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Reviews
The Inheritance (2023)
Good start, poor ending
Despite having a strong cast, including an underused Larry Lamb and Kevin Whately, as well as Samantha Bond, Gaynor Faye, Robert James-Collier and Jemima Rooper, and a good start, this drama fizzled out like a wet firework. The first episode was really good and I looked forward to see what happened next but it seemed to lose steam over the following few episodes. The final episode seemed rushed and a bit absurd. I couldn't really care less about any of the characters at the end. Such a shame as this drama had great potential but was let down by an unbelievable and over complicated storyline in the final episode.
The Cockfields (2019)
Enjoyable sitcom
Watched the first episode and wasn't quite sure but stuck with it and glad that I did. Having previously watched the very underrated The Rovers, which was also written by David Earl and Joe Wilkinson, I knew the type of humour to expect and wasn't disappointed. Sue Johnston plays the put upon wife and doting mother with perfection. It could have been incredibly difficult to replace the late great Bobby Ball, but Gregor Fisher is excellent. Ben Rufus Green has one of those facial expressions that make you laugh every time. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching The Cockfields and I'm keeping everything crossed that there will be a third series.
The Syndicate: Episode #4.2 (2021)
Tedious and lightweight
What has happened to Kay Mellor? Her previous three series of the Syndicate were very watchable, combining grittiness with humour. This series so far is so mundane and silly. None of the characters grab your attention or are particularly interesting, even with the likeable Neil Morrissey on board. I'm sure though he had a wonderful time filming in a country as stunning as Monaco! You can even see how this is going to pan out with four episodes still to air. I'm not wasting another 4 hours of my life watching this hugely disappointing series. It should have ended on a high with series three.
Frasier: Goodnight, Seattle: Part 1 (2004)
Best American Comedy Show Ever!
I can't believe that it is 4 years since Frasier finished! I never get tired of watching the reruns. Frasier had it all. Fantastic cast and wonderfully scripted story lines. Some of the best episodes were the farce situations. I could have gone on watching the series forever and felt like I'd lost an old friend when it ended. It would be wonderful if sometime in the not too distant future, a special update episode could be aired showing where the characters are now, a few years later. Even one Christmas special episode each year would be a real treat. Hilarious, clever, touching, cringing, Frasier was brilliant! Definitely a truly wonderful show and sorely missed.
Ashes to Ashes (2008)
Entertaining but not as good as yet as Life on Mars
I was a huge fan of Life on Mars so was expecting big things with Ashes to Ashes. However, I couldn't help feeling disappointed. It doesn't feel the same without John Simm. While Keeley Hawes adds a bit of glamour, I find her character slightly irritating. It seems less gritty and more reliant on humour. Philip Glenister is, as always, superb as Gene Hunt and Marshall Lancaster and Dean Andrews are like a modern day Laurel and Hardy and play their parts to perfection. I'm sure this series will be a huge hit and as I've only watched one episode, maybe I am expecting too much too soon. I hope I grow to love Ashes to Ashes as much as I loved Life on Mars. (I still miss John Simm though!)
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)
Entertaining ,but younger film fans may find the plot a bit confusing
I may be in the minority, but I still think that Curse of the Black Pearl was the best of all 3 Pirates of the Caribbean films. At World's End is an entertaining film, if a bit too long. Additionally, the main plot and various sub-plots are a bit too complicated for younger viewers to follow, bearing in mind this is a Disney production. Johnny Depp is again excellent as Jack Sparrow and the wonderful Geoffrey Rush is superb. I only wish that there were more scenes between these 2 characters as they compliment each other perfectly. The special effects are amazing, especially the battles at sea. I only wish that we could have seen a bit more of Jack Sparrow and may be a little more humour along with the special effects.
All in all, At World's End was a good film but I can't help feeling a bit disappointed. May be if it hadn't been made back to back with the second film, there may have been more time to perfect the script and reduce the length of the film.