Tony-Holmes
Joined Dec 2011
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Reviews200
Tony-Holmes's rating
This is NOT the worst film I've ever seen, and I've been watching actual and TV films for over 60 years now. But it's on the short list, along with the few vampire/horror movies I've ever strayed onto, a couple of other dire 'sex' comedies of the 70s (generally as erotic as cold porridge), and the last couple of Carry On movies, made well after the 'regulars' had mostly retired or died.
The other reviews describe the essence of the 'plot', though I'd take that word loosely for this film. One did helpfully say that the script had been intended for the Goodies - who created classic TV comedy back in the day -- but they wisely decided to be doing something else that week!
The one review that was well wide of the mark was that of Egham1, who pointed out that Imogen Hassall might have enjoyed the proceeds, apparently unaware that she'd met a tragic end just a few years after this film was released (escaped?). A cruel voice might wonder if she'd finally atched it, and decided to do herself in to avoid further major embarrassment?
As one or two reviews said, this film may be lousy, but it does at least feature one star of two of the UK's great sitcoms (Jason, Only Fools, & Open All Hours) and Dave Prowse, soon to become the body of Darth Vader (they decided his Bristol pirate accent didn't have the gravitas for frightening people?!). A most unlikely pairing!
The other reviews describe the essence of the 'plot', though I'd take that word loosely for this film. One did helpfully say that the script had been intended for the Goodies - who created classic TV comedy back in the day -- but they wisely decided to be doing something else that week!
The one review that was well wide of the mark was that of Egham1, who pointed out that Imogen Hassall might have enjoyed the proceeds, apparently unaware that she'd met a tragic end just a few years after this film was released (escaped?). A cruel voice might wonder if she'd finally atched it, and decided to do herself in to avoid further major embarrassment?
As one or two reviews said, this film may be lousy, but it does at least feature one star of two of the UK's great sitcoms (Jason, Only Fools, & Open All Hours) and Dave Prowse, soon to become the body of Darth Vader (they decided his Bristol pirate accent didn't have the gravitas for frightening people?!). A most unlikely pairing!
I've now seen 2 episodes (edited a week later, now three!), of what is apparently 6 in the story. That makes it the same run-time as Unforgotten, which recently finished it's latest iteration.
There the comparison ends. Unforgotten is well-written, interesting plotline, each episode has revelations that drive the case forward, and we see the police gradually weaving a web. Great show.
Bergerac is just twaddle - at least this version is. I watched the original (or a lot of them), fast paced, good lead character, a trace of humour here and there, and lots of Jersey scenery.
As some other reviews have said, THIS one is a savage disappointment, the police team are mostly not involved, just extras in the room.
From what we've seen, six episodes is FAR too long for this, I may just see the last one to see what happened. The lead character isn't remotely credible, as written and directed. OK he's got 'issues', but at present none of the audience will care what he does about them. Somewhere John Nettles (original lead) is either looking smug, or perhaps irritated that he might be associated with this version?!
And I've just looked through a few more reviews, those who saw the old show all (or mostly) seem disappointed, Those for whom it's new can see issues, like pacing and characterisation, though clearly Phil Glenister is very popular!
Congrats to the review of Andiroids, pretty much spot on. And to the guy who thought the pacing would be improved by switching to 2 part shows "like Unforgotten" -- well, a big review raspberry to you, as Unforgotten takes SIX episodes to tell each story!!
There the comparison ends. Unforgotten is well-written, interesting plotline, each episode has revelations that drive the case forward, and we see the police gradually weaving a web. Great show.
Bergerac is just twaddle - at least this version is. I watched the original (or a lot of them), fast paced, good lead character, a trace of humour here and there, and lots of Jersey scenery.
As some other reviews have said, THIS one is a savage disappointment, the police team are mostly not involved, just extras in the room.
From what we've seen, six episodes is FAR too long for this, I may just see the last one to see what happened. The lead character isn't remotely credible, as written and directed. OK he's got 'issues', but at present none of the audience will care what he does about them. Somewhere John Nettles (original lead) is either looking smug, or perhaps irritated that he might be associated with this version?!
And I've just looked through a few more reviews, those who saw the old show all (or mostly) seem disappointed, Those for whom it's new can see issues, like pacing and characterisation, though clearly Phil Glenister is very popular!
Congrats to the review of Andiroids, pretty much spot on. And to the guy who thought the pacing would be improved by switching to 2 part shows "like Unforgotten" -- well, a big review raspberry to you, as Unforgotten takes SIX episodes to tell each story!!
Granty's review mentions a young Capaldi, who'd much later be a quite well regarded Doctor Who (though I wasn't a fan, after about aged 15 or so?!
This is a pretty funny story - as often with Minder episodes - and as well as the usual well honed partnership between Cole & Waterman (aided by an expert script), they get classy help from an experienced supporting cast, Patrick Malahide is the halfwitted plod, Glyn Edwards as the patient Dave behind the bar, and David Daker (of the Boon series, and zillions of other dramas and sitcoms!) plays an eccentric businessman, with Benjamin Whitrow (also of masses of cameo drama & comedy roles) as a dithery doctor.
Pride of place though, IMO, goes to the delicious Jan Francis (of by then fame from 2 series of the incredibly popular Just Good Friends), just 'sex on legs'. She'd go on to lead with Waterman in perhaps Yorkshire TV's attempt to mimic Minder, but "ooop north", a show called Stay Lucky.
This is a pretty funny story - as often with Minder episodes - and as well as the usual well honed partnership between Cole & Waterman (aided by an expert script), they get classy help from an experienced supporting cast, Patrick Malahide is the halfwitted plod, Glyn Edwards as the patient Dave behind the bar, and David Daker (of the Boon series, and zillions of other dramas and sitcoms!) plays an eccentric businessman, with Benjamin Whitrow (also of masses of cameo drama & comedy roles) as a dithery doctor.
Pride of place though, IMO, goes to the delicious Jan Francis (of by then fame from 2 series of the incredibly popular Just Good Friends), just 'sex on legs'. She'd go on to lead with Waterman in perhaps Yorkshire TV's attempt to mimic Minder, but "ooop north", a show called Stay Lucky.