stevenaaus

Totally beautiful, fantastical and entertaining adaption of the biblical flood myth was always going to rub the self-righteous and tight-collared up the wrong way. And pre-industrial era coarseness is always hard for the sensitive to take.

But this movie is easily an 8 on any scale, and for me a 10. Highlights include the stellar cast's noble gravitas, amazing visuals and effects, strong story and moody soundtrack. I personally loved the bizarre fallen angels. A truly outstanding and imaginative epic.

The only downside for me... Emma Watson is well cast, but as always, just a little out of her depth.

Shown as "Fire Over Africa", this is a totally underrated gem of a period movie. Set in Tangiers, Morocco, this beautifully shot and intriguing spy movie has a lot going for it. Faultless acting, huge support cast, exotic African locations and plot twists are on show from start to finish, with hardly time to draw breath.

Perhaps other reviewers are influenced by the stars' reputations, and O'Hara's slightly unbelievable role, but only the most hardcore spy aficionado would draw ire surely. The dialog is very smart, charismatic and believable. Just O'Hara's glamorous presence that is slightly at odds, but it makes the movie much more enjoyable than the usual dry espionage potboiler. Binnie Barnes as the glamorous establishment-owner also deserves special mention.

The ending is excellent for the genre - very exciting and believable - where many movies come short, trying to tie up all the loose ends.

These old on-location movies are real gems nowadays, retaining so much of the real old-world character and authenticity that modern movies can't portray. This one has a cracker plot and tempo to boot. Great stuff. 8.5/10.

How does one go to such an iconic tourist destination as Turkey and make such a mediocre documentary? OK.. I'm only two episodes in, but it's hard to imagine this formulaic series springing any surprises.

It's certainly competently done, but that's the problem. Alice with her glaring, out-of-place pink hairdo, strolls around all the definitive tourist locations, reciting hollow historical spiels with token guides, and big serving of sprawling Turkish suburbia interwoven. I mean, perhaps this is inevitable, but - for example - 15 excruciating seconds on some outdoor public escalator. Really?

So, sure, I've never been to Turkey. But it's long fascinated me. Surely a more intriguing approach is possible for this seasoned travel team.