jaxetta Reviews

Unorthodox (2020)

Emotional gloriously shot

[9/10 · 25 April 2020]

I tried to break it down, how did I got drawn into the story? Apart from the biographical element. The journey, from just being all you know to becoming what you want and learning as you go.

Fascinated by the smallest detail of the main character's ignorance of a world outside her culture - the busiest, most cosmopolitan world just one little block away in NYC. How is such a state possible?

I learned so much. I liked all the characters despite their flaws, but their struggles are universal. The demands of family expectations are the universal in any society. In the context of this series, to break away from all you know for an unknown betterment is explored through an enchanting lead.

It's slow and involved, best watched alone. Don't miss a single scene.

Bulletproof (2018–2021)

Series 3 soon please!

[10/10 · 25 April 2020]

Growing up with the cops & robbers classic TV series of the 70's - The Sweeney, The Professionals & Starsky & Hutch etc, I was never a massive fan of the duo format except for liking the characters enough to watch. I never followed a storyline, too much testosterone. This time around, Bulletproof came recommended by word of mouth. I dismissed it out of hand, until I was assured the banter between Pike & Bishop was worth it. I trust the previous work of Noel Clarke & Ashley Walters so went in.

What a treat. Sometimes you just want entertainment with an edge. Bulletproof is hardcore police work interspersed with personal day to day issues we can all relate to. The chemistry between Pike & Bish' jumps right off the screen. By episode 3, I had become fully invested. Their relationships with colleagues was plausible. I decided I would watch those bits and ignore the gratifying shoot 'em up scenes. Well, that didn't last I couldn't tear myself away!

The storylines had me gripped and the series became a white knuckle ride. Mostly because the maverick nature of these characters meant the plot twists caught me off guard at every turn. That is not easy with me.

Series 2 followed right behind the last episode - like a good book you can't put down. This excelled supplying high octane action with women in pivotal roles balanced by the the necessary misogyny in such shows, the love interests and round up of some of the crime stories - which we all like to see.

Only negative? Every time Bish' came running around the corner or with his pants down I half expect to see Kano (😉).

The writing is excellent as is the script. Nothing cheesy. Less forensic thankfully!!! Clarke & Walters are a force to be reckoned with. Big tick.

Gold Digger (2019)

Gripped by Steely Stares

[8/10 · 22 March 2020]

The main protagonist was easy on the eye. Let's get that out of the way.

I was thrown into this romance. But just like any whirlwind romance the mysterious love affair asked as many questions as it answered along the way. An emotional journey as in real life. Do you really ever know someone?

Clever. Every twist was plausible. But did I want to believe? Because he was so handsome, I did.

Very cleverly told.

The Murders at White House Farm (2020)

Felt dated in a good way

[7/10 · 22 March 2020]

It wasn't a fast paced thriller and not too gory. This gave the drama the impression it was shot in the eighties. The costumes were authentic which helped. I am not a fan of crime drama. But was compelled to watch what was such a famous tragedy.

I was fascinated by how the stoic culture within the family played a part. The lead actor was excellent as the master manipulator from a "nice" family. The total narcissist, gas lighting package.

Made me question whether the British justice system has ever been any good though.

The Trial of Christine Keeler (2019–2020)

Delicious history

[10/10 · 22 March 2020]

This series had it all for me... modern history, social commentary, politics, music and multicultural cast.

It was as if the series was made especially for me especially having enjoyed A Very English Scandal as much.

I saw the film Scandal at the cinema when it was released in the 80's - I didn't understand it. Too young.

This time around with Christine's mother and the PM's wife's emotional journey clarified the scandal from the perspective of women. Nicely done.

The production values were stunning and immersive.

I wish I could watch it again anew, but I took my time with it first time around. Did not want to miss a thing.

Noughts + Crosses (2020– )

Let go of anything you've ever seen before

[8/10 · 22 March 2020]

Then reset. Then it's like many dramas you have seen before in a good way. It had a feel of Mad Max meets (Noughts) meets Bodyguard (Crosses).

It's as good as any BBC drama output. It happens to have a mixed cast. Shouldn't be a big deal. It's based on a respected novel and worth waiting for the Stormzy cameo!

The styling of the production, have to admit kept me involved as much as the plot. Chic as!

The acting has been superb, Helen Blaxendale came into her own, as the down trodden wife & mother dealing with the testosterone fuelled alpha male egos of her household.

This was a drama about misogyny as much as anything and how the women weave and plot against this by unifying for the greater good.

It's not a black & white thing, more a focus on the negativity and unexpected outcomes when 'them vs us' infiltrates any society, dystopian or otherwise.

Enjoyable watch.

Wouldn't call it sci-fi ...