PARADISE
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Created by Dan Fogelman, this Emmy nominated scifi series set three years after a doomsday event, is a gripping political thriller and dystopian drama starring Sterling K. Brown and James Marsden where Secret Service agent Xavier investigates the murder of former President Bradford in a luxurious, elite bunker community, even coming under suspicion himself. As he searches for answers, he begins to distrust those around him, as shocking revelations come to the fore. Once again flashbacks are utilised, which seems to be a trend of late. It moves between political machinations and survival mode. The story is well-written but could be convoluted at times.
DIRECTOR:
GLENN FICARRA, JOHN REQUA, HANELLE M. CULPEPPER
CAST
STERLING K. BROWN, JAMES MARSDEN, JULIANNE NICHOLSON, NICOLE BRYDON BLOOM, JON BEAVERS
THE ‘90S: THE LAST GREAT DECADE - DOCUMENTARY
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The Nineties were a new beginning for me as I moved my three children from the country to the city. A move we all embraced with enthusiasm. In the USA times were turbulent and uncertain. Through various interviews, it documents the unsung heroes behind the decade’s most riveting stories to the biggest names in politics, tech, movies and music. It was so poignant to listen to Matthew Perry commenting on the rise of pharmaceutical drugs, not only in the film and TV industry, but throughout society. It does lean more to the political as President Bill Clinton had all sorts of accusations aimed at him.
DIRECTOR:
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
CAST
SHANNON DOHERTY, NEVE CAMPBELL, MARTIN SHEEN, SUSAN SARANDON, ICE CUBE, ROSEANNE BAR, MATHEW PERRY
THE BEAUTY
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Based on the Image Comics of the same name, “Body horror” is a description attached to this sci-fi series, which, for a change, has originality and artistry. It is a fascinating addition to the horror genre. When supermodels begin dying in a spectacular fashion, two FBI agents race to uncover a conspiracy that threatens humanity. Partners Drew Foster and Kara Vaughn investigate “the Beauty” STD causing aesthetic effects which prove lethal, evading corrupt officials and a mercenary targeting them amidst a suspected government conspiracy. Repetition is a minor fault in this unusual story.
DIRECTOR:
MICHAEL UPPENDAHL, ALEXIS MARTIN WOODALL
CAST
EVAN PETERS, ASHTON KUTCHER, JEREMY POPE, BELLA HADID, REBECCA HALL, ANHONY RAMOS, ISABELLA ROSSELLINI
DIRTY TALK - DOCUMENTARY
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I must confess that I have never watched the talk show genre longer than about ten minutes and that was due to my only being present when others were viewing them. I didn’t find the humiliation of others entertaining. This revealing documentary series examines the rise, fall and lasting impact of the most sensational era in television talk show history. Hear candid, never-before-told stories from the hosts, producers and insiders who defined the talk TV world, alongside expert analysis that explains why millions tuned in and why guests were willing to unabashedly share it all on national television.
DIRECTOR:
STEPHEN J. MORRISON
CAST
RICKI LAKE, JERRY SPRINGER, MAURY POVICH, MONTEL WILLIAMS, SALLY JESSY RAPHAEL
TELL ME LIES
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This dark drama tells of the toxic, eight-year on-and-off relationship between Lucy Albright and Stephen DeMarco who quickly fall into an addictive entanglement whilst at college, that will permanently alter their lives and the lives of everyone around them. It depicts the psychology of emotional manipulation and gaslighting. One of the negatives that springs to mind is that there were very few likeable characters.
DIRECTOR:
ED LILLY, TYNE RAFAELI, SAM BOYD
CAST
GRACE VAN PATTEN, JACKSON WHITE, CATHERINE MISSAL, SPENCER HOUSE, SONIA MENA, ALISON CROWDER
BETWEEN WALLS - MEXICO
(Entre Paredes)
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This is an easy, delightful story of Marga and Martín who match on a dating app without realising that soon they will live next door to each other. Despite their chemistry, they focus on their decision to remain friends rather than pursue a romantic relationship due to an unspoken rule against dating neighbours, but feelings grow harder to ignore. I love the quirky characters living in their building. They each have their own story, which gives the film depth, a feature most romantic comedies lack. Grab a pitcher of margarita to get into the Mexican mood.
DIRECTOR:
NOE SANTILLAN-LOPEZ
CAST
CHRISTIAN VASQUEZ, MARIANNA BURELLI, AISLINN DERBEZ, GUISEPPE GAMBA, ANA LAYEVSKA
WELCOME TO WREXHAM - DOCUMENTARY
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Liverpool legend Bill Shankly is reported to have said “Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.” And it appears to be in this case when Hollywood actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds purchase Wrexham AFC, one of the UK’s oldest football clubs. Welcome to Wrexham chronicles the takeover and follow the Red Dragons’ fortunes. It’s an entertaining documentary about a club from Wales in the second tier of the English football league, and its gone to five seasons! Great viewing about the “world game.” Getting excited for the World Cup in June.
DIRECTOR:
BRYAN ROWLAND
CAST
RYAN REYNOLDS, ROB MCELHENNEY
CHAD POWERS
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American Football is not a game I’m totally familiar with. But I did have a memorable travel experience in Brooklyn back in 2015 when I went to a small beer tasting bar for the Superbowl and, once my accent had been detected, had the game explained to me by everyone there. After a few tastings I wandered off through the snow to Popeye’s Chicken not really any wiser. Based on a popular fictional sketch from ESPN’s Eli’s Places, this is a hilarious comedy where disgraced quarterback Russ Holliday disguises himself, with the help of the team mascot, to play for a struggling Southern college team to revive his football career. Even though I’m not fully up to speed with the rules etc., I did find this entertaining. I do have a favourite team… The Green Bay Packers, but I have no idea how that came to be.
DIRECTOR:
TONY YACENDA, PAYMAN BENZ, MICHAEL WALDRON
CAST
GLEN POWELL, PERRY MATTFELD, STEVE ZAHN, WYNN EVERETT, FRANKIE A. RODRIGUEZ, CLAYNE CRAWFORD
RINGO: GLORY AND DEATH – ARGENTINA
(Ringo: Gloria y Muerte)
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Sticking with the sporting theme, this follows the life of the Argentine boxer Oscar “Ringo” Bonavena to recount his rise, the glory of his success and his decline. It blends 1970s Reno, Nevada mob drama with his early life in Buenos Aires, highlighting his charisma, excessive ambition, and the brutal, criminal, boxing, world of the 1970s. It captures the contrast between his stardom in Argentina and his fatal, final days in seedy Reno. Although I’m not fond of boxing, this is an interesting tale of fame and not a lot of fortune, which I’ve gleaned is par for the course in this arena.
DIRECTOR:
NICOLAS PEREZ VEIGA
CAST
JERONIMO BOSIA, DELFINA CHAVES, LUCILA GANDOLFO, RENATO QUATTORDIO, MARTIN SLIPAK, LAUTARO BETTONI
BROTHERS AND SISTERS
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There’s a great ensemble cast attached to this drama which centres on the lives of LA based family The Walkers as they learn to deal with the death of their patriarch who heads up the family business. Sally Field won an Emmy Award for her role as resilient matriarch, Nora Walker, with Rachel Griffiths also receiving Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her role as daughter, Sarah. The story revolves around romantic relationships, the control of the business and the rivalries between the siblings. But the situation really gets interesting when it is revealed that patriarch, William, also has a mistress and a daughter. There are five seasons available for a good binge session.
DIRECTOR:
KEN OLIN, MICHAEL MORRIS, MICHAEL SCHULTZ, BETHANY ROONEY
CAST
SALLY FIELD, DAVE ANNABLE, CALISTA FLOCKHART, RACHEL GRIFFITHS, RON RIFKIN, MATTHEW RHYS, BALTHAZAR GETTY, ROB LOWE, SARAH JANE MORRIS, LUKE GRIMES, KEN OLIN