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Reviews
Why Didn't They Ask Evans? (2022)
Likeable
This Agatha Christie adaption is a refreshing break from her better known detective stuff and could be described as an enjoyable 1930s romp. Hugh Laurie;s screenplay and the wonderful cars and fashions gave it a great light feel. My only criticism would be that the dialogue was sometimes unintelligible and taken too fast in what was a convoluted plotline. (Subtitles would have been useful!)
The Chelsea Detective (2022)
Quirky Characters
Really enjoyable British detective series. Great characters, good background stories, and the excellent production values that we expect from British productions.
Anatomy of a Scandal (2022)
Great TV
This series deserves a much higher rating than the 7.1 that it currently enjoys. Entertaining and well produced and acted, it holds the watcher's attention from start to finish. There are stand-out performances from Siena Miller, Rupert Friend and Michelle Dockery, and they are ably supported by the rest of the cast. Well worth watching.
The Ipcress File (2022)
Only OK
Not a great adaption but watchable to a point. More care could have been taken in drawing the characters, especially with 6 episodes to play with. In parts the diction was unintelligible.
The Holiday (2021)
Could have been better
The confusion with so many characters left a bit to be desired. There was a hint of some past event that had a bearing on the present situation, but it was neither explained nor developed. The story was a good one but it could have been handled better. Nice to see Jill Halfpenny in something new.
No Return (2022)
Just good stuff
Like most things that Sheridan Smith is in this was good and enjoyable but not up to the standard of The Teacher. The main takeaway for me was "Dont holiday in Turkey!"
La promesse (2020)
Very watchable
Good acting and a sound plot with standout performances by the kids! The connection to hometown and family was a bit over the top but overall very watchable.
The Teacher (2022)
Great Yarn
This was a good yarn that could have been a bit better directed but it was enjoyable and kept you wondering. Sheridan Smith's portrayal of a flawed but brilliant and committed teacher was exemplary. Some of the other characters were a bit on the weak side, but overall it was well worth the watch.
Chloe (2022)
Social Media and Manipulation
Something of a comment on our modern world but enthralling nonetheless. The complexity of the plotlines and the situations of the protagonists require a egree of concentration to follow the story, but well worth a watch.
The Wheel of Time (2021)
Not too sure about this one....
Not having read the books I came to this with an open mind and was hoping for something special, especially as Rosamund Pike was leading. Production values were excellent and the Slovenian backdrop was amazing, but somehow the story didn't quite fly. Cast were excellent, especially Madeleine Madden. I will watch series 2 in the hope that it picks up.
The Lost Daughter (2021)
Poorly put together
Despite great acting by Jesse Buckley and Olivia Colman, the film was poorly shot and the editing was catastrophic. In the end I was left wondering just what precisely was the point of the story and really, WAS there a story? Actresses of Colman and Buckley's ability and stature were wasted on this rubbish.
The Tower (2021)
Above average police procedural
Definitely a better than usual police drama. Some good acting and the time shifts could be confusing but it kept your interest throughout. Particularly liked the realism of the ending.
Dune (2021)
Read the book
If you haven't read the book then don't bother. The original story weaves a broad tapestry of characters and gives a background that forms the foundation of a great tale. This film barely scratches the surface, and the bit of the story that it tells could have been told in half the time. The 1980s version (with Sting) was marginally better.
The Furnace (2020)
Rubbish
Very disappointing vehicle for the talent of David Wenham. The premise of the story was so promising but the execution was painfully slow and the use of different languages without any subtitling rendered it frustrating and largely pointless. Added to that there was a distinct lack of continuity in places which added to the confusion. Don't bother.
The Lighthouse (2019)
Miserable and boring
This was the most pathetically shot and miserable film I have had the misfortune to watch in many years. All art and no plot or substance. I like to be entertained or stimulated. This film did neither.
The Favourite (2018)
Disappointing
Looked forward to this film so much and then....!!!
Dreadful sound track, shot in darkness, and the storyline all over the place. What a sad waste of the talented actors and actresses who gave star performances. Rachel Weisz, Olivia Colman, Emma Stone and Nicholas Hoult were outstanding but let down by rubbish editing filming and soundtrack.