Reviews

I read Stella Gibbons' book long ago, there's an earlier movie of it with Alastair Sim & Fay Compton - but this is an excellent Schlesinger-directed version with a great cast and all the desirable quirky and funny incidents. It's suitable for any age - no foul language, only a little sexual innuendo, and (as far as I know!) a not bad recollection of the early 30's attitudes amongst different classes from the London 'set' to the Sussex rural scene.

Perhaps, if for any reason, you're feeling a little 'down' - this is very likely to cheer you up and even bring a tear to the eye at times, so it gets, from me, the rating it deserves.

So many disparaging reviews already - it's intended for a younger audience I guess, but (surely!) it's possible, if you're in the mood, to accept this a spoof movie in the 'Bond' tradition, and enjoy it in the manner intended - whatever your age.

The special effects are on par, the storyline not (entirely) unbelievable, it's (mercifully?) short, and (of course) the hero wins out!

Plus side: any kid over 7 should get it, it's suitable and there are no scenes that would cause nightmares (well, maybe not these days...). I thought the casting was spot-on, with some new and better-known names - why not?

There's been some heavy criticism of this series, but it seems that the character flaws in many of the players are quite likely more in line with the real world of espionage, political intrigue and bribery, coercion and corruption, than some other thrillers of this type.

I don't agree with those who class this as a poor attempt - perhaps said because it doesn't have all the trappings and glamour often associated with this murky world, which is certainly some way off the truth!

It seems well worth watching, even though it's set in a previous era and the technology accurately reflects this - possibly why many rooted in the so-called 'modern' world are somewhat dismissive - but surely people don't change that much, especially the kind of individuals attracted to this lifestyle, with its attendant insecurity and fear.

Nice try.

It would be easy to criticize this series - more holes in it than a Swiss cheese - but I'd rather stress the entertainment value. This is a fast-paced, well-acted, well-directed, great piece of entertainment with (at times) mesmerising screenplay and all the tension and panache of Alistair MacLean's heroes or James Bond's adventures.

Many movie-goers and TV drama afficionados will appreciate the quality behind this production and forgive just how believable the storyline is (or isn't!) - but it's dealing with potentially really worrying contemporary issues, and the aircraft scenes (in particular) are right up there with the best. The political machinations are pretty good too!

Worth it.

Because it kicked-off nicely, I stuck with it - but later reflected it might have been a waste of time. The cast is good, so too is the direction and screenplay - but the storyline becomes less and less believable and even a good cast with Ingelby, Halfpenny & Goose in the leads couldn't save it, regrettably. Just too many inconsistencies and weak interconnections. To imagine any mother would go to the lengths Halfpenny's character did to try to reconnect with her daughter (who turns out not to be, probably - even that appears obscure) and eventually abduct her whilst leaving her adoptive mother locked up in a stair cupboard, stretches one's imagination too far.

Conclusion: don't bother - and hope that these actors find better scripts soon. They deserve them!

This movie is well worth the running time, not far short of 2 hours. The actors portray their handling of a family tragedy involving an elderly parent with great panache and sensitivity, without degrading to the maudlin. There are more lighthearted moments - a natural reaction, perhaps, to coping - and the direction allows the unfolding story to be entirely true to life and quite believable. There are a few twists along the way, which add to the interest, and the screenplay never falters.

It might have been nice to see a little more of Charlotte Rampling as the estranged wife - but her character has its own problems, and the direction makes this clear. The interplay between the medical authorities, the daughters and the assisted suicide service is very ably handled, too. Great work, need more of it.

This story is set in LA but it could really happen anywhere in the Western world. It's taut, well acted, well directed, good screenplay, and at times quite compelling. It keeps one guessing about who the good guys are, and who is bad. My only complaint would be that it falls a little flat towards the end sequences, and leaves the viewer with a few unanswered issues about motivation, for example, but overall it's a nice piece of work and quite believable.

I liked the interplay between characters, they seemed like real people with all the kind of desires, hopes and problems many of us face - and presented the kind of reactions we might, too.

This UK Channel 4 series starts well but tails off somewhat as it progresses. Certainly a difficult, painful and controversial subject is handled competently without bias and at times with some delicacy. The fact that a retired senior copper is a main player in the deployment is of some interest, given the nature of the law on this subject. The cast was well chosen and mostly very convincing in their portrayal of a group of old friends facing stark choices in their declining years and how to deal with them. I have one reservation - the later stages of this drama tended to stretch credibility, and the ending is - well, frankly - a little disappointing.

A great cast, well-paced screenplay, well worth the time. How both types of system (well-respected institutions and information technology) can let down and even destroy those who depend on them, and the appalling closing of ranks from major organizations in attempts to cover up failings, including a failure on the part of the justice system in its initial approach.

It's also an object lesson in how not to handle well-justified complaints, and a case of how truth really can sometimes be stranger than fiction. A former cabinet minister plays himself in a cameo role rather forcefully, too!

Don't miss watching this, but maybe worry a bit once you have!

I thought that movie was quite exceptional. The cast was well chosen, but it was a difficult subject, of course. I suspect there were a few retakes during shooting.

There were many mistakes made (by the characters in the screenplay) in trying to deal with 'Anthony' - interesting, in that he was able to remember his name (actor's real) and DOB (31 Dec. 1937, also real).

The supporting cast did a fine job of portraying how (sometimes) NOT to go about handling such a problem. Too conciliatory and ingratiating at times, and too cruel and dismissive at others - not to mention the lies told to promote a desired result. But above all that, it portrays how problematic such relationships are.

Not easy, but (just maybe) instructive viewing?

These short episodes are really watchable. Most of the cast will not be well-known in the UK, but they are professional, no question. The photography is great and the screenplay maybe a little overdone but I'll forgive that. Video and sound quality are both right up there - I guess many would expect no less. It's been said that at a half-hour show per episode it's a filler, but I'm not complaining about that as the choice is there to just keep watching. Ten episodes out there so far. ITVx is pushing out a lot of old and new material on its streaming service these days and it probably needs to in these competitive times.