brian_spence_ni Reviews

Dinner with the Parents (2024– )

Decent but obviously pales in comparison

[7/10 · 18 April 2024]

People are slating this, partially due to some miscasting (the dad) but really also by comparison. Friday night dinners was just superb so it was always going to be a hard-ask to live up to.

The actor playing Gregg is good, the neighbours are all so cringe, but the storylines are awkward enough to offer (me, at least) some entertainment value. It's not going to set your world alight. It is very much just another american remake of a far superior british show but if you find yourself with a bit of spare time and nothing else to do, it's honestly okay. Episode 4 of those released at the moment was actually quite entertaining.

The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon (2023)

Loved it, but Taiwan seriously?

[8/10 · 4 March 2024]

This film had me from start to finish. But that finish. I nearly threw up. For a modern country like Taiwan to seriously (are you for real?) have the death penalty. Disgusting. I'm semi traumatised after that ending. Taiwan should end unless they end that penalty. Vomit.

As imdb is enforcing characters, lets go over the plot. The lead is hot, and I mean smoking hot, sick and looking to redeem his awful life. He's people around him who love him but they are either dead or on the way out. He just wants to murder people worse than himself to add meaning to life. And he does a good job doing it. While looking, as I said, smoking hot. I loved how grey many of the characters were. This isn't a caricature kinda film. It's very real.

A Royal Christmas Holiday (2023 TV Movie)

Pretty good, some nice touches

[7/10 · 28 December 2023]

I think i'd have given it an 8 if Jonathan Stoddard wasn't hamming up the whole prince accent/smile quite to the extent he was. Wasn't awful but he perhaps put it on too thick trying to go for an english aristocracy trope.

Outside of that, all the other characters were great, and some of the scenes were particularly moving. Think Santa Claus! The film did the settings slightly differently than most; everyone was prosperous, no one got stranded and there wasn't insane outside interference from the parents of either of the two main leads. In gneral, yeah, quite a warm film that didn't push in too hard on cliches . I'd defo recommend.

Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire (2023)

Exceptional - except for the N Irish accent!

[10/10 · 22 December 2023]

The only 2 slightly unbelievable elements were: 1 - the speed of which the insurgents were recruited. That was unbelievably accelerated despite the later claim t hat they'd join for a sack of grain; and 2 - the northern irish accents; my goodness they were a horrific mix of north and south and why do we (I'm N irish) have to be the bad guys. We're lovely.

Outside of that, it was just fast moving, filled with outrageous special effects and characters. There's a lot of grey out there too; clearly Gunnar and maybe even Kai are going into a redemption arc after some extremely questionable decisions, and our main heroine is unashamedly looking for redemption, though that's more for letting people she loved down (issa and her boyfriend).

I'm incredibly pumped for part two of this, but it's just a shame that won't be for several months. Netflix is such a tease.

Heaven Down Here (2023 TV Movie)

Worst acting I've ever seen

[1/10 · 16 December 2023]

And I wish i could unsee it. It's an ensemble of really, really bad acting. I'll never get over Imani accosting a customer for more money then seeing him railed for being cheap. Don't get me wrong, it was a small tip, but she assaulted him. I've never seen the likes of it. It was almost abusive. I get that she was frustrated, but what an unlikeable character. There was a real sense of entitlement there without any desire to understand other peoples issues. Such an unsavory character.

Felix also seemed quite 2 dimensional; think the only person who seems sympathetic and relatable-to was Dan, who Imani seemed to routinely attack. Such a disappointing film; it filled me with horror more than Christmas spirit.

The Love Hunt (2023 TV Movie)

Megan?

[4/10 · 1 December 2023]

The actress who played Megan looked like a robot. I especially hate films and tv shows that endorse actors who get too much work done. I could forgive it, i suppose, if she could act. She can't

The film itself is richer in content than I'm used to for this style of film; a treasure map is just kinda unexpected in a christmas show! Overall it's worth a view; not saying you'll remember it two seconds after it ends (you won't) but its not crappy. Just plays into a lot of tropes, with a main actress who looks robotic and acts as such but the cast is actually not bad at all. I had a few laugh out loud moments which felt inappropriate but the characters demanded it. That golf put had me in raptures.

A Biltmore Christmas (2023 TV Movie)

Mediocre but Kristoffer Polaha is great as per usual

[4/10 · 28 November 2023]

Bethany puts her usual shift in; she's quite tough to buy into. I did love the whole Jonathan Frakes and Robert Picardo thing; rare to have xmas movies with such great actors. Not to mention Kristoffer who is so easy to buy-into in his roles; he's an incredibly accomplished and believable actor.

For me, the only downside is Bethany Joy Lenz, who acts like I imagine getting a tooth extraction would feel like. She's honestly talentless. Real shame. There's some chemistry between the protagonists but as I say, undermined by her bad, bad, bad, acting. Still I love the Christmas films that are coming our way; makes me feel warm inside and even if they press a fair amount on the cheesy content, it's still really niice and reassuring.

RuPaul's Drag Race UK: Hotline Makeover (2023) Season 5, Episode 8

Really bad judging

[4/10 · 17 November 2023]

So they give the win to a clone-copy with zero originality or thought. As per usual. I'm starting to feel Dragula is so beyond superior to the drivel I've recently watched that I'll have to simply stop watching drag race. It was a good episode can I say, just the judging is starting to get a touch too jarring to watch anymore. I love drag but I hate the constant requirement to have a narrative in this tv show; it's like they can't seem to see the people anymore, but just how they want the editing to go. I feel almost constantly disappointed watching recent iterations of drag race race (except espana - that is banging and sincere). Give me any version of drag race, dragula anything that doesn't involve rupaul; she's ruining the franchise plus she fracks.

A Heidelberg Holiday (2023 TV Movie)

Poor dialogue

[3/10 · 14 November 2023]

I think the actors, while mediocre, were very much let down by this script. I heard so many things that made me just feel wrong, not even lazy or sloppy but more irresponsible writing. I think this is the worst written script i have ever watched and I'm glad I turned it off half-way through.

Who in hallmark gave this garbage the green light? I know it's the Christmas period but still, you have to have some sort of standards. Your viewers like me depend on it. I'm still not over how very, very bad it was from start to halfway through. If you watched it to the end, give me a thumbs up! You're braver than I am.

Mystic Christmas (2023 TV Movie)

Repeat cycle/boring

[4/10 · 31 October 2023]

The first 40 minutes felt like it just kept on repeating the same thing. I've never seen that before. Acting was okay enough and the main leads were not bad either. The character of Brook was just semi-pointless; I'm still not sure who would have written such a vapid character.

It was christmassy though and there was an awkward chemistry between the two leads. I do wish the story had been a bit better written and sloppy though I appreciate it cannot be easy to craft fully realised characters and storylines. I'd say with this one, watch it after eggnog, xmas cheer and when you're ready to laugh off a few inconsistencies.

Joyeux Noel (2023 TV Movie)

Usual christmas fayre

[6/10 · 31 October 2023]

Brant Daugherty was okay in this but if i'm being honest, as much as I found Jaicy Elliot decentish in Grey's Anatomy, I must say she was a bit awful in this film. Still, it's Christmas season and I'm going to binge on the glut of films that are coming out. It's just like an adrenaline rush of happiness, which I really love at this time of the year.

Not an awful film at all but you will find better plots and slightly better story lines and casting. Still, you'll feel warm afterwards which is a plus and you know where the endings going from the start, which is reassuring. Hope you enjoy it; the highlight was the beautiful scenery for me. Such pristine landscapes.

When Calls the Heart (2014– )

Love it if a touch wooden

[9/10 · 30 October 2023]

Erin Krakow; I've never seen a worse actress. She's appalling. But the ensemble is very good and the story-lines if a touch trope are very engaging.

I think Rosemary and Lee are the best, most fully realised couple I've even seen on tv. Rosemary's development is just beautifully and fully depicted. So many 'minor' characters that are major in my heart. Mike, Bill, Jack (of course), Allie, Robert, my goodness the list is endless. Such an amazing show though I'm still unsure if Elizabeth is just given trope lines or she can't act.

I can't quite the show regardless; it's fully engaging and I'm rooting for Lucas due to the complexity, deeply flawed and interesting nature of his character. It's so nice to see grey characters explored in this fashion. I've legit blasted season 1 to 9 in about a week; I'm excited for season 10 (won't link a spoiler but the Rosemary story in s9 is just ultra-fascinating and it's something she deserves as like the most superb human I've ever saw on tv!!!)

Ms. Christmas Comes to Town (2023 TV Movie)

Adequate

[2/10 · 29 October 2023]

But nothing more. The cast was semi shockingly underwhelming; i had to rewatch it after i fell asleep. It's not the best in the world (it's competing with the worse) but if you want cheese, do watch this our buy a block of cheddar. I do wish I could get my life back after this garbage.

My primary issue was the acting. It was so bad. It's like they didn't even care to try. The story was, like, average or expected. However you wish to define it. The whole thing left me feel nothing but boredom due to it's lack or realistic characterization. Its so sad to see stuff like this; lazy and uncaring. It simply disrespects the viewer-base (i want to like it, but they're legit making it impossible to do so)

3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost (2023 TV Movie)

poor acting but not a bad story

[5/10 · 9 October 2023]

Julie gonzalo continues to be a sensationally bad actress; the whole film was quit poorly acted. Despite that, I quite enjoyed it. Several of the characters are fun and interesting, the premise is slightly out of the bounds of usual, and there's enough going on to keep you engaged. Not the best film I've ever seen but I've seen a lot worse. If you've time on your hands, it's possibly worth a watch, though do be aware its another trope-based production so there won't be any surprises. I do think Chris and Julie being married in real life is the only reason its comes across successfully; you don't need to act chemistry when you have it!

Castlevania: Nocturne (2023– )

oh my goodness; exceptional

[10/10 · 28 September 2023]

Right, I'm not a fan of animation, but I really enjoyed Castlevania. But this? What on earth did I just watch? The characterisation, the richness and depth of characters. The amount of grey areas when you don't know who is right and wrong. It's just such a joy to see such fully realised characters, and also shockingly relatable. This show didn't miss a beat; it just kept keeping it real

I've never seen anything like it. Everything about it just blew me away, and the final few scenes. Just perfection. I can highly, highly recommend this to anyone, even if you haven't seen the previous Castlevanias, it's strong enough to stand-alone.

Notes of Autumn (2023 TV Movie)

Ashley Williams can't act

[7/10 · 19 September 2023]

While the main female lead cannot act (it's like watching cardboard - how is she employed?) the film in general was okay. I do like Luke McFarlane in general - he's very engaging- and the premise was quite interesting. I'd defo prefer another main female lead; its just awkward watching Ashley, she's so painfully hard to view, but overall not a bad film, and I'm so happy to see gay story-lines become that much more mainstream. Feels like we're actually starting to b part of main-stream culture, which i love. There were a few quiet patches in the film, but i did enjoy it and would recommend to any of my friends.

Fisk (2021– )

What am I watching?!

[10/10 · 9 August 2023]

This show might be the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen. I'e had so many laugh out loud moments watching it. It's simply the most preposterous thing I've ever seen, and I don't wanna stop seeing it.

I will say, i'm a bit of a slave to american tv for prodcution quality and i rarely give Australian shows the chance they probably deserve but, about 5 minutes in on this one I realised I'd no choice. If you suffer from an incredibly dark sense of humour or are sick then you'll spend every episode in raptures. It's just such an unexpected, out of the blue good show. Give it a whirl and enjoy! Magic

Deadpan!!!

Totally Completely Fine: You're a Sexy Fucking Mess (2023) Season 1, Episode 5

Emotionally savage

[10/10 · 20 May 2023]

One of the most savage, frank, episodes of a tv show I've ever seen. It absolutely destroyed me.

This episode not just started to explore the hinted-at back-story but also looked at how the characters need to look forward and their many, many flaws. There was quite a few scenes that were almost impossible to watch without cringing or welling-up. I have really enjoyed this show, but this episode, for me, was overload.

Absolutely brilliant show and it's at the point where i'm almost afraid to watch the final episode.. I love watching a show that ticks every box without appearing forced or needlessly progressive; just real and representative of actual modern-day issues.

Somebody Somewhere (2022– )

One of the best (the best?)

[10/10 · 25 April 2023]

Shows I've ever seen. The diversity is so crazy good without being artificial or forced. It's just an array of funny, talented and interesting characters.

I love Joel; I've never quite seen people like me represented so brutally but hilariously.. Its so nice to see such a positive portrayal and to see people having a laugh while coping with massive real-life issues.

This show pulls no punches; its just an excoriating insight into human nature with such a dark, hard twist of humour and I won't ever let it go.

Give it a try! I promise you that you won't regret it. It's just Everyman's real-life; so relatable which outrages me.

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

my god visual heaven

[10/10 · 6 April 2023]

Why is this currently at 7. It had lizzo, Jack black and the best realisation of back story i've ever seen. I loved everythinig about it. For me, katie sackoff is just winning this season and her chemistry (future love-interest) with the mandolarian is so good; it just feels so welll built-up to and deserved. I really can't get over the guest stars; Christopher Lloyd popping up on top of the others was next-level crazy. I think it was my favourite eipisode, or at least close to the first season finale when the storm troopers were casually chatting about life.. I really suggest any sceptics tot give this show a chance.

I'll never quit this show.

Queens Court (2023– )

Delusional nobodies

[1/10 · 19 March 2023]

I was laughing my ass off about 30 seconds in watching these whatevers; this is poor quality content and i felt embarrassed watching it for 5 minutes. Really, swerve this rubbish, its not worth your time. It lacks depth and character; its just a celebration of look-at-me I kinda think i'm famous and want to be but i'm probably not. I still am buzzing how empty this show felt. Its really the worst show i've seen in a long time and i won't be watching part 2 if it gets made, incorrectly.

Reality tv is so hit and miss and this is a miss. I definitely suggest you watch something better or just leave the house; this show is not right. It's broke-ass af.

Fleishman Is in Trouble: Me-Time (2022) Season 1, Episode 7

Emmy

[10/10 · 22 December 2022]

This was excoriating viewing. I was riveted to every second of this episode. They'd under-utilised Claire Danes 'til this episode.

This one episode immediately made her feel over-utilised. I've never seen a single episode of any tv show ever feel this raw or real. We just took almost a villainous character and flipped them so hard that it was almost a complete u-turn. I don't think I'll ever forget this episode because it simply showed how you can strip-away your perspective on a person, on a situation and really appreciate the awfulness that is going on in their life.

Watch it with caution. It's almost painful. Beautiful and painful and truly one of the most memorable things I've ever seen. Claire Danes reminded me how acting should be.

Mythic Quest: Sarian (2022) Season 3, Episode 7

Season 3's Backstory!

[10/10 · 16 December 2022]

Well, i'm not normally a fan of episodes that dump the main actors for child-versions of themselves or decide to randomly give us a backstory! We didn't know we needed it.

But we did.

Oh my goodness, this episode was pure heart and soul of the show and it was so unexpected how thoroughly Ian and Poppy's background overlapped. I loved it when Sarian popped up on Poppy's screen and we could see the love affair with code really start to flourish. Then the segue to their meeting in real life and vibing over their passion for gaming, mythic (grimm) quest and just ridiculous social awkwardness. I've been thoroughly enjoying season 3 but this one episode - oh my goodness, it just knocked it out of the park. I love how Mythic Quest can just branch off in the most random direction and still be utterly magical and captivating. TV gold.

Christmas at the Golden Dragon (2022 TV Movie)

Tooooo many characters but tugs the heart-strings

[7/10 · 22 November 2022]

My goodness, it was just all-encompassing. They had massively far too many characters to follow, or always to care about, but I still enjoyed most of them.

Whoever wrote this does have a flair for character development, which I enjoyed, but it was a case of almost pure overload. Remember to focus not-so-much on 20 main characters, but more like 6. That way we can really get invested and have the time, in 2 hours, to really care and root for people and hope for their best.

I'd say, though, most people will still enjoy this. Despite it thinking it's gone with the wind, it's still a semi-coherent storyline with enough going on to make you feel good about the characters and just xmas in genera. Give it a whirl and I think you'll enjoy it; but mentally just give up on the characters you aren't especially invested in,

Savage x Fenty Show Vol. 4 (2022)

massively inferior to the other savage x fenty

[1/10 · 18 November 2022]

Can we have more stars and more diversity? I watched this and I was straight-up bored. I'm so disappointed, as I loved every other savage x fenty. I felt most scenes just mimicked the earlier ones and it felt on an endless repeat cycle.

This just feels like lazy, bad (I know that's objective but it was all samey) music without enough diverse and current references and with such a similar setting. Really little to no opportunity to showcase the new collection. Disappointed, and it puts me off completely from buying stuff from here. Please don't sit on your laurels in the future and focus more thoroughly on quality and marketing.