xox_rachy_xo Reviews

The Whole Truth (2010–2012)

The basics are there, just needs improvement.

[8/10 · 22 October 2010]

To even begin enjoying this show, you need to have an enjoyment and interest in all things to do with the American law and order system. So if you don't enjoy Law and Order than it is highly unlikely you will enjoy this.

I however do and so enjoy this show every week. I like the lead characters of Brogan and Peale and especially enjoy their interactions together. At the moment I will admit a lot of the supporting cast are much more stereotyped than they should be but that is usual of any show that is just starting out.

The one part of the show I most enjoy is that as the viewer we aren't told whether or not the person committed the crime or not. We are allowed to wonder throughout the whole episode. It actually makes you feel kind of like a juror.

I can't comment on how realistic it is in relation to the reality of criminal law but what I can say is that it is an enjoyable hour of escapism with a lot of room to grow and improve.

Buried (2010)

Brilliant.

[10/10 · 29 September 2010]

This film shows exactly why it is not CGI or big casts or fancy stunts that make a good film- it is actually just a good story. Buried really shows you a whole range of realistic and well acted human emotion. Ryan Reynolds is superb and, although he is the only person you see throughout the whole film, you don't get bored of him or his character. If only more people would realise the importance of a good script over big names.

I would highly recommend this film to anybody (just as long as they aren't claustrophobic) It is a well acted, well written, tense roller coaster ride of a film - and yet you only see the inside of a box.

I've also written a review for this film for the website I write for: http://tinyurl.com/4l7dhzw

The Mentalist (2008–2015)

Amazing

[10/10 · 3 April 2010]

I am a massive fan of 'The Mentalist.' This is a witty, clever and entertaining show. Based around Patrick Jane, a man whose past career as a fake psychic caused his wife and child to be murdered, who now works for the California Bureau of Investigation. The pilot had one of the most entertaining openings to an episode I've ever seen, let alone a programme, and hooked me immediately.

It combines a lot of successful elements. It has the relationship between Jane and Lisbon- Lisbon quite closely following procedure and Jane often disregarding it in order to catch the criminal. There is also Cho's steely exterior which is often food for comedy, especially when he goes undercover. Van Pelt and Rigsby's complicated relationship is also a sweet sidebar.

Generally the show doesn't take itself too seriously, with the crimes often being solved by the use of humorous tricks and what not. But then it brings in the more serious elements when it comes to Janes relationship with Red John, the serial killer who murdered his family.

It is gripping television and a very welcome contribution to our screens.

White Collar (2009–2014)

A charming and funny new show

[10/10 · 3 April 2010]

Recently I watched numerous pilots of new shows that have come out this year, and 'White Collar' is one which came out on top.

To begin with, the pilot immediately caught my attention. I liked that they didn't make Burke an idiot like they normally do. In fact none of the characters are made out to be naive or stupid, which is refreshing in television nowadays. I also found Burke and Caffrey's relationship very charming- the writers didn't pretend to make them dislike each other and to have Caffrey forced upon Burke but instead they have respect for each other and at separate times they both show the level of their friendship with each other.

I found the show charming and funny. It is finally a show that doesn't take itself seriously 100% of the time. You have the nice balance of the personal struggle of Caffrey to find Kate mixed with the episodes storyline, a balance which I think works effectively.

Definitely watch this show if you enjoy something that is both easy to watch and entertaining.

Castle (2009–2016)

Castle and Becket sitting in a tree...

[10/10 · 3 April 2010]

Being a massive Nathan Fillion fan, I knew I had to check out this show. And I didn't regret it.

To begin with, the characters all go together very well. Normally there is a weak link in the cast but this isn't the case for 'Castle.' The relationships are also quite interesting- the sexual tension between Castle and Becket, the cute buddy friendship between Esposito and Ryan but especially Castle and his daughter Alexis. For once it shows a father daughter relationship that isn't based entirely on the daughter rebelling but instead they have an adorable interest in each other which is particularly sweet.

The story lines are also a bit more lighthearted than other crime dramas. Mostly the stories are quite easily solved. However, the episodes which have stood out are the most recent two parter "Tick tick tick" and "...boom" which were both gripping television. It shows a high calibre of show which has the ability to both be funny but bring in the seriousness and emotion when it needs to.

I am absolutely THRILLED that this has been given a third season and I can't wait to see what it is going to do next.

Samantha Who? (2007–2009)

Really Funny!

[9/10 · 20 May 2008]

Initially I was drawn to this programme purely for Christina Applegate because she has been hilarious in EVERYTHING! but after watching this I have realised it's not just her but in fact the whole cast that attribute to the comedy of the programme- Andrea's harsh bluntness, her parents extreme inappropriateness and Dena's general personality. As a combination, the cast creates a sweet programme filled with both laughs and a essentially poignant question- If we could, would we go back and change the people we are? The only possible problem I could have with the programme is actually how short it is, because sometimes i felt as though they could increase the comedy in situations. However, Fantastic stuff, please keep it up!

Firefly (2002–2003)

Surprisingly amazing!

[10/10 · 15 April 2008]

Like many others, when seeing this boxset I was rather sceptical. Sure, I know that Joss Whedon is, lets face it, a master of science fiction, which both Buffy and Angel clearly show and the presumably something he writes would be good. However, the fact that it was cancelled after 15 episodes led me to believe that it would not be particularly good because it was enjoyed in America.

However, due to my brothers continuous persistence I sat down to watch it. And god was FOX wrong!! Everything about the programme is so perfectly crafted that, after watching a few episodes you feel a sense of wanting for that life. I believe the acting was so outrageously underrated, with stunning performances from both Nathan Fillion and Summer Glau and a cast that works so well that it almost killed me to know they didn't get to make more.

"Serenity" felt like a patch for my Firefly withdrawal.

I hereby state that it should come back and, clearly, a lot of people agree with me.