kev-macdonald Reviews

Shameless (2011–2021)

Loved the British Original...US version tops it

[9/10 · 6 August 2011]

I've followed the original version in the UK since it started and it's still going strong (to correct an earlier reviewer it wasn't aired on the BBC, it's a Channel Four series). I therefore approached this with apprehension. To take a loved UK program and set it in the US has a history of failures but I liked the look of the trailer and gave it a go. I have to admit that throughout the first episode I was constantly thinking 'oh she's not as good as so and so' or 'I much prefer David to William'. However there was a lot packed into that episode and the script was pretty good. Come episode two I was hooked and to honest much prefer this version.

It has cleverly achieved what the UK version has in taking a subject and a group of characters that most people should loathe and turned them into a lovable group, all beautifully portrayed. Real, rounded, believable characters and so many of them too. Many people will have been turned off this by the trailer and thought it's not for them which is a shame. It really is extremely well written with great pace and some superb performances. I love Emmy Rossum and her portrayal of Fiona is astounding. I agree that William H Macy's Frank is more likable since he isn't always drunk and Joan Cusack is perfect as Sheila (I found the UK Sheila quite annoying).

We are only up to episode 7 of the US series here in the UK and its top of my weekly viewing. Great to see they are making a second series in the US and in fact given they have plenty of material to use, since we are up to Series 8 here in the UK, I hope it has the same longevity.

Sunday Feast (2006– )

Simply Terrible!

[1/10 · 20 August 2006]

When I first saw this I thought I had left my freeview box tuned to one of those ITV Play type channels. The program has THREE Premium rate phone ins crammed into it and in fact seems to exist simply as a revenue exercise for the broadcaster. The content, what little there between the phone ins, is trite and made more so by Andy Peters camping it up. Unprofessional is not the word and its obvious he cannot stick to the script. Anneka looks so uncomfortable, probably because she is so worried about what Peters will spurt out next. There are far better on minor satellite channels! In fact even QVC is more enjoyable than this rubbish. This series has just ended...surely there cannot be another. Face it Andy, you failed in charge of TOTP, failed in Dancing on Ice and fail miserably on this. Please give up TV!

Confetti (2006)

Great performance, some originality

[7/10 · 2 May 2006]

Saw a preview of this tonight. Good cast, very well acted or should that be improvised. All built up to the actual 'character weddings' which actually surprised in terms of originality although the winner was not hard to spot from an early stage.

Good to see Jessica Stevenson on the big screen and Martin Freeman playing…well a Martin Freeman character. Other recognisable recent comedy faces support very well (nice to see Mark Heap – Alan Statham from the Green Wing cropping up as the Registrar) Some laugh out loud moments, bit of an 'Americanised' Epilogue, but general chuckles throughout. Prepare yourselves for full frontal nudity throughout too. Would probably been happy to wait for a DVD viewing if the tickets hadn't been free but would recommend it. A good, original British Comedy film. Not a four weddings but enjoyable nonetheless.