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re civil war IIRC they tried to neutralize the politics somewhat by making the large militia group a california/texas coalition so it wasn't a clear 'red' or 'blue' movement
just pasted from wikipedia:
An authoritarian federal government, led by a third-term president, is embattled by secessionist movements. Despite the president claiming victory is imminent, it is widely expected that Washington, D.C. will soon be reached by the "Western Forces" (WF) led by Texas and California, while forces of the southeast Florida Alliance are also fast approaching
also, the torture scene with the former schoolmates was realistic as , given the polarisation in US you can actually see it easily happening.
I've just finished Squid Games season 2 and am obsessed with the 'mingle' kids song ('round and round') Im listening to it a couple of times a day at the moment.
An old film and nineteen years late to the party, but just watched Children of Men (Amazon or Netflix) and was pretty blown away on many fronts – directing, cinematography, the gripping story and relevance to today’s world. I want to watch it again this weekend.
An absolute masterpiece of cinematography, and at last, an accurate representation of Bexhill-on-Sea.
Seriously, one of my personal top 10 movies of all time. So many great performances. The direction is top-notch. Made a box office loss, apparently.
I’ve just finished Squid Games season 2 and am obsessed with the ‘mingle’ kids song (’round and round’) Im listening to it a couple of times a day at the moment.
Can't believe they ended it where they did, felt like half a season (seven episodes is an unusual number for the streamers too).
Working my way through Blackbird on Apple at the moment. It's a bit 'Manhunter' meets 'Prisoner Cell Block H', but not bad overall.
I know Alex Garland doesn’t do the sound himself, but the use of sound (and sometimes lack of it) throughout the film was very Alex Garland-y, I thought.
I know what you mean, but for Denis Villeneuve. Arrival and Sicario made really big use of double bass, and for me that's the Denis Villeneuve 'sound'
i think with squid games, as it's netflix's sacred cow they probably wanted to truncate the final season (as is the convention these days) to milk it and build anticipation etc
the way S2 ends definitely suggests that season '2' and '3' are effectively the same series. I think season 3 is in June 2025?
In the meantime we can enjoy listening to Round and round on loop:
The final part of the film (trying not to spoil it) felt deliberately unrealistic in the way the journalists were so involved in the action, which I imagine was a decision taken to make a point.
Yup,watching it again, it didn't quite fit with the rest of the film.
Politics aside,having now seen the Lee Miller* film (Lee),I thought they both dealt with the disconnect that War photographers and journalists need while doing that work.
*I have to confess I was ignorant of the Lee Miller story before seeing the film
Another thumbs up for Civil War, beautifully shot and very tense at times. All felt very real given the current state of the world!
An old film and nineteen years late to the party, but just watched Children of Men (Amazon or Netflix) and was pretty blown away on many fronts – directing, cinematography, the gripping story and relevance to today’s world. I want to watch it again this weekend.
One of my all time fave films! Re watched it recently actually.
Hmm, well 1883 is behind a paywall, but also is a "Yellowstone origin story", which really doesn't sell it to me. Yellowstone was just a soap.
And I saw some of Deadwood, but never really engaged with it.
Each to their own eh.But at least you've recommended something, rather than going "nah that's crap".
Bit of a change of pace, but the latest series of 24 Hours in Police Custody (Channel 4) is as impressive as ever.
They always manage to show the humanity in the most grim of situations
We had a difference of opinion on the sentences this week, Mrs K thought the henchman should've got about three or less and I thought he got about right at ten.
The new Manchester police one Manhunt might be interesting if you like 24hrs
We had a difference of opinion on the sentences this week, Mrs K thought the henchman should’ve got about three or less and I thought he got about right at ten.
Was that the crystal meth one?
I've been watching on the app so I'm not sure when they aired.
If so, I'd maybe have expected something in between, but it was a lot of class As and I'm sure there's a strong deterrent element when it comes to crystal meth in particular.
I did genuinely feel sorry for him. He was hopelessly naive and did something really really stupid, so the sentence seemed harsh. Bless him, he wasn’t the sharpest tool in the box but hardly some hardened criminal. I can see why though. That was A LOT of Class A’s!
24 Hours is consistently engrossing telly, sensitively done. I find it absolutely fascinating seeing how some of the detectives minds work
Politics aside,having now seen the Lee Miller* film (Lee),I thought they both dealt with the disconnect that War photographers and journalists need while doing that work.
That felt like one of the strongest parts of Civil War, I thought, the way in which reporters passively (or impassively) watch these horrors going on around them, not getting involved. The OH said it's like David Attenborough not intervening with wildlife (although even his crew got involved to help a bunch of baby turtles get to the sea)
Was that the crystal meth one?
I did genuinely feel sorry for him. He was hopelessly naive and did something really really stupid, so the sentence seemed harsh.
Yes. I think any naivety was undermined by his actively taking part in angle grinding the gear out of the concealment and storing it, no doubt he assisted in punting it out too. The fact he was a bit dense doesn't get away from he knew exactly what he was getting into and chose to go ahead with it. The ten would've been after his discount for an early plea too.
Bit old now but we recently binged the two series of Making a Murderer on Netflix. Don't tend to watch much true crime stuff but found it an interesting insight into some of the workings of the US State and Federal courts. I was amazed how much detective work some of the attorneys undertake themselves and how much information is given to the press before a trial (or retrial) has taken place. It also raises some ethical questions surrounding interrogations and confessions. It's obviously filmed from the defendants view but if it's true it is an amazing albeit somewhat depressing story.
The Split on iPlayer was mostly enjoyable. It's about a family of family lawyers in London. Bad behaviour, heartbreak etc.
Going to try Industry next.
Going to try Industry next.
It's v good IMO - just don't watch it with your parents, or kids.
@desperatebicycle I had similar reservations about 1883 because of Yellowstone, I'm in the same camp as you. If the chance arises, give it a go.
Another thumbs up for Civil War, beautifully shot and very tense at times. All felt very real given the current state of the world!
Powerful stuff. Bleak and grim in places, it could so easily be completely real. Stunning film work.
Kings of Tupelo on Netflix. The phrase "you couldn't make it up" could have been coined for this three part crime documentary. The characters and story are laugh out loud in places, and things get properly crazy in the final episode.
recently finished In cold water, on Amazon. Not too bad for a murder documentary and a central character who went, imho, from possible victim to an amazingly unpleasant human as it progressed .
American Primeval. Absolutely stunning.
Well, here I am up in the middle of the night with toothache and thought I'd find something light to take my mind off it. Oh look, a brain-out action film that looks amusing, let's give it a try.
Back In Action!
I am prepared to overlook many typical action film idiotic inaccuracies but the sheer amount in the first 10 minutes had me seriously considering giving up. Having nothing better to do than huddle in a miserable heap in the corner, I stuck with it, in a kind of horrified fascination.
At one point the terrorists target the Thames Flood Barrier because, I quote, "it's the only thing stopping the Atlantic Ocean from flooding London!"
I think I want to cry.
TL;DR? I preferred the toothache.
After listening to Scott and Hayley on the TV reviews on Five Live constantly go on about a certain overlooked gem, and have my sister then go on about how good it is, last night I started Mr Inbetween
Its absolutely bloody brilliant! I did the whole first series in one sitting. Tarantino-esque with loads of black humour
Back In Action!
Have been waiting in anticipation for this one, as I did some work on it. But yes, totally agree with your comments. Utter carp
OI! I recommended that to you on this very thread!
@martinhutch - apologies. I've had it recommended by a good few people. So thanks for that, my friend, you were absolutely right. Its top notch telly! And because its only quick half hour episodes, theres no uneccessary nonsense. Its totally to the point, no padding, yet never feels like theres never anything missing.
No spoilers for anyone who's not watched it yet, but the episode where he ends up in the boot of his own car is one of the most perfect half hours of television you'll ever watch
"how did you get out of the boot?"
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you"
I tried Mr In Between a few years ago and E1 didn't really grip me so I gave up. Then people on here kept raving about it and a friend IRL also raved about it so I gave it a second chance. It's brilliant, the "You have tadpoles in your balls?" episode was hilarious.
@thols2 - I’ve literally just finished that episode. Absolute comedy gold. The way it flicks from laugh out loud lines to dark as **** stuff is genius!
Just watched E1 of Mr Inbetween. I like it, thanks.
Enjoyed American Primeval, very different to 1883 and 1923
More incidence of violence in American Primeval, but no less violent
Apologies if it has been mentioned before, but quite enjoying Shrinking on Apple TV (free with a Barclays account - wouldn't pay for it). 30min episodes so perfect for a quick viewing.
Nearly finished Shogun on Disney+ which is a good watch
Also like the look of Severance, but not sure I want to commit to another series just yet!
where you all watching mr inbetween? is it only on disney+ or can i find it elsewhere?
24 Hours is consistently engrossing telly, sensitively done.
Tonight’s was like a comedy version!
"Strange Darling" on Prime. Crazy serial killer film, not at all like the title suggests.
Mr Inbetween is hilarious. I’m probably misquoting but I particularly liked the bit where he says “if you think violence isn’t the answer, probably you misunderstood the question “. Maybe not original but I laughed.
On a different subject- Silent Witness (Testicle silens). Is there a more chemistry-less couple than Nikki and Jack? And I don’t think the residents of Trellick Tower will have been that thrilled to have their (quite nice) building portrayed as a shithole. (“Heron Point”) I suppose they got paid. The rules for filming at the nearby Alexandra Road estate are that you don’t portray it in a bad light. Apparently TT don’t use the same contract 🙂
Tonight’s was like a comedy version!
Comedy sentencing. 2 years for smuggling drugs. Not to get all political on yer asses, but old ladies get more than that for protesting climate change
My drug of choice is “Nothing to Declare” - Australian border force finding boxes of pickled frogs in luggage of tourists from Vietnam. Drug smugglers get 7 years.
The Crow Girl on Paramount+ is a very good dark thriller. Eve Myles is excellent in the lead role.
Based on a series of Swedish books which I hadn't heard of previously. Reviews vary but we enjoyed it. Slow pace building out the story which is the type of thriller that I enjoy.
Saw Ad Vitam on Netflix last night, thought it was pretty good. French action film.
Odd pacing - started with short action sequence, then does the standard "flashback to explain what's going on" which then lasts for over half the film! Then actiony stuff starts again. I liked it though. More on the "realistic" end of things rather than outlandish unbelievable stunts. Also liked the sound: proper loud bangy gunshots.
montgomeryFree Member
Finished The Shield on Prime last night, seven seasons in about seven weeks. Blimey, that finale – Walton Goggins masterclass
I finished watching it about 15+ years ago, and that final season still stays with me, the way it just completely spirals further and further out of control.
Did you find the show pretty consistently good throughout the seasons? I want to go back and watch it, possibly with the OH, but am worried it may not stand up to repeat viewing after so long
Mr Inbetween is hilarious.
Can i watch it anywhere if i dont have disney+?
Saw Ad Vitam on Netflix last night, thought it was pretty good. French action film.
This movie was made just to have a car/man chase with Versailles castle in the background.
@sadexpunk - I think it’s only on Fisney, which we only got recently so Mrs B could watch Rivals (which turned out to be absolutely bloody brilliant!)
Tonight’s was like a comedy version!
A sort of instruction manual on how not to be a drug dealer really. Maybe consider tidying your flat up from time to time so that the police don’t actually run out of evidence bags when they search the place.
When having packages of drugs delivered, maybe do it in a way that doesn’t involve everyone in the entire street knowing they were packages of drugs that were being delivered.
Still… if you’re nice and polite with the police and get some good character references, then two year sentence, out in one and pick up where you left off, but with better contacts
When having packages of drugs delivered, maybe do it in a way that doesn’t involve everyone in the entire street knowing they were packages of drugs that were being delivered.
I lived next door to a drug dealer when I was a student, he was pretty subtle, sold to the Range Rover crowd, but once you spotted the pattern, it was really obvious. I doubt he ever got busted. My brother lived next door to another drug dealer in a different town, but serving a less well-heeled crowd. Blatantly obvious they were dealing, but nobody cared and the cops obviously had bigger fish to fry. But then, Ian The Drug Dealer, who did the rounds at every bar and club in town and was so blatantly a drug dealer that it was part of his name, got busted and exported back to Australia. It's just a matter of the cops being busy and just mowing the grass once in a while. Most dealers are obvious, just not worth the trouble of prosecuting most of them.
Finished The Shield on Prime last night, seven seasons in about seven weeks.
I finished watching it about 15+ years ago.
Did you find the show pretty consistently good throughout the seasons?
There's an odd lack of 'extreme' swearing by modern standards, and I think Julian's 'gay cop in the closet' storyline would play differently now but - yeah, it's absolutely still very watchable. The season with Glenn Close stands out. I actually thought Season 7 was the weakest but the last couple of episodes redeems it; watching Shane trying to escape what's coming before finally taking the option he does.
We started Black Doves after the varied recommendations on here, currently 2 episodes in. It's well-written, comes together very well, and has some good names in it. The biggest challenge, and I really can't get past this, is that Keira Knightley just can't act. You see Ben Wishaw do his various scenes (most obviously in the first couple of episodes the bit where his ex is being threatened) and are just drawn into it.
Then you see Keira Knightley do her bit and it pulls me out of it so much, because she's just not good. She has 3 moves: half-closed eyes (thoughtful or pensive), jutted chin/ teeth (determined, resilient), big artificial smile; and in between a lot of looking like scenery. It's awful.
Sarah Lancashire's just miscast; she's fantastic in everything, but a Northerner doing a southern accent just doesn't sound right - like when anyone from north of about Birmingham says "barth".
Tonight’s was like a comedy version!
It was a bit lighter than usual, but I wonder how many people watching it were thinking "I reckon I could do that but not get nicked"?
Agree with above about Black Doves, didn't last one episode. I thought Ben Wishaw was atrocious too, whatever his character was supposed to be inflicted with. The car journey with Knightley, where he kept exaggeratedly turning his whole head to look in the mirror, proper over-acting, so annoying. When Sarah Lancashire being southern is the best thing about a drama I know it's not for me!
Lioness was just as silly, but it was entertaining.
S1 was really good. I just need to find the time to watch S2 within the timeframe of a 7-day free Paramount+ trial.
Night Agent S2 starts tomorrow though so Lioness S2 might have to wait...
And Reacher S3 starts next month.
I'm looking forward to completing the original series of Frasier on the channel 4 streaming site. There has been at least one episode that now comes with a trigger warning. Watching them all in order has filled in some huge gaps.
Probably continue watching Dawson's creek next, itv x. The first series storyline is interesting.
American Primeval on Netflix is good if you liked The Revenant.
I watched The Shield when it was first on C4 I think and then again in lockdown it's a great series.
@binners if you liked Mr Inbetween, you may like this Aussie TV series about gangland and nightclubs in the 80's
Last King of the Cross
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt18767204/?ref_=ttnw_ov_i
Currently re watching the Shield sat on turbo trainer, up to start of series 4 where Glenn Close comes into it, forgot how good it was. (followed a rewatch of The Wire and Over There)
Im going to try and watch The Shield after all the recommendations on here. Plus as a Justified fan I obviously love Walton Goggins
Plus all the 2000 era baggy jeans look has probably come back into fashion now
@scud - thanks for the recommendation. I’ll check that out
I just finished the third series of Mr Inbetween and loved every minute of it. The finale was suitably explosive. Top notch telly!
I watched 'The ministry of ungentlemanly warfare' on.prime last night and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I've also.noticed that a new series of Alice in Borderland will be coming to Netflix. A heads up to watch the first two series if you haven't seen it.
Just finished Crà on iplayer. Sort of Irish noir comedy Shakespeare tragedy. Usual cast of Irish cliches including fabulous scenery but it turned out to be pretty good.
One weird thing is that I found it more disconcerting than usual to watch with subtitles. No logical reason why that should be the case.
Anyone watching Night Agent S2?
One of the early episodes was a bit flaky, a bit too expositional, "we have to explain what's going on", but the rest has rattled along at a good pace. Enjoyable stuff.
Just finished Crà on iplayer. Sort of Irish noir comedy Shakespeare tragedy. Usual cast of Irish cliches including fabulous scenery but it turned out to be pretty good.
Got a recommendation from a family member on this, have added it to the longlist
Has Woman of the Hour been recommended yet? If not, then, definitely worth a watch.
American Primeval is pretty decent, especially the first episode. Mormons vs US Cavalry vs Native Americans. Similar style to The Revenant, I think it was written by the same person.
Crá wasn’t too bad (must have been great for the Donegal tourist board). Odd about the subtitles - you could watch Kneecap or An Cailín Ciúin to see if it’s an Irish language thing? (Both good films.)
Night Agent, first two episodes so far, was just silly. halfway through Bad country on netflix so far and it’s shaping up nicely .
The untold series of sports documentaries on netflix is surprisingly good, particularly Crime and penalties.
Night Agent, first two episodes so far, was just silly.
Done a few episodes, so far basically series 1 recreated, same two characters getting chased by bad people.
In a similar vein, Prime Target on Apple, only a couple of episodes available at the moment, seems to be shaping into some kind of macguffin where a genius maths formula could save/doom the world, cue lots of running away from mystery assassins, improbable surveillance technology and 'hacking' etc.
Sort of 'Theory of Everything' meets 'National Treasure', by the looks of it. Diverting enough, I suppose.
I've not read any of this thread, but I've just watched Number 24 and it's deeply moving.
https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81664509?s=a&trkid=13747225&trg=cp&vlang=en&clip=81955690
Watched I'm Tim the other night, documentary about Avicii and his untimely death. Well worth a watch, it's made with a vast amount of home video footage so you really follow along as he becomes more and more famous. Don't think it's necessary to like the music to appreciate what happened to him.
Also watched American Primeval. Are the Mormons happy about it!? No idea what the reality of it all is, but they don't come across as a particularly welcoming bunch! Need to read around it a bit now....
American Primeval. Are the Mormons happy about it!? No idea what the reality of it all is, but they don’t come across as a particularly welcoming bunch! Need to read around it a bit now….
Jon Krakauer: Under the Banner of Heaven. Think the Mormons are just another wishy washy Christian cult...? Think again!
In fact, keeping it on topic, it turns out the book's been made into a TV series that's free to access on ITVX - that's tomorrow night sorted.
Under the Banner of Heaven.
I highly recommend this.
I just finished the third series of Mr Inbetween and loved every minute of it. The finale was suitably explosive. Top notch telly!
signed up to disney+ to watch this. enjoyed first series. 2 episodes into the 2nd series and it seems to have lost its way and got a bit 'same old same old'. wifes already dropped off but ill stick with it as its so well recommended on here.
Watched Triangle of Sadness on iPlayer the other night.
Started well and maintained interest until final 3rd where it seemed to lose its conviction. I was expecting more TBH.
Just binged season 1 of The Sinner on Netflix, a decent US police / detective series with a reasonable cast. It's not season 1 of True Detective but was worth watching. 3 more seasons, too, so I'll see what they're like.
To me The Sinner starts well then massively drops off in quality. I couldn't finish season 4.
Not sure of the hype for The Night Agent either - some terrible acting and completely improbable story line. Done 3 episodes so far but not sure I'll make the full ten!