I got series one of Wallander this weekend, which I've had in the queue for a while. It was pretty good. I wasn't as good as I had expected it to be, and really just made me want to watch series two of Sherlock, which thank goodness I was able to do.
I rented Wallander not knowing anything about Helling Mankell's books. I knew that the series took place in Scandinavia, but that was it. I have to say that I really like when a series is done as movies instead of episodes, which both Wallander and Sherlock are.
What I really liked most about Wallander was the photography. It is a beautifully shot show. I also loved that it was shot in Sweden. Such refreshing locations, really beautiful. The mysteries where really good as well, you didn't have them figured out in the first 15 minutes. The acting was superb. Kenneth Branaugh was absolutely raw.
The problem I had was that I didn't emotionally connect with any of the characters, even Wallander himself. The material was very emotional, I just didn't get sucked into it. The supporting characters were really just there as filler, which is the exact thing I hate about shows like CSI. The characters are there really to just move the case along. I was dissappointed because I really like Sarah Smart and Tom Hiddleston. Kenneth was the only actor doing any heavy lifting, and boy did he have a load.
I am still going to watch series two mind you, it is a good show. I just don't love it as much as the legions of Europeans do as it turns out. I realized I was missing out on quite a bit when I watched the bonus features. I am sure the folks who read and loved the books got a lot more out of the show. It sounds like they worked a lot of nods in.
Like I said though, it really gave me an itch to watch Sherlock.
Oh goodness me, I love this show so much. Now, I am not a hardcore Sherlock fan. I actually didn't care for the recent movies. I saw the first one, and didn't even bother with the second. I love Robert Downey Jr. too, and he wasn't enough to keep me interested. I am completely in love with the show though. Every single tiny thing is awesome.
Like Wallander, the photography is just gorgeous. The writing is so tight, and all the performances are top form. I was a fan of both Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman's going into the show, and love them together. Benedict has nailed this character. He somehow has managed to make him likable, even when he is so bloody insensitive. Martin doing his Martin thing is so perfect for Watson. Yes, together they are just wonderful to watch.
What I also enjoy is the externalization of Sherlock's thought process. Wire in the Blood is my favourite mystery show, and one of the things I love is how Tony talks out his thinking. That's where the writing really comes through. There's no short cuts there.
Sherlock's series two was even better than series one. I loved A Scandal in Belgravia, it was my favourite. The direction was outstanding. So much fun to watch. Russell Tovey's turn in The Hounds of the Baskerville, pun intended I'm sure, was just wonderful. He delivered his usual heartbreaking performance. Love him. The Reichenbach Fall was, well just amazing, and totally leaves you wanting more. Waiting sucks!!
So yeah, Sherlock wins hands down in my book, not that there was really a competition. :oP
I rented Wallander not knowing anything about Helling Mankell's books. I knew that the series took place in Scandinavia, but that was it. I have to say that I really like when a series is done as movies instead of episodes, which both Wallander and Sherlock are.
What I really liked most about Wallander was the photography. It is a beautifully shot show. I also loved that it was shot in Sweden. Such refreshing locations, really beautiful. The mysteries where really good as well, you didn't have them figured out in the first 15 minutes. The acting was superb. Kenneth Branaugh was absolutely raw.
The problem I had was that I didn't emotionally connect with any of the characters, even Wallander himself. The material was very emotional, I just didn't get sucked into it. The supporting characters were really just there as filler, which is the exact thing I hate about shows like CSI. The characters are there really to just move the case along. I was dissappointed because I really like Sarah Smart and Tom Hiddleston. Kenneth was the only actor doing any heavy lifting, and boy did he have a load.
I am still going to watch series two mind you, it is a good show. I just don't love it as much as the legions of Europeans do as it turns out. I realized I was missing out on quite a bit when I watched the bonus features. I am sure the folks who read and loved the books got a lot more out of the show. It sounds like they worked a lot of nods in.
Like I said though, it really gave me an itch to watch Sherlock.
Oh goodness me, I love this show so much. Now, I am not a hardcore Sherlock fan. I actually didn't care for the recent movies. I saw the first one, and didn't even bother with the second. I love Robert Downey Jr. too, and he wasn't enough to keep me interested. I am completely in love with the show though. Every single tiny thing is awesome.
Like Wallander, the photography is just gorgeous. The writing is so tight, and all the performances are top form. I was a fan of both Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman's going into the show, and love them together. Benedict has nailed this character. He somehow has managed to make him likable, even when he is so bloody insensitive. Martin doing his Martin thing is so perfect for Watson. Yes, together they are just wonderful to watch.
What I also enjoy is the externalization of Sherlock's thought process. Wire in the Blood is my favourite mystery show, and one of the things I love is how Tony talks out his thinking. That's where the writing really comes through. There's no short cuts there.
Sherlock's series two was even better than series one. I loved A Scandal in Belgravia, it was my favourite. The direction was outstanding. So much fun to watch. Russell Tovey's turn in The Hounds of the Baskerville, pun intended I'm sure, was just wonderful. He delivered his usual heartbreaking performance. Love him. The Reichenbach Fall was, well just amazing, and totally leaves you wanting more. Waiting sucks!!
So yeah, Sherlock wins hands down in my book, not that there was really a competition. :oP
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