gjbardsley Reviews

Ted Lasso (2020–2023)

An introduction to Football

[7/10 · 10 September 2023]

The best way to describe Ted Lasso is an introduction to English football (for Americans). But instead of dipping one's metaphorical toes into the shallows, Lasso is more akin to being thrown into the deep end.

Ted Lasso, an moderately successful American football coach is hired by fictional English premier league club AFC Richmond. The club being loosely inspired by real life EPL side Crystal Palace, even using its stadium Selhurst Park.

Lasso is brought on by club Chairman Rebecca Welton, who acquired the club from his ex-husband during their divorce. Wanting to spite her ex, Rebecca plots to run the club into the ground. The plan being that lasso's tenure will ensure the clubs relegation.

Despite not knowing anything about Association football, lasso is undeterred at coaching the team to victory. His can-do American attitude whilst amusing doesn't seem to impress his players at first, but over the series Lasso bonds deeply with his players. Slowly, he builds them up as individuals as well as a unit. With his simple philosophy of "believe" being the centrepiece of the "lasso way" of football.

The Last King of Scotland (2006)

Brutalist and Dynamic

[8/10 · 10 September 2023]

The Last King of Scotland follows Nicholas Garrigan, personal doctor of infamous Ugandan dictator Idi Amin and his brutal decade of power.

The film is based upon the book of the same name, where a fictional Scottish doctor becomes close friends with the African dictator. Seeing his rule over Uganda from an outside perspective makes for a fantastic experience. As they're friendship grows closer, we become more uneasy of Amin as his unstable mood swings take him from murderous tyrant to friendly giant in seconds.

Both leading actors James McAvoy (Dr Garrigan) & Forrest Whitaker (Idi Amin) are the best part of the film. McAvoy plays the young yet unfulfilled man who is seeking his purpose in life perfectly. Whereas Whitaker's portrayal of Amin is both terrifying and wholesome. He really does bring the tyrant to life. And allows the audience to see why so many Ugandan people supported him throughout his reign, and also why they feared him.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)

Best of the trilogy

[9/10 · 10 September 2023]

Of the entire series of films, How To Train Your Dragon 2 is by far the best. The first film does a great job of introducing the audience to the world of Berk and it's dragons, this follow up expands the story further. Especially with the introduction of Hiccup's mother.

One strong criticism I have of the first film is the animation. Whilst the cinematography of the film (especially during the flying scenes) is fantastic, most of the animation hasn't aged particularly well. Mainly the human characters. The second film does not have this problem. Rather the opposite as the animation is 3 times better than the original. Mostly due to a higher budget, but the original care and quality from the first film is still there.

If you are able to watch this film in 3D I would recommend it.

Rise of Empires: Ottoman (2020–2022)

The Conquest not Fall

[8/10 · 6 August 2023]

In western society, we often view the fall of Constantinople as a tragic event in history. The last remnant of the Orthodox Eastern Roman Empire falling into the evil grasp of the Muslim Ottoman Empire.

However, Rise of Empires doesn't take this approach. It takes a much more balanced approach to the historical landscape. Though it does lean in favour towards the Ottoman side of history, that definitely work in its favour. As it presents the Ottoman sultan Mehmed II in a heroic way, as he is often viewed in Turkish society. The series features many historians, who are experts on The Fall/conquest in of Constantinople (a mix of Turkish and non-Turkish experts).

The series shows the brilliance of Mehmed II, and how he longed to prove himself a worthy Sultan. His lifelong dream would be to conquer Constantinople, making it his new imperial capital.

With dozens of armies having failed to take the walled city, Mehmed has to use his cunning and strategic mind to out do the Romans and eventually take the Red Apple.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Ok but not great

[6/10 · 29 May 2023]

The Guardians franchise has been consistently good series of films put out by marvel studios in recent years. Much better than some of the less than stellar films and series being made by marvel nowadays.

They have had some great hits like Loki and Moon Knight, as well as the new Spider-Man films. But with all honesty I think that this Guardians film doesn't fall in that category. It's not bad, don't get me wrong. However it's not as good as the first or second instalments in the franchise. In retrospect the second guardians films is clearly the strongest of the three and I'd probably have to slot the original film in second place.

It's not like the plot of this film is bad per say, but I don't think the execution was as good as it could be. To go into Rockets Backstory was a very good idea and I really enjoyed the flashbacks sequences as alluded to in the trailer. But the High Evolutionary as a villain wasn't very good. He seemed to be a very average mad scientist with a god complex.

Compared to the two main antagonists from the previous films the High evolutionary doesn't compare. And both Ego and Ronan are different types of villains. Ronan is simple and great villain, he is a religious extremist who plans on committing genocide. Ego on the other hand is much more complex.

The High Evolutionary's goals are sort of simple but they don't feel very important. Yes, him creating and destroying new alien species & planets at will is evil. But it doesn't match up with the threats imposed by the previous antagonists.

Nevertheless I do think it's worth a watch, and I hope that the success of this film does lead to another instalment. One I hope is more inline with the other two films.

The Mandalorian: Chapter 22: Guns for Hire (2023) Season 3, Episode 6

Pretty good

[7/10 · 12 April 2023]

I'll be honest, I thought the respective cameos in this episode were a bit jarring at first but I enjoyed them. It's by no means anywhere near as bad as She-Hulk was with its cameos, but definitely could've been done better. Honestly I was expecting a full blown droid uprising story, but we didn't get that. That I think was the biggest leg down. Not whether or not celebs should cameo in Star Wars because I don't think that's a compelling argument. Mainly because dozens of big names/faces have been in Star Wars.

The best part of this episode is the relationship between Bo-Katan and Din. They definitely feel like they're growing closer with each episode this season. Which with the departure of Gino Carano, it seems Bo-Katan has filled the role of the main supporting actress. But her relationship with Din is very different to Cara Dune's. It feels like a romantic connection is forming between the two. Very similar to Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen in Game of thrones.

Goal! The Dream Begins (2005)

The Dream of Football

[8/10 · 1 April 2023]

Santiago Munez, a Mexican immigrant living in LA is scouted by a former Newcastle United Player. Despite his lack of experience, his raw talent and skill lands him a chance to play for the Magpies.

Styled as a typical fish out of water early 2000s film, with a nonstop Oasis soundtrack, Goal is definitely in the top 20 if not top 10 Football films. Probably not top 5, but I would say it's the 8th best football film.

That doesn't sound like much, but this film captures the magic of all young boys, of how one day they will get scouted by a big club. Santiago also being Mexican-American offers an outside perspective to Premier League football.

A classic football zero to hero tale. Definitely worth the watch if your a new or old football fan.

The Mandalorian: Chapter 21: The Pirate (2023) Season 3, Episode 5

Best episode of the season

[9/10 · 29 March 2023]

For the longest time the mandalorian has been a very episodic series. With an overarching plot for the season as a whole in the background.

However with the advent of its third season it has shifted to a more connected plot. Episode five titled. The Pirate it's the payoff of 4 episodes of build up. Whilst also building up for the next half of the season, it has given us the most action packed episode thus far whist also focusing on smaller characters throughout the episode. As it's only halfway through that we see the Mandalorians really take centre stage.

***SPOILERS***

The episode follows an group of pirates decimate Greef Karga's planet Nevarro. He is forced lead his people into the lava flats for safety as they wait for help to arrive from to Republic. However due to their world not being a member of the republic, help doesn't look likely to arrive. Greef sends word to Captain Teva to send urgent military aid. And although Teva is eager to help the people of Nevarro he is prevented by the New Republic bureaucracy. And the "redeemed" Imperial Officer Kane. Despite this Teva tracks down the Mandalorian covert. Pleading for them to help instead. After some deliberation and the support of Paz Visula they agree to liberate Nevarro. This is the most exciting point in the episode. As we get a small but full on battle featuring the entire covert taking on the pirate corvette in the skies and the troops on the ground.

The episode ends with our heros being rewarded with settlement on Nevarro, this time not being in the sewers but instead wide open pastures.

And with the promise that mandalore will be retaken.

Buster (1988)

Surprisingly well done

[6/10 · 11 March 2023]

As a history buff I do love it when historical films focus on important details of history. Little moments that can easily be picked up on if you know what they are. And for the most part Buster does this very well, The first half of the film establishes who Ronald "Buster" Edwards was, and his part in the Great Train Robbery of 1963. Buster (Phil Collins) starts of nothing more than a small time crook, thieving to provide for his wife June (Julie Walters) and young daughter. Not even being able to pay rent, Buster takes up with ambitious criminal mastermind Bruce Reynolds (Larry Lamb). Alongside other notable south London crooks, such as Ronnie Biggs, Gordon Goody, Charlie Wilson, Reynolds hatches a plot to rob £1,000,000 from a Royal Mail postal train after the summer bank holiday. The robbery itself is portrayed very early on, and skips over much of the planning of the robbery. However it is a near perfect representation of how the great train robbery happened. The bulk of the film deals with the events after the robbery. As Buster and the rest of the crew are all now wanted men, after their base Leatherslade farm was uncovered by police. Despite having paid a man to burn the farm down.

Buster and his friends now must go on the run, each man with a share of £150,000. Buster and June are forced to constantly relocate to evade the law. Eventually they join Bruce in exile in Mexico. Where they are free to spend their money as they wish. But this doesn't bring joy to June. Sick of Mexico she takes her daughter back with her to England, without Buster. And by the End Buster must choose freedom or family.

Carnival Row (2019–2023)

A show that should've had 4 seasons that was cut to 2

[9/10 · 4 March 2023]

Whilst there are many television series that are deserving of a second, third or fourth season. Carnival Row is one that has been cleared cut down in its prime. The 1st season set up this Magical Victorian style world. With allegories to imperialism, christianity, antisemitism, and so much more. Amazon Prime has seen fit to label season 2 as "The Final Season". As a way of saying they will not renew the program under any circumstances. Suffice to say, fans of the show have waited 3 years for a second series. And as one of them I think that it is a shame seeing how such care is taken in to the production quality of this program. Second only to Game of Thrones in world building/production design. It's painful to watch the second series as each episode is released. Because even though the creators know the show is not going to be renewed they still have put in massive effort to keep adding to this world.

The Mandalorian: Chapter 17: The Apostate (2023) Season 3, Episode 1

Build up

[7/10 · 1 March 2023]

There seems to be a lot being set up with the season 3 premiere of The Mandalorian. As well reaffirming the plot points established in the Book Of Boba Fett. Suffice to say if you have seen the Mandalorian, the book of Boba Fett, or any other Star Wars series you will not find this episode confusing at all. However, if you are more of a casual viewer of Star Wars media, such as my father who watches very little Star Wars apart from the Mandalorian you will probably be confused. This would appear to be the flaw with Jon Favreau's attempt to build a interconnected multi-show story based around the Mandalorian. Basically, if you haven't seen the book of Boba Fett, you'll probably be confused by the first episode. But the whole point of the Mandalorian was, it was supposed to be a new experience for more casual fans of Star Wars. By leading with a new character to guide the story along. Now that the Mandalorian has become Star Wars is most popular media product since the Disney acquisition of Lucasfilm, the show is becoming more bold with its storytelling.

***Spoiler section*** The episode opens with a baptism of a young Mandalorian being interrupted by a large sea monster. The group of Mandalorians in attendance attempt to fight off the monster, but to no avail. It is only when are protagonists arrives in his starfighter that the day is saved. But why? Why has THE Mandalorian returned? He has already been told of his new quest. Which is to return to Mandalore. The Armourer says as much, before Din Djarin leaves as quickly as he arrived. As he returns to Navro to find it prosperous. Aside from a few pirates who mean to cause trouble. Din has come to revive IG-11, the bounty Droid from the first series. He plans to bring the droid with him to Mandalore on his quest. He is told that the droid will need a new memory core before he can be restored. Din then has to face off against the same pirates again in an Asteroid belt, harking back to Attack of the clones. This was the best part of the episode in my opinion, as it sets up a group of new villains for another story. The episode ends at Bo-Katan's castle, as Din Djarin states he has come to join her Coalition. Alas, without the dark sabre her forces have abandoned her. But affirms that the fleet she had built is still out there somewhere.

Overall, this episode exists to set up multiple storylines with multiple characters. And thus its own storyline does seem to be lacking in areas. It mostly follows Mando running from one place to the next. With small hints of things to come. But if you acknowledge it for what it is then it is an enjoyable episode.

Andor (2022– )

Nothing like it in Star Wars

[8/10 · 23 February 2023]

Andor follows the character of Cassian Andor, a rebel spy who first appeared in Rogue One: a Star Wars story. This series follows his early years as a rebel. As well as the early years of the rebellion against the empire. Unlike most Star Wars films or series, Andor takes on the tone of a slow burning spy thriller. There are many episodes where no action occurs. Which if your after a high octane action show, this isn't quite the show for you. Whilst there is action in this show, it is carefully spaced out across a handful of episodes. With a strong build up to allow for more character growth. And it allows us the audience to grow fond of supporting characters who only appear in a few episodes. Series creator Tony Gilroy has turned Star Wars on its head. And I have to say without a doubt this is the best Star Wars show aside from the Mandalorian, although Andor is a close second. Given some of the more lacklustre releases from Lucasfilm in recent years, Andor stands out as one of its best.

The Sandman: The Sound of Her Wings (2022) Season 1, Episode 6

The best episode by far

[10/10 · 23 February 2023]

Although I think this series dipped in quality during its latter episodes, this episode is by its best. Without question. It is split into two parts, but both are centred on the concept of death. The episode opens of a somewhat disheartened Dream sat alone on a park bench. As he is paid a visit by his sibling Death. Now in most films and tv shows, the manifestation of Death is normally an evil one or a forbidding creature. However here, she is a kind and gentle person. The first part of the episode has Dream accompany Death on her 'rounds'. This is in fact her collecting the souls of the recently deceased. Though the people she greets vary in age and origin, she is nevertheless kind and genuine. It also has a second benefit of Dream seeing Humans as they truly are. As the saying goes "people show you who they truly are before death".

The second half is focused in flashback to the Middle Ages, where Death and Dream observe humanity in a local pub. Dream is less than impressed with those around him, when he happens upon a man called Hob who speaks openly about not dying. He boasts about the wonderful things that life offers and states to his friends that he will not die. Dream intercedes in the conversation asking Hob if he truly believes what he has said, and if so that he should meet him at the same Pub in 100 years time. The two meet again and again ever century, Dream curious each time as to if Hob wishes to carry on living. And each time Hob reaffirms his wish to remain alive. Hob is played wonderfully. He is portrayed as this warm hearted man. Although he can be corrupted by vices. He is always trying to improve himself as the year go by. Almost a metaphor for British social and humanity.

Bank of Dave (2023)

Great story Disappointing execution

[4/10 · 23 February 2023]

The true story behind this film is a heartwarming one. And shows the value of a strong local community businesses. Most businesses in modern Britain are soulless corporations. Especially in the financial and banking sectors. Which is the heart of this film. The importance of a local run bank, for its community. However, the film has a very plastic energy about it. A combination of poor writing and acting for the most part. Which is disappointing given the cast involved. Joel Fry (Game of Thrones, Plebs, Cruella) plays the protagonist of Hugh, a financial lawyer hired by self made millionaire Dave Fishwick (Rory Kinnear) to help him set up his own bank in his home town of Burnley. Meanwhile Hugh Bonneville, as Sir Charles sets out to quash the idea of the Bank of Dave. To preserve the power of the big banks.

The film presents itself as just another underdog story with very little substance. Furthermore, the acting is underwhelming across the board. There's not much done to make you care about the characters even when the film is explicitly trying to get you to do so. Fry and Kinnear are both good examples of poor performances in this film. Neither actor seems to quite portray their respective role well enough. Fry comes off as overly wimpish, whereas Kinnear seems to be exaggerating his friendliness to appear more northern. Which often doesn't come off as genuine. Thought there are some moments where he does come across as such. The supporting cast are also a bit of a let down.

Even though this film is trying to be a feel good film, I don't think that it has accomplished that at all. It feels quite cheaply done. And despite the fact their has been a number of amazing low budget films in recent years, I suspect that this isn't one of them. In all honesty the story would've been better done as a mini series on ITV or BBC1. And with more focus on Dave Fishwick, as this is his story. Choosing to have Fry's character of a Hugh as the protagonist was definitely a mistake on the part of the writers. As his character really should be a supporting role.

Limitless (2015–2016)

Very Underrated

[9/10 · 20 February 2023]

In recent years there has been an uptake in films being given a TV series as a sequel. Cobra Kai, Peacemaker, etc. But the most unique take on the concept has to be Limitless. It follows Brian Finch, a late 20s failing stoner musician. He has a heart of gold but few very few employable skills, as he is forced to work out of a temp agency. This is where he is introduced to the mind altering drug NZT (the same drug from the film). One NZT pill gives the consumer enhanced intelligence for 12 hours. Brian wants to use the drug to help himself and his family. But the side effects are gruesome, and prolonged use will lead to death. However after being rescued by Senator Eddie Morra (the protagonist of the film) Brian is given a immunity shot for NZT. Allowing him to use the drug with very few side effects. In return Eddie plants Brian in the FBI, as he becomes a crime solving genius. Despite the dubious circumstances that got him placed in the FBI Brian tries to use his new found abilities to good use. Solving a variety of crimes for the FBI that would otherwise be impossible. Even with the constant threat of the Senator at his back.

Trautmann (2018)

A love letter to a Manchester legend

[8/10 · 20 February 2023]

The story of Bert Trautmann is told often amongst the fans of Manchester City. Past down through the last three/four generations. A German POW who is scouted by St Helen's Town. One of the only German players in England at the time. He faced constant animosity and resentment over his German nationality and military service. But Trautmann proves his worth by being one of the best Goalkeepers of his time. He would go on to join Manchester City. Many city fans threatened to boycott the club if Trautmann was to play. But the club stood by their decision to sign the keeper. Famously in the FA cup final against Birmingham, Trautmann's neck was broken part way in the second half. With no substitutions permitted, he played on for 15 more minutes. And by the matches end Man City were Victorious by a score of 3-1. Trautmann played for city for a total 15 years.

The film takes a more romantic approach to his life but is respectful of the history. As a Life long city fan seeing this film brought to life is fantastic. Many other clubs such as Man Untied, Leeds, and even Newcastle have had films featuring their clubs. And I'm glad that one of our club legends story has been brought to the big screen.

What If...?: What If... Killmonger Rescued Tony Stark? (2021) Season 1, Episode 6

What if Killmonger knew the plots of Iron man and BP

[3/10 · 4 December 2022]

Essentially this whole episode is what if Eric Stevens knew how Iron man and black panther went down. Like there's no explanation as to why his revenge plot that took place in Black panther (2017), now takes place ten years earlier than in the MCU. It makes little to no sense. Yes there is the sad death of Black panther to coincide with the passing of Chadwick Boseman in real life. But it doesn't feel earned. This episode feels like an excuse to include Killmonger in this series. Which as a character and Villain he is great. By far one of the best the mcu has produced. But if feel like there was a missed opportunity to go in a different direction. For example what if T'Challa's dad didn't kill his brother? Or what if Eric's dad killed T'Challa's dad? Either would be a better character study into Killmonger. As they would allow us to see if he would've have gone down a dark path if he was raised in Wakanda.

And if you know how the show ends then you know that Killmonger only has an episode of his own so he can stop Zemo-Ultron in the final episode.

Rogue Heroes (2022–2024)

Peaky Blinders meets Band of Brothers

[9/10 · 14 November 2022]

This action packed WW2 comedy drama is the product of Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. The look, style and tone of SAS Rogue Hero's match that of its Crime drama sister show. The three Principal lead actors of; Connor Swindles as the charismatic alcoholic toff David Stirling, Alfie Allen as the stern spiritual Welshman Jock Lewes, and lastly Jack O'Connor as the loud brash mad Irish Paddy Mayne. The trio of the Swashbuckler, Strategist, and straight jacket Maddog bash heads as they form the first SAS regiment in Libya behind Axis lines. Each actor plays their respective role brilliantly, however O'Connor brings forth a performance like none he has done before. When you think of actors who are type casted as soldier or military men, O'Connor is definitely apart of that list. Especially with his performances in 71, The man with the iron heart, and Unbroken. But as Paddy Mayne, we see a different sort of soldier. Though his take on the legendary Northern Irish soldier is fictionalised, it is no less stellar and complex. Suffice to say I felt like I was watching Tom Hardy. Whilst I doubt O'Connor was channeling Hardy, i was reminded of Hardy's performances as Alfie Solomons in Peaky blinders and Ron Kray in Legend.

The supporting cast is also well selected, including stars such as Sofia Boutella as French-Algerian spy Eve Mansour (Kingsman, Star Trek), Dominic West as intelligence officer Colonel Dudley Clarke (The Crown, The Wire), and Tom Glynn-Carney as SAS soldier Mike Sadler (The King, House of the Dragon). Also less well known Jacob McCarthy as SAS soldier Johnny Cooper performed very well. Acting as the SAS' Italian translator, he makes himself indispensable at checkpoints when posing as German soldiers.

I watched this mini series on a Friday night straight after work. I couldn't walk away from it so I binged in one sitting. And I recommend that you do the same or at least as soon as possible. Not enough people have seen this Series. However, it has been recently renewed for a second series. Despite the BBC not doing so immediately as I would've expected. I expect that a total of 3 seasons for this program would be natural fit. And I am excited to see what comes next.

The Offer (2022)

Grit and Gold

[10/10 · 5 November 2022]

Not only does this series tell the story of how the most famous and arguably best film of all time was made, it also shows the depths of film production.

Miles Teller as producer Al Rudy, and Mathew Goode as Head of Paramount Bob Evans both shine on screen. Mathew Goode has had some great performances in the past, and he really shows his chops here. But Miles Teller is both protagonist and star. For a man often type cast as either nerdy or wimpish, he has proven in recent years he is capable of much more. In my opinion he has given his best performance, certainly his most macho. And yet human also. The lengths he goes to make his movie a reality are extensive, dark, but also necessary. Including befriending a mafia boss who at first wanted to shut down his production. Giovanni Ribisi as Joe Columbo is a surprising yet great casting choice. Definitely a must see series for those who love mafia movies.