gailforce12 Reviews

The Good Wife: End (2016) Season 7, Episode 22

A (Mostly) Satisfying Ending...Here's whats missing....

[8/10 · 11 October 2016]

What makes this a satisfying ending is the dream sequences with Will Gardner. The previous episodes have Eli confessing to the existence of the voicemail left by Will, with Alicia reflecting on her past and sacrifices. She had previously not been able to make the image of Will clear but can only do so once in love again. She recognises the price of sacrifice through the revisitation of her time with Will with the sense of loss and regret reinforced with the news that he loved her, willing to give her anything and everything....

There should have been a Kalinda moment, which would have rounded off the series well: she was one of the strongest characters and her sacrifice and risk for Carey, really touching and out of character. These two filled the vacuum left by Alicia and Will as an awkward love match.

It is easier for her to leave Peter with the children gone and the final episodes pave the way for this to happen whilst the kids go their own way. The narrative tie in of Alicia's mother making romantic mistakes vis a vis Alicia's principles is a good plot ploy: the issue of abandonment of all sensibilities is given through us looking at the differences between mother and daughter.

Diane and the slap is justified but not the actions of Alicia to betray her friend. Both have/had throughout weighed up the costs of a lack of personal life and it would have been far better for these two to go off together with their respective partners waiting for them in the wings as strong and loving men, able to be themselves and love their women without threat to manly ego.

Michael J Fox was compelling to watch throughout.

Ripper Street (2012–2016)

Fine Period Drama with Muscle

[10/10 · 23 March 2016]

Just caught up with this and admittedly was initially dubious given the earth of literature and movies on this most infamous of unsolved crimes. This series combines strong narrative with detailed period history, never failing to disappoint by bringing in forensics, the development of The Met, social history, criminology all via the strong characters of Reid, Bennett, Rose et al. We see all from Freak Show Victoriana, to Molly Houses, back street abortionists and Music Hall. A lot of work and love...it shows. Sheer craft. The make up for the episode including John Merrick rivals that of Chris Tucker for The Elephant Man and the anatomical post mortem work cold readily compete with the likes of Dexter and Six Feet Under. Simply unmissable and vital viewing for Americans.

Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014)

The Best Crime Dram Series .....Ever

[9/10 · 31 December 2015]

Having just gotten round to watching all five seasons on a binge (which is the best way to view this drama)- it has had the same effect as Game of Thrones, for much the same reasons. Strengths of cast, writing, production design and the capability to draw from literary and real reference points with seamless ease.

It follows the period of the Prohibition Era but in doing so, covers also the rise of the Jazz Era, the emergence of black influence in art and artistry, the Suffragettes, the religious movements of the time (black and white)with the atmospherics of speakeasies correctly and wonderfully depicted. One particular attractive theme is the status given to the war hero turned gangster, where the hero has a weary 'seen it all before but far worse' state of mind.

There are obvious nods to The Godfather, though the character of Nucky is the continuity point, being at the centre of all power bases and interactions. The Godfather II, is definitely a strong influence on the fifth season which acts as both prequel and finale.

The ultra violence is acceptable given the context and is very strong throughout, as is the sex and nudity. The series is on the whole not for the squeamish - though food and drink for those that need great television.

Nil by Mouth (1997)

An English Gem

[10/10 · 4 February 2007]

It was unfortunate that at the turn of the Millennium we were subjected to a swathe of 'cor blimey g'vnor' movies spawned by Guy Richie that rather tapped into Kray Mythology more than really telling the truth about working class London life. It is the women in this film that make it what it is - although due credit goes to the powerhouse performance of Ray Winstone.

Nil By Mouth is a staggering achievement, and unlike a lot of those that have commented on the movie - I have seen it countless times and find it a more worthy exportable commodity than the awful Four Weddings and a Funeral. I think this film should be played at sixth forms (public and private) all over the country as part of the National Curriculum - MP's and policy makers should look at it also. It portrays family life in a council estate where there has been no redeeming features, namely no education nor communication. But the love in it spills everywhere. Every time I watch the scene with Kathy Burke dancing with her grandmother, I cry. The scene where Burke tells Ray that she feels so old and that she will find someone else - someone kind, is amazing.

'Can't help Lovin' That Man of Mine' being sung at the close of the film adds important poignancy - Kathy does accept Ray back, a redeemed version we hope. A lot of what is said and done in this movie is actual truth. My mother was a singer in Working Men's Institutes in the North during the Seventies. Like Ray say's, women would come into these places and bring their men their dinner. I would wonder what sort of lives these women had - probably full of 'clumps.'

It is a film (not dissimilar to Fight Club in this) that screams for the need of proper nurturing. Fathering in particular. The character of Ray had a traditional working class Dad who never spoke to him. Never gave him a cuddle. Ray's need for a cuddle is almost tangible. His Dad is the reason why he is the way he is. The only person that has taught him any better is the guy that gives him a taste of his own medicine outside the estate where Kathy's Mum and Gran live.

For a long time, this movie wasn't available on DVD and was always out at the local video shop. I didn't know that the soundtrack wasn't available. It is fantastic. I do not think Sade is the artist of the track for the dancing scene I mention. Sade's Paradise was totally different and was the title track of an album of the same name brought out during the eighties. The music played in the background during the drug taking scenes of Billy is good as well. I am duly grateful for the information provided.

If you loved this film watch:

Raining Stones /Ladybird, Ladybird /Kes /My Name is Joe /Scum