brenstockton Reviews

Good Witch (2015–2021)

It has its moments both good and bad

[15 June 2022]

I have enjoyed the first few seasons more than the last few but I guess it's just all that drama over curses. I would like to know, however, what is the old movie in S3E4 with Joan Blondell? Odd that it wasn't mentioned in the credits.

Kate & Koji (2020–2022)

Laughing!

[9/10 · 24 May 2022]

I love a good comedy. I really can't add anything to what has already been said about the actors. They're wonderful and the characters are engaging. I do wish I could remember the name of the theme song; it sounds so familiar. Alas, it has no name in the credits.

Kingdom (2007–2009)

Love this show

[10/10 · 8 December 2020]

This is a gentle series full of eccentric but loveable people who need the services of county solicitor Peter Kingdom, his faithful assistant Lyle, the always prepared Gloria. Beatrice, his sister, adds quirky, if irresponsible, dramedy. Unfortunately, it was decided to bring back the recently deceased Simon. That character ruined several segments before he was dispensed with him again. (This is not against the actor; the character was just horrible, unlikeable at all levels, and not mourned when he was finally gone.) I wish there were more like this, just not identical.

Wild Bill (2019)

Wish it would find a home for additional seasons

[8/10 · 16 September 2020]

I watch a lot of British programming, especially the crime and mystery series. I can understand why this wouldn't be a big success with that audience. I loved it, though. Maybe it's just better for a US audience. Perhaps, so as to keep the locale and British cast, it could be picked up by Acorn.TV. Rob Lowe is excellent as the fish out of water police officer. I hope to see more of both Bronwyn James and Aloreia Spencer, both are escpecially winning in their roles. Unfortunately there are a few hanging story lines and now I'll never know how those work out. Heavy sigh.

Eulogy (2004)

Just no

[3/10 · 25 March 2020]

I couldn't get past the first 25 minutes. That's 25 minutes I'll never get back. My standards are low right now due to self-quarantine and the coronovirus, but despite that I found these were characters I just couldn't spend any time with. Instead of giving the movie a single star, I gave it two more as a nod to the performers who are generally wonderful, and may have put in great performances, but I just couldn't get that far. I do love the cast, just not the characters.

Black Wall Street Burning (2020)

History can be hard

[9/10 · 8 February 2020]

I saw this film tonight in Oklahoma City and I believe it may have been its premiere. Several people involved with the production were there and I had the opportunity to talk to them and tell them how pleased I am they told this story. These young people are genuinely ardent and keen to tell a story that must be told. I grew up in Tulsa, OK, and if Daddy hadn't told me about the Tulsa Race Riots no one else would have. Our schools didn't teach us. I'm not going to recommend this film for its superiority in any of the Oscar-related fields. But I do recommend it. The actors are fresh and clearly passionate; the writer and directors told us a story that has been left buried, shuffled aside, suppressed. This is not a unique story. There were many from the same time period. Many more before and many more after. It is a story that must be told, must be learned, must never be forgotten.

Living the Dream (I) (2017–2019)

Fun to Watch

[9/10 · 16 May 2019]

I love the take on Americans in an RV park in the south. To me, the Americans are spot on. And I especially love that the Brits don't take any guff, stand up for themselves, and make themselves right at home. I've only seen three episodes but anticipate much pleasure watching this short series. What I hope to see in future episodes: the Americans learn from the Brits, the Brits find success and happiness, and everyone ends up being just as quirky as possible. Leslie Jordan shines among the Americans cast. Although I'm not as familar with the British cast members, I've added them to my list of actors to look for when checking out Acorn and BritBox.

The Gil Mayo Mysteries (2006– )

Lots of fun; why one owns a TV

[9/10 · 3 May 2019]

Maybe people are just too involved in the so-called reality programs to truly appreciate the quirky attrbutes of this show, but it was so short-lived it could not possibly have been given a real chance at success. Pity. Some have likened it to the Scooby Doo crew -- and they're right. Some have found it a bit trite, and they're right. But it was damned good fun and I'm glad I found it on BritBox.

The Beiderbecke Affair (1985)

Loved it! But how did I miss the denoument?

[9/10 · 7 March 2019]

I will have to watch the ending again. I think I missed the denoument. Nonetheless, it's typical (to an American anyway) British humor. Enjoyed the characters, their chemistry, the quirky humor, but I think there are bits that are just too, too outlandish. I would still watch this again. The soundtrack is fabulous, I had never heard of Bix Beiderbecke and now I'm looking for his music. It's worth your time.

Rev. (2010–2014)

Sweet and Endearing

[8/10 · 29 December 2018]

I'm not up on British religion -- I'm not up on any religion once it left behind the teaching of tolerance, peace and love and took up the search for power through politics -- so if I say something offensive to someone who follows the Church of England, just let me say up front that I apologize. That said, I must say I adore this vicar. He's often unsure, terribly vulnerable and flawed, but he means well by his congregation, his friends, his wife. He just has trouble sometimes keeping his human-ness in check. And that is why I loved this show. I also loved the last episode with its poignancy and doubt. The Rev. remained true to his character, as much as he always tried to be what he thought he was supposed to be, he was in the end just a human being.

Doctor Doctor (2016–2021)

So far . . . interesting, quirky, but awfully squelchy

[7/10 · 13 November 2018]

I've only watched the first episode, so this is premature. It looks to be a fun, perhaps whimsical, narrative. However, be aware of the sounds. It seems Aussie medical shows require lots of sucking, squishy sounds. I had to watch after my dinner had settled. But that's just me; it might not bother someone else. I am squeamish.

Golden Years (I) (2016)

Amusing, light entetainment

[7/10 · 9 September 2018]

Fun movie. Escapist. If you're looking for gritty crime drama, move on. But if you're looking for charming characters, good performances, and a feel good movie where the real bad guys get what's coming to them, then you will enjoy this little gem.

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (2012–2015)

Lots of fun

[9/10 · 6 April 2018]

Light murder mysteries for those who want a little sass with their mayhem. The characters are charming and likable. I love them all from Dot, Bert, et al, to the costumes and the Art Deco design on those dark turquoise walls. It's a shame it's not still in production. But if anyone can point me towards a music list or a soundtrack . . .

Bull (2016–2022)

Early days but I was entertained

[6/10 · 23 September 2016]

Formulaic? Yes. But name one show that isn't. I've only seen the pilot and I think it shows promise. I like Michael Weatherly and although the supporting cast was barely introduced, there may be some charm there. I would say it's light on courtroom reality . . . well, it's light on reality. But if I wanted reality I wouldn't be watching television. I look forward to Bull being an entertaining program and hope it will be. I have to write more in order for this to accepted so I'll talk about the plot. A girl is dead. She has had an encounter with a young man who's rich parents hire an obnoxious lawyer who will lose the case primarily because he's such a jerk no one on the jury will find him the least bit personable and that will, in turn, doom his client. Meanwhile, we bring in Bull who owns a successful trial analysis firm. He uses rather unconventional techniques -- naturally -- and somehow manages to control who is on the jury, how the jury will react, get the innocent defendant cleared of all charges while miraculously discovering who really did it. All in all, it was a stretch. It was still entertaining. That's why I tuned in and will give it a go next week, too.