Barbara Ewart

No one will ever say Bill Murray is a singer of songs, but his enthusiasm, humor & earnest overcomes any shortcoming. Joining him are violinist Mia Wang, cellist Jan Vogler, and pianist Vanessa Perez; each a singular talent that adds their own tone to every carefully curated piece of music. Everything fits together seamlessly against the stunning backdrop of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens, Greece. I can honestly say after watching the production, I wish I'd been in the audience. Bill brings 'je ne sais quoi' moments throughout. Humor & pathos seamlessly bound together.

With each new episode I'm intrigued by Eddie Redmayne as The Jackal. Initially I was skeptical that the young man who embodied Stephen Hawking and the JK Rowling character Newt Scamander could become the dispassionate assassin. I was wrong. I've allowed for this modern interpretation of the Frederick Forsyth book to be reimagined for the 21st Century. Eddie Redmayne has overcome my skepticism. He has elevated himself into the realm of a plausible killer. Time will tell if his ruthlessness will resolve the betrayal by his "family" members, who have meddled themselves into his secrets. As Arte Johnson would say, "Very interesting."

It was Max Winkler's association with this project that intrigued me. After watching the first two episodes, I think they have a winning cast, although seeing Courtney B Vance through backstory is disappointing. The storyline catches the attention & the interactions of the cast is holding my interest. I hope the promise of what lies ahead will be fulfilled. 10 episodes will tell the story whether Grotesquerie is renewed.🤞

LA is a little more jaded, the palm trees are showing the ravages of heat, but Axel is as colorful & fast-talking as ever. Good to see Billy, Taggart & Serge. MIA Ronnie Cox said, “They wanted me to be in Beverly Hills Cop III, but… I read the script.” Okay. Nuff said. This BHC kept moving along, relentless pacing. I watched both to see Eddie again & as a diversion from American politics. Satisfied it accomplished both. I can't say it surpassed the original, but if you're nostalgic for Axel's hijinx, it'll get you there. ☆☆☆☆ 😎

I wondered what character traits Carrie Preston would bring to Elsbeth, and she hasn't disappointed. I first remember her as 'Grace Hendricks/Ellsworth' in Person of Interest, who becomes involved with Michael Emerson's character 'Harold Finch/Martin'. It was as convoluted a relationship as any in TV dramas. In this role as Elsbeth Tascioni, Carrie Preston has an opportunity to let her wild child out. She's disarmingly coy while being slyly savvy, so Elsbeth often finds those who should be wary of how wily she is, thinking Elsbeth is simple & guileless. The plot generally revolves around Elsbeth investigating NYPD Police Captain Wagner, played by Wendell Pierce, for the DOJ. Captain Wagner finds her at first annoyingly disconcerting, but eventually recognizes her definite investigative skillset. Her fashion sense is that of NYC style maven, the late Iris Apfel; i.e. things that shouldn't go together, work. Much like Elsbeth's investigative style. I'm not one for writing reviews, but I can say I was happy to see Elsbeth renewed for a second season. I'm a fan of indiosyncratic characters like Columbo, Monk and the character Bell Prescott, played by Luke Kirby, in Panhandle. "Elsbeth" came to this series after building her character cred in The Good Wife & its spinoff The Good Fight. I'm enjoying Elsbeth & the good ensemble cast with her. Let it build from here.

A slow move through a lackluster script. The promise of a stellar cast that never delivers. A far cry from Bogie's Marlowe. I'm a big one for 'continuity', so when Nico Peterson was carrying the coal oil lamp in studio storage room, a closer look showed the lamp had no oil in it. YET, at the critical moment when Clare picked up the lamp to burn Nico & the "papers", suddenly the lamp was half full of oil. That's poor continuity. I'm a Liam Neeson fan. Marlowe was not up to his best work.

I've followed the show since the 2021 season started, and was a little disappointed/put off, not at the premise but at the inconsistent pace of Sara Haines asking questions. She has improved. Best episode so far was Jun. 20, 2021, when all three contestants faced off against Chaser (James Holzhauer), two of them having taken his 'higher offer'. The three then went on to beat the Chaser in the final, winning $660,000 dollars. I was surprised because was against Chaser James Holzhauer! I thought his game would be stronger. I thought the last game, where the sole female contestant defeated Brad Rutter was exceptional. She was very clever. I'm just enjoying the Sunday July 4th game, which I pvr'd. Overall, I like all four Chasers. Though I was unfamiliar with Mark Labbett (The Beast), he's proved an asset to the other three, and their banter is great. I'll continue to watch 'The Chase' because it and 'Jeopardy!' because they're both interesting and help exercise mental acuity. Well done. 👍

Excellent plot, cast, and cinematography. It was a straightforward crime drama with great visual effects, that weren't 'campy' like some of the 1960s movies. Put David Hemmings & Vanessa Redgrave on everyone's watch list.