phillipjohnhopkins-76745 Reviews

Father Brown (2013– )

Two stars based on seasons 10 and 11

[2/10 · 5 March 2024]

This program used to be the perfect mix of drama and humour, tinged with vintage nostalgia and Cotswold location villages. It had a good mix of personality, dynamics and believability.

What the heck happened? I know the writer changed but the continuity of the characterisations is non-existent. Bunty, Felicia and Mrs McCarthy replaced with one dimensional and lifeless characters.

It's now as dull as dishwater with paper thin plots and cardboard cut-out characters. No depth, no humour and sleep inducing pace.

Another good program completely ruined by whatever the powers that be at the BBC consider.to be good entertainment.

The Famous Five (2023– )

Not for the purists

[4/10 · 31 December 2023]

I am in my early sixties and remember the books well, unfortunately, this series is nothing like those cherished books, apart from the barking dog. I think the problem is with it being a period setting whilst pandering to our modern day idealistic values.

That in itself is not a bad thing but it just doesn't work. I think this could easily have been set contemporary and be much better.

As with the recent adaptation of 'Murder is Easy' the program makers have hashed it all up and what's with the muted techno beat background music..is it supposed to raise the tension? It's bloody annoying and adds nothing to drama at all.

Watch if you are new to the Fab 5, you will probably enjoy it, otherwise expect to be underwhelmed. Kudos to the kids for giving it their best, they are much better at it than the adults.

Emily (2022)

Emma Mackey - Show Stealer

[10/10 · 20 October 2022]

It's all subjective and there would have to be a series of several films to delve into the back stories etc. Of all the Bronte characters. This is about Emily and not her book, the book itself is incidental.

Beautifully photographed, utilising dark and light and the music is foreboding at times, punctuated with silence. It is a visual joy, even more so thanks to Mackey's overwhelming presence on-screen. She sucks the viewer in, she is dark, broody, unpredictable and extremely vulnerable.

Emma Mackey deserves an Oscar for her role, without her, this film would be nothing. Throw out all your pre-conceptions and those previous sugared versions of the Bronte family, sit back and enjoy a soul-tugging film.

Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)

More cohesion and more emotion

[9/10 · 22 July 2021]

Yes, it is a long film, however I felt that breaking it into chapters gave it enough structure to either watch a chapter at a time or all at once. I chose to do the former.

I don't want to ramble on because it has all been said already but I will say this version eclipses the cinema cut and pales it into insignificance with measured and intelligent story telling.

The Amazons are incredible, Wonder Woman awesome, Supes is used sensibly, almost understated and Steppenwolf much more believable as the villain of the piece.

Snyder should be left at the helm for the continuing development of this line of the DCU story.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)

Not a 'Traditional' Super Hero Series

[8/10 · 1 May 2021]

This latest Marvel outing has had a lot of negative reviews and while I tend to agree with some of the comments, I was glad to see that it veered away from becoming an extended Marvel movie. It does get slow at times but I guess the intention was to weave more humanity into the tale rather than a good ole punch-up every episode.

I found episode #5 rather tedious, however, the previous four and the finale are paced just right and with enough traditional action to keep everyone happy.

The premise of the story pits activists perceived as terrorists against the establishment "good guys", who, as it turns out, are many shades of grey within themselves, with personal battles going on alongside the action. The stage is definitely set for another series which looks as though it could go down a more recognised route to super hero adventure.

Don't let negative reviews put you off watching. Give it a chance and decide for yourself whether or not to stick with it.

WandaVision: Breaking the Fourth Wall (2021) Season 1, Episode 7

Seventh Heaven!

[9/10 · 21 February 2021]

Such a wonderfully crafted episode, with stunning visual effects. The reveal you will have already read about was bubbling under the storyline all along and will probably come as no great surprise. However, the way it was executed is nothing less than spellbinding, cheesy and even has a cheery, sing-a-long tune to go with it and Kathryn Hahn's characterisation adds the final flourish.

I enjoyed the move to a new level of TV sitcom style, with Ms. Olsen showcasing her flexible acting muscles. Brilliant storytelling, brilliant performances and the sinister undertones are ever present.

The one time I don't watch those amazing end titles and Marvel go throw in a post-credit scene!!

News of the World (2020)

Appreciation is always subjective...

[9/10 · 13 February 2021]

...but try this movie for yourself and do not listen to the Netflix haters on here.

The story is a classic of a world-weary, grizzled older man won over by the vulnerable, yet feisty nature of a young girl. The acting, as you would expect from Hanks, is flawless and understated but it is the performance of Helena Zengal, who plays the young girl with such a sense of haunting stillness and depth, which steals the film and leaves us with the promise of a potential future star.

The cinematography is beautiful, presented in HDR...which can sometimes be overly dark and shadowy...and there is none of that annoying background music which drowns out the conversation or makes your ears bleed.

The film contains a good mix of tension and emotion, making It well worth the time taken to watch it.

I am so very glad I did.

WandaVision: All-New Halloween Spooktacular! (2021) Season 1, Episode 6

The Spell is Getting Stronger

[9/10 · 13 February 2021]

Another brilliant episode in which to me, Wanda is showing her darker nature alongside the potential power she wields and Paul Bettany expertly handles the switch from sit-com to creeping, stark reality with his excellent acting capability.

The fact that I was aware the episode is comparatively short only made me want it to last longer and is a good lesson to us all in appreciation and patience. I don't think binge watching this series would allow it to be viewed as it is intended to be.

When the show has fully run, I will be watching it again over a single day just to compare the two viewing experiences.

MCU creativity at its finest.

WandaVision (2021)

A bridge to the next phase?

[9/10 · 31 January 2021]

This show's development reminds me of how 'Agents of Shield' progressed from somewhat boring and clichéd to adventurous and creative. Episode four is the point, I hope, where this one takes off. Yes, there have been tiny glimpses of what lies beneath the cheesy sit-com surface and none more so than the closing sequence of episode one but now the cat is almost out of the bag.

Being unsure of the direction it will take, I am pondering if this is being used as a bridge to the next phase of the MCU and the introduction of new and less familiar characters. We shall see.

The production values are good, the visuals are what we have come to expect from the Marvel studios and the humorous touches are subtle, not over done. I have high hopes and will keep on watching.

Irrespective of the reviewer comments, opinions are subjective and I think the whole thing needs to be seen to really form a conclusive review. Mine may change but for now, I am enjoying it.

Stargirl (2020–2022)

After watching eight episodes...

[10/10 · 22 September 2020]

Eight episodes in and I can only say this show has got even better. I was raised in the 1960s and have read American comic books since I learned to read. I have thousands of them. For those who are not liking this series or it's protagonist, go and read the JSA reprints and then you will understand what this show is all about.

It's a very good retelling of an old tale and even though it is set in modern day, the nostalgic feel and styling is spot-on.

Another winner, along with 'Titans', from the DC stable.

Stargirl (2020–2022)

A perfect blend of drama and humour.

[10/10 · 12 September 2020]

I love this show, the balance of drama and humour sits very easiyll with me and it blends so many genres together, catching the zeitgeist quite well. I have read the JSA comics and I always thought them to capture the spirit of the age. This re-working is doing an admirable job of the same.

Watch it with no preconceptions or expectations, just enjoy the time spent away from the woes of the world and enter one of pure escapism and subtleties of humour tinged with a dark edge.

Highly recommended.

Messiah (2020)

A Good and Modern Interpretation

[9/10 · 1 July 2020]

I watched the show over a three day period and enjoyed the concept of a modernistic 'Messiah' and how the world of social media and international power plays compared to the traditional telling of the original. Whereas the historical Messiah impacted upon a relatively small geographical area, this one explodes worldwide within a short period of time and I felt the similarities to the original were well thought out.

I enjoyed the acting from all parties involved, certainly this Messiah would have a closer resemblance to the one we are all asked to believe in...no religious art stereotype here.

I have read that no season two will be made, apparently in part because of complaints on religious grounds from both sides and in a way, the season finished with enough ambiguity to let the viewer decide for themselves. I swayed between viewpoints throughout and for him to walk away from the disaster, unscathed, it kind of leans toward a genuine claim.

Obviously, this kind of subject will polarise views but it makes interesting viewing and most definitely worth a watch.

Fringe: White Tulip (2010) Season 2, Episode 18

TV of the Highest Calibre

[10/10 · 12 June 2020]

This episode is woven so cleverly around time travel, subtle detail changes and an emerging realisation. As ever with Fringe, there is humour along side the mind-bending story line but this episode also carries with it a whole world of emotion and is considerably well acted by all the cast.

There are actually two conclusions to this episode, the first regarding the time travel and the irony that goes with it and the second is about the humanity in all of us. It is very sad but ultimately satisfactory.

This is my second viewing of the series and I see things this time which I did not the first time around.

Definitely a must watch!

Supergirl (2015–2021)

So far, so mixed!

[8/10 · 31 May 2020]

I have been reading Supergirl since I was a young boy in the 1960s, up to the newer issues and graphic novels of late. I think the characterisation of SG and Kara is ok, as she comes across a a modern miss with quite good humour in the role, so kudos to Melissa Benoist. Whilst I find some of the plots to be a little flimsy, I can live with the fact the program is not too heavy and I can watch in the knowledge that I won't be exposed to unwarranted gore or sex, because I can get that elsewhere.

What does irritate me though, is how SG seems to be beaten at every turn by the villain of the week. She gets knocked through buildings, smashed into the floor, dragged out of the air and almost killed on a regular basis. Now I understand that futuristic or off-world tech plays a part in this but getting bettered by Livewire and Silver Banshee is unfeasible, given that they are literally fighting a being with god-like power. Same in season 2 Ep.5, where a regular guy with an alien 'ray gun' zaps her out of the sky while she is flying at super speed. I mean, come on! The guy is an earthling and would not see her coming.

I can live with the PC story lines and feminine power because they are something good and worthwhile, especially for younger viewers...but SG's power needs to be unleashed a bit more convincingly. A woman scorned is a much more formidable opponent.

All-in-all, I like the series so far and will keep on watching.

Wonder Woman (2017)

Ignore the Bigots

[9/10 · 18 May 2020]

Gal Gadot IS Wonder Woman.

For all those out there who have witnessed the previous incarnations of Wonder Woman, you will know exactly what I mean. Gadot's interpretation is compassionate and fierce with a hint of naivety and a smattering of humour. She is the best I have seen for this character and the closest to the characterisation in the comics, of which I have many.

I never got bored throughout this movie, which I thought was well paced and beautifully filmed, perfectly capturing the introduction of a Goddess, not a super heroine, into what was then modern-day warfare. I am just sorry I didn't get to see it on the big screen.

To all those commenting on her legs and feminine charms, what the hell has it got to do with the movie itself? Get over yourselves! Not every superhero has to be male with a buff body or does maybe a strong, female lead threaten your sensibilities?

Bring on Wonder Woman 1984.