Wodehouse Playhouse - The Smile That Wins DVD

Advantages: Digitally restored complete set of 23 fantastic episodes
Disadvantages: Spoilers: the punchlines of Wodehouse's novels!

...rely upon his, or more accurately, his butler's superb powers of problem management to extract them from all sorts of trouble or to solve their various relationship problems. The results never fail to be amusing, not least because the show's director appears to be a match for Wodehouse's fantastic ability to paint caricatures. The characters that amused generations of people on paper come vividly to life in this show; Augustus 'Gussie' Fink-Nottle (Richard Garnett), for example, a gentleman of nervous disposition and an intense aptitude for the study of newts, falls deeply in love with Madeline Bassett (Francesca Folan), a girl who delights in statements such as "Don't you think that the stars are God's daisy-chain?" One can't help sympathising with all parties concerned. As for the price; as Wooster might have said, this DVD set qua cash... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Good performances
Disadvantages: Unoriginal/predictable

...Shakespeare in love is a romantic comedy starring outstanding performances by Gwenth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes and Judi Dench. It tells the tale of the greatest love story ever - 'Romeo and Juliet'. Shakespeare(Joseph Fiennes) is a playwright who is struck by writer's block and his comedy 'Romeo and Ethel the Pirate's Daughter' is looking to be a flop. The Playhouse looks to be closed down until Lady Viola (Gwenth Paltrow) answers to his prayers. However, destruction awaits Shakespeare as Viola is to wed the mean ol' Lord Wessex. But does all end well for Shakespeare? Hah...what do you think? Although it can be accused of being rather predictable, it truly is a must-see comedy.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average off topic

Advantages: Los Angeles
Disadvantages: poor story line, acting, sets

...The movie fails miserably for the most part. The director seems to be chasing too many characters in a ridiculous story line that's thin. Most of actors seem to be straight from a local playhouse acting school for teens. They need to re-enroll. Everyone tries to hard . The subject matter is strong about a pedophile who preys on neglected teens. Some of the other characters get into pornography and a peep show. The best part is seeing the underworld of the Los Angeles, California sex trade . The writers seem to be well experienced and knowledgeable or have a rich fantasy life regarding messed of kids and where they are.This aspect of the film is interesting. The dark sets are cheap even for student B horror movie... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful