Reviews

After slapping my own head around for opting to watch this film., a review was just moments away.

Choosing to see a poorly reviewed movie doesn't have its flaws however occasionally you discover a hidden gem destined for cult status... Well maybe?!

There are word combo's for the very worst, sadly which don't apply here, as though the entirety of movie simply.., reeks.., of amateur hour effort ; many of the principal cast do exceptionally well to stay true to the characters,

Having the thinnest of plots, here actually helps the production make several leaps of story logic, as progress crawls along.

Adorable, Masi Ori again takes the role of Bruce., (hip name when certain better heroics needed), joined at hip tech engineer with Lloyd, played with (O. M. G), modesty by Nate Torrence. Here they seek to retrieve a super mcguffin piece of new tech that they had stolen from underneath their women~wooing partying night before.

Frankly, the story needs no more embelishment than a good spritz of a certain pheremone to garner genuine applause, as the script developed was either the weak ramblings of a prior draft from originating 'Get Smart' movie or envisioned from a nasty LSD trip, what saves.., I mean, retains a measure of dignity for all concerned surely are the Wardrobe, Set construction and Soundtrack, as it makes great use of everything already purchased in the 'Steve Carrell' vehicle.

Ultimately an entertainment-Lite option for viewer's who need their comedy 'Hammered', to their hairlines., (yes I was inspired to save the best quip for last), Hymie!!

One of the key 'Canon', defining elements of the Star Trek universe is directly challenged here.,

The impassible 'Galactic Barrier'.,

Baring in mind how vast the existing galaxy these characters inhabit, and the subsequent timelines of each series; question arising being how come 'Star Fleet', (whose primary mission was exploratory survey missions), haven't already a whole database just specifically for this 'Barrier', and need to conduct an ad-hoc mission just to penetrate just by excuse of this impending disaster??

It's another double-down episode upon similar theme., sub-plot giving a far more obvious focus upon 'Imprisonment and Escape'.

Unfortunately the more unique sci-fi aspects have again been swamped by giving vent to character / crew doubts.

Fortunately the effects team(s) are the saviours of this episode making the visuals interesting., distracting most from the lack of conclusive progress to the plot. Trimming of some monologues could've improved overall balance.

Immeasurably dense multi-species conference makes keeping the pace of this episode high enough to cater for the more childish fans a huge challenge, and in truth has probably failed them.

Subplot involves doubling-down upon a question that will have increased relevance over the next decades, and this episode certainly gives everyone a chance to explore such a complex issue.

Two dilemmas, in singular episode, both which qualify towards the ethical dilemma of.., Genocide(s).,

It's no surprise that for most of the audience, such a question is a galaxy away from their comfort zone.

Ultimately,

Star Fleet, ethical protocol gets a special reference.

Paired with a plot extended to parallel such, which will inevitably be a driving force in coming episodes.

A tipping-point episode., which needed something extra, some backup flair that didn't arrive. As these episodes are being produced in conjunction with the writing of Picard S2, which already has the glorious return of 'Q continium' how can we not expect their arrival when such a important new species just beyond the horizon?

In a random moment to homage a few actor's who attended the 'Save the Rose Theatre' spectacular street event in1989, I watched a classic from the '40's featuring Roy Roger's, upon same compilation DVD, there's an R. Scott feature but also the trimmed serial of Hurricane Express.

If there's a mystery worth pursuing purely for cultural nostalgia it has to be how the many earliest B & W serial westerns, turned a completely average actor, into the phenomenon that was 'John Wayne'. Something that even the many tribute documentarys have barely scratched the surface.

This serial has strong historical aspects in many of its vehicular scenes that rivals the 'Keystone Cops' or 'Charlie Chaplin' features, its weakness is from the mutilation that condensed editting of 12 episodes does to create a re-releasable movie.

Production values of the original are clearly shown to emphasise the stock single placement of camera with minimal focus or extra lighting. Giving the film, more a variety of grey hues to give sense of depth, completely inadequate to enable more emotive range for the cast.

Fortunately, what remains of its convoluted plot is more that enough to pursue 'Action', and this has more old-style brawls and chase scenes than you'll find in any modern feature.

In relative comparison, the closest series in modern terms of storyline and effects to this would be 'Mission Impossible' in either '60's or Cruise control era's.

As for resolving the two mysteries?

Well there's the Mascott, itself in one scene only, sadly the Wayne factor appear to have been removed in the trimming, as dramatically even the heroine gets enough involvement to be strongly regarded a bonus for actress Shirley Grey, who survived the switch to colour features extending career in acting by 30+ roles.

Michael Landon, before his passing had the unique opportunity to portray an angel, for many seasons of an outstanding TV show.

You cannot say that it was ever 'Perfect', in its representation of Christianity, however it was exceptional and even now where repeats or DVDs are watched, you do get a better sense of how to live a more modest and happier life style.

As within that role, forgiveness of Sins, has a strong emphasis with this movie's rather clichéd version of 'The Saviour - Jesus'.,

Let's cut to the chase., if you're looking for a spiritual uplift through a movie you could do much worse than finding a new resolve by watching 'The Encounter', yet even watching series like 'The Twilight Zone', you'd get a much deeper understanding of how weird life and people can be.

As a dramatic actor's piece, it has plenty of scope to be re-written and better acted upon a stage, so whilst it's a good movie it does not reach the potential influence for which producers hoped-for.

Solid 7/10 effort.

Absolutely huge creation dilemma for the writers of this Mini-Series.!!

South East London., a presumably dead Legal Aid solicitor, a cold-case unlikely to find solutions and a controversial modus-operandi (irl region sensitive 2001-2011) comes to the attention of the most un-empathetic detective aiding the Missing Persons department.

Man ohhh-man, did the writers have their work cut out for'em.

As they had already been told, at point of filming there would be a wait-n-see attitude towards probable 2nd series, making a convincing conclusion storyline without resort to 'disbanding' the team structure (or lack of) meant they could tackle an investigation story with an above average grade of reality.

Although the pace is hampered by necessary psychology introduced the combination makes this 2 parter of significant improvement over prior episodes.

Sadly, it did not have enough development to ensure either a change to it's titles music which could induce bout of snoring., or infusing central characters with some wit or self-catering charm.

Had either aspect been addressed, then this could've become the UK's closest series to merge Detective fiction with topical fact, stepping short of it becoming to 'Monk', comedy approach.

A dramatic treat, for fans of the genre.

In the earlier Post-Milllenium forage for creative scripts to produce it may surprise readers to note that several jolly Father Christmas themed items got green-lit ; some of the best which even garnered significant witty praise, plus cast PRtours besides The Rose & The Globe theatre(s) in London UK. Key to these was an overwhealming reliance upon known top names just giving a twisted version of Dan Ackroyd's (Trading Places) character. Nothing which would've been an overall challenge to Bill, nor conventional Xmas yuletide fare.

Recently, there has been a few attempts to go where no Santa, has sleighed an audience before. Violent Night, is the latest of these and if you check the trailer first it will grant you the present wisdom of it's chilling setting.

For seasons of celebrating a family gets itself into traditional festive mood, but before the eve, some motivated nastier felons (who've come prepared for a Die Harder, version of Scrooge) invade the proceedings.

They have just one unforseen problem. Certain family members are upon the legitimate magical 'Santa's vast list of good Boys and Girls!

True mince pie mayhem before any mistletoe with this devastating Mr Crinkle, gifting the newest Naughty List entrants some uniquely bright and brutal wrapping-Up.

The cast, have jests and moments of jeopardy a plenty, which will be no surprise for those aware of the prior acting heritage amassed by the cast (well worth checking out several for their back catalogue of prior roles), not least Ho-Ho, should be., a wonderment of snarling ruthlessness from John Leguizamo.

Beware tha' tinsle-lasso any grinch that doesn't see the potential for a glorious sequel.

We've come such a long way since London, was graced by the advance PRtour of 'Fletch Lives', with nearly 12 cast members attending the evening adjacent to 'The Rose Theatre', actually nearly 32.5 years, geeZze. So the classic George Macdonald, character has been abit overlong stuck upon those Xmas elves shelves, finally with the awesome John Hamm, we have a wonderful return of the investigator 'I. M. Fletch'!!

European traveller now, (or retired bumm?), Fletch (J. HAMM), garrotts his Italian adjectives to woo himself his latest hot-stuff romantic interest (Daughter of a Duke), Angela De Grazzi, (Actress: Lorrenza Izza), but due to her ex-boyfriends shenanigans and Step-Mothers flighty activity get's persuaded that her new rogue can travel back to 'Boston', to seek the return of some valuable Art works on her behalf.

Where this will significantly diverge from the written story (book format ; yes confess who has read some?), they are based upon wisdom & intelligence forged from critical analysis of society back in 1970's, this modern update has alot of the satirical-Bite removed and replaced by a modern set., slightly evolved politically-correct version.

As is the norm for many thrillers over the Millennium, you'll discover the brilliant beginning simultaneously as the mystery gets 'solved', but the screen play has many funny detours produced by the considerable range of 'Herring' characters who as co-stars go.., fare very well for an ensemble.

PisSshhtt!., RP & KM both have street-cred from April 1989, so any amateur sleuths can attempt that (iRL) clue!?!

In short ; it's not a skit heavy SNL wannabe but quite a mild re-introduction to..,

' FLETCH !!' for 2021+ movie goers.

Singularly exceptional depiction of most unusual UK Archaeological digg since the 'Save the Rose Theatre', campaign.

As was then, in 1989, many sought to undermine the project or would conspire against its progression. Here Sally Hawkins, portrayal is subtle, endearing and has strong parallel to that which was experienced before.

All 'Bonekickers', can revel in this movies tangential accuracies. Steve Coogan, James Fleet, Mark Addy, Lee Ingleby, and Amanda Abingdon, all returning through the intrigue of this movie to homage where they have all visited and promoted TV projects.

The themes, and visual metaphors tell of 'Phillipa's progression through despair, a freshly discovered motivation which with calming continued visions of a Strange apparition enliven her spiritual searching.

This search is for not only for collaborative acknowledgement of herself in society, but also the fulfilment of a much disputed Regal history and ultimately its very foundation the physical evidence of 'The Lost King'.

A movie, that will be appreciated and recommended by all who were participants of both these Archaeological phenomenal moments.