#richard manville

[verypersonalscreencaps]

LESLEY MANVILLE, PRIYANKA CHOPRA, RICHARD MADDEN & STANLEY TUCCI attend the "Citadel" Italian Premiere on April 21, 2023 in Rome, Italy

[thecrownnet]

Netflix's hit royal drama, The Crown, is set to hang up its robe and scepter after 60 episodes later this year, with the release of it's sixth and final series.

The chronological dramatization of the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II and her family has been the recipient of both praise and the subject of controversy since its debut in 2016, but has proven to be one of Netflix's most successful and talked about original productions to date.

Though no official release date has yet been given, the show's final season is expected to debut before the end of the year. Here, Newsweek looks ahead at what to expect from season six of The Crown.

*Read more via link above. **The Crown Season 5 will be coming to DVD and Blu-ray on October 17, 2023.

[richardmaddenblog]

Richard Madden with cast  at the global premiere of #Citadel in London, England via Citadelonprime on Ig 

[claudia1829things]

"DAVID COPPERFIELD" (2000) Review

"DAVID COPPERFIELD" (2000) Review

For the past eight to nine months, I have been increasingly obsessed with Charles Dickens . . . namely television and movie adaptations of his novels and stories. Many may not find this odd, but I do, considering my previous disregard of his writing. Yes, I have seen various Dickens adaptations over the years. But for nearly a year, I have viewed many Dickens adaptations with a vengeance, including the 2000 made-for-television adaptation of his 1850 novel, "DAVID COPPERFIELD".

This adaptation of "David Copperfield" was a joint American-Irish production that had two Britons - John Davis and Greg Smith; along with an American named Robert A. Halmi serving as the film's producers. However, the director, Peter Medak, shot the movie in Ireland. Starring Hugh Dancy in the title role, "DAVID COPPERFIELD" told the story of an English author living in Switzerland, as he recounts his life up to that point from his childhood to early adulthood.

While living in Switzerland, David Copperfield has a chance encounter with his stepfather, the brutal Edward Murdstone, who seemed to be courting a wealthy young Englishwoman. David uses this encounter to write his autobiography, beginning with his birth some six months after his father's death. David recalls his widowed mother and the family's kind housekeeper Clara Peggotty raising him in an ideal setting. Following his and Peggotty's visit to the latter's family in Yarmouth, they return to discover Mrs. Copperfield's marriage to the harsh Mr. Murdstone. They also meet the latter's equally loathsome sister, Jane Murdstone. After a physical encounter with Mr. Murdstone, the latter enrolls David into a boarding school under a ruthless headmaster named Mr. Creakle. This decision sets David's journey in motion in which he makes new friends, forms new enemies and finds love as he matures into adulthood.

Dickens had regarded his 1850 novel as one of his favorite, regarding it as a strong similarity to his own life. Knowing a bit about the author's life, I found this assessment of his a bit hard to swallow. Perhaps this was wishful thinking on Dickens' part? Who knows. But I must admit that his story seemed first-class and the beginning of a more mature approach to his writing. This 2000 television movie seemed to reflect both qualities of Dickens' novel. Although I believe "DAVID COPPERFIELD" seems like a very faithful adaptation of the novel, I believe it is not as close to the latter as some might have believed it should.

I had a few issues with the movie. One, I believe it had made the mistake of closely following the 1935 movie adaptation, produced by David O. Selznick. I thought it had merely paid lip service to the story arc involving David's schoolfriend James Steerforth and Emily Peggotty and her family. In fact, most of the story involving this arc happened off-screen, much to my disappointment. Also, screenwriter John Goldsmith had reduced law clerk Uriah Heep's complex embezzlement scheme to a simple one involving stolen diamonds. Perhaps that is why this particular plotline seemed as if it had come out of the blue to simply serve as the character's downfall. In fact, the movie's last twenty-to-thirty minutes seemed very rushed to me. I also had one or two issues regarding the casting, but I will later touch upon it.

Despite my issues with parts of the movie's screenplay, I cannot deny that I had enjoyed "DAVID COPPERFIELD". I realized this is not the first or last adaptation of Dickens' novel, but it proved to be the first adaptation I have viewed. Like I said . . . I enjoyed it. Between Goldsmith's screenplay and Peter Medak's direction, I believe the movie took care to set up David's story as a flashback, using his encounter with his old foe as a means to kick start the narrative. "DAVID COPPERFIELD" proved to be a solid, yet entertaining story about the protagonist's coming-of-age, through his experiences - good, bad and tragic, and the people he met. I honestly thought I would be bored with this movie at least thirty minutes into the story. But I found myself both intrigued and entertained.

Also, it seemed a miracle that the David Copperfield character had not been overshadowed by the more colorful ones that appeared in this story. One has to credit Hugh Darcy for his skillful, yet emotional portrayal of the movie's protagonist. The actor had received a few negative reviews from critics who thought he had given a weak performance. I . . . have no idea on how to respond to that. I was more than satisfied with his performance.

"DAVID COPPERFIELD" also featured some very competent performances from the rest of the cast. Max Dolbey proved to be effective as the young David. Both Anthony Andrews and Eileen Atkins provided plenty of subtle menace as the cruel Murdstone siblings. Both Emily Hamilton and Julie Cox gave charming performances as David's two potential love interests - Agnes Wickfield and Dora Spinlow. Judy Cornwell and Nigel Davenport gave skillful performances as the Copperfields' housekeeper Clara Peggotty and her solid and dependable brother, Dan Peggotty. Dudley Sutton proved to be both charming and eccentric as Aunt Betsy Trotwood's close friend and tenant. The movie also featured solid performances from the likes of Lesley Manville, Oliver Ford Davies, Edward Hardwicke, Freddie Jones and Simon Delaney.

The two Americans in the cast for "DAVID COPPERFIELD" - Sally Field and Michael Richards - had received a good deal of criticism for their performances. Frankly, I can honestly say that such criticism were unwarranted. At least in my eyes. Granted, it seemed odd hearing that comical voice emitting from Field's mouth, when she first appeared as Aunt Betsey Trotwood. But in the end, I rather enjoyed her performance. I also enjoyed Michael Richards' performance as the genial, yet unreliable law clerk Wilkins Micawber. But I must admit there were a few times when the actor had allowed his Cosmo Kramer character from the television series, "SEINFELD" creep into his performance every now and then. Paul Bettany made a first-rate James Steerforth. It seemed a pity that the movie had given him very little screen time. I also feel the same about Sarah Farooqui and Anna Maguire, who had portrayed both the adult and young Emily Piggotty. We finally come to Frank McCusker's performance as the villain in the story's second half - Uriah Heep. I thought McCusker gave a skillful portrayal of the character. But at the same time, I found his performance rather exaggerated at times . . . bordering on cartoonish.

"DAVID COPPERFIELD" featured some lovely cinematography, thanks to Elemér Ragályi's colorful photography of the Irish locations. Michael Pickwoad's photography and Josie MacAvin's set decorations did a great job in re-creating early Victorian Britain. And I must admit that I really enjoyed Joan Bergin's costume designs. Most of the narrative for "DAVID COPPERFIELD" is supposed to be set in the 1840s, but the images below seemed to hint at a late 1850s or early 1860s setting for this particular film:

Overall, "DAVID COPPERFIELD" proved to be an entertaining adaptation of Charles Dickens' 1850 novel. Granted, I had some issues with the movie's decision to push most of the James Steerforth and Emily Peggotty arc off-screen and the simplification of Uriah Heep's scheme. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the movie, thanks to Peter Medak's direction, John Goldsmith's screenplay and a very skillful cast led by Hugh Dancy in the title role.

[ultrahpfan5blog]

Citadel - a completely mediocre spy drama with very little new to tell....

Finished Citadel last night. Overall, a very ordinary show which is derivative of every spy movie or show that has been made in the past. Everything in the show is very surface level. I can completely believe all the news of production issues for this show because, while expensive looking in the action, it doesn't feel like the show justifies the budget. There are a bunch of sets that are reused. There are a handful of action sequences, but not even all that many. The run time of the episodes are fairly short. It feels like a show that was reshot multiple times and retrofitted. Frankly, the biggest issue with the show is how predictable it is. The show makes a big deal about who is the traitor that sold out Citadel to Manticore, but it isn't as if there are more than 2 suspects. The 2 leads are the only potential suspects and Nadia's secret is pretty easy to figure out. Which really leaves Mason. The reason for his betrayal is kind of half assed. Frankly, the only character arc that is somewhat interesting is Mason/Kyle's, given the ridiculous situation he's in. It isn't particularly well developed but at least the situation the character is in is interesting. He has 2 spy wives from Citadel with a daughter from each, one of whom is a woman whose memory he apparently wiped himself in order to protect the other. And he has memories of both Kyle and Mason. And he knows he's the one who sold out Citadel and that Dahlia is his mother. His situation is so bizarre that its almost comical. In that way, I am curious to see what he does. None of the characters stand out. Stanley Tucci was one the early highlights but he barely has a presence in the back half of the season. Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas both have a history of much better work in other shows. They have chemistry and do a decent job but their relationship is very half baked and rushed. I mean, I didn't like Quantico all that much, but Priyanka was honestly better on that show, and she has a history of much more nuanced work in Indian films. Richard Madden has done much more complex and interesting work in Eternals and Bodyguard in recent times. Apart from the leads and Tucci, Lesley Manville is the only actor that has any substantial screen time. She does fine but it isn't as if this role is a stretch for an actress of her caliber. Ashleigh Cummins as Abby/Celeste is decent but the possibility of what happens with her character in the future is more interesting than what actually happens this season. The action is fun and the show is relatively fast paced. Hopefully with season 1, the Russos have ironed out the production issues and they can make a better season 2.

[punchitmrsulu]

Trying to watch Citadel but it's just so freaking boring, I don't even know how it's possible, and the sheer amount of cliches is eye-roll inducing. My eyes do a full 360 just about every 15 seconds.

Seriously, Richard Madden, Stanley Tucci and Lesley Manville are too good for this.

[oceanusborealis]

Citadel: Secrets In Night Need Early Rains & Season 1 – TV Review

TL;DR – While it sort of sticks the landing, it is a season where the issues greatly outnumbered the positives. ⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 2.5 out of 5. Disclosure – I paid for the Amazon Prime service that viewed this series. Citadel Review – I am unsure what I expected when I sat down to watch the groundwork for a new multi-series spy universe. Maybe I was hoping for some good spy shenanigans, boundless…

[babybroccoli]

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[boomgers]

Nunca has sentido que perteneces a otro lugar… “Citadel”

Hace ocho años, Citadel cayó. La agencia global de espionaje, encargada de mantener el bienestar de toda la gente, fue destruida por operativos de Manticore, un sindicato que manipula al mundo desde las sombras.

Con la caída de Citadel, los recuerdos de los agentes de élite Mason Kane y Nadia Sinh fueron borrados mientras apenas lograban escapar con vida. Desde entonces se han mantenido escondidos, construyendo nuevas vidas bajo nuevas identidades, pero desconociendo su pasado.

Hasta que una noche, Mason es rastreado por su antiguo colega de Citadel, Bernard Orlick, quien desesperadamente necesita su ayuda para impedir que Manticore establezca un nuevo orden mundial.

Mason busca a su antigua compañera, Nadia, y los dos espías se embarcan en una misión que los llevará alrededor del mundo en un esfuerzo para detener a Manticore, todo mientras lidian con una relación construida sobre secretos, mentiras y un amor peligroso pero inquebrantable.

Estreno: 28 de abril de 2023 en Prime Video.

La serie cuenta con las actuaciones de Richard Madden, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Stanley Tucci, Lesley Manville, Osy Ikhile, Ashleigh Cummings, Roland Møller, Alex Brock, Caoilinn Springall, entre otros.

[helmstone]

Citadel gets a season 2 from Prime Video thanks to audience numbers

Citadel gets a season 2 from Prime Video thanks to audience numbers

Recently arrived on Prime Video, action drama Citadel has been given a second season. It’s a classic example of audience vs critics — at the end of the day, the audience is the paying customer. I’ve not watched the show (I might at some point), but (taking Rotten Tomatoes as a reference) people like it. Looking at today’s numbers, critics score it 54%, audience scores it 67%. Good, not…

[kermodefan94-blog]

Citadel. Series Premiere (Episode 1-2) Review

The age of the assumed mega budget, no track record, attempted TV blockbuster is well and truly upon us. The most recent example comes from Amazon..

In terms of their big-ticket projects, Prime Video has effectively two specialities. A brand of action show targeted squarely at red-state America in a distinct throwback vein. In the other category, you have shows Bezos and friends think we’ll be enormous by birthright but aren’t willing to put any creative muscle behind beyond a big marketing push in allowing these to be the great shows they…

[richardmaddenblog]

I was busy this week, so I didn't post those stils that were released before the premiere of the sixth episode.

[alexpeteronoja]

Citadel Season 1 Episode 1 - 2 | Hollywood Series Download

Eight years ago, Citadel, an independent global spy agency, was destroyed by a new syndicate, Manticore. With their memories wiped, elite agents Mason Kane and Nadia Sinh barely escaped with their lives. Eight years later, Mason’s former colleague, Bernard Orlick, asks for his help to prevent Manticore from establishing a new world order. Mp4 Download Citadel Season 1 720p 480p , Citadel Season 1…

[suchananewsblog]

How to Watch ‘Citadel’ Premiere Online: Streaming Info, Time, Schedule

Summer may be coming up, but Prime Video is not taking a break yet. After a string of hits, including the currently-airing final season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, the streaming behemoth is debuting its next star-studded series, Citadel, which is poised to be another big hit for the service. Citadel stars Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas as spies from the Citadel organization, with…

[floorman3]

The Citadel Review- A Beautiful and Sprawling Spy Drama

I’m a big fan of spy films and or television shows. Especially one that takes the genre in a new direction. That’s the case with The Citadel. It’s produced by the Russo Brothers, Joe, and Anthony. The two of three men who were instrumental in making the MCU what it is today. They are visionary filmmakers and have had success as producers as well. This new series they produced is a very good spin…

[alienprincelee]

Ello Creation System - A Deep Dive

While scrolling on Youtube I found myself remembering about the Ello Creation System, and after trying to look for pictures of the sets I used to have I found myself getting into a hyperfixation hole about the whole thing.

I'm not so sure how obscure or unknown they are, but after a while I was able to uncover a bit of history about them, and I want to share that with the world.

(Ello-Opolis: People, Places and Things set)

In the late 90's to early 2000;s, Ivy Ross was the head of Mattel's creative division, being in charge of "Project Platypus", a team developing a new set of building toys aimed for preteen girls. In that team was Richard Manville, who developed the concept and idea for the toy, from the branding and packaging to the look of the pieces. After Bratz launched, Ivy Ross left Mattel and a couple of months after Ello Creation System was discontinued.

One thing that I find interesting is how the Wikipedia page says it was discontinued in 2004, while in Mattel's own website it states some of the toys were released in 2005. Also, not all of the sets are listed on Mattel's website, such as Ello-Opolis Cats and Dogs, and On The Go Snow (which even has an Amazon listing), and there's even some that I haven't found any pictures of besides the ones on the Mattel website like the watch and the scooter.

(High Res image of the scooter set from @richardmanville . No other pictures currently exist on the internet (that I know of).

(This is the only picture of the watch on the whole internet, I'd absolutely love to own one, but I think I'd be okay with just a high-res picture. Was it ever released?)

A very interesting thing I'd like to share is what I've found on the United States Patent and Trademark Office website, which mentions the name Ello Creation System and its logo were registered under Mattel until 2011, for its use in items such as toys, educational games, clothing and shoes, bed spreads, lunch boxes, cutlery, hair combs, toothbrushes, backpacks, stationary, lamps, shampoo, and even bandages, they sure wanted to be covered in case the name went big.

(One of the Ello trademarks on the USPTO website)

In that same search I found out that after their trademark ran out, in 2013 LeapFrog grabbed the name "ello" for a brand of water bottles, which was one of the intended uses Mattel had for the line.

The reason for the discontinuation is still unknown, but since Manville is still present in social media maybe he could bring some light into it. Since I'm not any type of notorious journalist, documentary YouTuber or any of the sorts I don't think I've got the qualifications to bother him about an obscure project he ran 20 years ago, but maybe one of you does, in which case I'd love to hear about it to get the end of the mystery, my ASD brain would absolutely appreciate that!!

Let me know if any of you knew about this, or if you've got any other info you'd like to share about the toys! Whether it be your stories about playing with them or if you know any bits or pieces missing!