Rachela123 Reviews

Mayfair Witches (2023– )

I haven't read the books. I think it's superb!

[10/10 · 28 December 2023]

What a shame Anne Rice fans are disappointed in this series. Having not read the books, I watched it without expectation or prior knowledge, and it blew my mind!

I'm not an avid fan of supernatural storylines, but I was swept away by the twists and turns and power play of Mayfair Witches. What an adventure! The seductive, possessive force frightened the living daylights out of me. It really did. I also loved the scenes where a character gets lost and a helper guides him back (I'm trying not give too much away). Absolutely brilliant. I really hope the low rating doesn't put people off. If you haven't read the books you are in for a big surprise. If you have, be gentle: this is still a very evocative, well crafted, incredibly well acted production that deserves praise.

Murder Mystery (2019)

Just brilliant!!!!!

[10/10 · 1 September 2023]

What a film! I laughed and smiled from start to finish; I found the scenes on the yacht especially funny. It has a great cast (absolutely brilliant) and the juxtaposition of the internal world of Aniston and Sandler's relationship against the outside world of the film makes for one of the entertaining observational / comedy of manners films I have ever watched. Of course one has to be able to 'observe' the comedy to find the film funny. The reviewers that give this film less than 5 are either being obtuse or they lack observation skills. I for one will be watching this time and time again.

I suggest you save this for a weekend but make sure you are in a setting where you can really engage with every element of the film. I watched it alone and laughed so much I was worried the neighbours must have thought I'd gone stark raving mad.

The production values, right down to the fancy end credits are high. Take no notice of the bad reviews; this is a special film.

The Last Man on Earth (2015–2018)

LMOA:LMAO!

[9/10 · 27 April 2023]

This show is messed up beyond all reasonable standards. It's absolutely brilliant. It took a while for me to adjust to the initial characters Carole and Phil, but once it gets going their development and those that join them make for a very entertaining show. It's great. The script is a masturbaturium of intertextual brain food. It was so funny in places that I peed a little; not a toilet amount, just a little. I am in awe it just how committed each character was to their role. How Will Forte kept it going over so many episodes I don't know. It's a shame I didn't come across in the midst of Covid lockdown. It's also a shame the writers didn't continue and finish the series. This could have gone on and on...

Rain Dogs (2023– )

Ignore the negative reviews.

[10/10 · 5 April 2023]

I've given this a 10. Honestly, it's more an 8/9 but with only 783 reviews at time of writing, the 97 reviews who have given this 1 stars were not giving it anywhere near a fair appraisal. When so few vote overall, this brings the average down unfairly. I hope people don't get put off. This is a good well written gritty British drama comedy with strong performances from a great cast. It's shot well and the sound and soundtrack accompany the scenes well.

Yes, it's annoying how the narrative centres on Costello chasing a book deal; for some reason I find watching people chasing dreams unobtainable to most, tiring. But the relationships between the characters are interesting and relatable, Florian is an entertaining troubled soul. Len the pervert is also a good bit of eccentric fun. I loved the scene where Costello gifts one of his paintings and the recipient et al try to interpret it.

All in all a great British production. Thank you.

The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan: The Christmas Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan: The Sahara (2019) Season 2, Episode 5

Loved this episode!

[10/10 · 2 April 2023]

This has to be my favourite of all the Misadventures programmes. What a great insight into Moroccan history and culture. The production team must have been so happy with just how lovely Bobo the tour guide was. What a beautiful, funny man. The bond between them was a joy to behold. HA HA I thought they were falling in love at some points - there's a cheeky homoerotic edge - so funny. There's a great interview with a traditional Berber woman who just lived for goats, tea and chatting, which was just lovely. Well done folks. I hope you enjoyed making it as much as I did watching it. Just planning a Christmas trip there now. Thank you x.

The Dry (2022– )

Well put together

[10/10 · 28 March 2023]

Isn't it wonderful when you watch something and you don't have high expectations and then episode by episode it develops into something that raises all sorts of emotions. I loved this drama. I didn't laugh once, smirked a bit, but didn't laugh, so the comedy level wasn't up there for me. But, I loved it all the same. Great script and wonderful wholly believable performances from a great cast. This is a superb piece of filmmaking. I hope it gets the viewing and adulation it deserves.

Gee - how many required characters! Watch it, you might find it surprises you too. It left me feeling thoughtful and sad and I love it when a show can do that.

Woman of the Dead (2022– )

Shockingly good! Never a dull moment.

[10/10 · 14 January 2023]

This is hands down one of the best.shows I have watched in a while. It had me on the edge of my seat one minute, peeking behind my hands another, cringing in disgust at some scenes and in disbelief at others. It's a well crafted example of 'shocking cinema' with a revenge plot that gets going quickly. The cinematography, editing and performances are superb. The camera movement and angles heighten the suspense. All the characters are believable even when some scenes are incredible / incredulous. It's interesting how they've shown some detail of what goes on at the undertakers to make corpses presentable. I don't think I've seen that sort of detail in film before, but it sets up the later revenge scenes very well as you have no idea just how far things will go. The 'action' revenge scenes are so well set up: again you have no idea where they are going, or who is going to come out on top, so the surprise element is shockingly strong. Well done to all involved. I hope you get the credit you are due. Amazing!!!

Ali & Ava (2021)

Thank you!

[10/10 · 6 July 2022]

Thank you to all those involved in producing, working, acting on/in this film. It's absolutely brilliant! Thank god we still invest in British Social lRealism x.

Euphoria (2019– )

Where do I start....?

[10/10 · 25 February 2022]

This show is so good, I've rewatched episodes of Season 2 whilst waiting for the weekly episode release. Season 1 felt special. I'm just rewatching episode 9 right now 'Trouble Don't Last Always'; surely it has to be the best televised examination of addiction to date.

I love the way this show shifts pace, how it can flit from chaotic scenes, to dreamy, to deep examinations. I think it's brave and challenging and funny too. The Oklahoma bathroom scene is hilarious. The chase scene, when Rue falls into cactus, glass, BBQ, etc. And just when we think it can't get any worse, she ends up being injected by the insidious dealer (who delivers an insightful analogy of the effects on the brain of long term drug use), is just plain class. The whole show is class. It's amazing. So amazing I could cry...

The Outlaws (2021– )

Very good so far...

[31 October 2021]

How annoying that people have rated this low, after only watching 1 or 2 episodes! Come on, at least watch more before publishing your verdict. It's like giving up on a novel after reading the first chapter. Pfft.

Code 404 (2020–2022)

Average rating should be much higher!

[10/10 · 29 August 2021]

Great comic performances from Mays and Graham. It's had my friends and I laughing out loud. Definitely worth a watch, and a higher rating.

Me You Madness (2021)

Ignore the negative reviews!

[8/10 · 15 August 2021]

This is a quirky and original, very clever text. I think it has lots of layers, and depending on one's experience and cultural background you'll read it differently. I don't think I've ever seen a film that has the potential to elicit such a broad range of audience responses. I think it's superb. I'm not a fan of 80s music (though it links well to the 80s slasher films theme well) or I would have given it a 10.

The Leftovers (2014–2017)

Best piece of screen storytelling of all time

[10/10 · 7 July 2021]

I'm watching for the 3rd time, after a 2 year gap between last viewing, and I am still deeply moved, amazed and entertained. Without a doubt the best box set I have ever watched, that will take some beating. Watch it - it's fantastic, clever, creative, courageous... there are not enough words; it blows me away . . . . .

A Man Called Ove (2015)

Brilliance in all aspects!

[10/10 · 25 June 2021]

What lovely film! It caught me surprise as I didn't expect it to be so rich in story and character. I laughed and cried. Highly recommend.

Ian Wright: Home Truths (2021 TV Special)

Powerful, brilliant documentary...

[10/10 · 10 May 2021]

This is an amazing documentary that took me by surprise. The topic was tackled with such honesty, sensitivity and empathy that I was left in awe. Early in the documentary Ian Wright recognises and gets overwhelmed at the complexity of the issue, but I never thought the programme would be so brave to show domestic violence from so many different angles, including an empathetic view from a father who struggles with his own anger, seeking help. This is what we need to see. The impact that teachers have on children was also truly humbling; the programme should be mandatory viewing for everyone working in education to remind them of a) the influence they have, and b) the importance of recognizing and responding when children aren't happy. It takes a community to raise and support a happy human being.

Grand Army (2020)

Wowser!

[10/10 · 28 April 2021]

This is well worth watching. It takes a while to connect with the central characters and storylines, as it's a little chaotic (I'm a 'boomer'). Stick with it. This is an incredibly well directed, well performed, intricate drama. I'm left with questions as to 'How the hell did they do that?!!!'.

Snowpiercer (2020–2024)

Producers - please ignore the negative reviews - keep going!

[8/10 · 30 March 2021]

Why are people are giving bad reviews on the basis of one or two actors? This is well worth watching.

Expecting Amy (2020)

Fabulous - thank you!

[10/10 · 18 January 2021]

I haven't watched Amy Schumer's stand up, and I've only seen one of her films. I've heard she's a controversial character that has been subject to negative press. Well, after watching this docu series I can safely say I am now a huge fan. I popped it on during a night of insomnia, hoping I would drop off to sleep, and I ended up watching it all. Well structured, honest insight into her very difficult pregnancy. What an incredible, resilient woman. To see her push on through her shows and commitments was inspiring. The personal insights into Chris's Aspergers were also well handled and informative. I'm shocked to see people coming on here to mark positive reviews down. This is a wonderful programme. Fabulous!

Schitt's Creek (2015–2020)

I love this show!

[10/10 · 20 October 2020]

Brilliant. That's why it has 6 seasons. To those who have rated this with a low score, you obviously can't read characterisation, script, comedic acting - unlike the producers who piled their money into it and reaped rewards/awards. Great show.

King In The Wilderness (2018)

10 stars for MLK

[10/10 · 13 June 2020]

Moving. Intelligent, sensitive man who knew the path to inclusion is through non violent, peaceful, collaborative means. The same is true today.

Rio and Kate: Becoming A Stepfamily (2020 TV Movie)

Insightful and emotional viewing

[10/10 · 13 February 2020]

Watched this on a limb, and I'm so glad I did as it's blown me away. It's an honest portrayal of a step family working their way through bereavement. The fact that they are celebrities is irrelevant. There are some very clear and poignant messages. The sections where they attend the bereavement services are particularly enlightening and moving. It's good to talk and share experiences; to listen to children, and to give children real opportunities to open up frankly to each other. A great documentary. Wish them all the best!

Britannia (2017–2021)

Ignore the negative reviews!

[10/10 · 17 January 2020]

I have enjoyed this programme. As opposed to other reviewers that compare it to history, or other box sets, and find it wanting, I have watched and enjoyed this and found it to be entertaining. The casting, characterization, cinematography, script, soundtrack etc is great. As a late comer to the series, I have also learnt a valuable lesson - to take less notice of ratings, to not follow the crowd, and to judge for myself.

The OA (2016–2019)

Amazing!

[10/10 · 27 March 2019]

Never before have I watched a season 2, that has made revisiting season 1 so enjoyable. I loved the feel of season 1 and how it left me with so many questions. Season 2 was fabulous, and all it's revelations mean that revisiting Season 1 is like I'm watching it with my eyes wide open and my blindness gone.