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Sleepin_Dragon
On the radar:
TV Shows,
-The Avengers Series 2,
-Van Der Valk,
-Grandma's House,
-The Saint,
-The Army Game,
-Inspector Alleyn Mysteries,
-Last of The Summer wine.
Movies,
-Frenzy,
-Aviator,
-Ray,
-The Man who knew too much,
-12 Years a Slave.
I am truly looking forward to the follow ups to Dune and The Meg, as well as the return of Dr Who.
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Lists
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Rebus: Episode #1.6 (2024)
Family loyalties.
Michael and his gang take Cafferty, Rebus unwittingly gets involved, he has to decide whether to put family loyalty first, or the letter of the law.
It's a terrific final episode, an absolutely brilliant way to round the series off, we get answers to the big questions, we learn who's on the wrong side of the law.
Richard Rankin deserves an award for his performance, he'd been tremendous. The performances throughout, first rate.
If we're talking remakes or reimaginings, this is the best for a long, long time, I was expecting the usual BBC lectures, none of that, all story, this really has served as a reminder of the sheer quality of drama they can put out.
All I can say, is that I hope a second series follows very quickly. This series has totally exceeded my expectations.
9/10.
Rebus (2024)
A great, gritty series.
Troubled cop Rebus battles crime on Glasgow's streets, and battles his own personal demons, the drink and his fractious relations with his family.
I think The BBC has a winner here, it's a cracking series, hopefully one that will go on for years to come. A lot more violent than anything that's been on mainstream TV for a long time, incredibly gritty.
Nicely made, but definitely has a a raw feel to it, that's part of the appeal.
We've all had our favourite, for some it was John Hannah, for some including me it was Ken Stott, Richard Rankin was first choice casting, he's absolutely brilliant.
I liked the dynamic between Rebus and Siobhan, they're not exactly bosom pals, there's definitely a degree of friction, which grows as the series develops.
I was a little mixed about episode one, but by the second I was hooked, I could easily have binge watched the whole lot in one go.
More please BBC.
8/10.
Rebus: Episode #1.5 (2024)
It's going to end big.
Cafferty taunts Rebus, by explaining he wants Michael, Michael in return makes it clear that he wants to take down Cafferty. Siobhan, now working alone is contacted by Darryl, she's chasing Strang.
I can't believe after the first episode that I've reached this point, I don't want it to end, what a contrast, another gritty and fast paced installment, with the usual touches of brutality and violence.
I can't make up my mind who the good guys are, and definitely not who the bad ones are, though my money is on Malcolm as a bad 'un.
Some wonderful camera work at last, they made great use of the wonderful Edinburgh setting. Unlike previous episodes, there's a little bit of humour here, if anyone deserves a nose job.
Stuart Bowman is doing a grand job as Cafferty.
8/10.
Rebus: Episode #1.4 (2024)
It's a gritty series.
Cafferty goes after Strang in a bid to get to Christie, he makes it very clear that he means business, it links Cafferty to Michael. Michael and his mates are a little indiscreet, splashing the cash and enjoying a party.
Another somewhat gruesome segment, you'll never want to eat crème brulé ever again. Brutal and fast paced, you don't want to be eating a burger or a steak when you're watching this one.
Things get very real for Michael here, he's dipped his toe in with the big boys, now he, his family and friends are all in trouble.
I'm keen to see where Rebus goes, he faces a massive decision, does he do the right thing, or the thing he probably wants to do. The relationship between Rebus and Siobhan has also gotten a whole lot more interesting, he's definitely lost trust in her.
8/10.
Family Guy: The Former Life of Brian (2008)
A bombshell for Brian.
Brian lies about being a magician to date a hot mom, when he discovers she's got a boyfriend, Brian decides to look up an old flame, Tracy, who drops a shocking, unexpected bombshell.
Maybe not a classic, but definitely a good episode, had a few runny moments, and a couple of rather moving sequences.
I know it's a story about Brian and his past, but my favourite scene has to be Stewie meeting with Matthew McConaughey and telling him exactly what he thinks of him, it's such a funny scene.
There's the incredibly voice of Harvey Fierstein, who brings Tracy to life in some style, what an unmistakable voice.
Dissing Monty Python though, that's not allowed.
7/10.
Family Guy: Play It Again, Brian (2008)
She was Grace, in name and in essence.
Brian wins an award for his essay, and gets to go to a writer's convention to collect an award. Lois is feeling a little unloved by Peter, Brian steps in to fill the void. With Lois and Peter away, Herbert babysits the children.
It's an out and out classic, another wonderful episode from this brilliant sixth series. So many finny moments to highlight, Brian and Lois on a romantic walk, as time goes by playing, it's joyful.
Expect the usual no go zone jokes, especially the guy who has cancer, and decides to war a handkerchief on his head, and of course the Herbert jokes, which are side splitting.
No cussing, clean your plates ..... I hid behind the cushion, so bad, so funny.
Nice to know other people feel the same about Vanilla Sky.
9/10.
Lightfields: Episode #1.5 (2013)
A decent final episode.
Eve is distraught to learn that Harry has been called up, she's also given a day to move on. Vivien faces a shocking realisation as her blurred memories clear, and Paul decides it's time he looked after Luke full time.
I've scored it a seven, which is a relatively good score, but I can't help but feel a little disappointed, it's certainly ended better than it started, and of course it's great to learn exactly what happened.
The twist was a good one, definitely unexpected, sad and shocking in equal measure. All that guilt, all that sadness, bubbling away for so long.
I've foolishly been comparing it to Marchlands, and I shouldn't, it's not as good.
Well acted once again, credit to Lucy Cohu as always, terrific actress. I really enjoyed Vivien's story, what she saw, explains a lot.
7/10.
Lightfields (2013)
Some secrets you can never tell.
Eva is evacuated to the country to escape Hitler's bombing raids, she's sent to Lightfields farm, where she befriends Lucy Felwood, both girls fall for a US airman named Dwight, and after a fling, Lucy is killed in a fire at the farm.
You know how it is, you put things off, and it's twelve years later, I always meant to revisit Lightfields, but the twelve year gap is an indicator of my views.
On paper it sounds fantastic, and the idea is really great, the though of a crime bleeding through into the future, a vengeful spirit out for revenge.
It's interesting enough, and it does end well, but the initial episodes are too slow, it's too padded, too much by way of unnecessary family feuds. Episodes four and five are very watchable though.
It's definitely well acted, Dakota Blue Richards arguably steals it, but the whole cast are good, it's so nice to see Kris Marshall playing a rogue for a change.
Not a patch on Marchlands, had this been three or four episodes long, it would have been so much better.
7/10.
Lightfields: Episode #1.4 (2013)
Remember me.
Harry backs Eve into a corner, by claiming he will present her letter to the grieving family. In 1975 Vivien, who still struggles to remember the last, is convinced that she may have caused the fire that ultimately killed Lucy.
Easily the best episode so far, it's hitting up somewhat and definitely becoming more and more interesting, as a whodunnit, I now have no idea who or why, I'm really keen to find out, my money.....was on Albert.
Lots of pieces fall into place here, and the puzzle is starting to come clear.
The 1975 sequence came to life here, with Clare desperately trying to sort out and help her mother out, Lucy Cohu is starting to stand out.
I'm still struggling somewhat with the 2012 story, it's just not catching on somehow.
7/10.
One Step Beyond: The Vision (1959)
Paths of glorious, shining lights.
Whilst fighting in the first world war, a group of French soldiers, stop, put down their arms, and head towards a mysterious, bright, celestial light that shone in the sky. For stopping battle, the men face a court martial.
I was somewhat surprised to see another European set, wartime episode, credit to the people behind this show, they certainly understood thr benefits of variety.
A very nice story, and quite thought provoking. Once again I really like the ambiguity of it, the fact that we get no answers, just bits and bobs, something celestial or a more natural phenomenon?
I wish they'd gone a bit further with the Court Marital scene, and hammered it home a bit more, in those days it would have been a brutal affair.
Definitely makes you think of Paths of Glory.
7/10.
One Step Beyond: The Dead Part of the House (1959)
Doesn't quite work.
Grieving widower Paul Burton ups and leaves, together with his young daughter Ann, to stay with his sister Minna. Father and daughter are somewhat distant, so Ann finds comfort in three dolls, that live in the dead part of the house.
A mixed bag this one, some good, some not quite so good. I liked the setup, I liked the ambiguity of the dolls, and the fractured relationship between Paul and Ann was well realised.
Maybe if we'd seen or heard something, that would have helped, as a viewer I felt left out.
I don't think tne story really goes anywhere, there's no threat, no tension, no spice, it's all just too slow and passed, the Chinese manservant served no purpose.
5/10.
One Step Beyond: Premonition (1959)
A lot better than it first appears.
Whilst having a ballet lesson at her home, young Lisa Garrick has a terrible premonition, that the chandelier is going to detach and crush her. As Lisa ages, her fear never quite goes away.
So, this took two viewings, the first time I was all set to give a fairly mundane review, but after a rewatch, I've got more positive words.
It's clever, it is very smartly conceived. You know what, you just don't know when, you think Lisa is out of the woods....
If I were her, I'd have moved, imagine being haunted by something you live with daily, it's smart.
My main gripe, it's not a good looking production, not a patch on others I've seen. I thought I had a migraine, it seemed out of focus several times, maybe I just had a bad copy.
Persevere with it, it's worth it.
8/10.
Serpent's Lair (1995)
A tremendously lifeless horror.
Tom and Alex move into a new apartment, which was vacated suddenly by the suicide of the previous owner. Tom is visited by a friendly, black cat, but finds himself seduced by the beautiful, but deadly Lilith.
I don't think anyone will change my mind when I say that the early 90's was a pretty lame period for horror, and this is a gleaming example of my reasoning.
Lifeless, wooden, drab and boring, I can't really think of any positives, this film is laboured and long drawn out, the scares are thin on the ground, and it takes so long to open up, when it does you'll already be dosing.
There's not much I can think of to say, other than save yourself the time and effort.
Very poor.
3/10.
Inside No. 9: Mulberry Close (2024)
Yet another classic.
Damon and Val move into a new house in the middle of suburbia, but their lifestyle irritates their new neighbours. When Val vanishes after a row, the locals believe the worst.
I wonder if this came from personal experience, the land of nosy, middle class neighbours living in suburbia, you can only wonder.
Wow, these guys really are ending on a high, if only it had been called inside no15, I don't want this show to end, every single episode so far, has delivered, this is another classic.
Felt like the early years, a straight up black comedy, very funny, but that twist at the end, it put me in mind of one of my personal favourites, Cold Comfort.
Great twist at the end, so much thought clearly went into it.
Great cast, I bet they had lots of fun, Dorothy Atkinson and Adrian Scarborough are so good at subtle humour.
9/10.
Rebus: Episode #1.3 (2024)
It's building very well.
Michael goes from committing a stupid act, to something a whole lot more serious, he and his army mates snatch drug dealer Darryl Christie, Rebus targets Christie's right hand man Shaun Strang.
I was maybe a little unsure about the format and characters initially, not anymore, Richard Rankin is excellent as Rebus, perfect for that part.
I'm very much into the series, and could very easily binge watch the whole lot, I've got a feeling there will be several twists and turns.
On occasions, don't shout, it's a little hard to hear what they're saying, the accents do get a little thick at times, the scene in the cell needed subtitles.
Aston McAuley was excellent as Strang, he's playing the part very well.
Interesting to see how this one plays out, especially now that Rebus knows what's going on, brotherly love/hate will be tested to the limit.
8/10.
Rebus: Episode #1.2 (2024)
My fingers are still twitching.
Siobhan puts the pieces together, and discovers the man who stepped in to stop the street attack. Michael's reckless act has consequences, the heaviest arrived looking for revenge.
Much, much better than the first episode, a definite improvement, where that one was uncertain and clunky, this was involved and gritty.
I wanted more action, and certainly got it, this one certainly didn't hold back. Two incredibly violent scenes, the kind of thing you just don't see on TV anymore.
Michael's family's poverty feels realistic, he feels like a desperate man.
It was nice to see Rebus and Siobhan cementing their relationship, they work as a duo. Richard Rankin is definitely fitting the bill so far, even if he is a bit 'bloke.'
Struck a chord.
8/10.
Eurovision Song Contest Malmö 2024 (2024)
The worst event to date.
Without fail, I watch every year, friends and family, all ages, all sexes, all sexualities, and every single one of us loathed it this year. Joyless, overly political, cheap looking, overly sexualised trash.
I'll give credit to the presenters, they at least were fun and professional, but boy were they up against it, it felt like a competition born out of hate, I despised the way some of the acts were treated, shameful.
Worst of all, The UK's entry, I honestly can't believe it finished as high as 18th, diabolically terrible, not a performance I wanted younger members of my family to watch, I'm very liberal and open minded, but come on, no wonder it received no public votes, I agreed with the vox populi.
The powers that be need to think very carefully if this show is worth saving, because after this one, it feels terminal.
The best performance by a mile, Croatia, clearly the public voted on what they actually saw, the performance, not the same for the judges.
Horrible.
2/10.
Benidorm: Episode #5.2 (2012)
Jack's back.
The Solana is proud to host a dancing competition, former pro Cyril Badcock arrives to coach and judge the competition. Kenneth employs new hairdresser Carmen, who unfortunately doesn't speak English. Janice is shocked when Jack returns.
Loved it, the standard truly never dips, how they kept coming up with new and fresh material, terrific.
Is it me, or does Janice get more and more attractive as the years pass, she looks stunning in that outfit.
There are plenty of enjoyable scenes, the dance off between Mateo and Cyril, Donald and Jacqueline's Lambada and of course Joyce's misinterpretation of the Mateo situation.
Love Matthew Kelly, does a good job, he's funny as, that wig is quite something.
You have to hand it to Sherry Hewson, Joyce has been a great introduction, she's a wonderful character. Liam had a good episode here too, he's growing on me.
8/10.
One Step Beyond: The Dream (1959)
A lot deeper than expected.
1940, and Britain is beaded for a Nazi invasion, retired gentleman Herbert Blakely is paired up with Willie Carr, a young man, excused active duty. One night the very worst happens, The Nazis land.
Definitely not what I was expecting, especially from a US anthology sci fi/horror series, this really was quite a profound watch.
It captures the fear and terror people felt during the war, that scene where Herbert and Willie chat about duties, fantastic.
I didn't expect a British set episode, particularly not a wartime set one. I'm surprised by the numerous negative reviews, it boasts a commanding performance from Reginald Owen, who steals every scene.
Quality viewing.
8/10.
Dixon of Dock Green: A Scrap of Paint (1964)
An interesting enough storyline.
A highly inebriated man is taken into The Station, a man who claims to have friends in high places. Dixon and co investigate a series of hit and runs, including Mary's car, and a batch of illegal cigarettes has turned up.
Quite a lot happening here, several different strands, although the hit and run storyline is the best element.
It isn't a favourite, I found this one a little too static at times, I know it was more cosy viewing, but this one just meanders a bit too much, it's very talky.
I love the way that there's always time for dinner, regardless of the crimes and misdemeanors, there's always time for a wholesome cooked meal.
Mary has definitely changed somewhat, Anna Dawson has stepped in, she did well, and she was given a decent storyline to start with.
Listening to Andy fuming about the damage to his car, and no claims bonus is very funny, he's amusing here.
Good performance from Duncan Lamont, he did a good line in dour, serious characters.
Pretty good overall.
6/10.
Maigret: The Burglar's Wife (1960)
Another classic mystery.
A burglar has stumbled upon a corpse whilst out on a job, he details events to his wife, who then in turn explains events to Maigret, the house, that of a dentist, named Guillaume, is empty, only his wife has gone away.
I am so impressed with this series, and it's her another cracking episode. Sure I could go on about the story and characters, the atmosphere and twists, but having this series set in France, it just looks and feels so authentic.
That dentist and his mum are a right old pair, you can picture them both wearing black, driving down the High Street in a hearse, they're a menacing duo.
I can truly sympathise with Maigret in this one, as I've just had to cancel annual leave, it's maddening.
Whoever thinks drinking milk is a good idea for ulcers, think again, first hand experience.
Hugh Burden is one of those actors that I could truly watch in anything, and for good reason, be it Dr Who or Mr Reeder, he's wonderful, what a characterful face.
Thanks Talking Pictures once again.
8/10.
Lightfields: Episode #1.3 (2013)
Too much happening.
Eve, now living at Lightfields is convinced that Lucy's death wasn't accidental, Albert however, refuses to believe it was anything other than an accident.
I'm struggling a little with it, I'm still struggling to concentrate on it, the jumping about from one era to the next, back and forth is just a little too distracting to stick with. Maybe it the 70's era had been skipped, it would have worked better.
I like the way bits and bobs from the past are bleeding into the future, and there's definitely an obsession with fire.
The Paul story just feels totally out of place, although it's nice to see Kris Marshall playing a bad guy for a change.
Very well made, it certainly looks the part.
6/10.
One Step Beyond: Epilogue (1959)
A profound story.
Recovering alcoholic Carl Archer, is out of rehab, and keen to pick his life back up, he reaches out to estranged wife Helen, but the damage is done. Carl has to be there for son Stevie, when he's involved in a strange accident at a silver mine.
I watched this twice, simply because I wanted to fully understand all of what was happening. There are several things happening, all of which are fairly subtle, very well written, very well executed. A lot more going on that meets the eye, how could someone be in two places at the same time?
Initially I thought it was going to be a rehash of the previous episode, Twelve Hours to live, but this was a whole lot more interesting, a much deeper plot.
Can't fault any of the performances, Charles Aidman is first rate as Carl, and it's always great to see Julie Adams.
8/10.
One Step Beyond: Twelve Hours to Live (1959)
How did she know?
Carol and Will Jansen have a heated arguement over a hat she's recently purchased, he storms out of the house into his car, but runs into trouble. The following morning, Carol has visions of Will in trouble, but nobody takes her seriously.
It's a fairly interesting story, they clearly liked using the theme of psychic connections, how indeed was the question, how did she know, I liked how vague the ending was.
It may have worked a little more if Will hadn't been such a jealous, hard nosed grump, but then I guess they captured a typical, real life situation, people do fall out over the most ridiculous of things.
One thing you can't argue with, Will's assessment of that hat, it was atrocious.
June Allison was quite prolific, and she does a fine job here, credit to Paul Richards, he must hage been in so much discomfort in the water.
7/10.
One Step Beyond: The Dark Room (1959)
This one would have caused a few sleepless nights.
American photographer Rita Wallace takes up a position in France, her mission to photograph an ordinary Frenchman, one with a characterful face, all is arranged, and an interesting man appears, however, all is not as it seems.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, yet again, so far ahead of its time, The Dark Room is a mystery, but there are definitely horror elements here, elements which make it quite a chilling watch.
Sure the story is a little predictable now, but for 1959, this was ahead of its time.
That scene where Rita is tormented by Jean Gabot, fantastic, and those screams were very realistic.
Quality performances, Cloris Leachman was excellent, she plays the part with absolute sincerity, but never overdoes it, Marcel Dalio, who did indeed have a fascinating face, adds a real menace.
Quality viewing.
8/10.