meadhbhcollins Reviews

Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021)

bonkers fund

[7/10 · 1 August 2021]

This is not what I was expecting. It is ridiculous and bonkers from start to end. But it is pure silly enjoyable fun.

Freud (2020)

the Alienist meets Penny Dreadful.

[7/10 · 20 July 2021]

Forget about this being about the real Freud or any accurate psychology or medicine or hypnosis, this is gothic, graphic, violent, fantasy, occultist, crime drama, a bit like the Alienist meets Ripper Street meets Penny Dreadful. It's excellent acting, costumes and sets, enjoy it for what it is. However, there are some problematic things in the writing consent and ethics, **spoiler** none of the sex seen in consensual. Freud's mentor/colleague tells him how he 'gives in' to one of his patients sexual advances and warns Freud about it. There are scenes between Fleur and Freud where she is not in a state of mind to consent, regardless of being the ardent one; he, as a doctor, as a man, as a person should not let it happen. This is misconduct from a doctor, and also ethically and morally wrong, even if either women were in a position to give real consent. It also perpetuates the trope/stereotype 'demon woman', the once innocent virgin now evil seductress and the sexually deviant mad woman.

Starstruck (2021–2023)

lovely

[8/10 · 3 May 2021]

A bit slow to start, cute and lovely overall. A little bit like Game Face and This Way Up, Bridgette Jones, bit of romance, friendship. Nothing too terrible happens, which is what i want, but lots of misunderstandings. It is a nice watch. I watched all the episodes and will watch them all again.

Frank of Ireland (2021)

crude, rude but funny

[7/10 · 18 April 2021]

Comedy style is rude and crude from the start, kinda like a mix of the inbetweeners, faulty towers, gavin and stacey, fr ted and home alone. Acting, styling, costumes, sets and cinematography are top notch. Even though i don't like the crude/dark comedy style, i still found myself watching the full series. Worth a watch.

Miranda (2009–2015)

such fun

[8/10 · 14 January 2021]

Such fun. I'll be honest, I had a prejudice against female lead cast. I don't know why that was, but its something a lot of people, women included do, but I was wrong. I am enjoying so many programmes I overlooked in the past. This is a little old fashioned at times, but its mostly silly fun and games, friendship and a little romance. It is a great watch and it the joy you might be looking for.

Vanity Fair (2018)

great adaptation of 'A story without a hero'

[8/10 · 10 August 2020]

Wonderful cast, costumes, sets and style choice of filmography. A good watch, espially for a Sunday afternoon, but maybe not one that you will want to rewatch over and over like a Pride and Prejudice, its just not that type of story.

Jane Eyre (2011)

fantastic

[8/10 · 7 July 2020]

My only fault with this is that it is too short and we don't get to see any of the full book ending of the story. They did a fantastic job adapting this into the time limits, and the non-chronological order made it easier to watch and the had just enough of the pre-governess story before getting to the best part. Beautifully made, wonderfully cast. A gorgeous version.

Emma. (2020)

Beautiful, quirky but something is not right

[7/10 · 7 July 2020]

After watching this I was not sure if liked it or not. This is beautifully made film. Costumes, sets and everything is spectacular. It's a quirky take on the story, much more opulent that other versions, and also a little more risque and fun. If you know and love the book and older versions, you might find this representation a little jarring. The version of Miss Bates, as not seemingly very poor at all, the father as much more energetic, less lovable, draft loather and the general conceited nature of most characters. What is also lovely in this version is the time given for Harriet's character to have a full exploration of her story. Why not have a different take on the story, I like all the previous versions in different ways, I will give it another go, it might become a favourite. I would like more of these films made.

Miss Scarlet & the Duke (2020– )

Thouroughy enjoyable

[8/10 · 9 May 2020]

The costumes and sets are brilliant. Not surprised as the Irish film industry is long accustomed to facilitating top quality period productions. The cast and acting is great, Mr Moses in particular adds to the ensemble. Sometimes let down by the storylines and the set up is a little cliched (two people don't get on but respect are care for each other, hints of romance, will they won't they). It hits a good balance between charm, humour and more serious tones, very enjoyable and do hope we will be able get more when the world recovers.