Ian-McNeice Movie Reviews

I first saw Lenny Henry when he was very young in London; 'Three of a Kind' was a 'living color' equivalent, BBC of course and starred Tracy Ullman too (before she hopped over the pond and hit it big in the USA). Chef, a MUCH later show, is a very good show indeed, a (probably now) classic with enough subtle, quiet moments to offset the deep sarcarm of the Chef-character in this kitchen. 'Fawlty Towers' fans of sarcasm will not be disappointed, though it wouldn't be fair to say that this was all that was on offer here. The 'lowest form of wit' is indeed used in abundance, but it is more the Chef-character's attack-is-the-best-form-of-defense attempt at overcoming vulnerability. Very similar to the Victor Meldrew character in the 'One foot in the Grave' series (equally good, equally BBC). If you've never seen Chef, you will like it if you enjoy clever, simple, well-executed British comedy.

I love anything Lenny Henry dose because I have seen it all that is here in America. From "True Identity" to "The Suicide Club". I have seen all of the episodes of Chef! that is made and the first series is the best. If it were not because of the very funny show "Chef!" I would not have heard of him and that would have been a loss because the moments I laugh the ardest is when I wach the show "Chef!". I would want very much if I could buy the other two series on video. I know a whole bunch of people who want to buy them. I have been looking for a year to buy them and I would do anything to get them. Thank you for taking the time to read my review and if it is possible to bring the other two series out I would be the most happy man alive!!! END

I love this series... it's one of the best that BBC has ever made. The shame is, however, that they haven't released a DVD of the full series. I don't think they are aware of the popularity of this product.

I am the worlds biggest fan of "Chef!" who has three complaints for 20th Century Fox instead of one.

#1: The first complaint is that they only released the first season (not even that, they are missing "A Bird in the Hand" episode) on video. There are pleanty of fans who are dying to get their hands on more! We have been waiting since November of '98. I have to watch my crummy taped off of the TV episodes of series 2 and 3.

#2: The second complaint is that it isn't on DVD. With Chef! they could fit all 20 episodes on a 3 disc set. DVD's are cheaper to produce than VHS.

#3: The Third complaint is that they discontinued it for sale on the open market. They stopped making them. Now that is just plain rude.

I love Chef!, even though I am complaining, I still am thankful that 20th Century Fox released what they did in the first place. I still remember it like it were yesterday , I rushed on over to Media Play to buy both tapes. That had to be about four, five years ago.

Gareth Blackstock RULES!!!

If you liked the irate and biting humor of Basil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers, you are going to absolutely love Chef Gareth Blackstock. Chef runs his kitchen with terror and venom, just as Basil ran his hotel... the problem is that his wife is actually running the show, and only lets Chef think he's in control.

This show is the best . Anybody thinking of purchasing it shouldnt think ,just do.

I am the worlds biggest fan of "Chef!" who has three complaints for 20th Century Fox instead of one.

#1: The first complaint is that they only released the first season (not even that, they are missing "A Bird in the Hand" episode) on video. There are pleanty of fans who are dying to get their hands on more! We have been waiting since November of '98. I have to watch my crummy taped off of the TV episodes of series 2 and 3.

#2: The second complaint is that it isn't on DVD. With Chef! they could fit all 20 episodes on a 3 disc set. DVD's are cheaper to produce than VHS.

#3: The Third complaint is that they discontinued it for sale on the open market. They stopped making them. Now that is just plain rude.

I love Chef!, even though I am complaining, I still am thankful that 20th Century Fox released what they did in the first place. I still remember it like it were yesterday , I rushed on over to Media Play to buy both tapes. That had to be about four, five years ago.

Gareth Blackstock RULES!!!

If you liked the irate and biting humor of Basil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers, you are going to absolutely love Chef Gareth Blackstock. Chef runs his kitchen with terror and venom, just as Basil ran his hotel... the problem is that his wife is actually running the show, and only lets Chef think he's in control.

This show is the best . Anybody thinking of purchasing it shouldnt think ,just do.

Maggie Smiths is phenomenal! Her portrayal of the lonely spinster Judith Hearne is impeccable. The scene where she drinks alone is really heartbreaking. Bob Hoskins is equally good as James Madden who broke her heart due to mutual misunderstanding. In fact, there is no bad acting in this movie. I, however, have conflicting feelings about the concluding scenes (Madden visiting Hearne at the hospital) which are not in the novel. These might be the only scenes showing clearly Madden's lonliness and really draw a balance between the two main characters. But the character of Madden is made a little too desperate for money here and somewhat contradictory to how he behaves in the rest of the movie.

Maggie Smith hasn't played the lead for such a long time that part of the joy of this 1987 British film directed by Jack Clayton is seeing her again. Based on the wonderful novel by Irish Brian Moore published in 1955, this project was optioned at various times by Geraldine Page, Katharine Hepburn, Rachel Roberts and Deborah Kerr but circumstances failed them. Perhaps we were lucky to have waited for Smith since she is heartbreakingly good as the aging spinster who has her last chance at romance when she moves into a Dublin boardinghouse. Smith's large sorrowful dark blue eyes express the waste of her life and her yearning for happiness yet she is never pathetic, even when we see her lying about her relationship with American Bob Hoskins. Their romance is a based on a misunderstanding that you wait to unravel. I particularly like the scene after Smith has learnt the truth when she gets progressively drunker and funnier as she talks to a family who barely tolerate her visits. Hoskins acts with his eyebrows, like a hyper-Groucho, though strangely his weakness adds a dimension to the ending. Worth noting are Marie Kean as the landlady, whose smiles conceal malice; Ian McNeice as her son, a piggy Dylan Thomas; and the lovely music of Georges Delerue.

Maggie Smith hasn't played the lead for such a long time that part of the joy of this 1987 British film directed by Jack Clayton is seeing her again. Based on the wonderful novel by Irish Brian Moore published in 1955, this project was optioned at various times by Geraldine Page, Katharine Hepburn, Rachel Roberts and Deborah Kerr but circumstances failed them. Perhaps we were lucky to have waited for Smith since she is heartbreakingly good as the aging spinster who has her last chance at romance when she moves into a Dublin boardinghouse. Smith's large sorrowful dark blue eyes express the waste of her life and her yearning for happiness yet she is never pathetic, even when we see her lying about her relationship with American Bob Hoskins. Their romance is a based on a misunderstanding that you wait to unravel. I particularly like the scene after Smith has learnt the truth when she gets progressively drunker and funnier as she talks to a family who barely tolerate her visits. Hoskins acts with his eyebrows, like a hyper-Groucho, though strangely his weakness adds a dimension to the ending. Worth noting are Marie Kean as the landlady, whose smiles conceal malice; Ian McNeice as her son, a piggy Dylan Thomas; and the lovely music of Georges Delerue.

P. D. James is never afraid to tackle the dark side of human nature. In A Certain Justice, that is made apparant. It begins with the trial of Gary Ashe, an obvious psychopath that is accused of brutally killing his aunt. Venetia Aldridge, as usual, proves her expertise as a defense attourney by getting the young man off. She regrets it when she finds out that, only a week after the trial, he and her 18 year old daughter are "in love". That sends her into a slight state of hysterics. She turns to her married lover for help to find that he is dumping her. Now, through her lifetime, she had gathered many enemies, including her fellow lawyers. With all these terrible events in her life, she takes her anger and despair out on everyone more than ever. So it is no big surprise when she is found dead. Inspector Dagleish enters the story here. There are many likely suspects, but Dagleish thinks that this was a murder that came from the depths of someone's sorrow, not just ambition. The story also foccuses on Ashe and Octavia Aldridge. Once again, an impeccably acted, very heart wrenching story is told with Inspector Dagleish. It made me read the book, and I was happy to see that it followed it very closely.

This adaptation is very close to the original book and provides an insight into the 'Old Bailey' and the justice system. The series was filmed on location in the actual courts, and around the 'Lawyer's' haunts of inner London. The normally staid, conservative corridors of the members of the bar are thrust into a world of fear and horror, death and revenge, when one of their own is murdered in their chambers. The repercussions reververate further afield when the victim's daughter is also put into danger. It becomes a race against time to save her. Again, Roy Marsden portrays Alam Dalgliesh with his renowned flair. He is an accomplished actor who can portray an inner thought of Dalgliesh through a simple twitch of an eyebrow! The cast is excellent,and like Marsden, come from theatrical backgrounds, giving superb, clear diction, acting excellence and verisimilitude to the whole story. Only the English can make such a great mystery show seem so authentic. The evil murderer, Gary Ashe, and the bitchy, aloof Venetia Aldridge QC, the victim, are chillingly portrayed. Like the book, this adaptation elegantly shows the philosophical themes of the older P D James, as the story ends with a brilliant twist, that leaves the viewer wondering if justice has been served at all - or at best, only 'A Certain Justice.'

Even though I only saw the First and Third parts of "A Certain Justice" it compelled me to watch with eager glance and pounding heart; I was completely spellbound by Danglishs detective ability to solve such a compelling MYSTERY! on PBS MYSTERY!

P. D. James is never afraid to tackle the dark side of human nature. In A Certain Justice, that is made apparant. It begins with the trial of Gary Ashe, an obvious psychopath that is accused of brutally killing his aunt. Venetia Aldridge, as usual, proves her expertise as a defense attourney by getting the young man off. She regrets it when she finds out that, only a week after the trial, he and her 18 year old daughter are "in love". That sends her into a slight state of hysterics. She turns to her married lover for help to find that he is dumping her. Now, through her lifetime, she had gathered many enemies, including her fellow lawyers. With all these terrible events in her life, she takes her anger and despair out on everyone more than ever. So it is no big surprise when she is found dead. Inspector Dagleish enters the story here. There are many likely suspects, but Dagleish thinks that this was a murder that came from the depths of someone's sorrow, not just ambition. The story also foccuses on Ashe and Octavia Aldridge. Once again, an impeccably acted, very heart wrenching story is told with Inspector Dagleish. It made me read the book, and I was happy to see that it followed it very closely.

This adaptation is very close to the original book and provides an insight into the 'Old Bailey' and the justice system. The series was filmed on location in the actual courts, and around the 'Lawyer's' haunts of inner London. The normally staid, conservative corridors of the members of the bar are thrust into a world of fear and horror, death and revenge, when one of their own is murdered in their chambers. The repercussions reververate further afield when the victim's daughter is also put into danger. It becomes a race against time to save her. Again, Roy Marsden portrays Alam Dalgliesh with his renowned flair. He is an accomplished actor who can portray an inner thought of Dalgliesh through a simple twitch of an eyebrow! The cast is excellent,and like Marsden, come from theatrical backgrounds, giving superb, clear diction, acting excellence and verisimilitude to the whole story. Only the English can make such a great mystery show seem so authentic. The evil murderer, Gary Ashe, and the bitchy, aloof Venetia Aldridge QC, the victim, are chillingly portrayed. Like the book, this adaptation elegantly shows the philosophical themes of the older P D James, as the story ends with a brilliant twist, that leaves the viewer wondering if justice has been served at all - or at best, only 'A Certain Justice.'

Even though I only saw the First and Third parts of "A Certain Justice" it compelled me to watch with eager glance and pounding heart; I was completely spellbound by Danglishs detective ability to solve such a compelling MYSTERY! on PBS MYSTERY!

I love this film - pure escapist comedy with romance and love of wine starting with mad dash across Scotland (beautiful scenery) - a perhaps unlikely pairing of Penelope Ann Miller and Tim Daly (of TV's Wings fame) works surprisingly well and Louis Jordan as the villain is a charming addition (he never could sing). Not well received by the critics, but a great time and a must see for wine lovers everywhere!

A NICE BOY MEETS GIRL, HELPS GIRL, RESCUES GIRL, LOSES GIRL, AND FINALLY A HAPPY ENDING! THERE IS REAL CHEMISTRY BETWEEN DALY AND PENELOPE. THE PLOT IS INTERESTING IF A LITTLE FLAWED, BUT THIS IS A MOVIE THAT WHILE IT MAY NOT WIN ANY CRITICAL ACCLAIMS IT IS WORTH SEEING!

The edge of Darkness is a taught riveting thrillercenetring on the British nueclear industry during the Thatcher years. A middle level policeman, widowed for some years and still grieving,watches as his daughter is shotgunned next to him on the walkway to thier home.From there, the investigation takes him to the highest levels of the British government, the CIA{a brilliant turn by Joe Don Baker},MI5,and American venture capitalists.More twists than in most of this genre,here is one where I could not see the ending until it was upon me. It is that good. the acting is superb. The late Bob Peck, as the police inspector is wonderful.The scene of him clutching his daughters teddy bear lying in her bed with a gun in his hands after her shooting is haunting, as are the images of the trains carrying plutonium to the strains of a mournful eric clapton guitar.So well written,excellently acted,superb soundtrack that it should be considered a landmark for television,though I was only able to view it here on a now defunct PBS channel. Brilliantly filmed, this is television as it could be, at its best.

What more can one ask of a movie? A unique,inventive, finely crafted script? Outstanding performances by Bob Peck and SURPRISE!! Joe Don Baker!!! Why has such a talent as Mr. Baker never had something of this caliber with which to work??? And why has he not done anything approaching this since??? Cinematography that captures the mood of this compelling drama/thriller and a haunting soundtrack by Eric Clapton that elicits sadness long after the movie is over. Not a movie for people who are used to the 90 minute pablum offered by mainstream Hollywood; it never panders to the audience but rewards them for their investment with a depth rarely experienced. Did I like this movie?? It is one of the top 3 movies of all time. As is often the case, everytime it is viewed, more jewels are uncovered. The interplay between Peck and Baker alone are beyond the scope of mainstream cinema, not as a buddy movie, ala Lethal Weapon 1-4, but as real characters engaged in a ballet of suspicion and sometimes conflicting interests. Not to be missed.

Firstly let me point out that there is a DVD version of EOD, several actually. The best version is the latest released this year which is a wonderful transfer and includes a documentary on the film, Magnox and has clips of interviews and award ceremonies and discussions on the series. It is on region 2 DVD and is available from amazon uk. I too remember watching this masterpiece unfold when it was originally screened here in the uk. I was only 14 at the time and British television was still producing some wonderful stuff. Even so I knew this was something extra special. It must have planted a seed in my subconscious. Incredibly in 2003 it has lost none of its power and seems just as prescient now as ever. The callous disregard for the individual by corporations, the 'great game' played out between competing security agencies, the conspiracy of silence in the media. The ecology movement. The collusion of government with the malign constituents in our society. Ostensibly though this is still the 'little man's story' and what a central performance from the late great Bob Peck. His personal disintegration is harrowing to behold as he tries to unravel the mystery. Joe don Baker, what can you say about his performance. He is utterly compelling as the old school agency man fighting to keep his head above water. His verbal sparing matches with 'arts council' funded MI5's Ian McNeice and Charles Kay (also superb) are very very funny. Oh the script, what a script. Troy Kennedy Martin the writer provided the most consistently brilliant screenplay for television ever written. Martin Campbell the director sculpts it all into an entity that supplants the TV media. The DVD I saw previously to EOD was Leone's masterwork Once upon a time in America and I can honestly say EOD which bares many similarities is right up there alongside it. I don't think I could give this production a better accolade.

The edge of Darkness is a taught riveting thrillercenetring on the British nueclear industry during the Thatcher years. A middle level policeman, widowed for some years and still grieving,watches as his daughter is shotgunned next to him on the walkway to thier home.From there, the investigation takes him to the highest levels of the British government, the CIA{a brilliant turn by Joe Don Baker},MI5,and American venture capitalists.More twists than in most of this genre,here is one where I could not see the ending until it was upon me. It is that good. the acting is superb. The late Bob Peck, as the police inspector is wonderful.The scene of him clutching his daughters teddy bear lying in her bed with a gun in his hands after her shooting is haunting, as are the images of the trains carrying plutonium to the strains of a mournful eric clapton guitar.So well written,excellently acted,superb soundtrack that it should be considered a landmark for television,though I was only able to view it here on a now defunct PBS channel. Brilliantly filmed, this is television as it could be, at its best.

What more can one ask of a movie? A unique,inventive, finely crafted script? Outstanding performances by Bob Peck and SURPRISE!! Joe Don Baker!!! Why has such a talent as Mr. Baker never had something of this caliber with which to work??? And why has he not done anything approaching this since??? Cinematography that captures the mood of this compelling drama/thriller and a haunting soundtrack by Eric Clapton that elicits sadness long after the movie is over. Not a movie for people who are used to the 90 minute pablum offered by mainstream Hollywood; it never panders to the audience but rewards them for their investment with a depth rarely experienced. Did I like this movie?? It is one of the top 3 movies of all time. As is often the case, everytime it is viewed, more jewels are uncovered. The interplay between Peck and Baker alone are beyond the scope of mainstream cinema, not as a buddy movie, ala Lethal Weapon 1-4, but as real characters engaged in a ballet of suspicion and sometimes conflicting interests. Not to be missed.

Firstly let me point out that there is a DVD version of EOD, several actually. The best version is the latest released this year which is a wonderful transfer and includes a documentary on the film, Magnox and has clips of interviews and award ceremonies and discussions on the series. It is on region 2 DVD and is available from amazon uk. I too remember watching this masterpiece unfold when it was originally screened here in the uk. I was only 14 at the time and British television was still producing some wonderful stuff. Even so I knew this was something extra special. It must have planted a seed in my subconscious. Incredibly in 2003 it has lost none of its power and seems just as prescient now as ever. The callous disregard for the individual by corporations, the 'great game' played out between competing security agencies, the conspiracy of silence in the media. The ecology movement. The collusion of government with the malign constituents in our society. Ostensibly though this is still the 'little man's story' and what a central performance from the late great Bob Peck. His personal disintegration is harrowing to behold as he tries to unravel the mystery. Joe don Baker, what can you say about his performance. He is utterly compelling as the old school agency man fighting to keep his head above water. His verbal sparing matches with 'arts council' funded MI5's Ian McNeice and Charles Kay (also superb) are very very funny. Oh the script, what a script. Troy Kennedy Martin the writer provided the most consistently brilliant screenplay for television ever written. Martin Campbell the director sculpts it all into an entity that supplants the TV media. The DVD I saw previously to EOD was Leone's masterwork Once upon a time in America and I can honestly say EOD which bares many similarities is right up there alongside it. I don't think I could give this production a better accolade.

The creative team behind "The Naked Gun" and "Airplane!" spoof war and Elvis films in the surprising comedy "Top Secret!". An American rock idol(Val Kilmer) goes on a goodwill tour in East Germany and teams up with a freedom fighter(Lucy Gutteridge) to rescue her father from the dreaded East German High Command. The Zucker/Abrahams/Zucker team delivers the same non-stop laughs as their previous hit "Airplane!". This very silly spoof contains hilarious comic scenes and great visual gags. The cast is inspiring with Omar Sharif and Peter Cushing in outstanding roles.

Like so many Paramount DVDs, "Top Secret!" doesn't surpass average. The picture quality is disappointing but the sound is satisfactory. The menus are simple and unimpressive. The DVD contains few special features but are quite good. It includes alternate scenes, commentaries and a trailer. Overall, this DVD earns a "B-".

This film is from the same wackos who gave us Airplane, Police Academy, and Naked Gun. If you've seen even just one of these, you pretty much know what to expect from this one. Except for one thing: for sheer mindless fun, Top Secret tops them all.

The movie stars a young (and apparently not very role-choosy) Val Kilmer as a teen rock n' roll idol who goes on a road tour in East Germany, where he meets and falls in love with Hilary (Lucy Gutteridge), who enlists his aid to rescue her scientist father.

But really, who cares about the plot? Watch this show for the deliciously insane gags. I won't even mention a single one of them, because they have to be seen to be believed.

Sure, the humor is unsophisticated. Even dumb. But that's the point. We all have to treat ourselves to this sort of lunacy now and then. And I'd have to say that Top Secret is the best way to do just that.

Very funny movie! Even funnier if you know some German because almost everything the Germans say in this movie sounds perfectly German - but it isn't.