Ensofter Overrated and overhyped
Platicsco Good story, Not enough for a whole film
TrueHello Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.
pmoh777 This review doesn't contain a plot spoiler, just a comment about cast changes.I was watching Alastair Mackenzie in a Hallmark movie today and was reminded of how I missed (long for) Monarch of the Glen. As others have noted it was a great package: the beautiful scenery, the quirky characters, the variety of stories, the acting, the refreshing lack of violence and sex, the comedy-drama aspect, and the pleasure of watching these nice people. I plan to see it again soon, though the loss of many of the original characters by the time the show ends is a bit irritating. Also some of the story lines did not turn out the way I expected. Nevertheless, this is one of my goto comfort shows. Just watching the scenery alone is worth the time you spend viewing this.
wilde_jaz I recently found Monarch of the Glen on Netflix and I am in love with it. Or perhaps more accurately I am in love with the whole package, cast and castle and the Scottish highlands. To me, it is more about a group of extremely likable people living their lives in a unique situation. And I want to join them! There is a feeling of "home" here that I find quite comforting. I agree with the reviewer who classed it as a "Scottish 'Northern Exposure.'" The settings are different but the heart of the show is very similar. Anyhow, I have greatly enjoyed Monarch and am sad that it has ended. I did not always agree with how the stories and characters played out, but was nonetheless charmed.
CarmelaG I recently discovered this series through Netflix, and I have found it completely enjoyable. The writing is very consistently good, the characters appealing (their quirks and foibles make them even more so), and the scenery of the Scottish highlands is just lovely.The show takes you inside of a charming world that the characters inhabit. You see them wrestling with and resolving conflicts with others and among themselves in ways that are always sweet in the end, but never sickly sweet or trite. Not all of them are likable. Hector, the father, will drive you crazy, but then he comes through on important points, like loyalty and a devotion to tradition. Archie seems indecisive, but he is also very loving and loyal. And Lexie is a great character who is driven by a sense of justice, and always wanting to do the right thing. Molly and Golly are steadfast, loving - one almost too kind, and the other very stern. And Duncan too is both funny and very true, very devoted to his friends.The show also achieves the near impossible, managing to communicate a lot of sexual tension without ever becoming overly explicit - well done. It's a bit like Northern Exposure or Gilmore Girls in its appeal, but in my opinion it is much better than both of those.I could pick at it a bit and say where it might have gone wrong. But I don't want to, because I just don't think television gets much better than this. Highly, highly recommended for people who like excellent writing that combines drama with humor, shows people usually finding their way back to do the decent thing, and treats characters and viewers with dignity.
smck_82uk I was a die-hard Monarch of the Glen fan during the shows initial run from 2000 - 05 and I followed it religiously through story lines such as the Lexie/Archie/Katrina love triangle, Stella Moon taking over at Glenbogle, the wolves storyline, Hectors death, Lexie & Archies eventual union & of course secret brother Pauls introduction. I would say the best of the show is the first 4 series, from series 5 onwards the show takes a new direction with old characters departing and new ones arriving and whilst it still stays perfectly watchable up until the end the quality of earlier series isn't really there.Overall I'd give it 10/10 though for the drama/acting & of course Scottish scenery.
