- ‘The Serpent Queen’ review: Samantha Morton drama lives in the shadow of its contemporaries
For audiences keen on rabble-rousing historical romps, jam-packed with political intrigue and copious coupling The Serpent Queen — which launches on Starzplay from 11 September — might just make a few watch lists. Read more at: https://uk.news.yahoo.com/the-serpent-queen-review-samantha-morton-drama-shadow-contemporaries-102602027.html - ‘The Girl From Plainville’ review: Elle Fanning shines in otherwise mediocre drama
Do words really possess the power of a poised pistol? That dilemma dominates The Girl from Plainville, a new long form series due launching on Starzplay from Sunday, 10 July. Documenting as it does the real life legal case of Michelle Carter (Elle Fanning), an American teenager, who in 2017 stood trial for the involuntary manslaughter … - ‘Tokyo Vice’ review: Ponderous Ansel Elgort thriller lacks drama
With all the precision of a veteran auteur, Miami Vice’s executive producer Michael Mann brings oriental syndicates and Western sensibilities together in Tokyo Vice. A limited series which lands on Starzplay from 15 May, headlined by Ansel Elgort (Jake Adelstein) and Ken Watanabe (Hiroto Katagiri). Based on a memoir from Jake Adelstein, who spent most of his career in Japan …Continue reading “‘Tokyo Vice’ review: Ponderous Ansel Elgort thriller lacks drama”
- The Stand Episode 6 Review – ‘The Vigil’
Hellish visitations, cannibalistic elevator rides and copulating extras define episode six of The Stand. Randall Flagg continues making his presence felt as finally he crosses paths with Mother Abagail. Like the serpent who tempted Adam and Eve, his words are hollow promises, his actions cloaked in self-interest. Manipulating his minions to influence the outcome of those … - The Stand Episode 5 Review – ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’
There is a decadence to the world of Randall Flagg which provides this show with some precious life blood. Ensconced within an ivory tower of gaudy extravagance, he surveys the domain like a feudal lord, bestowing leniency upon his subjects. That this perfect personification of hell exists in the barren dust bowl which is Las …Continue reading “The Stand Episode 5 Review – ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’”
- The Stand Episode 4 Review – ‘The House of the Dead’
The fragmentary nature of this series is making it hard work. Good performances which might be great are never given a chance to breathe. By employing flashback to interlink characters, provide context and engage the audience drama gets diminished. Whether we are talking town hall meetings or solemn voiceovers everything remains at a distance. Alliances …Continue reading “The Stand Episode 4 Review – ‘The House of the Dead’”
- The Stand Episode 3 Review – ‘Blank Pages’
Heaven and hell clash as Ouija board prophecies and biblical references start trickling into The Stand. Back stories continue coming thick and fast as the use of judicious flashback gives audiences a deeper understanding of Nadine Cross. Elsewhere Stu Redman, Fran Goldsmith and Harold Lauder fleetingly cross paths on their way to Boulder. Such is the meandering nature of this expansive narrative …Continue reading “The Stand Episode 3 Review – ‘Blank Pages’”
- The Stand Episode 2 Review – ‘Pocket Saviour’
Apathy after episode one has been replaced with a new found curiosity as The Stand finds its feet. After the tedious opener which felt protracted and lacking in drama, ‘Pocket Saviour’ establishes context as pieces begin falling into place. Much of this comes from a clarity of structure which uses each episode to introduce pivotal characters onto a broader …Continue reading “The Stand Episode 2 Review – ‘Pocket Saviour’”
- The Stand Episode 1 Review – ‘The End’This post pandemic Sunday night thriller adapted from the Stephen King tome pulls no punches. Jumping back and forth in time to establish character its pedestrian pacing might put some people off. Individuals are dying in their homes or being used for landfill, while quiet desperation infiltrates every frame. Necessary narrative digressions throughout episode one might be essential, …