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johntaymac
Reviews
Little Bird (2023)
Powerful
Thought Little Bird the best drama I have seen for ages. An horrific story that is beautifully acted and produced, with the inclusion of music from indigenous artists adding to the powerful reality. Coming from a country where the colonised indigenous people are still fighting for better health care, more educational opportunities and generally are less prosperous than the non-indigenous population, made this story more meaningful. The appalling treatment in Canada of the indigenous people is told here with balance and makes a real impact on one. I highly recommend this drama and praise the Producers, Directors and actors for their outstanding work.
1923 (2022)
Initially good, then too much doom and gloom
Initially loved this, but as the stories progressed the who show became full of negative story lines, gratuitous violence and some boring acting as some scenes became soppy and over acted. Brilliant acting from some of the leads, but the doom and gloom just became tedious and depressing. I'm not shy of violence in TV shows, but the amount of cruel violence here, plus some real creepy kinky sex scenes, which though plausible are just, for me, over done and too confronting. Hopefully the show can be salvaged in series two and some positive story lines added. Despite my negative review, the show is still worth a watch.
Echoes (2022)
Unwatchable
Tried twice to stay with the show, but found it just awful. Confusing, poorly acted and, in my view, unwatchable. Even baddies need to be somewhat appealing, but I just didn't like any of the main characters. I'm surprised at the many favourable reviews, hence giving the show a second shot. Obviously it has appeal to some, but this one is not for me.
The Terminal List (2022)
Good, but could have been excellent
Action abounds, but unfortunately the makers decided to fill the series with continuing monotonous monologues and family flashbacks, which I found boring. This sentimentality seems to be common in American produced shows, which is a pity as it is just filling space. Good show though and I recommend.
Jagged (2021)
A must watch for pop music lovers.
Despite a lifetime working in pop music, radio and TV, I was late in joining the Alanis Morissette fan club. Whilst being aware of her music, it was not until SUCH PRETTY FORKS IN THE ROAD in 2020 that I realised what an extraordinary talent she is. So, I went in to view Jagged with a lot of love for her music, but little knowledge of her history and pop musical roots. I found her story a total revelation and absolutely compelling. The lady is a genius and her ability to express feelings through her music is rare and wonderful. The documentary is powerful and like Alanis's music it is absorbing. A must watch.
Conversations with Friends (2022)
Brilliant, boring and compelling
What a difficult show to review. Slow in part, some annoying acting but counteracted by a compelling story, the main female part stunningly acted by Alison Oliver and whilst the show irked me, I kept watching. Would recommend it and pleased I stuck with it.
Catch and Release (2021)
Good, but very slow.
A very good story, well filmed and acted, but the pace was just too slow. The scenery is stunning well captured. The slow pace had style, but I think they over did the slowness. Worth a watch.
Atlantic Crossing (2020)
A wonderful TV Drama
Beautifully paced and filmed, plus a compelling main story intertwined with real history make for excellent viewing. The acting by the entire lead cast is superb and makes the characters totally believable. I am a fan of Scandinavian drama and this one is right up there with the best.
Red Light (2020)
An excellent drama.
The title fooled me to think this would just be a sexually explicit romp with little dimension. Wrong. Red Light is a multi-layered drama with several story strands going simultaneously with the main story. Superbly done with some wonderful acting and interesting characters. Highly recommended.
The Morning Show (2019)
Series 2 Disappointing
Enjoyed this show, all of S1 and most of S2, but in the end series two swerved off into a series of monologues, stupid and unrealistic behaviour and, in my view, totally lost the plot. Pity as the acting is terrific and overall a worthwhile watch.
In My Skin (2018)
Outstanding in Every Way
Funny, sad, horrible and brilliant. Wonderful acting, story, script and overall production. Lead actors Gabrielle Creevy and Jo Hartley are particularly brilliant and deserve awards for this.
Physical (2021)
A wonderful show
Different, delightful, wonderful acting and script.....and faint too. The music is another big plus.
Outlier (2020)
It grows as it go's
A slow burner this one. The story and main characters develop from so so beginnings to an excellent last few episodes. The acting is understated and totally believable, which makes it excellent. I cared....what more can you ask for in. TV show? Hope there is a second series.
Finding Alice (2021)
A disappointment
Whilst I have a high regard for the main actors and the creators, I found this show a disappointing mess. I stayed until the end, but by episode 4 just wanted to go back to the crappy Canadian drama that I was rotating it with. Not funny, wonky and not recommended.
Sorelle (2017)
Excellent Drama
The episodes are long, around 90 minutes, but the show still held my attention. Beautifully paced and shot in a very scenic location the story was compelling and with lots of twists and turns. Anna Valle as the lead is not only beautiful, but is a very fine actress who, in my view, was perfect in her role. Whilst it is a "who done it" the interactions between people and the focus on what death can do to a family, accentuated by some very fine acting, gave me a connection with the main characters and had me caring and involved. I highly recommend, but realise it is not a "mass market show" and not for all.
Ulven kommer (2020)
Outstanding Drama Series
This production had me hooked from early on and just got better and better. Terrific acting, a compelling story that is both frightening and moving, but very believable. A credit to all involved.
White Wall (2020)
Don't waste your time
The series is a good story, but ends with no conclusion and wide open to continue in a second series. Feel cheated I wasted my time..
Defending Jacob (2020)
Could Have Been Great
Enjoyed this series, but it was too drawn out and the last episode unsatisfactory. Wonderful acting from both leads and it was good you never quite knew if Jacob was the bad guy, although he was certainly not likeable, but wrapped up leaving the viewer just not wondering, rather more brasses off with the non-conclusion. In the end the journey was too long and not great.