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Reviews
Lewis: Whom the Gods Would Destroy (2007)
Top Quality Entertainment
From the start, 'Lewis' was utterly commendable. Whately's performance as the newly promoted inspector is as effortless as it is engaging. This opening episode (written by Inspector Morse episode writer Daniel Boyle) manages to balance the suspenseful intrigue with excellent character portrayals, the one not overshadowing the other. As Hathaway, Fox is marvelous. He's clever, knowledgeable, but he can learn a lot from Lewis's experience.
In an age where mindless trite talent (I use the word with a due sense of caution) shows are all the rage, and celebrity culture dominates British television, 'Lewis' is refreshing, high quality entertainment for those preferring not to be brainwashed by junk television.
A thoroughly deserved: 10/10
Inspector Morse: The Way Through the Woods (1995)
The Way Through The Woods
In my humble opinion, I think that this episode of Morse is up there with the best of them. The cinematography is crisp, the music is first class, the scenery is beyond compare, the acting is incredible and John Madden's direction is superb. This episode was adapted from Colin Dexter's book of the same name - the book itself is also one of his best - and though it changes several elements of the original story, it is (believe it or not) actually an improvement.
The tension between Morse and Lewis is portrayed exceptionally by Thaw and Whately and the murderer is one of the best developed murderers in the series!
This episode was the first in a series of one off specials of the series which appeared almost every year until the end of the programed with 'The Remorseful Day' in 2000. For anyone looking for a Morse episode which is thrilling and utterly absorbing and one which offers one of John Thaw's greatest performances - then this one is certainly for you.
Inspector Morse: The Wolvercote Tongue (1987)
The Wolvercote Tongue
A first class episode from Morse's earlier years on television. A great intricate story well acted and directed. This story was based on an idea by Morse creator Colin Dexter before he turned it into a book a few years later entitled 'The Jewel That Was Ours'. Stand out performances by Kenneth Cranham and of course John Thaw and Kevin Whately make this one to watch out for. Though the story begins slowly (as always with Morse) it then moves quickly to an unforeseen and very exciting conclusion.
As one might expect with Morse, this is well worth your time with the beautiful views of Oxford matched with a calibre of drama which they simply don't produce anymore.
I'm Alan Partridge (1997)
...and you use the leaves to make a dress for your wife who's also your brother
This is the funniest most watchable comedy to have ever graced TV. Full of memorable scenes and imaginative witty dialogue. My favourite scenes are Alan sacking his team at Pear Tree Productions, the whole of the '...Smell my cheese...' scene, but may favourite is the Watership Alan episode with his attempts at ingratiating himself with 'the lads' and moreover his 'apology' to Peter Baxendale Thomas. Watch and be utterly inspired.
10/10
'Im trapped under a cow...Im not ok...Im not ok...'
Look Back in Anger (1959)
Simplistic Genius
This film is simplistic genius. The acting and character development is superb. Mary Ure reprises the role of Allyson as she played it in the original stage production of the play. Claire Bloom excels quietly. But it is Richard Burton who (again) steals the show. As Jimmy he displays talent for passionate speeches delivered quickly which he would later use in Cleopatra. His powerful performance will never be matched. He is venomous, he is tender, he is human.
The use of light in the film is remarkable. Look out for silhouettes and shadows, blinds, smoke and steam, pillars and the way light shines though it. This so called 'kitchen sink' drama has all the lighting effects of a film noir.
I think you probably have to be British to have a full understanding of all the films implications, but dont let this hinder your viewing of a taught, powerful, emotional slice of flawlessly directed humanity. Burton is as magnificent as ever.