I've watched Modesty Blaise countless times since it came out. It's so fun, funny, satirical, laughing at itself, with lots of fun design, and silliness. It pokes fun at the world of international politics in ways that are still 100% relevant. Made during the cold war "Secret Agent" era, this movie is NOT about the US/USSR drama, which is refreshing. The casting is inspired, and I imagine it must have been a lot of fun to make; great locations, wild clothes, even some fight scenes! It's always surprised me that it hasn't become more popular, more well known. If you haven't seen it, check it out and enjoy!
Reviews
7 Reviews
Everwood
(2002–2006)
Missed opportunity
13 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I've been enjoying this show but the number of missed opportunities to educate about head injury is a lot. A lot al lot.
Folks with Traumatic Brain Injury often show the kinds of symptoms Colin does on Everwood, but the show doesn't explain any of it. The doctors don't seem to know basic things about seizure, aggression, memory, etc. The time frame for the characters recovery is sped up for TV, I get that, but...a guy who has seizures and is about to have brain surgery is driving a car? I don't think so.
Lots of good stuff in this show, I am just remarking on this, it's major flaw.
Folks with Traumatic Brain Injury often show the kinds of symptoms Colin does on Everwood, but the show doesn't explain any of it. The doctors don't seem to know basic things about seizure, aggression, memory, etc. The time frame for the characters recovery is sped up for TV, I get that, but...a guy who has seizures and is about to have brain surgery is driving a car? I don't think so.
Lots of good stuff in this show, I am just remarking on this, it's major flaw.
All Rise
(2019–2023)
Well done, on many levels...
15 November 2021
The show is a well done court-room drama, fairly light in terms of the violence (which I appreciate!). Casting and writing are intelligent and yes, this show very much pushes social issues. I think that's a good thing!
I find it fascinating that some of the comments here, about this show, are critical of the social mission. Why would a person object to entertainment that challenges the status quo, and which illuminates the experience of people who are usually marginalized? This is part of how people learn, by challenging the familiar. Kudos to the producers, writers, cast and crew, for bringing us something that inspires viewers to think. Even those who are uncomfortable with the content must admit, it made them think.
I find it fascinating that some of the comments here, about this show, are critical of the social mission. Why would a person object to entertainment that challenges the status quo, and which illuminates the experience of people who are usually marginalized? This is part of how people learn, by challenging the familiar. Kudos to the producers, writers, cast and crew, for bringing us something that inspires viewers to think. Even those who are uncomfortable with the content must admit, it made them think.
The Lady in the Van
(2015)
Very worth watching!
8 April 2016
At first glance this doesn't look like it will be so interesting, but of course...Maggie Smith...so, I watched it and I am glad I did!
This film works on a lot of levels. It is well written and produced, let's get that out of the way. The casting is all perfect, not just Maggie Smith though she gives a great performance. Often when watching a film I can see the actor behind the character. Not so with Maggie Smith and definitely not so in this case.
The story is relevant to our times in terms of the crisis of homelessness, to the lives of anyone with an elderly parent, to anyone who cares about others. It addresses core values of compassion and decency without being at all preachy or pedantic.
Maggie Smith is one of the great actors of the 20th and early 21st centuries. This piece is really a virtuoso, like Hepburn's "Mad Woman of Chaillot." You'll be glad, if you watch this, that you did.
This film works on a lot of levels. It is well written and produced, let's get that out of the way. The casting is all perfect, not just Maggie Smith though she gives a great performance. Often when watching a film I can see the actor behind the character. Not so with Maggie Smith and definitely not so in this case.
The story is relevant to our times in terms of the crisis of homelessness, to the lives of anyone with an elderly parent, to anyone who cares about others. It addresses core values of compassion and decency without being at all preachy or pedantic.
Maggie Smith is one of the great actors of the 20th and early 21st centuries. This piece is really a virtuoso, like Hepburn's "Mad Woman of Chaillot." You'll be glad, if you watch this, that you did.
What Happened, Miss Simone?
(2015)
Moving and timely
26 June 2015
"What Happened, Miss Simone?" pulls you right into the life of the little girl, Eunice Waymon, who becomes Nina Simone. Through skillful use of archival audio and film, interviews and other contextual materials, and clearly with a genuine appreciation and love for the subject, Liz Garbus has found the thread that strings all of this material together; the genius and passion of a driven artist. Hearing the familiar songs with their stories, and learning about Nina's life journey, all somehow fits powerfully with contemporary racial issues in the US. This film can serve to educate, and inspire, as we continue to navigate the tortuous path to justice. Thank you for making this film, and bringing Nina Simone to even more people.
Zodiac: Signs of the Apocalypse
(2014 TV Movie)
So not-bad, it's good!
11 January 2015
This film is actually brilliant in a rather odd way. It is a great example of what a home made low budget film can be. The story isn't half bad as apocalyptic dramas go, and it is chock full of familiar faces from numerous great sci-fi shows. The writing is exactly what you would expect, slightly stilted dramatic over-the-top. What really works, though, is that, because of the low budget, it is shot almost all on location, and much of the plot is explored through inference and implication, so there is some intelligence involved. Moderate use of pretty good special effects helps to ground the story. This is not a fancy franchise flick, nor is it particularly great in terms of it's originality or message, but all in all, somehow it works.
Grace of Monaco
(2014)
eyebrows
24 September 2014
I respect Nicole Kidman as an actor but...and this may seem petty...her face has been made up and plucked and reshaped into a sharp perpetually angry scheming sort of expression that she cannot shake with her acting. It's distracting, and very unfortunate. When she smiles it looks evil. Grace Kelly's face was famous for her soft strength, her friendly but distant composure. Her beauty was in her open gentle smile. Kidman does not pull it off.
The other aspects of the film are positive. It's well produced, well enough written, though not great, and the rest of the casting works. The locations are great, wardrobe etc. all good.
The other aspects of the film are positive. It's well produced, well enough written, though not great, and the rest of the casting works. The locations are great, wardrobe etc. all good.
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