grahamsmales Reviews

Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre (2023)

Disappointing

[2/10 · 8 May 2023]

The most disappointing film of 2023 to date. It doesn't have the look or feel of a Guy Richie film - it's dull, boring, witless and devoid of any charm whatsoever.

Jason Statham does his usual set pieces, while Hugh Grant employs the same accent as his character in The Gentleman but without the humour and charm.

I was going to switch off after thirty minutes but decided to see it through until the bitter end. There are some good action pieces in the second half but I couldn't wait for it to end.

After The Gentleman, perhaps my expectations were too high, but the poor script, confusing plot and zero humour makes this one to avoid.

The Tourist (2022–2024)

An episode too long

[7/10 · 17 January 2022]

The first 4 episodes were an absolute belter - intriguing, well paced, amazing scenery with snippets of comedy. However the final 2 episodes were disappointing and confused, with a weak ending.

Mare of Easttown (2021)

Unbelievably dull

[2/10 · 1 August 2021]

Possibly one of the most dull, tedious and plodding series I have watched. The plot meanders all over the place, there is too much dialogue, little action and 90% seems to be set at night.

I fail to understand the high ratings. Only Kate Winslet gives this any kind of appeal.

The Grand Tour: The Grand Tour Presents: Lochdown (2021) Season 4, Episode 3

Tired Andy Wilman Formula

[4/10 · 31 July 2021]

Buy some unreliable cars, accidentally find yourself off road, smash up some caravans, modify said unreliable cars, bully James May.....it's the same tired Andy Wilman formula.

Clarkson has proved he can do so much more with Clarksons Farm, and he needs to capitalise on this.

Wuthering Heights (2011)

Grim...in every sense

[1/10 · 8 July 2021]

Dull, boring, unnecessary animal cruelty, and amateurish production. One to avoid. Stick to the original.

Clarkson's Farm (2021– )

A must see!

[10/10 · 21 June 2021]

The best series of 2021 so far. Whatever you think of Jeremy Clarkson, everyone should give this wonderful series a go!

The Woman in the Window (2021)

Not as expected

[6/10 · 14 May 2021]

I was disappointed with this film after a lot of hype. The first 30 minutes was slow and tiresome, but things improved in the second half. However the conclusion was a little predictable. A great cast, but the writing and direction was left wanting.

Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

A classic

[10/10 · 14 May 2021]

I've been watching this film since I was a small child and it remains one of my favourites. It's fun with lots of action, humour and some wonderful characters. Sheriff Beaufort T Justice remains one of my all-time favourite film anti-heros.

Viewpoint (2021)

Reasonable

[8/10 · 30 April 2021]

A reasonably engaging series with some plot twists at the end.

The Mauritanian (2021)

Hard work

[4/10 · 5 April 2021]

Yes, the acting is first rate, but this is a tough watch with too much dialogue and scenes that jump between past and present.

The One (I) (2021)

A decent watch

[9/10 · 2 April 2021]

Some of the acting is a little wooden, but overall an enjoyable series. It kept my attention throughout.

Finding Alice (2021)

A letdown

[2/10 · 29 January 2021]

With an amazing cast, I had high hopes, but was quickly let down. The script is poor and the actors appear to have very different interpretations of the genre. Some of the 'comedy' is in poor taste and the pace is dreadful. Don't waste your time.