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Reviews
Framed (2002)
Likable Cast
Well acted, especially by Sam Neill, who plays a very likable crook in this film. The roles were all well cast, mostly played by character actors rather than people picked for star power or appearance. The plot was twisted, but still easy to follow, and the characters all behaved in character. Mike's wife, at first unsympathetic, became more attractive towards the end, and the hatchet burying rang true. The twists all worked well, pacing was well-maintained, and the cast and characters all did a great job. I appreciated the mostly clean language, too. A lot of films of this kind seem to be trying to attract attention by making all the characters foul-mouthed and unpleasant. Information was dropped as and when it was needed, neither being over-explained or left floating.
New Tricks: The Chinese Job (2003)
Best Series Around
This is the best series of its type I've seen all year. I can't help thinking it's just my luck - a series I love gets 6 episodes (and more next year) and the constant stream of cookie-cutter cop shows get never ending episodes.
I think the reasons New Tricks succeeds are many. The scripts are good, and the mix of characters superb, The acting is top flight, and the blend of comedy and drama works a treat. The stories aren't all that memorable, but that's not the reason I watch shows like this one.
The theme song is a favourite, and we were disappointed to find it isn't available in any published edition. Great stuff, BBC- a triumph of sense over sex-appeal (aside from the young constable nobody's there as eye-lolly, and even if he IS, he can still act!).