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As Luck Would Have It (2021)
As Luck Would Have It
Well at least with Allen Lynch in the lead male role we can't criticise yet another Hallmark film set in Ireland for terrible attempts at Irish accents.
This is a fine film, it's very much Hallmark by the numbers in terms of their usual style/plot points/narrative beats.
It doesn't all work unfortunately. I wasn't convinced by the two leads chemistry or the rather slow nature of the plot.
Others here have commented on the similarity in part to the Amy Adams film 'Leap Year' and perhaps Hallmark should have tried to ape that film a little more, rather than just hint at it.
Overall, a solid if not spectacular Hallmark film.
Strictly Come Dancing: Launch Show (2024)
Launch Show 2024
Amid all the off screen drama surrounding 'Strictly' (to the point where there were rumours it might not return at all) it's very nice to able to re-enter the ballroom and let the dancing do the talking itself.
The scars of all that has gone on are visible. The calibre of the celebs signing up is reduced, with a few serial reality stars amongst the pack and a couple of former Christmas Special players having a go at the marathon rather than the sprint. Far fewer female celebs as well.
Away from all that though it is a case of 'business as usual' and so it should be. A couple of scandals doesn't ruin the show.
This was fun and entertaining. The banter alone up in the Claud-a-torium istelf could be fun to watch.
It was lovely to see Amy Dowden back dancing too.
Don't believe the tabloids, Strictly - your fans are still here.
The Broken Hearts Gallery (2020)
The Broken Hearts Gallery
Rubbish.
Sorry, this was for me.
It's a promising enough story, it's well acted enough to pass the time, but this was a weak film that came out during the pandemic when other options were sparse.
It's the sort of thing you'd imagine a Media Studies student to make at school, and the dialogue isn't much better either.
It plods along, it offers just enough wit and verve to justify its existence, but this was content on a streaming site worthy stuff that had been buffed up and polished enough to be worthy of a cinema release.
So yes, I cannot recommend this waste of time of a film I'm afraid.
The Garfield Movie (2024)
The Garfield Movie
'Garfield' makes his return to the big screen (did anyone really ask for that?) in this 2024 film.
This is full on animation rather than the live action/animation hybrid we got in the 2004/2006 films. No Bill Murray as the voice of the lazy lasagne loving cat either, here we have Chris Pratt. Of course he voices Garfield, it's 2024 - every animated lead role has to go to Chris Pratt.
This film starts well, capturing many of the elements of the comic strips while also updating them for a modern audience.
And then it goes off the edge of a cliff. The powers that be obviously felt that modern audiences would find escapades in the style of comic strips too twee, so instead we get a weird 'Garfield in a heist film' story instead.
It doesn't work.
The Chase: 15th Anniversary Special (2024)
15th Anniversary Special
This was the big 15th Anniversary Special for 'The Chase', a show that still remains the best game show not only on ITV but in general.
Have they milked it for all its worth with spin-off's? Yes. Is it potentially on the decline? Yes.
Have they ruined the format with new 'twists'? No. So that's something.
It was nice and perhaps only that the two original chasers (Mark and Shaun) were the two who featured here, but it would have been nice to at least have cameos from the rest of the gang because without them this didn't feel overly 'special'.
Happy Birthday 'The Chase' though, I hope it continues for a bit longer.
Man with a Plan: Happy Ann-RV-sary (2020)
Happy Ann-RV-sary
It's hard not to like 'Man with a Plan'. It's a warm hearted affair, and there's lots of nice jokes along the way. It also has a stellar cast at its disposal, and it's nice to see Matt LeBlanc back in a sitcom, especially one where it doesn't look like he's carrying the weight of the whole project on his shoulders. Hi 'Joey' (2004-2006).
It's not brilliant though, or as good as it should have been. Maybe they knew the axe was going to fall and that CBS weren't going to pick it up for a fifth series, but this episode is a bit ploddy at times. It certainly doesn't feel like a series or whole shown finale.
I missed the kids and would actually have preferred a bit more time spent on a subplot with them and Lowell trying to look after them.
Overall, a decent episode but not stellar.
Everybody Loves Raymond: You Bet (1999)
You Bet
God bless Peter Boyle.
This is a great example of the much missed actors talents. Boyle was able to take a potentially unlikeable character and instil him will so much depth and warmth that you can't do anything other than just love him despite it all.
He also has really nice chemistry with Ray Romano, and that shines through here also.
I thought this was a nice change of pace from the previous episodes that have made up this fourth series so far, and that there were some lovely moments along the way.
Any episode that features Stan and Garvin gets an extra star from me too.
Overall, this was a lovely Frank/Peter Boyle centred episode.
Everybody Loves Raymond: The Can Opener (1999)
The Can Opener
This episode is one that starts well and has a really nice down to Earth/small things become big angle that works so well, not only with a sitcom, but for a show like 'Everybody Loves Raymond' that has that theatrical quality to it.
I thought that this had some lovely moments and lines along the way. Brad Garrett was a scream with the Pepto at the end. Very funny.
The first act is stronger than the second though, which felt quite rushed and was just people shouting at each other.
On the whole though this was a fun episode that summed up all the many things that this beloved show does really well.
Everybody Loves Raymond: Boob Job (1999)
Boob Job
This was a good episode to kick off the fourth series of this beloved sitcom with.
It's good fun, it's good lots of nice moments and scenes. All the best 'Everybody Loves Raymond' episodes play out like a little theatre piece, and this one certainly does that.
You get the sense that the cast know they are onto a winner with the material too, playing up to the quality and trusting that we as the viewers know the characters so well by this point that we can deliver the laughter along the way.
Patricia Heaton always gave the impression she was happy to play up to the 'yummy mummy' label, and does so here.
It does fade a bit towards the end, but on the whole this was fun.
Neighbours: Episode #1.9102 (2024)
Slow down
'Neighbours' has operated largely at pace since it returned on the 18th September 2023. There was that bumpy early period that we won't talk about (it for me was only after 'Flashback Week' that it really kicked into gear) and the absolutely dire 'phantom pooper' plot which was a waste of the talents of all involved, but apart from that the quality has been high.
The show though for me is guilty of rushing things a bit. We are engaged in one thing and then woosh, it's onto the next and "please turn your attention this way", when actually what we were looking at needed more time.
I feel that way about the Toadie storyline, but especially here with Mackenzie, who seems to be at death's door one minute, and then fine the next.
There's no rush 'Neighbours', you're not having to wrap things up again, we can take our time.
Neighbours: Episode #1.9102 (2024)
Slow down
'Neighbours' has operated largely at pace since it returned on the 18th September 2023. There was that bumpy early period that we won't talk about (it for me was only after 'Flashback Week' that it really kicked into gear) and the absolutely dire 'phantom pooper' plot which was a waste of the talents of all involved, but apart from that the quality has been high.
The show though for me is guilty of rushing things a bit. We are engaged in one thing and then woosh, it's onto the next and "please turn your attention this way", when actually what we were looking at needed more time.
I feel that way about the Toadie storyline, but especially here with Mackenzie, who seems to be at death's door one minute, and then fine the next.
There's no rush 'Neighbours', you're not having to wrap things up again, we can take our time.
Neighbours: Episode #1.9101 (2024)
Next stop - Splitsville
I don't think anyone thought that the Toadie and Terese relationship was any good, let alone set to last. It was a massive ask for 'Neighbours' fans to buy that these two characters who had barely spent any time together prior would suddenly end up married.
Ryan Moloney's depature (which feels like it's happening very much under a cloud) seems to have pulled the pin on it, and we are shuddering towards splitsville. Fair play to both the actors for keeping this just about on the right side of believable, despite it feeling very rushed.
Far more natural is the Andrew and Wendy dynamic, and that storyline involving her return to Uni has been well paced.
Overall, good stuff. Thanks as ever, Amazon.
Strictly Amy: Crohn's and Me (2020)
Strictly Amy: Crohn's and Me
Amy Dowden is an inspiration.
Not only has she more recently documented her battle against Cancer, but with trademark warmth and grit documented her lifelong struggle with Crohn's here.
Fair play to her, it cannot be easy going through all of this on camera. BUT, again well done to her for doing so because it can only raise awareness and provide a further understanding.
As others have said, Amy Dowden here comes across very well - humble, kind and down to Earth. There is a brutal honesty here as well that I don't think everyone would have let been seen.
So while of course my heart goes out to her, I'm glad that she felt able to share this with us.
Funny Woman (2023)
Funny Woman
I was a big fan of the book on which this was based. I thought it was a lovely character piece that managed to be authentic about the time period and the nature of British comedy during the 1960's.
I was pleased then to see that Sky had adapted it into a series
Unfortunately that's where my pleasure with this ended.
It's the classic tale of a book to TV/film adaptation that is perfectly servicable if you haven't read the source material, but leaves a bitter taste if you have.
Gemma Arteton is a bit too long in the tooth for the lead role (hence why the book's title has been changed to 'Funny Woman') and isn't a natural comedic performer.
There are too many changes to the book and examples of messaging being dumped upon the plot.
And as for Rupert Everett...dear oh dear.
Not great and disappointing overall.
The Sarah Jane Adventures: Eye of the Gorgon: Part Two (2007)
Eye of the Gorgon: Part Two
This episode featured a nice upping of the stakes, and unlike thelast one, felt like it had a plot that warranted a second part.
They seem to be trying out all the kids as potential lead companions to Sarah Jane's 'Doctor', and right now Yasmin Paige is the stand out as Maria. She has a bit more range and depth to her performance than the other two boys who make up the gang.
Overall this is another good example of this show having a place in the 'Doctor Who ' universe. It manage to walk that thin line of being for kids while entertaining enough for their parents, while not going full on teen issues galore.
Good stuff.
The Sarah Jane Adventures: Eye of the Gorgon: Part One (2007)
Eye of the Gorgon: Part One
Another two parter? That was a surprise.
This is shaping up to being a better one though because what with the creepy nuns and an actual scary villain in the form of the Gorgon, there's a bit more threat to the proceedings.
Striking that balance of teen drama and sci-fi was always going to be a challenge for this show, but thankfully we've not gone into the realm of crushes or Sarah Jane having a romantic interest as yet.
The performances from the kid actors is a bit mixed, but on the whole this was a good episode that shows that the programme is developing as it goes along/learning what works and what doesn't.
I do wish Luke wasn't quite so much of a wet blanket though.
The Sarah Jane Adventures: Revenge of the Slitheen: Part Two (2007)
Revenge of the Slitheen: Part Two
This was fine.
There's lots of good moment there, and there's certainly promise for this show moving forward. Elisabeth Sladen looks like she's having the time of her life, and the performances of the young actors (a bit mixed currently) will no doubt grow with time.
It's a spin-off, it needs to stand on its own two feet, but I did appreciate the little nods and references to 'Doctor Who' that featured here. Nothing worse than a spun-off character who seems to have been abandoned by his friends. Hi Joey Tribbiani.
My slight gripe with this episode though was that the Slitheen themselves never seemed that menacing. What would they actually do to you if they caught you? For all the running away from them and looking scared by them, we never see why. I know it's a kids show and they wouldn't want to show anything too scary, but other than grab you and give you a bit hug, the Slitheen don't seem that dangerous.
Overall though, fine and enjoyable enough.
The Little Mermaid (2023)
The Little Mermaid
So, here we go - another live action remake from Disney of one of their beloved animated films.
These have been a mixed bag so far, but there seems to be no end in sight for them continuing with this pattern.
In a certain sense they are on a hiding to nothing with doing so, other than of course the massive financial boost it gives them. Do a shot for shot remake of the animated film and people say there was no point, make some changes to the it and people moan that you've ruined their childhood favourite film.
I thought that this was one of the better efforts actually. It stays largely true to the original film and some of the additional things they add flesh out the Eric/Ariel relationship a bit more.
It is however a case of Disney making the same old mistakes with these live action films. It is way too long. There's nothing major added to the plot, but everything is just dragged out that little bit longer. The new songs add nothing either.
The photo realistic animals that dogged 'The Lion King' (2019) again prove an issue here too.
Overall though this was fine and enjoyable enough, I just don't think Disney have cracked the formula on how to do these live action versions consistently yet.
Neighbours: Episode #1.9100 (2024)
Good, but...
Look, I'm not saying I wanted anyone to die, but...
'Neighbours' does have a way of teasing us, saying that a major character will die and then not completely delivering.
Maybe someone will in the next few episodes and that will be a massive shock, but for now we have only had Heath's bad Crocodile Dundee act...
This is another engaging episode though, don't get me wrong, and credit as ever to Ryan Moloney who manages to play the weird transformation of Toadie with dignity and believability that I'm not sure everyone would have been able to.
Thank you as ever to Amazon for bringing the show back.
Taskmaster (2015)
Taskmaster
There are some shows on telly that people absolutely rave about. Even in 2024 we still have 'watercooler' shows that people prattle on about in the office or on the bus.
Taskmaster (UK - I think there are other versions) is one of those shows.
Equally there are shows that people go on about that leave you absolutely cold and immune to the appeal of.
Taskmaster is one such show for me.
I'm very glad that it seems to have helped people on this site through difficult times, but it's just not my sort of thing. Occasionally someone might pop up on it who appeals and I watch for a bit, but overall it doesn't do much for me.
The Sarah Jane Adventures: Revenge of the Slitheen: Part One (2007)
Revenge of the Slitheen: Part One
It doesn't really matter if you didn't see the Pilot/Special episode that launched this spin-off because we are very quickly recapped on anything essential.
This was good fun actually. Finding that blend of material that works for young people but also appeals to their parents who might be watching in the background, or indeed who might be fans of 'Doctor Who' and want their fix of another show in that universe, is hard.
This episode just about manages that. It's light enough in tone (the villains pass wind a lot) but dark enough too.
Elisabeth Sladen looks like she's having the time of her life here, and shines in a spin-off that doesn't talk down to its audience or see her chained to a tin dog (sorry K9).
The performances of the young team around her are a bit mixed, with Maria being the best so far.
Good fun.
Life of Riley: The Bug (2011)
The Bug
This is absolutely dire stuff.
Caroline Quentin gives such a hammy performance here that it's borderline Am Dram.
Of course she's not helped by a script (the fact it took three people to write this is shocking because it's still woeful upon delivery) that leaves very little to the comedy imagination.
Quite how this made it to a third series is beyond me really because there was very little in the first two that showed any signs of promise.
Nobody remembers this sitcom, and I doubt those that do have any warmth towards it.
Being shown as a sort of 'comedy double bill' was what did 'The Green Green Grass' in, and that show even at its worst could run rings around this dire mess.
The Acolyte (2024)
The Acolyte
This is another attempt by Disney to do something (anything!) with the Star Wars franchise. They sometimes come across as being like the child with some pocket money burning a hole in their back pocket. They simply have to use it, if only on rubbish.
To be fair, this does look like one of their more well-intentioned efforts, but that still doesn't make it good. How Kathleen Kennedy survives in her job is one of the universes weird unanswered questions right now surely.
It didn't last of course. This was very quickly cancelled after one short series on Disney+ and other than 'The Mandelorian' none of these Star Wars TV projects have had very much longevity. At all.
If you spend $180 million on something you need it to be far more than just a soft hit, and this couldn't be more.
Dave's World: Just Kidding (1994)
Just Kidding
I thoroughly enjoy sitcoms like this.
The 90's had a really good run of producing sitcoms, not just the massive juggernaut ones like 'Friends' and 'Seinfeld' but also smaller ones like this that were perfectly funny and charming in their own right.
This was a very funny episode of 'Dave's World' a show I always think deserves far more recognition than it actually gets.
Good characterisation, actors with charm, genuinely funny lines and not a reliance on smut to get it through - lovely stuff indeed.
It even has a fun cameo from Fred Willard too.
What more could you want or need from a sitcom??
Friends: The Last One: Part 2 (2004)
The Last One: Part 2
After 10 years the world waved goodbye to 'Friends' in this finale that actually does a brilliant job of wrapping up everything, and leaving us with a sense that the characters were going onto exciting new things.
Yes, it's the finale that fans wanted, and we know what's coming, but there are some twists in there to keep us guessing.
We get to see the brilliant sextet in fully flow and also some of the sharpest writing TV has seen.
It's credit to the writing team that they managed to meet all fans expectations with this episode, after so many sitcoms prior or since have made a mess of theirs.
Would it have killed them though to set up the spin-of for Joey in some shape or form though?
It's 20 years later and we still miss our friends.