Goodbye Mr Chips (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)Though I may not have seen this DVD, I just saw the same exact movie on PBS only minutes ago. After it ended, I knew I had to get it, so I look it up on trusty Amazon.com, and to my amazement I find it here! Sadly, I'll have to wait to get it, but I must say that this was the most beautiful and moving cinema I've ever seen! The movie was absolutely genious and Martin Clunes, a favorite British comedy actor of mine from Men Behaving Badly, suited the character absolutely flawlessly. I cannot stress how highly I think of this movie, though I only saw little more than an hour of it. I can't wait to see the rest once this DVD comes out. I reccommend it to anyone who can comprehend something a bit deeper than an action flick of today, something rare I find. Still, this movie is great and you will love it if you have any sense of film appreciation at all!

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He went from teacher to legend in one lifetime.Arthur Chipping, the Latin master at an English boys’ boarding school, is as awkward as he is stubborn. The eccentric schoolmaster lives a full, rich life within the cloistered school, defined by his role as the intellectual shepherd of generations of young students. Then, everything changes.When Mr. Chipping travels through the countryside on summer holiday, he unexpectedly falls in love with the unconventional Kathie (Victoria Hamilton, Mansfield Park). The love and devotion of his new wife ignites his passion and brings him out of his shell, revealing the sensitivity lying beneath his gruff exterior. But after tragedy strikes, Chips’ true character is put to the test in the most difficult examination of his life. Ultimately, it is a lesson that will last a lifetime.Goodbye, Mr. Chips is a tender, heartwarming story that spans over 50 years in one passionate life. Portraying the storied Arthur Chipping in James Hilton’s classic tale of love and transformation, Martin Clunes (Shakespeare in Love) turns in a bravura performance in a film filled with countless noteworthy turns.

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Hustle - Complete Seasons One and Two (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)"Hustle" is a breezy, lightweight treat from BBC America. Originally broadcast in the States on AMC, the series follows a group of con artists as they stage one elaborate setup after another. London is their playground, and these pros are in for the "long con" to make a fortune from each episode's caper. Their "mark," in each case, is generally undone by his/her own failings or misdeeds for our group has distinct ethics--they only target people who deserve it. That's certainly a pleasant notion. It keeps things frothy and fun--and keeps anyone from viewing the protagonists as villains and criminals (which, in truth, they are).
"Hustle" succeeds by having a talented and appealing cast. Not only do you like everyone, you root for them. Robert Vaughn is the show's biggest name, and here he plays the mastermind who often lures the victims to their eventual undoing. Adrian Lester is the group's leader, a legendary con man recently released from prison. Marc Warren provides much of the comedic relief as Danny Blue--a young, irreverent newcomer who challenges and frustrates the others. The funniest moments generally involve Lester and Warren going head-to-head, each always trying to outdo the other. The team is rounded out by Jaime Murray (the bombshell) and Robert Glenister (the tech expert).
The tone of "Hustle" is light and the pace is fast. It is easy to enjoy the antics within the program and to be amused by the scenarios. The cons themselves, however, are fairly familiar territory for those who follow this type of entertainment. While I was entertained consistently, I was rarely surprised. And while this may sound like a large problem, it's not. This show is more about the journey--and with witty, intelligent scripts and a spot-on cast, it's hard for me to imagine anyone not being engaged and entertained by "Hustle."
Each season consists of six episodes, some more effective than others--but not a loser in the bunch. My personal favorite comes from season 2. In it, Lester and Warren take on a personal competition. They are both dropped naked in the middle of London and then each strives to win by ending up the day with more of value. Once and for all, they want to determine who has more skill. This was a very funny episode and the only one that didn't deal specifically with a con.
Recommended as a lark--good for lovers of comedy and capers. "Hustle" may not be particularly edgy or challenging, it's just fun. KGHarris, 12/06.

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New Tricks: Season One (2009) Review

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New Tricks is the best British cop show since the legendry 'Sweeney'. Like that great show what New Tricks has, but most British Cop shows lack is humour. This is not to say that is it is either a comedy or a 'light' detective series in the manner of say Pie in the Sky. The crimes in New Tricks are real, violent often messy.
The concept is not new, three retired detectives are called back to look at unsolved cases. The premise being that as old coppers they will be aware of the police procedures at the time when the crimes were carried out. The first Jack Halford (James Bolam)was the most senior and the most level headed even though he spends most evenings talking to his dead wife who is buried in his back garden. Jack has a violent and brutal side which from time to time slips out. He does however appear to have the respect of everyone who knew him as a serving police officer.
The second is Gerry Standing ( Dennis Waterman). We get the impression that Jerry was not above taking the odd bribe from criminals but as he tells his boss 'Sandra I'm a bad boy not a bastard'. He has a number of ex wives and host of children all of whom are girls. Collectively he calls them 'The Covern.' Of the three he is the one who refuses to grow old. An early scene has the three compairing medication. The other two have pills for blood pressure, heart, depression etc. Gerry has viagra. He also struggles with the modern no smoking rules.
The third, Brian Lane (Alun Armstrong). Brain suffers from mental health problems and is a recovering alcoholic. He also has an encyclopedic knowledge of criminal cases and various police officers hence his knickname og 'Memory Lane'. Alone of the three he has a wife (Susan Jameson) who struggles to cope with his bizzare behavour.
The three are managed by Sandra Pullman (Amanda Redmond)who is the only serving police officer in the team. She is torn between defending her team from those higher up and frustration at the old school antics of the three, such as secretly taping suspects, this is defended by Gerry who points out he is no longer a copper and only the police are bared from secretly tapping suspects.
Each of the five is perfectly played. Class drama, well written undemanding but does not treat you as an idiot.


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Studio: Warner Home VideoRelease Date: 08/25/2009Run time: 351 minutesRating: Nr

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Charlie and Lola, Vol. 1 (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)My daughter LOVES Charlie and Lola. She was 2 (now 3) when we first started to see them on the Disney Channel and was instantly drawn to them. My husband also loves them. I am American and my husband is British so it was great to have a show where they talked like Daddy. Lola is so funny and my daughter mimics her and has actually picked up the accent a bit (which my husband loves) She loves to say "never ever eat a tomato" which is funny b/c tomatos are one of her favorite foods. It is nice to see a bit of her father's culture introduced here. She eats a lot of the food that they talk about on the show (like sausage rolls and marmite sandwiches) and has even started calling the dog Sizzles. My 17 month old son is even starting to get into it. We have taped all of the episodes off of the tv but have been hoping for a DVD so we can play it in the van. We have bought the books and even got some sticker books from the UK when my mother in law went back this past spring.
As far as the show itself, it is a creative animation which conformed from books to tv rather well. It touches on many subjects from not getting the staring role in the school play to waiting for the first snow. Keeping with the Snoopy tratition, you never seem to see grown ups. It is all from the prespective of the 4 & 7 year old. It is captivating entertainment for your pre-schooler. I give it 5 stars.

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Charlie has this little sister Lola. She is small and very funny. Lola will NEVER eat a tomato! She is also not sleepy and will not go to bed. And how will she cope when she is not well and may never smile again? It falls to Charlie to win her around, and he uses every trick in the book ? logic, humor, but mostly, the power of his imagination. Using 2D cel animation, paper cutout, fabric design, photomontage and archive footage, all the distinctive style and exuberance of Lauren Childs award-winning picture books come to life. Glorious music and sound effects help to conjure up fantastical worlds that only a child could invent, while realistic dialogue, voiced by children, ensures these magical adventures really resonate with kids.

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Nighty Night - The Complete Series 1 (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)Every so often a sitcom comes along that stays with you for a very long time after you've watched it, and "Nighty Night", the BBC's most recent sitcom-to-DVD conversion, is just such a thing.
Jill Tyrell (Julia Davis, the show's writer and creator, and a fabulous comedy actress, to boot), a beautician in a nondescript Northern town, is devastated to learn that her husband Terry (Kevin Eldon) has cancer. This happens to be the first scene of the first episode, and it's the last rational reaction you'll see for the next three hours. Jill, not one to rest on her laurels, decides a new man is the order of the day, and, before Terry is even ill, much less dead, deposits him in the hospital and heads off to find a man. Enter the unlucky Don (Angus Deayton), and his multiple sclerosis-afflicted wife Cathy (Rebecca Front), as Jill's new neighbours. Deciding that he's the man for her, and blindly ignoring the fact that Terry doesn't seem to be getting any sicker, Jill goes about driving a wedge between Don and Cathy, and keeping Terry's presence a secret from all and sundry.
As with "The League of Gentlemen", "Nighty Night" is a comedy that gets laughs from its situational absurdity. The main characters, with the exception of Jill, are portrayed beautifully as normal, rational people cast headlong into an unreasonable situation, but, thanks to the machinations of the ensemble of secondary characters (such as the gloriously funny Ruth Jones as Jill's long-suffering employee and friend Linda, and the wickedly irreverent Mark Gatiss as her erstwhile paramour Glenn Bulb), they soon find themselves descending to a level of abnormality that they're clearly not comfortable with. Happily, this makes for the best viewing, and "Nighty Night" is one of the best comedies to come out of Britain in recent years.
Julia Davis as Jill is monstrously cruel, totally self-centred and completely sociopathic, but, as with all good anti-heroes, she manages to generate such sympathy for the character that we are rooting for her to win, in the end. It's a brilliant portrayal of a character, that, in the hands of a lesser actress or with less care taken over the finer points of the script, could easily have sunk into one-dimensional nastiness. Happily, Davis has created in Jill Tyrell a sitcom heroine to rival - and beat - the likes of Basil Fawlty, Patsy Stone and Vicki Pollard at their own game.
I'm not going to give anything away, so I'm going to end my review here, suffice it so say that here are three of the best and funniest hours you could ever own on DVD. Extras - outtakes and almost twenty minutes of deleted scenes - are wonderful, and the audio/video quality is, as one would expect from the BBC, top-drawer.
Wholeheartedly recommended as an essential purchase.

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William and Mary: Seasons 1 & 2 (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)As a midwife, I have no time to watch television - but I watched this series, every minute of it - and loved it. It was alternately warm, funny, silly, ridiculous, predictable, not predictable, and wonderful! In addition, with the exception of one very short segment, it portrayed the life of a midwife extraordinarily well. The writing was terrific, and the juxtaposition of Mary's work as a midwife, and William's work as an undertaker, especially in episodes 6 and 7(or was it 7 and 8?!)was brilliant. The acting is great and the characters (okay, Mary's mother is a little overdone!) engaging. The development of the relationship between William and Mary is outstanding, and her portrayal of midwifery noteworthy. I made time to see every episode, and it was well worth it each time -relaxing, fun and touching. My partner liked it, too - when it was all over, he asked if now I would sit and watch 12 episodes of something like "The Terminator" with him - of course, the answer was no! - but he actually was the one who would often say to me, "So, do you want to watch the next William and Mary tonight?"

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William Shawcross (Martin Clunes, Shakespeare in Love, Men Behaving Badly) is looking for love, but few women are excited at the prospect of dating an undertaker. William sees Mary on a dating service video and is captivated - only she's too busy bringing people into the world as a midwife to date someone whose job is to see them out. Julie Graham (Dirty Tricks, Butterfly Collectors) co-stars in this brilliantly written, quirky and often moving British TV comedy about two people tripping down the imperfect path of romance together. You'll laugh, cry and cringe with embarrassment through the six episodes of this complete set!

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Sense and Sensibility (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)When this popped up in my Netflix queue, I was excited because I'm quite an Austen fanatic, and have most of the DVDs of the various adaptations. I had never watched this particular BBC adaptation, and so was eager to watch it before purchasing it. I found this to be a tepid adaptation of Austen's classic and the worst of all the adaptations. My ranking of the various adaptations of Sense and Sensibility as as follows:
The movie version starring Emma Thompson (1995) - there's nothing I dislike about this adaptation:)
Sense and Sensibility (BBC, 2008 - haunting score, beautiful cinematography, faithful in most respects, and excellent casting, especially the role of Elinor, which was played by Hattie Morahan)
Sense and Sensibility (BBC, 1981 - very faithful to the novel, but the actors are not very appealing)
This 1971 BBC adaptation is truly pathetic - the acting by some of the characters seem over the top, and the portrayal of Sir John was truly annoying. The actor playing Willoughby was the least attractive of all the Willoughby's in the various adaptations and I felt he was horribly miscast. The actors playing the sisters, Elinor and Marianne were well-cast, especially the character of Elinor, portrayed by Joanna David, who coincidentally went on to play Elizabeth Bennet's (Jennifer Ehle) aunt in the iconic 1996 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Joanna David's Elinor is sweet and sensible, and shines in her role. The other notable actor was Patricia Routledge as Mrs Jennings. Routledge went on to attain fame in her role as the pompous Mrs Bucket in "Keeping Up Appearances".
The feature itself runs about 3 hours, and there are some changes in the dialogue compared to Austen's novel. The props and setting give this production the appearance of being a theater production, and some of the actors appear stilted and awkward in their roles. I think I will still purchase this, if only because I wish to have a collection of all the various adaptations of Austen's works, but I have to say that this is the worst adaptation of Sense and Sensibility compared to the others I have viewed.

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New Tricks: Season Two (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)My husband and I really enjoyed season one and preordered season two on Amazon. We were not disappointed and as a matter of fact, found this series even better than the first. A female police officer has been disgraced and sent to run a cold case unit. She is able to bring on board some retired police detectives to help her as consultants. The batch she is finally able to persuade to join her are some very quirky former and now retired coppers. The chemistry between the actors is very good and the mysteries are well plotted. This is a 'light' set of mysteries. The second season allows for further character development which only increases the viewer's pleasure. This series is highly recommended.
****We are hoping that BBC will soon release the other seasons on dvd.****

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The second season of the BBC's comic whodunit, New Tricks, arrives on DVD 1/19! They might not look like a team of crack detectives, but once veteran coppers Lane, Standing, Halford, and their bullish boss Pullman get their (false) teeth into their cold cases, things heat up pretty quickly.With old-school detective work and a little state-of-the-art forensics, the veterans unearth a range of baffling crimes including the murder of a lawyer, a racially motivated attack on an Asian bride, and a mysterious unidentified human torso.Will they succeed where others have failed?Or will the burden of all the years begin to weigh down on them?After all, we all have to grow old sometime.

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Jonathan Creek - Season One (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)It's about time..!!!.....this is a series of mysteries involving Jonathan (who designs magic tricks for a magician) and Maddy who is a journalist. Maddy always seems to get into situations where she needs Jonathan to bail her out. VERY good scripts and acting. If you like real British mysteries with lots of twists then this is the series to buy. Can't wait to see them again.

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Meet the magician with the trick of solving impossible crimes. Jonathan and Maddy investigate crimes which seem to have no rational explanation. Jonathan Creek is a bit of a nerd, but he is also a bit of a quick-witted genius. Maddy Magellan is an investigative crime writer, and the pair join forces to unravel a series of mysteries. Among their many adventures, Jonathan and Maddy encounter the powers of voodoo and dream-predictions, and cases involving strange disappearances, an alien life-form and tricks of time.

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Dombey and Son (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)In some ways, "Dombey and Son" is Dickens' saddest novel. It's a story about a father who, through his infatuation with his own image, irrevocably loses both his children, and then realizes too late the value of what he has lost.
Around such a wrenching theme Dickens wrote a remarkably buoyant and lively story, with sharp contrasts of darkness and brightness, piquant characterizations (and caricatures) and humor. I'd been wishing and hoping that there was a dramatization of this novel out there, and was delighted to find this version.
**SOME SPOILERS FOLLOW**
In 10 episodes, this production unfurls the story with great faithfulness to the book. When one has read the novel beforehand, one pictures characters and scenes, and it sometimes is tough for a production to live up to one's expectations. However, as I waited for favorite characters to appear, I was again and again exclaiming, "He's wonderful!" (of Captain Cuttle) or "She's marvelous!" (of Mrs. Pipchin.) It was like opening a Christmas present and finding something you wished for. They looked exactly as I'd pictured them, both in looks and manner--not a bit watered-down, nor smoothed out as Hollywood productions often make them.
It's difficult to warm to Mr. Dombey as a character, so I can't hold it against Julian Glover that he comes across as stiff and dry. He does an excellent job of conveying a sort of dormant animosity toward his hapless daughter, Florence, which makes its occasional expression all the more jarring (as when he refers to his son Paul as his "only child".) Lysette Anthony is sweet and warm as Florence, the daughter whom he cannot love but instead regards as a rival for his son's affection. One of the challenges of the story (as in many of Dickens' stories) is how to handle mawkish Victorian sentimentality. This dramatization treats these risky scenes sparely and believably--without at all injecting anachronistic attitudes or behavior. For instance, a modern reader often gets impatient with how much mistreatment Florence puts up with before she finally turns her back on her father and leaves home. Here, her devotion and longing for affection is always felt, but she doesn't act like a doormat--and when the final blow comes, she is out of there.
Most of the color comes from the sideline characters: Captain Cuttle, Miss Tox (a deliciously & delicately eccentric portrayal), the blue-faced Major Bagstock, Mrs. "Cleopatra" Skewton, the sweetly vacant Mr. Toots, and gravelly Mr. Toodles.
My favorite was Zelah Clarke's aptly-named Susan Nipper, the short-tempered but good-hearted nurse/companion of Florence. I think this production is worth seeing on the strength of her performance alone.
And of course, Walter Gay. Too bad he's offstage for most of this story.
If the 10th episode had been equal to the other 9, I would have given this DVD 5 stars. However, at the very end, everything so carefully built up is hastily and anticlimactically ended. I was disappointed. It was so abrupt that if it hadn't been followed by the credits, I could not have believed that it was over. It has the appearance of a desperate hurry to wrap things up. They probably needed an 11th episode to allow the viewer to adjust to the new overturned state of things, and develop Dombey in his humbled state. This is the crux of the novel, and it was just dashed through. It would not be so disturbing if the preceding 9 episodes hadn't been so good.
Another disappointment is the absence of the whole sidestory of James Carker/John Carker/Harriet Carker/Alice Brown, which gives depth and explanation to James Carker's villainy. There is a theme of doubles and mirror images in "Dombey and Son" which was lost by the omission of these characters--John Carker, the repentant embezzler vs. James Carker, the arrogant self-righteous manager, who is ruining the company in a much worse way; the artificial old lady Mrs. Skewton vs. the witch-like Mrs. Brown, both mothers; and their exploited daughters, the proud, well-bred purchased bride, Edith vs. the bitter prostitute, Alice. And Alice's role in the final downfall of James Carker contributes one of the most icy and memorable scenes in the book. This might have taken a few more episodes to include, but it would have been worth it, to make this grand production an absolute masterpiece.
Nevertheless, if you love Dickens, you must see this production. It is rewarding in many ways. You will find jewels of enjoyment here.

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One Foot in the Grave: The Complete Series (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)One Foot In the Grave is one of the most cleverly written and funniest sitcoms you are ever likely to see. The main character Victor Meldrew is an iconic figure in British comedy. While on the surface he seems to be just a grouchy old man he is in fact a very deep thinker who tries his best to do what is right in a world he doesn't generally agree with. Sometimes things go his way but usually the result is disaster. The supporting cast are all brilliant, his neighbors Patrick and Pippa are forever catching him in awkward situations and are convinced he is insane. His feud with Patrick is one of the most hilarious parts of this show.
I don't personally know anyone else who is familiar with this show, I don't think it has ever been shown on PBS in my area although I know it has been show in other parts of the country at some point. One Foot is a show which I believe deserves a huge cult following here in the US if it were just more well known. In a way you could compare it a bit to Seinfeld in that there are usually several storylines in an episode that converge in the end, again usually adding up to disaster for Victor.
There are so many zany, surreal moments in this show that I couldn't start to list them here. My advice is just buy it and see for yourself. If you appreciate British humor you will in no way be disappointed. I might add that the theme song is written and performed by the legendary Eric Idle of Monty Python fame, he also guest stars in one episode.
One word of advice, if you own a multi-region dvd player try amazon.co.uk for the region two version of the box set as it is much, much cheaper than the region one version, this is true of almost all BBC dvds as well.

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The exploits of irascible retiree Victor Meldrew continue in Season Six and he fights misfortune, misadventure and sheer bad luck that life just loves to throw at him. The grim reaper finally gets to Victor Meldrew. He may not arrive in the form of a strangely-shaped unordered parcel, as a workman with the intellect of an orangutan, or even as Meldrew-fixated ex-neighbor Patrick, but he better be prepared to listen: Victor might have a few complaints to make!

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Hotel Babylon: Season 3 (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)I closed my review of Season Two with, "I can't wait for Season Three to reach the States." Sadly, I think I have to take those words back.
There's nothing inherently wrong with this 3rd season. It's just that, it's nothing that you didn't experience from Seasons 1 & 2. Simply put, the plots (as breezy and energetic as they are) aren't interesting enough to pull me through. Worse though is the cast changes that occur mid-season.
The performances are fine, with each actor giving their all (although Emma Pearson's Anna can be really tough to sit through sometimes). But they have nothing interesting to do? The romantic relationships get a bit more complicated, but it doesn't feel natural. I always worry when TV shows spice things up this way, because it always feels like the writers don't trust their product. I mean, among all the craziness in this 5-star hotel, why must I watch the series regulars flirt around?
Season Three is going to be notorious among series' fans for when two favorite cast members left the show. I won't say who leaves, and I won't speculate to the real-life reasons for this. All I'll say is that while it's handled relatively well, it definitely left an unforunate mark for the last few episodes. The new additions to the cast are decent enough, particularly with Alexandra Moen's Emily being introduced in a mysterious fashion. But once two lead actors leave the show, the remaining beloved characters can only do so much.
I suppose the cast changes weren't going to be the only problems with this 3rd season, as a couple of ideas from previous seasons are repeated, most notably a wedding scenario and a violent hostage situation. And as much as I love plot twists and surprises, it'd be nice if "Hotel Babylon" would try letting stories progress naturally, without the need to spice up everything. I know I'm contradicting what I loved so much about Season 1 & 2, but this show needs to try slowing down once in a while.
Season Three isn't a bad season, but there's no reason that you should go out of your way to watch it. It's more of the same, which is great news for diehard fans, and sad news for viewers who've tired of the constant escapism. I recommend renting it or using Netflix (which currently has the UK-exclusive Season Four) rather than buying this one. Sorry fans, but my stay at the "Hotel Babylon" this time wasn't my fondest memory.

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Indulge yourself at Hotel Babylon, a place where you can have whatever you want - for the right price. From a grand prix victory celebration to the perfect venue from which to launch a new fashion range, the staff at Hotel Babylon work tirelessly to meet the demands of the glamorous, image obsessed customers. This series also sees Charlie as the new manager and the arrival of Emily - the gorgeous, upper class English rose and new public relations expert for the hotel. But will Charlie and the team welcome her arrival? Especially when she's already had the opportunity to study their work methods in secret. And when the hotel gets poor reviews, could it spell disaster for the future - for both hotel and staff? But when Emily manages to secure the society event of the year - the wedding of a multimillionaire's daughter - could it get any better?

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Doc Martin: Series 2 (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)What makes this British Drama TV series so funny? What's so funny about a surgeon who is mentally and physically indisposed at the sight of blood? Why do you find yourself laughing at the sight of the townsfolk in this serene, beautiful little seaside Cornwall town of Portwenn? It is what happened with most scenes, in all 9 episodes of this 3 DVD series. In almost every scene, I'd lift my eyebrows to the Mrs (we watched together), she'd pick up a corner of her mouth, and we'd both begin laughing.
We thoroughly enjoyed the stories and the quirky British people of this small town. Doc Martin (Martin Clunes) and his stern, grumpy, all-business, rude, and seeming heartless bedside manner, just adds to the hilarity--as he fails to see any of the joy in the village. The medical conditions he is faced to address are often as hilarious as the character that complains of the symptoms. Mix with that a love triangle the Doc in involved in, but fails to acknowledge, and you have a season of some of the best British Comedy/Drama ever produced.
This second season (Doc Martin: Series 2) is even better than the previously released first season.
___For starters, it's 50% longer, 9 50-minute episodes rather than just the 6 in Series One.
___The episodes seem to have several plots woven together, much more complex stories, than in the original set. The action moves quickly and keeps you spellbound every minute. You'll be so happy, that by owning the DVD, you don't have to wait a week for the next episode. Episodes do tend to have a carry-over link.
___And this series, unlike the original set, has SDH subtitles, something we found to be helpful with some of the dialect as well as British terms. Their biscuit is our cookie, tea is a meal, etc.
___Extras include some star cast filmographies.
___I still recommend you watch Series One as well, but it's not completely necessary. But after watching series 2 you will want the earlier set.
After seeing the zany activity in Doc Martin's surgery (GP office), I decided if American doctors had patients as quirky and strangely symptomatic, all of them would give up and turn to plumbing or painting.
This comedy series about a doctor's practice, reminded me of the hugely funny comedy "Pie In The Sky", a British comedy/drama about a detective who really wanted to be a cook. I've reviewed both and recommend both.
Just a few Details:
Episode 1__Doc Martin gets a new receptionist (Katherine Parkinson as Pauline) only better in some ways. He gets in hot water with Aunt Joan (Stephanie Cole), because of her friend Muriel, who's son Danny, reunites with teacher, Louisa (Caroline Catz), whom Doc just recently kissed, a carry-over from Series One. I told you this had some woven plots.
2__Doc gets stuck with childcare for Peter while his mother gets stuck in the hospital. Bert Large (Ian McNeice), handyman, fries fish.
3__Doc has to compete with a herbal/nature remedy seller who is the sis to Mark (town cop) plus help the odd family with multiple problems who strongly object to house calls. Romantic question: Is Bert the REAL father of Al Large, now falling romantically for the new receptionist after being jilted by her sister?
4__Local radio host drinks and Mr. Cooke stinks--really, really stinks. And what's the new town's female bombshell doing with the local cop?
5__Mr. Pratt blames Doc for his wife's death but takes revenge by using pesticides that threaten Aunt Joan's organic farm license. Romance is muddled between cop/bombshell, Al/receptionist, and Doc/Louisa while another local teacher battles obsessive-compulsive disorder.
6___Doc's parents arrive in town to vex Aunt Joan. Doc forgets his manners while dealing with rapid weight gains of a local 50-year-old lady. Doc has to help his rival in the romantic triangle with Louisa. Doc, finally get's his own often used phrase, "Shut Up", told to him.
7__Mark (cop) and Al (his best-man after Doc rudely said "NO") get lost in the woods, Marks get's a snake bite, they get lost, the crazy forester who lived with a giant squirrel (season one) leads Doc toward them, and of course they both get lost too. Just another day of laughs in the forest.
8__Mark has an anatomy problem, his fiancee has her own problem, Doc is involved & making more problems, Danny and Louisa have a problem, the pharmacy neck brace lady has a problem, and Doc muddies the lives of all.
9__Birdwatchers, lunatics, explosives, guns, knives, romance and tourism all tickle the funny bone to an explosive degree.
Some touching moments, but mostly just beautiful scenery and hilarious activity in the life of a doctor in a small town. You will want more. But you'll have to wait for Series 3. That's the only negative I can state for this DVD set. "I want more."


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He\'s surly, tactless, self-centered, and uptight--but he\'s the only doctor in town.
As a hard-charging London surgeon, Martin Ellingham (Martin Clunes, Men Behaving Badly) didn\'t need a bedside manner. His patients were unconscious, so he could be as rude and arrogant as he pleased. All that changes when he develops a crippling fear of blood and is forced to give up surgery. Now a GP in a sleepy, picturesque Cornish fishing village, Doc Martin offends everyone in town, including the one person he wants to impress, beautiful teacher Louisa Glasson (Caroline Catz, Murder in Suburbia). Getting her attention proves even more difficult when Louisa\'s old flame returns to the village and becomes his new rival.
Martin Clunes shines in this award-winning comic drama set amid eccentric townsfolk and spectacular scenery. As the doctor says, "It\'s good to be loathsome."
DVD FEATURES INCLUDE photo gallery and cast filmographies.

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Doc Martin: Series 4 (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)FUN LOL BRITISH COMEDY. If you've not experienced DOC MARTIN prior, get every series now. Series 4 picks right up with the dramatic falling apart of a wedding ceremony from the ending of Series 3. So what can get worse? Everything. About the only thing that compares to the eccentric characters in Portwenn is way back to Mayberry RFD. Is Portwenn a British Mayberry? May-be! It's Cornwall corny. And also a Cornwall (filmed in Port Isaac) beautiful quaint fishing port.
Every weird local is back for Series 4. Rude, grumpy Doc (Martin Clunes) still gags at blood; Aunt Joan (Stephanie Cole) is poorer thus less sane; teacher Louisa (Caroline Cutz) has an obvious situation; receptionist Pauline (Katherine Parkinson) is outrageously funny wanting a man, maybe Large Jr., son of Bert Large (Ian McNeice)plumber turned chef (ugh, don't order the soup); and newcomer Edith (Lia Williams)in charge of romantic mayhem. That's just the short-list of a crazy cast that keeps a tapestry of sub-plots moving fast.
A great family series, which does have a 'graphic medical scene' warning due to numerous accidents involving some blood for Doc Martin to gag or spew from. A surgeon afraid of blood is just part of the absurd humor. If you love English seaside village views and homespun humor, this will do & make you beg for more. Episodes carry over to the next and all with SUBTITLES. Some of the best British Doctor Comedy/Drama ever produced.
Need more evidence of greatness? Episode details:
1 BETTER THE DEVIL-Louisa left Portwenn & Doc is out-grouching his own sour records. Doc's ex-girlfriend from med school arrives. Will he soon be London bound? His blood phobia may decide.
2 UNEASY LIES THE HEAD-Louisa returns (much heavier) and town tongues tell tales. She doesn't want Martin involved. Edith becomes Louisa's doctor. Aunt Joan sides with Louisa & tells Doc to do right by her. The school headmaster acts stranger than the routine eccentric of Portwenn.
3 PERISH TOGETHER AS FOOLS-Local copper's bro is ill. There is romance all about--but not what you expect. Doc shows a rare sign of tenderness with seeing the baby scan.
4 DRIVING MR McLYNN-Louisa wants to be school head again, Joan needs money, & Doc tells Edith he applied for a surgery position but...what about the blood?
5 THE DEPARTED-Doc falsifies his blood fear problem in a surgery job interview. Doc's newly widowed patient is talking with her departed. A mental problem? Not uncommon for Portwenn. Joan gets sued.
6 MIDWIFE CRISIS-A midwife & Doc disagree on Louisa's care. Joan is told of Doc's new London job but who should tell Louisa? Bert's restaurant has a new cook, followed by an emergency.
7 DO NOT DISTURB-Word gets out the Doc is leaving Portwenn. Doc accompanies Edith to a conference but it ends differently than expected. Joan starts taking in B&B guests-paying guests.
8 THE WRONG GOODBYE-Doc's last day at Portwenn includes abundant patients, too many expressions of affection, Edith wanting an apology, Aunt Joan's on his back over his unborn baby, and...oh dear, an emergency at an emergency.
Bottom line recommendation: By all means watch it, but after Series 1, 2, & 3. Once you see Series 4, if not already owned, you WILL buy the others. Might as well watch them in order. Treat yourself. Laughter is good medicine.


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He\'s surly, tactless, self-centered, and uptight--but he\'s the only doctor in town.
"A smart, gentle comedy with loads of wit and zest" --The Globe and Mail (Canada)
After his wedding day disaster, Dr. Martin Ellingham (Martin Clunes, Men Behaving Badly) is even grumpier and ruder than before. His former fiancée, Louisa (Caroline Catz, Murder in Suburbia), has left the village to avoid embarrassment. The doctor himself plans to return to London as a surgeon--if he can conquer his fear of blood. But it\'s hard to leave a place as charming and full of eccentric characters as Portwenn.
Matters quickly become complicated when Louisa moves back with startling news. Meanwhile, Martin\'s old flame, Edith Montgomery (Lia Williams), takes a job at the local hospital and sets her sights on the doc. Sparks and rumors fly as patients crowd his office: a shouting oil rigger, the inept local constable, a woman who sees her dead husband\'s ghost, and a man who eats his own hair. Facing all this, will Doc Martin leave Portwenn after all?
Contains graphic medical scenes.

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One Foot in the Grave: Season 5 (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you're considering Season 5, then you already know what a great show this is. I just felt the need to negate another very misleading review. Firstly, the comedy is very, very broad (not dry) yet all reasonable in context. The storylines are interwoven so brilliantly that everything, perversely, makes sense. Secondly, Victor is not a grumpy old man; he's actually a lovely, pleasant man who's constantly baffled and frustrated by an inconsiderate, vulgar world; his mistake is that, instead of ignoring this world, he chooses to confront it in hopes of making change. Thirdly, this series is most certainly not especially for older people. I began watching it just after it began. I wasn't old then, and I'm not even middle-aged now. This is a series for people who love farce and appreciate great writing and acting. And unlike so many comedies, you really won't see what's coming until it's there and you're howling with laughter. Great, great, great show.

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Item Name: One Foot in the Grave: Season 5; Studio:BBC Warner

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Men Behaving Badly - Season 2 (British TV Series) (2000) Review

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(More customer reviews)My wife and I LOVE this British SitCom! Season Two- WOW! It is the Best! Warm and funny, really great! Tony and Gary (the two main characters) are about as "Guy" as you get! You feel touched by these characters even while you laugh at their lame brain antics! Dorothy and Deborah play the love intrests and outsmart the guys every time! The rest of the supporting cast is great also, full of wit and funny banter- It is a bit brash, slightly off-color, and VERY VERY FUNNY! London hilarity! All the characters are unforgetable and you will love each of them! You'll find yourself watching it over and over! AND- You'll find yourself saying "Classic" in no time! Thank You Warner Video for bringing us this wonderful english romp! Thank you Amazon for offering it! I will buy every season offered! 5 STARS EASY!

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MEN BEHAVING BADLY:COMPLETE SERIES 2 - DVD Movie

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Men Behaving Badly - Season 1 (British TV Series) (2000) Review

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(More customer reviews)Harry Enfield doesn't really click in this. ITV made the right choice in essentially rebooting the show with Neil Morrissey. It's still pretty funny though but really you are better off starting with series 2.

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MEN BEHAVING BADLY:COMPLETE SERIES 1 - DVD Movie

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