I generally prefer British Crime shows where the plot seems to be more unique, the characters more realistic and the mystery-solving more engaging. However Castle has always been and will always be in my top five favorite TV show list. The reason why its rated so high is because of the central characters. Not as realistic as a few of the British hard-boiled detectives; Detective Kate Beckett, Richard Castle, Detective Esposito and Ryan are not only super entertaining but you also feel like you have got to know them so well. This is a non-spoiler review, but it is a finale of a season and like the finale's of Seasons 1, 2, 3 of Castle, the relationship of Beckett and Castle is one of factors which give the episode its "epic" feel. Its more than that, it shows how clever the creators of the show actually are. They know where they're going (something which I have a feeling the Bones creators didn't have). I wouldn't be surprised if Andrew Marlowe had in a locked safe a refill pad saying "Castle TV Show outline Seasons 1-8. Its very difficult to talk that much about the plot of the story without mentioning spoilers but I will say that it is a Johanna Beckett story-line and also a follow on from Knockout. If you just stumble upon this episode and plan to watch it you need to beware you need to have watched Season 1 episode "Death in the family" Season 2 episode "Sucker Punch", Season Three episodes "Knockdown and "Knockout" and Season Four episode "Rise". Also a lot of the themes and and build up of the episode is shown through Season Four. Nathan Fillion has undoubtedly the single best acting moment in his entire career around the 22-25 Minute mark of the show which will leave you glued to the television. All of the regulars are at the top of the game, Molly Quinn's Alexis has a nice side-plot with planning the perfect speech and the Martha is as her self, awesome. Ryan and Esposito continue America's favorite Bromance as well. I've got the impression that Marlowe and the writer's are very aware of the fans of this series, which can only be a good thing. They released the Nikki Heat novels and the Derrick Storm graphic novels as well as having their eye firmly on the 'Moonlighting' curse. I promise you, you will enjoy this episode.
Reviews
14 Reviews
The Truman Show
(1998)
Truman Show is a wonderful piece of cinema
30 July 2013
Peter Weir has casted well-known comedians into serious roles before with Robin Williams starring in Dead Poet's Society. We had to study this film in English and I actually got quite excited. This is an astounding movie and is done so well. Jim Carrey plays the main character, Truman Burbank (True-Man). Truman lives what he thinks is a normal life. He has a wife, a home, a friend he's known for most of his life and a desk-job at an insurance agency. What he doesn't realize is that he is actually a star in a 24 hour, live show which is showed all across the globe which documents like a soap-opera his life.The whole film tackles the themes of the power of the media and even religious themes about the God if you look hard enough as Truman starts to realize that his life is different from everyone around him. The script is more than perfect, the dialogue is wonderful and there is an excellent mix of heart-warming stuff as well as some comedy to lighten the mood (a necessity). The film is not too long, which is a good thing because a considerable length for a movie like this could ruin it. The acting is another stand-out along-side the excellent script. Jim Carrey does a great job and I can see how they casted him instead of another normal actor (Yes, Jim, you're not a normal actor). All the actors do a good job but keep an eye out for the man who plays Truman's friend, Marlon, who does amazing and a few scenes you would see why. There's nothing more I can really say about this film, it's thought-provoking, it's wonderfully scripted and acted. It has a few funny scenes to lighten the mood but overall its serious. I must say that it is not a popcorn film but it is also a film which is worth more than one viewing. Watch it twice in a week and you will understand a bit more of the themes and nuances which help create this world. This is the type of movie which really leaves an impression on you after you watch it. I promise you, this movie is not forgettable and you will be left thinking about it hours after the credits appear.
A good start to a terrific Third Season
30 July 2013
A deadly affair is a solid and good start to the third season of Castle, when a Michael Connelly type mystery writer gets to solve crimes with a tough, but savvy female Detective, Beckett. This episodes evokes the fun of the First season with the witty one-liners seen in the second season. Friendship between Beckett and Castle is rebuilt in a cool way and it is intertwined with a "not your usual" crime involving a Vending machine operator, a teacher and a Statue-maker. This episode almost signals the the great ones to come and my only criticism to it is that it is not forgetful, or predictable but there are just so many other episodes which either have better plots or are funnier.
Top Hat
(1935)
"Putting up my Top Hat, tying up my white tie...brushing off my tails!"
1 April 2013
This film will leave you screaming and dancing with delight! This film seriously reeks with class. Fred Astaire's character and Ginger Rodger's character are both extremely likable and cool. The dancing is truly amazing, you will suddenly feel very jealous of Mr Astaire after watching this movie. He makes everything look so easy when he dances. His voice seems really silky and soft when he sings and there is one Tap Dancing scene which will leave your tongue hanging out from your mouth. I must say first that this film is light. Don't bring your notebook out and start writing notes on the themes and ideas expressed through the movie, because you won't enjoy it. The plot is slight and over all a bit of nonsense. But it seems to take itself super seriously, but that, I think, is all part of the fun. There are only a few characters, they seem to breakthrough the stereotypes which is good. The art Deco style of London and the beauty of Venice is captured perfectly and I do get distracted sometimes by the background! I must say this, that this film is old. So, the camera shots are simpler, the acting isn't in your face and the film may feel a little slow, but this is part of the charm. There are only a handful of songs, sung by Astaire and Ginger, but they a good songs, including Cheek to Cheek and Top Hat, White tie and Tails. Great popcorn movie to enjoy with a girl or a family member!
Casino Royale
(2006)
A Story Telling Masterpiece...
31 March 2013
Many people felt discouraged when Daniel Craig was declared the sixth actor to wear the tuxedo. The five men before him, Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan seemed to have gained the critics and Bond-fans respect far easier and quicker then the first Blonde Bond. The people who grumbled and moaned about the new Bond had to be proved wrong by the first Craig film coming out in 2006, Casino Royale. Let's just say, anyone who had any doubts about Daniel Craig's performance was proved wrong as soon as the pre-titles started. Craig is Bond, he doesn't need to look like Sean Connery to prove that. I think the important factor is that Craig wasn't trying to be another Bond. He didn't try to be Connery or try to be Dalton, he tried to be Fleming's Bond with a mixture of his own style in it. Keeping away from spoilers here, Q or Moneypenny do not appear in this movie, Bond doesn't have any gadgets, any awesome cars with machine guns hidden in the boot. What the producers, Barabra Broccoli and Michael G Wilson is saying is that these things do not make a Bond film. You cannot say that it is a Bond film because Q's in it, because there are gadgets, and Moneypenny flirting scenes with last name first introductions, a Bond film is defined by the central character and how he reacts and does his assignments. On to the characters, Vesper Lynd as the Bond girl is utterly superb. Eva Green is super attractive in her own right but her character is more complex then any Pussy Galore. Her interactions with Bond are the best in the series as far as Bond/Bond girl relationships go. In a few scenes they actually feel like a team. Mathis, a character lifted straight out of the Ian Fleming novel is another good character and memories of From Russia With Love's Kerim Bey can't help but appear in my mind while I watch it. The villain, Le Chiffre has earned my respect as a Bond villain. His plot may not be like Hugo Drax but he does seem evil and someone to start loathing midway through the film. M, played again by Judi Dench has been lifted from the Brosnan era and is terrific. She didn't really had that much to do with Pierce, not counting the world is not enough, but she has lots of stuff here! Enough of the characters, watch this movie. The action scenes are amazing and Bond has taken a giant leap from Die Another Day territory.
Quantum of Solace
(2008)
An underrated gem of a Movie
31 March 2013
Many people are throwing trash at this movie. The directing sucks, the characters are dull, there's too much action and that Craig seems wooden and that the Title Song is awful. I feel that many people don't have anything nice to say about this film. Which is a shame because I love this movie, for all its worth. I know I cannot get people to start liking this movie so I'll give you Five Reasons while its worth watching. 1. The action is awesome. It's so brutal that it is really cool. Bond is beating people senseless in this film. There is one particular fight scene in a Bell Tower which will leave you gasping for breath and smiling at the same time. The shaky camera can get annoying but it seems to work in these fight scenes for some reason, I think it's just the tone of the movie which fits in the camera. 2.This film does not feel contrived. It feels so fresh and it is definitely the most different Bond film of them all. With this in mind, it works. It may not be as good as Casino Royale, but it has this interesting level to it which will keep you wanting to watch it. 3. The villain factor. Not wanting to spoil the film, but the central villain may seem a little bland, but he works in the sense as he reveals these other villains which could be used in Bond 24 or 25. You just have to watch it to understand my drift. 4. M and Bond. If there was a movie just of Judi Dench's M and Daniel Craig's Bond interacting for two hours straight, I would watch it and enjoy it. The interaction here is perfect. 5. Casino Royale story properly finished-It finishes the Casino story properly and you can't wait for Skyfall after seeing this film. So watch it, I like it a lot, a worthy entry.
Skyfall
(2012)
James Bond is no Shawshank Redemption....
31 March 2013
I've heard lots of negative comments coming from this film. Someone said that they weren't going to watch this film because he heard that the film had, "too many plot holes and was overall tried to be arty." I'm having none of that and I forced him to watch it and the guy enjoyed it immensely. Just like I guessed. The truth is, the film is terrific, it is powerful as a stand alone film with the much needed elements which make a Bond film so enjoyable in the first place. You really feel like the Bond team have put everything they've got into making a film for the 50 Year anniversary of the Bond film franchise. It really pays off and during the ending credits my mouth was wide open. Daniel Craig gives another show-stealing performance, his dark and moody looks mixed in with his funny one-liners will remind you of Sean Connery. M as Judi Dench gives her best performance of M out of the seven films she's been in as playing Bond's boss. I would also go as far as saying that it was one of her best performances full stop. Raoul Silva played by Jarvier Bardem might give you flashbacks of the Joker, but he brings his own twist to the character and he would of stolen the movie if the other characters weren't perfect. Bill Tanner gets a decent amount of screen time and you get to understand his character in this movie. To tell the truth, there's more characterization and emotions shown in this movie then in all of Roger Moore's 7 Bond films. It works, really well and that's all that is important. People have heard about this and are expecting Shawshank's level of themes and ideas. But, no, the film has a slight melancholy theme and the film approaches the idea about sometimes old is better then new but this just improves the storyline. If you haven't seen it, get it out now! It has enough in the film for Die hard Bond fans (like me) to get excited about little scenes and references as well as pleasing action movie fans. The action is really good and clear. No shaky-camera Bourne stuff in the film. The score, by Thomas Newman done the job well and reminds me a little of the great John Barry and the Adele song is sure to be another Bond song great up there with Goldfinger by Shirley Bassey and For Your Eyes Only by Sheena Easton. Best Bond film ever? Quite possibly on many people's lists.
Octopussy
(1983)
Good fun, and a great Bond film!!
24 August 2012
This is Roger Moore's 6th Bond film and you can see that he has aged a bit since For your eyes only. The plot is rather nonsense, hard to follow and, like a lot of Bond films, not to be taken seriously. But for this film, the eight stars are for the sheer energy and work the crew have put into this film to make it funny, exciting and with heaps of stunts and action work. Roger Moore still has his great class from when he started in 1973 ten years before this film. Octopussy is based in India,with heaps of lovely big wide city shots with a scene showing India's jungle as well. The acting is fine, you don't need to worry about that and there are a few funny one-liners and jokes to keep the story from being to serious. All in all, take the film with a pinch of salt, its a bit of fun.... and a great popcorn film!
Alleyn Mysteries
(1990–1994)
This is what English mysteries are like...
6 July 2012
Someone asked me what is are good English murder mystery to read and to watch. He had seen a lot of Agatha Christies' novels on the screen but was quite sick of them. I told him about Alleyn mysteries written by New Zealander Ngaio Marsh. The books are great and this short series are brilliant. Patrick Malahide is a perfect Roderick Alleyn and when I read the books I immediately picture Patrick as the main character. Belinda Lang suits the role as Troy and Inspector Fox is a likable person. The cases are terrific, my personal favourite being a man lay dead but they are all good. You'll find yourselves glued to the screen and as I said to my friend, this is what traditional English mysteries are like... a must watch.
Ice Age: Continental Drift
(2012)
Ice Age 4-A worthy sequel
5 July 2012
I loved Ice Age the first one to death when I first watched it. I own it and every once and awhile I go to my DVD cupboard and pick it up and watch it. I disliked the sequel, Ice Age: Meltdown. The second sequel i hated too. They added new characters and I missed the chemistry and the funny lines that happened between just Sid the sloth, Manny and Diego the sabre tooth tiger. They added new characters which were sometimes funny but I missed the same three from the first one. In this third sequel the team must have realized this by splitting Sid, Manny and Diego with Sid's funny, odd grandma sloth away from the others on a race to get back to the herd and to get rid of these pirates. The pirates are entertaining as ever and very funny, the monkey played by Peter Dinklage is really good and the main plot flies along at a terrific pace. The jokes are fresh (most of them) and funny and you can't help liking this film. The side plots can get a bit cliché but I ignored them.
The Amazing Spider-Man
(2012)
Spiderman has kept up it's name-Amazing
5 July 2012
I enjoyed this film and I prefer it to the old film. Ryhs Ifans is really good as the villain and I cannot believe it is the same man who played the idiot 'Spike' in Notting Hill. Andrew Garfield is great in the role as Peter Parker/Spiderman. He adds humor to the role with sarcasm unlike Tobey Maguire's serious version as Spiderman. The actors are good, the action takes awhile to come but is at the level of a Superhero film, and the 3D is average until the fight scenes where you can go, "Oh, yeah I forgot it was in 3D." Nice to see the return of the web-shooters instead of just using his hands. This shows Parker's inventive side, I never you it existed in the other films. His parents have gone missing, something I brushed over in the old film but in this film it suggests that Parker came from a family of 'extra-ordinary' people. Nice to see that Aunt May doesn't look like a frail grandma who you expect is going to die any minute like the old film. But enough criticising the old film, this one is very different to the other one. it doesn't feel like a normal superhero film, and is up there with Avengers. I very much enjoyed this film, I recommend it to you if you want a nice night out at the movies
A pitfall in Bond
16 January 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Not counting a snappy-tune, maybe John Barry's best, everything great from the Bond films seem to be lacking in this boring adaptation of Ian Fleming's novel.This is George Lazenby's first movie, him being in a Chocolate commercial and a male model, and you can clearly tell by his bad acting. Bond films are famous for their action, action is no where to be seen in the first hour and a half of the film, except for a lame Pre-title sequence which is not up to the standards of Goldfinger, or The spy who loved me. They spend half an hour at Bond bedding the 'angels of death', and Blofeld is a different actor, again. So this film is for die hard fans only.
Midsomer Murders
(1997– )
Midsomer Murders, fittingly English
15 January 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I always call this program, very English. When I was a teenager remember watching Sergeant Troy with his notebook and the people getting murdered. Watching Inspector Barnaby and his Sergeant, Troy, Scott or Jones, work out Who killed Who in the Small villages in the made County of Midsomer. There is a slight humor to the series. All about the Barnaby family sitting down and eating dinner and happily talking after people getting slaughtered, sometimes right in front of them! But the series is all very good and nice, something you can make a hot chocolate and sit down with. A refreshment from all the gritty American Crime Dramas. Midsomer Murders tops them all with good English actors, nice settings and the humor of the script.
Sherlock Holmes- brought the child out in me
15 January 2012
Warning: Spoilers
The new Sherlock Holmes, which had huge boots to fill from the first one had clearly stuck in my mind. Action, comedy, a little mystery, it was just brilliant. It brought back the child in me. It had everything you wanted in a film, romance, great fight scenes, a twisting plot and a shocking end, big guns, witty lines, a great theme tune I couldn't stop humming after wards, this is the type of movies that should get five stars. I liked Stephen Fry in the film, he was just superb as Sherlock's older brother, Mycroft. People may complain that it is really different from the Conan Doyle books and that the BBC series is better, Sherlock Holmes is probably in the top five best Sherlock Holmes movies of all time, maybe even number one.
Tell Your Friends