235. Web-series Reviews – 81

More web-series reviews…

Why didn’t they ask Evans – Came out in 2022.  Another Agatha Christie novel remake. A dying man's enigmatic last words send vicar's son, Bobby Jones, and his socialite friend, Lady Frankie Derwent, on a crime-solving adventure.

One of the reviews from IMDB...

I don't understand the complaints here. I found this one of the most satisfying Christie adaptations. In fact I watched it twice, more or less back to back. There's a lightness of touch and a wry amusement that I find refreshing compared to the older versions, which take themselves, and the story, so seriously. This is just a delightful caper.

Again, contrary to others, I think the leads have great chemistry and Lucy Boynton is particularly charming. Daniel Ings is a deliciously seductive villain and Jonathan Jules a great cheeky partner-in-crime. Can't really fault any of the other casting either. Would have been nice to see more of Emma Thompson and Jim Broadbent. One gets the feeling everyone had fun making this! And the sets, costumes and locations are stunning.

Agreed, the plot of WDTAE is contrived and overly complex - but, hey, people it's AGATHA CHRISTIE. Sheesh. And agreed, the confession/resolution at the end does feel rushed. But the excellent dialogue helps rise above the heavy plotting. The throwaway lines and asides, especially, are a ton of fun, and I had to skip back several times to catch them. Some of them - "Good breakfast, was it?" - feel like adlibs.

All in all, a brilliant adaptation.

My Take – An ok watch.

 

The Essex Serpent – Came out in 2022.  Follows London widow Cora Seaborne who moves to Essex to investigate reports of a mythical serpent. She forms a bond of science and skepticism with the pastor, but when tragedy strikes, locals accuse her of attracting the creature.

One of the reviews from IMDB...

A fine portrayal of religious superstition and rational thought colliding over unusual, unnerving and unexplained events. An intriguing, well paced story, with strong dialogue and scene-setting with no jarring exposition. Garden of Eden imagery abounds in the Cora serpent story, burgeoning relationships and the contrasting treatment of men and women.

A quality cast: Tom Hiddleston, known for range and ability, fulfils his reputation; Claire Danes is one-note, but Cora is unique and relatable, despite superficial similarities to Carrie Mathison (obsessed, troubled, flouts convention); Hayley Squires excels as the passionate, idealistic Martha, a whirlwind of confidence, character and charisma.

Fabulous cinematography employs unusual angles, especially the marshes' low level capture, presenting a gritty, sinister foreboding. Period trimmings work, with de rigueur frocks and interiors, despite some clear anachronistic choices.

This is marvellous TV.

My Take – An ok watch. Somewhat slow moving.

 

The Big Conn – Came out in 2022. Follows the story of Eric C. Conn, a Kentucky attorney who managed to steal over $550 million dollars from the U.S. government through its Social Security program.

One of the reviews from IMDB...

Pikeville, Kentucky native son Eric Christopher Conn took the U. S. government, via the Social Security Administration Disability payment program, for an estimated $2.62 billion, of which $550,000 went directly into his pockets. Married 16 times and prone to flee rather than atone for his sins, Eric is a real piece of work, promising Appalachian Valley residents their Social Security checks (typically $900 a month) in 30 days rather than the 18 months that was the norm. And he delivered on that promise, no matter how it was achieved.

Did he get a lot of business? Oh, my, yes! Even after the whistleblowers trying to report his actions (Sarah Carver and Jennifer Griffith) were ignored for 6 years and the SSA failed to follow up on numerous reports of a corrupt judge, lawyer and doctor, who formed a triumvirate of evil, Conn got additional clients because he got results. He even got more clients when it became clear that is promises of prompt payment were valid.

Never mind the fallout from all of this graft, which included at least 3 suicides, Congressional hearings, destitute victims who were legitimate, and prison sentences that seem far too lenient for most,

This is a great story, told in 4 parts, and one that was initially uncovered by Wall Street Journal reporter Damian Polito, covered at one point by "Sixty MInutes" and has everything to keep you interested for its four well-researched episodes.

My Take – A worthwhile watch!

The Unsolved Murder of Beverly Smith – Came out in 2022.  Follows the cold case and controversial investigation into the murder of Beverly Lynn Smith in her home in Oshawa, Ontario. Woven together from firsthand accounts, expert interviews, family archives, and rare access to key participants.

One of the reviews from IMDB...

As Episode 1 of "The Unsolved Murder of Beverly Smith" (2022 release from Canada; 4 episodes of about 45 min each) opens, we are in "Oshawa, Ontario" and various talking heads, including crime reporter and author Jeff Mitchell, but also Wendy, the twin sister of Beverly, and Alan Smith, one of the original suspects, talk about the terrible events that resulted in the murder of Beverly Smith in December of 1974. At this point we are 10 min into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this is the latest documentary from Canadian director Nathalie Bibeau ("The Walrus and the Whistleblower"). Here she looks back to the events surrounding the murder of home maker Beverly Smith, whose husband may or may not have been involved in drug dealing. More importantly, Bibeau looks at the subsequent police investigation and the long-term fallout of same. I'll be honest: I was not impressed/taken in by the opening episode, and I was almost ready to bail on this, but for some reason I decided to give Episode 2 a chance, and by the time that was over, I just needed to stick around and find out how all of this played out. It was well worth it, as there are several unexpected (and major) developments (sorry, I can't spoil) that are sprung upon us in the last 2 episodes.

"The Unsolved Murder of Beverly Lynn Smith" premiered recently on Amazon Prime. I caught it this past weekend, and watched all 4 episodes in a single setting. Time just flew by. If you like true crime and documentaries, and you aren't impressed with the opening episode, be sure to give it one more episode. I think you won't regret it.

My Take – A worthwhile watch!

Cheers till next time😊!

Daffy Definition

Telephone – A good way to talk to people without having to offer them a drink😊!!