Lately I've Been Watching

The latest in my series of mini TV and film reviews, with trailers and 'where to watch'.  If you have trouble finding where any show/film is available in your country, this is a good site: Justwatch.  Just put the name of the show into the search, and choose your country further down, from the drop-down menu.  It shows where you can stream, buy or rent.  

However... I've found it to be not absolutely up to date at all times.  Sometimes I've had better results simply putting 'where can I watch ***' into the search engine, or going to the programme's own site, if it has one.

If you would like to see more posts, please click here: Lately I've Been Watching.  If you get as far as the bottom, 'Older Posts' will take you to more.

Series:  Yellowstone  - Season 4

5* and a little bit more.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Paramount)

The continuing story of the Dutton family - the 21st Century version of Dallas, set in Montana: John Dutton (Kevin Costner) and his family are wealthy ranch owners permanently engaged in wrangles with Native Americans who want their land back and massive money-hungry corporations who want to 'develop' the area, ultimately destroying the way of life that has continued for so long.  All this, mixed in with deep-rooted family problems that nobody can resolve.

Kelly Reilly continues to be fabulous as the fiery, couldn't give a f*** Beth Dutton, while Monica Dutton (wife of the gorgeous Kayce - Luke Grimes) continues to be a whining PITA despite being beautiful, rich, loved, etc etc.   The scenery is spectacular as ever, the plot developments are unpredictable and believeable, and I think this was possibly the best season yet - if you're a horse lover, you'll adore it.  It's really, really good.  If you haven't seen it yet, you have a treat in store. 

Mini Series: The Billion Dollar Code  

4.5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Netflix)

A four-part fictional adaptation of the true story of Joachim Sauter - a visionary young man living in Berlin whose company gained backing (in 1993) to develop TerraVision, which was the forerunner to Google Earth.  The story centres around the 2014-2017 patent infringement lawsuit against Google, who were said to have stolen the idea and algorithm from Sauter's company, via another Silicon Valley mogul who pretended to be a great guy.  German, dubbed into English.  Very good indeed!

Series:  Animal Kingdom - Season 6

5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Amazon)

The final season of this series about a family of criminals (clever and brilliantly executed heists), headed by matriarch Janine Cody - previously played by Ellen Barkin, but apparently the studios felt she was too old (or so I've read), so they killed her off and have, over the last two seasons, told the (most absorbing) backstory about her with Leila George playing her younger self. 

The series is set in California, with a surfing and drugs theme.  Very much enjoyed every season, highly recommended.  Also, eye candy in the form of Ben Robson, as the motorbiking Craig Cody whose life takes on a new meaning when his son is born.

Series:  Moonhaven - Season 1

5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Amazon, AMC+)

New series, and it's a winner.  Set in the long distant future, when human life on Earth has become a dystopian nightmare with warring factions, etc.  On the moon, AI has provided a solution - a utopian community intended to develop the technology and cultural means to save a ravaged earth.  The story centres around Earth soldier and pilot Bella (Emma McDonald), who I thought was great - the character could have so easily become 'feisty young woman saves the universe', but she's most likable and feels real.  Also stars Dominic Monaghan (Lord of the Rings) as an resident of Moonhaven who believes that everyone's intentions are benign.  Shocks on their way, as you can imagine.

Moonhaven's culture means that children are taken away from their parents at birth, and do not see them again until they're about to die; the community is the family.  This works on the basic theory that families encourage tribalism, which increases the likelihood of wars.   Even as Season 1 comes to a close, though, the people are beginning to realise that family (and tribalism) is something innate within the human psyche; meanwhile, Bella is uncovering the corruption amongst the leaders on earth.  Looking forward to Season 2!

Mini Series: The Thief, his wife and the Canoe

4.5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(ITV hub, britbox)

The true story of John Darwin, who faked his own death, and his wife Anne who helped him do so.  Eddie Marsan (Ray Donovan) stars as Darwin.  Four parts.  Nice appearance of the super-droll Karl Pilkington as a sceptical detective.  Fascinating, tragic story, so well translated into TV drama.

Film: Emily The Criminal

5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Rent: Amazon, Apple and others)

An unexpected gem.  Aubrey Plaza as Emily, who can't get on top of her financial situation because of a minor felony and DUI on her record - until she is offered a way to make some easy money.  Plaza was terrific, perfect for the storyline and completely convincing.  Also stars Theo Rossi ('Juice' Ortiz in Sons of Anarchy).  Good story, great acting, really liked the way it was filmed, too.  Definitely recommend this one!

Mini Series:  The Walk-In

4.5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(ITV hub, britbox)

Five part series based on the true story of former neo-Nazi Matthew Collins (Stephen Graham), now working for humanitarian charity HOPE Not Hate, when he learns about a new far-right group called National Action.  Meanwhile, a friendless, unhappy young man called Robbie Mullen is lured into NA.  At first Mullen is thrilled to be included, but after a while he begins to find their dangerous extremism unacceptable - which is when he contacts Matthew Collins.

Stephen Graham's performance is as compelling as ever; this is a real shocker and contains depictions of real life events, such as the murder of MP Jo Cox.  Scenes showing Collins' life as a young man were most effective; he is haunted by his shady past for which he tries to compensate, every day, while being hounded by his former neo-Nazi allies.  Also stars David Hayman (big thumbs up there) and Jason Flemyng (who I always think is Rhys Ifans).

The only thing I didn't like about it was the sneaky bit of 'nudging' - that lunatic, dangerous far-right and anti-semitic groups also spread conspiracy theories about pharmaceutical companies was dropped in more than once.  I'm sure they do, but being distrustful of pharmaceutical companies does not necessarily mean you are a far-right, violent, anti-semitic nutter.  Sadly, though, many will make the intended connection, even if only subconsciously.

Limited Series: Smith 

4.5*⭐⭐⭐⭐

(iTunes, Amazon)

Series-that-never-was from 2006, starring Ray Liotta, Virginia Madsen, Jonny Lee Miller (Trainspotting) and Chris Bauer (The Wire).  Liotta heads a group of criminals (heists) who also lead 'normal' lives, and face the expected conflict between the two.  Apparently the first season was made, but it was cancelled after only three episodes were shown.  Since then, many viewers clamoured for the whole thing to be shown; it is now available as shown above.  Just a shame that it ends on a brilliant cliffhanger, and we will never know what might have happened!

Series:  The Boys - Season 3

5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Amazon)

The third season of this superhero series is the best so far, I think - and Anthony Starr (Banshee) ought to win all awards available for his portrayal of the psychotic, insecure and totally FUBAR leader of The Seven: the outwardly charismatic Homeland.  

Battling to take them down are The Boys, led by Billy Butcher - played by Karl Urban with a not always realistic London accent.  Incidentally, I only just realised (because someone told me, would never have made the connection) that Urban played Éomer in Lord of the Rings.  Gif below!! 

Limited Series: Dahmer

4*⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Netflix)

Much talked about ten-part series about the life and victims of Jeffrey Dahmer, notorious serial killer.  The acting was great, and it was produced in such a way that it stuck to the true life story.  I liked how they gave some background on some of the victims, which made them more than just names and faces on a list, and also the way in which the timeline meandered back and forth throughout, so that the story built up gradually; something mentioned early on might be shown in more detail later, when it would have more impact.  The effect on the family was illustrated in detail, too, leaving the viewer wondering if he really was 'born like that', as Dahmer himself said, or if other factors were contributory.

Every nook and cranny of the story was explored; this will probably not be a view shared by many, but I felt that some aspects were 'milked' a little.  I think it would have been even better if it had been less soap-drama-ish and more condensed, sharper - maybe six episodes instead of ten.

Documentary: Nothing Compares

4.5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Showtime)

Film about the life and career of Sinéad O'Connor.  I came away from this feeling incredibly sorry for her.  Not least of all that she was unjustly vilified for impulsive actions in her youth, but for how she had so much chaos going on in her head, too, much of it because of childhood ill treatment and the Catholic church.  Never having known much about her before, my impression was that she was a general pain in the arse, angry young woman.  Having watched this, I think she was just ahead of her time.  During her interviews she came across as just a fairly amicable girl who was not at all 'starry', and a little surprised by her success.  I wonder if some of the animosity towards her was because she made people feel uncomfortable; she dared to voice controversial views, whilst being talented, edgy and beautiful.  Often goes down badly, that.

Reality show:  Alone Season 10 - Frozen

4*⭐⭐⭐⭐

(History Channel, Directv)

I'm a great fan of Alone (contestants sent into bleak places to survive alone for as long as they can for a cash prize), but this season ... hmm, not quite so much.  It was set in Arctic Canada in late autumn and winter, with just 6 contestants rather than the usual 10; this time three men and three women who'd competed in previous series.   The fact that they'd already been there/done that resulted in three of them realising they couldn't really be bothered with it, and weren't prepared to go through that hardship all over again, not even for a share in the prize money of half a million dollars.  Two tapped out in the first week, one without having even built a shelter.  Another kept saying 'I must get my shelter finished' but never did, and then decided to go home after all. 

Which just left three, who said the words 'grateful' and 'gratitude' approximately every five minutes, or whenever they looked at the sunrise/found a dead snow hare in one of their snares.  They all said they 'wanted to feel connected to their food', which, apparently, means killing an animal and telling it you're grateful to it for giving its life to you (not that Mr Bunny had much choice), in the hope that you may win said half a million big ones.  

In the first few seasons, the contestants were just regular survival types.  They hunted and got on with it, without the faux-spiritual/new age baloney.   Still love watching it, though.  

Film: Vengeance

3.5* ⭐⭐⭐

(Apple)

Fairly entertaining film written by and starring B J Novak, about a New York journalist who has a few one-nighters with a Texan girl who thinks he's her boyfriend.  When she dies, her family (who also think he was her boyriend) insist he's present for the funeral - and also takes part in searching for her murderer.

Series: The Capture - Season 2

4*⭐⭐⭐⭐

(BBCiplayer, Starz)

UK series revolving around how technology can be used to show, via CCTV, etc that stuff happens that didn't really.  This season, we see the taking down of an MP - an interview on TV that never happened causes uproar.  And yes, this technology really does exist.

Comedy Series: Kevin can f*** himself

4*⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Amazon)

This is a very novel idea!   First we see the situation from dorky, irritating husband Kevin's POV - bright lights, canned laughter - your average sitcom.  Then comes wife Allison's view, and you understand what their life is really like.  It totally works, highly entertaining.

Series: Cobra - Season 2

3.5*  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

(Apple, Sky, Now)

Second season about Cobra - Cabinet Office Briefing Room A, the location in Whitehall where British Prime Ministers hold emergency meetings.  Robert Carlyle plays the PM.  This one is all about cyber attacks and civil unrest.  Like the first season, it's good but, I don't think, goes far enough.  Needs more disaster and less events-being-resolved-quite-quickly for it to be as exciting and compelling as it could be. 

Film: Predestination

3.5* ⭐⭐⭐

(Apple, Virgin, Amazon)

Fairly enjoyable (though completely ridiculous) 2015 film starring Ethan Hawke and Sarah Snook (Succession), about time travel.  Worth watching for a bit of entertainment and escapism.

Limited Series: The Ipcress File

3.5* ⭐⭐⭐

(

The remake of the film of the Len Deighton book, as a series.  It's okay, but I thought it lacked spark, and you can't replace Michael Caine's Harry Palmer with ... anyone at all, really, however many pairs of heavy-rimmed glasses you find in Wardrobe.  Fairly good to watch, but forgettable.

Lately I've Been Watching...

 The latest in my series of mini TV and film reviews, with trailers and 'where to watch'.  If you have trouble finding where any show/film is available in your country, this is a good site: Justwatch.  Just put the name of the show into the search, and choose your country further down, from the drop-down menu.  It shows where you can stream, buy or rent.  Or you can put 'where can I watch ***' into whichever search engine you use, or go to the programme's own site, if it has one.

If you would like to see more posts, please click here: Lately I've Been Watching.  If you get as far as the bottom, 'Older Posts' will take you to more.

Film: Small Engine Repair

5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Google Play/Youtube online, Spectrum TV, also in AMC theatres)

I loved this film.  Drama set in small town America usually ticks a few boxes for me, and Jon Bernthal and Shea Whigham are marvellous as Swaino and Packie, two long-time friends in Manchester, New Hampshire, whose old mate Frank (John Pollono) is getting his life back in order after coming out of jail.  Frank is also trying to repair his relationship with his daughter, Crystal (Ciara Bravo), hindered by visits from his fiery ex-wife, Karen.

Three months after getting out, Frank invites Swaino and Packie round for a special lads' night at his small engine repair premises - beer, a special whiskey, steaks, a boxing match on TV, some blow ... and much more, that they never would have suspected.  Suddenly it turns from a drama about three old buddies and their unresolved issues, into something much, much darker.  As another character says, you have to be careful what you put on the internet, because it's there forever...

Jon Bernthal's Swaino was delightfully like TWD Shane at times (made me feel nostalgic for those early seasons), and he and Shea Whigham performed some of the best 'banter' scenes ever - what terrific actors they both are.  Perfectly written and executed dialogue; a great cinematic pairing.  I notice that Jon produced the film, and that his daughter Adeline played Crystal aged six, in one flashback scene.  

I was slightly disappointed by the ending, but it really is a splendid film and I can't recommend it too highly.

Series: Billions - Season 5

4.5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Stream: Sky, Now, Google Play, buy on Amazon or Apple)

And the story rolls on—I'm not quite as impressed by this show as I was at first; the way everyone speaks in that short, sharp, self-consciously clever fashion has started to get on my nerves a little.  I'm not sure if it's because it's all getting slightly repetitive (you would think Chuck Rhoades would find something other than hating Axe to motivate him, by now), or that my tastes have changed.  Anyway, if you watch this you'll probably already know that Damian Lewis has now made his last appearance (due to developments in his personal life) and that Corey Stoll as Mike Prince is taking over as the person-with-whom-Chuck-and-probably-Taylor-want-to-get-even-with. Stoll is vg as Prince, but he's no Axe; however, I'll continue to watch it, I'm sure! 

Film: The Many Saints of Newark

4.5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(HBO Max)

The early years of Tony Soprano - the younger him is played by Michael Gandolfini, son of James, and very convincing he is too.  The film gives great insight into the old days when Dickie Montisanti (Christopher's father)and Tony's own father ruled the roost, and I was delighted to see Johnny played by Jon Bernthal.  Young Corrado (Uncle Junior) is excellently portrayed by Corey Stoll with a nose extension, while Vera Farmiga plays Livia.  It's jolly good, and made me want to watch the whole of The Sopranos again, from the beginning.  Which I did, over a period of a few weeks, and which of course I award 5* plus yet again :)

Series: Dr Death - one season only

5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Amazon Prime, Peacock streaming service)

I first became aware of Joshua Jackson when he played troubled, betrayed husband Cole Lockhart in The Affair.  Seeing him as Dr Christopher Duntsch, a character who couldn't be less like the lovely Cole, made me realise what an excellent actor he is.  

This is a true story about a neurosurgeon convicted of malpractice.  Patients died or were rendered immobile, but still he was able to continue practicing.  Alex Baldwin and Christian Slater play Doctors Henderson and Kirby, who campaigned to bring him to justice.

It's extremely good, but I warn you that it's upsetting and haunting to see how these poor people suffered in this way, and the fact he was allowed to continue and spin his lies, excusing himself, for such a long time.  The episodes zig-zag between the present and his past, showing how his bizarre and dangerous personality developed; it's a structure that works very well.  Highly recommended.

Series: Animal Kingdom - Season 6

5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Amazon Prime)

The Cody boys find out what life is like without Smurf to hold the crime family together, not just practically but emotionally.  I liked this season a lot, especially because, throughout, the present story alternated with the past, showing how Smurf took herself from single mum of twins (Pope and Julia) living in a trailer, to matriarch of a crime empire.  This took the whole show to another level, I thought.

If you haven't seen this show yet, I recommend!  Ben Robson continues to be totally lush as Craig ;)

Series: Person of Interest - Seasons 1-2

4* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

(UK: Buy only - Apple, Amazon, Google play.  US: Stream on HBO Max)

Mysterious reclusive billionaire computer programmer Harold Finch has developed a programme for the government that will predict terrorist acts, but he decides to use it for another purpose - its ability to predict the perpetrators or victims of other crimes.  He then recruits a former CIA agent to stop these crimes happening.

There are 103 episodes of this across 5 seasons; I've probably watched about a quarter of them.  It's good - I wouldn't totally rave about it but it's definitely worth watching.

The Walking Dead Season 11

(US Stream: Netflix, AMC, fubo DIRECTV & others, UK Stream: Disney +)

Just loved it, and roll on Season 11b, starting on Feb 20, 2022!

Episode 4: Full Review HERE

Episode 5: Full Review HERE

Episode 6: Full Review HERE

Episode 7: Full Review HERE

Episode 8: Full Review HERE

Documentary: The Velvet Underground

4.5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Apple TV)

About the early years of Lou Reed and John Cale, and their creative history.  John Cale and Moe Tucker provide much insight into the life and times, as do others interviewed.  Most fascinating to learn about Cale and Reed's creative processes, and if you're too young to remember the 60s and 70s, it'll make you nostalgic for a time before you were born.

Documentary: Maria by Callas

4* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

(UK stream: Virgin.  US Rent only: Amazon, Apple, Google play & others) 

The life and work of Maria Callas in her own words, using her letters, interviews and performance.  I thought it showed more about her than it would have with a narrator; it's beautifully made.  I never knew that Aristotle Onasis was the love of her life, and she of his; their affair continued during his marriage to Jackie Kennedy. 

She seemed rather lonely, throughout, whatever relationship she was in, whatever was happening in her career. A few times she mentioned sacrificing the possibility of having a family, for her music; then was an aura of sadness about her whenever she did so.     

Film: Cop Shop

3.5* ⭐⭐⭐

(UK Stream Google Play, rent Amazon, Apple, etc.  US Rent Apple, Amazon, lots of others)

Fairly ludicrous action romp set in a police station (hence the name), starring Frank Grillo, Alexis Louder and Gerard Butler, with lots of people getting killed, or getting shot or stabbed but still being able to get up and run around and kill some more people themselves.  You know the sort of thing.  Entertaining, but that's about as far as it goes!

(TWD watch: Secondary stars include Chad L Coleman and Jose Pablo Cantillo - Tyreese and Martinez) 

Documentary: Last Man Standing

4* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

(US Rent: Amazon, Google Play, Apple, DIRECTV.  UK stream: Virgin TV Go.  Buy: Amazon, Apple etc)

Documentary about Suge Knight, Death Row Records, the murders of Tupac and Biggie Smalls, and corrupt LA police officers.  All of which I find oddly intriguing. Some lovely film of the young Tupac, before all this, which was a bit on the heartrending side - how intelligent he was, and how charismatic.

Series: Y The Last Man - Season 1

3* ⭐⭐⭐

(UK Stream: Disney +.  US stream: Hulu)

Deadly virus that only kills men - except for one, the man-baby son of the new president of the all-female world, played by Diane Lane.  How it affects transgender people is something I never quite got my head round (i.e, whether it affected men who used to be women or women who used to be men, and whether it affected people who were or weren't taking which hormones) but I probably wasn't concentrating.  I watched about 4 episodes then gave up on it.  Quite entertaining in parts but I believe it's offended some easily-offended section of the viewing public; it's already been cancelled.

Series: Outlander

3* ⭐⭐⭐ (but do bear in mind how much I've watched; see below!) 

This is more of a bewildered comment than a review.  I know this series is massively popular, lapped up like viewers across continents lap up Downton Abbey, but, as with that, I don't get it.  I've tried to watch it twice now, and been unable to get past half way through episode two.  I love the story idea, the scenery is great, I'm fascinated by the history and I would have loved to know what happened, but I am totally put off by the woman who plays the lead, who is one of the most wooden, unconvincing actresses playing one of the most unlikable characters I've ever seen in a TV drama.  Prissy, patronising, smug, with the demeanour of that teacher you couldn't stand at school—I found myself hoping one of the rebels would run her through with a sword so that we could settle down and watch the rest of it.  I'm guessing that doesn't happen, though.   

Lately I've Been Watching

The latest in my series of mini TV and film reviews, with trailers and 'where to watch'.  If you have trouble finding where any show/film is available in your country, this is a good site: Justwatch.  Just put the of the show into the search, and choose your country further down, from the drop-down menu.  It shows where you can stream, buy or rent.

If you would like to see more posts, please click here: Lately I've Been Watching.  If you get as far as the bottom, 'Older Posts' will take you to more.

Please note the subtle difference between half star ratings; a 3.5 or 4.5 might be rounded up or down, depending on what I thought of the programme.

Series: Animal Kingdom Seasons 1-4 

(Amazon, Google Play, Sky Store)

5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About a criminal family in California, headed by mother Janine 'Smurf' Cody (Ellen Barkin) and her sons Craig (Ben Robson), Deran (Jake Weary), 'Pope' (Shawn Hatosy) and Baz (Scott Speedman).  Smurf's grandson Joshua (Finn Cole) finds himself with no place to go, and becomes sucked into their world.

I got more and more into this as it went on; the heists are great to watch, the dysfunctional family politics grow more and more intriguing, I love how Joshua goes from nervous kid to quietly brilliant criminal mind, and Ben Robson as Craig is tongue-hanging-out gorgeous (see gif below trailer!).  Loved it - I missed them all when it was over.  Can't wait for Season 5 this summer; Season 6 will be the final season.

Film: Animal Kingdom 

(Apple, Google Play, Amazon, Microsoft, Sky Store, Youtube online)

4* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Australian film on which the series above was based.  Far less glamorous but still good - and Ben Mendelsohn plays the 'Pope' character - he's become a favourite actor of mine since he was in Bloodline.

Series: Genius: Picasso 

(via the National Geographic app, Sky Store, Amazon, Chili, Microsoft)

5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ten episodes, about the life, loves and art of Pablo Picasso, from his childhood in Spain in 1885 to his death in the South of France in 1973.  Alex Rich is fabulous as the young man, while Antonio Banderas plays the older version rather magnificently.

Throughout, it alternates between the later years and his earlier life, and these two thread move chronologically until the earlier life catches up - this works so well, and the years and places are always clearly indicated.

The scenery is just beautiful, particularly the Spanish and Parisian streets of the early part of the 20th Century.  I highly recommend this whether you have a particular interest in Picasso or not; I hadn't, but am now looking for the best biography of him!  This is part of the National Geographic's Emmy award winning series; I've started watching #3, about Aretha Franklin.

Series: Snowpiercer - Season 2 (Netflix)

4.5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

For those who don't know, Snowpiercer is a train of over a thousand carriages long that runs around the globe, and is the home of the last survivors in a frozen world.  You need to see S1 first :)

I liked this season better than the first - Sean Bean has appeared as the infamous Mr Wilford, bringing with him Alex, chief engineer Melanie's daughter who she left behind in the freezing world beyond the train.  If you loved the first season, you'll love this too.  The stand-out episode for me was no 6, in which Melanie, sure that the temperature is warming up, leaves the train to do a load of technical stuff to find out if this is indeed the case.... and, it shows the beginning, how Snowpiercer's journey began.

One of those that make you look up to see when S3 is going to be on, as soon as it finishes.

Documentary: No Safe Spaces (Amazon Prime)

5* plus ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

US Comedian and podcast king Adam Corolla and radio host Dennis Prager expose the growing threat to free speech on university campuses and social media, and in your place of work - basically, anything outside that which is acceptable to those who subscribe to the far left woke culture.  Shows much footage of certain speakers being shouted down when invited to give talks at universities, even though open to reasonable, calm discussion.  

From Wikipedia: Some critics reviewed the movie positively. Alan Ng of Film Threat gave the film a 90 and wrote in his review, "When it’s all said and done, this film is offensive only to those who don't want to watch it." Variety's Owen Gleiberman praised the movie's defense of free speech, stating "the most head-turning point made by No Safe Spaces is that today's anti-free-speech radicals, who on many college campuses dominate the discourse, are going to be tomorrow's leaders."

Series: The Plot Against America (Sky Go, Now TV)

4* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Six episodes, based on the book of the same name by Philip Roth. It is set in the US during World War II - but this is 'alternative history'.  Pilot, national hero and suspected Nazi sympathiser Charles Lindbergh challenges FDR for the presidency; FDR is pro-America joining the war, while Lindbergh is against it. Lindbergh is elected POTUS.  He says that it is England and the Jewish community that are trying to force American's entrance into the war.  Divisions in society culminate in the rise of fascism, particularly antisemitism.

The series follows the fate of one Jewish family, the Levins.  Schemes are begun to remove Jews to the rural heartland of America.  I imagined that we would see this taking place, with the new locations more bleak than had been promised, but it was only talked about.  Generally, the whole series was a little on the tame side.  There were reports of riots and violent incidents, protests, arson attacks, but we saw very little of this. The threat of danger was ever-present, but not a great deal happened - for instance, the main male character and his sons stop at a rural shop where they run into a Klu Klux Klan member, but he leaves them alone.

Then Lindbergh's plane crashed, they got a new president, and everything was all right again.  It was good, I enjoyed it and the idea was great, but it lacked impact.

Series: The Young Pope 

(Sky Go, Now TV, or buy as download on Amazon, Rakuten, Google Play)

4.5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jude Law has been chosen as Pope by Cardinals who think that, because he is relatively young and inexperienced, he will be easy to manipulate.  They're so wrong.  He declares that he wants to crack down on corruption, and the opening up of the Vatican to the public; the Cardinals are shocked to realise that he wishes them to live a life of modest and quiet worship.  Unusual and very, very good.

Series: The New Pope 

(Sky Go, or buy to download on Amazon)

5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Actually Season 2 of The Young Pope, but it's got a different name.  Also stars John Malkovitch as the Pope John-Paul III while Pius XIII (Law) is unable to fulfil his duties (no spoilers!).  Both seasons deal with the subjects of corruption and the complicated one of faith, but it's all lighthearted... sort of.  The settings are stunning, and it's beautifully made.  Highly recommend both seasons.  Silvio Orlando as the Secretary of the Vatican State, Cardinal Angleo Voiello, was one of my favourite characters.  When I could stop ogling Jude Law, that is.

Film: Zack's Snyder's Justice League 

(Sky Go, HBO Max, Now TV)

4.5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Four hours long!  Batman (Ben Affleck) is determined to prove that Superman (Henry Cavill)'s last sacrifice was not in vain, so recruits other superheroes to fight against an approaching threat.  Jason Momoa as Aquaman was enough to make me give it a go ...  I thought four hours might be a bit much, but I enjoyed it all the way through.  Great escapism!

  

Film: Godzilla Vs Kong 

(Amazon, Apple - not free yet)

4.5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was a bit dubious about this film as I am not a monsters person (I haven't seen Jurassic Park or anything like that), but it was jolly good.  If you DO like this sort of thing, you'll probably love it.  

Series: Damien 

(Sky Go, Now TV, or buy on Amazon, Google Play, Chili, Microsoft)

4* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

One season only, sadly, from 2016.  Based on the film The Omen.  Ends just as it starts to get really interesting, ie, when Damien accepts what is happening to him.  Still worth watching, though.  Can't imagine why it was cancelled, it's much better than a lot of other rubbish that goes on and on, but there you go!

Trigger warning for Walking Dead fans:  Scott Wilson gets mauled to death by a group of satanic dogs. 😱😱😱

Series: The Walking Dead (AMC+, Amazon, Sky Go, Now TV)

Season 10x20 SPLINTER

4* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Full Review HERE

Season 10x21 DIVERGED

4.5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Full Review HERE

Season 10x22 HERE'S NEGAN

5* plus ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Full Review HERE

Documentary:White Riot (Amazon Prime)

4.5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the Rock Against Racism movement of the late 1970s - this was how such things were done then, with no social media or mobile phones!  Lots of archive footage and interviews with those involved, then and now.  Fascinating, and a great trip back in time for us oldies.

Film: The Toll (Amazon, iTunes, Vudu)

3* ⭐⭐⭐

Horror film about a woman who gets picked up in an Uber by a driver who seems a bit weird at first - until they break down on a lonely road and a lot of much more weird stuff starts happening.  Of its type, I thought at first that it was going to be good, but it got sillier and sillier.  It was okay.  If you like daft scary supernatural stuff, you may love it.