TheLittleSongbird Reviews

Patagonia: Earth's Secret Paradise: Life on the Edge (2015) Season 1, Episode 3

Life on the edge

[8/10 · 18 May 2024]

'Patagonia Earth's Secret Paradise' "Life on the Edge" (2015)

Opening thoughts: 2015's 'Patagonia: Earth's Secret Paradise' immediately appealed to me prior to watching. Absolutely love nature documentaries (have done ever since seeing David Attenborough's groundbreaking work for the first time when they first aired) and it is always wonderful seeing the absolutely wondrous Patagonia, which has always been explored beautifully, which has always fascinated and visually captivated. Not to mention its beautifully varied wildlife, familiar and not so familiar.

'Patagonia: Earth's Secret Paradise' is a wonderful, if somewhat too short, documentary series, and "Life on the Edge" is a truly fine third and final episode to it. It may not have the same amount of tension and emotional impact of other episodes of other documentaries, but both are still here in "Life on the Edge". More so than the previous two episodes. Along with impeccable production values and memorable scenes and inhabitants. Great to see a documentary that focused specifically on Patagonia, its landscapes, its inhabitants and the adversity faced when it can usually be seen as part of an episode of a 3 plus part documentary series.

Bad things: My only issues are the length, as it does feel too short like many of the recently seen documentaries, and the human scenes, which were not hugely illuminating or unique. With a lot of content, this could very comfortably have been 10 minutes more perhaps which would have given the viewer more time to take in the information and also learn more.

Good things: Otherwise, this is very, very good. It looks absolutely great for one thing, with both beautiful, varied and unforgiving scenery and especially the photography that leaves one in awe at its best. Especially in the orcas sequence. There is though more to it than cute animals and plants in beautiful environments, one is reminded without being preached at that there are daily challenges. Like how the threat orcas pose to their prey.

Expectedly there is some messaging, but it is as relevant today as it was back then, so it is hardly outdated. It also makes its point quite powerfully and thoughtfully, was very worried about it being preachy but there are documentaries that are a million times worse at that. The music, with an accessible style, is relaxing in some parts while having some edge in other parts.

The inhabitants are a great mix of adorable, formidable and exotic and their behaviours and ways to survive are relatable, surprising and inspiring. The inspirational and adorable penguins were an absolute treat, speaking as a lifelong lover of penguins (rooted for them all the way), and the maras and guanacos were unfamiliar to me and incredible to watch. The orcas sequence is a series highlight and the most unflinching it ever got, really not for the faint hearted and quite disturbing.

When it comes to the information, it is very educational and the narration entertains and informs without preachiness or being gimmicky, any familiar content is approached freshly, and in a way that will captivate and never disturb kids while not being cookie cutter. Maybe it could have been delved into more. The narration delivery is very gentle and authoritative.

Closing thoughts: Very well done last episode all in all.

8/10.

The Inspector: Le Cop on Le Rocks (1967) Season 1, Episode 19

Going to jail

[7/10 · 17 May 2024]

'The Inspector' "Le Cop on Le Rocks" (1967)

Opening thoughts: Ranking it in correlation with the rest of The Inspector cartoons, would put the nineteenth cartoon 'Le Cop on Le Rocks' somewhere around high middle. Meaning a good and entertaining cartoon, but not a great one. There are funnier and more imaginative cartoons in The Inspector series than 'Le Cop on Le Rocks', and it doesn't quite feel the same somewhat without Deux Deux, but it was great to have a different (for the series, certainly up to this point of it) setting and a worthy opponent for The Inspector, one that is a mix of amusing and formidable which is a good mix for any opponent character when done well.

Bad things: Will say though that even by The Inspector standards 'Le Cop on Le Rocks' is very predictable and not an awful lot different story-wise from anything else tackling the "being in prison due to mistaken identity and being given grief by other characters" theme (not a novel one either) and the escape attempts could have done at times with more variety.

Some more energy and imagination wouldn't have gone amiss either.

Good things: 'Le Cop on Le Rocks' is still enjoyable stuff though and generally the gags, verbal and especially physical, are well timed and humorous. The ending is agreed a memorable one. The Inspector does carry the cartoon, he is difficult to dislike, is a strong enough personality in his own right and is one with good comic timing even in most lesser outings. The cell mate as said is a worthy opponent and their well contrasted chemistry also helps carry the cartoon.

The animation is simple but colourful and charming in its simplicity. The music is typically slinky and jaunty. The voice acting is well done, Pat Harrington Jr does not disappoint and captures The Inspector's bumbling and irony to entertaining effect.

Closing thoughts: Concluding, good if not mind-blowing.

7/10.

My Little Pony: Pony Life: The De-stress Ball/Mad Props (2021) Season 2, Episode 12

Much ado about madness

[4/10 · 16 May 2024]

'My Little Pony: Pony Life' "The Do Stress Ball"/"Mad Props" (2021)

Opening thoughts: My expectations were mixed for "The De-Stress Ball" and "Mad Props". Liked, if not loved, the idea for the latter and Season 2 on the whole was an improvement over Season 1, with two episodes that were actually decent. Most of the previous episodes were a disappointment, on the same level as the best that Season 1 got (lacklustre), and it was like the improvement had not happened. There was potential with the concept for the latter, if not so much for the other.

Neither of the two segments worked that well, especially the former which does nothing new or appealing with a premise that didn't endear that much to begin with. The latter had potential and moments, but not enough, semi-watchable but nothing special. Again, it felt like the general improvement had not happened, even if some areas were done better than usual. The double bill is not completely terrible and it has moments with the former segment, but the numerous things that fail are as badly done as Season 1 at its worst.

Good things: There are some good things. The voice work is energetic and nuanced from all involved.

"Mad Props" does start off very well, with some nice energy and amusing parts. Some of the visuals are quite colourful.

Bad things: Sadly there is too much wrong here. Unfortunately, none of that can be said for the unbelievably bland "The De-Stress Ball". "Mad Props" was a long way from perfect itself though, its story is still executed too conventionally and is still very thin and very predictable, with some very draggy pacing later. "The De-Stress Ball" does nothing new with an old hat premise, has no creativity and doesn't really go anywhere. The plotting is barely there and the pace drags a lot. Charm and heart are completely absent, the too little humour being too juvenile and there is nothing endearing or relatable about the rest of the one-dimensionally written characters.

Both segments have real problems individually. Nothing is imaginative or vibrant about the animation, which is rushed and careless looking throughout. Indicative of rushed deadlines and low budget. The music is like cheesy high school quality and never fits with what goes on. The theme tune is grating. Both segments are low on laughs and what there are is mostly forced and juvenile. The character writing is one dimensional with none of the characters having much to them. After 'Friendship is Magic' did so well breaking away from the "only for primary school period girls" stereotypes wrongly associated with the franchise for so long, the characters come over as dumbed down stereotypes with that target audience stereotype being reinforced.

Closing thoughts: Mediocre overall.

4/10.

The Helpful Geni (1951)

The average geni

[5/10 · 15 May 2024]

'The Helpful Geni' (1951)

Opening thoughts: The Little Roquefort series was first introduced in the previous year 1950. None of the cartoons were my definition of great, but many were pleasant inoffensive watches as long as you know what to expect. Little Roquefort is not the most compelling of lead characters and in the series (like a fair share of cat and mouse cartoon series) it is often a case of the supporting characters being a lot more interesting in personality. Which was true of recurring character Percy the Cat.

'The Helpful Geni' is another one of the pleasant and inoffensive Little Roquefort cartoons, but also another one of the not particularly great ones as well, rather average actually. There are a lot of good things that help make it worth watching, but there is not an awful lot that is exceptional and it falls short in a few crucial areas. As far as the 1951 Terrytoons cartoons go, 'The Helpful Geni' is somewhere in the middle instead of being one of the best or worst.

Good things: Like a lot of Terrytoons' output, there are two things that are done very well indeed and raise 'The Helpful Geni' significantly. One is the animation, the studio's most improved component. The ambitious, elaborate detail in the backgrounds is on display, the colours are a mix of vibrant and atmospheric and fluidity of drawing and movement has improved such a lot for the studio. Even better is the music (the most consistently good aspect in all the Terrytoons cartoons up to this point, even in the very bad ones early on), it is beautifully and cleverly orchestrated and arranged, is terrific fun to listen to and the lively energy is present throughout, doing so well with adding to the action.

Did think that there were a few amusing moments here and there. Percy is a fun and suitably ruthless adversary and did like the cat and mouse chemistry between him and Little Roquefort, which amused.

Bad things: Little Roquefort himself however, while pleasant enough and not annoying, is quite limited as a character and is not as vibrant a personality, rather one dimensional and bland. Not much different at all from other theatrical series with mice as the titular character.

Also felt that there could have been a higher gag count, as the cartoon is low on that and what there is is not original or hilarious, and the story is very predictable, due to following very closely a very familiar formula, and quite flimsy, barely existent most of the time. And occasionally on the too cute side.

Closing thoughts: Overall, watchable but very average.

5/10.

The Pink Panther: The Pink Quarterback (1969) Season 1, Episode 32

Pink Panther and the rolling quarter

[8/10 · 14 May 2024]

'The Pink Panther' "The Pink Quarterback" (1968)

Opening thoughts: 1968's 'The Pink Quarterback', the forty fourth Pink Panther cartoon, is another thoroughly enjoyable effort. It is not one of the best Pink Panther outings, and not as good as classics like 'The Pink Phink' and 'The Pink Tail Fly', though there is not much that is massively wrong with it. It is still a lot of fun with all that being said and a good representation of why Pink is wholly deserving of his iconic status and why his theatrical series is the most highly regarded and best known of DePatie-Freleng Enterprises' theatrical series. Which is true of most of the series' early cartoons.

Bad things: The set-up for 'The Pink Quarterback' is somewhat routine and the middle does drag a little.

Good things: However, 'The Pink Quarterback' still has a lot of entertainment to be had. There are some good gags throughout like with the quarter and the shoe, but the best part is indeed the ending which is inspired brilliance and funny isn't enough to describe it, it's hilarious more like. The animation is nice and simple, and looks pretty and elegant.

Furthermore, the theme tune is a timeless classic, and the music in the cartoon is catchy, appropriately orchestrated(have always loved the jazziness of it) and action-enhancing. Pink is still a cool and likable character with the comedy coming naturally to him.

Closing thoughts: All in all, not one of the classics but very good and towards the better end of the spectrum in correlation to Pink's cartoons.

8/10.

Scooby-Doo and Guess Who?: The Internet On Haunted House Hill! (2020) Season 2, Episode 11

Haunted house hang up

[7/10 · 5 May 2024]

'Scooby Doo and Guess Who' "The Internet on Haunted House Hill" (2020)

Opening thoughts: On first watch, "The Internet on Haunted House Hill" (great clever title and a play on on the title of one of the great Vincent Price's best films) was mostly quite enjoyable. Part of me did feel though that it would have been a better episode if internet videoing/vlogging was my cup of tea and if the guest star (here Liza Koshy) was a more familiar name. Have generally felt that the best 'Scooby Doo and Guess Who' episodes have had guest stars that are familiar names and ones that this reviewer likes in general.

"The Internet on Haunted House Hill" still is quite enjoyable, namely for the atmosphere, setting and villain, all of which inventive and creepy. Do still think though that other 'Scooby Doo and Guess Who' episodes have better guest stars (mixed feelings in this regard) and certainly a lot stronger mysteries (rather ehh on this one) before and since. It is a long way from being one of the worst episodes of the show, but one of the best? Not even close. Worth watching, but not one of the show's essentials.

Good things: A lot of things are good here. The animation is great, loved the eerie looking colours, the villain's character design and the haunted instruments visuals (the animators were definitely having fun there). The music has the usual atmosphere and groove, and while this variation on it is too short the theme song is still timeless. The Scooby Doo franchise always excelled when it came to haunted house settings, one of the most used in the franchise and frequently successfully so.

Really loved the villain, who is one of the most sinister of the season with one of the more inventive character designs. Loved every bit as much the haunted instruments, a very cool and creepy touch imaginatively used. Most of the humour is amusing and doesn't come over as tired or too silly. The vlogs were quite fun.

Bad things: Having said all this, "The Internet on Haunted House Hill" does not have the greatest mystery in the world, actually a bit too thin and too low on twists and surprises. The denouement was not particularly memorable and was on the under-developed side.

While most of the humour works, the newspaper gags grated and went too far on the stupidity. While the vlogging was quite fun, it could have featured less. Was rather mixed on Koshy, some humorous lines and nice chemistry with the gang (all on fine form) but she also lacked spark and could have had more distinct personality beyond being an internet sensation.

Closing thoughts: Quite good all in all though with reservations.

6.5/10.

Phineas and Ferb: The Return of the Rogue Rabbit/Live and Let Drive (2013) Season 4, Episode 20

Ready, set, go

[10/10 · 5 May 2024]

'Phineas and Ferb' "The Return of the Rogue Rabbit"/"Live and Let Drive" (2013)

Opening thoughts: When 'Phineas and Ferb' first started to air, Disney Channel was nowhere near as good as it used to be and still isn't. Instead of the likes of the animated Disney shows of the 80s and 90s, most of it was and still is animated shows with childish humour and Disney Channel sitcoms and unfortunately it tended to not be the good ones. This continued throughout the whole of 'Phineas and Ferb's' run to the extent that this became one of the few shows airing on the Channel worth watching.

Both "The Return of the Rogue Rabbit" and "Live and Let Drive" are fantastic and equally so, making this pairing one of the best ones of Season 4. If having to choose which is slightly better between the two, it would be ""Live and Let Drive"", which is a joy for car racing and Doofenschmirtz fans. Am not an avid fan of racing, but absolutely love Doofenschmirtz in a plot that suited him and his wacky personality perfectly. "The Return of the Rogue Rabbit" also is a delight for him, although not quite as inspired.

Good things: The animation is full of vibrant colour, quirky character designs and meticulous attention to detail in the backgrounds. Especially in the racing visuals, which have some real creativity in the fast and furious action. The music is dynamic with the action and the theme song is insanely catchy with very clever and quotable lyrics that anybody still in school fishing for how to spend their vacation will relate to.

Furthermore, both are wonderfully and cleverly written. Very intelligent, never juvenile or confused and often very funny to hilarious. The stories are engaging and have a lively energy, both equally good but "Live and Let Drive" scores higher on the imaginative/creativity factor and the content is less formulaic than most. The show does centre around one basic formula on the whole, but it has nearly always been very successful at having enough variety in the plots and adventures to avoid it from being repetitive. Love Phineas and Ferb's invention in "The Return of the Rogue Rabbit".

Doofenschmirtz's plots in both episodes are a lot of fun and deliciously wild, especially "Live and Let Drive". All the characters are on point, Doofenschmirtz stealing the show, as are the interactions (Perry and Doofenschmirtz together are gold and that has always been the case) and the voice acting. Having the 'Top Gear' crew in support was fun too.

Closing thoughts: In summary, brilliant.

10/10.

Hidden Gems (2022 TV Movie)

Not quite a gem but shouldn't stay hidden

[6/10 · 5 May 2024]

'Hidden Gems' (2022)

Opening thoughts: When Hallmark have films set abroad (i.e. France, Italy, Belgium, Hawaii, Fiji), one is guaranteed stunning scenery which has always been the case even in the misfires. Hallmark has always varied in their films abroad when it comes to the story and characters, some are charming and light-hearted with characters worth connecting with, others have very thin and predictable stories with over flawed character writing. Some also feel like too much of a travelogue.

There is a bit of both extremes with 'Hidden Gems'. Luckily, mostly charming and light-hearted in the story even with bumps along the way, while uneven in the character writing. It is a decent start to the 2022 Summer Nights films, which was somewhat hit and miss but could have been worse (like the previous 2022 seasonal blocks). Something that was not unexpected as all the previous years' Summer Nights blocks have been variable, some faring worse than 2022's though. 'Hidden Gems' falls short of being a gem, but it is not a film to stay hidden.

Good things: 'Hidden Gems' is successful in many areas. The best aspect is the Hawaiian scenery, which is absolutely breath-taking and made me want to book tickets to go. It's beautifully shot too, underwater is so vibrant. The music is pleasant enough and fits at least. The script on the whole flows well and has a playful lightness and warm heart.

Story-wise, 'Hidden Gems' isn't perfect but on the whole it is securely paced and is cute and charming. Hunter King and Beau Mirchoff, in a refreshing change from Hallmark regular actors in the lead roles, have a witty and heartfelt chemistry together, and both give committed and appealing performances individually. Each playing with easy going charm and not overdoing any mannerisms. The supporting cast, most unknown names to me, are solid support. The character writing is flawed, but they did feel more than just mere stereotypes and do grow.

Bad things: It is a long way from perfect though. It is spoilt quite a lot by a far too unrealistically pat ending that didn't feel logical considering the way the characters behave. This reviewer also has never liked these kinds of endings and has often found them illogical and jarring, like here. Will agree that the initial attitudes between the two lead characters are very overdone in the hostility to a mean spirited degree, their chemistry to begin with as a result was a little unpleasant to watch especially with Mirchoff's character being so hard to like.

Did think that some of the conflict was low on tension and was as strained as the hostility, while the changes of heart were a bit too rushed for my liking.

Closing thoughts: Concluding, above average if inconsistent.

6/10.

Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated: Come Undone (2013) Season 2, Episode 26

Quality has not come undone

[10/10 · 5 May 2024]

'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated' "Come Undone" (2013)

Opening thoughts: 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated' for me was a great show and one of the better Scooby Doo shows, the best and most consistent of the modern ones anyhow. It has a very high number of great and more episodes and not a bad ones, even the weaker ones are still decent if uneven. Memories of my first watch of the show's final episode "Come Undone", despite being one of the episodes seen later than most of the show, are vivid and in the best of ways and after watching the whole show on first watch it for me up there with the standout episodes.

Quality does not become undone with "Come Undone". Quite the opposite. Have seen my fair share of disappointing last episodes for shows, but 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated's' finale is up there with among the better faring ones and that is not me kidding. It is an outstanding end as an ending, as an episode of the show and the franchise and as an episode for anything and rounds things off perfectly, despite me usually not being a fan of the sort of ending that is here.

Bad things: Can't fault anything to fault it really.

Good things: Everything. The animation has plenty of rich detail, colour variety and atmosphere. The music never jars, never sounds dull and has eeriness. The voice acting is spot on, as is the character writing and interaction with no exception. The writing is thought provoking and balances serious, poignant drama, intensity and amusing moments expertly.

Also love the story, which is suspenseful and full of emotional impact with nothing coming over as dull or obvious. The conflict has genuine tension, with a powerful action packed climax, and seeing the love, trust and loyalty within the gang was truly touching to watch. Things are rounded off plausibly, with nothing that makes one go "huh", and it didn't feel like there were any real loose ends. Was also very satisfied by the ending, am not usually a fan of these types of endings, which can be too much of a last resort cop out if done badly, but here it was moving and heart-warming and made sense.

Love once again how the gang interact, with it being obvious how much they care for each other, and all have come on a long way in their development. A lot goes on but it is not rushed or over loaded in my view, plus it made me excited for what was to come next (and it is certainly well worth the wait on a side note). The voice acting is spot on.

Closing thoughts: Overall, outstanding end to one of the better shows in the franchise.

10/10.

The Ostrich Egg and I (1956)

Average ostrich egg

[5/10 · 5 May 2024]

'The Ostrich Egg and I' (1956)

Opening thoughts: For me, none of the three Maggie and Sam cartoons were particularly good, with all three having the same many flaws to each other (as well as the same good aspects) and it is very easy to see why the series never got off the ground. Still saw them out of curiosity and as part of my quest to see as many lesser-known cartoons as possible. 'The Ostrich Egg and I' is by far the best, or at least the least flawed, of the Maggie and Sam cartoons. The other two are extremely weak, but despite some of the same flaws being present this one was average with a few improvements.

Good things: Starting with the good things, the animation is lush and colourful, with no signs of being rushed or static. Quite amazing considering how much the animation and writing qualities had declined a lot for the studio. Even better is the music, which is beautifully orchestrated and characterful.

Sam has much more personality compared to the other cartoons and it is an appealing one. The supporting character is nice and amusing, there are moments that are amusing and well timed and it is not as overly cute this time. Daws Butler and Gtace Stafford voice with enthusiasm.

Bad things: However, some of the same flaws of the other two Maggie and Sam cartoons are present. The story is paper thin, barely existent really, feels over stretched and the pacing is dull and lacks energy. What there is of the story does nothing new with a concept that is less than novel and is predictable and bland.

Also felt that the gags are nowhere near enough and generally they are quite tired and could have had more variety. Maggie is quite annoying and didn't add very much to the cartoon.

Closing thoughts: In summary, average but the best of the series definitely.

5/10.

The Pink Panther: Lucky Pink (1969) Season 1, Episode 37

Very predictable, but amusing and beautifully animated

[7/10 · 5 May 2024]

'The Pink Panther' "Lucky Pink" (1968)

Opening thoughts: 1968's 'Lucky Pink's' idea was a nice one and had no doubt that it would at least work. Not the most original on the block on the whole, but this sort of idea has more often than not worked very well before (a classic premise if you will) and it does so here. As a cartoon, it is decent but also uneven. 'Lucky Pink' is not one of the best Pink Panther cartoons while also not one of the worst. If anything it is around solid middle, doing a lot right while not succeeding at everything or exceeding it.

Bad things: Story-wise it's very predictable (among the most predictable of the series possibly).

And a couple of gags seemed rather drawn out and stale.

Good things: 'Lucky Pink' is beautifully animated though, stylistically it's kept simple but the colours are very striking and the drawing is elegant. Definitely one of the most visually beautiful Pink Panther cartoons. The music is catchy with wonderfully jazzy orchestration and a good sense of character. Henry Mancini's theme tune is a classic, and still ageless and infectious after so many times of hearing it. Most of the gags do work, they are timed generally well and while never hilarious they are nonetheless very amusing, especially the antics with the shoe.

Pink is somewhat one-dimensional, that doesn't really matter though because he's still one of animation's most likable and coolest characters, and his comedy feels natural too. His adversary works well with him and within the cartoon itself, though Pinky has had more memorable ones.

Closing thoughts: Overall, amusing and very well animated, though doesn't make much of an impression narratively.

7/10.

The Gambler (2010 Video)

A must gamble

[9/10 · 5 May 2024]

'The Gambler' (2010)

Opening thoughts: 'The Gambler' is not a great opera. If anybody wants an opera with likeable or emotionally investable characters and/or memorable tunes, they are better looking else. 'The Gambler' is still worth seeing/watching though, it is when performed well devilishly fun and atmospheric and has great moments in the orchestration. Have always admired a lot of Prokoviev's music and while not one of his better or more accessible scores this is worth checking out for completest sake.

In terms of seeing and hearing 'The Gambler', and Prokoviev in general, well performed, it doesn't get much better than this excellent Mariinsky production. Mariinsky and its music director Valery Gergiev (hate him as a person but love much of his early and mid-career work) have done so much making too little-known Russian operas more accessible internationally to a very high standard and they prove it here.

Bad things: If criticisms have to be made, and part of me doesn't want to say because of good the good things are and how well the production did in making difficult source material easy to comprehend for a wider audience, to me there were a few too many overhead shots. Which were not needed.

Some of the final act also seemed somewhat too frantic at points, but that is largely the fault of the actual opera itself.

Good things: On the other hand, the many good things, which is everything else, are mostly absolutely outstanding. Loved the very imaginative sets and costumes, which make the most, revel in even, the very clear and not heavy-handed setting. Very colourful and atmospheric in a haunting way, and never drab or overblown. There for me was no trouble understanding the staging, which is very clever and never dull and does a great job making a puzzling and sprawling story entertaining and cohesive.

Nothing came over as gimmicky or tasteless. Figuring out the time and place was always easy and everything felt necessary, at no point did it feel like the point of the opera was lost, missed or even ignored. Nor did it feel like the point was being laid on too thick.

Can't fault either the orchestral playing, which is tight and has a wide variety of tone colour and rich colours. The louder moments not being too harsh and the quieter ones not being too subdued. The chorus sound great and show some of their most animated and individual acting in years. It has been said that Prokoviev is Gergiev's favourite composer and his vast experience in his music shows in a very tightly energetic and expansive account of it. All the cast are on top form, with Tatiana Pavlovskaya being particularly outstanding. Especially in her powerful final scene. Vladimir Galouzin may be too old for his role, but tiredness and over-the-hill-ness actually didn't show here in his still surprisingly youthful voice.

Closing thoughts: All in all, excellent.

9/10.

The Holiday Stocking (2022 TV Movie)

A tear-jerker

[8/10 · 28 April 2024]

'The Holiday Stocking' (2022)

Opening thoughts: The previous 2022 Hallmark Christmas films were pretty patchy. There were some good ones, 'Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas' in fact was great. There were some bad ones too, such as 'Christmas Bedtime Stories' and 'A Maple Valley Christmas'. It is always good to see non-Hallmark regulars in lead roles and here the leads were relatively unfamiliar names to me. Have no problems with many actors and actresses being featured regularly as there are Hallmark regulars who have consistently impressed, just that it is nice to have new actors to shine.

While not as great as 'Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas', 'The Holiday Stocking' was very well executed, well-meaning and poignant. As far as 2022 Hallmark Christmas films go, 'The Holiday Stocking' is one of the best ones. Also one of the best 2022 Christmas films in general, being one of the few to be close to great. It is another example of serious themes and drama being done well by Hallmark, one of the best from 2022 to me.

Bad things: It is not flawless, though there is little wrong with it. For my tastes, it could have been longer by about 10-15 minutes in order to flesh out some of the supporting characters more.

Particularly the male roles, here on the underwritten side.

Good things: However, 'The Holiday Stocking' is very well acted by the whole cast. BJ Britt in particular has some very powerful dramatic moments, particularly when opening up (very difficult to do and worthy of admiration whenever anybody does it). It was very easy to care for the characters, ones that will resonate for anybody who has had, or has, dysfunctional family relationships (speaking from experience).

Furthermore, 'The Holiday Stocking' is very sincere emotionally and true to life. It never feels melodramatic, a very easy trap in this type of film and fallen into a lot, or overly sappy. The ending did make me cry. The twistier parts of the story didn't come over as predictable, too simple or/and shoehorned, a surprise actually. The script flows well and is well meaning and honest with little fluff, filler or mawkishness. It is beautifully filmed, with lovely scenery, and appropriately scored.

Closing thoughts: Overall, very well done.

8/10.

The Inspector: Le Escape Goat (1967) Season 1, Episode 18

The bumbling of good intentions

[6/10 · 28 April 2024]

'The Inspector' "Le Escape Goat"

Opening thoughts: The Inspector theatrical series was a mostly good if uneven one, few if any though were less than average and most ranged between average and very good. 'Le Escape Goat' is one of the relatively decent, just about above average The Inspector cartoons, but in my view it is safe to say that 'Le Escape Goat' is not one of the best cartoons in the series. Others are far funnier and far more imaginative, though there are enough still of the usual strengths that The Inspector series has throughout.

Good things: 'Le Escape Goat's' best component is the animation. Simple, especially in the abstract backgrounds, but lovingly drawn and detailed, while the colours are rich and pop out. The music is suitably jaunty and slinky. No matter how good or disappointing the cartoon is, The Inspector himself is an enormously fun character. His bumbling is very amusing but his good intentions are admirable.

Can totally understand though the Commissioner's frustration and that conflict is handled quite well. There is a certain degree of charm and it is amusing at times. Pat Harrington does a great job as always as The Inspector and Paul Frees makes a welcome return voicing the Commissioner.

Bad things: Story however is very predictable throughout and could have done with much more spark on the energy front. Do think that there could have been more gags and that there could have, although they are hardly unfunny, been more imagination in the ones that were there.

Other The Inspector cartoons are sharper in the physical comedy and wittier and more ironic in the verbal humour. It is hard too not to miss Deux Deux and how well he contrasted with The Inspector, because there isn't really another character here really that has the same amount of memorability or entertainment value.

Closing thoughts: An above average The Inspector cartoon but not a great one.

6/10.

A Magical Christmas Village (2022 TV Movie)

A not so magical Christmas village

[4/10 · 28 April 2024]

'Magical Christmas Village' (2022)

Opening thoughts: Really did want to like 'Magical Christmas Village'. Have really liked Hallmark regulars Alison Sweeney and Luke MacFarlane in other things and totally understand their popularity amongst Hallmark fans. Also admire Marlo Thomas as an actress and as a person and the role sounded ideal for her. Did like the idea of the setting, while not being all that excited by the premise.

A less than exciting premise given even less exciting execution. It is a shame that in such a short period of time the 2022 Hallmark Countdown to Christmas block went from one of its best films back to disappointment. By all means it is not one of the worst 2022 Hallmark Christmas films, or one of their worst overall for that year, but this really did not live up to mixed expectations and the cast deserved a good deal better.

Good things: 'Magical Christmas Village' isn't all bad. It does contain some valiant work from Sweeney and MacFarlane, with Sweeney faring better due to a better written character. Both are well above what they are given, especially MacFarlane, but both do manage to generate a lot of easy going charm and sincerity to their roles.

Did like cute, and not cutesy or obnoxious, Maesa Nicolson as well. The film does look attractive, with a setting that does look magical and colourful. The music is pleasant enough and at least fits.

Bad things: So much works against it on the other hand. The story is very slow moving, with too much extraneous and barely interesting padding and uneventful stretches. Actually don't mind slow pacing, but it does depend on the content and the emotions felt and here the content was too little and emotionally there was not much to feel. Too many things happen too coincidentally as well, not to mention too patly, and the film is excessively predictable.

Unfortunately the stilted and cheese ridden script is not much better, that is also too heavy on the sugary sweetness. A lot more could have done with the setting, great looking but used in a too afterthought tossed in way. The family stuff is far too sentimental, the equivalent of having too many sugar lumps in tea, and the mother-daughter showdown was too much like over-heated melodrama. The ending is too neat and self-absorbed.

Never cared enough for the characters, with too many exaggerated character traits and too few redeeming merits, only Sweeney's is halfway interesting. MacFarlane's is very underused and Thomas' is too disrespectful and heavy handed. Count me in as another person who didn't care for Thomas, really admire her but here she for my tastes was too over the top and overdid the quirkiness, which made her annoying and not in harmony with the rest of the film. Sweeney and MacFarlane surprisingly have very little chemistry, too distant and under-rehearsed like. That the relationship itself is under-utilised and largely ignored does not help.

Closing thoughts: Overall, a disappointment.

4/10.

Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas (2022 TV Movie)

A must come home for

[9/10 · 28 April 2024]

'Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas' (2022)

Opening thoughts: Have said more than once in previous reviews that Hallmark's 2022 Christmas output was extremely hit and miss, especially the Movies and Mysteries block. There were some good ones in the block, but when the block missed it failed very, very poorly. Part of me had a good idea that 'Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas' would be decent at least, it sounded interesting, had the always worth watching Tyler Hynes as the male lead and Hallmark have been responsible for a good number of good and more serious-themed films.

'Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas' is one of those Hallmark films with a more serious tone and is an example of one done well. Excellently actually in this case. It is for me the joint best 2022 Hallmark Movies and Mysteries film (not just Christmas but overall) along with 'Colour My World with Love', the best Hallmark film since that and one of the best 2022 Hallmark films. Also one of the best they ever did.

Bad things: Did feel that the ending was on the sappy and anti-climactic side, but for me that was it for the faults.

Good things: Everything else worked really well. Can't wait to see more of Holland Roden, judging from her sincere and poignant performance as a character who is true to life and easy to get behind. She has a sympathetic Hynes as her partner, who is typically down to earth and understated while never being dull.

Their chemistry is subtle and sweet, never looking awkward or cold. Their relationship develops realistically and their characters are well defined and relatable, not too perfect and any flaws are not exaggerated. This is also applicable to the supporting characters, all strongly played. Steve Bacic particularly excels against type.

It is a beautifully filmed film, complementing the picturesque scenery beautifully. The music didn't feel intrusive or overly low key, the placement never questionable or distracting. The non-cheesy and non-over sentimental script rarely sounds awkward or melodramatic, apart from some sappiness at the end. The story is gently but not dully paced, very soothingly gentle, very moving and also very heart-warming. Never found it difficult to relate to and found the family relationships and themes handled tactfully. The more mysterious parts don't feel too predictable either.

Closing thoughts: Overall, great.

9/10 (a rare rating for a Hallmark film, my usual highest rating for their films is either a 7 or 8)

Sheriff Hoot Kloot: Giddy Up Woe (1974) Season 1, Episode 9

Trading in for a horse

[4/10 · 28 April 2024]

'Sheriff Hoot Kloot' "Giddy Up Woe" (1974)

Opening thoughts: The first half of the Hoot Kloot series was on the whole very watchable, never great but never less than mediocre. The only less than average cartoon of the previous cartoons to me being 'Ten Miles to the Gallop'. With, despite not being a fan really of Crazywolf, 'Pay Your Buffalo Bill' being particularly good for its for the series creative concept and for containing the best gag of all the Hoot Kloot cartoons. The second half of the series generally to me was weaker.

'Giddy Up Woe' sees the halfway point of the Hoot Kloot series. To me, it is one of the weaker cartoons in the series, and it was from here where the series generally started to get tired and increasingly uninspired with even the animation quality not being as good as before. 'Giddy Up Woe' is far from terrible, but the premise is pretty tried and tested and there is little freshness or spark here. A sense that the series was running out of ideas.

Good things: Of course there are good things. There are lively colours and the backgrounds are strikingly abstract and not too simplistic. The music is characterful and full of life, there is a lot of it but it never felt too much to me.

Bob Holt brings a lot of enthusiasm to all the characters, especially Hoot Kloot where he is suitably loudmouth but doesn't make the eardrums bleed. Although Fester's role is not big, he is difficult to dislike and part of me felt for him. The ending is sweet.

Bad things: Didn't care for the supporting characters though. The replacement horse character is basically one joke and it's a one joke that wears thin too early and is not interesting or easy to endear to at all. Even despite Hoot Kloot's rapid fire dialogue the chemistry between him and the horse lacks spark. Alf Willett is also very annoying. While the colours and backgrounds are nice, there is generally a very rushed look to the cartoon with some very scrappy character animation and the characters look pretty ugly. Especially the horse.

Also felt that the story is far too thin, the second half is basically a series of gags of Hoot Kloot trying and failing to achieve one goal with nothing that really progresses. It did feel like the horse didn't really serve a huge amount of point when the robber is introduced with some potential but forgotten about, what was the point of getting him only to not do any of what he was swapped for in the first place. The energy is just not there and the gags are neither funny or inspired. They are too very repetitive, feeling like the same thing over and over.

Closing thoughts: In summary, mediocre.

4/10.

Ghosts of Christmas Always (2022 TV Movie)

Hallmark meets Charles Dickens

[8/10 · 28 April 2024]

'Ghosts of Christmas Always' (2022)

Opening thoughts: Hallmark was no stranger to spins on the works of Charles Dickens, though it was not done very often. For example, they did 'Boyfriends of Christmas Past', which was a very weak variation of one of my all-time favourite stories 'A Christmas Carol', two years ago. Even of the concept was the most original, the concept for 'Ghosts of Christmas Always' was still great and had potential to be done charmingly and with heart.

Luckily, this concept was handled with bag full of charm and heart in 'Ghosts of Christmas Always'. It may not sound original, but it did not feel unoriginal in the way it was executed. In what was for me was one of the freshest and most creative spins on Dickens' work from anywhere. 2022 was a very mixed bag for the Hallmark Christmas output, but this was one of the best easily and the most different. Also one of the stronger 2022 Hallmark films in general.

Bad things: 'Ghosts of Christmas Always' isn't flawless, with the only real issue for me being the ending being a little too on the neat side. Especially the too easy romance resolve.

Good things: It is on the other hand significantly compensated by two very strong lead performances from Ian Harding and even more so Kim Matula. They bring a lot of heart-warming charm to their roles and also look as though they were having a lot of fun. The supporting cast are solid and the characters are all written well. Being more than just typical cliches and they manage to be entertaining and relatable.

Harding and Matula have a very good natured, witty and genuine chemistry together that never rings true. The film looks good, well shot, edited cohesively and the scenery is beautiful. The music fits and didn't come over as overused or too loud, which can be the case with Hallmark's films.

Furthermore, the script is witty and heartfelt, flowing with no awkwardness. The story is constantly immensely charming and heart-warming, never being mean spirited or over silly. Loved the fresh approach to Dickens' rules in a way never seen before or at least in this way. As well as the refreshing depth given to the different and more individual interpretations of the ghosts. The ending is a tear-jerker.

Closing thoughts: Overall, very well done.

8/10.

Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!: In Space (2017) Season 2, Episode 11

Spooky space

[9/10 · 28 April 2024]

'Be Cool Scooby Doo' "In Space" (2017)

Opening thoughts: "In Space" is not the first time 'Be Cool Scooby Doo' remade a previous episode of the Scooby Doo franchise. Season 1's "When there's a Will There's a Wraith" remade one of 'Scooby Doo Where Are You's' classics "A Night of Fright is No Delight" and quite wonderfully, making it one of the best episodes of an inconsistent first season. "In Space" is a remake of 'Spooky Space Kook", also one of my favourites of 'Scooby Doo Where are You'. Had no doubt it would be at least good, with such a great concept and setting, and because the show proved already it could remake previous episodes well.

'Be Cool Scooby Doo' proves it again with "In Space". It is not quite as good as "Spooky Space Kook", but it surprisingly comes very close. Season 2 was a more consistent and settled season and this was not just one of the best of the season but of the show as well. Managing to capture the spirit of classic Scooby Doo with a surprisingly and refreshingly darker tone and more mystery while still maintaining this show's quirkiness.

Bad things: My only issue with "In Space" was with Fred's frequent "in space" interjections, which did get repetitive and annoying after a while (quite fast in fact). 'Be Cool Scooby Doo' always varied with its running/repeated gags and the one here didn't have enough variety to work.

Good things: However, "In Space" manages to be one of the show's best-looking episodes, with it being one of the few episodes where the animation didn't bother me. The inventive character of the villain and atmospheric interior designs stand out in particular. The music also has atmosphere and quirky groove. The voice acting is spot on, Matthew Lillard always nailed it as Shaggy and does so still and Frank Welker shows no signs of being long in the tooth (despite voicing Fred since the beginning).

Loved the spooky atmosphere and the villain, one of the show's creepiest easily, really lives up to its name, very reminiscent of the franchise's most frightening villains Spooky Space Kook. The writing is very smart and entertaining, with clever affectionate nods to "Spooky Space Kook" and classic Scooby. The concept here was an awesome one and more than lived up to.

This was an example of a remake that was faithful with the older incarnations, while having its own identity and staying true also to this show's quirky spirit. This is a difficult balance go achieve and was here nailed. Really appreciated the darker and more serious than usual tone (which it didn't go too far on). As well as the heavier emphasis on the mystery, which was clever and eventful, always attention grabbing and keeps one guessing. The reveal was one of the few of the show to be a complete surprise and didn't feel rushed or last minute. There is still plenty of humour too, with Shaggy and Scooby being hilarious.

Closing thoughts: Great episode overall.

9/10.

Umka Is Looking for a Friend (1970)

Very sweet and moving

[10/10 · 21 April 2024]

'Umka is Looking for a Friend' (1970)

Opening thoughts: Absolutely adore the first 'Umka', more often than not Soyuzmultfilm delivered big on charm, emotional impact, beautiful visuals and memorable characters and the first 'Umka' delivered on all four brilliantly. Had no idea until just last week (when recently revisiting Soyuzmultfilm's output again) that there was another 'Umka' outing, 'Umka is Looking for a Friend', and was desperate to see it. Also hoping that it would have everything that made the first so great, it certainly sounded like it did.

'Umka is Looking for a Friend' didn't disappoint in any way. It has every ounce of the charm and emotional impact of the first 'Umka' and has everything that made that as great as it was. Comparing them, they are equally fantastic in their own way while also for similar reasons. It may not be one of Soyuzmultfilm's most ambitious works, one of the ones adapting famous Soviet stories and family literature, ones revolving around pre-existing music or ones that have a political emphasis. It is as said above one of the Soyuzmultfilm efforts to keep things simple and all the better for it.

Good things: Everything. For one thing, 'Umka is Looking for a Friend' looks absolutely beautiful. The traditional animation is very beautifully rendered, the colours and backgrounds are elegant, moving very smoothly from one frame/scene to the next, and the characters move very convincingly. The music accompanies the story very sensitively, the distinctive Soviet style of it is sumptuous and not overpowering.

It's extremely well written too and target audience doesn't come into question. It isn't hard to follow while also not being simplistic, making it ideal for people of all ages. As said, keeping things simple was a good idea as it is a kind of story where any more would have felt too much. It also flows well, when seeing it with English subtitles it's quite poetic and meaningful as well without going overboard on the schmaltz.

The story is immensely charming and tenderly told, there is a very strong emotional core here while not being over-sentimental or too serious. It is also genuinely sweet without being sugary, complete with some very relevant and relatable values. The ending really did have me in tears. All the characters are engaging and have personalities that aren't too thin and are easy to identify with. Really identified hugely with Umka, having been in this situation more than once before, it is not a nice position to be in.

Closing thoughts: Concluding, wonderful, very sweet and very touching.

10/10.

Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated: Through the Curtain (2013) Season 2, Episode 25

The Penultimate Peril

[10/10 · 21 April 2024]

'Scooby Doo Mystery Incorporated' "Through the Curtain" (2013)

Opening thoughts: 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated' for me was a great show and one of the better Scooby Doo shows, the best and most consistent of the modern ones anyhow. It has a very high number of great and more episodes and not a bad ones, even the weaker ones are still decent if uneven. Memories of my first watch of "Through the Curtain", despite being one of the episodes seen later than most of the show, are vivid and in the best of ways and after watching the whole show on first watch it for me up there with the standout episodes.

"Through the Curtain" is yet another outstanding episode of the show, and sadly it's the penultimate episode. But what a penultimate episode it is. Setting things up for what's to come in the finale and already answering the necessary questions and deepening characters and relationships, in what feels like a first part to a two part finale. It is not just outstanding for 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated' and for the franchise but it is exceptionally high quality in its own right as well.

Good things: Can't fault anything to fault it really. The animation has plenty of rich detail, colour variety and atmosphere. The music never jars, never sounds dull and has eeriness. The voice acting is spot on, as is the character writing and interaction with no exception. The writing is thought provoking and balances serious, poignant drama, intensity and amusing moments expertly.

Also love the story, which is suspenseful and full of emotional impact with nothing coming over as dull or obvious. The conflict is at its most sinister yet, with Pericles at his most megalomaniac up to this point. Absolutely love how the gang interact, with it being obvious how much they care for each other, and all have come on a long way in their development. A lot goes on but it is not rushed or over loaded in my view, plus it made me excited for what was to come next (and it is certainly well worth the wait on a side note). The voice acting is spot on, Udo Keir for example is perfect sinister casting for Pericles.

Closing thoughts: Overall, outstanding.

10/10.

Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Appointment at Eleven (1959) Season 5, Episode 3

An appointment well worth skipping

[2/10 · 21 April 2024]

'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' "Appointment at Eleven" (1959)

Opening thoughts: Although anybody who hated "Appointment at Eleven" without seeing any other Robert Stevens-directed 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episode may find it hard to believe, the series' most regular director (with 44 episodes under his belt) actually did direct some fine episodes. "Our Cook's a Treasure", "The Manacled", "The Dangerous People", "The Glass Eye" and "The Motive" notably. And most of his episodes ranged between at least watchable and good.

This however is a complete and utter mess in almost every way. No episode of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' is irredeemable, but "Appointment at Eleven" is one of the few to come very close. When it comes to picking a contender for Stevens' worst episode, this is a strong contender. Yes worse than other misfires of his such as "Shopping for Death", "The Hidden Thing" and "Don't Interrupt", and among the very worst of the entire series.

Good things: There are only two redeeming features. One is the as ever wonderfully macabre theme tune.

The other is the moderately interesting beginning.

Bad things: However, nothing else works and most of the bad things are unbelievably awful. This is one of the few 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes to have not a single halfway decent performance, an episode rife with embarrassing, amateur hour over-acting. Also, one of the few where one hates every single character in it. The lead is insufferably annoying, the most annoying character of the series since the boy in "Don't Interrupt" and a contender for the most irritating of the whole series. He is also unintentionally creepy and the attempts to act younger comes over as affected.

Stevens directs with no life whatsoever and is well out of his depth, this is not indicative of a seasoned director who had already directed more episodes of the series than any other regular but instead of a failed experiment. "Appointment at Eleven" looks cheap, with a very stock under-budget look. It is very slow moving and very flimsily plotted, with too much of the second half being excessively dragged-out filler.

Moreover, the script is too neurotic, repetitive and too talk heavy, none of it intrigues and parts are even irrelevant. As well as very flimsy and dull, the story has no surprises or suspense with the ending being one that can be seen from miles away. The two feelings felt watching this were annoyance and boredom, two feelings never felt with any of the previous episodes.

Closing thoughts: Overall, very bad indeed. Have been known to not find low rated films, shows, cartoons and episodes that bad, but in this case the panning is deserved.

2/10.

The Pink Panther: G.I. Pink (1969) Season 1, Episode 35

The one with Pink as an army recruit

[8/10 · 21 April 2024]

'The Pink Panther' "GI Pink" (1968)

Opening thoughts: 'GI Pink' is the forty second Pink Panther cartoon and is another very good cartoon. A few previous cartoons did disappoint, namely 'Shocking Pink' and 'Reel Pink', but there were also some truly great ones including 'The Pink Phink'. 'GI Pink' is not one of the best Pink Panther cartoon, but it is still very good none the less, another very solid effort in a pretty strong batch of cartoons up to this stage, and was actually very close to great because of its many good things being so good.

Bad things: It is predictable story-wise and there is little surprise at how things are going to turn out.

Good things: However, it is still very funny stuff, on-screen and off-screen, especially with the grenades and the mines. The bull-dog does bag the very best moments. Predictable the story may be, dull it isn't, the pace is efficient and keeps one interested throughout.

As ever, the animation is kept simple stylistically but it's also very well drawn and the colours are pretty, very much-improved over the animation in the previous cartoon 'Put-Put, Pink' (the animation was rather simplistic in that one). The music is catchy and distinctively jazzy, with the theme tune still having its infectious staying power. It matches well with what's going on and doesn't slow the cartoon down, the orchestration as always is appropriate and appealing.

Pink is cool, likable and funny as you'd expect, the Little White Guy is a good foil and boss and you sympathise with him and the bull-dog is a great character too.

Concluding thoughts: Overall, a very good and funny cartoon though not one that leaps out as one of the best of the ever entertaining Pink Panther series.

8/10.

Alfred Hitchcock Presents: The Crystal Trench (1959) Season 5, Episode 2

Mystery with a moral

[5/10 · 21 April 2024]

'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' "The Crystal Trench" (1959)

Opening thoughts: "The Crystal Trench" is the second Season 5 episode to be directed by the justly coined Master of Suspense Alfred Hitchcock (a favourite since mid-teens), after the very well done and underrated Season 5 opener "Arthur". Did like the idea for the episode on paper, though mixing mystery and morality can risk being disjointed and/or muddled tonally, and seeing the always worth watching Patrick MacNee pre-'The Avengers' was interesting to see.

On the whole, "The Crystal Trench" is a watchable episode, if more for a curio or completest sake if wanting to see all the series' episodes. There are definitely worse episodes of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents', such as "The Hidden Thing", "Sylvia", "Don't Interrupt" and "Safety for the Witness" when talking about previous outings. There are also much better, such as "Breakdown", "The Creeper", "Lamb to the Slaughter", "Poison" and "The Crooked Road". Of Hitchcock's episodes, "The Crystal Trench" to me is in the lower middle of the road end and that applies for the series in general too. A long way from a disaster, but falls well short of being great let alone a series classic.

Good things: Beginning with the good, the acting is fine with the two leads giving everything they've got and while his character is too on the absurd side MacNee is fun. The photography has some nice atmosphere, likewise with the lighting.

Furthermore, the main theme is as wonderfully macabre as ever, one of the best uses of pre-existing classical music in television. The bookending is amusingly ironic, while there is some intrigue and an interesting twist.

Just wish however that most of what came before it was as compelling. The story is pretty thin, with a few too many relatively uneventful stretches, which does affect the pacing which is dull. The story is also too ridiculous and not much makes sense, with agreed the meeting with the geologist being particularly total nonsense.

Bad things: There is not much of a mystery, and what there is completely lacks suspense and contains few surprises other than the ending. The moralising felt undercooked and didn't feel needed. The script is very bland and lacks tautness, while the beginning confused from trying to keep up with the character introductions. While there is atmosphere and mood in the photography and lighting the sets are phony and indicative of low budget and rushed production.

Hitchcock's direction is disappointingly pedestrian. Didn't find myself caring for any of the characters and that shouldn't have been the case for this type of story. The episode never really develops them and motivations came over as too vague and silly. The chemistry between the two leads could have done with more spark.

Closing thoughts: Concluding, watchable but uninspired and middle of the road.

5/10.

Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Arthur (1959) Season 5, Episode 1

A lot of fun

[8/10 · 21 April 2024]

'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' "Arthur" (1959)

Opening thoughts: Alfred Hitchcock is one of my favourite directors of all time and the 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' series is a mostly fascinating and well done if inconsistent series. With his seventeen episodes, some are better than others but a vast majority of them are at least watchable. Of the previous outings of his, "Wet Saturday" is to me the one misfire, though even that had a few merits, and "Breakdown" and "Lamb to the Slaughter" are two of the series' classics.

Was personally not sure prior to watching as to whether Season 5's premiere "Arthur" would be good or not. Due to reading beforehand that it was a tongue in cheek treatment of a dark subject, which is not always in good taste when done. "Arthur" turned out to be very well done and entertaining, not coming over as tasteless or trivialising at all. It is a strong Season 5 opener and is a very good representation of the series while not being one of Hitchcock's best episodes.

Bad things: It isn't perfect, for my tastes the opening was a little too over-explanatory.

Good things: Other than that, "Arthur" is very well done. Laurence Harvey is terrific in the lead role, intensely charismatic while not being over-serious and is not wooden. The acting overall in fact is without issue and can't fault the character chemistry, which had wit and intensity. Hitchcock directs adroitly, with the right amount of suspense while clearly having fun with the material.

His bookending is drolly ironic as usual, while the production values are suitably moody and the main theme haunts as ever.

Found little to complain about the writing too, which was wonderfully tongue in cheek in many places and darkly warped in an amusing way in others. The episode never felt dull and is a rare example of how to make such a dark subject funny without veering into distaste. The ending is suspenseful, clever and a complete surprise as well as surprisingly amusing.

Closing thoughts: In conclusion, liked it very much and surprisingly so.

8/10.