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Reviews
The Bidding Room (2020)
Dull, bring back Ceefax
I don't like sticking the boot in but I agree with other reviewers - the programme format is so weak it's hard to understand why the BBC commissioned it. The seller - a member of the public - comes in with a piece of old tat, has a quick chat with Nigel Havers and then one of the bidders buys it. That is it. No emotion, no great competition, no likeable characters (Nigel excepted). Most of the items are dull and low value - it probably costs more to get them to the studio than the bidders end up paying. The programme format needs rethinking. Maybe if we could see what the successful bidder does with the item and what profit they go on to make, it might be more involving. That is probably beyond the budget of the show though so probably best to scrap it. Come to think of it, bring back Ceefax it was more engaging.
Moment of Proof (2021)
Over use of our-of-focus camera work
It's not the narrator that makes this programme aggravating - it's the blurred out images he talks over. Obviously blurring images to protect identities or even locations is crucial for a crime show. But... just about every library shot image and almost all reconstructions, are blurred. That means about half of the programme is blurred. Things like a close-up of a hedge, random rooftops, gloved hands, etc. It's pointless and really aggravating; making you strain your eyes to work out what the image is. I know the current trend is to blur images but this one goes too far. If that stopped, I think it's a well put together programme and some of the ire directed at the narrator would stop.
French Kiss (1995)
This film deserves a better overall rating
Given that this film has a score of only 6.6 I feel dutybound to stick up for it. Of all the romcoms this has the best plot, sub-plots and most interesting characters - all of which are well acted. Kevin Cline and Meg Ryan work brilliantly together to make the film charming and witty, without letting it become sugary. There are some brilliant comedic touches while the dialogue is fast-moving and hugely quotable. It really deserves to be up into the sevens. It seems to me that comedy is seen as a lesser genre to others and may have coloured opinions and depressed the overall score. In this case that is unfair.
Conversations with Friends (2022)
Getting bored
I'm trying to stick with it but really starting to think it's just another one in a series of lookalikes. The characters haven't come to life for me at all yet, two episodes in. I am actually not sure I care whether they will so might jack it in early.
The Outlaws (2021)
Hooked
The plot keeps twisting and turning and the characters develop along with it. Every individual in the community service group has a back story and the writer skilfully meshes them all together around a single moral dilemma. I'm definitely hooked. I've watched three episodes and if the series maintains the level of intrigue throughout, it could be up into the IMDb 8/10 club.
The Upside (2017)
The downside - it's not Untouchable
Untouchable is way, way better. Watch that. It was only made six years before The Upside so is still relevant. Not sure why it was necessary to come up with a remake at all, let alone so soon.