RobCattani Reviews

The Doctor Blake Mysteries (2013–2018)

Craig Mclachlan is ridiculously good

[9/10 · 31 July 2023]

This series is one of the finest things to come out of Australia,up there with Shane Warne ,Mark Little ,Tooeys extra dry , Michael Caton,The Castle, kangaroos, aboriginals and Kylie and Jason etc .

Craig Mclachlan pulls off the finest performance of his performing career portraying Doctor Lucian Blake with great skill ,the performance is perfect,the emotional bits of the series when he suffers loss should be used in all drama schools as a teaching aid,this is the bloke who played Henry Ramsey ,many would be forgiven for thinking he might not be the best actor ,but blow me he is absolutely brilliant in this ,Nadine Garner's performance is up there with Craig McLachlan's ,played with sensitivity,humour and warmth,I really do not understand why this show was cancelled the chemistry of all the actors is sublime ,it's a shame that Rick Donald left after one series as he was great and added humour to his role ,but his replacement in the 2nd series played by Charlie Cousins is pretty good .

The series is very well written with beautiful photography,storylines are mostly superb but of course what makes the show are Craig Mclachlan and Nadine Garner two exceptionally talented people ,I wonder if there's any chance this could be revisited now all the bs about Craig has been laid to rest .

Meet the Richardsons: Episode #4.2 (2023) Season 4, Episode 2

Why ??

[4/10 · 27 July 2023]

I've loved this show but I'm getting a bit bored with how Jon is always coming across pricks ,the two bike shop blokes ,I know this is a comedy but he would not get that reaction from people that would be hoping to make a sale ,I'm a fan of Jon so obviously I'd think this but people on the whole would be very happy to meet him they wouldn't relentlessly treat him like a prick, I hope they start to get back to being a bit more realistic because it's getting tiring ,the bloke is a very very funny and clever comedian and again yes I know it's a mockumentary but can't just let Jon win just once? It can still be funny with Jon getting a bit of respect ,just now and again?

Meet the Richardsons: Christmas Special 2 (2020) Season 1, Episode 8

This is fantastic

[10/10 · 25 July 2023]

Been binging this as I've run out of 8 out of 10 cats and countdown !

I'd seen it advertised and thought because it was on Dave it'd be shit ,but thought I'd give it a chance and I've been pleasantly surprised it is an hilarious show and having known very little about Lucy I'm now a bit in love ,she's absolutely brilliant,but as I am writing this on the 2nd Christmas special which was quite near to perfection,I have to say how fantastic Johnny Vegas is ,the guy is just a genius ,I've read his autobiography and follow him on twitter ,watched his foray in to a glamping business,so know he's not the drunk mad man he often portrays in this and other appearances but he was just ridiculously good in this ,the blokes a national treasure.. I'm now on series 2 and still loving it and hoping Johnny will continue to stay in it ,Jon Richardson is superb too by the way ,one of the funniest grumpy men ever .. Brilliant.

The Modern Way (2022)

I don't understand

[1/10 · 30 April 2023]

How was this made ,how did it get to be released for the public ,where did they find the 'actors' ?the guy who played Frankie was the worst I've ever seen and I've watched all sorts of rubbish ,I guess he must've helped finance the film ,there's no other explanation for his employment on this dross ,but all the acting is dreadful on the whole ,there's the odd performance that's okay I suppose ,the goofs are numerous but the most ridiculous one is when Frankie goes in the bar to talk about losing his drugs and burnt out scooter he goes in with a coat with a patch on the back with no hood ,then as he's walking away from the bikers he's got a us army parka with a hood ,then when he's outside he's got the hoodless patch coat back on ,how on earth are mistakes like that made?

The bit where he gets beat up in the alleyway,he gets coshed over the head and punched in the face numerous times but is fine in the morning with a little graze, ridiculous.

I understand it was made quickly and for a small budget ,but come on .

One of the worse films I've ever seen.

Colin from Accounts (2022– )

This is a must watch

[10/10 · 12 April 2023]

Being an Englishman mad on Australian TV and film ,The Rafters ,The Moody's ,House Husband's, Underbelly,The Castle,Nirvana Street Murder etc etc I had to give this a watch and my word am I glad I did!

A beautifully written comedy drama with exceptional performances from the cast , especially Brammall and the quite amazing Dyer ,she's absolutely ridiculously good.

It's hilarious in places and really moving too ,the will they won't they parts ,had me saying just tell her !

I stand by the statement I made when I was a teenage viewer of flying doctors and a country practice,that Australian TV is the finest in the world .

Jamie Johnson: Danger Zone (2021) Season 6, Episode 12

Sickening episode

[1/10 · 31 October 2022]

I've liked most of the episodes of this show but this episode was pathetic,why oh why would they want a homophobic,racist ,bully like that Liam back? And where on earth did they get the actor playing the captain of Liam's new Team he is awful absolutely awful ,what is the audition process for this show ,how on earth did he get a part?

Going back to Liam he stamped on a girl's already damaged knee and that's just one of many terrible things he has done ,yet they want to give him another chance ?what message does this send to the youngsters watching this ,the actor playing him is pretty believable which is the only positive I can take from this but they doesn't say much , I really can not stand the character,it annoys me to watch him ,really hope he's out of the show soon .

Jamie Johnson: End of the Line (2018) Season 3, Episode 10

Superb boggy

[9/10 · 29 October 2022]

I'm 52 and I've been binging this and I have to say it is brilliant and I've loved it ,the acting from the main cast is great especially from Lenna Gunning-Williams and Maddie Murchison who are just great in their roles ,but all the cast do a stirling job ,the sound track is ridiculously good. Songs from Elvis Costello,Blur,the who ,the kinks etc ,a great watch all round , love it .

The characters are inspired ,Boggy ,Jamie ,Jamie's Grandad ,the head mistress all great ,even the less likable characters work well ,the fella with the ridiculous hair Jethro was horrible and the actor did a decent job but I was glad when he left..

One other thing when seeing Marcus Rashford and Luis Suarez act reminds me that this acting game is not for everyone...

The Cockfields (2019–2021)

Lovely show

[8/10 · 28 February 2022]

I kept seeing this advertised and thinking the clips shown advertising it weren't funny so didn't bother watching ,I then found out that David Earl was involved as co writer so binged it and I'm glad I did it's a lovely show ,funny in places ,moving in others ,but most of its gentle and just a feel good watch ,I must add that Bobby Ball was absolutely brilliant in the first series and it's tragic that he has passed ,he was such a great little actor ,his facial expressions were just fantastic in this ,such a shame he's gone.

Gregor Fisher is very good in his role and Susanna Fielding is really lovely as Ester ,Sue Johnston is her usual reliable self and it's great to see Michele Dotrice .

One particualr scene really moved me it was so well written and beautifully acted ,when Simon has a go at his Mum for giving money for the meal in the last episode of series 2 ,reminded me so much of my own mother and probably Mothers everywhere ,lovely stuff. Simons frustration was excellently shown by Joe Wilkinsons superb acting.

. Don't expect to be laughing your b+£locks off but it's lovely written with beautiful scenery and a gentle funny show , hope they make a third series.

PS I think Simon is punching ..

Call the Midwife: Episode #9.4 (2020) Season 9, Episode 4

Phil Daniels

[10/10 · 26 December 2021]

Phil Daniels was brilliant as he always is ,like another reviewer stated he was completely wasted in EastEnders ,he was given a lovely role in this episode and made the most of it ,showing just how talented he is .

The Outlaws (2021– )

Christopher Walken, it's only Christopher Walken!

[9/10 · 26 October 2021]

Absolutely brilliant in the first two episodes ,acting and story is bang on ,all characters are likeable , especially the shop lifting Rani ,superbly played by Rhianne Barreto ,a mix of hilarious comedy and nail biting drama ,Merchant as ever has delivered , and it has Christopher effing Walken in it ,one of the greatest actors in history .... Genius.

Shane (2004– )

Underrated to heck

[9/10 · 24 February 2021]

Very funny show ,there is a second series out there that needs to be shown .

Cruising the Cut web-series (2019– )

I want a boat...

[9/10 · 26 January 2021]

Found this on prime when looking for a documentary and watched all episodes in a day ,just perfect chilled viewing ,likable presenter and very interesting .

Lad: A Yorkshire Story (2013)

Superb watch

[9/10 · 30 December 2020]

I watched this film over Christmas because there wasn't anything decent on, I wasn't expecting much but I'm blown away at how good this film is ,the performances were brilliant especially Tom's Mum (Nancy Clarkson) she was absolutely outstanding ,Alan Gibson as Al was extremely good, as was Molly McGlyn as Lucy ,the only performance that wasn't great was the bank manager, dreadfully wooden. The story was very moving ,and it had me glued to the TV ,the director/writer should be very proud of this film . Well worth a watch .

Don't Forget the Driver (2019)

Superb and even better on 2nd viewing

[10/10 · 25 June 2020]

This is one of the best dramedy series I've ever seen, very funny ,very moving and very clever, nobody needs me to tell you that Toby Jones is probably the greatest living actor but I was absolutely knocked out by the performance of Luwam Teklizgi playing Rita ,her performance was so moving ,so sweet ,I fell in love with her and was completely addicted to her storyline, I really hope a second series is made as I want more of her story ,all the cast were great ,I wasn't keen on the squeaky character (Dave?) But he was the only one whose performance I could criticize,just think he overplayed when all the other actors were understated and very natural, another attraction for me to watch other than Toby was that it was filmed in my local seaside town Bognor Regis, it was filmed so well and the direction superb ,come on Toby get writing another series if you're not already .. Brilliant

Worzel Gummidge (2019– )

Pure Perfection

[10/10 · 29 December 2019]

I'm not a great wordsmith so I will keep this short, also there are no words to truly describe how beautiful these adaptions are, Mr Crook should be very,very proud of himself because he has created two masterpieces ,being a huge fan od Detectorists I watched expecting a treat but this was so much better than I could have wished for, perfect casting in all areas ,especially the two kids and loads of beautiful scenary and eco messages, Mr Crook is a nature lover , a bloody great bloke and a bordeline genius ,I can only hope he will stay in UK and make many more masterpieces like this and Detectorists ,I'm sure he will, A national treasure in every sense.

Ideal Home (2018)

Lovely and funny

[10/10 · 17 February 2019]

Watched this because I'm a huge Coogan fan, and as a straight 49 year old I was sceptical but wow what a great film ,funny ,very moving and feel good in equal measure ,and having not seen any Paul Rudd films before I am now a fan , excellent performances from all involved ,Coogan as expected was perfect as he is in any role he takes on ,but Rudd gave him a run for his money.

Outlaws (2004– )

Best Show on TV ever

[10/10 · 26 July 2015]

I have just watched all the episodes of this amazing show for about the 5th time and it gets better with every view, Phil Daniels is truly mesmerising as Dunbar, really is the performance of his brilliant acting career, the writing is sublime, all the acting is perfect and how this didn't get a second series is totally beyond me,too close to the truth? BBC being blind (or as Dunbar would say, Blunkett's!) ? I just can't believe it was shelved after one series, it's one of the biggest mysteries of TV drama history, everything about the show is spot on, the music is bang on, the story lines impeccable, and once again the acting was just perfection, the casting was truly inspired .

Bring Back Outlaws, you know it makes sense ...

Blue Heaven (1994)

Under rated in the extreme

[10/10 · 27 September 2014]

I remember being really excited for this as I was and still am a huge Frank Skinner fan and even after all these years, I still watch the whole series at least once a year it was ahead of its time with the location shots no canned laughter etc ,how this hasn't got a DVD release is beyond me. Frank is a very good actor and should really have had a more varied acting career ,maybe his Doctor Who role will get him more opportunities.

If you haven't seen this I'd recommend it even if it's just for Prems words of wisdom.

Great Sitcom .

Never Better (2008– )

Make more,release DVD

[9/10 · 27 December 2010]

I love this Show ,have just been watching it again, and it's comedy perfection, I can not understand why it was not bigger, it hardly got a mention, Mangan was superb, such a great performer , the lady that played his wife was beautiful and perfectly cast too.

The supporting cast were all great too, Chris Fairbank better known as Moxy in Auf Wedersein Pet was great as the fool of a AA leader, the lovely black lady was great, as was the sexy girl in the group, and the bloke who plays Geoff in Peepshow was his usual reliable self.

Sorry I can't be bothered to look up the names of the actors, but needless to say I love this show and want it back on TV, when you think of some of the complete rubbish on TV now and this not getting a second series ,well it's mental..

If no more are to be made at least release it on DVD.

but make more, Please?