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Reviews
The Blacklist: Dr. Laken Perillos (No. 70): Conclusion (2023)
Back on track
I'm five episodes into this the 10th season and am thoroughly enjoying the series once again - after a long hiatus.
Apparently, the show has finally moved on from the labyrinthine and impenetrable rabbit holes of the interminably boring Agent Keen odysee and the Russian connection, and the writers are now refocussing on its original qualities and strengths: Reddington and the Blacklist.
May it long continue.
As many unconvincing past episodes Illustrated, none of other characters are strong enough individually to carry the show, and the often predictable storylines meander along aimlessy in his absence.
But the show is back on track.
The Ipcress File (2022)
Above-average fare
I'm surprised at the poor reviews.
I found the acting to be good (Cole) to very good (Holland), the script generally serviceable rather than clunky and expositional (as is the case in most British TV series, sadly) and, despite the inevitable anomalies, the makers have created a credible and plausible 60s ambience and setting.
And although it's not as good as the film, and is inevitably eager to burnish its woke credentials to a new audience, it is certainly a cut above the usual vacuous dross we have to endure on a Sunday evening.
American Underdog (2021)
A truly cringe-making vanity project
As an NFL-Fan who followed the Rams during that wonderful 1999 season, I'd been really looking forward to this film.
But oh deary, deary me. This gushingly sentimental and interminably dull hagiography would be more suitable for afternoon viewing on Hallmark, as it displays only peripheral interest in the sport Kurt dedicated himself to.
That acting is substandard, the script toe-curlingly banal, and for some inexplicable reason the "star" of the film appears to be Mr Warner's wife Brenda, who spends much of her time crying.
I'm sure there is a fascinating story to be told chronicling Kurt Warner's rags-to-riches rise to fame and glory, but this isn't it.
I'm just astonished that this vanity puff-piece found enough backers to actually get made.
Sorry to be so negative, as the Warners are doubtless a fine, caring and decent couple - but this effusively schmaltzy and sacchrine bio-pic does them no service.
Hanna: Do Not Sleep (2021)
Best season yet
I thought this the third series was the best yet - and was almost as good as the original film itself.
The acting was superb from all the cast, and the tension was sustained throughout.
Only Murders in the Building: Open and Shut (2021)
Pure delight
I needed a while to get into the show, but by the third episode I was hooked and charmed by its warmth, humour and the wonderful chemistry between the three lead characters, and of course, by the comic genius that is Steve Martin.
Reminded me tonally of the equally binge-worthy "Kominsky Method" in its compassionate exploration of human foibles, the value of friendship and loneliness.
A second series in in production, apparently, which is great news.
The Expanse: Nemesis Games (2021)
Still watchable, but not a patch on previous seasons
The unrelenting focus on Naomi and her doomed relationship with her estranged son and his father spoiled this season for me. All other characters and plotlines faded into the peripheral background as we were constantly confronted with Naomi's emotional turmoil - which personally began to bore me rigid.
And the last four episodes could have been easily been condensed into one in order to propel the plot forward. Instead we were just treading water.
Such an anti-climax and disappointment overall - even if the final episode whetted our appetite for what is to come in Season 6.