mrrcave Reviews

Invitation to a Murder (2023)

Wrong on so many levels

[4/10 · 25 December 2023]

Predictable sub-par acting as was the plot. Each of the characters veiled history was evident from the offset. The acting was poor aside from the "gum shoe".

Dialogue was very poor - trying too hard to be English I feel. The main protagonist being Misha who in her dialogue expressed a wish or insight using two "long words" which in effect meant the same, and really there was not need.

The worldly men who apparently are doctors and solicitors appeared trite, ineffective, play boy'ish and rather dense - considering they were supposed to be men of learning.

We DO NOT have crickets in England, so an inaccuracy on the part of the script writer and the director.

Pretty poor all in all.

See How They Run (2022)

Thoroughly good humoured romp

[8/10 · 25 December 2023]

I wasn't expecting much from this film, but sick and tired of the gun fights, super powers, explosions, prolonged fist fights and the evil menace who likes the sound of his droning monologue, I thought I would give it a go.

What immediately drew me to this was Sam Rockwell who always gives a part his all and invariably plays it extremely well. I was not disappointed!!

Saoirse Ronan deserves a special mention as the absolutely brilliant character of Stalker, and given her tendency to write everything down is a credit to her surname.

I'd expected Sam's English tone to waver at some point during the film, but only slightly and he carried it out brilliantly; plus his rather slack demeanour.

I haven't laughed so much in a long time and the plot and characters ensured I was glued to the screen for the entire length.

I do so hope there will be a sequel - maybe a little romance between Inspector and Sargeant?!

Give it a go - you'll not be disappointed.

Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)

HATE musicals, but enjoyed this

[8/10 · 23 December 2023]

My idea of a musical extends no further than The Jungle Book. The fact that instantly people knew the words and danced in sync just irritated me such that I've avoided all musicals out of shear hatred and an underlying irritation.

Prior to watching I wasn't aware it was a musical. If the first song hadn't been so good it would have been turned off immediately. Anyway I stuck with it and as the minutes and songs progressed I actually enjoyed it.

Ella Hunt and Marli Siu deserve credit for their parts in the film. Ella was perfect for the role and Marli shone - a bit like the one on a Christmas tree.

Funny, entertaining, well directed and produced. Let's face it it's head and shoulders above the usual "Christmas Film" fayre out there.

Bosch (2014–2021)

Oh so bad

[2/10 · 22 October 2023]

So many places to start, and I'm sure I'm just reiterating what other people who have half a brain also have complained about.

Titus! Well I was hesitant about watching this anyway because of the lead "actor" in this, and having watched the 1st episode my fears confirmed - he can't act for toffee. Anyway I persevered through Season 1 and into Season 2, and guess what?! He still can't act. His dialogue between anyone, including his daughter which he supposedly loves, is monosyllabic. There is not a single hint of feeling at all and he routinely trudges through the part as if he can't be arsed to be there.

The rest of the cast can act BTW.

Men walk like they are in a Western shootout.

The dialogue is juvenile.

The plot is nothing special at all.

Can't say I am surprised by all this shoddy work that went into this show.

On a plus side - the camera work is good.

Give it a very wide berth. It's shockingly bad, and not just the "acting"

Troppo (2022– )

Not your run of the mill crime story

[8/10 · 19 September 2023]

Where to start?

Let's start with objectivity. A policeman is meant to be objective and not fixated on one or more individuals. He's meant to follow facts, not a grudge.

I have to say the cop in this show really, really, really got my back up - so much so I was cursing him under my breath every time he entered a scene. His whole manner was just demeaning to law authorities everywhere and frankly disgusting.

Now to the good parts: both leads were excellent both in terms of acting and building up the character and story line. The plot was out of the ordinary with an unusual mix of characters, which was good.

All in all a very solid, enjoyable show with some interesting scenery.

I really look forward to season 2 in 2023 or 2024.

Jekyll and Hyde (I) (2015)

Odd and just doesn't quite fit

[4/10 · 9 September 2023]

Camera angles, dialogue, characters - it all doesn't quite fit.

The main character is some wet fop who really can't act at all. Richard E Grant, again can't act and generally it comes across as a bit of an "am dram" or third rate show.

Some of the scenes in Ceylon are very nice and captured well. Some of the characters have been chosen well and act within accordance of their character, but if you don't get the main characters right from the offset then any production, no matter how small or big looses any authenticity, drama and appeal.

I'm sure the underlying plot is good, but it's these little distractions that caused me not to fully engage.

Mad Dogs (I) (2015–2016)

Cliche'd

[3/10 · 28 August 2023]

I wanted to like this programme, and really I chose it because I'd run out of things to watch.

I'd read some of the mixed reviews on IMDB and felt if I stuck with it for the first 2 or 3 episodes it would grow on me, but sadly not.

I found the first 10-20 minutes juvenile, flashy and straight out of some lads magazine. Surely men don't behave like that in real life?

The cast also, aside from Billy Zane, were irritating especially Steve Zahn (who I've never really rated or liked anyway).

The whole single episode I watched seemed fake, for example: how many times have you been to a town where women throw themselves at, let's face it - ugly men?

Nah. Cut it short and ditched it from my play list. Not for me.

Southland (2009–2013)

Brilliant. The best show in a long, long time

[9/10 · 17 August 2023]

I picked this up because I'd run out of things to watch. Right from the first episode I was hooked and binge watched the entire 5 seasons in a matter of days. It's so good I'm watching all 5 seasons again in the hope I've missed some of the nuances.

Each episode if beautifully shot and the characters, both police and members of the public are absolutely spot on and engaging.

Word of warning: Dewy is annoying as hell and offensive. Also, could have done with a little less of Sammy (who looks like he's just got out of short trousers). Also Ben and all of his "conquests", but all in all a first rate show which could have continued beyond the 5 seasons will little let-up in the characters and the antics in LA.

Brilliant - watch it and be astounded at "The Greatest Show On Earth".

The Closer (2005–2012)

Very funny with original plots

[8/10 · 12 July 2023]

The show on the whole is very funny, with each episode raising a laugh. The plots are original and method of detection in not unlike Columbo.

The characters:

Deputy Chief Johnson is played very well and is hammed up, sometimes to the point of being ridiculous. Do people such as Johnson exist in real life? Can people really be the devious and blunt as the same time? I don't get how she is the magnet for men at all, because she certainly does nothing for me.

The Chief's character (J. K. Simmons) is superfluous as far as the show goes and largely irritating and ineffectual.

The rest of the crew have their own merits and irritations, which are largely born out of the characters the actors/actresses are asked to play.

The star of the show is Gabriel as far as I am concerned.

It's entertaining and I am very glad I strayed across this (on Season 2 at the moment).

Without a Trace (2002–2009)

Very good, but......

[7/10 · 8 July 2023]

The show on the whole is excellent. Anthony LaPaglia and Eric Close the stand-out stars of the show.

It's well made and engaging, although some of the scenarios are a little too far fetched in terms of how the victim or people close to the victim respond or act. I can't help feeling that the "victims" if they applied a little more common sense wouldn't be placed in the situations they find themselves in.

My main criticisms are as follows:

1) Enrique Murciano always looks like he's taking the p#ss with a constant smirk on his face.

2) Marianne Jean-Baptiste has no personality at all and has this constant monosyllabic tone.

3) Roselyn Sanchez speaks to quickly and what she has to say is gone in a flash.

It's another very good show born out of USA involving crime and in the large entertains.

Alfa (2020)

Very enjoyable

[7/10 · 6 July 2023]

Having watched Belgian, Danish, Finnish, Dutch, Swedish and Icelandic series before and thoroughly enjoyed all I thought I'd give this a "go".

Due diligence as always - I checked IMDB and read a few reviews; some were spot on and some a little unfair I think.

The tale as a whole is told in the correct number of episodes and at the right pace. It's engrossing, but easy enough to follow whilst concentrating on the action, plot and the subtitles.

The main characters are believable, and there are women in throughout - it's not all just men.

It's essentially a power struggle between men and women, friends, groups of men and ultimately the police.

It's worth watching, but I would say "binge" it so you don't loose momentum.

I'd have given it a 7.5 if IMDB allowed half stars.

Jury Duty (2023– )

Giggle and cringe a minute

[8/10 · 27 June 2023]

I was dubious about this show, but as I had nothing else to watch I thought I would give it a go. It's been a while since I've watched something where every episode brought such laughter and elation, but also that awkward feeling - that cringe-worthy moment.

How the actors managed to keep in character with a straight face is beyond me. How the unsuspecting chap managed to keep his cool is also beyond me. The chap who plays the judge is very cool and a plays a nice natured character.

It's essentially Candid Camera but in a jury setting.

It's worth watching, especially on a evening with some popcorn and someone sitting next to you.

The Thing About Pam (2022)

Narrator and Renee The Stars

[7/10 · 25 June 2023]

If you can bypass Renee's annoying accent and put up with her wonderfully portrayed creepy character then this show is very, very entertaining.

Aside from Renee the cast is mostly unknown and works well - each actor/actress playing their parts with aplomb.

If, IF, this is an accurate account of the incident and subsequent investigation then the detectives on the case were juvenile, incompetent - bordering on complete idiots.

I'm sure there are people like Renee's character in this world, I just hope not as disturbing as the manipulative, controlling and downright subversive nasty character Renee plays extremely well.

The narrator to me is the star of the show. Lovely voice with comments so acidic and sarcastic they made me chuckle.

Worth watching as a "binge"

Medium (2005–2011)

Very enjoyable. Some characters more than others

[8/10 · 7 June 2023]

Thoroughly enjoying this show. Some of the episodes, though are just plain silly so I'd skipped maybe 4; I'm mid way through the 3rd season.

The characters: Patricia is perfect for the role, although a little wet at times. She is pretty convincing that she "see's dead people" and the family dynamic works very well and is very well acted.

The character Joe Dubois is a mixture of sex maniac and girl - he definitely needed to be a little less of a wimp.

The DA - Devalos is perfect as is the actor who plays him The actor who plays Scanlon is great and again perfect for the show and the character.

The absolute star of the show is character and actress who plays Bridgette Dubious. Her voice, facial expressions and lines have me in stitches.

Super show and one I don't think I will get bored of watching up until the 7th season/series.

Luther: The Fallen Sun (2023)

I was disappointed.

[4/10 · 10 April 2023]

I have to say I'm not a fan of Idris. He pretty much plays the same character with the same vocal traits and facial expressions as he does in all his films and series.

The plot was just plain ridiculous, and with a little more imagination and grounding could have been better and more credible.

The lead lady - nope. Didn't like her at all, or her painful daughter.

My biggest gripe was the baddie, who was as pathetic a baddie as I've ever seen. He was more a creepy old man who dabbles in things he should and are against the law, than someone with intelligence, planning and malice. What was that quiff all about - dear me how very, very sad.

All in all a waste of my life.

Gotham (2014–2019)

Too many incidental things that don't add up

[6/10 · 2 April 2023]

Visually stunning. Dialogue a little wrong and conversations aren't as you would expect in a world. The characters: Barbara - her voice is annoying. Fish is just ridiculous, even if power hungry or a psychopath. Gordon's side kick is just plain irritating and nobody would have his attitude, nobody!!! Young Bruce is the wrong lad.

Anyway - inaccuracies. Things like homeless people having perfect hair, clean clothes and a little soot on their face. A girl in boots creeping around in a warehouse and nobody hears her. The list goes on and on and it's just careless writing and thought.

It's okay, but could have been much, much, much better.

The Light in the Hall (2022)

Poorly constructed mountain from a mole hill

[4/10 · 8 January 2023]

An interesting premise, but failed to engage for a number of reasons. Let me start by saying I think highly of Joanna Scanlan and Alexandra Roach and loved them in No Offence.

The first thing that was highly predictable was the falling for the boss, played by Ben Bailey Smith (who incidentally couldn't act and would be best placed to play parlour charades). Secondly the camera angles were obscure and a little too honed such that the widen potential was lost.

Acting was poor in general, save the two ladies mentioned earlier. The plot was ridiculous - "If I'd know you go after him I wouldn't have given you his address" (or something similar) - what would you expect to happen when you give the address of the man who murdered the daughter of a grieving mother - maybe she may buy him a welcome back box of chocolates.

This could have been a great series. The countryside and wider views wonderful. The experienced actors and actresses, but someone, somewhere went wrong and in the end, in my book, a realistic 4 stars for some less than mediocre.

Red Light (I) (2020–2021)

Uncomfortable viewing

[7/10 · 29 December 2022]

I love watching foreign dramas, especially Flemish ones, and had very high hopes for this drama. The plot, characters, portrayal, and direction were superb. I binged watched the first 7 episodes and although some of the scenes and the story were very difficult to watch I enjoyed it.

The character of the Opera singer I found neurotic, insecure and really quite vacant. The "Madame" a selfish but desperate woman who insisted on staying with her controlling and really quite nasty boyfriend.

The star of the show was the police lady. I found her and her character very engaging and I sympathised with her plight.

I've not watched the remaining episodes for two days now as I found the whole bargaining for the baby thing quite disturbing, but more importantly the trafficking and exploitation of girls by men even more so. Morally I can't separate what the world should be, and unfortunately is, and thus I'm not sure I can watch the last two shows. I think for a happier life shows like this, that touch on prostitution, drugs, adultery and violence need to be absent from my life.

The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

Dross

[3/10 · 17 October 2022]

Slow. Boring. Dialogue was appalling. Acting was pretty desperate. I kind of think that the writer and director has his hooks into Netflix because he's churning out some absolute rubbish with the same actresses.

Honestly after two episodes I was bored to tear and just fed up with the disjointed and totally unrealistic dialogue and no two sane people would have during a normal conversation.

Furthermore the actor who plays the father was just weird. Weird.

I'm not entirely sure what this tale sets out to achieve, but it falls in and dies pretty quickly. Too many subplots and flashbacks which I find pretty annoying.

Do Revenge (2022)

If this is America

[6/10 · 25 September 2022]

Strangers on a train replay, rehashed and reworked. The plot if predictable but there are a few twists I didn't see coming, but then again it's the kind of film you don't dedicate any brain cells to.

It was well acted and the script was pretty plausible. I've some major issues with it though, namely:

The "C" word spoken at least twice - there was no need.

The so called "hot boy" of the school was geeky and rather lame all in all.

The "hot girl" - well her principle was hotter and in no way, based on looks, was she the prettiest or coolest girl in the school.

There were elements of woke, but this is the norm these days.

I enjoyed it all in all, but I find the recurring theme of High Schools in America very, very disturbing and make we wonder whether the countries social issues are largely a result of High School egos, clicks, and stereotyping. I certainly wouldn't have wanted to be at a school in America.

Monos (2019)

Not entirely sure where this took me

[3/10 · 30 August 2022]

An hour and 36 minutes and I'm still none the wiser as to what I've actually seen, or indeed what the ending was.

The photo-graphical shots were stunning and captured the beauty, danger and claustrophobia of the jungle and the baron, isolated wastelands in the mountains.

Photography wise I couldn't fault it. The story (if indeed there ever was one) was, I think, only made sense in the directors mind, and maybe the writer's.

Was I left with anything of this tale? Yes! Children both need love and the "naughty step" in order for them to grow, and hopefully one day appreciate this world and also the respect others in their journey through life.

Watch it if you've got nothing else planned, but I would suspend any modicum of logic, story telling, beginning-middle-end.

Strange film, but I wanted to watch it to see what I got out of this.

Brand New Cherry Flavor (2021)

Low budget nonsense really

[4/10 · 26 August 2022]

I've watched some pretty daft and unusual films and series but this really does take the biscuit. The acting is okay. The plot is way, way, way out there - somewhere where I don't think it even knows where it is.

As for horror - seen more horror slicing my cheese and pickle sandwich.

The First 48 (2004– )

Are people's memories so bad

[6/10 · 24 August 2022]

A very good series giving an insight into the crimes committed and subsequent investigations, but my single biggest complaint is the need to recap 3 or 4 times throughout a show which only last 45 minutes at most. Surely those people who are watching the show are interested in the content and therefore can follow a pretty basic plot and time sequence, or are viewers really that dense that they need a recap every 10 minutes.

Young Wallander (2020–2022)

Biggest problem: Dialogue

[4/10 · 21 August 2022]

The dialogue is just dreadful. There is no flow between the characters portrayed and as usual in these productions the accents are all "normal" sounding English Southern, enunciated clearly and precisely with no intimation of slang or upbringing. It's painfully Dulux White normalised RADA drivel.

Echoes (2022)

Stick with it

[5/10 · 21 August 2022]

The first two episodes are the worst. To be frank I got sick of Michelle's miserable, questioning, shocked face during the first episode and wanted desperately to turn it off, but with the lack of choices that night I stuck with it.

I watched the whole series in one night and at the end was left with a feeling that a) I would never trust twins, and b) That women are not worthy of immediate trust.

It's worth watching and the sheriff IS a female Columbo.