polo_pete5 Reviews

Thomas & Friends: The Great Race (2016)

Chuffing good fun

[8/10 · 18 April 2019]

Our near-2 year old has got into Thomas and we bought him the accompanying sticker book before we saw the show. He is absolutely captivated. As an adult I find this the best of the Thomas Specials. Yes it's aimed at kids but adults will enjoy this as much.

One thing I find gives Thomas the extra edge over other kids TV programmes is the moral aspect to most episodes (as demonstrated in the current serieswith Thomas' speeches ton the audience at the end. The Great Race is no different. In the modern era where kids and adults alike are being pressured to conform to what is deemed the norm and given impossible aspirations, it's refreshing that the moral of this story is learning that you dont have to be like others and you can make a success out of being yourself.

Wallander (2005–2013)

One for the cameras

[8/10 · 10 July 2009]

I've seen both recent episodes on the BBC4 channel, and think the show is simply excellent. The gritty style of Kurt Wallander, played superbly by Krister Henriksson, along with some very skilled direction and scriptwriting, make this a gripping detective series. It's not for the faint-hearted either as some scenes are very graphic. The nasty stuff genuinely sends chills down your spine, something very difficult to achieve. While the general character of the Swedes is one of reserve and ice, the scenes of violence and gore differentiates this from the normal stereotype. The cinematography is excellent, and it is a show I would recommend to many Film Studies students.

The supporting cast is the one possible weakness in this show, and more could be done to bring them into it more. Otherwise a very good show. BBC have unearthed a winning detective series