whistlestop Reviews

English National Opera: The Pirates of Penzance (2015)

Lacking verve and character

[5/10 · 28 August 2023]

I've seen many and various productions of Pirates of Penzance over the years, and find this one strangely colourless. The quality of the singing is fine, but the acting less so. The characters are pretty bland and static and lacking the humour that should be bursting forth. Chorus just stand there. The sets are simplistic to say the least, there's no sense of the rolling, rollicking seas, or the eerie ruins in the second act. Bright red pirate ship deck, plain blue backdrops. The feeling I get is one of an amateur production. Frederic looks bored half the time, the Pirate King does not swash and buckle, the Major General is a bit dodgy. And Ruth's eyes are scary! This is meant to be a romp; it comes across as turgid.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Bored

[2/10 · 7 August 2023]

I'm trying to sit through this very difficult movie to the end, but my brain gave up after about half an hour. There is no way to make sense of any of this. Is it supposed to be clever? Funny? (It is funny in parts, I suppose) I knew it would be confusing but I expected to understand some of it. I'm bored, tired, confused and I don't care about any of the characters. It's obviously taken a lot of time and skill to produce all the weird effects, I get that. But what a waste of effort, to my mind. I'm not into alternate realities or violent computer games. I don't see how anyone can make sense of this.

Great Expectations (2023)

This is not Dickens

[2/10 · 9 April 2023]

I would hate anyone who hasn't read the story to watch this and think that this is what Dickens wrote. Charles Dickens would not recognise this dark relentless chunk of misery as his warm, witty and engaging coming-of-age story Great Expectations. The only redeeming feature is the acting of Olivia Colman, superb as always, although why make her such a nasty opium addict? The script bears hardly any reference to the book, and the language used is disgraceful. Where are the many light hearted moments, the amusing conversations, the wry observations? I have endured three episodes and have no engagement or sympathy with any of the characters. I do not intend to subject myself to any more of this dross.

Hitmen (2020–2021)

Not funny

[2/10 · 12 April 2020]

I stuck it out for one whole episode - that's part of my life I'll never get back. I like Mel and Sue but NOT in this dreadful production. The whole thing is very dark without humour. Don't waste your time.

The Riff Raff Element (1993– )

Available on DVD now

[9/10 · 23 June 2019]

I adored this series back in the 90s, and like others here have lamented the fact that no dvd was available - well I have just ordered the dvd of both series on amazon, and am very excited about the thought of watching it again. I hope it's as good as I remember it to be. Perfect casting, Greg Wise was my favourite character as Alister. It deserves to be better known.

The ABC Murders (2018)

Too many changes to the original

[6/10 · 29 December 2018]

I can't understand why the writer has changed so many things in this dark, brooding adaptation of Christie's book. No Hastings, Japp inexplicably killed off, the fourth murder is completely different, and Poirot himself portrayed as tired and discredited, not to mention the surprising discovery that he was never a policeman in Belgium, but a priest. Why? The original book not good enough? I watched with people who didn't know the story and they found it gripping, but to me it was irritating, as a lover of Agatha Christie and Poirot who has been superbly portrayed by David Suchet over 25 years.

The Secret of Kells (2009)

Beautiful!

[9/10 · 30 March 2009]

The Secret of Kells is a film I've been waiting for for years after seeing some early footage at the Cartoon Saloon in Kilkenny. I'm here to tell you now it's been worth the wait. The cartoons are heavily stylised but not annoyingly so as I'd feared. The whole film is a thing of beauty and great imagination, I particularly love the animated illuminated book where the little figures come to life on the page. The characterisation is superb, I love Brendan Gleeson's voice as the stern Abbot and I especially liked the voice of the sprite Aisling. The forest is a triumph, such a beautiful place. The story is well realised, a mix of fact and fantasy. and really draws the viewer in to cheer on Brendan in his quest for the perfect materials for the Book. I'm a lover of calligraphy and illumination anyway so the subject is close to my heart, but all the people I know who've seen this and are not fans of the craft agree that it's a lovely little film. I will definitely buy the DVD when it's released, and would like to say, well done Cartoon Saloon and all the people involved in this mammoth project. May there be many more. :) Coming back in here to say that I bought several copies of the DVD as soon as I could and gave them out at Christmas, everyone loves it! And I wish them all the luck in the world at the Oscars, such a joy to see this nominated.

Tess of the D'Urbervilles (2008)

Perfect Hardy atmosphere

[10/10 · 5 October 2008]

I have just finished watching the final part of this wonderful series and I have to say I was very impressed. I studied Thomas Hardy's works for my A-level exams back in 1980 (ouch) and I enjoyed them all, but Tess was my favourite. So beautiful and so sad. Beautiful in the characters, wonderfully realised for the time. Tess especially, a child to whom things happen, things beyond her understanding or control, and who is swept along by the tide of events bewildered but still strong and true herself and her morals - yes, even at the end. (I don't want to say anything that may constitute a spoiler for those who haven't read/seen it, although it seems unlikely now.) I thought Gemma Arterton was perfect for the role and if this were a film she should have been nominated for an Oscar. I've been a fan of hers since her performance in St Trinian's ( a very different role!) and look forward to seeing her in Quantum of Solace, she should go far. I wasn't so sure about the two male leads, not that either character is very likable in my eyes, but I think they did an adequate job. This 4-part series Clings closely to the original text and also brings in Hardy's speciality, the use of weather and atmosphere to set the mood of the scene; very evocative. I hope it will be screened again, and I'll buy the DVD when I can.

Lost in Austen (2008)

This is rollicking good fun!

[9/10 · 3 September 2008]

Just seen the first episode of Lost In Austen, and we (husband and I) loved it! I think it helps understanding if you actually know the original "Pride and Prejudice" story and are an Austen fan. Amanda Price gets dropped into the Bennet household by chance and has to feel her way through the social scene, getting strange looks as she reveals more than she should know and uses modern expressions causing raised eyebrows. We laughed out loud at several points, and the expressions on the actors' faces are certainly worth watching.

I did spend a lot of time wondering just how Lizzie was getting on the 21st century, and would love to see some coverage of that - I don't know if this will be included in future episodes! I imagine it would be more confusing for her, as Amanda knows the book and the era while Elizabeth can have no idea of what modern day life is like.

Can't wait for the next instalment, so I give this series a big thumbs up! :)

Marie Antoinette (2006)

Beautiful and quirky, not just a chick flick!

[8/10 · 25 August 2008]

Just watched it again( with my husband - his first time) and we loved it. He missed the (in)famous Converse shoes so I rewound for him, but they don't matter anyway, they're just there as a symbol of her "teenager-ness" (is there such an awkward word? Never mind, you know what I mean!). I love the way Marie Antoinette is portrayed in this film, a young girl thrown into a strange place, with the huge weight of expectation laid on her, yet still managing to retain her feisty character. Versailles is gorgeous as always, when I visited it (before seeing this film) and saw the sumptuousness of decoration I was blown away, you can see how the extravagance would have angered the starving peasants but it's so beautiful! This is a story of two children, too young to be married, too young to rule a country but getting on with it as best they can. The courtship they should have enjoyed was conducted after their marriage rather than before, that's why it took so long for them to become lovers, along with their youth and inexperience. The young Queen is shown to have more depth of feeling than she's usually credited with, as well as her famous love of beautiful things and extravagant spending.

Housewife, 49 (2005 TV Movie)

Wonderful acting, funny and poignant

[10/10 · 11 December 2006]

This was a real treat last night on TV, and I hope they repeat it soon for all those who missed it. Victoria Wood proves again what a wonderful actress and writer she is. The great Stephanie Cole is formidable as the WVS boss, and David Threlfall is superbly restrained as Nella's emotionally repressed husband. Nella's wartime experiences mirror those of many ordinary housewives I am sure. An emotional roller-coaster! It was a joy to watch; sometimes we laughed out loud, especially at the jolly neighbours, and sometimes we had tears in our eyes. The costumes and props all looked very authentic; as Victoria herself remarked, it was hardly a glamorous role! I'm looking forward to a DVD....

The Charmer (1987)

Unforgettable

[9/10 · 20 June 2006]

I saw this when it was aired in 1987 and have never forgotten it - we couldn't wait for the next episode! It was mesmerising, and Nigel Havers was truly creepily thrilling as the handsome cad who gets himself deeper and deeper into trouble. I can never forget the final image; I won't spoil it in case they ever do show it again, but it is beautifully handled. You feel satisfaction, pity, compassion and a sense of justice. Bernard Hepton was even more creepy as the outwardly mild-mannered man out for revenge. I would love to see it again, still hoping for a DVD. I've always liked Rosemary Leach, her performance is great as well. I don't know why comments now have to be 10 lines - they never used to be. Why write more than you have to?

The Darling Buds of May (1991–1993)

Perfick joy

[10/10 · 20 June 2006]

I love this series, it's such a feelgood programme. I really wish life could always turn out Perfick, like it does for the Larkins! What I love about them, especially Pop, is their irrepressible joy in life and ability to see the best in every situation. Pop can turn a wet miserable weekend into a joyous romp by sheer force of personality. Wonderful.

(Someone from USA said this on this comments page; "We saw an episode on TV the other day and Peter Jackson got a director credit, but I don't see him listed here or this series listed on Jackson's page. The credits show several directors and it seems to be common practice to have guest directors." I think they're thinking of a different Peter Jackson, the well-known director. The cinematography on this series was done by a Peter Jackson, which is a pretty common name I suppose.)

C.S. Lewis: Beyond Narnia (2005 TV Movie)

Sensitive and largely accurate

[10/10 · 2 February 2006]

This is a beautifully made docu-drama. Anton Rodgers plays CS Lewis, and tells the story of his life and beliefs from his armchair at "The Kilns", supposedly in 1963 just before his death. It's more accurate than "Shadowlands", although that is a wonderful film too. This one includes both the Gresham boys, whereas only Douglas was shown in the other film. Rodgers looks a lot more like pictures of Lewis than Anthony Hopkins did, and the movie was largely filmed at the actual house in Oxford. My only protest is that Joy Gresham is shown smoking a cigarette, although she never smoked in her life. Lewis and Warnie, of course, smoked constantly. I found it very moving, and also funny at just the right moments. If you get a chance to see it, you won't be disappointed if you're a Lewis fan like me! I hope they bring it out on DVD!

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

Dark and excellent

[9/10 · 19 November 2005]

It's just not possible folks to put the WHOLE book into ONE film, so lay off the gripes about what was cut etc. This is great - the essential elements are all there, unlike POA which left out a VITAL element, i.e. the identities of Padfoot, Mooney, Wormtail and Prongs (although interestingly Pettigrew is happily referred to as "Wormtail" in this film). The film is really dark, and scary, and moved us to tears at the end. What more could we hope for? Voldemort is the stuff of nightmares - I'm glad my kids aren't small any more, we would have taken them and regretted it. As it was, we all enjoyed it A LOT and recommend it to Potter fans and non-fans alike. I want to see it again soon.

Masterpiece: The Railway Children (2000) Season 30, Episode 5

This is even better than the first film!

[10/10 · 18 November 2005]

I just loved this film - even though I thought the first 1970 film was wonderful, this is better. All the actors are super, and I thought Gregor Fisher was great as Perks, a lovely warmth to him. The really inspired touch was in getting Jenny Agutter to play the mother role this time, and she does it superbly. I always chuckle over the lines given to Bobbie and herself; she warns Bobbie not to go onto the railway line, and Bobbie asks innocently "Didn't you ever walk on the rail tracks when you were a girl?" Tongue in cheek, a nice touch... The trains are gorgeous, scenery beautiful, but we don't see enough of the lovely Michael Kitchen. I've bought this one to watch again and again.

Red Dragon (2002)

Great thriller but actors needed to look younger!

[17 June 2004]

This is way better than Hannibal, but nothing can come close to Silence of the Lambs; my real problem was that the action takes place in the 8 years leading up to Silence, but the characters Hannibal & Chiltern (same actors) look inescapably older than they should; especially when you've just watched Silence on DVD the day before seeing Red dragon. Of course they had to use Hopkins - who else would do? - but seeing him in the same clothes, smae jail cell, just highlights the fact that these films were made 10 years apart in the wrong direction... That said, it's a super movie in general, kudos to Ed Norton and Ralph Fiennes who actually managed to be terrifyingly evil yet still engage my pity; not bad, just mad! You should watch this one if only to complete the trilogy.

Troy (2004)

So what?

[7/10 · 8 June 2004]

Troy - sets; superb. Fights; plenty of them, action-packed, realistic. You can see where all that money went. But... I just couldn't care about any of the characters. There seemed no soul to this movie; you can't help comparing it to "Gladiator" which makes you laugh, cry, and keeps you on the edge of your seat. The actors were doing a great job, really, but by the end I just thought, so? Paris is a wet, spoilt weed who should have been killed early and good riddance. And where is the stirring, rolling music that should go with this theme? I can't remember any of it, and it certainly didn't underscore the action as it should. Big disappointment.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

Definitely better!

[6/10 · 2 June 2004]

Contains NOT spoilers, but important background info for anyone who hasn't read the book!!

Saw this yesterday, loved it - always my favourite book of the five so far. Just wondered WHY they didn't explain the extremely important significance of the identity of the "Mooney, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs" characters - I thought this was one of the central points of the book, that the marauders map was made by James Potter, Lupin, Pettigrew and Sirius Black when they were at Hogwarts. We were all amazed that it wasn't included.

Apart from that, the whole package is better than the previous two films - the kids have matured as actors, although now they look a little too mature to be thirteen-year-olds, and the special effects are just brilliant - loved the Knight Bus, Buckbeak, and Aunt Marge getting blown up, though the werewolf wasn't quite as convincing. Michael Gambon seems to rejuvenated Dumbledore, making him speak faster (thank goodness!) and giving him a sprightly mischieviousness. I loved Harris but this is good too. And that bridge is gorgeous - I want one!

Looking forward to seeing it again, and wish that Cuaron was directing the fourth movie too if this is what he can do.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

Stirring stuff

[10/10 · 18 December 2003]

Eagerly awaited, this film did not disappoint. More, more, I cry -

they're never too long for me. But why were so many tantalising

glimpses from the trailer absent in the film? I'm looking forward to

the DVD EE to add to my collection - maybe they'll appear in that. I

was also disappointed that Aragorn's powers as healer and the

romance between Faramir and Eowyn were not shown; and of

course by the lack of Saruman. The whole spectacle is breathtaking, the music sublime, and the locations perfectly

realised. Can't wait for the Hobbit!! 10/10

When a Man Loves a Woman (1994)

Incredible insight

[9/10 · 9 March 2003]

This movie has me in tears throughout; it portrays the mixed

feelings, emotions and total confusion of an alcoholic wife and

mother so perfectly - and I should recognize them, as an alcoholic

of 10 years myself. Especially moving is the wonderful

performance of the elder child "Jessie" - an amazing achievement

in one so young. It certainly strengthened my resolve never to go

down that path again. I recommend it to all families of alcoholics

for an insight into our way of thinking - our shame, our inability to

control our own addiction, and the possibilty of real recovery.

Thank you, all involved.

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

Over-long

[15 February 2003]

Visually superb - effects get an A+. But too long, self-indulgence by

Spielberg, very slow moving. The Teddy bear is the best bit. Jude

Law is wonderful, so is H J Osment as David. But what happened

to the visionary Dr Hobby? - he just disappeared leaving his super

creation to fend for himself. I was left with several unanswered

questions.

Wild Wild West (1999)

It's FUN!!!!

[6/10 · 6 January 2003]

I don't care what you all say, this movie made us laugh a lot. OK it's silly, the jokes are old, it's corny ... but who cares? It's just a great bit of fun and I'd recommend it for someone looking for an entertaining evening. So there.

The Time Machine (2002)

Why is everyone so rude about this movie?

[9/10 · 30 October 2002]

I loved this movie. I'd never read the book so didn't have any hang-ups about what "should" happen. The digital effects are superb - you really HAVE to see the world changing as he travels through time. "Vox" is wonderful - a computer with attitude and sarcasm! Please watch it and enjoy - it's not perfect, what film is? - but it's great entertainment and very underrated. I bought the DVD as soon as it came out and the extras are well worth it.

Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

Exciting but not up to usual Disney standards

[8/10 · 28 October 2001]

This is an action movie - full of explosions and awesome scenic effects. Great stuff, but flawed in some ways - I especially thought it a mistake to open with a sequence of foreign-language stuff with sub-titles, guaranteed to turn off kids with reading difficulties or short attention spans. The plot was predictable but nonetheless enjoyable; I took two 13-year-olds and an 8-year-old who loved most of it. The drawings were sharp and up-to-the-minute, definitely not a "cute" style, plenty of explosions and some amazing computer-generated special effects. Boys will love it for the adventure, and there is probably enough romance for the ladies too! I think it lost out to some films with strong musical content - we couldn't come away humming a tune - but the idea is intriguing, maybe appealing mostly to parents who know the mythology -?