Oh, Colin. It's always the nice ones, isn't it? Such a bleak and depressing depiction of the gradual demise of probably the favourite of the main characters - he's certainly mine. Utterly harrowing, much like the rest of the series, but an absolute must-watch. Bravo, Russell T Davies.
Reviews
6 Reviews
Halloween
(I) (2018)
Should have left it alone
15 June 2019
I had procrastinated in watching this for a long time, and when I finally did, I regretted it immensely. To put it simply, none of the films that succeeded the 1978 original were ever going to be a patch on it. Essentially, it's like T3 onwards in the Terminator franchise - it (Halloween) lacks Carpenter's touch, like how T3-5 lack Cameron's, and ultimately are all cash cows.
I haven't scored a 1 or 2, as it did have some redemptions/positives. First of all, it was great to see Jamie-Lee Curtis reprise the role that broke her into the industry. The nods to Carpenter's original were also a good touch, as was the music. Some of the cinematography was reminiscent of classics such as Suspiria.
The pacing, some of the acting, and the (at times, woeful) dialogue, made it lack the scares it was going for, ironically. Granted, I don't think the brilliant 'body swinging from the wardrobe' jumpscare in the original could ever be emulated.
I read that there may be a possible sequel in the works. I don't know why they feel the need to milk this already-dry franchise bone dry.
Scraping the barrel is the understatement of the century.
I haven't scored a 1 or 2, as it did have some redemptions/positives. First of all, it was great to see Jamie-Lee Curtis reprise the role that broke her into the industry. The nods to Carpenter's original were also a good touch, as was the music. Some of the cinematography was reminiscent of classics such as Suspiria.
The pacing, some of the acting, and the (at times, woeful) dialogue, made it lack the scares it was going for, ironically. Granted, I don't think the brilliant 'body swinging from the wardrobe' jumpscare in the original could ever be emulated.
I read that there may be a possible sequel in the works. I don't know why they feel the need to milk this already-dry franchise bone dry.
Scraping the barrel is the understatement of the century.
The League of Gentlemen
(1999–2017)
We'll Have No Trouble Here
2 December 2018
My only regret is how late I was introduced to such a brilliantly unique show, and splendidly vast array of character creations. Having been spoilt by Shearsmith and Pemberton with the equally superb Psychoville and Inside No 9, I was curious to discover the full League's work. What else can I say that hasn't already been said? If you love your humour as dark as David Sowerbutts' stool, then...well, I'm sure you can guess the rest!
Gone Girl
(2014)
Hit and Miss
2 December 2018
Is the only appropriate description for David Fincher's career. Producing greats like Fight Club and Se7en, but not to forget his debut, Alien 3. Gone Girl could've had so much potential - if it was 20 minutes shorter and didn't follow a frankly predictable direction, including the so-called 'twist'. The same can be said for the soundtrack, particularly during the break-in scene.
The redemption (and extra star for the review) of the film for me is Affleck and Pike's performances.
Ultimately, an adaptation that does not do the source material justice.
The redemption (and extra star for the review) of the film for me is Affleck and Pike's performances.
Ultimately, an adaptation that does not do the source material justice.
Cracker
(1993–1996)
McGovern in his prime
28 January 2018
It's now impossible to imagine anyone other than Robbie Coltrane as the rather eccentric psychologist Fitz. With his comedy background, Coltrane provided sporadic humorous moments throughout an otherwise bleak but compelling show. The supporting cast were great too, particularly Somerville and Eccleston. Jimmy McGovern's absence can be felt around the third series, (especially in Best Boys, though it's still a good piece of TV in its own right) but along with all previous series of the show, maintains the right pacing and excellent performances. I may have only discovered this show within the last number of years, but I have no regrets. It was bold, unique, even controversial at times, but all the better for it. Cracker rightly holds its place as a classic in television history. They don't make them like they used to.
The Middle
(2009–2018)
A Pleasant Surprise
12 March 2017
Like many, I initially perceived this as an inferior copy of Malcolm in The Middle, but how wrong I was. The Middle is yet another comedy about the going ons of a dysfunctional family. All of the lead actors each hold their own, portraying people you likely know or have met at some point, landing themselves in situations you can relate to. People understandably see it as a copy of Malcolm in The Middle, but the style of humour couldn't be more different. Sure, it's not laugh-a-minute, but it is incredibly entertaining and certainly worth investing in. It's proof that you don't need sex, profanity, or crude humour to generate laughs.
Patricia Heaton is wonderful as Frankie Heck, a mother you can sympathise and empathise with (even if you're not a parent.) Whilst she is an irrefutably talented actress, her better performance for me lies with Frankie Heck, not Debra Barone. Over the show's duration, the characters have developed at the same level as the quality of the show, which I suspect will continue. I do, however still prefer Malcolm in The Middle, and for me is the better show.
I highly recommend The Middle. 8/10
Patricia Heaton is wonderful as Frankie Heck, a mother you can sympathise and empathise with (even if you're not a parent.) Whilst she is an irrefutably talented actress, her better performance for me lies with Frankie Heck, not Debra Barone. Over the show's duration, the characters have developed at the same level as the quality of the show, which I suspect will continue. I do, however still prefer Malcolm in The Middle, and for me is the better show.
I highly recommend The Middle. 8/10
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