tonupthomas-1 Reviews

Un paso adelante (2002–2005)

Enjoyable light TV

[9/10 · 10 October 2006]

Whilst it is simplistic, it is refreshingly so. The teenagers problems and peccadilloes are not the only focus, the staff share the limelight, and their lives are no less trouble free. The setting, a school of performing arts in Madrid, is ideal as each episode has several energetic dance routines. And the Madrid locations shots look great - the routine inside the Reina Sofia was an awesome idea, and was breathtaking. Also occasionally shown is the other side of Madrid, such as Pedro's mad dash across the city in the 1st episode, after sleeping rough. It's a beautiful city, but it can be a tough one too.

So, switch the old brain off for a while, drop the critical faculties, and enjoy this unusual television series:- the addition of beautiful actresses such as Natalia Millan, Toni Acosta and the awe-inspiring Monica Cruz guarantees a feast for the eyes, and the wild and fast moving plot lines always leave you desperate for more.

I actually learned a lot of my Spanish for this show... joder, coño......

Frenzy (1972)

The Best Of The Last

[9/10 · 5 December 2005]

A triumphant return to London for The Master. Many fabulous Hitch touches really makes this stand out of his last few, not least the wonderful performances by actors, many of whom had not really appeared on screen at this point.

The rape and murder scene is stunning in its hideous intensity. It shows how Hitch is so in control. It seems to have upset and annoyed many observers; I have seen it described as "disgusting". This is not unusual for Hitch. There is not, for him, gratuitous use of blood and outlandish violence, what that observer failed to realise is that to be raped and murdered IS disgusting, and this is Hitch showing that many "horror" films are not horrific; this is.

He clearly loved to be back in London, and this film has London as an important character, whilst a stylised mix of the London he remembered as a child and early 1970's London, it is never a caricature.

In short, a wholly enjoyable suspense/horror, with some lovely light touches (I particularly enjoyed the long silence of the Sergeant watching his boss enjoying breakfast), some great performances, and a fine dramatic ending.