Reviews

As I am only two episodes into 'Conviction', I will restrict my comments to cursory observations rather than critical analysis.

The visual tone of Conviction is unlike any other show from the Dick Wolf stable. It is filmed in a much more accommodating, easy-to-swallow manner – i.e. LESS grit MORE gloss. It undoubtedly has a more light-hearted backbone than the Law & Order franchise– owing in most part to quirky incidental music reminiscent of Boston Legal, and cast interplay akin to that of Ally McBeal (Look out for ex-Ally actress Julianne Nicholson).

In addition to the above points, the romantic sub-plots threading through each episode offer the viewer a more 'soap-like' viewing experience – (make your own mind up as to the merits of this gambit).

The acting is solid, with the odd shining light raising the bar (no pun intended) – namely Eric Balfour; who manages to make the creepiest of moustaches look fractionally cool. Stephanie March is of course as effortless as ever, with accomplished support from J August Richards and Anson Mount.

Although there's nothing particularly groundbreaking about this show, it does sustain viewer interest by combining brisk filming – intertwining 2-3 cases in each episode – with office romps, office politics and office banter. Blend all of this with an attractive cast, quirky music and glossy camera filters – and hey presto, another watchable Dick Wolf production.

My only criticism, and believe me, this is being hyper-pedantic, is what a terrible choice of names! 'Conviction' as a show title is far too abrasive, and in no way reflects the actual tone of proceedings. I told you it was pedantic didn't I?

In conclusion, after watching two episodes, I will probably seek out a third, but if my TV explodes later today - rendering me unable to watch any more Conviction - I will be more upset that I have to buy a new television than missing out on episode 3,4,5 etc.

Simply beautiful to look at – the cinematography and Jada Pinkett-Smith. The soundtrack to this film – although stunningly understated – was sublime. The pace could be misinterpreted as sluggish, I however applaud the uncompromisingly 'un-Hollywood' rhythm Collateral has from start to finish.

'Action hungry' punters might feel a little short changed with this offering, because although it does provide beautifully executed battles – chiefly in the nightclub – Collateral is essentially a film that gravitates around the interplay between the two leads, near perfect visual sequences and a soundtrack that at times sounds angelic.

My few snipes with this film are minor, yet worth mentioning if only to ask why such things were left in…

1. Vincent's trousers need lengthening – not a good look wardrobe guys! 2. NONE of the actors can run properly, although watching Foxx try to run offered me a huge slice of amusement and dramatic relief. 3. The only fight scene – fleeting though it was - between Foxx and Cruise looked ridiculous…almost comical. I expected to see an action bubble saying "POW" or "KABAM!". 4. As the film hurtles towards its culmination in the offices, Cruise suddenly adopts a Jason Vorhees-esquire approach towards his body posture, mannerisms and movement…it just seemed a little odd to me. 5. The final scene – as the tube descends into the night - looked like the editor didn't quite know how to end the film smoothly, so didn't bother trying. 6. Plus, I didn't quite know if Cruise died in the end or was simply taking a nap…I just hope he didn't miss his stop, is anything more annoying?

Aside from all these downers, I thoroughly loved so many things about this film, and wish more Hollywood films would adopt a similar laid back approach to future thrillers.

Stunning!

Being given more change than you should have received from staff in a shop never gets tedious, nor does an ATM machine that inadvertently dispenses 20s instead of 10s…

…My point is a simple one – exceeding expectations is one of life's underrated joys!

Let's not pretend, 'Black Cadillac' (BC) should have been an unmitigated disaster.

Why?

1. A relatively unknown cast 2. A tired genre – Teen movie 3. A tired concept – road/horror/chase 4. Single location – The middle of nowhere!

Somehow – and I still can't figure out how – the film was nothing short of forgettable greatness!

I'll be brief and bullet-point the highlights of this splendid film;

1. A ridiculously witty script – fantastic banter that I too could have watched for another 5 hours! 2. Awesome sound design. The car actually 'speaks' to us throughout the film, albeit in a very grumpy fashion via the world's finest sounding engine! 3. Marvellous acting. No one is gonna win a tiny gold fella called 'Oscar' for their performance in this film, but by the same token any new up and coming actors might want to view this film as an exercise in understated, laid back, well timed delivery…I adored the interplay between the 3 key characters - the casting team struck gold…they just worked together so well! 4. Subtle yet dexterous direction. The Director clearly wasn't trying to impress us in a "look what I can do" kinda way, but we were at times left thinking "Look what he can do".

It would be ill-conceived to suggest that BC doesn't contain echoes of 'Duel' because it simply does - not least the Cadillac's ultimate moment of reckoning.

I adore 'Duel'; it's one of my top 3 films of all time, but so what? BC manages to pay homage to a timeless classic, while simultaneously and seamlessly saying "Cheers for the concept, now let's take it somewhere else…somewhere funnier, somewhere more contemporary…somewhere utterly different."

(Don't get me wrong, we weren't taken somewhere better than 'Duel', I doubt such a place exists, but we were shown new landmarks on a favourite holiday resort!)

I'll probably forget about this film in a few weeks…months at best, but during those 90 minutes – and several minutes after - I was relishing every moment of humour, action, intrigue, suspense and all round escapism it offered.

I absolutely loved it!