besss-03418 Reviews

Above Suspicion (2009–2012)

Much Better Than Expected

[8/10 · 16 February 2024]

Story lines, writing are good. I actually found the themes had a fresh take on what could've been very ordinary and run of the mill.

The biggest surprise was Ciarán Hinds . I'm only used to seeing him in minor always-the-bad-guy parts. He's a much better actor than I thought.

They didn't shy away from subject matter. Season 2 was especially gruesome (in my opinion)

Kelly Reily's role gives a good performance as DI Anna Travis. However, as lovely as she looks, it just doesn't work when a copper has to sprint after a perp at a moments notice... not a chance in the pencil shirt and heels. Lol

All in all, it's a good, entertaining watch. Award worthy? Not so much, but a great binge on a rainy day. Like most UK crime series, it's a definite cut above most of the North American ones that last go on and on past their sell-by date.

Slow Horses (2022– )

Gary Oldman at His Finest

[10/10 · 9 January 2024]

The pace and story line of this series is so good, it clips along as a good movie.

Spies, good guys, bad guys - who is who? Who owes a favour? Was your friend still a friend?

Gary Oldman is fabulous as this tatty, grubby, seemingly washed up head of the dregs that have fallen from grace from the great British espy institution for some reason or another.

The characters are well developed with a very good cast.

Most enjoyable are edge-of-the-seat moments and not so predictable outcomes.

One of the best crime series in a long time. Oldman deserves more accolades for his performance. The show runners have done a good job on this one.

Saltburn (2023)

All The Good Ingredients - Lack of Suspense Let It Down

[6/10 · 1 January 2024]

Great cast. Good acting. Good story, but lacked in build up.

But it was *almost* a very good movie.

A little bit sinister and goth-y (if you think of old English country houses.) They didn't play upon the setting in a suspenseful way. Was it a poor music background movie? I dunno. After I watched and thought poorly of it at first, then I kept wondering why.

It lacked that hold-your-breath moment when you're watching a film with either great story line and/or actors' characters.

Barry Keeghan is a wonderful actor and he does so in his part very well. The whole cast was good. I don't think it was poor writing. Even though it was a good story, it lacked that edge of the seat experience. A real shame. I would've given a 5 but upped it because it was shot well and the setting was well done, in both places.

*If you're turned off by a little kink, I leave you to decide even though I feel there were only 2 scenes on the edgy side.

Five Star Chef (2023– )

Masterchef UK Professionals - It 'Aint! Dissapointing!

[5/10 · 20 August 2023]

I was really looking forward to this when I saw the legendary Michel Roux Jr. Was in this.

I have to preface this by saying I do not like reality shows (and can't stand the Food Network) I only like cooking competitions where they can cook a lot better than me and/or are high end pros...like Masterchef Pro, UK and Great British Menu.

What a disappointment. It has that cheap production theme of most reality shows, highlighting more on the quirks of the contestants rather than the food. The judging was kind of okay, but lacking in some way. Could be it felt over dramatic...an air of arrogance or insincerity, imo. Some of the challenges struck me as slightly low brow. I think one of them was for an "influencer" (omg...kill me now)

I also have a very difficult time believing Michelin starred Chef Roux is going to let a newly christened winner really be head chef of an off shoot restaurant under HIS reputation at the Langham!

I watched it, but FFWD most of it, just to see the winner.

Outlast (2023– )

Just Illustrates The Worst of Humanity

[3/10 · 24 March 2023]

I'm a big fan of Alone and on occasion Naked and Afraid.

This show is NOT like any of them! I was hoping it would be about outdoor survival, but it isn't. It's about "how badly can I screw other people over". Frankly, this didn't need to be done in the wilds of Alaska - more like the hoods or high rises of any big city.

If you're into watching how disgusting humans can treat each other, then, sure, this is for you. I understand strategy was the name of the game here, but I didn't think sabotage was. I suppose most of them were ok, one guy in particular has a moral compass.

Either and/or people are so horrible or it was scripted to hype it up.

Last Seen Alive (2022)

Why Did I Make Myself Watch To The End

[2/10 · 29 January 2023]

Has Hollywood blacklisted Butler? Or is there some other good explanation why such an actor in this terrible piece?

I know you're a Scot, but is there ANY reason you used a garbled version of it? Since we know you do an American accent very well. It's like he spoke his native tongue sometimes, other times it was American. Please pick one accent and stick with it.

Is Butler trying to become Liam Neeson 2.0? (I loved Mr. Neeson, but all he does all these 'same-y' dull pics now).

Giant yawn of a 'plot' if you want to call it that. Trust me, you already KNOW what's going to happen within the first 10 minutes. Everything is second rate. The script, the staging, the characters, the acting... but I'll give. Russell Hornsby a pass. Butler was oh--kay...I guess, but why is he even IN this? I don't know how this even made it to screen.

I've seen more interesting episodes of Law and Order - pick any season, any episode - it'll be better than this.

Mindhunter (2017–2019)

What?? No Season 3?!

[9/10 · 28 January 2023]

Well written, well cast, just well done. Why there isn't a 3rd season is beyond me.

I was a fan of Criminal Minds, so it was fun to think this is where the BAU started.

Having the story line based upon real criminals made this believable and interesting. (They didn't shy away from details, although a bit gruesome, was necessary to the plots).

The time period was well done, with the soundtrack truly adding to the atmosphere. The characters were not only believable, but you could empathize with them thanks to the great work of the actors in the cast.

It is criminal (sorry for the pun) that good productions like this eek out only 2 seasons while gossipy, glossy, air-brained 'reality shows' go on for 4-5 seasons or more. It's a travesty - this show was just too smart for the room.

Wrath of Man (2021)

Good, Typical Action Film

[8/10 · 1 August 2021]

It has all the usual ingredients for an action film, synonymous with Statham & quirky violence of Richie. The storyline was a bit confusing at first (or I'm just daft, lol) - but I like a movie that makes you guess a little. It wasn't an obtusely predictable plot, which is much appreciated when it comes to typical action movies. There's enough of Richie's finger print on this that's notable. Decent cast as well. (Haven't seen Andy Garcia in a while, even though it was a small part). Kinda cool to see Post Malone in a bit part. Whether you're a Statham fan or not, it's entertaining & enjoyable.