TheReviewPerson Reviews

Suspects (2014–2016)

Tense, original, and startlingly realistic TV

[9/10 · 22 August 2014]

This won't be everyone's cup of tea. But it definitely is mine. Never before has there been a more convincing TV show, in terms of its plots, dialogue and characters, and this is largely down to its unscripted format and documentary-style filming. Naturally, there's never going to be award-winning artistic cinematography or Hollywood-esque dramatic lines, but that's what makes this show different. You get utterly transported into the working lives of the three detectives, as if you're a fourth party watching over their shoulder.

With the exception of the first and second episodes of the second series, each episode has its own crime to be solved, meaning that there's no grand story arc to follow, and you can dip in and out of the series; missing an episode is no problem.

It's also a breath of fresh air that there's no personal rubbish with the main characters. Sure, sometimes a case gets a little close to home on the occasion, and DI Martha Bellamy noticeably has pictures of her kids on her desk - little touches of believability like that - but other than that, the focus is on the plot and catching the criminal. As it should be.

As someone who has grown up watching Poirot, Sherlock, and countless other crime-solving dramas, you'd think they'd have had enough making these things, but nevertheless the plots keep coming, and the plot twists in this show are actually unpredictable. You yourself are a detective, trying to thread the clues together alongside Jack, Martha and Charlie, and it's certainly a tense ride.

I feel this show will 'revolutionise crime drama', as The Guardian has said. Although the format is foreign and takes a moment to get used to, it's something I don't regret watching. Well done, Channel 5.

24: Live Another Day (2014)

What a shame for a potentially good series

[4/10 · 18 July 2014]

In a way, this show is quite good, but it lets itself down in far too many other ways.

The premise of imminent terrorism is quintessentially the same as every other thriller on TV, but nonetheless the writers seem to find it necessary to spell out every plot point to its audience, which having watched intelligent thrillers like Fargo and Homeland, can be incredibly frustrating. It's bereft of the 'guessing factor': the essential hint of ambiguity that is vital for thrillers to achieve 'edge-of-your-seat' status.

There also seems to be a distinct lack of three-dimensional characters. Everyone's lives seem to rotate around the events of the day; there's no irrational fear of green apples, secret addiction to on-line gambling or any personality quirks at all - sure, there's a bit of emotional entanglement here and there, but it's so flat that it practically reflects light. There's no fluctuation or development in the characters, either. I know that that's quite difficult to achieve in a plot that spans across only one day, but to put things in perspective, when explaining the plot to someone, to me Jack Bauer is 'Mr Whispery Voice', Chloe is 'Miss Grumpy Face' and Audrey is 'Mrs Doe-Eyes'.

Unfortunately, the poor writing means the acting is disastrous - I almost feel sorry for the actors having to put up with such unrealistic lines.

I understand that 24 was a much-loved series and that this reincarnation has been highly anticipated, but really by itself it is not a thriller worth watching.

The Vampire Diaries (2009–2017)

You'll either love it or loathe it - but, I love it!

[7/10 · 4 January 2013]

Flicking through the reviews, I can see clearly that there is a wide range of opinions on this show. For starters - guys, get out. Don't even bother: every male viewer of this show that I personally know, hates it, and judging by the lowest scoring reviews, so did most of the rest of the male population. Ladies... it's a different story.

Typically this show is made for teens, and I'm sure that's where the majority of viewers are placed, so adults I think have less chance of enjoying it.

But, nevertheless, it's got me helplessly hooked. There are so many elements to this show that are what make it great - I don't know where to begin! I'll admit - and I'm sure most others will agree - it came off to a shaky start; so if patience isn't really your thing, then there's no doubt you'll think very little of it. The key advise I'd give to someone considering watching this show is - give it a chance.

The first four episodes are very clichéd, predictable, and the same old vampire story you've heard time and time again. After that, it starts to get interesting - the plot thickens, and you kind of want to know what happens next.

All of a sudden, the pace picks up; there are many twists in the plot, and characters will do and say very unexpected things, that will have you gasping in your seat - (if you're anything like me!) The show twists and turns - you don't know who you should trust, and who you shouldn't, so it keeps you guessing, and moves at neck-breaking speed in many episodes, and often there are major plot developments you'd never expect. Of course, the standard fluctuates - some episodes are better than others, even after the first four or so; but really from there it's just a matter of personal opinion and taste as far as I'm concerned.

The one thing that has been recognised as this show's "stamp", is its unwavering boldness to kill characters off without the least bit of warning.

Oh yes! That's the other thing - the characters. None of the characters are completely unlike-able, and even if you're convinced you hate one of them, there'll be something that gives you even the tiniest bit of sympathy for them. Each and every one of these characters is well thought-out, and totally three dimensional, and not to forget, all brilliantly well acted. You really feel like you know them, and laugh and cry (well, almost) along with them.

Each of the series come to fantastic ends, with finales that are just... fantastic! This show keeps on getting better and better, and, although it's most certainly not for everyone - (like I said, some will loathe it!), it has the unfailing ability to keep viewers who do like it guessing, gasping, and desperate for more. A true "Marmite" show.

One last and final thing I have to comment on: the violence; the blood; the gore. Please, do realise that this show is not for little young girls - it has guts. It's not afraid to live up to its title - 'Vampire', and show us all *exactly* what they're all about. So be warned.

The Bourne Legacy (2012)

The Definition of an "Edge-of-Your-Seat" Movie.

[9/10 · 27 August 2012]

I was dubious, when going to see this film, that it would live up to the amazing standards that the rest of the Bourne series had created. But I couldn't have been more mistaken! From the very beginning, it got the audience captivated, and even though some may have said it was a slow start, I would disagree and argue that it built up the tension fantastically. But, when the action did get started, I along with the rest of the whole cinema, really was on the edge of my seat. This film balances the action sequences and the calmer sequences perfectly, not to mention with fantastic acting and off-the-scale believable characters. It didn't take the audience for granted - didn't assume we were all stupid and explain every detail - which, although made it a little harder to follow, really got you thinking and all of your senses like live wires. I think the best part of this film, although there was many, many brilliant factors - were the action sequences. During all of them, my heart was in my mouth it was so tense! Especially in the epic motorcycle scene. I am astounded at how brilliantly they pulled this one off. Yes, the Legacy of the Bourne films lives on. If I could give this a 11/10 I really would - but at the moment we'll just have to settle for the full 10!

Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Delicate, moving, with a much-needed touch of comedy

[7/10 · 15 May 2012]

This is, was, and will always be THE film that irreversibly attached me to historical dramas. The costume, set, music, chemistry between the characters, the characters themselves, and the story all contributed to a visually stunning and moving adaptation of the novel. Firstly: the costume. If you are going to do a costume drama, you've got to make great costumes, and this one particular section of production I have always been personally very critical about, but I must say, these costumes were amazing, however I did notice that they replicated the fashion of the 1820s rather than the 1810s, which was when the book was set (1813). 9/10 Secondly: the set. In every scene in the film, the set was well-thought out and was appropriate. 10/10 Thirdly: the music in this film was beautiful, and very well-researched in context to the time! 10/10 Fourthly: the chemistry. The relationship between the protagonist Elizabeth and her love interest Mr (Fitzwilliam) Darcy is slowly building and extremely believable, and will take the viewer on a dramatic emotional journey from start to finish. Finally: The characters. Matthew Macfadyen's interpretation of the character Mr Darcy is rather different to other actors' interpretation. He shows a more vulnerable, though less proud but more likable Darcy, and so in this case, his relationship with Elizabeth makes more sense. Knightley didn't bring anything new to the character, and neither did she view the character in a different way, but it is safe to say her acting was good and convincing in this adaptation, although I do believe Macfadyen's performance supported hers well, and it was his that made the whole film, so in that case, I give this film a well-deserved 9/10!

Daniel Deronda (2002)

Good but quite disappointing!

[5/10 · 15 May 2012]

As a big fan of historical dramas, I was really looking forward to 'Daniel Deronda' being the next great drama to watch. Although I was intrigued about how the story would pan out... only to be disappointed. I didn't feel much chemistry between Lapidoth and Deronda, so I found their relationship quite unconvincing. By the end, I became bored and very unenthusiastic about watching it, and almost didn't bother to watch the ending! But, on a lighter note, I thought that Romola Garai's performance was brilliant. I also thought that the sets and costume were delightful, which, in the end, pushed my vote to a five, rather than a four!

Little Dorrit (2008)

A delightful drama!

[8/10 · 15 May 2012]

This adaptation takes the book very seriously, and is a true adaptation. 14 episodes at first seemed a little daunting, but this series is captivating, with wonderful characters and fantastic cinematography. The soundtrack suits the series well, and just gives that extra touch to get the watcher crying, laughing, and sighing at the television screen! You truly feel like you are in the series, which makes it a series in a league of it's own. The casting is fantastic, and well done for Claire Foy - she portrayed the character brilliantly for a first large part! In the end, if I had to describe this series in one word; it's really, truly 'sweet' - there is no other word! - and will no doubt leave the viewer with a smile on their face by the end of it!

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (2011)

With no doubt, the best of the series so far! It was seemingly impossible to pull off, but they've done it! (NOT WITHOUT FLAWS, THOUGH!)

[7/10 · 26 November 2011]

I must admit: I am a little bit of a Twilight fan, but I'm reviewing this on both accounts. Firstly: The actors have obviously had a kick up the backside and told to just get better at acting! One of the things that really irritated me about the rest of the series was the acting (especially Kristen's), but, I am extraordinarily happy to say that everyone has improved a lot! Although, I did think that Edward could have been a little more 'guilty' and Jacob a little less content with Bella's situation. The wedding scene was fantastic, and although I'd heard many people say that it's a sweet scene, I never expected it to be THAT good! It was believable, and the humour was funny NOT because it was cheesy, but because it generally related to the characters, and their actions. (I must congratulate Billy Burke on his fantastic performance!) I thought that Taylor Lautner did very well when he thought Bella was dead, and to those who didn't know that Bella DOES survive, probably found that quite moving. In fact, I did, too. I also thought that Kristen did a good performance with the 'on-the- verge-of-hyperventilating-so-must-calm-down' scene in the honeymoon. Secondly: I loved the little details that were included, such as, having Stephanie Meyer as a cameo, and the fact that Edward and Bella played chess in the honeymoon. It was the little things like that made me smile! Thirdly: The sets, the scenery, and the effects were better than ever! Most of the film was exactly how I'd imagined it, and my friends agreed! Fourthly: I thought that the wolf-mind-thought-talking thing was funny. And not in a good way. I did wonder how they would pull that off without making it comical, and they didn't! I got 'sshhh!'ed quite a lot from laughing so much! However, the growling scene effects were undoubtedly very, very good! Fifthly: The soundtrack was the best so far, and obviously had a lot of thought put into it. I'm definitely buying that off iTunes! Lastly: Stay behind at the end because there is a 2-minute short after the credits! -----BUT----- Non-Twilight fans will be bored out of their socks, I am sorry to say.

Limitless (I) (2011)

Very good!

[10/10 · 22 November 2011]

Acting: 7/10 Plot: 9/10 Effects: 8/10 Continuity: 8/10 Other: 9/10 Watching the trailer made me unsure whether this really was the film for me, but the film grasps your attention from the very start. I watched it twice in one week because I simply NEEDED to show the film to my friend, to show her how good it was!!! There are a few continuity issues, and it was a little complicated for my slow brain to comprehend, and also the acting was good, but could have been better.......... But this film definitely makes it to my personal Top 5! The plot is clever and the script is full of wit and this is echoed by the ingenious filming and effects, and is a thoroughly good watch that leaves the viewer buzzing once the credits are up! 8/10

The Ward (2010)

*This review was written by someone who is not familiar with John Carpenter's films*

[6/10 · 22 November 2011]

So, if you are not familiar with John Carpenter, like me, then this is the review you aught to be reading. I'd never heard of this film until we stumbled across it in blockbusters, in search for films for our horror night. I must admit, I get freaked out very easily, so I asked my friend (who never gets freaked out) to try and make fun of the film as much as possible, to make me look at the film more comically. The build up is acceptable, much the same as the acting, but this is a 'jumpy' film. There are really good 'jumping' moments, especially *SPOILER* at the end when you sort-of-but-don't-really expect it: that one left my heart pounding for quite a while afterwards! Unfortunately I cannot compare the film to any of Carpenter's previous pieces, as I have not seen them. But *SPOILER* multiple personality disorder??? I did guess that, and that is quite a cliché. However, for a first real horror movie, it was really quite good! However, it does not make it to my personal Top 5! 7/10 -- Another point: the soundtrack was perfect for the film; one of the best elements of it!

North & South (2004)

Deep, moving romance

[10/10 · 22 November 2011]

This is one of those series that, once you've finished each episode, you're begging for more. With a fantastic soundtrack, perfect acting, and a beautiful plot, this series makes my personal Top 5 favourites. My mother suggested this to watch, as she'd seen it when it originally came out, and I was doubtful. But within the first five minutes, I was intrigued. I know for sure that classic novel fans will adore this, and many will be converted into classical literature through this, if they are not already (a bit like me!!!). It has elements of hostility and intensity, which has all been filmed and produced brilliantly. I cannot fault this series, and I am usually a very critical person! 10/10