The Bay Season 2 (2021) Review

After watching the first season I decided why not get on and watch the second season of The Bay and I have now done that and here is my review for it. The premise of the season sees after her suspension Lisa is given a second chance when she is bought onto a murder investigation. 

Main Character

Morven Christie is back as Lisa and I think she is even better this season and does a great job in this role. You see how the events of last season have really affected her and have changed her mindset but she is still incredibly capable and clearly one of the best people for the job. There are a lot of cogs going on with her character this season and honestly they don't all work for me but she deals with them really well and gives a strong performance to boost the credibility of the show. 

Supporting Characters

Daniel Ryan is back as her boss and he is really good, again I wasn't a huge fan of his personal story arc but there is no denying that he gives a great performance and delivers a really good performance. James Cosmo plays a member of the family of the victim and he is also very good and adds a physical presence to the show and a real big character to the show. In fact all of the victims family are really good and bring something different that doesn't make them feel like the family from the first season. Also I didn't mention him in the first season review but Taheen Modak as Med is really good and the dynamic between his character and Lisa is a highlight and I like how it has developed from the first season. But then we get onto the weak performances and once again they are the same as last season, Christie's characters kids, wow they are so bad and they offer nothing to this show, I kind of wish this season had just ignored them or used them more sparingly but I actually think there here more and it really drags the show down and the family drama is my least favourite part of the show. 

Story

The main police story is actually pretty good and what it does really well is feel very different to the story of the first season. The cases are very different and this one feels more progressive with lots of twists and turns and credit has to go to that and I felt like the eventual twist was better then the first seasons even though it could have been better. But then the show gets bogged down in these sub plot family dramas and they really don't work and did very little for me, I would have happily watched more of the investigation and got rid of all of that. Also at the end it feels like some things haven't been resolved and I don't know if that is to set up a third season but it comes across as a bit sloppy. 

Script

The script is good, I would say better then the first season. The important characters are well written and the twists and turns are more interesting with some shocking revelations that do their job well. There is some good drama and little bits of humour that compliment well for the tone of the show. 

Style

The show is effective in the story it is trying to tell using this setting that is unique and we don't see too often, this show does a great job of showcasing Morecambe in all of its glory. Also credit to the sound people, the score has always been great but I thought I would mention it here as again I don't feel like I gave it enough credit in the first season. But the pacing of the show is worse here and I think that is due to the larger impact the sub plots take on the show, either they should have been cut down or there should have been fewer episodes with them completely out. 

Overall

Overall, this is another good season of The Bay and a show that is solid, there has been no update of a third season but if you have the time and like crime shows then this one is worth a watch. 

Rating - 7/10

The Bay Season 1 (2019) Review 

So the second season of ITV's The Bay has recently hit TV but I haven't watched the first season so I decided to watch it and here is my review for the first season of The Bay. The premise of the season sees two teenagers disappear and a detective goes on the hunt but she might have more connection to the case then she first knew. 

Main Character

Morven Christie plays the lead role and she is really good here and delivers a really strong lead performance. She fills the detective role really well and she is just really good in her job and the personal stuff is well done too, you see how dedicated to this case she becomes and how it affects her in more ways then one and this show creates an interesting character that we as a viewer will care about. 

Supporting Characters

Daniel Ryan plays her boss and he is also great here, their dynamic is really good and I like how he handles the case and is really strong as the lead of the investigation. The family of the kids that go missing are also good in their roles, they could be just the boring family victims but they aren't, they have their own story arcs and they are really good and add plenty to the show. But there are a few characters that fall weak for me and they are mainly the two kids of Christie's character. They are so annoying to watch and their whole characters don't play an important part of the show and the question has to be why are they even here and it is really frustrating. 

Story

The story is interesting as you see these detectives try and find these teenagers and the usual twists and turns take place as you would expect and some of them work for sure to keep you interested. But there are also things that feel underdeveloped like those two kids and the show tries to make it all connect but it feels forced and by the end of the show it feels forced and like just a way to make the dull parts of the show be a part of the main plot. 

Script 

The script is fine, there are some good dramatic moments here and the characters are pretty well written for the most part, the twists and turns also mostly work. But this show really falls flat with its final reveal and it feels like they weren't sure what they wanted to do so they went with an absurd ending that feels really out of left field. 

Style 

The style of the show is good, it is pretty brutal and just feels very real which is one of the best things I can say about the show, the pacing of the show pretty good too with six episodes feeling like a good length for the season.  

Overall

Overall, this is a good show that continues ITV's hot streak of police dramas. If you like these types of shows then The Bay could be another one for the list. 

Rating - 7/10

Penguin Bloom (2021) Review

So Penguin Bloom is a film that has come to Netflix today and I sat down and gave it a watch and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a woman affected by a life changing injury see a Magpie come into her and her family's life and how it affects their lives. 

Main Character

Naomi Watts plays the main character and she is really good here and provides a very strong performance. Her character goes through something really tragic at the beginning of the film and the way she reacts to it feels really natural and a bit understated at times which makes it effective so when she does break down it feels even worse. Her strong performance is the best part of the film and she is a character you can really support and one you can empathise with and I am sure their are plenty of people who watch this that will have an even greater connection to her performance then I do. 

Supporting Characters

Andrew Lincoln plays her husband in the film he is also really good. The two of them have very good chemistry together and he adds plenty to his role and the story overall, with one scene at a dinner table being his one to shine. This film introduces youngster Griffin Murray-Johnston as one of their sons and he does give a good accounting of himself and adds to the depth of the film and the story and the dynamic between him and Watts. Jacki Weaver plays Watts on screen mother and again she does a good job in the role and adds plenty to the film. 

Story

The story is based on real events and does a good job in showing the troubles of a person and a family when a real tragedy happens to a member of it. The performances feel very natural and organic and that aids in the authencity of the whole film and the story that is being told. But I just felt like there was something missing, it feels like quite a lot happens but none of it is proper developed and given a real time to build and maybe a longer runtime could have aided this. 

Script

The same could be said for the script, there is some strong writing especially in the dramatic department but there is something missing, the humour isn't great and as I said above none of the main storylines are developed as much as I would like and maybe some tighter writing could have aided with this. 

Style 

The style of the film again shows despair pretty well and the way that can affect a group of people and a head of a family. But this film has a pretty slower pacing and I think the last act maybe doesn't hit as well as it could have and that is a bit of a disappointment. 

Overall

Overall, this is a good film with a pretty heavy subject and good acting. It reminds me of Pieces Of A Woman and if you thought that film was interesting then maybe give this one a go. 

Rating - 7/10

The White Tiger (2021) Review

This film came to Netflix on Friday and I made out 2 hours of my day to watch The White Tiger and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a young Indian Driver attempt to rise from servant to master and reach the top. 

Main Character

Adarsh Gourvav is an inexperienced actor but he plays the lead here and I thought he was fantastic. He shows so much range in this film, he has to play different roles as his character progresses on his journey and Gourav nails it and delivers pretty much every scene no matter what it requires him to do. His character is fascinating and complex too with you really questioning whether you are meant to root for him or not and it is really well done. 

Supporting Characters 

Priyanka Chopra is the most familiar name in the film for a western audience and she is also really good here. She feels a bit like an outsider towards the other characters and her relationship with Gourav is one of the best things about the film and for the most part I thought she was the most likeable person in the film. Rajkummar Rao plays her husband and he is also very good, he is more then just your average rich guy and he sells his role well and you see how complex a life he leads and how his character plays in the journey of Gourav's character. The rest of the cast are also good and add plenty to the scenes that they are a part of. 

Story 

The story is good, it is interesting seeing the journey of this man from rags to riches and the film creates interesting characters and ones that are complex and make you want to watch. The twists and turns feel appropriate and not too overblown and it builds and builds to a decent conclusion. Though the one thing I will say is that the final act of the film can't keep up the quality and I have to admit I kind of wanted to see more of Gourav's character when he made it to the top of the mountain, this element isn't given enough time for sure. 

Script

The script is decent, there is a blend of humour and drama and for me the drama was handled better. There are some pretty intense scenes and I grew to care about what was going on and how it affected the characters. But yeah I think towards the beginning of the film it wanted you to laugh more and I just didn't, I chuckled a couple of times but nothing major. Also the use of voice over is overused here and I think the film could have done with fewer instances of this. 

Style 

The style shows India really well and I felt like I really experienced India and not like some other Bollywood films that I have seen and credit to the film for that. But this film has a bit of a pacing issue, I think if the final act was shortened and tightened up it would have been a way more effective experience. 

Overall

Overall, this is a good film. It tells an interesting story with interesting characters and if you have time then this one is worth a watch. 

Rating - 7/10

Fate: The Winx Saga Season 1 (2021) Review

Netflix have put some big marketing behind this show so I decided to sit down and watch the 6 episode season of Fate: The Winx Saga and here is my review for it. The premise of the season sees a girl have to adapt to a new school in a new world where she has to come to grips with her magic powers and abilities. 

Main Character 

Abigail Cowen plays Bloom our main character here and she is merely functional in the role. Bloom is a decent character with a pretty interesting backstory that makes her more interesting then anything else in the show. The issue is the writing for her character isn't particularly well written and isn't actually that likeable which is a nail in the coffin for a lead character. I just didn't care about Bloom that much and if it wasn't for the decent backstory the show gives her I am not sure if I would care at all and Cowen doesn't do much to raise those levels. 

Supporting Characters

I'm just gonna get to it, none of the supporting characters do anything for me and I thought they were all terrible. She has a group of friends that are every generic person in a friendship group for a young adult show, the annoying big girl, the attractive popular girl, the emo outcast and the hardworking do gooder. These girls aren't interesting and actually annoyed me quite a bit and the show does nothing to help them as they are given really poor material to work with and hopefully if this show does go on, the ones that stick around are given better things to do. Then we move onto the love interest, Danny Griffin plays Skye and this guy is as generic as you can imagine, he has no personality and no character and he is just there as a tool for the drama and the conflict between characters and that is incredibly clear. The teachers are probably the best, but they are mostly ignored and left to do very little to focus on the younger cast. 

Story

The story only gets a bit of a positive response because of some good worldbuilding and backstory to the main character. The show has an interesting setting and world with magic and the show really nailed its ending, if this show does get a second season I think the show did a really good job in setting up a much better second season. But this show suffers from drawing itself too much into its teenage demographic, the romance storylines are all paper thin and take up way too much time away from the more interesting stuff and either it could have been written better or just taken out for this season. 

Script 

The script is really bad with some cringeworthy dialogue that encapsulates the weaknesses of this show. It makes you wonder if the actors could have been better if they were given a script that was actually well written and made their characters any sort of interesting. 

Style 

The style is pretty decent actually, the magic powers all look pretty impressive and when on display are pretty cool to see. The show also has a nice flow to it due to it having only 6 episodes meaning it never dragged too much. But my main complaint is that those powers weren't shown off more, the action scenes are poorly filmed and not used effectively meaning it is a bit of a waste having powers that look nice when they aren't used very well.

Overall

Overall, I thought this was a poor show. It will probably have fans of shows like this but I just wasn't one of them, I do think this show has potential and a second season could be better, but in its current state I would avoid. 

Rating - 3/10

Lupin Part 1 (2021) Review

I have heard for a while now that Lupin is a great show and a must watch and I have now found some time to watch it and here is my review for the first part of the show. The premise of the show sees a master thief inspired by book character Arsene Lupin attempt to get revenge on a wealthy family. 

Main Character 

Omar Sy is a great actor whether it be in English language or French Language and he really shines here. He is so charismatic on the screen and does a great job portraying this character and making him a really interesting one. Without spoiling anything, this character requires a lot of unique work for Sy and he takes it all in his stride and really gives a memorable performance. 

Supporting Characters

Let's get this right, this is Sy's show and he dominates every scene that he is in and for me that holds back a few of the supporting characters a little bit. There are a few good side characters, like his on and off love interest, the main bad guy and the police commissioner, but for all of these there are a few weaker characters. Especially, the main guy hunting down Sy, he doesn't offer anything that interesting and his character actually makes little sense and the way he goes about things are a bit hard to wrap your head around. There are some other people that are in the show in small ways and they just don't really fit and it made me think that they could have just been left out here. 

Story 

The story is good, Sy's personal story works really well and you do root for him and feel the injustice that has been placed on him and his family. The show also delivers some really fun and interesting heists and seeing him execute these is a great watch. The ending of the season is also great with suspense built when they eventually give us the 2nd part. But this show has bits of the story that aren't that interesting, for example their are lots of flashbacks, some of them are effective but there are too many of them and some that aren't effective that disrupt the flow of the show. Also some of the side plots aren't particularly well developed and feel a bit of a drag on the whole thing. 

Script 

The script is really good, this show is French Language with English Subtitles and that doesn't hold it back at all. The dialogue mixes humour and drama really well and creates this fascinating lead character that you wanna root for and succeed in his goals. 

Style

The style of the show is also great, the heists are really well directed and exciting to watch especially, in the first episode where the show really excels in this department. Also I am going to give credit to the costume department who do a great job as Sy has some interesting disguises which are really well done. The show is only 5 episodes long and it flows very nicely and feels like an appropriate length and makes it a really easy watch that I got through in one day and I would recommend you do the same. 

Overall

Overall, this is a great show. Don't be put off by the French subtitles and give this one a shot you won't regret it and I can't wait for Part 2. 

Rating - 8/10 

Iron Man (2008) Review

So touch wood Black Widow is set to come out sometime in May, so I have decided to re-watch all of the films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in prep and of course that means starting with the first - Iron Man and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a Billionaire Weapons Dealer kidnapped where he creates a suit of armour to escape and make up for his own mistakes. 

Main Character

When Robert Downey Jnr was cast as Tony Stark it was a huge risk, many personal demons had taken its toil of his personal and professional career. But never was a role more perfect for an actor then he was for Stark, he is so charismatic in the role and he nails the complexity of the role. You see growth over the film but he never loses his true personality and always kept the wit and snappy dialogue with him and this was the first time we saw his great portrayal. 

Supporting Characters

Gwyneth Paltrow plays Pepper Potts and she is great as well, the chemistry between her and Downey is off the charts and you see the relationship between them build and it is the real heartfelt part of the film and she provides plenty too that. She isn't written as the damsel in distress and really is a proper character that feels worthy of her role here. Jeff Bridges plays Obadiah Stane and he is clearly having a lot of fun and revelling in his role and Bridges does enough for him to be a good character here. I mean there isn't really any depth with Stane but there is no denying that Bridges is great in the role. It feels a bit weird seeing Terrence Howard play Rhodey as he was replaced with Don Cheadle after this film but he is good too. I thought the friendship between him and Tony was a good part of the film and added to the story as a whole. Clark Gregg & Paul Bettany play Coulson & JARVIS for the first time and they do well in their roles with plenty more to come from them in future films. 

Story

The story is fantastic, you see this guy who starts the film in one mindset and finishes it in pretty much a completely different one without compromising his character. Tony Stark's character arc is the real highlight of this film and for me the first 30 mins really helped with that as we see just how intelligent he is and how his life is really affected by what happens to him in Afghanistan. Yes, the whole villain part of the film isn't the most compelling but it fits the film we are watching and I thought it suited Tony's character arc and for a first film was the right way to go, it also helps that this film has one of the most iconic endings to any comic book film ever made. 

Script

The script is really good and what I mean by that is the actors did a great job with the script they were given which wasn't finished when they started shooting the film so credit has to go to the actors. The humour is top notch with some truly great one liners which Downey delivers to perfection. But the film also has plenty of heart to it, you really care about this character and this whole redemption story that he is going on. 

Style

The style of the film has some great action scenes, this was the first time we saw the Iron Man suit and it looks great with some memorable sequences. It doesn't have the massive stakes of some other films involving the character but it really nails the action and what felt appropriate for the first film in the franchise. The film is also paced really well, as I said the first half an hour really sets the scene so well and it keeps it up throughout. 

Overall

Overall, this is an epic film, the first film in the MCU is full of quality and still holds up as a more personal and raw story told about this now iconic character. This is one of the most important comic book films of all time and it is also one of the best. 

Rating - 10/10