michaelt-41415 Reviews

Together (1980–1981)

A lovely relaxing 30 minutes

[10/10 · 26 March 2024]

I have just bought this entire series on DVD. 30 minutes with a cuppa with a bacon and egg sandwich, what more could you want.

This 30 minute series is a delightful look at the day to day lives of the people who live in a block of flats, they are not all aged, but the majority are.

Situations arise and situations are sorted, every tenant is their own character, and the viewer gets to know them one by one.

This is a lovely 30 minutes shown in the 80's, and it should be repeated again, and more made, it would be very popular for people living on their own, particularly elderly people.

So please programme makers, create another series, even with different actors. This series is a must see.

Volcano (1997)

Ignore the negative reviews. This will have you on the edge of your seat.

[10/10 · 16 May 2023]

Every time I read negative reviews of a disaster film, I know i have to watch it because I figure people who write negative reviews are paid to try and wind people up.

Volcano is one such film. I read hardly a good review. But what a brilliantly exciting film Volcano is.

Tommy Lee Jones is always top notch and in this he pulls out all the stops, and the supporting cast are equally terrific. The special effects are superb. You couldnt want more in any disaster film to take your mind off your problems. A bit of escapism for an hour and a half... I may well watch it again, and again. I give this film 10 stars.

The Quiet Earth (1985)

Quite simply the best science film you will ever see, now or in the future.

[10/10 · 7 May 2023]

As my title says, you will never see a better science film now or in the future. And the theme music by John Charles you will listen to again and again. Here we get a peek at where we could go when we die. A man dies in an explosion, and ends up on a beach somewhere with the planet Saturn appearing slowly on the horizon. The rest of the film leads up to this unearthly and surprising and ultimately glorious ending. Our hero's face at the end expresses absolute wonder at his surroundings.

The Quiet Earth should have a sequel I hope in the future. It has the most mesmerizing final that I have seem in my lifetime of movie going. I give this movie 10 stars. But its concept is worth a 1000,000.

Paddington (2014)

This movie was just not Paddington Bear..

[10/10 · 29 January 2023]

I remember with fondness the cartoon animated voice of Michael Hordern as the voice of Paddington in the much loved animated TV series.....In this film Paddington talks. No thank you very much...

Paddington with a voice in this film is a kids' adventure movie and that's about all.

The animation is convincing, the story is good-natured, and there are plenty of funny moments. The problem is that it's just not Paddington.

The Paddington stories were more than just good, they were inspired, as was the TV animated cartoon series with the voice of Michael Horderns narration.

Paddington never does very much in the TV series. He doesn't as in this film run around being shot at or scaling high buildings. He just exists to go about his daily business and get himself into lots of very funny situations, in the TV series it is all very subtle..

The original Paddington would be difficult to portray in a movie, because the humour is just too understated, and in this film there is no subtlety, it is all just out there.

Sadly, I can't give this film more than two, but perhaps a higher score if it had not been called Paddington, or if it had been about a different bear altogether, perhaps an 8 or 9, but to call this movie Paddington unfortunately can be regarded as a joke.

Michael Bond Paddington's creator, did give the go ahead for this film , perhaps he was too much of a gentleman to say no.

The TV series Paddington has big wellington boots, a large black hat, and large duffel coat, a hard stare when he scolds someone, , and a nose that twitches up and down when he's is eating, which the movie representation does not fill in anyway shape or form.

So i dont agree with the majority of reviews, simply because this movie was just not Paddington Bear.

Cold Case (2003–2010)

A great show. But?!.

[10/10 · 21 January 2023]

This is a great show no doubt about it, but who decided to have a song play in the last 5 minutes when the bad guys and/or girls are taken away. The song will always have lyrics that bare to relation to the plot or story line we have all just witnessed. I have to turn the sound down when the song starts and the scenes are in slow motion. I find this song always bloody annoying, for me it spoils the show.

All actors are superb in their roles., and many episodes are tough to watch because they are racism.

Cold Case is excellent.

None the less a damn good programme but ditch the song in the last 5 minutes.

The Man in the High Castle (2015–2019)

I doubt you will see a better TV series, ever, than this excellent production.

[10/10 · 5 August 2022]

Let me say this in as few words as possible. Simply brilliant. Superbly acted. The ending was predictable, and sad, because it could have ended on a happy note.

It would have been a resounding and very positive ending had the disillusioned Nazi officer and his wife and son, had been seen coming out of the tunnel from the parallel universe.....

This was an excellent production, definitely a "what if" series, with excellent acting throughout.

Well done to all concerned. I applaud you all......

Wagon Train: The Abel Weatherly Story (1963) Season 6, Episode 16

I found this story totally boring.

[1/10 · 29 April 2022]

This is by far the most boring and far fetched episode of Wagon Train i've seen.

I wont go onto detail, its all there.

Frank McGrath and Terry Wilson are the only regulars to appear.

This episode should not have been included as a Wagon Train story...

Hunters (2020–2023)

Absolutely100 per cent compulsive viewing.

[10/10 · 28 April 2022]

Forget the negatives, insensitivity is the name of the game today, kindness, humanity, and basic human decency are today in the 21st century seen as weaknesses, just as they as they were during WW2 when Nazi Germany was at its most powerful... Any film portraying Nazi Germany, and Nazi followers should be screened at least once a day, week, month, or year, in the Western World. And these murderers should be brought to justice.... It was odd seeing Al Pacino playing against type ( normally a gangster. My nerves were on edge through this film because you never knew when the Nazi stomach churning brutality would be shown.

One reviewer believe this series is great fun, another describes this series a a fantastic show. This is revealing an insensitivity toward those who died at the hands of the Nazis, men woman and children. These reviewers are worse than the Nazis.

Excellent series. Well done to all involved in the making of it.

Left Behind (I) (2014)

Ignore the negative ratings. Just sit back and enjoy a roller coaster based on a possible reality

[10/10 · 21 April 2022]

Im not a religious person, and as a young man I regarded the Bible as the biggest and greatest story book in the world, but now im an adult, and can see the Western World at its worst, homelessness and poverty, and deprivation.

There has to be a superior being behind the endless Universe, and the planets, because it all works to give us life.

This movie gave a simple reason as to what could happen if God had had enough.?

People scoff at Christian made films, because people are ignorant.

Christianity left the Western World decades ago, we are now morally inept, and its all too late to straighten us out.

I give this movie 10 out of 10 for at least trying to show us what might happen, if God decided to get his own back on those he created.

I personally believe in evolution, but even someone had to create that.

Prior to television, who would have believed that in years to come someone would invent a glass fronted box in the corner of our living room where we would be able to watch people move and talk in an attempt to entertain us, and give us the news of the day ?

So critics of this film, just switch your brain on and think about it .

Frasier (1993–2004)

Frasier the character played by Kelsey Grammer, is just not funny in my opinion.

[10/10 · 11 March 2022]

This American comedy has a lead played by Kelsey Grammer who in my opinion overacts to try and equal his brother Niles, played superbly by David Hide Pierce who is naturally funny.

Peri Gilpin plays Roz, and its her antics in this show that make my viewing worthwhile, and she superbly funny along side Niles Cane, these two in my opinion hold this show together.

The writing for each character is superb, but the audience laughter at the antics of Frasier Crane, often make me cringe.

I do like the show, but its not Frasier Crane's show, its the Niles and Roz show. I enjoy the banter between Niles and Roz, both trying to outdo each other with their one liners, their scripts are always top notch

David Hyde Pierce plays Niles Crane to the hilt every time he appears just by standing still doing nothing.

All other cast members are terrific. Frazier Crane the character is arrogant, self centered, egotistical, full of himself, selfish, pompous, and sex mad, he is also shallow like the character of Roz, which is why they get on well together, neither can see themselves. Jane Leeves as Daphne Moon, and the late John Mahoney who played Frasier and Niles father, kept trying to bring both his sons down to earth.

Silent Night (I) (2021)

Well if this doesnt hold your attention, nothing will

[10/10 · 13 January 2022]

From the outset this film is full of bad language including from children, and this movie has got to be regarded as the horror film of the century.

Take no notice of the negative reviews, this is my advice....

This movie is a very sad slow burner all the way through, but stick with it.

The way our leaders are carrying on, this could be how we all end up, make no mistake about that.

The very last 5 seconds the writers left us a cliff hanger, so there could be a part 2.

A Christmas to Remember (2016 TV Movie)

What a beautiful movie.

[10/10 · 18 December 2021]

I loved this film. Believable story, predictable, but superb ending.

This is the second time ive seen this movie and ill see it again.

Ignore critics, they are heartless and soulless, and they love being this way.

Journey Back to Christmas (2016 TV Movie)

Why dont they make more Christmas films like this ?

[10/10 · 15 December 2021]

Everybody who enjoyed this movie will probably be saying the same as my headline. This film has depth of feeling throughout, and excellent acting.

My late wife and I saw this film before she died from bowel cancer in 2014. She loved it.

Most Christmas films tend to be boy meets girl, boy marries girl formula. This was really nice to watch, a film with imagination, I put it next to Its a Wonderful Life as a Great stocking filler. .And a much watch at Christmas.

Damages (2007–2012)

I have just sat through 5 seasons of interesting and often captivating dialogue, but for what?

[7 December 2021]

Damages is clever, no doubt about it. The entire cast are brilliant. But Damages left me high and dry.

Anybody reading this review who like me, enjoys the cut and thrust of a court room drama, will be sadly let down. The series cuts off where it should begin.

I can say no more.

I dont even know how high a rating to give it. ????.

Witness to Murder (1954)

This film will have you on the edge of your seat throughout.

[10/10 · 2 October 2021]

Forget the negative reviews, this is a top notch and very unusual thriller with Barbara Stanwyck, George Sanders, and Gary Merrill in top form.

So grab your popcorn, sit back and enjoy........

The Magnificent Seven (2016)

Excellent movie. Top notch direction. Well played.

[10/10 · 16 September 2021]

Ive just sat through what I thought would be rubbish particularly as its title is The Magnificent 7. As a Western in its own right this is a knock out piece of cinema.

I reject complete all the negative reviews on here, even my own initial negative review has been dumped into the long grass.

I give this movie 10 out of 10 for excellent direct, editing and gun play battles near the end.

The filming is top notch.

My only regret is that the film is a tad too long. But none the less its a movie that's well worth the price of the ticket.

Wasp (2003)

What was the point in making this short movie...?

[1/10 · 12 August 2021]

I didnt see the point of making this short movie ?

Why for example write a script full of bad language spoken in front of children ?

There are plenty of single mum's across the UK who give up their own lives to raise their children, my mum was one having lost her husband ( my dad died following WW2. My mum worked, then I as the oldest left school aged 15 and got a job to help out the family finances.

As a child of the 60's jobs were easy to get because Britain was a virtually nationalized country. Britain started going downhill on the election of Margaret Thatcher from 1980, jobs became short term, low waged, and very insecure, what they term now as a gig economy.... If anything, this short film demonstrates what Thatcher wanted, a badly educated underclass intellectually unable to take the Tories on.

If any proof of this is needed, we have had 40 odd years of right wing rule in this country, resulting in food banks nationwide. What next, work houses for the Tory named workshy.

This film was a short story of one young single mum with young babes to look after, the point is there are millions like this young mum scattered around the UK, struggling to live a raise kids...

The jobs today are not there and neither is the security of a regular wage packet. Or even a well funded welfare State due to the Tories destroying the welfare State.

Welcome to third world Britain folks. Be kind to all single parents today, remember you of a certain age came through much better times.

Rocketman (I) (2019)

Today there are are no songwriters who compare to the Great American songwriters of the 20's 30's and 40's.

[1/10 · 5 August 2021]

I do not like today's songwriters with one exception, the late George Michael, he had a real gift for melody, his passing was a tragedy for today's music scene.

Today's songwriters are more about extravaganza than the melody and lyrics. Elton John typifies this extravaganza, although his tunes are melodic, they dont reach my ear.

Elton John has a talent for a certain type of melody that doesnt reach my musical ear at all.

Just recently on social media, Paul McCartney said that his inspiration and motivation for songwriting was Rodgers and Hammerstein.

Through their 18 years collaboration and partnership, Richard Rodgers had no musical training, but could write music seated at a desk, and when with Oscar Hammerstein 2nd, Oscar's lyrics always came first, then Rodgers would write the melody, and truly beautiful melodies they were.

Reginald Kenneth Dwight is Elton John's real name, so im wondering if he had kept his real name and kept to wearing conventional clothing, would his music have caught the imagination of his fans around the word ?

When it comes to pop music, you can't beat the 60's, including Tamla Motown, the songs had heart.

In my view Reginald Kenneth Dwight would never have got off the ground, I am not touched by his melodies, they have no heart in my view.

FBI (2018– )

I cannot and will not kick this show into the long grass as so many of you are doing.

[10/10 · 10 June 2021]

The story lines are excellent, The scrip writing is excellent. American script writers are the best in the western word....... Missy Peregrym is a good lead. She feels things, and you can see it.

There is something missing in this show but I cant put my finger on it. ?

However, good stuff all round. Congrats to all concerned in its production.

Invasion Planet Earth (2019)

Dont believe the negative reviews. This movie has a heart stopping powerful message

[10/10 · 1 April 2021]

This sci fi film has a powerful message that comes to light 2 thirds of the way through. The message is powerful because its true....

So many negative reviews on here might stop people watching this movie, please dont be put off, SEE THIS MOVIE.!

This is all I wish to say!

7 Lives (2011)

A most confusing film for me and ill say why ?

[2/10 · 21 March 2021]

When our hero has been beaten up, and in his mind he finds himself in these "other" universes it would have been much more obvious and better to have had Danny Dyer as himself in these other lives, but as other actors in these other lives are playing him, for me this entire film was confusing.

Unless ive missed something, I think im making a fair and obvious point.

You Killed My Mother (2017 TV Movie)

This movie lifts the lid on America's privatized cost effective health system.

[10/10 · 16 February 2021]

I wonder how many people lose relatives in America's hospitals because cost effectiveness is part parcel of America's privatized health system ?.

This question is at the heart of this movie for those who notice.??

This is all I have to say.

6 Below: Miracle on the Mountain (2017)

This is a very sad, and powerful, well acted, tense story. And its a true story.

[10/10 · 15 February 2021]

Ive read some very stupid negative comments about this film, but then again we are all entitled to our opinions.

The basis of this movie is very sad, and will take you in.

You will feel the cold as our hero struggles to survive his awful situation. We see him naked in the snow shivering, breathing in and out heavily trying to keep control of himself as he attempts to dry his wet clothes after a fall through the snow into icy water. This is just one situation.

I am sorry this is a very brief review, but it had to be as you will discover as you watch this film,

Give it a go, you will be with this man all the way.

10 stars from me.......

Trading Places (1983)

Class snobbery is the hallmark of this movie. Make no mistake about that!

[10/10 · 5 February 2021]

Take a rich man out of his comfort zone and make him poor. Take an impoverished man and make him a rich man. Watch how the former rich man loses all his rich friends who quickly disown him. This is the essence of this movie as far as im concerned.

Eddy Murphy and Dan Akyroyd come together in this class entrenched snobbery driven movie.

In America's market driven economy, where people can be laid off overnight. Where homelessness is rife. Where your life can be overturned at the toss of a coin. Trading Places says it all.

Most of the reviews I read concentrate on the two lead actors. My review concentrates on two issues nobody wants to think about, or talk about. I do!

10 out of 10 from me.

Downhill (I) (2020)

This really is a film for insightful grown ups.

[5/10 · 4 February 2021]

I read most of the negative reviews.

This is a film about a husband and wife out of their comfort zone. It really is as simple as that. It has a touch of humour and little bits of drama,

But the question is how much do we know each other, and what can happen when we find out. ?

This films gets 3 stars for tackling an issue that we can all relate to.....