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Reviews
Ludwig (2024)
Detective Fans are going to Jump for Joy
Every few years, thankfully we get a show like this. " Ludwig". Mark Brotherhood, the creator of this show deserves congratulations. What a fantastic premise.
James and John are twins. James is a cop and John is a puzzle book creative who goes by the name of Ludwig. James goes missing, and his wife, Lucy, summons John, to pretend he is James, to sneek in the police station to retrieve one item. But, luckily for us, it does not go that way. Several solved murders on, whilst still looking for James, more twists and turns. Kudos to Anna Maxwell Martin, as Lucy ( his wife), and Dylan Hughes, who plays the son Henry. Who also, if you watched "Maternity", was excellent as a dying kid. All the supporting characters are quirky and fairly well drawn out. This a great, great show.
Fun Mom Dinner (2017)
The Low score is does not represent...
This movie is decent. The cast is so good that you are engaged through the predictable script. Almost every trope is represented, from the husbands to the kids to the descent on the night out for the women, but funnily, it sorta works.
4 wonderful actresses lead this flick. And it co-stars some great actors. The music is great, and the "16 Candles" reference is really cool.
I consider myself to have a good sense of humor and I love when I involuntary laugh at something . I know it, cause I notice hearing myself. It doesn't happen often, script wise. There were at least 4 times, that I audibly laughed, while also enjoying the dynamic between the leads, despite it's flaws.
The Accident (2019)
Bad Story with tremendous ACTORS
These kids were horrible. Not one redeeming quality amongst them.
Yet the town, sans pitchforks are out, en masse, rooting.
Don't try and make me be sympathetic to the friggin worst people.
Man, so many great actors. I have no idea why Sarah L did this as well as the phenomenal Sidse....
I've found that sometimes these British shows, portraying small town pride makes no sense.
Obviously, we want these little bastards saved. But, do we really?
How in God's name did these people sign on for this? I can't imagine a town emptying with placards so soon. What a mis step for all who were involved.
Vera: Poster Child (2013)
An excellent Plot
I've basically watched "Vera", every season ( we are getting to the Final season 14 soon). I usually don't write about specific episodes, but, this particular episode prompted me.
The writer should be commended, for a very twisty resolution to this well acted story.
The plot is this...two sisters are abducted. One of the sisters was adopted from a war torn country. She happened to be photographed for a headline making newspaper, years before, having been left family -less, due to the war.
That's about all I am giving you.
But, my major thoughts about Vera are this. The relationship between Joe and Vera happens to be one of the best Cop and Cop partnerships that I have ever watched. Also, have you ever noticed how many past co workers in Vera's squad have moved on to be extremely successful? I am so glad that Joe and Vera are back together in this amazing shows final two seasons.
Friends Like Her (2024)
Another great show from New Zealand
This show is a solid 8. The story itself is kinda cool in that it is a very originally written psychological drama.
The acting is fantastic, including the 4 main cast, PLUS, the two older " Moms" of brothers. There is no predicting of plot turns, ( except for one involving a teen), but it is so wonderful to see a swarthy of actors, who are usually relegated to background players being used in meaty roles. This showcases New Zealand and it's beautiful surroundings and the mix of folk and it's timeless traditions.
I can really state, that in 6 episodes, the plot never falters. Once again, all the actors are fantastic.
Red Eye (2024)
Could have been decent
Do you want to know what takes me out of these shows? It is the caricature casting calls for all the " bad guys". All they need is a twirling moustache. From the cop in the opening scenes to EVERY SINGLE OTHER " supposed bad guy", this was so ridiculous.
Oh, I know? Try having a female bad guy, or whatever. Everyone is talking at mid range, BUT THEN THE BAD GUY SPEAKS LIKE THIS, and we don't even know it yet.
As far as everything else, hmmm, the neer do well, goth sister who needs her big break, and on and on.
The story could have been pretty decent with some re-writes. The 2 main leads were very good.
All of Us Strangers (2023)
The Christmas scene broke me...
What you have here is a wonderful story adapted from a Japanese book.
Man, it's good to cry sometimes, and Andrew Scott seems to always convey some sort of sadness; be it " Fleabag" or " Sherlock", amongst others.
Much has been made of A. Scott and Paul Mescal's performances, rightly so. But Claire Foy and Jamie Bell are so outstanding as Adam's ( Scott) parents. Bell made me lose it a few times, especially the Christmas tree scene.
Please sift through the negative reviews carefully, that seem to be a bunch of homophobic closet cases and sit back and let your mind drink up this wonderfully told and brilliantly acted movie.
One Day (2024)
Man...What a GREAT Series
I'm a binger. So, I was waiting for a good two days or a long weekend to watch this. I ended up, only moving from my couch for bathroom and food breaks, for half of a day.
Thank goodness for this series being 14 episodes long. Thank goodness for Mike W. The creator of the White Lotus) for casting Leo Woodall, which I am sure led to this part. He is a fantastic actor who deserves to go so far. Ambika Mod, who I loved in "This is gonna..." is just amazing. The supporting cast! Elinor Tomlinson (Poldark), Essie Davis ( Miss Fischer...) and Amber Grappy as Tilly, to name a few.
My gosh, this is such a fantastic story about love. I cant say anymore. It is so well done, with a fantastic soundtrack to boot.
Catch Me A Killer (2024)
A very Good Show
In the 90's, South Africa, which has the 2nd highest murder rate in the world. Many, many woman are found murdered, raped, tortured and mutilated in sugar cane fields. Besides other horrific crimes involving children and citizens just hanging at the pub.
Along comes real life profiler, Mickey Pistoris. The underfunded and under staffed police stations, look to her as men in the 90's would look at a woman who has ideas. Not welcome...at first.
This is an extremely well acted 11 episode show.
It is disheartening to see these crimes, most of which are serial or mass murders.
The scenery and film stock totally is the 90's.
Too Good to be True (2024)
Wow...this is horrible
I am a completist by nature. A crappy book, I will finish, etc. So, having been 2 episodes in on this drivel, I decided to just finish it. First off, I switched it off twice because the little boy Liam, was the most annoying kid I have ever seen on television. They really pulled out all the stops for this caricature. Glasses, check...Short in stature...check. Know it all...check.
This made zero sense. You are googling his wealth in episode 3?
She's a cleaner, who never does anything but walk around with a dust cloth. She has this horrible kid. She has an awful accent.
He was on Downton Abby and he is a good actor, but this was a horrible project.
He " casually meets her", and the drama unfolds, from a really stupid premise.
After the Party (2023)
Phenomenal
My goodness, this series is just fantastic. It was a weekly must watch for me, but when it becomes more readily available, you might be lucky enough to go directly to the next episode.
It's hard not to spoil this, and I wont. Robyn Malcolm and Peter Mullen are husband and wife, Penny and Phil. They are celebrating Phil's birthday and everyone is smashed. The plot will reveal itself by the middle of the first episode, but I will say this...Accusations are declared, thus ending the party, and spiraling into an on-going 5 year debacle.
The plot twists and turns, the viewer never knows the truth or what the circumstances are until episode 6, thus concluding this near perfect New Zealand series.
Robyn M and Peter M are just sublime, as is, basically every side character including Grace (their daughter), Ollie and Tom (Graces mates), and dean O'Gorman as Simon.
This is such a Must Watch.
The Couple Next Door (2023)
Had SUCH potential...
Man, with most of the cast this had so much potential. I knew Sam Heughan and Elinor Tomlinson from the few episodes of, "Outlander" that I have seen, so I was on board. Plus the title made it sound intriguing.
Jessica De Gouw is someone I have seen but, she didn't have that instant name recognizability to me, but funnily enough played the best character of this tale.
The story is basically a new couple moves in across the street, from De Gouw and Heughan who are married. They all become closer and "swinging" is in the mix.
Alfred Enoch plays "Pete" who is married to Tomlinson, and boy, is this the worst acting or character briefs he was given with the roll, but by minute seven of a 6 episode series, he is detestable. You couldn't root for him if you tried hard. Props to Hugh Dennis as the creepiest neighbor you've ever come in contact with.
This could been decent at 4 episodes. Still, not bad. It's a good one to watch if you have a lot of laundry to fold.
The Killing Kind (2023)
Horrible...My lowest rated series, yet
Every trope. Every misstep is repeated over and over, including two deaths by the same action. ( not a spoiler). Is Paramount seriously considering a Part two to this drivel? Yes, I watched the whole thing, and you can chalk that up to my malaise and befuddlement at how it could get any worse.
A, " how did this get a green light"? Woman lawyer had a spurned client. A year later he comes back into her life and people are dying everywhere around her. Hmmmm? Who to suspect? The preposterous ending, and whom she is defending is even more insulting to the viewer. Good actors in a really crappy series that could have rounded up in 3 episodes.
In Limbo (2023)
Just, Absolutely Wonderful...
And...The Australian Television system has hit the gold mine again.
In Limbo tells the story of Nate and Charlie. Nate died ( not a spoiler, keep your shorts on), and Charlie still sees Nate as he can not " pass over".
Which means, Nate, can not get into the after-world, because he is in limbo.
A premise, done before? Yes. Has it been done better? 100 percent, Not. This show is so enjoyable. The reason stands, because 2 of my favorite Aussie actors star. Charlie is played by Ryan Corr...a lot of you may know him from, " Packed...Rafters" or the excellent " Tangle", among others. Bob Morley plays, Nate. I for one discovered Bob from the excellent " Love me".
I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful these two play off each other. Not to make this review even longer, Emma Harvie who plays Freya, Nate's widow, along with all the supporting cast are fantastic. I HIGHLY recommend this great series. 6 episodes/30 minutes each. Chefs kiss.
Maryland (2023)
What an excellent 3 part series
This is an excellent 3 part series. It maybe hit home for me, in the fact of estranged siblings, a parent suffering and the beauty that can happen when truth is brought front and center. Suranne Jones and Eve Best are the 2 sisters at the forefront of this fantastically acted and really well written series. Becca and Roseline, respectively.
Jones, I have loved since Scott & Bailey and Best, since Nurse Jackie. Other standouts include Dean L Kelly as Jacob and Andrew Knott as Jim, Suzanne's husband.
This is a well thought out script that doesn't waiver and is quite believable when faced with the given back story that is revealed as the series progresses.
Packed to the Rafters (2008)
A 2023 perspective
The Rafters are the greatest family on Earth. They give so much without being political nor religious, and sadly most times they get burned. The 3 main principles in S1 thru 5 are outstanding. I'm speaking of Hugh Sheridan, Rebecca Gibney and the star rising Jessica Morais. Ben and Nathan are also fantastic.
I loved how, as each year progressed, slight cursing was added, because, some of the bridges they HAD to cross...man, they held it together.
And the problems are not forgotten in the next episode.
Jake and Coby are the best.
This is not a spoiler...in, " Back to the Rafters", Ruby is like 10, and precotious and horrible.
I rated this show 8, I really loved this show.
P. S. The original Rachel does not show up in " Back to..."
The grandfather is THE ABSOLUTE WORST.
You are really going to enjoy this series.
Happy Valley: Episode #3.4 (2023)
Like you need a review...
After last week's phenomenal episode, which I hope you saw, if you are reading this, most of us are hurting over Clare and Catherine's insane confrontation regarding Ryan's visiting Tommy.
Can we pause 4 a second and appreciate James Norton's return? Granchester, McMafia...
I totally want a scene with him and Catherine again.
There is a lot of secondary stories going on here, especially with Ryan's soccer coach and his despicable wife...now, connect all the red threads, and Catherine's ex husband, and the story he is working on...I am just saying.
I love Amit Shah, Faisal, he is in everything. He is in a VERY precarious situation as the druggist with extremely precocious daughters. The set up at the court scene is great. Even though I can't stand Tommy, seeing Norton at the end made me smile.
Happy Valley: Episode #3.3 (2023)
THIS is appointment Television
This episode is just fantastic. Man, the writing is So real. That's the whole thing...When a conversation seems true and not forced to expedite the following scene. Catherine confronts Claire in the Cafe near the jail, where Ryan is visiting his dad. Can I just say, how excellent James Norton is. He is so, creepy. Also, props to Rhys, who plays our Ryan. The side plot, seems too convenient, the coach, being married to that whacko wife.
I sort of had compassion for him for a sec. The outcome is not so predictable, as forced, but I am nit picking. What an outstanding episode. Sarah L and Siobhan F, are JUST masters at acting.
Mayflies (2022)
A strong seven rating
Very excellent story. Very great acting. Very great flashbacks. Martin Compston has this teen friend/ best friend. He is dying., when he calls Compston/ Jimmy.
Jimmy is now a famous author. ( the name Jimmy as an adult bothers me, ha), but Tully, his best mate reveals his diagnosis.
It's hard not be Mr. SPOILS.
Ashley Jensen, continues her fantastic streak of acting. Compston, is so great, but sometimes, I FEEL, he is being held back by chit/chat dialougue.
The music, and the way these guys felt such a kingship is really well played. The main guy, Tully, is kind of a prig. Shout out to the younger yuys, when they were in a band, enamoring a very cool obscure band, called, " the fall"
Black Snow (2022)
Not too bad
Travis Fimmel ( excellent), goes to this sleepy Aussie town to solve a cold case of a young girl, Isabel, who was murdered. The mostly indigenous town, has been aware of this case that haunts them. The senior high school Izzy, took place in this " time capsule" burial in 1994. This was the only hokey part of this story 4 me. But, it allows Cormack/ Fimmel to find clues.
You need to pay attention to the kids in high school, circa 1994, to present day.
I need to say, the fantastic acting of many indigenous actors, especially Izzy's mom and grandmother. So, real. Fimmel, young Isabel and older Hazel, are great. Also, great Brooke Satchwell ( Mr. In-between).
Significant Others (2022)
Went off the deep end. Had a promising start
So disappointed. I waited week after week for the newest episode, and the creators decided to throw every trope up in the air.
Not one character is worth liking except for the daughter. Everyone is a monster...and when, you might feel some empathy, it is torn away by these characters reactions.
Ugh...it was 1- centric. No one was 3 dimensional.
The first two episodes were really engaging. This basically tried to show family problems with a frigged up family, but, all I was hoping for, was the missing person to come back, because these relatives were lethal. Seriously, a NOT watch.
A mom of two kids goes swimming. She doesn't return. Other siblings are called. This had potential but veered down a one way of boredom after episode 2.
It's Fine, I'm Fine (2022)
Excellent
Once again, a great show coming out of Australia.
I can't begin to tell you how well this country puts out shows, not just plopping out any drivel.
This show basically caps out at about 19 minutes per episode, with Joanne ( the psych/ therapist) and a few of her patients each episode. Each episode has 2 or 3 patients, and they ( the patients), repeat into other episode. I've seen 4 episodes, I hope that is not all, and I found them all to be exceptional. Betty and Aziz are my favorite patients. The writing and the trajectory of the stories are woven very succinctly. I'm really glad to have found this gem of a show.
Tag min hånd (2022)
Not as bad as the other reviews
Just to see Mille D. In a role since " Rita" warrants a starting star rating of 5 stars. The story is predictable ( no spoilers), but, because Miss Denisen is so engaging, I felt that the movie went rather swiftly. Kudos to Maja's ( Mille's) friend and colleague, Signe. One flub, where did the Frisbee go, on the Walk home?
The plot, Maja gets dumped by her husband of 20 years. The opening scenes, pre- dumping, are written very well, as she recaps her life. Her teenage son is, as ornery as most teenage boys, and it pissed me off that he couldn't see the Forrest for the trees, at how cool and great his mom is.
She tries the dating scene, and it was pretty cool when she hooks up with a young guy.
There are many predictable scenes, but, still, not like throwing your remote at the t.v. Bad.
In America, we have a channel called Lifetime, which has neatly wrapped up with a bow, movies.
This, would be a hit on this channel.
The Holiday (2021)
The absolute WORST
This poor country where these horrible people vacationed at. How did THIS get made? 4 Karen's from College, their idiot husband's, and their absolute HORENDOUS children, reek havoc. Can you imagine being in the company of these drama starved morons. Almost every character peers over the mysterious cliff. The clumsy nerdy kid hiding a lighter ? Three stars, for scenery and some food items that made me hungry.