kimmgould Reviews

Double Parked (2023– )

This is so great, you definitely should watch it

[10/10 · 25 February 2024]

I love this show so much I'm braving the IMDB 600 character requirements to write and tell you how good it is. It's a great story premise, completely believable and also totally crazy. Wonderful set up for the whole series. The acting is perfect, one of those shows where you feel like you're hanging out with your mates and forget you're watching people act. Madeline Sami is freaking brilliant. Have you seen Deadloch?? I actually couldn't say that I found any fault in it. (125 characters to go... ) It's one of those shows that manages to be both warm AND funny and also to show character development. And with that, hurrah, I've made my character limit. Watch it, it's great.

Five Days at Memorial (2022)

A really strange thing happened at the Memorial Hospital, and I still can hardly believe it

[8/10 · 13 February 2024]

Spoiler Alert.

This was such a strange story, and maybe that came from trying to explain the strange events. I understand that this was an extreme situation. The temperatures in the hospital was over 100 degrees for 5 days, and that wouldn't do much for clear thinking. I can't imagine the medical staff had much rest in that time, and little food and water, again, wouldn't promote clear thinking. But it was like they gave up right from the start.

There were some very weird things - the weird authoritarian-bully energy whenever anyone turned up to help in the evacuation. Is that an American thing?? The woman who was told to leave her mother in the hospital and evacuate or she would be arrested for trespassing. The woman who euthanised her dog because she assumed she wouldn't be able to take him with her. Why would she do that?? Why not just wait to see how things played out? Why wouldn't they be allowed to take their pets with them anyway? Why were people's medications (like drips) removed when it wasn't necessary? Why was no one questioning this, the nurses for example? Was that just hospital protocol, that they don't question the doctors?

I get that the conditions were extreme, but I just can't understand how the events unfolded how they did. I just felt like yelling at the tv all the time - why would you do that? But hey, FEMA didn't even turn up to help, and the whole Katrina thing was pure insanity.

Just one thing about the show, there was a bit of gratuitous emotional manipulation. I never like that. Honestly, there was enough going on without having to ham things up. And it felt like they were trying to use that as a way to get the viewer involved in the story, where I would have like to have had more insight into the various forces at play .

Despite how strange it all was, I binge watched it. Partly because I wanted to see what sense, if any, could be made of it. Partly because I couldn't believe how things just kept unravelling. I enjoyed the last episodes, where the investigation is taking place, reflecting my own bewilderment and asking all the questions I was wanting to ask. And while there was obviously fault at all levels from the President down, this show definitely ends up teasing out the distinction between doing 'heroic' (and perhaps otherwise unthinkable) acts, and acting within the confines of the law and their own professional ethics.

Maryland (2023)

A story of two sisters - warm and true

[7/10 · 30 January 2024]

This is clearly not going to be for everyone, you can easily figure that out by reading the reviews. I really enjoyed it. Two sisters coming up against every family fault line. It wasn't overly dramatic, but it didn't feel slow either. A bit of a mystery thrown in to spice things up. I thing dramas about women's lives seem inconsequential to some people, and they are still rare unfortunately. The sisters had very different lives, plus a lifetime of misconceptions. The situation brought it all up to the surface. There were aspects of this show that I worried might wander into soap opera, but it never did that. It was warm and true throughout.

I agree about the Stockard Channing thing. She was fine in her part, but why not use an English actress? There must be a story there.

While the Men Are Away (2023– )

Quirky, sweet, revealing drama

[9/10 · 3 October 2023]

The characters and stories that don't make the cut for the ANZAC legend - the women who don't love their husbands, the lgbti+ community, Indigenous and neurodivergent people and so much more. All the stories that weren't told about the war are here.

Its not pergormative, just excellent quirky Australian drama with the bonus of some quality lesbian sex scenes.

And boringly, I need to add 200 more characters so I could mention that it was sweet, funny, sad. It started with a slightly cartoonish quality but as the characters are revealed it gets more real, poignant and the ludicrous overriding of diversity becomes more obvious.

Bay of Fires (2023– )

Has its moments, worth a watch, but its an opportunity to great television wasted.

[5/10 · 1 September 2023]

I get why people would give this a low rating. It's really problematic. I've watched 5 eps, and it has good moments. But there are a lot of moments that aren't good, just don't work. The acting seems poor, despite it being packed with great actors, and that's got to be down to the script, which is disconnected, illogical and full of holes. It's as if the actors can't figure out who their characters should be. I actually think the underlying story is fantastic. It's as if they put the concept into a blender, pulled out the bits and tried to stick it together in some kind of cohesive pattern. Like a lot of people here, I've just watched Deadloch and they are worlds apart. I wish I could say something better, I am enjoying it enough to keep watching, I just feel like it's an opportunity missed, and could be so much better. The daughter is a gem, best character in the show.

Hollywood (2020)

Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous

[9/10 · 29 April 2023]

What happens if you take Hollywood in the 40's, bend a few trajectories ever so slightly and let the story run. What if the people who had to hide who they were, compromise their morals, miss out because of their skin colour, what if these people got the chance to shine? If you have a think against diversity you are not going to like this one, but if you enjoy feeling really good about humanity, this is one for you. The ensemble cast is wonderful, the story shifts and changes, moving in all sorts of directions at once without every 'losing the plot'. There's a subtlety to the way each character is revealed with more authenticity and then is free to live from that rather than the masked version of themselves. I loved it to bits.

Special shout out to Jim Parsons, who is brilliant as the evil agent with the potty mouth.

Transatlantic (2023)

A wonderful story, told with heart and intelligence

[8/10 · 27 April 2023]

This thing I see in reviews that goes something like ... it's so woke, they have actual real people in this show, so I couldn't watch it but I will give it 1/10 - it's ridiculous. Complaining that there are gay people in this show is ironic, given that the deliberately Nazis killed around 15,000 LGBT people. And apparently the fact that there were Africans in France is also a reason not to watch!

I loved this series. Margot Robbie is such a wonderful actress, and she is fantastic as one of the leads here. The story is based on actual events. Obviously it's not a documentary, so has been dramatised. There is a balance between the darkness of the times and the joy these people held within them, and shared with each other. It feels like a celebration of love and life, despite being a story of death and horror. I often wonder what I would have been brave enough to contribute if I ever found myself in this situation.

The Diplomat (II) (2023– )

Please 🙏 🙏 do another season!!

[9/10 · 23 April 2023]

This was so good I binged all 8 eps and started screaming in frustration at the tv when the last one ended. I would have happily sat and watched another 8 eps.

One of those rare gems where every character in the quality ensemble cast has a well-developed personality, where every plot twist, even the most complex, can be followed.

This is original, clever and really, really well made.

~~~~ Thats all I want to say but apparently I have to write 600 characters, which seems like a lot at this late time of night, especially after 8 hours solid of wonderful television when I really want to go and get some sleep.

The Survival of Kindness (2022)

Its definitely a journey, in many senses

[6/10 · 20 April 2023]

I'm really not sure what to say about this film. I was completely drawn in by the landscapes. Initially the seemingly random events evoked my curiousity, but as the film went on I started to disengage, maybe because of the lack of any narrative. The film seemed long and I was relieved when it ended.

I was expecting it to be harrowing, I'd read about the violence. But it was quite funny in parts. Actually there wasn't any actual violence, and even the obvious inhumanity and cruelty had a kind of distance to it, almost a caricature.

I didn't come away with a sense of any profound message. And I'm not sure if I liked it or not. There were things, the incredible macro photography of the ants. The soundscape - the entire sound track seems to be the sound of the main characters footsteps. Other sounds - washing gurgling in creeks, metal on metal, the strange sounds that passed for language, all in a kind of aural close-up.

Anyway, go see it. Its certainly a journey.

Bali 2002 (2022)

I was glued to this, didn't follow the news at the time and it was fantastic to be able to delve into the whole event.

[7/10 · 26 September 2022]

I wasn't paying attention to the news when this happened, so this was interesting because I didn't know too much about it. The series did a good job of showing the shock and chaos of those first few hours. I liked how they worked with the timelines and interspersing some original footage. The show was well done, it wasn't emotionally manipulative, but very real. (Although I did fast forward through a few bits that were too tragic). I liked that it touched on the practical details of how to handle a disaster like this, both politically and medically.

What an incredible job the AFP did afterwards, in such difficult circumstances.

The Proposal (I) (2009)

I'm just binging on rom-coms but this was good

[7/10 · 10 August 2022]

I really enjoyed this, despite the formulaic underpinning. Sandra Bullock is just watchable in anything, but this is genuinely lovely, heartwarming and funny. There is also a deeper moral arc and I was there for it.

Some Happy Day (2021)

A compelling and beautiful movie

[10/10 · 6 August 2022]

You know those moves that are gentle and contemplative but seem too dreamy, as if you are floating above reality? This is absolutely not one of them. It is so delicate in its observation, so intimate in its portrayal I felt as if I was inside the movie rather than watching it. I was glued to my tv the entire time, as the story unfolded so intricately. The first few scenes set the tone, showing the day to day issues that people with homes just don't ever have to deal with, never even have to think about. There is no preaching or judgement, this is 'show not tell' at its best, and the acting is fantastic. I really enjoyed the two woman's stories intertwining. And somehow, amidst all this, the cinematography manages to be utterly beautiful. Easy 10/10.

The Legend of Molly Johnson (2021)

Intense, beautiful, completely engaging

[10/10 · 24 July 2022]

We are so accustomed to seeing stories told through the eyes of men. When women or Indigenous people tell their stories some people find it 'virtue signalling' or boring. Where's the western action? The storyline of this film is harrowing, but I didn't find it difficult to watch. It was intensely emotional but neither emotion nor violence was gratuitous. It is incredibly beautiful, the interaction with the landscape carries all the power and mystery of our continent. The story unfolds gradually, and with a definite pace. This move is nothing short of a work of art, so moving, the story line so perfectly crafted, the acting so r powerful, I had to sit for a while afterwards to gather myself.

The Replacement (2017)

Gripping, twists and turns, bingeworthy

[7/10 · 28 June 2022]

This was creepy in a sociopath kind of way, the ending was perfectly ok and I really enjoyed it. I have no idea why some people are bagging it.

Thank you to the reviewer who said ignore the negative reviews and watch it. Really good.

The Act (2019)

Would have been excellent if it was only 6 episodes

[6/10 · 18 June 2022]

The performances were outstanding, the story amazing. Two big let downs for me.

First - it was 2 episodes too long. It seems like 8 episodes is the norm now and if you want to make a tv series you just have to pad till you get that many. Six episodes would have been perfect.

Second - there was no discussion about the effect of a lifetime of abuse by her mother on Gypsy's mental health. I thought the series did an excellent job of showing how Gypsy learnt to fall in with her mother's lies. But it was as if after 20 years she should just be able to walk out of that house and be a normal person. Even in the court proceedings there didn't seem to be any consideration of the effect of her circumstances. She was clearly very disturbed, and I would expect any good defence lawyer to immediately send her off for a psychiatric evaluation. And maybe that's what actually happened in real life, but it wasn't even suggested in the show, and maybe I'm weird but that's the bit I was hanging out to see most of all - how in the trial they dealt with the impact of those decades of abuse. Anyway, just me (ex defence lawyer here).

Worth watching, it was really fascinating, I binged the first 5 eps, but don't expect much from the last 2.

Redemption (I) (2022)

Just popping in to say this was a great series

[8/10 · 29 May 2022]

I've noticed that shows with a female lead gets lots of 1/10 - the character wasn't realistic, or the acting was bad, or no one would behave like this. I wonder if the people leaving those reviews has ever met an actual woman?

This was a really enjoyable series. The police procedure was dodgy af, had me yelling at the tv, but other than that minor issue, really well created characters, great story and a good ending (always important to get the payoff after 6 hours of time invested!).

Cobra (2020–2023)

A darker than usual UK political drama

[6/10 · 28 May 2022]

These dystopian dramas are getting a bit old fashioned. We've discovered in the last few years that when disaster strikes almost everyone is focused on making sure everyone else is okay. They check in, they share, they stay home, they mask up, they work 24/7 to treat sick people, they organise and collaborate on social media. There's always a few extremists who believe the election was stolen, who have parties at work, take the opportunity to storm the capitol or go looting. But this destructive old narrative is based on a false idea that under our 'civilised' exterior we are all rabid selfish beasts incapable of making collective choices. This has never been true. It also drives racism, fear of the hordes who will destroy society as we know it.

Is it worth watching? The story is reasonable, solar flares taking out communication systems, the acting good, some interesting side stories. I'd watch Victoria Hamilton in anything, so there's that. It was great to see Robert Carlyle in a thoroughly grown-up and serious role, he inhabited it well. A darker than usual UK political drama, somewhere between a 6 and 7 rating seems about right.

Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives. (2022)

I wish they had interviewed some experts in sociopathy behaviour

[6/10 · 15 April 2022]

Should you watch it? Look there is nothing surprising here, but it's interesting if this is a subject you enjoy.

Its easy to watch this and think, that woman was just an idiot. But people don't realise how clever those sociopaths are, they start out easy and they have this incredible ability to tap into everything you need to feel loved. You can see she can't explain what was happening. This is the thing people don't get, that its as if your will is switched off, as if you can't act in your usual ways. They dangle what you want in front of you, its not always money. If you watch (reputable) videos on youtube about narcisists and read the comments, they are full of people saying ... I have no idea how that happened to me. Its the same mechanism used by cults. The thing is though, its like a pact with the devil, you want something so bad you give up yourself to get it. And in that, she is definitely guilty.

One of the things people don't realise is that it takes years to recover from this kind of identity 'deconstruction' if you every do! I wish they had interviewed some experts in this area and not just left it all in the arena of comments from people who know her.

Boy Meets Girl (2009)

I thought it would be a comedy romp but it was much more than that.

[9/10 · 20 February 2022]

This show covered so many bases, gender confusion, mental health, class divides, relationships and family, weird stuff that happens when you get struck by lightning. I could watch Rachel Stirling watch paint dry, and she's amazing in this. As is Martin Freeman. It's a romp that brings up really serious moral issues in a complex way.

Long Story Short (2021)

Really enjoyed this

[7/10 · 14 December 2021]

I really enjoyed this movie. It was a great idea, and they spun it well. I wonder if you have to be a certain age to appreciate the message? The acting was good, and it wasn't schmaltzy. I know I enjoyed it because, long story short it was over so quickly!

PS. A house on Bronte Beach is worth multi-millions so no way could they buy that place without a serious heritance!

The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years (2016)

Lots of archival clips but lacking substance

[6/10 · 22 July 2021]

I turned this off halfway through. Love the Beatles, but this seemed really shallow, just a list of things that happened with no real discussion about the significance of The Beatles, why their music had such a profound impact. About 30 minutes in I felt like I was just watching quick clip after quick clip of girls screaming. I watched the doco on the Bee Gees last week and it was so wonderful, this just doesn't compare.

Remember the Titans (2000)

Probably glosses over a lot of the harder parts of this true story, but some really good things about this movie

[7/10 · 18 July 2021]

I'm Australian and even though I've been raised on American tv and movies, the whole US high school culture sometimes just confuses me. Things were happening and I was like ... um, what? I don't know anything about American football so there was a whole lot of weird stuff I didn't get, and the whole militaristic training thing is weird, plus there was the schmaltzy music that plays in the background of every movie that showcases American exceptionalism. I worry that it glosses over a lot of the more ugly and difficult parts of this 'based on a true' story. There were some things like not being allowed in the bar, but the movie doesn't give any sense of the dread and fear that must have hung over those boys. But. It is a great story and if you're looking for some entertainment that makes you feel like there is some hope for the better aspects of humanity, this is worth watching. It's difficult to make each of those boys stand out as a seperate individuals, but they do that really well. There are some really wonderful characters on that team. And when the schmaltzy music isn't playing, the rest of the sound track is great.

Tangle (2009–2012)

Fantastic drama

[8/10 · 22 June 2021]

I just caught all 3 series of this show on Netflix. How have I not seen it before? The ensemble cast is amazing, both the well known actors and also all the kids. Each character was well created and coherent through 22 episodes. One reviewer said they found all the characters unlikeable, that wasn't my experience at all.

The first series had a dark edge, driven by Ben Mendelsohn's character. That darkness disappeared in series 2 and most of series 3. I was worried it might lose its edge, but the 'tangle'of characters kept it tight and completely engaging. I assume they were planning another series, but the sudden ending wouldn't stop me from watching and thoroughly enjoying the whole complicated ride.

Great Aussie drama, well worth watching.

Our Friend (2019)

So much more than you might expect

[9/10 · 21 June 2021]

I was worried this might be one of those movies that are all about tugging the heart strings but it was so much more than that. It was about life, being a parent, a partner, a friend. The acting was stellar, the story somewhat predictable but that didn't matter because it was completely engaging in its warmth and detail. I feel like a better person for having watched it.

A Royal Night Out (2015)

Just fun

[7/10 · 7 June 2021]

That was really fun. So many good one-liners. Great characters. The princesses were perfectly cast. Some good Glenn Miller music.

My favourite bit was when someone asked Elizabeth to make a pot of tea 🤣🤣🤣. Her facial expression was priceless, she didn't know where to start.