Ghoulumbe Better than most people think

ChanFamous I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

Allison Davies The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Ella-May O'Brien Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

grantss A great series, based on the books by CS Forester. The adventures of Horatio Hornblower, an officer in the Royal Navy at the start of the 19th century. The movies follow his rise up the ranks.Very realistic in its actions, commands, uniforms, ships etc. Some great action and human drama.Special effects are good, except for the explosions. Those seem very cheap and unrealistic.The other area that seems unrealistic is Hornblower's home life. The relationship with Maria seems very clumsy and unnatural.Great performance by Ioan Gruffudd in the lead role. This is surpassed by Robert Lindsay as Admiral Pellew. He provides the perfect mix of authority, gravitas, compassion and father-like doting.Good support from Paul McGann as Lt Bush, Paul Copley as Matthews and Sean Gilder as Styles.The biggest pity is that this movie is the last one they made, when there are several books left.

TheNorthernMonkee SPOILERS In the eighth, and at present final, episode of the Hornblower series, the Americans make an entrance into Horatio's world. With an impressive budget (allowing for excessive rain), this episode is another fine addition to what has been an excellent series.Newly married, Horatio Hornblower (Ioan Gruffudd) is back aboard the HMS Hotspur with lightning fast speed. Now on route to find an old friend, he encounters an American woman and her husband, who hides an unusual secret.In what might well be his final performance as the maritime hero, Ioan Gruffudd is once more brilliant. Over the last few years, the actor has made the role his own and it will be no surprise if he is now a success in Hollywood.Ioan Gruffudd isn't the only actor to be superb once more. Yet again he is helped by magnificent turns by Robert Lindsay, Paul Copley, Sean Gilder and Paul McGann. All perform admirably, and all are worthy of praise.This final chapter also seems to contain some of the most extreme weather to feature in any episode. With extreme rain and snow, the weather machines are turned up to full throughout. It is well handled however and it's little surprise it is used to Hornblower's advantage.As a final part of the series, this is the perfect way to finish. With a suitably happy ending it leaves the audience happy and content. Led for the final time by a suitable Ioan Gruffudd, it is well made and all in all, the perfect conclusion.

Todd Bradley I Video'd this and the other new Hornblower movie ("Loyalty") when they were shown on A&E in December 2003, but it wasn't until mid-February that I finally watched them. And then the following weekend, I finally saw the "Master and Commander" movie. It's too bad I watched the Hornblower movies first, because they really ruined "Master and Commander" for me. The acting is so much better in the Hornblower stories. In fact, I think about the only thing "Master and Commander" had over "Loyalty" and "Duty" were sound effects and lack of commercials. What I didn't realize is that these were just the latest (last?) two in a long series of Hornblower made-for-TV movies. Now I want to watch the whole series!

chainsaw588 I was flipping threw the channels and came across this tv show and was blown away. It pulled me in and ever let go. This is the newest show in the series I watched it this week 12/02/2003, I had no idea they had made new ones. After reading some reviews I agree that the acting is better than any American made for tv movie, except "Lonesome Dove", Ioan Gruffudd is great, but he is no Robert Duval or Tommy Lee Jones.The set and I use that word loosely, is a 19th century ship. Every aspect of the ship feels like it came out of the 19th century. It does feel tight and dark. Exactly what a ship back like then feels like.The story is not really great, good is what i would say. You are able to determine what happens with in a few minutes. The acting is what I paid more attention to. Some of the action sections are ok. It's not movie quality but you don't really let it bother you. If "Master and Commander" and "Pirates of the Carribean" was not released I don't think the American viewers would watch this. I hope A&E will keep showing this series if i continues.Over all I would recommend anyone this show who love the sea and watching acting, a great tv movie.