Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.
View MoreIt's a mild crowd pleaser for people who are exhausted by blockbusters.
View MoreI am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible
View MoreThe storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.
View MoreOh, Secret Smile. I love you, but hesitate to recommend you. The last time I did online, I got so much static. And the criticism were mostly valid: it's exploitative, the plot relies on everyone aside from the leads behaving as stupidly as possible, some aspects of mental illness and the legal system are depicted inaccurately, and more. But the main reason why people hate it is because it presses their buttons. Brendan is both very attractive and the ultimate nightmare stalker, and viewers -- not to mention the other characters -- are pushed and pulled between their conflicting feelings about that. When you think about it, it's clever, because it's similar to the push/pull people sometimes feel for their stalker, often an ex that they struggle to get away from, and stay away. Claire's character is less vulnerable than most people, and tries to get out fast, but even so, Brendan insinuates himself into her life. And that is frankly, frightening. Look: I've been stalked twice in my life. I'm far from believing "this can happen to anyone" and victims are helpless, but anyone can be sucked into a stalker's game for a time. And if it hasn't happened to them, the people around you won't understand completely. I wish I had a dollar for every time someone said "have you told him to leave you alone?" So I can say with confidence that Brendan's dialogue and behaviour, at least in the early part of the show is realistic. If you can appreciate this show as a crazy nightmare with a core of reality, you will not only enjoy it, but also have some food for thought.
View MoreI agree with Jane Dow, except that for "interesting" I have to substitute "predictable"! I missed the first 20 mins of part 1 of this last night (which didn't seem to matter ...); part 2 is on tonight and having looked at the reviews, I now know that there is a "surprise" end. But, that doesn't change the flaws in this story, too many to list here - and Jane Dow has nailed most of them. But from what I've read, the "surprise" is equally flawed and unrealistic.This reminds me vaguely of another 2-part TV film that was shown on the BBC last year: it was called "The 7.39", starring David Morrissey and Sheridan Smith. This was very slow moving but equally predictable - no surprise ending so less flawed because it was so mundane. What I find amazing is that "The 7.39" got a lot of hype before it was shown (... following which it got a lot of flack!); I only came across Secret Smile on TV last night by chance, but I have to say that judging by the quality, or lack thereof, of programmes like this, I think I need to get my pen/computer out! If TV companies are happy to continue to make TV films that are implausible, I can come up with some good story lines: to make them more exciting and appealing they too would be a bit flawed and thin on research (I would be a bit more diligent in having my characters having COMMON SENSE though!), but if anyone's interested, I'm here :-)
View MoreI watched this because I'm not particularly familiar with David Tennant, and wanted to see him act in more than 3 minutes of Harry Potter before moving on to see him replace Chris Eccelston in Doctor Who.I was really surprised at it, I mean some of it was a bit predictable, but the tale of a good thriller is that even if you know what's coming, you're heart-rate still pumps higher with anticipation.My bruvva (who has an attention span of a 5 year old) stayed to watch all of part 2 with me, so you know it's interesting.Basic premise is that of many a Lifetime movie -- woman comes upon a mysterious seductive man, only to realise he's a bugger, bail out, and then can't shake him off. Only she knows he's dangerous -- everyone else sees her warnings as jealous or bitterness. How Lady Cassandra.DTennant plays the role of the creepy guy who gets away with everything perfectly. Frighteningly well, really. But give him due credit at least for being able to carry the movie.The plot is not that original, but what is original these days. The acting, directing and producing really carry the movie, and I guarantee you by the end of the movie you will dislike Brendan.My only complaint comes at the end of the movie (SPOILERS BEWARE!!) because they sort of pull a Hollywood trick on ye. I much prefer the illusional ending of the main character dying, instead of sneaking her in at the last minute. I sort of think that a cheat.Other than that, two thumbs up, brilliant, highly recommended, will watch again!
View MoreI haven't read the book of this and based on this adaptation, will not bother. I hated every character in this show - Miranda was slutty, selfish and mumbled miserably through the appalling dialogue, her sister was a total wimp, and this was the worst depiction of manic-depression I have ever seen. I have a degree in Psychology, and this was not accurate. In fact, until it was mentioned, I did not realise Troy was supposed to be bipolar - I thought he was a normal, slightly grumpy teenager.The only saving grace in this stupid show was David Tennant, whose brilliantly psychotic performance was the only thing that got me to watch the second half. Clearly the writers and producers of this show have not done any research - Troy's mental problems are not remotely accurate, nor are the forensics involved in the "twist" ending (and if you did not spot that a mile off, you are a big ole dummy!) Utter garbage.
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