BritCrimeDramaFan
Santa Clara County Library
BritCrimeDramaFan's Completed Shelf
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The undertakerThe undertaker, DVDSeason 1 & 2
DVD - 2017 | GermanDVD, 2017. Language: German
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Mar 01, 2024
AftertasteAftertaste, DVDSeries 1
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Feb 27, 2024
The Chelsea DetectiveThe Chelsea Detective, DVDSeries 1
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Feb 27, 2024
Comment:
Well, I liked this more than jimg2000, but have to agree this one is pretty run of the mill. Bike-riding DI Arnold has fun with his foibles, dyslexia, and sniping with his ex, but we've seen most of this before, though the supporting cast tries hard to make a good impression. Check out Manhunt, especially series two, if you want to see a lead character shine. Martin Clunes knows how!Well, I liked this more than jimg2000, but have to agree this one is pretty run of the mill. Bike-riding DI Arnold has fun with his foibles, dyslexia, and sniping with his ex, but we've seen most of this before, though the supporting cast tries…
UnchartedUncharted, DVD
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Feb 27, 2024
Comment:
Three quarters of this film are formulaic and seemingly just another treasure-hunt movie, but the last 25 minutes are worth waiting for. Let's just say you've never seen a helicopter chase like this before! Story and writing are not done as well as stunts and action, but after all, this is an adventure movie.Three quarters of this film are formulaic and seemingly just another treasure-hunt movie, but the last 25 minutes are worth waiting for. Let's just say you've never seen a helicopter chase like this before! Story and writing are not done as well…
The OutfitThe Outfit, DVD
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Feb 27, 2024
Comment:
Engrossing film which takes place mostly in the shop of a "cutter" (not a tailor-- mind you) who plies his trade in 1950s Chicago. His clientele are regular folk and gangsters, and Leonard, played masterfully by Mark Rylance is seemingly oblivious to the mobster warfare which surrounds him. The main action takes place one fateful evening when his very survival depends and the yarns he can spin, along with the threads of truth he interweaves when confronted with murder and betrayal. Highly recommended!Engrossing film which takes place mostly in the shop of a "cutter" (not a tailor-- mind you) who plies his trade in 1950s Chicago. His clientele are regular folk and gangsters, and Leonard, played masterfully by Mark Rylance is seemingly oblivious…
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Feb 27, 2024
Comment:
Jonathan Stone weaves an interesting tale of world rarely glimpsed by most of us-- the inside of a New York state minimum security prison. He peoples this setting with colorful characters-- white-collar criminals and their guards each of whom have secrets to reveal, which Stone does in engaging fashion. Most intriguing to me was his commentary on whether prison rehabilitates, or whether lying, cheating, and taking advantage of others is inherent in some individuals. A great read!Jonathan Stone weaves an interesting tale of world rarely glimpsed by most of us-- the inside of a New York state minimum security prison. He peoples this setting with colorful characters-- white-collar criminals and their guards each of whom have…
Fiddler's Journey to the Big ScreenFiddler's Journey to the Big Screen, DVD
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Feb 27, 2024
Comment:
Thoroughly enjoyable look at the making of this classic musical on its 50th anniversary. The backstory about Norman Jewison (not Jewish), how he came to direct the show and choose the lead actors was intriguing. Interviews with Topol (Tevye) and his 3 daughters are a lively look back at this quintessential musical which describes both Jewish historical struggle, and family values. Highly recommended if you loved the film.Thoroughly enjoyable look at the making of this classic musical on its 50th anniversary. The backstory about Norman Jewison (not Jewish), how he came to direct the show and choose the lead actors was intriguing. Interviews with Topol (Tevye) and…
Hotel PortofinoHotel Portofino, DVDSeason One
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Feb 27, 2024
Comment:
It's hard not to like a series with such picturesque Italian scenery and production values, but underneath this portrait of 1920's upper crust English society, lurk tales of larceny, unrequited love, adultery, and espionage. The first 3 episodes unfold much like an uneventful soap opera with Lucian, the son of the Hotel Portofino's owner being matched with Rose in a marriage of familial convenience for monetary purposes. The last three episodes are where the real action begins and the show finds its footing. With an excellent cast and clever writing, it was worth the wait.It's hard not to like a series with such picturesque Italian scenery and production values, but underneath this portrait of 1920's upper crust English society, lurk tales of larceny, unrequited love, adultery, and espionage. The first 3 episodes…
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Dec 08, 2023
Comment:
Very enjoyable transcriptions of orchestral pieces for mandolin quartet and they really work. Especially effective are Dvorak's American quartet in F, and Gershwin's 3 preludes. Excellently played!
Tulsa KingTulsa King, DVDSeason One
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Sep 30, 2023
Comment:
Stallone has still got it. Though wizened and wiser, he can still command a room, as he does with his motley crew of Oklahoman "cowboys" and wannabe mafiosos. A unique mix of western and organized crime drama, + some definite comedic moments and surprises. It makes for an enjoyable show though not without its darker moments.Stallone has still got it. Though wizened and wiser, he can still command a room, as he does with his motley crew of Oklahoman "cowboys" and wannabe mafiosos. A unique mix of western and organized crime drama, + some definite comedic moments and…
Guardians of the GalaxyGuardians of the Galaxy, DVDVol. 3
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Sep 30, 2023
My Life as A ZucchiniMy Life as A Zucchini, DVD
DVD - 2017DVD, 2017
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Sep 22, 2023
Comment:
Cleverly done with animation and claymation techniques, but the story is what grabs you. First rate, and with memorable voices by Nick Offerman and Ellen Page.
HoldingHolding, DVD
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Sep 22, 2023
Comment:
PJ Collins has never headed a murder investigation in his small Irish hamle , and the one that is dug up after 20 years, stirs up a lot of anxiety, not just in him, but in many of Duneen's inhabitants. PJ is certainly not your average constable as he battles his body image, romantic feelings toward a suspect, and competition with the new detective sent to investigate the cold case. Ultimately, he solves the crime, but not without revealing most of his all too human foibles.PJ Collins has never headed a murder investigation in his small Irish hamle , and the one that is dug up after 20 years, stirs up a lot of anxiety, not just in him, but in many of Duneen's inhabitants. PJ is certainly not your average constable as…
D.I. RayD.I. Ray, DVDSeason One
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Sep 22, 2023
Comment:
A slightly different take on the crime drama genre. D.I. Ray suddenly becomes the face of a "culturally specific" murder investigation, and faces an inordinate amount of questioning due to her ethnicity. The twist is that Rachita Ray grew up assimilated in her society and even has a white police fiancee. With recent studies revealing inherent bias within police depts. nowadays, this series is timely.A slightly different take on the crime drama genre. D.I. Ray suddenly becomes the face of a "culturally specific" murder investigation, and faces an inordinate amount of questioning due to her ethnicity. The twist is that Rachita Ray grew up…
The Magic FluteThe Magic Flute, DVD
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Sep 22, 2023
Comment:
Starts well enough, but evolves into a mixture of action and opera. Though the music entertains and the melodies are familiar, it interrupts the flow of the narrative and therefore not a perfect marriage. The actors aren't particularly musically talented and the singers need acting lessons.Starts well enough, but evolves into a mixture of action and opera. Though the music entertains and the melodies are familiar, it interrupts the flow of the narrative and therefore not a perfect marriage. The actors aren't particularly musically…
London KillsLondon Kills, DVDSeries 3
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Aug 08, 2023
Comment:
Another winning season with likable characters who police with a matter-of-fact approach and mesh well as a team. There is a serial killer who may well be hiding in plain sight as a policeman, which ties all their cases together. Investigating each successive case brings them closer, though the denouement is disappointingly anticlimactic. A- for effort.Another winning season with likable characters who police with a matter-of-fact approach and mesh well as a team. There is a serial killer who may well be hiding in plain sight as a policeman, which ties all their cases together. Investigating…
GhostsGhosts, DVDSeason One
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Aug 08, 2023
Comment:
Haven't seen the British version but like this one for its irreverence. Sure it's silly, but to me in a comedic way. The two leads command the action, but the real treasures are the ghosts' stories, or should I say their back stories, which lead off many episodes.Haven't seen the British version but like this one for its irreverence. Sure it's silly, but to me in a comedic way. The two leads command the action, but the real treasures are the ghosts' stories, or should I say their back stories, which lead…
The Hummingbird EffectThe Hummingbird Effect, DVD
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Aug 08, 2023
Comment:
Excellent photography captures many of the 16 different species of hummingbirds thriving in Costa Rica due to this country's diverse ecology. Hummers contribute mightily to lifecycles of many other plant & animal species due to their penchant for pollinating flowers, some of which have evolved due to this connection. This show certainly makes one want to visit Costa Rica , just to observe these colorful creatures.Excellent photography captures many of the 16 different species of hummingbirds thriving in Costa Rica due to this country's diverse ecology. Hummers contribute mightily to lifecycles of many other plant & animal species due to their penchant for…
Rare ObjectsRare Objects, DVD
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Aug 07, 2023
Comment:
Katie Holmes has made an attempt at a cohesive story, but this one meanders far of field, aching for a more creative script. Ostensibly, it's the story of 2 women overcoming trauma in their lives by building their friendship together, but I never believed the connection. The antique store and its peculiar purveyors were more engaging, but came with the usual cliches too. Oh and did I mention, overly long...Katie Holmes has made an attempt at a cohesive story, but this one meanders far of field, aching for a more creative script. Ostensibly, it's the story of 2 women overcoming trauma in their lives by building their friendship together, but I never…
His Dark MaterialsHis Dark Materials, DVDThe Complete Third Season
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Aug 07, 2023
Comment:
Not as strong or visually interesting as the previous 2 seasons, this series finale wraps up everything, though not particularly satisfactorily. The wonder of the first series has worn off and James McAvoy's overacting has just become grating. Ruth Wilson just walks around with a scowl on her face. The overall dreary mood pervades these episodes which feel unnecessarily stretched out to build another season.Not as strong or visually interesting as the previous 2 seasons, this series finale wraps up everything, though not particularly satisfactorily. The wonder of the first series has worn off and James McAvoy's overacting has just become grating. …
My Happy EndingMy Happy Ending, DVD
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Aug 02, 2023
Comment:
The subject is serious-- terminal illness, but the writers find positive messages, and the actors bring an irreverence that's infectious, and sometimes quite funny. Andie MacDowell shines in this unusual role for her, based on a semi-autobiographical story of Israeli playwright Anat Gov. The 3 women she befriends during her hospital stay and their fantastical dream sequences make watching this flick worthwhile. My only criticism is the abundant foul language, not necessary imho.The subject is serious-- terminal illness, but the writers find positive messages, and the actors bring an irreverence that's infectious, and sometimes quite funny. Andie MacDowell shines in this unusual role for her, based on a…
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Jul 25, 2023
Comment:
After Book one, I was hooked on this series. Hobb masterfully crafts a believable world of royal trials and tribulation, without the usual easy "magical" answers to plot conundrums. In fact, the proffered magic comes with definite costs from within and without. Through it all, protagonist FitzChivalry perseveres because of integrity and his oath to his King. Looking forward to book three!After Book one, I was hooked on this series. Hobb masterfully crafts a believable world of royal trials and tribulation, without the usual easy "magical" answers to plot conundrums. In fact, the proffered magic comes with definite costs from…
Looking for AlaskaLooking for Alaska, DVD
DVD - 2020DVD, 2020
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Jun 23, 2023
Comment:
Series about love and loss from a teen perspective with young actors in a "Summer Camp" like environment at a boarding school in the South. It's all fun & games until tragedy strikes, and the story turns serious, giving the students a taste of the sometimes harsh adult world away from their blissful and carefree environs.Series about love and loss from a teen perspective with young actors in a "Summer Camp" like environment at a boarding school in the South. It's all fun & games until tragedy strikes, and the story turns serious, giving the students a taste of the…
AftertasteAftertaste, DVDSeries 2
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Jun 18, 2023
Comment:
This series has lost its luster in season 2. The outrageous nature of series 1 is not often on display, and it's now more about sexual innuendo and finding ways to diss Easton's mom who has suddenly returned from the dead. Rachel Griffith's small role is wasted here.This series has lost its luster in season 2. The outrageous nature of series 1 is not often on display, and it's now more about sexual innuendo and finding ways to diss Easton's mom who has suddenly returned from the dead. Rachel Griffith's small…
KimiKimi, DVD
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
BritCrimeDramaFan's rating:
Added Jun 06, 2023
Comment:
Some inconsistencies in storyline, but Zoe Kravitz is excellent as a psychologically damaged and agoraphobic young woman trying to survive the end of the pandemic lockdown, when she makes a discovery that may put her in mortal danger. Steven Soderbergh vehicle which pays homage to previous thrillers like Rear Window and Wait until Dark, but mostly works.Some inconsistencies in storyline, but Zoe Kravitz is excellent as a psychologically damaged and agoraphobic young woman trying to survive the end of the pandemic lockdown, when she makes a discovery that may put her in mortal danger. Steven…
Comment: