derek-71617 Reviews

Playing Away (1987)

Very much of its time.

[7/10 · 28 June 2023]

I watched this film on TV at the time and it always left an impression on me.

Being of West Indian heritage, I could very much identify with the language, culture and racism of the period.

And the 1-star review is hopelessly misplaced in light of a recent report commissioned by the ECB which shows the game is, sadly, riddled with racism, sexism and classism from top to bottom.

Rather than being a "potent social glue", the film, perhaps rather presciently, shines a light on the reality of the game for those who are not White, male and upper-class.

Regardless, the film rather betrays its modestly-budgeted origins with some choppy editing and unresolved narrative threads, but is still rather enjoyable when it is taken in its context - a snapshot of 80's Britain for life as an ethnic minority.

Remarkably, it's available to buy on DVD and I would very much recommend it - even the cricket scenes are reasonably convincing!

Sledge Hammer!: Here's to You, Mrs. Hammer (1988) Season 2, Episode 19

A hugely courageous last episode.

[10/10 · 29 January 2023]

Having watched and enjoyed the entire run of the show during the past few weeks, it was with a heavy heart and some trepidation that I approached the final episode.

But I really, really enjoyed it as it showed a greater depth and awareness beyond just silly spoofing.

Listening to Alan Spencer's commentary after was also very revealing - I had no idea it had divided opinion amongst fans. But as he put it himself, the fact that fans criticised Hammer acting out of character meant that he had a character in the first place, that he wasn't just an empty cipher for endless jokes.

I also liked the fact that they left the ending open, that it was neither happy nor sad, just inconclusive.

It was very much a character-driven final show, allowed the actors to show more dramatic range and just validated in my view how good it was at the time, how much it's aged well and how badly it's missed.

Sledge Hammer!: Desperately Seeking Dori (1987) Season 1, Episode 18

A tremendous episode!

[10/10 · 14 January 2023]

First of all, just let me say that in 2023 it's an absolute crime that there is no High Definition version of this show - STILL!

Both the picture on a large flatscreen TV and the sound, though ostensibly DTS 5.1, are both mediocre at best and really don't do justice to all the hard work put into the show.

Beyond that, I think you need to buy into the sheer lunacy that's on display. The central character is absolutely dominant in terms of storylines and screen time, and if you find him unappealing then it won't really work for you.

But I do and I love his exaggerated machismo, sexism and idiocy. And Ann-Marie is simply magnificent here - she's got the character absolutely spot-on and it's a sheer joy to see her in action, and Hammer's hilarious admiration for her.

Alan Spencer - I doubt if you will ever read this, but please upgrade it to HD, it is the very least it deserves.

Sledge Hammer!: They Shoot Hammers, Don't They? (1986) Season 1, Episode 4

I would love to see this show in HD!

[9/10 · 3 January 2023]

Alan, if you're reading this by any chance, please make it happen!

The three main characters are perfectly cast and beautifully realised. The show looks far more expensive than it probably actually cost to make.

And Hammer is an absolutely iconic character and will never date because you still see examples of him all the time, albeit without the intentional comedy.

And speaking of comedy, I'm writing this review because it features a simply wonderful scene using just two characters and a bank of public telephones.

It starts off well, if obviously, but then becomes increasingly ridiculous and builds to an absolute crescendo. The timing, the mannerisms, the characterisations are just pure comedy perfection.

The only reason I don't rate it 10/10 is because it deserves so much better than a soft, fuzzy and hazy SD image.

It's a truly wonderful show, one of the best of its kind, and deserves a far larger audience. And a better picture and sound!