Category: Reviews

Review-Nativity Rocks!

The Nativity franchise may have received its fair share of critical bashing, but one thing is for sure: it always finds its way into the hearts of its audience. Despite mixed reviews, it’s not difficult to see why people love it so much. At its core, this series is all about spreading joy and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.

With a soft reboot, Nativity Rocks! sees Simon Lipkin take on the role of Mr Poppy’s long-lost half-brother Jerry, and he absolutely steals the show. Lipkin’s energy and commitment to his role is infectious, and he brings a fresh perspective to the franchise. His chemistry with the adorable stray dog and the charming Syrian child named Doru is heartwarming and adds an extra layer of emotion to the film.

Meanwhile, Craig Revel Horwood is a delight to watch as the pantomime villain, bringing his unique flair and charisma to the role. And while some may criticise the film’s pacing and loose plot points, it’s hard to deny the sheer fun and heart that permeates throughout the film.

Overall, Nativity Rocks! is a fun and heartwarming addition to the franchise that’s sure to put a smile on your face. It’s a testament to the power of music, love, and the spirit of Christmas. And let’s not forget the amazing performance by Simon Lipkin, who proves to be a worthy successor to Marc Wootton’s beloved character.



Review-Crayola Scoot PS4

Crayola Scoot is an exhilarating and competitive scooter game that offers solo and up to four-player modes. With customisable characters, you can personalise your gaming experience or play as a pre-set character. By taking on challenges, you can earn valuable experience and develop new skills, which will help you climb the rankings and defeat the “legends.” Whether you’re painting the park, pulling off tricks, racing, or collecting crayons, Crayola Scoot offers something for everyone in this high-energy game.

The game’s simplified progression system with quick two-minute contests and less realistic physics captures the classic arcade-style extreme sports games like Tony Hawk, while its incorporation of the ollie and trick system from the Skate series offers a more complex and authentic gameplay experience. Tricks are executed using the right analog stick, just like in Skate games.

Although Crayola Scoot has a robust turbo boost functionality, it’s unfortunate that there is no alternative way to jump or command customisation option, which can limit gameplay at times.

Nevertheless, Crayola Scoot is an engaging and accessible game for players of all skill levels. Its colourful graphics and compelling gameplay make it a great choice for fans of extreme sports games or anyone seeking a new gaming experience. While the controls may take some time to master, they are intuitive and easy to learn, and the game’s art design and graphics are elegantly simple, which adds to its overall charm.

Crayola Scoot is a fantastic game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages, making it the perfect game for the Christmas season. Get ready to scoot your way to victory!

Episode 196: The good, the bad and The Chib

Bad Wilf is back! In this exciting instalment, Martyn and Gerrod discuss life, work, holidays and the Doctor Who series 11 episodes, The woman who fell to Earth, Ghost monument and, Rosa.

The eleventh series of Doctor Who began its initial run on 7 October 2018, and will consist of ten episodes. The series is the first to be led by Chris Chibnall as head writer and executive producer, alongside executive producers Matt Strevens and Sam Hoyle.



The series introduces Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor, with Bradley Walsh, Mandip Gill and Tosin Cole playing her companions.

The podcast is available from all good podcast services, such as;

Audioboom, Player fm and Itunes.

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

Follow the Bad Wilf team:

Martyn – @BadWilf

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Review-The Time Tunnel blu-ray

As a child of the nineties, I have fond memories of watching high-quality American shows from the 60s on Channel 4 during school holidays, such as Man from UNCLE, Get Smart, and The Time Tunnel. The latter show, in particular, captured my imagination and sparked my passion for sci-fi, even before I knew what sci-fi was.

Despite being extremely dated by today’s standards, The Time Tunnel remains an entertaining show that feels like a prequel to modern sci-fi classics like Quantum Leap and Stargate. Set in an imagined 1968, the near-future to when the show was made, two scientists named Tony Newman and Doug Philips find themselves traveling through time and space after testing their top-secret government project, the time tunnel.

Although the show has dodgy science, sets, and glaring plot holes, it’s precisely these elements that make it brilliant. The premise is a sandbox for any writer, with nothing off-limits and no logic to hold back the imagination. The time tunnel takes Tony and Doug to a range of different locations and time periods, from Ancient Greece to the first manned mission to Mars.

The transfer to HD is good, considering the show was not shot that way. Additionally, viewers can choose to listen to the original mono sound or the remixed 5.1, both of which work well.

Overall, The Time Tunnel is a great set that would make a perfect Christmas gift for any sci-fi fan. It’s a shame the show didn’t get a second series, given its potential for endless time-traveling adventures.

Film review-A star is born

A Star Is Born, directed by Bradley Cooper, is a powerful and self-reflexive commentary on the destructive nature of fame. Cooper expertly weaves together the themes of stardom and celebrity, as he propels his own stars into the stratosphere. Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Ally, an emergent pop star, adds to the film’s metatextual implications, as she begins to resemble herself as the story unfolds. Cooper’s film takes measured steps away from movie stars and towards musicians, culminating in a version that reflects the contemporary marketability of pop stars.

The film’s opening concert scenes showcase Cooper’s Jackson Maine performing with remarkable purity, delivering genuinely good and memorable songs. However, as Jackson’s celebrity begins to wane and Ally signs with a record label, the integrity of their soul-pouring duets is compromised. Jackson’s alcoholism takes center stage, and his support system, including his older brother and manager (played by Sam Elliot) and longtime friend (played by Dave Chappelle), are unable to save him from his self-destructive tendencies.

Ally’s journey from a struggling server to Jackson’s touring partner, lover, and eventually wife, is captivating, and the onscreen chemistry between Cooper and Gaga is palpable. However, as the film progresses in the familiar path of earlier A Star Is Borns, the destructive nature of fame takes its toll on both Jackson and Ally.

Cooper’s film is an incredibly accomplished work of filmmaking, with its expertly crafted direction, brilliant performances, and poignant themes. Gaga’s performance is a telling commentary on her own career, as she embodies the struggles and triumphs of an emergent pop star. The film’s themes and implications are undeniable, making A Star Is Born a must-see for fans of music and cinema alike.

Overall, A Star Is Born is a thought-provoking and poignant exploration of the price of fame and the toll it takes on those who seek it. Cooper’s direction and Gaga’s performance are a powerful testament to the art of filmmaking and the nature of stardom in the modern age. This film is an important addition to the canon of music-driven films, and a must-see for anyone interested in the complexities of celebrity culture.

Review-The women who lived: Amazing tales for future timelords

The Women Who Lived is a A 224 page hardcover book that features profiles of 75 women from the history of Doctor Who.

From Sarah Jane Smith to Bill Potts, from Susan Foreman to Agatha Christie, to the Thirteenth Doctor. Doctor Who has featured many heroic women, who have helped prevent alien invasions or thwarted maniacal plans. Pick a female character from Doctor Who’s rich history, she’s in here.

This book explores their adventures and celebrates their legacy.

Each profile is written by Christel Dee and Simon Guerrier and accompanied by beautiful full page art pieces. A team of female artists, at various stages in their careers were especially assembled for the project. The book includes artwork from Sophie Cowdrey, Emma Price and Rachel Smith to name a few.

The profile pieces are written with genuine affection, Dee and Guerrier have put a lot of love into this and it shows. The decision to have a team of artists work on the book, is an inspired choice. Each artist brings their own unique talent. Which brings out the uniqueness of the characters, whilst also clearly defining their era.

All of this is collected under a stunning new cover by Doctor Who artist Lee Binding.

This is a must buy for the Doctor Who fan in your life.

Big Finish review-The Diary of River Song 4

In The Diary of River Song Series 4, River Song finally encounters the legendary Fourth Doctor, after her adventures with the eighth, seventh, and sixth Doctors. Emma Reeves and Matt Fitton’s Time in a Bottle presents a fascinating story concept of a place in space where time has vanished. However, the story’s potential is limited by the box set format, which would have benefited from a longer runtime. Nevertheless, the story serves as a solid introductory adventure that introduces the main villain and pits River against her intellectual rival, showcasing her Doctor-like qualities. It’s a good old-fashioned pulp adventure with a James Bond-esque feel and receives a rating of 7/10.

Kings of Infinite Space is the strongest story in the set, featuring a well-paced, paradoxical, and fun adventure with action, humor, and great use of the vortex manipulator and time travel locations. Alex Kingston and the rest of the cast are on top form, making it feel like a Moffat-era Doctor Who story. It’s highly entertaining and rewards repeat listening, earning a rating of 8/10.

Whodunnit is an interesting story with thought-provoking philosophical discussions, well-rounded characters, and good pacing. However, it doesn’t quite fit in this box set, and given more time to explore the premise, it could have been great. It’s still an enjoyable listen with a fun take on murder mystery cliches, rating a 7/10.

The season finale, Someone I Once Knew, delivers an exciting and unexpected spin on the River/Doctor dynamic. John Dorney’s writing subverts expectations, and the chemistry between Tom Baker and Alex Kingston is natural and brilliant. It’s a promising pairing that fans will hope to see more of in the future, rating a 7/10.

Overall, Series 4 of The Diary of River Song successfully combines the unique styles of the Steven Moffat era and Big Finish originality. While not every story works perfectly and some suffer from prequel limitations, the set is an absolute joy to listen to and leaves listeners eager for Series 5.

Big Finish Review-Torchwood: Deadbeat Escape

On a stormy and ominous evening, Hywel Roberts unwittingly steps into a world of terror and danger at a peculiar hotel, where a familiar foe of Torchwood lurks in wait. As the curtains close on the latest series of Torchwood audios, we are left with a collection of exceptional tales that have kept us on the edge of our seats.

In this monthly range, Big Finish has taken a bold step by focusing on a series antagonist, Bilis Manger, and allowing the character to take centre stage without the interference of the Torchwood team. It’s a testament to the confidence that Big Finish has in the Torchwood range and the writers’ ability to create gripping stories.

In “Deadbeat Escape,” we are treated to a spine-chilling tale that could easily fit into a ghostly anthology or Hammer horror film. It’s a departure from the usual Torchwood fare, as we are transported to a more traditional spooky story that doesn’t rely on jokes or pop culture references.

The story is told from the perspective of Hywel Roberts, a relatable and charming new character who unwittingly checks into the eerie hotel. We know from the start that his fate is sealed, which adds to the tension and elevates the stakes of the story.

Murray Melvin as Bilis Manger is as mysterious, charming, and menacing as ever, and Gareth Pierce delivers a standout performance as Hywel Roberts. Despite the absence of the regular Torchwood team, “Deadbeat Escape” still manages to embody the emotive and eerie narrative that we have come to associate with the series.

Deadbeat Escape is a perfect ending to the latest series of Torchwood audios. The exceptional writing and performances leave a lasting impression and cement the series’ place as a master of horror storytelling.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Big Finish review-The Siege of Big Ben

Jackie Tyler has everything she’s ever wanted: a loving husband and two children. But a terrible, far-reaching plan is underway, and only Jackie and a single friend stand in the way of it.

But the Doctor isn’t the man he was…

The Siege of Big Ben is a highly anticipated release. Ever since we left the Tylers and the meta-crisis tenth Doctor at the end of series 4, (10 years ago!) fans have wondered what happened next. Thankfully, Big Finish has given us some answers with this release.

This can’t have been an easy thing to write. Not only did Joe Lidster have to tell a gripping story that lives up to the fans expectations. He had to re-introduce us to the parallel Earth, or “Pete’s world”.

A base under siege scenario is a stablemate for Doctor Who. But Lidster manages to beautifully subvert what could be a repetitive format and turn it into a glorious character piece.

The script draws parallels between The Doctor being more human, and the human, being more like The Doctor we know and love. Having Jackie be the most Doctor-like character in the story adds an interesting dynamic.

The script is sharp, the direction is smooth and David Roocroft’s sound design is inspired. All in all, The Siege of Big Ben is a story about love, loss and the difficulties that come with moving on. You feel all of these things whilst listening. Camille Coduri oozes charm and instantly reminds you, why we all love Jackie Tyler.

This world is waiting for further exploration and I hope, this leads to some full-cast adventures.

10/10.

Check out our other Big Finish reviews.

Episode 193:The Running Man

In which Martyn and Gerrod discuss the 1987 film ‘The Running Man’.

The podcast can be accessed via different places, including Audioboom, Player fm and Itunes.

Follow the Bad Wilf team:

Martyn – @BadWilf

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Gerrod – @gerrod_edward

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