Mary Aris

When a TV show grips you from the outset, you know it will be a good one. The one that comes to mind The Affair - most of it set in Montauk but expands into NYC as we followed the lives of a wealthy family who have secrets. This was the expectation for The Perfect Couple. Not so. The story is weak but the acting and direction are even weaker. Sadly Nicole Kidman’s hair plays a better role than she. The characters are one dimensional, the tension is lacking. The best performances are from Liev Schreiber and the convincing Dakota Fanning. While the story has all the accoutrements to make it an interesting drama including setting the drama against a back drop of Nantucket with beautiful seascapes and sunsets and a rather beautiful family home, there is almost a ho hum element even when the killer is revealed.

The first two seasons were bearable. Having sat through the second half of part three I am completely appalled at every puerile aspect of what has been served up. Ribald sex scenes are completely gratuitous and do nothing to contribute to the drama - plot is weak and one cannot suspend a scintilla of disbelief - especially the scenes of the totally ridiculous sexual exploits of the trio. What started as a fairly half decent program has ended in the gutter. Bad acting, bad plot and such a yawn.

I cannot believe that this film has received any positive comments at all. The plot is totally corny. The dialogue is puerile and trying to suspend my disbelief was just too much. Please don’t waste your time. If you thought, as I did, that Ticket to Paradise was pathetic, this film makes that one look enjoyable. Two stars.

The magic of the Bernstein music that weaves its way through the masterpiece of this film is outstanding. It is the glue that binds the characters in what is a masterfully scripted film. The genius of Bradley Cooper has captured so artfully the embodiment of Leonard Bernstein. His beautiful interpretation is full of energy and verve that was Bernstein but with an underlying and haunting sadness of a man whose love for his wife wasn’t enough given his attraction to men of his sexual persuasion. Carey Mulligan is brilliant as Felicia who has to carry the burden of knowing the very depth of Bernstein’s character. This film is beautifully crafted with sensitivity and subtlety. The acting is superb, exquisitely presented with early scenes in black and white followed by a very gentle almost unnoticeable change into colour. Five stars from me.

2022 Great British Menu. Superbly enjoyable. After watching all of the regional episodes, the banquet was spectacular and hosted by the wonderful Andi Oliver. Congratulations to the four amazingly talented Chefs. Congratulations to Winner Chef Spencer. A well deserved win. Congrats to the Chefs for their support with each of the Course presentations. I was particularly impressed with Chef Sally’s steady overseeing of Service. She didn’t miss a beat. Congrats to all of the Regional Chef Judges and well done to Tom Kerridge and his team of tasting Judges. Very entertaining. Well done all. A thoroughly enjoyable show from start to finish. Mary Aris

The show is very well done. Branagh is excellent. I started watching today and realised why I can’t cope with it and the reason I stopped watching it. This might sound petty but the constant ring tone of Wallander’s phone is totally irritating and it is difficult not to be distracted by it as it featured in almost every scene.

This show is exceptionally good. Food from all places in the World. Some observations. May I respectfully suggest that sub titles not be in white print. White print disappears in a white background and limits reading with any comprehension. Currently watching program on Turkey’s food. Fascinating and beautifully turned out food but not enough information on the food ingredients. There seems not to be enough descriptions on the food techniques. Beautiful plates of food but no explanation of what the dishes are. Being of Greek heritage, I know about kofta and dolmas but I want to know about the dishes being presented. This is a fascinating program. Bravo Netflix.

In this beautifully crafted film, rural life in Ireland is focussed on this young girl, whose life is challenged in a family that is steeped in poverty in what has many elements of a dysfunctional environment. Whilst a sadness and indeed an element of hopelessness is cleverly woven throughout this film, there are snippets of Irish humour. There is a calmness in the quiet girl’s demeanour that envelopes the viewer. There is kindness of the distant relatives who foster her and in a very subtle way, give her warmth and love while at the same time, in the rhythm of rural life, they teach her how to perform domestic and farm chores. Their quiet dedication and her quiet willingness to participate in these activities, endears her to the viewer and draws the viewer closer to their sadness. This is a magnificent portrayal of the banality of life which is subtly etched in the genius of direction, dialogue and the superb cinematography.

The acting was good. The premise is flawed. How could the Director be so Sloppy to cast two women who are supposed to be the same person who have absolutely no recognisably similar features. Suspension of disbelief is stretched to the limit. At least they could have been the same height. Deeply disappointing.

This movie is very appealing. The story line’s originality kept my interest as the characters developed through what seems like a very natural interplay. The acting is deliciously natural as is the dialogue. There is a quietness in the cinematography which sustains and envelopes the mood of both characters. The subtlety of the musical score also adds to the quietness of the movie’s tempo. A very beautiful movie with a resolution that is underplayed and restrained.