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Reviews
Ripley (2024)
Divine!
Seems to me that Andrew Scott was born to play this part. He was totally stunning on every level, as was the incredible cinematography in black and white - whoever decided that is a genius. It was glorious. There are so many subtleties creativity-wise that I loved. For example, it was so clever not to rush what could have been seen as 'ordinary' scenes and to turn 'ordinary' sequences into so much more. The climbing of the stairs for example, the rituals of the dressing gown, the cat, Caravaggio, etc. And the unique approach the main detective used in his questioning. In a weird way the subtle repetition device throughout reminds me (in hindsight) of the repetition in classic children's stories, hooking you in again and again to the narrative and the visual. I haven't read the book and wasn't overly keen on the film. But this was superb in every way. The scenery, the black and white, the photography, it was extraordinary. I could turn down the sound and watch it through a million times and never get bored. And another million with the sound up! I hope it influences other film makers to do more in black and white. But they will have to go a long way to beat this incredible series. Brilliant.
The Americans (2013)
Stunningly good!
This is the third time I've watched this series since it launched and I was surprised to find it was even more watchable and 'current' in 2024. Truly outstanding acting, brilliant characters, superb story lines, plenty of edge of the seat thrills, surprisingly believable, and I was really sorry when it finished. Riveting in every respect. The final episode was genius. This time round I managed to fall in love with the Russian language along the way and enjoyed picking out some of the words and phrases eg Spass-eba (thank you) Yan-iss-nigh-oo (I don't know), Stras-vitch-er (hello?) and Pajdg-al-sta (please) and 'harrow-shay (good). Not that they're spelt like that of course. A few less sex scenes and I would have given it 10 stars. Must say that Miriam Shor was absolutely brilliant as the artist Erica. But they were all truly outstanding.
Defending Jacob (2020)
Classy, but ....
I've never binge-watched an entire series in one go but I watched all 8 episodes of this yesterday! The plot seemed pretty ordinary at first but it quickly revealed itself as a cut above anything similar I'd seen, classy with top notch dialogue, great acting etc. But like almost every other reviewer I felt it was spoilt by the ending. It was obvious it should have ended after the dad discovered the weirdo hadn't committed suicide, this news being told to the wife, and the girl had been murdered, leaving both parents convinced their son was the murderer after all. This would have been a satisfying ending and pave the way for a second series. And though I haven't read the book, I gather that was the ending in the book the film was based on. It's hard to understand how any writer, director, producer, actor or anyone else working on this series thought the ending we saw was a good idea. I'd still recommend watching it, but when the daftly incongruous and poorly thought-out ending starts, at least you'll know almost everyone else who watched this series was thinking what you're thinking when it goes off piste and you find yourself shouting at the screen!
Berlín (2023)
Don't be harsh!
I realise I'm out on a limb here! I wasn't impressed with the first 2 episodes but watched it all. Disappointment switched to enjoyment by ep. 4. It was a bit clunky, daft & disjointed I agree. And it was inevitable that, apart from Berlin, I probably wouldn't feel the same love of all the characters in this as I did in Money Heist, not least because 8 episodes isn't really enough to make that happen. But it still gave me a good dollop of what I love about MH. Edge of seat and surprise twists and turns, passion, laughs, love, fun and entertainment, and more passion. I enjoyed it. Hope every MH character gets their own mini series too.
Leave the World Behind (2023)
Hollow and disappointing
There were a couple of exceptionally good visual moments eg the boat and cars. Everything else was, well, silly. I did wonder in a mad moment if it was hastily put together to encourage us all to stock up on baked beans just in case. I guess it did make me think for a nanosecond. But the dialogue was poor, the characters dull and vacuous. The plot was 'thin', with a weird low-budget horror film feel peeping in to confuse its identity. Yet the ending was predictable (though I'm guessing I wasn't the only one half-expecting a monster in the final frame). It's a shame as it could have been so much better. What a waste.
Skyggen i mit øje (2021)
Extraordinary
Along with The Forgotten Battle I think this is one of the best war films made. Like other reviewers, at the beginning I didn't think it would be particularly good but I was so wrong. The storytelling and script was so original, creative, unusual, unexpected and utterly mesmerising. The acting was incredible, not least every child who played a part. The 'goofs' section at the start of IMDB's introduction to the film seems wrong to me. The mother running home and repeatedly turning right was, in my view, deliberate and a metaphor (if that's the right word) in two ways. Firstly it showed so brilliantly a different way to, say, showing her run in slow motion to illustrate it being the longest few minutes of her life to see if her child was alive. I also think it depicted that however terrible war is no-one can be complacent or assume it 'won't happen again'. On that pessimistic note... But it was tragic and very very moving.
Blue Lights (2023)
Completely brilliant.
I enjoyed every minute of this series and so hope another is on the way. The script was brilliant and every single character was so well drawn and interesting. Every minute was excellently packaged, and I was on the edge of my seat on several occasions. The storyline was fascinating and very believable plus every single character is memorable. If that's not enough, it was full of emotion, gripping, and really well worth watching. I agree with the reviewer who commented that it made up for the absence of Line of Duty. And Blue Lights definitely has enough class and oomph (if the two are not mutually exclusive!) to run and run. Great stuff. More please!
Hit and Run (2021)
Excellent watch
I very much enjoyed Fauda and wanted to check out this series as I think Lior Raz (who plays the loveable rogue Segev in Hit and Run) is such a brilliant actor. Must admit I wasn't immediately convinced, but as the excellent plot developed I was hooked. I also very much liked the performance of Kevin Mambo as Detective Newkirk. The only thing that lets this series down a little is that quite a few scenes take place in virtual darkness, though at least that meant I didn't have to get up and hide behind the sofa! It was a great plot, superb acting and had a good cliffhanger to support a follow-up series though I just read on another review that there won't be a series 2 which is a real shame. Segev could have been branched out to be an expert in tracking down 'missing persons'. Bring him back!
The Undeclared War (2022)
I tried hard to enjoy this!
The overall concept on the cyber side was perfectly timed but could have been so much better. It almost seemed like three separate 'dramas' to me by three different writers and three different directors which had been melded together because individually none of them made the cut so they decided to cut their losses and somehow link them. Saara's love life, identity crisis, family troubles and lucky break to work for GCHQ for the holidays was one story destined for BBC 3. The Simon Pegg GCHQ section was still in production and far from finished but they made do. I can't even remember what the other one was! Oh yes, the way Saara's thought processes were visually expressed. Interesting and original way of presenting it but it did nothing for me. I'm not overly techy but from the start felt that someone who'd impersonated a researcher to get a job in the production department had googled 'code' and 'algorhythms' for the writer and thrown in a few obvious words like 'sandbox' to make it all sound authentic. Saara's domestic life just got in the way of the storyline, seemed surplus to requirements and I cannot believe anyone thought it would work in this series - it was like watching Hollyoaks. The GCHQ staff seemed half asleep on the job - probably intended but the lack of a sense of urgency ruined it for me. At least 'Don't Look Up' was funny. I'm sure it was all meant to be a wake-up call and it was to some extent, but not very well done. But I can't wait for the next series!
Borgen: The Future Is Female (2022)
Not easy but loved it in the end
I've just finished watching Series 4 on Netflix. I have to admit it's not an 'easy' watch in that it's hardly the height of entertainment and it takes a bit of effort to get into it. Overall I found it compelling, informative, somewhat gripping and was very moved by the last episode. I was truly fascinated by all the stuff I didn't know I didn't know (but am glad I know now) about Denmark's relationship with Greenland. I enjoyed all the political moves and goings on, and was regularly reminded of issues around power struggles, ambition, ruthlessness, democracy, truth and denial in politics and the difficulties and potential threats of getting relationships with other countries wrong. Indeed it was very thought-provoking on that front and a key aspect overall. I thought the side stories were good (but not outstanding) as were the new characters, though Birgitte's assistant had a bit of a wishy washy role and I'd like to have seen a bit more oomph in the 'acting ambassador' character. The scenic shots in Greenland were utterly spectacular. I've seen all the other Borgen series and enjoyed those too. I think the characters (including most of the favourites from the previous series) are very well drawn. I'd maybe have liked a little humour and a bit more oomph but maybe the Danish don't 'do' oomph as they're too busy doing 'higgye' instead! I do hope there will be another series and all the regular characters remain. I'd like to have seen Katrine's husband play a much bigger role in it. And would have been nice to see Kasper back in there - he was mentioned but not seen unless I missed something. I think the Torben character was under-used this time and that was a shame and wasn't keen on Katrine's storyline this time as she'd lost a bit of oomph as well. (I'm not sure what other people mean by it being 'dubbed'. I watch it in Danish with sub titles and it was fine. In general I much prefer to put up with subtitles and hear the characters' original voices as even if you don't understand the language it still adds to interpretation of the characters in my view. Money Heist which I have to mention at least once a week to practically everyone I know or meet is the perfect example of needing to hear it in the original language to get the most out of it.) But all in all it's 9 out of 10 from me and I highly recommend it. Just stick it out to the end and you'll be glad you did. So it's Hi Hi from me.
Motherless Brooklyn (2019)
Atmospheric, different, shame it's not a series too.
Hadn't heard of this until I saw it as an option on Prime. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Hadn't seen Edward Norton in anything else and thought he was superb in the role. The plot was surely based on fact (though I can't be sure about that) and i read that Norton has an interest and involvement in social housing so I'm guessing it was a film he really wanted to make and be involved him. The other thing that stood out was the atmospheric portrayal of Brooklyn in the 50s - almost felt like every scene had been specially colourized to make it authentic (maybe it was). Anyway, great story, great acting, amazing atmosphere. It would make a really excellent series too. I must get the book it was based on.
Night Sky (2022)
Was it all a dream?
I confess from the outset that I haven't seen many sci fi films/series. But Sissy Spacek was in it and loved her in Bloodline so gave it a go. I watched all of series 1 within a few days. I'm not even sure what to make of it (which is very unlike me). All the characterisation was excellent, as was the acting. Loved the touching relationship between Spacek and JK Simmons. The story dotted around all over the place as most do these days but it was easy to follow and in many respects was sort of 'simple' both storyline wise and production. I'd say anyone expecting dramatic special effects might be disappointed. But tension was maintained throughout. It would be pointless to say it was 'unbelievable' as I'm assuming all sci fi is unbelievable but I was happy to watch it all. It wasn't overly scary, it was more the expectation it might be that caused the tension. I thought a lot of the dialogue was excellent. I sense this is the most boring review I've ever written which is worrying me! But I will watch the next series (as long as Prime doesn't charge extra for it! I honestly don't think I'd watch further series if I have to pay extra.) It's only fair to say that this series could grow and grow. The possibilities are definitely unlimited. I'll leave it there. I just need to go and do something in the potting shed..
This Beautiful Fantastic (2016)
I was about to watch episode 3 of Ozark, when...
Well. I was about to watch episode 3 of Ozardk (season 1) when I noticed a weird-looking film on the telly. I looked at the newspaper tv page to see what it was. Only had 3 stars so I assumed it was going to be a bit iffy but it was obviously quite an unusual film so I postponed Ozark and found myself giving it a chance instead, lying on the sofa with one of my cats. Well. Fabulous. And as another reviewer said, 'enchanting' despite being a 'dreaded family film'! That reviewer and I must be secret twins! (We're not, honestly!) It was just wonderful. Fabulous cast, gentle, full of charm, and just something about it that will stay with me. Reminds me that there are all kinds of people and difficult plants. We shouldn't judge. We should embrace those who unusual, be kind, plant things, watch them grow and adopt ducks as often as possible. And those of us who keep thinking we should write a book should write them even if they're never published. More enchanting films please. And whoever gave it only 3 stars in the newpaper tv section has no soul. But they just need a little water and TLC and they'll revive.
No Time to Die (2021)
Iconic but not great!
Iconic as it was Daniel Craig's last appearance and I do think he was the best Bond we've ever had. But I was disappointed in the settings, the scenery, the low 'set pieces' count and some of the performances. I felt the Nomi character was not well scripted and therefore not well acted or believable and Bond's character was too low key in terms of the storyline. My biggest disappointment was the main storyline re the child. I felt it just didn't feel right in any respect and was a 'cheap' device to make viewers feel more on edge but should not have been. I don't agree with child actors being present in these kinds of scenes at all, however well schooled for the part. I just think it's wrong and no-one can be truly sure there is no pyschological damage that could result so I was distracted by this. The ending felt a bit lame. It should have been more fitting and majestic for Daniel Craig's exit, but was muddied by the relationship angle for me. As for the new Bond, I think Ben Wishaw as Q should be promoted. I don't doubt he'd make an unexpected but excellent Bond.
Seven Seconds (2018)
Totally brilliant
I've upgraded from 9 to 10 stars. I hadn't quite finished watching it when I wrote most of this. But now I've seen it all I appreciate it so much more. I It is a slow burn and some scenes are challenging, not because of violence but because of the sheer acuracy of what it's like for parents who've lost a child. Regina King as Latrice Butler and Russell Hornsby as her husband Isaiah were fantastic and the script truly excellent and spot on in terms of the impact on families after a bereavement; it gave a completely accurate depiction of the complexity of grief and the 'stages' people go through - it was obviously researched very well by the writers and I think anyone who has been bereaved in this way, or in any way come to that, would very much appreciate how carefully and realistically this was treated. Easy to say 'who cares it's just fiction or just telly' but sometimes it's a relief to see something portrayed so accurately that it becomes healing in itself. Flip city I'll move on from that before I need the tissues! Postscript: I used a lot of tissues in the end. The plot was excellent and though drug dealing and American drug dealing on street corners is not something I know anything about it certainly came across as authentic (and there wasn't much of that so don't let it put you off) and I confess I loved listening to the 'slang' and rhythm of the street language, daft as that may sound, and wanted to know more the stories of all the 'cameo' characters. I felt the casting was brilliant and both Michael Mosley as Fish and David Lyons as DiAngelo stood out with fantastic performances. It never felt 'contrived'. It felt realistic and believable all the way through, and carefully nuanced and the tension and pace was built up brilliantly. Above all there were so many tender moments in it. I had half thought that maybe DiAngelo was building up to tell Peter that he was somehow his dad! Don't laugh! But maybe I was barking up slightly the wrong tree in that! DiAngelo's feelings were palpable and so well done. I thought all the twists at the end were excellent. It's a series that will stay with me a long time. Superb writing and acting - Beau Knapp as Peter and Nadia Alexander as Nadine as well as Corey Champagne as Kadeuce were really fantastic too. I'd love to see all these characters in a second series. I loved it.
Shooter (2016)
Quelle surprise!
Well, goodness me. I hate guns. Honestly I do. I hate graphic violence. I honestly do. And as for gratuitous blood and guts scenes, they've never been on my horizon before, ever. I guess watching Money Heist and managing to crawl out from behind the sofa after a mere three episodes to be totally hooked clearly set me up nicely for Shooter. I've watched an episode a day from start to finish. Cried at the end. Despite all the above things I don't like, I absolutely loved it. Really good plot (though I'm still wondering about the pot in a box that Julie didn't open and got lost in the story line unless I blinked at the wrong moment), superbly crafted, excellent characterisation, terrific acting, very moreish, not as good as Money Heist obvs but a riveting, exciting watch that was both unbelievable and believable at the same time (an asset shared with the success of Money Heist in my view). I wanted to give it 10 really but given I don't like guns and violence I'd feel too guilty. I've a date with Downton Abbey next. It won't be the same..