Reviews

Then you might find "Warrior", and it's predecessor "Banshee", strangely calming.

One thing Jonathan Tropper does is conjure up stories with very complex personal inter-relationships - which of course are critical to story development. But it requires careful attention throughout.

And because just about anything can happen anytime it's probably best viewed alone - hence the "guilty pleasure" comments elsewhere.

The violence seems to transcend ultra into hyper, and the sex scenes are just as intense - both are done with a refreshing clarity and lack of coyness.

But within all those warnings are two very good story-lines. In completely different environments, and social norms. You'll go with the central character, and see/agree with their motivations. Coupled with numerous excellently portrayed side characters with their own set of "problems to solve".

So both series are riveting viewing. Highly recommended.

Interesting and very topical techie possibility, played by the outsiders to protect the underdog at risk. Series 1 had more or less discrete episodes, then it started to have a story thread in Series 2 - and it got compulsive. Good characters, well developed.

And then along came Sarah Shahi - closest I've seen to physical perfection, and probably just as wild in real life. I'm mesmerised.

But the story is becoming more complex (sorry, it's taken ages to get over here to Europe), with added fragmentation (mainly on the "other side"), and it just gets better and better.

Yes, it could be criticised at the tech level, particularly when the main brain writes a command line in MS-DOS, but that's irrelevant - just go with the story.

No idea where it could finish up, and have seen many Series fail at the last hurdle. But I have high hopes for this one, based on experience so far. Highly recommended.

Watched it every weekday evening to the conclusion.

Great character development throughout, to the extent that we're completely on their side, and genuinely like the characters. Many very insightful conversation sequences on the pros and cons of AI - from "both sides". A Series not to be missed - great work all round.

And still very taken by Sarah Shahi !!.

According to Steam I have played Skyrim SE (and lately AE) for 5974 hrs, prior to that Skyrim for3130 hours. Over 11 years I suppose that means I must like it!.

In the early years, yes, it was a bit buggy, but after modding it became easy if you built it up carefully, the mods themselves required constant attention anyway. And the core game expanded dramatically depending on your mod preferences. AND the "alternative universe" referred to in the title became a screen based reality. If you get it right - you wind up playing it as an old friend, and the hours stack up to ridiculous levels.

Yes, I've played other games, but (6 years ago, or so) the only one that stood up to it was "Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor" and the rest of that franchise. Played "Witcher 3: Wild Hunt" for 10 hours - like the "Hobbit" follow on to LotR relied too much on the grotesque. Fallout 4 just didn't have the foundations right, although Fallout 3 was superb.

Finally, in case you think I'm some youngster, the last birthday was 73, and I've been playing computer games since the wire-frame geometry of c.1987 in the forerunner of "Elite" on an early days laptop. Haven't finished with Skyrim yet, either - probably never will !!.

Once in a while a film comes along that really gets you - this is one.

It was easy to see the moral position in WWII, not so much in WWI.

Calgary, Alberta, is far away from the action. But the sociological pressures are well illustrated in the opening half (after an intro that establishes this is for real), particularly on a population that is an amalgam of multiple European nationalities.

The second half is a disturbingly realistic portrayal of how I think it really was in Passchendale and elsewhere e.g. The Somme. I've been there, and the trees have grown back. Particularly liked the portrayal of how fighting men recognise heros on either side.

Finally, the closing credits, and Sarah Slean's "After the War" are just perfect.

Excellent.

The possibility of a competitive sport in this scenario seems unlikely. The probability of career ending injury or death seems too high.

And yet, a film is made that takes you to places you hadn't considered. Once it gets to the surrounding countryside the film itself is beautifully shot, with spectacular scenery, and well thought out sequences. The fighting locations are grim and rudimentary. The motivations of each character are up to you to work out.

Freida Kahlo is spectacular at every point, with looks and gestures that show true style. Ryan Kwanten is new to me, competent enough, but not clear motivationally, other than trying to find something more fulfilling than selling consumer electronics.

Well worked, and you would have to recommend this to others looking for something different.

CIA games within games - and we're all fed up trying to follow any logic there.

Comes down to two of our favourite action men, Jean Claude and Dolph. One with hidden reserves and a great fight-back personally, and the other unexpectedly smart.

So it's a bit of a romp, and that's why we watch it. We already know that the baduns can't shoot straight - Sylvester taught us that - so don't quibble with the action. Sure, Jean Claude caught one in a neck triangle - what more do you want?.

But ask yourself, if either of the leads figure this is worth their time allocation who are we to argue - and you'll have to try hard to beat a 160 IQ in the argument!!.

My wife wonders why I keep watching "Porridge" - "you must know every word of the script by now!" - true enough.

I give it a 10 which is rare. But it is a complete lesson in comedy timing - and script. There are several characters who demonstrate this perfectly, led naturally by the King himself, Ronnie Barker. Close beside him is Fulton MacKay, who apparently nearly drove the floor crew crazy with his practicing beforehand - but watch him as Fletch shakes the bag of "chicken grit" virtually in his face early on in the series, shouts "face the front" at Fletcher but right in the face of the prison Governor, etc., etc - wonderful. Sam Kelly, Brian Wilde, David Jason, & Richard Beckinsale.

Then follow each actor into what they did next. David Jason (who Barker tipped for the future, anyway) in "Only Fools & Horses". Brian Wilde with imagined PTSD in "Last of the Summer Wine". And Sam Kelly as the not completely sane Captain Hans Geering in "'Allo 'Allo" - the series started to go down when he left, although Jack Haig carried the lunacy on for a while.

Finally, it's difficult to imagine the script by Ian la Frenais and Dick Clement being written in anywhere else but a pub. The humour content probably increased in line with the number of pints downed. Later on the same two boys (together with the Author, Roddy Doyle) showed their versatility by writing a hilarious Dublin script for "The Committments".

Every episode, even "A night in", has been crafted and done by comedy royalty - and it's still widely shown (over here in Europe, anyway) - so on with the lessons.

Apologies. Only gave this a 9 - if it was a 10 you'd think this was a spurious post.

Only about 15 minutes in, and I'm relaxing into genuine entertainment. From previous views I know what's to come. But I'm just going to enjoy all the quirks and extraordinary attention to detail. The historical and sociological detail of the territory in the era in question, the music, and the "Crossroads" legend.

The three leads are superb in their own characters. I can't help feeling that all the actors involved in the film now feel they were a part of something special - mind you, it could have been hell - but I wasn't there.

"Tommy Johnston" has just been picked up at the Tishimingo crossroads - sorry, but I have to concentrate from now on.

Given up my usual rock Friday night (apres pub) to watch a previously recorded "Crying Game". Good video standard, thank somebody. This is 28 years old, but still fresh as a daisy. No need to say Stephen Rea and Jaye Davidson are superb - what's the song "Every little Touch"?.Neil Jordan and his staff had this worked out to a T. And if it's action, there's plenty of that, too. But it doesn't get away from the key question; If you find love, but it's not quite what you expected, what are you going to do?. Maybe "it's in my nature".

Geraldine Hakewill meanders into the part in Ep. 1, and takes her time making it her own. She's eyecatching at 5' 10'', probably 6' plus in heels, despite the often baggy '60's styles - but it's actually her eyes that hold your attention. Plus a background cast that works well, good plot development and well done '60's environment. I'm madly jealous of the way she jumps into a beautifully restored Austin Healey 3000 - and steams away. Awful to think that it took the best engine version to get it to 60 mph in 10.5 seconds. But the sound was mesmerizing. In Ep. 4 her friend (boss of the Adventurer's Club) was fiddling with an equally well restored motorbike - I think it was a mid/late '50's BSA A7 because of the back suspension, but not sure. Would still happily give it a blast. That's the beauty of this retro series. You overlook the questionable social attitudes and conditions and revel in the things that impressed you back then - or maybe you don't, and just thank your lucky stars you got through it relatively unscathed!.

I found this episode touching, and posed the inevitable question - well, what would do?!.

The Trivia (immediately above) just spoils this completely - as a review of the episode. Everybody knew each other, etc., etc.

However, charging on, some of us are at an age where this situation is a (slim) possibility. The Episode handled it well, as usual, and I particularly liked the dressing down of the obnoxious mother.

Nothing stays the same, but rolling with it sometimes takes openness.

A lot of the low scoring and negativity the Hobbit series is getting seems justified if "The Unexpected Journey" is the main thing seen. Which was my position prior to last night when I cautiously sat down to watch Smaug.

Then there are the Tolkien "purists" who like all zealots cannot tolerate deviation. To put that in context I read LotR in '69 or so, immediately smitten, live in a house called "Rivendell", etc., etc, so I'd own up to being a purist, but never a zealot.

Also love open world gaming, of which Skyrim would be the best I've played. Also mod the game a lot, and one of my favourite followers is Tauriel by a modder called m0ckin9bird.

So when Tauriel appeared my mood suddenly brightened. And when the gorgeous Evangeline Lilly did the first of her many sideways looks, it got even better, and I started to reconsider what Peter Jackson and his team were doing.

There's another review by H K Fauskanger (Norway) who presents this idea in a much more erudite fashion, however I was one of his unfortunates who read LotR before The Hobbit, so found the simple language and structure of the latter more than a slight disappointment despite reading it mainly for my kids.

Tauriel's appearance also seemed to mark a major improvement in the embellishment of the original story. Apart from the ridiculous one sidedness of elves v's orcs fights (OK, bad guys in Steven Seagal and Sly Stallone films are hopeless with their weapons, too). The storyline got instantly better, and much more engaging.

Tolkien hadn't seen much commercial success with the Hobbit when he started writing LotR, and to be honest there wasn't much with the latter for years (decades, even). So with academia and advancing years there was little chance of even considering upgrading the Hobbit to LotR standards.

But it's reasonable to hope P. Jackson & Gang can, and will, have a go. Which they've done. Because it's on the back of well earned commercial success with the later story, he's likely to be judged harshly for cashing in. Maybe an element of that - certainly in failing to control the CGI end back towards credibility - but I saw good embellishment and invention occurring after Tauriel came in.

No idea what Battle of the Five Armies will give. I've waited this long. But I'm reasonably hopeful on several counts after last night. Unfortunately it will necessarily involve a lot of combat, and unless the Orcs are prepared to wait until they have overwhelming force ratio (like Montgomery of Alamein) they won't have a chance against those in the CGI department!. Damnit, it's only a film!.

Directed and written by John Michael McDonagh with all the usual Irish actors in abundance. Same thing seemed to happen in a film 3 years before - The Guard. Also featured Brendan Gleeson, and had a lot of great lines and much promise; but seemed to loose something by trying to be too provocative at times.

Calvary has a truly great script delivered by a wide variety of the actors. There's genuine insight and humour there, and could be overheard anywhere in Ireland if we all used our heads a bit better.

'bout an hour in, and I think it's time to concentrate a little harder on where it's going. If you're thinking of trying it, I'm fairly sure you won't be disappointed.

I've just done a review on Joe's Albert Hall 2009 gig - so I'll keep this brief.

Joe is here with his hardcore bass and keyboard (the wonderful Carmine Rojas and Rick Melick resp.) plus Tal Bergman on drums. The drumming sounds slightly different from the Albert Hall, but second listen tuned me in better. This is top class performance all round.

Yes, I know John Hiatt came on and was absolutely groundedly great, and I've always loved Paul Rodgers voice since "Wishing Well" (1972 or thereabouts).

First off guests was Beth Hart, though, with tattoos all over the place. Took about 10 seconds to realise she knew exactly what she was doing. Have to say I think she redefines "raunchy" in the finest traditions of that word - strong, capable, knows exactly what she's after, and very likely to achieve that. Totally into Joe's histrionics on the Gibsons, and just the sort of girl you'd like to look up from a solitary beer and meet by chance.

Overall, it's just wonderful stuff. Don't bother hunting on cable for a record chance; just get the DVDs of this and Albert Hall 2009 and play them loud. Get a better amp and speakers, if you have to!.

Just to get it out of the way, I'm stunned that no one has thrown up a review.

I'm also much more stunned by Joe Bonamassa and his main backing group here. Maybe I'll listen to the extended group and horn-type tracks, but maybe not. What I will definitely listen to is the pure blues reference tracks here - could be written by Joe, certainly arranged by him - but every one is an absolute pearl.

Just when everyone thinks it's done the encore is a wonderful 3 minute multicultural muse (well, I hear middle eastern & Indian influences) leading flawlessly into "Mountain Time", which for me is the standout track on the whole performance. And yes, it reminds me of the time when a girl could (almost) influence me to throw it all away, and live for the moment.

He's backed by one of the best bass guitarists I've heard, the keyboards are perfect, and the double drumming is excellent. This must be played loud!!.

And when earlier on he takes up a "Flying V" and sort of takes the p*ss out of heavy metal, you'll definitely get the impression that this guy can do it all. And I'm comparing him with Eric Johnson and Joe Satriani!.

There was another Albert Hall gig about four years later, part of a four venue UK tour, but in my opinion you won't bother with it after hearing this.

Just wonderful.

Title :- Miranda - funny, eh!.

Dear UK TV Gold,

You do so many things that I watch over here in Ireland. My Family (is on as I write this), Not Going Out, Porridge, Open All Hours, Last of the Summer Wine to name but a few.

However, as I navigated here, I even see you are advertising a New Series of Miranda.

I have no idea who is making the decision to air this, but if there's any voting being allowed please count me as a very definite negative.

I cannot see the humour in probably a not particularly graceful mover at the best of times constantly tripping over things, falling down unexpectedly, and even falling into holes that open in the ground. Mind you the latter had me hoping, but sadly she re-appeared shortly afterwards. I understand silent stars of the '20's had this as a stock in trade, but that was then. And if I want pure slapstick I'll dig out a copy of The Plank.

And the less said about farting (unexpectedly too, I hope) the better.

She did have some reasonably funny lines in the early episodes of Not Going Out, but she seemed to be under strict control. And her ad libbing by way of breaking glass and crockery - which wasn't funny either - could be ignored.

Other than that, please keep up the good work.

Yours Sincerely,

Dave Scott Shannon Ireland

Emd of e-mail quote.

Think that adequately sums up my opinion of this waste of air space.

Over here in Europe Sky Atlantic is just beginning the series - so we're behind the curve.

There are many erudite reviews here already, so I won't attempt any of that.

The thought that Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey would be playing against each other sounded good - and episode 1 proved that right in spades.

The dialog is extremely well written. Think no one has conversations like those in the car?. Found myself agreeing with most of Detective Rust Cohle's bleak views of the human race - and I'm not at all depressed. The scene at the second attempt at dinner; excellent.

As the story became clearer there are hints of other series, but with the two leads in place I feel it's going to have it's own uniqueness. After all there is the likes of Carnivale to live up to.

Anywhere close to that and we all have another Collector's Series. As the title says above, I'm hooked.

On Sky Arts 1 at the moment, and they're all having a great time. The sound is good too. You'll recognize many of the old favorite tracks, and the singers - even if they've aged a bit, as we all have.

But the standout performance is a singer I've never noticed before - Nikki Lamborn. Such a powerful voice and intonation to the lyrics. Her version of Stairway is just brilliant.

Well, I've heard of her now! - and wish her and Catherine Feeney a Happy Christmas.

Further research "on the fly" suggests this was done in 1999. Good grief, I've missed all this not by years, but by more than a decade. Some rocker!

Good to see that the SyFy channel (over here in Europe) occasionally puts this classic on, even after all the years.

Also good to see that other IMDb recommendations include Watership Down, and The Secret of Nimh.

As a father starting in 1980 this film (a treasured VHS copy - can't remember the source), plus the two above, was very frequent viewing for me and two young fellas throughout the '80's. And the fact that the older son can still quote the script word for word speaks volumes for the impact this film had at the time.

Why is the rating only at 9 - the sudden stop after the Battle of Helms Deep, presumably due to budget overruns, was a tragedy. Particularly as no finalisation followed over the ensuing years. It left three of us still wanting more.

However, it stayed remarkably true to the book, losing only because of the necessary truncation. The "rotoscoping" was a breakthrough visual technique at the time; Peter Jackson uses the latest CGI version in turning Andy Serkis into Gollum (and later on King Kong). Many of Ralph Bakshi's sequences (and almost scripts) make it into the Jackson version. So all in all this was a valiant attempt to film a book that first got my serious attention in c.1970.

Ralph Bakshi / Saul Zaentz also have to be complimented on getting what must have been a strong license from the famously private Tolkien Family. The fact that Peter Jackson makes reference to them in his credits makes me wonder was Jackson's effort a sub-license.

All in all, for 1978 this was a great achievement - and certainly gave this family many many hours of viewing pleasure.

The only other animation in "recent" years that got my attention was Princess Mononoke; but for me that didn't have a favourite book as back-up.

And for other Tolkien heads out there who call their house "Rivendell". Was talking to someone today who noticed my house name, and said they had an acquaintance with similar, but who went the whole hog and called their holiday home Lothlorien. Which is really why I watched SyFy tonight, and felt it time to make this review.

In these apocalyptic days, some of us find comfort in the fact that we've been nuttier than squirrel poo for decades.

First off, I think that Bonnie has an obvious and also an inner beauty. Just to get that out of the way.

Noticed her in the '70's, and then in the '90's heard her mentioned by Paul Brady (Irish singer/songwriter). If he thinks she's good, it's time I looked again. Caught and taped this from VH1. And the TV version was good for years. One of my bucks bought the DVD as a Christmas present, and I was off into extra tracks and improved audio (still stereo, no electronic trickery, of course).

As Don Was said first, this could be the best live group I've heard too. Their playing is impeccable throughout - all of them. Also they've been around, and are often reference players in their own right (Ricky Fataar - Pearl Drums), so play with Bonnie by pure choice. Bit like one of Paul Brady's core backing group said in an excellent series "SongBook" (by RTE) - "I wish I could write songs like these, but the next best thing is playing them".

Bonnie's voice has a quality and catch in it that is totally mesmerising. "If I can't make you love me" - try that one, and I bet it'll catch you in the throat!.

And her guests. Bruce Hornsby is enough for me.

Watch out for :- Shake a little, Nothing' a fool won't get used to, Have a heart, Louise, Dimming of the day. Just my high points.

Been listening to this for a good 12 years, and it just gets better. Usually my taste is rockier and heavier, but you just can't ignore quality when you hear it.

There's only a first review, so I have to add another plaudit.

Reading the cast list, there are a lot of the "usual suspects" from Irish drama. And the location looks pretty, if a shade more marine than the Quiet Man. So you could be forgiven for passing through, and not watching. That would be your mistake.

This goldfish bowl may be geographically and scenically extensive, but it's emotionally claustrophobic. I live in the West, but it's not as intense as this (generally).

The cast is superb, and all the production values are excellent. But the real nod has to go to the scriptwriter (Barry Simner) and screenplay.

This is a dark, twisting, integration of (Sgt.) Jack Driscoll into his idyllic law enforcement posting in Connemara. Don't start thinking rural means isolation from the all the vices of modern urban society. They're all there, and have been for some time. But carefully disguised and hidden. And just when you think you see the next step, a left hook leaves you reeling. And often a hard and tragic revelation.

This is excellent material, and all the more surprising that it's "just" television. Excellent, and highly recommended.