Virdee (2025) Review

Going through the shows and films that are coming out, I saw this one advertised on the BBC and decided to watch the new crime drama Virdee. I got through the 6 episodes over the last couple of days and here is my review of the show. The premise of the shows sees a police detective attempt to find a killer who is targeting the Asian community while dealing with his own demons. 

Main Character

Staz Nair plays Harry Virdee and he is fantastic in this show. He absolutely nails it as this hard boiled cop and he was a character that I really wanted to root for. He gives a really strong well rounded performance that fits the overall feeling of the show. 

Supporting Characters

Vikash Bai plays Riaz Hyatt who is an unlikely ally of Harry and is also involved of the shady parts of Bradford. He is great and I really liked the dynamic between him and Harry and how the show does a great job of building their dynamic and relationship. 

Aysha Kala plays Saima Hyatt, who is Harrys wife on the show and she is also great. I really believed in their relationship and the two of them have great interactions and story progression that makes them both strong characters. 

The rest of the characters come from either Harrys work or both Harry and Saima's families who don't get along. Everyone does really great jobs in their roles whether they are big parts of the show or small parts. They make this feel like an authentic show that delivers on what it promises. 

Story

The Story is good. There is a real mystery about who Harry is chasing, mixed with family and personal situations that feel realistic and a bit fresher then expected. However, I didn't find the reveal who was the killer to be that interesting and certain elements of the plot didn't seem that important and like it kind of fizzled out. 

Script

The script has some smart writing and creates interesting characters to populate this show and aid in these great performances. But sort of linked above, I don't think the shows actual story and structure was great and was the part of the show that could have been improved. 

Style

The show looks great, it really encapsulates the city of Bradford. The show is violent and moves at a great pace that I kept wanting to watch and became hooked. The action scenes are well filmed and the grit really adds a lot to the show. 

Overall

Overall, Virdee is a great sleeper hit and a show that should be watched. I had a great time with Virdee and I hope we do get more from this show in the future and I would say, give this show a chance I think people will really enjoy it. 

Rating - 8/10

The Iron Claw (2024) Review

Growing up I was a big fan of wrestling, over the years my interest has waned but I do have an appreciation of the history of this industry and that is why I was really interested in The Iron Claw. I knew a bit about the story of the Von Erichs so I knew this wasn't going to be a happy film but I hoped it would be an interesting one and here is my review for the film. The premise of the film sees a group of young men following their fathers dream of becoming professional wrestlers and how their entry into this world would change their lives forever. 

Main Character 

Zac Efron plays Kevin Von Erich and this may be the best performance that he has ever given. He nails the human side of this man and the physique that made him believable as this world class professional wrestler. Efron has to really deliver some tough scenes here and he is a person that you really want to root for here. 

Supporting Characters

Jeremy Allen White plays Kerry Von Erich and he is also great here. Despite the fact he doesn't quite measure up physically with the real Kerry, he nails the troubles that the man went through and he has a really interesting story throughout the film. 

Harris Dickinson plays David Von Erich, he was the one I knew little about but I thought he was great. It was interesting to see how he was a better talker then Kevin and that is what got his push in wrestling and how that created a bit of friction. 

Holt McCallany plays the father of the Von Erichs and he is so good in this film. He has to be one of the most unlikeable people that I have seen in a film in some time and that is clearly what they were going for here and they nailed it with MaCallany giving a stellar performance. 

Lily James plays Kevin's wife and she is good, she definitely is a smaller part of the film an overall story but fits well and is a worth addition to the cast. 

Story

This story is really sad, the tragedy of the Von Erich family is a hard watch for sure and this film lays it on pretty thick and does it well. It also does a really good job of showing the wrestling business and how this business affected people whether they be the wrestlers or the people surrounded by the wrestlers such as family. However, I think the film is a little bit rushed in its last act, lots of tragedy kind of comes out of nowhere and years pass without much explanation, I wouldn't have minded this film being longer if we had more content and detail. 

Script

This film is incredibly well written, the dialogue just feels very natural and like these were real human beings. There is a real bond between these brothers and the situations that they are put in and how their father influences their lives in different ways. Obviously, the drama is really good and there is little humour but it just is a well written film. 

Style 

The film is shot in a way to make it look like it is from the time period that it is set and progresses as the film gets closer and closer to modern day. The wide shots of the wrestling was great and a well done part of the film. But I found the close up shots of the wrestling to be very shaky and a even a bit nauseous inducing. The film also didn't have the greatest pacing which as mentioned above kind of affected the storytelling of the film. 

Overall

Overall, The Iron Claw is a great film that is an intense and emotional watch. Even if you aren't a wrestling fan this is definitely worth a watch and appreciate some great performances and a sad story based on true events. 

Rating - 8/10

Peaky Blinders Season 2 (2014) Review 

It may have taken a bit longer then I expected but I have now had the chance to watch the second season of Peaky Blinders and here is my review for it. The premise of the season sees The Peaky Blinders looking to expand their empire to London, this causes different factions to come into conflict and cause problems for Tommy Shelby. 

Main Character

Cillian Murphy is back as Tommy Shelby and once again he is fantastic. It is just so much fun to root for this anti hero as he is put in these awkward positions but his charisma and confidence makes you always feel like he is in control. Murphy feels like a real star here and he crafts out this wonderful character that is the poster boy of this great show. 

Supporting Characters

There is a huge cast of supporting characters which means I may not to get everybody but just my favourites. Paul Anderson plays Arthur Shelby and he is probably my favourite character to watch, they continue his character arc from the first season and he is just really entertaining and messed up to watch. Sam Neil is back as Detective Campbell and he is even more vicious this season and kind of becomes more like the characters that he detested from the first season of the show and he is a great character to watch. Tom Hardy makes his anticipated debut as Alfie Solomons and for me he is a show stealer, he is just so intense and adds this real wrinkle into Tommy Shelby's life and he also adds some real star power to this already star studded cast. The late Helen McCrory gets so much shine as Polly in season 2 and her character is taken into some darker places and it brings her into conflict with others and it shows just how great she is in this role. The others in the cast are also really great and everybody really does a great job. 

Story  

The story is really good, it shows how the world is expanding and how The Peaky Blinders go about their business. They are blending between the illegal and legal parts of business and I think it is handled well and shows the balancing act for all of the characters. The only issue is that there is so much going on in this season and not all of it gets resolved so it feels like setup for future seasons that I am sure will be great but for here it made it feel like the ending didn't exactly pack the great punch. 

Script 

The script is really good, it is intense and explosive for sure. The blend between humour and drama is balanced really well and it makes these characters feel like actual people and it makes you care about the drama that they are in. 

Style

The show looks amazing, the backgrounds feel really authentic and gives you a feel of exactly the Birmingham that we are a part of. The music is something that does adds so much to the show and just raises the cool value up loads. The violence is always there and action is intense enough to really make it feel like a brutal show. 

Overall

Overall, Peaky Blinders Season 2 is a fantastic show and another season to sink your teeth into and keep me going on my way to the current 6th season. 

Peaky Blinders Season 1 (2013) Review

The final season of the vastly popular show Peaky Blinders is coming next week and I have actually never watched the show, so what better time to start then now. So here is my review for the first season of the show. The premise of the season sees a crime family looking to grow their business against competitors and the police. 

Main Character

The great Cillian Murphy plays Tommy Shelby and he is amazing in this role. He was built for this role and I really enjoyed seeing him as the leader of the family and how he wasn't just this gruff guy and had a real personality. Despite his many flaws it became pretty easy to root for him and the Peaky Blinders in the activities that they are doing. 

Supporting Characters

The legendary Sam Neill plays the police officer sent after the Peaky Blinders and he is also fantastic. He comes in with a strong will and determination to take down the group but he isn't your squeaky clean police officer and seeing his methods is an interesting comparison to the opposition group. Paul Anderson plays Arthur Shelby and he might be my favourite character on the show, there is just a charm for the loveable idiot which he is and Anderson plays it up really well. Joe Cole plays John Shelby and he fits the group really well too, he is the youngest of the trio and is more hot headed. He also had plenty of charm and is just really likeable. The late Helen McCrory plays Polly and she is a really strong female character, she is the matriarch of The Peaky Blinders and she owns it completely. The group just mesh really well together and it feels like a true family which is a good credit to the actors. Annabelle Wallis plays Grace, at first she seems like a fairly superficial character but as she gets more screen time you learn there is more about her and she is effective in her role. 

Story 

The story is really good, seeing the rise of this group and the issues that they have with other criminal organisations and the police. It ebbs and flows well and shows just how much Tommy Shelby has to deal with as the leader of this group. All of the characters have their time to shine and character development which is great to see. Though my only slight criticism is just how much is put into the first season of the show and one particular arc that happened in the last few episodes that felt a bit out of place in my eyes. 

Script 

The script is fantastic, it really feels natural and creates a group of interesting characters. It is obviously a pretty serious show and the drama is handled really well. But there are those bits of humour that are really strong and made the show feel truly great. 

Style 

The show looks amazing, it is filmed fantastically and I just loved how it was shot and how it really feels like its own special style. The use of music is also great and add so much to the show, it gets you amped for the fight scene we are watching and the show as a whole. 

Overall 

Overall, The First Season of Peaky Blinders is fantastic and is a must watch. This is a great start and is a show that should be watched for sure. 

Rating - 9/10

Rules of The Game Series (2022) Review

BBC recently released this show onto the IPLAYER and I have now watched the 4 episodes of the show and here is my review for Rules of the Game. The premise of the show sees a new head of HR join a company and she starts to examine the toxic working relationship of the company and take action against the culture of the senior staff. 

Main Character

Maxine Peake plays the lead character Sam and the best thing I can say about her is that she is clearly acting well. It is a strong performance and you can tell she is really giving her all in the role but the problem is that she is so unlikeable in the role. You can have flawed characters but when there is pretty much nothing to make you care then it is a pretty difficult sell to an audience. 

Supporting Characters

Rakhee Thakrar plays the new head of HR and she is okay, again she acts the role well and you are obviously on her side because of the clear issues at the work place. But she is just a bit bland and boring, the show loses the ball with her in the middle of the show and it made it a struggle to full get on board. Callie Cooke as Tess Jones is probably the best character in the show, she is really affected by the issues at the workplace and for me she was the one person that I felt was genuine with her character and I kind of wish she was given more screen time as she was my favourite character. Ben Batt and Kieran Bew play the brothers who are the executives and they are okay but there is no denying they are cliché's and it is laughable how over the top they are. The rest of the cast do their best but there just isn't much here and I would argue the show is a bit cluttered and could have done with some having a smaller role. 

Story 

The story is where the show really falls down, it is just absolutely absurd. It starts off trying to set the show in pretty realistic conditions but as it goes on you realise just how crazy it starts to get and how it is just laughable. It also doesn't help how predictable it is, I worked out what was going on by the end of the first episode and that was a big issue for me. The ending is also too abrupt, it leaves you wondering what happened to the majority of the characters and that is a big let down. 

Script

The script does have some okay dramatic dialogue that makes the interactions feel more intense. But it also feels quite superficial, it is also a pretty dour show and that makes it hard to stick with, especially with its slower pace. Now I don't mind if a show wants to push a message, this show is clearly pushing the feminism message and that is fine, but why do shows like this have to make every male character a scumbag, it just takes me out of it and feels like the message is outweighing the actual show. 

Style 

The show is filmed well enough but it is so boring. The show trundles its way through the episodes and it can't keep the suspense and drama up enough for me. It is a shame that this is the case as the set design is pretty good but I fear people won't even bother watching till the end. 

Overall

Overall, Rules of the Game is a poor show that misses the mark. It clearly has a message but it executes it badly and I would say give this one a miss. 

Rating - 3/10

The Tourist Mini Series (2022) Review

BBC released all of the episodes of The Tourist on New Years Day and I have now had the chance to watch all 6 of them and here is my review for The Tourist. The premise of the show sees a man lose his memory after a car accident and have to survive while trying to piece together what exactly is going on. 

Main Character

Jamie Dornan plays the lead character in the show and he is really good. He brings plenty of intensity and dark comedy to the role and it really works, we are on a journey with this man and the show does a good job of making you care about this man. Obviously Dornan is mostly known for his role as Christian Grey in The Fifty Shades of Grey films but performances like in The Fall and this show does a better job in showing just how diverse and great an actor he can be. 

Supporting Characters

Shalom Brune-Franklin who was also in Season 6 of Line Of Duty is in this show and she is also great. The dynamic between her and Dornan is handled incredibly well and they are just really fun to watch together. She is also a really interesting character and as you learn more about her it just makes you ask even more questions. Danielle Macdonald plays a police officer involved with the situation and she does a pretty decent job, she is a fun change to Dornan's pretty aggressive lead character. They don't do a great job with her story but there is no denying Macdonald does a good job in her role. There are a few other characters that come in and out of the show but they leave little to be desired, either they are just generic or they are just annoying. 

Story

The story has so many twists and turns that makes you want to keep watching and had me loading up another episode pretty much straight away. It is an intriguing watch and you are learning alongside our main character and that makes us care and understand his way of thinking throughout the show. But some of the side plots don't work, especially Macdonald's character and her relationship it is so frustrating and annoying to watch. The ending also falls a bit flat and I don't know if it is trying to get a second series but it trundles to its conclusion which is disappointing. 

Script

The script is okay, there is some good use of dark humour and as I mentioned the twists and turns are there a plenty. But there does seem to be a lack of depth to the end result and the end of the show just feels a bit hashed together and like they couldn't work out what they wanted to achieve. 

Style 

The show has a pretty cool look to it, Australia is a place that isn't used enough in mainstream TV and Film so it is nice to see it showcased here. When the action hits, it does it well enough and with those cliffhangers does an effective job of keeping you watching. But the actual pacing of the episodes aren't great, they are a bit slow and at times plod along with things not being that interesting. 

Overall

Overall, The Tourist is an above average show that has some good bits. Though I would say this is one for people who watch plenty of TV and have time on their hands or else maybe give it a pass. 

Rating - 6/10

The Power of the Dog (2021) Review 

This film has been gaining a lot of claim from all of the film festivals and today The Power of the Dog made its way to Netflix, so I watched it and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a rancher motivated by his work attempt to ruin the lives of his brother's new wife and son in law. 

Main Character

Benedict Cumberbatch is one of the best actors on the planet and he really proves it here with a mesmerising and brilliant performance. He is not a likeable guy in this film but he totally owns the screen and you can't help but watch him and care about his character. As the film goes on the real genius of this character comes into the light and he is easily the star of the show here. 

Supporting Characters

Jesse Plemons plays his brother and I really liked the juxtaposition between the two of them as you see the intense Cumberbatch mixed with the calm and collected Plemons and it works really well. He does fade into the background at certain points in the film but it feels appropriate to the story that is being told. Kirsten Dunst plays his wife and I also thought she was really effective in her role, I am not always her biggest fan but here I thought it worked and you see her character really spiral and the tension between her and Cumberbatch is sometimes tough to watch but in a good way. Kodi Smit-McPhee is a young actor who is growing in reputation and I think he was better as the film went on and he shared more scenes with Cumberbatch. Another up and coming performer Thomasin McKenzie has a small role and she is decent but I kind of wonder why they got her when she had very little to do in this film. 

Story  

The story is affective in showing how one person can cause a lot of issues for another without laying a finger on them. The acting really raises this material up and you see how these characters minds work and it really hits its stride in the last act with a really interesting ending. But the film takes too long to get going, the film could have done a better job in setting out its narrative flow and overall themes. 

Script 

The script is okay, there are some really good lines and moments. The plot is pretty clever with interesting storytelling being on display. But as I mentioned above, it seems to plod along a bit too much and this film takes itself so seriously that it can be a bit of a hard watch for sure. 

Style 

The film looks beautiful, the cinematography is fantastic and it really is a marvel to look at the backdrops and the world that has been created here. Mixed with a really effective soundtrack, it was a key thing to bring me into the film. But the film is very slow in its pacing, it feels at least 30 mins longer then it actually is and that hurts the overall quality of what is an interesting watch. 

Overall

Overall, The Power of the Dog is a good film. If you want to watch a film that wants to win Oscars and have great acting and filmmaking then this could be one for you. 

Rating - 7/10

Vigil Season 1 (2021) Review

Vigil has been the biggest show in the UK the last few weeks and today I decided to watch all 6 episodes of it and here is my review for the sure. The premise of the show sees a detective sent to a submarine when a death of a crewman takes place. 

Main Character

Suranne Jones plays the lead character here and she is really good in her role. She is clearly really good at her job and you see how the affect of being on this submarine really affects her compared to the crewman. You learn more about her character as the show progresses and it makes her an interesting role and very challenging role for Jones. 

Supporting Characters

The entire cast are fantastic, Rose Leslie plays her partner who is investigating a slightly different angle on land. She is really good in her role and I thought she managed to elevate certain material and make it better then it had any right to be. Though they don't share too much screen time together Jones and Leslie are really good together and have really good chemistry. There are so many crewman played by really talented actors that I won't go into depth about them but Martin Compston, Shaun Evans, Paterson Joseph, Adam James & Connor Swindells are all great. They have meaty roles and they do plenty to drive the narrative in the sub. Stephane Dillane also does a good job as the guy in charge of the navy and you see how he has to deal with the circumstances that are at play. 

Story

The story is good, it does a really effective job of dragging you into its narrative and making you care. There are cliff-hangers a plenty and plenty of suspects that could be guilty of foul play, it achieves this well by creating interesting personalities and people. But the show does end up feeling a little flat with its ending and sometimes it becomes a bit confusing and illogical with its overall story. 

Script

The script is effective, it is obviously really serious but it works for the situation that these characters are in at pretty much all times in this submarine. It feels really intense and there are so many characters that have something to hide that the intrigue is done really well. 

Style 

The show is shot really well, the submarine looks really great and I thought the claustrophobic feeling of the sub delivered and made the whole atmosphere be on a knife edge no matter what was going on. But I think the show has a bit too slow a pacing at times and I think maybe there could have been an episode left which would have made it a more condensed but effective watch. 

Overall 

Overall, Vigil is a great show that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout and keep you guessing as to what is going to happen next. 

Rating - 8/10

Time (2021) Series Review

Last Sunday BBC came out with Time, a new drama that is 3 episodes long and I have watched all three episodes and here is my review for it. The premise of the series sees a man convicted to prison where he is looked after by a police officer who cares about his inmates. 

Main Character

Sean Bean and Stephen Graham play the two leads here and they are both fantastic. Firstly Bean, he feels like a normal guy put in this terrible situation because of one thing that he did and he sells that brilliantly. You see the real criminals in this show and the ones with no remorse so it shows him in a light where you do care and see despite his flaws he is a good person. The same can be said for Graham's character, he is an honest officer that is trying to help the prisoners survive and at least stay human. But he has his flaws and is put in a difficult situation and Graham sells it as well as you would expect because he is a brilliant actor. These two are now juggernauts of the screen and it is great to see them on screen though I do wish they did more together. 

Supporting Characters 

The rest of the cast are definitely secondary, Brian McCardie who played Tommy Hunter on Line Of Duty has a role here and he plays the character you would expect, I think he could probably do it in his sleep. Siobhan Finnerman plays a pastor that helps the inmates and she is good in her role as a likeable support network for these people who need it for different reasons. The rest of the cast are also pretty good in their roles and fit the parts of the show that they need too. 

Story 

The story is effective, it is interesting to see this average man trying to get through prison and live day by day. While this police officer is put in an uncomfortable position that shows how good people can be affected by this world. It brings up plenty of emotion and real world situations that can be difficult to watch and grasp. But this show also has a bit of a disconnect, the two main stories feel pretty separate and I feel like especially Graham's story gets a lack of detail put into it. With the show being more realistic, it also made the pace a bit slow and it took me at least the second episode to get into it. 

Script 

The script is very real, the drama is real and effective. You see the pain and anguish that goes on in the prison mixed with some anger from the prisoners. But maybe its a bit too real, there is little to surprise, no little quirks of humour and just a lack of humanity overall to the feel of the characters. 

Style 

The show has some intense scenes that you would expect from a show set in a prison. It does an effective job in detailing the life of Bean's character in particular and how he tries to survive while keeping his moral compass. The show is only 3 episodes long and that is a good thing, it never outstays its welcome but it is a bit pondering and slow, especially in that first episode for me. Like a lot of shows there are elements of the show that I thought were needed and some that weren't and that affected the overall pace of the show. 

Overall

Overall, Time is a good show. I have seen rave reviews for this show but I don't think it is that good, if you like either of the two main actors then you will see enough you like and think this was a decent three hour show. 

Rating - 7/10

Line of Duty Season 6 (2021) Review

So after binge watching the previous 5 seasons of the show I have now watched the new season of Line Of Duty and here is my review for it. The premise of the season sees AC-12 investigate a police operation which might have links to The OCG and their hunt for the fourth man. 

Main Character

Kelly Macdonald plays the main new character - Jo Davidson and she is really good here. She is a strong character and one that is clearly very good at her job, but what maybe allows her to stand out is that she has a vulnerable side and it made it a bit easier to care about her situation compared to some of the colder characters from previous seasons and Macdonald does a really good job of fitting in nicely to the whole Line of Duty universe. 

Supporting Characters

Martin Compston is back as Steve Arnott and the show picks up with him in an interesting place but of course he is great. The season delves more into his personal life and the issues he has had since an event that took place in a previous season and he really delivers on it and turns it from something that could have been dull to something that is heartfelt and also shows his vulnerability. Vicky McClure is back as Kate Fleming and she is also in an interesting position which leads to her to be separated from AC-12 and it allows her to really shine as an actress and show a different side of Kate and not just always looking at the worst in other officers. Adrian Dunbar also returns as Hastings and he is just so good, he has so many great lines that have become memes as far as you can see. But the character is also really well realised and after the events of Season 5, he is even more determined and this trio is as effective as ever in their hunt for OCG. Shalom Brune-Franklin joins the cast as Chloe and she is a really nice addition, at times it feels like this girl is carrying AC-12 and it has been a while since we have seen a good character join AC-12 and she does a good job at it. There are also plenty of characters who return from previous seasons and I always love how this show connects events from the entire show into the current story. 

Story 

The story is good, after the turbulent ending to Season 5 it leads all the main characters in vulnerable and unique positions and I thought the show did an effective job in conveying that and how these characters have developed. It also does some new things and avoids the risks of just being a complete rehash of previous seasons which at this point is something that is needed. But the story does have some issues which culminates with a poor season finale, that has one particular reveal that happens which left a sour taste in my mouth and unless addressed in the next season will be a big let down as it currently feels to not just me but the majority of viewers. 

Script 

The script is very good, the interview scenes are as intense as ever with one in particular being a gripping watch and showing just how good this show can be. It keeps twisting and turning and mix that with a nice blend of humour and drama and you have an effective script. 

Style 

The show has always had a unique and interesting style and that continues here. Despite having to film during a global pandemic the show manages to keep those intense interview scenes in and the great cinematography that adds so much to the whole experience. At times it also feels like this is a pretty action heavy season which I have no issue with and it is all handled pretty well. Though this season has an extra episode and because of that it does feel like the pacing is a little bit off and I think the show should have stuck with its 6 episode structure. It led to a pretty poor finale which I think could have been avoided somewhat by not taking as long to get there and obviously some story changes. 

Overall

Overall, Line Of Duty Season 6 is a great season of television. I know some people are disappointed by the finale but there is no denying the first 6 episodes are really well made and of the high quality to be expected of this show. If you haven't started Line Of Duty get on it as it is a really great show and I guarantee that there will be a seventh season and it will hopefully be even better then this one. 

Rating - 8/10

The Mauritanian (2021) Review

This film has had quite a bit of buzz about it and came to Amazon last week and I have now had a chance to watch it and here is my review for the film The Mauritanian. The premise of the film sees a man attempt to fight for his freedom when he is detained in Guantanamo Bay for years without any charges against him. 

Main Character  

It seems like that 2021 is a very good year for Tahar Rahim. After his brilliant outing in BBC show The Serpent he continues that here with one of the best performances of the year and is a performance that should have gained him an Oscar Nomination. He is fantastic here, despite being accused of terrible things, Rahim does a great job in making you feel sympathy for him and caring about the situation that he has been put in. The film explores plenty of his life and it is a good way to show the man underneath the accusation and that is crucial to the film. 

Supporting Characters

Jodie Foster plays the main lawyer representing him and she is good also. Her character has a clear arc and progression in this film and Foster does a good job in showing that and the reasons for her defending her client. Benedict Cumberbatch plays the opposition Lawyer and despite a very thick Virginian accent he is also good. The accent is a bit strange at first but it grew on me as the film progressed, I just liked how the parallels of Foster and Cumberbatch's characters affects the story and adds depth to the people that are seen on film. Shailene Woodley and Zachary Levi are also good in their roles and add plenty when they are on screen. 

Story 

The story is really interesting. There are huge questions of morality and right and wrong which is handled in a very mature but interesting way. The characters are great and really well realised by the performers that it makes you care about this interesting real life tale. But I have one issue which hurt the overall film for me and that was the fact the film spends a long time setting up a trial which we barely see. I love courtroom dramas and I would have happily watched another 30 mins to an hour if it made the film a more complete experience. 

Script

The script is really good, the drama is really well realised and makes you care about the people and the interesting story. But what also surprised me was that this film had little sprinklings of humour and it worked for me with this script maybe also getting ignored of an Oscar nomination. 

Style 

The style of the film is good, it keeps you interested for the majority of the run time and does show the real horrors that happen in this prison and to this man. Though as I said above, I felt like the film could have gone longer and needed a stronger finish. Also this film changes its aspect ratio when in different timelines and I get it for a thematic approach but I just felt it was unnecessary and was a bit jarring. 

Overall 

Overall, The Mauritanian is a great film that should be watched. It has an amazing lead performance and a gripping story and I think this film deserved a bit more recognition from The Academy so don't miss it. 

Rating - 8/10 

Line of Duty Season 5 (2019) Review 

I haven't exactly hid my love for Line Of Duty as I have watched the series over the last few weeks and today I watched the 5th season of the show and here is my review for it. The premise of the season sees the team of AC-12 on the hunt for the group of corrupt officers and criminals that have been causing them trouble for years. 

Main Character

Another season and another Guest Main character and this season sees experienced British actor Stephen Graham take the lead role and he is fantastic. I mean he is a great actor who usually brings his A game and he does that here, his character has plenty of depth to him and it is a different direction to what the show usually does and I think that made his character one that really stands out amongst the others that have been on the show. 

Supporting Characters

Adrian Dunbar as Hastings as been one of if not my favourite thing about this show and this season is where he hits his stride to an even greater degree. We learn way more about his character and this is easily the most time we have spent with the character and that is a real highlight and a much needed addition to the storytelling of the season. Martin Compston and Vicky McClure as Steve and Kate are also great, it's surprising because despite the fact they have been partners since the first season I think this is the most screen time they have had together and it showed just how great a team they are together. The rest of the cast are great and just like every other season the acting is a real highlight for the show. 

Story 

The story is always moving and interesting. I love how this season starts to play the threads between the different seasons and how they are starting to come together. Graham and Dunbar's plots are the highlights as the show does a really good job with two character studies that really flesh out their motivations and ideals in a really great way. But I have to admit the story did fall a little bit flat in the finale for me, it just wasn't as amazing an episode as the previous 2 finales and I think that did affect my overall feeling on the show, though it is still great. 

Script

The script is great, the dialogue is funny when it wants to be and truly dramatic. There are twists and turns and I can't deny that the writing did a fantastic job of captivating me and making me go from episode to episode as I had not know what was going to happen next. 

Style

The show looks great, it just has a fast paced filming style to it and it really makes you feel like you are following these detectives on their quest for justice. The 6 episodes are paced very well with the finale being a 90 minute episode and the show manages to keep you engaged and invested throughout. 

Overall

Overall, this is a fantastic 5th season of Line Of Duty and continues the really high quality going. Now I am all caught up I can't wait to watch all 6 episodes of the new season at once and get my fix for the show again. 

Rating - 9/10

Line Of Duty Season 4 (2017) Review

So after a little break I am back watching Line of Duty and I have just finished the fourth season and here is my review for it. The premise of the season sees AC-12 look into a possible miscarriage or justice by a leading Police Detective. 

Main Character

Thandie Newton plays the guest lead character this season and she is really good in her role. She is an interesting character and Newton is really effective in selling her characters emotions and the way that she thinks and operates. The highlights of the season is when she and AC-12 go head to head in the interview room and she is incredibly captivating and even puts them under significant pressure at times. 

Supporting Characters 

All of the regulars are back this season, Adrian Dunbar as Hastings, Vicky McClure as Kate and Martin Compston as Steve and they are of course all great. I was worried about where they were going with Kate and Steve at the beginning of the season but they sorted it out quick enough and the characters are at their best here and it is interesting to see both of them now of the same rank after the events of the previous seasons. Hastings has always been a big highlight and I just love this guy, he has the best lines and he is just such a great character, with the three of them being a great triple act. Royce Pierrson is an actor I recently criticised for his role in The Irregulars but he shows up here and is good in his role providing a fresh and new face inside of AC-12 that is a welcome addition. 

Story 

The story is really good, it is always entertaining seeing AC-12 going on the hunt for corrupt police officers and it is in full force here and this season had me gripped for sure. The show makes you think you know what is going on at first but then it starts adding more and more twists and turns and layers that makes it so intricate and dynamic. Also the last 20 minutes of the finale is some of the greatest TV I have ever seen and I have seen a lot of TV. 

Script

The script is really good, I always wonder whether the show will ever get bogged down by the police jargon but it really doesn't and it is easy enough to follow but keeps you guessing throughout. The drama and humour is well balanced and the show manages to create captivating and interesting characters. 

Style 

The show has a truly special style, it can take something like an interview and turn it into must watch TV and that is no different here. The show moves at a very brisk pace and keeps you interested and invested really well with a show that knows exactly how much time and episodes it needs to succeed. 

Overall

Overall, the fourth season of Line Of Duty is truly epic. Honestly, this is some of the best TV you will see and I am truly of belief that this show is one of the best made maybe even ever and if you haven't started then get on it as it is amazing. 

Rating - 10/10

Line Of Duty Season 3 (2016) Review

With Line of Duty Season 6 coming out, I am continuing my watch of the previous seasons and here is my review of season 3. The premise of the season sees an armed response officer being investigated by AC-12 when it is suggested he unlawfully killed a target. 

Main Character

Martin Compston as Steve Arnott is probably the one we spend the most time with here and he is really good. He is still the officer who is on the hunt the most and Compston does a great job in showing his determination and how he is a good officer. The show does some interesting things with his character and the spotlight is really shone on him as things start to become more complex and it makes his character much more interesting. 

Supporting Characters

Daniel Mays plays the guest character and he is given less to do then the others but he is still really good. He is a very complex character and as you learn more about him, the whole moral compass has to get looked at and he is a character with a lot of depth and intrigue. Vicky McClure is back as Kate and she is also great, Kate is given plenty to do and I think this season is the one where we really see just how good at her job she is as she manages to pull off the majority of the investigation. Adrian Dunbar plays Hastings and I think he is my favourite character on this show, he is just really good in the role and is firm but fair and also has some real funny moments as well with some of the best lines. Craig Parkinson as Cottan has always been a character that has felt like the fourth wheel to the team and that is emphasised here and he is really good at doing it and gives a strong performance. 

Story 

The story is really good, the show heads in some different directions in terms of its storytelling and freshens itself up enough while staying true to the identity of the show. The characters are great and as the story progresses the twists and turns are relentless culminating with one of the best finales you will see in any TV series that tip it over the edge. 

Script 

The script is really great, it has a great amount of twists that keeps you interested and allows you to follow. The drama and humour is really well balanced and it allows the show to feel real and dynamic with its storytelling and characters. 

Style 

The shows style is also really good, the show never slows down and keeps moving at a quick pace that you just want to watch the show all at once. The action when it is here, is brutal and really well done and the interview sections are some edge of the seat stuff. 

Overall

Overall, this is possibly my favourite season of Line Of Duty so far. It is really well paced and just kept me interested and glued to the screen for all six episodes. 

Rating - 10/10

Bloodlands Season 1 (2021) Review

This show has been on BBC One for the last four weeks and today I decided to watch all of the episodes back to back today and here is my review for it. The premise of the show sees a Northern Irish Police Detective get drawn back into a case that took place over twenty years ago. 

Main Character

James Nesbitt is a really good and maybe underrated actor and he is really great in this show. He is the detective here and he is the character that we see the show through and it is a very interesting watch for sure as he is a interesting character. He has quite a bit of complexity about him and it makes the show better with him leading the way. 

Supporting Characters

Lorcan Cranitch plays his boss and I though he was decent, I mean early on the show makes it pretty clear that he isn't on the same wavelength as Nesbitt and that makes their dynamic interesting. He delivers a solid performance and has a decent chemistry with Nesbitt. Ian McElhinney who was on Game Of Thrones is here and he also gives a good performance, he has an interesting backstory and character that has some scenes with Nesbitt that are some of the best on the show. But the rest of the cast weren't so great, I actually think this show does a poor job of portraying its female characters which is a real shame. I didn't care about Nesbitt's daughter and I just never bought there connection, maybe because they don't actually share that many scenes together. Charlene Mckenna plays his partner and I thought she was okay but her character is just written too be a bit weak, like she starts to piece the investigation way too late and it ends up not mattering in the end so it just feels like she was a bit of a wasted opportunity. 

Story 

The story is okay, it is always interesting seeing detectives investigating a crime that has layers to it, also the show does look a bit at Northern Ireland religious and political issues which is something unique and a bit different. Also this show has a great twist about half way through and it does change the dynamic of the entire show and make the concept of the story way more interesting. But this plot does have quite a few conveniences and ridiculous coincidences that I couldn't get on board with and it also feels like the ending of the show is a bit rushed and forced to finish some of the lesser arcs that aren't given enough time. 

Script

The script is functional, this show has a pretty dramatic feel to it with plenty of twists and turns along the way. This show is pretty grim though and lacks any real sense of personality and it does hurt the overall characterisation of the whole thing. 

Style 

The style of the show for me is where the show really falls down, it just doesn't do anything to stand out and feels very average. With the show being made by the people behind Line Of Duty, I was hoping for the same intensity in the style but it just isn't here and it feels a bit laboured. Also, usually I think 4 episodes are a good length, but either this show needed to cut some of the weaker elements of the story or have an extra episode to wrap everything up in a more fulfilling way. 

Overall

Overall, this is an average show. It has its moments and James Nesbitt is great but there isn't enough to really sink your teeth into and get invested into and this is one of those shows that sometime could be worth a quick watch but now with everything out it is probably one to skip. 

Rating - 5/10

Line Of Duty Season 2 (2014) Review

After finishing the first season of Line Of Duty, I quite quickly managed to get through the second season of the show and here is my review for it. The premise of the season sees a Police operation go wrong, with suspicion of inside help AC-12 are sent to find out who and why. 

Main Character

This time out Keeley Hawes plays the Lead Character and she is really good, I didn't think she was as good as Lennie James but still a great lead character. Honestly, this season is more of a combined effort but she has the most story put into her and Hawes does a great job in making her a complex character and one that you aren't exactly sure of her motivations. The character provokes plenty of emotion and intrigue and Hawes deserves plenty of credit for that. 

Supporting Characters

Martin Compston as Steve basically is a main character here and he is great and a character that is easy to root for. I think this season was also effective as it showed all the main characters of AC-12 having personal demons and Steve is no exception, though he is clearly the one mainly invested in the investigation and thus he is the one we spend the most time with. Vicky McClure is back as Kate and they take her character in an interesting direction, she is also good in her role and the dynamic between her and Compston is one of the real highlights of the show. Adrian Dunbar is also back as Hastings and he is so good in his role, he is a great leader of AC-12 and the dynamic between the members of the team is really effective and feels very real. He gets more screen time this season and we learn more about him which is effective in building a great relationship between these characters. Also Craig Parkinson is back as Dot and he is given way more to do and he is also really good, I just thought that had to be mentioned as I didn't talk about him in my review for the first season. 

Story 

The story of the show is really good, the twists and turns are here in full force and it keeps you on your toes in every episode. This season in particular had more shocks and intrigue to it with characters being very grey in their motivations and the pacing being really dynamic. However, I felt like this season's ending didn't quite hit the mark. It was like the show brushed over certain things in an ending montage and a bit of side acts lacked a bot of inspiration that the first season had. 

Script

The script is really great, the drama feels very personal and as I said I felt there were more twists and turns this season and had me asking questions and the script deserves credit for that. Also the slight humour used is really well done and it makes the characters feel real and it raised the overall drama. 

Style 

The show has excellent pacing, it keeps you on your toes and moves fast but with great character development. There is an extra episode here but it allows the show to be paced really well and keep the level of drama high. The interrogations are a real highlight and for me were just as good if not better then the previous season. 

Overall

Overall, this is a fantastic season of television that continues this shows top level form. I did prefer the first season but this is a show you have to watch for sure. 

Rating - 9/10 

Line Of Duty Season 1 (2012) Review 

With a sixth season of Line Of Duty coming to the UK next week, I thought it was finally time I sat down and watched this much praised show and I have watched the first season and here is my review. The premise of the show sees an anti corruption unit investigating one of there own, that leads to larger stakes then they realise. 

Main Character

Lennie James has become quite a big deal with his time on The Walking Dead and Save Me and he plays the main character of the first season of the show and he is superb. He is such an interesting character and James adds so much depth and layers to him and in a show that is really well acted he delivers a extremely strong performance. 

Supporting Characters

Martin Compston plays Arnott and he is also really good. Something happens to his character right at the start of the show and you see how it shapes him throughout and he delivers a strong performance. The dynamic between him and James is really interesting and you see their power struggle really encapsulate the season with two interesting characters and two interesting viewpoints. Vicky McClure plays Kate and she is also a highlight, she is a really strong actress and she gets stuck between Compston and James but it feels natural and that she is on a level with them. She has plenty of depth to her and she is a character that is really interesting and McClure does a great job. Adrian Dunbar plays Hastings and this guy is truly great as the leader of the group, he is just so cool and he is just a great character that has plenty of stand out moments. The rest of the cast are also great with the other police officers being portrayed strongly. 

Story 

The story is so gripping here, it keeps moving at a pretty brisk pace and it is so much better for it. The show has twists and turns that will keep you invested and rises above other shows within the same genre. It also nails a fantastic ending that is really high quality and keeping you guessing to the final second. 

Script

The script is great, all of the characters feel like real people. They have intrigue and development which feels natural and makes them all interesting, they have there funny moments and when the drama starts it goes deep and is really intense. 

Style

The show has a great style and I think a lot of that has to go down to the camera work. The show is always moving and the camera seems to be always moving, at times it can be a bit annoying but for the most part it makes everything seem a bit more frantic and fast paced and it worked for me. Also, if you want your car chases, shoot outs and interrogations they are all here in force too. 

Overall

Overall, I love this first season of Line Of Duty and I can't believe it has taken me this long to watch this show. If you haven't started watching it then do so and I will be spending the next few weeks catching up with the rest. 

Rating - 10/10 

The Serpent Mini Series (2021) Review

Here we go, the first new review for 2021 and it is for the new BBC show The Serpent and here is my review for it. The premise of the show documents the life of a serial killer who took advantage of the Asian hippie society for his own needs. 

Main Character

Tahar Rahim plays the main character here and he does a really good job here. His performance is really enigmatic and charismatic, you understand why these people are drawn to him and attracted to his lifestyle as he is a charming man with that aura about him. But he also nails the intensity too, when he has to switch you believe he can and that he is a truly dangerous man that is unbalanced and as you learn more about him he becomes a more interesting character. 

Supporting Characters

Jenna Coleman plays his partner in the show and she is fantastic, she is a person that we really see the show through and she is a character that really struggles. You can see how infatuated she is with Rahim's character that she is willing to give the extra mile for him but you can't really tell how on board she is and her character develops very well as the show progresses. Billy Howle plays the guy on the hunt for The Serpent and he does a great job, you see how invested he gets in this manhunt and how it affects him in many different ways and I thought Howle managed to show that really well and he deserves plenty of credit for that. Elle Bamber and Tim McInnerny who I last saw in The Trial of Christine Keeler are much better here, Bamber plays Howle's wife and that have an interesting relationship and she is way more then just your simple wife of a heroic character. McInnerny adds plenty of fire to the show and intensity and I thought him and Howle had really good chemistry and there different personalities really worked together well. 

Story   

The story is interesting, how much of it is exactly true is to be argued but the show makes it interesting and creates this aura around this guy and keeps you interested in how this guy and his whole circle operate and his mindset to his way of life. But this show has a big issue with its storytelling, it decides to tell the story through different timelines and it just gets really confusing, characters come in and out of the story and it doesn't become clear when things are happening and where they fit into the timeline of the show. 

Script

The script is fine, it has some pretty intense moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat as the characters are put in scenarios that put them in peril. But there isn't anything particularly special going on here, the actors rise above an average script and there was more that could have been done here. 

Style 

The show is very stylish and thinks it is very cool and for the most part it is and it shows Thailand and the other countries in an interesting way. But the one thing I have to say is that this show does seem to glamorise this real life serial killer and the life he had which is a strange choice when this guy is still alive and I think there are just a couple too many episodes but that is just me. 

Overall 

Overall, this is a good series that does what it intended to do pretty well. It doesn't rise to the highest level but is a good start to 2021 and if you like shows with these ideas then give this show a watch. 

Rating - 7/10

His Dark Materials Season 2 (2020) Review

For the last 7 weeks, His Dark Materials second season has been on BBC One and now it has finished so here is my review. The premise of the season sees Lyra and Will come together to attempt to find an object to protect them both from evil forces. 

Main Character

Dafne Keen is back as Lyra and once again she is really good in the role. It is just really easy to root for her and want to see her succeed in her quest and I also think she has matured in the role and showing stronger acting ability. Amir Wilson plays Will and I must admit I didn't warm to him at first, whether that was the first season or this season but he bought me around. I really liked the dynamic between Lyra and Will as the season progressed and I actually believed they had a friendship and that it had been developed throughout the season. 

Supporting Characters

Ruth Wilson plays Mrs Coulter and again she is really good here, her character is well developed and unlike the first season I actually believed she cared about Lyra and despite her own personal goals that plays much heavier in this season which is a nice development here. Lin Manuel Miranda and Andrew Scott are the team-up we never knew we needed, for me they are the most entertaining part of the show and really do a great job in adding some fun tot this show while keeping with the depth. However, the rest of the cast didn't work for me, Simone Kirby's character annoyed the hell out of me, mainly because the part of the plot she was involved in and how it just takes away from the mystique that the show has built up. All the stuff to do with the witches and magisterium starts off alright but falls flat and flatters to deceive and feels like a waste of time. 

Story 

The story had me pretty much shaking my head throughout and felt like a weaker element then in the previous season. Yes the relationships between Lyra and Will is well handled and Lin Manuel Miranda and Andrew Scott are a fun pairing but the way they finished these characters arcs this season really disappointed me. So much that it has me questioning whether I even want to bother with the next season. I would say there is more going on this season that isn't connected to Lyra and it just isn't particularly interesting and it makes some of the mistakes of last season while creating whole new ones. 

Script

The show does have some well written scenes in it for sure mainly between the main characters and that does a good job in making them pretty likeable and well done. But this show suffers from weak circumstantial writing, every show is guilty of it but I thought this show suffered with it more and it bogged down the show for me and made it harder for me to get on board. 

Style

The one thing this show has for it is that it looks fantastic, the world looks great and that continues this season as visually the show does stand out from others. Due to the pandemic this show had 7 episodes instead of 8 and there is not much they could have done about that but to me it did feel like there was parts of the show that was missing and underdeveloped which is a shame considering the world that is built through the two seasons. 

Overall

Overall, the second season is a step down in quality and only represents an average show. I think if you weren't convinced by the first season then this won't do much more for you and if they continue like this I do worry for this shows future. 

Rating - 5/10

Small Axe - Education (2020) Review

After 5 weeks of films we are finally here for the final film in Director Steve McQueen's Small Axe collection Education and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a black school child who is struggling sent to a school for special needs despite having any special learning needs. 

Main Character

Youngster Kenyah Sandy plays Kingsley our main character here and I thought he did a good job. I felt sorry for Stanley, you see he struggles with school and he doesn't exactly have the best role models and influences in teachers and friends so you want him to really get better in terms of both. You see how he is being stalled because of the lack of aid and Sandy does a really good job in showing how Kingsley is bright and if steered on the right path can achieve good things and he just needs help. 

Supporting Characters

The rest of the cast are also good in this film. Sharlene Whyte is really good as his mother and the whole of the family are really interesting and feel like a really close family. You like these people and support the cause that they are fighting for and it really helps in making this film feel better then some of the other Small Axe films. 

Story 

The story is handled well, you do really sympathise with Kingsley and want to see him succeed in his life and during this film. As the film goes on you see how this whole situation affects him and it just isn't fair to see this child suffer for not really any reason other then the fact he is Black and the film does a good job with that. But this film seems to skip over some of the crucial plot points, the film looks at the institutional racism but not enough and it feels like a background thing and the film just rushes through it towards a slower end. 

Script

The script is okay it has some decent humour and drama, I thought the chemistry between Kingsley and his sister was fun to watch and a nice part of the film. But the film doesn't really ever hit the levels that you expect from the narrative, again I feel like if the film was longer it would have had the chance to do this but it missed its chance really. 

Style 

The film's style feels pretty gritty and real. You see the situation that Kingsley is in and it really makes it feel like he is having his young life taken away from him and it feels pretty serious and the way the film is made reflects that. But then again this film is way too short, I felt like this film needed a length similar to Mangrove to fully tell its story and really add depth and context to the film and really rise it to the next level. 

Overall

Overall, this is a good film that looks how these serious subject can affect children and how it can affect their lives. It has its flaws but is a decent experience and is only an hour long so won't take too much of your time to watch. 

Rating - 7/10