I love Whitechapel! It's a great watch around Halloween and I've watched the full series about 5 times. It's a great mixture of dark police thriller with supernatural elements. Penry-Jones, Davis and Pemberton are excellent as are the supporting cast. Wish there had been more episodes! The links to old cases across the seemingly cursed Whitechapel adds a gothic spooky vibe, including Jack the Ripper and the Kray twins, with exposition and historical recaps provided memorably by Steve Pemberton, clearly enjoying the role and is excellent as always. Filmed in London's East End, Whitechapel captures the gritty heart of the city.
Reviews
38 Reviews
It Chapter Two
(2019)
We all still float. The same effective creepy atmosphere with great scares, but the flashbacks jar the momentum...
12 May 2023
IT Chapter 2 begins with a brutal attack and murder at the Derry Fair in the present (where the book starts), kickstarting Mike to bring the Loser's Club back together 27 years after their traumatic tussle with Pennywise. Brief updates are given on what Bill, Ben, Mike, Richie, Eddie, Beverley and Stan are doing now, that's all that was needed. The film then shifts between the present and flashbacks to 1988 all the way through, leading to a final showdown with the terrifying shapeshifting Pennywise.
The same effective creepy atmosphere with great scares, but the flashbacks jar the momentum a little, with a less endearing adult Loser's Club taking centre stage.
The adult casting is accurate in appearance as the older Loser's Club and they interact well, but they haven't had as much time to unite. The younger cast in the flashbacks are much more authentic as a group of friends and I enjoyed these scenes more than the adult friendship parts.
We all still float.
The same effective creepy atmosphere with great scares, but the flashbacks jar the momentum a little, with a less endearing adult Loser's Club taking centre stage.
The adult casting is accurate in appearance as the older Loser's Club and they interact well, but they haven't had as much time to unite. The younger cast in the flashbacks are much more authentic as a group of friends and I enjoyed these scenes more than the adult friendship parts.
We all still float.
In the Flesh
(2013–2014)
An original and strangely heart-warming gem! Cruelly cut short when it had much more to give
12 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
An original and strangely heart-warming gem! Cruelly cut short when it had much more to give.
In the Flesh is set in the fictional village of, aptly named, Roarton, Lancashire, a year on from "The Rising", a zombie apocalypse where people who died in 2009 were reanimated, rising from their graves.
In a world over saturated with zombie films and tv shows, In the Flesh was a fresh British take on life after a zombie invasion.
It's an original, subtle and beautiful story, well-acted by all. Unassuming and mild-mannered PDS sufferer Kieren (Luke Newberry) is especially endearing and grapples with memories of his actions while being a fully-fledged zombie. Emily Bevan's Amy stands out as seemingly comic relief, whilst masking a great sadness and need for acceptance and love. It is a strangely heart-warming tale in places, with a haunting soundtrack, and the small village setting is perfect for this quirky tale.
Themes of religion, acceptance and sexuality are well tackled via the viewpoint of the rehabilitated zombie's new 'lives' and the show looks at the persecution they suffer from the fearful humans who now must live alongside them.
Anyone who loves zombie films / TV shows should check this out, it aired originally on BBC 3 in the UK, and was also shown on BBC America.
In the Flesh is set in the fictional village of, aptly named, Roarton, Lancashire, a year on from "The Rising", a zombie apocalypse where people who died in 2009 were reanimated, rising from their graves.
In a world over saturated with zombie films and tv shows, In the Flesh was a fresh British take on life after a zombie invasion.
It's an original, subtle and beautiful story, well-acted by all. Unassuming and mild-mannered PDS sufferer Kieren (Luke Newberry) is especially endearing and grapples with memories of his actions while being a fully-fledged zombie. Emily Bevan's Amy stands out as seemingly comic relief, whilst masking a great sadness and need for acceptance and love. It is a strangely heart-warming tale in places, with a haunting soundtrack, and the small village setting is perfect for this quirky tale.
Themes of religion, acceptance and sexuality are well tackled via the viewpoint of the rehabilitated zombie's new 'lives' and the show looks at the persecution they suffer from the fearful humans who now must live alongside them.
Anyone who loves zombie films / TV shows should check this out, it aired originally on BBC 3 in the UK, and was also shown on BBC America.
Assassin's Creed: Odyssey
(2018 Video Game)
This IS Sparta, M*laka! A beautiful and engaging Ancient Greek storyline, interesting role-play and amusing characters
12 May 2023
This IS Sparta, M*laka! A beautiful and engaging Ancient Greek storyline, interesting role-play and amusing characters, maybe a bit too long...
I played as Alexios, and the main storyline has Alexios attempting to find answers and reunite his family.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey has more role-playing elements that are based on the players choices than previous Assassin's Creed games, where you choose dialogue options and branching quests, which have consequences, affecting your notoriety, and providing multiple endings. You can choose to fight for Athens or Sparta or both during the game, fighting in different war missions that you can accept, which changes the army's influence over the separate regions.
I loved Origins last year, and Odyssey keeps up with the return to form. It definitely was an Odyssey, I clocked around 120 hours and didn't do absolutely everything, as some tasks grew tedious, but still, hours of fun to be had!
Assassin's Creed Odyssey has more role-playing elements that are based on the players choices than previous Assassin's Creed games, where you choose dialogue options and branching quests, which have consequences, affecting your notoriety, and providing multiple endings. You can choose to fight for Athens or Sparta or both during the game, fighting in different war missions that you can accept, which changes the army's influence over the separate regions.
I loved Origins last year, and Odyssey keeps up with the return to form. It definitely was an Odyssey, I clocked around 120 hours and didn't do absolutely everything, as some tasks grew tedious, but still, hours of fun to be had!
NOS4A2
(2019–2020)
Season 1: Oddball elderly 'vampire' tale with interesting and original supernatural elements
26 November 2022
Oddball elderly 'vampire' Charlie Manx kidnaps and feeds on children, only to be bothered by young woman Vic McQueen and her strange supernatural gift for finding lost things.
The first episode is intriguing and good at setting the story with a creepy Christmas Land opening. It has interesting supernatural lore and cool terminology, Strong Creatives, Inscapes, etc, and I love the use of the Rolls Royce Wraith and Vic's bike as more than just 'vehicles' in the normal sense.
It reminded me a lot of Stephen King, I found out afterwards it was based on the 2013 novel of the same name by his son Joe Hill.
Season 1 didn't end on a cliff-hanger as such, but I feel there is more story to tell.
The first episode is intriguing and good at setting the story with a creepy Christmas Land opening. It has interesting supernatural lore and cool terminology, Strong Creatives, Inscapes, etc, and I love the use of the Rolls Royce Wraith and Vic's bike as more than just 'vehicles' in the normal sense.
It reminded me a lot of Stephen King, I found out afterwards it was based on the 2013 novel of the same name by his son Joe Hill.
Season 1 didn't end on a cliff-hanger as such, but I feel there is more story to tell.
Days Gone
(2019 Video Game)
A vast, enjoyable apocalyptic journey with an engaging story - a higher score would have been awarded if it wasn't for the glitches
10 October 2022
Days Gone is a vast, enjoyable apocalyptic journey, the story centres on one man's journey through the zombie wastelands of North America, but at its heart it's a story of Deacon's loss, love and redemption.
You can roam the open world environment mainly (and advisably) on your motorcycle as Deacon, which also stores your inventory. You can use firearms, upgradeable melee weapons and stealth to fight enemies, dead and alive.
I would have awarded Days Gone a higher rating if it wasn't for the many glitches. Unfortunately, this happened quite often, resulting in re-starting a few times which is not something I expect to be having to do with the current high level of games being produced.
You can roam the open world environment mainly (and advisably) on your motorcycle as Deacon, which also stores your inventory. You can use firearms, upgradeable melee weapons and stealth to fight enemies, dead and alive.
I would have awarded Days Gone a higher rating if it wasn't for the many glitches. Unfortunately, this happened quite often, resulting in re-starting a few times which is not something I expect to be having to do with the current high level of games being produced.
The Outsider
(2020)
An excellently executed, slow burning, supernatural murder mystery
10 October 2022
The Outsider is very King-esque, sharing more tonal similarities with recent film adaptations Dr Sleep, Pet Sematary and TV series Castle Rock than some of his older adaptations, and more in keeping with the atmosphere of his novels. I'm loving the influx of new high-quality versions of King's work.
The show is an excellently executed, slow burning, supernatural murder mystery. It is VERY creepy; the soundtrack is so unnerving. A horrific event sets off a police homicide investigation, but things unfold at a slow, subtle, yet full of dread, pace.
The cast is impeccable, led by always brilliant Ben Mendelsohn (Detective Ralph Anderson), on excellent, quietly troubled, form here. As always King creates not just amazing macabre stories but truly fleshed out, believable and endearing characters, added to and amended for a TV audience.
The show is an excellently executed, slow burning, supernatural murder mystery. It is VERY creepy; the soundtrack is so unnerving. A horrific event sets off a police homicide investigation, but things unfold at a slow, subtle, yet full of dread, pace.
The cast is impeccable, led by always brilliant Ben Mendelsohn (Detective Ralph Anderson), on excellent, quietly troubled, form here. As always King creates not just amazing macabre stories but truly fleshed out, believable and endearing characters, added to and amended for a TV audience.
Pokémon: Detective Pikachu
(2019)
Pikachu is the cutest film character. EVER.
10 October 2022
When detective Harry Goodman goes missing in Ryme City, his son Tim investigates. Upon searching Harry's offices, Tim meets Harry's former Pokémon partner, the adorable Detective Pikachu, who can only be understood by Tim and they join forces to solve the mystery.
The motion capture and CGI are excellent, and Ryme City looks incredible.
The story is intriguing and it's an enjoyable, easy to watch film with some unexpected emotional moments.
I'd have liked to see a bit more interaction with other Pokémon, not just in passing. There are many of them to spot in the background, but only a few have proper screen time. There were also more Jigglypuff scenes in the trailer that I didn't see in the film. Maybe with the success of this one there will be a sequel... Pikachu is the cutest film character. EVER.
The motion capture and CGI are excellent, and Ryme City looks incredible.
The story is intriguing and it's an enjoyable, easy to watch film with some unexpected emotional moments.
I'd have liked to see a bit more interaction with other Pokémon, not just in passing. There are many of them to spot in the background, but only a few have proper screen time. There were also more Jigglypuff scenes in the trailer that I didn't see in the film. Maybe with the success of this one there will be a sequel... Pikachu is the cutest film character. EVER.
Sex Education
(2019–2023)
Season 2-Not quite as quick paced and funny as season one, but still a beautifully quirky and endearing show
10 October 2022
Season two still focuses on Otis (Asa Butterfield) and his s*x education / therapy business at school / 6th form, starting with a slapstick stair fall. Everyone fits seamlessly back into their characters, but new love triangles and relationships affect the dynamics (Maeve - Otis - Ola, Rahim - Eric - Adam).
Season one was one my favourite shows over the last couple of years, it's so sweet, funny and cringey. Season two didn't fail to disappoint - it's not quite as quick paced and funny as season one, but still a beautifully quirky and endearing show with the same retro 1980s / modern feel, and a great soundtrack with well-chosen tracks that tell the story of the scenes they're played in.
Season one was one my favourite shows over the last couple of years, it's so sweet, funny and cringey. Season two didn't fail to disappoint - it's not quite as quick paced and funny as season one, but still a beautifully quirky and endearing show with the same retro 1980s / modern feel, and a great soundtrack with well-chosen tracks that tell the story of the scenes they're played in.
Far Cry New Dawn
(2019 Video Game)
A disappointing post-apocalyptic addition to Far Cry 5
10 October 2022
Far Cry: New Dawn is an apocalyptic action adventure game by Ubisoft Montreal and Ubisoft, which is a spin-off and sequel to Far Cry 5.
It features numerous pre-existing gameplay elements from Far Cry 5, it's more suitably titled as a DLC than a new game, as it's much shorter than a main Far Cry game. It's a first-person shooter with RPG elements in the same, yet adapted, open world of fictional Hope County, Montana, but is set 17 years after the end of Far Cry 5, when everything went kaboom.
A disappointing post-apocalyptic addition. It's as playable as Far Cry 5, but just a rehash of the old map without the engaging storyline.
It features numerous pre-existing gameplay elements from Far Cry 5, it's more suitably titled as a DLC than a new game, as it's much shorter than a main Far Cry game. It's a first-person shooter with RPG elements in the same, yet adapted, open world of fictional Hope County, Montana, but is set 17 years after the end of Far Cry 5, when everything went kaboom.
A disappointing post-apocalyptic addition. It's as playable as Far Cry 5, but just a rehash of the old map without the engaging storyline.
Return to Horror Hotel
(2019)
Low budget horror anthology of four fun and gruesome stories
27 June 2022
A relatively low budget anthology of four fun and gruesome stories, directed by Ricky Hess and Brandon Thaxton, based around events at the same Horror Hotel, including:
Sleep Tight, Guillotine, No Time for Love and Houdini's Hand.
The acting isn't amazing in Return to Horror Hotel, although all actors tackled their roles with enthusiasm (Baby Norman, J Michael Grey, R. C. Sayyah, Stephanie Stevens, Montrel Miller, among others).
I found that the stories were funny, and could sit somewhere between The Twilight Zone and earlier Supernatural stand-alone episodes.
I enjoyed them and they all had a moral to the story, like macabre fables.
Sleep Tight, Guillotine, No Time for Love and Houdini's Hand.
The acting isn't amazing in Return to Horror Hotel, although all actors tackled their roles with enthusiasm (Baby Norman, J Michael Grey, R. C. Sayyah, Stephanie Stevens, Montrel Miller, among others).
I found that the stories were funny, and could sit somewhere between The Twilight Zone and earlier Supernatural stand-alone episodes.
I enjoyed them and they all had a moral to the story, like macabre fables.
Near Dark
(1987)
The night has its price. An 1980s vampire cult classic like The Lost Boys, but with a darker, western feel
27 June 2022
Near Dark is a dark and atmospheric 1980s neo-Western horror film co-written and directed by Kathryn Bigelow.
The film follows cowboy Caleb Colton (Adrian Pasdar), and how his life spirals after a chance meeting with meets beautiful and mysterious drifter, Mae (Jenny Wright), at a local bar in his small midwestern town.
Near Dark doesn't feature typical vampires with teeth, etc, but they are mysterious and creepy. The film is a 1980s vampire cult classic like The Lost Boys, but with a western feel and a darker, poetic atmosphere and ambience to it.
The film follows cowboy Caleb Colton (Adrian Pasdar), and how his life spirals after a chance meeting with meets beautiful and mysterious drifter, Mae (Jenny Wright), at a local bar in his small midwestern town.
Near Dark doesn't feature typical vampires with teeth, etc, but they are mysterious and creepy. The film is a 1980s vampire cult classic like The Lost Boys, but with a western feel and a darker, poetic atmosphere and ambience to it.
A Plague Tale: Innocence
(2019 Video Game)
A beautifully rendered medieval, supernatural fairy-tale, with an intriguing storyline and clever puzzles
27 June 2022
A Plague Tale: Innocence is an action-horror stealth game by Asobo Studio and Focus Home Interactive.
The game is set in Aquitaine, France, in 1348 under the shadow of the bubonic plague outbreak and the threat of the Inquisition. It's a beautifully rendered medieval, supernatural fairy-tale with an intriguing storyline of survival and family.
You control Amicia from a third-person perspective, then to a lesser extent Hugo. The use of stealth is crucial and is the major gameplay element, which makes the game exciting. Enemies kill Amicia instantly if she is discovered, so patience is needed to navigate areas.
The game is set in Aquitaine, France, in 1348 under the shadow of the bubonic plague outbreak and the threat of the Inquisition. It's a beautifully rendered medieval, supernatural fairy-tale with an intriguing storyline of survival and family.
You control Amicia from a third-person perspective, then to a lesser extent Hugo. The use of stealth is crucial and is the major gameplay element, which makes the game exciting. Enemies kill Amicia instantly if she is discovered, so patience is needed to navigate areas.
Elite
(2018–2024)
Elite is an addictive, fresh feeling show, tackling some serious issues but doesn't take itself too seriously
27 June 2022
Elite is a Spanish Netflix show set at the exclusive and prestigious Las Encinas private school - where the elite send their children. It begins when some working-class teenagers are given rare admission to Las Encinas, after their school is destroyed by an earthquake. I love this show it's so addictive. It's a mixture of elements of shows like Riverdale and Gossip Girl but feels fresh and tackles some serious themes and graphic scenes in a less comic way than some shows, yet still manages to balance between these issues and not take itself too seriously.
Mad Max
(1979)
A raw, crude and bonkers Australian post-apocalyptic thriller
13 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
A raw, crude and bonkers Australian post-apocalyptic thriller, spawning a cult series and forging Mel Gibson into a superstar. The series is one of those which sparked my awe in Sci-Fi and cinema at a young age.
During this new chaotic, dystopian world, "Mad" Max Rockatansky, a police officer with the Main Force Patrol, clashes with a feral motorbike gang, led by "Nightrider", and goes on a revenge mission after they attack his wife (Joanne Samuel) and son, and goes, well, mad.
The evolution of Max Rockatansky starts here and continues through Road Warrior and Beyond Thunderdome. The first sets up Max's story, Toecutter and his biker gang are erratic and unnervingly unpredictable, and the collision of their paths in the wasteland set off the events that change Max.
During this new chaotic, dystopian world, "Mad" Max Rockatansky, a police officer with the Main Force Patrol, clashes with a feral motorbike gang, led by "Nightrider", and goes on a revenge mission after they attack his wife (Joanne Samuel) and son, and goes, well, mad.
The evolution of Max Rockatansky starts here and continues through Road Warrior and Beyond Thunderdome. The first sets up Max's story, Toecutter and his biker gang are erratic and unnervingly unpredictable, and the collision of their paths in the wasteland set off the events that change Max.
Trouble Is My Business
(2018)
An intriguing and fun noir homage
13 April 2022
Trouble is my Business is an intriguing thriller set in 1947 as PI Roland Drake gets drawn into the mysterious Montemar family's secrets, following meetings with two Montemar sisters, with some Russians and archaeology thrown in to the intriguing mix.
There are a few suspects to the crimes, with some clues a bit on the nose but I really enjoyed it. It's a fun homage to noir cinema, the makers obviously have a lot of love for this genre. I watched it in black and white which I think suits it better.
There are a few suspects to the crimes, with some clues a bit on the nose but I really enjoyed it. It's a fun homage to noir cinema, the makers obviously have a lot of love for this genre. I watched it in black and white which I think suits it better.
The Dark Pictures: Man of Medan
(2019 Video Game)
Not on the same high level as Until Dawn, but a creepy story based on a real myth with good jump scares
13 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed Man of Medan, I love this type of game and was especially excited that it was made by Supermassive Games, who made Until Dawn, which was awesome.
It started well and I liked the opening 1945/47 section and the initial boat dive sequence, but this game is not on the same high level as Until Dawn, unfortunately. It could be improved with more interactive elements like the aiming and quick time reactions to threats.
The real, mysterious myth the game is based on is interesting and creepy. In 1947 an SOS from an unknown source led to a ship being found floating in the Strait of Malacca. All crew aboard were dead with no obvious injuries. There are many conspiracy theories about this event, and I won't say more about it here.
It started well and I liked the opening 1945/47 section and the initial boat dive sequence, but this game is not on the same high level as Until Dawn, unfortunately. It could be improved with more interactive elements like the aiming and quick time reactions to threats.
The real, mysterious myth the game is based on is interesting and creepy. In 1947 an SOS from an unknown source led to a ship being found floating in the Strait of Malacca. All crew aboard were dead with no obvious injuries. There are many conspiracy theories about this event, and I won't say more about it here.
Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior
(1981)
A rare occasion where the sequel is better than the original...
14 March 2022
The Road Warrior is arguably better than Mad Max. A rare occasion where the sequel is better than the original, it provides more 1980s crazy apocalyptic capers - with a bigger budget. There's a lot more action, fantastically ambitious and well-choreographed stunt scenes, bigger set pieces, etc. It also has beautifully bleak cinematography of the desert settings, and incredible costume design.
The Mad Max world is what I always thought the aftermath of an apocalypse would look like - bondage S&M gear and b*ttomless chaps notwithstanding. I'm talking to you, Wez (Vernon Wells).
The Mad Max world is what I always thought the aftermath of an apocalypse would look like - bondage S&M gear and b*ttomless chaps notwithstanding. I'm talking to you, Wez (Vernon Wells).
It's a hard day's night, when you're working without your dog...
14 March 2022
The film gives us what we've come to expect from what is turning into a great fun action franchise. It has its tongue firmly in its cheek and a can get a bit silly, but it's great fun.
The Fight choreography is very slick and inventive, as always. From the exceptional use of library books at the start to gorgeous and brutal dog bodyguards and a trek across the Moroccan desert, it's an adrenaline fuelled ride.
Keanu Reeves gives his all as John Wick, he is so well suited to this action filled role, and it's clear he loves every minute of it. There are some great actors in smaller roles including; Jerome Flynn as Berrada with a dodgy accent and providing the vaguest directions ever, and Halle Berry as Sofia, master dog handler.
Laurence Fishburne as Bowery King, Lance Reddick as Charon and Ian McShane as Winston are super cool and good value as ever. A Crying Freeman-esque Mark Dacascos is a welcome addition to the hit man crowd as Zero.
The Fight choreography is very slick and inventive, as always. From the exceptional use of library books at the start to gorgeous and brutal dog bodyguards and a trek across the Moroccan desert, it's an adrenaline fuelled ride.
Keanu Reeves gives his all as John Wick, he is so well suited to this action filled role, and it's clear he loves every minute of it. There are some great actors in smaller roles including; Jerome Flynn as Berrada with a dodgy accent and providing the vaguest directions ever, and Halle Berry as Sofia, master dog handler.
Laurence Fishburne as Bowery King, Lance Reddick as Charon and Ian McShane as Winston are super cool and good value as ever. A Crying Freeman-esque Mark Dacascos is a welcome addition to the hit man crowd as Zero.
Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor
(2014 Video Game)
Initially about as easy as taking part in the battle of Helm's Deep with only Samwise Gamgee and his potatoes for help, but it's a rewarding game...
14 March 2022
The game is a few years old, but the design looks crisp, detailed and smooth, the voice acting is top notch and the cut scenes are nicely animated. It has a detailed open world, not too large, with many orcs abound. MANY orcs.
There are enjoyable main and side missions in the open world system, a lot of which are very challenging early in the game.
The first couple of hours of gameplay are about as easy as taking part in the battle of Helm's Deep with only Samwise Gamgee and his potatoes for help. For this reason, it's best to get some orc kills and side missions under your alive/undead belt before tackling harder orc captains and main missions. Some of these are solid without upgraded weapons and health, and if you don't have enough points to enhance your Ranger and wraith skills.
There are enjoyable main and side missions in the open world system, a lot of which are very challenging early in the game.
The first couple of hours of gameplay are about as easy as taking part in the battle of Helm's Deep with only Samwise Gamgee and his potatoes for help. For this reason, it's best to get some orc kills and side missions under your alive/undead belt before tackling harder orc captains and main missions. Some of these are solid without upgraded weapons and health, and if you don't have enough points to enhance your Ranger and wraith skills.
Castle Rock
(2018–2019)
Season 1 & 2: A darkly haunting amalgamation of further aspects from King's universe
14 March 2022
A dark tale told in true King style with its own unique outlook and foreboding aesthetic, much is left up to your own interpretation.
Hulu's Castle Rock season one commences with a flashback to 1991 and missing child Henry Deaver being found by King regular, Sheriff Alan Pangborn (played here effectively by Scott Glenn).
As an anthology series, I wasn't sure where they would go with season 2 but moving events to 'Salem's Lot intertwined with the origin story of the formidable Annie Wilkes of Misery fame (here in her 30s, so pre-Paul Sheldon), was a genius move. It's not quite as strong as season 1, with a less mysterious edge, but is still a darkly haunting amalgamation of aspects from King's universe.
An unfortunate incident with an ice cream scoop leads to Annie unwittingly awakening evil, and something is happening at the nearby Marsten House... Annie is brought to life in a fantastically nuanced performance by Lizzy Caplan. Kathy Bates left big shoes to fill, but Lizzy does so admirably - she has her walk, mannerisms, and phrases down perfectly.
Hulu's Castle Rock season one commences with a flashback to 1991 and missing child Henry Deaver being found by King regular, Sheriff Alan Pangborn (played here effectively by Scott Glenn).
As an anthology series, I wasn't sure where they would go with season 2 but moving events to 'Salem's Lot intertwined with the origin story of the formidable Annie Wilkes of Misery fame (here in her 30s, so pre-Paul Sheldon), was a genius move. It's not quite as strong as season 1, with a less mysterious edge, but is still a darkly haunting amalgamation of aspects from King's universe.
An unfortunate incident with an ice cream scoop leads to Annie unwittingly awakening evil, and something is happening at the nearby Marsten House... Annie is brought to life in a fantastically nuanced performance by Lizzy Caplan. Kathy Bates left big shoes to fill, but Lizzy does so admirably - she has her walk, mannerisms, and phrases down perfectly.
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome
(1985)
We don't need another hero - yes we do, and it's Max, to save us from these pesky kids
7 November 2021
The film begins sometime after Mad Max 2 and a nuclear war. Max grumpily continues to navigate the world alone. He is then robbed of his now camel drawn V8 and his belongings and ends up at the dangerous and bustling Bartertown, which even has electricity.
Thunderdome was always my favourite - even though it really isn't as good it as Mad Max and The Road Warrior, it was the first one I saw. My sister had the 'making of the film' book and I was obsessed with the world of Mad Max before I was even allowed to watch it.
The world design, costumes and names are all amazing. There's clearly a massive budget this time, but this instalment still keeps some of its rugged indie charm with this transition.
Thunderdome was always my favourite - even though it really isn't as good it as Mad Max and The Road Warrior, it was the first one I saw. My sister had the 'making of the film' book and I was obsessed with the world of Mad Max before I was even allowed to watch it.
The world design, costumes and names are all amazing. There's clearly a massive budget this time, but this instalment still keeps some of its rugged indie charm with this transition.
Doctor Sleep
(2019)
A sinister and supernatural horror film, with a King-esque feel
7 November 2021
Doctor Sleep is a sinister supernatural horror film written and directed by Mike Flanagan. It is based on the book Doctor Sleep (2013) by Stephen King, a sequel to his book The Shining.
Different in tone to its predecessor, which isn't a bad thing. The film is very King-esque but could have delved deeper into the more interesting elements.
Danny Torrance, now a troubled and alcoholic adult, deals with his psychic abilities and struggles with the memories of his childhood trauma at the Overlook Motel. Seeking a quiet life, he moves to a small town where he becomes a hospice attendant and uses his 'shining' to comfort dying patients, who nickname him "Doctor Sleep".
Different in tone to its predecessor, which isn't a bad thing. The film is very King-esque but could have delved deeper into the more interesting elements.
Danny Torrance, now a troubled and alcoholic adult, deals with his psychic abilities and struggles with the memories of his childhood trauma at the Overlook Motel. Seeking a quiet life, he moves to a small town where he becomes a hospice attendant and uses his 'shining' to comfort dying patients, who nickname him "Doctor Sleep".
The Last of Us
(2013 Video Game)
As near perfect a game as you could get - horror, action and a bittersweet, emotional and involving story
7 November 2021
The Last of Us game starts in 2013 in America with a terrifyingly quick outbreak of a mutant strain of the fungus cordyceps, which infects people and turns them into rage filled killing zombie creatures.
The fantastic opening sequence would fit into a big-budget film like World War Z, quietly foreboding then escalating quickly into a great escape, whilst also succinctly providing Joel's backstory.
The Last of Us is as near perfect a game as you could get - a mixture of my favourite genres; horror / survival / action-adventure narrated by a bittersweet, emotional and heart-rending story with multi- dimensional and layered characters.
The fantastic opening sequence would fit into a big-budget film like World War Z, quietly foreboding then escalating quickly into a great escape, whilst also succinctly providing Joel's backstory.
The Last of Us is as near perfect a game as you could get - a mixture of my favourite genres; horror / survival / action-adventure narrated by a bittersweet, emotional and heart-rending story with multi- dimensional and layered characters.
Sharp Objects
(2018)
Immediately intriguing and tensely mysterious, with sharp Southern charm
7 November 2021
HBO's Sharp Objects is based on Gillian Flynn's novel and centres on troubled yet witty and resilient crime journalist Camille Preaker, who suffers from alcoholism and self-harms. She returns to her hometown of Wind Gap, Missouri, to investigate the murders of two teenage girls, a year apart.
The miniseries is immediately intriguing and draws you into its dreamy, haunting feel, traversing a small Missouri town which drips with humidity and tension in the air and painful childhood memories linger, all masked with Southern charm.
The miniseries is immediately intriguing and draws you into its dreamy, haunting feel, traversing a small Missouri town which drips with humidity and tension in the air and painful childhood memories linger, all masked with Southern charm.
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