Growing up, I used to go to my grandparents house and watch the animated classic Snow White every time I was there! It became a ritual and still to this day, I think fondly of that time! However, I was a little worried about the live-action remake of it for a number of reasons! Find out what I thought about it right here!
With many months to go until the next season of Outlander arrives, we can finally rejoice, as the seventh season has landed on home release! Marking an opportunity to sit and binge watch them all! And when it is producing episodes as good as those in this series, who are we not to binge them all in one sitting? Read my review here!
Good Morning Lovelies,
Normally sci-fi films reflect a new world or one that is totally in the past yet filled with new ideas. However, 65 is a feature totally on its own, which works and fails in equal measures.
Starring Adam Driver, the feature sees his astronaut character faced with going back in time - 65 million years ago to be precise - after an asteroid collision. Teaming up with the only other remaining survivor, he must learn to live again and take on the dinosaurs threatening his existence.
With Jurassic Park seeming to take on a similar style, this feature is very different. Unlike the reborn dinosaurs, who the humans can interact with, these are savage beasts. Ones who have no small features. Only big budget CGI ones that are a thing of beauty to film lovers.
Created by the makers behind, A Quiet Place, the film provides Driver with an interesting new concept to explore. However, the whole story isn’t actually always exciting and many film fans will be able to guess the plot quickly.
Whilst there are a few thrills, which you can see comes from the creators thrill seeking nature, there isn’t much that will have you on the edge of your seat. Yet, the journey within the film is still fun for all to embrace.
Played out over just one hour and 30 minutes, audiences won’t have to sit for long to see the whole feature. Something that works in its favour, because dragging it out any longer could have made it a big flop. That it isn’t. But it would have been nicer to have a bit more of a gripping feel to the film overall.
3 Stars
Joey X
Good Morning Lovelies,
It’s time to head back to the roaring 30s, with director Damien Chazelle’s epic Babylon. Starring Margot Robbie and Brad Pitt, the film tells the tale of how those who want to make it big will do anything to get on screen.
Sending audiences soaring into the action, the film opens at a party. An over the top one that lasts for 45 minutes and never ends. Full of sex, drugs and more jazz than rock and roll, it is a golden age delight from Chazelle and his cast. Before the fall inevitably happens.
Robbie’s Nellie’s tears reflect a lot. From the high moments launching her career to the darkness of Pitt’s Jack coming to an end. No character seems to know what Hollywood is going to throw at them and none of them ever seem prepared for the journey. Chazelle has captured the beauty of filmmaking with the heartbreak of how society embraces people, yet when they have had enough, spits them out again.
The film is not all glitz and glam. There are many moments where it seems like what you are witnessing could have been cut out. Especially when the film comes in at over three hours. However, it is an important and interesting watch no less.
Cast and script are the real winners here. No one is made to not be dramatic and this ultimately wins them the award nominations. Both on and off screen. Chazelle knows how to capture the beauty of the film world and he has obviously done it again here.
3 Stars
Joey X
Good Morning Lovelies,
Since it first appeared on the BBC, Detectorists has been a show built to make people laugh. Not always intentionally, but in a very successful way.
After what feels like a very long break for many of us, the show returns with a new feature film. A Christmas TV delight last year. Following Mackenzie Crook’s Andy and Toby Jones’ Lance, the show and film presents them facing many of lives problems, whilst they calmly search for earths treasures.
Using wit, sarcasm and clever moments of comedy entwined with the story of the show, Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones have both managed to build a show that is enjoyable for all. It is a show that has been made to make people smile. A good old-fashioned British comedy in fact.
Both characters are very lovable and remind you of the dynamic that has been shown in Peep Show and Men Behaving Badly. Two men who have their issues but manage to make you love them no matter what.
While the two may spend a lot of time digging for gold, they really don’t have to because they have it with this show and feature film. Fingers crossed for more in the future!
4 Stars
Joey X
Hey Lovelies,
With a title like Plebs, many would think that this comedy has been made to offend. However, over the years, the series and now it’s feature length film, has done the opposite. It’s brought joy and a light-hearted nature to the British comedy scene that is still shining bright, even after all these years.
Returning for a hugely successful feature film, the gang have ended and incredible show in an attempt pic manner. Having found his place later in the series, Jason (Jonathan Pointing), found a solid home alongside regulars Marcus (Tom Rosenthal) and the best of the three, Grumio (Ryan Sampson). Full of schemes, plans and food in relation to Grumio, the show manages to pull off everything you would expect and more in a beautiful manner. Something the film does too. Just with the hugely important roman empire to battle with as well.
With many guest stars, the show sees characters come and go. Yet, there is always a heart throughout. Whilst Jason learns to come to terms with many admirers, the crew face the Roman war, romances, sick and ultimately life in general. Mostly the bad sides of it.
Each character has a place within the show that works. Whilst Rosenthal and Sampson have always been there, they still make it feel like you are learning about their characters and falling for their charms just like the first time you met them. Especially in the case of Sampson, who is the standout performer throughout the show and its feature. No one compares to him and the work he does. Grumio is the best in terms of giving every element of comedy.
Nothing within the script seems too much for the stars of the show/film and those that guest feature. Everything you would expect and everything you don’t is shown. From sick, spit and even worse than that, the characters are thrown into every situation. It brings hope and joy that sitcoms like this haven’t gone anywhere and the creators should be proud.
Plebs has been a joy to watch from the very start and I hope it continues on in fans and new viewers lives forever. Nothing is too much and everything makes your heart swell with joy watching. If you have never seen it before, buy it and binge. Christmas is a moment for joy and Plebs is definitely delivering it just in time.
5 Stars
Plebs: Soldiers of Rome and the Complete Series Box set are now available on DVD courtesy of Acorn Media International.
Joey X
Good Morning Lovelies,
Played out like a stage production, the beautiful Good Luck Leo Grande is making its way into our homes today, with its DVD, Blu-Ray and digitally versions becoming available.
Written by Katy Brand, the feature tells a story not often explored. Whilst a number of films touch upon the sexual awakenings of young women, not many delve into that of those over 30. Yet, that has finally changed with Sophie Hyde directing Emma Thompson in a career defining performance.
Looking into the world of female pleasure, Thompson plays Nancy, a woman who has never experienced an orgasm before. It is completely and utterly obvious from the get go that Thompson wants to make a difference with this feature.
Sharing everything and giving everything, she holds nothing back. Portraying a character who is both vulnerable and bold, it feels like Thompson is the only person who could play Nancy. Especially when her character meets sex worker Leo. Someone she truly puts to the test. Both emotionally and physically.
The pair open up to each other. They share their wants. Their desires. But also their fears. For the situation and the world around them. Something that is truly allowed to flow well, due to the whole feature being set in one place. The hotel room they agree to meet in.
With an award worthy script, two fabulous actors and a director who knows what they need to do to get the best out of every scene, the whole film works. Luck isn’t needed for this feature to be a winner. It already is in every way.
4 Stars
Joey X
Good Morning Lovelies,
Our home has a bit of a rude name for Sonic the Hedgehog. After a mishap with my nephew, he is known as a wanker. Long story short, he was losing at the game and shouted it out. He was only about four at the time. Safe to say, it has remained grained in our minds. A proper core memory. Therefore, when we hear about Sonic the Hedgehog, it is a big deal. Something that made the sequel to the first feature film big news to us.
After Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) beats his nemesis Doctor Robotnik (Jim Carrey), he is faced with a new enemy in the form of Knuckles (Idris Elba). Joining up with new pal Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) to save the world again, the pair are faced with the return of those they thought they wouldn’t see and worlds they hoped to never cross again.
It is safe to say that video game based features don’t always have a great track record, yet Sonic the Hedgehog has been overcoming this stigma for a long time. Well, since its 2020 feature film. Not a huge success, but a big enough one to return to cinemas again, the feature isn’t the best out there again, but it makes for great family viewing. Something that has probably led to it being worthy of another feature film and a TV show. Both in the works now.
The film’s plot is very much the same as the first, yet knowing how much young and old audiences liked it makes it worthy of it being so similar. Giving off the vibes that remind you of getting up early in the morning to watch cartoons before school, with a big bowl of cereal, this funny, sweet and wholesome adventure is brought to life in a new way with the addition of Tails, and Knuckles. Two figures who aren’t brilliantly developed, but interesting enough.
Fans of the games will enjoy seeing the plot reflecting what they know from the games. For example, Sonic having to find a map, using a compass to guide him and searching mazes and temples to ultimately win the story. All done so in a two-hour runtime. A little shorter than we all spend playing the game.
With the brilliant return of Jim Carrey’s villain, the new faces and the familiar plot and gaming storylines, the film works in many ways. Whilst it may not be the best, it is one film that the whole family will appreciate in the end. Sonic saves the day again this summer holiday.
3 Stars
Joey X
Good Morning Lovelies,
Growing up, there was always a big red dog showing up in our house. Clifford was his name and his owner was called Lucy. Yet, we all claimed we owned him a little bit. 2021 saw him be brought back to life, as Jack Whitehall and John Cleese joined forces to bring us an updated version of the brilliant BBC children’s classic.
Out now on DVD, Blu-Ray and digitally, the film follows Emily, a lonely little girl, who ends up staying with her clumsy uncle whilst her mum goes away. When offered a puppy by a magical Cleese, she finds herself faced with the unexpected, with him growing into a giant red dog. Causing mayhem where ever he goes.
Young and old will enjoy this cheesy feature, with Whitehall providing entertainment and an interesting American accent throughout. Seeing Clifford back on the big screen will bring a sense of nostalgia to parents or older viewers who watched him the first time around, whilst new fans will find themselves falling in love for the first time.
With bullies making Emily’s life hell, it is sweet to see how much an animal can make an impact on a persons life. Something many will be familiar with. Of course, there is the element of action as well, facing off evil figures who threaten their relationship, but nothing will bring this feature down in the eyes of young viewers. In some ways, it is as if the creators have tried to achieve a Stuart Little or Scooby-Doo kind of feature, though it isn’t quite as good as they are.
Oddly though, the film works. With so much being available to judge, the feature flows well. In a time when we are seeking comfort and familiarity, this film brings it. Even if viewers have never seen an episode of Clifford before. There is a sense of the 90s/early 00s that gives off positive watching throughout. And we all want that.
Clifford has been missed from the big screen for a long time now and thankfully he is back. Bigger and bolder than ever. Perfect to snuggle up to on a cold day, this will bring a smile to even the coldest of hearts.
4 Stars
Joey X
Good Morning Lovelies,
Recently, the BBC have been presenting us with a load of new dramas that have kept us all glued to our seats. One that really stood out was the Maxine Peake led piece, Rules of the Game, which is out now on DVD and digitally!
Yet, is it worth a watch? Based loosely on the Me Too movement, the series follows a series of female cases, where they are being mistreated in the office, at home and in public. With hard hitting stories, the series is an inspiring piece of drama that will encourage many to speak up and put about the prejudices they have faced. Something I am sure the creators hoped would happen.
Peake is on top form again and the storylines are strong. With few shows focusing completely on this topic, it is a clever creation that leaves audiences wanting more. When viewing it for the first time, there is a strong sense of a building need for justice and if the women don’t get it, then as a viewer a need for revolutionary change is built.
With only four episodes to watch, the show is a hard but easy creation to binge watch in one sitting. Something that is easily done. Especially with a brilliant cast, gripping script and interesting, edge of your seat, storylines. Definitely making it one to watch.
4 Stars
Joey X
Good Morning Lovelies,
What do you think of when you think of Leonardo Da Vinci? Famous paintings and statues? The history that he left behind? Or maybe even Italy? Whatever it may be, there is something for all to think of. No matter what age you are. However, something that you might not look into is his rise to the top. An element that has become the main focus of the new series, Leonardo, out today on DVD and digitally.
Starring Aidan Turner, the Amazon series, which was first aired in Italy, captures the stories behind his most famous works and how they came to be, during a series of questions from the police, who suspect him of murder. Turner captures the artist at his most self-critical, highlighting the torment and troubles that he faced, as he comes to terms with things going wrong and trying to work to make them right.
Made up of eight episodes, the series highlights the importance of each painting and stature in one hour each. Yet, viewers will be seeking for their length to be even longer. You want them to go on and merge more into one. With the beauty of the home release, you can binge the entire box set. However, if you watched this as a single episode, weekly, series, then you would have been left in utter torment.
Of course, there are many changes from what really happened within Da Vinci’s life, but it doesn’t stop you enjoying the show. In fact, it compels you more to find out the truth. Sitting with your phone or on the internet afterwards trying to discover what really did happen and how it left a mark. A clever formulation by the makers of the series. One that has led to an announcement that a second series is going to be made.
Ultimately, the series is a truly clever mix of history and make believe, that will teach all who watch it something about not just the paintings we know but the man behind them. Da Vinci has been captured perfectly by Turner. He deserves to win a number of awards for his turn as the artist in fact. History is no longer boring with this adaptation of realism.
4 Stars
Joey X
