robinmcg Reviews

The Famous Five (2023– )

Rubbish!

[3/10 · 4 January 2024]

I had suspicions from the beginning with George's footwear, making it unclear until we met other characters whether this was period set or not.

I am quite easy going about artistic license with classic material but there is no art in this!

Ok it looks quite nice... but the rest is just lazy. The dialogue is all wrong .

There is no intrigue or excitement in this tale which is what made these stories so popular. The characters of George and Anne were ok-ish . The history references were pathetic There is no reaction whatsoever to the initial discovery of the dead diver!

And a casual last minute slip in of the famous ginger beer was pointless.

All in all a total let down, I can't se who this is supposed to appeal to, modern kids won't be impressed and grown up ones very disappointed.

Do everyone a favour and don;t go ahead with producing any more of this dross.

Rude Boy (1980)

Worth a watch

[6/10 · 3 February 2021]

This film is interesting on lots of levels despite also being a bit rubbish! The historical value is high, an excellent depiction of the time. The Clash footage is great, the sound is really good. The character Ray is very believable and a realistic portrayal of the hangers on that bands attract and can't seem to get rid of! Even though the acting ain't great. So while most of the film's value is historic and sociological in nature, it does hold the attention.

Well done to London Live for finding this one!

Malory Towers (2020– )

Jolly Hockey sticks, or rather LAX!

[7/10 · 22 May 2020]

I have really enjoyed watching this series downloaded from CBBC. I am 40 odd years old! I loved these books growing up. Yes it is not 'high art' but this is Enid Blyton and the treatment is pretty spot on i.m.o. The girls have been cast well ,Darrell is played very well and I too have to commend ghastly Gwendoline's portrayal.

In the currently difficult climate this has been a wonderful escape from reality and it's been lovely to immerse myself in such innocent nostalgia.

Please make another series!

Torvill & Dean (2018 TV Movie)

Could have done more with this

[6/10 · 9 May 2019]

Whilst an interesting subject and done reasonably well for a TV Movie, Torvill and Dean's story deserves bigger treatment really. It did hold one's attention and there were some things one didn't know before. The cast did a pretty good job all in all. One big pity is the lack of credits for the skaters who did all the work in this film. Given the subject matter they deserve some recognition.