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Secrets d'histoire (2007)
BEST SERIES ON FRENCH/EUROPEAN HISTORY
Widely available on YouTube, this is far and away the best series on European History on television. The only quarrel I have is that it does NOT have English subtitles - necessary when they get into the weeds with historical background of many kings, wives, mistresses, courtesans. Please, France2 can you help us Americans by making English subtitles available?
Poldark (2015)
Morality Tale That Resounds in Today's Fractured World
After waiting interminably for its return to PBS/Masterpiece, Poldark does not disappoint. There are new characters, Caroline Penvenen who becomes the love interest of Dr Dwight Enys, and benefactor to Ross.
Ross and Demelza have a much stormier relationship but reconciliation with love and sensuality. However, Ross is intent on saving his mine despite the interference of George Warleggan, his arch rival and enemy. Lots of turmoil and enmity between these two. Ross and Francis reconcile, as Francis reconciles with his sister, Verity and her husband, Capt Blamey. Blamey's grown children are introduced to her.
Ross and Demelza have a son,Jeremy, despite Ross's misgivings, both emotional and financial, as they go through a rough patch with the uncertainty of mining; Demelza is delighted to be a mother once again. Ross continues his reckless yet sincere, honorable quest for mining success, along with a questionable deal to ensure they can stay solvent financially - he's a great risk taker, much to Demelza's dismay and worry. And always with his concern for the mining folk who trust him to look out for their welfare - a morality tale for today with the "haves and have nots", nouveau riche poseurs, moral courage in the face of poverty and loss, sickness and death. This season has much more plot action, more revealing character insight, beautifully filmed in Cornwall, itself a character in the drama.
Cast is outstanding, with handsome, talented Aidan Turner, new star - who would have thought PBS would have a new sexy leading man like this one! Eleanor Tomlinson's Demelza is a feisty foil for Ross's reckless yet caring nature. Lots of action, excellent character layering and fast paced drama. Message is timeless - a barnburner of a romantic action drama. A real winner for Aidan Turner and PBS Historical drama fans!
The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
Fun Movie starring Pets
Kevin Hart steals this one - he's hilarious as bunny, Snowball - leader of the pack! As is the falcon, Pops (Dana Carvey), and of course Louis CK as Max. Enjoyable romp for kids and grandmas (ME!) Wiener Kingdom sequence is a hoot, funny; love the animal expressions. Some have criticized the manic pace, but I didn't find it particularly "manic" - animated movies have to be in constant motion to keep attention. My 2 and 4 year old grandsons enjoyed it, 4 year old was laughing out loud at all the silliness; as was their Mommy and Grandma. Guess I'll be spending lots of time going to kids' movies this summer, as the rest of the summer movies are more of the same old retreads. Talking pets who get into a bunch of trouble and are rescued by an odd assortment of other animals! Cute and fun.