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Reviews
The Man Who Never Was (1956)
Great film of true story
I've seen this film many times and always enjoy it. Plot is to fool the Nazis into believing Allied Forces would invade Greece, to try to save many lives.
Actual event is "Operation Mincemeat" and title of 2021 movie starring Colin Firth.
Personally I prefer The Man Who Never Was and I'd like to think the story and depiction was closer to the truth than the recent Operation Mincemeat, made by Warner Brothers.
This 1956 film about true event from July 1943 is, in my mind, a classic and one of my favourite war movies.
I know everyone has their own preferences and life would be boring if everyone liked the same films.
As Time Goes By: You Must Remember This.... (2002)
Excellent compilation episode
I regularly re-watch this series now and this episode S9 E5 is one of my favourites.
These characters are so down to earth and their love story is (in my opinion) very believable.
Starts off with the two main characters, but the episode has lots of clips and memories of how they met 38 years ago, and what has happened in thier lives since they met.
Tells of the two characters and how their lives intertwine with their friends and family over the years.
An overall great series starring Geoffrey Palmer and Judy Dench, who both went on to appear in many more series and (especially Judy Dench) in great films (such as M in James Bond).
I also enjoy seeing bloopers on YouTube.
Wilderness (2023)
Great story (but not brilliant filming)
I've just watched the 6 episodes. It's showing "Season 1" so I assume they plan to continue the story.
Seen Jenna Coleman in few things, which I have enjoyed them all (favorite being Victoria about young life of Queen Victoria).
I think she is a wonderful person to see on screen.
Not seen other actors before.
Without music and dragging on storyline as fillers, then I consider the episodes should have been reduced from 6 x (approx) 55 mins each to 4 episodes x 55 mins
Frustrating things are the music playing and the vast majority of DARK scenes.
I accept dark for sex scenes and when Jenna (Liv) is taking shower, but unless to save money on electric bills, the remainder should have been better lit.
This is why I'm only giving it a rating of 6.
I will watch season 2 (if made) but hoping it will be better lit.
The Diplomat (2023)
Excellent Series (UK version)
I have just watched the six episodes.
Very impressed and I just hope that they make a second series.
I for one, will definitely watch it.
It was broadcast on Alibi channel.
This is NOT to be confused with Netflix series of same name about an American Diplomat (called Ambassador in USA), but Netflix decided to call their series The Diplomat - even though they knew the UK series was being made.
No idea why they couldn't call their series "The Ambassador" to avoid confusion.
Hopefully the fact USA version is due to make a second season will not stop UK version doing second season. It may not happen to avoid confusion with International sales.
Great cast, especially Sophie Rundle who plays the lead character, Laura and her deputy has some great lines, so I say well done to all of the the scriptwriters.
The last thing I saw Sophie in was Gentleman Jack, alongside Suranne Jones.
SOME reviews on this page relate to USA/Netflix production.
My Good Friend (1995)
Lovely series
This series was broadcast in 1995 and 1996. Only 14 episodes made. Minnie Driver was replaced by Lesley Vickerage for season 2 (presumably due to Minnie moving to Hollywood.
It's a story of Peter (George Cole) who is retired and lonely and he lives with his daughter and son-in-law.
He meets Harry (Richard Pearson) who rents a room from Ellie (Minnie Driver/Lesley Vickerage) and tells story of them sharing and being in each others lives.
I'm sorry they only made 14 episodes and don't recall it being broadcast again.
They were on YouTube but the person who uploaded them closed his account.
Not seen the series on VHS or DVD which (in my opinion) is a shame as provides good, clean entertainment.
Not Going Out (2006)
Very entertaining series
I recently came across this series as I had never seen it when it was first broadcast on BBC1.
After seeing the outtakes episode, I decided to binge watch the whole series on BBCiPlayer - and I am very glad that I did.
Sally Bretton (Lucy) joined in series 2, and am glad that she did so. Sally's acting alongside Lee provides so many laughs.
Episode 7.9 "Lucy" is by far the very best episode (in my opinion). So many great one-liners.
I'm not a fan of the Daisy character (nothing against the actress) and I was disappointed when Tim Vine left, but I think Toby is a good replacement for scenes with Lee.
Some of later episodes with the children & neighbour are disappointing.
Not Going Out: Lucy (2014)
Excellent episode 7.9 "Lucy"
I recently came across "Not Going Out" series as I had never seen it when it was first broadcast on BBC1.
After seeing the outtakes episode, I decided to binge watch the whole series on BBCiPlayer - and I am very glad that I did.
Sally Bretton (Lucy) joined in series 2, and am glad that she did so.
Her portrayal provides so many laughs.
Episode 7.9 "Lucy" is by far the very best episode (in my opinion). So many great one-liners.
I'm not a fan of the Daisy character (nothing against the actress) and I was disappointed when Tim Vine left, but I think Toby is a good replacement for scenes with Lee.
Not Going Out: War (2021)
Good episode & nice tribute to Bobby Ball
This is a nice enjoyable episode about family going to pay respects to soldiers who died at Normandy.
The episode is well played, and a lot of home truths are announced.
At the end of the episode, a nice tribute to Bobby Ball, who played Lee's father, who died in 2020.
We were shown of some of Bobby's previous scenes and music in the background was theme of Cannon and Ball "Together we'll be OK".
In a previous episode, Bobby Ball pulled on his famous red braces (seen many times in Cannon and Ball programmes).
Although I'm not a great fan of Bobby Ball, I still enjoyed seeing this tribute to him.
No Surrender (2011)
Well done Mena
I recently watched this movie for the first time.
Yet another good movie starring Mena Suvari.
If only police officer in this day and age, were able to be like the Detective in this film, No Surrender.
FULL credit and praise to Mena Suvari. Not only for great acting, but for taking on role in the first place, due to some of the things that happened in her personal life.
I think this storyline should be told and retold as unfortunately there are a LOT of victims (male and female) who are living in fear of predators etc.
Hopefully, seeing this movie will encourage other victims to seek out help.
The Intern (2015)
Enjoyable movie
Recently saw this for the first time.
Directed by Nancy Meyer (who also directed The Holiday (2006) which I have seen many times).
This is a very good film with nice story about a 70 year old intern & brings humor to the role.
Midnight Caller (1988)
Midnight Caller KJCM is on UK TV
Midnight Caller, starring Gary Cole as Jack Killian is on Forces TV on the UK (Virgin Media 274) at 9pm & 10pm most evenings. 1988-1990 Series set in San Francisco.
First episode not being shown, but is available on YouTube.
Killian worked for KJCM as talk show host. KJCM is abbreviation for "Killian Jack Caller Midnight"
Angels with Dirty Faces (1938)
Excellent Cagney movie
Brilliant story of gang of street kids learning about Rocky's life as a gangster and his lifelong relationship with a priest.
My #2 Cagney best movie of all time
The Strawberry Blonde (1941)
Cagney at his best
This is my #1 Cagney film (#2 is Angels with dirty faces). I love the story, characters and his chemistry with DeHavilland makes me jealous 😉.
Stan & Ollie (2018)
Excellent for fans of Laurel and Hardy
First saw this at cinema 3 years ago. Just watched it again and enjoyed it. True story and sad at times.
Lost Horizon (1973)
Entertaining
I went to the cinema in 1973 when the film was released, I was 11 at the time. I remember how much I enjoyed it and wanted to live in Shangri-la, that's how naive and young I was. I recently came across a video of the film I had recorded off television some years ago. I watched it again and am not ashamed to admit I still enjoy it as much now as I did 29 years ago. I also enjoy listening to the words of the songs, because it makes me think that one day we could live in a place where the sound of guns don't pound in our ears and if we look at our reflection - we should be happy with what we see. This is what I call a "feel good" film because I feel happy after watching it. Maybe I am still naive but it makes me happy and I'm sure it will make you happy if you watch it with an open mind and enjoy it for what it is - a good, family film. I must be one of the few people who has this film on VHS PAL video - and DVD (self-made). I recorded it on DVD as the videotape recording from TV was starting to wear thin. I still watch it from time to time.