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Doctor Who heading to Disney+ internationally

The BBC announced today, that all future series of Doctor Who will stream on Disney+ internationally. The exclusive deal will give Disney+ the rights to air the legendary sci-fi series outside of the U.K. and Ireland.

The show returns next year, with three 60th-anniversary specials featuring David Tennant and Catherine Tate. New Doctor Ncuti Gatwa will take over at Christmas 2023.

Returning showrunner Russell T Davies said: “I love this show, and this is the best of both worlds – with the vision and joy of the BBC and Disney+ together we can launch the Tardis all around the planet, reaching a new generation of fans while keeping our traditional home firmly on the BBC in the U.K.,”

Charlotte Moore, BBC’s chief content officer, added: “We are thrilled to announce this exciting global partnership with Disney who is the perfect partner to bring this very British show to the rest of the world. Russell T Davies’ vision for ‘Doctor Who’ has always been out of this world and we are committed to ensuring that audiences across the globe get the opportunity to enjoy the Doctor’s epic adventures with the scale and ambition that they deserve. Joining forces with Disney will elevate the show to even greater heights and reach new audiences so it’s an extremely exciting time for fans in the U.K. and across the world.”

Alisa Bowen, president of Disney+, added: “We’re excited by the opportunity to bring new seasons of this beloved franchise exclusively to Disney+ and introduce the show to the next generation of audiences in more than 150 markets around the world. The series is a perfect addition to our ever-growing catalogue of global content that continues to make Disney+ the home for exceptional storytelling.”

The streaming deal will not affect the release of DVD and Blu-Ray box sets.

Film review-Black Adam

Warner Bros. Discovery faces multiple challenges that threaten the success of their entertainment empire. Changes to the streaming service HBO Max, the Batgirl cancelation, and the redirection of the DC Extended Universe have all negatively impacted the studio’s reputation. Despite attempts to re-approach the model through different creative perspectives, the DC Extended Universe has yet to establish a consistent cinematic universe. The main issue seems to be the lack of consistent quality over time.

Black Adam, the latest addition to the DC Extended Universe, features a solid performance from Dwayne Johnson as the titular anti-hero. However, the chemistry between the cast members falls short, with the Justice Society of America lacking meaningful substance. The humourless, hollow screenplay fails to balance the dramatic intensity with the comedic beats that made Shazam! successful. The film’s overall aimlessness and narrative misdirection warn that CGI-ed mass destruction is not enough to rebuild a brand.

The superficiality of Black Adam contradicts any signs of progression for the DC Extended Universe, accusing them of misusing their characters. The film presents a bare-boned and uninspired “good vs. bad” narrative without much of a story to support it. There’s a disregard for audience expectations, needs, or desires, relying on expensive-looking excuses for an origin story. While the post-credits scene featuring a thrilling cameo may excite DC fans, it does not make up for the film’s overall shortcomings.

In conclusion, Black Adam’s solid performance from Dwayne Johnson is overshadowed by its aimlessness, lack of chemistry, humourless screenplay, and narrative misdirection. Warner Bros. Discovery and their DC Film team must focus on crafting comprehensive works of fiction that meet audience expectations, needs, and desires, rather than relying on high-volume talent to attach themselves to projects.

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Review-The Banshees of Inisherin

In 1923, on a tiny remote island, just off the coast of Ireland. Two friends find themselves at odds. When one of them decides he doesn’t like the other anymore.

It’s as basic a premise as one can think of for contemporary storytelling. And in his wondrous, wonderful, and exquisitely contained mini-opera “The Banshees of Inisherin,” writer-director Martin McDonagh takes this straightforward premise and sets it ablaze, using it as a backdrop to explore the conflict in man, the nature of pride and spite, the significance of companionship, and the curious edges of the male ego.

It’s a darkly comic drama that packs an emotional gut punch, after emotional gut punch and consistently finds new ways to deliver brutal body blows.

After portraying hitmen in McDonagh’s 2008 cult classic “In Bruges,” Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson reunited for the role of the men who are no longer friends when the film opens.

Like they do every day at 2:00 p.m., the unassuming Pádraic (Farrell) stops by Colm’s (Gleeson’s) beachside cottage to see if he wants to join him for a pint, at the local pub. But this time he’s snubbed by Colm. Later, he arrives, and Colm declines Pádraic’s offer to sit next to him. Pádraic, like the other patrons in the pub, is unable to comprehend just what is happening. The following day, Colm makes it very clear. He tells him, “I just don’t like you no more.” Did they have a drunken fight? Was it something he said? It’s not really that easy. Colm, who enjoys the arts and plays the fiddle. Has come to the realisation that Pádraic is boring. He’s sick of discussing the same issues, over and over. He just wants to be left alone.

Pádraic is gobsmacked to lose his closest friend, whilst Colm desperately seeks to leave some sort of musical legacy behind. Others like Siobhán (Kerry Condon) and Dominic (Barry Keoghan) are left to choose between picking up the pieces or looking out for themselves.

Condon and Keoghan absolutely shine in the film and steal every scene they’re in. Siobhán is easily the smartest person on the Island, confined by the attitudes of the era. Whilst Dominic is a deeply troubled character. Keoghan is a shoo-in for best supporting actor at the BAFTAs.

In lesser hands, Colm may seem unreasonable in his behaviour but Gleeson plays him with such world-weary depth, it’s impossible to dislike him. Farrell is also incredible as the bemused underdog, Pádraic.

It may not be as re-watchable as In Bruges, but The Banshees of Inisherin is a masterful exploration of the complications of male friendship.  Undoubtedly one of the best films of the year.

The Banshees of Inisherin is out in the UK on October 21st.

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Doctor Who Am I

Matthew Jacobs wrote the screenplay of the film Doctor Who, starring Paul McGann in the title role. In the documentary film Doctor Who Am I, filmmaker Vanessa Yuille follows the British writer from his home in San Francisco into American Doctor Who fandom, particularly the conventions Gallifrey One and Long Island Doctor Who. Jacobs becomes our celebrity tour guide through this subculture but it’s signalled from the start that this is really his story, a personal journey that’s recalled and developed throughout the course of the film.

Drawn into the role of convention celebrity, we see Jacobs being rather flip with a fan early on as he sells an autograph from his table. We get the obligatory con-doc interviews with cosplayers, notably one identifying herself as a Time Fairy, with a lit-up dress and spinning orange scarves representing ‘regeneration energy’. She’s a great example of how fans wrap myth round themselves only to extend it with their own imagination. Art inspires art, and in response to the work he’s done, there’s been something waiting on account for Matthew Jacobs.

In writing the 1996 movie – which failed in its attempt to launch Paul McGann’s Doctor into a series – Jacobs confesses to “two fatal errors: we made him half human and we had him kiss.” Yet those two points have proved influential to The Doctor’s later relationships with Earth and its people. It seems more likely that beyond its poor TV scheduling, the show was just too weighed down by its own mythology to capture fresh imaginations. A good half hour is devoted to the star’s predecessor in the title role.

Matthew talks with former colleagues Paul McGann, leading lady Daphne Ashbrook and producer Philip Segal at conventions and in the workplace. Their own takes on Doctor Who and its fandom have developed over many years and it’s welcome input to a writer who for years actively avoided this world.

Perhaps not entirely fearlessly, Jacobs sits down with his critics in their memorabilia-strewn homes. Yet interest lies not in taking an old film to pieces but rather in what’s happening to Matthew Jacobs now. For each fan getting disappointment off their chest there are two recounting tales of delight and in one case even gratitude, from a fan who escaped into the ‘TV movie’ to survive great personal trauma. Soon Mr Jacobs begins to realise his journey through this documentary is fulfilling a similar role.

Trailer:

Doctor Who Am I is available now on DVD, Blu-Ray, digital and in cinemas. For details:

Episode 267: Toby Hadoke

Martyn chats with writer, actor, comedian and podcaster Toby Hadoke about his life and career.

Toby has been nominated for various awards for his stand up comedy.

Visit Toby’s website for full details about his projects.

Check out XS Malarkey.

Follow Toby on Twitter.

Bad Wilf Smartlink.

Our Doctor Who spin-off podcast, Running Down Corridors can be found here.

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.

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Episode 286: Batgirl cancelled. Bullet Train review

Hello and welcome to this episode of The Bad Wilf podcast, where we’ll be discussing the action-packed thriller “Bullet Train” starring Brad Pitt.

“Bullet Train” is a high-octane movie that takes place on a speeding train from Tokyo to Morioka. The plot revolves around five assassins with different agendas who find themselves on the same train. As they race against time to accomplish their respective missions, chaos ensues, and tensions run high.

Brad Pitt stars as the main protagonist, a hitman named “Ladybug,” who finds himself caught up in the middle of the chaos. As the situation escalates, he must navigate his way through the danger and confront his fellow assassins, all while trying to stay alive.

In this episode, we’ll dive deep into the movie’s plot, characters, and themes. We’ll analyse the action scenes, the character arcs, and the storytelling techniques used in the film.

We’ll also talk about Brad Pitt’s performance and how he brings depth and nuance to his character, despite the fast-paced nature of the movie.

Finally, we’ll explore the movie’s broader themes, such as morality, loyalty, and the consequences of one’s actions. We’ll discuss how the movie uses its unique setting and premise to explore these themes and create a thrilling and engaging experience for the audience.

Overall, “Bullet Train” is an adrenaline-fueled ride that offers plenty of action, suspense, and intrigue. So join us as we break down this thrilling movie and explore its many layers and meanings.

We also discuss “Zaslav the butcher” and his affect on the DCEU, with the cancellation of Batgirl. A film that was already complete and ready to go.

The podcast Smartlink.

Our Doctor Who spin-off podcast, Running Down Corridors can be found here.

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.

Twitter: Martyn, Chris, Sam, Gerrod, Pete

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Episode 285: Tom Lenk interview

Welcome to the podcast, where we delve into the world of creativity and artistry. Today, we have with us the talented actor, Tom Lenk, who has worked in the entertainment industry for over two decades.

He is known for his roles in popular TV series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and How I Met Your Mother, among others. In this episode, we’ll be exploring Tom’s creative journey, his approach to acting, and his upcoming projects.

Check out Tom’s podcast with Felicia Day.

Check out our Buffy podcast Bite Me: A Buffyverse podcast.

Our podcast Smartlink.

Artwork by Beeble Pete. Adapted by Penny Smallshire.

Twitter: Martyn, Chris, Sam, Gerrod, Pete
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Exclusive Interview with Rona Munro: Writing for Doctor Who

Martyn is joined by legendary Doctor Who writer, Rona Munro. The duo discusses her new Target novelisation for The Eaters of Light.

Rona also opens up about writing for Doctor Who, her approach to screen writing and her legacy in theatre.

The podcast Smartlink.

Artwork by Beeble Pete. Adapted by Penny Smallshire.

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.

Twitter: Martyn, Chris, Sam, Gerrod, Pete

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Episode 283: James Moran interview

Martyn chats with the writer, James Moran about his upcoming Doctor Who Target novelisation, The Fires of Pompeii.

The Fires of Pompeii is due for release on July 14th, 2022.

If you prefer video, this interview is also on YouTube.

The podcast Smartlink.

Artwork by Beeble Pete. Adapted by Penny Smallshire.

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.

Twitter: Martyn, Chris, Sam, Gerrod, Pete

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Big Finish review-Out of time 3: Wink

Colin Baker’s Sixth Doctor has found new life and renewed vitality in Big Finish’s audio dramas, where he’s been able to showcase his talent in ways that weren’t always possible during his time on television. In recent years, Baker has consistently delivered impressive performances in some of Big Finish’s best scripts, such as Doctor of War and Mind of the Hodiac. Fans have been eagerly anticipating his latest collaboration with David Tennant in Wink, the third installment of Big Finish’s Out of Time series, and thankfully, it does not disappoint.

McMullin’s cleverly crafted script highlights the distinct personalities and shared history of the Sixth and Tenth Doctors. Baker and Tennant play off each other effortlessly, creating an entertaining dynamic that’s both fun and occasionally tense. Tennant’s portrayal of the Tenth Doctor is as brilliant as ever, adding his own unique spin to the character and complementing Baker’s Sixth Doctor perfectly. Together, they face off against one of the Doctor’s most iconic foes, and McMullin masterfully builds suspense and tension throughout the story.

Big Finish has always been renowned for its ability to bring high-concept ideas to life through immersive sound design and music, and Wink is no exception. The talented cast, which includes returning favorites Ayesha Antoine and Clive Hayward, delivers superb performances, and the production values are top-notch. The result is an audio drama that is thrilling, entertaining, and engaging from start to finish.

If Wink does indeed mark the final installment of the Out of Time range, then it serves as a fitting conclusion. Once again, Big Finish has demonstrated their ability to bring a fresh and innovative approach to Doctor Who storytelling, while Colin Baker’s Sixth Doctor finally gets the chance to shine alongside the great David Tennant.

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