A Town Called Malice (2023) User Reviews

Great fun!

[npvarley · 8/10 · 23 March 2023]

I don't understand some of the bad reviews here. This series was great fun. It's supposed to be a caricature of criminal life in East London transplanted to the Costa. It's not aiming to be an accurate depiction. It takes inspiration from some real-life characters from the underworld, in 1980s London, and then makes them OTT to great effect.

The main characters are well-acted, particularly Ma and Cindy, and Jason Flemyng does his great scene-chewing piece. It's beautifully shot, with some great camera angles and use of natural light and colour. The recreation of the 80s, in the clothes, cars and gadgets is top notch.

And to opt it all off, the soundtrack is a fantastic tour through the great music of the 80s, with songs well-chosen for the scenes in which they're used. Having characters sing along with the lyrics is very funny too!

Well worth a watch. Accept it for what it is meant to be!

Don't get me wrong. This isn't good, BUT it's quite enjoyable

[Jwjkemsley · 7/10 · 20 March 2023]

Don't get me wrong, this show is not a BAFTA award winner. It's actually quite bad, but and it's a huge BUT, it's really enjoyable. The music, the terrible story & the acting are all part of its charm.

It's taken everything from terrible 80s shows, awful action films, thrown in a great soundtrack, neon lights and a comical story then stuck them all in a blender, and out comes this mess of an enjoyable show.

I found myself, zoning out and just going with it. Personally I think we have got so wrapped up in pioneering shows, that's sometimes a soap operaesque show, which is just entertaining is ok to admit to enjoying.

This isn't 10/10 or portraying reality. It's just something to zone out to after a stressful day.

A deliberately OTT farce

[rich-mac · 8/10 · 3 April 2023]

There are so many clues that A Town Called Malice is a deliberate farce, the prime clues being the frequent scenes where the cast start singing to the backing music - true pastiche.

So the first thing we should be cognisant of is that this is a show that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's designed to take the mickey out of the times and the situations, and it does so with some gusto.

Amongst all this is a one family crime wave arriving on the Costa del Sol chasing riches with little care for the imprudence of their actions. They leave a trail of destruction in their wake, and come up against some stiff opposition, but they also give way to the comedic imperatives of the show - so the bumbling clowns get off the hook when in reality they would more than likely have parted ways with their heads.

The music is terrific, the show is outrageous - good times.

Enjoy it for what it is

[wright_graham · 7/10 · 12 April 2023]

A watchable, quirky 80s crime show .. the plot has more holes than a slice of Swiss cheese but the soundtrack makes up for it. Solid performances from Jason Flemyng and Martha Plimpton, (a very good actress) especially the former with his portrayal of Albert Lord - his dance moves are none too shabby either. This show is not looking to be the next Line of Duty but is instead a slightly left field take on the well churned out gangster show mixed with some dark comedy. If you like 80s music and dont take it too seriously you will find yourself watching all 8 episodes and smiling despite yourself.

Gets Better after Ep3

[doverington · 7/10 · 23 March 2023]

Didn't think I would like this having grown up in Bermondsey in the 70s and 80s but it is kind of fun the memories names clothing and music all from the Era bring back some happy memories.

Love the primrose yellow corniche that seems to be the family run about.

I didn't know any of the actors but they all seem to have a good list of shows under their belt.

The story and motives are finally revealed in episode 4 giving you an excuse to finish off watching the series the acting may not be top notch but it is watchable

Not for everyone but I'm enjoying it could there possibly be a 2nd series guess will have to see.

Retro Fun

[Dan_Finn · 9/10 · 19 March 2023]

A really good violent crime family story with the best of 80's nostalgia smacking you in the face. It's a camped up London Gangland, Costa del Sol and retro, yellow Rolls Royce ride. It's not particularly realistic or completely believable and it's not supposed to be. That doesn't mean it isn't gritty or a high quality production.

The acting is top drawer - Jason Flemyng particularly puts in an exceptional performance.

The show is full of twists and turns and I found it thoroughly entertaining and managed to binge watch it in a weekend.

The sound track is phenomenal so get that sound bar plugged in.

Jury's Out

[janegillian-81807 · 6/10 · 19 March 2023]

I have been looking forward to this show for months. I have to watch it all, mainly for Martha Plimpton who is a fine actress. I am of the same opinion as others, soundtrack great but plot is all over the place. At this point, I am curious as to Cindy - as she looked, I believed to be about 18 when we met her in episode 1. Now I am trying to get around the fact she was an adult with a child in 1979. Just how old is Cindy now? Determined to watch through to end. I hope though it is a complete series as it is somewhat painful to think there may be questions unanswered and a 2nd series is coming.

..

Ignore the haters

[linziaj · 10/10 · 19 March 2023]

Was thinking this wouldn't my kind of programme but im Ep6 and i can't stop watching. Fantastic music and takes you right back if you were around in the eighties. Each episode ends on you wanting to see more and its absolutely brilliant. Yes it's got bits like a music video but it's supposed to be a bit of tongue and cheek humour. Noones looking for absolutely amazing South london accents and to be fair, martha plimpton nails it. Ignore the haters. Acted, shot and directed perfectly. Brilliant cast. Too many reviewers taking it way too serious like its another guy richie gangster flick. Honestly it's a great watch.

Not bad, possibly axed too soon

[malpasc-391-915380 · 7/10 · 13 June 2023]

Sky seem to have a thing about producing glossy and quite clearly expensive productions that don't quite deliver in terms of overall quality or a second series. A Town Called Malice is another one of these.

I don't get the really negative reviews of this show. I thought it was good, especially the 80s soundtrack - get used to characters bursting into song and dance routines at random moments, and the costumes were great. Everything of this show when set in Spain is so colourful and glamorous, which is how we tend to see the 1980s, although in reality it wasn't quite like this. I was 12 when the 80s ended so do have some real life experience of what they were like. All the characters were well drawn, although my favourite was Kelly Lord played by Daniel Sharman - very easy on the eye and at first he sort of comes across as a reluctant gangster in this, gentle almost, compared to the rest of the Lord family, but does show his truer colours as the series goes on.

Unfortunately we aren't going to see whether the Lords manage to build their holiday resort with their ill-gotten gains as Sky announced the how's axing in April 2023. Whilst this wasn't the best show I've ever watched I think it is a shame we won't get any more episodes.

Eldorado in case you missed it first time round...

[g-steve-2 · 4/10 · 17 March 2023]

For those who loved 'The Business' by Nick Love, including myself, this is not what you think. It's more of the 80's tv show of the cancelled Eldorado. It's got a great sound track and the plot is good, it's just sadly let down by the CGI pretending it's in a hot country, naff editing, slow pick ups, weak script, soap opera style episodes and waste of talent. The cast is good, everyone has a back story and potential to carry this forward, it's a shame it doesn't deliver. It's like, all the cleverness was taken out, that it was made so it would never get another season, that it would never be seen again.

A lot of fun with a great soundtrack.

[mandi-perry · 10/10 · 26 March 2023]

I wasn't sure what to expect from this series after reading mixed reviews but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The music is brilliant and very eclectic, especially for someone who was a teenager in the 1980's. I heard songs that I haven't heard for a long time. The storyline doesn't take itself too seriously which is a pleasant change in these days of serious and deep and meaningful. I haven't enjoyed anything this much for quite some time. I just hope we will get a second series. I would love to see what happens with the Lord family in the future. I feel that there is much more to follow for them in sunny Spain.

Wishy washy 80s soap opera

[eve_dolluk · 6/10 · 21 March 2023]

The premise of the show is that of Saaarrff Laaandaan gangsters on the Costaaa.

While this is the plot it plays out more like a cheesy 90s soap opera set in the 80s.

The soundtrack is this shows redeeming feature but it is utilised into the show heavily, expect characters to mime the words of the song playing at various points in the show. Yes its that cheesy, now i like that sort of thing as I enjoy a bit of cheese but within this setting its a bit tone deaf.

The acting is ok here and there but its also very ' british stage school ' the grittiness is not there so don't expect that sort of crime drama here.

The setting in spain is not very well done and doesn't feel very 80s but they do make up for this with the outfits and make up.

The story is pretty weak as well, there is not enough there to keep you intrigued or to care so much about the fate of these characters. On the subject of characters, they are all pretty one dimensional tropes of a gangster family.

Overall its a well made mess of a show with a great soundtrack.

6/10.

A Real Shame - A Wasted Opportunity

[djgmac-65158 · 4/10 · 19 March 2023]

I was really looking forward to this show. As a avid fan of UK Gangster films as well as being a Essex Boy growing up in the 80's. What I was expecting was a cross between The Business and Rise of the FootSolider. Unfortunately as with most of the recent Sky Originals (except Gangs of London) it fell well short of the mark.

On a positive note the production values were great as was the soundtrack and the casting. But what has massively let this down is the script and pace of the show. I have a huge amount of respect for Nick Love but I feel that as a film writer/director it must be extremely difficult to cater for a 9 or so hour TV Season.

If this was reworked into a 90-120min film it wold have been great.

A great but overly produced music video!

[ben-goodfellow · 6/10 · 19 March 2023]

Hoped for this to be good more than I did Santa being real as a kid.

Soundtrack is amazing although it's clear it's what carries every episode with so many songs crammed in, as with the attire.

Acting is just above GCSE drama level at best although the storyline does have substance even though it's nothing that hasn't been done before.

How much is packed in to the first and last episodes could've given an extra episode rather than cramming it all in.

Hoping for more for season two given that budget obviously isn't a problem.

Last episode bought it up to a 6 from a 4 for me.

Extra star given for Paul Weller cameo....mush.

Has potential but too rushed

[phynesse72 · 7/10 · 19 March 2023]

Feels too rushed forced especially the relationship between the two main characters. Script needs some tightening up particularly Cindy's dialogue. Soundtrack is totally 80's but too much of it forced into the first episode--maybe space the music out a bit more. I guess we will learn more of the characters backstory as the series progresses but the first episode did not establish for me, that the two main characters had that deep of a relationship that one would risk their freedom for the other..that is just my take on it. I'm was curious enough to watch another episode or two but beyond that we will see.

Very watchable, my husband and I enjoyed it a lot

[michaelladouble · 9/10 · 19 March 2023]

We really enjoyed this whole series & binge watched it over a few nights.

Being born in 1970, it was great fun to revisit the 80's, dodgy hair, clothes & a pretty cool soundtrack.

It kept us gripped throughout. We enjoyed all the character arcs, twists & the "OMG!" moments.

I've seen reviews saying that people didn't like it because none of the characters were likeable...well, it was a story based on a South London crime family.... what did they expect, Disney Snow White with singing blue birds & squirrels...... to be fair, the dad was so unpleasant (we were rooting for him to be 'offed'), it made the rest of the family seem all lovely & fuzzy...well, not quite....

Not too bad really

[MickyFin · 7/10 · 18 April 2023]

A family of petty thieves from South London decamp to Spain to profit from an unexpected windfall.

I went into this viewing following checking the reviews on here, but I wanted to give this latest series of Love's a chance.

Glad I did, it's not as bad as people here have said, granted it's not academy award worthy, but it is worth watching.

The 80s music soundtrack is it's strength, along with some good acting, especially from, Flemyng, and, Sharif.

Watch it, and enjoy, as said, it's not as bad as you make think, and that's why I have cast my rating as a solid 7 stars out of ten.

If you loved the 80's, you'll like this more.

Fantastic show

[iainsmith-18061 · 10/10 · 29 March 2023]

What a great series with a starring performers from Jack Rowan . If you love the 80s music then you'll fit in with this show . A great story stretched over 8 episodes and each one is great, and a great cast in this with Jack Rowan putting in his best work yet . Do not miss this show cause you'll regret it and let's hope that there will be a second series .Also Jason Fleming as the head of the family putting in a great performance. We would love more series like this! I'm a massive Adam & the Ants fan so I was so happy when the episode that had the tune of " Kings of the Wild Frontier " playing I was so happy !!!!!

Watered down TV version of the business

[Spencercollins · 6/10 · 22 March 2023]

Typical middle of the road Nick Love flick. Shot in some beautiful Spanish locations this feels like it takes a lot from the business, the mayor etc. I quite liked Jason Flemings character and he played the part fairly well. However I wasn't completely convinced by Gene and I certainly couldn't fall in love with "Ma". The soundtrack was well picked, some 80's classics. Although this is definitely watchable, I wouldn't expect too much. If you've got a free Sunday on the sofa then get a pizza, couple of beers and you'll quite enjoy it. I love an 80's London crime caper but this one didn't quite fill the hole.

It's a Sky Original. That's all you need to know..

[mike-499-205871 · 3/10 · 24 March 2023]

From Bulletproof to Breeders, intelligence to Code 404, Sky seem adept at making the premise of a good show into something truly dire. And here we go again: What could have been something rather excellent just turns into a soapy, cliche ridden tale of a Sarf Lundun crime family. It has none of the panache of something like Fargo or Brotherhood, none of the swagger of Peaky Blinders or Gangs of London. It's more akin to one of those sideline episodes of EastEnders you used to get, like the Mitchell's in Marbella. I don't know what Sky does so wrongly to consistently churn out such sub-par productions, but it's certainly kept up it's track record here.

If you're a fan of Nick Love's previous, you'll love it

[demaym · 9/10 · 26 March 2023]

I'm pretty surprised to see these low scores (but not at the same time). I thought this show was fantastic. As fan of Nick Love's early films, like Goodbye Charlie Bright & The Business, this was somewhat of a throwback and his unique style was all over it. From the bright colours, to the excellent cinematography and the array of colourful characters that we've seen in his works before, this was classic 'Nick Love'.

The plot keeps you on your toes but it's the performances and characters which made this show a joy to watch. Tahirah Sharif put in the peformance of her career - an absolute bad ass of a character.

This is not particuarly realistic, or true to real life, so if you're looking for something like that than this is not the one. The musical/theatrical scenes were a little over done at times. However, as a fan of gritty british gangster films I can't give this series anything lower than a 9/10 - I crave shows like this but they don't come around often.

Don't be put off by the reviews on here - some of the low scores are absolutely ridiculous to be honest. The production quality, writing, editing, acting performances and cinematography was all top notch, so anyone scoring this as a 3/10 is having a laugh and not being reasonable.

Don't take this too seriously

[giacomomalvermi · 6/10 · 26 March 2023]

It starts off as a fun, dark, comical and engaging retro crime series based around a fictional 80s gangland family named the Lords. Set in both South London and the Costa del sol it shows how this fictional family have slowly lost control of their patch and through a series of events need to leave for Spain.

The positives: The soundtrack is brilliant. The acting very good in places.

The negatives:The storyline weak especially towards episode 6 onwards. The use of the "C" word excessive. The plot is totally unbelievable.

"We don't talk like that in sarf London" BTW.

I was born in Kennington, raised in Brixton and Camberwell Green and have lived in South London all my life. We simply don't talk like the Lords.

I certainly wouldn't watch it again and would never watch a second series. I was more disappointed than happy after the last episode.

Watch it as it has some good and funny moments in it but don't take it too seriously.

We never talked like that in Sarf London...

[bevowen · 2/10 · 19 March 2023]

Just finished binge watching this series as I wanted to see it through to the end and wish I hadn't bothered.

Having been brought up in South London, it is absolutely a load of nonsense and people doesn't talk or act like that - it is so exaggerated!! The acting in this show is mediocre and the locations in 'Spain and Morocco' locations don't do the countries any justice - looks like filming was done on a very low budget with poor props and mostly cloud and no sun.

The script is also incredibly ridiculous. In South London, I have never heard people use the 'C' word as much as they made out in this series. Mint Ma says it all the time (played by an American actress who was Steph in The Goonies - credit to her as the British accent was great). However, Mint Ma calls everyone she don't like the 'C' word and uses it so much in the series that it made me cringe every time she opened her mouth.

Remembering the series is set in the 80's, the clothing was good but it probably could have been better if all the women wore their hair more frizzed up with shoulder pads, neon colour clothes and loads of matching eyeshadow - it missed the mark there a little as the men looked more from the 80's than the women. However, the men wearing white socks with black shoes, now that was a good reminder of the 80's....ha! Ha! Lastly, the music was the best thing about the whole series.

Its The Business movie, for TV

[neeeedag · 7/10 · 15 February 2024]

Big fan of Nick Love so I thought I would give it a bash.

Your typical NL stuff and if you are a fan of The Business with Danny Dyer, then its typically that but over 8 episodes.

Even the soundtrack takes its music and add a new twist here and there but its got cockney written right down the middle of it.

So if 80s kitsch is your thing, and cockney gangsters abroad floats your boat, this will no doubt tickle your fancy.

The language is toned down ie not a C bomb in site (almost Eastenders like) and isnt a million milee off the Sexy Beast tv series, though this isnt connected to The Business universe, it could be.

Music to my ears (nothing for my brain)

[xmasdaybaby1966 · 7/10 · 27 April 2023]

I am writing this review having just managed to live through season one.

Why do people watch one episode and then leave a review here to cover a whole show?

Admittedly, many of the reviews do sum it up well.

If you are looking for humour then (apart from the Tia Maria joke and Dougray Scott singing True) you are in the wrong place. I laughed twice in almost 8 hours. Maybe a Choose Life Wham t-shirt would have been more appropriate in the final scene (yes, I know the character is a scouser).

If you are looking for an original or gritty storyline then move on. There is a same sex story to suit the woke brigade (you didn't get that with 80s TV).

If you are looking for glorious sunshine then it there to be scene but, apart from the Lord's house, there aren't many scenic vistas just a lot of rocky barren land.

If you want nostalgia then the music and clothes will be up your street but I didn't see anyone in white stilettos (I get my kicks buying So Kate from CL for @scotsdee whom wears them and little else on her twitter page).

On reflection, one series is quite enough but I guess if Spain will pay for a s2 then it will go ahead even though I can't really see how it could be sustain a storyline .