spottedwhiskers57 Reviews

Oggy and the Cockroaches (1986–2018)

Brilliant, funny and full of surprises

[4 August 2002]

I hate cartoons. But thanks to the Swedish channel, Kanal 5 mistakingly regarding this as a cartoon for kids, I became devout Oggy-lover. Its brilliant and funny, and you never know what will happen, which is an enormous plus, predictability being the mortal enemy of any film. The stories have at least two or three twists and the tags that make you giggle even if your world is falling to pieces. Here you can watch a cartoon-cat reading while doing number one (and two too, I suppose), three annoying cockroaches with different personalities making his life hell, as well as that of his friend Jack, the breezy green macho-cat, who's into gadgets and motors of all sorts. It's also subtle and verges sometimes on a dream-like state more akin to the surreal. My personal favourite is the story when the cockroaches redneck cousin come for a visit, bringing a strange, reeking cheese, that..no I won't tell. Watch it if you can. You'll be a happier person.

Edge of Darkness (1985)

Once seen, never forgotten

[4 August 2002]

This is without a doubt one of the best productions for TV that I have ever seen. It handles important issues like politics, nuclear plants and environmental questions in a unique way: with a preference but without preaching. The story unfolds steadily and quietly, the characters are allowed to develop fully, thereby giving the story an amazing depth and force. The actors are some of Britain's best and brightest, but Bob Peck is truly the shining star even in this devastatingly skilled cast. Furthermore, this is a TV-series with a mission. But oddly enough, you will not feel you're being lectured to - instead it leaves you with a feeling that you want to take responsibility, a rare emotion whenever nuclear power is discussed! I will never forget the scene between the very American Joe Don Baker and the very British Bob Peck drinking whisky and singing. Baker then tells him a long story in his drawling Texan accent. Peck just looks at him, raises his eyebrow one millimeter and says: "Is this relevant?" When you've seen this quiet masterpiece, you too will answer: "Yes".