slashworth-73435 Reviews

Beyond Paradise: Episode #1.1 (2023) Season 1, Episode 1

Good start

[8/10 · 24 February 2023]

I hadn't planned to watch this. Just happened to have just started when I switched the TV on and I decided to continue watching as it was supposedly set in Devon (where I used to live) but I didn't recognise the location.

You know sometimes serendipity strikes and by chance you stump me on something good, and you're really quite glad of it? Well, that's what happened here, as it turned out to be a relatively lighthearted and enjoyable crime tale, a bit like Agatha Raisin crossed with Midsomer Murders (without the murder) with a smidge of Doc Marten.

Not sure how I feel about the characters yet, but I enjoyed it enough to want to watch the remaining episodes.

Robin Hood (2006–2009)

17 years on, more enjoyable than ever

[10/10 · 15 February 2023]

I first watched this series in 2006 and enjoyed it.

Fast forward to 2023. I was In much need of some light entertainment with everything going on in the world.

I needed to revisit the age old tale of good triumphing over evil, at a time when global governments are the equivalent of the Sheriff of Nottingham - but much, much worse.

So I decided to rewatch all three series. What a tonic. Yeah, ok, some of its a bit cheesy. The costumes may not be completely historically accurate. The CGI is a bit dated in parts. The acting is a bit hammy. But with all that having been said, this is great television. I laughed and I cried. I cared about the characters and having just watched the final episode, I wish there was more.

The Sparks Brothers (2021)

Unforgettable

[10/10 · 3 February 2023]

I'm shocked at how many reviewers mention that they didn't know who Sparks were until this film came out, or they'd only heard about them in recent years.

But then, I'm getting old now. I first became mesmerised by Sparks as an 8 year old child watching This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us on TV in 1974. The combination of the music, Russel's confident strutting and Ron's creepy state had me hooked. Then came Amateur Hour and then I sort of forgot about them and obsessed about Abba, Queen, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and David Bowie until 1979 when the stunning Number One Song in Heaven was released which I couldn't get enough of. Over the years since then, there's been a similar pattern. Getting hooked on Sparks again then forgetting.

More recently, I discovered this film and fell in love again. I realised of all the musicians I have ever loved, Ron and Russell are the most joyful to watch and it was a delight to be reminded of what attracted me to them in the first place, nearly 50 years ago. They've barely aged, and the only difference now is that Ron smiles more and the realise he wasn't quite as scary as I thought he was. I realise how lucky I am to have found them all those years ago.

For those as old as me, a great trip down memory lane. For those who are younger and have only recently heard of Sparks, marvel at one of the few bands who are as fresh and entertaining nearly 60 years after they started.

All Creatures Great and Small (2020– )

A wonderful antidote to these troubled times

[10/10 · 23 October 2021]

Beautiful scenery, wonderful characters, great storylines. Just the right amount of humour and pathos. Really provokes a sense of times passed when life was slower, simpler and more meaningful. I wish I could get into a time machine and go back. Great series, I hope there are many more to come.