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 June 15Jun 15 by Mike
tv and film topics merged into one

Just in case anyone is interested or likes sci fi horror August 12th is the start of the long awaited (for me) "Alien Earth" TV series on FX. I for one have been fascinated by the Alien movie franchise since Ridley Scott's original way back. The series is written and directed by Noah Hawley the guy who gave us the fabulous "Fargo" TV series.

I watched Children of Men last night - it's worth a look if you haven't already seen it - with Clive Owen taking the lead role it had to be worth watching - never seen him in a bad film yet! It's available on BBCiplayer.

Alien - Earth

anyone caught it yet?

a great first episode be my take, stirred me enough to post about it!

Last series of Resident Alien started Tuesday night with opening music Georgie Fame - Somebody stole my thunder. Strange but not surprising.

7 hours ago, Mike said:

Alien - Earth

anyone caught it yet?

a great first episode be my take, stirred me enough to post about it!

There are two episodes available but I have only watched the first one. It's apparent that Noah has been keen to keep the dynamic and atmosphere the original movie. The set and sound effects will all look very familiar to anyone who has seen the original movie. It also goes without saying that the scare jumps can be quite alarming and probably terrifying to the non converted. For me the story line has not developed enough as yet. But it's clear that the synthetic characters seem to have come to the fore in the opening episode. It's a busy start to the series with Zenamorphs on the loose, spaceships crash landing on earth and Weyland Industries orchestrating in the background. Looking forward to the next one.

Have just watched all ten episodes of a French-Canadian espionage thriller 'classified' on C4 Walter Presents which exceded my expectations. I reckon if knowing the ending I watched it again, i'd find that certain aspects of the plot maybe wouldn't hold water but you can't have everything.

I'm now on series 3 of an Autralian drama called Jack Irish (again on C4) which features Guy Pearce in the lead role - well worth a watch even if the dark humour/quirkyness sometimes gets in the way.

They say that sometimes, you don't choose a film, it chooses you. I've always thought that was tosh until today when wallowing, as usual, in my own personal brand of disolusioned monday-esque lonllness, I discovered (or did it discover me?) Demolition starring Jake Gyllenhall and at last i watched something that, for me anyway, came very close to being perfect.

Just watching Snatch, not the film but the TV Series based on the film. Quite enjoyable watching 3 rogues screw up at every turn.

On 14/08/2025 at 16:22, washlively said:

There are two episodes available but I have only watched the first one. It's apparent that Noah has been keen to keep the dynamic and atmosphere the original movie. The set and sound effects will all look very familiar to anyone who has seen the original movie. It also goes without saying that the scare jumps can be quite alarming and probably terrifying to the non converted. For me the story line has not developed enough as yet. But it's clear that the synthetic characters seem to have come to the fore in the opening episode. It's a busy start to the series with Zenamorphs on the loose, spaceships crash landing on earth and Weyland Industries orchestrating in the background. Looking forward to the next one.

the second episode was a bit of a let down for me, episode 3 out today/tomorrow? see where that goes I guess...

a morning 'yep that looks good to me' trailer

Just started watching series 2 of 'Dark Hearts' on the iplayer.

It's all about a group of French special ops who get caught up in the conflict with Isis/Daish in Iraq.

I'm one and a bit episodes in and this series is shaping up to be every bit as good, and as tense, as the first.

1 hour ago, Damon said:

Just started watching series 2 of 'Dark Hearts' on the iplayer.

It's all about a group of French special ops who get caught up in the conflict with Isis/Daish in Iraq.

I'm one and a bit episodes in and this series is shaping up to be every bit as good, and as tense, as the first.

Haven't started watching the second series yet, but series one was really good. Looking forward to catching up with series two - if it's as good as the first it'll be a massive 👍from me!

Kathryn, it's the best thing that I've watched for a long, long time - it just builds and builds and like all the best series you have to wonder if it's acting or if it's real (and by the way, Tyson, the dog, is superb)

I couldn't agree more with you, it's been brilliant.....have nearly completed the second series.....just wish there was a third series to go on to!

Is anyone watching King & Conqueror? I was really looking forward to it....so much hype but I was a bit disappointed at first...now almost at the end with only 2 more episodes to go & I think it's growing on me at last!

I started watching it but for some reason and despite featuring a number of brilliant actors (eddie marsan included) it just didn't stack up for me.

ok am gonna drop these off topic posts shortly

best if keep the discussion to the actual programmes rather than go down the road of talking/posting the reviews/views on various company's casting policy from elsewhere etc etc, lots of other sites where ya can do that if wish

thanks

mike

Edited August 31Aug 31 by Mike
posts now dropped

anyone catch Thursday Murder Club on Netflix?

after the talk/hype going around expected a lot better

average at best imo

55 minutes ago, Mike said:

anyone catch Thursday Murder Club on Netflix?

after the talk/hype going around expected a lot better

average at best imo

Great cast , but to me it is a painfully twee parody of all the worst daytime TV detective shows all rolled into one.

A "going through the motions" job for a bunch of great actors that should have known better but just took the cheques and ran ... over-hyped doesn't begin to describe it.

On 19/08/2025 at 10:43, Mike said:

the second episode was a bit of a let down for me, episode 3 out today/tomorrow? see where that goes I guess...

a morning 'yep that looks good to me' trailer

I don't know if you have continued to watch Alien Earth? But just to update Episode 5 is basically a mini movie of what occurred on the "Maginot" prior to it crashing landing on earth. It's basically a replica take of "Alien" the movie of how the crew fort off the zenamorphs with other nasties thrown in for good measure. The whole episode is a rollercoaster ride of terror, fright jumps and jeopardy. I found it most entertaining and true to Scott's take on the franchise. Ridley made a seminal movie and Noah has done it proud in this episode at least. How it all ends comes to a TV series conclusion is going to be fascinating to watch.

On 26/08/2025 at 10:34, Damon said:

Just started watching series 2 of 'Dark Hearts' on the iplayer.

It's all about a group of French special ops who get caught up in the conflict with Isis/Daish in Iraq.

I'm one and a bit episodes in and this series is shaping up to be every bit as good, and as tense, as the first.

I've just finished watching Dark Hearts - it was absolutely brilliant! Very tense & every bit as good as series1 - massive 👍from me. Tried to manage without the subtitles but my French isn't quite good enough for that .....

Glad you enjoyed it Kathryn - I'll be watching the rest when I'm back from holiday and I'm really hoping that Sab gets out safely (don't tell me if she doesn't - I couldn't bear it)

14 hours ago, Damon said:

Glad you enjoyed it Kathryn - I'll be watching the rest when I'm back from holiday and I'm really hoping that Sab gets out safely (don't tell me if she doesn't - I couldn't bear it)

No spoilers from me - but that last episode was absolutely GRIPPING - proper edge of the chair stuff!

Edited September 7Sep 7 by Kathryn Magson

On 30/08/2025 at 17:56, Kathryn Magson said:

Is anyone watching King & Conqueror? I was really looking forward to it....so much hype but I was a bit disappointed at first...now almost at the end with only 2 more episodes to go & I think it's growing on me at last!

I watched it all over a couple of days. As a piece of drama it was good. But there was more rewriting of history than you get on the Northern Soul scene. No one dies when, where or how they should, bits made up etc etc. I don’t know why because as a period in history it was brutal with so much happening you don’t need to embellish or make things up.

2 hours ago, Chalky said:

I watched it all over a couple of days. As a piece of drama it was good. But there was more rewriting of history than you get on the Northern Soul scene. No one dies when, where or how they should, bits made up etc etc. I don’t know why because as a period in history it was brutal with so much happening you don’t need to embellish or make things up.

1 hour ago, Chalky said:

I don't mind all the rose tinted stuff Karl as long as it doesn't affect the drama. I have 3 other series on the go at the moment so I'll start it after I've finished one of them.

You're Northern Soul reference made me laugh,😂

Edited September 7Sep 7 by Jessie Pinkman

It wasn't just rose tinted, completely made up some of it. Some of the deaths were not how they actually happened. Tell it often enough and it becomes truth, there is like I said no need. It was a rich period for drama as it was without the need to make it up. Hopefully it will encourage some to go and research and find what really happened.

Edited September 7Sep 7 by Chalky

I watched the final episode of I Fought The Law last night - a 4 part drama on ITVX - based on fact & well worth watching. Thankfully I never found myself in Ann Ming's position, but if I had I would like to think I'd have shown the guts & determination that she did. Well done Ann Ming! 👏👏👏👏

Love Has Won, The Cult of Mother God on Sky documentaries left me amazed at the nonsense people could believe to be true. I found it to be frightening and laughable at the same time that any sane person could seriously believe some of the things the people in the cult took to be true. I couldn't figure out whether three of the people involved went along with the whole thing because it gave them an easy life but they all seemed to actually have complete conviction that Amy Carlson was indeed God and was guided by amongst other "galactic's" Robin Williams . I found it hard at times to take any of them seriously but it was a fascinating insight into the workings of a cult.

April skies - currently available on prime (or it was a week ago) and for my money one of the best films i've ever seen.

I don't want to give too much away but it covers every human emotion - joy, happiness, anger, guilt, shame, triunph and despair - through three separate stories, one set in Paris, the second in Stockholm and the third in Iceland.

Outstanding cinema in every sense and I don't mind admitting that for the last half an hour, I was a pathetic, emotional mess.

Edited September 9Sep 9 by Damon
poor grammar

Just started watching the new series "Task" with Mark Ruffalo , and a very good opening episode it was too.

On 05/09/2025 at 20:29, washlively said:

I don't know if you have continued to watch Alien Earth? But just to update Episode 5 is basically a mini movie of what occurred on the "Maginot" prior to it crashing landing on earth. It's basically a replica take of "Alien" the movie of how the crew fort off the zenamorphs with other nasties thrown in for good measure. The whole episode is a rollercoaster ride of terror, fright jumps and jeopardy. I found it most entertaining and true to Scott's take on the franchise. Ridley made a seminal movie and Noah has done it proud in this episode at least. How it all ends comes to a TV series conclusion is going to be fascinating to watch.

thanks for that, had half given up on it

but after reading your post made a determined effort to catch up and watch this episode

a great episode, over a hour long and as you say most entertaining

they should have made this the opening episode and sacked off episode 2

I’ve started watching king n conqueror seen to episodes will try to see it through but as some of the comments before me, I can’t for the life of me understand why they don’t tell the story as it is, I’m pretty well read up the historical facts and the true story it has more in the true story than you could ever add with any kind of fiction , Treachery, Jealousy, battles, could’ve been told the way it was been goon entertainment, and a great historical lesson at the same time.

ML

18 hours ago, Hooker1951 said:

I’ve started watching king n conqueror seen to episodes will try to see it through but as some of the comments before me, I can’t for the life of me understand why they don’t tell the story as it is, I’m pretty well read up the historical facts and the true story it has more in the true story than you could ever add with any kind of fiction , Treachery, Jealousy, battles, could’ve been told the way it was been goon entertainment, and a great historical lesson at the same time.

ML

On 07/09/2025 at 18:16, Chalky said:

It wasn't just rose tinted, completely made up some of it. Some of the deaths were not how they actually happened. Tell it often enough and it becomes truth, there is like I said no need. It was a rich period for drama as it was without the need to make it up. Hopefully it will encourage some to go and research and find what really happened.

it all started to go wrong with that Brian Clough film

19 hours ago, Mike said:

it all started to go wrong with that Brian Clough film

Hi Mike

You never know, they might end up making a series where Brian Clough wins the battle of Hastings , there are enough clowns who would believe it, and he shot the arrow that took Harold’s eye, LoL,

Mick L

Just binge watched the 3rd series of The Newsreader, Australian drama set obviously in a news room which is showing on the Beeb.. Set in the 80's stories revolve around actual events and how the fictional station covers them and the relationships therein of the station staff. All three series available on i player.

I'm watching Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams - season 3 (BBC1 at the mo & also on BBCiplayer) & it's every bit as good as seasons 1 & 2. Hats off to the guy for his efforts with kids that have been excluded from schools - struggling with everyday life & were heading down the wrong path. Society would have written them all off as no-hopers, but Freddie has patience, understanding & enthusiasm in bucketloads - he manages to turn rebellious teenagers into an enthusiastic, functioning cricket team with hopes, dreams & ambitions to do things & go to places they'd never even dreamed of.

Well done Freddie Flintoff - my hero!👏👏👏

Edited September 16Sep 16 by Kathryn Magson

I absolutely loved the first one, the trailer looks great for the the next, I can't wait,

On 16/09/2025 at 10:11, Kathryn Magson said:

I'm watching Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams - season 3 (BBC1 at the mo & also on BBCiplayer) & it's every bit as good as seasons 1 & 2. Hats off to the guy for his efforts with kids that have been excluded from schools - struggling with everyday life & were heading down the wrong path. Society would have written them all off as no-hopers, but Freddie has patience, understanding & enthusiasm in bucketloads - he manages to turn rebellious teenagers into an enthusiastic, functioning cricket team with hopes, dreams & ambitions to do things & go to places they'd never even dreamed of.

Well done Freddie Flintoff - my hero!👏👏👏

Have binge watched and yes the 3rd series of Field Of Dreams is fab.

Agreed Flintoff has done fabulous with the kids.

Have to say young Presley seems like a lovely young lad and so enthusiastic. Really wish him good luck for his future life.

Edited September 17Sep 17 by Richard

Blue Lights - Season 3 (BBC1 & also on BBCIplayer) is every bit as good as series one & two - it just has to be the one of best cop dramas I've ever seen! Set in Northern Ireland - it's well-acted, gritty, tense, edge-of-the-seat, nail-biting stuff - but also with a very human touch too. Definite 👍👍👍from me!

Edited October 4Oct 4 by Kathryn Magson

23 hours ago, Kathryn Magson said:

Blue Lights - Season 3 (BBC1 & also on BBCIplayer) is every bit as good as series one & two - it just has to be the one of best cop dramas I've ever seen! Set in Northern Ireland - it's well-acted, gritty, tense, edge-of-the-seat, nail-biting stuff - but also with a very human touch too. Definite 👍👍👍from me!

Just finished binge-watching Blue Lights - WHAT A FNALE!!!! Gripping or what??👏👏👏👏

French series The Intruder BBC 4 started last night, nervy stuff, Lou's exclaimed "oh no" countless times, excellent so far.

Only four episodes watched the final two this afternoon on iplayer. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Edited October 12Oct 12 by Twoshoes
Extra info

A midweek visit to see

One Battle After Another

Most enjoyable was the verdict, parts was getting Civil War, Baby Driver and 1917 vibes

Say it's one of those a 'must watch at the cinema for best effect' unless you have a 300 inch tv

A bit lengthy at 2 hr 30 but only looked at watch the once

Any recommendations for films currently doing the cinema rounds ?

On 12/10/2025 at 16:54, Mike said:

Any recommendations for films currently doing the cinema rounds ?

agree, trying to get a midweek thing going for these dark nights,, but nothing really grabs either of us for this week, maybe next week...