janemoran-duncodin

IMDb member since December 2007
    Lifetime Total
    5+
    IMDb Member
    16 years

Reviews

Beyond Paradise
(2023)

Lovely scenery, great characters
I wasn't sure what to expect when this Death in Paradise spin-off began. However, I really enjoyed it. The scenery, set around Looe in Cornwall, is beautiful and the characters old and new are fabulous. I particularly love the young constable who is always trying to prove himself and nearly always comes up with a key piece of information. Barbara Flynn is sublime as always.

It deals with a real problem for middle aged couples who get together later and want to have children, it manages to move the viewer without being too heavy. I loved the sub plot with Martha's old boyfriend, very Bridget Jones.

I watched it again over the summer and I really recommend it.

Whitstable Pearl
(2021)

Read the books, they are much better
Having read some of these mysteries beforehand, I was really looking forward to this series. You always expect some changes, but neither of the main characters bear any resemblance to the characters in the books in appearance or character. The tv version used a few things from the books, Frances Barber is good as Pearl's mother. I don't dislike either Kerry Godliman or Howard Charles, I have seen them both in other things and they have been very good, but they are totally wrong for these roles. The series doesn't use enough of the original stories either, which are actually very good. I don't understand why?

Honestly, read the books by Julie Wassmer, they are much better.

NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service
(2003)

Still a very entertaining show
I've watched NCIS right from the beginning and still find it very entertaining and watchable. Given some of the dross that I wade through to find something good to watch I wonder at all the people who comment on this board who are desperate for this show to end. What are they watching that's so much better? It is a very good ensemble cast and although that has changed over the years, it's still an interesting mix of people. I did wonder how it would be after the Gibbs character left, as he felt so integral to the show, but I didn't need to worry as Gary Cole is doing a great job. It's a different show to the original, but still going strong in my opinion, I look forward to it every year.

NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service: The Helpers
(2022)
Episode 13, Season 19

Salisbury Novichok
This episode very much reminded me of the Salisbury Novichok attack in my country, by agents of the Russian government. In that case the nerve agent was contained in a perfume dispenser and in this a flask. Very well acted by Jimmy and Kasie.

My Dad's Christmas Date
(2020)

A heartwarming Christmas film about love and loss
I really really enjoyed this film, it reminded me slightly of The Descendents in that it's about family relationships and how they survive after a huge loss. There are some sad moments, but it's tackled with a light hand and some of the comedy is laugh out loud funny. It is set in the beautiful City of York at Christmas. I know York really well and it was fun spotting different parts of the town. It's not a rom com, it's more of a comedy drama.

Instinct
(2018)

Interesting dynamic
I really like the chemistry between the two lead actors, plus there is no boring strung out will they won't they scenario going on. It will be interesting to see how their story plays out. The episodes are well written and witty, with excellent supporting cast members. I love Alan Cumming, as always he adds so much value and interest to the characters he plays. And of course the ever fabulous Naveen Andrews has a cameo in most of the episodes. Of course, there are similarities to other series, but nothing is ever completely new. This definitely has more than enough to keep me looking forward to the next episode.

The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair
(2018)

I never give a ten rating
I came into this series with quite low expectations, after reading some early reviews, it was the fact that Ben Schnetzer was in it that drew me in. I never give a ten rating usually, but I can't find anything I don't like about this programme. The acting is great, even the minor characters are well cast. I haven't read the book it's based on, so I can't comment on how it translates. However in my opinion, the story is completely absorbing and well written. Special mention for the cinematography, beautiful and so many subtle touches that add to how the ongoing story unfolds. I have recommended this series to all my friends and they have not been disappointed. I can't remember when I have enjoyed a programme as much as this one. PS Ben Schnetzer is brilliant of course and I am not his mother btw!

Hinterland
(2013)

Brilliant Welsh Noir detective series
I can't remember when I have enjoyed watching a series so much. Nothing is laid on a plate for you it's very complex and absorbing to watch. Each story is complete in itself but moves on the main story of the lead detectives Tom Mathias and Mared Rhys. Hopefully as we are to get another series we will find out some more about the others in the team as well. The details of the main characters in the team are gradually revealed to the viewer and I love the way the camera is used to show you things about the characters without any words...show don't tell. So refreshing to see such excellent writing as well. 10 stars well deserved!

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