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elizabeth-schrader
Reviews
The Vicar of Dibley: The Handsome Stranger (2006)
Best of the British Sitcoms
The Vicar of Dibley has always been a favorite of the British Sitcoms. Dawn French is comic genius. What's amazing about this episode and the following parts (Vicar in White) is her genuine acting talent. Yes she can be slapstick but this woman is good actress as well. She's also INCREDIBLY funny. Richard Armitage who could be perceived as just another good looking period actor is no pouty pretty boy but a truly fine talent as well. And he has ME believing he's in love with Geraldine which is wonderful. These two are absolute magic together from the moment they meet. Then of course you have a cast of the regulars from Dibley who make absolute farce believable.
This episode has shown in the U.S. but will not be available on DVD until April 1. (Hopefully in the U.S. as well as the UK who seems to get everything first, darn it!) You will laugh until your sides hurt. And for those of you who love or hate chick flicks and period drama, this will be right up your alley. Go forth and purchase!
The Vicar of Dibley: The Vicar in White (2007)
One of the absolute best of the British Sitcoms
If you have never seen the Vicar of Dibley you are in for a treat. SPOILER! Richard Armitage guest stars in this episode and he and Dawn French together are simply amazing. Dawn French's comedic genius really shines. She is alternately bumbling and completely charming. This sitcom does contain some slapstick but it's so hilarious you won't believe you are laughing at such ridiculous stuff. When interviewed, Armitage said that he laughed outloud at the script and that is completely understandable. I've only seen him as a heavy before so it was a pleasure to see him in a comedy and let's face it, the man can act and is VERY easy on the eyes. Armitage plays off French like a blushing groom (which he is)and by the time it's over ALL of us are laughing and crying with the Vicar. Do yourself a favor and sit down and watch this entire episode. To the best of my knowledge, not yet available in the US but the minute it gets here, it will be on my DVD shelf right next to the period dramas and the other chick movies.
A Christmas Carol (1984)
This is one of the best versions out there!
and possibly closest to the Dickens story line. Although I find the young Ebenezer hard to watch (who's idea was that period hair, surely they could have done better than that!), Scott does an incredible job as Scrooge. His delivery of some of the lines from Dickens finally brought it to life for me. Edward Woodward is everything we expect and more of the Ghost of Christmas present. I find G.C. Scott's Scrooge much more of a believable miser than the more current version done by Patrick Stewart. The scene Christmas Morning when Scrooge realizes he hasn't 'missed it', is enough to convince one that Scott knows how to act versus overact. He's phenomenal here. Nearly the entire cast is incredible. The Tiny Tim in this version of The Christmas Carol is a little tough to look at, almost too sweet. Still the music and the scenery make this a must watch every holiday. Enjoy!
Screen Two: Persuasion (1995)
One of the best period dramas around
Ciaran Hinds and Amanda Root were born to play these roles (although if you see them in "The Man Who Cried" you'll REALLY experience the depth of their acting). This is a staid period piece and if Austen dialog bothers you, you may not make it through this one. But Anne Elliot and her 'lost' hero are real heart breakers here. There is an underlying maliciousness that is appealing to see in the society hierarchy as well. Try getting past those well placed curls on the men and the knee britches. It's worth the time and trouble to watch! If you enjoy this movie go for Jane Eyre with Timothy Dalton, a little dated but still outstanding. While I'm not a Wuthering Heights fan, the Fienne version is I understand, fabulous. Oh and pay attention, just when you think this movie is completely dry, there is a little drama going on other than who's marrying whom. Stay with it.
Marple: The Sittaford Mystery (2006)
Worth Watching if nothing else to see Dalton
This newer (to me) Miss Marple does a great job. I enjoy this series and it holds my attention when a lot of the mysteries I catch on PBS aren't grabbing me lately. Timothy Dalton is a great actor and it's hard to watch him on the small screen but he makes this piece, playing a politician with a shady past that one almost ended up pitying. If you can catch this in the fall or winter it will more suit the mood. It's lightweight but completely enjoyable. You'll recognize some faces from other BBC productions. I can't imagine the credits rolling on this one twenty years ago. The other actors turn in fine performances, particularly the mystery journalist that appears to do the investigating. That guy has quite a future ahead of him!