Film Review-Suzume

The latest offering from acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Makoto Shinkai, best known for his 2016 fantasy film Your Name & Weathering with You, is a captivating and intriguing work of art. With its stunning art, stunning blend of sci-fi, supernatural disasters, and political commentary, with a touch of humour.

The story revolves around Suzume, voiced by Nichole Sakura. Suzume is a bright yet lonely teenager who lives with her aunt following the death of her mother. One day, while on a cycle, she encounters Souta, a mysterious young man on a quest to find a door. Curiosity piqued, Suzume decides to follow him, leading her to an abandoned ruin where she discovers a strange door in the middle of nowhere.

Like a modern Alice in Wonderland, Suzume opens the door and unleashes a series of cosmic forces and earthquakes. It soon becomes clear that Souta’s mission was to seal these destructive portals, and he needs a “keystone” to do so. However, fate intervenes, and Souta is transformed into a broken child’s chair that speaks with his voice. Meanwhile, the keystone takes the form of a talking cat called Daijin.

Thus begins their epic and quirky journey, a delightful blend of mythic and comic elements. Suzume’s story can be seen as an allegory for the tumultuous changes that come with growing up and finding one’s place in the world, but it goes beyond mere sexual awakening to explore broader themes of power dynamics, respect, and visibility.

Above all, Suzume’s mission is to protect nature itself, a powerful and timeless concept with deep generational resonance.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Film review-The Beekeeper

In the cinematic wasteland of January, “The Beekeeper,” under the direction of David Ayer and starring Jason Statham, emerges as a beacon of light. Despite being an unapologetic off-brand John Wick, Ayer’s direction breathes life into a thin script, offering a refreshing escape from the usual awards-bait.

Statham fully embodies the character of Adam Clay, a beekeeper and retired assassin, on a mission to foil online scammers preying on the vulnerable.

The narrative revels in its unsubtle, unexplained quirks, injecting a layer of amusement for the audience. As Adam sets out on his vendetta, the film skillfully traces the money trail, revealing a satirical crypto bro, Derek Danforth (Josh Hutcherson).

Ayer successfully saturates the film with colour, crafting an entertaining atmosphere, but the central character retains an air of mystery. The lore may be shallow, but there’s potential for sequels. This whimsically, absurd and over the top action flick is the ideal choice for a popcorn-filled movie night.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review: Big Finish: The Paternoster Gang: Trespassers 1: Rogues Gallery

In the ever-expanding Doctor Who universe, the Paternoster Gang – Strax, Madame Vastra, and Jenny Flint – have always fascinated me. It always felt like there was more to tell, so much untapped potential. Well, after a long break from their audio series and nearly a decade away from our TV screens, it’s high time to catch up with these characters. This audio is a delightful return to their world.

The first episode, “The Ghost and the Potato Man,” sets the stage for an exciting adventure. Our trio finds themselves in a tangle of mysteries involving a vanishing magician’s act and some criminals. The plot expertly navigates the mystery of said criminals, who seem to vanish into thin air after their misdeeds. Adding a fresh twist to the group, fan-favourite, Ellie from the Jago & Litefoot series joins the gang.

Strax’s unexpected talent as an on-stage comedian is sure to have you in stitches, and there’s a heartwarming scene that deepens Jenny and Vastra’s relationship.

Rating: 8/10

Let’s talk about the core trio. Dan Starkey, who embodies Strax, seamlessly blends humour and warrior prowess into the character. He’s a standout in the quirky dynamics of the Paternoster Gang and makes Strax one of the most endearing figures in the Whovian world.

Neve McIntosh, known for her role as Madame Vastra, delivers a captivating performance that peels back the layers of her character. Her ability to convey Vastra’s complex personality, from her stoic exterior to her genuine affection for Jenny, enriches the story.

Catrin Stewart, who plays Jenny, infuses the character with an infectious energy, bringing her to life with authenticity. The chemistry between McIntosh and Stewart is palpable, making the Paternoster Gang’s dynamics even more engaging.

Throughout the series, McIntosh and Stewart play crucial roles in breathing life into the Paternoster Gang’s adventures, adding to the charm and authenticity of this beloved trio’s escapades.

In “Trespassers,” Dan Starkey takes on an additional role as the writer for the second story, “Symmetry of Death,” crafting a complex plot enriched with sci-fi elements. His ability to bring out Strax’s unique humour adds depth to the character, making him even more endearing.

In a series that heavily relies on character dynamics, Dan Starkey’s portrayal of Strax shines, contributing to the charm of the Paternoster Gang’s latest audio adventures. His impeccable comedic timing and unwavering commitment to the character deserve recognition.

In “Symmetry of Death,” the trio investigates a locked-room disappearance alongside a simultaneous murder. While there are moments that might feel a bit otherworldly, Neve McIntosh’s emotionally rich performance stands out.

Rating: 7/10

The final episode, “Till Death Us Do Part,” introduces Paul McGann’s 8th Doctor to the Paternoster Gang. Jenny’s determination to marry Vastra, despite her hesitation, takes them on an unexpected journey. The story is character-driven, especially for Jenny, offering a refreshing departure from the typical Victorian escapades, with a revelation that lingers.

“Trespassers” is an exciting comeback for the Paternoster Gang, with a deep dive into character development. While it might not convert those unimpressed by the trio, it undeniably hints at new possibilities.

Overall Rating: 8/10

The Paternoster Gang: Trespassers 1: Rogues Gallery is avaliable here

Bite Me: A Buffy podcast-The Harvest

Join Joe Ford and Martyn Havell in this thrilling first episode of Bite Me, as they delve into ‘The Harvest’.

Get ready for a rollercoaster of supernatural adventures, witty banter, a dash of nostalgia and some therapy.

If you’d like to support the show, please check out our ⁠⁠Ko-Fi page⁠⁠

The podcast is available on ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Google Podcasts⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Amazon Music⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

Bite Me podcast art by ⁠Penny Smallshire⁠.

Check out Joe’s other podcasts: ⁠⁠Hamster with a blunt penkife⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Finish Big⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Untitled Star Trek Project⁠⁠.

Check out Martyn’s other podcasts: ⁠⁠Bad Wilf⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Running Down Corridors⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Martyn &⁠⁠.

SOCIALS:

Martyn-⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Joe-⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.

Bite Me-⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.

Running Down Corridors-Torchwood: Ghost Machine

We’re back from our summer break and with Chris on paternity leave, Martyn and Abi are joined by YouTuber Jimi Wolfe.

Check out Abi’s production company ⁠TT Productions 23⁠. Toverton Podcast is ⁠here⁠.

Check out Chris’s ⁠Second Doctor audios.⁠

Check out Bite Me: A Buffy Podcast.

Check out Jimi’s YouTube channel.

Twitter: ⁠Podcast⁠, ⁠Martyn⁠, ⁠Abi⁠.

Instagram: ⁠Podcast⁠, ⁠Martyn⁠, ⁠Chris⁠, ⁠Abi⁠.

TikTok: ⁠Podcast⁠, ⁠Martyn⁠, ⁠Chris⁠, ⁠Abi⁠.

Zencastr is now the all-in-one solution making podcasting easy – it’s the ultimate web-based podcasting solution. It provides high quality audio and video podcast production and hosting. With a full suite of professional tools, podcasters can seamlessly record, produce, and publish studio-quality content all from one dashboard. Being a creator has never been easier.

https://zen.ai/vr5mxZb-1_qDx9JWb6Ms83O7kLQqvj3tHYcO_wMqCwM

OFFER CODE: CORRIDORS

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RDC-Torchwood:Everything Changes

Martyn, Chris and Abi discuss the first episode of Torchwood. 

In the first episode, aptly titled “Everything Changes,” viewers are introduced to a universe that exists alongside Doctor Who.

“Everything Changes” begins in the bustling city of Cardiff, where a chance encounter thrusts Gwen Cooper, a dedicated police constable, into a clandestine world beyond her wildest imagination. As Gwen investigates a puzzling murder case, she stumbles upon Torchwood, an enigmatic group led by fan-favourite Captain Jack Harkness.

Captain Jack Harkness and his team operate outside the conventional boundaries of law and order, dedicated to protecting humanity from extraterrestrial threats and supernatural occurrences. Torchwood’s diverse ensemble cast includes the tech-savvy Toshiko Sato, the medical expert Owen Harper, and the resourceful Ianto Jones. Together, they form an unconventional yet formidable team with unique skills and their own complex dynamics.


Through Gwen’s eyes, viewers discover a hidden side of Cardiff, where extraordinary events and unexplained phenomena are woven into the fabric of everyday life. The episode immerses audiences in a city filled with secrets, blurring the lines between the ordinary and the extraordinary.


As Gwen becomes entangled with Torchwood, she grapples with the shocking revelation that aliens exist among us. “Everything Changes” unveils the covert battles fought by Torchwood, exploring the complexities of their mission and the sacrifices made to protect humanity. Friendships are forged, loyalties are tested, and the very nature of reality is questioned.

Check out Abi’s production company ⁠TT Productions 23⁠. Toverton Podcast is ⁠here⁠.

Check out Chris’s ⁠Second Doctor audios.⁠

Twitter: ⁠Podcast⁠⁠Martyn⁠⁠Abi⁠.

Instagram: ⁠Podcast⁠⁠Martyn⁠⁠Chris⁠⁠Abi⁠.

TikTok: ⁠Podcast⁠, ⁠Martyn⁠, ⁠Chris⁠, ⁠Abi⁠.

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Big Finish review-Doctor Who: Daleks! Genesis of Terror

In Daleks! Genesis of Terror, an audio adaptation that delves into the realm of the classic Doctor Who story, Genesis of the Daleks, the potential for exploring new dimensions within this beloved narrative is unfortunately left untapped. This release disappointingly fails to meet the expectations of delivering a cohesive and engaging experience.

The fragmented nature of Daleks! Genesis of Terror is hard to ignore. Instead of providing a complete retelling of Genesis of the Daleks, this audio adaptation solely focuses on Part One of the original draft. Parts Two, Four, and Six are quickly skimmed through by Nicholas Briggs, while Part Three and Part Five are presented as Companion Chronicle versions, narrated by Harry Sullivan and Sarah Jane respectively. This fragmented approach hinders storytelling, resulting in an unsatisfying and disjointed narrative experience for listeners.

Genesis of the Daleks: Part One suffers from poor writing and lacks significant deviations from its televised counterpart. Terry Molloy’s involvement, although expected to elevate the material, unfortunately, falls flat, lacking the fresh perspective necessary to rejuvenate the story. Additionally, Nicholas Briggs’s rushed readings of the other parts do little to fully immerse the audience, leaving much to be desired in terms of narrative engagement.

To further complicate matters, the inclusion of an 80-minute interview with Philip Hinchcliffe seems puzzlingly out of place within the context of the audio adaptation. While such interviews can provide valuable insights and behind-the-scenes information, this extended feature disrupts the flow of the release and distracts from its primary focus. It ultimately fails to enhance the listener’s experience as intended.

Ultimately, Daleks! Genesis of Terror struggles to justify its existence as a worthwhile adaptation. The decision to tackle a universally acclaimed story like Genesis of the Daleks appears misguided, as it lacks the necessity for a remake.

With its fragmented structure, lacklustre execution, and questionable creative choices, Daleks! Genesis of Terror fails to deliver a satisfying audio adaptation. Despite its commendable attempt to revisit a beloved story, it ultimately falls short of capturing the essence and magic of the original. Fans of Doctor Who would be better served by revisiting classic episodes or exploring other stories in the “Lost” range that offer more immersive and engaging experiences.

⭐️⭐️

Big Finish Review-Doctor Who: Purity Unleashed

“Purity Unleashed,” the sequel to May’s “Water Worlds,” takes listeners on an exciting journey with the Sixth Doctor, Mel, and their new companion, Hebe Harrison. This Big Finish audio play consists of three distinct adventures that maintain a sense of unity throughout.

What sets this mini-series apart is its exploration of the recurring theme of purity. The villains encountered in these stories become obsessed with the concept, leading to engaging and thought-provoking adventures that delve into purity of the mind, body, and even in history.

“Doctor Who: The Sixth Doctor Adventures: Purity Unleashed” lives up to the high standards set by its predecessors, offering a riveting storyline that will leave listeners begging for more. Like its predecessors, this series leaves us with an enticing cliffhanger.

The standout episode is Matthew Sweet’s “Broadway Belongs to Me!” which presents a refreshing and thought-provoking exploration of fascist themes within the context of musical theatre. Supported by Howard Carter’s exceptional score and Helen Goldwyn’s expert direction, the production reaches new heights of excellence.

Chris Chapman’s “Purification” takes us on a journey through time, starting in 1910 in New Zealand and spanning generations. This narrative gradually unravels the fabric of time itself, delving into the depths of the human psyche and will leave a profound impact on the audience.

Ian Potter’s “Time-Burst” transports us to 1864 Sheffield, skillfully exploring social inequity and calamity with sensitivity and nuance. Potter’s adept exploration of displacement, arrogance, and the intricate nature of fixed time creates a tale that deeply resonates with listeners.

Colin Baker and Bonnie Langford once again deliver exceptional performances, effortlessly embodying their respective roles as the Doctor and Mel. Their chemistry is evident through their charming banter and delightful humour, and Langford gets the chance to showcase her musical theatre roots, shining brightly in the process.

With “Doctor Who: The Sixth Doctor Adventures: Purity Unleashed,” Big Finish continues to impress with their ability to craft compelling narratives. This series leaves audiences wanting more, eagerly anticipating the continuation currently scheduled for August.

With exceptional writing, performances, direction and sound design. This drama is a must-listen for all fans of Doctor Who.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Film review-Fast X

Fast X takes the Fast and Furious franchise to new heights of excitement and spectacle. It embraces its over-the-top nature, delivering a wild ride that pushes the boundaries of plausibility. The film is a celebration of sheer entertainment, inviting viewers to suspend their disbelief and revel in the exhilarating action.

The plot revolves around Dom Toretto and his crew, who find themselves entangled in a complex scheme orchestrated by the deranged Dante Reyes, son of a Hernan Reyes from Fast Five. Dante Reyes seeks to torment Dom by putting his loved ones in danger through a series of outlandish scenarios. Along the way, familiar faces and adversaries reappear, adding to the ever-expanding ensemble.

Fast X never shies away from its audacity. It showcases jaw-dropping action sequences, including car jumps, explosive stunts, and death-defying feats. The film blurs the line between homage and repetition, referencing past instalments while introducing fresh elements to keep things from feeling repetitive.

The cast delivers committed performances, with Jason Momoa stealing the show as the flamboyantly unhinged antagonist. He’s essentially playing The Joker. His portrayal adds a captivating mix of humour and madness to the proceedings. The film also introduces new characters, such as Brie Larson’s Tess and Alan Ritchson’s Almes, who contribute to the diverse ensemble.

At its core, Fast X is an escapist thrill ride. It demands that viewers embrace its over-the-top nature and surrender to the sheer enjoyment of the spectacle. The film transports audiences to a world where the laws of physics take a backseat to adrenaline-pumping action and larger-than-life characters.

While the plot may be convoluted and the characters larger than life, Fast X succeeds in delivering an exhilarating experience. It captures the essence of the franchise’s appeal: the excitement, the high-octane action, and the sense of camaraderie within the “family.” It reminds us that sometimes, it’s okay to suspend our disbelief and indulge in pure cinematic escapism.

Fast X stands as a testament to the franchise’s ability to consistently deliver entertainment that resonates with its devoted fan base. It invites viewers to buckle up, let go of their inhibitions, and embrace the wild and outrageous journey it offers. So, prepare for a thrill like no other as Fast X revs up the engines and takes you on a heart-pounding adventure where anything is possible.

Fast X is in cinemas across the UK & Ireland.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Big Finish Review-Torchwood: Launch Date

Launch Date, the conclusion of the Torchwood “romance trilogy,” brings Aaron Lamont’s deft writing to the forefront, with Ianto Jones, played by Gareth David-Lloyd, taking a back seat to the budding relationship between Geraint and Chrissie, played by Jonathan Hawkins and Gemma Knight Jones.

Lamont’s script is filled with witty dialogue that sets the pace for the story, with Hawkins delivering an effortless performance as the unconfident Geraint. While his Welsh accent occasionally falters, it doesn’t detract much from the overall performance.

Knight-Jones shines as the headstrong and opinionated Chrissie, delivering a performance that evokes a sense of frustration with the world. Lamont’s well-crafted story allows the listener to witness a different side of Ianto, as he plays a peripheral but pivotal role in bringing Geraint and Chrissie closer together. The duologues between the two, as well as the vignettes of their personal lives, are skillfully interspersed, with Callum Lloyd’s annoying but endearing portrayal of Joe adding a delightful touch of humour to the mix.

While the story has some light and funny moments, the climax is slightly underwhelming, as it’s evident from the beginning that Ianto is playing matchmaker. Nonetheless, the character interactions are written and played in a thoughtful and nuanced manner, with David-Lloyd’s performance being consistently on top form.

Overall, Launch Date is a solid story, with Lamont’s writing and the cast’s performances making it a fitting conclusion to the Torchwood “romance trilogy.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Torchwood: Launch Date is now available to own as a collector’s edition CD + download for £10.99 or as a digital download for £8.99, exclusively from Big Finish.