Reviews

I was looking forward to being entertained, but this was a real disappointment. It was boring. I fell asleep within the first hour, and skim-watched to the end. Its hard to pinpoint exactly why this didn't work... the characters are poorly developed, predictable and self-absorbed. The acting is fair, but it is hard to feel anything for these people who are clearly not in danger and mimicking being scared in some special effects set in Hollywood. I think that's the issue, the effects are too removed from reality that it is hard to emote or empathize. The whole picture is over-produced, lacking in humor and over-Americanized. I ended up wanting the aliens to win and put this cast and crew out of their misery! I suggest saving your money.

If you've watched the original film, you will approach watching Westworld with an understanding of the basic premise and a moderate expectation of entertainment. That is how I approached it, and my expectations were taken to another level. Westworld is, put simply, a contemporary screenplay masterpiece. It has taken the original premise and intelligently added layers of complexity to its plot that resonate with where humanity finds itself in the 21st century. What is consciousness? What is humanity? Where is the line? And how does this related to creating artificial consciousness? The original film failed to explain how 'what happened' happened. But the TV show eludes to the faultline between corporate sponsorship (The Board) and scientific enquiry. I will avoid spoilers for anyone who has not seen this yet, but in setting the seen the writers/producers have created Westworld not only as a TV show, but as a series of questions for humanity to ponder. And the acting is sublime, in particular Evan Rachel Wood & Thandie Newton's characters evoke empathy in my very core.

I have been an avid fan of Agatha Christie's writing since childhood and in particular of Miss Marple. Only one actor has ever been able to capture the character that was written, as it was written, and that is Joan Hickson OBE. Her portrayal brings to life the character that Christie wrote - a gossipy, older village lady who happens to have a brilliant deductive mind. In Nemesis, we see how Christie pays homage to her creation in creating an unsolved murder for her to resolve after many years have past. It is a masterpiece of writing, portrayed by a master actor. It is time for the BBC to re-master this masterpiece!!!!! Any actor considering playing the part should review Joan Hickson first.