ronlda Reviews

Cobra (2020–2023)

Just gets worse.

[5/10 · 18 May 2024]

This series held such promise early on but just gets worse with every episode. Good casting and videography but the ridiculous catastrophes and social commentary has a decidedly left wing liberal bias that at first just creeped in but by Season 3, is full bore propaganda. The role of PM portrays a mentally unstable individual incapable of making rational decisions based upon the role of a top level government official. And his family is a total disaster. A wife and daughter who are complete narcissists along with a son that is totally clueless. The stories are unbelievable and outrageous while the plots and subplots get so tangled that you can't distinguish between them. What a mess.

Trigger Point (2022– )

Lots of suspense.

[7/10 · 22 April 2024]

Another series where the most unlikable character is the main character played by Vicky McClure. What a disaster she is as a person! Overlooking that element, the storyline is decent but definitely not something that you would want to watch for an extended period of time. Lots of suspense but not much substance. Good acting under the circumstances given the weak plot. I will finish the first series but have no interest in watching the second season. Too many other better series available on an ongoing basis. This is the second dud series in which Vicky McClure was featured. Beginning to think she's more suited to playing in shows like Line of Duty.

One Lane Bridge (2020– )

Excellent series.

[8/10 · 17 April 2024]

Not sure why there are several negative reviews as this is an excellent series overall. Gorgeous scenery in the heart of where much of Lord of the Rings was filmed and the one lane bridge is appropriately spooky. The acting is good enough and in some cases, very good. Unfortunately, many people don't understand second sight but this is a phenomenon shared amongst many indigenous peoples around the world. And it's inclusion is very believable in the series given its location and history in Maori culture. It also helps to have a bit of an understanding of New Zealand and its cultural heritage. Otherwise, much of it won't make sense if viewed through parochial American lenses.

The Cry (I) (2018)

Good but not great.

[7/10 · 15 April 2024]

Although there seems to be many outstanding reviews of the series, my opinion is a bit more subdued. All of the flash back and then forward scenes didn't help and required going back several times to determine the correct time period. I am not a fan of that type of storytelling. And I know I am probably too judgmental but these two people should have never parented a child! They are both obviously mentally ill individuals who should never be trusted with a baby. Jenna Coleman is an excellent actress and if the character was meant to be depicted as psychotic, then she portrayed the role very accurately. He was just an absolutely awful person and again, if the intent was the person to be portrayed in that manner, mission accomplished. This should be described as very dark!

The Man Who Died (2022– )

First time Finnish Series

[10/10 · 5 April 2024]

To my recollection, this is the first time I have ever watched a Finnish production. But, if it's representative of the genre, I certainly hope it's not my first and last! This series is excellent! Great acting, quirky characters, bizarre deaths, a man trying to solve his own murder before he dies! The writing is excellent and the unusual twists just add to the watching experience. This may be the very first show I have ever been able to watch all the way through with solely captions. Definitely worth it though. The humor ranges from almost slapstick to very dark and macabre. And the scenery is beautiful! I have only been to Helsinki Airport where I slept on a bench before connecting to Moscow but the scenery definitely made me want to go back for a longer visit throughout the country of Finland.

Catch Me a Killer (2024)

Gets Tedious Quickly!

[6/10 · 18 March 2024]

The first few episodes were good but after about the third or fourth episode, the sameness just descended into monotony. Since this is based on a book, we can only assume it was an autobiography about the main character who is of course, more "enlightened" and able to extract confessions so readily it's amazing that the mass murderers didn't just walk into a police station on their own and say "I am the serial killer you're looking for"! Obviously, South Africa is a violent country and apparently has many mass murders by psychopaths who operate for years before anyone even starts asking questions or attempting to solve the crimes and when they do, the police are so inept and/or corrupt as to be ineffective and a profiler rides in to save the day. Different types of targets but the crimes are all the same and everyone except the leas character is totally incapable of solving the crimes. Boring.

The Fall (I) (2013–2016)

Sick and perverse.

[5/10 · 6 March 2024]

The root story is good but the getting there is slow, tedious, borderline boring at times all while being totally obsessed with some of the sickest, most perverse sexual behavior of which humans are capable. And while I have never cared for Gillian Anderson, her performance here was perhaps the worst yet. Okay, I get it that the main characters are all deeply flawed individuals with the usual collection of hangups and hurts. And the only real difference with the two mail characters is a badge. Yet the writers persisted in diving deeper and deeper into psychological babble that made everything and everyone less worthy of their respective roles. Oh well , it was an interesting yarn.

The Madame Blanc Mysteries (2021– )

Sheer Silliness.

[7/10 · 28 February 2024]

To call this series a detective series is a misnomer of the highest order. Good, lighthearted fun, silly characters, beautiful scenery and banal "mysteries" are the order of the day but somehow in the end, it's entertaining and between the laughs and the easily solved mysteries, it was worth the time to spend an evening watching a few episodes. Apparently Judith and Jeremy are an acquired taste for some but I find them so silly as to be highly enjoyable. My only nit to pick is why Caron will consult with Madame Blanc and then immediately chastise her for rendering her opinion! Do you want to know what I think or not! And does Jean and Dom have a relationship or not? Burning questions! Lol!

Dickensian (2015–2016)

Absolutely Delightful!

[9/10 · 27 February 2024]

Everything about this series is well done from the characters to the costuming and sets as well as the inclusion of so many beloved Dickens characters in a delightful and entertaining 10 episodes that could have gone on for more. And whoever did the casting got every single character spot on which was aided by an all star cast of familiar names and faces. My wife wasn't sure she was enjoying the show through the first couple of episodes but by the fourth or fifth installment, she too was hooked. I do believe Charles Dickens himself would have approved of being rewritten in such a fashion as to incorporate so many of his beloved characters and small variations of their original stories. We definitely need more of this type of entertainment!

Monsieur Spade (2024)

Hapless and Hopeless

[3/10 · 23 February 2024]

At the end of the day, nothing to see here. This series was a gross waste of beautiful scenery, great cast and even a good story but whoever directed this mess should be banned from ever making another series or film. Oh, it has it's moments but not enough to overcome the disjointed, dysfunctional, discombobulated mess created by horrible telling of the story. If you aren't totally confused beforehand you will be by the end. Even after reading several synopsis of the end, it's still stupid. As for Clive Owen; he ain't Bogey! I will just leave it at that. Surely this series could have been done in such a manner as to make it worth watching but not in its present form. Shame on me for not paying attention to the previous negative reviews.

The Killing (2011–2014)

Worth Your Time?

[5/10 · 12 February 2024]

Quite the collection of depraved, mentally unstable individuals who have managed to all come together at the same time and places to depict what could have possibly been an intriguing murder mystery. Frankly, by the time the first murder is solved, you are so mentally drained and exhausted that you really wonder whether it's worth watching or should you have just read a book. The main character (I suppose she's the main), is one of the most mentally disturbed with deep seated issues going all the way back to unresolved childhood memories that it's highly improbable she would ever be hired as a detective. And her partner, also flawed deeply but at least trying to get it together, seems to be totally enamored with a Snoop Dogg persona even to the point of talking like him and teaching his small nephew to be a rap character. There probably couldn't be a better city in which to display the madness than Seattle which is little more than a third world third rate hell hole. No wonder the state of Washington is having huge outflows of people trying to escape the madness. This one actually leaves you feeling just a little bit more than dirty by its asinine conclusion.

The Night Manager (2016–2025)

Excellent Series!

[10/10 · 6 February 2024]

This is absolutely the best series in a long, long time. Superb acting, lots of suspense and intrigue with a perfect ending. The few negative reviews here are puzzling and must be from folks who are not familiar with the craft of action adventure. The casting director is to be complimented for assembling the appropriate actors to play each character throughout the entire series. We started watching with some reluctance but that quickly changed in the very first episode and just built layer upon layer of tension and intrigue right up to the very end. I just read where a second series based upon a Le Carre book was in the works which was music to my ears!

The Chelsea Detective (2022– )

Formulaic but entertaining.

[8/10 · 4 February 2024]

Okay, right off the bat, everyone who thinks that half the population of Great Britain is gay or involved in a mixed race relationship, you will be pleased to know that all of the current prerequisites for a British detective show are present and accounted for. It has become so boringly expected that the initial impression has been lost in translation. Otherwise, this is a very good detective series that doesn't rely on wham, bam, blood and guts to attract an audience and the characters are quite pedestrian to the point of actually being refreshing. No glamour pusses or beef cakes. Just a dyslexic, serious minded head detective with the usual screwed up personal relationship between two people who are too selfish and independent to ever be able to peacefully coexist in the same space for very long before an argument ensues. An interesting twist is the hearing impaired pathologist with a wry wit and pleasant manner. The second banana detective doesn't return in Season Two but I honestly don't miss her and really can't even remember much about her character. The replacement is a bit more memorable and adds some depth to the cast. This is a more believable version of what a team of detectives is probably like although Max comes through with some interesting epiphanies to solve the murders in the end.

RFDS (2021– )

Excellent Overall

[9/10 · 25 January 2024]

Okay, this series is not going to be winning any best awards but it is entertaining, dramatic and has its moments certainly. The characters are very good overall and the acting is good to very good by the main cast although the secondary characters and extras can be cringe worthy at times. No one can deny the medical drama and how difficult covering hundreds of square miles in need of medical attention must be. Some of the situations seem a bit contrived and what the purpose of the drag queens serves is baffling, I suppose it does lighten up the mood from having to be so serious and intense. Season Two has definitely morphed into more of a soap opera but still entertaining nonetheless. A few of the medical procedure scenes are a bit graphic and thankfully we don't have to watch anyone actually having sex despite the innuendo. The series does a good job of portraying the types of situations and difficulties involved in providing medical care to a very sparsely populated part of the world.

The Graduate (1967)

What Was I Thinking?!

[5/10 · 22 January 2024]

The first time I saw this movie was back in 1967 upon its release and actually thought it was very good. In fact, my rating at that time would have been at least an 8 I am sure. Fast forward to last night and my wife and I decided to rent The Graduate just for something different and we were both greatly disappointed. What a stupid movie. Oh, there are some excellent actors and not even a bad story line. But the humor was quite dark and perverse with an ending that was anything but romantic or a true love story. I suppose it did reflect the values of the time and even the values of today in some locales but certainly not what most people would deem "normal" I would hope. Oh well, sorry we watched it and wish we had just left it in our memory banks thinking still that it was a good movie.

Chasing Shadows (I) (2014)

Excellent Detective Series!

[9/10 · 20 January 2024]

Not sure who the idiots were that decided to cancel this series but they were obviously not interested in the quality of the show itself! This short lived series is better than 90% of the detective series that has ever been made. Different, quirky, charming and entertaining are the thoughts that spring to mind when thinking about the series. Oh, it has its flaws and stereotypical characters and situations but the basic premise is certainly intact throughout the whole episode. Several humorous moments several of which are not necessarily intended but funny nonetheless. I will certainly be seeking out other shows with the lead actor in particular.

The Chase (2006–2007)

Yes, It's a Soap!

[8/10 · 5 December 2023]

This series would put many of the old daytime soap operas to shame! The whole village is rife with one illicit affair after another and the featured family is no exception. Unfortunately, probably a lot of realism with everyday life in rural England as it is in rural America or probably many countries. Just forget all the various simultaneous dramas going on and view it as a comedic "what's next" and the series takes on a whole new perspective. No, this much utter craziness probably doesn't exist in many families thankfully and it's a wonder we don't see more of the characters punching each other out. Just go with the flow and it's entertaining; expect it to make sense and you won't like it.

A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)

Okay, another stupid Christmas movie.

[3/10 · 24 November 2023]

Okay, it has a few laughs so I got that out of the way. Other than sight gags, there is not much to recommend this shallow, vapid, hedonistic excuse of a Christmas movie. Other than a few (very few) of the usual Christmas trappings, the rest is banal, juvenile, borderline obscene at times, attempts to interject some modicum of the real Christmas spirit yet never succeeds at much of anything except for more silliness. The whole cast of characters including the therapist, needs therapy! There is not a single character in the entire movie who has any redeeming qualities whatsoever. That's a rare accomplishment in itself! When it's over, you are left with that "why did I watch this entire movie" feeling!

The Gil Mayo Mysteries (2006– )

What a great series!

[9/10 · 5 September 2023]

Funny, witty, charming, clever, entertaining! Why anyone wouldn't like this series is a mystery. No sense of humor I suppose. Anyway, fun, quirky characters and good storytelling albeit mostly pablum in terms of crime but crime is just the medium to bring this group together. There have been comparisons to Scooby Do which certainly does exist yet doesn't detract in any way in my opinion. It's rare to be able to find television shows that are much fun as between political correctness and a preference for more violent crime stories, the current viewers are just not mentally able to wrap their heads around anything resembling actual humor and that apparently even extends to the executives making the decisions on which shows to produce and air. It was truly boneheaded to cancel this series!

The Lost King (2022)

Excellent entertainment.

[10/10 · 2 September 2023]

I have no idea as to the accuracy or historical facts of the real events nor do I care as this movie was a totally unexpected and entertaining film about human nature and the quest for "truth" as it dwells within us all on a personal level. It's heartwarming, engaging, slightly unbelievable at times (how does Phillipa keep her job) and just quirky enough to make you laugh and cry inside simultaneously. Being a Yank, this story was unfamiliar to me as our American media never even bothered to cover the discovery of Richard lll remains or if they did, it was just in passing so the details being criticized by many reviewers escapes me as I was ignorant of all the facts and just wanted to watch an entertaining movie. The real tragedy of course is the all too true depiction of a university and the greed which prevails in the academic world today and rather than being institutions of higher learning, they have become bastions of money and power dictating to the whims of self importance and personal privilege.

Cannes Confidential (2023)

Takes Patience

[1/10 · 24 July 2023]

This series requires patience if you even make it through the first episode as it's totally infantile with all glitz, glamour and lots of mayhem but little substance and certainly nothing resembling acting. The second episode starts to slowly put some interest in the story but still much weaker than it should be. Finally, by episode three, the series starts to take on some meaningful elements that says it could be worth watching until the end. Normally I would have given up by now but my wife said to hang in there a bit more as she thought she sensed a bit more of an actual story. Hopefully the last three episodes warrant our endurance. The beautiful location and high fashion women certainly help to some degree but remember you have to talk with them afterwards.

The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)

Not as expected.

[7/10 · 22 June 2023]

I was actually disappointed in this movie as while there are some good moments and characters, it's flawed with too much cursing for a family movie and the dialogue is pretty disjointed much of the time. Of course there is a lot of fantasy which should be expected and the clichés abound when they do talk but to believe the bad guys could track them down so easily was totally unbelievable as was the "Atomic Throw' by Zak at the end. To compare this to any Tom Sawyer adventures is certainly more than a stretch. And while filmed in the Savannah, Georgia area, we were expected to believe the good guys were situated hundreds of miles north of the Lowcountry.

Open Range (2003)

Just A Good Western Movie

[8/10 · 15 June 2023]

This is a throwback to the good old fashioned Westerns of the past. Even though almost everything was totally predictable, it still catches you up in the lives and times of a 150 years ago when men were men, women were women and Cowboys were the heroes of the day. Gorgeous scenery, great cinematography, fitting soundtrack and actors who treated the story with the dignity and respect that the genre deserves. Couldn't have two better actors playing the leads and all the supporting cast were perfect for their roles including the heroine. Not many nits to pick and of course as in all Westerns, the guns held too much ammo, the bullet wounds didn't slow down the heroes much and apparently the cattle stayed put who knows how many days even in a violent thunderstorm. All just part of the story. And the Cowboys are both going to settle down and buy a saloon when all the killing is done. Good stuff.

The Inspector Lynley Mysteries (2001–2007)

We Gave Up!

[6/10 · 6 June 2023]

We tried to like this series; we really did. But, there was just no compelling reason to keep watching and after 4 episodes, we decided it just wasn't worth our time. The main characters are both so absorbed in their own worlds that they never really strike a balance between their personal and professional lives and while the premise had good possibilities, the writers and/or actors were just never able to pull it off. Those issues combined with confusing stories, loose ends left hanging and mediocre acting performances resulted in a lot of storytelling with no story. There are so many good British detective shows and series but this isn't one of them.

Before We Die (2021– )

Excellent Series!

[9/10 · 2 June 2023]

The low marks folks must not like action/adventure as this series has it in spades! Murder, drugs, corrupt police officers and violence is the order of the day but not overdone. Certainly keeps you on the edge of your seat as to what is going to happen next. Believable? No, of course not! Probably all kinds of little errors and oversights but so what; definitely entertaining and engaging. Not too many characters to "like" and much of it is formulaic as is most cop shows these days. And both of the lead women have warped attitudes towards their sons in my opinion. Just go with it for entertainment purposes.