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Shikanoko nokonoko koshitantan (2024)
My Deer Friend Nokotan
Torako Koshi used to be a delinquent but she is determined to put that behind her and is now one of the most admired girls in her school. Her life is about to become somewhat chaotic though. One day she meets Noko Shikanoko... a sika deer with an almost human appearance. Noko looks like an ordinary girl apart from the fact that she has antlers! Soon they have formed the 'Deer Club' and things get even stranger.
Every so often an anime comes along that makes the viewer wonder of the creators 'what were they on'!? This is one of those shoes; utterly bonkers but also hilarious. I'm not surprised that previous reviewers either thought it was great or terrible rather than 'it was okay' as humour like this is highly subjective and neither view is wrong. Personally I loved the characters and thought every episode delivered plenty of laughs in a genuinely surreal manner. The character designs are good as is the animation. I really liked the contrast between the standard anime human characters, including Noko, and the more realistic looking deer that occasionally appeared, usually accompanied by the chanting of the work 'sika'. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of more bizarre anime comedies.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Boku no Tsuma wa Kanjo ga nai (2024)
My Wife Has No Emotion
Takuma Kosugi lives alone and has purchased a robotic maid to deal with the various household tasks. The robot has a female human appearance and is called Mina. One day Takuma jokingly suggests to Mina that she should become his wife. She takes him seriously and soon they are acting like a married couple. Both of them will have to learn how to cope with this arrangement.
One might think the premise of this series is rather similar to 'Chobits'; in fact it is quite different. There is no mystery and the robotic characters bare little real similarity beyond them both being female. This is a gentle romance which provides plenty of amusing moments throughout. Thankfully it manages to avoid going down the route of fan service like many other do. The animation is of a decent quality and I really liked the character designs. Overall a fun little series with likeable characters; I'd definitely recommend giving it a go.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Miller's Crossing (1990)
A solid neo-noir gangster film from the Cohen Brothers
This film, set in an unnamed city during Prohibition America, is centred on Tom Reagan, a lieutenant to Irish crime boss Leo O'Bannon. When Italian mobster Johnny Caspar demands Leo let him kill a man under his protection Tom advises him to allow this. Leo declines as he is seeing the man's sister. Inevitably tensions rise and a gang war starts. Tom, who has gambling debts to pay off, finds himself working for both sides at various times.
As this was made by the Cohen Brothers one might be forgiven for expecting plenty of humour but little here is played for laughs. The story hangs on Tom Reagan, a character who strangely reminded me of Clint Eastwood's 'man with no name' in 'A Fistful of Dollars'... while Tom may have started out firmly on one side it is clear he will play both sides and is morally ambiguous. Gabriel Byrne does a great job in the role. The rest of the cast, which includes Albert Finney and Jon Polito as Leo and Johnny, does a fine job. While there is a fair amount of violence it isn't excessively gory and for the most part is shot in a way that mirrors that of classic gangster films. The language, including the lack of swearing, adds to that classic gangster feel. The film has a great look; this includes the locations, set and costumes as well as the way it is shot. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of classic gangster films as well as fans of the Cohens.
24: Live Another Day (2014)
A final adventure for Jack Bauer
This twelve part series is set four years after the events of the Eighth Season; Jack is still a fugitive and following a tip-off, a CIA team catches up with him in London. CIA Agent Kate Morgan, herself under a cloud after her husband was convicted of selling secrets to the Chinese, suspects there is something odd about Jack's capture... almost as if he wanted to be caught, but why? Inevitably there is a terrorist attack to thwart; terrorists have acquired the means of taking control of armed US drones and are threatening to unleash their missiles on London if US President Heller, who is visiting London for important negotiations, hands himself over to them. Jack will end up working with an old friend, who is now working with a hacking group in London, to avert the threat.
Before starting this I worried that it might be one adventure too many for Jack Bauer; of course I felt that way before each new season and once again concerns proved unfounded. It started well with an exciting intro that raised questions about Jack before introducing the villains and their plot. Inevitably there are plenty of twists and turns before the conclusion. There is plenty of action throughout the series and the tension is high... perhaps even higher than usual as this is currently the last outing for Jack even his safety isn't guaranteed. As I write this I still have two episodes to go and have no idea what will happen to him. The cast does a great job bringing the story to life; they make it easy to believe what is going on even when the plot demands some unlikely coincidences.
Overall I'd say this is a fine addition to the '24' story; fans of the series will definitely want to watch it even if, like me, they delay watching to put off the day when it is all over.
The Kill Room (2023)
An enjoyable satire of the contemporary art world
Art Dealer Patrice hasn't had any sales recently so offers a work of modern art to her drug supplier in lieu of a cash payment. This is seen by Gordon. To most people Gordon is just the guy who runs the local Jewish bakery but it is a front; he is in fact high up in the criminal underworld. He isn't one to miss a good idea; the art trade could be a great way to launder money. To this end he has Reggie, an assassin, make 'artworks' that criminals will by for ridiculous prices to pay for various illicit services. It is meant to avoid attention but when word leaks out that a secretive new artist, known only as 'The Bagman', is selling works for six figure sums every pretentious art collector with more money than sense wants one. Inevitably the original 'customers' do not like the publicity generated.
I thought this film was rather good; certainly better than I'd expected. While there is some action there is less than one might expect given the title and what murders we do see aren't overly gory. It is however gently amusing; provoking mild giggles and wry smiles rather than proper belly laughs. The satire of contemporary art may not be subtle but it is affective. The cast is solid; it was fun seeing Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson on screen together as Patrice and Gordon; both were solid in their roles and Joe Manganiello impressed as Reggie 'The Bagman'. Overall an entertaining film; perhaps not a must see but it passed the time well enough for me.
The Island (2023)
Revenge on a Caribbean island
This B-movie action revenge drama opens on an unnamed Caribbean island. Wealthy Colombian Manuel is interviewing a singer; when the waiter who is serving them spills wine on her he murders the man! The waiter has a brother, Mark, who works for the LAPD; he returns to the island and doesn't believe what he is told about his brother getting mixed up with gangs that have troubled the island in recent years. As Mark starts investigating Manuel sends his thugs after him... inevitably this goes badly for them and Mark has Manuel in his sights. It won't be easy though; Manuel is a danger to anybody close to Mark and he has a lot of people working for him.
This is not a great film; the plot is fairly cliché and the outcome won't surprise anybody. That said no one would claim it aspired to greatness; it is just trying to be an entertaining action drama made on a relatively tight budget... at this is succeeds. The opening scenes effectively introduce the villain then our hero and the story is quickly under way. There are plenty of action scenes spread throughout the movie with just enough conversational scenes in between to advance the plot. The action is decent enough with martial arts and gun-play. Michael Jai White is solid as Mark; good enough to think he deserves better material in future. The rest of the cast are okay even if some are a bit hammy... the genre almost demands that. The setting, filmed in location in St Kitts and Nevis looks great. Overall I'd say this is fun enough; worth watching if you enjoy the lesser action films that were churned out in the '80s and '90s.
Killers (2010)
Romance and hitmen
Jen Kornfeldt's life is about the change in ways she couldn't expect when she takes a holiday in the South of France with her parents. She meets Spencer Aimes, and agrees to go on a date with him; she has no idea that he is an assassin! Things go well, he gives up the killing business, they get married and settle down in a nice suburban neighbourhood not far from Jen's parents. Three years later Spencer is contacted by for former boss requesting he come back to the old job. He hangs up on the man and not long afterwards his best friend is trying to kill him! It seems he isn't the only one who wants to kill Spencer; there is a contract on his head and plenty of people want to collect the reward. Jen does is inevitably more than a little shocked by this turn of events... even if they manage to survive the killers will their relationship survive?
If you want gritty realism or over-the-top 'John Wick' style action this won't be for you but if you are looking for something light hearted that provides a balance of action, humour and even some romance you could do a lot worse. The cast does a solid job; Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl have a good chemistry as Spencer and Jen and Tom Selleck and Catherine O'Hara are a lot of fun as Jen's Parents. While the action isn't particularly believable it is a quite fun; much like the plot. While plenty of people die it isn't gory or particularly scary so it can be enjoyed by the whole family. Overall a fun little film; it might not be a must see but it passes the time well if you like light hearted action.
Vite in fuga (2020)
Off Grid
As this Italian series opens a woman is arrested in a remote mountain town; she has been living under an assumed name. As she is questioned by the police we flash back six months...
Her husband Claudio Caruana is on the board of a bank in Rome that has been accused of corruption. One evening he tells his wife he is seeing a colleague, when in fact he is seeing his mistress... this proves very awkward when the colleague is murdered and he appears on the CCTV. Fearing he is about to be arrested he contacts a man who will help him and his wife, son and daughter disappear. They must trade their old lives in Rome for a new life in the Italian Tyrol under new names. For how long will they be able to give up their old lives? One police officer in particular is determined to find Claudio even after evidence suggesting the family died while trying to flee the country emerges.
I thought this was a solid series. The opening serves to grab the viewers' attention; we may know that one of the family has been arrested but it is far from obvious whether others have been caught and the question of how she came to be where she is is interesting. Inevitably the family get into some fairly melodramatic problems each episode which threaten to expose them. Of course such problems are needed to keep the story interesting for twelve episodes. The cast do a fine job making their characters believable and the beautiful Tyrolian scenery makes the outdoor scenes look stunning. Without giving anything away I found the ending to be solid as it nicely wraps things up without the need to set things up for unnecessary further seasons. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of Euro-drama.
These comments are based on watching the series in Italian with English subtitles.
Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell (1974)
A new creature is created in this horror sequel
Doctor Simon Helder is a follower of the work of the presumed deceased Victor Frankenstein. When caught trying to emulate Frankenstein's work he is sentenced to five years in the asylum where his hero was previously incarcerated. Once there he is treated poorly by the guards until rescued by the facility doctor... on Doctor Victor who is in fact the not so dead Dr Frankenstein. Helder is soon helping Frankenstein with his work, along with his beautiful but mute assistant Sarah Klauss. The asylum provides opportunities to acquire the body parts to make his next creature... of course things don't go quite to plan. Helder questions his mentor's morality and the creature proves to be rather dangerous.
If you are a fan of Hammer Horror this is obviously a must see as it is the last of their many 'Frankenstein' films. While it isn't particularly scary it is quite gory at times; especially during various surgical scenes. The story is an effective addition to the Frankenstein mythos. The cast does a solid job and it is fun seeing Peter Cushing and David Prowse working together a few years before their famous 'Star Wars' pairing. Shane Briant and Madeline Smith impress as Dr Helder and Sarah. While the effects are fairly low budget and dated they are still effective. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of British horror films; especially classic Hammer Horror.
Swim (2021)
Ridiculous but entertaining killer shark film
As this film opens three generations of the Samson family are driving to their rental holiday home on the California coast. While mother, along with her father, son and daughter are almost there in one car, the father is caught in a heavy storm near San Francisco; a storm that is heading towards the holiday home. The owner of the property assures them that the leaks suffered the previous year have been repaired... they haven't. Shortly after they arrive the son goes swimming with the neighbour's daughter; she is injured when a shark bites her. That isn't the last of their worries though; as the storm hits the shark gets into the house's flooded basement. The water keeps rising... will they be rescued before the whole house is submerged and there is nowhere to hide from the marauding shark?
'Jaws' this is not. That said the film is entertaining in a somewhat ridiculous way. One certainly has to be able to but ones brain in neutral as the plot falls apart with even a little thinking about it. The shark is too small to be really scary... of course if it was bigger the premise of a shark in a house wouldn't work. The casting isn't really believable; when first introduced I assumed that the mother and daughter were sisters. That said I don't think the main actors did a bad job. The way the water rises through the house isn't at all realistic; at one point they realise that the water in the basement has risen to the level of the next floor when they hear banging on the cellar door... strangely not a drop is leaking under it at this point! The water goes onto levels that, if realistic, would mean the house would flood every high tide; wind might raise the water level a bit but rain, no matter how heavy it literally a drop in the ocean. Most viewers will have little difficulty guessing who will die. The setting provides an excuse to have much of the cast in beachwear for almost the entire film... clearly the makers though lack of clothing makes up for a lack of believability. Overall this isn't something to be taken seriously but I did find it surprisingly entertaining in a low budget way. Would I recommend it? Yes if you are a connoisseur of somewhat ridiculous animal attack films; no if you want something believable.
Sommerdahl (2020)
The Sommerdahl Murders
One might think from the title used by Channel Four in the UK that this was a murder mystery series set in a place call Sommerdahl; in fact it is set in Elsinore. Sommerdahl is the surname of our protagonist; veteran police officer Dan Sommerdahl. When we are introduced to him he is celebrating his twenty fifth wedding anniversary with his wife Marianne, who works in the police forensics department. Before the party is over he is called to the scene of a murder. It soon becomes apparent that this has been a constant theme of their marriage. One more broken promise will lead to events that put their relationship on the rocks... a detail that will take up a fair amount of later episodes.
Each mystery takes up two episodes, which have been combined to make single episodes here in the UK. They follow the standard murder mystery pattern with various suspects and motives being presented to the audience before the more obvious ones are eliminated.
This isn't a must watch series but it passes the time well enough if you want cases wrapped up in one go. The cases are nicely varied and the outcomes aren't too obvious. Elsinore provides a fine back drop to the stories; it is shot in a way that makes it look great... one could be forgiven for thinking it was sponsored by the tourist board! The cast does a solid job. On the downside the various relationship problems are a bit of a distraction from the murder mysteries. Overall a decent enough show if you like murder mysteries; just remember not every crime drama from Nordic countries is 'Scandi-Noir'.
These comments are based on watching the series in Danish with English subtitles.
The Mummy (1959)
Hammer's take on the legend of The Mummy
This 'Hammer Horror' opens in Egypt in 1895. British archaeologists have discovered the tomb of Princess Ananka. A local by the name of Mehemet Bey warns them against entering the tomb telling them such a desecration would invoke an ancient curse. Inevitably this warning is ignored. When they find the Ananka's sarcophagus Joseph Whemple leaves the tomb to tell his nephew John about the find. Alone John's father, Stephen, reads the 'Scroll of Life' a scream is heard by those outside and Stephen is found in a catatonic state. Three years later, back in England, Stephen recovers and tells his son that he accidentally brought the mummy of Kharis, the high priest, back to life. Shortly afterwards Mehemet Bey, arrives with the mummy, determined that those who desecrated the tomb will die.
If you are looking for something really scary this probably won't be for you; Hammer Horrors never were particularly scary; they can be quite fun though. The cast, which includes Hammer regulars Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, as John and The Mummy respectively, as well as Yvonne Furneaux as john's wife Isobel does a solid job. Lee is delightfully menacing as The Mummy, despite the character only speaking into flashback scenes set before he became The Mummy; the makeup and costume departments did an impressive job creating the creature's look. The story isn't particularly fast paced but I didn't find it boring. The low budget is a bit obvious at times; the early scenes were clearly shot on a set not in Egypt and the marsh, were a couple of key scenes took place, doesn't look real; still that is part of the charm of Hammer Horrors. Overall I'd recommend it to fans of Hammer Horror.
Eyes of Fire (1983)
A creepy folk tale set in Colonial America
As this film opens a teenager, named Fanny, and two young girls are being questioned about why they are in New France. They tell a story of how, along with others, they fled from a settlement in the British Colonies when the new preacher was accused of having affairs with a married woman and her troubled daughter. Those who objected to their execution leave with the accused, taking the town's raft then entering the forest. Fearing trouble from pursuers or Shawnee they head into a valley the latter believe to be cursed. Here strange things happen; are strange spirits living in the valley and is Leah really a witch?
I wasn't expecting too much from this film I'd not heard of, assuming it would be another bargain basement horror on Amazon Prime... it turned out to be better than expected. It is set in a time period that is somewhat underused in American fiction and wastes little time getting the action started. The atmosphere is suitably creepy and the physical effects are most impressive; some other effects are perhaps a little weak but not terrible. The acting is solid and many characters are nicely ambiguous. The horror comes from the atmosphere rather than the typical gore one might expect from such a film made in the eighties; similarly there is less gratuitous nudity than many such films of the era. Overall I'd recommend this to fans of atmospheric horror looking for something a little different.
Midsomer Murders: A Grain of Truth (2022)
There's trouble at t'mill
This episode sees an historic watermill reopening as an organic bakery and restaurant. This is causing resentment from other businesses in the village, notably the pub and tea shop. Accusations are made but the police aren't interested; at this point nothing obviously illegal has been done. Shortly after the business ends a contract with one of its suppliers the village suffers strange hallucinations; somebody has added ergot infected grain to the bread rolls. Inevitably things escalate further and somebody is murdered. The case turns up many suspects and motives as well as old enmities and even talk of a curse on the mill.
I thought this was a fun episode. A bit silly as one would expect but still entertaining. The central mystery is solid with plenty of suspects and motives to keep one guessing; even if the eventual reveal isn't a huge surprise. Of course one might say the same in one of several other characters had been revealed as the killer. Some extra humour is added by the Barnaby's house guest a woman who is 'too Californian' for John and has her sights set on netting a younger man... DS Winter beware! As usual the story is set in lovely scenery and the cast does a solid job. Overall a fun episode.
Young Woman and the Sea (2024)
The gripping, if somewhat fictionalised, story of the first woman to swim the Channel
This will tells to story of Trudy Ederle, the woman who, in 1926, became the first woman to swim from France to England. When we are first introduced to the butcher's daughter in Manhattan she is suffering from measles and isn't expected to live through the night. She obviously does and later is determined to swim. After disappointment at the 1924 Paris Olympics she sets herself a new goal... to be the first woman to swim across the English Channel; twenty one miles of treacherous water that only a handful of men had managed to swim across. Not everybody wants her to succeed. She however is determined.
I found this to be a really gripping film even though it is known from the start that she will ultimately succeed in her endeavour. The film may take quite a few liberties with the facts of the story but that is done to add extra drama so can be excused. The cast does a fine job, especially Daisy Ridley who excels as Trudy; she really makes one believe in the character; particularly during the scenes in the channel. The film looks great with a period feel. Overall I'd definitely recommend watching this; also spend some time on Wikipedia reading about the real Trudy Ederle.
High Country (2024)
A solid crime drama set in the Victorian Alps
This Australian crime drama is set in the mountainous 'High Country' in Victoria. Andrea 'Andie' Whitford, who was previously a detective in Melbourne, has just moved to the Town of Brokenridge and become the new police sergeant. One might expect this to be a quiet posting but soon she is investigating a disappearance that her predecessor is convinced is linked to the death of a child some years before... a crime he, and much of the town, blame on former teacher who claims to be psychic.
I really enjoyed this series. The mystery is interesting and kept me guessing and the characters are good. The setting really added to the story; previous Australian films and shows I've seen have either been set in cities or the Outback so this heavily forested, mountainous region was something new. There are some family concerns for our protagonist but these serve to give depth to her character rather than detract from the story. The cast does a fine job; especially Leah Purcell, who carries the series as Andie and Ian McElhinney as Sam, the predecessor who has difficulty staying out of the investigation. The main questions raised during the series, but not quite all, are nicely wrapped up by the end of the eighth, and final episode, hopefully that doesn't mean this will be a one season show as I'd like to see more. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of crime drama looking for something set somewhere different.
My Spy The Eternal City (2024)
A fun, if somewhat silly, action sequel
Four years have passed since the events of the original 'My Spy' and CIA operative JJ has taken a desk job some he can take care of Sophie, who is now fourteen and craving a bit of freedom. When Sophie's school wins a choir competition that will see them win a trip to Italy where they will perform at the Vatican JJ volunteers to be one of the chaperones. He has no idea that the two of them will find themselves caught up in a plot to acquire activation codes for a nuclear weapon which the villain plans to use to detonate under the Vatican if demands aren't met.
If you are after gritty realism then this film is not for you; if on the other hand you want some brain-in-neutral action with plenty of laughs and silliness you could do a lot worse. It may not be as good as the original but I still thought it was rather fun. The central plot may be rather standard but it serves to deliver a succession of action set pieces and humorous moments. Dave Bautista does a fine job as JJ and young Chloe Coleman impresses as Sophie. Kristen Schaal is a lot of fun as Bobbi, the CIA analyst who ends up part of the mission. The film makes good use of various Italian locations. For the most part there is little in the way of offensive material and what there is will probably go over the heads of younger viewers. Similarly the action is more comic than gory. Overall a fun sequel that I'd recommend to fans of the original.
Midsomer Murders: The Debt of Lies (2022)
A solid return to form
This episode opens at the retirement party of a senior police officer. It is clear that she had ruffled a few feathers in her time. Shortly after moving to Challis Court, a community of retired police officers, she is killed when her car crashes into a tree. Barnaby and Winter are soon on the case and it becomes apparent that the crash was no accident. Just because the offence took place in a community of retired police officers doesn't mean they will get much help with their inquiries. Inquiries that will uncover other crimes and provide plenty of suspects.
I thought this was a really solid episode; certainly better than many. 'Midsomer Murders' was never too serious but does occasionally get a bit too silly; this episode managed to avoid silliness. We are provided with enough suspects and motives to keep us guessing to the end and just because certain characters aren't guilty of murders it doesn't mean they haven't committed other crimes. The cast, both regulars and guests, most notably Tom Conti, does a fine job and as expected the settings are appealing. Overall a fine episode that I'm sure most fans of the series will enjoy.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (2024)
An enjoyable teenage mystery
This series, based on a popular book of the same title, opens with the sight of a girl, Andie Bell, walking along a street at night; it is clear that she has received a serious injury to the back of her head... she is never seen again. It is assumed that Sal, her boyfriend, who committed suicide shortly afterwards, had killed her. Five years later seventeen year old Pip Fitz-Amobi decides to reinvestigate the case for a school project. She sets about questioning those who knew Andie and Sal. Not everybody wants to open old wounds but she gradually learns more about Andie and Sal. She also befriends Sal's brother Ravi, and they end up working together. As the story progresses it becomes clear that several people want to stop her investigating and that continuing might actually be dangerous.
I haven't read the book that inspired the series but can say the series is rather fun. The central mystery is intriguing and the characters, especially protagonist Pip are a lot of fun. Usually in a series like this there would be unnecessary subplots but thankfully this series is almost entirely about Pip and the case she has taken upon herself to investigate. As well as an interesting mystery there are moments of unforced humour... Pip going around in a star costume in an early episode was priceless! The cast is solid, especially Emma Myers, who does a great job as Pip; I'd never have guessed she is actually American if I hadn't read it online. The Bristol/Somerset filming locations nicely scenic; just the place for a murder mystery. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to mystery fans looking for light entertainment; if further books in the series are adapted for television I'll certainly watch.
The Acolyte (2024)
A murder mystery in the Star Wars universe
This 'Star Wars' series is set approximately a century before the events of 'The Phantom Menace'. Somebody is murdering specific Jedi. Jedi Master Sol is to lead the investigation and it soon becomes apparent that his former padawan, a girl named Osha, is the prime suspect. She proclaims her innocence; could it be that Mae, her troubled, presumed dead, twin is still alive? If so who is training her?
This might not be 'Star Wars' at its best but I still rather enjoyed it. Having it set long before any other films or series in the Star Wars Universe means we get all new characters who don't need to be compared to other depictions. The story is solid, even if the long lost twin is one of the oldest clichés in the book. There is plenty of action, this is exciting and often has a wuxia martial arts feel. The cast is solid; I especially liked Lee Jung-jae who played Sol and Amandla Stenberg, who impressed in the dual roles of Osha and Mae. The story makes extensive, and effective, use of flashbacks; showing us key events from the perspectives of different characters. By the end of the eighth, and currently final, episode many questions are unresolved; I hope we get more so we can find out what happens next but that doesn't seem certain right now. Overall I'd say this won't be to everybody's taste but would recommend at least giving it a try if you enjoy all things 'Star Wars'.
The Last Survivors (2014)
A post-apocalyptic Western
Sometime in the none too distant future, ten years after the last rainfall, seventeen year old Kendell is one of those struggling to survive in the desert that was once prosperous farmland. Water is becoming harder to come by; wells are drying up because, in an attempt to force everybody else out a man named Carson, and his associates, has drilled into the local aquifer to remove all the water. It soon becomes clear that they are killing anybody they don't consider to be of use to them. If Kendell is to survive she will inevitably have to confront Carson.
This may be a post-apocalyptic dystopian drama but it is also very much a western. The desert setting, the lone hero, or in this case heroine, standing up against the local baron who wants to control all the water and land, and the final showdown are all classic western tropes. The story is relatively simple and doesn't attempt to surprise the viewer. The film has a great look; one can really feel the dryness and heat of the setting and the sets are suitably sun-baked. The cast is solid enough with Haley Lu Richardson doing a fine job as Kendal, even if she does look a little too good to believe she's spent ten years in a desert. The action is quite violent at times but not excessively so. Overall I'd recommend this to fans of both westerns and post-apocalyptic dramas.
Slutet på sommaren (2023)
End of Summer
This Swedish drama opens in the summer of 1984 as young Vera witnesses her mother committing suicide by jumping into a lake. Twenty years later Vera is working as a grief councillor. A man, identifying himself as Isak talks about how he recently learnt that he was adopted; one of his only early memories concerns the disappearance of a childhood friend. Vera starts to wonder if Isak could in fact be her young brother Billy who vanished shortly before her mother's death. Returning to her rural home town with Isak she tries to discover what happened to her brother. Everybody seems to think local ne'er-do-well Tommy killed him before disappearing himself but is it that simple?
I thought this was a really solid series. There was a good sense of mystery and an impressive '80s feel to the numerous extended flashback scenes. The truth is gradually revealed and doesn't become guessable until it is almost time for the reveal; and even then it is a case of 'I think this might have happened' rather than certainty. The cast impresses, most obviously Julia Ragnarsson who does a fine job as Vera. Six episodes in length it doesn't feel rushed, nor does it ever drag. The setting is great; the flashback scenes beautifully captured the languid feel of childhood summers years ago. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of Scandinavian drama.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
An action packed origins story
'Mad Max: Fury Road' introduced the character Imperator Furiosa this film shows how she came from the Green Place, an isolated community with fresh water and abundant crops. She is captured in the desert but refuses to give the location of the Green Place to Dementus, the leader of the gang who capture her. Later, given warlord Immortan Joe, she escapes his harem and, disguised as a boy, works her way up till she is riding alongside Praetorian Jack on a giant 'war rig'... this will ultimately bring her face to face with Dementus and she will seek her revenge.
I really enjoyed this film; it may have been two and a half hours long but it didn't feel like it. There was action from start to finish with only the briefest of pauses to advance the plot. The action was exciting although some of the CGI was a bit too obvious unfortunately. Anya Taylor-Joy did a great job as the adult Furiosa and Alyla Browne impressed as the younger Furiosa. The rest of the cast did an impressive job playing their suitably over the top characters. As one would expect from a film set in the world of 'Mad Max' there are lots of impressive post-apocalyptic vehicles that look great charging through the desert as their drivers try to kill each other. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to anybody who enjoyed previous 'Mad Max' films or action fans in general.
Survival Island (2002)
Demon Island
When an isolated Central American tribe is beset by misfortune a piñata is created; in it are sealed the community's sins. It is then floated into the sea. Sometime later a group of US college students are celebrating Cinco de Mayo on an uninhabited island. As part of a treasure hunt random boys and girls are handcuffed together and must find as many items of underwear, which have been placed round the island, as possible. Inevitably one couple finds the cursed piñata and tries to break it... naturally this proves to be a fatal mistake as it comes to life and starts killing the students.
It must be stated that this film is not good; the plot is silly and, apart from the fact that the monster is a killer piñata, fairly unoriginal. The effects aren't great and the monster is clearly of the man-in-a-rubber-suit variety. The acting, which includes a few familiar faces, is adequate. Given that the male lead is played by Nicholas 'Xander from 'Buffy' Brendon one can't help but think this idea would have been rejected out of hand if suggested for that show. On the plus side it is gory at times. Given the silliness of the central idea it would have been better if the makers had made it funnier and trashier but unfortunately they played it straight so any laughs are accidental. Overall this is not good; something for connoisseurs of poor, low budget horror to laugh at with a few friends after several beers.
The Turkish Detective (2023)
An enjoyable cop show in an interesting location
This series, inspired by the books of Barbara Nadel, is set in Istanbul. Mehmet Suleyman, who was born in Turkey but lived in London, has returned to become a detective in the local police force. He serves under Inspector Cetin Ikmen and alongside Detective Ayse Farsakoglu. It soon becomes apparent that Hehmet had a specific reason to return to Turkey; his ex-girlfriend, an investigative journalist, was seriously injured in a hit and run incident... he is convinced that it was no accident. This private investigation continues in the back ground while the police investigate a variety of other crimes, these are each wrapped up in a two episode long story.
I really enjoyed this series. In many ways the two part mysteries are typical 'Saturday night crime drama' but the Istanbul location gives it a freshness. When I started watching I assumed Mehmet was the titular 'Turkish Detective' but Inspector Ikman is at least as important to the stories. Characters speak a mix of English and Turkish; perhaps not realistic but acceptable as the writer is English and the production American. The use of Some Turkish reminds us where we are... if that was necessary given the numerous scenes featuring the Bosporus and the Hagia Sophia in the background. The characters are interesting, especially Inspector Ikman and the cast do a solid job bringing them to life. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of easy going murder mysteries looking for something a little different; I hope we get further series.