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lindsey-19601
Reviews
Endeavour: Terminus (2021)
Cosy but definitely ridiculous
The story is pretty incredible in this one. I kept expecting Ted Rodgers and Dusty Bin to make an appearance.
That aside, I love Endeavour and I'm happy to forgive the story here, it might even be a bit tongue in cheek if we're really giving them the benefit of the doubt?!
It's dark and spooky, cosy being set in the middle of a snow storm, and strangely comforting to watch. I enjoyed the atmosphere and tried my best not to get caught up in the ropey storyline.
Sadly, I couldn't help imagining the suspects off shopping together for their special Jester suits, schlepping around a wet Oxford precinct on a Tuesday afternoon looking for the same suit in 4 different sizes, all set to wreak havoc one wintery night ...
Chivalry (2022)
Really enjoyed this
Some of the reviews for this are really harsh. Yes ok it is a bit of a 'will they, won't they' underneath all the social commentary, but it's intelligent, fast and pretty funny too. Although I agree the ending was unsatisfactory. Really hope there will be a second series.
This Happy Breed (1944)
Wonderful
Honestly I just love this film. The story of a house and a family during the inter war years. It's full of their little dramas and bigger life events but really they're just like us, not much has changed when you strip it all back. And there are lovely little comments like the one from Dad when he says 'I wonder if, when we leave this house, the new people will feel shadows of us left behind.' I often think that. All those people that pass though a house, all those stories and no one ever gets to know them.
A house like that in central london today would be worth £2m+ Open plan, an extension and bi-fold doors across the back... starting a new chapter.
If you like a slice of social history with a few choice Coward comedic snipes thrown in you'll enjoy this one.
Holding (2022)
So confusing
I read the book and loved it. I was really looking forward to this. I could honestly think this was a completely different story. The credits should say 'loosely based on the book by Graham Norton.'
Not only that, it's nonsensical. I just can't follow it. Is it the accents or the screenplay, the script, the direction or well, what is it? Kathy Burke directing too?! It can't be the acting. Brenda Fricker was brilliant in her big scene - hence three stars not one. I thought it was me but I just read a similar review saying it was hard to follow too.
Save your precious time and read the book instead.
Summerland (2020)
Nice afternoon watch
This is really pretty. The acting is good enough to distract from the (many) historical inaccuracies. Tom Courtenay is wonderful as ever, just love him. The plot is probably predictable but sweet nevertheless. I just couldn't get past the historical issues. Inclusive casting which is obviously commendable in a modern day setting, was just absolutely not right for this era. A Mixed race, lesbian relationship, mixed race children, black and Asian families all in a rural 1940's England and not one mention made of it. Nope sorry. Nice idea but even The Brothers Grimm would have struggled to make that believable. It would have been an issue in the modern day 1975 setting let alone the parochial 1940's countryside.
There was way too much sugar in the bowl, chips for tea - how much lard on ration?! - radio in the car (unlikely), petrol on ration, 'jewel bright' woolly hats for each child presumably to lift the wardrobe gloom... hmmm.. I guess we're supposed to look past all that and enjoy the story. Worth a rainy Sunday watch but be ready for a degree of artistic license.
A Call to Spy (2019)
Mediocre
The subject matter is obviously compelling but the drama here isn't. There are so many more depictions of SOE stories worthier than this one. Carve her name with Pride is an excellent place to start if you have an interest and is utterly heartbreaking. The true stories of the women was incredible but I wasn't blown away by the story telling here.
The film was quite clearly not filmed in England and some of the locations, for example the home of Noor's Mother were so middle America it looked silly. Which is a shame actually because the wardrobe, hair and make-up were convincing.
Motherland (2016)
A window into my soul!
I just love this. Laugh out loud stuff and just perfectly observed. All the horrors of the school gates right here. Anna Maxwell Martin is a dream, I love her! Enjoy x