ruby-wells764 Reviews

Miranda (2009–2015)

Miranda

[8/10 · 18 April 2014]

I quite literally fell about laughing the first time I watched this lovely show. Miranda Hart delivers unashamedly hilarious comedy (often at her own expense, which I think is very commendable!) and whilst the humour is often over-the-top and outrageous, it is almost impossible that it won't put a smile on your face. I really like the cast of this show, they all seem to have great chemistry together and I especially love Patricia Hodge in the hilarious role of Miranda's ever-disappointed and ever-pushy mother. The story lines and running jokes are all done really well, and keep me coming back to view all the episodes again and again.

The reason why I haven't given Miranda a 9 or 10 is because I felt that into the third series, the show became a little formulaic and predictable. Whilst still very amusing, I found myself almost speaking the lines along with the characters, and frankly I am beginning to find Miranda's long and ever-fruitless search for love just a little bit trying....

Other than this tiny criticism, I still find Miranda to be one of the funniest comedy series of the past few years, and give the wonderful cast a big thumbs up!

Glee (2009–2015)

It's only fair to give it a chance!

[7/10 · 17 January 2014]

'Glee' may not be everyone's cup of tea, but in my opinion, it's a great feel-good teen comedy. The casting is without a doubt great, and each member brings something individual to the show - Lea Michele does an especially great job in her role as Rachel. I also think that the musical numbers add another dimension to the show - they are often fun and done well, and I think they are a good way of introducing many aspects of music to the younger generation... I like the way that this show deals with a wide range of different issues, such as bullying, loss, homosexuality and the various kinds of pressure that many teens face today. I would say that the only thing that lets down the show in places is an occasionally over-cheesy script - I think that some of the more emotional scenes have been slightly tainted by over-doing it a little on the dialogue front.

Overall, though, I have really enjoyed watching this show and at times I have found myself getting quite involved with the characters and their journeys - however I wouldn't recommend it for the cynical amongst us - you might find it quite tiresome...

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)

Absolutely fantastic - In my opinion, better than the books...

[10/10 · 17 January 2014]

I have seen this film more times than I can count, and haven't once gotten bored of it! What impresses me every time is the perfection of the child cast - they are fantastic young actors and actresses, and I particularly enjoy Skandar Keynes' performance as Edmund. In fact, pretty much everything in this production is close to perfection - the sets, the costumes, the script - everything comes together to make a beautiful film. The continued brilliance of this film is that it is perfect for all the family - you will never be too old to enter the magic of Narnia... I did read the books as a child, and although they were fantastic, I feel that I just 'clicked' more with the film adaption of this timeless tale, perhaps because of the more 'epic' feel to it when C S Lewis' beautiful story is up on the big screen. I do also feel that the film narrative is quite close to the book - always a positive thing!

Don't miss this incredible film - it will be a very valuable asset to your film collection!

Romeo & Juliet (II) (2013)

Visually stunning, but lacking in authenticity...

[6/10 · 17 January 2014]

I was very excited about this re-make of Shakespeare's timeless love story - the trailer made it look great... however I was disappointed to find that the original dialogue had been slightly altered. I don't think that this is something that a screenwriter can do half-heartedly - in my opinion, either completely stick to the original or completely modernise it. I did find myself irritated throughout at the lack of authenticity (although I expect that viewers not too familiar with or bothered by the original text will not mind this too much). I did also think that the acting lacked some depth and sincerity. That said, the visuals of this film do have to be commended - the sets and costumes are beautiful throughout.

Overall, I did not entirely hate this film - it has a lot of redeeming qualities, however I think that fan's of Shakespeare's original will not be impressed...

The Way Way Back (2013)

A perfect summer teen hit!

[9/10 · 17 January 2014]

This film lived up to all my (very high) expectations! Liam James did a great job of playing the awkwardly charming Duncan - I instantly fell in love with his character... I thought the rest of the cast was also fantastically chosen, especially the comedy genius of Sam Rockwell in the role of Owen. The script is brilliant - a perfect balance of rib-tickling comedy and tear-jerking drama will leave you feeling not only completely satisfied but warm and emotional. Nothing is overdone in this film - in fact, its subtlety is what makes it so endearing and memorable.

I definitely recommend giving this film a try - I guarantee that you will find something in it that either makes you smile, touches your heart, or that you can totally relate to...