Things that make me happy... Sherlock on BBC

Things that make me happy... Sherlock on the BBC

Sherlock is a british TV series that just completed its second season on the BBC One channel. Season one had 3 ninety minutes episodes that got critical recognition and won the UK's BAFTA 2011 award for best TV drama series.  Although the series airs in the US on PBS, you can catch season one on DVD or Netflix. Season two should be out on DVD in early 2012.

The series, based on the Sir Author Conan Doyle stories, stars Benedict Cumberbatch (also featured in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Star Trek, and several other recent movies) as Sherlock and Martin Freeman (Bilbo Baggins, and several other British TV shows)  as Dr. Watson. What makes this series work is Cumberbatch's portrayal of Holmes in modern day London. Not only does he capture Holmes uncanny genius, but also his social indifference to anything not relevant to the work at hand. Despite his rude, narcissistic tendencies, Sherlock is still charismatic and charming in his own way. The use of technology, edgy style, and new (and very clever) mysteries will keep you wanting more episodes each season.

Pros
1. Cumberbatch performance as Sherlock - Genius!!
2. The writing - Classic Holmes type mystery but more contemporary.
3. The look and feel. Very edgy and smart. Great use of technology (texting...email) to tell the story. Check out Dr. Watson online diary. Great integration of new media within the TV show.

Cons
1. The only produce 3 episodes a season. In the US this would be 20+ shows per season. One more reason against public television. No motivation to make money. Shameful.
2. Poor Marketing. So few people have hear about this series. But I think the word is getting out.

Unlocking Sherlock Part 1

Unlocking Sherlock Part 2

Sherlock Insults Clips… wickedly clever.

Sherlock Mini Episode - An extra treat

Season 3 - Trailer

This might be the best rendition of Sherlock Holmes ever!! Sorry Robert Downey Jr!!

S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy... Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Things that make me happy... Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy... The Movie

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a british cold war spy thriller based on the book by the same name by Author John le Carre.  The original was TV series on the BBC starring Alec Guinness (Obi wan Kenobi from Star Wars). In this remake, Gary Oldman stars as Smiley, a spy that comes our of retirement in service to his country in time of need.

I enjoyed this movie because it is no frills approach to the spy thriller genre. It depicts a more realistic espionage story with great performances from a talented cast of actors. Oldman performance is understated yet captivating as he solves a mystery of who is the leak in the intelligence agency.

Pros
1. The cast. Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy. All top notch actors.
2. Great spy thriller... Smiley is the Anti-James Bond with a great plot.

Cons
1. Its a slow movie. Carefully crafted from the pages of the book.  This is a British movie, told with a British sensibility... what ever that means.
2. It is dated... This was during the cold war so its placed about 20+ years ago so references to old Russia seem outdated and distant.... so view it as a period piece of sorts.

This will get some Oscar mention for Oldman acting definitely. One of the many good movies that will be coming out during award season. Enjoy!!


SF Guru

Things that make me happy... Dexter

Things that make me happy... Dexter on Showtime (Season Six)

The sixth season of Dexter just wrapped up and for anyone hiding under a rock, you might be  missing the best TV show currently on cable.

Dexter stars Michael C. Hall as a Miami blood splatter expert that has an uncanny ability solve the toughest crimes.  What makes Dexter so good is that he understands the minds of criminals because he himself has a "dark passenger".  Showtime has specialized in creating compelling characters, and with Dexter they might have the most unique hero ever on TV. All I can say is Edward James Olmos, one of my favorite actors, goes toe to toe with Dexter this season.  Two great actors both face to face.... literally exploring the dark side of man... and perhaps even... their faith. Not for the faint of heart!

What makes Showtime's Dexter so brilliant is that despite dark overtones, it is the merges comedy with drama and action into a perfect blend of witty story telling.

Pros:
1. Michael C. Hall as Dexter. This is the second hit series for Hall and most definitely his best performance to date.  Multiple Emmy and Golden Globe award wins under his belt, with more to come.
2. The comedy... Yes it is dark at times, but it takes great story telling to get you to root, much less like a serial killer.
3. The writing and the actors. Each season features top actors in pivotal roles, from John Lithgow, Jimmy Smits, to most the recent season with Edward James Olmos.

Cons.
1. The darkness. When you watch the first four episodes in season one, you might wonder why would anyone watch this. Then you get hooked and realize how really good it is.
2.  Its on Showtime. You can watch old seasons on Netflix or DVD, but being on Showtime is a downer since not many people have Showtime.

Dexter will probably go down as one of the best dramas in cable history that most people will not see until after it is off the air.  Never the less, Showtime owes many of its subscribers to this single show.... although there are several other gems on this network. Stay tuned...

Season 6 Trailer

The Dark Passenger

Catch up on season 1-5 online, when you have a chance. You won't regret it... except possible for a few sleepless nights.

S.F. Guru