And I should add...well acted, believable script and great locations. I love to see the more mature actors being given roles into which they can get their teeth. This really should be renewed and be a regular feature. I would say that everything about it was a delight and, truthfully, the plot strands came together convincingly and with no strain. Each character had enough backstory to make them well rounded without it ever being intrusive and disruptive of the main narrative. I also love the blend of comedy and thrills. I can't grasp how people criticise "shifts in tone " like it's a bad thing. This pulls it off admirably.
Reviews
11 Reviews
Beyond Paradise
(2023– )
We loved it
26 February 2023
We love these well plotted and amusing crime series. The acting is nuanced, the script witty and it's an ideal length. At around an hour it's long enough to have enough plot without being convoluted. The cast are a good blend of cynical, open, sincere and honest. There's also an emotional subplot that fits neatly. None of it jars.
We've never watched Death in Paradise so can't say how it does or doesn't measure up in that respect. Kris Marshall is convincing as an eccentric police officer and the rest of the actors based at the police station are also entertaining.
So, please don't cancel this after one series. Let's keep it going to find out where it might take us.
We've never watched Death in Paradise so can't say how it does or doesn't measure up in that respect. Kris Marshall is convincing as an eccentric police officer and the rest of the actors based at the police station are also entertaining.
So, please don't cancel this after one series. Let's keep it going to find out where it might take us.
Professor T
(2021– )
Brilliant TV sleuthing
30 October 2022
I love the acting, the script and the blend of humour, plot and through narrative. It's a modern take on murder mystery, this is enhanced by the shifts in tone. I don't find shifts in tone a negative. This unique blend of shifting tones makes the programme unique and very special and watchable.
My favourite cast members are Ben Miller and Frances de la Tour as his mother. Their interactions and deft, emotionally accurate and amusing. That being said, all the actors are fabulous.
I also like the blend of British and Belgian sensibilities and aesthetics.
So, let's have it renewed for season 3. Come on, be brave, it's great TV.
My favourite cast members are Ben Miller and Frances de la Tour as his mother. Their interactions and deft, emotionally accurate and amusing. That being said, all the actors are fabulous.
I also like the blend of British and Belgian sensibilities and aesthetics.
So, let's have it renewed for season 3. Come on, be brave, it's great TV.
A unique entertainment
15 October 2022
We need more like this. Well acted, witty script, plot inventiveness. Amusing and entertaining.
It's a unique proposition. It's Nordic but not too dark and it has, overall, an English sensibility.
I've thoroughly enjoyed it and really hope more will be made.
The two lead actors complement each other well both in acting style and character....they are polar opposites and yet they gel together.
There's no doubt it's Scandi Noir in origin but it's genesis is more tongue in cheek Agatha Christie. Overall, it's a unique addition to the genre. If more aren't made the producers will choke off a modern classic. By the way, I have no problem with dry humour.
It's a unique proposition. It's Nordic but not too dark and it has, overall, an English sensibility.
I've thoroughly enjoyed it and really hope more will be made.
The two lead actors complement each other well both in acting style and character....they are polar opposites and yet they gel together.
There's no doubt it's Scandi Noir in origin but it's genesis is more tongue in cheek Agatha Christie. Overall, it's a unique addition to the genre. If more aren't made the producers will choke off a modern classic. By the way, I have no problem with dry humour.
Ozark
(2017–2022)
Hugely promising and entertaining
31 July 2017
This is wonderfully well written with well rounded characters and strong ensemble acting. It's too soon to say whether it's another Breaking Bad but so far so very very good. I love the on screen interactions of the two lead characters and it's marvellous to find so many well rounded and fully written female roles. Well done to everyone involved. Oh and it's enlivened with a good dollop of humour. No plot spoilers here. The plot is engaging and well thought out. Enough said. Now that I've watched all the episodes available currently on Netflix I have a challenge for Jason Bateman et al - do not make season 2. As it is, in its season one incarnation, it seems a pretty satisfying whole. All the plot lines are resolved and I don't need to know more. So, let it go Jason, let it go. There's a challenge for you.
Red Sorghum
(1988)
A ravishing metaphor for 20th century China
16 March 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This was broadcast recently on Film 4 in the UK. I hadn't seen it for many years and I'm here to tell you it's an absolute classic in many ways.
It's a wonderfully shot and atmospheric film - as you've come to expect from the director - and it runs a full emotional gamut from youthful exuberance, through growing maturity to angry armed resistance to the Japanese occupation.
The sorghum wine itself, red and glowing, reflects blood, sacrifice, pleasure and pain.
The compositions of the shots, again as you'd expect from this director, are painterly and breath taking. I found myself pausing the live action to fully drink in much of the framing. No martial arts, no special digital effects just glorious film making.
The voice over works well to distance and frame the action - although there's a degree of unreliable narration.
A wonderful film I urge you to see it.
It's a wonderfully shot and atmospheric film - as you've come to expect from the director - and it runs a full emotional gamut from youthful exuberance, through growing maturity to angry armed resistance to the Japanese occupation.
The sorghum wine itself, red and glowing, reflects blood, sacrifice, pleasure and pain.
The compositions of the shots, again as you'd expect from this director, are painterly and breath taking. I found myself pausing the live action to fully drink in much of the framing. No martial arts, no special digital effects just glorious film making.
The voice over works well to distance and frame the action - although there's a degree of unreliable narration.
A wonderful film I urge you to see it.
Lady Dynamite
(2016–2017)
Funny and brave and inventive
18 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
This is brave and inventive television. Netflix has done great work bringing this to the world. Currently the funniest and most verbally dexterous programme around. Very strong ensemble cast. It makes most other comedies look flat footed. There are delights at every turn and not a poor performance or unrealized character anywhere. And then there's the way mental illness is addressed - superb. And the talking dogs? Who doesn't love talking dogs? Especially ones with a sense of humour.The time shifts are well used and although becoming increasingly familiar since Breaking Bad they are used here to enhance the story and fully round out the characters. Let's face it season 1 didn't have enough episodes but there again it can't be easy to maintain this level of narrative and verbal inventiveness.
Roll on season 2
Roll on season 2
Garfunkel and Oates
(2014)
This is a brilliant show
10 March 2016
Of all the inexplicable cancellations and failures to renew of TV shows this is one of the most puzzling. This is one of the most truly creative, intelligent, insightful and funny TV shows ever. Why wasn't it renewed for season 2? I know I'm a bit late saying this but I've only just stumbled across the show on Netflix. Come on Netflix pick up the baton - fund it! Make season 2! Catch up folks and watch this show. It's brilliant. The song writing is inspired and funny. The script is literate (in a good way) and funny. The acting of the two stars is spot on and funny. The guest stars are note perfect and funny. There aren't many shows out there with the continued level of inventiveness and wit of Garfunkel and Oates.Someone please make season 2.
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