In June I got out to see Jurassic World (review), and it was every bit as awesome as I wanted and expected it to be. I also saw a May movie, when Far From the Madding Crowd (review) finally showed up at a theater near me. And as to how much I liked it -- I'm in the middle of reading the novel now.
July is chock-full of movies -- as it should be -- and contains at least two must-sees for me! What movies are your must-sees this month?
Terminator Genisys
July1st; PG-13
This one, the newest attempt at reviving the Terminator franchise, released today, so based on critic reviews, I have a pretty good idea of what to think. I'm thinking I'm going to wait for the rental. Spending any more money on it would be a waste according to the pretty terribly sad 26% on RT. The fact that Arnold Schwarzenegger is back for this one is a plus, but I don't like that Anton Yelchin's Kyle Reese was traded in for that dull hunk Jai Courtney. Jason Clark could be cool as John Connor, and I hear Matt Smith is in it, but have yet to see any evidence. And if the twist that appears to be revealed in this trailer really is the twist it appears to be, then I'm thinking I'm going to be feeling more annoyed and confused than excited while watching it.
Aurora
July7th (limited); NR
In a lot of ways this movie looks pretty cliched. Humans, "destroying" the earth get booted out of control by an AI that "knows better" but is really evil and the bad guy. But, who knows, maybe this movie will be the one that finally perfects that plot by being more than it appears to be by the trailer, and then those cliches can be put to rest. Or, maybe it'll be exactly what it seems -- all the cliches, sci-fi action coolness and romance and everything. I still might very well be interested.
Self/Less
July 10th; PG-13
This is the big, mainstream, non sequel or franchise sci-fi movie of the month, so I kinda have doubts of how profound it will actually be, but this trailer certainly does promise lots of things. Ryan Reynolds stars as a dying billionaire (Ben Kingsley) who gets a new body so that his mind can live longer. Complications and mystery ensue. At least, I really really hope mystery ensues. And I hope it's really really complicated too -- in a smart way of course. In all likelihood though, I'm dreaming. Ryan Reynolds certainly doesn't inspire too much faith on that score. I'll be keeping an eye on reviews for this one.
What We Did on Our Holiday
July 10th(limited); PG-13
David Tennant and Rosamund Pike in a British comedy. Done. It looks totally silly and cutesy and light and airy, but I'm fairly sure that there's nothing it could do that would keep me from wanting to see it, or from enjoying at least some of it once I do. The only real question here is "when?"
Ant-Man
July 17th; PG-13
The "when?" for this one is easy: as soon as possible. Ant-Man is my first must-see for this month, which isn't really a surprise considering it's a Marvel movie. Paul Rudd is Ant-Man, Corey Stoll is the villain, Evangeline Lily is there; Michael Douglas, Judy Greer, Michael Pena, and the list goes on and on. I've witnessed others doubting this one (my brother included) but I have a feeling about, like the feeling I had before Guardians of the Galaxy released, and I'm dying to see if I'm right about it. I don't expect it to be as good as GotG of course, but I plan on liking it. A lot. Even if it turns out to be a letdown in terms of Marvel movies, I'm sure I'll still will enjoy it, but, I'm planning on it not being a letdown, but another unexpected surprise, hilarious, epic, fun, and a unique success. Very, very, very highly anticipating this wildcard!
Mr. Holmes
July 17th(limited); PG
Unfortunately this one's not sparking interest with me. I'm sure Ian McKellen does a great job as an aged Sherlock Holmes, and the trailer absolutely looks like a well-made film in every way. But it also looks like the kind of movie I would never really bother to watch. Too sentimental and grit-less perhaps. And why would I want to see all of Holmes' mind-blowing traits and defining skills be debunked? Maybe I'll be wrong and suddenly grow some interest, but it's not happening yet.
Paper Towns
July 24th; PG-13
I certainly want to see this one eventually, but right now I can't imagine it being even close to the greatness of the book it's based on. Many of the thing I adored about the novel seems to be softened and smoothed down for the movie, and that will easily disappoint me. I'm also not sure I like the casting of Cara Delevingne for Margo. Though I do think Nat Wolff will be the perfect Q. And the story is ideal for a movie as long as they're not wimpy about it. Hopefully this one turns out even half a bold as the book, and maybe if I don't get my expectations up too high I'll enjoy it.
Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation
July 31st; PG-13
No chance this one won't be thrilling! Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, and Ving Rhames are back, and Alec Baldwin appears to be the bad guy. And the stunts have been dully taken up to the next notch, with Tom Cruise hanging on to the outside of an airplane as it takes off -- and you know it all real too because Cruise wouldn't do anything less! As far as I can tell the plot looks smart and fun, but honestly all my requirements for having a blast while watching this movie have already been met. Second must-see of the month of July!
Showing posts with label David Tennant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label David Tennant. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Upcoming Movie Roundup - March
February was another disappointment for 2015. Although I did see Old Fashioned, and appreciated it very much, it wasn't as great as I'd hoped and didn't save the month from flops and disappointments. And on top of that Agent Carter is over. However, March is looking up! If all goes to plan I will be seeing two of these films in the theaters, and there's also a new season of a quality television show that is nothing like Agent Carter, but can perfectly replace it anyway. Is March looking up for you too? What movies will you be seeing?
Chappie
Mar 6th; R
What with the director of District 9, Neill Blomkamp helming this, I wonder if it will be the very first successful attempt at making an "AI" movie where the AI being is actually a good guy. I can't think of a film that has done it satisfactorily yet, so that could be very cool. But besides that, this looks like a very original and interesting movie anyway, with a cast including Hugh Jackman, Sigourney Weaver, and Sharlto Copley proving the voice and moments for Chappie. Still I suppose there's the possibility that this will be more "Elysium" than "District 9" but even that is better than most.
Cinderella
Mar 13th; PG
This is exactly what I need: a classic, cute, silly, beautiful new version of a great, happy, fuss-less classic fairytale, Cinderella. Something for us to lose ourselves in, and help us remember why fairytales are so appealing in the first place. Cast; large and familiar; Lily James and Richard Madden as Ella and the prince; Cate Blanchett as the evil stepmother, Hayley Atwell as Ella's real mother, and Helena Bonham-Carter as her Fairy Godmother; and Holliday Grainger and Sophie McShera as the ugly stepsisters. And Kenneth Branagh directing. This is the most promising thing I see; he really knows how to do old fashioned romance and drama with a beautiful style. I can hardly wait for this one!
Insurgent
Mar 20th; PG-13
#2 in the Divergent series. And I'm not as excited about his one as I would like to be. Mostly, I think, because I didn't like the two sequel books as much as I did the original. Still, there's plenty of potential there, and it might make a better movie than it did a book. Also this is the best installment for my favorite character, Peter, (Miles Teller) and I'm also looking forward to Caleb's (Ansel Elgort) expanded role. Then of course there's Shailene Woodley, and she is solely what makes this series tick as well as it does. Theo James, Kate Winslet, and in fact everyone who didn't die in the last movie return (and some who did -- what are you doing, Ashely Judd?) and there's lot of new characters too. I'm sure I'll be seeing this, but I'm not holding out any hope that it'll be any better than the first.
While We're Young
Mar 27th; R
With The Secret Life of Walter Mitty I suddenly started to like Ben Stiller, particularly his more sincere comedies, so when I ran across this trailer it caught my attention, and it looks like it could be a pretty interesting movie. It's about an older couple (Stiller and Naomi Watts) who start hanging out with a young couple (Amanda Seyfried and Adam Driver) and the interesting results of this unlikely, socially strange friendship.
Broadchurch
Season 2; premieres March 4th 10/9c on BBC America
Broadchurch is the exact opposite of everything Agent Carter was. It is dark, melancholy, serious, creepy and depressing. Hardly and light moments or even a break from the building tension. But it sure is good. Starring the great David Tennant as the disturbed and depressed Detective, and Olivia Coleman as his partner, who after the last season has a husband on trial for murder. (The cast is teaming with Doctor Who alumni; also Arthur Darvill, Jonathan Bailey, and David Bradley.) The reason this can replace Agent Carter, is because the season, James D'Arcy has joined the cast! This trailer suggests (strongly) that he'll be playing a bad guy, but still, it's something.
Chappie
Mar 6th; R
What with the director of District 9, Neill Blomkamp helming this, I wonder if it will be the very first successful attempt at making an "AI" movie where the AI being is actually a good guy. I can't think of a film that has done it satisfactorily yet, so that could be very cool. But besides that, this looks like a very original and interesting movie anyway, with a cast including Hugh Jackman, Sigourney Weaver, and Sharlto Copley proving the voice and moments for Chappie. Still I suppose there's the possibility that this will be more "Elysium" than "District 9" but even that is better than most.
Cinderella
Mar 13th; PG
This is exactly what I need: a classic, cute, silly, beautiful new version of a great, happy, fuss-less classic fairytale, Cinderella. Something for us to lose ourselves in, and help us remember why fairytales are so appealing in the first place. Cast; large and familiar; Lily James and Richard Madden as Ella and the prince; Cate Blanchett as the evil stepmother, Hayley Atwell as Ella's real mother, and Helena Bonham-Carter as her Fairy Godmother; and Holliday Grainger and Sophie McShera as the ugly stepsisters. And Kenneth Branagh directing. This is the most promising thing I see; he really knows how to do old fashioned romance and drama with a beautiful style. I can hardly wait for this one!
Insurgent
Mar 20th; PG-13
#2 in the Divergent series. And I'm not as excited about his one as I would like to be. Mostly, I think, because I didn't like the two sequel books as much as I did the original. Still, there's plenty of potential there, and it might make a better movie than it did a book. Also this is the best installment for my favorite character, Peter, (Miles Teller) and I'm also looking forward to Caleb's (Ansel Elgort) expanded role. Then of course there's Shailene Woodley, and she is solely what makes this series tick as well as it does. Theo James, Kate Winslet, and in fact everyone who didn't die in the last movie return (and some who did -- what are you doing, Ashely Judd?) and there's lot of new characters too. I'm sure I'll be seeing this, but I'm not holding out any hope that it'll be any better than the first.
While We're Young
Mar 27th; R
With The Secret Life of Walter Mitty I suddenly started to like Ben Stiller, particularly his more sincere comedies, so when I ran across this trailer it caught my attention, and it looks like it could be a pretty interesting movie. It's about an older couple (Stiller and Naomi Watts) who start hanging out with a young couple (Amanda Seyfried and Adam Driver) and the interesting results of this unlikely, socially strange friendship.
Broadchurch
Season 2; premieres March 4th 10/9c on BBC America
Broadchurch is the exact opposite of everything Agent Carter was. It is dark, melancholy, serious, creepy and depressing. Hardly and light moments or even a break from the building tension. But it sure is good. Starring the great David Tennant as the disturbed and depressed Detective, and Olivia Coleman as his partner, who after the last season has a husband on trial for murder. (The cast is teaming with Doctor Who alumni; also Arthur Darvill, Jonathan Bailey, and David Bradley.) The reason this can replace Agent Carter, is because the season, James D'Arcy has joined the cast! This trailer suggests (strongly) that he'll be playing a bad guy, but still, it's something.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Upcoming Movie Roundup -- November
Ender's Game
Nov 1, PG-13
The first of two movies based on books releasing this month that interested me into reading the stories before their movies came out. This one caught my attention with it's cast full of favorites; Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley, Hailee Steinfeld and Abigail Breslin, and after reading the book (which I recommend -- it was very good) my interest has been holding steady. Since it came out today I already know what critics generally think. They say it's not quite as good as the book, but still faithful to it. So I'll probably enjoy it and forgive any little slip-ups, but I'm hoping the visual side will be spectacular if nothing else. I'm already sure the acting will be great though -- with a cast like that, it could hardly be otherwise. Definitely seeing this. The only question is, "when?"
Thor: The Dark World
Nov 8, PG-13
Finally Loki gets his own movie... What? Never mind that title! Okay, okay, so Chris Hemsworth is still the title hero here. And we all know for sure that the Ninth Doctor, Chrisopher Eccleston is the baddie, Malekith. So the question is, which side will Tom Hiddleston's Loki fall to this time? Mostly I'm just worried he won't make it to the end alive... But, besides my pessimistic fangirly conjecture, this movie is looking great -- visually and scope-wise, several steps above the first, with an intriguing plot (particularly for Loki fans) and promises of lots and lots of action, drama, and comedy. I doubt we'll see anything groundbreaking though... besides Thor's hammer in many cool action sequences that is. Hugely anticipated, absolutely-must-see, and I expect very much to love it.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Nov 22, PG-13
Do I even really need to say anything? This looks crazy good. Crazy. I loved the first one, and I'm prepared to love this one even more. The trailer looks fantastic, breath-taking, and everything seems to be in order for this to be one of the biggest blockbusters of the year. The returning cast led by Jennifer Lawrence promises to be better than ever, and the and the new characters appear to be adapted flawlessly. I have one tiny reservation, and that is Sam Claflin as Finnick... I have yet to be impressed with his acting skills, but, I cannot deny he looks the part, and movies like Pirates 4 and Snow White and the Huntsman aren't exactly where you'd expect to find great acting anyway, so I'm hopeful. All I can do now is wait with anxious excitement. And maybe read the book one more time...
Frozen
Nov 27, PG
This movie reminds me very much of Tangled. Which is what they were going for I'm sure. (The titles are even similar.) So if you've read my review of Tangled you know that I love it, but you'll also know that I had absolutely no desire to see it based on it's horribly boring and stupid first trailer. That's pretty much the case here, except that now that I know the movie will likely be better than the trailer, I'm more willing to reserve judgement. Starring Kristen Bell, with the awesome Idina Menzel and Alan Tudyk, with a plot that mixes Disney Princesses with Narnia (eternal winter anyone?) and cheesiness and apparently a love triangle, (and the strangest "animal" sidekick EVER) it looks almost unbearably silly, but I can still hope this animation flick will follow in Rapunzel's footsteps.
Bonus: Television!
Almost Human
Series Premiere: Nov 4th
One of New Zealand's finest, Karl Urban stars in this new FOX series set in a futuristic world where cop are assigned robots for partners. And Karl is ah... a Renaissance man -- he doesn't like robots, ever since they were the cause of his human partner's death and his own robotic leg. So he gets assigned to a weird one that acts like a regular, emotional human (Michael Ealy). Do you get it? They're both almost human. Since this is a FOX series I'll try to not let myself get too attached, but in my opinion, Karl Urban in a weekly futuristic crime drama is a must-see.
Note: Well, the premiere date was the 4th, but now is pushed back to the 17th (Sun, after football to draw in more viewers) with the next episode in its normal slot on the 18th. They're calling it a "2-night series premiere."
Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special: The Day of The Doctor
Nov 23rd
Matt Smith and the Eleventh Doctor say "goodbye." David Tennant and Billie Piper say "hello again," (and "did you miss me?" for extra awesome. (Oh, yes.)) and then "goodbye again" as the Tenth Doctor and Rose. And Jenna Coleman as Clara says "hello" to Peter Capaldi as Twelve (hopefully). I don't know what John Hurt is gonna be doing, or saying. And I don't know what the plot is gonna be. But I am way beyond excited. But also way beyond dreading, because Sarah will have to say "goodbye" to her two favorite Doctors at once, and she's not sure she can handle it. She might be going crazy already -- she's talking about herself in the third person...
What are you most excited to see this month?
Nov 1, PG-13
The first of two movies based on books releasing this month that interested me into reading the stories before their movies came out. This one caught my attention with it's cast full of favorites; Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley, Hailee Steinfeld and Abigail Breslin, and after reading the book (which I recommend -- it was very good) my interest has been holding steady. Since it came out today I already know what critics generally think. They say it's not quite as good as the book, but still faithful to it. So I'll probably enjoy it and forgive any little slip-ups, but I'm hoping the visual side will be spectacular if nothing else. I'm already sure the acting will be great though -- with a cast like that, it could hardly be otherwise. Definitely seeing this. The only question is, "when?"
Thor: The Dark World
Nov 8, PG-13
Finally Loki gets his own movie... What? Never mind that title! Okay, okay, so Chris Hemsworth is still the title hero here. And we all know for sure that the Ninth Doctor, Chrisopher Eccleston is the baddie, Malekith. So the question is, which side will Tom Hiddleston's Loki fall to this time? Mostly I'm just worried he won't make it to the end alive... But, besides my pessimistic fangirly conjecture, this movie is looking great -- visually and scope-wise, several steps above the first, with an intriguing plot (particularly for Loki fans) and promises of lots and lots of action, drama, and comedy. I doubt we'll see anything groundbreaking though... besides Thor's hammer in many cool action sequences that is. Hugely anticipated, absolutely-must-see, and I expect very much to love it.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Nov 22, PG-13
Do I even really need to say anything? This looks crazy good. Crazy. I loved the first one, and I'm prepared to love this one even more. The trailer looks fantastic, breath-taking, and everything seems to be in order for this to be one of the biggest blockbusters of the year. The returning cast led by Jennifer Lawrence promises to be better than ever, and the and the new characters appear to be adapted flawlessly. I have one tiny reservation, and that is Sam Claflin as Finnick... I have yet to be impressed with his acting skills, but, I cannot deny he looks the part, and movies like Pirates 4 and Snow White and the Huntsman aren't exactly where you'd expect to find great acting anyway, so I'm hopeful. All I can do now is wait with anxious excitement. And maybe read the book one more time...
Frozen
Nov 27, PG
This movie reminds me very much of Tangled. Which is what they were going for I'm sure. (The titles are even similar.) So if you've read my review of Tangled you know that I love it, but you'll also know that I had absolutely no desire to see it based on it's horribly boring and stupid first trailer. That's pretty much the case here, except that now that I know the movie will likely be better than the trailer, I'm more willing to reserve judgement. Starring Kristen Bell, with the awesome Idina Menzel and Alan Tudyk, with a plot that mixes Disney Princesses with Narnia (eternal winter anyone?) and cheesiness and apparently a love triangle, (and the strangest "animal" sidekick EVER) it looks almost unbearably silly, but I can still hope this animation flick will follow in Rapunzel's footsteps.
Bonus: Television!
Almost Human
Series Premiere: Nov 4th
One of New Zealand's finest, Karl Urban stars in this new FOX series set in a futuristic world where cop are assigned robots for partners. And Karl is ah... a Renaissance man -- he doesn't like robots, ever since they were the cause of his human partner's death and his own robotic leg. So he gets assigned to a weird one that acts like a regular, emotional human (Michael Ealy). Do you get it? They're both almost human. Since this is a FOX series I'll try to not let myself get too attached, but in my opinion, Karl Urban in a weekly futuristic crime drama is a must-see.
Note: Well, the premiere date was the 4th, but now is pushed back to the 17th (Sun, after football to draw in more viewers) with the next episode in its normal slot on the 18th. They're calling it a "2-night series premiere."
Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special: The Day of The Doctor
Nov 23rd
Matt Smith and the Eleventh Doctor say "goodbye." David Tennant and Billie Piper say "hello again," (and "did you miss me?" for extra awesome. (Oh, yes.)) and then "goodbye again" as the Tenth Doctor and Rose. And Jenna Coleman as Clara says "hello" to Peter Capaldi as Twelve (hopefully). I don't know what John Hurt is gonna be doing, or saying. And I don't know what the plot is gonna be. But I am way beyond excited. But also way beyond dreading, because Sarah will have to say "goodbye" to her two favorite Doctors at once, and she's not sure she can handle it. She might be going crazy already -- she's talking about herself in the third person...
What are you most excited to see this month?
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Doctor Who Challenge Part III
Next to last post for the Doctor Who Challenge -- questions 12 through 19. And we're off!
12 - Funniest moments?
Really, way too many to even count, so, here's one. Anytime Eleven is embarrassed is usually hilarious.
13 - Moments that made you cry?
Not many of those -- I'm not a big crier. And when I do, it's more because of overwhelmingly happy things instead of actual sad things. I definitely welled up at the end of Vincent and the Doctor, when they bring him to the art museum, and Bill Nighy is monologue-ing about how Van Gogh was the greatest painter of all time. And then also when The Doctor and Amy come back, and Amy finds that they did change one other thing... It's happy in a sad way, and so sweet!
14 - Saddest episode?
"The End of Time Part II" when my beloved Ten regenerates.
Ten: "I don't want to go!"
Me: "NOO, I don't want you to go either!! You're my favorite!"
[regeneration]
Eleven: "Oh, I've still got legs!" Etc...
Me: "YAY, Eleven! My favorite!!"
So, not too sad then... I also found "A Christmas Carol" to be very sad and good.
15 - Favorite friendship?
Ten and Donna comes immediately to mind. They banter like there's no tomorrow, and look like they're having a blast with it. They have a special kind of chemistry you can't fake, and a relationship like that that never turns romantic is always highly appreciated by me. This is as close to romance they ever get:
16 - Favorite couple?
Oh, I have many, many of those. I am a girl after all!
17 - Favorite actor?
Favorite actor... this is difficult. I can't even choose who my favorite actor in general is! How about this; I'll limit it to guest stars -- some of my favorite actors guest-starring on Doctor Who!
18 - Favorite actress?
I'll do the same for the ladies.
19 - Favorite writer?
Well, based on my favorite episodes, I have to say Moffat, and suppose that's true, even though he is mean to us poor fans sometimes. (Ha, sometimes!) When he took over, the show improved dramatically, but he writes so many episodes, and they're not all my favorites. I also enjoy episodes by Mark Gatiss, and all (two) of Neil Cross' episodes.
Be sure to check back in two days for the FINALE, and the last question! Allons-y!
12 - Funniest moments?
Really, way too many to even count, so, here's one. Anytime Eleven is embarrassed is usually hilarious.
13 - Moments that made you cry?
Not many of those -- I'm not a big crier. And when I do, it's more because of overwhelmingly happy things instead of actual sad things. I definitely welled up at the end of Vincent and the Doctor, when they bring him to the art museum, and Bill Nighy is monologue-ing about how Van Gogh was the greatest painter of all time. And then also when The Doctor and Amy come back, and Amy finds that they did change one other thing... It's happy in a sad way, and so sweet!
14 - Saddest episode?
"The End of Time Part II" when my beloved Ten regenerates.
Ten: "I don't want to go!"
Me: "NOO, I don't want you to go either!! You're my favorite!"
[regeneration]
Eleven: "Oh, I've still got legs!" Etc...
Me: "YAY, Eleven! My favorite!!"
So, not too sad then... I also found "A Christmas Carol" to be very sad and good.
15 - Favorite friendship?
Ten and Donna comes immediately to mind. They banter like there's no tomorrow, and look like they're having a blast with it. They have a special kind of chemistry you can't fake, and a relationship like that that never turns romantic is always highly appreciated by me. This is as close to romance they ever get:
16 - Favorite couple?
Oh, I have many, many of those. I am a girl after all!
 |
| The one constant in Doctor Who; The Doctor and his TARDIS. True love. |
Favorite actor... this is difficult. I can't even choose who my favorite actor in general is! How about this; I'll limit it to guest stars -- some of my favorite actors guest-starring on Doctor Who!
 |
| Colin Morgan, aka Merlin, being all dark in "Midnight." |
 |
| Andrew Garfield (the latest in the role of Spider-Man) had a sweet character in a two-part-er! |
 |
| Ferb of Phineas and Ferb, anyone? Thomas Brodie-Sangster also got a two-part-er. |
 |
| Hugh Bonneville being all Pirate-y in that pirate episode, "Curse of the Black Spot" |
18 - Favorite actress?
I'll do the same for the ladies.
 |
| Carey Mulligan, one of my all-time favorite actresses as the gorgeous girl, Sally Sparrow. |
 |
| Felicity Jones in "The Unicorn and the Wasp" She also starred along with Mulligan in Northanger Abbey. |
 |
| Daisy Haggard being sweet as Sophie in "The Lodger." In Sense and Sensibility, she shows she can be impressively annoying as well. |
19 - Favorite writer?
Well, based on my favorite episodes, I have to say Moffat, and suppose that's true, even though he is mean to us poor fans sometimes. (Ha, sometimes!) When he took over, the show improved dramatically, but he writes so many episodes, and they're not all my favorites. I also enjoy episodes by Mark Gatiss, and all (two) of Neil Cross' episodes.
Be sure to check back in two days for the FINALE, and the last question! Allons-y!
Friday, July 26, 2013
Doctor Who Challenge Part II
Continuing on with the the Doctor Who Tag Challenge! Questions 6 through 11!
6 - Favorite Doctors?
Ten and Eleven. Separately and equally. Reasons? Well, hair, obviously. Bowties... Converses... and awesomeness. I love the way Eleven looks down at people when he's being serious, and the way Ten jumps over things... yep.
6 - Favorite Doctors?
Ten and Eleven. Separately and equally. Reasons? Well, hair, obviously. Bowties... Converses... and awesomeness. I love the way Eleven looks down at people when he's being serious, and the way Ten jumps over things... yep.
 |
| So obviously, I'm a little excited for the 50th anniversary special. |
7 - Favorite companions?
I will always have a fondness for my first companions, Amy and Rory. They're in most of my favorite episodes, and work great with The Doctor. One thing I particularly like about them is that they're married for most of the time, so you don't have to wonder about possible romance. It's already there.
But you know... this new girl, "Clara" is growing on me extremely quickly...
I will always have a fondness for my first companions, Amy and Rory. They're in most of my favorite episodes, and work great with The Doctor. One thing I particularly like about them is that they're married for most of the time, so you don't have to wonder about possible romance. It's already there.
 |
| You gotta love the Ponds. |
But you know... this new girl, "Clara" is growing on me extremely quickly...
 |
| I can't help it; she's too adorable! |
I'm excitedly looking forward to lots more of her.
8 - Least favorite companions?
Oh, hard one. While most of my least favorite episodes are ones with Rose, I still like her a bunch. Donna's great because she has amazing (non-romantic) chemistry with The Doctor. Martha may be the closest out of the main companions, but I still like her, so I'm gonna say Jackie Tyler. Slightly obscure, but she really does annoy me sometimes.
8 - Least favorite companions?
Oh, hard one. While most of my least favorite episodes are ones with Rose, I still like her a bunch. Donna's great because she has amazing (non-romantic) chemistry with The Doctor. Martha may be the closest out of the main companions, but I still like her, so I'm gonna say Jackie Tyler. Slightly obscure, but she really does annoy me sometimes.
 |
| Second place goes to Sarah Jane. I'm sure I wouldn't mind her with her original Doctor, but I don't like her with Ten. |
9 - Characters you relate to most?
I think because I watched all of Eleven and then went back to watch Ten, River's story really resonates with me. Because I watched her relationship with The Doctor more or less from her timeline. She's an amazing character in a very sad predicament.
 |
| "Hello, sweetie." |
I also feel for Rory, who married way out of his league, and then has to follow his wife around on crazy adventures with some cool dude who owns a time machine. How do you compete with that? Maybe by guarding her for two thousand years? Rory may not realize it, but he is super awesome.
 |
| So... I don't always die... but when I do... I don't? |
10 - Favorite villains and villains that frightened you most?
They are one and the same -- the more frightening they are, the more I like them.
Second, the Silence. If you can't see them, you can't remember them, and when you can see them it's just as scary. Wonderful.
And third, Vashta Nerada. And I didn't like the dark before these guys came along...
11 - Least favorite villains?
Definitely, what I have dubbed "weird Daleks." Normal, classic Daleks are fine, but when they start going crazy and mixing with humans or other strange things... they're pushing the envelope towards campy.
 |
| I mean, I realize they have no concept of beauty, but really, this is too much. |
Stay tuned! Part III coming in two days!
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Doctor Who Challenge Part I
This is part 1 of 4 for a Doctor Who Tag Challenge hosted by Banrion An Gheimhridh! The challenge consists of twenty Doctor Who related questions, and I will answer five of them today, six in Part 2, eight in Part 3 and the last, most important one in the Finale. I imagine that by the end, you will know my opinions on the show very nearly as well as I do, and I will have probably learned a few things as well. So, with no further ado...
1 - When and why did you start watching Doctor Who, and what made you become a fan of it?
Ah, let me think back, to the summer so long ago... in 2012. Yes, I suppose I'm a relatively new Doctor Who fan aren't I? But my first taste of the Doctor came a few years before when I happened upon a re-running Tennant episode, "Fear Her." I watched from about half to the end feeling as though I had just stepped into a separate world. (In retrospect, I pretty much had.) Now skip to last year -- one rather boring summer morning I watched about five minutes of "The Empty Child" and remembered the show, which I was now vaguely aware of. The next day, my brother and I watched "Smith and Jones" and by the time it ended, I was unknowingly hooked. I realized it later when "the image of an Angel became an Angel," in "Time of the Angels" and my mind was blown. It was hilarious one second, and terrifying the next -- a true one-of-a-kind, and so heartfelt and completely unashamed. After that, my favorite summer past-time was to watch Doctor Who as I chopped tomatoes for my homemade salsa almost every morning. Once I got the rest of my family to watch them with me off Netflix, (not a hard task) things went supersonic, and we watched all of Eleven, then Nine and Ten well before the premiere of season seven.
2 - Favorite quotes?
Well, you gotta have this one: "People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint, it's more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly, time-y wimey... stuff." (And then must add:) "Started well, that sentence."
And this is the one I always quote to people about to enter dark places: "Almost every species in the universe has an irrational fear of the dark. But they're wrong, cause it's not irrational. It's Vashta Narada."
"This is my timey-wimey detector. It goes 'ding' when there's stuff."
"It's smaller on the outside!"
The Doctor: "Well, that's rubbish. Who's that supposed to be?"
Rory: "It's you."
The Doctor: "Me? Is that what I look like?"
Rory: "You don't know?"
The Doctor: "Busy day!"
The Doctor: But... it didn't make the noise.
River: What noise?
The Doctor: You know, the... [imitates the TARDIS]
River: It's not supposed to make that noise. You leave the brakes on!
The Doctor: Yeah, well, it's a brilliant noise. I love that noise.
3 - Favorite theme songs?
4 - Favorite episodes and favorite scenes/moments?
5 - Least favorite episodes?
1 - When and why did you start watching Doctor Who, and what made you become a fan of it?
Ah, let me think back, to the summer so long ago... in 2012. Yes, I suppose I'm a relatively new Doctor Who fan aren't I? But my first taste of the Doctor came a few years before when I happened upon a re-running Tennant episode, "Fear Her." I watched from about half to the end feeling as though I had just stepped into a separate world. (In retrospect, I pretty much had.) Now skip to last year -- one rather boring summer morning I watched about five minutes of "The Empty Child" and remembered the show, which I was now vaguely aware of. The next day, my brother and I watched "Smith and Jones" and by the time it ended, I was unknowingly hooked. I realized it later when "the image of an Angel became an Angel," in "Time of the Angels" and my mind was blown. It was hilarious one second, and terrifying the next -- a true one-of-a-kind, and so heartfelt and completely unashamed. After that, my favorite summer past-time was to watch Doctor Who as I chopped tomatoes for my homemade salsa almost every morning. Once I got the rest of my family to watch them with me off Netflix, (not a hard task) things went supersonic, and we watched all of Eleven, then Nine and Ten well before the premiere of season seven.
2 - Favorite quotes?
Well, you gotta have this one: "People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint, it's more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly, time-y wimey... stuff." (And then must add:) "Started well, that sentence."
And this is the one I always quote to people about to enter dark places: "Almost every species in the universe has an irrational fear of the dark. But they're wrong, cause it's not irrational. It's Vashta Narada."
"This is my timey-wimey detector. It goes 'ding' when there's stuff."
"It's smaller on the outside!"
The Doctor: "Well, that's rubbish. Who's that supposed to be?"
Rory: "It's you."
The Doctor: "Me? Is that what I look like?"
Rory: "You don't know?"
The Doctor: "Busy day!"
Pretty much every quote from "The Eleventh Hour" actually... come to think of it, every quote from "Time of the Angels" and "Flesh and Stone" as well!
River: I just landed her. The Doctor: But... it didn't make the noise.
River: What noise?
The Doctor: You know, the... [imitates the TARDIS]
River: It's not supposed to make that noise. You leave the brakes on!
The Doctor: Yeah, well, it's a brilliant noise. I love that noise.
3 - Favorite theme songs?
Obviously, I love, and always sing along with the main theme. It's required. But sometimes... I prefer to whistle it. I know, I'm so hardcore. Otherwise, I don't usually notice music unless it's really bad or really good, but I adore the 11th Doctor's theme -- never fails to make me smile.
4 - Favorite episodes and favorite scenes/moments?
Smith and Jones -- Ten is at his best, and I love all the running involved in this episode, (so classic!) but the highlight is when The Doctor expels the radiation out through his shoe, then takes off the other one so he won't look daft. "Barefoot on the moon!"
Time of the Angels -- "But you're just a statue... you can't move..." Scariest thing I have ever seen. Also, the scene where Amy asks if River is The Doctor's wife. Brilliant.
Flesh and Stone -- "Amy, you need to start trusting me now, it's never been more important." "But you don't always tell me the truth." "If I always told you the truth, I wouldn't need you to trust me." I loved this moment even before I knew the significance of it. (I'm a hipster!)
The Eleventh Hour -- Fish fingers and custard. Or, The Doctor's big reveal. Saving the earth, and making bowties cool! Or... everything else in the episode.
Blink -- When DI Shipton asks Sally out for drinks. "Life is short, and you are hot!"
Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead -- River and The Doctor. Need I say more?
Vincent and The Doctor -- The ending.
Hide. (My favorite of season seven.)
Day of the Moon. (So creepy, so awesome.)
The Unicorn and the Wasp. (The Doctor AND Agatha Christie!)
David Morrissey stealing Ten's thunder in the beginning of "The Next Doctor." "Allons-y!!"
When he knocks four times.
Eleven and River in "The Name of the Doctor." Oh my goodness.
Eleven's speech in "The Rings of Akhaten."
I could go on, (and on) but... I will not. Next!
Time of the Angels -- "But you're just a statue... you can't move..." Scariest thing I have ever seen. Also, the scene where Amy asks if River is The Doctor's wife. Brilliant.
Flesh and Stone -- "Amy, you need to start trusting me now, it's never been more important." "But you don't always tell me the truth." "If I always told you the truth, I wouldn't need you to trust me." I loved this moment even before I knew the significance of it. (I'm a hipster!)
The Eleventh Hour -- Fish fingers and custard. Or, The Doctor's big reveal. Saving the earth, and making bowties cool! Or... everything else in the episode.
Blink -- When DI Shipton asks Sally out for drinks. "Life is short, and you are hot!"
Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead -- River and The Doctor. Need I say more?
Vincent and The Doctor -- The ending.
Hide. (My favorite of season seven.)
Day of the Moon. (So creepy, so awesome.)
The Unicorn and the Wasp. (The Doctor AND Agatha Christie!)
David Morrissey stealing Ten's thunder in the beginning of "The Next Doctor." "Allons-y!!"
When he knocks four times.
Eleven and River in "The Name of the Doctor." Oh my goodness.
Eleven's speech in "The Rings of Akhaten."
I could go on, (and on) but... I will not. Next!
5 - Least favorite episodes?
I'm pretty easy-going, and don't really dislike any episodes, but I'm not a big fan of Nine, and besides "The Empty Child"/"The Doctor Dances" his episodes go rather low on my list of favorites. "Dalek" is probably my least favorite -- too serious, and too slow. Ten's early episodes are similar, but generally better; the low point in season two was probably "Rise of the Cybermen"/"Age of Steel."
Stay tuned for Part II the day after tomorrow!
Stay tuned for Part II the day after tomorrow!
Saturday, March 2, 2013
He Knew He Was Right
But was he?
He Knew He Was Right is a BBC mini-series of four, fifty-minute long episodes, based on the 1869 novel by Anthony Trollope.
There are three loosely connected plot lines that make up this story. The main one centers on a young happy couple, Louis and Emily Trevelyan (Oliver Dimsdale and Laura Fraser). The conflict gets off to an early start in the first episode when Emily is frequently visited by her godfather Colonel Osborne (Bill Nighy), who has a bad reputation for mischief when it comes to other men's wives. Louis asks Emily to stop seeing him after he hears some gossip going around, but she doesn't want to, as she's done nothing wrong, and doesn't want to appear as if she has by changing her behavior. Louis then begins to suspect her as well, and things escalate quickly from there.
This plot line is honestly pretty annoying. The scenario is rather unrealistic, and it drags on until you wish it would end just so it wouldn't keep interrupting the other two-and-a-half plots. I say "half" because this plot also involves Emily's sister Nora (Christina Cole), and a couple of suitors for her, Hugh Stanbury (Stephen Campbell Moore) and Mr. Glascock (Raymond Coulthard). Not much happens, but it's at least considerably less annoying.
Another story line involves a young lady, Dorothy Stanbury, (Caroline Martin) who goes to visit her old aunt Miss Stanbury (Anna Massey), who takes a fancy to her and tries to arrange a marriage between her and a flirtatious clergyman, Reverend Gibson (David Tennant!) who is interested not so much in her as he is her two thousand pounds. Matthew Goode also makes a appearance in this plot line.
And lastly, my favorite plot line follows Rev. Gibson and his being chased by two very desperate sisters Arabella and Camilla French (Fenella Woolgar and Claudie Blakley). This plot line is absolutely hilarious. Tennant is the reason I wanted to see this, and he's the main reason I enjoyed it.
With the acting, filming costumes and such I have no complaints. The costumes were lovely, the acting wasn't distracting and therefore good, and the filming in general standard, with one exception; every once in a while, a character will breach the fourth wall, speak directly into the camera and explain their thoughts to you. It's a bit strange and awkward, but I wasn't involved in the show enough to care, and actually thought it was amusing, especially when Tennant's character did it.
One of the best things about this series was the opportunity to play "can you recognize that period drama actor?" Practically every character we recognized from somewhere else, and we had a lot of fun trying to figure out where we'd seen them. Like Nora was Mrs. Elton in the 2009 BBC Emma, and Mr. Glascock was Frank Churchill in the 1996 TV version of the same. My favorite though, has to be Fenella Woolgar, who reunited with David Tennant on a Doctor Who, where she played Agatha Christie.
But that's enough trivia, back to the reviewing... actually, there's not much left to say. I thought overall the "main" plot line was worth sitting through in order to see the others, and I did enjoy myself in spite of being slightly irked half the time. In fact, it was a very good cautionary tale, though it seems unlikely that anyone could be as stubborn and ridiculous as some of these characters. I thought it would certainly be worth seeing once... and I was right.
- 3 stars.
He Knew He Was Right is a BBC mini-series of four, fifty-minute long episodes, based on the 1869 novel by Anthony Trollope.
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| Emily and Colonel Osborne being friendly... |
There are three loosely connected plot lines that make up this story. The main one centers on a young happy couple, Louis and Emily Trevelyan (Oliver Dimsdale and Laura Fraser). The conflict gets off to an early start in the first episode when Emily is frequently visited by her godfather Colonel Osborne (Bill Nighy), who has a bad reputation for mischief when it comes to other men's wives. Louis asks Emily to stop seeing him after he hears some gossip going around, but she doesn't want to, as she's done nothing wrong, and doesn't want to appear as if she has by changing her behavior. Louis then begins to suspect her as well, and things escalate quickly from there.
This plot line is honestly pretty annoying. The scenario is rather unrealistic, and it drags on until you wish it would end just so it wouldn't keep interrupting the other two-and-a-half plots. I say "half" because this plot also involves Emily's sister Nora (Christina Cole), and a couple of suitors for her, Hugh Stanbury (Stephen Campbell Moore) and Mr. Glascock (Raymond Coulthard). Not much happens, but it's at least considerably less annoying.
 |
| Nora, and Hugh Stanbury |
Another story line involves a young lady, Dorothy Stanbury, (Caroline Martin) who goes to visit her old aunt Miss Stanbury (Anna Massey), who takes a fancy to her and tries to arrange a marriage between her and a flirtatious clergyman, Reverend Gibson (David Tennant!) who is interested not so much in her as he is her two thousand pounds. Matthew Goode also makes a appearance in this plot line.
And lastly, my favorite plot line follows Rev. Gibson and his being chased by two very desperate sisters Arabella and Camilla French (Fenella Woolgar and Claudie Blakley). This plot line is absolutely hilarious. Tennant is the reason I wanted to see this, and he's the main reason I enjoyed it.
 |
| Arabella, Rev. Gibson, and Camilla. Seeing Ten with old fashioned hair was very strange... |
With the acting, filming costumes and such I have no complaints. The costumes were lovely, the acting wasn't distracting and therefore good, and the filming in general standard, with one exception; every once in a while, a character will breach the fourth wall, speak directly into the camera and explain their thoughts to you. It's a bit strange and awkward, but I wasn't involved in the show enough to care, and actually thought it was amusing, especially when Tennant's character did it.
One of the best things about this series was the opportunity to play "can you recognize that period drama actor?" Practically every character we recognized from somewhere else, and we had a lot of fun trying to figure out where we'd seen them. Like Nora was Mrs. Elton in the 2009 BBC Emma, and Mr. Glascock was Frank Churchill in the 1996 TV version of the same. My favorite though, has to be Fenella Woolgar, who reunited with David Tennant on a Doctor Who, where she played Agatha Christie.
 |
| Tennant and Woolgar in "The Unicorn and the Wasp." And yay, the hair's back to normal. |
But that's enough trivia, back to the reviewing... actually, there's not much left to say. I thought overall the "main" plot line was worth sitting through in order to see the others, and I did enjoy myself in spite of being slightly irked half the time. In fact, it was a very good cautionary tale, though it seems unlikely that anyone could be as stubborn and ridiculous as some of these characters. I thought it would certainly be worth seeing once... and I was right.
- 3 stars.
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| Review number two for this challenge! |
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