Review The Last of us series 1

The Last of Us television adaptation is a triumph in every sense of the word, exceeding expectations in every way. Not only does it successfully translate the beloved game into a television series, but it also delivers exceptional performances from its talented cast.

Pedro Pascal delivers a soulful and nuanced portrayal of the protagonist Joel, showcasing the character’s complex inner turmoil and his journey of redemption. Meanwhile, Bella Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie is a revelation, injecting the character with fierce independence and a dangerous edge that perfectly captures her spirit.

But the exceptional acting doesn’t stop with the leads. The series also boasts standout performances from supporting actors such as Melanie Lynskey, Storm Reid, and Lamar Johnson. In the poignant third episode, which stands out as a beautiful and emotionally resonant piece of television. Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett deliver unforgettable performances that anchor the show.

The pacing is masterful, with individual character studies that add depth to the narrative. It manages to capture the essence of the acclaimed video game. Expertly. It’s clear that the creative team behind it poured their hearts and souls into the project.

The marriage between the game and HBO is a match made in heaven, with the network’s penchant for depth over spectacle and the game’s sophisticated storytelling. The result is a work of art that sets a new standard for video game adaptations.

Overall, The Last of Us is a stunning showcase of acting talent, bringing to life complex characters and their emotional journeys in a world of moral ambiguity and constant danger.

The Last of us is available to watch on Sky and Now TV.

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Good Burger 2 in development

Paramount+ has officially greenlit “Good Burger 2,” the sequel to the 1997 film that originated as a sketch on the Nickelodeon series “All That.”

The news was revealed on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” with original stars Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell set to return.

The film will begin production in May and is set to debut on Paramount+ later in 2023.

The movie’s official logline reveals that Dexter Reed (Thompson) is down on his luck after another invention fails, and Ed (Mitchell) welcomes him back to Good Burger with open arms. However, Dex’s plan to get back on his feet puts the fate of Good Burger at risk once again.

The sequel will be produced by Nickelodeon Studios and directed by Phil Traill. Kevin Kopelow and Heath Seifert, who co-wrote the original film and worked on “All That,” will serve as writers and executive producers alongside James III.

Tanya Giles, chief programming officer of Paramount Streaming, expressed excitement over the upcoming release, saying “Good Burger 2” is sure to serve up everything “All That” fans and new viewers alike will enjoy.

James Gunn confirmed as Superman: Legacy director

The news was hardly surprising when James Gunn confirmed his dual role as both writer and director for the highly anticipated reincarnation of Superman.

The project, entitled “Superman: Legacy,” promises to reboot the franchise yet again and kick off the new chapter of DC films dubbed “God and Monsters.”

As per Gunn’s tweets, the film will showcase Superman’s struggle to reconcile his Kryptonian roots with his human upbringing, embodying the values of truth, justice, and kindness in a world that often neglects such virtues.

As a devoted admirer of Gunn’s previous cinematic endeavors, I am eagerly anticipating what he will bring to the table with this fresh take on the beloved superhero. Of course, let us not forget that the iconic character was created by the visionary duo of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

Mark your calendars for July 11, 2025, as “Superman: Legacy” is set to soar into cinemas, worldwide.

UNIT spin-off in development

According to The Mirror. new details have emerged about upcoming Doctor Who spin-offs, including one featuring Jemma Redgrave.

Show runner Russell T. Davies, who has expressed his excitement for the expanded ‘Whoniverse’ following a distribution deal with Disney+, has teased that an episode from the new series is “one of the greatest things I’ve ever made in my life.”

Redgrave is set to star in a spin-off based on the military research organisation UNIT, which she has played a part in for the past decade in various Doctor Who episodes. Davies has been vocal about his desire to expand the Doctor Who universe, with Disney+ serving as the show’s international home.

The character of Kate Stewart was originally created for the unofficial Doctor Who spin-off, Downtime made by Reeltime pictures.

Jemma Redgrave first played the character in the 2012 episode titled “The Power of Three”. She went on to reprise the role in subsequent episodes, including “The Day of the Doctor” in 2013, “Death in Heaven” in 2014, and “The Magician’s Apprentice” and “The Zygon Invasion/The Zygon Inversion” in 2015. More recently she has appeared in the UNIT range of audios by Big Finish Productions. As well as fighting alongside Jodie Whittaker’s Thirteenth Doctor, in Doctor Who: Flux and “The Power of The Doctor”.

It’s yet unknown if the release of a UNIT TV series, would affected the Big Finish range of audio dramas.

Although the BBC or RTD have yet to make an official announcement, there are reports from multiple reliable sources that a ‘UNIT’ series is currently in development. As soon as more information becomes available, we will provide updates.

Trailer-The Little Mermaid

At the grand ceremony of the Academy Awards, Disney took the opportunity to unveil the full trailer for its forthcoming adaptation of The Little Mermaid, providing us with the most comprehensive glimpse yet of what the movie has in store for us. From what we can observe, the film is shaping up to be an almost exact replica of the timeless animated classic.

The lead role of Ariel will be played by Halle Bailey, and her performance appears to be incredibly enchanting. There’s no doubt that her vocal ability is outstanding, and she’s poised to deliver a fantastic performance of the unforgettable songs that we all hold dear.

In addition, the trailer unveils the first appearance of several other well-known characters from the movie, including Ursula, Sebastian, Scuttle, and many others!

The film features a talented cast, with Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, Daveed Diggs as the voice of Sebastian, Jacob Tremblay as the voice of Flounder, Awkwafina as the voice of Scuttle, Art Malik as Sir Grimsby, Noma Dumezweni as Queen Selina, and Javier Bardem as King Triton, among others.

Bob Iger asks if “every hero needs a sequel?”

In a recent appearance at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media and Telecom Conference, Disney CEO Bob Iger spoke about the future of the company’s tentpole brands.

As a doting father would refer to his children, Iger expressed his fondness for all of the company’s brands.

However, he did acknowledge that the underwhelming box office performance of the 2018 standalone Star Wars film, Solo, gave the executives some pause about the franchise’s future.

The high frequency of releases may have been the culprit. Iger assured fans that Disney is still committed to developing Star Wars films but emphasised the importance of taking a cautious approach to ensure quality.

He highlighted the success of series based on Star Wars mythology, such as The Mandalorian and Andor, as a testament to the company’s continued commitment to the franchise.

Review-Scream VI

Last year’s installment of the Scream franchise did not impress me much, as the approach taken by directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, known as “Radio Silence,” felt like a mere repetition of 2011’s Scream 4. Nonetheless, the movie had its merits, particularly in its endeavor to uphold the legacy of the late Wes Craven. However, Scream VI, also directed by Radio Silence and written by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick, seems to have no new ideas to present, apart from one significant exception. Nevertheless, the sixth part of the series is exceptionally enjoyable as it presents a masterful and thrilling puzzle, even if it isn’t particularly groundbreaking.

The setting of the film has now moved to New York City, where Sam Carpenter (Melissa Barrera), her sister Tara (Jenna Ortega), and their best friends Mindy (Jasmin Savoy Brown) and Chad Meeks-Martin (Mason Gooding) are starting college. Sam accompanies Tara to look after her, hoping that a bigger city means that they are safe from Ghostface’s deadly attacks.

However, this proves not to be the case, as a new Ghostface appears, exhibiting an obsession with the previous nine killers. The FBI, led by Agent Kirby Reed (Hayden Panettiere), gets involved in the case, while Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox) returns as a Ghostface expert. Sidney Prescott, the previous final girl, is absent from the story.

The exclusion of Sidney’s character turns out to be a good thing, as it forces the writers to focus on the other characters. Sam, Tara, Mindy, and Chad take the center stage, and they are given enough time to make an impression. Melissa Barrera shines as Sam, and her portrayal brings depth to the character. Jenna Ortega, Jasmin Savoy Brown, and Mason Gooding are also noteworthy in their performances. Hayden Panettiere’s return as Kirby is a pleasant surprise, and she adds an extra layer to the plot.

While the film’s plot is cleverly crafted, it is not particularly challenging to guess who the killer is. However, the direction by Radio Silence elevates the movie. The suspense, danger, and action sequences are spectacular, particularly the ones set in a neighborhood grocery store and a ladder between apartment complexes. The climactic sequence may not break many rules, but it is executed with precision.

Neve Campbell’s absence from Scream VI is certainly a loss for fans of the franchise, but it’s also a reminder of the ongoing issues of pay equity and fair compensation in the entertainment industry. Hopefully, her decision to turn down the role will contribute to a larger conversation about the value of women’s contributions in film and television and the need for greater representation and equality.

In conclusion, Scream VI may not have much new to offer, but it is a thrilling and entertaining addition to the franchise. The film’s focus on the four main characters, along with the brilliant direction, make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the series.

⭐⭐⭐

Review-Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #1

The re-emergence of Jon’s secret identity has given him a chance to experience a normal teenage life once again. With a loving and supportive boyfriend, a joyful home environment, and a part-time job that involves saving the world, things seem to be going well for Jon. However, trouble arises when satellites start falling from the sky.

Thanks to Taylor’s masterful script, this latest Superman narrative begins with a bang, blending emotional weight with action and multiversal chaos. At the center of the story is Jon Kent, and Taylor fearlessly delves into the depths of his trauma caused by the villainous Ultraman. Rather than resorting to cheap thrills, Taylor’s skilled writing ensures that the story is a carefully crafted exploration of dark themes. We can expect a nuanced portrayal of Jon’s journey, set against the vivid backdrop of a superhero’s cape. The question remains: will Jon emerge from his ordeal as the same hero we know?

The narrative skillfully weaves together themes of loss, hope, and childhood traumas. To sweeten the pot, the minds behind the phenomenal Injustice series promise to take us on a journey through a multiverse. This story is sure to be a thrilling ride.

Clayton Henry’s art is stunning, packed with incredible detail and nuance. Bellaire’s colors perfectly capture the gamut of emotions, from the warm glow of a family kitchen to the terror of a burning planet.

In every sense, this story is beautiful, dark, and full of the twin lures of danger and desire. I eagerly anticipate what’s to come.

⭐⭐⭐

Review-Predator #1

A group of strangers awaken on an unfamiliar planet, with no recollection of how they got there, no agreement on the year, and no idea who to trust. Their only certainty is that something is picking them off one by one. Ed Brisson and Netho Diaz’s new series appears, at first glance, to be a homage to the 2010 film Predators, but this first issue proves to be much more than that. It cleverly incorporates the official Predator timeline and raises the stakes for action and horror.

The characters are quickly introduced, each with unique personality traits and skills that could prove useful in their fight for survival. The opening pages mix character introductions with expository action, allowing readers to get to know the characters as they flee for their lives. But this is a Predator story, and so blood and gore quickly become the norm. Diaz illustrates imaginative set pieces and inventive deaths that are astonishingly gruesome for a mainstream Marvel book.

Despite the frenzied action and chaos, the creative team keeps the story coherent and easy to follow. The use of blues and grays by colorist Erik Arciniega is effective in highlighting when the Predators are camouflaged or materializing into view, adding to the tension of the chase scenes.

Overall, this first issue promises an exciting and action-packed ride for fans of the Predator franchise, and it’s a must-read for those who enjoyed the previous miniseries. The final page leaves no doubt that this series is going to be a wild and thrilling ride.

⭐⭐⭐

Game Review: Doctor Who: Lost in Time

Doctor Who has long been a beloved sci-fi franchise with a dedicated fan base. And while the show has seen its fair share of successes and failures in the video game space over the years, Doctor Who: Lost in Time unfortunately falls into the latter category.

The game’s main flaw is perhaps the one thing that Doctor Who should never be, tedious. Lost in Time is essentially an energy mining game that requires the player to tap repeatedly on their screen until they’ve built up enough energy to progress. And while there are slight variations in the gameplay, the core loop is one of endless repetition.

Adding insult to injury, the game also comes with a heavy emphasis on in-app purchases. For real money or by watching ads, players can increase the automation and productivity of their various energy mines. But ultimately, the game feels like it’s trying to convince players that digging coal out of the ground with their bare hands is a fun time – and then offer to lease them a pickaxe.

The perfunctory storyline and simplistic character designs only add to the game’s lackluster quality. And worst of all, the constant notifications reminding players to play the game only serve to add insult to injury.

In short, Doctor Who: Lost in Time fails to capture the sense of adventure and fair play that fans have come to expect from the franchise. It’s a dull and repetitive game that leans too heavily on in-app purchases, and one that is unlikely to satisfy even the most die-hard Doctor Who fans.

Doctor Who: Lost in Time is available through both the App Store and PlayStore

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