While the concept of the “Dollhouse” is intriguing, the story fails to deliver on its potential. There are two main flaws in the piece. Firstly, the inclusion of Torchwood in the US is questionable, and its presence is never fully explored. Secondly, the story attempts to parody “Charlie’s Angels,” which is difficult to translate into audio form. The dialogue can feel clunky and anachronistic, but the cast does their best with the material.
Guy Adams’ portrayal of “Mr. Beamish” stands out as particularly impressive.
Unfortunately, the story never reaches its potential, and the ending suggests a possible sequel that one can only hope improves upon the original.
Overall, “The Dollhouse” is a disappointing entry in Big Finish’s “Torchwood” series and not indicative of the high-quality content the series typically produces. However, the series always has room for additional female-led series and new talent, and it’s admirable that Big Finish is willing to take risks with fresh faces. As it stands, “The Dollhouse” is not recommended.
In the latest episode of their podcast, Martyn and Gerrod dive into the highly-anticipated return of Doctor Who and provide their thoughts on the series 10 premiere, “The Pilot.”
This episode marks the debut of Pearl Mackie as the Doctor’s new companion, Bill Potts, following Jenna Coleman’s departure from the show. Additionally, the episode features a brief appearance by the iconic Doctor Who villains, the Daleks. Their last major appearance was in the series nine premiere, “The Magician’s Apprentice” / “The Witch’s Familiar.”
We offer insightful commentary on the episode’s plot, character development, and the performances of the talented cast. Fans of Doctor Who won’t want to miss this entertaining and informative episode of the podcast.
Is it a success, or has Steven Moffed it up again?
As no other podcasters are talking about it, Martyn and Gerrod thought they would shine some light on Hugh Jackman’s latest film, Logan.
Logan is more than just a superhero film; it’s a poignant and gritty exploration of mortality and legacy. This movie is the tenth instalment in the X-Men film series, and the third and final Wolverine solo film following The Wolverine (2013).
The film draws inspiration from “Old Man Logan” by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven, and takes place in an alternate future where mutants are nearly extinct. We follow an aged Wolverine and a deteriorating Professor X as they embark on a dangerous journey to protect a young mutant named Laura from the villainous Reavers and Alkali-Transigen, led by Donald Pierce and Zander Rice, respectively.
What sets Logan apart is its focus on character development and the exploration of themes like regret, loss, and redemption. The action sequences are visceral and intense, but they serve a greater purpose in the narrative, highlighting the physical toll that years of fighting have taken on Wolverine and his fellow mutants. Hugh Jackman delivers a powerhouse performance as Wolverine, bringing a raw emotion to the character that we haven’t seen before.
Logan is not just a superhero film; it’s a powerful and emotional story that leaves a lasting impact on its audience. It’s a fitting conclusion to Jackman’s iconic portrayal of Wolverine and a testament to the enduring legacy of the X-Men franchise.
When discussing John Wick: Chapter 2, it’s important to consider what made the first film so successful. The original John Wick was a breakout hit in 2014, thanks in large part to its simplistic yet effective storyline, stunning visuals, and tight, well-choreographed action scenes. The film quickly became a cult classic, earning a reputation as one of the best action movies in recent memory.
With the sequel, director Chad Stahelski faced the difficult task of trying to build on that success while still staying true to the original. Some fans might argue that he succeeded, while others might say that he fell short.
One of the biggest differences between the two films is the storyline. While the first film was relatively straightforward – a retired hitman seeks revenge after the death of his dog – the sequel is a bit more convoluted. It’s divided into four distinct parts, each with its own set of characters and conflicts.
Some viewers might find this approach to be overly complicated, and miss the simplicity of the original. However, others might appreciate the expanded world-building and character development that comes with a more complex storyline.
Another key difference between the two films is the level of humour. While the original John Wick had its moments of levity, the sequel amps up the comedy considerably. This is largely thanks to the chemistry between Keanu Reeves and Common, who share a number of hilarious scenes together.
Overall, while opinions on John Wick: Chapter 2 may vary, it’s hard to deny that the film is an impressive follow-up to the original. The action scenes are just as breathtaking as before, the visuals are stunning, and the commitment of the cast and crew to their vision is evident in every frame. And of course, Keanu Reeves continues to prove that he’s one of the most charismatic and talented action stars working today.
Forget Neo, forget Ted. Keanu Reeves will forever and always be John Wick.
John Wick:Chapter Two is out in the UK 17th February 2017.
In 1999, The Blair Witch Project shook Hollywood to its very core, two young filmmakers managed to break new ground and breathe life into the found footage sub-genre. As well as breaking box office records, it was the first movie to realise the true potential of Internet marketing.
Like with most franchises that have a dud sequel, Blair Witch pretends Book of Shadows never happened and serves as a direct sequel to the original.
The new film focuses on James (James Allen McCune) who happens to be the younger brother of, Heather, who disappeared in the first film. James and his film student girlfriend Lisa (Callie Hernandez) find a video on the internet, which convinces James that even after twenty years, Heather may still be alive.
James decides that no matter how remote a chance, he has to take it. So he and Lisa, along with their friends Peter (Brandon Scott) and Ashley (Corbin Reid) head into the woods in Burkittsville, Maryland (formerly Blair), where they meet local odd-couple Lane (Wes Robinson) and Talia (Valorie Curry), who posted the video online.
From there on in, the film is pretty much a rehash of all the things that made The Blair Witch Project so original. We get stick figures, piles of rocks, handprints and steady-cam POV footage of actors running through the woods, whilst screaming.
Back in ’99 this all felt fresh original, but now it’s been done to death. Apart from slightly expanding the mythology surrounding the stick figures, there’s nothing innovative here.
This feels less like a sequel and more like a modern day remake, the slow-burn of the original, along with rawness of the grainy footage has been replaced by quick glossy digital cuts. Nothing about this film feels found, it’s sleek and well-crafted, to maximise the profits from the YouTube generation.
The fact that James is Heather’s brother is entirely tangential and unnecessary.
I suppose in many ways, this film is poetic. The Blair Witch Project kick started the found footage sub-genre, it’s only fitting that Blair Witch is the final nail in its coffin.
Crowe portraysHispano-Romangeneral Maximus Decimus Meridius, who is betrayed whenCommodus, the ambitious son of EmperorMarcus Aurelius, murders his father and seizes the throne. Reduced to slavery, Maximus rises through the ranks of the gladiatorial arena to avenge the murders of his family and his emperor.
The podcast can be accessed via different places, including Audioboom, Tunein, Miro, Stiticher, Blubrry, Player fm and Itunes.
Martyn and I attended the screening of Gladiator at The Royal Albert Hall. The event was electric, we had such a great time. Thanks to The Royal Albert Hall for the invite. Please check out the Vlog below,
Big Finish’s audio rendition of one of the best and most thrilling horror stories ever written, “Dracula,” is a peculiar release. The majority of the tale is conveyed through letters, second-hand stories, log entries, and other sources, many of which are not actually witnessed or seen in the main storyline. Bram Stoker’s original story, written in 1897, does not lend itself well to a faithful audio drama translation. However, this adaptation, directed by Scott Handcock and adapted by Jonathan Barnes, gives it a good shot, and the outcome is something recognisable, yet feels entirely fresh and new.
Of course, Barnes is no stranger to adapting famous horror stories for Big Finish, having recently released the critically praised ‘Frankenstein,’ so it’s no surprise that he boldly plays with the structure to retain the listener’s attention.
Over the course of three discs, the plot follows Jonathan Harker (Joseph Kloska) as he is sent to Transylvania to meet the infamous Count Dracula, played spectacularly by Mark Gatiss. He is left behind as the Count and his entourage of female vampires migrate to England to prey on its people, including many of Jonathan’s friends and family.
In the meantime, a prisoner in Dr John Seward’s (Rupert Young) institution, Renfield (Ian Hallard) is seeing visions from his Master, a diabolical creature with crimson eyes.
Jonathan’s fiancée is Mina Murray, but it is her friend Lucy Westenra (Rosanna Miles) who feeds the Count as she fades away, much to the chagrin of her three suitors, Dr John Seward, Arthur Holmwood (Alex Jordan), and Quincy P Morris (David Menkin). The cast is rounded off, with Nigel Betts playing Professor Abraham van Helsing.
The action shifts from Whitby to London and back to Transylvania after all the parts are in place. There are deaths, visions, blood-suckings, stakes, and every other detail that has become synonymous with Dracula lore.
The soundscape and direction are atmospheric and tense, the cast one of Big Finish’s best to date, and the scares subtle and well-crafted, which is a refreshing change from the excessive gore and jump scares that Hollywood has become so fond of.
This is a rich, impressive, and assured production of a classic Gothic tale, that should be consumed in one sitting for maximum chills and thrills.
For the past year Big Finish has released a number of audios connected to the modern series of Doctor Who, with the likes of Torchwood, The Churchill years , The War Doctor and The diaries of River Song. However, this is probably the most highly anticipated audio of 2016. Not only does it see the return of the extremely popular David Tennant, as the Tenth Doctor. It sees the return of fan favourite Catherine Tate, as Donna Noble. It also marks the first time Big Finish have been allowed to use a Doctor from ‘Nu-Who’.
Technophobia by Matt Fitton
It’s 2010 and The Doctor and Donna are in London to visit the Technology Museum. Things don’t go to plan and the TARDIS duo quickly find themselves in the thick of it.
Exhibits are attacking visitors, and people across London are running scared of technology. The most brilliant mind in the UK, can no longer work a pencil. Below the streets of London, the Koggnossenti are plotting and waiting, poised to attack.
Long-time Big Finish writer, Matt Fitton has done it again. This is another outstanding audio from him. It must have been a daunting prospect, to pen the first new story for Tennant and Tate, and he bought his A-game.
Of the three, this is the most remiescent of the Russell T Davies era. Technophobia has the essence, wit, style and emotional substance of Series 4. But rather than try to sound like an episode from that era, Big Finish have found a way to take everything that worked in 2008 and craft it into their own vision.
Fitton also manages to subvert the “technology going wrong” genre. You think the story is going one way, when it goes an unexpected route. This has engaging supporting characters, witty dialogue and a captivating story. Fitton perfectly manages to capture the relationship between the Doctor and Donna.
For the past ten years Warner Bros and DC Comics have been doing a series of straight-to-DVD animated movies. With mixed results. A lot of the output has been outstanding, but some have fallen a little flat. The Batman, Superman, and Justice League titles have all sold well.
But, DC have never really had much confidence with Teen Titans. Their range of films were put on hold, then quickly cancelled.
The film is titled ‘Justice League vs Teen Titans’ but don’t let that fool you, it’s actually Teen Titans featuring a couple of possessed members of the Justice League.
It’s set in the same continuity as Justice League: War and Son of Batman. And picks up right where the latter left off, introducing Damian Wayne (Sturat Allen), the young son that Bruce Wayne (Jason O’Mara) never knew he had.
The film also cherry picks Teen Titans greatest hits. There’s elements from the comics history, thrown in with moments from the two animated TV shows, which ran from 2003-2006.
The Robin in this adventure is Damian Wayne. Whilst assisting his dad and the justice league, he disobeys a direct order and almost ruins the entire mission.
Batman decides to ship Damian off to train with the Teen Titans. Reluctantly, Damian agrees and Nightwing takes him to Titans Tower. Where he meets his new team mates; Starfire, Beast Boy, Blue beetle, and Raven.
It turns out that Raven (Taissa Farmiga) is the daughter of a huge Satanic-like creature named Trigon (Jon Bernthal), whom is not only intent on reclaiming her, but on also enslaving mankind. He omits an ooze, which renders the Justice League under his control. This is where the ‘vs’ comes in, Damian has to put aside his problems with the other Titans and work together to take down Trigon and, the possessed League.
The film is directed by Sam Liu and written by Bryan Q. Miller and Alan Burnett. It manages to balance humour, whilst keeping the threat ever present. Which is something the other vs movie has been critiqued for not doing. It isn’t all perfect, there’s a pointless musical montage that goes on for far too long, whilst the Titans are “bonding”. It also managed to balance some adult themes, that kids won’t get. Dick Grayson very clearly expects to have Skype-sex with Starfire.
The fights are incredibly well-done and entertaining, but much like the other ‘vs’ movie, there’s a lot of style over substance. But I eagerly await the next Titan adventure.
Justice league vs Teen titans is out on Blu-Ray on the 30th of May
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