jamesrands Reviews

Postcards from the 48% (2018)

Food for thought

[8/10 · 12 August 2018]

As another reviewer says this isn't the most fun you'll have at the cinema, but that isn't the point.

David Wilkinson spent months on the road speaking with various remain voters and hearing their concerns. Some of them add limited value (and I guess are probably there for name recognition), but others really know what they're talking about. I learned a lot.

I was lucky enough to attend a session with a Q&A with the director afterwards. If you have a chance go to those do so, they are fascinating, though I cannot really review the film based upon that.

I would heartily recommend seeing this film as it widens the ongoing debate on one hand and (because it was filmed over a period of time) shows the evolution of the debate. My one criticism is it could have charted the shifting positions better.

The final dedication is moving.

Bluestone 42 (2013–2015)

Incredibly funny and very realistic

[14 March 2013]

This show looks like and feels like a British Army unit in Helmand. The uniforms, kit, equipment, language etc.. are all either spot on or very close. Importantly, the creators have got the sense of humour and camaraderie exactly right. Ignore Chopendoz comments - he has no idea what he is talking about. The presence of Chris Hunter (author of Eight Lives Down which sort of formed the basis for The Hurt Locker) no doubt was significant in getting that styling. That alone wouldn't make it a good show but once you have that feel right you can really let rip with the humour. Squaddies are funny and never more so than when life is really, really bad so the humour is always going to be dark, blokish and the language extreme. But that's how soldiers really are. If you are a pompous, holier than though prig then this may upset you - in which case feel free not to watch. Otherwise this is quite simply one of the funniest TV shows I have ever seen. It probably helps if you have served in the Armed Forces but I don't doubt civilians will enjoy it too.