RachelMary2
Joined Jan 2013
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Reviews96
RachelMary2's rating
The cast for this was really strong, but it was a really disappointing watch.
The "story" was just silly, certainly nowhere near 6 episodes worth; it could have been much more interesting if the neighbours and family characters and stories had been better developed rather than half-concocted and thrown in for filler.
The reason I've given it 4 stars is because of the amazing imagination that went into depicting Leeds. Amazing houses that looked like they belonged in Australia, along with a climate where it only rained once and shorts were out in force. I don't know how a journalist and a teacher were able to afford the fancy Australian/ Leeds house but it was often more interesting to consider this question than actually concentrate on the silliness on screen.
If they'd forgotten about the main four characters (I know I soon will), and made a series focused on the entwining lives of the neighbours and families connected by the street that would have been much more entertaining.
The "story" was just silly, certainly nowhere near 6 episodes worth; it could have been much more interesting if the neighbours and family characters and stories had been better developed rather than half-concocted and thrown in for filler.
The reason I've given it 4 stars is because of the amazing imagination that went into depicting Leeds. Amazing houses that looked like they belonged in Australia, along with a climate where it only rained once and shorts were out in force. I don't know how a journalist and a teacher were able to afford the fancy Australian/ Leeds house but it was often more interesting to consider this question than actually concentrate on the silliness on screen.
If they'd forgotten about the main four characters (I know I soon will), and made a series focused on the entwining lives of the neighbours and families connected by the street that would have been much more entertaining.
Idris Elba and Kate Winslet leading in a survival movie?! I was well up for that but quickly lost enthusiasm.
I didn't actually make it to the end of the film. I kept trying but I became less and less interested in what was going on and then realised I really didn't want to bother with the ending.
Even suspending reality, a survival movie needs a bit of grit. It was all just very bland and there was zero chemistry between the leads. I genuinely felt the dog was more interesting to watch. Two outstanding acting talents and it just wasn't happening.
The scenery was lovely, so that was a positive.
I didn't actually make it to the end of the film. I kept trying but I became less and less interested in what was going on and then realised I really didn't want to bother with the ending.
Even suspending reality, a survival movie needs a bit of grit. It was all just very bland and there was zero chemistry between the leads. I genuinely felt the dog was more interesting to watch. Two outstanding acting talents and it just wasn't happening.
The scenery was lovely, so that was a positive.
I like Natalie Dormer, but not in this. It was one of those series that relies on violins to create a sense of drama and a repeated set of facial expressions from the main actors (especially her!) that end up being quite boring.
If they hadn't tried to stretch this to 8 episodes it could have been good- all the elements were there with a strong cast, etc. And it was interesting to see a South African series and setting.
The character of Jamie was of particular annoyance, there was a subtlety with the other characters that I didn't feel from her. The last episode, which I'd felt dragged into and relief to finally get there, was a let down. It's like someone pressed half speed from episode two and then fast forward right at the end. Unsatisfying.
There was also a sense of imbalance with the characters. Several were really intriguing, like Robert, but their stories were sort of forgotten about and instead we returned to less intriguing facial expressions. There were also plot elements that were just nonsensical- an example of a series where less would have been more.
If they hadn't tried to stretch this to 8 episodes it could have been good- all the elements were there with a strong cast, etc. And it was interesting to see a South African series and setting.
The character of Jamie was of particular annoyance, there was a subtlety with the other characters that I didn't feel from her. The last episode, which I'd felt dragged into and relief to finally get there, was a let down. It's like someone pressed half speed from episode two and then fast forward right at the end. Unsatisfying.
There was also a sense of imbalance with the characters. Several were really intriguing, like Robert, but their stories were sort of forgotten about and instead we returned to less intriguing facial expressions. There were also plot elements that were just nonsensical- an example of a series where less would have been more.