FlicksFlix Reviews

The Artful Dodger (2023– )

Great fun

[9/10 · 4 December 2023]

Medical gore, heists, intrigue, humour, and romance - this show has it all! Brodie-Sangster and Thewlis were absolutely brilliant in their roles as Jack Dawkins and Fagin! Their scenes together could make me laugh or cry in turn. Hold loosely any special love you have for the original Oliver Twist story, but even if it's not a seamless sequal for these characters it's much more fun rooting for them! The series is set in 'the colonies' 15 years later where (somewhat reformed) Jack 'Dodger' Dawkins, hiding in plain sight, is an exceptional but down on his luck surgeon who is thrust back alongside the criminally-oriented Fagin.

9/10 - Great acting with a gritty, fun (yet poignant occasionally) fast paced story. It was mostly the modern rock music that lost that last point. While it did help it feel modern and irreverent, I'd have liked something less jarring.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022– )

Slow to get into it but cautiously optimistic by the end of season 1

[7/10 · 16 October 2022]

"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve." - Bilbo

Let me start with the disclaimer that I've only read LOTR/ the Hobbit so I'm not really factoring in accuracy. After the first season, I'm enjoying the ride but am really hoping for more going forward.

Let's start with the strengths - visuals are great and location shots are stunning and do a great job of setting the middle earth scene. The story is compelling and I'm loving the little bit of action we're getting (is Arondir's fighting style giving anyone else Legolas vibes?). Plus they use a bit of an air of mystery/redirection well to help keep things interesting even if we think we know what's destined to happen.

Bilbo's awkward speech is a good way to segue straight into my main concern with ROP: I don't really care about half of the characters. I understand that Galadriel is a younger, fiercer, more proud character - sure, time changes some more than others (though I'm a little sad there's no real signs of her magic as yet) - but it means she's not especially likeable. A lot of the characters are *cool* but I'm somehow not very attached to them. They could die and I wouldn't really be torn up. In turn that lowers the stakes and undermines the tension, which will become an even bigger problem when things (hopefully) heat up next season. I'm not sure if it's the character writing or simply because our attention was torn between so many characters from the beginning.

The notable exception is Elrond and Durin. Their characters and especially their friendship feels a bit more Tolkien inspired - funny, raw, and heartfelt. It's hard not to be invested!

If they can make me care about more characters like I do about Elrond/Durin, I'm still optimistic that this might blossom into a great series.

Emma. (2020)

Exactly as it should be

[8/10 · 14 February 2020]

First of all, let me start by saying that I enjoy pretty much every Austen adaptation - this was no exception. Second of all, let's draw the comparison between a movie and cake. I came into this movie knowing full well what type of cake I both wanted and expected it to be and was not disappointed.

Story: The same story we know and love - no unexpected twists or new storytelling methods (like the timeline changeup of the new Little Women). I wanted a delightful butter cake and that's exactly what I got - no wild new flavour combinations. It's a delightlfully fun, occasionally ridiculous, romp. I did enjoy the little extra Mr Nightly affection we get to see in the version - makes the romance feel a little less sudden.

Visual: If it were a cake, 'Emma' would be the most repinned, insta-worthy new buttercream cake on the block. Every single scene was shot absolutely beautifully and with so much attention to detail. The soft colours and pretty scenery make every shot look like what we all wish our wedding photos came out like. They play up a bit more of the Woodhouse/Knightly wealth and there is some sumptuous decore to enjoy.

Acting: I'm a Miranda Hart fan and I'm glad to say she did not disappoint. She brought the perfect mix of 'ridiculous' and 'sweet/pitiable' to Miss Bates. The rest of the cast did a very solid job and of course Bill Nighy is always a great addition to any ensemble. If the cast is the structural integrity of the cake, this cake isn't going to flop.

All in all, I'd say it's exactly as it should be.