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Frasier: Thank You, Dr. Crane (2024)
Thank You, Dr. Crane
So, here we go - this is the episode that people have been clamouring for and the one that all the trailers seemed to be hyping up.
Frasier Crane returning to Seattle!
Seeing as the original 'Frasier' didn't do a mass reunion of the 'Cheers' gang until the ninth series (and that episode didn't really work) I was a bit sceptical about this going in.
First of all, anyone thinking this episode will herald the return of Niles (and/or Daphne) will be disappointed, as almost from the start this is shot down. We do get a clearer sense of where they are (Niles actually is becoming the Vera/Maris of this show - often heard about, but never seen), but that's it.
We do get Roz back (surely a series regular if this does go to a third year) and Bulldog/Gil, so it's a nice little KACL reunion. None of those characters are quite what we remember them as being like in the original show, but I don't mind that, people change and that's ok.
This main plot offers lots of nice laughs and nods along the way. Is it the way I personally would have done the being Seattle return? No, but I enjoyed how they handled it with the Frasier/Freddy relationship at the centre and some nice heartfelt moments at the end.
I would have kept all of the episode in Seattle/on the A storyline though. As slight but amusing as the Alan/Olivia (bad dubbing on the Scottish accent by the way) and David (this episode uses him much more convincingly) was, it wasn't really what we wanted to see.
Overall, cynics will be cynical about this episode, as they have been since this reboot launched, but I enjoyed what I saw.
The Simpsons: Bart vs. Itchy & Scratchy (2019)
Bart vs. Itchy & Scratchy
This was fine.
I'm sorry to not be able to gush over this further (it's a step up from the last episode certainly) but this episode takes a very good premise and rather goes through the motions with it.
The idea of films being remade with all female casts remains five years later amusing, as does the play on the Pussy Riots, but these are two rather dated jokes now and age the episode in a way that older episodes don't.
It's a good attempt, it's clearly trying to something different, but this never really rises from being just an 'ok' episode. A one time watch that is never likely to be deemed by anyone as a classic.
It's the first episode shown after Disney bought 20th Century Fox, so is significant for that if nothing else.
The Simpsons: E My Sports (2019)
E My Sports
This wasn't a good episode for me. I try and go into modern episodes of the show with an open heart and an open mind, but you can tell a stinker of an episode fairly early on, and this was one of those.
Bart needing to shave?! Jokes about masturbation?! Really?! This is lazy, inconsistent writing that really isn't worthy of the characters and indeed the show. It's lasted for thirty years by this point, and for the most part without having to lower the bar to include such jokes, so why start now?
It does recover marginally as it goes along, but this was a weak outing if ever there was one. Disappointing.
The Simpsons: The Clown Stays in the Picture (2019)
The Clown Stays in the Picture
I thought that this episode had a very good premise. It allowed 'The Simpsons' to do what 'The Simpsons' has done since the very beginning very well, and that's to mock Hollywood.
Having Krusty be at the centre of the episode was a great idea, and I liked the start of proceedings a great deal.
Then they bring in Homer/Marge and the rest of the town and the episode starts to dip in quality, never really recovering.
I'd like the show to actually be a bit braver and to dedicate more time, whole episodes in fact, to the secondary characters who are by now so well-developed they can carry plots on their own.
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (2024)
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
What can you really say about this?!
It's a Disney+ promo short that runs to about three minutes if that. It's very difficult to be overly positive or indeed negative about something that short.
It's a decent idea, it's delivered well enough, and it's still a novel thing to see The Simpsons mix with Disney characters.
This looks like it was done with a degree of love and care. The top brass were involved in it, there's no replacement voice cast.
No, this isn't perfect by any shape of the imagination, but I can certainly think of ways that this could have been worse.
It's fine, it's not really worth more than that.
Strictly Come Dancing: Week 7: Results (2024)
Week 7: Results
Unfortunately this is nothing new.
People tolerate the people at the bottom of the leader board, they put them through, only to wake up when someone 'good' goes out at their expense. It often proves to be a catalyst for things moving forward.
Of course that won't mean much to Sam Queck, who found herself being the unlucky domino who had to fall for this to start.
I'm not saying she was likely to go on and win the show, but I think she should feel slightly aggrieved she didn't go further when people like Pete and maybe even Chris are still gunning for respective glory.
At least she can go back to 'Question of Sport'. Oh, hang on...
Strictly Come Dancing: Week 7: Icons Week (2024)
Week 7: Icons Week
Icons Week wasn't a great idea - I'll say that from the off.
I remember them trying an 'Around the World' theme once many moons ago that didn't return for a second go around, so it will be interesting to see if 'Icons Week' returns. I hope not.
I thought by 'icons' they meant icons of Strictly's 20 year past, perhaps through the recreation of dances done by winners from yester year, but sadly not.
It was though a very good night of dancing, but the gap between the top and bottom of the leader board only widens. There is still some chaff (albeit very likeable people) that needs to be seperated from the wheat.
J. B was my dance of the night. Can Lauren have a partner again next year please?!
Mystery Men (1999)
Mystery Men
As we thankfully end another era of superhero film domination (it's been a long time coming), it's good fun to look back at this film.
It's a very tongue in cheek affair, poking fun at the superhero genre. Nowadays we'd herald this film, saying it has ideas that wouldn't look out of place in something like 'The Incredibles' or 'Guardians of the Galaxy', it even has 'Galaxy Quest' elements too.
Back when it was released though big screen superhero films weren't as widely common, so this sort of feel through the cracks a bit.
It is a fun film of its time though to see Ben Stiller before he really broke as a film star working with Kel Mitchell (without Kenan), who sadly never would.
Race to Witch Mountain (2009)
Race to Witch Mountain
This is one of the many kiddie action/comedy films that Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has made that now feel like they were the warm up's to 'Jumanji'.
Johnson here does what he does well - he can handle the the action sequences, he can be the brooding lead, and can deliver comedic lines to good effect.
This film doesn't really work for me, and I can't say I'd ever be in a rush to see it again. The two kids roles aren't overly developed, and poor old Carla Cugino isn't given much to do either.
As an early Dwayne Johnson film though it's good enough, and interesting to see now years later as he has honed his big screen persona.
Despicable Me 4 (2024)
Despicable Me 4
So, here we go - the fourth 'Despicable Me' film and the sixth from the franchise in total when you factor in the two 'Minions' films.
In the old days this franchise would have descended into 'straight to DVD' territory, but the big box office takings these films still pull in of course does the talking.
There's a lot going on here in terms of stories. Some go on to be crucial, others just vanish (Lucy getting a job, Margo settling in at a new school). They're all linked to the central story (Gru and the family go into hiding and have to live fake lives) though, so I don't have as many problems with this as other reviewers seem to.
Look, this is the fourth film, ideas will be thinner on the ground than they were before. Even with the antics you'd expect from the Minions, this film is sillier than what came before.
It does though however remain good fun and have a nice sense of heart when it counts.
I very much doubt the final moments (complete with silent cameos from characters across the series) here will bring the curtain down overall, but it is a nice way to round things off.
Frasier: My Brilliant Sister (2024)
My Brilliant Sister
I had assumed that Olivia's sister would become this shows version of Vera and Maris - often heard about but never seen - so it was a surprise that Yvette Nicole Brown pops up playing the character of Monica in the flesh here.
I thought this episode had an awful lot going for it, with it all set to play out like a good old-fashioned 'Frasier' farce.
For me though, it doesn't quite live up to this potential. There are lots of nice moments, but when it becomes people shouting at each other and doing Dick Van Dyke in 'Mary Poppins' style British accents, it lost me a little.
The standard has been high for this second series of the new 'Frasier', and by comparison this one doesn't quite measure up.
Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two: Episode #21.26 (2024)
Here for Amy news
I'm not a regular viewer of 'Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two', especially since Fleur East took over as co-host.
This episode however did feel like an essential one to watch in order to find out how things were with regards to Amy Dowden, who had been taken ill between the filming of the main and results show on Saturday. The BBC can claim it's filmed on the Sunday all they like, we all know by now.
Here's hoping that after a week off Amy can return to the ballroom that is her second home. Not that it's not nice to see Lauren step in to partner J. B this week, she was sadly overlooked for a partner in the first place.
J. B has more motivation to stay in the competition than ever before.
The Simpsons: I'm Dancing as Fat as I Can (2019)
I'm Dancing as Fat as I Can
"How can someone give this a ten out of ten?"
That's what another reviewer asked here. Well, I'm about to.
I thought this was an excellent episode, a throwback to a different era of 'The Simpsons' in the fact that it had charm and humour in spades, combined with a lovely sense of heart. Ok, it gets there via a very tired route (Homer and Marge's marriage being in trouble...again), but it's all written and play so well that you forgive the flaws.
I think people are so critical of the show these days that they are almost blinkered to spot when actually it's doing something well.
This episode in my view did an awful lot well.
The Simpsons: The Girl on the Bus (2019)
The Girl on the Bus
As others have said, this is an odd little episode of 'The Simpsons' from the thirtieth series.
It sets itself up to be a musical episode, then ditches that. Then it seems to go down the farce route, then ditches that.
Thankfully it stops itself from becoming a mess, and actually ends up with a nice heartfelt ending.
Personally though I just found all the gear changes a bit jarring. You set yourself up for one sort of episode, and then it keeps going in a different direction so you don't know what you're getting.
There were some nice moments along the way though, and I liked the Ned Flanders and Ralph jokes particularly.
Strictly Come Dancing: Week 6: Results (2024)
Week 6: Results
As nice as Punam I'm sure was, in order for the series/progress to develop she needed to be knocked out.
It was a close run race though in the dance off, and personally I feel Shayne would have been out had he been up against anyone else and could have had no complaints.
Obviously the public root for their favourites no matter what, as shown by the fact that Chris was near the bottom of the leaderboard and yet got through. Seeing as he can't do the 'Strictly Tour' that follows in January, I do wonder whether the bosses would rather he hadn't.
Of course we watched this more concerned about poor Amy Dowden (MBE), who had been taken to hospital between the filming of the Saturday night show and the results show. Wishing her a speedy recovery.
A terrible musical guest too, by the way.
The Ladies Man (2000)
The Ladies Man
This is another fine example of a 'Saturday Night Live' sketch that should have remained one.
It was simply not strong enough to be stretched to a full length film in the same way that 'Wayne's World' had been to great effect, spawning a sequel and remaining a key cultural presence.
This is a one joke idea stretched to feature length, and even the quality in front of the camera (that stretches to Will Ferrell and Lee Evans of all people) can't rescue it from being a film that is anything more than being just 'ok'.
It's fine, it's not terrible, but it worked much better as a sketch than trying to expand it.
Strictly Come Dancing: Week 6: Halloween Special (2024)
Week 6
Halloween in the ballroom, and this was by far the best week of the 2024 competition so far.
From the judges seemingly having more fun than usual, to the standard of performance being better - this was a memorable week indeed.
I liked Sam's routine, I thought the concept behind Tash's worked well. I could have done without them yet again relying on the Ghostbusters theme music and The Addam's Family as per Halloween Special usual, but hey ho.
This was a good week, but there's a whole pack (Shayne, J. B and maybe even Chris) who need to step up or could be stepping off of their Strictly journey.
Frasier: Cape Cod (2024)
Cape Cod
This was excellent.
Perhaps the best episode of the 'Frasier' reboot so far in my opinion.
Playing out like one of those good old-fashioned farces that the original show was so fond of and indeed so good at doing, this was an absolute joy.
Good to have Roz back and being used more efficiently, good to have some progression on the Eve/Freddy dynamic. Even David gets a bit more to do.
Fast moving and with some very funny moments indeed, this is and the last episode show a vast improvement in quality and make a clear statement that this show is coming into its own a lot more.
The bit with Alan at the start was great too.
Shifting Gears (2024)
Shifting Gears
Tyler Hynes is the best leading man that Hallmark have on their books hands down.
With his droll sarcastic humour, he has the ability to make even the cheesiest line or the most wooden leading lady look good.
He can also elevate thinner material into looking better than it actually is, and that's a skill he has to utilise here, as 'Shifting Gears' relies heavily on him to drag it through.
It's not a film that deviates too far from the standard Hallmark format, and while that's comfortable, it needed perhaps another extra element to elevate it a little more from being just 'ok'.
Was the car show broadcasting live or was it being pre-recorded? The film never seems to know either.
Overall, Hynes manages to make the most of a lesser project.
The Simpsons: Daddicus Finch (2018)
Daddicus Finch
People need to let it go. If you compare every episode of 'The Simpsons' that has been made since the golden era (for me roughly Series 4-11) then you are going to be disappointed, there's no doubt about it.
Constantly moaning about the show in its current form will do nobody any good.
This was a fine episode, it had lots of nice moments. I laughed out loud on numerous occasions (I'm a sucker for any joke involving Ralph) and plots involving Lisa and Homer always has a nice heart to it.
So overall, I liked this episode. It might not be a popular opinion, but I did. It was one of the 'better ones'.
Clarence: Episode #1.2 (1988)
Thin premise doesn't offer much
By episode two of this short-lived Ronnie Barker comedy you realise that Barker's retirement was not the only reason this didn't return.
It is essentially a one joke idea (Clarence has bad vision) stretched to a 30 minute sitcom. Now times that by six and you start to fathom that they really were going to be stretched to make this work.
Clarence is sweet enough, but he's certainly not as memorable a character as Fletch or Arkwright. Some of Barker's government speakers in 'Two Ronnies' sketches had more depth.
This is fine as a one off view, but when you see episode after episode you realise that this was very thin stuff indeed, and probably only got made due to having Barker's name attached.
The Simpsons: Krusty the Clown (2018)
Krusty the Clown
'The Simpsons' writers are known to be a sensitive bunch, and they seem to use a lot of the Homer storyline here to bemoan critical reactions to episodes. There's even a joke here where the punch line is that Krusty's show hasn't been good since Season Four. I wonder where the inspiration for that one came from...
It's all good fun, but after a while it does feel like they are whacking you over the head with the point.
This is, as others have said, an episode that starts well and then fades quite quickly. It should have been better than it was, especially with the characters it had (Bart, Krusty, Homer) at the centre.
The Simpsons: Werking Mom (2018)
Werking Mom
Well I liked this episode, I'm sorry that others did not.
I thought that while yes, this episode did fall back on the schmuck bait 'Marge and Homer split' plotline, it did have some very funny moments and a nice sense of heart to it also.
I wasn't overly keen on the Lisa plot, it felt like they had two storylines competing for time and that this one lost out a little.
Overall though, perfectly fine. If you judge episodes like this against ones from thirty years ago you will only end up being disappointed. Embrace where the show is now and see that it still manages to pull off some very smart moments.
Strictly Come Dancing: Week 5: Results (2024)
Week 5: Results
I said in my review of the main show on the Saturday night that the chaff had to start being separated from the wheat, but even then I think Paul could have lasted another week. He certainly brought more to proceedings than the Punan.
Alas though he went, but surely the alarm bells must be ringing now for J. B that this Strictly lark isn't going to be as easy as perhaps he thought. As it stands currently I wouldn't be putting him in the final four.
Good to see Sophie Ellis Bextor sing (albeit a song that sounds much like her other ones) too. An example of someone who may not have loved her Strictly experience, but still pops up to say hello.
Inside Out 2 (2024)
Inside Out 2
There aren't many films that you think "yes, that needs a sequel", but 'Inside Out' is one that you do, because quite naturally we are following the life of Riley as she now moves into her teenage years. It doesn't feel as forced a sequel as something like 'Finding Dory'.
Visually stunning and with a good sense of heart and humour - this is Pixar going back to an old story and doing all the things that we've come to expect from their best films.
It of course doesn't feel as original an idea as it did the first time around, that was always going to be the case, but this film does show a bit of a return to form from Pixar.
I'd be open to a third film as well.