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Reviews
The Human Jungle (1963)
The Jungle is still out there!
I was 13 when this series was first screened and I loved every aspect of it - including the wonderful main theme music by Bernard Ebbinghouse, arranged by John Barry.
Herbert Lom was perfect as Dr Roger Corder and there were many guest stars who added their weight to this terrific series.
I was delighted when it reappeared on Talking Pictures, some years ago, and again more recently.
From the first note of the double bass, I know I'm going to see an excellent show, well written and with a terrific cast. Alas the vast majority of the performers are no longer with us, but I hope they were proud of their contribution.
The Great Escaper (2023)
What an absolute Gem!
I was told by the Manager of my local Everyman (Borough Yard) that they would not be screening this marvellous film. How glad I am that they changed their minds - for whatever reason.
Like others, I was extremely moved throughout - but there were plenty of LOL moments and other witty scenes.
The performances of Sir Michael and Dame Glenda were spot on & they were totally believable as a couple who have spent 70 years together. Mr John Standing (Sir John Leon BT) was also excellent & had me doubting his integrity a few times - a very good touch.
All the supporting cast played beautifully with the leads. It was also terrific to see Hastings seafront used (not Brighton 🙄) to great effect.
I did think that a care home with no apparent external or internal means of 'step-free access' was unrealistic, given the extreme ages of the Guests. That was my only grouse.
The score, by Craig Armstrong, is note-perfect and adds great emotional weight.
I do hope this film reaches a wide audience - with Remembrance Day fast approaching, it is a very timely release.
Sir Michael's brief scene with a bicycle, towards the end, made me cheer!
Please see it.
Suite Française (2014)
Serendipity rules!
I watched this for no particular reason other than a desire to see something different.
Michelle Williams is always worth watching so, even though I had never heard of this film, it stood a good chance. I even switched-off my phone and pretended I was at the Cinema.
Within a very short time I was transfixed by every aspect of the film. The beautiful setting, the photography, cast, music and the unfolding story of love and tragedy in occupied France, early in WW2.
Other than some underused, talented actors (Robbie, Ritter, Wilson to name only 3) I could not fault it in an area. The music will soon be downloaded and enjoyed.
The 2 Principal actors were heartbreakingly good. Each and every actor played their parts superbly and I was completely moved by my experience of this film.
My only 'complaint' - why had I never heard of it before? I Do like surprises.
The Sixth Commandment (2023)
Powerful and profoundly moving.
I'm glad I watched this over two nights and not weeks. The power was all the more intense.
Beautifully written and produced with an outstanding cast. This was no simple murder mystery. For all that we knew exactly what was going on, we were still drawn into the appalling actions of a very sick mind.
I have never seen Timothy Spall better - and I have never seen him give a poor performance. This was something quite beautiful and intensely moving. One of our finest actors as is Anne Reid.
Annabel Scholey gave a beautiful performance which added to the overall production of this harrowing story.
All the cast were extremely good. Éanna Hardwicke was mesmerising in his portrayal of a Very cruel person.
Well done Sarah Phelps and Saul Dibb.
Please watch this Superb drama.
Astrid et Raphaëlle (2019)
Magnifique!
I am so glad a friend recommended this to me! A Most welcome change to the usual Police Drama. Good storyline, good performances, particularly from Sarah Mortensen, who was Superb. I am really looking forward to seeing more of this series - although I note, whilst writing this, that there is a major cast-change coming up. I will try and keep an open mind but Ms Mortensen will be a Very hard act to follow.
It was moving at times, perhaps there needs to be a little more lightness/humour. I enjoy seeing characters develop - it can be intriguing and stimulating. Fingers crossed I won't be disappointed.
Ten Percent (2022)
A hoot and also very touching
Inevitably there are comparisons with the original French series, which I loved. However, this holds up very well and I became quickly hooked.
It is beautifully cast - Lydia Leonard, Maggie Steed and Tim McInnerney are always worth watching in Anything. Most of the rest are very good - though Mr Davenport does seem rather weary of it all.
I really hope a 2nd series is produced. If it is, then Please build Miss Steeds character, and Mr McInnerney's. He reminded me of Richard Harris - and even sounded like him, several times.
Good stuff!
This Is Us: Katoby (2022)
Very good - except for....
..... Philip's crazy, irritating accent.
As an Englishman I expect to hear other Englishmen speaking with an English accent, not a strange concoction of Australian and New Zealand. It is utterly ridiculous that he has been directed to speak in such a phoney way.
Magpie Murders (2022)
What a Joy!
Anthony Horowitz is one of our most prolific and successful writers, with 'Foyle's War' a particular favourite of mine - and of millions of viewers. Lesley Manville is a superb actor, and never gives a bad performance. Tim McMullen (who appeared several times in 'Foyle's War') is delightful as Atticus Pünd - and always good in whatever he does.
This is a highly original series, which I am certain delighted Mr Horowitz's inventive mind.
One can but hope that he gives Atticus another outing - preferably with Ms Manville but even solo would be acceptable..
A Splendid series. Thank you.
Close to Me (2021)
Beautiful House!
Lovely to see Hastings - a favourite of mine - but really. I could have visited! Income for the Town but, beyond that, utter twaddle.
An Appalling production on So many levels. Ms Nielsen was so OTT. Eccleston was .... well, Eccleston - more OTT acting. Leanne Best was, as always, good and Mr Jensen - though his part could really have been dispensed with. The rest were as bad as the leads. It could have been done in 3 episodes, with a better cast and script. I was curious to see the end, and have to rest my leg, but I have made a note to be more selective. Oh, and the soundtrack...... 😱
No Time to Die (2021)
Too loud & Far too long!
I managed to stay awake - possibly due to the ridiculous sound level - but I was So glad when it was over - as was my bum! 2hrs 45mins without an interval is ridiculous and leads to a constant stream (sic) of people back and forth to the loo.
The film? Complete and utter tosh. A poor script. Some rather bad performances. No humour. Exceedingly disappointing.
Tucked (2018)
An absolute Gem!
I'm so pleased a Googled Derren Nesbitt last night. How we.
Tucked (2018)
An absolute Gem!
I'm so pleased a Googled Derren Nesbitt last night. How we.
Responsible Child (2019)
Superb!
This is not an easy watch but it is well worth the effort. I caught it by chance, in BBC IPlayer. Billy Barrett is already a terrific young actor, and rightly steals the limelight from the more experienced cast. A terrific BBC production.
Time (2021)
Superb Drama
It may be bleak. It may have no humour whatsoever. It is definitely difficult to watch, at times. Nevertheless it is a superb BBC drama, with a terrific cast. Beautifully directed and produced, with some surprising familiar faces in small parts who add gravitas. Well done to Messrs Graham and Bean for extraordinarily emotional performances. A resounding success. Thank you, BBC.
Shirley (2020)
A Huge Disappointment.
I tried to engage - I wanted to. I gave up. Such waste of talent.
Dismissed (2017)
Disappointing
Whilst it looked promising, I was ultimately disappointed. The main problem, for me, was the acting which I felt to be very poor, wooden, unrealistic and flat. They really did phone in their parts. Thank God it was a short film.
Inside No. 9: The 12 Days of Christine (2015)
Superb in every way!
I arrived several years later for this excellent series, which I watch as I use my exercise bike :) This particular episode was one of the finest pieces of Television, on every level. I haven't seen such excellent writing, acting and production values for a very long time.
McDonald & Dodds: The Fall of the House of Crockett (2020)
Such a disappointment!
Thank God for Jason Watkins, who I have admired for 29 years. His was, by far, the only decent performance in this disappointing opener. Bath is a beautifully City and looks fabulous. The remainder of this abysmal production was a tragedy. Including Lindsay's performance.