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svensk-fiolspel
And, sorry, I'm not really Swedish. (I wish, though.)
Reviews
Fellow Travelers (2023)
Moving, entertaining, wonderful production
Toroughly enjoyed episode 1. Jonathan Bailey and Matt Bomer are simply wonderful. Jonathan Bailey, as always, is especially magnetic, wtih an impeccable American accent. Matt Bomer is also very solid, and the chemistry between the two leads is undeniably strong. The whole production is tied together very well with the back-and-forth flashbacks and the historical backdrop of various events of the 20th century. The supporting cast, who I was not familar with before, also do a great job. The music, costumes and sets are very enjoyable as well, especially for any fan of history. Can't wait to see more of this.
Love in a Cold Climate (2001)
I am literally confused
I have not read the novels but have heard of them, and thought I would enjoy this as period dramas are usually my cup of tea. But I was seriously confused from the first minute and never stopped being confused thereafter. I don't understand the plot, I don't understand the characters and their motivation and more importantly I don't understand half the dialogue as the characters mumble, make obscure references and jokes and are just generally incomprehensible. And it's not for lack of being used to British accents; as I said, period dramas are usually my cup of tea. I can only conclude that this production was designed exclusively for ardent lovers of the books who already understand what's going on, and that little effort, if any, was invested in making it accessible to everyone else. I only laboriously made it to the middle of episode 1 and don't know if I'll be able to continue.
New Amsterdam (2018)
Was hooked at first, but lost interest due to massive cheesiness
At first I was totally hooked, and binged through the first five episodes or so of season 1. But the over-the-top cheesiness of the writing becomes more and more obvious with each episode, as does the unrealistic aspect of the medical storylines. I have never worked in the medical field but even to the untrained eye, it is pretty obvious that no real-life workplace can operate the way this hospital supposedly does. Now, of course I don't expect TV shows to be 100% true to real life, but there does come a point where the suspended disbelief becomes hard to maintain. Just once in my life, I would so love to see a TV show that portrays a professional discipline with the least bit of realism... Long story short, I still watch it, but now only half-heartedly. Gone are the episode 1 days when I truly believed, for a moment there, that this could be the reality-based, socially-conscious medical drama to finally take the genre in a brave new direction.
Lovesick (2014)
Throughly enjoyed this - and so did my boyfriend
A warm, genuine and funny show, with characters you quickly get attached to. What's more, the characters actually come across like real-life people instead of tv people, a very rare achievement for any tv series. Without exaggeration, one of the best series I've seen in recent years.
Damages (2007)
Don't understand the hype
I had heard so many good things about this show, but after watching the first episode, I have to say I don't understand where the hype comes from. First, as a real-life lawyer, I am always exceedingly annoyed at unrealistic or simplistic depictions of the law, and this show has plenty. Second, as another reviewer pointed out, it is very hard to buy that the lead character is a "force to be reckoned with". People keep saying it, but we never actually see anything that could back up that claim. I am usually a fan of Rose Byrne but she really does not project any of the outstanding ambition, guts, intelligence or instinct that we are meant to believe her character has. And if it's not about that, then what about her is so special? Did she have amazing grades in law school? Past experience? We are never told, and therefore have no incentive as a viewer to root for her. In short, the writing and the acting are disappointing, and I can't say that other aspects of the production make up for it either. If you're looking for a worthy follow-up for The Good Wife, this ain't it.
The Marine 5: Battleground (2017)
D-list movie
Caught this randomly at midnight on a regional tv channel. What you would expect if you don't expect much: Violence, gore, bad lines, clichés, and guns everywhere.
A Simple Favor (2018)
This was great! Don't understand the 6.8 rating!
Thoroughly entertaining, equal parts comedy and thriller. And personally, I did not expect any of the numerous twists in the story.
Persuasion (2007)
So bad
Everything has already been said in other reviews: terrible, cringe-worthy acting (even from Sally Hawkins, who I am usually a fan of, and ESPECIALLY from the actress playing Mary), bad dialogue, weird and unnecessary additions (collarbone scene), and to top it all off a terrible ending. And I'm not just saying this because I'm a fan of the 1995 version. It's definitely better than this version - because nothing can be worse!! - but I'm still waiting for the perfect adaptation of my favorite Austen novel.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016)
Underrated!
I can't believe the awful reviews I've read for this movie. It doesn't revolutionize cinema or anything, but it's fun, it's funny, it's heartfelt, and it's definitely enjoyable even if you've already seen the original. As for everyone saying that it borrows too much from the first film, I imagine these are exclusively professional movie critics who *just* re-watched it prior to viewing the sequel - I don't know about you, but personally, I don't think I even remember half of what happened in the first movie. I mean, it came out 15 years ago for goodness' sake! Anyhow, as an immigrant myself (not from Greece but still), I definitely recognized my family in theirs and found that the updated, 2017 version was thoroughly sweet, funny and enjoyable.
Happy viewing!