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Reviews
Moonlighting: Portrait of Maddie (1985)
Homage to Vertigo
As they've done before, the writers have created a story that brings to mind Hitchcock's Vertigo. Maddie strolling through an art gallery, the portrait ( like Carlotta). Even the music beckons back to Virtigo.
I never watched the show first time around, but I'm enjoying it now. The eighties references. The witty repartee between Maddie and Addison. And the chances they take with each episode ( ie the black and white noir episode).
The mystery itself was not much of a challenge to figure out. But that is sometimes irrelevant. Some scenes are too long. This was typical of the era though. It still works.
Midsomer Murders: Bantling Boy (2005)
Bantling Boy
What I assumed would be a straightforward story about corruption in horse racing turned out to be a more complex story. As usual, the acting was above par, but it was the story that was really intriguing. On some level it is a cautionary tale of what happens when young children become immersed in the violent fantasies of video games. As in a previous episode, the viewer is shocked to find out the perpetrator of 4 gruesome murders ( or at least the brains behind it) was a child. Though I enjoy this show immensely, I frequently find that loose ends are not always tied up at the end. In this episode, the question of who ultimately owns Bantling Boy goes unanswered ( unless I missed something).
The Alfred Hitchcock Hour: An Unlocked Window (1965)
An Iconic Episode of The Hitchcock Hour
This episode truly frightened me when I was a kid ( and I didn't frighten easily). Word of caution: if the plot feels familiar it's probably because there have been many films since that have borrowed elements from this ( remember, this was made in 1965). If you critique it, try not to judge it by today's standards... just enjoy it for what it is.
About a Boy (2002)
Hugh Grant's best performance to date
While Hugh Grant always puts in an excellent performance (Bridget Jones' Diary, Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral) in this movie he seems to come closest to showing the 'real' Hugh Grant -- one that is not only charming, but has an edge as well. I highly recommend it.