jearnott

IMDb member since September 2004
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    5+
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    IMDb Member
    19 years

Reviews

Taboo
(2017)

Why are we (still) waiting?
It's seven years since this compelling drama graced the screens of the BBC and U. K. television. Since then the series has be broadcast world-wide, screened on Netflix and countless other platforms, gaining countless fans and plaudits, however (at the time of writing 2014) we still wait for a second series. Other less worthy costume dramas (e.g. Sanditon) spawned even worse sequels than the original, but with such a stellar cast and talent behind this production, Taboo deserves more. I gather much of the funding for Taboo came from Tom Hardy himself (and costume dramas ain't cheap).

Let's just pray that a second series will one day be made - it will be well worth the wait.

Stigma
(1977)

Unnervingly unforgettable!
This unsettling short horror story still remains etched on my memory almost 45 years after it was shown.

Part of the BBC's annual Series of Ghost stories at Christmas and the only one set in contemporary times, the story begins with the removal of one of the Avebury Stones which inconveniently lies in the garden of its new owners, Peter and Katherine, unleashing a supernatural force which affects Katherine, who starts to bleed uncontrollably.

It's a slow burner with a lot of nudity for the time, as Katherine tries to find the source of the bleeding and to stop it, which initially she seems to succeed.

Later the following morning, the stone is removed to reveal a skeleton hidden below, surrounded by daggers and a blade in the rib, roughly in the area of Katherine's bleeding, but by then it is too late. There is no reason given for the bleeding, other than retribution from the dead, as it is later revealed that the skeleton may be that of a witch, but enigmas are sometimes the best way to end a tale.

The Jewel in the Crown
(1984)

Stands the test of Time!
My father was born in India, part of the Indian Raj and l remember watching this monster of a series, almost 40 years ago. Now it's available to stream and lm just as intrigued. It captures the complex relationship between the British and Indians perfectly - excellent casting and acting. The gawky, naive Daphne Manners falling for the rebellious Hari Kumar and the consequences that result, treading on similar ground to that other cinematic classic 'A Passage to India'. It made stars out of Tim Piggot-Smith and Geraldine James who are supported by stellar thespians like Dame Peggy Ashcroft.

It deservedly won applauds and became 'must watch' television on Sunday Nights in the U. K. Perhaps other nationalities wouldn't understand the threads that bound these two great nations, but it still makes riveting drama.

Spencer
(2021)

Pure Fabrication!
As it says in the beginning this movie is a fable but is disrespectful to the memory of Diana.

For anyone who has been to Sandringham (and yes, it is open to the public) it is not the austere (German) palace as portrayed in the movie, but much more homely.

I cannot fault the performance of Kirsten Stewart, but this is not Diana - she was never disrespectful to the Queen in arriving late for everything and some of the other scenarios are absurbed and just pure fabrication. I too found the soundtrack discordant and oppressive (perhaps this is intentional) but l left the cinema feeling thoroughly depressed.

The Pursuit of Love
(2021)

All polish, but no substance!
I had been looking forward to this lavish adaptation of Nancy Mitford's first popular novel, fondly remembering the BBC's last version from 2001, but despite a stellar cast, locations and production design this lacks the charm and innocence of the former and tries too hard to make it relevant to a contemporary audience, with a 70s soundtrack and younger casting, especially that of Lord Merlin. The wit and humour of Nancy's novel just evaporates here.

Dumbo
(2019)

Deserves better reviews!
As a live action reinterpretation of the Disney Classic, this movie does not deserve the poor reviews. The casting is near perfect, especially DeVito, Keaton and Eva Green. The visuals and production design are truly amazing and the movie is not without charm. Tim Burton has done a grand job in bringing a classic to a new audience - I'm sure this movie will be reappraised in time.

Stage Beauty
(2004)

Worth a Look!
Yes, I would agree with the first and third reviewer that this film is definitely better than most of the summer fare out there! If you're into historical dramas, unlike our second reviewer, then you'll definitely enjoy the movie. I thought production design, movement, casting and acting were excellent. OK, Nell Gwynn did sound as she had strayed off the set of East Enders, but then she is ALWAYS played as a cockney! My main surprise was Rupert Everett, who didn't play Charles at all like the stuffy Prince of Wales in 'Madness of King George' and he looked wonderful in drag playing opposite Nell, obviously having a ball of a time! Yes, the plot is not dissimilar to 'Shakespeare in Love' but then what's wrong with that? It may earn 'Stage Beauty' an Oscar or two! I can't wait for the Libertine to come out. More Stuart costume drama please!

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