Sleepin_Dragon Reviews (14,847)

Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger (2025)

It's nonsense, but good fun.

[7/10 · 13 January 2025]

After his crusade against The Banks, Dave begins his latest project, taking on the pay day loan companies, to do this, Dave calls on the help of an American journalist, named Jessica.

So, we had Gladiator 2, that was the ultimate remake that wasn't needed, and now we have Bank of Dave 2, another remake that didn't need to be made, but whereas Gladiator 2 is awful, Bank of Dave 2 was at least fun, flawed, but fun.

So, it's cobbled together, the romance is a bit daft, and the thought of Dave the crusader battling some sort of crimelord from the other side of the world is for the birds, but who cares, it's fun, and you can't help but adore Rory Kinnear, back as Dave.

It makes you think, adverts for those pay day loans used to be everywhere, now you don't see them, thankfully.

I absolutely loved Chrissy Metz's performance, I thought she was great, she's very charismatic, and has one lovely voice. Amit Shah as always, I really like this guy, seems able to do anything.

A few minor quibbles, firstly, the courtroom scene, which should have been the crowning moment, the big moment of drama, turned into a sixty second, blink and you miss it scene, it was such a shame.

The first one had a streak of reality, this one felt like a work of fiction.

Flawed, but fun.

6.5/10.

I Am a Killer: Defense of Another (2025) Season 6, Episode 3

This one had me conflicted.

[7/10 · 13 January 2025]

Walter Triplett receives an eighteen year sentence for killing Michael Corrado, believing he was about to attack his sister, at a retrial Triplett's sentence is increased to twenty years.

This is the first episode from this series, that has me absolutely stumped, this is the first time I have felt absolutely and totally conflicted, I find it difficult to form an opinion on the case itself.

It's clear Walter was no angel, his record speaks for itself, multiple prosecutions, clearly an angry man, is it possible he was trying to turn his life around, personally I think he was.

Did an innocent man simply get in the way, and end up dying, I genuinely just don't know, it's possible, did Walter purposely set about him, personally I'm not sure.

Could Walter claim racism in his conviction, I'm struggling to see that, the fact that the judge was black, it doesn't make sense, Judges so not allow themselves to be be pushed by a Jury, of any denomination.

One thing that did cause me to stop and think, one comment, one of his own race..... I personally see a degree of racism here.

7/10.

I Am a Killer: A Mother's Choice Pt. 2 (2025) Season 6, Episode 2

The story takes a dramatic twist.

[8/10 · 13 January 2025]

Daniel Lopez admits to other murders, but maintains he did not kill José Menchaca, instead blames Candie Dominguez.

I'm glad this was spread out over two episodes, as it's a complex story, with two strong characters at the centre of the storyline.

In the first episode, they pretty much made out that Candie was an innocent party, rotting in prison because of the evil, twisted Lopez, wow do we get a different take on things in this second part.

Lopez certainly looks the part, with his tattoos and demeanor, he presents as the gangster of the piece, but surely the really menace comes from Candie, who is just emotionless, who knows what she's capable of.

That part where we see Candie's daughter interviewed, I thought that was shocking, surely any parent would watch and be horrified by the lack of emotion, and lack of shock, she described Jose's plight in such a matter of fact way.

Shocking.

8/10.

Love Thy Neighbour: The G.P.O. (1973) Season 3, Episode 1

Eddie's up to his usual antics.

[8/10 · 12 January 2025]

Eddie is irritated when he discovers that Joan has cancelled The TV times, and instead ordered The Radio Times. Bill and Barbie have a phone put in, and discover that they're sharing a party line with Eddie and Joan.

It's an amusing start to the new series, with several funny moments, Eddie's paranoia is great, and that chat about Snow White is hilarious.

Series three looks a little different, Barbie's had a makeover, her and Bill have had the decorators in as well. Nothing has really changed though, there's still the usual dialogue.

Eddie moans about The BBC, saying there's nothing worth watching, and that it's not worth paying the TV licence for, fast forward fifty years, and things haven't changed much, Eddie wants to watch on the buses, and who can blame him.

Such a funny scene, Eddie ranting on about Alf Garnett, he's just as bad, the irony.

I had to Google search what a part line was, that was surprising.

8/10.

Van der Valk: A Sudden Silence (1991) Season 4, Episode 3

Solid, just feels long drawn out.

[6/10 · 12 January 2025]

Van Der Valk and Samson receive a ticking off from government Minister Van Hoorn, who bemoans the growing crime numbers in Amsterdam. At a meeting due to be chaired by Van Hoorn, Van Der Valk learns that the Minister has been gunned down.

It's a decent enough episode, it certainly starts well enough, a very dramatic opening, there's nothing like a bit of gunfire to grip the viewer, and there are one or two moments of excitement, including the shocking second murder, but it's just a bit drawn out and padded in parts. It will have you yawning in the middle.

There are one or two moments of overacting, I'll let you be the judge of who and when.

Several talented actors to watch out for, including Kenneth Cranham and Nicholas Le Provest, worth watching to see Gary Olsen in a straight role, outside of 2.4 Children.

Worth pointing out that it's 1991, you didn't get too many gay characters on TV, so at least this one offers something a little different.

'Bagperson' are we in 2025?

I know I always talk about cars, but I just love them, we owe a lot to The Renault Espace, it may be hideous now, but I wonder it was the blueprint for most of the MPV's of today.

Solid, if unremarkable.

6.5/10.

I Am a Killer: A Mother's Choice Pt. 1 (2025) Season 6, Episode 1

This one's a little different.

[7/10 · 12 January 2025]

Candie Dominguez is behind bars, for her part in the death of her cousin José Menchaca, and whilst it was her boyfriend Daniel Lopez, who actually killed him, under Texan law, Candie was equally culpable for the crime.

I'm a little perplexed as to why this is a two part storyline, I'm intrigued to learn what's revealed in the second part, here though, I'm not sure if Candie is being portrayed as another of Daniel's victims? She certainly deserves a degree of sympathy for her past, pregnant at a young age, a strong of awful men, and yet the one man who offers here any sort of kindness, dies.

Was it a drug deal gone wrong, or is there a lot more to come out? I think the latter.

Up until now, I had never heard of The Texas Mexican Mafia, clearly a grizzly bunch, all with tattoos on their faces, it's a definite look, am not sure anything screams gangster more loudly.

7/10.

I Am a Killer: A Brutal Outcome (2024) Season 5, Episode 6

An interesting episode, criminal denial?

[7/10 · 12 January 2025]

Makueeyapee Whitford attends a party, a pert hosted by a member of a rival tribe, after an apparent disagreement, Whitford leaves, he is followed by John Pierre Jr, and Whitford stabs and kills him.

It's a difficult one, the show's premise states that Amy criminal to be considered for parole, must show a level of acceptance and remorse for their crime, in this instance, zero of either.

How can you go into a supposed rival environment, and claim self defence? Surely if Whitford was aware of an age old rivalry, why would he go into such a place, let alone pull a knife out? It makes absolute no sense at all.

Another angry man, who's anger ultimately results in the death of someone, there has been a definite thread throughout this fifth series.

How on Earth could this man be trusted, when at no point does he even contemplate the fact that he's done something wrong?

7/10.

I Am a Killer: Loved To Death (2024) Season 5, Episode 5

Another product of a tragic childhood.

[8/10 · 12 January 2025]

Having had an abysmal childhood, a drink and drug fuelled Rex Groves kills his grandmother, a woman who had showed him nothing but love, bizarrely he cuddles into her her dead body. Rex longs for contact with his family, but only one member is in touch.

Now who am I to question the wisdom and professional knowledge of an expert, but was that guy serious, he thinks Rex is a normal, functioning individual, I'm sorry I couldn't take him seriously, as someone who's fascinated by people and their behaviour, it seems obvious that Rex is one incredibly troubled individual, his loving brother's words should be enough.

I'm once again conflicted by this one, as it's clear that Rex is a very dangerous man, you can almost see if behind his eyes, but he's a product of his family, the people who should have been responsible for him, failed him, they created this, and it's tragic, his crime though, against someone that gave him the love he craved.

Incredibly sad, but this guy should be getting the help and care that he clearly needs, and on the surface, doesn't seem to be getting.

8/10.

I Am a Killer: If Things Were Different (2024) Season 5, Episode 4

An angry killer trying to find a justification for murder.

[4/10 · 12 January 2025]

Michael Highley kills Paul Harris one night, after a practical joke involving a bicycle goes wrong. Years later Highley comes out as transgender, taking on the name of Ezdeth.

I'm sorry, but this one was an insult to my intelligence and the families, and the bulk of the population I shouldn't wonder, looking for a justification for a heinous crime.

For Highley to try and justify taking a man's life, because for the excuse of being in the wrong body, I'm sorry but it's laughable, all I can see is someone fuelled by anger, and someone who showed zero remorse, with no ability to see the crime from the point of view of the victim's family.

Ezdeth, e z death, are you joking me, are you absolutely joking me, easy death, that is twisted, just shocking, I think it's just insulting to Paul's family.

Paul Harris's mother, you are an incredible woman, oh my days, she's inspirational, to be able to forgive, it's beyond belief.

Self centred, self absorbed, angry, no compassion, my sympathy is with Paul's family.

4/10.

I Am a Killer: Lives Lost (2024) Season 5, Episode 3

This one is hard to watch.

[9/10 · 12 January 2025]

A sixteen year old boy, Higinio Gonzalez is convinced to hold up a store and take the cash, to help a woman in need, there he kills the assistant, but maintains it was accidental.

I am a little hard hearted, but even I have to say, Higinio Gonzalez is one of the most sincere killers I've seen on the show or such like. I get the impression that he does feel a genuine sense of remorse for his act.

The twist at the end came as a real hammer blow, the reality check took my breath away, I honestly think Higinio had created a scenario that was bearable for him to deal with.

If he were to be released, I am certain he'd be a model citizen, unfortunately his sixteen year old self was clearly messed up by a diabolical childhood. I'll be keeping an eye out to see if he's released. Definitely a product of an abusive family, despite having an awesome mother.

Unfortunate his acceptance of guilt goes nowhere towards excusing what he did, it's easy to see the hole his mindless act left in that poor family. Credit to the wife, for her calmness and degree of understanding.

9/10.

Playing Nice: Episode #1.4 (2025) Season 1, Episode 4

Had me on the edge of my seat.

[9/10 · 11 January 2025]

The two couples get their big day in court, to evaluate what's best for Theo and David. A surprise visitor to court threatens to send Miles over the edge.

Excellent, absolutely gripping final episode, this was everything I had hoped for, shocking and dramatic in real measure.

Wow, that Judge really was stupid, but when you see The British Legal system at work, she seems totally plausible.

So, the main question, how do we get back to the dramatic start from episode one? How or why does Theo's yellow cost end up in the water? We do, fortunately get all of the answers, everything is nearly tied up.

Several excellent scenes, the two wives discussing their past and present, and the two dads vying for control of their son.

Four pounds for two cartons of chips, have we gone back to the 1990's?

James Norton, you are one awesome actor it's fair to say.

Excellent.

9/10.

Playing Nice (2025– )

Well worth your time.

[8/10 · 11 January 2025]

Pete and Maddie receive a shock from the hospital, who explain that there was a mix up with their child, that baby Theo was the child of another couple, and their son David, was given to Miles and Lucy, the couples try to work to a solution.

I thoroughly enjoyed this four part series, and despite some of the less than favourable commentary in the press, I think this was an excellent series.

Ignore the negative reviews, I'm not sure some watched this the whole way through.

It's very well paced, emotionally charged and full of tension. It will make you feel angry and stressed, good drama is supposed to make to make you feel, this certainly does that.

Put yourself in the shoes of Pete and Maddie, can you imagine being in their situation, it's a parent's worst nightmare.

I'm not sure why, but this put me in mind of their slick 2 part ITV dramas from the early 2000's, it has that kind of vibe, a time where itv made some really great drama.

Great performances, and arguably it's James Norton who headlines it, but James McArdle perhaps steals it, I haven't disliked a character for such a long time, Miles is a monster. Credit to the two kids also, they do such a good job.

Quality viewing.

8/10.

Playing Nice: Episode #1.3 (2025) Season 1, Episode 3

Life spirals out of control for Pete.

[8/10 · 11 January 2025]

Pete is questioned by The Police, who believe he may have switched the children, worse still for Pete, The Press get hold of the story, and Pete's private journal. Pete fights back, but it's an uphill battle.

So good, a stomach churning third episode, everything goes wrong for poor Pete, it seems as though nothing will go right for him. I hate Miles even more, he's utterly reprehensible. Once again, this made me feel all sorts, anger and frustration mainly.

It highlights exactly this The Press work, how they operate when they've got the scent of a sensational storyline.

Norton is doing a grand job as Pete, he's so down on his luck, zero is going right for him, he deserves a little bit of good fortune, quite literally everything is going wrong for him, if he put bread in the toaster, the electric would go off, if he went snowing, there'd be a heatwave.

Always great to see the excellent Maureen Beattie, quality actress, I wonder if Edith will play a big part in the conclusion.

Not sure how this will conclude.

8/10.

Father Brown: The Battle of Kembleford (2025) Season 12, Episode 1

Good start to the new series.

[8/10 · 11 January 2025]

The locals are celebrating the 500th anniversary of the battle of Kembleford, the locals enjoy a re-enactment put on by the historical society. All attention turns to the murder of Frank Derbyshire, a local man and a historian.

It's great to have Father Brown back, and I'm happy about the one episode a week transmission again, means I can spread this new series out.

It's a very enjoyable start, a good episode, very nicely made, with good characters, a good mystery and some impressive visuals, The BBC still.knows how to pull of a historical drama.

Dennis Lawson was great as Sullivan's controlling father, a cracking actor, he helped give us an insight into why Edgar is the way he is. Tom Chambers definitely suits a moustache and slick back. Good scenes between The good Father and Sullivan's dad, revealing a bit of metal from our crime solving Clergyman.

Brenda is hugely annoying once again, bemoaning the fact that she can't take part, and still pulling those silly faces, just tone it down a little.

7.5/10.

Wheel of Fortune (2024– )

It's not bad, beats several of the other remakes.

[6/10 · 11 January 2025]

I'm the first to have a moan about shows from my childhood being dragged back, given life support and transformed into ghastly shadows of their former selves.

Fortunately they haven't tinkered Hour with the format, it looks very similar to the good old days, of course it's a little fancier around the edges, with a smart new studio, it all comes down to one thing.

Are you a fan of Graham Norton, and do you think his style translates well from talk show host to game show host, you can say at least he's not Alison Hammond, Bradley Walsh or Stephen Mulherne, the trio of default presenters, who appear everywhere.

Personally, I white like Norton, I think he does a decent job. I'm going to take a few points off for the lack of originality, why on Earth can they not come up with anything new and decent?

It beats the awful new Bullseye, put it that way.

6/10.

Love Thy Neighbour: Religious Fervour (1972) Season 2, Episode 6

A funny end to the second series.

[8/10 · 10 January 2025]

Eddie is looking forward to a lazy Sunday morning in bed, however his tranquility is broken, when The Salvation Army appear outside and start playing, much to Eddie's annoyance.

It's a good end to this excellent second series, it's definitely on the zanu side, but made me laugh. I'm not sure I could see Eddie joining The Revivalists, so you do need to suspend your disbelief for this one, even more than usual.

Plenty of funny moments, talk about the missionaries, Jacko' stint in the Jewish faith, and best of all, Eddie and Bill arguing from their bedroom windows.

It's always wonderful to see the delightful Damaris Hayman, much missed, she bad such a varied career, she did a great line in these zany, patrician ladies, great as sister Rachel.

8/10.

Love Thy Neighbour: The T.U.C. Conference '72 (1972) Season 2, Episode 5

A trip to the seaside.

[8/10 · 10 January 2025]

Eddie is excited to be going away for The TUC conference, he's packed his Speedos and aftershave, but is horrified when he learns that Bill is going to the same conference, and sharing a room with him.

It is such a funny episode, fully of funny moments, great to see the two guys spending some time together away from their wives and out of work.

We learn that Eddie is offensive towards everyone, bit just Bill.

Best scene of all, the two men sat on the sofa, discussing their alter egos, Eddie forgetting his name, and Bill replying with 'Lassie,' it's side splitting.

Seeing the women fighting over Bill is a scream, and Eddie's outfit is quite something, it's revolting.

A time where men could make jokes about having husbands, and it not be offensive, those were the days.

8/10.

Playing Nice: Episode #1.2 (2025) Season 1, Episode 2

The fight begins.

[8/10 · 10 January 2025]

Pete and Maddie are stunned when they receive legal documentation, detailing that Miles and Lucy want to go for custody of both Theo and David, a clever Miles has kept details of recent occurrences.

This was a very, very good second episode, I was unsure where it was going, but now it's obvious which way the wind blows, the question is, his dad is Miles going to take things?

I've come across several TV articles, all of which seem to have slated this show, I honestly don't get the criticism, it's a great second episode, drama j supposed to make you feel, this certainly has that, it's made me feel angry.

Miles has surely become the most hated man on TV right now, he's just absolutely loathsomeness, I can't wait to see where he goes, is he just a run of the mill psychopath, or is there more to him?

Who doesn't love a bit of James Norton.

8/10.

Playing Nice: Episode #1.1 (2025) Season 1, Episode 1

A very strong first episode.

[8/10 · 10 January 2025]

Pete and Maddie receive a phone call that changed their lives forever. The Hospital call them in for a meeting, to explain that their baby Theo was mixed up with David, the child of Miles and Lucy. The couples meet to discuss their next steps.

I have no prior knowledge of the story, it seems to have been in the works for ages, I'm glad it's finally on.

It's an impressive first episode, can you imagine being in this position, putting all your love and attention into someone, only to be told the object of your affection is someone else's child.

I can't imagine Miles playing nice for much longer, I'm sure he's going to be the one to change first, he's definitely the ticking timebomb. Pete is blissfully naive it seems.

Gorgeous visuals, they picked some amazing locations, it looks fabulous.

James Norton and co are excellent in this very well acted.

8/10.

I Am a Killer: Lost Innocence (2024) Season 5, Episode 2

Not as straightforward as you first think.

[8/10 · 10 January 2025]

Back in December 2014, Christian Sims of Paris, Texas kills his grandmother, in the eyes of the law he was aided by his girlfriend Ashley Morrison, the pair were found guilty of murder.

The previous episode to me felt black and white, I didn't need persuading one way or another, he was just as guilty as sin, this time though I feel conflicted, talk about the circle of abuse, I cannot help but feel somewhat sorry for Christian, he clearly had a horrendous childhood.

Not sure I believed that Christian's grandmother was abusing him, it somehow doesn't seem very likely.

Such is the quality of the production, that my opinions on both changed as it went on, initially I wondered why Ashley was in prison, thinking she was simply an innocent bystander, by the end I understood.

Once again the laws of Texas are explained, thankfully.

It's very interesting.

8/10.

Love Thy Neighbour: The Bedroom Suite (1972) Season 2, Episode 4

Very funny and original.

[9/10 · 9 January 2025]

After a spot of late night shopping, Joan spots a bedroom suite in the Sale in a shop, a set that Bill and Barbie also have their heart set on, the pair face a battle to be first into the store to get it.

It's a wonderful episode, it's so funny and original, I love the way Eddie tries to cheat his way to victory.

Again it's a plot device that would be repeated on other shows, I'm thinking of You're only young twice, where Flora wants a fur coat, it's worth seeing.

The best moment has to be when Eddie and Bill face off in the furniture shop, and the manager tells them to wait til they get home. Frank Williams had terrific comic timing.

It's the first time we see Barbie and Joan falling out, it's amazing what bedroom furniture (in a sale) can do to a friendship.

They did a decent job with the shop front, although you can plainly see it's a studio, those shelves look a little bit flat.

9/10.

Love Thy Neighbour: Clarky Leaves (1972) Season 2, Episode 3

Eddie loses his principles.

[8/10 · 9 January 2025]

When Clarky the foreman leaves, Mr Granger offers the job to Eddie, meaning he loses a troublemaker, but inherits a tyrant, it isn't long before he upsets everyone, forcing a strike. Joan and Barbie enjoy a few drinks.

It's a very amusing episode, with several amusing moments, and a couple of funny scenes, loved seeing Eddie, Jacko and Arthur skiving in the toilets.

It's wonderful to see Eddie lose his principles, all for three pounds a week more and the key to the executive toilet. It's a plot that would the seen in sitcoms of the future, including Are you being served.

Sure it's funny, but it's just worth highlighting there are quite a few slurs, more so than usual, even the logo on the Robinson's jar is highlighted, purposefully. Once again though it's Bill who gets the last laugh.

Norman Bird was a funny man, a good performance as Granger, he of course appeared in Fawlty Towers.

8/10.

Columbo: Fade in to Murder (1976) Season 6, Episode 1

Very enjoyable mystery, Shatner is great.

[8/10 · 9 January 2025]

Columbo is on the hunt for the killer of film producer Claire Daley, prime suspect is actor Ward Fowler, best known for playing TV's Detective Lucerne.

Talk about several steps up from the previous episode, Last salute to The Commodore, I'm still in shock over that one.

It's a very good start to the sixth series, a good mystery, a clever alibi, and a wonderful central character.

Shatner is great I thought, it's a larger than life performance, he's great fun. Costume did a fine job with Lucerne's character, very Poirot like. The episode is virtually a two hander between Falk and Shatner, they played off eachother very well.

This one relies on humour as well as mystery, there are several amusing scenes, including Columbia wandering around the set as the crew are filming, and that terrific Jaws scene, where Columbo interviews Sid Daley.

Why didn't Ward keep his mouth shut, if he hasn't run his mouth off, he'd have probably gotten away with it.

The killer's outfit could definitely work in a slasher horror movie, it looked pretty good.

8/10.

Bless This House: Make Love...Not War! (1971) Season 1, Episode 9

It's amusing enough.

[6/10 · 9 January 2025]

Sid is desperately looking for some peace, but everyone is making noise and causing distraction, especially Betty and Trev next door. When Betty says she's leaving Trev, a kind Jean takes her in, much to Sid's annoyance.

It's an amusing enough episode, well observed humour, there's nothing worse when you want some peace and space, and everyone can't help themselves, and make a load of noise.

It's good to see Sid doing some physical humour, not something I associate him with, but he's amusing enough.

It's always great to see Patsy Rowlands, of course a fellow Carry on star, she's amusing enough here.

Poor Trevor, he'd definitely have had more peace at Rentaghost.

It's amusing to look back, you've got Sally laying on the sofa reading and Mike doing yoga,fast forward to today, and I guarantee the pair would be on their phones, ignoring everyone.

6/10.

I Am a Killer: Redemption (2024) Season 5, Episode 1

Interesting, but come on this guy is rotten to the core!

[8/10 · 9 January 2025]

After killing his wife, the mother of his child, Jamel Hatcher is imprisoned, there the former junky and dealer becomes well read, starts helping other prisoners, then starts campaigning for his own early release. He even marries once inside.

It's a fascinating case, but one to make your blood boil. Involuntary manslaughter? What does that even mean.

Hold on one second, he may be eloquent, he may appear to be a reformed character, he seems sincere, he's a handsome man, but this man killed someone. After giving birth, Jamel was dealing and taking drugs, does that make him credible?

I wish there had been a little more challenge to the archangel Jamel's new saintly behaviour, so many people are duped by him. Thank goodness for Jeff Cook, who adds a reality check.

Danielle's Aunt, spot on, I'm with you all the way.

Latanya's interview, doesn't that say it all?

As for Danielle's parents, I'm sorry, but come on, wake up, smell the coffee, that man is a killer, what a beautiful woman Danielle was, what a shame life chose a path for her to meet Jamel.

Poor Chyanne, because of Jamel's act, she grew up without either of her parents, in spite of that she seems a remarkable young woman, she has my respect, not Jamel.

The difference between him then and now.....is that he's murdered someone.

The Master manipulator at work.

8/10.