mccaughan2 Reviews

Citadel (2023– )

Glossy Spy Thriller

[6/10 · 13 May 2023]

Absolutely ridiculous interactions between Mason King and Nadia Singh so far.

Stanley Tucci is the reason I started watching.

High production values. No expense spared. I'm reserving judgement on Richard Madden's performance, as I'm only on episode 4.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is great, she has very physically demanding scenes and allows herself to look the part when she's been through it. This is bound to see her cast in many more film and TV projects.

Action scenes are good.

Maybe the plot and script could be better. It's reminiscent of James Bond in terms of lots of locations, glamorous actors, gadgets, dastardly plans for world domination, and OTT villains. Lesley Manville is cast as an icy British villain, which is interesting.

It's entertaining but cliched.

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011)

Beautiful film

[10/10 · 2 July 2022]

I'm not sure how I missed this film when released. Just watched on Prime. If you have time and space to watch, it's well worth it.

Thomas Horn, the lead character, is tremendous.

Shot in NYC, everything about this film is top quality.

Hanks and Bullock are great.

Thought-provoking and a beautiful, understated tribute to the victims and grieving families of 9-11. Uplifting, heart-breaking and fabulous.

Hope Street (2020– )

Growing on me

[7/10 · 8 December 2021]

Like some of the reviewers, I found the first episode cringe-worthy. There were many clangers. It's hard to be objective when watching locally produced TV. Lots of cliches.

However, three episodes in and it's trying to find it's groove.

As Northern Irish, I am happy to see a BBC drama based here and not about orange and green. I think the acting is mostly good. Donaghadee looks great.

I'd add that the show needs to decide what it is. At the moment it's skimming over gritty issues like people trafficking, while creating silly humour between the older characters and a portrayal of a naive constable. Maybe it's identity will evolve over the remaining episodes.

Overall, let's give it some encouragement. Shouldn't we nurture local talent and programmes about our country?

Iron Fist (2017–2018)

A fan of the show who knows nothing of the comic book history

[8/10 · 15 September 2018]

While I'm not qualified to discuss the 2 seasons of the show in terms of the Marvel comic history, I will say that Finn Jones makes the show. The other main characters are good, but there is something about Finn Jones - he brings a sensitivity and humour to the role that I like. Having devoured Season 2 on Netflix the ending left me very intrigued. I'd like to have more of Danny Rand in Season 3, though the story arc in Season 2 was good. Sacha Dhawan was an excellent Davos. Also the character of Mary/Walker was chillingly good - more Brit talent! I hope Iron Fist goes from strength to strength and returns soon. Tom Pelphrey - I have just realised he was in Banshee - wow - I'm impressed at his versatility. I put this show on a par with Daredevil with perhaps the edge on supporting cast.

Great News (2017–2018)

Great News on Netflix

[7/10 · 26 August 2018]

Just discovered this little gem on Netflix. Gentle humour with good ensemble cast. Nicole Ritchie is very good as the vacuous co-anchor playing against John Michael Higgins as Chuck, the old school news guy. Briga Heelan and Andrea Martin work well as daughter and helicopter mum. Adam Campbell adds a little British humour and works well as the middle man between Chuck and the rest of the crew. It's not that original in terms of format or content but it makes me laugh, which is all it needs to do.

Chance (2016–2017)

Excellent

[10/10 · 4 November 2017]

Series 1 had moments of brilliance, especially the development of the main male characters. I'm glad it's been renewed. Series 2 is off to an edgy start. The cat and mouse atmosphere is well-conceived. The cast is excellent - all the characters have a mix of light and shade.

I'm enjoying this season much more without the 'femme fatale' element. Female characters are more interesting mostly developed through Nicole, Chance's troubled teenage daughter. Sarcastic assistant Lucy adds humour.

But D played by Ethan Suplee is the best character created in ages. Need to see more of Clark Peters. Hugh Laurie is great in the role and I hope to see him deliver this fabulous series set in San Francisco for seasons to come.

Lethal Weapon (2016–2019)

Loving the reboot

[7/10 · 22 May 2017]

The casting of Riggs and Murtagh makes this show what it is. Supporting cast good too. It has heart and soul. It's a good old fashioned cop show that updates the early films of Gibson and Glover franchise. The only aspect that is a bit weak is Riggs' compulsory visits to the 'shrink', who no doubt will become a love interest - though I'm hoping the writers will avoid that clichéd storyline. Riggs' love for his deceased wife is what makes his character interesting when played against Murtagh's family man. Thank you ITV for picking up this show, it's a pleasure to watch.