I don't know why this Beijing-set remake was successful. It's inferior to the original in several respects. It's longer and there are a lot of boring scenes. The acting is much worse. The protagonist is twelve (as opposed to seventeen) which makes the theme and storyline less believable. He lacks the likability of the original film's protagonist. The martial art here is kung fu, which makes the film's title nonsensical.
Reviews
262 Reviews
Bitter Harvest
(1963)
Well-acted, but incomplete
22 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This drama film is about a poor Welsh girl who moves to London, becomes well-off and kills herself.
Hot redhead Jennie is picked up by a man in Cardiff. She gets drunk, has sex with him and wakes up in his flat in London.
She meets a barman, Bob - who's a boring nice guy. She moves in with him in his rented studio flat, displeasing plain barmaid Ella - who wants him.
Jennie leaves Bob when she meets a rich man, Karl. She moves into her own flat, where she destroys some of her expensive possessions and kills herself with an overdose of pills. Her body is driven away in an ambulance, narrowly avoiding colliding with Bob and Ella - who are now a couple.
The acting - especially by Janet Munro who plays Jennie - is very good. The main fault is that it looks like at least twenty minutes of the film is missing after she leaves Bob as it goes straight to her being well-off and killing herself. She's become well-off, so what made her suicidal? Did she become Karl's lover? Did she have a string of affairs? Did she become a prostitute? Did she become an actress and/or model?
Hot redhead Jennie is picked up by a man in Cardiff. She gets drunk, has sex with him and wakes up in his flat in London.
She meets a barman, Bob - who's a boring nice guy. She moves in with him in his rented studio flat, displeasing plain barmaid Ella - who wants him.
Jennie leaves Bob when she meets a rich man, Karl. She moves into her own flat, where she destroys some of her expensive possessions and kills herself with an overdose of pills. Her body is driven away in an ambulance, narrowly avoiding colliding with Bob and Ella - who are now a couple.
The acting - especially by Janet Munro who plays Jennie - is very good. The main fault is that it looks like at least twenty minutes of the film is missing after she leaves Bob as it goes straight to her being well-off and killing herself. She's become well-off, so what made her suicidal? Did she become Karl's lover? Did she have a string of affairs? Did she become a prostitute? Did she become an actress and/or model?
Judge Judy
(1996–2021)
Horrible battleaxe shouts a lot
19 July 2017
This is a reality series about small claims cases, headed by Judy Sheindlin. It has been running since 1996 and nearly two thousand episodes have been broadcast.
Sheindlin has a dreadful, unprofessional, arrogant attitude. She frequently snaps at the people involved in the cases. She's inpatient and angry - often interrupting them mid-sentence to shout at them in a patronising, sneering way.
Some cases are fabricated.
Sheindlin has a dreadful, unprofessional, arrogant attitude. She frequently snaps at the people involved in the cases. She's inpatient and angry - often interrupting them mid-sentence to shout at them in a patronising, sneering way.
Some cases are fabricated.
A to Z
(2014–2015)
Boring, slow and unfunny
18 July 2017
This is a romantic sitcom that's set in California. It's about the relationship between two young adults, Andrew and Zelda.
It's badly-written and badly-acted. It's not funny and the couple lack chemistry.
Twenty-six episodes were intended. Its low viewing figures meant it was axed soon after it began airing and only thirteen episodes were made and broadcast.
It's badly-written and badly-acted. It's not funny and the couple lack chemistry.
Twenty-six episodes were intended. Its low viewing figures meant it was axed soon after it began airing and only thirteen episodes were made and broadcast.
Being Erica
(2009–2011)
Boring, unfunny and bland
18 July 2017
This is a comedy-drama series that's set in Toronto. It's about a young woman called Erica who can travel back in time and change things there, before returning to the present.
This is a good idea for a show, so it's disappointing that this was very badly-done. It's dull, slow and isn't funny. If you could go back in time, you'd change important things that would have major effects. However, Erica often chooses to change trivial things. In one episode, she goes back to when she fell over and changed it so that she didn't fall. The fall didn't cause any injury or damage, so why go bother going back in time for that?
This is a good idea for a show, so it's disappointing that this was very badly-done. It's dull, slow and isn't funny. If you could go back in time, you'd change important things that would have major effects. However, Erica often chooses to change trivial things. In one episode, she goes back to when she fell over and changed it so that she didn't fall. The fall didn't cause any injury or damage, so why go bother going back in time for that?
Black-ish
(2014–2022)
Unfunny
17 July 2017
This is a sitcom about an upper-middle-class African-American family who live in a predominantly white suburb of Los Angeles.
The main fault with this show is that it's rarely funny.
Three seasons - each consisting of 24 episodes - have been broadcast. A fourth season is due to be broadcast in late 2017.
The main fault with this show is that it's rarely funny.
Three seasons - each consisting of 24 episodes - have been broadcast. A fourth season is due to be broadcast in late 2017.
The A Word
(2016– )
Awful series about an awful family
17 July 2017
This is a drama series that is set in the Lake District and is about a dysfunctional family.
It is broadcast by BBC One. The first series was shown in March and April 2016. A second series has been commissioned.
I don't know why six million people chose to watch this boring rubbish. I only watched it because it was heavily promoted and praised and was supposed to be an enlightening, well-acted series that is centred on an autistic child.
This series fails miserably to do either of the two things that it should do: a) be entertaining and b) inform the viewers in depth about autism.
I was very disappointed that most of the characters in this dreadful drama are annoying and unlikeable. There are too many plots and the child doesn't receive enough help because the other members of the family are engrossed in various other things. This series is badly-written and badly-acted.
The title of this show assumes that it's so shameful to have an autistic child that the condition is euphemistically referred to as 'the A word' - which it isn't. The mother's attitude is awful - she's more concerned about avoiding acknowledging her son's autism, as well as preventing people finding out about it, than she is about helping her son and looking after him properly.
It is broadcast by BBC One. The first series was shown in March and April 2016. A second series has been commissioned.
I don't know why six million people chose to watch this boring rubbish. I only watched it because it was heavily promoted and praised and was supposed to be an enlightening, well-acted series that is centred on an autistic child.
This series fails miserably to do either of the two things that it should do: a) be entertaining and b) inform the viewers in depth about autism.
I was very disappointed that most of the characters in this dreadful drama are annoying and unlikeable. There are too many plots and the child doesn't receive enough help because the other members of the family are engrossed in various other things. This series is badly-written and badly-acted.
The title of this show assumes that it's so shameful to have an autistic child that the condition is euphemistically referred to as 'the A word' - which it isn't. The mother's attitude is awful - she's more concerned about avoiding acknowledging her son's autism, as well as preventing people finding out about it, than she is about helping her son and looking after him properly.
Psycho
(1960)
Classic horror film
16 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This is a psychological horror thriller that is regarded to be the first slasher film.
A secretary steals a $40,000 from her employer in Phoenix and drives to a motel in California, where she is killed by the motel's owner. Her boyfriend, her sister and a private investigator look for her.
This film is very well-made and would have been ever better in colour.
A secretary steals a $40,000 from her employer in Phoenix and drives to a motel in California, where she is killed by the motel's owner. Her boyfriend, her sister and a private investigator look for her.
This film is very well-made and would have been ever better in colour.
Grease
(1978)
Very old 'teenagers'!
16 July 2017
This is a romantic comedy musical film that was released in 1978, but is set in 1958 in Los Angeles.
The film is well-written and well-acted, with good song-and-dance routines. Its main fault is that many of the high school pupils are played by people who were well into their twenties or even their thirties and don't pass for the 17 or 18-year-olds that they're playing.
The film is well-written and well-acted, with good song-and-dance routines. Its main fault is that many of the high school pupils are played by people who were well into their twenties or even their thirties and don't pass for the 17 or 18-year-olds that they're playing.
Ackley Bridge
(2017–2022)
Above-average school drama
16 July 2017
This is a Channel 4 drama series set in a secondary school in a poor town in West Yorkshire. A school in which the pupils are South Asian and a school in which the pupils are White British have been merged into a larger, new school.
It has been compared to BBC's Waterloo Road, but AB is better.
The first series was broadcast in June and July 2017. The second series is due to air in 2018.
It has been compared to BBC's Waterloo Road, but AB is better.
The first series was broadcast in June and July 2017. The second series is due to air in 2018.
Stranger Things
(2016–2025)
Good series
13 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This is a television series that's set in Indiana and has won several awards. It's a mixture of drama, horror, mystery and science fiction.
The first season is set in 1983 and was released in July 2016. The second season is set in 1984 and is due to be released in October 2017.
A young boy goes missing and his friends look for him. They instead find a young girl who has telekinetic powers. The authorities claim that the boy has been found dead. However, some residents discover that his corpse is actually a dummy and that he's alive. They then try to establish contact with him.
The writing and acting are good and it's significantly better than most TV series. However, it's slow in parts and I don't agree that it's outstanding.
The first season is set in 1983 and was released in July 2016. The second season is set in 1984 and is due to be released in October 2017.
A young boy goes missing and his friends look for him. They instead find a young girl who has telekinetic powers. The authorities claim that the boy has been found dead. However, some residents discover that his corpse is actually a dummy and that he's alive. They then try to establish contact with him.
The writing and acting are good and it's significantly better than most TV series. However, it's slow in parts and I don't agree that it's outstanding.
Rising Damp
(1974–1978)
Good sitcom
11 July 2017
This is an ITV sitcom which ran from 1974 - 1978. It is about a landlord - Rupert Rigsby (played by Leonard Rossiter) - and his lodgers - Alan Moore (Richard Beckinsale), Philip Smith (Don Warrington) and Ruth Jones (Frances de la Tour).
It is well-written and well-acted. It appears to be set in Yorkshire, although the location is never stated.
This was followed in 1980 by a film.
It is well-written and well-acted. It appears to be set in Yorkshire, although the location is never stated.
This was followed in 1980 by a film.
Naked Attraction
(2016– )
Nude dating show
10 July 2017
This is a Channel 4 dating show which is presented by Anna Richardson. The first series was shown in July and August 2016. The second series was shown in June and July 2017.
A person chooses one of six nude people whose bodies who are gradually revealed as the chooser eliminates five of them, one by one. The pair then go on a date and talk about it afterwards.
The participants don't say much about their sex lives - which is disappointingly surprising, given the nature of the show.
A person chooses one of six nude people whose bodies who are gradually revealed as the chooser eliminates five of them, one by one. The pair then go on a date and talk about it afterwards.
The participants don't say much about their sex lives - which is disappointingly surprising, given the nature of the show.
Sex Box
(2013– )
Pointless gimmick & boring conversations
10 July 2017
This is a Channel 4 reality show. The first series of seven episodes was shown in 2013. The second series of four episodes was shown in 2016, with different presenters.
People, two at a time, enter the studio. After a brief conversation with the presenters, they enter a large, opaque, soundproof box which is in front of the presenters and the studio audience. After they have sex in the box, they come out of it and talk to the presenters about what they did in there.
Most of the conversations between the participants and the presenters aren't very interesting or informative. Most don't say much about why they chose each other or tell us how they or the audience can improve their sex lives. If they're not willing to give details, why choose to go on such a show on national television?
It's pointless for the participants to have sex in the studio's box, because no-one can see or hear inside the box. They're all fully clothed for the whole time that they're out of the box. They might as well have had sex at home or in their hotel, prior to going to the studio.
An American version was broadcast in 2015. Only five of its nine episodes were shown before it was axed.
People, two at a time, enter the studio. After a brief conversation with the presenters, they enter a large, opaque, soundproof box which is in front of the presenters and the studio audience. After they have sex in the box, they come out of it and talk to the presenters about what they did in there.
Most of the conversations between the participants and the presenters aren't very interesting or informative. Most don't say much about why they chose each other or tell us how they or the audience can improve their sex lives. If they're not willing to give details, why choose to go on such a show on national television?
It's pointless for the participants to have sex in the studio's box, because no-one can see or hear inside the box. They're all fully clothed for the whole time that they're out of the box. They might as well have had sex at home or in their hotel, prior to going to the studio.
An American version was broadcast in 2015. Only five of its nine episodes were shown before it was axed.
Ever Decreasing Circles
(1984–1989)
Good suburban sitcom
10 July 2017
This is a sitcom about middle-class, middle-aged people in suburban Surrey. It was broadcast on BBC One from 1984-1989.
The protagonist, Martin Bryce (played by Richard Briers) has obsessive- compulsive personality disorder. In the first episode, Paul Ryman (played by Peter Egan) moves into the house next door to Martin. Paul is more popular and more successful at everything than Martin is - despite Paul not really trying hard at anything. Martin's jealously of Paul and the resentment he feels towards Paul as a result of that is prominent in every episode.
The protagonist, Martin Bryce (played by Richard Briers) has obsessive- compulsive personality disorder. In the first episode, Paul Ryman (played by Peter Egan) moves into the house next door to Martin. Paul is more popular and more successful at everything than Martin is - despite Paul not really trying hard at anything. Martin's jealously of Paul and the resentment he feels towards Paul as a result of that is prominent in every episode.
Chronicle
(2012)
Good sci-fi thriller
10 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This is a science-fiction thriller set in Seattle. Three teenage boys gain superpowers after encountering something supernatural in a cave.
The film was sometimes falsely promoted as a comedy. A substantial proportion of the trailer shows the only humorous part of this dark film, which is when they use their new-found powers to play silly pranks.
The film was sometimes falsely promoted as a comedy. A substantial proportion of the trailer shows the only humorous part of this dark film, which is when they use their new-found powers to play silly pranks.
That '70s Show
(1998–2006)
Annoying
10 July 2017
This is a sitcom about a group of teenage friends. Two hundred episodes were broadcast from 1998-2006 and it is set in Wisconsin from 1976- 1979.
This is a good idea for a sitcom, but the main problem with this programme is the characters. None of them are likable - and many of them are annoying.
The British remake, Days Like These, was so unpopular that it was axed after only ten of its thirteen produced episodes were aired.
This is a good idea for a sitcom, but the main problem with this programme is the characters. None of them are likable - and many of them are annoying.
The British remake, Days Like These, was so unpopular that it was axed after only ten of its thirteen produced episodes were aired.
Grossly overrated nonsense
9 July 2017
This is a fantasy film, the first in the long-running series of Harry Potter films, and is also known as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. It is based on the novel of the same name, which is the first in the long-running series of novels.
An orphan lives in Surrey with his aunt, uncle and cousin - all of whom resent him. He goes to live and study at Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Scotland.
I cannot understand the massive popularity of this film, or why it spawned so many sequels. It has dull dialogue, stock characters, mediocre acting and a ridiculous plot.
Before I watched it I heard a lot of critics, journalists, filmgoers and people involved in making the film claim that there's a lot in the film for adult viewers to enjoy. I strongly disagree with them and I consider this to be a children's film. I can't see how any adult or teenager can enjoy this nonsense.
I haven't seen any of the sequels and have no intention of doing so.
An orphan lives in Surrey with his aunt, uncle and cousin - all of whom resent him. He goes to live and study at Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Scotland.
I cannot understand the massive popularity of this film, or why it spawned so many sequels. It has dull dialogue, stock characters, mediocre acting and a ridiculous plot.
Before I watched it I heard a lot of critics, journalists, filmgoers and people involved in making the film claim that there's a lot in the film for adult viewers to enjoy. I strongly disagree with them and I consider this to be a children's film. I can't see how any adult or teenager can enjoy this nonsense.
I haven't seen any of the sequels and have no intention of doing so.
Uncle
(2012–2017)
Funny sitcom
9 July 2017
This is a BBC sitcom that is set in London. Nick Helm plays Andy - a poor, unemployed man in his thirties who lives alone and wants to become a successful rock musician. He finds a purpose in life when he becomes involved in the life of his divorced sister's son, Errol. He is 12 when the show starts and is quiet, geeky and unpopular.
This Is Spinal Tap
(1984)
Very good mockumentary
9 July 2017
This is a satirical mockumentary that follows a failing British rock band as they try to make a comeback by touring the United States.
It's very well-written and well-acted. The main and supporting characters - and the interactions between them - are excellent.
I don't know why the film wasn't very successful at cinemas. It became popular after being released on video and has gained a cult following.
It's very well-written and well-acted. The main and supporting characters - and the interactions between them - are excellent.
I don't know why the film wasn't very successful at cinemas. It became popular after being released on video and has gained a cult following.
Host the Week
(2017)
A complete failure
9 July 2017
I don't know what Channel 4 were thinking when they made this awful mess. It's similar to ITV1's dreadful The Nightly Show. HTW was so awful that its viewing figures were less than half a million and it was axed after only one episode. As with TNS, it tried to be many things: stand-up comedy, game show, chat show, light entertainment etc. - but failed at all of them.
The presenter, Scarlett Moffatt, was awful. As a participant in reality shows she was sometimes entertaining because of the reactions of other participants to the stupid things she said. However, when leading professional celebrities in this show, she was just embarrassingly inadequate. She has no comedic or presenting ability and was severely out of her depth throughout the episode. The dress she wore was hideous.
Jack Whitehall was due to present the following episode. C4 were clearly so disappointed with the first episode that they felt that the format couldn't work even with someone who is a good comedy presenter (Whitehall has presented BBC comedy chat show Backchat since 2013).
Channel 4 said there would be no scripts, but Moffatt was clearly reading badly from an autocue some of the time.
The presenter, Scarlett Moffatt, was awful. As a participant in reality shows she was sometimes entertaining because of the reactions of other participants to the stupid things she said. However, when leading professional celebrities in this show, she was just embarrassingly inadequate. She has no comedic or presenting ability and was severely out of her depth throughout the episode. The dress she wore was hideous.
Jack Whitehall was due to present the following episode. C4 were clearly so disappointed with the first episode that they felt that the format couldn't work even with someone who is a good comedy presenter (Whitehall has presented BBC comedy chat show Backchat since 2013).
Channel 4 said there would be no scripts, but Moffatt was clearly reading badly from an autocue some of the time.
The Day Today
(1994)
Excellent satire
8 July 2017
This is a satirical parody of news and current affairs television programmes. Chris Morris, Steve Coogan, Rebecca Front, Doon Mackichan, Patrick Marber and David Schneider play various characters.
There are six episodes. They were shown in January and February 1994 on BBC Two.
There are six episodes. They were shown in January and February 1994 on BBC Two.
Room 101
(1994–2018)
Varies a lot
7 July 2017
This is a long-running comedy series that used to be shown on BBC Two and which is now shown on BBC One. Celebrity guests nominate things they hate and wish didn't exist to be consigned to Room 101. The host decides whether or not to put them there.
Under the first and second hosts - Nick Hancock and Paul Merton - there was one guest per show. Under the current host - Frank Skinner - there are three guests per show and they compete with each other over whose nominations most deserve to be dumped in Room 101.
How funny and interesting each episode is depends a lot on who the host and guests are. Merton is a much better host than Hancock or Skinner. Some guests are much more entertaining than others - some guests don't seem to fully understand the style and tone of the show.
Dutch, Israeli and Australian versions of the show have also been made.
Under the first and second hosts - Nick Hancock and Paul Merton - there was one guest per show. Under the current host - Frank Skinner - there are three guests per show and they compete with each other over whose nominations most deserve to be dumped in Room 101.
How funny and interesting each episode is depends a lot on who the host and guests are. Merton is a much better host than Hancock or Skinner. Some guests are much more entertaining than others - some guests don't seem to fully understand the style and tone of the show.
Dutch, Israeli and Australian versions of the show have also been made.
8 Out of 10 Cats
(2005– )
Varies a lot
4 July 2017
This is a comedy panel game about public opinion and recent events. It was originally shown on Channel 4, then moved to More4 and is now on E4.
Every episode is hosted by Jimmy Carr. Each of the two teams has a captain and two guests. The captains have been Sean Lock, Dave Spikey, Jason Manford and Jon Richardson. The current captains are Rob Beckett and Aisling Bea.
How good it is varies a lot, depending on who is on that episode. Some guests are good, but many are awful. Aisling Bea is the best of the captains.
Every episode is hosted by Jimmy Carr. Each of the two teams has a captain and two guests. The captains have been Sean Lock, Dave Spikey, Jason Manford and Jon Richardson. The current captains are Rob Beckett and Aisling Bea.
How good it is varies a lot, depending on who is on that episode. Some guests are good, but many are awful. Aisling Bea is the best of the captains.
Man About the House
(1973–1976)
Good flatshare sitcom
3 July 2017
This is a well-written and well-acted 1970s ITV sitcom that is set in London. Robin O'Sullivan, Sally Thomsett and Paula Wilcox play twentysomething, single flatmates Robin, Jo and Chrissy. Their downstairs neighbours are George and Mildred Roper, an unhappily- married, middle-aged couple.
There are two spin-offs: George and Mildred and Robin's Nest. MATH has been remade in several countries.
There are two spin-offs: George and Mildred and Robin's Nest. MATH has been remade in several countries.
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