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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)

A View to a Kill, a review by Rich

A View to a Kill





Unconvincing and dated plot and a tired Moore in a corset as Bond, made this outing slightly below par. There is still plenty of action and memorable excitement, the scenes around the Eiffel Tower and the opening skiing shots especially. Walken, McNee and Grace Jones are welcome additions to the 007 film series, Tanya Roberts an unmitigated disaster.
The best part of the film is of course the superb role of Alison Doody as Jenny Flex, who can forget these immortal lines on meeting Bond?;

Jenny approaches Bond wearing tight Jodhpurs outside Zorins residence...

Jenny - Good afternoon, I'm Jenny Flex
Bond - of course you are (raises eyebrow)
walks up stairs...
Bond - I expect you spend a lot of time in the saddle
Jenny - Oh I love an early morning ride
Bond - I'm an early riser myself (raises eyebrow)

Classic lines, not sure if they could get away with so easily now.

Overall though as Moores last outing, this movie does not deliver enough punch, and the storyline has proved flimsy and dated.
 



(From Riches Random Reviews on May 13th, 2009)

Grey's Anatomy Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

21. Desire
When the Chairman of the hospital board is admitted as a patient, the residents seize the opportunity to vie for Richard's position. Burke struggles to involve Cristina in the wedding planning. As things heat up between Addison and Alex, Derek begins to question his relationship with Meredith.

My Thoughts:
I thought this was going to be another somewhat boring episode dealing with the doctor's private lives. Then something happend to bring this one up above an average episode. That is the main medical case. A guy (Chairman of the Board at the hospital) gets a parasite while at the Amazon. But what a parasite! this is a good sized fish that is attracted to urine... and swam up into the guy's manhood. talk about OUCH!

My Rating:

22. The Other Side Of This Life - Part One
Addison makes a road trip to Los Angeles in order to visit some old friends from medical school. Cristina and Burke's mothers both have their own ideas for the wedding, much to the dismay of Cristina. Spending time at the Oceanside Wellness Group in California leads Addison to make an important life decision.

My Thoughts:
If I am not mistaken... this is the first part for the episodes that has the character Addison getting her own spin-off series called Private Practice. While I enjoyed the episode... at this point I do not know if I will bother adding her series to my collection.

My Rating:

23. The Other Side Of This Life - Part Two
A case of hiccups helps Meredith bond with her stepmother. George contemplates requesting a transfer to another hospital rather than deal with seeing Izzie every day. In Los Angeles, Addison comes to terms with her infertility and finds comfort in her new friends. A shocking turn of events with a patient devastates Meredith.

My Thoughts:
I have to admit... the storyline as well as the cast for Private Practice has grown on me a bit. I may have to consider checking out the series... possibly getting the season 1 set. The storyline involving Meredith's step-mother actually surprised me. But a good episode... I enjoyed it.

My Rating:

24. Testing 1 - 2 - 3
While the interns take the biggest test of their careers, their first-year medical exams, the residents must attend to three injured mountain climbers. Callie's suspicions of George and Izzie grow, and Cristina finds writing her wedding vows even more difficult than she thought.

My Thoughts:
Well... you can tell it is towards the end of the season. This is an excellent episode with cliffhangers to a few of the different storyline. I really liked the story of the mountain climbers... and I really can't wait to hear more on that one.

My Rating:

25. Didn't We Almost Have It All
A successor to the Chief is finally named as Cristina and Burke's wedding day arrives. And with the results from the medical exams being announced, Callie and George face a huge decision about their futures.

My Thoughts:
While this was still a right good episode... I expected more from a season finale. There is a couple of storylines that I am looking forward to seeing advance. But for the most part it felt like it was trying too hard to give us a great show and ended up not being able to follow through.

My Rating:

(From Grey's Anatomy Marathon on September 17th, 2009)