Midsomerlover Reviews

In Bruges (2008)

Blockbuster from Bruges....

[8/10 · 20 June 2008]

"In Bruges". When the title first struck our ears, I couldn't believe it. They were gonna film a British movie in my home town? I was astonished. Who would want to film a movie in our little city? Martin McDonagh, it seemed. We were all so very excited. It was very rare for a Flemish city to be picked as a location for a blockbuster movie.

My work was in the hart of the city so I passed the set almost every day and I even did some extra work on it. By then we had also heard that Colin Farrel, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes would be in it and we were all thrilled to welcome them. Girls from local schools were saying they got Colin's phone number, girls who said they had a drink with Colin and he tried to seduce them, saying they'd met Brendan and Ralph in the street... it was everyday talk. I didn't believe much of it until I met them myself. They were just about to film the outside scene at the Belfry tower, and as I passed I just waved and... Brendan and Ralph waved back. Me and my stupid head went to them and asked "How's filming' going?" and to my utter amazement they just answered politely "Very well thanks, although it is rather cold".

I recently saw the full version of the film and it is great to see how good it was. They really did a great job on making Bruges look enchanting, but in fact it always does. I think that they didn't have a lot of work to 'make' it beautiful. It already is. The script was great and the casting sublime. If you haven't seen it yet, go out to the cinema or buy the DVD. You won't regret. Not after you've seen our wonderful city and the splendid acting performances.

Foyle's War: Plan of Attack (2008) Season 5, Episode 1

A worthy last comeback for Foyle

[8/10 · 8 January 2008]

I saw this episode last week and I must honestly say that Foyle hasn't lost any of its charms. The story was very well written, it had some good actors (Malcolm Sinclair, Julian Wadham, ...) in it and a very witted and decent plot (for a moment I thought he shot Foyle there instead of himself). The storyline about Foyle, Milner and Sam getting together as a team again, was also lovely. It was a brilliant episode all together.

I will be very very sad when the series come to an end, but luckily we have the DVD's so that we can watch it whenever we like...

But, we have 2 more episodes to go. Hurry up, ITV! Give them to us!

Mr. Bean's Holiday (2007)

They should have left the character alone...

[9/10 · 30 December 2007]

Mr. Bean has been a comedy icon since the Nineties. Broadcasted and repeated all over the world, people got used to the fact that this was the only 'Bean' footage that we would ever see (next to the film and the animated series). This film was totally out of character. Firstly, Teddy isn't mentioned at all so this adaption was bad before it even hit the screens. Secondly, Bean has a sort of father-son relation with a boy with just doesn't match with the Bean I have in mind. Thirdly, THE MOVIE ISN'T SET IN Britain AGAIN! Why do they always have to bring Bean to a country where he isn't at home? Bean is so much funnier in England then he is in other countries.

Shame on you writers. And Rowan Atkinson is right about leaving the character alone now. Stupid money hunters.

The Way We Live Now (2001)

One of the best BBC Drama's ever!

[8/10 · 27 December 2007]

This is, by far, one of the best BBC Drama series that I have ever seen in my entire life. Although the story takes a while to start off, the series and especially the end will not disappoint you. I am no fan of the BBC costume drama's (they have made so many, I almost lost the count) but since I was a Poirot fan and therefore a David Suchet fan, I gave this a try and as I said, I was surprised by the effect it had on me.

The acting is at it's very best, and my attention again goes to David Suchet in particular, because he kept amazing me every time I saw him on screen in the role of Augustus Melmotte, I can't find the words to say how perfect his acting is. Not much actors get close to perfection... but David Suchet most certainly does.

Matthew MadFadyen, Cillian Murphy, Miranda Otto and a whole range of other actors also deserve to be praised. Just as the brilliant David Yates and the memorable music of Nicholas Hooper.

If you have never seen this series, don't hesitate for a moment and buy it on DVD. I'm sure you will agree with me ;) .

Foyle's War: Casualties of War (2007) Season 4, Episode 4

Don't believe the things you hear about this episode!

[10 May 2007]

I really don't know where people get this, but this episode was brilliant, just like all the others. It had a good story, and it even haves a bit of a cliffhanger with Foyle resigning as a DCI. I really didn't notice anything weird or less good about it and my advice is: just enjoy the episode, and don't read the other comments here 'cause they're worthless rubbish. I am looking forward to the new series, hoping they will air it this autumn or winter, and I hope it will be a good end of the war for everyone.

Foyle's War is the greatest crime series ever (coming after Midsomer Murders)!

Keeping Up Appearances (1990–1995)

This is Britain's Best EVER!

[8/10 · 13 April 2007]

Keeping Up Appearances has always been a personal favorite of mine. It has everything a good comedy needs: catch phrases, good stories, classic plots, extraordinary characters,... The actors are all first class and especially Patricia Routledge, who plays Hyacinth, is outstanding. I mean, has an actress ever been so good in playing her role? I don't think so.

The series also have a 'happy atmosphere' around them. From the first minute, when you see Hyacinth appear dusting her books, it almost makes you laugh immediately. She can say 'The Bouquet Residence, Lady of the house speaking' 1000 times, it still makes you laugh. And apart from those many catch phrases and some predictable stories it feels so 'real'. They drink real coffee, when she cleans her thee pot it is actually filled with real hot water, ... I bet thousands of people have such a neighbor like Hyacinth.

This is the only good comedy of the '90, absolutely. Brilliant television filled with all sorts of comedy: dry, subtle, physical,... They can make as many sitcoms as they want, not any will ever come near 'Keeping Up Appearances'. Congratulations to Roy Clarke, Patricia Routledge, Clive Swift and the rest of the cast & crew who made this a wonderful series.

"This is not the Chinese restaurant. This is a residential number and you are speaking to the lady of the house on a white, slim line telephone with last number redial facility!" BRILLIANT! I LOVE KEEPING UP APPEARANCES!