beck0974 Reviews

Harry & Meghan (2022)

Big Mad

[10/10 · 9 December 2022]

With the amount of people who sought out the documentary they claimed they "weren't going to watch" and had "cancelled their Netflix subscription" when their signing deal was announced, you think the whiners would have ignored this all together. And yet...

This docuseries does what it intended to do: retake the false narrative crafted by the British tabloid press (with the assistance of unnamed "palace sources"). You'd think people would appreciate that after five years of noise, it's only fair that Harry & Meghan give their side. Or that any instance where the British tabloid press is held to account would be appreciated, since their criminal activities like bribery, information theft, phone tapping, interference in criminal investigations etc has been well documented over the last 30+ years. It's also interesting how much the British press lies on the daily, and how their decision to continuously rehash and rebrand stories gives the impression that someonr is "always talking", when that's demonstrably not the case.

Either way, this documentary is Harry & Meghan reclaiming their story. To me, that's a powerful thing. Plus, any chance to pull back the curtain on how the British tabloid media's symbiotic relationship with the royal family is basically PR NOT NEWS is always a good thing.

Still Star-Crossed (2017)

Shakespeare in Shondaland :)

[9/10 · 31 May 2017]

It's interesting how certain reviewers (is it even released in Luxembourg yet?) are reacting negatively to the casting. It's a TV show based on a YA novel that used secondary characters from a play where all female roles were played by men. Mind you, Shakespeare borrowed heavily from other sources ("The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet" and "Palace of Pleasure"), rewrote and adapted other writers' concepts, and his history plays are straight up Tudor propaganda. Oh, not to mention all of the in jokes and innuendos throughout his plays. I bet he'd be tickled that his play spurned a new tale AND TV show.

All that to say that I enjoyed the episode. While fast paced, it did do the job of establishing the conflict, introducing the players, and teasing just enough to whet your appetite.

I think the casting is phenomenal. So many talented English, Australian, and American actors. While the writing was clunky in bits, I do believe the actors elevated the material, which usually doesn't happen. The costuming is exquisite and so vibrant. I appreciate the attention to detail (although some costumes are a bit out of time, it's not too distracting, especially when so many get it right).

But truthfully, the star of the show is Salamanca (standing in for Verona). For a show set in one city, the fact it's filmed on location gives the scenes so much more power, authenticity, and depth that a sound stage would remove. You feel as if you're there with them walking the streets of this beautiful city.

I'm pleasantly intrigued by what is to come, and if the preview is any hint, it'll be explosive!

Band of Brothers (2001)

Great mini-series, exceptional lead actor.

[10/10 · 19 September 2001]

I recently viewed the third part of the HBO mini-series "Band of Brothers", and loved it. I was a huge fan of "Saving Private Ryan" and of Mr. Spielberg, and knew I would be in for an excellent ride. I just couldn't believe how excellent it was. The special effects are great and the story is easy to follow. I especially like the lead actor, Damian Lewis. He plays the part of Lt. Richard Winters as if he was born to be him. I did not know he was English until I saw an interview with him on hollywood.com. It is difficult to keep up with who's who. But, it all allows for an excellent ride. This film deserves 2 thumps up!!