ple-may Reviews

Rebus (2024– )

Brilliant

[10/10 · 20 May 2024]

I was nervous when I saw they had revived Rebus as I was a big fan of the Ken Stott take on the character. I almost didn't watch it. However, that was a few years ago and time moves on. This version is gritty and modern. Rankin portrays the troubled character brilliantly. Really good acting that has a depth you don't often see. When he's pained, it there in the eyes.

Slow start in the first episode and took a while to get to grips with some of the characters, but by the second I'd warned to it. Then it just kept getting better until the final dramatic episode. If you've only seen the first one, stick with it.

I loved the series and really hope to see more.

Too Good to Be True (2024)

A solid drama.

[8/10 · 27 February 2024]

Does it keep you guessing - no.

Is it original - no.

Does it try to be clever and something it's not - no.

Is it the best thing ever - no.

What it is, is decent TV. It's well acted, builds the tension well, and doesn't try to lecture with today's fav virtue signal. It's a solid drama that deserves a watch and at 4 episodes, an easy binge that isn't overly drawn out.

I'm surprised at some of the poor ratings here, and while I understand it's not everyone's cup of tea, it warrants a fair score. The two leads are very good, as are the supporting characters. It's not complicated. Just an easy watch.

Luther: The Fallen Sun (2023)

Unexpectedly enjoyable.

[9/10 · 12 March 2023]

Now to start. I've only seen the odd episode of the TV series and certainly wouldn't consider myself a fan. I wasn't that taken with it, although I liked the idea of Idris Elba as police.

That said, I watched this movie for the sole purpose of passing some time expecting it to be just okay. It takes a bit to get going but when it does it's actually very good. Doesn't feel like a bumped up TV show. It's well made. It's dark. It has reasonable pace. And it's well acted by everyone . As good as any American movie of a similar ilk.

Idris Elba has always been the wrong choice for Bond, but if Luther becomes a franchise he doesn't need to be. He has his own character and he's well suited to it. Hope to see a sequel and more.

Sweeney! (1977)

Great spinoff.

[10/10 · 15 January 2023]

An excellent spinoff off from the popular TV series. The story is bigger but has all the grittiness and natural interaction of the characters that made the series so good. It's of it's time and anyone watching it today should remember that the language isn't tame and will offend some. Oh dear, never mind. It's genuine and that's what makes it believable.

The only let down is the lack of supporting characters carried over from TV. Many didn't have big roles but were familiar faces in the background. Haskins was especially missed.

If you remember The Sweeney from the first time around or just like gritty seventies British movies, then this is a great watch.

The Sweeney (1975–1978)

Gripping 70's TV

[10/10 · 15 January 2023]

An excellent gritty crime series that's a world away from the cosy or fantasy television that had gone before. Thaw and Waterman are very natural and believable. The language is genuine and reflects the times perfectly. If you're easily offended, try Watch with Mother instead.

One thing - the opening credits. Series 1-3 have the iconic, artful sequence. Then someone thought they could improve it for season 4 with a Kaleidoscope effect and the actors freezing into action positions - not a freeze frame, just the actors standing still. Whoever signed this off should have never been allowed to work outside of children's TV again!

Cosmos (I) (2019)

Compelling

[10/10 · 8 December 2021]

I think you need to be of a certain mind to enjoy this. No fancy effects. Just three geeks in a Volvo. But if you are, it's a strangely compelling well done movie.

Stargate SG-1: Citizen Joe (2005) Season 8, Episode 15

Unique

[7/10 · 14 January 2021]

This is one of those flashback 'save money' episodes. I've just watched it again and I still find it's execution unique. It's an entertaining episode and underrated. The flashbacks actually serve a purpose unlike most of these attempts where they're just packing. They also don't fill a large proportion of the screen time as there is actually a story to tell beyond them.