Doc Martin and the Legend of the Cloutie

Before the TV series "Doc Martin" debuted in 2004, there were three movies that featured the Doc Martin character. However, oddly, when the character was converted to a TV series character, his back story was pretty much rewritten and his personality changed dramatically. So, you almost have to think of them as entirely different and totally separate- -same name but otherwise quite different.

"Doc Martin and the Legend of the Cloutie" is very different from the previous movie because the plot seems to meander quite a bit and seems a bit silly. Now I am not saying it's bad--but it really never really takes itself very seriously and has a far different mood from the previous film.

It begins with Doc going with a Realtor to see a farm that is for sale. The place is a dilapidated mess but inexplicably he offers to buy the place. Only moments later, a family shows up and they, too, want to buy the place. However, the wife is a totally disagreeable jerk and bribes the agent to sell her the place instead--even though Doc had already agreed to buy the place! In addition, the woman is so unpleasant that Doc feels he has to do something...even if it's very stupid (which it turns out to be).

Simultaneous to this plot are two others. One involves two of the locals who are in the smuggling business. However, a couple federal agents suspect something and are mucking about town trying to uncover the crime. Another is about a couple women who are practicing Wiccans and how all this fits together with Doc Martin's problems is, well, quite bizarre.

The bottom line is that you do NOT see this film because it makes a lot of sense, you watch it because you like the characters--and they are very likable and quirky. Enjoyable but more slight than the previous installment--especially the ending.

We got hooked on Doc Martin when the first two seasons were offered on Netflix -- love the Cornish landscape and love the slightly scruffy and very quirky denizens of this corner of England. Imagine my surprise when I found out that there were two films previous to the series, and finally sat down to watch them. The first was really cute -- it was nice to see the Doctor not so crusty and more human than he is in the series, but the second one absolutely cracked me up. Nicely plotted, so many subtle digs at stereotypical Londoners, but not so stereotypical that they were trite. Loved the magical moments, and the last scene just ties everything up in a big bow -- I fell off the couch laughing, happy to leave the Doc with things perfectly in order (for Cornwall). A very feel-good movie, and well worth watching twice.

I have to agree with the 'Awful...' review by Franklie but I think he/she was generous with a 2-star rating. Must admit I would enjoy watching Neve McIntosh reading a telephone directory aloud so for me she made both films easier to watch. Can only assume Martin Clunes insisted on some artistic control in the ensuing TV series.

The first Doc Martin prequel was pretty good, except for the repulsive sex scene, the squeamish bits, and the verbal litter. But the rest was great. We watched it just before we watched this one and this one was absolutely awful.

Anna Chancellor's character made us want to turn the show off right from the beginning. The Doc showed no intelligence. It was a comedy of stupid errors rather than unfortunate ones. There was no one to root for in this show. Well, we take that back. Pam Ferris was her awesome self. It was fun to see her glammed up. We're also not a fans of the verbal litter. It usually just stinks things up.

Loved the scenery though.

I wish this movie were part of a set of 3 with Saving Grace instead of being automatically tied to the TV series. The only thing the movie has in common with the series is the setting of a Cornish village and the star. The character is entirely different. Dr Bamford does have a snobbish outsider view of the villagers and their odd beliefs but this movie is about him becoming a villager in their eyes and in his own mind as they unite to oppose custom agents.

The movie seems to start out all over the place but it all ties together when it ends. I like that the movie has a light mystery feel to it similar to the first Doc Martin movie. The medical aspects of Martin being the GP of the village is irrelevant to the plot instead of being a key to it. I can understand why lovers of the TV series hate the movie but that's why I wish this weren't so tied to it. It is a totally different story.