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Reviews
Tales of the City (2019)
Terrific Tales!
Ok, so I have not read the books and knew very little about 'Tales of the City' prior to watching this excellent series. I was intrigued enough by the 'trailer' and as I hugely admire both Laura Linney and Ellen Page I gave the series a go...and I'm so glad I did! It's moving, sometimes funny, often heart-wrenching and always engaging; therefore, I cannot subscribe to any of the negative comments that some reviewers have bestowed upon it. Many of the characters and their lives are somewhat alien to me and my life but open-mindedness is so important to understanding and empathy towards humanity...just a brilliant, thought provoking and entertaining series which I highly recommend!
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (2012)
Fiendishly exquisite.
Nostalgia, romance, escapism, thrill, panache and sartorial radiance; 'Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries' has all of this in abundance and presents in such an elegantly graceful and cultured way, with just a hint of mischievousness!
I truly enjoyed this wonderful drama series and am distraught that there are only three series; encore series four!
Essie Davis (Phryne Fisher) and her fellow central characters shine and have delivered a wholesome drama that is unrivaled; we need more of this!
Gypsy (2017)
Netflix Capitulation
Gypsy; yes, it certainly has had mixed reviews. Many absolutely love it and I emphatically fall into this category! It is a psychological drama and sometimes the pace is slow; but, this is to its enhancement because inherent tension and intrigue is thus increased! I have watched this series twice now; once on my own and later with my wife. Both times I loved its smouldering disquiet driven by the acting delivered by the superb cast (particularly but not exclusively NW and SC). Series one ends with so much more to resolve; clearly a second season (at least) was planned BUT Netflix have unequivocally bottled it! WHY, why, why? Great and innovative drama is relatively rare on TV but Netflix totally achieved this with Gypsy. BUT instead of taking a lead and ignoring the negative hype from over inflated and pompous 'media' critics (go on-line to see their dross) they've capitulated and axed a fantastic, creative, compelling and mesmerising drama; their shame!
American Odyssey (2015)
Brilliant, as far as it goes!
But I'm gutted by an exasperating odyssey. What great potential this exhilarating and spectacular story had; drama, pathos, threat and thrill, but ultimately it's unfulfilled because the commissioners, NBC, didn't have the commitment 'balls' to see it through! (WHY???).
Superb performances by the cast throughout sustained suspense until the 'final' episode; except clearly this is not the story's denouement. So WHAT next?...come on, where is the faith and dedication this magnificent series deserved? Unquestionably it needs a singularly great resolution and not a 'damp squib' ending! Could have been a 9-10/10 but disappointingly ends up a mediocre 6! Frustrated!!!
The Good Wife (2009)
An object lesson in how NOT to end a great series!
First of all, I loved this series and have watched all 156 episodes; completely brilliant, until the end!!!
Julianna Margulies (Alicia) is magnificent as 'The Good Wife' and holds everything together, simply a stellar performance. There's suspense, intrigue, insights to the darker machinations of American politics and the corruption that emanates from all of this. There are wonderful characters that are woven into the fabric of this drama, Archie Panjabi (Kalinda Sharma) stands out as an example. I came into this epic saga late but was enraptured; there are so many great performances!
I've read many reviews regarding Alicia's character and most seem to resonate with negativity as the years roll by. WHAT? Yes, she is a privileged person because she is intelligent and articulate, hence her job, BUT she stands by her flawed husband for years and, for the most part, allows her life to be in a state of limbo; other than holding down a difficult job and caring for her teenage children whilst her philandering husband has his nefarious liaisons!
Finally she has found love, following tragedy when love was almost realised, but still has to 'stand by her man' (really?) because she is 'The Good Wife'. 155 episodes of varying excellence is finished off with the 156th being a total let-down; yup, a bit of a slap in the face!
Bet the writers thought that Julianna Margulies would be drawn into the spin-off series so it was worth the risk; oh well, they were wrong. Finish a great story properly for goodness sake; it just feels as if the end of this fantastic series was ultimately being used as a vehicle to promote the new spin-off. Very disappointed...but Julianna Margulies was always dazzling.
Enough (2002)
Not e'nuff' respect
Don't care what the 'critics' think... this is a great film and a great story! The drama portrays a woman who has obviously had a troubled past but then she's in a comfortable place until she meets her perfect man. Her life is transformed and she's happy....end of story. No; just the beginning! Treachery strikes and chaos, fear and the will to survive ensues. Despite her and her friends best intentions she's driven to a desperate place in order to ensure she and her (gorgeous) daughter survive. Herald the transformation.
A gripping film with moments of fear, desolation and warmth...so very well worth watching!
Bei tou zou de na wu nian (2013)
Brilliant romance with a bitter twist
So I don't get the 5.9 rating score at all!! I didn't realise when I first started to watch this film that it was almost entirely subtitled (due to its language being Mandarin) and almost gave up at the beginning because of this. Thank goodness, I didn't! This is a truly lovely film and very moving on a multitude of levels. It has humour, pathos and drama and is a gripping tale of love and devotion. The two main leads are exceptional; the female lead truly remarkable. I was spellbound as the story unfolded and ultimately reduced to tears such is the tragedy of the narrative. I will definitely watch this film again; brilliant!
The Choice (2016)
Take note, book this great romance!
I can't believe the negative critiques!! You have a good idea before the film starts that this is going to be a romantic story so if that's not for you
then don't watch!!! I, however, wanted to see another story by the brilliant Nicholas Sparks and, even though I approached this film with a little hesitation and doubt because I didn't know the main actors, I was absolutely rewarded with a wonderful, poignant and heart-rending story which I loved. The setting is idyllic and the fabulous cinematography admirably captures this and the performances are superb
I'm not going to detail any of the story but it kept me enthralled and I'd say it's on a par (at least) with the Note Book! Bright, fun, moving and charmingly captivating.
Violet & Daisy (2011)
True meaning of pulp fiction
Violet and Daisy, oh dear. An interesting idea?... possibly; something different?... maybe but not in a good way; quirky?... tries to be but fails; worth watching?... I'd say absolutely not! I wanted to see this film because of Saoirse Ronan; she, as usual, is very accomplished but the story and script is just daft. 'Quirky' is one thing but it does have to backed up with a plot of substance not nonsense. Presumably this was written as a satirical take on 'the assassins' genre; if this was the intention then more wit and quip is sorely needed. Interestingly, the definition of pulp fiction is: "popular or sensational writing that is regarded as being of poor quality" and that, I'd say, is being generous with regard to this film!
Brooklyn (2015)
Fifties Brooklyn
Just watched this fabulous film....don't usually write reviews but this time I felt driven to. I'm not going to describe this film in any way, all I can say is watch it...and if you have a heart you will love this beautiful and poignant story. Some of the reviews I've seen have been dismissive and uncomplimentary; OK, fair enough, because all of us have a right to our opinion...But this is exactly why I was compelled to add my 'tuppence worth'. This is a terrific piece of cinema, a heart-rending story but one with ultimate hope and optimism; it exemplifies precisely what good film-making and cinema should be all about. I loved it!