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msredsonia
Reviews
Pontypool (2008)
If you like tension and pace, don't bother with this one
I managed about 50mins and then I really could not be bothered to watch any more. I just didn't care what happened. And that is rare for me not to get to the end of a film. There was no character development, just actors with lines. Yes it's different but lacks any atmosphere or drama whatsoever. I liked the concept of language or in particular certain words being the trigger for the change in people and was looking forward to a master script with lots of articulate dialogue. Sadly it was just boring and not very plausible. This is not a horror film - maybe it doesn't profess to be, but that's how it's 'sold'. So if you want some excitement, tension or the good old fashioned creeps you're looking in the wrong place.
Sons of Anarchy (2008)
Why cant they make stuff this good in the UK??
It's not often a show comes along where you cannot find fault but this one nails it! I stumbled across it through a friend as we only get the mainstream shows in the UK (you cant even get the DVD over here!)and I never thought I'd be interested in a drama about a gun-running motorcycle club but it's so well executed that I couldn't help but get hooked! The characters are complicated, unpredictable and totally believable (the casting is spot on). You don't always agree with the decisions they make or like the things they say and do but it's so well thought out that you just get pulled into the world of SAMCRO. Season 2 has already opened with a great storyline and I'm enjoying it even more than season 1.
Being Human (2008)
Hammy!
The first episode of the first season has just been aired on BBC and it was... OK.
Good points: The script was quite witty; the actor that plays Mitchell is great and a big improvement on the last one in the pilot aired in 2008; and it was nicely filmed with a great quirky styled house for the main setting.
Now the bad points: Why did the BBC not replace the werewolf actor? He really hams it up with a kids TV approach to acting. Yes he is supposed to be sensitive and self-effacing but he ends up sounding as if he's doing voice over for Disney! Also I preferred the original Annie, despite Lenora Crichlow being a better known face and certainly not a bad actor, I just don't believe her as a ghost! But perhaps if they have filmed the episodes in sequence she will settle into the role.
Lastly, yet again British sci-fi and fantasy dramas embarrass themselves with their outdated unsophisticated special effects. When George makes his change into the wolf it just looked like a plasticine model turning into the wolf from Neverending Story. British program-makers, producers and broadcasters really should take a look at the American shows like Supernatural and True Blood for how it's done, as they are miles ahead in terms of a slick and polished production. Plus they pay the script writers well and get the best! And I would advise the makers of Being Human to check out the Underworld trilogy for a few clues on how to deal with Werewolf CGI.
Apparitions (2008)
Intelligent and compelling
This is a 6 part series following Father Jacob, a somewhat maverick priest performing exorcisms against the wishes of his superiors, who believe it is an antiquated practice that brings the church into disrepute. The series develops as the episodes go on, with the introduction of his secretary, Sister Ruth who provides the role of the disapproving sceptic; and with interesting and unpredictable cases that Father Jacob becomes involved in. These are interwoven with the continuing story of Michael, an ex soldier who succumbs to demons. Throughout, the series explores the subject of faith and raises interesting questions, tackling some difficult subject matter without actually imposing any ideal on the viewer. I hope they make another series!