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.

⭐⭐⭐

Big Finish review-The Eighth of March 3: Strange Chemistry

The third instalment of Big Finish’s “Eighth of March” series was unveiled on March 8th, 2023, coinciding with International Women’s Day. The album, titled “Strange Chemistry,” presents two stories that tackle different themes and ideas, albeit with less prominent female leads.

The first story, “Ghost of Alchemy,” features a captivating performance by Louise Jameson and centres around the historical figure of Marie Curie embarking on a perilous tour of the United States. However, the writing is heavy-handed in its efforts to incorporate women’s struggles into the narrative, often feeling forced and awkward. The villain is also a caricature of misogyny, making it hard to take him seriously.

On the other hand, the album’s main draw is Missy’s encounter with a young Amy Pond in “Fairies at the Bottom of the Garden.” This track is undoubtedly the standout of the album, filled with surprises and an engrossing listen. While Caitlin Blackwood’s teenage angst is relatable, Karissa Hamilton-scripted Bannis’s storyline is more tedious than necessary. The premise is also not fully explored, despite Michelle Gomez’s delightful and eccentric performance.

It’s worth noting that Helen Goldwyn’s direction on “Strange Chemistry” is still impeccable, even if the stories themselves are not quite up to par. Her direction brings out the best in the actors and helps create a rich soundscape that draws listeners in. Despite the flaws in the writing, Goldwyn’s direction keeps the album engaging and immersive.

Overall, “Strange Chemistry” is an improvement over last year’s lacklustre “Protectors of Time.” However, it still falls short of being a must-listen. It seems as if the entire range is an afterthought, which is a shame because these sets deserve better attention and effort.

The Eighth of March 3: Strange Chemistry is available for purchase from Big Finish.

⭐⭐

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

⭐

Big Finish Review-Doctor Who: Short Trips Volume 12

Doctor Who is a beloved British science fiction television show that has captivated audiences for over 50 years. The show follows the adventures of the Doctor, a time-travelling alien who travels through time and space in a TARDIS, a spaceship that looks like a 1960s British police box. The show has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring books, comics, audio dramas, and more. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at Doctor Who Short Trips Volume 12, an audiobook featuring six short stories set during the era of the Twelfth Doctor, played by Peter Capaldi.

Doctor Who Short Trips Volume 12 is a collection of six short stories, each written by a different author. The stories are all set during the time of the Twelfth Doctor and are narrated by Jacob Dudman, a voice actor who specialises in Doctor Who related media. The stories are all relatively short, ranging from around 20 to 40 minutes in length. The audiobook was produced by Big Finish Productions, a company that produces Doctor Who audio dramas and other science fiction and fantasy content.

Story Summaries

  1. “The Charge of the Night Brigade” by David Llewellyn In this story, the Doctor and his companion Clara arrive on a planet that is at war. The Doctor decides to intervene and help the people of the planet, but things don’t go as planned. The story is a retelling of the famous poem “The Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred Lord Tennyson, with the Doctor and Clara taking the place of the soldiers.
  2. “War Wounds” by Mark Wright The Doctor and his companion Bill arrive at a hospital during World War I. They discover that the hospital is using a new experimental drug to treat wounded soldiers, but the drug has some unexpected side effects. The story explores themes of trauma and healing, as well as the horrors of war.
  3. “Distant Voices” by Lizbeth Myles The Doctor and his companion Nardole arrive on a planet where the inhabitants communicate through singing. The planet is under threat from an external force, and the Doctor must find a way to save the day. The story explores the power of music and communication, as well as the importance of empathy and understanding.
  4. “Field Trip” by Una McCormack The Doctor and his companions arrive on a planet where a group of scientists are studying a mysterious energy field. However, when the energy field starts to behave erratically, the Doctor must intervene to prevent a catastrophe. The story explores themes of scientific exploration and discovery, as well as the potential dangers of uncontrolled experimentation.
  5. “Dead Media” by John Richards The Doctor and his companion Peri arrive at a museum where they discover a mysterious exhibit of obsolete media formats. However, when the exhibits start to come to life, the Doctor must find a way to stop them before they wreak havoc. The story is a fun and lighthearted exploration of the ways in which technology can take on a life of its own.
  6. “The Revisionists” by Andy Frankham-Allen In this story, the Doctor and his companion Ace arrive in a world where time travel is commonplace. However, when they discover that someone is altering history, they must race against time to restore the timeline before it’s too late. The story explores the dangers of altering history, as well as the importance of preserving the past.

Doctor Who Short Trips Volume 12 is an excellent addition to the Doctor Who universe. The stories are all well-written and engaging, with each author bringing their own unique style to the table. The voice acting by Jacob Dudman is top-notch, capturing the essence of each character and bringing the stories to life.

One of the strengths of this audiobook is its variety. Each story explores a different theme or genre, from war to music to time travel. This keeps the book fresh and exciting and ensures that there is something for everyone.

Another strength of the book is its focus on character. Each story delves into the psychology and motivations of the characters, both old and new. This helps to deepen our understanding of these beloved characters and makes us feel more invested in their adventures.

Overall, I highly recommend Doctor Who Short Trips Volume 12 to any fan of the show. It’s a well-crafted and entertaining audiobook that captures the spirit of Doctor Who and will leave you wanting more, this is a must-listen for any fan of the show. With its engaging stories, excellent voice acting, and wide range of themes and genres, it’s a great addition to the Doctor Who universe. We highly recommend it and believe that it deserves a top spot in any Doctor Who fan’s audiobook collection.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Film review-Creed III

Michael B. Jordan delivers a knockout punch with his directorial debut in “Creed III,” the latest installment of the “Rocky” spin-off franchise. Reprising his role as the titular character, Adonis Creed, Jordan not only commands the screen with electric swagger and emotional depth, but also directs with confidence and style. He follows in the footsteps of Sylvester Stallone, who directed himself in several “Rocky” films, as well as Ryan Coogler, his longtime friend and collaborator, who helmed the original “Creed.” Jordan carries the weight of expectation and pressure with grace, honoring the series’ legacy while pushing the story forward.

While “Creed III” takes a little while to get into the ring, with a necessary flashback to establish the shared history between the main competitors, Jordan’s eye for detail is evident throughout the film. From the minimalist elegance of Adonis’ Hollywood Hills mansion to the use of sign language within his family, Jordan paints a rich and authentic portrait of Adonis’ life outside the ring. Tessa Thompson brings a grounded and sensitive performance as Adonis’ wife and producer, while newcomer Mila Davis-Kent shines brightly in her first major role as their deaf daughter, Amara.

But the film truly heats up with the arrival of Jonathan Majors as Adonis’ childhood friend-turned-adversary, Dame. Majors’ performance is nothing short of tremendous, bringing a volatile energy to the character that simmers beneath his seemingly placid exterior. Jordan’s direction, working in tandem with cinematographer Kramer Morgenthau and editors Jessica Baclesse and Tyler Nelson, elevates even the simplest of scenes, conveying layers of subtext and meaning through framing and pacing.

Of course, “Creed III” delivers on the expected training montages and uplifting beats, culminating in a climactic showdown that showcases Jordan’s dazzling stylistic choices in sound design, camera movements, and visual effects. But beyond the sweat and adrenaline, the film is also a touching exploration of family, legacy, and the pursuit of greatness. With “Creed III,” Jordan proves himself not only a formidable leading man, but also a director to watch in the years to come.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Big Finish review-The Return of Jo Jones

In “The Return of Jo Jones,” the Third Doctor is reunited with one of his closest companions. The first adventure takes place on the Isle of Wight, where Jo is summoned to deal with a series of menacing bird attacks that have upset the natural balance of things. This encounter marks a profound shift in Jo’s world, setting the stage for the emotional journey that unfolds throughout the collection.

The second story sees Jo embarking on her first space-time voyage in decades, accompanying the Doctor to the planet Viltris in the 49th Century. Here, long-simmering grievances threaten to erupt into open rebellion, providing a backdrop for Jo’s own struggles with the passage of time.

The final tale takes place on the troubled planet Mercator, where Jo delves into the underlying tensions of the local community, while the Doctor finds himself in grave danger. Each story serves as a mirror for Jo’s own personal growth and the skills she has developed over the years.

Matt Fitton’s “Supernature” is a standout entry, featuring a moving and bittersweet farewell to Stewart Bevan’s character. It also offers a dose of Hitchcockian suspense as Jo grapples with loss and grief.

Felicia Barker’s “The Conservitors” explores themes of power, risk, and resilience, showcasing Jo’s formidable strength of character.

Meanwhile, Lizzie Hopley’s “The Iron Shore” pays tribute to the work of producer Philip Hinchcliffe and horror writer H.P. Lovecraft, highlighting Jo’s empathy and the Doctor’s determination.

The cast of the Third Doctor Adventures is outstanding, with Katy Manning and Tim Treloar giving standout performances. Manning expertly conveys Jo’s pain, perseverance, and spirit, while Treloar continues to impress with his portrayal of Jon Pertwee’s Doctor. Together, they make for a powerful and emotionally resonant listening experience.

Additionally, the sound design is exceptional, creating a rich and immersive atmosphere that draws the listener into each story. From the eerie and unsettling sounds of the menacing birds on the Isle of Wight, to the futuristic and otherworldly sounds, the sound effects help to transport the listener to each unique setting. The use of music also adds to the emotional impact of the stories, with each piece expertly chosen to complement the mood and tone of the scene.

Overall, “The Return of Jo Jones” is a long-awaited and much-needed closure to one of Doctor Who’s most beloved characters. Here’s hoping that we get to hear more of Jo’s adventures with the Doctor before she returns home.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

TV review-Beyond Paradise

Creating a successful spin-off can be a daunting task. It requires striking a delicate balance between maintaining the essence of the original while introducing fresh ideas and characters that capture audiences’ attention. For every spin-off that becomes a beloved classic, like Frasier or Angel, there are others that fall short, such as Joey or Joanie Loves Chachi.

Fortunately, Beyond Paradise rises to this challenge by boldly taking beloved characters from Death in Paradise and placing them in a new setting with new challenges.

The series follows the relocation of DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) and his fiancée, Martha Lloyd (Sally Bretton), to the small town of Shipton Abbott in Devon.

While the new show retains some of the DNA of its parent- stunning scenery, endearing local characters, and a one-mystery-per-episode format – it differs in one crucial respect: it has a much less body count. Instead, the series focuses on Humphrey’s complex cases, which involve a stolen painting, a missing family, and an arsonist who takes inspiration from the Three Little Pigs.

In Shipton Abbott, Humphrey discovers that everyone is in everyone else’s business, both figuratively and literally. His new team, including PC Kelby Hartford (Dylan Llewellyn) and DS Esther Williams (Zahra Ahmadi), take some time to warm up to their new DI, who is untidy, eccentric, and unorthodox in his methods.

Despite this, he soon wins them over, and they find themselves willingly participating in his strange physical exercise to prove a point about the case.

The team’s most pressing case involves a woman, Gwen Tyler (Montserrat Lombard), who claims to have been assaulted by the ghost of a 17th-century witch. Humphrey and Esther investigate and upgrade the case to attempted murder when they discover that Gwen was dragged across the floor and her ladder was moved.

The case leads them to uncover a web of adultery, financial mismanagement, and data tampering, which is a far cry from the witchcraft Old Mother Wheaten is famous for.

Beyond Paradise deviates from the standard detective series format by eschewing the traditional drawing-room reveal. Instead, Humphrey takes us back to the crime scene and explains in real time what happened, providing a fresh and exciting perspective on the traditional detective show.

While Beyond Paradise shares some similarities with Death in Paradise, it stands out with its unique approach to storytelling and focus on complex cases. It’s a welcome addition to the genre and is sure to keep audiences entertained.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Big Finish review-Doctor Who: Shades of Fear

As I reflect upon the Ninth Doctor range, I am struck by how quickly time has passed since Christopher Eccleston first joined forces with Big Finish to embark on a series of exciting new journeys. Come to think of it, it is difficult to believe that 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the show’s announcement.

Throughout the range, we were treated to a plethora of truly remarkable tales that brought together old friends and foes in unexpected ways, breathing new life into this beloved character. Of course, as with any lengthy journey, there were bumps in the road along the way, but with 24 new stories in this series, such inconsistencies are to be expected.

The latest addition to the range, Shades of Fear, is a prime example of its strengths and weaknesses. While it remains true to the erratic quality that has plagued the series, it captures the essence of the era so well, touching on the right themes and creating an atmosphere that seamlessly fits into the world that RTD established back in 2005.

One of the standout aspects of the Ninth Doctor range is the incredible performance of Christopher Eccleston. His portrayal of the Doctor on audio is just as captivating and engaging as it was on television, and he continues to bring depth and nuance to the character that is truly remarkable.

Eccleston’s ability to effortlessly switch between moments of levity and moments of profound emotion is a testament to his skill as an actor, and he imbues the Doctor with humanity and complexity that makes him one of the most compelling and memorable incarnations of the character.

It’s a real joy to hear Eccleston back in the role after so many years, and his performances in the range are a true testament to his talent as an actor. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the show or a newcomer to the world of Doctor Who, there’s no denying the power and charisma that he brings to the role.

At the time of writing, a third series with Eccleston has yet to be announced. So this could very well be our last instalment and, whilst it may not be the strongest entry in the range, it still manages to maintain the momentum of its predecessors and provides an overall enjoyable experience with Eccleston at the helm. It wouldn’t be a bad set to cap off the range.

Doctor Who – The Ninth Doctor Adventures: Shades of Fear is now available to own for just £24.99 (collector’s edition CD box set + download) or £19.99 (download only), exclusively from Big Finish.

⭐⭐⭐

Big Finish review- Doctor Who: The Doctor Chronicles: The Eleventh Doctor: All of Time and Space

The Doctor Chronicles range from Big Finish has had a mixed reception, with some fans ridiculing the entire range. However, ‘Geronimo!’ stands out as one of the best box sets of 2022, receiving widespread praise for its imaginative and enjoyable stories. Jake Dudman and Safiyya Ingar also established themselves as a new fan-favourite TARDIS team. Now, we are treated to a reunion with the Eleventh Doctor and his cybernetically-enhanced companion in ‘All of Time and Space’.

‘All of Time & Space’ provides a mind-bending experience that offers insightful commentary on the art of creative writing. This gripping story centers around a character who gains sentience inside an unfinished story and must complete a quest that involves erasing the Doctor’s biography. The unknown writer behind this script has shown tremendous potential, and I would love to see more from them.

‘The Yearn’ by Angus Dunican is a true gem of an episode. The gestalt collective is at war with itself, with one side desiring individuality and the other preferring to remain a hive mind. What sets this story apart is the unique depiction of the Yearn as angry, bestial energy panthers. It’s a standout episode and might even be my favorite Eleventh Doctor audio adventure.

‘Curiosity Shop’ is a character-driven piece that showcases the talents of James Goss. The Doctor believes he is a junkyard owner, and it’s up to Val to bring him back to reality as she gives up her cybernetics. The pacing of this dialogue-heavy story is impeccable, making it a brilliant way to wrap up the box set.

Finally, it’s worth noting what a revelation Safiyya Ingar is as the new TARDIS team member. Their performance as Val is nuanced and engaging, and their chemistry with Jake Dudman’s Eleventh Doctor is fantastic. They continue to impress as a versatile actor, and I can’t wait to see where their career takes them.

Overall, ‘All of Time and Space’ is another fantastic box set that lives up to the high bar set by ‘Geronimo!’. The writers deserve kudos for their imaginative and enjoyable stories, and Jake Dudman and Safiyya Ingar continue to impress as the new TARDIS team. I eagerly anticipate what’s in store for the Doctor and Val in their next adventure.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Film review-Cocaine Bear

“Cocaine Bear” is a riotous horror-comedy that delivers on its promise of a big bear on cocaine wreaking havoc in the woods. Directed by Elizabeth Banks, the film is set in 1985, when the actual events that inspired the movie took place. Banks and screenwriter Jimmy Warden infuse the characters with identifiable quirks and needs, making them more likable and relatable. Even the film’s villain, drug dealer Syd, played by the legendary Ray Liotta in one of his final roles, has recognisable resentments and fears.

Banks keeps the proceedings light and entertaining, balancing the gore and violence with humor and heart. The script sets several groups in motion, sometimes at cross-purposes, all heading towards the bear. Once the threat is established, we get to know the threatened. The performances are uniformly solid, with Keri Russell, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Alden Ehrenreich, Margo Martindale, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson all delivering strong turns.

Banks’ affection for the bear is evident throughout the film, even as it wreaks havoc on the hapless humans. The tension-filled sequences that have little to do with the bear add to the film’s overall sense of fun and unpredictability. The film has the structure of a slasher movie from the ’80s, but it owes a lot to the animals-attack subgenre of the ’70s. “Cocaine Bear” is a winning mix of heart and gore, skillfully threaded by Banks, who proves herself to be a deft hand at comedy and horror. The film’s success at the box office is a testament to its word-of-mouth appeal, as audiences flock to see the film again and again. With “Cocaine Bear,” Banks has earned her place as a director to watch, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

⭐⭐⭐⭐