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Winter's Tale (2014)
A magical love story
As a true romantic I am drawn to films that present love in its purest form, that of connection, perfectly demonstrated by the chemistry between Farrell and Brown.
I think so many miss the essence of this film, light versus dark, that a life touched by true love is a life that has been lived....the battle represented here by good versus evil is at its core the battle that love faces, the innocence of true love.
The piano scene is magical and makes you both smile and laugh the reality is that to many people don't believe in love or have never experienced it.
So don't listen to the haters, enjoy this film as I have many times because love is the greatest feeling that we as humble humans can experience...
The Diplomat (2023)
Must watch
This is a great drama series and supports the hope that as the world becomes more and more polarised there are still people that can see that diplomacy and common sense can still exist.
The characters are well-developed, highly likeable particularly Eidra Graham who is as dry as a desert, Atto Essandoh who plays the role perfectly and Rufus is a tour de force as someone that you both want to punch, hug and laugh all in the space of 5 minutes.
I feel a little sorry for Kate Wyler who smashes her role but is still not quite Tea Leoni in Madom Secretary.
I found myself laughing out loud and genuinely really enjoyed it the show is very well written, has high production values and has solid acting performances.
The only hole is the spouse of the US Ambdadocy not having half a dozen Secret Service agents with them at all times is not thought out...it just wouldn't happen.
Watch it 100% worth it.
Luther: The Fallen Sun (2023)
People are being harsh
This is not the Luther of old and the plot is pure fantasy, rather than drama but I enjoyed watching it. Its clearly geared to the American market, taking a pop at us brits, armed police running with their guns instead of shooting them....the need to turn Luther into more of an anti hero by putting him into prison, a copper on a normal wing would never happen....so yes if you think think this is going to be Luther of old sorry guys not happening....
I only hope that the end scene clearly depicts more to come...who is in the car I wonder...pretty obvious but hey ho...
So here is hoping that better is to come.
Kodachrome (2017)
A film that manages to tell an oh so familiar story in a very touching way
I have watched Kodachrome several times and personally I think it should be compulsory viewing for any would be father.... I relate to it in so many ways, not least to remind me that you have to keep trying to engage with your kids before its to late....
The casting in this film is perfect each character is believable, no more than that the perception you have of each actor and the character they play is a perfect match, in Ed and Jason you almost feel they could be playing themselves and I think thats what makes this film so powerful.
The cynics on here could critise the above but you know what I don't care as I think it is a poignant story of fathers that can not connect with their children, yet want to more than anything else to connect.. and children that are just angry and fear the thought of being rejected again.....
Just watch it.
Better (2023)
The concept was compelling, the execution sadly lacking
So I have read the other reviews and the one thing I disagree with is this could of been better.... I just don't think it could of been as the premise of the story does not make sense...
It doesn't make sense, the caution taken on some things, the frisking to check for a wire....come on its 2023, you need electronic equipment. The elaborate picking up of Slack only to drive her to the house of the biggest drug dealer in the city....come on.
It's not plausible that such a big player in one of the largest cities in the country would surround himself with 'road men', gangsters, it doesn't work like that, people at that level are 3-4 removed from people like that..
The relationship built over 15-20 years yet disintegrates in 2 mins - its just not viable...
Col McHugh is a master manipulator clearly playing everyone in his circle and while I disagree with other reviews about him needing to be menacing...as he is clearly a cold blooded physco who would smile as he sticks the knife in...but again he is not believable
If you want a true to life, on the money realistic crime/drug series then makers of Better take note
Shadowline - outstanding, dark and on the money.
Don't waste your time.
Mayflies (2022)
How anyone can give this anything less than 10
I had huge reservations about watching Mayflies, it is January after all and we need no help feeling a little lost, empty and sad. But trust the Scotts to release such an emotive drama right after Christmas.....
But I am glad they did because it's not sad, not really not at its heart, it's a celebration of life, the memories it leaves us when someone is not in our lives any longer.
The uplifting love story of the best friend the person you can always count on to be there when you need them and no matter how hard it is to do a life debt needs to payed. Tony and Martin are flawless, as are the performances of Rian and Tom as younger versions of Jimmy and Tully, great casting as Rian and Tom are perfect.
Tully's character is a true martyr, a friend living his dreams through another and Jimmy never forgets his best friend's support.
A MUST WATCH.
Slow Horses (2022)
Just gets better and better
For anyone who has not watched Slow Horses, firstly watch it, then commit to it as it will reward you with show that is an oasis in a the streaming desert.
I applaud apple for allowing all the contributors to the programme the time to actually build a story with characters that by season 2 delivery 110%.
I also agree with the weekly syndication, with greeted teeth but its the right strategy.
My aim in this review is to anyone who has not watched the show, or maybe watched it and not stuck with it...keep watching
I can you tell you what I think, Gary Oldman is outstanding, a true anti-hero that plays his role to perfection...plus extra points for having to wear the dirtiest trenchcoat in London.
As for the other characters, well once again Oldman and writers have allowed them to develop, its not all about him which it so easily could of been.
Yes you could argue that a lot of the characters are familiar as we have seen them time and time again, but doesn't stop you liking them. Though I would add you have never seem anyone like Lamb, I am sure a lot of us have met him in our daily lives, but this is a masterclass from Oldman.
I genuinely think each of the main characters are exceptionally well played, particularly Sasika Reeves, who nails the role.
Bosch: Legacy (2022)
Bosch - A guy hard to like but someone to respect
Harry Bosch is a truly rare individual, he is focused, unapologetic and inflexible. He also has no apparent care or interest in being liked. Brought to life by Titus Welliver to the extent that it begs the question are they kindred spirts...
The series is outstanding, with each episode drawing you in more, to the point its 12.05 Friday morning UK time and I am watching the newly released episodes. Aligned to that 2 episodes a week is a master stroke, in post Netflix world where we have become used to everything when we want it, the drip, drip nature of 1 episode a week is a cross frustrating to bare, but 2 is just bearable. Well done and keep it up hope to see many more seasons....
The West Wing (1999)
A tonic that continues to heal long after
Well let me start this review with 5 words that are so dear to my heart....
I LOVE THE WEST WING - over the years I have found myself drawn back to the characters, the stories and the general feeling of hope that it offers me. It brings a tear to my eye, it makes me laugh, and in many ways it makes me glad that I am not American....
I have held an interest in American politics for many years and I appalled Sorkin for wanting to inform people that the system is broken, that the vision that shaped a great nation is flawed, watch the first episode of the Newsroom to see how flawed.
If only Trump and co could watch and learn that doing the right thing doesn't mean disagreeing with everything your opponent stands for......Politics should be like a tide - ebbs and flows - give and take!!!!
Do the right thing, rather than whats the most convenient.
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Gripping - Watched it back to back over a couple of days
I think Brad Ingelsby is a genius, his characters are real, flawed and complicated - like us all. I think great drama reaches and engages us because we see something of ourselves in the people we see on screen. I think Kate Winslet smashes the lead role, a matriarch who doesn't have all the answers, she is flawed, angry and hurting, her personality is cutting, acidic and makes you cringe, cry and laugh often in the same episode. A must watch that at its heart lies a hope that their is forgiveness and good in all of us.
Cypher (2021)
Just Bad, really, really bad
From the start it feels like speed has been slowed by about 10%, everything feels forced. The lead FBI agent Brian Krause over acts in a huge way, everything about his performance is wrong. I stuck it out for all of 10 minutes, don't waste your time -
The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day (2009)
Nowhere near as good as the first film
Often a squeal is disappointing and in this Bonndock 2 does not fail to deliver. It's not a bad film as much as it has no right to be associated with the first film - they missed a real chance to make something outstanding!!!!
The 2nd (2020)
F Movie
I don't often take the time to review films, that said I gladly make an exception for '2nd' as it is so bad. Where do you start, the quality of the film instantly feels cheap, the initial scene with the suicide bomber just wrong. How does a one armed (the other arm is holding bomb switch) man covered in explosive material drag an incapacitated, shot in the leg, armed federal agent several meters to act as a hostage???? it was a dead man's switch being set on fire would be ensure that you take your finger of the switch...and it goes on and on.
The whole thing, from Ryan's son looking more like his slightly younger brother rather than his adult son....come on!!! Veralyn Venezioto and Randy Charach looking like they have both walked off a Red Shoes shoot...Caspers ridiculous fight scene with the security guards....he isn't Blade, I mean who's idea was that cane???? It is without doubt the worst film I have part watched for years.
Ryan, please Way of the Gun is a funny, class film and acts as a perfect comparison to low budget done well.....