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Reviews
Beyond Paradise (2023)
Doc Martin without the humor
A fun Cornwall based drama with good scenery and decent acting save for the actress that plays Martha. She was bad in Saint Marie and her acting did not improve upon returning across the pond. She is definitely the weak point of the entire series. Humphrey is well, himself, bumbling and intelligent. His Sargent is a very believable character with lines well delivered. The writers would do well to expand on her time before the camera and send Martha anywhere away from the action. A seaside village provides a scenic backdrop to the lightweight crime drama that brings just enough intrigue for the average armchair sleuth.
After Life (2019)
British Life
Meaningful and introspective, dark and humorous, scary and uplifting. Ricky can make me laugh and cry in the same episode, same scene for that matter. As an American that has never been to the UK thank you for the glimpse into typical British life. Easy to say Ive never seen anything remotely similar (and likely never will). Certainly sad to see it end , could have had me hooked for many more seasons. But just like life, the show ran its course, did its best while it was here and now its gone. Ricky's humor was great, notable as well was his wife, his not girlfriend, his bench sharer , well and most of the supporting cast.
The Gulf (2019)
Jess is horrible
Not a bad series, but i dont know who to hate more the terrible lead actress playing Jess or the idiot who cast her. 7 or 8 stars if a better actress could have been found. How could any producer or director watch the first takes and not demand she be replaced? I take it for what it is and understand its not high budget but im sure Aukland community theater has a more suitable performer. Watch it if you are running our of options and want some NZ scenery. And i agree with the other reviewers on the underwater car accident flashbacks being overplayed. Good luck getting past Jess, if you do you will find the series palatable.
The Five (2016)
Dont waste nine hours of your life
The beginning was ok as the viewer is sucked into this mini series that should have been a two hour movie. Then we are bored along for four episodes as the weak plot unfolds. Slade is a great character and well portrayed, but he is the exception. Really just a daytime hallmark video with a little crime sprinkled in.
Sorjonen (2016)
Cant get past the dubbing
The english voice actors and english script are horrendous. I might really enjoy this if i could hear the Finnish spoken and read the subtitles.
Safeguard: An Electoral College Story (2020)
Historical Educational Convincing
I am disapointed, but not surprised by the poor reviews of this documentary by neophytes that still believe America was founded on flawed beliefs and systems that are outdated and unfair. The movie lays out clearly the intellectual compromise that created the "United States" and why the Electoral College is still relevant and necessary. Of course if you dont give a damn about your state's vote, or more likely dont care about the concerns of the electorate in Wyoming or Nebraska, then throw it away and allow LA, Chicago, Houston and NYC, choose presidents. The picture makes the arguments on both sides but clearly shows the popular vote option is the least "fair" and most divisive.
The Victim (2019)
Unique
Not a detective show, but there are detectives, not crime drama, but there is plenty of drama and some crime. Not a murder mystery either, but has both. Hard to classify, but brings interesting perspectives in a short watchable series. Not on a must watchlist for me, but I seriously doubt a person could watch the first episode and not be drawn in enough to sit through, and mostly enjoy, the remainder. Filming is decidedly UK with colors as moods and camera shots coming in from close and awkward angles for effect. Give it a go.