SansSeraphAsh Reviews

Riptide (2022)

High hopes, but it's just badly written

[3/10 · 28 June 2023]

Just another example of Australia's terrible 'connection' with mystery dramas. It's time for some euro/scandi writers and directors to come south to mentor and teach us how to do things properly.

I'll admit that we're still watching episode 1, but I can't imagine that things are going to improve.

The cast list shows so much promise and potential, but the script that they've been tasked with delivering lacks structure and maturity.

Already, there have been so many lines that people just don't say - including police information and processes that just don't align with reality.

And let's not get started on the terrible wardrobe choices. They seem to be strictly sticking to stereotypes and have no idea on reality. Yes, I'm definitely judging them all for what they wore to the funeral.

Without the 'victim' having set funeral rules, gay sons don't show up in anything but a dark suit, and wives don't show up in a floral dress with a long dark cardigan.

One last thing, did he really go missing off the Mornington Peninsula in Port Phillip Bay? There's not even anywhere that would allow anyone to seriously surf.

Deadloch (2023– )

Could the removal of a single character save a show?

[7/10 · 17 June 2023]

This series was surprising in so many ways - good and bad.

The storyline is straight out of a Scandi crime drama, but with some heartwarming characters bringing everything to life (except any victims). The bulk of the script it written and delivered brilliantly, with a few exceptions. Kate Box - bringing the solid and straight-laced detective character to our screens - is pleasantly supported by her junior officers in Nina Oyama and Tom Ballard, with some great community members, including but not limited to Katie Robertson, Susie Youssef, Nick Simpson-Deeks, and Pamela Rabe.

Without the rash and obnoxious Eddie Redcliffe character, this would be an amazing parody of all the crime dramas we binge each year. While I'm sure it's not anything to do with Madeleine Sami's acting, the scenes without Eddie are so much easier to watch and enjoy.

Five Bedrooms: Three Tents (2023) Season 4, Episode 5

Did we jump into an alternate universe?

[4/10 · 28 May 2023]

This episode was very disappointing to watch as too many of the main characters made some ridiculous and out of character decisions.

While we've loved every episode of Five Bedrooms, this one hurt so much. If it wasn't bad enough that Ben had cheated on Heather, and then hooked up with Mel, this episode shows Harry loosing the plot completely - maybe all in the aid of fitting into a gay stereotype?

While we weren't fans of some of the storylines, the cast continued to deliver to the standard that they are synonymous for. It's difficult to pick the weakest link - even from the characters we love to hate.

Hopefully, the story of the next episode is able to redeem itself.

The Diplomat (II) (2023– )

Low expectations were blown out of the water

[10/10 · 23 April 2023]

Wow! Who knew that Keri Russell was capable of this? We went into this looking for something to get us through a winters weekend. Keri Russell is amazing here, with a great story and some surprisingly well written dialogue.

Love the diversity of the cast from both sides of the Atlantic - nobody fails to perform. Did I mention how good Keri Russell is? Well, Rufus Sewell and David Gyasi are also both great, as is the rest of the supporting cast - some standouts: T'Nia Miller, Ato Essandoh, Ali Ahn, and even Rory Kinnear.

Will definitely be pushing for a season two, as producers (and Netflix) shouldn't leave things hanging off a cliff.

Our House (2022)

So much more potential.

[7/10 · 24 September 2022]

After watching this series all the way through, we decided that the story and twists were great, the cast good, but that the script was borderline terrible. Hard to believe that Middleton, Compston and Penry-Jones were willing to speak some of it.

So many lines of the script were awkward and not required. People just don't talk to each other like that, or the characters were stating the obvious as if the audience lack commonsense or the ability to understand. Maybe it was important that they filled minutes, but it just became distracting from the storyline.

That said, don't not watch this because of my review as it was actually enjoyable and thought provoking.

Clickbait (2021)

Compelling, but lacking continuity, making it frustrating

[6/10 · 3 September 2021]

This series is quite obviously written by Australians. We've seen many other series that have taken a similar structure, where the overall storyline is brilliant, but the writers then drop the ball with the smaller details. Conversations are inconsistent, as are some of the characters (eg the senior detective). The procedures seem to have not been reviewed by anyone with a police background. This is why novelists has editors to read through and check the detail. Why do Australian drama writers and directors, etc struggle to get the finer details right so often??

Infinite (2021)

Maybe it would've been better if they'd waited for...

[4/10 · 15 August 2021]

...Chris Evans to become available. Evans going missing from this film left them scrambling and placing 50yo Wahlberg in the main role and trying to pretend her's 15 years younger than he really is. Even Ejiofor is too old to play a 35yo. The story had promise, but the execution was ridiculous and painful to watch. Wahlberg should stick to filming stupid gambling adverts, as it aligns with his the bets that producers are taking by casting him.

Halifax: Retribution: Episode #1.1 (2020) Season 1, Episode 1

The internet was down, so free to air was our only option

[3/10 · 28 August 2020]

The internet was down, so free to air was our only option. Remember enjoying Halifax f.p. back in the 90s, so thought we'd give this a go. The cast are definitely reputable, with Rebecca Gibney joined by Claudia Karvan and Anthony LaPaglia.

The script (for this first episode at least) seems to have been a leftover from the original series, with characters making statements that are more 1996 than 2020 (e.g. "Interview his wife, his priest"). The relationships are weak and without substance. The lazy scripting doesn't stop there with Halifax receiving a threatening note in what seems like a stupid and non-psychopathic way.

In a time when we have amazing Nordic dramas in abundance, I'd hoped that this would be more creative and more considered, and more REAL.

The Trouble with Maggie Cole (2020)

I imagine there are a few towns...

[7/10 · 15 August 2020]

I imagine there are a few towns across UK (and the world) where situations like this would/could happen. While some of the storylines a questionable, the cast are very well placed and enjoyable to watch - with Gwyneth Keyworth stealing the show with her dry delivery. Pleasantly surprised by the number of days of sunshine this town receives. ;)

The Great (2020–2023)

Ignore the history

[7/10 · 14 June 2020]

This is definitely a series to watch if you know nothing or very little about the history of Catherine The Great and other Russian and European royalty - as not much of the story is true to history. That aside, it's a beautifully made series, with Fanning shining with the brilliant support of Fox and Hoult.

Yesterday (III) (2019)

A beautiful dedication

[9/10 · 30 October 2019]

In a time when we're surrounded by movies inspired by different discographies, this is definitely a winner. The story is sweet as are all the characters.

NB: Ed Sheeran playing himself is redeemed after his appearance on Game of Thrones.

Younger: Millennial's Next Top Model (2019) Season 6, Episode 9

Miriam Shor wins again

[9/10 · 19 August 2019]

Miriam Shor wins again with her brilliant comedic delivery.

The Good Place: Janet(s) (2018) Season 3, Episode 9

D'Arcy Cardin deserves a nomination

[9/10 · 7 December 2018]

This episode showcases D'Arcy Cardin as a talented character actress, playing six different Janets.

Safe (2018)

An American in London

[8/10 · 12 May 2018]

This is another great series from Harlan Coben. An enjoyable and engaging storyline that includes just right level of drama and intrigue and just a little bit of haphazard.

We were excited to see Michael C Hall on our screens again, but in this series he can often appear to overact and rarely seems like a genuine Brit. The rest of the cast definitely make up for his flaws.

Latter Days (2003)

Religion vs the Real World

[10/10 · 23 April 2005]

A touching look into the effect that another person can have on you. Whether you relate to Aaron or Christian, this film will play havoc on the emotions you thought you had. A must see for every boy (and girl). The casting is amazing, with Steve Sandvoss and Wes Ramsey fitting into their roles from the moment the script begins. Jacqueline Bisset gives an exceptional performance as the mother of the family of strangers, brought together by their hopes and dreams. The soundtrack is astounding, with Julie's three songs touching every audience member. A story that shows the clashes between the inflexibly stale, over-conservative religions and the time we now live in. A satisfying love story.

The Italian Job (2003)

the iTAliaN job

[7/10 · 25 September 2003]

Great film with some awesome chases. Chases are extended to include speedboats around Venice, and even a helicopter. The face off between Norton's Helicopter and Wahlberg's Mini Cooper underneath a roadway is amazingly cool.

Theron's hair is immaculate, but what's with Norton's dodgy moustache, and Wahlberg's tan??

A great film, with many (sometimes obvious) twists and turns.