalker in the House Movie

Looking back on A Stalker in the House movie, the victim was portrayed as someone who was rather popular and was constantly dating. I think the movie would have had more of an impact from a scary, horrifying perspective if the number of other men she was seeing was reduced so the audience would get a sense that she was frightened with only her female best friend around to help her when she was stalked or in danger.

Blatant Mistakes the Victim Made in A Stalker in the House Movie

If you watch A Stalker in the House movie, you may mentally say to yourself "She should not have done that '' as the victim continues to take poor actions and make bad decisions throughout the film. I will list a few mistakes she made  below – however, there may be more.

Below is a list of actions she should not have done -- emphasis on the word "not":

– Letting him know where she stayed or lived during their first date

–Taking too long to get a restraining order against the stalker

–Permitting the stalker to see her apartment code when she entered her apartment, enabling him to memorize the numbers, use them at his discretion to come and go unseen, in and out of her apartment as he pleased

–Letting him back in her apartment, even when she denied his requests to do so and had already told him “No” many times previously

–Not blocking him sooner on her phone

–Trusting him to tell the truth when she knew he was was not honest

–Since she did not block him on her phone, responding to his text about a watch that he “conveniently” left in her bathroom

–Not being firm, strong, determined and stern in her “No” responses to him

–Last but not least, refusing to see him period regardless of his reasons, especially after she knew he was stalking and frightening her

As I alluded to before, I'm sure there are more mistakes she made, but I will stop here.

Ironically, Veronika Issa’s character was studying to be a psychologist, so at the very least she should have recognized the warning signs from the stalker’s personality- behavior and taken necessary precautions to immediately cease contact with him.

Assessment of A Stalker in The House Movie

The point of this movie could possibly be to educate women (and men) about stalkers. However, I think the movie did a disservice by implying that sometimes victims are not strong in their “No” responses, that they can be easily persuaded to do something against their better judgment and most importantly victims are not taking steps to protect themselves.

A plus for the movie was Veronika Issa’s character was the only victim who fought back against her stalker. 

To seemingly make up for all the mistakes and movie magic-type scenes in the movie – the movie A Stalker in the House managed to end on a somewhat positive note – two years after these unfortunately stalker events occurred. You will know what I'm referring to if you watch A Stalker in the House movie.

Even though I’m not giving A Stalker in the House film a high rating, I recommend you watch this movie since I believe there are lessons to be learned.

Rating of A Stalker in the House

Based on a rating of 1 star to 5 stars with 5 stars being the highest, I rate A Stalker in the House movie 2 stars.