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Reviews
Frasier: Murder Most Finch (2024)
Old school farce . Frasier at its best
Easily, easily the best episode of the two seasons ( so far) of Frasier 2.0. Great situations and acting. I have to say, once you put the younger characters into minor roles it shines! Alan ( Nick Lyndhurst) was brilliant in this episode and Frasier's authoratitive pompous air was a joyous throwback, especially in the murder mystery finale. It wasn't overly sentimental as a lot of the other episodes have been. The writing went up a gear and for once you could tell the actors were actually enjoying themselves hamming it up with great relish. The tempo was alumni Frasier. This is the standard it really needs over several episodes per season not just this one. First time I've belly laughed at any of these new episodes. 10/10.
Piglets (2024)
Started so well.
First couple of episodes really were top class. The following became so slapstick and unbelievable. It's a shame. I'm imagining it'll get a second series as it seems pretty low budget. The young actors are OK but it does appear as if it is actually a police training school as an analogy for an acting school. Each situation seems forced and relationships are very surface. Some of the writing is excellent ( first couple of eps) getting to know the characters etc. The arc of police training becomes farcical. Something that could have been utilised as a positive descends into preposterous idiocy. I see that there are a lot of writers involved, given that it doesn't have a consistent flow for a short and sweet British comedy, this feels like it's intended to be a long stayer. The more seasoned actors do a very good job and they are the highlight as well as the young innocent lad from the criminal family. I've watched all 6 opening episodes and I'm mixed emotionally so far. Haven't quite been sold on what's being attempted . 6/10.
The Jetty (2024)
The indifference is palpable
Indifference = lack of interest or concern; unimportant; mediocre.
Sums up the plot, characterisation, acting, directing, my viewing experience.
Just so contrived and convoluted. Awash with clichéd symbolism and rank confusion. There are two timelines that are not made clear at all. I get that yet again, the men are toxic, lazy, stupid and all women are either innocent, trusting victims or bullish, aggressive non toxic lsuperheroes! Everyone is happy to comply with the raging, vacuous Ember. Reality, sadly is that she would not be able to do this on her own. The other silly and very small issue is that she and her "C team" colleague are both Detective Constables. Yet she orders him about as if she were a DS or DI. Jenna Coleman is a competent actor but I'm afraid, for me, not a heavy lead actor that this needed. The one bright spark I suppose was the way her character clearly went from a grieving widow, cynical police officer, to raging, frustrated mother. It's just the way it all unfolds over four episodes that makes the Nordic style intent become dreary and self absorbed. The way different plot lines are just absorbed into the main arc gives it the traits of a soap opera. Ember is not a likeable character at all. That, if it was the plan, was achieved. Plays like this need a heroic central figure. Ember is not. Ember's mum though, (played by the ever fabulous Amelia Bulmore)is. The calming influence that this required Embers mum to be. Though their history seemed fractured. The ensemble cast is too large over the two timelines, so added to the bewildered look on this reviewers face. Suffice to say I started this review in the midst of episode 4 as to the outcome, I just became, uninterested, unconcerned, apathetic and sadly, indifferent.
2/10.
McDonald & Dodds: Wedding Fever (2024)
It flows better without McDonald. Sadly!
I feel for the actress. She has a poisoned chalice of a character in McDonald; Paranoid, arrogant, defensive She's so shallow. Maybe that's credit to the actress for making her so unlikable. It doesn't help the series. Dodds could solve these crimes on his own. The writers can mould it so his dithering, like Columbo, always has an end game. They could really give his character some interesting background. McDonald's character is sadly so one dimensional. She sneers and frowns at everyone. Plus the idea that she's a DCI? Maybe on paper, she did well in her exams. But a decent copper? This was a good , solid episode. Dodds should get a background episode as we were teased early doors why he was a sergeant only. Bill Bailey was a good cameo. Those DS's also need more film time. Great charisma!
Pay It Forward (2000)
Good film starts well. Sadly...!
First off Spacey, ( as ever) gives a great performance as a damaged (emotionally and physically) but kind hearted and inspiring teacher. It frustrates me that I struggle to watch him now (2024) because he is such a superb actor!! Second, Helen Hunt. Good actress but hopelessly and I mean hopelessly miscast as a sassy, downtrodden alcoholic single mum. It's not her best role or finest hour. She's too prim. Doesn't let herself go at all. Anyway, the premise of doing good for strangers ( pay it forward) is a wholesome ideal and can be an aspiration that tries and struggles to provide the arc of the story. Some of the situations ( love story) are unclear and drown out the original idea. Haley Joel Osment does his usual acting turn with aplomb but again is lost in the original idea. Many loose ends. No karma or redemption that I would expect. It just of meanders along like a boozy evening with Trevor's mum (Hunt) . The one plot line that tries to sow it all together is the journalist's pursuit of 'Pay it Forward' as something benevolent and selfless after being gifted a car by someone who benefited themselves. A couple of twists work nicely later on though the plot does all become quite contrived. I'd have rated this higher but Helen Hunt is just so misplaced, it jars.
FBI (2018)
It's truly awful.
They call it procedural crime. It's so poorly conceived I'm just not sure WHY this has continued and expanded. Like the Chicago PD stuff. The amount of writers must be phenomenal! It's just so bland. None of the actors are good enough to push beyond the Christmas movie lottery. It's a thing you know? Names of d-list actors put In a Hallmark producers hat and see who gets a Christmas movie. Pays the bills etc. It's the same level of credibility that FBI has. Dreadful plots, dreadful script. Dreadful acting. I mean, so dreadful! Yet here we are with 5 seasons so far of this trash. I despair for the brain cells of Americans. I really do.
Elsbeth (2024)
So predictable and amateurish.
Elsbeth is an attorney employed to carry out due diligence on the Police division after corruption claims but pokes around and solves murders. It takes around 10 minutes each episode to layout the plot and after that Elsbeth miraculously discovers unlikely clues everywhere to wrap up nicely in 40 minutes. There is no thrill, no drama. It's a walkthrough for all these actors and is plain dull. Good actors not even having to think, along with the audience. The quirky, no threat style protagonist is an old style trope. You know she's going to solve the crime single handedly. We all see it coming because there's no mystery. No thrill. The actors giving a slow wink to the camera is the next step. The sort of show that'll go on for ever because it's low budget. I'd cancel it after one season. CBS have been very lazy with this!
Poor Things (2023)
Erm...?
Apart from all the quite asymmetric script, directing and acting. I found this trying to be more arthouse, Indy, cult before it had even completed thinking of telling a story. A vanity project by Stone perhaps as I understand this is her baby.
All else aside. It seems that it's a populist type film in that it's trendy to enjoy because of its star cast. Defoe is marvellous in his eccentric gothic quirk mode. Does a decent Scottish accent too) .Stone as Bella does a great job too. Oscar worthy? I disagree. She just about nails the English accent ( Scottish may have been too much of a stretch) but as far as stretching her acting skills? Mark Ruffalo is poor. His strange English/British non descript accent is laughable and lazy. The role could have been bettered by a British actor. The cinematography and visual effects are excellent. The speed of the film is never intended to speed along, so it becomes intense. It's a gothic horror, not a comedy. It's very European in style. American audiences would not get it. There are far better films of 2023 that won't get the attention or trend as this will. Shame, as a Scot I was hoping for a real wow.
Too Good to be True (2024)
The standard of drama in 2024 starting with a whimper
I cannot, first of all, I cannot believe that some folks are rating this 8/9/10. I can only deduce that this was marketing staff at Channel 5. The plot holes are like a sieve. I've never seen anything as poor as this in years. The lead actress ( Toignton)is like some sort of thug. The most unbelievable domestic cleaner I've ever seen. She doesn't convince at all. Supposedly desperate for a job to keep herself and her son surviving, she arrogantly swans about honestly oblivious to a real economic plight. That's the acting not the situation. It's bad. The boy is a supposed genius who misbehaves constantly but she treats him with sweets after telling him off. So why wonder that he continues to misbehave? As bad as each other they snoop about and disrespect property for fun. The ex boyfriend and the little showdown in her flat was comical. She tells her son off for playing her new employers piano then immediately after doing so, proceeds to join him on the keyboard. It's utter garbage. Save yourself the trouble.
Ricky Gervais: Armageddon (2023)
Lazy set. He's taking the Mickey!
Gervais has said in the past that he is very lazy. Very intelligent and successful writer. His stand up performances have been great. His earlier tours were superbly observed and well executed. Scattering in with more controversial jokes to give the show some shade. His observational psychologist that we normally get , was this time a bit of a pub bore. The bloke who's getting slowly pissed at the bar. Telling everyone his view on any subject. His assertion that it's just a joke has worked previously. I'm a boomer and have lived through all of the same phenomenon and societal changes that Gervais has. A stand up routine should shock. All comedy is dark. We laugh at misfortune. Gervais now is pretending to be a grumpy old man. He's not. I am but I still found a lot of this unrelatable. He's maybe now too removed from his roots to really get the crowd. A lot of the audiences seem to be happy to laugh because it's Gervais and trying to justify paying for the tickets. Had they gone to Animals or Politics, they'd be beaming from woke ear to woke ear! Shame he's lost his joy for the money from Netflix.
The Persuasionists (2010)
So near, yet.
You can't actually view this anywhere anymore which sort of tells you a great deal. This was one of those sum of its parts was far better than the completed version. Iain Lee himself says his straight guy turn was poor, and it was. The other actors were great but given minimal substance. Some of the scenes throughout were cringeworthy. However you did get to see some future stars, especially Gemma Whelan ( GoT, The Tower, Upstart Crow) making a brief appearance or two. You could see the idea was hood but the writer needed more help before it got to TV. Every episode ( apart from the first) felt like storyboard; 2am; it's not final type scripts were green lit by execs without reading it. Some great micro scenes were there especially in the actually rehearsed first episode. For ad agency comedy look to Absolute Power which was brilliant, started its life via radio. The Persuasionists should have taken the same route, or advice.
Deadloch (2023)
Missed opportunities
I was enjoying this until the detective from Darwin showed up. A dreadfully hackneyed character who is clichéd. Script was great, plot & acting same. But really diluted down the relationships when the detective took over proceedings made it into some sort of spoof, comedic sketch with a slapstick character whom I found unfunny and unsubtle. I get that this a feminist thriller but you can overcook the "right on sisters" angle. Life isn't like this so it becomes a pastiche. The rest was so good. I'll continue with it but less enthused by the Darwin drama Queen, who when not trying to be shocking ( I wasn't shocked) or funny and plays it straight is OK.
Stars on Mars (2023)
Get your ass to Mars . Please stay there!
I thought reality TV had plummed the depths with the carbuncle of a family called The Kardashians . This though? It's like one of the tasks set on Big Brother to relieve the boredom but carries on for days! That's it. The bigger "stars" are obviously paid more to appear on this to give it some credence. Plenty of open mouthed, blank faces ensue along with wrinkled brows, high fives for no reason, staring, shouting and screaming. Reminding me of going on holiday in the car with the kids; "are we there yet" type irritation. Shatner hams up the continuity with his usual aplomb but really cannot rescue the banality of this. I'd guess the show was picked up during the pandemic via a zoom call between execs and a friend of a tv producer who pitched the idea as a joke. The call got muted or froze and one of the suits thought, imagine trying this if we were actually talking to you on Mars? We'd have to wait 20 minutes for a response. Which sort of sums up this pile of a show. If it lasts more than one season I'd put that down to empty schedule due to the WGA/SAG-AFRA strikes. Plots to becdriven ironically by AI, ChatGPT and those TV execs.
Dial M for Middlesbrough (2019)
Plot OK . The rest?
Yes the plot and outcome are OK. The journey there is sadly so bland and innocuous, I found myself doing that modern thing of making a distraction by browsing about on my phone, using this "comedy-drama" as background noise. It was laboured and lacking any really rich dialogue. Heavy use of backing music and eternal editing. Ed Bye, still a great director, must consider this a low career point, as I'm sure a lot of the acting talent felt too. Johnny Vegas and Sian Gibson anchor it OK but they visually struggle to keep this entertaining. I've seen the offerings in this occasional series ( Draper Tours) of whodunnits from writer Jason Cook, who must have signed a lucrative deal to really get these passed for broadcasting. The highlight was Jason Donovan who (ironically for me) was the stand out of all the characters. Annette Crosbie can do no wrong too. The real mistake is that it feels it's made as a theatre farce. Over acted and loud with pregnant pauses as if waiting for the audience to laugh or applaud. Unfortunately, not many of us did.
Domina (2021)
Timeline stories with different actors. Challenging!
Thoroughly enjoyed Domina. Well written acted on the whole. My only real point for reviewing is these timeline jumps in films or TV when an older actor takes over. Livia starts with a very good British actress (Nadia Parkes) who does a great job navigating us through those early brutish years. The story jumps to a grown up Livia in the guise of Polish actress Kasia Smutniak doing a capable job with a fairly thick European accent that none of the other new grown up ensemble have. Whether it was for naked scenes she was booked I'm not sure but as her second language she does really well. I'm just not sure why her? Did Livia go and live elsewhere for 16 years and become unable to translate as she did as a girl? It's continuity and I'm nerding about it. As a support sure no problem but the lead though? I cannot see the purpose of casting apart from giving a very promising actress a great opportunity. Anyway, niggles aside, It's a good series.
Queen of Oz (2023)
Hmmm .. It's comedy ... right?
I'm not sure what level of reality I'm expected to be operating on..( said Malcolm Tucker in 'The Thick of it')
Never been a big fan of Catherine Tate but always tried to give her the benefit of the doubt to tingle my comedy tastes. This doesn't help me at all. It's dross. So unfunny. Incredibly bland. The idea that she would be a Princess in the first place with her contrived, unpolished demeanour is a stretch at the most generous. Her character in Dr Who was her renaissance. Her short term role in the US Office was less impactful..It does show that her early success was due to some lucky writing collaborations and big budgets. I hope she has further success in other projects. But not with this. Awful.
Gigli (2003)
Making a molehill out of a mountain
You know, years ago I read a very simple comment about the fact that Indiana Jones presence, in Raiders of the Lost Ark, actually changed nothing. His intervention didn't stop the Nazi's opening the ark of the covenant. In fact he assisted them. Now that may be open to debate Still a great adventure, brilliantly done. A classic!
I draw the comparison because of Jennifer Lopez and her inclusion in this film. It adds nothing and detracts from a capable story. As I understand, 20 years later, the director/writer had to change tack making it into a confused and static rom-com. Static because the dialogue just pushes nothing, solves nothing, creates barely any excitement or intrigue. The appearance of Christopher Walken as a veteran cynical cop is a rich cameo that is lost in the relationship building that is totally out of place. All the planned poses of Lopez; smiling, at yoga, pouting etc. Brings any momentum to a shuddering halt. Affleck's awkward ham acting actually helps at times but no one really cares. In the end it's as predictable as it was within the first 15 minutes. It sits rightly in the bargain bin of missed opportunities and studio editing from hell.
Lopez could have been removed from the film and it would have been a good story.
Indiana Jones on the other hand is Raiders of the Lost Ark and drives the whole film. Now imagine if Spielberg had pressure from the Studio to just make it a Rom-Com with Marian and Jones sitting about her bar for half the film. It's not entertaining. Reviewing this in 2023, it's a movie that ironically feels static and shallow.
Monarch (2022)
I'm guessing these actors were out of work
Considering the release time, I'd guess for some of the actors were on a hiatus or short of work as it times with Covid still being a major impact. I have to say it feels like the whole production is half hearted and only intended as a filler for some of these better regarded actors. The script plays like a daytime soap. The biggest painful tooth absess of all this is the constant background music that intrudes on the plot and dialogue. Ironically the bigger stars (Sarandon and Friel) distract from the show. At times it looks like a Comedy Central or SNL piss take. It's amateur and as others have mentioned cliched. 11 episodes was generous. I'm sure everyone involved breathed a sigh of relief that it was cancelled.
FUBAR (2023)
Average Arnie
I liked the comedy in theory and how it might sit in this light action escapade. Something new perhaps but what a great disappointment. I'm afraid this probably would not have been made had it not been Arnie as the lead. The plot has so many varying holes but also riddled with cliches and as I've said about politicians (saying they'd offer something new) I've seen it all before! The casting director should really look for another job as this ensemble are really poor. Acting is so average. You expect from Arnie of course. He's never improved . The Roo character is like a Disney animation; street smart but also a seemingly expert in aviation, mathematics and IT. The NSA intern transforms from a nervous ninny in episode one to suddenly becoming skilled in a variety of roles by episode 2. It's clunky and unsatisfying. The crowning failure seems to be script but worse...plot! The relationships are cringe making. Jay Burachel is wasted (3 episodes in) by just being a wet boyfriend to Emma. Though I'm hoping he's going to be an antagonist, I can't see it. The work this "special group" undertake seems to be incredibly part time. No real hard work. As others have mentioned it does feel like an AI has written the script. Sadly they don't care about reviews! Could have been much better had the plots been thought about. It's just really forgettable.
Platonic (2023)
Under achieves sadly.
Firstly for all those reviewers who couldn't be bothered to get past the first episode but thought they knew everything, Rose Byrne IS playing an Australian import and as she's been in the US for many years the characters accent is a blend. It is established in the second episode, so she's not bad at keeping her American accent, it's loose because her character is an Aussie. OK?
Anyway, apart from that it's a disjointed and lacks charisma. Both Byrne and Rogen are miscast. Not eccentric enough and not the characters to have a mid life crisis at the same time. The situations are bland and undercooked. Apple are very hot and miss currently. The ensemble characters are wasted. The music fits perfectly though. Finally, Rose Byrnes character Sylvia is an Aussie migrant so her accent is a mix of Aussie and American ON PURPOSE!
Fatal Attraction (2023)
It's growing on me.
Lots of angry reviews here, outraged at the attempts by Paramount to re-do the classic 80's thriller of the same name. Some, I believe, haven't actually watched past the first episode, which is quite patchy for thrillers like this, which is unusual. I'm through four episodes that I feel gives a fairly good rounding. There are clever moments, scenes that hark back to the film but it spins out the story here with great skill . The leads are terrific, reminding one how good an actor Joshua Jackson has proved to be. I like the backward flashes and different POV's. It does feel like it should be a mini series though. Hoping Paramount don't try and milk it. Crimes of passion are devastating, the impact on families is insurmountable. Good so far and ironically tantalising as the ensemble untangle the aftermath of ego, temptation guilt and redemption. No rabbit stew yet, but brace yourselves!
Rabbit Hole (2023)
The talk whisperer returns...
Very good show, so far, great plots, premise etc. Very good acting as usual from a Sutherland. However, Keifer Sutherland is my issue in general. I've been unable to watch much of 24 or Designated Survivor because of his raspy whisper talk. I know it's a technique that some actors use or he's done naturally as he's aged. The female version is vocal fry, that valley girl growl that makes them appear uninterested when in fact it's them not able to muster much lung capacity when talking; (See a Kardashian or Lena Dunham for example) It sounds like they gargle with gravel. Sutherland, like say Billy Campbell, do this gasping whisper half way through a sentence, when it's a poor show it's distracting. Then I'm caught listening out for it. Once I hear it I cannot unhear type thing and it distracts and I get obsessed. Rabbit Hole hasn't made me do that so far. I just hope it continues the good writing. Sorry Keifer ( I was whispering that bit).
Redemption (2022)
A wise move to make this into a mini series
I'm perplexed as to how this contrived story got commissioned. The main DI Colette Cunningham ( Paula Malcomson) in Liverpool learns her estranged daughter (with zero contact between the two) of 20 years dies of apparent suicide . She'd been living in Dublin, had two seemingly normal teen kids and killed herself because she lost her job! Cunningham joins the Garda on a secondment only as a DC. Yet swans around like she is a superintendent. Getting information and talking to her seniors like her subordinates. I get why we are to believe a strong forthright woman can become a grandmother, Detective and copper all at once but the preposterous story, her faux "scouseness" and some of the cliched irish characters are very poor and a waste of Siobhán McSweeney as the Sergeant. She holds suspect interviews without consulting her bosses or colleagues. Everyone just blurts out confessions. But most of all DC Wilson ( her partner!) accepts the inferior role without issue. Any time Cunningham walks in the room, her partner looks at the floor and shuts up. It's just a poor look. It didn't get picked up for a second series because it was so bland and unrealistic that it got dropped to a mini series. Dreadful.
Silent Witness: Hearts of Darkness: Part 1 (2023)
I'm not sure what level of reality I'm living in.
Umm. As a programme fan, I urge you to backtrack to the middle series of Silent Witness. Take series 9,14 20 even, to experience proper writing and acting. I believed this was a criminal forensic style drama. Nowadays I'm getting soap opera vibes coupled with new age funk. The acting is CBeebies level. I fully understand cutbacks (at the Beeb) in the talent all round is an issue. Once, big names would be falling over themselves to add Silent Witness to the CV. I'm all for giving young actors and writers the opportunity in such an iconic programme. As they did with the likes of Emilia Fox ( Nikki) and for eg Liz Carr (Clarissa) but goodness me. The stories and acting and directing were so superb. I'm sad to say it must end now. Everything is slow and padded. The crowning naff was is this faux relationship between Jack and Nikki. It detracts so much from the plots and is an arc we don't need. This two parter is the highlight of the series so far and I rated it a 5/10. Tells me something!
Smashie and Nicey, the End of an Era (1994)
Not now Daniel
I just remembered this line whilst watching a drama series that had a very similar situation. So incredibly funny and fantastically written by the chaps at the top of their game. Enfield is dreadfully underused these days. His writing and acting is now sadly overlooked. Nineties comedy and it's writing is becoming forgotten. It was such a rich seam, a perfect storm and whatever other platitude you can think of. This exemplifies how good artists, producers, writers, directors and ensemble casts bro g together such good comedy. Whitehouse is now being himself and reappraising his success. Never a bad thing. This is so great and needs protecting! Thankyou BBC archive for letting it be available via YouTube. DANIEL?