lizs1289 Reviews

Whitstable Pearl: The Man on the Blue Plaque (2021) Season 1, Episode 6

Hum...

[7/10 · 5 April 2024]

So far I've been really enjoying this series but this particular episode stretched credibility. Destroying evidence is a criminal offence surely? Unless documents showing something wasn't a crime doesn't count as evidence? I'm confused! I see the outcome for the family - loose ends tied up but I can't understand how the police aspect is resolved. Perhaps I'm overthinking this. I do like police procedurals to come to a satisfactory or logical conclusion even if it isn't quite what you want the result to be.

More words needed... I will continue to watch the remainder of the series as although it's not Vera or (insert any other top notch programme), it's still enjoyable entertainment. Nice to see Kerry Godliman branching out!

Truelove (2024– )

Powerful food for thought

[10/10 · 30 January 2024]

I thought I had made up my mind on the subject of assisted dying but after watching this series over 2 days, I'm not so sure.

Firstly, as a vehicle for starting the discussion, I thought it was a good way to get the subject aired. As it turned out, both sides of this difficult argument were presented and gave me much food for thought.

Secondly, about half way through, it ramped up a couple of gears and I literally sat up in astonishment at what was unfolding on the screen. It evolved into a full blown murder procedural because up until then, I had not considered Phil and Ken's actions to be murder. I'm still churning over the story in my mind and can't see it fading away any time soon.

Much of my reaction is due to the convincing acting on the part of all concerned. The years of experience that the main cast have has produced a class production.

The Full Monty (2023– )

Irritating

[1/10 · 31 December 2023]

Robert Carlyle was the draw for me to watch this (superb actor in any role). However, as much as I adored the original film, I turned this off after about 30 minutes. The emphasis on anti social behaviour by the teens just angered me - what right have people to spoil things for others? Too much of this attitude in people today and I don't want to see it being paraded as entertainment. Maybe they got their comeuppance later in the programme, I'll not know now.

What a pity - I was looking forward to it.

To make up the required amount of text, I'll make a recommendation: check out Robert Carlyle in COBRA.

Ice Station Zebra (1968)

Well, I got to the end

[6/10 · 29 November 2023]

I saw this film when it was first released and thought I'd give it another viewing for nostalgia's sake.

I don't remember what I thought about it at the time so neither loved nor hated it. I do remember asking a friend if she'd like to join the group of us who were going to see it and she replied that she would as 'I like films about animals'. I don't know now if she was disappointed!

Anyway, I rewatched and made it to the finish (albeit in two sessions) and am in two minds about it. Patrick McGoohan was spot on with his role but the rest acted with the usual 'I do this now, then I do this and now I say this' method prevalent in most films of that era.

The premise was good - after all, it was based on an enjoyable yarn - but it was overlong and drawn out. It only really came to life when PM was explaining to RH what had happened to the satellite.

Silly mistakes jarred - Arctic storm with freezing temperatures and bare faces? Using oxy acetylene without goggles? Etc etc

Pleased I gave it a second viewing but there won't be a third.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: The Elysian Kingdom (2022) Season 1, Episode 8

Not so bad

[8/10 · 25 October 2023]

May I say at the outset that, for me, this is the best Trek since The Next Generation. Yes, it's still finding its feet and I can see why some viewers thought it too soon to have this out-of-character type episode.

Having said that, it only took a few minutes for me to decide to watch - I sighed at the scene where the doctor entered the bridge and discovered all was not as it should be. But I was hooked and even more so when Hemmer appeared. He was the star of the show! By far my favourite* character and I am so disappointed that he seems to be in only eight of the episodes out of the twenty four listed on IMDB.

I'm relieved that the 'daughter in the buffer' arc has been resolved. I'm not a fan of episodes with children in them. I wouldn't mind seeing the grown up Rukiya entity interacting with the crew at some point, though.

* I'll probably revert to Mr Spock - he's always been my kinda half Human/ half Vulcan!

House M.D.: We Need the Eggs (2012) Season 8, Episode 17

Mixed feelings

[8/10 · 6 August 2023]

I have mixed feelings about this episode. The story of the guy and the doll didn't impress and the medical side was ho-hum. But what did it for me was the duet between Park and Micah. Best scene Park has had! And of course the scene between House and Dominica at the end. I was almost in tears. I so wanted them to be together. Other reviewers have noted the winding down of the stories of late, but I still think Hugh Laurie is pitch perfect in the role and will always be 10/10 in my eyes.(In case anyone was wondering, and to get to the desired word count, this is my third viewing of House M. D.)

Absolute Power (2003–2005)

Brilliant!

[10/10 · 13 May 2023]

I don't know how this wonderful series passed me by but I came across it through seeing which other programmes James Lance (currently in Ted Lasso) might have been in.

All the actors give such good performances but Stephen Fry and John Bird are pitch perfect in their roles as Prentiss and McCabe, owners of a PR firm who specialise in 'bigging up' the profiles of those best left under the radar.

The writing is so clever and very funny. The first episode of series one didn't quite reel me in but having bought the discs, I carried on viewing and I'm pleased I did.

It's a pity more episodes weren't created as it certainly had more to give.

BTW, a radio series preceded this on BBC Radio 4. Worth a listen, if you can access it.

Sharper (2023)

Unusual

[9/10 · 20 March 2023]

I enjoyed the way the plot unfolded by showing it from the point of view of several of the characters. Each layer of the plot revealed a connection between the previous protagonist and the next. It could have been complete confusion but it flowed easily from one scenario to another. There was great acting, in my opinion, from all the stars.

Several reviewers have mentioned how unreal/unlikely the premise was. That didn't worry me because the film held my attention for the, give or take, two hours. So many times I have given up on a programme but this was one that whiled away a rainy afternoon.

However, I have deducted a star because it was so DARK and I don't mean the story. I realise it was probably a directorial choice given the subject matter but when you struggle to see what's going on, it spoils it a little.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

I'm pleased I watched it.

[9/10 · 5 February 2023]

I thoroughly enjoyed the first film (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) which surprised me, so I was sort of looking forward to this sequel - would it be a disappointment? Well, yes and no.

The cgi is excellent and the actors (especially Andy Serkis) playing the apes, brilliant. The 'humans' were predictable but maybe this was so we would be on the side of the apes. But the story just felt a bit 'samey' - another film about 2 groups bashing the hell out of each other.

The third instalment is in the box set, ready to be viewed and I hope it lives up to the standard of the first.

By the way, I'm pleased I watched this after our own real life Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the tragedies of loss of lives and the toll it took on everyone, one way or another, mankind (sorry, personkind) survived without complete meltdown of society. I'd've been worried otherwise, as we've been warned for years that such an event was on the cards!

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

Surprisingly, very good!

[10/10 · 29 January 2023]

This film has been sitting on the shelf for about ?8 years. It's part of a trilogy that was gifted to us as a test of ultra HD. The quality is certainly there although we haven't yet compared it with the Blu-ray version, included in the set.

Anyway, I suppose the reluctance to actually watch it stems from previously seeing the opening scenes in the research lab. But we decided to give it a go and WOW! I was hooked (OH less so, but he stuck with it). I really enjoyed the story and although it simplified the science, it demonstrates how emotive the subject is.

I agree with other reviewers that the CGI apes are more interesting than the humans who come over a little cliched.

All in all, a film worth watching.

Blow Dry (2001)

A gem

[9/10 · 19 January 2023]

I have just finished reading Madly Deeply, Alan Rickman's diaries and even though this film isn't mentioned (along with many of his films - why, Mr Editor?), I was reminded of Blow Dry and so rewatched it.

An unusual story about a hairdressing competition as well as exploring family dynamics and loss.

I enjoyed this particularly as it has two of my favourite actors: the aforementioned Alan Rickman and wonderful Bill Nighy. They lift anything they are in, and, along with the other cast members, made this film the gem that it is.

Also, great to see the Earl of Grantham as you've never seen him before! (Hugh Bonneville, Downton Abbey).

Well worth a watch.

Riptide (2022)

Hum...

[6/10 · 2 January 2023]

I saw the reviews but thought I'd give it a try anyway. Quite enjoyed the first 2 episodes but lost patience after that.

Once the perp had been revealed (I'd already surmised it would turn out to be him), the action dragged. But what I found was a particular 'wtf?' moment was when Jo Joyner's character, after having knocked out the guy chasing her, spent time scrabbling for her phone on the floor of the car. She had the keys - any sane person would have left the phone and got the hell out of there! A good premise but needed a tighter plot.

< more words needed> I agree with the other reviewers who noted that the daughter had an Australian accent whilst her parents had strong English accents, with no hint of the local speech patterns. I think in practice, the accents would be more homogeneous. Even after just reading a book set, say, in Ireland, I start thinking with a bit of an Irish accent!

The Canterville Ghost (2021)

Family show

[9/10 · 1 January 2023]

I can't believe the number of low starred reviews. It's not meant to be an action packed, adrenaline fuelled rollercoaster of a film. It is suitable for a family audience, easy for kids to follow and a storyline adults can buy into.

I watched all 4 hours in one go and loved it. I have a high bar for films to reach and will often give up if a film fails to grab me. This didn't.

I will admit there were some slightly clunky parts: the horse riding scene near the start, for one, and the story was a little drawn out in the second half but overall, I enjoyed it and would recommend this for a family to watch together.

Jeeves and Wooster (1990–1993)

Superb!

[10/10 · 29 November 2022]

We already had this on DVD but happen to come across an anniversary edition (2011) that had been digitally remastered - very impressive. Well worth the money to see the terrific Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry in almost crystal clear film. They are the ultimate interpretation of the characters Jeeves and Wooster. I have not come across any other actors who can embody them so perfectly.

Hugh Laurie's comic portrayal is pitch perfect. Stephen Fry, although younger than the character in the book, portrays Jeeves so wonderfully.

The Art Deco setting is beautiful. I'd love to live in Bertie's apartment!

Still an enjoyably funny series after 30-something years and several viewings.

Murdoch Mysteries: Pendrick's Planetary Parlour (2022) Season 15, Episode 20

Wonderful!

[10/10 · 19 August 2022]

Contrary to what someone else has thought, this is not a documentary! Of course these technologies weren't invented then - this is just an amusing imagining and very entertaining story. It reminds me of an episode where tiny coloured squares were sent from England to Toronto and Murdoch and Crabtree put them together to make a complete picture of a suspect. So pleased that Murdoch Mysteries has found it's feet again.

The Undeclared War (2022– )

Well, I liked it!

[8/10 · 8 August 2022]

Generally speaking, I enjoyed this series. However, the back story of the main character went on too long and the lesbian relationship seemed shoehorned in to tick a box. That said, the premise seems all too plausible, unfortunately. The sharp ending appears to be setting up a season 2 and if one is produced, I'll watch. Loved seeing Adrian Lester (a very underused actor), Simon Pegg and Mark Rylance.

Sherlock: A Scandal in Belgravia (2012) Season 2, Episode 1

My favourite

[10/10 · 7 July 2022]

Have seen this 4 times since it was first shown on TV. Brilliant storyline and acting. I think the stories lost their way latterly so this episode is the pinnacle in my opinion. I wish the remainder were of this calibre.

Rev. (2010–2014)

A treat

[10/10 · 3 July 2022]

I missed this the first time around as it didn't appeal but I'm pleased I gave it a chance. Great acting from all, in my opinion. I have only seen to the end of series 2 as for some reason, Drama decided not to show the third one (yet). I particularly liked the scene at the end of the Christmas episode where the diners are seated as in The Last Supper by da Vinci. A priceless touch!

Suspect (I) (2022– )

Unusual

[7/10 · 26 June 2022]

A little slow at the start but I stuck with it and by episode 4, I was invested. I don't ever remember seeing a format like this but I think it worked and I didn't see the ending coming.

Hidden: Episode #3.2 (2021) Season 3, Episode 2

Navel gazing

[2/10 · 6 May 2022]

This story is stretched out, too many people looking into the distance for far too long. I was screaming at the TV 'get on with it'. Hubby enjoyed it, though. So it all depends on what you like! I gave up.

Ted Lasso: Beard After Hours (2021) Season 2, Episode 9

Not for me

[2/10 · 1 May 2022]

Bring back the usual episodes. Have never been a fan of this type of deep dive into characters' psyche. Not much more to say but can't submit until I write more.

Holding (I) (2022)

More please!

[8/10 · 24 April 2022]

I enjoyed the story even though at times I struggled with the accents/speed of speech (as with the majority of TV and films nowadays). The stand out performance has to be by Brenda Fricker. Her heart-rending telling of her life was sublime. I was mesmerised. If she doesn't win an award for this, it would be a travesty.

Ted Lasso: Trent Crimm: The Independent (2020) Season 1, Episode 3

Voice like melted chocolate!

[9/10 · 3 April 2022]

Hope we see and hear much more of Trent Crimm. I enjoyed the rest of the episode as well :-) Dropped a star because of general bad language but I hear that this is not unusual for football supporters!

Rock Till We Drop (2022)

Brings tears to your eyes

[9/10 · 24 March 2022]

What a lovely programme! Seeing people getting a chance to fulfil their dream later in life was heartwarming. The only jarring note was seeing Martin Kemp having to contact Lady Leshurr's agent to find out why she wasn't at an event. It seemed she was unwell but surely MK should have been informed before? Maybe there were things going on behind the scenes that weren't filmed. Anyway, apart from that, it was a lovely series.

Trigger Point: Episode #1.1 (2022) Season 1, Episode 1

Disappointing

[6/10 · 6 March 2022]

I usually don't write reviews after just the first instalment but I was so disappointed that an actor of the calibre of Adrian Lester was only used for one episode. Not entirely taken with this so far but will watch episode 2 and see whether it is more plausible.

Edit: I did watch to the end and I'm staying with my first thoughts which are that the story had some unbelievable holes that made me think 'what the...?'. I have no bomb disposal training but I think I'd know enough not to turn on a light switch. Or maybe I wouldn't in the heat of the moment...who knows? Enjoyable enough but probably wouldn't watch another series.