Brennan Camacho
Mostly, the movie is committed to the value of a good time.
Gary
The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.
Justina
The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.
Karlee
The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.
Gre Mai
This has got to be the most aggravating television series I've ever seen/watched. I don't know which is more appropriate as I seem to have watched it despite myself. You can't not watch it, you're bound to be curious as to what happens next, but it's a painful viewing. Yes, as in not very well made. Which is heartbreaking as there's clearly something there. The topic is fascinating, the plot potentially thrilling, the characters and the acting somehow more human and believable than it would be were it an American production. Benedict Cumberbatch inhabits this enigmatic geeky OCD character with a Jimmy Stewart-like everyman hero-ness about him while never oversimplifying him. Anamaria Marinca paints a sincere and passionate character in Yasim. Now, these two actors and these two characters and their story makes sense to me. The rest of the characters weren't as clear or good, which no amount of good acting could (or indeed did) save. The plot itself wasn't that hard to follow, but comprehending the motivation of the characters or being convinced by it was a bit of a stretch. Something somewhere in the making of this series went wrong. Strange thing is it's pretty hard to put one's finger on it. Was it the writing? But then what made me want to keep on watching? Was it the directing, the photography, the editing? I think the director should take some blame - all the bits didn't seem to tie in. The camera movement did at one point actually bother me - when the camera tilted diagonally to fit the heads of actors squarely into the shot (very bizarre). And the story could indeed have been helped along in editing. Watching it in 2012 I was never going to be harsh on how realistic it is or isn't. It's more of an exercise of thought, what could happen and perhaps make you question the things you willingly do in this day and age already, what this could mean. The ending was both frustrating and not frustrating. What happens to Michael and what Russell ends up being (by the way, what WAS he?) would be the frustrating bit. And the situation Stephen ends up in is mentally and emotionally deliciously excruciating.
RichardLBown
You have to be focused/undisturbed/observant to watch this ( so far, I have viewed episode 1 only at 9pm). Up to par with all the other UK, BBC, PBS British mystery series .. etc. It re-broadcasts here in 2 hrs at 1am. So you can be sure that I will be tuned-in. Like a good book, a second reading reveals twists, comments and turns of a phrase missed in the first reading. Looking forward to the other episodes (weekly here).This is masterful, captivating, suspenseful and ladened with detail. Little text is needed, the actors' expressions convey well the mood and foreboding of the events to come.This series eclipses the violent/sadistic/illiterate/inane scripts we here are so often subjected to by the US media - British mystery remains unsurpassed; how can it fail ? It dominates.Enjoy !Best Regards
akraptor
Because I have the part of a tali ban there, "Dark Glasses". Was working with David Harewood in the movie. Wore the infamous Bin Laden cap, and dark glasses. .doh. Clean-up operations, . .corpse dispatchers. . Filming it was such a great experience with Director Iain B MacDonald. Very hot weather, up there in the mountains. The crew was great and had a wonderful time there. Never met Robert Carlyle on set (because we had different filming locations and schedule, even though we where connected in the movie, through communication stuff, I mean a cellular phone..I missed the opportunity to talk to Max Beesley about his part in "Torque". He was too focused on his role and didn't dare to bother him. Was just curious. .don't know if I'll ever get a copy of this episode. Just let me know if Episode 3 is coming.Thanks,Dark Glasses
the_mad-scientist
A score of 5 for starters as I wondered when it was going to pick up the pace. I understand that they had to establish the initial threads, but it did drag it's feet a little. The computer tech stuff was clumsy, but did assist in speeding up the action (but lose the computer voice) The OCD habits of Benedict Cumberbatch's character Stephen were excellent, and his performance was subtle. Unfortunately some of the dialogue spoils his excellent physical performance. The testament to this is Robert Carlyle who actually does not say anything, but his sheer brilliance conveys his intent and capabilities. Max Beesley although headlined, is only in a few minutes of flashback material, see if he turns up in further episodes. The cast list is impressive, and I am sure that actors of this calibre do not sign up for drivel.Many people may be put off with the slow start, but I suggest they watch the second hour this weekend. If that is of the same ilk then switch over to another channel, only then might the BBC get the message, that wasting such talent is borderline criminal.In summary, trying to be John Le Carre, with a budget of a soap opera, so they did the best with what they had. Peter Berry is an excellent writer, but the material on screen so far is falling short of gripping.Wait and seeAnd I waited and I saw, and I then selected a DVD and enjoyed that instead.