Author: Gerrod

I am a co-founder of the Bad Wilf Podcast, a hard working father of two and a dedicated gamer. As well as hosting the podcast I study IT and am learning French. Twitter: @nerdthropology

Film review-Transformers One

Let’s be honest, with the exception of Bumblebee-the Transformers movies have never exactly been known for their subtlety. Michael Bay gave us five films that were loud, chaotic, and full of explosions, but not much else. So, when they announced Transformers One, an animated origin story for Optimus Prime and Megatron, I wasn’t exactly expecting Shakespeare. But I was wrong.

This film is a breath of fresh air for a franchise that’s always been stuck in second gear. Directed by Toy Story 4‘s Josh Cooley, Transformers One has something that its predecessors often lacked – heart. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still plenty of the metal-on-metal action you’d expect, but this time, there’s actual thought behind it. And the one-note jokes from the trailers? They land.

Set long before the Autobots and Decepticons started wrecking Earth, the film dives into the origins of Optimus Prime (or Orion Pax, as he’s known here), a simple Energon miner with dreams of a better life. Teaming up with hisfriend D-16 (Megatron), Orion sets off on a mission to find the Matrix of Leadership, the lost artefact that could save their dying planet.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “The Matrix of Leadership? Energon? Really?” Yeah, it sounds ridiculous. But the film knows it’s a bit silly and plays into it with a self-aware, tongue-in-cheek tone that works. It’s a fine line between taking the mythology seriously and poking fun at it, but Transformers One nails it.

Visually, it’s stunning. The underground city of Iacon, where most of the action takes place, looks incredible – all jagged, metallic skyscrapers that stretch up and down like something out of a nightmare. The animation style feels fresh, with a hyper-realistic, shiny sheen that somehow manages to make this world of sentient robots feel grounded.

But where the film really surprises is in its world-building. Transformers One delves into Autobot society, which turns out to be a lot more complex than I gave it credit for. It’s a world divided by a rigid caste system – the “Primes” at the top and the miners like Orion at the bottom. It adds some real stakes to the story and makes the eventual rise of Optimus Prime feel earned.

Action fans won’t be disappointed either. Whether it’s an underground street race through Iacon or a daring rescue in the Energon mines, there’s plenty of metal-on-metal mayhem. But unlike the Bay films, it never feels overwhelming. There’s a balance here that the live-action movies often missed.

So, is it perfect? No. But for a Transformers movie, it’s as close as we’ve ever come. It’s funny, it’s smart, and it’s got just the right amount of heart. If you’ve ever found yourself rolling your eyes at this franchise, Transformers One might just change your mind.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Transformers is released in the Uk & Ireland on 11th October 2024.

Listen to our interview with Josh Cooley and Lorenzo di Bonaventura.

Film Review-Suzume

The latest offering from acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Makoto Shinkai, best known for his 2016 fantasy film Your Name & Weathering with You, is a captivating and intriguing work of art. With its stunning art, stunning blend of sci-fi, supernatural disasters, and political commentary, with a touch of humour.

The story revolves around Suzume, voiced by Nichole Sakura. Suzume is a bright yet lonely teenager who lives with her aunt following the death of her mother. One day, while on a cycle, she encounters Souta, a mysterious young man on a quest to find a door. Curiosity piqued, Suzume decides to follow him, leading her to an abandoned ruin where she discovers a strange door in the middle of nowhere.

Like a modern Alice in Wonderland, Suzume opens the door and unleashes a series of cosmic forces and earthquakes. It soon becomes clear that Souta’s mission was to seal these destructive portals, and he needs a “keystone” to do so. However, fate intervenes, and Souta is transformed into a broken child’s chair that speaks with his voice. Meanwhile, the keystone takes the form of a talking cat called Daijin.

Thus begins their epic and quirky journey, a delightful blend of mythic and comic elements. Suzume’s story can be seen as an allegory for the tumultuous changes that come with growing up and finding one’s place in the world, but it goes beyond mere sexual awakening to explore broader themes of power dynamics, respect, and visibility.

Above all, Suzume’s mission is to protect nature itself, a powerful and timeless concept with deep generational resonance.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

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.

Why ChatGPT thinks Aaron Taylor-Johnson should be James Bond

There have been a lot of news articles recently, regarding the use of ChatGPT. So I thought I’d ask it the question everyone wants to know. Who should be the next James Bond? The below was written entirely by ChatGPT.

The idea of a James Bond film sparks excitement and anticipation around the world, as the series has become a beloved cultural institution, the only question on fans lips now is “who will take up the iconic role?”.

Out of all the names speculated, there’s only one that stands out. Aaron Taylor-Johnson. He’s the perfect choice for Bond. Known for his impressive range as an actor, Johnson has showcased his talent in both leading and supporting roles over the years. He is equally capable of portraying action, drama, and comedy.

As a character actor, Johnson is skilled in creating believable characters, with a vulnerability and charm that has captivated audiences around the world. He is adept at subtle character nuances, which will be an important skill to bring to playing Bond.

In addition to his exceptional acting abilities, Johnson is also an action star. He brings to the role a physicality that can handle the demands of a Bond movie. He is an expert in martial arts and stunt work.

He has the classic features of a James Bond that have become iconic through a wide range of interpretations of the character. His strong jawline and piercing green eyes give him the equivalent of Bond’s trademark masculinity. His physical stature are a requirement for any actor who takes on the coveted role. Additionally, Taylor-Johnson has an athletic build that enables him to handle more action-oriented roles, something that any actor taking on the role of James Bond must do.

Beyond physicality, Taylor-Johnson has the right experience to take on the role. He certainly has the pedigree of a capable action star, as seen in roles in action-packed films such as Kick-Ass, Bullet Train and Avengers: Age of Ultron. More importantly, Taylor-Johnson has demonstrated the psychological depth of a classically trained character actor.

With his proven acting chops and a track record of producing some of the biggest blockbusters of recent years, he has the star power and charisma to make the role his own. He is also in peak physical condition, allowing him to effectively explore the physically demanding action sequences that come with being James Bond. His natural charm, wit and confidence all fit perfectly with the Bond persona, making him an ideal choice for the role.

Running Down Corridors Episode 1 series 2

Welcome to Running Down Corridors, where we explore the fascinating world of the Doctor and their adventures through time and space.

In this episode, we’ll be discussing the latest Doctor Who special, “Legend of the Sea Devils”. The Sea Devils are a classic Doctor Who monster that first appeared in the Jon Pertwee era, and have since become a fan-favorite. In this special, the Doctor and her companions find themselves in the middle of an underwater battle between the Sea Devils and a group of humans.

We’ll be discussing the themes and messages of the episode, as well as the performances of the actors and the special effects. We’ll also be exploring the history of the Sea Devils in Doctor Who, and how they’ve evolved over the years. Additionally, we’ll be delving into some of the behind-the-scenes details.

So join us for an exciting discussion of “Legend of the Sea Devils”.

This podcast is part of The Bad Wilf Network. Check out www.badwilf.com, for information on all our other shows.

Artwork by Penny Smallshire.

Check out BeeblePete’s review of Doctor Who am I?

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Episode 193:The Running Man

In which Martyn and Gerrod discuss the 1987 film ‘The Running Man’.

The podcast can be accessed via different places, including Audioboom, Player fm and Itunes.

Follow the Bad Wilf team:

Martyn – @BadWilf

Pete – @BeeblePete

Gerrod – @gerrod_edward

Also check out the official Bad Wilf Vlog.

Our gear:

Zoom H5 https://amzn.to/2zo0TeV

Behringer XM8500 Ultravoice Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphone https://amzn.to/2Dni9Vy

Stagg 3m High Quality XLR to XLR Plug Microphone Cable https://amzn.to/2OKwnkC

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Film review- Blade Runner 2049

“Blade Runner 2049” is a science fiction masterpiece that follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, Ridley Scott’s 1982 cult classic “Blade Runner.” Denis Villeneuve directs this film with a steady hand, and he brings an evocative vision to the screen that harkens back to Scott’s original work. While it may not have been a financial success at the box office, “2049” is a cinematic gem that will undoubtedly be reevaluated by audiences over time.

Ryan Gosling stars as K, a Blade Runner tasked with hunting down rogue replicants in a dystopian Los Angeles. Gosling’s subtle and nuanced performance is perfectly suited to his character’s emotional journey. K’s discovery of a child born from replicants sets in motion a series of events that lead him on a path of self-discovery and realisation.

The film is visually stunning, thanks to the masterful work of cinematographer Roger Deakins and production designer Dennis Gassner. The world of “2049” is a dark and foreboding place, but it is also one of great beauty and wonder. Deakins elegantly captures this world, creating a moody and immersive experience for the audience.

“2049” asks the same timeless question as its predecessor: what does it mean to be human? This theme runs through the film, and it is explored with a depth and complexity that is rarely seen in science fiction. The film’s deliberate pace and methodically structured narrative may not be to everyone’s taste, but those who give themselves over to the film’s world and themes will be rewarded with a truly exceptional cinematic experience.

In the end, “Blade Runner 2049” is a triumph of science fiction filmmaking. It takes risks, has visual ingenuity, and offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. Just like the original “Blade Runner,” it may take time for audiences to fully appreciate the film’s brilliance. But there is no doubt that “2049” is a worthy successor to one of the greatest science fiction films of all time.

Review-Dying laughing

A stand-up comedian is mostly his or her own writer, director and star performer. Unlike any other art form, there is no safety net and no private rehearsal. In its singular realisation, stand-up comedy only works live on a stage – in front of often-hostile audiences. For most people baring their soul and being heckled would be a life-changing trauma, for stand-ups it’s a nightly hazard. 

jerry

The very idea of standing on a stage in front of strangers and trying to make them laugh, fills me with utter dread. I imagine it’s the same for most people, and is most likely reason the subject stand-up comedy is so fascinating and rife for a documentary.

Dying laughing is a British produced documentarty, about the life of a stand-up comic and although it sometimes treads familar territory-the loneliness of the road, the anguish of your set dying etc, directors Paul Toogood & Lloyd Stanton achieve a startling level of intimacy in a series of riveting interviews with the masters of comedy.  What follows is an in-depth discussion about the emotional and psychological highs and lows of life on the road. 

sarah

Dying laughing is an emotional rollercoaster, which fully encapsulates the life of a performer. Chris Rock says comedians are “the last philosophers.” and, to a certain extent, he’s right.  We follow this trend, with some of the most loved and respected comedians, whom speak candidly about their loves, their peevs and ultimately, their lust for being a stand-up comedian.

The film can feel a little self-indulgent at times, however that just adds to its charm. At no point do you want the interviews to stop. This is a great film, that gives an insight into the psyche of a wordsmith.

@Gerrod_Edward

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Vlog 10:Youtube creator event

Last night, I had the great honour of attending an event held by Youtube, to inspire creators.

Check out my Vlog below.

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