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Doctor Who: The Legend of Ruby Sunday (2024)
Who is back...
As the end credits rolled on this nailbiting episode, I was genuinely in shock. After a largely disappointing season, Davies played a blinder, delivering a top tier episode. Depending on the resolution, this may go down as a classic story.
Director Jamie Donoughue ratchets up the tension in The Legend of Ruby Sunday, before pulling the metaphorical rug from under the viewers' feet - in the best possible way.
Most of the cast deliver memorable performances and there are genuine moments of peril.
The effects and sets in this story are stunning, and Murray Gold's soundtrack is perfectly matched to the action on the screen.
A solid 10 out of 10. More, please!
Doctor Who: Rogue (2024)
Shallow
Rogue was an episode that I'd high hopes for. I've always been a fan of Indira Varma, and she didn't disappoint in this episode, where she played the Duchess of Pemberton.
Ncuti Gatwa has settled into his role, and I love the moments where he's serious and brooding. Millie Gibson is a delight to watch, and real fun.
Unfortunately, despite the talent inboard (including the excellent Jonathan Groff as the titular Rogue), the script let the episode down. It's a genuine shame as this instalment had a lot of potential, and the direction was on point.
5 out of 10. More character development was needed here, to make The Doctor's emotional bond with Rogue believable.
Doctor Who: Dot and Bubble (2024)
Close but no cigar.
Dot and Bubble comes close to being the equivalent of Russell T. Davies' Blink, as it shares certain traits of this popular episode from 2007. A character driven piece, carried by the very watchable Callie Cooke as Lindy Pepper-Bean, The Doctor and Ruby are on the outskirts, and remain largely interactive onlookers for most of the proceedings (like the Tenth Doctor and Martha in the aforementioned Moffat classic).
The use of social media technology, and the messaging, have echoes of Black Mirror - minus Charlie Brooker's exquisite writing.
Unfortunately, what could have been a first class episode deteriorates as it approaches its finale. Ham-fisted social commentary once again smashes any sense of escapism, and you're left with the impression that Doctor Who is all about delivering broad statements these days. The irony is that ever since I can remember, Doctor Who has delivered meaningful metaphors for the real world. It just did it skilfully, without spoiling the natural flow of the story. Early Pertwee episodes had an ecological edge, for example, but the moral of the stories were intertwined with the adventure and sense of peril that were ever-present.
I had such high hopes for this season, especially after the top-notch Tennant specials. In the end, this episode was close to being a high note of the season. The visuals and effects were ambitious and solid. The delivery was just a little too on-the-nose for my taste.
7 out of 10. I really want to love this season but there's a vital ingredient missing somewhere.
Doctor Who: 73 Yards (2024)
An episode that doesn't quite add up.
With 73 Yards, the impression is that Davies is trying to emulate Moffat. There's a lot of atmosphere and mystery, a whole spooky vibe, but the plot threads don't quite weave together in a satisfactory manner.
Having a Ruby-centric episode was great - Millie Gibson carried the episode on her young shoulders, but there was something lacking from this episode. It just didn't...add up.
In this season, Davies is definitely leaning into the fantasy genre, and I appreciate not everything needs to be explained, but this episode left me with more questions than answers.
Overall, 6 out of 10. Good but not great.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
A masterpiece of modern cinema
I'm struggling to think of a film franchise that is spread over 40 plus years and that remains consistently entertaining and gripping, other than the Mad Max saga. In fact. To call the Max movies a franchise is doing the films a disservice. There's always a sense that Miller is making the movies because he has a story to tell.
Furiosa is simply epic - I'm sure this word will be used a lot to describe it. From the moment it opens, there's a feeling that you're in safe hands. You strap yourself in and prepare for the ride!
Alyla Browne is a compelling young Furiosa. I lost track of time watching the film but her scenes seem to take up a good chunk of the overall movie, and are excellent. When the transition to Anya Taylor-Joy occurs, it's natural and there's no sense of a jarring change in the lead.
I think Furiosa hits harder than any previous installment in the series. There are scenes of brutality and mean spiritness that make the behaviour of the original Toecutter and crew appear almost tame.
All the cast are excellent. Chris Hemsworth plays against type as Dementus, and is a fantastic baddie. Taylor-Joy is always watchable and is hardly recognisable beneath her grease paint and dirt splatter.
The soundtrack is by Tom Holkenborg and it continues the themes and pace of his Fury Road music. It's an exceptional soundtrack.
10/10. When you have to pinch yourself that a film is this good in the modern age, you know you're watching something extra special.
Doctor Who: Boom (2024)
Moffat skillfully weaves another gripping and classic tale.
The beauty of Doctor Who is that the episodic nature of the series allows for a whole spectrum of stories, styles, and direction. The rebooted / refreshed "Season One" was arguably on shaky ground, a metaphorical landmine. Steven Moffat has arrived at just the right time to help, ably assisted by solid direction from Julie Anne Robinson (a definite improvement from her contribution in Space Babies).
As you'd expect from Moffat, this is a darker tale than the previous instalments in this season. It's a masterclass in tension. Gatwa is phenomenal here, matching the gripping script with a standout performance.
It may not hit the heights of Blink but Boom delivers a big bang in terms of an impression, not a whimper.
Doctor Who: The Devil's Chord (2024)
The new series slips into a promising second gear.
A thoroughly entertaining episode, I really enjoyed "The Devil's Chord". Already, I feel that both Ncuti and Millie have become comfortable in their roles and there's genuine chemistry between the two.
Jinkx Monsoon is the surprise standout element - they were a top notch villain and a natural successor to Neil Patrick Harris' Toymaker. Monsoon was genuinely creepy in this episode and brought a sense of true peril to the proceedings.
There are many moments of this episode that will remain in the viewer's memory - and for all the right reasons.
Two episodes in (excluding the Christmas special) and I'm feeling comfortable that "Doctor Who" has course corrected.
8 out of 10.
Doctor Who: Space Babies (2024)
An interesting, but light, start to the new series
With "Space Babies", there's a sense that everyone's settling into their new shoes. Ncuti Gatwa will be a brilliant Doctor, and I'm sure Millie Gibson will become a memorable companion but, in this first episode, they're not one hundred per cent convincing. I remember feeling the same way when Peter Capaldi first appeared - he's settled into the role by the second episode and never disappointed.
This is a silly, fun episode and it'll be interesting to see how viewers react to its light content. I have to confess, I enjoyed it. The episode feels like a reboot after the Chibnall era, and a welcome one at that.
7 out of 10.
Doctor Who: The Giggle (2023)
An emotional and deeply satisfying ending to the 60th specials.
The Giggle was an absolute joy to watch, from its sinister beginning in an old British toyshop, to a spectacular and unexpected finale.
Russell T. Davies had mischievously warned that there would be a controversial ending to this episode but, no spoilers, I found it the most satisfying of conclusions.
Davies is the master of playing with one's emotions and there were a few moments where I had to hold back the old water works!
Neil Patrick Harris plays The Toymaker, a villainous character last seen way back in 1966. He has a blast in the role; the musical sequence, accompanied by The Spice Girls' "Spice Up Your Life", is television gold, mixing humour with bloodchilling horror.
Speaking of horror, those who suffer from Pupaphobia (a fear of puppets) will be hiding from behind the settee in at least one scene.
As with the preceeding specials, Tennant and Tate are absolutely fantastic. Tennant's 14th is definitely one of my all-time favourite Doctors. The additional years since last playing the role, have given
Tennant even more gravitas. He's brilliant.
So, another perfect 10. Welcome to another Golden Age of Doctor Who. I've been watching since 1973 and the show still feels fresh and exciting. The countdown to Christmas Day has begun.
Doctor Who: Wild Blue Yonder (2023)
A bold instalment
A genuinely frightening episode with a real sense of peril, "Wild Blue Yonder" surpassed my expectations.
With elements of Alien and The Thing, this special episode maintained the excitement from "The Star Beast". Very much a two header, with Tenant and Tate doing all the heavy lifting, this was a gripping piece of science fiction drama.
The episode also addresses the "space elephants in the room," acknowledging both the 13th Doctor's Flux series and The Timeless Child.
Finishing on a true cliffhanger, I'm very excited at the prospect of the next episode. Whilst we know where the 14th Doctor's journey will ultimately end, we do not know the roadmap. Many questions remain unanswered. Exciting times are ahead...
Doctor Who: The Star Beast (2023)
A spectacular return to form
In terms of anticipation, this 60th Anniversary bonanza of three specials has had me on tenterhooks for the best part of two years. The big question was, "Could Russell T. Davies win back a jaded, disenfranchised audience and fanbase?" The answer was loud and clear when the first special, "The Star Beast", landed on the 25th November 2023.
To describe my reaction to this episode as emotional would be an understatement. As a viewer since 1973, I had to mop away tears of joy as this glorious televisual feast unravelled before me on the screen.
Tenant and Tate were always an amazing combination of talent. To see them resume their characters from the New Who Golden Age was like a dream...I loved every second of it.
Having grown up with Doctor Who weekly and the work of Pat Mills and John Wagner, I did wonder if this episode was a fevered dream...could this really be unfolding in reality?
Thank you, Russell T. Davies and the entire cast and crew for reviving this show. This is the ultimate special.
The Wicker Man (1973)
Still packs a punch, 50 years after release!
Robin Hardy's folk horror movie is still a chilling slice of genre cinema, even 50 years after its original release.
I think I must have been too young when I originally viewed this film, and it's grown on me following repeat viewings. I've just watched the extended cut, released by Anchor Bay in the early days of DVD releases. It's a cracker of a film, with so many chilling moments.
Woodward's character, Howie, is sympathetic but frustrating in equal measure. It's difficult to imagine the film resonating with modern audiences, who may lean towards alternative faiths rather than the main character's Christian beliefs.
8 out of 10. A proper British shocker!
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)
A superior modern horror instalment
Lean and mean, the latest Texas Chainsaw reboot is a true sequel to the original movie, set 50 years after the events of To be Hooper's 1974 classic.
Bloody, fast moving, and with a thick streak of black-as-night humour, I enjoyed this modern take on the Leatherface story. There are all the familiar horror tropes here, but the fast pace, killer soundtrack, and quality production values make this worthy of a watch.
Doctor Who: Flux: Chapter Six - The Vanquishers (2021)
The stake in the heart of New Who
In the 48 years of dedicated Who viewing, the cursed Season 13 brought the series to depths I
didn't think possible.
There were few redeeming moments of Whittaker's final season and the final episode sounded the death knell, or Cloister Bell, for the show in its current incarnation.
RTD, you're our only hope.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch: Aftermath (2021)
Strong start; the Force is strong with this one.
Taking up the saga's story just before the closing scenes of The Clone Wars, this series is the perfect spin-off and a true gift for the loyal fan base.
Beautiful visuals and a gripping, well paced debut scene setter leaves the viewer wanting more.
Nearly perfect. 9 out of 10.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 11: The Heiress (2020)
A tremendously entertaining slice of classic Star Wars
Chapter 11 is possibly the strongest episode of "The Mandalorian" to-date. Harking back to the more traditional "Empire" themed tales, this was a fantastic piece of science fiction.
Design wise, "The Heiress" was stunning. This was true chewing gum for the eyes.
The cast was perfect. The real treats were Katee Sackhoff as the stunning Bo-Katan, and Titus Welliver as the Imperial Captain.
10 out of 10. Pitch perfect. I had to pinch myself afterwards. I never imagined, in my wildest dreams, that we'd be watching "Star Wars" of this quality in 2020.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 10: The Passenger (2020)
Tremendous fun
With a tip of the hat to another science fiction franchise, this episode is a whole bundle of fun.
With cuddles more of Baby Yoda, this episode avoids political correctness and delivers good old fashioned fun.
In space, no one can hear you munch eggs.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 9: The Marshal (2020)
A truly epic start to the long awaited second season
Episode 9 simply exceeds any expectations the viewer can have for a season opener.
With epic scale, this science fiction spaghetti western is a delight. There's rarely a chance to take breath, such is the pace of this instalment
10 out of 10.
The Walking Dead: World Beyond: Brave (2020)
Uncertain beginnings
Deep on characterisation and high with production values, this new off-shoot of the zombie franchise shows promise. However, I'm not sure the adventures of teen adventurers will have the attention grabbing draw of the main series, or "Fear".
A diluted "16+" offering, I've my fingers crossed that this series builds its own fan base
Umbilical World (2018)
The stuff of nightmares, a bad trip, or surrealistic comedy gold?
"Umbilical World" is the creative compendium of David Firth's work.
A masterpiece of indie animation, this film feels like early Lynch. Its finale is a mind-binding instalment of "Salad Fingers", Firth's most well known creation.
8 out of 10. Creepy, unwholesome and disturbing. I liked it a lot.
Two Weeks to Live (2020)
Engaging and fun comedy drama
"Two Weeks to Live" is a genuine treat and addictive television. I devoured all six episodes in one evening; it's easy and light viewing and ticks all the boxes.
The cast are excellent. Fans of Maisie Williams and Sian Clifford will savour every moment when the two share the screen. It's always brilliant to see Sean Pertwee, too.
9 out of 10. I dearly hope there will be another season.
The Hat Man: Documented Cases of Pure Evil (2019)
Genuinely spine chilling
"The Hat Man" documentary is a superbly made movie that presents the shared phenomena of the mysterious entity in a riveting, and spine chilling, way.
A mix of interviews, movie clips, recreations, art and photographs is used to present the material in a captivating manner.
I was genuinely spooked as the end credits rolled. Director Kyle J. Macias has made a memorable film and turned a light on a global mystery.
9 out of 10. I may sleep with the light on, tonight.
Mandy (2018)
A deliriously psychotronic and psychedelic shocker
"Mandy" is the perfect midnight movie; a crowd pleasing, glorious tour de force from directors Panos Cosmatos and Casper Kelly.
Nicholas Cage is fantastic as Red Miller, a man whose life is turned upside down by a fanatical cult, led by Jeremiah Sand (Linus Roache).
This is a beautifully shot, disturbing nightmare with a pounding soundtrack that will linger in the viewer's mind.
10 out of 10.
Out of Shadows (2020)
Ripping the lid off the dark secrets of Hollywood
A gripping, current, and punchy documentary that focusses on the darker side of Hollywood.
This is essential viewing. Mike Smith's film covers everything from 1940s propaganda and MK-Ultra through to Pizzagate, Satanism, and Epstein.
9 out of 10.
Extraction (2020)
Solid and violent action flick
"Extraction" is fast, vicious and simple. With a death count that's approaching John Wick 3 levels of bullet ballet, the movie hardly pauses for breath.
Chris Hemsworth is excellent as the haunted mercenary Tyler Rake. This is a very physical role and Hemsworth delivers in spades.
8 out of 10.