Big Finish Review-Torchwood: Thirst Trap

In the heart of Cardiff, a new dating app has taken the city by storm, offering users the chance to find their perfect match in just 20 minutes. But there’s a twist – once the time is up, they may never see their date again.

As more and more people try out the app, something strange begins to happen. Everyone seems to be going on the same dates, with the same activities, conversation topics, and even jokes. It’s almost as if the app is controlling their every move. Normally, Sgt. Andy Davidson would be the first to investigate, but he’s busy with his own date.

Torchwood has often been praised for its dark and gritty tone, exploring themes of loss, trauma, and alien invasion. However, this particular episode takes a different approach. It’s a lighthearted romp through the world of dating apps and the strange things that can happen when people put their trust in technology.

Despite the departure from the show’s usual tone, the actors still deliver standout performances. Tom Price and Kai Owen, who play Sgt. Andy Davidson and Rhys Williams respectively, are particularly impressive in their portrayal of two men caught up in a whirlwind of romantic comedy hijinks. Their chemistry is palpable, and their lightning-fast shifts from serious to lovesick are both hilarious and heartwarming.

The supporting cast also shines, with Natalia Hinds, Sunjay Midda, and Rebecca Trehearn each bringing their unique flair to their roles. Whether they’re playing matchmakers, hard-working council workers, or hapless police officers, they all add to the story’s infectious energy and sense of fun.

Tom Price, who also stars in the adventure, shows his versatility as a writer with a fluid and brilliant script that perfectly complements his acting skills. The writing captures the humorous and whimsical aspects of the story, while also exploring deeper themes of human connection and the perils of relying too heavily on technology.

David O’Mahony’s direction keeps the story moving at a brisk pace, while Blair Mowat’s music and Shane O’Byrne’s sound design help to create an engaging atmosphere.

Overall, this is a well-crafted and enjoyable story. A must-listen for any Torchwood fan looking for a fun 45-minute adventure.

Torchwood contains material, that may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Torchwood: Thirst Trap is available for purchase from Big Finish.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Film review-Tetris

Taron Egerton shines in this film that ingeniously blends nostalgia with a gripping thriller. The story opens with Henk Rogers making a pitch to a bored Japanese bank executive about the true potential of what he’s selling. As Henk narrates his globe-trotting journey to acquire the rights to a video game, the audience is treated to stunningly produced sequences that are seamlessly edited by Colin Goudie, Ben Mills, and Martin Walsh. However, the constant globe-hopping can be wearisome for some viewers.

As the story moves to Russia in 1988, director Jon S. Baird expertly slows down the pace, building tension and suspense. Written by Nick Pink, the opening portion of the film sets the stage for what happens to Henk when he seeks the sales rights from the game’s creator, Alexey Pajitnov, stumbling into a dangerous hornet’s nest where Communist Party security officials, Japanese interests, a software salesman, and Nintendo all compete against each other to acquire the rights to publish a video game that would become a worldwide smash.

With multiple layers of legitimate business dealings cloaked in duplicitous and criminal activity, it is challenging to decipher how much of this “inspired by a true story” movie is, in fact, true and how much is pumped-up artifice. However, by the end of the movie, you won’t care because the story and the characters are that compelling.

Taron Egerton portrays a good-hearted family man who is married to a loving and supportive wife, played by Ayane Nagabuchi, with multiple adorable children. Henk’s desire to secure his family’s financial future is palpable, and his loyalty to his employees and his small software company in Japan is commendable. The supporting cast is equally colourful, and the film moves at a pace that slowly picks up speed, resembling a good video game that is irresistible to play.

Overall, the film is a nostalgic and thrilling ride that expertly blends both genres into a captivating story.

Tetris will be available to stream from Apple TV+ on March 31st.

⭐⭐⭐

TV Bafta nominations announced

Ben Whishaw and Martin Freeman have received six nominations each at this year’s Bafta TV Awards, with Whishaw up for best actor for his role as a doctor in the adaptation of Adam Kay’s best-selling memoir, competing against Freeman’s portrayal of a police officer in a Liverpool-set drama.

Other notable acting nominees include Sarah Lancashire, Kate Winslet, Cillian Murphy, and Daniel Radcliffe.

The shows with the most nominations are Bad Sisters, The Crown, The English, and Slow Horses, each receiving five nods. Additionally, Daisy May Cooper’s comedy-thriller Am I Being Unreasonable? received four nominations, while three boy-based dramas – Top Boy, Somewhere Boy, and Big Boys – were each nominated four times.

BAFTA came under fire recently, after failing to mention Bernard Cribbins in the in memoriam section. This lead to actor Phil Davis withdrawing his membership. BAFTA has promised to pay tribute at the TV awards.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on May 14, with the Bafta Craft Awards handed out on April 23.

5 Reasons Why The Last of Us Series is a Must-Watch for Fans of the Game

The Last of Us is a critically acclaimed video game that was released in 2013. Developed by Naughty Dog, the game tells the story of Joel, a smuggler who is tasked with escorting a young girl named Ellie across a post-apocalyptic United States, which has been devastated by a deadly fungus that has turned most of the population into zombie-like creatures.

Since its release, The Last of Us has become one of the most beloved video games of all time, earning critical acclaim and a massive fanbase. In 2020, a sequel to the game, The Last of Us Part II, was released, which has also been widely praised. If you are a fan of The Last of Us games, here are five reasons why you should also watch the TV series:

  1. A New Medium for the Story

While the video games are beloved by fans for their immersive gameplay and stunning visuals, the TV series offers a new way to experience the story of Joel and Ellie. With high production value and the ability to explore the characters and world in even more depth, the TV series is a must-watch for anyone who wants to delve even deeper into the world of The Last of Us.

  1. Same World, New Story

The TV series is not just a retelling of the games but instead tells a new story set in the same post-apocalyptic world. This means that even if you are intimately familiar with the games, you will still be surprised and thrilled by the new story that the TV series will tell.

  1. Stellar Cast and Crew

The Last of Us TV series has a talented cast and crew, including the original game’s writer and director, Neil Druckmann, and Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin, who both serve as executive producers. The series stars Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie, two actors who have proven their talent in other acclaimed series like Game of Thrones and The Mandalorian.

  1. The Chance to See the World of The Last of Us Come to Life

The Last of Us games are set in a beautifully realised post-apocalyptic world, and the TV series has the opportunity to bring that world to life in even greater detail. Fans of the games will be able to see familiar locations and landmarks, and newcomers to the world of The Last of Us will be able to experience its haunting beauty for the first time.

  1. More of the Characters We Love

For fans of the games, the chance to spend more time with characters like Joel and Ellie is reason enough to watch the TV series. The Last of Us is known for its complex and memorable characters, and the TV series offers even more depth and nuance to these already beloved characters.

In conclusion, The Last of Us TV series is a must-watch for fans of the games. With a talented cast and crew, a new story set in the same post-apocalyptic world, and the opportunity to see the world of The Last of Us come to life in even greater detail, the TV series is a thrilling and unforgettable experience for anyone who loves the games.

Read our review here.

Cillian Murphy working on Small Things Like These adaptation

Actor and producer Cillian Murphy, known for his roles in Batman Begins, Peaky Blinders, and Oppenheimer, is set to star in and produce an adaptation of Claire Keegan’s acclaimed novel Small Things Like These. The film, produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Artists Equity, is already in production in Ireland.

The story follows devoted father Bill Furlong (Murphy) as he uncovers startling secrets kept by a convent in his town and discovers shocking truths about his own life during the Christmas of 1985. Ciarán Hinds and Emily Watson will also star in the film, with Tim Mielants directing. Mielants and Murphy have previously worked together on Peaky Blinders, while the script is being penned by Enda Walsh, a longtime collaborator of Murphy’s. The story has been likened to a Dickens tale.

Murphy said: : “I’m honoured and thrilled to have the opportunity to bring Claire Keegan’s magnificent novel to the screen. We have gathered together a phenomenal team of creatives to make this film, and found exceptional partners in AE, a studio led by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck — actors and filmmakers I have admired for many years.”

With his exceptional talent and impressive portfolio of characters, Murphy’s involvement in this passion project is eagerly anticipated by fans.

Zack Snyder announces a three-day convention

Last week, Zack Snyder posted a cryptic video, teasing a weekend-long DC event on April 28th to April 30th, which featured a message from Darkseid urging viewers to save the date. In a recent interview with The Nerd Queens, Snyder revealed that the event will be a screening of the three DCEU movies he directed – Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Zack Snyder’s Justice League – with panel discussions after each screening. During the Man of Steel Q&A, there may be special guests, but Snyder didn’t divulge any names.

This three-day-long convention will be a fundraising event for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and will take place in California. Fans who are unable to attend will be able to participate in live-stream panels and potentially engage in live chats with Snyder.

Tickets will go on sale on March 24th, with more details to come. This is an incredible opportunity for Snyder fans to come together to celebrate his work while supporting an essential cause.

Aunty Donna announce UK tour

Australia’s favourite absurd sketch group, Aunty Donna, is bringing their first-ever live tour to the UK and Ireland after the success of their Netflix series. This will be their first visit to the UK in over five years, and they are scheduled to perform in Glasgow, Dublin, Bath, Birmingham, London, and Manchester.

The trio’s partnership with Netflix for the release of “Aunty Donna’s Big Ol’ House of Fun,” executive produced by Ed Helms and Scott Aukerman, received critical acclaim and praise from fans worldwide, including Neil Patrick Harris and RuPaul. After a record-breaking tour of Australia and New Zealand, the group is eager to take their new show to the rest of the world.

The Aunty Donna boys said:

“When the Magical Dead Cat demanded we participate in this incredible tour of the UK and Ireland, a tour showcasing brand new hilarious comedy and some fan favourite bits from our world-shaking Netflix series, we were initially hesitant. It seemed we would provide the bulk of the entertainment whilst the Magical Dead Cat would merely bring some coughed up fur balls!’ ‘We raised our concerns with the Magical Dead Cat, and it offered to sweeten the deal by ending each show with a special surprise web slinging guest whose name rhymes with Glider Man. Desperate to meet this special surprise guest, we immediately said yes.”

In 2012, Aunty Donna burst onto the Melbourne comedy scene with their distinctively surreal, fast-paced, and alternative style of sketch comedy. Between 2014 and 2017, they won over audiences in the UK with their loud and high-energy performances at the Edinburgh Festival and Soho Theatre. Their shows have since traveled the world multiple times, earning them numerous awards and a massive following of over 2 million fans across various platforms, as well as 113 million views on YouTube.

Now, the trio of Mark Samual Bonanno, Broden Kelly, and Zachary Ruane are coming together to bring their wildly entertaining brand of comedy to audiences across England, Scotland, and Ireland on a new tour.

LISTINGS

11/09/23 Glasgow King’s Theatre 

16/09/23 Dublin Olympia Theatre 

19/09/23 Bath, The Forum 

21/09/23 Birmingham The Alexandra 

22/09/23 London Eventim Apollo 

24/09/23 Manchester O2 Apollo 

Thu 23 March @ 10am: Tickets on general sale – more info @ http://www.auntydonna.com/

Ghostbusters 4 start’s shooting

Ghostbusters 4 has started filming, and producer Jason Reitman has shared an image from the Firehouse set. The movie is being directed by Gil Kenan, who previously wrote Ghostbusters: Afterlife, while Reitman serves as executive producer. The cast includes familiar faces from Ghostbusters: Afterlife, such as Paul Rudd, Mckenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard, and Carrie Coon, as well as original cast members Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, and Sigourney Weaver.

Kenan has expressed his excitement about directing the latest installment of the Ghostbusters franchise, saying that it’s an honor to continue the Spengler family saga. He also reflected on his childhood dream of one day directing a Ghostbusters film.

After the disappointment of the 2016 reboot, Ghostbusters: Afterlife successfully relaunched the franchise in 2021 with the original cast returning. The movie was well-received by fans and paved the way for a sequel. While the plot of Ghostbusters 4 is unknown, it’s been reported that the story will take place in London and will introduce a new Ghostbusters universe with potential spin-offs featuring new busting teams.

The success of Ghostbusters 4 will depend on whether it can balance fresh storytelling with the nostalgia factor that made Ghostbusters: Afterlife such a hit. The movie is set to hit cinemas in December, so fans won’t have to wait too long to see if it delivers.

Doctor Who launches Doom’s Day

Launching later in 2023, Doctor Who fans will get the chance to immerse themselves in transmedia series featuring Doom, the Universe’s “most formidable assassin”. With a vortex manipulator and only 24 hours to spare, Doom travels across all of time and space in pursuit of the Doctor, hoping to save her from impending doom.

Bringing Doom to life is Sooz Kempner, a performer who is a graduate and Associate of the Royal Academy of Music, and an award-winning stand-up comedian and comedy sketch artist. Kempner is best known for her viral impersonation videos and will be the face and voice of Doom. She recently completed filming for a forthcoming Big Talk/CBS Studios series for Freevee and is set to tour her solo comedy show, Playstation, in 2023 before returning to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer.

Thanks to BBC Pictures

As Doom journeys through time and space, viewers will encounter many fan-favourite characters who will add excitement and intrigue to the series.

Doctor Who show runner Russell T Davies said: “Doom’s Day is a huge new adventure for the whole Doctor Who universe – starring the brilliant and hilarious Sooz Kempner as an intergalactic assassin. Her adventures will span comics, audio, a novel, video games stories and more, expanding the world of Doctor Who into brand new territories. Beware the Doom’s Day, it’s coming for us all”.

Sooz Kempner added: “To be part of the Doctor Who universe, a British institution up there with cups of tea and James Bond, is surreal and amazing! I love everything about Doom and can’t believe I get to travel across time and space with her”.

Later this year, Doom’s Day will be introduced on Doctor Who’s digital channels, followed by various products from Doctor Who Magazine, Titan Comics, Penguin Random House, East Side Games, Big Finish, and BBC Audio. These partners will each create their own stories about Doom’s Day, with each adventure focusing on a specific one of the 24 hours that Doom has left on the clock. These standalone tales will also have an overarching storyline that will unfold leading up to the finale, which will be available on Doctor Who’s digital channels.

The Elusive Constantine Sequel: Will It Ever Happen?

For fans of the Hellblazer comics, John Constantine is a character that needs no introduction. A demonologist, occult detective, and master of the dark arts, Constantine has been a staple of the comic book world since his creation in 1985. He’s also had his fair share of film adaptations, most notably the 2005 movie “Constantine” starring Keanu Reeves.

Despite its mixed reviews, the film has developed a cult following over the years, and many fans have been clamoring for a sequel. Reeves himself has been a vocal advocate for a follow-up, and while there have been rumblings of a second film for years, nothing has ever come to fruition.

As of 2023, the fate of the Constantine sequel remains uncertain. While there have been reports of a potential follow-up for years, nothing has been officially confirmed. In a recent interview, Reeves revealed that James Gunn and Peter Safran are currently trying to figure out how a Constantine sequel would fit into their plan.

While Francis Lawrence is set to direct and Akiva Goldsman will produce and write the script, the ultimate decision lies in the hands of Gunn and Safran. It’s unclear what their plans are for the character, but one can only hope that they make the right decision.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the sequel, there’s no denying the impact that John Constantine has had on the world of comics and pop culture. Created by Alan Moore, John Constantine made his first appearance in the pages of “Swamp Thing” in 1985.

Since then, he’s had his own ongoing series, several miniseries, and a slew of guest appearances in other comic book titles. He’s also appeared in various other media, including television shows like “Constantine” and “Legends of Tomorrow.”

One of the things that sets Constantine apart from other comic book characters is his morally ambiguous nature. He’s not a hero in the traditional sense, and he’s not a villain either. He’s a flawed, complex character who often finds himself caught in the middle of supernatural conflicts.

While the fate of the sequel may be uncertain, there’s no denying that John Constantine is a character with staying power. He’s been a fixture of the comic book world for over 30 years, and his popularity shows no signs of waning.

Whether or not we’ll see a sequel to the 2005 film remains to be seen, but fans of the character can take solace in the fact that he’ll continue to appear in various other media. From comics to television shows, John Constantine is a character that’s sure to endure.

John Constantine is a character that’s captivated audiences for over 30 years. He’s complex, morally ambiguous, and a true original in the world of comics. While the fate of the Constantine sequel remains uncertain, there’s no denying the impact that the character has had on pop culture.