rainbow-13 Reviews

Meadowlands (2007)

Made in Kent!

[16 September 2007]

Filmed at Kings Hill, a new town in west Kent, being developed by American property company, Liberty Trust of Pennsylvania, which is why the architecture of many of the houses here has an American look, as can be seen in the programme. This has also influenced the architecture at the nearby The Lakes development in Larkfield, where more scenes were filmed. The Lakes housing looks out over Leybourne Lakes Country Park, a flagship facility provided by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, where many of the outdoor scenes were filmed. The Lakes housing looks out over Leybourne Lakes Country Park, a flagship facility provided by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, where many of the outdoor scenes were filmed.

Freewheelers (1968–1973)

Location information

[16 September 2007]

Production of all episodes of this series took place in Solent Water, near Southampton, and was made possible by the use of MV Southerner, Southern Television's own outside broadcast vessel, with three cameras, mixer, video recorder, etc. In many episodes the boat also appeared as the baddies' ship. Production of all episodes of this series took place in Solent Water, near Southampton, and was made possible by the use of MV Southerner, Southern Television's own outside broadcast vessel, with three cameras, mixer, video recorder, etc. In many episodes the boat also appeared as the baddies' ship. Production of all episodes of this series took place in Solent Water, near Southampton, and was made possible by the use of MV Southerner, Southern Television's own outside broadcast vessel, with three cameras, mixer, video recorder, etc. In many episodes the boat also appeared as the baddies' ship.

London's Burning (1988–2002)

Another victim of 9/11

[24 July 2003]

After 9/11, the producers thought they could cash in on the hero status of firemen. They junked the episodes already made and remade the 2002 series - and it was rubbish! They alienated the existing fan base and failed to attrach new fans, so that it plumetted in the ratings. Yet another example of a long-running favourite being destroyed by producers who "updated" a successful favourite. ITV has done this so often, you wonder why they don't learn!

Night & Day (2001–2003)

Simply the best

[11 June 2003]

This soap was simply the best, but unconventional. Those who watched became devoted loyal fans. But ITV did their best to kill off interest. The late night episodes got later and later until they hovered around midnight and would be skipped at the drop of a hat. I simply do not understand why they should put in the resources to produce 18 months of programmes and then do their best to kill off the show. In addition to excellent scripts and production, the acting talent was exceptional. Many were new faces to TV and the best (Kevin Sacre, Seb Castang, Stephanie Leonides, Adam Paul Harvey, etc) have gone on to better things. The only one who hasn't has been Stuart Manning - he publicly criticised the transmission hour at an awards ceremony (Best Newcomer) and has seemingly been black listed as a result - true shame. This may well turn out to be one of those programmes like Fawty Towers or The Monkees - cancelled after a short run only to become long-running cult favourites. It was quite clear from the 'catch up' in the last episode (when the story line had moved on 5 years) that there had been enough material planned to keep it going for 5 years - very short-sighted, I say!

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

An unpleasant experience

[5 April 2003]

This film starts off wonderfully, like a remake of Pinocchio, but goes sadly wrong and ends up leaving a bad taste in the mouth. My children were very disturbed by it. It should have an 18 rating. (the rest is padding as apparently you have to have at least four lines in the comment for it to be accepted - please don't ask me why!)

The Big Finish (2000)

I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed it

[10/10 · 12 March 2003]

Gary and Tom are dropping out of college after 18 months. On the last day of term they plan a "big finish" - a series of practical jokes against students, faculty and staff - I won't spoilt it for you by saying what they do, but these jokes were fun, if a little cruel at times! Gary and Tom make a home movie of their day, and that's what the viewer sees. Everything goes OK until things get out of hand - and blood is spilled. Despite the blood, this is not a horror movie, but it is credible and well-done and I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed it.

Queer as Folk (1999–2000)

One of the best

[12 September 1999]

Very wrong to call this a 'gay drama'. It is a carefully sculpted story about real life characters in cerdible situations, its just that the characters are gay. Particularly notable performances from Craig Kelly (a much underated actor) and Charlie Hunnam (a teenager, but already a seasoned pro of 12 years) - both definately talents to look out for in the future.

The Bare Necessities (1996 TV Movie)

One of the best!

[12 September 1999]

Before there was 'The Full Monty' there was 'The Bare Necessities': a gang of lands who hapless find that they've become male strippers. A gritty tale of miners not the more cavalier unemplyed charaters of Monty, for me this is the real one! Excellent performances from all the cast, especially William Ash, who never disappoints - a talent to watch for the future!

Went the Day Well? (1942)

Excellent

[24 August 1999]

This film was made in difficult time for the British film industry (1942) and, given the difficulties, this turned out to be an excellent film. Perhaps the story is told in a more glossy way in Jack Higgins' "The Eagle Has Landed". But this film is made contemporaneously with the events it portrays and is all the more convincing for that. Worth renting the video - or buying it is you really appreciate good movies!

Phoenix (1992–1993)

Brilliant!

[13 August 1999]

This is one of the finest series I've seen. Concentrating on the main thread, each episode has different themes, which all come together at the end. Brilliant! Sadly, the second series went off the rails and, yet again, they killed off great potential. Worth anyone watching - you need to watch carefully, but it's so gripping that's no problem.