Category: Reviews

Review-Bill & Ted Face the Music

Reuniting the magic of a successful franchise after a long hiatus can be a daunting task, especially in comedy films where societal sensibilities change over time. However, Bill & Ted Face the Music manages to deliver a new and innovative instalment that pleases both lifelong fans and new audiences.

Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves seamlessly slip back into their titular roles, 29 years after their last film. They are still the kind-hearted characters we fell in love with in 1988, now on a quest to write the song that will unite the world.

The outstanding script by franchise creators Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon allows Bill and Ted to grow and evolve while remaining true to their beloved characters. The film offers enough callbacks to the previous films to please fans, while also welcoming newcomers.

The late George Carlin’s Rufus is respectfully handled, and William Sadler as Death remains a highlight with his absurd and uncool portrayal.

In addition to Bill and Ted’s adventures, we also follow their daughters, Billie and Thea, played by Brigette Lundy-Paine and Samara Weaving, respectively. They are completely believable as the daughters of Bill & Ted, and a spin-off with these two leading the way would be highly entertaining.

The film’s runtime of 91 minutes means that some characters, such as Bill & Ted’s wives, Elizabeth and Joanna, are underserved. However, the overall message of love, hope, unity, friendship, and joy for music shines through.

Reeves and Winter’s natural chemistry and understanding are apparent throughout the film, showcasing their trust and friendship after all these years.

2020 has been rough for everyone, Bill & Ted Face the Music is a shining beacon of pure unadulterated pleasure. It delivers a message that might just save the universe, and the end credits are a must-see.

Bill and Ted Face The Music will come to UK cinemas on September 16th.



Episode 232: New Mutants

Martyn and Gerrod discuss the 13th film in the X-Men franchise, they also discuss the latest Bond trailer and, John Boyega’s recent interview with GQ.

The New Mutants is a 2020 American teen-horror, based on the Marvel comics of the same name. It is the thirteenth and final installment in the X-Men franchise.

The film was directed by Josh Boone, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Knate Lee.

It stars Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, Alice Braga, Blu Hunt, and Henry Zaga.

The podcast is available from all good podcast services, such as but not limited to; Amazon Music, Podchaser, Player FM, Stitcher, and Apple Podcasts.

If you’d like to support the show, then please shop via our Amazon link. A small percentage goes our way, at no extra cost to you.

Check out our Youtube.

Check out We Sound Familiar.

Check out Comedians talking football.

Twitter:

Martyn – @BadWilf

Gerrod –@InGerrodsMind

Pete – @BeeblePete

Sam-@Sammichaelcomic

Chris-@ChrisWalkerT



Episode 231:Big Finish-Doctor Who: Out of time

In which Martyn, Sam, and Chris discuss ‘Out of time’ the latest Doctor Who release from Big Finish.

Out of Time 1 stars David Tennant and Tom Baker. It was written by Matt Fitton and directed by Nicholas Briggs.

Read Martyn’s written review here.



The Big Finish Chris appears on can be bought here.

Check out Chris’ adaptation of Sleuth here.

The podcast is available from all good podcast services, such as but not limited to;

Podchaser, Player FM, Stitcher, and Apple Podcasts.

If you’d like to support the show, then please shop via our Amazon link. A small percentage goes our way, at no extra cost to you.

Check out our Youtube.

Check out We Sound Familiar.

Check out Comedians talking football.

Twitter:

Martyn – @BadWilf

Gerrod –@InGerrodsMind

Pete – @BeeblePete

Sam-@Sammichaelcomic

Chris-@ChrisWalkerT

Doctor Who: Out of Time 1 is now available from the Big Finish website.



Episode 230: Backwards Boys (Tenet)

In which a couple of backwards boys give a spoiler-free review, of a film about a couple of backwards boys (Tenet).

They also pay respect to the late great Chadwick Boseman and Norm Spencer.

They talk about Sylvester Stallone’s director’s cut of Rocky 4, as well as discuss the wrath of Bob McLeod, Christopher Eccleston joining Big Finish, Bernice Summerfield, series 2 of The Umbrella Academy, DC Fandome, Wonder Woman 1984, Black Adam, The Snyder Cut, and a quick spoiler-free review of Bill & Ted face the music.



The podcast is available from all good podcast services, such as but not limited to;

Podchaser, Player FM, Stitcher, and Apple Podcasts.

If you’d like to support the show, then please shop via our Amazon link. A small percentage goes our way, at no extra cost to you.

Check out our Youtube.

Check out We Sound Familiar.

Check out Comedians talking football.

Twitter:

Martyn – @BadWilf

Gerrod –@InGerrodsMind

Pete – @BeeblePete

Sam-@Sammichaelcomic

Chris-@ChrisWalkerT



Review-Doctor Who: Out of time

Covid 19 has been an utter horror, but it has given Doctor Who fans content we wouldn’t have gotten without it. Not only did we get a Sarah Jane Smith finale written by Russell T Davies, we also got the news that Christopher Eccleston has signed up to Big Finish.

It also enabled Big Finish to bring forward their release of Out of time 1. This was recorded entirely in lockdown and only happened because the events of this year cleared out David Tennant’s insane schedule.

Out of Time is the first, in a trilogy of original audio adventures that sees the Tenth Doctor pit himself against his most iconic foes, with a former Doctor by his side. In this story he’s joined by The Fourth Doctor, played by the legendary Tom Baker.



Multi-Doctor stories are nothing new, but this is the first time these two incarnations have met and it’s absolutely joyous. There’s the standard bickering we get when two Doctors meet, however there’s more love and mutual respect between these two.

Writer Matt Fitton perfectly manages to balance the tonal difference between two entirely different eras of the show. Ten and Four bounce of each other spectacularly well. Both lead actors absolutely soar in their respective roles.

Howard Carter’s music perfectly compliments the drama, punctuating the actors performances. The supporting cast are all on top form and Nicholas Briggs takes on a dual role as actor and director, he does both with absolute vigour. This is clearly a passion project for all involved, a love letter to Doctor Who and its fans.

Out of time may well be the best multi-Doctor story yet. I can’t wait for the second and third instalments.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cast:

Listen to our podcast discussion about ‘Out of time’ here.

Doctor Who: Out of Time 1 is now available from the Big Finish website.

Big Finish review-Torchwood Soho Parasite

Since he was first introduced in 2016’s Ghost Mission, Norton Folgate (Samuel Barnett) has popped up in several Torchwood audios. His self-serving ways fast cemented him as a fan-favourite. So much so, it’s difficult to imagine the Torchwood cast without him.

In Torchwood Soho: Parasite, we catch up with Norton, as he investigates strange happenings in post-war London. There’re Nazi packages, a man who should be dead, a time-traveling pub and, Torchwood fan-favourite Sergeant Andy Davidson (Tom Price).

Writer James Goss blows me away, with each release. This is no exception. What’s interesting about this box set, is it’s comprised of six half-hour episodes. I loved this format and I hope it stays. It enables the story to be lean and flow at an incredible pace, there’s no filler here.

The story has a non-linear format, but thanks to Scott Handock’s smooth direction, you’re never lost. You know exactly where every character is and their motivations are always clear.



What can be said about Samuel Barnett and Tom Price at this point? They have such great natural chemistry, Norton and Andy are the perfect Big Finish odd-couple. It’s always a joy to hear them interact.

Rounding off the team are Torchwood new-comers, Dervla Kirwan and Joe Shire. Kirwan instantly shines as Lizabeth Hayhoe, she makes the role her own and establishes the character as a force to be reckoned with. Shire is equally charming as Gideon Lyme, a journalist, and love-interest of Norton. There’s also Belle Epoque (Franchi Webb), the immortal landlady of ‘The Stagnant Pond’ pub. All three characters are brilliant for Torchwood, I hope we see them again.

All-in-all, Torchwood Soho: Parasite is a strong release. Highly recommended.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cast:

Torchwood-Soho: Parasite is available to purchase directly from Big Finish.



Big Finish review-Torchwood: Red Base

Mars may be the next giant leap for mankind, but Starr Base is the first small step. This practice Mars base, located in a quarry in Neath just off the A474, is designed to test humanity’s ability to survive on the red planet. Unfortunately, the crew members are dying and the remaining survivors are terrified, paranoid, and questioning whether something alien has infiltrated Starr Base. To investigate, Sgt. Andy Davidson has been dispatched to determine what has gone wrong.

Torchwood: Red Base, a murder mystery by the talented James Goss, is difficult to review without spoilers. It is a whodunit loosely based on the reality show Eden, which followed 23 participants attempting to build a self-sufficient community in a remote part of Scotland for a year. Unknown to them, broadcasting ceased after only four episodes due to poor ratings.

The Torchwood range has become a personal favourite, and releases like Red Base cement my belief that Torchwood on Big Finish is at its best. James Goss delivers a solid mystery that pays homage to classic whodunits while also providing an original twist. Lisa Bowerman’s direction is as polished as ever, and Blair Mowat’s music is perfectly complemented by Joe Meiners’ sound design.

Tom Price delivers an outstanding performance as Sgt. Andy Davidson, brings humour, empathy, and understanding to the character. It’s been a joy to see Andy evolve over the years and continue to be a fan favourite.

Torchwood: Red Base is now available to own as a collector’s edition CD at £10.99 or on download from the Big Finish website for £8.99.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review-Mortal Kombat:Aftermath

A year after its initial release, Mortal Kombat 11 has been given a major update. Mortal Kombat: Aftermath gives players new characters, some new stages, a new story, and some very exciting surprises.

The story picks up right where Mortal Kombat 11 left off. Shang Tsung is attempting to convince the other heroes, that he should be sent back in time in order to retrieve Kronika’s crown and save the space-time continuum. This is more or less, what you’d expect from NetherRealm. The studio has set themselves up as the top-tier storytellers, in fighting games.
The three new characters are; Fujin, Sheeva, and, Robocop. Robocop’s inclusion makes no sense, but this is Mortal Kombat. Nothing makes sense and that’s where the joy lies.

And Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath contains a lot of joy, that will please new and old fans alike. There’re loads of obscure references and Easter Eggs, that will go over the head of new players. But please long-time aficionados.

Much like with Mortal Kombat 11, the graphics are incredible and gory. This is not a game for the faint heart. However, I feel I must mention the price. It’s pretty hefty, You can get the original game with Aftermath for £50 (or Aftermath plus the Kombat Pack for £40), which is a pretty decent deal, but at £40 for a couple of extra hours gameplay and a few extra characters, you’re essentially paying the price of a new game.
But, if the price doesn’t bother you and you’re itching to play as Robocop, then you’re in for a fun time.

Those who already own Mortal Kombat 11can purchase the Mortal Kombat: Aftermath expansion now digitally for £34.99 / €39.99 (SRP) or the Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath + Kombat Pack Bundle digitally for £39.99 / €49.99 (SRP).

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review-Terminator 2:Judgment day

I was a guest on the latest episode of ‘Take your seat’. I was asked on to talk about the greatest film ever made, Terminator 2: Judgement Day.

I’ve long been a fan of the Terminator franchise, so I jumped at the opportunity to appear on this podcast to discuss the best one.

Review-Scoob!

Scoob! Had been in development at Warner Bros, for about six years. It made headlines a year or so ago, when long-time Shaggy voice actor, Matthew Lilliard revealed on Twitter that he hadn’t been asked back. I can’t help but feel that he missed a bullet here.

Scoob! suffers from the same fate as Universal’s ‘Dark Universe’ and Sony’s ‘Amazing Spider-Man-verse’. In both instances, the studios tried to launch an entire universe. Before establishing one solid film.
This film also has the chore of re-introducing the world to everyone’s favourite ghost hunting adventurous, whilst setting up the wider Hanna-Barbera universe. Such as; the Blue Falcon and Dynomutt, Captain Caveman, and Whacky Racers. The film also went through several creative-team switch-ups and a major theatrical-release shift, moving from September 2018 to May 2020 and then, well. You know what happened in May 2020.

The animation is incredibly well done. Director Tony Cervone, was clearly inspired by the colourful nature of the original cartoon series. The actors all bring their A-game. Will Forte makes a great Shaggy. As always, Frank Welker is great as Scooby-Doo. However, the weak plot and shoe-horning of Hanna-Barbera properties really let this film down.

⭐

Scoob! is available digitally on-demand