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Notes on a Scandal, a review by Jon

Notes on a Scandal
4 out of 5

I felt compelled to highlight this film. You may read the overview or even the reviews and feel that although it may be worthy of all the praise, it doesn't really appeal. A short (87 minutes) British drama about a school teacher's affair with a pupil doesn't leap out as essential viewing, but it really is.

This film is worth seeing for several reasons. The note perfect acting from the whole cast is one, the sublime writing another, but I enjoyed it almost as a thriller. That's the last thing I thought I'd be describing it as, but Judi Dench portrays such a potent menacing threat as Barbara it certainly comes very close. And like the best villains, Barbara doesn't know herself.

That's what is so good about the writing; the plot is often advanced by what is not said, rather than by what is. A great deal of the tone is provided by Barbara and her diary (the titular "Notes"), written in beautifully descriptive language, but unusually for narration, it isn't the voice of the film. Her problems are very clear to the viewer. Also other angles are emphasised by overheard comments from supporting characters who aren't always on screen.

It's a very adult film. Concise, to the point, with clear distinct lines and tackling moral issues head on without any sugar coating. A masterclass in screen acting, I couldn't recommend it as an enjoyable story because it's a grim situation, but it's engrossing. And Judi Dench is scary!

(From Notes on a Scandal on November 4th, 2007)

Mr. Destiny, a review by Rich

Mr. Destiny



Imagine if one day, out of the blue, your wildest dreams came true! That's exactly what happens to junior executive Larry Burrows (James Belushi - 'Taking Care Of Business') when he bumps into a mysterious stranger (Michael Caine - 'Miss Congeniality', 'The Cider House Rules'). Instantly, Larry's ho-hum life becomes his ultimate fantasy - huge mansion, beautiful wife, cars galore! But before long, his new lifestyle isn't so enchanting. Ultimately, Larry discovers it's going to take a lot more than wishful thinking to get back to where he once belonged! Co-starring 'Terminator 2's' Linda Hamilton and comedian Jon Lovitz ('Little Nicky', 'Rat Race'), 'Mr. Destiny' is a delightful rags-to-riches comedy brimming with totally magical entertainment!

(From Riches Random Reviews on August 3rd, 2009)

Tom's TV Pilots marathon, a review by Tom

Dexter: Season One (2006/United States) IMDb | Wikipedia Showtime Entertainment (United States) Length: 652 min. Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78 Audio: English: Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround, English: Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital 1, Commentary: Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo Subtitles:

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Plot:Six Feet Under), Dexter is one of the most critically acclaimed, must-see television shows of the year! Like no other crime drama you've seen before, this horrifying and intoxicating DVD includes all 12 riveting Season One episodes and a host of delightfully twisted special features.


Dexter
1.01 Dexter (2006-10-01)
Writer: James Manos, Jr. (Screenwriter), Jeff Lindsay (Original Material By)
Director: Michael Cuesta
Cast: Michael C. Hall (Dexter Morgan), Julie Benz (Rita Bennett), Jennifer Carpenter (Debra Morgan), Erik King (Sgt. Doakes), Lauren Velez (Lt. Maria La Guerta), David Zayas (Angel Batista), James Remar (Harry Morgan), C. S. Lee (Vincent Masuka), Jim Abele (Mike Donovan), Margo Martindale (Camilla), Dominic Janes (Young Dexter), Christina Robinson (Astor), Daniel Goldman (Cody), Patrick Michael Buckley (Officer Oliver), Ethan Smith (Jaworski), Susie Taylor (Detective Sue), Marc MaCaulay (Detective), Devon Graye (Teenage Dexter), Justin Kane (Officer Simon), Neeona Neel (Jane Saunders), Jeanne Tidwell (Mrs. Donovan), Roy Rutland (Desk Sergeant)

This is a good series. But just not something which really clicked for me. I never had the urge to watch the next episode and if I wouldn't have watched it together with my brother, I am not sure if I would have finished watching it. I never bothered to pick up further seasons.

Rating:

(From Tom's TV Pilots marathon on April 3rd, 2011)