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Reviews
House Hunters International (2006)
Whiney Americans move overseas and complain things aren't the same as home
As the title says. Not much more too it than that. The houses aren't as big, the kitchens and bathrooms are too small, the properties are too expensive...the list of complaints are endless and petty. I don't know why the participants on the show even bother to leave America.
Altered Carbon (2018)
Over promises and under delivers
To address some of the reviews on here that compare Altered Carbon to Battle Star Gallactica or Blade Runner, please don't. Both are beautifully crafted stories full of subtly and sophistication. The writing for Altered Carbon is sloppy, oscillating from nonsensical to overly obvious. I watched the whole Season and could only say I enjoyed 3 of the 10 episodes.
The first 4 episodes are meant to provide context for the plot but they just don't. The actions of The Detective are ridiculous and make no sense and ultimately she adds very little to the story. I question why she is even in it. Even her 'Big' reveal is just ho hum and doesn't justify the stupid actions she undertakes. The essential parts of the set up for the second half of the series could have easily been delivered in 1 episode and the ridiculous amount of bonking and nudity wasn't supported by the story but hey, if you like a bit of full frontal this may be the show for you.
Episodes 5, 6,7 looked like they were going to finally get into the guts of the story and redeem it. All it did was fail to stick the landing and descend into Agatha Christie 'who done it' with the lead calling everyone into the study to declare it was Mr Greene with a sophisticated bit of futuristic tech motivated by greed.
I enjoyed individual performances, Poe in particular but all in all it was just meh. Save yourself 10 hours of your viewing time to put to something else. I really wanted to like this series but unfortunately mediocre writing let it down.
The three stars are for the fact it is pretty, there are some great individual support performances and it had the kernel of a great story. Shame it just couldn't craft it well enough to get to what it was aiming to be.
Safe Harbour (2018)
Fantastic mini series
Loved it! Not sure how some other reviewers can say it was over acted - for an emotive topic it can't be acted in a bland way. The script rips along as we see all of the characters come to terms with a humanitarian disaster the subsequent impact it has on all their lives and the way they each choose to deal with the ramifications.
Peaky Blinders (2013)
Brilliant British Crime Drama
I just love this show and had to keep watching to find out what would happen to the characters. The storyline is strong and the writers have done a fine job - you are immersed into the world of the Peaky Blinders who rule 1920's Birmingham. The ugliness of life for the inhabitants of the city is realistic and justifies the decisions that many of the characters make. Themes of loyalty, betrayal and morality underpin the plot.
Stand out performances from Cillian Murphy and Sam Neil - two actors who just never disappoint. The nemesis relationship they have is fascinating to watch unfold.
All supporting roles are equally as compelling with the character development of family members and those close to Peaky Blinders a joy to watch.
So many other series have disappointed by being either plot driven or character driven, whereas this show logically and artfully progresses both. The team who have created this series have done a stellar job and should be congratulated for a job well done.
I am hanging out for Season 3!
Ja'mie: Private School Girl (2013)
She's Back!
Ah, the horrible Miss King returns bigger than ever! To clear this up for many of you, yes, it is Chris Lilley dressed as a teenage girl. This in itself isn't meant to be funny, what is hilarious is that he perfectly nails the nasty, self-obsessed, delusional teenage girls that many of us have encountered at one point and time in our lives. So much so, that his mannerisms and affect are flawless.
This series is a masterpiece of observation, is meant to be self-deprecating and like much of Aussie and Brit humour walks the fine line between hilarity and cringe worthiness. The creepy skype scene between Jam'ie and her grandfather is one such example.
My only disappointment with this series are the unnecessary cut scenes that seem like padding. Kind of reminiscent of an old 90210 episode! Other than, supporting cast are terrific and really expand on the small segments of Jam'ie's life that we have seen in other Lilley series such as We Can Be Heroes and Summer Heights High. Would highly recommend though not for those who find the run of the mill American sitcoms amusing.
Twentysomething (2011)
Love It!
My whole family just loves this series. All of us just wet ourselves laughing each and every episode. Such a basic premise but is so well written and brilliantly acted, you just can't wait to see what this crazy pair are up to next. The delusional Jess and doormat Josh are such a breath of fresh air for the small screen with their cringe worthy antics. Terrific supporting cast, in particular with Jess's on-off again boyfriend and Josh's brother. What we love about this series the most is the scathing social commentary that underlies the witty and poignant plot and dialogue.
Do yourself a favour and laugh at the hilarious schemes this pair concoct and execute, you won't be disappointed. This comedy is the best thing to hit the ABC in awhile so once again, thanks Aunty! You rock for getting great Aussie shows up off the ground.
Mister Maker (2007)
Fantastic Show - So creative
My 4 year old boy loves this show. It is telecast here on ABC2 and we never miss an episode. It is fantastic to see a show that promotes imaginative play and teaches kids that toys/objects can be made from easily obtainable goods. So great that not everything is a marketable store bought item. As a mum of a very lucky little boy who has many amazing store bought toys, it is nice to see him so wrapped with a show that does the complete opposite and isn't based on shameless merchandising and cross promotion. Along with stalwarts like Playschool it is so great that shows like this still exist amongst big name productions. I notice Phil writes and stars in this show so thanks Phil for bringing back old school fun.