Intcatinfo A Masterpiece!

ChicDragon It's a mild crowd pleaser for people who are exhausted by blockbusters.

Portia Hilton Blistering performances.

Sanjeev Waters A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

petsie-24409 Looked to me as if Rowling produced this, didn't write it. Am I mistaken? It is developing some different characters in settings from seedy to extraordinary. City life is a worldwide phenomenon. You cross a few streets and go from one world to the next. So noticeable in Chicago, where I was a child, to Los Angeles, San Francisco, et al. Having a main character who seems comfortable in these contradictions, adds to to intrigue.

maria-ricci-1983 You can review Strike in reference to the original book, that is, considering how efficiently or accurately the TV show has captured the source characters, atmosphere and plot. Or comment Strike as an original work in itself, without any comparative reference to the J. K. Rawling's books.As I haven't read them and I am not a particular fan of hers, I will refer to the show as an orginal production.I liked it generally, and I enjoyed the whole story and pace. It is the traditional, Christie-style private detective-and-his-femele-sideling story. The tone is not tormented noir (no Luther, nor Y Gwyll here), although some degree of light-weight mess is shown around the main character. I didn't find the script so unbelievable or nonsensical as a couple of reviewers have stated, although I concede that one or two lines were a bit too disconnected or far-fetched. Strike is a well composed and interesting character, I think finely interpreted by Tom Burke, whom I found convicing and charming considering the not-too-deep atmosphere or intensity of the script.I cannot know how faithfully Holliday Grainger plays her role in terms of the original character in the book. In non-comparative terms, I found her acting a bit annoying and, in fact, anti-climactic. Her pouting, overacting and excessive facial language, in a comedic key, pulled me away from the dramatic tension all the time. In my opinion, the production could have gained from a more subtle interpretation or actress, while also keeping the naive, well-meant spirit of the character. I hope the next series will be as fine and enjoyable as this.

s3276169 Old is the new, "new". So many things these days from watches to cars to, well TV shows and films, are drawing increasingly on the past for inspiration. Strike is apparently a telly adaptation of a character from a series of "who dunnit" books by J K Rowlings. Much as I passionately loathed Harry Potter, I must say I have considerably warmer feelings towards Cormoran Strike. There's a real 70's vibe about this show. The intro right down to the fonts have a 70's look. Lead character, private eye, Cormoran Strike seems somehow displaced in a modern context too. Cormoran's look and attitudes take me back to 70's crime shows. There's a little dash of the tough guys from The Sweeney in this character but oddly, perhaps the character he most reminds me of is US sleuth, Colombo. The unkempt dishevelled look, the coat he seems to live in, the unassuming manner. All of which conceal a sharp, perceptive mind. The casting choices are excellent. Tom Burke's Cormoran shares wonderful chemistry with his "detective in training" side kick, Robin played by Holliday Grainger. To be honest I personally rather feel Grainger is the unofficial star of the show. Her warmth and personality really take centre stage and provide a nice balance to Cormoran's more subdued characterisation. So is there a downside here? Well for me, I did find the noticeable dash of elitism, tiresome. The only way Comoran can be a part of the celeb cases he seems to find himself embroiled in, is to come from the same stock. Much as Comoran appears to be an "every man",really he's not and I think that in some respects, that's a real shame. Why can't ordinary people do extraordinary things? Putting this minor gripe aside there's still far far more to like here than not. Strikes a real nostalgia trip that's capably acted, produced and directed. An addictive watch. Eight out of ten from me.

reneedlittle Excellent cast, dynamic story line, unique cinematography all combine for an outstanding series. The nonexistence of over the top completely impossible special effects is refreshing. It's intelligent and sophisticated in it's execution. There is no quick fix to each case, yet the writers don't drag the story along simply to fill time and episodes, instead time is utilized efficiently and very effectively creating a great deal of intrigue and suspense which will keep you up at night to watch an episode instead of going to bed. A definite must watch series.