theprovinces Reviews

Midsomer Murders (1997– )

"Blue Herring" episode

[13 September 2007]

The second season box set is the first of this series that I've seen.

I enjoyed the first three films I watched a lot -- Orlando Bloom fans will get a kick out of one of his earliest roles -- and he plays a super nasty guy! The story lines are very clever. The Brits really know how to do this kind of show well.

In this series, there's a veteran detective played by John Nettles, and his younger assistant, Det. Troy, played by Daniel Casey. They're very well matched and there's no silliness. It's very direct in presentation, but there is a sense of humor, too.

But specifically, I'm referring here to the Blue Herring episode in which the detective is arranging his home, and his aunt is in a nursing home/care facility near by.

I've now watched this twice, because all of the old ladies look so much alike it's extremely confusing as to who it is who gets killed in succession. That's really my main issue, you can't tell them apart!

Love Soup (2005–2008)

Really well done -- funny, touching, clever -- can't wait for the sequel!

[9/10 · 30 July 2007]

Was really excited that they are making a Love Soup 2. Can't wait for it. Hope Michael Landes is also in it, he's not listed in the credits for it.

This is a really well-done mini-series with very likable characters. The acting is excellent, too.

Grieg plays a very different role than that of her iconic Fran Katzenjammer in Black Books. In fact, her "Love Soup" Alice couldn't be further away from Fran. Alice is thoughtful, organized, positive, hopeful and loyal. And very funny.

The DVD, which is only available in the UK (but can be viewed on multi-regional players) is great and the extras are very fun. Tiny tidbit: The actress who plays Chloe originally read for the role of Millie.

I am very excited about the upcoming sequel -- I really wanted more, I enjoyed it so much.

The Mallens (1979– )

Early Cookson Adaptation Filled With Melodrama

[5/10 · 18 June 2007]

well, even more melodrama than is in a Catherine Cookson adaptation. I got this DVD box set awhile ago and tried to watch it and found it so over the top I put it aside.

I've been on a Cookson kick (rewatching all my DVDs and videos) so I pulled the Mallen set out and started watching it and still cringed through the first two episodes -- the acting, especially by David Rintoul (under much better direction and control in the 80s BBC Pride and Prejudice), is ridiculous. His acting is really quite like an old SNL skit -- picture Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi and Bill Murray putting on exaggerated posh Brit acting and you'll have his performance.

The veteran Irish actor playing the Matriarch actually gets better as the series progresses -- there is a very difficult rape scene right at start of the film (actually what turned me off when I first tried to watch this)and it's really hard to wrap your head around this dominant character (meaning he's constantly in the storyline).

At any rate, the locations are pretty, but be prepared that this is shot much like the 80s BBC dramas, where indoors is on video and outdoors is on film and it's a bit disconcerting as they shift back and forth. The indoor sets are very rudimentary and look almost like a theatrical set, but the outdoors are nicely lush.

If you can get past the dated aspects (the horrible overacting, the style in which it's shot, etc.), it's always nice to have the full Cookson library at your period-melodrama command.

Fanny Hill (1995)

Soft-Porn, Brit Period Style

[29 March 2004]

If you watch a lot of cable late-night, this might suit you since it's very much in the U.S. soft-porn vein. The entire film is told through voice-over narration.

It's extremely cheesy, and while the costumes and scenery are adequate and appropriate, it's hard to get past the "video" feel of the film. There's no one of note in it. The lead actress is very pretty and everyone in the film looks "natural" and sans plastic surgery.

The actor who plays "Mr. Norbert" is also the director and producer.

Read the book, consider the time it was written it. It's infinitely more entertaining and edifying.

Breaking Up (1997)

The trials of breaking up -- repeatedly

[14 October 2003]

I flipped through this film (shot in 1995) one day on cable, since I'm not a big fan of either of the stars, but a couple days later(it was on again) felt compelled to watch and found it engaging, if disturbingly credible and real. It's probably the kind of movie that will appeal to those who've experienced similar situations -- the break-up that lasts longer than the relationship.

I think Greenwald (director) and the writer Michael Christofer have a very good grip on understanding the emotional highs and lows of a relationship that's turbulent: There's much to admire about the person, but ultimately something isn't right, hence the many (failed) attempts at breaking up.

**Potential Spoiler** Still, there are those who might view this (as some other commentators have) as more of a "true love" type of story -- I believe (paraphrasing here) someone said something about they know they're each others true love. I disagree. I think there is a super strong physical and emotional bond that draws them together (even in the final scene) but perhaps they've realized that what they had wasn't strong enough to sustain a long-term commitment in a family situation.

I wouldn't recommend this movie for everyone. If you can't relate to it, it might be annoying and repetitive, but if you've gone through the multiple break-up situation, the desperate attempts to "make it work" when it's hopeless, the being drawn back to each other, the whispery breathy phone calls after weeks of separation, the hopefulness that "this time it will be different" (and it never is), you will definitely "get" this movie more.

There are comedic moments and **SPOILER** but it ends in a non-Hollywood way and much of what they go through is fairly devasting (or seemingly so at the moment).

Tart (2001)

Unfortunate; Shockingly Bad

[16 August 2003]

Dominique Swain could be the Johnny Depp of her generation, and commended for her "take risks" roles. Unfortunately, this troubled script about bored wealthy teens takes a familiar premise and adds nothing fresh, nothing enlightening.

None of the characters is redeeming, and even Swain's "Cat" is a frustrating character ***SPOILERS*** -- why does she insist on going to East Hampton after being so horribly snubbed by her "friends"? Her reaction/infatuation to Renfro's character "William" is inexplicable. He's cute, but there's nothing compelling about him. He doesn't act honorably from the beginning, he is unconscionable when he thinks he and Scott Thompson have accidentally killed Cat (they try to dump her body in the fancy apt's dumb waiter!).

I doubt anyone but a diehard fan of Brett Easton Ellis (it very much has a vibe of his going on) -- or Brad Renfro -- could appreciate this muddled storyline of pathetic youth.

There are numerous things that don't make any sense at all, throughout the film, whether it be the plot, the dialogue, the acting choices of the young actors, it's really a total mess.

The Dark Knight (2000– )

Cheesy TV Series

[31 May 2003]

We rented this as a DVD called "Darkest Knight," based on the DVD cover and the description, which implied it featured dragon battles (it appealed to our five-year-old). Within a minute of watching, it was apparent that this was a TV series, not a movie.

The acting is frighteningly over the top. Ben Pullen was very charming in the romantic comedy "The Intern," but here he chews the scenery up -- but not as much as the show baddie, Mordour (yes, someone was reading Tolkien). All of the acting is beyond earnest -- old-school theatrical, and not very good, either.

The story of Ivanhoe is interesting enough on its own, but this series tries in vain to affect the location, style and appeal of the HERCULES and XENA series, but is, in reality, humorless.

The special effects are really laughable -- there's much better supernatural effects to be found on BUFFY and ANGEL. It's closer to "Power Rangers" than it is anything remotely like what Ivanhoe should be like.

Full Frontal (2002)

Too insider-y

[13 May 2003]

The cast is impressive and the acting is superb, but this is a relentlessly self-indulgent exercise that is likely to resonate to only those who understand the inner workings of "the industry" (and call it that). "Regular" people will be drawn by the big names but may be disappointed in this multi-layered exercise in erudition -- or an attempt at such. There's a lot of power struggling in this -- classes within Hollywood from masseuse to producer, showy homes, shabby apartments and people who don't like who they're married to, dating, related to and working with and for.

The movie within a movie within a movie idea isn't as complicated as it seems and the initial movie, "Rendevous," which frames the film, is fairly bland and uninteresting. Moreover, the issue is with the characters, most of whom aren't likeable. David Hyde Pierce's wimpy Carl is really the only truly sympathetic character in the film and even he can be irritating.

The Truth About Charlie (2002)

Demme Does Hitchcock

[13 May 2003]

Jonathan Demme does Alfred Hitchcock. And for this viewer's part, many of the viewers' commentaries are harsh -- I've seen a heck of a lot worse. Comparatives are inevitable, but I think it's important to watch this film independently, if you can, as opposed to constantly holding it up against "Charade." Initially there are dizzying camera angles and hand-held scenes that are distracting from the initial action. Also, while I think Christine Boisson was plausibly fine in her role as the tenacious commandant, her obvious and prominent plastic surgery was extremely distracting, too. I found all the performances enjoyable and the film, while flawed, entertaining. The scenery and locations are great and there really is genuine chemistry between Thandie Newton and Mark Wahlberg. It's nearly impossible to remake a beloved classic and it's hard not to impose your own "what ifs" (like what if casting featured Julianne Moore and George Clooney instead?). But for what it is, this is a worthy, frothy good weekend watch.

I'm with Lucy (2002)

Entertaining, if not substantial. Potter shines.

[3 May 2003]

Monica Potter is tremendously appealing and talented and it's curious why she hasn't achieved the success she so obviously deserves. Could it be that she resembles and sounds like Julia Roberts? Since her performances don't exude ego, this viewer finds her more appealing and a better actress.

The film chronicles the dating adventures of Lucy and is framed by five significant dates over the period of a year. Within the initial glances of her first dates with five bachelors, it's revealed that Lucy is marrying -- but which one. There's some predictability -- you know which ones are a definite "no," but it maintains a credible element of mystery and guessing.

Julianne Nicholson, who plays Lucy's sister is completely charming and an actress to watch. This is also a must for fans of John Hannah who appears all too briefly.

The Other Side of Heaven (2001)

Unwatchable, self-aggrandizing, Mormon propaganda

[3 May 2003]

There are absolutely no nuances to any character in this film. The Tongans, who the lead character (the story is based on his actual memoirs) initially describes as (paraphrased here) "the people I grew to love" are simply portrayed as carefree savages saved by the attentive, miraculous attention of the Mormon missionary sent to convert them.

There's no mystery and subtlety, either: the most beautiful Tonga literally drops her skirt for him, her mother begs him for a "half-white baby," he brings a dead child back to life, the music swells when his feet are inexplicably "eaten" in the middle of the night -- and he takes his first steps toward a cheering, loving, docile tribe. There's little doubt who he'll have romance with, where he'll end up and how the experience with this "primitive" non-Mormon universe will change him forever (after all, not only did he manage to get a book published, he also got this movie produced by Disney).

In short, it's tremendously irritating -- it's insulting, it's racist, it's condescending. He obviously has a revisionist history in which he is wholly god's representative and adored. He is completely unflawed in his mind and in this rendering.

The film is one that should be reserved for whatever the Mormon version of catechism is and should stay within the confines of that community, where it will no doubt be appreciated and be singing to the choir.

The scenery is stunningly breathtaking, and it would've far been better had they decided to make a travel documentary of New Zealand and the Cook Islands, where the film was shot.

The Grand (1997–1998)

Upstairs, Downstairs or Gosford Park w/o the Murder

[5 March 2003]

There are two DVD box sets to the collection -- the first features eight episodes that introduce you to THE GRAND, the hotel and the owners, brothers John and Marcus Bannerman, and the hard-working staff. The second series features 10 episodes on three DVDs.

This is engaging and entertaining fare, and some of the storyline is repetitive and derivative, but the acting is very good and the sets and costumes are wonderful and convincing. There are some notable episodes that really stand out. One is on the second series and centers on Clive and his experience as deputy.

For the second series, the characters of Ruth and Stephen have been replaced with different actors who give slightly different edges to the characters (Ruth is more unstable rather than cold and stoic, and Stephen is more immature, albeit just as emotional).

There seems to be a consistent message present and that is that sheer luck can take you out of your social stratsophere, and no matter how well meaning or how hard you work, it's not bloody likely that you'll be able to successfully live in the world of another class.

Thinner (1996)

As a stand-alone film, not very entertaining

[12 February 2003]

Unlike other reviewers, I haven't read the book, so I don't have that comparison. My opinion is based solely on the film, just FYI.

The premise focuses on revenge. One problem with the film is that there isn't anyone genuinely likeable except for the teen daughter who isn't given much to do. Another issue is that the story -- especially the ending is disturbing -- and not in a thought-provoking way, either. *SPOILER* What ultimately happens is that a man who was unquestionably guilty of manslaughter proceeds to commit murder (his wife) and manslaughter again (his daughter -- and he's not that upset about it) and murder yet again (his doctor). The bottom line? A cast of not likeable characters in a story without redemption (in all meanings of that word).

Jane Eyre (1983)

Wonderful, wonderful version

[30 December 2002]

As much as I love Samantha Morton and Ciaran Hinds ("Jane Eyre" 1997), I must say this is actually the best version. Dalton's and Clarke's Rochester (yes, he's so good looking, but it's not that distracting, it just makes the character all the more appealing!) and Jane have genuine chemistry and the script's faithfulness to the book is welcome.

Make the effort to get this version (not yet available on DVD), certainly over the 1996 William Hurt as Rochester (that version is awful and dreary). You won't be disappointed!

So This Is Romance? (1997)

Painfully self-conscious

[29 December 2002]

Mike (Dinsdale) is a loquacious, self-righteous character, who is unfortunately, the central character in this film about a man's search for idealized romance. Kevin W. Smith, the film's writer and director, who no doubt identifies strongly with Mike, and his intention was to comedically depict the trials and tribulations of a single man's search for "true love."

However, he has presented the audience with a character so irritating it's completely understandable why he hasn't found a proper partner.

The film is somewhat salvaged by the presence of the charming John Hannah (although his role is a caricature) and the beautiful and talented Victoria Smurfit.

The Invisible Circus (2001)

Absolutely beautiful adaptation

[23 December 2002]

This is a wonderfully told tale of Phoebe, an 18-year-old girl determined to find out what happened to her older, beloved sister Faith (Cameron Diaz). In 1969, Faith and her English boyfriend "Wolf" (Christopher Eccelston) set off from Faith's home in San Francisco to see Europe. Faith never returned -- she committed suicide in Portugal and the circumstances surrounding her death were, given the distance and time, cloudy. Phoebe, now an adult in 1976, uses Faith's daily postcards as her guide, and retraces the couple's travels, but not before she meets up with a now older and more mature Wolf, at his Paris home.

Camilla Bell (younger Phoebe) and Jordana Brewster (older Phoebe) could not be more beautiful and lovely.

The love affair that develops between Phoebe and Wolf is so credible and powerful, it completely entrances the viewer.

Egan's story combines cultural touchstones, political ideology, family ties and passion in this wonderful story.

Falling for a Dancer (1998)

Beautiful, engaging film

[23 December 2002]

This is a wonderfully acted story of young Irish Catholic girl who is compelled to marry an unattractive widower(her only other option is a horrifying workhouse) after she's become pregnant (the proverbial one-night-stand) with a traveling actor.

Elisabeth Dermot Walsh (the young woman) and Liam Cunningham (neighbor and cousin-in-law) are absolutely delightful and maintain the viewer's interest throughout. The production is also beautiful. Dermot Walsh as a "dutiful" wife forced in a dreary loveless marriage is fantastic -- her disastrous flirtation at a local dance is actually understandable, given the stark circumstances that surround her. Cunningham conveys everything through his eyes and convincing acting. They're stunning and memorable.

Lovely, highly entertaining story.

A Hazard of Hearts (1987 TV Movie)

Extraordinarily cheesy, classic gothic romance

[23 December 2002]

Helena Bonham-Carter is such a divinely eloquent actress, she shines above such veterans as Christopher Plummer, Diana Rigg, Edward Fox and Stewart Granger (the latter so very underused).

Plummer, Rigg and Fox are so horrifically over-the-top, you can only assume that the director was too intimidated by their previous credits to repress their cartoonish gleeful overacting.

Cartland works with a formula that makes this a very standard gothic romance, but it's saved, in parts, by the charm of the two leads, the extraordinary Bonham-Carter and the still little-seen Marcus Gilbert.

This also might not seem so infinitely cheesy if the predictable, derivative soundtrack didn't soar in so obviously.

Still, the film is a must for Bonham-Carter fans, if only to confirm what an excellent, expressive talent she is. And, as previous commentators have noted, this is ideal rainy Sunday afternoon fare.

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling (1997)

Engaging, well-done fare

[22 December 2002]

We had the video box set since it first came out -- it was sealed and in our video drawer until this month (December, 2002), when I sold the videos and bought the DVD box set.

I can't believe we waited this long to watch it! Max Beasley is wonderful (and yes, a real Ewan MacGregor look-a-like) as is Samantha Morton and the rest of the cast.

The Oscar-winning 1963 version seems dated and over-the-top compared to the A&E production. Bawdy, racy, all the things Fielding's novel was criticized for, that all remains. It's surprisingly funny and sweet and very, very enjoyable!