nuepb Reviews

Freddy Got Fingered (2001)

TOTAL MADNESS

[8/10 · 20 November 2021]

My nephew introduced me to this film about 10 or so years ago telling me it was "my kind of film" .

I can imagine some people being quite upset at this comment having seen the film, but not me! This sums up my twisted sense of humour perfectly and I couldn't be more proud of my nephew !

Irreverent, crude, stupid, graphic and incomprehensible but how I laughed! I had to stop the film a few times to get my breath back and stop the pain in my chest - but it was well worth it.

Since the first time I saw it I have introduced a few friends to this film with mixed results LOL - however I would recommend this to anyone who likes programmes such as Family Guy etc.

Unappreciated genius !

Sergeant Cork (1963–1968)

FANTASTIC SERIES SADLY NEGLECTED

[9/10 · 9 November 2019]

This series doesn't shy away from any of the Victorian virtues and vices from social reform, the rise in the unions, the Church, Child poverty, baby farming, prostitution, military matters, Empiricism and high political intrigue. A fantastic regular cast of John Barrie, William Gaunt and later Charles Morgan gel marvelously as detectives working in the newly set up CID and the chemistry between them is a joy to watch. The atmosphere and sets are first class for the early 60's and the series has been preserved in its entirety. It's also fun to spot famous actors who would go on to star in TV for years to come. I hope one of the many satellite and cable channels decide to show this again to show that strong hard hitting police drama isn't a modern phenomenon. A must watch TV gem.

Doctor Who: Resolution (2019) Season Unknown, Episode Unknown

Halfway There

[1/10 · 1 January 2019]

Series 11 has been so disappointing in so many ways that I was dreading this episode. It somehow managed to capture a little of the WHO magic but combined it with an episode of Eastenders! Cut the family chatting around a table in a coffee shop and you have a half decent idea - I hope the new team recognise their mistakes and learn from this - Doctor Who ISN'T a show to preach liberal morality to the masses it is a Sci-Fi adventure series . This was also the best that Jodie Whittaker has been in the role, maybe it's because it reached out to the established Whoniverse and gave us a very good twist on the Dalek Lore ? I still won't hold my breath when it returns in 2020 but it has taken baby steps in the right direction for me!

Doctor Who: The Woman Who Fell to Earth (2018) Season 11, Episode 1

UNDERWHELMING

[2/10 · 7 October 2018]

Wowzer !!! I can't begin to express how underwhelmed I am after watching the first episode of New Who season 13. a Basic story that was over padded to allow time to introduce the circus of companions! Too many companions in my view - this was the problem with the 5th Doctors stories - he was lost amongst the crowd and Davison didn't have the strength of character to shine above them. I can see the same thing happening! The acting was average to say the least and when the best actor on screen is Bradley Walsh you know you are in trouble. When you cast an actor as the new Doctor and they DON'T want to watch any previous Doctors you get what I saw tonight. A serious actor hamming it up like it is a Panto! The angst and confusion from a regeneration should come natural as it was played by someone like Matt Smith. I like Whittaker as an actor in other things, but if she keeps this up I won't be watching episode three thats for sure! In some ways I feel sorry for her as it's the directors job to reel the actor in or get them to push the envelope, however she has been acting so confident and pushing her women's agenda that in some respects she set herself up for a fall.. Tonally it wasn't bad and had a feel of the Sara-Jane Adventures to it - I enjoyed that but it was aimed at a younger audience. And if you are aiming at a filmic new look maybe Sheffield wasn't the best way to show it off! Still - it can't get any worse.....can it???

Vicious (2013–2016)

Good Old Fashioned Comedy

[10/10 · 18 June 2013]

This series has passed my expectations. I was looking forward to it originally for the cast alone, but the writing is sharp and very funny, Vicious in fact. I hope they make a second series despite some bad press as it is so wonderfully crass and UN-PC.

My wife and I love the language and the pettiness of Freddie and Stuart who have been in a relationship for 50 years. And despite this Stuarts Mum still doesn't know he is Gay, let alone in a relationship. Most episodes start with Stewart (Derek Jacobi) on the phone to his mother trying his best to ignore her or get her off the line.

Freddie is foul mouthed and full of barbed jibes that, delivered by Ian McKellen, have a very funny and cutting edge. Still under the impression he is a wanted actor despite not having worked in anything long running, allows for a lot of current TV series to be sent up slightly.

The supporting character of Violet is also brilliantly portrayed by Frances De la Tour who gives us an older, more self confident take on Miss Jones from Rising Damp. She falls easily for younger men who can take advantage of her desperation.

This is a series to savour.

Attack the Block (2011)

Clever Urban Alien Film

[9/10 · 26 February 2013]

I bought this film on blu-ray because I enjoy British new-wave films. I didn't really know what to expect but after watching HEARTLESS I took a chance and Im glad i did. The gritty reality at the start was a surprise given that the gang of attackers are the characters we were supposed to identify with throughout the film. However the good acting and the characterisation of the individual members of the gang is well handled and by the end you can believe that their lives were moulded by their surroundings and upbringing. The humour is dark and doesn't make you disconnect from the film at any time because it is character driven. The Aliens themselves are very creepy - dark hairy masses with glow-in-the-dark teeth - and come over very well on a budget. All in all a good film with reality being invaded - I gave it 7/10

Torchwood (2006–2011)

Superbe Multi- Genre Thriller

[10/10 · 20 November 2006]

Its only up to episode 6 so far in the U.K. broadcast - but the way Russell T. Davis puts together a series is wonderful.

The old adage about peeling an onion is well suited to the way the characters are evolving week by week.

It started off slowly, showing Gwen being drawn into the world of Torchwood by her own curiosity and drive.It branches out as the series progresses and the consequences of alien technology, human greed and personal relationships is all on show here.

Nods to its founding series are littered about - names thrown in that Doctor Who buffs will recognise - and even pushed to the fore in the shape of Cyberwoman (episode 4).There's plenty for the Who fan without alienating (Pardon the pun) any random watcher.

The best episode in my opinion so far has been Countrycide - By Chris Chibnall and is a very clever and believable take on the "Hills have eyes/Teas Chain saw Massacre" type of story.

I'm looking forward to the last 7 episodes unfolding and the tension building between Owen and Gwen and Gwen and Tosh - as well as Ianto and Jack! Great interaction between the regular cast with exceptional guest casting has made this a real highlight of my TV week.

A must see for any drama fan. Bob

Curse of the Demon (1957)

"Its in the Trees.....Its coming!"

[10/10 · 29 June 2006]

One of THE all time classic horror films is, at the time of writing, only available on R1 DVD. However it includes both the USA and British version of the film and is wonderful value.

Of the actors Dana Andrews gives a solid if one dimensional portrayal of the Cynical American but even this is no bad thing. It plays well when in a face off with Niall MacGinnis as Karswell who, as a kindly somewhat bumbling looking villain, gives a haunted performance of a man with the weight of his actions on his shoulders.He is obviously just as much of a victim of the cursed runes as anyone else in the film.

The scene of the séance is very well done and is quintessential British in tone and impact.It may seem slightly comedic today but for me this is the second most haunting scene in the film.

The scene stealer is the interview of the deeply shocked Rand Hobart. A superbly realised bit of exposition that is tense and frightening and shows that plot outlining doesn't have to be all talking heads and boredom! A couple of fan obsessions seem to concern the appearance of the monster. From a personal perspective the long shots of the Demon as seen at the beginning of the film are very well done (A primitive rod and stick puppet). I believe the main annoyance is the close-ups later in the film but the only scene that spoils it for me is the very end when Karswell is picked up and clawed to bits - this is a little too clumsily done for my tastes as its too obviously a man in a suit and a doll!

Bob

The Quatermass Experiment (2005 TV Movie)

Exciting and gripping live drama.

[9/10 · 29 June 2006]

The story may be 50 years old but this revised version,shown live in 2005, was every bit is tense and thrilling as the original.

Great performances by David Tennant,Adrian Dunbar,Andy Tiernan and Jason Flemyng were overshadowed by the acting of Indira Verma and Mark Gatiss who stole the show.

The lack of CGI and any real special effects will probably seem strange to the modern audience who like monsters and gore but I found it a treat to be able to use my imagination which was stoked up by the performances.

The ending may also disappoint in this regard. However given the premise that Quatermass is appealing to the "Humanity" of the victims I think it works very well on an abstract level and has a creepy feel all of its own.

The DVD version uses two clips taken from the recording of the final run through and allows for the smooth running of a couple of shots that, on the night, didn't go to plan! This is a pity as it gives the over all production too much polish and loses some of its "as live" appeal.

No matter - maybe the programme will be repeated as was in the future (Or the cut scenes will appear as extras somewhere - they are not on the DVD unfortunately!).

There is an easter egg on the video if you search for it - and is of great interest to Doctor Who fans! Bob