Change Your Image
bwmcg
Reviews
Platform 7 (2023)
Purgatory
Why do program makers treat us like idiots? It was an interesting premise and with some thought could have worked but the plot had more holes than Swiss cheese.
If the central character could perform telekinetic feats why couldn't she pick up a pen and paper? I find this happening more and more nowadays and I know it's not that I'm becoming more intelligent so producing this drivel seems to be about following some kind of formula by aspiring playwrights.
Could it be that we are meant to suspend all logical thought and immerse ourselves in something that would have a child asking "Why doesn't she do this etc. Etc. Etc.?"
Vacuous nonsense.
Alba (2021)
Worth a watch
I don't know if this series will influence the behaviours of drug and booze addled delinquents but such a serious subject was worth visiting. It could easily have been squeezed into 10 episodes and also was pretty flawed and cliché ridden all the way through with some particularly bad acting. Having said that there were also believable performances from various actors and although I wouldn't revisit the series I did watch it till the end to watch the baddies get their comeuppance.
I don't suppose it's done Alicante and Villajoyosa any harm either. I was actually tempted to pay a visit to the area after watching the series.
Miners' Strike 1984: The Battle for Britain (2024)
"I want a productive coal industry" - Margaret Thatcher
I watched this series with great interest having lived through this era. I didn't personally have anything to do with mining but had relatives and friends who were directly affected.
I must admit that I learned several things I didn't know before watching the series and think that it was well researched and put together.
One thing that was not mentioned is that some miners, some of whom had been in the pits since age 14 and were approaching retirement, were threatened by Thatcher's bully boys that they would forfeit their whole pensions if they did not return to work. What would you do?
This sort of blackmail obviously approved by Thatcher was an abhorrence that further split communities and left long hard working men with the denigrating and undeserved description "SCAB".
Finders Keepers (2024)
How Y'all Doin?
I note that Fay Ripley is the latest to abandon traditional dialogue for a bastardised American version.
I couldn't believe it when she said "For God's sakes", yes with an 's' on sake. At least the English version means something, the Americanism is nonsensical. Why do we pander to potential American audiences? And what's so great about America that we have to copy everything they do?
Next thing we know she'll be washing diapers under the faucet. Take a look in the 'meer' Fay, you're English.
As for the show itself, once again a thin plot line is padded out to 6? Episodes that could easily have been 4 ............Yawn......... zzzzzz(ok...Felt like 6).
Fool Me Once (2024)
Fooled Into Watching
I used to read Harlan Coben novels and at the time I really enjoyed them. After ploughing through a few episodes of this, I think I should reread those books to ascertain if my original opinion still stands.
Everything about this 'thriller' screams AMATEUR.
I didn't watch the whole thing because the more I saw the more I realised that it was sheer nonsense.
I don't want to make a list of inconsistencies or downright stupidity because they are far too numerous to count but save yourself a few hours to watch something worthwhile instead of this drivel.
I'll certainly be looking out for Harlan Coben as writer from now on but for all the wrong reasons.
Respect (2021)
You'd better THINK!
If Aretha Franklin's life had been as boring as this film she'd never have made it. Also the fact that she was raped was more or less glossed over. One minute she was 10 years old, the next she's in her twenties(?) with 2 sons. The family, her father being a preacher, didn't make any comment about these events. I can fairly assume that this was not the true reaction when she disclosed her first pregnancy at 12 years old.
By the end of this flawed biopic I was even getting fed up with Aretha's fabulous music which I've loved since the 60s.
The last hour was great for anyone suffering from insomnia.
The Watcher (2022)
Write what you like and I'll believe it (NOT)
I had high hopes for this series and thought that it might live up to the hype. Ok, at first the plot seemed to work more or less but as things progressed I became more and more disillusioned.
At the time of writing I haven't finished the series and may not bother.
The thing that wasted it for me was when Dean confronted Dakota about putting a camera in their bedroom. Anyone in their right mind would be outraged at this invasion of privacy but Dakota's reason for doing so is accepted by Dean as justification for his action (SO NOT WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IN REAL LIFE!).
I haven't watched an episode since in case the story takes an even more bizarre turn but if I do I hope that the writers don't treat me like an idiot; again.
The Sandman (2022)
Don't fall asleep
Everyone needs a little fantasy in their lives from time to time and when it's done well like this it envelops you and draws you in further with every episode.
Years ago when I first saw Coraline by Neil Gaiman I swore to watch out for anything else with his involvement. That same darkness pervades this production.
I'm looking forward to another series with intertwining sub plots and great cinematics hopefully soon.
The Undeclared War (2022)
The world in which we live.
At last, a series that treats us like adults. Espionage, deep fakes, data mining etc. A bit too close to reality sometimes. It does help to have a basic knowledge of computers though to keep up with some of the narrative.
Capitani (2019)
Throw in the kitchen sink
I watched this series almost to its conclusion but in the end it became so ridiculous that I wondered what else they could throw in to try and hold onto their audience. The main story was unbelievable, the sub plots unnecessary and the whole thing underwhelming.
If I'd know there would be so many 'uns' I'd never have started watching.
Will not be watching series 2.
The Lincoln Lawyer (2022)
Needs a fresh approach
I've always enjoyed Michael Connelly's books and as far as I can remember I enjoyed The Lincoln Lawyer but this series is so clichéed accompanied by stereotypical characters that I'm surprised it got the go ahead from the author. A throwback to the 70s and 80s.
Anatomy of a Scandal (2022)
Should have gone to Specsavers
I was enjoying this up until episode 4. Good acting, directing etc. But the reveal at the end of this episode was ludicrous.
I won't spoil it for anyone who decides to watch but the title of my review goes a long way to explaining.
The Power of the Dog (2021)
The Power of Sleeping Pills
Absolute rubbish!
Like a lot of nominations over the past few years, BAFTAs, Oscars etc. This, once more, like Moonlight, La La Land and many others are painful to watch and should be available without prescription for anyone suffering from insomnia.
Whatever has happened to films with a story that hold your attention and that you will watch all the way through because the ending matters. I didn't get anywhere near the end of this drivel. Must every movie try to enlighten us about the human condition?
Alfred Hitchcock where are you?
Dodger (2022)
Absolute Mince.
There are some big names in this miniseries but for the life of me, I can't understand why.
I know you get paid for acting but do you get paid extra for overacting?
This may be ok for children's tv (at a stretch) but as a serious piece of drama? Never.
The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window (2022)
Codswallop!
Got as far as episode 4 (I think) when Neil really struggles to carry his oversized hold-all. Why didn't he struggle to lift out the contents when the bag was opened? Absolute tosh!
This was the final straw.
Countdown (1982)
Obviously improves your IQ
I love how the celebrity guests sometimes profess to not having done well in school but still manage to find alternatives to the contestants. Every time!
Methinks that there's some kind of jiggerypokery going on here, or am I just far too cynical?
This Is Going to Hurt (2022)
Top Notch
I was hoping when I read this book that it would be serialised but also that it wouldn't lose anything in the process.
I needn't have worried the script is as sharp as a scalpel and expertly delivered by a superb team.
You wouldn't want to be squeamish though.
Thoroughly recommended.
The Bay (2019)
Not up to scratch
Don't think this series is on a par with previous offerings. To be honest it's been a bit boring and needs something to pick up the pace. The change to the central character doesn't really matter as long as the plot is good.
As for the 26 year old schoolboy.......
Just watched the last episode (thank goodness), amateur hour. Revised my rating to 2. Won't watch another series.
Ulven kommer (2020)
Taboo subject well handled
This Danish series is one that the current batch of 'writers' supplying tosh like Deadwater Fell, Angela Black, The Sister etc. Should watch.
The subject is handled with tact and sensitivity exploring complex interwoven relationships but maintains a pace and plot that holds your attention despite subtitles, that some dislike (not me).
We have some excellent actors in this country who are making the most of very weak material but although it's unknowns in this series, it's one I won't forget in a hurry.
Screw (2022)
Who's being punished, prisoners or viewers?
There's an old expression "As slow as a week in the jail". This seems to fit the bill.
I'm on episode 5 and nothing meaningful has happened yet.
Maybe they're saving it all up for a fantastic ending?
The Teacher (2022)
It was ok but.....
I'm being generous in giving it a 6. I, like many others didn't like the ending. The story itself was ok, nothing too complicated.
Jenna certainly has her share of ups and downs but setting aside what she did or didn't do, would you want her teaching your kids?
Szadz (2020)
Angel of Death - Walter Presents
Ok, this won't challenge your intellect but most foreign series from Walter Presents are worth a watch. That's not to say that they are formulaic as many countries and production companies are involved but most are of fair to high quality.
So, if you have a few hours to kill (no pun intended) you could do worse than immersing yourself in this.
Rules of the Game (2022)
Ludicrous
I've awarded a star each for the first three episodes that made a bit of sense before episode four descended into farce.
Looking for an ending?
Why not resurrect that old chestnut of a completely inept police force? One that had never thought of using forensics to investigate a sudden death. Duh!
The fight was bizarrely stupid. What if the outcome had gone the other way?
All this really needed was for the Looney Tunes music to play at the end with Bugs Bunny saying "That's All Folks".
Hidden Assets (2021)
Kudos to the Team
What a pleasure to watch a well written, well acted, suspenseful, bingeworthy series.
This is head and shoulders above some of the rubbish that is currently masquerading as entertainment.
Wouldn't mind a follow up from the same team.
Stay Close (2021)
Hokum
Seems a bit odd that someone would change their name, set up a new life, have kids, disappear for 17 years but still live close enough to visit their old haunts?
Is everyone in this area blind?
Pedestrian nonsense.