rosemaryandthyme Reviews

The Chelsea Detective (2022– )

Ditch the Astrid side story

[7/10 · 26 May 2024]

Please ditch the very boring Astrid side story. It is unbelievable and pushing the boundaries of belief that the Chelsea detective would have been married to such a beautiful and exotic art gallery director. Come on! Regardless their side story is boring and hopefully in the next season he will be dating women from the dating app Aunty signed him up for. Stories are OK.

Last episode of Series 2 was a shock seeing the bad acting from Patrick who plays Sebastian in Shakespeare and Hathaway. I adore his comedic role in that series but found his acting in the Chelsea Detective to be terrible. Hopefully there is a third series.

The Good Ship Murder (2023– )

Light hearted series, relax and enjoy

[8/10 · 19 May 2024]

I don't care about other reviewers rubbishing this and it doesn't pretend to be another Line of Duty or Happy Valley. It's a light hearted mystery neatly wrapped up within an hour. Put on your PJs, slippers, make a cup of tea (or a pina colada to get in the mood) and sit back on a cold winters night and imagine being on a ship visiting exotic locations, sun, sand, good food and a mystery murder to solve. Times are difficult for some now and the escapism this offers is most welcome.

The main actor plays an ex detective who is now a ship crooner/entertainer. He is very charming and charismatic in this role and I really enjoy the theme song as well. Every episode is set in a different country and location (apparently Malta masquarading as all of them; it is budget telly of course). I have read that a Christmas special and another season is being planned and that is terrific news. Can't wait.

The Good Ship Murder: La Rochelle (2023) Season 1, Episode 1

Sun, sea, exotic locations and cosy murder

[8/10 · 19 May 2024]

Ok I don't care about other reviewers rubbishing this. It doesn't pretend to be Line of Duty or Happy Valley. It's a light hearted mystery wrapped up within an hour. Put on your PJs, slippers, make a cup of tea (or a pina colada to get in the mood) and sit back on a cold winters night and imagine being on a ship visiting exotic locations, sun, sand, good food and a mystery murder to solve. Times are difficult for some now and the escapism this offers is most welcome.

The main actor plays an ex detective who is now a ship crooner/entertainer. He is very charming and charismatic in this role and I really enjoy the theme song as well. Every episode is set in a different country or location. I understand that a Christmas special and another season is being planned and that is terrific news. Can't wait.

Lost Gully Road (2017)

Like watching paint dry, wooden acting, boring

[1/10 · 18 May 2024]

This appeared on my streaming service and I was looking forward to watching it on this cold, rainy evening as I really enjoy a good isolated cabin in the woods scenario. Unfortunately this was the most boring film I have ever seen. The actress is wooden and can't act for peanuts. She cannot hold an entire film on her own, how the heck was she picked..... is she the daughter or a relative of the producer or financial backer? Expecting us to watch her wooden face for almost one and a half hours, along with her bowl haircut and pierced nose is really asking a lot of the audience. Zero charisma and talent. Now if we had a Ruth Wilson playing the part it may have been something else but it is what it is..a stinker. Better to paint your ceiling and watch it dry.

Without Sin (2022)

Wig and ugly old hat drove me nuts

[8/10 · 3 May 2024]

What was with the ugly hat being worn throughout the series? She wore it inside and outside. Perhaps it was to cover up the dreadful and cheap wig but by the third episode the hat drove me nuts.

Otherwise the story was interesting with sufficient twists to keep me guessing. It was nice to see a few familiar English actors such as a menacing Con, and Vicky McLure always gives a strong performance. She rarely disappoints. Nottingham did look bleak, cold and depressing.

I recommend this series, it was well worth the watch and commitment. I don't have much more to say than reiterate how annoying it was seeing her wear that hat 24/7. It detracted from the show.

Writers Retreat (2015)

Spoilt by wooden actress

[5/10 · 18 April 2024]

I was initially excited at the concept of a writers retreat on an isolated windy island somewhere in the UK. A couple of familiar faces appeared on the cast list such as Christopher Fairbank (Midsomer Murders, Grantchester, Vera, Wolf Hall), James Weber Brown (Rosemary and Thyme, Midsomer Murders and the strange turkey of a movie Silent Hours) and Rupert Young (Bridgerton, Merlin). They of course are the best feature of this movie and earn the rating I have given.

Unfortunately the rest of the cast were amateur and wooden. I believe the protagonist was miscast and a better and stronger actress may have carried this movie better.

Regardless of the above however this was a low budget showing and that's all it will ever be. Something to watch if suffering from insomnia. I did fall asleep halfway and had to watch the remainder the next day.

Dark City - The Cleaner (2024– )

Pathetic to compare to Dexter .. boring series

[1/10 · 31 March 2024]

What a joke! Unbelievable that reviewers are comparing this dull turkey to Dexter ..or there must be a pile of fake reviewers and family members giving these unrealistic high scores. Don't waste your time. Main protagonist is a wooden dummy and his monotone voice starts to grate very quickly. He is a self absorbed and pathetic incel without the charm and cuteness of Dexter. It lost me right at the start with the animal death, why oh why do these young writers and filmmakers encourage animal cruelty, sympathise with creepy incels and promote misogyny? There is no humour in this turkey, even though they try very hard. Pathetic, boring, not entertaining or remotely funny.. and his horrible voice will drive you nuts. Do better NZ!

Love Rat (2024– )

I couldn't understand a word the daughter said

[3/10 · 15 March 2024]

Seriously you need subtitles because I could not understand a word that came from the annoying brat daughter characters mouth. It was some kind of mermaid gobbledygook squealing language. It didn't help that the daughter was also an annoying and selfish character, only interested in mummys divorce money for her salon. The story and script was so amateurish that it made the actors look bad and this can't be so because there are some well known and experienced actors in this series. Are we really to believe that chunky, matronly unfit Emma can knock guns out of fit males hands and run from them? So many holes in the story and editing that one would think a school kid wrote the script. Lazy script but I'm quite sure everyone had a great holiday abroad enjoying the sun. Watch it without rolling your eyes if you can.

Death in Paradise (2011– )

Not as good as it used to be with the new inspector

[5/10 · 19 February 2024]

This show has gone downhill. Ralf Little, playing DI Neville Parker is just so boring and wooden and lacks personality. The backpack or bag he keeps swinging over his shoulder has been done to death already by Sanjeev Bhaskar playing DI "Sunny" in the Unforgotten series. I miss Kris Marshall, he was the best Inspector and his character was natural and never forced. Also sorely missed are Officer Dwayne and DS Camille but thank goodness for Don Warrington and Elizabeth Bourgine for staying on. Not sure how much longer these series will go on but perhaps it's time to for DI Parker and his tired backpack to move on.

Dangerous Game: The Legacy Murders (2022)

Disgusting

[1/10 · 26 December 2023]

Disgusting movie promoting animal cruelty. The characters are despicable and had no redeeming features. Ugly people with ugly hearts and from the start I couldn't care about them, pity the pet had to die horribly. The writers and producers of this pathetic excuse for a movie must have whipped this up in their heads after a night of debauchery, or more likely based on members of their own family. Who the heck approved this disgusting turkey. Sick of the promotion of animal cruelty by Hollywood, cheap shots. What was Jon Voight thinking? Is this the last movie he wants to be remembered for and the promoting of animal cruelty? Despicable and sick.

Talk to Me (I) (2022)

One of the best horror movies in a long time

[10/10 · 2 December 2023]

Yes a well deserved 10. This is a well made intelligent and original horror movie. I was glued to the screen for the entire duration. No cheap scare jumps were included at all, just a good story. The script is excellent as the dialogue between the teenagers is spot on and believable. No corny teenager speak, I mean I could imagine this was written by teenagers it is so accurate. The lead actress was excellent she definitely has a solid acting future ahead of her. No bogan Aussie accents thankfully, a few rough teenagers but that was about it. I can't recommend this movie highly enough for horror buffs. I was a bit confused about the relationship between Mia and the family, that was probably my only issue.

Scrublands (2023–2025)

Great Aussie Mystery keeps interest until the end

[8/10 · 20 November 2023]

I don't normally like Aussie series - always the same rough diamond low IQ characters in the country with heavy accents making us all look like a bunch of uneducated yokels. Yes...sigh...this had the usual bogan characters but it was a good story that held my interest until the end.

The lead characters, Luke Arnold, Bella Heathcoate and Jay Ryan did a terrific job but there could have been more of the dishy priest played by Jay Ryan..but oh well. All three characters had good chemistry with each other.

Have to say there have been some good Aussie mystery thrillers and I hope they can keep it up, The Kettering Incident comes to mind. But yes please stop with the bogan characters, it's tiresome.

The Offering (2022)

Bad, really bad

[5/10 · 22 August 2023]

This was a terrible movie. Firstly a note to B grade actresses playing a pregnant role - you don't need to clutch, hold, stroke and paw at your tummy - we get it.....your character is pregnant, we can see the bump. Nobody in real life paws and holds their tummy ALL THE TIME. Secondly the couple playing the leads had no character build-up so I couldn't care less what happened to them, in fact I was rooting for the very poor CGI generated demon to put us out of misery of having to watch them. The male lead role was weak and an insipid little weed. I was eager to watch this at first, seeing that well established UK actors Paul Kaye and Allan Corduner had supporting roles which were a far cry from their Vera and Midsomer Murders appearances. Sadly even they could not save this turkey but made me more confident in giving at least 5 stars because they were in it and were the only saving grace.

The Cleaner: The Statue (2023) Season 2, Episode 5

Did you just wink at me

[9/10 · 7 May 2023]

I am surprised this episode went through as it takes a dig at the PC society we live in these days. The Councillor was accurate in her representation of the do gooders in society who think they know what is best for the community, shaming anyone who may think differently. I can imagine thousands of these self centred righteous types scattered all over counties, bulldozing anyone in their path and making expensive decisions with money that is not theirs. $130k for a travesty of a statue, I believe it, happened in our town. Zoe's character says you can't erase history but learn from it, the good and the bad. So many one-liners that one really needs to go back and rewatch. A brilliant episode that reflects life in 2023.

Faraway (2023)

Just a beautiful, feel good movie, I loved it

[10/10 · 17 March 2023]

What a beautiful movie to watch after a work week. I'm not normally into romcoms but I enjoyed every second of this movie. The main actress, whilst not young or a Hollywood size 0, was stunning and just delightful in everyone scene. She capably carried the movie. The male romantic interest was perfect casting with his smouldering facial expression and the chemistry between the two was tangible. The biggest winner though was the scenery, it was exquisite. I had the closed captions on as the language was multilingual and it didn't affect my enjoyment. Musical score was terrific as well, great choices. A feel good movie that will brighten your day. In a nutshell, it's perfect and deserving of my score of 10.

The Madame Blanc Mysteries (2021– )

Great British series to sit back and relax

[8/10 · 26 January 2023]

I was hoping for a cosy British series set in the antiquities world, similar to Lovejoy. This series in a way fills this void, although I wish there were more antiques. Nevertheless this light whodunnit British series is lovely to watch. Put your PJs and slippers on, pour a tea or coffee or wine and sit back and relax. Yes it's unrealistic, over the top characters blah blah who cares. If you just want to chill out and just be entertained for an hour this is the show. Kudos to the series creators for putting together a show reminiscent of a few years back when times were simpler ie Rosemary and Thyme, Murder in Suburbia, the early Midsomer Murders and more recently Agatha Raisin, Shakespeare & Hathaway. Not the now ubiquitous nitty, gritty or tick the diversity boxes. Life is tough ATM and some of us just want to chill and zone out. More please 🙏

The Rig (2023– )

Great binge watch

[7/10 · 6 January 2023]

Not sure why the negative reviews. This series reminds me of Vigil but I am enjoying it far more. There are some stellar and well known faces in this series, especially Owen Teale in a different role for him. Also it seems to me that anything with Martin Compston or Mark Bonnar in it is sure to be a good watch and they have not disappointed. It's not particularly original, there are subtle shades of Alien, The Thing and various other horror movies that I can't remember the titles of, but definitely not as frightening. This is a good solid thriller and mystery to enjoy after the excitement of Christmas and the current wet weather here in Oz.

Riptide (2022)

Disappointing, Soapy and Wooden Acting

[3/10 · 1 January 2023]

I wanted so much to like this because I just adore Jo Joyner in Shakespeare & Hathaway and I was excited she would have a lead role in an Aussie series. Boy what a disappointment! Firstly it was s-l-o-w with long pauses and the dialogue was as if written for a daytime soap. Did the Neighbors scriptwriters and crew work on this in between series? As for Jo all I could see was a cheery Luella from S&H. Sadly, I don't think she had the range to show the emotion that was required for this role. Now the daughter...ugh.... too old for the role, stilted, wooden acting and a whining Aussie accent. I cringed everytime she appeared, which was far too often. This series is a cringe-worthy snoozefest and very, very disappointing. Jo is a great comedy actress though.

The House Across the Street (2022)

Annoying character both her actions and voice

[3/10 · 25 November 2022]

I agree as others here regarding the main actress Shirley Henderson's whispering low pitch voice. It's too much to endure for an entire episode and spoilt the series for me. She's OK in small doses, for instance she was good in Happy Valley series 2 as a supporting actor, but I don't think she's strong enough as an actress (as well as that annoying whispering voice) to carry a series as the main character. I didn't understand her motives in this and in particular the scene at the travel agency when she said something so intensely cruel to the grieving mother...why??....was she being deliberately malicious or just incredibly stupid? Her character was unlikeable, creepy, weird and bordered on psychotic - she would have made a good villain. As for her obsession with the the dad - rescuing him from ditch and then slugging a drink from his bottle - did she have a crush on him or what? She had issues with personal space, shoving her face in others and pawing over them, I cheered when her son remarked on her bad breath. I think this could have been a good series with a different, stronger and less annoying lead...such a waste, I love British series. I quite liked the music but all in all wasted on a limp lead. Bad casting.

Mammals (2022)

Better than I expected, Colin Morgan is great

[7/10 · 11 November 2022]

James Corden will always be Smithy from Gavin and Stacey to me and I did like him in that role. Then he moved to the USA, got his own show and went all "Hollywood". When I saw that he was starring in this new series on Prime I was going to give it a miss until I saw Colin Morgan's name. I held my nose and pressed play so I could at least watch Colin. I have to say it was far better than I expected. JC was ok (a more serious Smithy) and Colin didn't disappoint (a very different and cute role for him). The first episode hooked me straight away due to the small twist at the end. The scenery, countryside and homes were beautiful. The Tom Jones cameo topped it off.

The Devil's Hour (2022– )

Stay for the ending as it all makes sense, great story

[10/10 · 30 October 2022]

WOW just finished this and can't stop thinking about it. It's a LONG time since a series has had this effect on me. A fantastic story and everything ties up in the end (as much as fiction can). Acting is exceptional, especially from Peter C and the child who plays Isaac. Be aware that the first few episodes won't make much sense, they keep moving time frames, certain characters come and go, situations change drastically and so on. Another reviewer has suggested to watch intently and not to scroll lazily at your phone. I concur, you really have to watch and take notice so as not to get confused and also to enjoy the wrap up in the last episode when it all falls sadly into place. I really loathed one character and can't say who without spoiling it but I'm sure you will know who I mean when you watch. I feel this series deserves a second viewing which I plan to do. Congratulations to all involved and especially to the writer/s for thinking outside the box.

Recipes for Love and Murder (2022– )

Delightful series for foodies

[8/10 · 12 September 2022]

This is a visually beautiful series. I enjoy the cooking scenes and the opening intro is stunning; it reminds me somewhat of the Dexter intro. Lovely gentle scenes of the leading actress in her garden picking tomatoes, lemons and chatting with chooks/birds. The murder story is a bit silly and for me is secondary to the cooking and food scenes. Lovely to watch in these stressful times. I truly hope they continue to make further series. Whoever thought up of this gentle and pleasant series deserves an award. Sit back, relax with some coffee and cake; and just enjoy. My review appears to be too short so I am not sure what more I can add except thank you for making this series.

Echoes (2022)

Gina, Gina, Gina

[5/10 · 20 August 2022]

The first two episodes were OK although the story was hokey, but it spiralled at the third episode and I gave up after the fourth. Lena became annoying and in a constant state of stress ..."Gina, Gina, Gina" and was just a selfish person i.e shouting at sick father, no relationship with other sibling, talking in her phone whilst driving and showed no help or concern for the beaten up Grandma - just Gina, Gina, Gina. Also, who was the real mother because neither showed much love or concern for the daughter. Wooden characters except for the Sheriff who deserves her own series.

Boiling Point (I) (2021)

Brilliant, as good as it gets

[10/10 · 5 August 2022]

I cannot fault this film in any way. From reading the blurb I didn't think I could sit and watch this; a whole movie about behind the scenes in a restaurant, yawn..but it was just brilliant. It felt like reality TV, the acting was superb. I could practically feel the tension from the poor waitress who was given a hard time by the obnoxious customer. Stephen Graham is, as someone wrote, hugely under-utilised, he should be a huge star by now. Terrific, fantastic, brilliant 10/10, well done to all involved.

Primal Rage (2018)

White Hollywood Teeth Gleam

[8/10 · 7 July 2022]

That's all I could see; our hero was covered head to foot in mud but his Hollywood white and perfect piano teeth gleamed..hilarious. I give this movie a high score because as a horror movie it delivered gore and action. I didn't care too much for the insipid hero as his character didn't elicit much sympathy, although his wife did. Should have got a better actor for the hero but hey his teeth were white.