johntacchi-11227 Reviews

War of the Worlds (2019– )

No, it's not H G Wells but it is still good

[8/10 · 11 April 2020]

I like this show. It grows on you. It has now whizzy special effects and if you want those, watch the Tom Cruise film. The tension here is that you don't see the aliens. Throughout you are left wondering who they really, why are they here and what do they want? It is a drama about people and what they might do facing the end of the world. Good cast with plenty to work with and they bring out the human element to the story. Dramatic tension is maintained and there is a haunting soundtrack. Interesting British/French co-production which brings out the idea that this is something across the whole world and not just a corner of it. If you feel it is a bit slow at the start, stay with it. It's worth it.

Baghdad Central (2020)

Tense police procedural with a fascinating twist

[9/10 · 12 February 2020]

Great series which is not a war story, not a police procedural, not a whodunit and not a family drama. It is all of these things. A great 'interpretation' of the Colla book by Stepehn Butchard, it takes place in post-invasion Iraq. So far, so obvious but the 'good guys' are all a bit conflicted, including our hero, the superb Waleed Zuaiter. Was he complicit in Saddam's regime? What actually happened this son? Nothing is obvious here. Some great characters and peerless acting. Bertie Carvel almost steals the show as the slimey Frank Temple and Carey Stoll is very good as the basically decent Captain Parodi. It is the various actresses who play key protagonists who smash it though. The enigmatic Professor (goodie or baddie???) is brilliantly played by Clara Khoury and Leem Lubany as Sawsan is a revelation. Waleed Z hangs it all together and there is redemption of sorts at the end. The humour is paramount and the switch between Arabic with subtitles and English is well-managed and appropriate. Great show, high production values and a great watch.

The Outsider (2020)

Why so many poor critical reviews?

[9/10 · 3 February 2020]

I know the series is only half-way through but I have read some really stinky reviews from critics. Don't get it. This is dark, mysterious, intriguing and compelling. It is only 'dreadful in the literal sense; it certainly makes me uneasy. Good characters, great acting (love Ben Mendlesohn) and I am a fan of Bateman as director (and actor too). It isn't slow or dull as has been suggested. Stephen King adaptations can be mixed bit this is good.

Dublin Murders (2019)

I just can't see anything wrong with this superb adaptation

[10/10 · 29 October 2019]

You always run a risk with adaptations; readers of the book will have created their own images and characterisations and will be loyal to them so the screen portrayal has to be bang on. And it is. My word, it is. From the start a slight uneasiness builds as some truly interesting characters are fleshed out. Cassie and Rob are both complex and beautifully drawn and everyone else swirls around with degrees of sympathy and menace. Any drama with Conleth Hill is worth watching and while this is a police procedural, the undercurrent of something slightly supernatural is perfectly set and never strays into the silly or obvious. I spent each episode wracking my brains about what could possibly happen next and each time I was left stunned. Great plot, superb acting. Don't miss it!