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Reviews
The Night Manager (2016)
A reflection of current UK politics and society
The Night Manager highlighted the xenophobic yearnings for a past that is the scourge of 'modern' Britain. Of its genre the book was highly acclaimed for style and plot although, even on release, it read more like a 1950's fantasy of British ex-colonialism. This television adaption was cringe worthy from the start. Amidst the chaos of near civil war on the packed streets of Cairo a path cleared for Pine, Jonathan Pine, Moses like at the Red Sea, because this was an Englishman getting to work. Unflustered by tear gas (we knew it was tear gas because we were told it was tear gas) automatic gunfire and seething hatred of a rabid crowd. Pine strode tall and proud up the centre of Main Street, Foreign Land. At the flimsy barrier protecting opulence from sedition one flash of his credentials and Pine, Jonathan Pine, was ushered through and the million or so foreigners stood back to allow the Englishman to pass, then waited patiently as the flimsy barrier was returned to its protective duty. Once inside the palatial marble Hotel Pine, Jonathan Pine was soon at work; a dusky maiden from 1962 Paris Match, the property of an immensely powerful and wealthy but violent and 'loathsome foreigner', was swooning over a ... receptionist (Receptionist extraordinaire Pine, Jonathan Pine.).
This was cartoon fodder at best but then comes the miscasting of epic proportion. Hugh Laurie (a fine man) but best known in the UK as simpleton fop to Rowan Atkinson's Blackadder, Olivier Coleman (a fine comedy actress) was all Broadchurch gone bag lady, Tom Hollander as the Rev with sarcasm with a hint of 1920s & the exceptional Russell Tovey out of 'Him & Her' replete with trademark dressing gown. The list of 'Jonny Foreigner' and 'poo' swilling debs isn't worth exploring. Give me strength1 Only Adeel Akhter was believable as he kicked a stone cold radiator in what we were meant to accept was a senior British Government Anti-Terrorist Department. A three person senior British Government Anti-Terrorist Department comprising of woman at desk, Adeel and bag lady. The only possible way this series could be saved would be to accept it is being played for laughs with Rowan Atkinson, Stephen Fry and Tony Robinson entering stage left with a single innuendo and a cunning plan.
Fortitude (2015)
Insulting portrayal of Europeans as simpletons and thugs.
I was looking forward to this series since hearing about it in pre-production but its portrayal of everyone except the ex-FBI man as simple, gullible, criminal, mad or inept rendered the project a farce. The story is actually quite good and some actors rise above the insulting characterisations and caricature. As much as I love the work of Sofie Gråbøl, Michael Gambon, Darren Boyd, Ramon Tikaram, Jessica Gunning et. al. I can not imagine a less welcome sequel. If you want to watch the infallible American detective crud stick to CSI. The environmental issues raised within the programme are important and are neatly amalgamated into the spiritual / mythological worlds that seem to haunt locations with extreme climates.
Jordskott (2015)
In praise of Scandi noir
Just when you thought Nordic Noir had peaked along comes Jordskott - very dark and very much of its location and the Swedes do it best! Anyone who is vaguely familiar with folk tales (from pretty much anywhere in the world) will appreciate the brooding threat, the universal fears that permeate the early episodes. But this is no outlandish 'TrollHunter', this is a full blown 'who dun it' with the supra / supernatural an integral part. Having watched the first half of the first series, for me, it plays as a cross between The Killing, Fargo and Twin Peak (series 1 obviously). I don't like particularly enjoy 'supernatural' films and I don't have any belief in spiritual worlds but I appreciate the folk lore created by of cultures to explain their natural world. And, this is where Jordskott fits.The production slowly seduces the unbeliever into a realm where you not only accept the conceits you end an episode wanting more. Level headed I may be but Jordskott has made me think twice about my impending visit to the Swedish interior. This is very much box set binge materials but I must control the urge to splurge. Watch - believe - enjoy.
The Martian (2015)
Brilliant film
This was wonderful near future sci fi. Matt Damon was brilliant. With the publication of recent Mars photos in which the landscape looked very earth like the Mars scape in the film looked authentic. The humour well place and the disco music left field and enjoyable. I am sure much of the science was stretched but never enough to be unbelievable. Super acting Super filming & tech Super script and well paced Outstanding soundtrack By far the best space film for many years. The only downside was the somewhat stereotypical view of the Chinese.
BUT Why has IMDb placed Benedict Wong in the list of also ran actors? His part was central and his performance as outstanding as the other main characters.
SunTrap (2015)
Strange but wonderful
At first it was difficult to know what to make of this programme but go with the flow and you soon realise it is an absolute gem. Each character is odd, but accessible and likable. Each week's story is a quirky take on a familiar theme (false identity, scam, rip off, smuggling - you get the picture) and so far it works. There could be some queasiness about the portrayal of foreigners and accents being the butt of jokes but everyone is a caricature and no one escapes parody.
I really hope the BBC invests in this programme as it has a feel of a series such as 'Not Going Out' - at first not perfect but warm and quite gentle.
Suits (2011)
Oh so disappointed
I really enjoyed this programme until the the attempt to demonize the nurses unions, then I realised the US and UK are very different countries. The sub-plots were more memorable than the main activities and characters who were portrayed as unlikable turned out to be more human than the 'heroes'. On reflection the moral subtext was wholly unpleasant, i.e. the legal systems underpinning corporate America are built on elitism and prejudice and peopled by liars and one dimensional. The system and characters are brilliantly portrayed by the actors. Drug dealers, cheat their way into positions of power, fraudsters are promoted - every case the main character worked on would be considered illegal and cost the public purse billions. Once that is understood believability goes out of the window.
Pride (2014)
Brilliant but, sadly so true to the events portrayed
I lived a few miles from the community shown in the film. It was a hard winter and we had nothing but respect for the people of the area, especially the women who kept up spirits and organised food and clothes for their families. They were a very proud group so to accept handouts took a huge amount of courage. I remember giving as best I could and the furore caused by the established press over the funds from London. This film probably goes as close as it is possible to capture the events of the LGSM & the South Wales miners' communities. Congratulations to the makers for telling a worthwhile story so well; and thank you for remembering the spirit of Paul Robeson. While, in many people's opinion, Thatcher destroyed the mining communities people like those portrayed in 'Pride' built self-esteem, supported those in need, change attitudes and politics. Knowing the events and the people shown, I can honestly say nothing in this film is exaggerated. Brilliant, utterly brilliant.
The Love Punch (2013)
Comic heist
I loved this film (as did the audience I sat with). The plot was ludicrous and so far fetched it was easy to suspended belief (in a good way) and fall into the film. Many comedy heist movies of the past were duly winked at, as was one of Mr Brosnan's previous jobs. It was simply funny. The comedy came from familiarity (If you are of a certain age the banter between the main characters was so true as were the slightly debilitating aches and pains that come with age even for 'action' heroes), naughtiness, and silliness; not from the unpleasant or xenophobic put downs; it wasn't lewd, crude or rude. But nor was it lame or fluffy. In that respect it was refreshingly honest, as was representing the college aged children as normal, responsible and capable (if somewhat criminal) adults.
A great wish fulfilment knock about caper. A sequel please.