kieran-wright Reviews

Endeavour: Exeunt (2023) Season 9, Episode 3

Perfect finish

[10/10 · 28 October 2023]

All loose ends tied up. Packed with tension, regrets and pathos.

The writing team have done a terrific job with continuity over not just several episodes but actual series' and were able to gracefully bring everything to a head.

The bravery and selfless character of Endeavour is once again very evident as he puts himself on the line for Thursday and comes through with flying colours. Thursday's gasp - at which point he had to stop himself from crying - is one of the best moments in TV I've ever seen.

As if that wasn't enough, the final montage along with the poem read by Bright had me sobbing fitfully. Oh how I will miss all of these characters - amazing production throughout and one that ITV has every right to be proud of.

Elvis' Women (2023– )

Challenging the myth

[8/10 · 21 May 2023]

It's quite unusual to see anything fresh on Elvis Presley but when you see a well respected authority figure such as Alannah Nash involved, you know it's going to be worth watching. If you are a long-time fan, be prepared for some pretty unsavoury truths. What I particularly enjoyed about this was the fact that you get to hear everything from the female perspective and, hearing what these ladies have to say, the myth that was so carefully cultivated by 'Colonel Tom Parker' to protect his cash cow is well and truly shattered. In fact, once you take all the evidence into account, you cannot fail to reach an inescapable conclusion about Elvis's demise. Well worth watching.

The Return of Sherlock Holmes: The Six Napoleons (1986) Season 1, Episode 7

Flawless adaptation

[10/10 · 11 May 2023]

From the first frame to the very last, this flawless adaptation is a thing of great beauty and a credit to David Carson, who directed it. I have seen this at least six times and I'm always so completely moved by Jeremy Brett's facial expressions and the emotions conveyed during the scene in which Inspector Lestrade - adeptly played by the great Colin Jeavons) pays him a heartfelt compliment. Every single actor plays their part with great aplomb. A pre-Star Trek Next Generation Marina Sirtis appears as Lucrezia and is perfect. She would join up with Carson again in the following decade with 'Generations'. See Eric Sykes, who is always a delight and I can imagine there are a few giggles on set between him and the other members of the cast. In summary, this may be the best of the bunch from Brett and Hardwicke. Emil Wolk is amazing and memorable as Beppo. One of the very few episodes in which Mrs Hudson doesn't appear. Will Granada ever come close to achieving what they did with this series? I sincerely doubt it but one always lives in hope. What I can say for sure is that no-one will ever come as close to being the authentic Holmes as Jeremy Brett did; and please be assured that I do not say this lightly, but as someone who reads the original stories by Conan Doyle then compares the Granada adaptation.

Agent Elvis (2023)

Not as good as I had hoped

[2/10 · 9 May 2023]

I've been looking forward to this for at least 2 years but for my prevailing feeling is that it's good but it's not great. Attention to detail in terms of timing of outfits vs songs is surprisingly off the mark. Overuse of the f bomb and general attitude of the main characters unfortunately gives the whole production a nasty and cynical feel, which is a great shame, although it's possible that Elvis's personality was like this in real life. I prefer to believe he was more positive than that. Many reviewers have said that Elvis would love this - I'm not so sure as it's well documented that he had a deeply spiritual side which I very much doubt will receive any coverage here. In terms of the casting, I do love Matthew McConaughey but he sounds absolutely nothing like our eponymous hero. After having watched the first two episodes I'm not sure I'll bother with the rest.

The Columbo Podcast (2014 Podcast Series)

Very enjoyable examination of each Columbo vehicle

[8/10 · 12 March 2023]

This podcast suited me very well for a number of reasons:

• I admired Columbo but for some reason had never watched one all the way through
• I was suffering from insomnia and needed something other than white noise to occupy my mind
• I like dry - sometimes rather inane - humour, of which there is an abundance in this podcast

In general, the beauty of this podcast is that it's timeless and will therefore remain relevant ad infinitum.

The other enduring feature of the podcast was the corresponding forum which provided a lot of lively debate and humour.

Finally the perennial question which, of course was also aired: What was the all time best episode? Of course the answer is 'Any Old Port In A Storm' with the marvellous Donald Pleasance, with the close runner up being 'Murder By The Book' with Jack Cassidy, who appeared in a number of episodes.

Anyway, as I write this review from my home in the UK, I have channel 5 USA on. It's Sunday, which means it's Columbo episodes for most of the day. As usual, I'm sucked into it - that's despite having invested in the box set!

McCartney 3,2,1 (2021)

A thing of beauty

[10/10 · 20 October 2022]

How lucky are we to have lived at a time when members of The Beatles were still around to talk about it?! Pure joy to watch this and I never want it to end. Please make another six at least! It's really lovely to watch Paul revisiting special musical moments and the insights he provides are just beautiful. Rick Rubin is really the perfect host as he respectfully listens but also enthuses like the true musician he is. For me as a bassist and singer I always have a lot of respect for those who do both and Paul obviously falls into that category. For anyone who's wondering whether they would enjoy this I would so it's a no brainier. Actually what with this and 'Get Back', I've been truly inspired.

Hacks (2021– )

Totally addicted to this

[9/10 · 18 June 2022]

The writing is top notch The characters are great - even those on the periphery. A quality production which covers human relationships warts and all. Both funny and poignant and providing reasonable insight into the American psyche. Great to see actresses from Frasier appearing: Jean Smart herself (as Lana in Frasier) plus Hannah's mum (Mel in Frasier) plus Jean's friend from college who she did the dirty on (Bebe in Frasier).

Freud (2020)

Captivating and thought provoking. Miss it, miss out!

[9/10 · 11 April 2020]

Contrary to what some reviewers have written, I actually believe Freud would have been OK with this. Why? Because it actually makes you think, and not only that, but it ignites a desire to learn more about the human personality, which is an essential trait for growth. Ironically, there are some parts of the plot that are actually more akin to Carl Jung (for example episodes 5 and 6); however what I'm left with overall is a strong desire to see the next episode, so objective achieve! My personal preference has been to view this in its original German audio with English subtitles, and thus far, I have found the actors to be utterly convincing in their inhabitation of their roles. The main 3 actors - Freud, Salome and Kiss - are very compelling; however, the supporting actors are also truly excellent. The direction, camera work and authenticity of the sets and the costumes seem to me to be very competent which overall leads to a feel of a very professional production. If anyone from the production team happens to be reading this, very well done!

The Inspector General (1949)

The one and only Mr. Danny Kaye

[7/10 · 20 October 2019]

I saw this for the first time ever on Amazon Prime recently and was not disappointed. Danny was really the whole package - a lovely singing voice and great dance moves, not to mention a wacky sense of humour. The plot is pretty lightweight, but it doesn't matter as Danny shines throughout the film and you end up smiling. In terms of the rest of the cast, they're all great. Ultimately, the key message of the film is that it pays to be honest. In terms of Kaye's background (Ukranian ancestry), I'm sure this whole script would have been of special significance to him. Really enjoyable.

Follow a Star (1959)

This film has everything

[10/10 · 20 October 2019]

For me, this is undeniably Sir Norman's 'finest hour', with the hypnosis sequence literally reducing me to tears of laughter, as well as the end scene. A spelling supporting cast including the fabulous Hattie Jacques as his music and elocution teacher and the outstanding Jerry Desmonde as the despicable Vernon Carew. Just wonderful and nothing can touch it in terms of not only comedy but poignancy. Sir Norman really was a legend in his own lunchtime. Young children and adults alike will love this. Teenagers? Well they're in a breed of their own...!

The Girl on the Boat (1962)

Sir Norman shows his flexiblility

[8/10 · 20 October 2019]

Interesting little piece that I watched for the second time in a few years, with Sir Norman stepping away from his usual film company and breaking away from his normal 'Pitkin' character. Very good he is too, as the upper class twit who falls head over heels in love with a woman who seems to hold the world record at engagements. Excellent support from the rest of the mostly British cast including Richard Briers, Sheila Hancock and the ever-reliable Bernard Cribbins. At the heart of the story is the shallowness of the upper crust which P.G. Wodehouse always captured so well.The script is fine and the direction very good. I one for certainly enjoyed it and on the second viewing even more so. A lovely way to spend an hour and half. They don't make actors such as Sir Norman these days, more's the pity.

Britannia Hospital (1982)

Just dreadful

[1/10 · 7 July 2017]

I really wanted to like this movie, but in the end couldn't even bear to watch it to the end. The one redeeming feature was Leonard Rossiter and I found myself wondering whether even he would have doubted his sanity in signing up to this when he saw the final rushes. Malcolm McDowell, whom I considered to be a good actor, was reduced to little more than a 'Carry-On' performance. The juxtaposition of farce and horror to me seemed miscalculated. Just dreadful and one I'm trying to forget... Tip: don't watch this whilst consuming food.

Columbo: The Conspirators (1978) Season 7, Episode 5

A serious case of the blarney

[5/10 · 29 September 2015]

It is a fact that, for several decades - the 70s included - the Irish were depicted as stereotypical hard drinking, blarney-kissing, unreliable and romantic fools, often played by non-Irish actors with fair to middling success at cracking either the Northern, but mostly Southern Irish accents. That's a shame as it does a disservice to an isle which has produced so many noteworthy people such as W.S. Yeats, Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, Bram Stoker, James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw and far more besides.

In this episode of Columbo, practically every assumed Irish trait is employed, and the result is, at worst cringeworthy, at best fair. In fact, I found myself wondering when a leprechaun would appear. Clive Revill, a New Zealander and otherwise respected Shakespearean actor, hams it up and falls somewhere in between an English, Scottish and what can only be described as a faux Southern Ireland accent. This is a real missed opportunity, as the script and plot is of a good standard. Revill's facial expressions are excellent - the only problem is when he opens his mouth you cringe and literally wonder where in-between London and Dublin his accent will happen to be. I say 'missed opportunity' because the singing puts me very much in mind of the late Luke Kelly of the Dubliners, and I found myself imagining what the eloquent and sharp-witted Mr. Kelly could have done with this role. Likewise a certain Richard Harris would have been truly excellent. So all in all, this can only be described as a serious case of the Blarney. It's fascinating, but for all the wrong reasons as it's ultimately a study in how to blow a great plot by casting the wrong actor. Such an oversight is forgivable for vehicles such as 'Mary Poppins', but sadly not for the likes of Columbo.

Portrait of Jennie (1948)

Haunting love story that transcends time

[8/10 · 24 April 2015]

Sometimes one happens upon a film which one wouldn't have even known about unless it is found by accident. This, for me, is one of those films and I couldn't be happier to have found it. Having done a little research on the actor Joseph Cotten, he is on the record as stating that this is the favourite of all the films he starred in. With some choice actors in support in the form of Jennifer Jones, Ethel Barrymore - of the famous Barrymore acting clan - Lilian Gish and Cecil Kellaway, everyone plays their parts beautifully. As for Cotten, he has never been in finer form, as his usual melancholy charm is perfectly suited to this film. In essence, the plot revolves around a struggling artist who is yet to find his niche and, indeed, his muse. That muse turns up in the form of Jennie, played beautifully by Jennifer Jones. This film is notable for the fact that it is mostly in monochrome i.e. black and white, but the final reel uses a green tint and sepia. In terms of the direction, it is wonderful and some effective but subtle special effects - for which it bagged an Oscar - are put to very good use. Probably one of the greatest ever love stories committed to film and I'm so glad to have seen it.

The Conversation (1974)

Sometimes it pays not to listen in

[8/10 · 24 April 2015]

This is a cool little piece from Francis Ford Coppola, starring Gene Hackman as Harry Caul, a detective whose speciality is surveillance. The plot is great and really plays with the viewer's psychology, leading to a genuine feeling of foreboding. Great support too not only from John Cazale but also from Harrison Ford, who is genuinely creepy. The whole thing adds up to a couple of hours well spent. Look out for an uncredited performance from Robert Duvall. As for the soundtrack, it does very well to keep the viewer on edge and again adds to the overall experience. The ending is absolutely great, as Caul becomes ever more paranoid and ultimately unravels. Great.

The Godfather (1972)

The definitive mob movie

[10/10 · 24 April 2015]

Chances are you may have heard of this film, then again maybe you haven't. Anyway, let's cut to the chase. 'The Godfather', running at just under three hours, boasts at least four set pieces which will have you at the edge of your seat. The director takes care in familiarising us with not just the Corleone family, but also their staff and associates, which really engages the viewer. We are also witness to the transformation of a certain Michael Corleone. There are elements of tragedy in this film which sows the seeds for future perpetrations of revenge, and the ultimate message that I took away was that man has the capacity to cause absolute carnage, which clearly we already know: I suppose that it does no little harm to remind ourselves of that fact. In terms of the acting, it superlative with everyone putting in credible performances. Given that the director was under incredible pressure to make this a success, it is a fantastic feat and still holds up today as the definitive mob movie. However, let me put all that to one side and reserve special credit to Nino Rota and Carmine Coppola who have created quite possibly the best and most recognisable soundtrack in movie history. If you don't already have it, I recommend that you buy 'The Godfather Trilogy' album: there are songs on the album which, if they don't send a shiver up your spine, will reduce you to tears, such is the poignancy of these compositions. I strongly believe that this film would not have been what it is without this soundtrack - it is that crucial to the overall structure.

Husbands (1970)

Deals with male mid-life crisis head-on

[8/10 · 24 April 2015]

The chances are that, if or whenever you hear the name 'Peter Falk', you instantly associate it with the excellent award winning TV detective series, 'Columbo'. If you stretch your mind a bit, you may even recall that he appeared in a couple of films such as 'The Great Race' or 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World'. If that's the extent of your knowledge of this actor, then you are missing out on a number of excellent performances, one of which appears in this film. Essentially 'Husbands' covers the unravelling self-confidence of three close friends, who suffer the loss of their close fourth friend, and the plot effectively deals with the subsequent fallout. It is, by turns, humorous, black and difficult to watch at times, but for me, it was a brave attempt to capture this subject on film. John Cassavetes, who not only stars in the film but also directs, was known as a pioneer of American cinema - particularly for using the POV genre - and with films such as this, it's easy to see why. In terms of the main three actors, each brings a depth, but not only that, a true tragi-comedic element, to their characters, which are highly believable. It would be difficult to single one of the main three actors out for particular praise, such is the balance and interplay. Highly recommended, not only for men of a certain age but also for women seeking insight on the mind of men.

Forbidden Planet (1956)

A Little Gem

[8/10 · 24 April 2015]

This is a film that has been in the back of my mind for a while to watch, and it was over in the Columbo podcast website that a buddy of mine brought it to the forefront. This stars Leslie Nielsen in a very different kind of role that we're used to seeing him in, and it has to be said that he makes a credible leading man. As for the supporting cast, the sinister Dr. Morbius is characterised very well by Walter Pidgeon and his daughter, Altaira, is played nicely by Anne Francis. What with the presence of Robbie the robot, built at a cost of $125,000, and - for, what must have been at the time, an extremely novel alien landscape - one has to say that an excellent job has been done all round. One can certainly see the seeds of future sci-fi staples such as Star Trek. A must for all sci-fi fans and even those who aren't will derive at least some kind of enjoyment from this. Finally, as for the plot, this is based on 'The Tempest' by William Shakespeare, who surely brings with him his own credentials.

Shadow of a Doubt (1943)

Hitchcock's finest hour

[10/10 · 24 April 2015]

This has been described as his favourite Hitchcock film and I'm inclined to agree with him. From Joseph Cotton's utterly believable inhabitation of the central character to Teresa Wright's dawning realisation of the facts, this is a very absorbing piece of cinema. As usual, there are some beautiful set pieces and the director really engages your attention, which is really all that one can ask as a viewer.

I find it quite sad that Cotton never landed an Oscar for this, or for any of his other roles for that matter, as he really had what it took. As a side note, for any 'It's A Wonderful Life' fans, you will immediately spot the presence of a certain Henry Travers - aka Clarence the angel.

In summary, for me this is the definitive Hitchcock film, and should be in any discerning film buff's library.

Citizen Kane (1941)

There are better films out there

[6/10 · 19 April 2015]

Having watched Alfred Hitchcock's 'Shadow Of A Doubt' just yesterday, then viewing 'CK' today - both of which star Joseph Cotten - I was struck that these were two distinctly different genres. However, for me, what makes a film is how it engages with the viewer, and for me, there is no comparison between the two. That is to say I was underwhelmed with 'CK' and it just didn't engage me. That is not to say that there are not some very nice set pieces of cinematography in it. I would imagine that, back in 1941, this was so different to anything out there that it was regarded as quite groundbreaking. But in fact, I actually prefer Welles's 'Touch Of Evil' (reconstructed version) to 'CK', however that's only my opinion.

In summary I would say, rather than being influenced by top 100 film lists and getting enticed into the whole 'rosebud' PR stunt, watch what Hitchcock described as his own favourite film i.e. 'Shadow Of A Doubt'. You won't be sorry.

Columbo: Any Old Port in a Storm (1973) Season 3, Episode 2

The Moreno Brothers?!!!

[9/10 · 28 March 2015]

Oh what a marvellous episode, with Donald Pleasence on sparkling (forgive the pun) form. Columbo also seems to really enter into the spirit of things (oh, sorry - there I go again). What I also loved was the way Mr. Carsini created havoc in the restaurant, literally incandescent with rage and, of course, this turned out to be a pivotal part of the story line. The support from the Maitre 'D (played by Vito Scotti) and wine steward (Monte Landis) really helped make this a memorable scene, especially the bit at the end of the scene where they are sampling the wine and clearly some great rapport between these two actors. Also memorable was the early scene with his brother who has the audacity to mention the Moreno Brothers, to which Adrian Carsini literally explodes 'The Moreno brothers?!!! The Moreno brothers?!!! 69 cents a gallon Moreno Brothers?!!!' A really nice touch at the end when Columbo produces the wine. I think that's one of the things I love about his character - the humanitarian aspect even in the face of such desperate goings on.

For me, this was the first episode to contain transparent humour, which was a really nice touch.

One other thing I noticed was the use of NBV (non-verbal behaviour) in this episode, not just by Adrian Carsini, but also by Columbo. Watch it again and see how many times you spot cast members use NVB rather than talking.

The House of Fear (1945)

Terrifically atmospheric

[8/10 · 20 January 2013]

This is certainly one of the best in the series of SH films, with a wonderfully atmospheric feel to it right from the outset. Snippets of information about certain characters build up the tension nicely, and a solid supporting cast - particularly Sally Shepherd as the sinister Mrs. Monteith - really gets things going. Throw in a suitably creepy old stately home and it all adds up to an entertaining 69 minutes. Nicely paced direction from the ever-present director, Roy William Neill, directing one of his final films before his untimely death at just 59 the following year. Neill was to direct another four Sherlock Holmes films before his final film noir 'Black Angel' and this one is certainly amongst the pick of the crop. Rathbone excellent as usual. Bruce and Hoey (as Inspector Lestrade) bounce off each other in terms of humour. An excellent twist at the end guarantees satisfaction.

Villain (1971)

Who are you looking at?

[6/10 · 19 January 2013]

Richard Burton inhabits the character of Vic Dakin very well in this competent but slightly one- dimensional gangster film. Swinging from psycho one minute to loving son the next, there's no doubt that Burton would have enjoyed the variety of the role. I love the way he literally snarls some of his lines out. Throw in a politician with a roving eye (played very well indeed by Donald Sinden) and a gay wide boy whom Dakin dotes on (Ian McShane), and that's pretty much the premise of the storyline. For me, the only issue is that there's not an awful lot to it. Yes - Burton is outstanding, even though he doesn't quite nail the cockney accent, with his bright blue eyes flashing menacingly, and he is ably supported by a great cast. It's very much in the same vein as the likes of 'Get Carter' but doesn't move as fast, which probably doesn't help. Am I glad I took the time out on a Saturday afternoon to watch this? You betcha!

Eraserhead (1977)

Slightly Unsettling Monochrome Morbidity

[9/10 · 2 January 2013]

It was with some trepidation that I sat down to view this cult classic, not least because of its reputation which so obviously precedes it. There is no doubt that this film is very strong on audio - in fact the soundtrack really gets under your skin and creates such an ambiance right from the outset that you almost feel yourself being reeled in. The main character - Henry - is surely a modern day version of Buster Keaton. You really do feel that there is a nod to the silent films era, not only with the visuals but with the humour, most of which is unerringly black. There are many set pieces in the film which serve to both unnerve and amuse you in equal measure, which in itself makes for quite an unsettling experience. The supporting cast are nothing short of excellent. There are several other reviews out there which label this film as groundbreaking and I would say that that label is certainly justified. It will be obvious to those viewing this that certain directors of certain movies now regarded as classics will have had the seeds of an idea from this movie. For those die-hard Lynch fans out there, you will LOVE this film. For those who have never entered the bizarre world of the director, you will certainly take something from this. Not sure what, and perhaps that's the point. This is a new experience which will have you thinking about it days later, and what finer tribute can a movie have than that?

Ip Man 2 (2010)

Amazing choreography of fight sequences but historically off the scale

[6/10 · 26 July 2012]

For me, a sad fact about this film is that it really plays with the human emotion of hatred. In fact, I feel that, given the emphasis on benevolence within Chinese martial arts, whilst this film has undoubtedly brought in lots of revenue for the film industry, it may have ironically done a disservice to martial arts.

The fight scenes are truly remarkable, but what we basically have here is a similar situation to Neil Jordan's 'Michael Collins' film, in which a whole fictitious story has been concocted around a hero, resulting in a dangerous misconception. If I was Chinese, and watching Ip Man 2, how would I feel about the British? Are we also expected to believe that a martial artist with the skills of either master who boxed against Twister would not have dispatched him in record time? Having seen Ip Man dispatch 10 Japanese martial artists in the first film, here we see him being beaten by a boxer with no martial art skills. This in itself is laughable.

Perhaps if the director cut down on the sensationalism and focused more on the practical aspects of Yip Man's training, we would end up with a more credible film, and one that would ultimately serve as a great advert for Wing Chun.

Interesting film but left me with a nasty taste in my mouth.