A new intro to our recently merged media talk topic

A place for both film/movie and tv tips, watch outs, don't bothers and so on and on...

Enjoyable worthwhile discussion being the aim.. 

Edited Sunday at 09:564 days by Mike
tv and film topics merged into one

Malpractice on ITV on Sunday's, which i thought was excellent.....5 episodes in total.

Finished watching The Diplomat. Rather mixed opinions about it, to be honest. Our lady diplomat is clumsy, socially inept, doesn't like public speaking, has a love-hate relationship with her husband, goes around looking like she buys her clothes at M&S, and perpetually needs to brush her hair - things that do not make her the ideal candidate as US ambassador at the Court of St James.

However, politically she's exceptionally effective, which is her saving grace.

While I like the political drama and intrigue, I'm not keen on just about everyone - herself and husband included - having relationship dramas. It seems the plot of the show runs from the political part to the relationship part and back again repeatedly throughout every episode. It's a poor person's Borgen. I give it 6/10.

That reminds me – not yet seen series 4 of Borgen. Must get on to that.

The Netflix Luther film is a real disappointment compared with the series', which I thought were fabulous. You really have to suspend your belief as the story disappears into a James Bond/Bourne territory. A real shame, especially as the series creator Neil Cross is involved

Has anyone seen The Night Manager on Netflix? Is it worth watching?

22 minutes ago, Soulfusion said:

The Netflix Luther film is a real disappointment compared with the series', which I thought were fabulous. You really have to suspend your belief as the story disappears into a James Bond/Bourne territory. A real shame, especially as the series creator Neil Cross is involved

Has anyone seen The Night Manager on Netflix? Is it worth watching?

The only good thing about it was that it should have killed off once and for all the ridiculous notion that Mr Elba would make a good successor to Mr Craig as you know who. 

The character that made Luther so watchable was Ruth Wilson's delightfully deranged Alice.

"Whitehouse Plumbers" is well worth watching.

On 09/05/2023 at 11:22, Amsterdam Russ said:

Finished watching The Diplomat. Rather mixed opinions about it, to be honest. Our lady diplomat is clumsy, socially inept, doesn't like public speaking, has a love-hate relationship with her husband, goes around looking like she buys her clothes at M&S, and perpetually needs to brush her hair - things that do not make her the ideal candidate as US ambassador at the Court of St James.

However, politically she's exceptionally effective, which is her saving grace.

While I like the political drama and intrigue, I'm not keen on just about everyone - herself and husband included - having relationship dramas. It seems the plot of the show runs from the political part to the relationship part and back again repeatedly throughout every episode. It's a poor person's Borgen. I give it 6/10.

That reminds me – not yet seen series 4 of Borgen. Must get on to that.

half way thru, yeah the 'relationship' bit grates a bit, and has lead to some hard to believe scenes , as in the fight and kidnapping ones, enjoying the rest as in  'the political drama and intrigue', I'd give it a 8/10

On 10/05/2023 at 12:43, Soulfusion said:

The Netflix Luther film is a real disappointment compared with the series', which I thought were fabulous. You really have to suspend your belief as the story disappears into a James Bond/Bourne territory. A real shame, especially as the series creator Neil Cross is involved

Has anyone seen The Night Manager on Netflix? Is it worth watching?

Night Manager was much acclaimed when first shown on the BBC, I'd say it's good enough to at least give it a go

On 10/05/2023 at 12:43, Soulfusion said:

Has anyone seen The Night Manager on Netflix? Is it worth watching?

Did you mean The Night Agent? If so yes worth watching, I enjoyed it - bit daft at times in a US of A kind of way, but fast paced and good fun

On 27/04/2023 at 15:34, Jonko said:

Film of the week for me is "Cairo Conspiracy" .

Saw that a couple of days ago. First half is a bit slow, but the drama and tension builds and the end result is a satisfying movie experience. 7/10

Watched French movie "You resemble me" last night. A most unexpected and very powerful film! Can't say anything really, except to say it's about how the eldest of two young Moroccan sisters living in Paris copes with life after they are taken into care and cruelly given to separate foster families instead of being kept together. 7/10

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15131600/

 

Euronews has compiled a list of what it considers to be the best European films of the 21st century so far. An interesting selection. I've only seen seven of them, so plenty to catch up on.

What about you?

https://www.euronews.com/culture/2023/05/15/celebrating-the-best-european-films-of-the-21st-century 

3 minutes ago, Amsterdam Russ said:

Euronews has compiled a list of what it considers to be the best European films of the 21st century so far. An interesting selection. I've only seen seven of them, so plenty to catch up on.

What about you?

https://www.euronews.com/culture/2023/05/15/celebrating-the-best-european-films-of-the-21st-century 

Seen 13 of those. Most memorable are Raw and Son of Saul.

3 hours ago, Jonko said:

Seen 13 of those. Most memorable are Raw and Son of Saul.

I've also seen 13 of them

I thought Almodovar's "Talk to her" was great but I enjoyed his "The skin I live in " more.

Pans Labyrinth, The lives of others, Son of Saul definitely worthy contenders but no "Parasite". it was No 1 for me.

I've just watched SISU and thought it was the most entertaining, jaw dropping 90 minutes I've had in a long time, 10/10

Edited May 24, 20232 yr by Jessie Pinkman

2 minutes ago, Jessie Pinkman said:

I've also seen 13 of them, I thought "Talk to her" was great but I enjoyed Pedro Almodovar's "The skin I live in " more.

Pans Labyrinth, The lives of others, Son of Saul definitely worthy contenders but no "Parasite". it was No 1 for me.

I've just watched SISU and thought it was the most entertaining, jaw dropping 90 minutes I've had in a long time, 10/10

Sorry I've just noticed they're European Films, that's why there's no Parasite"

4 minutes ago, Jessie Pinkman said:

I've just watched SISU and thought it was the most entertaining, jaw dropping 90 minutes I've had in a long time, 10/10

Same here , just about to start on John Wick : Chapter 4 ... not expecting anything different to the first three barring a higher body count ... 

Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland - the 5 episodes are in BBC Iplayer

I found this a definite 'must watch'

they say don't talk about religion and politics which is what this about, but then again it isn't, it's about the people living through the times of 'The Troubles' Probably better explained here:

https://connect.open.ac.uk/history-and-the-arts/once-upon-a-time-in-northern-ireland

"Contains scenes that some people may find upsetting"

Just binged on all  'Mr Inbetween' series last week, maybe a bit late to the party on that one

'Succession' has improved over the last few episodes imo, the improvement seemed to coincide with switching the subtitles on, have a theory about that, looking forward to the final episode

Enjoying 'The Bear', one episode left to do

 

 

On 24/05/2023 at 13:32, Woodbutcher said:

Same here , just about to start on John Wick : Chapter 4 ... not expecting anything different to the first three barring a higher body count ... 

 

On 24/05/2023 at 13:25, Jessie Pinkman said:

 

I've just watched SISU and thought it was the most entertaining, jaw dropping 90 minutes I've had in a long time, 10/10

thanks for the posts

checked the trailer out and it's now on the schedule for a bit of bank holiday escapism

'Succession' - thought the final episode was everything it should be, a satisfying and enjoyable ending

On 25/05/2023 at 12:49, Simon T said:

Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland - the 5 episodes are in BBC Iplayer

I found this a definite 'must watch'

they say don't talk about religion and politics which is what this about, but then again it isn't, it's about the people living through the times of 'The Troubles' Probably better explained here:

https://connect.open.ac.uk/history-and-the-arts/once-upon-a-time-in-northern-ireland

"Contains scenes that some people may find upsetting"

Spoke to a mate about this show at the weekend. He is a British domiciled Irishman from Belfast who served in the British Army who put his papers in about six months before the first Iraq war. Was "rewarded" with a tour of Northern Ireland to finish his service. He said the show brought back vivid memories due to its accuracy; moving him to tears because of those memories.

"Steeltown Murders" on BBC iPlayer is well put together.

Shane Meadow's latest offering "The Gallows Pole" started tonight on BBC 2 , looks a good'un ... 

And it's got a cracking theme tune too ... 

 

Edited May 31, 20232 yr by Woodbutcher

23 hours ago, Woodbutcher said:

Shane Meadow's latest offering "The Gallows Pole" started tonight on BBC 2 , looks a good'un ... 

And it's got a cracking theme tune too ... 

 

ok caught episode 1, think need to see how episode 2  pans out 

anyone seen the second one yet?

 

Seen all three. Acting doesn't improve, waited for Stephen Graham to come and save the day., unfortunately he did not make an appearance. 3/10 in respect of 'dead man's shoes' Next Wednesday at 9, turn over to ITV and watch the first episode of Manhunt !

Tried again tonight , but to be honest the theme tune's the best bit , gave up after 15 minutes.

Thoroughly unimpressed and disappointed ...  

Came across this article, quite interesting

 

https://www.visitcalderdale.com/the-cragg-vale-coiners-and-the-gallows-pole/

The Bear Season 2

Enjoyed the first season, to me the show got better and better as it progressed

Next season due to start at the end of this month

s

On 02/06/2023 at 08:20, Source said:

The Bear Season 2

Enjoyed the first season, to me the show got better and better as it progressed

Next season due to start at the end of this month

s

This one slipped by me unnoticed ... thanks for the post , just started S1 ... pretty much "Kitchen Confidential" and a pretty realistic interpretation of life backstage of a restaurant ... 

Anyone watching the French thriller I Killed My Husband? Interested in any thoughts as I'm on the verge of giving up due to for me too many unlikely events.

If you liked "Sisu" then you'll probably like another new one in a similar vein ... "Blood & Gold" ... 

Been available for a while but only recently popped up dubbed in English .

Edited June 6, 20232 yr by Woodbutcher

On 06/06/2023 at 19:53, Woodbutcher said:

If you liked "Sisu" then you'll probably like another new one in a similar vein ... "Blood & Gold" ... 

Been available for a while but only recently popped up dubbed in English .

"Law of Tehran" on the BBC I Player, What a wonderful powerful film, I watched it this afternoon.

Basically it's about an Iranian officer hell bent on finding the drug lord who's supplying all the addicts in his district.

The acting is absolutely brilliant by everybody. Just over 2 hours long and it flew by. 10/10

Apologies if covered yrs. ago although it does have 2021 on the release date , 

THEY ALL CAME TO MONTREUX  , currently on the BBC iPlayer channel 4 , 

A 3 part story of the extraordinary world- famous Jazz Festival, and it's beloved founder Claude Nobs .

Watched all 3 episodes last night lots of artists that we all know and love , and wait until the part when they show Claude's record collection , well worth a viewing alone , let alone the Festival.

14 hours ago, Happy Feet said:

Apologies if covered yrs. ago although it does have 2021 on the release date , 

THEY ALL CAME TO MONTREUX  , currently on the BBC iPlayer channel 4 , 

A 3 part story of the extraordinary world- famous Jazz Festival, and it's beloved founder Claude Nobs .

Watched all 3 episodes last night lots of artists that we all know and love , and wait until the part when they show Claude's record collection , well worth a viewing alone , let alone the Festival.

Yes fantastic documentary, watched some of it last Fri - Aretha, Nina Simone, etc - absolutely awesome and some of the best live clips I’ve seen 

15 minutes ago, Chris Turnbull said:

Yes fantastic documentary, watched some of it last Fri - Aretha, Nina Simone, etc - absolutely awesome and some of the best live clips I’ve seen 

I'm not going to spoil it for you but I believe all the footage also came from Claude's collection , has to be seen to be believed ,,,,,

Just started on the long awaited new adventures of Raylan Givens in "Justified : City Primeval" and well worth the wait it was too ... 

And the soundtrack has some very nice unexpected treats running through it  ... https://www.tune-list.com/justified-city-primeval-soundtrack-music/#music_episode1

"Escape at Dannemora" starring Benicio Del Toro, Patricia Arquetta & Paul Dano

Directed by Ben Stiller but definitely not a comedy, It was broadcast in 2018 and well worth seeking out.

Italian crime drama from 2019 "ZeroZeroZero", Gabriel Byrne is the most recognisable actor in it. The action follows a consignment of cocaine from Mexico to Italy and all of the violence that comes with it.

2 hours ago, Woodbutcher said:

Just started on the long awaited new adventures of Raylan Givens in "Justified : City Primeval" and well worth the wait it was too ... 

And the soundtrack has some very nice unexpected treats running through it  ... https://www.tune-list.com/justified-city-primeval-soundtrack-music/#music_episode1

Already got that on my "want to watch" list. 

41 minutes ago, Jessie Pinkman said:

Escape at Dannemora

Not heard of that before, but anything with Benicio Del Toro in it has got to have potential. Will look out for it.

A fabulous documentary on Netflix called "Making a murderer" that follows the unjust IMO arrest of Steve Avery.

It shows how the corrupt Mantovoc County sheriffs department hid evidence, a proper stich up.

I've thoroughly enjoyed all of the Gomorrah the series. I've just 3 more episodes to go of the final season 5, so that will be my late night entertainment for the next 3 nights.

Last series Thursday

 

On 05/09/2023 at 21:21, Mike said:

Last series Thursday

 

I just finished the series the other night, my verdict was 'most enjoyable'

looking for next show

any new 'must watch' recommendations out there?

 

 

55 minutes ago, Mike said:

I just finished the series the other night, my verdict was 'most enjoyable'

looking for next show

any new 'must watch' recommendations out there?

 

 

Mike, I'm halfway through season 2 of FROM described as Science Fiction Horror by the makers. I was late catching on with this series. Some really interesting characters and really good monsters. A big thumbs up FROM me😃  There's a 3rd season planned.

I've recently purchased 4 seasons of BANSHEE on DVD, fantastic entertainment.

And I've picked up a copy of THE NIGHT OF on DVD  starring John Turturro & Riz Ahmed,

an excellent thriller, 8 episodes in all

Top Boy is on my must watch list.

Edited September 13, 20231 yr by Jessie Pinkman

2 hours ago, Jessie Pinkman said:

Mike, I'm halfway through season 2 of FROM described as Science Fiction Horror by the makers. I was late catching on with this series. Some really interesting characters and really good monsters. A big thumbs up FROM me😃  There's a 3rd season planned.

will have a look, sounds promising

2 hours ago, Jessie Pinkman said:

I've recently purchased 4 seasons of BANSHEE on DVD, fantastic entertainment.

And I've picked up a copy of THE NIGHT OF on DVD  starring John Turturro & Riz Ahmed,

saw that a bit back, sucks you in, a great mini-series

2 hours ago, Jessie Pinkman said:

an excellent thriller, 8 episodes in all

Top Boy is on my must watch list.

 

This week I've been mostly watching:

Code of a Killer - 2015

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3847626/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_code%20of%20a

Alec Jeffreys used to be one of my lecturers on genetics. Outside his lab there was a pin board with requests for help that he's new 'DNA'  work might solve; a chap from the USA sent one solitary hair asking if he was related to the Royal Family.

why Professor Sir Alec never got the Nobel Prize is a travesty IMHO.

Jesse

 

This week I've been mostly watching:

Crime

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12759778/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_7_nm_0_q_crime

1 is better than 2 IMO.

Still, like Stephan Graham, anything with Dougray Scott is worth a watch. (Ken Stott too, so isn't going to be bad) He's from Glenrothes where they had a few of those Northern Soul nights, I believe?

Jesse

Edited October 5, 20231 yr by Simon T

Just binged on "The Long Shadow" about the Yorkshire Ripper , very well done by a great cast and the entire contents of ITV's wig collection.

17 minutes ago, Woodbutcher said:

Just binged on "The Long Shadow" about the Yorkshire Ripper , very well done by a great cast and the entire contents of ITV's wig collection.

I was just about to offer that one up. Very good for the fact that it was about the 'people', not the gory details. I found the last 20 minutes is a little hard to watch, shall i kick the screen or have a good bloob, i did both? £40,000, what a ****!

Edited October 5, 20231 yr by Simon T

16 minutes ago, Simon T said:

I was just about to offer that one up. Very good for the fact that it was about the 'people', not the gory details. I found the last 20 minutes is a little hard to watch, shall i kick the screen or have a good bloob, i did both? £40,000, what a ****!

I really want to watch that but am struggling to watch any TV at the moment. Hope they keep it on the player for a few weeks

21 hours ago, Soulman said:

I really want to watch that but am struggling to watch any TV at the moment. Hope they keep it on the player for a few weeks

is a  bell (langley) necessary on a bike?

16 minutes ago, Simon T said:

is a  bell (langley) necessary on a bike?

I believe it's a legal requirement 🙂😀. Not seen her in years. 

The Rat Catcher (2023)

This only about 15 minutes long a well weird, but a fun watch. You’ll never eat liquorish again!

 

Shelter in Solitude (2023)

A death row prisoner with 10 days left to live forms an unlikely bond with a washed up country singer turned prison guard.

Now this is a ‘must watch’ 10/10. It’s not a death row film like ‘dead man walking, the best film I’ve seen for ages.

 

Reptile (2023)

Tom Nichols is a hardened New England detective, unflinching in his pursuit of a case where nothing is as it seems and it begins to dismantle the illusions in his own life.

Far, far too long.  Bored after half an hour and couldn’t care less after an hour.  No likeable characters or decent plot – let’s make two poor films and roll them into one.

 

The Black Book (2023)

After his son is framed for a kidnapping, a bereaved deacon takes justice into his own hands and fights a corrupt police gang to absolve him.

No idea what it is on about. Maybe one for Nigerian film fans?

 

A New Breed of Criminal (2013)

Inspired by Stephen Sayers' rise from the backstreets of Newcastle's West End to the top of the criminal ladder and the authorities subsequent attempt to bring him crashing back down again.

Utter twaddle! Let chance the ‘Mockney’ accents to Geordie. And of course the inclusion of a Kray brother to make it like authentic, like yeah…………avoid

One of my favourite films is DEAD MANS SHOES ,it has a menacing end to it .

..."Brother" is out at min, really enjoyed it and the soundtrack...