TV Review: Doctor Who Series 1 Episode 8 "Father's Day" [Emz]

Now this episode is a little emotional, but at the same time seems to teach Rose about the consequences that time travel can cause.

This episode is called Fathers Day. It originally aired on BBC One on the 14th May 2005.

Here is the synopsis:

Pete Alan Tyler, the father of Rose and husband of Jackie, died on 7 November 1987, the day of Stuart Hoskins and Sarah Clark's wedding. Rose was just a baby at the time, Jackie told the young Rose that nobody was there for Pete when he died and that the hit-and-run driver was never found...
Now grown up, Rose asks the Ninth Doctor to take her to see him alive, but on a whim, ends up changing his fate, not realising the consequences of such a paradox. After all, the Doctor has saved so many lives...what could the real consequences be over a man alive in the world who wasn't alive before?

Review:

Now this episode was a bit of a tearjerker. Rose and The Doctor travel back to 1987 on the day that Rose's father was killed. The only issues is that Rose creates a Paradox by travelling back twice and saving her fathers life. 

In the process the Reaper arrive to clean up her mess. The Doctor is angry and Rose just wanted to meet her father. 

Of course they have to take shelter in the Church and when Rose's father realises who she is, he also gets her to hold herself and that causes The Doctor to sacrifice himself.

In the end Pete (Rose's father) realises that he shouldn't have lived as he witnesses the car that was supposed to have hit him going round and round the same place. He sacrifices himself to save everyone. 

I found this episode a liittle sad but I felt it also showed a valuable lesson in Time travelling.

Till next time

Emz x

Read more...

Musical Review: Sunset Boulevard The Musical - Curve Theatre, Leicester [Emz]

I recently went to see this production at the Curve Theatre, Leicester. I am from Leicester so luckily over the last few year we have had quite number of brilliant shows that are touring from the West End like for example Sister Act, Miss Saigon and Bodyguard The Musical (De Monfort Hall, Leicester.) 

I wasn't very familiar with the majority of the cast or the storyline but I knew that Danny Mac was playing one of the lead roles.

The music for the show was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Here is a brief idea of the storyline from the website:

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award®-winning masterpiece Sunset Boulevard, stars Ria Jones, who received standing ovations every night when performing the role at the London Coliseum, as Norma Desmond and Strictly Come Dancing's Danny Mac as Joe Gillis. Sunset Boulevard is a compelling story of romance and obsession, based on Billy Wilder’s legendary film, with Don Black and Christopher Hampton's wonderful book and lyrics.
In her mansion on Sunset Boulevard, faded, silent-screen goddess, Norma Desmond, lives in a fantasy world. Impoverished screen writer, Joe Gillis, on the run from debt collectors, stumbles into her reclusive world. Persuaded to work on a script that she believes will put her back in front of the cameras, he is seduced by her life-style. Joe becomes entrapped in a claustrophobic world until his love for another woman leads him to break free with dramatic consequences.

Review:

I really enjoyed the show. as I previously stated I didn't know what to expect from the story as I had never really heard of it before, but I was interested in seeing it when I first saw it advertised. 

So the show is set in the 1940's/50's and Danny Mac's character of Joe Gillis a script writer at Paramount Pictures, who is down on his luck and in a lot of debt. In a bit to escape the people who want to take away his car, he dives off and ends up in someone's garage. This someone is Norma Desmond portrayed by Ria Jones.

I thoroughly enjoyed Ria Jones' performance as Norma. The various different emotions she has to portray at once and also they way she believes she is still a huge Hollywood star and that if she goes back into acting she will bring back the Silent Movie era. 

Joe starts working on her script that she has and ends up becoming much more to Norma. We see in the second half a shift in his emotion that lead him away from Norma and finally resulting in his death.

The show never stopped (apart from the interval) and Danny Mac hardly left the stage. This was a brilliant production and it is now off touring around the UK. I would recommend catching if you can.

Thats all for now. This was my first review of a musical so I hope you liked it.

If you have seen any other production of this show in the past or are planning on seeing this show feel free to leave me a comment on your thoughts below.

Till next time

Emz x

Read more...

TV Review: Doctor Who Series 1 Episode 1 "Rose" [Emz]

Being a big Doctor Who fan i'm surprised it's taken me this long to review anything Doctor who related.

This is the episode that started it all for me, prior to this I was either too young (1998 movie) or wasn't born (classic series.)

The episode first premiered on BBC One on the 26th March 2005.

Here is the Premise to the episode: 

When Rose Tyler meets a mysterious stranger called the Doctor, her life will never be the same again. Soon she realises that the whole of planet Earth is in danger.

Review:

As I stated above this is the episode that got me hooked on Doctor Who. I was 14 years old when it was first released... 

The way we meet Rose before the Doctor feels like we are seeing things from her point of view, also as a new viewer you are going through the motions with her, like who is this man and what is he doing.

The whole living plastic/ nestine consciousness thing was quite cool. Special effects were still developing in 2004/ 2005 but it was still effective. 

Anyway thats all for now.

Till next time

Emz x

Read more...

TV Review: Strike: The Silkworm [Emz]

So these two episodes are based on the second book by Robert Galbraith (pseudonym for J.K. Rowling.) The Silkworm.

Here is the Premise for this story:

Strike is approached by Leonora Quine with a plea to locate her husband, the notorious writer Owen Quine, who has disappeared without a trace.

Review:

I enjoyed this story. The way it started of as a simple missing persons, but ended up as a murder was a little different. I really liked the characters and the way the story takes a twist. 

We also find out a little more about our main characters Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellicott as the story progresses onscreen.

I haven't read the books but in my opinion the idea of the story is portrayed well on screen. I think Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger portray their characters well.

I look forward to seeing Career of Evil in the new year. i would read the books but I have far too many books to go through at the moment.

Thats all for now

Till next time

Emz x

Read more...

TV Review: Timeless Season 1 Premiere "Pilot" [Emz]

So I finally started watching this tonight on Netflix. I have to admit it's not bad. I'll happily watch anything that features time travel (*cough* nothing beats Doctor Who *Cough*) haha!! Anyway, I'm only one episode in and there were alot of faces I recognised but I did have google them to make sure I was correct.

The actors that portray two of the main characters, Abigail Spencer (Cowboys & Aliens, This Mean War) and Matt Lanter (90210, Star-crossed, Vampires Suck) I recognised them but its the actors portraying the recurring and guest characters that  took me by surprise.

So the first is the actress who played the guest character Kate Drummond for this episode, Shantel VanSanten, she has starred in One Tree Hill and The Flash, she is currently starring in Shooter. Also in a recurring are Matt Frewer who I am currently watching in The Librarians (season 1) and Susanna Thompson who for me is best known for playing Moira Queen in Arrow.

Here is the premise from IMDB for this episode:;

An unlikely team must travel through time and stop a criminal mastermind from destroying the past.

Review:

So I've only watched the first episode but, so fat so good. The twists in the story and how they struggle to keep everything as it was in the past, not always with success is very interesting. I am looking forward to seeing how the season progresses. 

That's it for now. I will hopefully review another episode of this in the future,

Till then

Emz x

Read more...

TV Reviews: Strike: The Cuckoo's Calling [Emz]

Hey guys! So I finished watching Strike: The Cuckoo's Calling last night and it did not disappoint.

For those who have not seen the series, read the books or heard of the show/books by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling) then here is the Premise:

Cormoran Strike, a war veteran turned private detective operating out of a tiny office in London's Denmark Street, is wounded both physically and psychologically. His unique insight and his background as a Special Investigation Branch Investigator prove crucial in solving three complex cases, which have eluded the police.

Review:

So I really enjoyed this story. The twists in the story and all evidence apparently pointing in one direction until the twist takes them away form the person they think is responsible. The big fight at the end with the killer trying to get away was obviously going to happen but it was rather amusing at the same time (full of suspense also.)

I have to admit I had an inkling who the killer was before it was said on screen but, i could have been wrong.

Next week is the start of the 2-part story The Silkworm adapted from the book.

I will probably review that story after the 2 episodes are up.

Till next time

Emz x

Read more...

September 2017: What to watch! [Emz]

So It is now the 1st September and there are a few new and returning shows on our screens this month.

I will be posting three shows that I am looking forward to watching and perhaps some that i'd recommend.

1. Strike: The Silkworm

So this Sunday (3rd September) is the conclusion of The Cuckoo's Calling, based of the book by Robert Galbraith (pseudonym of J.K. Rowling.)  There is only three episodes in this series.

But, the good news is that if you have been watching the series, the second book, The Silkworm, has been adapted alongside the Cuckoo's Calling and will be on our TV screens the following Sunday.

I have been enjoying this series and would recommend it.

Strike: The Silkworm airs Sunday 10th September 2017 on BBC One at 9pm.

2. Timeless - Season1

So this Series has already aired it's first season in the USA on NBC.

I have heard of this series but never watched it as yet.

Here is the Premise:

When an experimental time machine is stolen, a history professor, a soldier and an engineer are tasked with capturing the culprit only to learn that he plans to rewrite American history and that each of them has a connection to his plan as well as the mysterious organization that funded the machine's development.

The show stars Abigail Spencer who has previously starred in films such as Cowboys & Aliens and This Means War, along with TV series Rectify.

Also starring in this Show is Matt Lanter who appeared in the TV show 90210 and Star-crossed. He has also appeared in a few films including Vampires Suck and The Roomate. He also voices Anakin Skywalker for Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Ward Rebels.

The show was cancelled after one season in the USA but due to the fans being angry at the decision, they reversed the cancellation and renewed it for a second season.

Timeless lands on Netflix on the 1st September (today!)

3. Designated Survivor - Season 2

For anyone who hasn't seen or heard of the show, yes that is Keifer Sutherland.

The first season is brilliant I am not too far off finishing it.

Here is the premise from the first season:

On the night of the State of the Union, an explosion claims the lives of the President and everyone in the presidential line of succession, except for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Tom Kirkman, who had been named the designated survivor. Kirkman is immediately sworn in as President, unaware that the attack is just the beginning of what is to come.

The series also star Maggie Q who previously starred in Nikita and Italia Ricci who starred in the TV show Chasing Life and appeared in five episodes for Supergirl.

If you like thrillers and a whole load of drama, then you will enjoy this! 

Season 2 of Designated Survivor lands on Netflix on the 28th September.

Thats all for this post

Till next time

Emz x

Read more...

What i'm currently Watching #1 [Emz]

I have a few shows that I am currently watching. I'll give you a quick rundown so you know what other reviews i'll be writing in the near future.

1. Daredevil - Season 2 

Now I had been trying to complete season 1 for a long time and have only just managed to finish. Not because I didn't like the show, just life got in the way and then I ended up watching other shows, including Jessica Jones.

The best thing about this being a Netflix original is that the series is not going anywhere so you can take your time.

I am almost at the end of the first episode where we are introduced to a new villain.

Once i have finished this season I will review it.

2. Strike: The Cuckoo's Calling

So this is a brand new series on BBC One in the UK. It follows a private investigator being hired to look into the death of a model who fell off a Balcony.

The twists in the episodes are enough to keep you hooked. Monday night's cliffhanger was one that you saw coming but left you wanting answers straight away.

I will be reviewing this after next Sunday's episode.

3. Designated Survivor - Season 1

This show is kind of a post apocalyptic type of show.  The twists and turns throughout the series have really kept me hooked. i am currently on episode 10 but as the series is exclusive to Netflix in the UK I am able to take my time with the series. Definately worth a watch if you have seen films like Olympus has Fallen... and the other two like it.

Once I have completed this series, which I hope is before the end of the year, I will review

What are you currently watching? Anything to recommend?

Till next time

Emz x

Read more...

Movie Review: Suffragette [Emz]

I went to see this film at the cinema not long after it was released. I teared up many times throughout the film and it reminded me how lucky we are as women that we are in good strong job and we are able to vote.

Meryl Streep, Carey Muulligan and Helena Bonham-Carter are all brilliant in the film.

Here is the Premise:

In early 20th-century Britain, the growing suffragette movement forever changes the life of working wife and mother Maud Watts (Carey Mulligan). Galvanized by political activist Emmeline Pankhurst (Meryl Streep), Watts joins a diverse group of women who fight for equality and the right to vote. Faced with increasing police action, Maud and her dedicated suffragettes must play a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse, risking their jobs, homes, family and lives for a just cause.

Review:

This film was the most emotional film I had seen for a while. With it being based around the true story of the Suffragette movement and all they wanted was the right to Vote and men thought that was a ridiculous idea. they were in prison multiple times, they starved themselves in protest and one was killed after being trampled by a horse.

The main character lost her son through the process as he was adopted. 

I will never take for grated the right to vote as so many women worked so hard to make sure we had that write.

I can't even begin to rate this film as it is so powerful and emotional. If you haven't seen, but want to, I would say go for it.

Hoe you enjoyed this review.

If you have see this film, what was your opinion?

Till next time

Emz x

Read more...

TV Shows I'm Looking Forward To 2017-2018 #1 [Emz]

As I've posted a few reviews lately and I will have at least two more after Saturday, I thought I'd post about what shows i'm looking forward to seeing that are coming during the 2017-2018 Season. So that is from September 2017 to August 2018

So we shall begin from 2017 then go into early 2018 for this first post. I will post again a bit later with the second half. 

Fuller House - Season 3

Now there is no synopsis for this season but it will be split into 2 parts. I never watched Full House as  kid but I watched a lot of it once it was on Netflix.

I have really enjoyed both seasons so far, it is really funny!

The Third Series begins on the 22nd September 2017 on Netflix

Victoria - Series 2

So this is a series I have been enjoying. It is obviously about Queen Victoria. The first series saw her ascension to the throne and the troubles she faced, it also followed her marriage to Prince Albert.

The second series will see her become a mother and also continue her role as Queen.

I think Jenna Coleman does a brilliant job portraying Queen Victoria.

The premise is as follows:

The first series depicts the first few years of the reign of Queen Victoria, played by Jenna Coleman, from her accession to the throne at the age of eighteen, to her intense friendship and infatuation with Lord Melbourne, to her courtship and early marriage to Prince Albert (played by Tom Hughes) and finally to the birth of their first child, Victoria.
The second series will follow Victoria's struggles on managing her role as Queen with that of her duties to her husband and children.

The second series begins on the 27th August 2017 for 8 episodes followed by a Christmas Special on ITV in the UK

The Crown - Series 2

So The Crown is another Series I have been enjoying. I watched the first series when it aired on Netflix last year. It is the earlier life of Queen Elizabeth II. It starts with her marriage to Prince Philip and continues through the first so many years of her life after that and then on to her becoming Queen after the death of her father King George VI.

Here is the Premise: 

The Crown traces the life of Queen Elizabeth II from her wedding in 1947 to the present day. The first season depicts events up to 1955, with Claire Foy portraying the Queen in the early part of her reign. The second season is intended to cover from the Suez Crisis in 1956 through the retirement of the Queen's third Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, in 1963 following the Profumo affair political scandal. A third season will include Princess Margaret's five-year affair with baronet and gardening expert Roddy Llewellyn.

I really enjoyed the first series as it shows that it wasn't as easy as it may have seen for our Queen ascent to the Throne and beyond.

I feel that the cast for the show are brilliant. I knew of Claire Foy and Matt smith and quite a few others but I haddn't heard of Vanessa Kirkby but she plays the role of Princess Margret very Convincingly.

Series 2 airs on the 8th December 2017 on Netflix.

The Gifted

So this series seems interesting, Until today I didn't know an awful lot about this series but this is the Premise:

Two ordinary parents take their family on the run from the government when they discover that their children have mutant abilities, and join an underground community of mutants who have to fight to survive.

So the series stars stars Stephen Moyer, Best known for his role in True Blood, he has been cast as Reed Struker, one of the Parents.

It also stars Amy Acker and Jamie Chung.

The series Premieres in America (FOX) on the 2nd October 2017. 

No UK Release date or channel has been announced yet.

Black Lightning

 So, another DC comics hero receiving their own TV show on The CW in the US. This series will sit alongside, Arrow, The Flash, Legends Of Tomorrow and Supergirl.

I think it's been mentioned that it won't cross over butt i'm sure that will change at some point.

Here is the Premise:

Jefferson Pierce, who retired from his superhero persona Black Lightning nine years ago after seeing the effects it had on his family, is forced to become a hero again when the rise of the local gang The One Hundred leads to increased crime and corruption in his community.

So i'm not familiar with any names in this series except one. China Anne Mcclain portrays one of Jefferson's daughters. China has appeared in many Disney Channel shows, including the Disney Channel Original Movie this year called Descendants 2.

Now there is not release date yet for this show, but it will air in 2018 on The CW.

I wouldn't be surprised in Sky One pick up this show in the UK, they currently air all of the others.

That is all i'm posting for now.

If you know of any upcoming shows that you are looking forward to let me know

Till next time

Emz x

Read more...