Tag: Himesh Patel

The Best of Sky TV – My 2024 Recommendations

Hello Readers,

I have recently started watching television programmes on the Sky channels and I want to talk through my favourites. I only started about mid way through this year so I have focused on programmes I have heard about or been recommended by friends. There is a vast range of channels but most of these programmes are from Sky Max, Comedy or Showcase.

Breeders (2020 – 2023) Age Rating 18

Series available: 4
Show status: Ended
Cast: Martin Freeman, Daisy Haggard, Alun Armstrong, Joanna Bacon

This show tells the story of two parents Paul and Ally and the ups and downs of their parenting life with look-ins from Paul’s parents, Ally’s boss and persnickety mother. Paul has anger issues and Ally is trying to balance her career with being a present mother. The kids are recast for the 3rd series but all the actors are great in the role. Lots of strong language but would class as a comedy drama.

Rating: 4/5

Avenue 5 (2020 – 2022) Age Rating 18

Series available: 2
Show Status: Cancelled
Cast: Hugh Laurie, Josh Gad, Lenora Crichlow, Rebecca Front, Andy Buckley, Zach Woods, Suzy Nakamura, Nikki Amuka-Bird

Set in the near future, luxury space cruise liner Avenue 5 is making its inaugural voyage around the galaxy. Its journey gets thrown off course and eight weeks becomes three years causing a lot of upset for the crew and passengers. We see mission control trying to handle the mission PR on Earth. I really enjoyed this series and it did end with a cliffhanger but was funny and I like all the references to the future. The ensemble cast worked well together.

Rating: 4/5

Mary and George (2024) Age Rating 18

Series available: 1
Show Status: Limited Mini-Series
Cast: Julianne Moore, Nicholas Galitzine, Tony Curran, Mark O’Halloran

A journey back to Jacobean England where we see Mary and George advance through noble ranks to become close advisors to King James I. George Villiers transforms from lovesick puppy into political player through his relationship with the King. In the background, Mary wields her children to put her into the best possible position in society. The costumes, set and acting were all excellent and the story told is one that has been lost through history. I was aware of George Villiers but had no idea of the role his mother played in their ascent in the King’s Court. There is also an interesting documentary discussing different elements of the show with various cast, crew and historical experts available.

Rating: 4.5/5

The Regime (2024) Age Rating: 15

Series Available: 1
Show Status: Limited Mini Series
Cast: Kate Winslet, Matthias Schoenaerts, Guillaume Gallienne, Danny Webb

Satirical comedy drama about a female dictator in Eastern Europe. Elena Vernham has inherited Chancellor from her father and rules with an iron fist but believes herself to be fair and just for her people. Those around her try to keep her on the right path while she starts taking the advice of an ex-army Corporal with a checkered past. I initially did not get into this series after the first episode but I wanted to try and finish it. I thought Kate Winslet gave a good performance but overall the plot was confusing with each episode having time jumps and Elena’s relationship with Corporal Zubak changing every two episodes. I enjoyed some of the general humour and I could see where they were going with it but in my opinion, it was not as effective as in other programmes.

Rating: 3.5/5

The Tattooist of Auschwitz (2024) Age Rating: 15

Series Available: 1
Show Status: Limited Mini-Series
Cast: Jonah Hauer-King, Anna Próchniak, Melanie Lynskey, Harvey Keitel, Jonas Hay, Tallulah Haddon, Mili Eshet

This show based on a bestselling novel depicts the story of Lale and Gita, two Slovak Jews as they met at Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. In the future, Lale recounts the story of his romance with Gita and who he had to become to stay alive during his time imprisoned. This show was very intense but told a beautiful story of love in a time of pain and the recreation of the camp was very well done. Acting was outstanding.

Rating: 4/5

Rob Beckett’s Smart TV (2024-) Age Rating: 15

Series Available: 1
Show Status: Renewed for Series 2
Presenters: Alison Hammond, Rob Beckett, Josh Widdicombe

Television based panel game show starring some of Britain’s most loved comedians. Rob Beckett hosts with Alison Hammond and Josh Widdicombe as team captains and they are joined by a host of known British celebrities. Rounds include general trivia, guessing the background artist and finish that line. A fun show with questions that anyone who watches British TV will be able to play along with at home. The three presenters all interact well together.

Rating: 4/5

Girls (2012-2017) Age Rating: 18

Series Available: 1, 2, and 6 out of 6 (Others are available to buy)
Show Status: Ended
Cast: Lena Dunham, Allison Williams, Jemima Kirke, Adam Driver, Zosia Mamet, Alex Karpovsky

Female focused comedy starring wannabe journalist Hannah, uptight Marnie, free-spirit Jessa and anxious Shoshanna as four friends living in New York City in their 20s. I only saw the first two series but I liked the programme. It was weirder and yet more relatable than other friend comedies such as Friends or How I Met Your Mother. I like Lena Dunham’s writing and I thought all the characters were interesting and complex. Would like to watch more if it becomes available.

Rating: 4/5

Manifest (2018-2023) Age Rating: 15

Series Available: 1 (3 out of 4, others are available on Netflix)
Show Status: Ended
Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas, J.R. Ramirez, Luna Blaise, Parveen Kaur

I watched Series 3 of the show on Sky but the other three are available on Netflix. This show is about flight 828’s crew and passengers as they travel five and a half years into the future during a short journey from Jamaica to NYC. In the following years, the universe gives the passengers callings and visions to try and help each other and stop the world from casting them out from society. I really enjoyed the show and while it took me a few episodes to get into it, I was then hooked. There is a lot of religious story arcs but once you bond with the characters, the story is more interesting. It did well for a show with no big names. I also walked past them filming a scene in Times Square so they do actually film in New York.

Rating: 3.5/5

Bloods (2021-2022) Age Rating: 15

Series Available: 2
Show Status: Cancelled
Cast: Jane Horrocks, Samson Kayo, Lucy Punch, Julian Barratt, Adrian Scarborough, Aasiya Shah, Sam Campbell, Kevin Garry

Classic British comedy set in the world of paramedics contrasting gore with giggles. Centered around Maleek and his new ambulance partner, Wendy, we see their day to day lives as they learn to work together along with the other teams on their squad and no-nonsense boss, Jo. I enjoyed this show and thought it had the right balance of laughs and seriousness especially considering the setting. Starred some great comedy legends and newcomers. Ended on a cliffhanger but unfortunately was cancelled.

Rating: 4/5

The Franchise (2024-) Age Rating: 15

Series Available: 1
Show Status: Awaiting Renewal
Cast: Himesh Patel, Aya Cash, Jessica Hynes, Billy Magnussen, Lolly Adefope, Darren Goldstein, Isaac Powell, Richard E. Grant, Daniel Brühl, Justin Edwards, Ruaridh Mollica

Ensemble comedy around a film crew making a big Hollywood superhero movie in the UK. Our main character is 1st AD Dan with his new mentee, Dag then we have the director Eric who is slowly losing his mind and the plot of the film; action star, Adam and reluctant co-star, Peter along with Steph, Eric’s PA, Bryson, representative of big boss, Shane on set; Pat and Anita, the producers and Rufus, the overused extra. I really enjoyed this show and was clearly written by people who have had these experiences on film sets so I am sure anyone in the industry can relate. Funny but not too over the top; classic Armando Iannucci comedy.

Rating: 4.5/5

The Day of the Jackal (2024-) Age Rating: 15

Series Available: 1
Show Status: Renewed for Series 2
Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Lashana Lynch, Eleanor Matsuura, Chukwudi Iwuji, Úrsula Corberó

A cat and mouse game between assassin and MI6, this series leads the characters all across Europe as the Jackal tries to complete the kills he is hired to do without getting caught. His wife and child wait for him in Spain as their family get more and more suspicious. MI6 agent, Bianca leads the chase but putting her job before her own family is weighing on her. This show is pacy and dynamic with good drama and believable plot lines. Just when you think the Jackal will be caught, he manages to escape but he starts making mistakes and letting his guard down. So many different locations were used, highlighting many cities that you would not normally see on a British drama. I am looking forward to Series 2.

Rating: 4.5/5

On My Watchlist:

Never Mind the Buzzcocks (2021-) Age Rating: 15
Panel Show
Series Available: 4
Show Status: Show Awaiting Return
Presenters: Greg Davies, Noel Fielding and Daisy May Cooper

I’ve seen clips of this show online and looks like a panel show I would enjoy. It’s a reboot of a show from the early 2000s with new segments and presenters. I haven’t got around to watching it so on my list for a potential watch.

The Sympathizer (2024) Age Rating: 15
Drama
Series Available: 1
Show Status: Limited Mini Series
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Vy Le, Phan Gia Nhat Linh, Tom Dang, Toan Le, Tien Pham

I saw the trailer when it was new out and the show looks interesting but it hasn’t peeked my interest enough to watch yet. I am a fan of Robert Downey Jr. but I am not as interested in this topic but would be willing to give it a go as it is on the Sky Showcase channel.

The Righteous Gemstones (2019-) Age Rating: 18
Comedy
Series Available: 3
Show Status: Series 4 to be Released in 2025
Cast: John Goodman, Danny McBride, Adam Devine, Edi Patterson, Cassidy Freeman, Gregory Alan Williams, Tim Baltz, Tony Cavalero

I didn’t want to do a full review on this show as I have only seen a few episodes of the first series but it’s a funny parody comedy about the rich evangelical church owners you can find in the US. Will carry on watching as and when.

Happy Watching,

Robyn

Yesterday film review and my extra experience!

I am a huge fan of The Beatles so would definitely be seeing this film even if I hadn’t been an extra. I was worried at first that Jack would be trying to pass off the music as his own without any moral dilemmas but throughout the film, Jack is constantly unsure if he is doing the right thing and fears being caught out. He only does it to show the world the incredible music they have all forgotten. He just wants the world to know the power of the Beatles.

Hello Readers,

Last Saturday I went to the cinema to see the film Yesterday. This has been a long standing arrangement with my friends for the last 365 days. That is because we were extras in the film when the cast and crew filmed at Gorleston Beach for the day. Gorleston is where I have spent much of my childhood and is only a short drive from our home town.

The film itself was a delight. Watching it felt like a warm hug on a winter’s day or a bar of chocolate after a rough day at school. I think that it will become an instant classic as so many of Richard Curtis’ and Danny Boyle’s films have already. There was a real feel good vibe about the story. I felt attached to the film because of my extra experience and that the character was from a part of the world I knew very well. However, I think it is enjoyable no matter your own experiences or where in the world you hail from.

I will start by reviewing the film itself then move on to the day of filming.

Yesterday (2019) Poster

Yesterday tells the story of Jack, a struggling musician from Suffolk. He continuously tries to break into the music scene by gigging in local pubs and at one point a festival but with no luck. In a freak storm that causes a worldwide blackout and an unfortunate yet hilarious injury for Jack, his life changes. The world can no longer remember the chart topping, legendary band, The Beatles. As a guitar player and singer, they are some of Jack’s idols but now no one else in the world knows who they are.

Jack sees this opportunity to reinvent his musical persona after hearing amazing feedback from his friends and manager/friend Ellie. He starts by recording some of the songs and his success spreads very quickly with the help of Ed Sheeran. He becomes a worldwide sensation but starts to loose focus of what matters, his friends and possible romance with Ellie.

I am a huge fan of The Beatles so would definitely be seeing this film even if I hadn’t been an extra. I was worried at first that Jack would be trying to pass off the music as his own without any moral dilemmas but throughout the film, Jack is constantly unsure if he is doing the right thing and fears being caught out. He only does it to show the world the incredible music they have all forgotten. He just wants the world to know the power of the Beatles.

My friend Will who was also an extra enjoyed the film and it made him more excited to see it having been in the film.

My experience as a film extra

The day itself was a really great atmosphere and a fun day out. I heard about the experience from a friend and rallied together a group to drive to the beach. I am not sure why but I wasn’t expecting the beach to be that busy. Probably because I hadn’t seen the event advertised on social media or heard about it from anyone else.

When we got there, I was shocked to see hordes of people at the car park, waiting to get the bus to the beach. The crowd was about 6,000 people, the largest gathering of extras in the UK. The experience was free but we still had to get tickets and waiting in line to get them checked took a while but we all got the the beach. There was a field full of Porta Loos and food stands as we all had a free burger and ice cream for taking part.

We were quite near the back as we did not arrive at the crack of dawn and because some of the party got lost on the way. We still had a great view of the Pier Hotel, where the main action was. Having Danny Boyle, a world famous director interact with the crowd and tell us what to do was an amazing experience. I could see lots of cameras on the stage and a band all set up; there was another big camera near us and a helicopter that flew over head.

Filming that day really made me appreciate how much effort goes into such a small scene. It took basically 6 hours to get the shots and we did probably 8 or 9 takes of jumping up and down for a song. It must have taken a lot of coordination. I couldn’t really tell what the song was as it was a more rocky version but after watching the film, Jack is upset while playing it so the song comes out very angry. The scene that took a whole day to shoot, was probably two or three minutes in the film.

Another friend who was there on the day said that it “felt cool to be part of an actual film and see the director”.

The only downside of the experience was the sunburn that I came home with.

Happy Watching,

Robyn

Other films I have enjoyed at the cinema recently are: Rocketman, Toy Story 4, Men in Black International and Spiderman: Far from Home.