TRANSFORMERS ONE

(PG), 104 mins

★★★☆☆

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AS befits a franchise about shape-shifting robots, Transformers has had more alternate incarnations than anyone cares to remember.

And in the fortieth year since the original Eighties’ cartoon, we have yet another version.

It shares fan-favourite characters and story elements with predecessors but this is a rebooted universe, so you don’t need to have watched the originals or — mercifully — the patience-sapping live-action saga to enjoy this take by director Josh Cooley (Toy Story 4).

Serving up a mix of moralising and merchandising yes, it does frequently feel like it’s teeing things up to flog you some more plastic stuff this Christmas.

But the pacey origins animation is also pretty entertaining.

Unpacking the roots of the rivalry between Optimus Prime and Megatron, ‘One’ finally reveals the reason the former pals became enemies and changed the course of planet Cybertron.

We see their relationship begin as best-buddy mining automatons, then titled Orion Pax (Chris Hemsworth) and D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry).

Both lowly Metallics aspire to bigger things but a joyride in the annual Iacon 5k race to prove a point about their capabilities backfires and gets them banished to scrapheap-sifting duties.

Then our fist-bumping heroes embark on a mission to locate the missing Matrix of Leadership, where they uncover the unsavoury truth about corrupt current ruler Sentinel Prime (Jon Hamm).

The discovery that his idolised leader is a crook is the catalyst for D-16 to turn into red-eyed franchise villain.

In a graveyard of Primes, revived Alpha Trion (Laurence Fishburne) helps them undergo their glow-up into true transformers.

Our bots are now primary-coloured giants, with the power to change into cars. But their friendship is over.

A male-dominated cast is lightened by the inclusion of pithy, purple-hued Elita-1 (Scarlett Johansson).

And there is welcome humour from Bumblebee, nee B-12 (Keegan-Michael Key) as self-styled ‘Bad-Ass-a-tron’.

The explanation for the kind, thoughtful D-16’s personality change into the aggressive, destructive, evil-eyed Megatron is ultimately a bit woolly.

And visuals can look clunky and old fashioned.

But it’s fundamental Autobot versus Decepticons good fun — in disguise.

SALEM’S LOT

(15) 114mins   

★★★☆☆

STEPHEN King’s classic vampire novel, Salem’s Lot, has been given a terrifying – if disjointed – makeover.

Lewis Pullman stars as Ben Mears, a writer returning to his hometown of Jerusalem’s Lot to find it terrorised by a vampire.

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Teaming up with new love interest Susan (Makenzie Leigh), amiable school teacher Matt (a fantastic turn by Bill Camp) and the town’s no nonsense doctor (Alfre Woodard), Ben fights to save Salem’s Lot from the evil forces of the undead.

The stunning visuals give a creepy 70s vibe and the film delivers some spine-chilling moments, including a tense basement scene and a nail-biting finale at a drive-in cinema.

However, pacing problems hold it back.

At times it really felt like entire chapters of the book were missing, making the plot feel rushed and incomplete.

While it might not be the best adaptation of one of King’s most loved novels, Salem’s Lot is a solid horror flick that manages to avoid the usual pitfalls of the genre.

It’s familiar King territory – creepy small town, sinister evil, and boneheaded locals – and fans will lap it up.

TERRIFIER 3

(18) 125mins

★★★☆☆

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DIRECTOR Damien Leone’s latest instalment in the Terrifier franchise delivers a gruesome Christmas horror experience with plenty of blood and gore.

The iconic and terrifying killer, Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton), returns to spread chaos, terror and a whole lot of festive fear.

Returning to face Art once again, Sienna Shaw (Lauren LaVera) is still haunted by the horrors of Terrifier 2.

As the festive season approaches, a showdown with her murderous nemesis seems inevitable.

Terrifier 3 is as nasty and blood-soaked as they come.

There’s nothing subtle or meaningful here, and fans of the cult franchise won’t expect anything less.

Leone makes each gruesome kill feel personal and impactful, always with a tongue firmly in cheek. It’s no secret the Terrifier franchise isn’t known for its complex plot or deep character development.

Those familiar with these films primarily come for the over-the-top gore, brutal kills and silly antics.

With brilliantly crafted practical effects that hark back to horror’s Eighties heyday, Terrifier 3 does exactly what’s on the tin.          

BIG Brother fans have branded Marcello a ‘pig’ after they claim he made Sarah ‘uncomfortable’ with a ‘sexualised’ comment.

The drama unfolded on social media in reaction to a scene in tonight’s episode of the hit ITV2 show.

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Sarah was complimenting Marcello as he worked in the kitchen as part of the shopping task.

“You are so funny Marcello, when I first met you, you are not someone that I would think I would get on with so well,” Sarah told him.

Looking taken aback, he replied: “I’m a nice person.”

“I know you are, but on first impression…” she added.

“Everyone always judges me,” Marcello responded.

Sarah went on to explain: “Yeah because you sound like the way you sound, the accent, the city, the way you dress, you are just someone that in public I probably wouldn’t gravitate towards because I would be a bit intimidated.”

Marcello then flirtily shot back: “Oh honey, I would gravitate towards you, don’t worry about that.

While Hanah, who was watching on, screamed at his comment, Sarah looked unimpressed and said: “Please don’t”

Realising he had crossed a line, Marcello apologised.

“I’m sorry he said, making a heart shape with his hands. “I’m joking.”

But viewers were not happy, and took to X to slate him.

One fumed: “Sarah being nice to Marcello and him immediately using it as an opportunity to flirt, made me uncomfortable.”

Another raged: “Marcello is a pig clearly just made Sarah uncomfortable with his unwanted comments and advances.”

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A third ranted: “Oh F*** OFF Sarah just opened up to Marcello and just like normal he SEXUALISES? Does this man just sexualise EVERY WOMAN HE SEES? Can’t wait for what he will say to AJ during his evicted interview.”

A fourth chimed: “Sarah literally just saying how marcello is nice and marcello immediately being a f***ing creep oh my god can he leave?”

A fifth weighed in: “Sarah should report Marcello to HR for making inappropriate sexual comments.”

And a sixth simply warned: “Marcello walk away from sarah rn.”

Big Brother continues at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.

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Kaos creator Charlie Covell said they are “gutted” by the cancelation of their Netflix series after just one season.

On Tuesday (October 8), the streamer announced its decision to axe the dark comedy, which contemporarily reimagines Greek mythology and stars Jeff Goldblum as Zeus.

Covell, who uses they/them pronouns, has since reacted to the news in a heartfelt message shared on Instagram by the production company Sister.

“Of course I’m gutted not to be making more Kaos, but I don’t want this news to overshadow what we did make,” they began. “I’m incredibly lucky to have worked with such an exceptionally talented cast and crew, and I’m extremely proud of our show. Thank you to absolutely everybody involved: it was a Herculean team effort, and a huge privilege to work with you all.”

Reiterating their gratitude to everybody involved, they added that it was “a huge privilege to work with you all.”

“And to the marvellous fans: thanks so much for your love and enthusiasm,” they continued. “I’ve been shown subreddits that have made my heart positively sing: the tiny details and Easter eggs you noticed made my day many times over. I’ve been chuffed to the point of overwhelm by your positive responses to the show – thank you!”

They further teased that “one theory about who or what ‘Kaos’” was, was “bang on the money.”

“My hope now is that people still continue to discover and enjoy the show: I reckon there are some potential fans out there who might need more time to find it, so please keep talking about KAOS if you enjoyed it,” Covell concluded. “Thanks so much for watching!”

The eight-episode dramedy, which revolves around a trio of humans who discover their common connection to a prophecy and one another while also dealing with a group of corrupt and arrogant Greek and Roman mythological gods, was released on Netflix in August.

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It also stars Misia Butler, Aurora Perrineau, Janet McTeer, Killian Scott, Billie Piper and David Thewlis.

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Compared to other Greek revisionist stories, such as Broadway’s Tony-nominated musical Hadestown, The Independent’s Louis Chilton found Kaos to be a “little shaggy and incohesive in the ways it toys with tradition.”

“There’s no denying that parts of Kaos are compelling – stories don’t endure for millennia if they aren’t, fundamentally, a good old yarn,” he added in his three-star review.

“But the series strains at points under the weight of its arch, high-concept premise. It might not all be Greek to me – but some of it definitely was.”

Kaos is available to stream on Netflix.

MARRIED At First Sight UK fans have branded one groom ‘heartless’ after a dinner party resulted in another bitter row.

Alex and Holly appeared to reach breaking point on Thursday night’s episode, with the couple shocked by the arrival of three new couples.

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Holly was left feeling upset when Alex made a beeline for one of the new brides, leaving her alone.

At one point she even left the party for some alone time, and he didn’t go after her.

When she returned for the meal, Alex was seen rolling his eyes at her as she sat down, and things went from bad to worse when Holly tried to address with Alex why she was feeling upset.

Instead, Alex shut her down, telling her: “You already know what you’re doing. You know what you’re doing. You’re doing bare things for the cameras.”

As Holly tried to explain herself, he continued: “Listen, stop talking. I’m asking you, let me finish my… Can you please stop talking to me?

“I’m asking you nicely. Please don’t talk to me right now. That’s it. I need you to respect. I need you to respect what I’ve asked you.”

“If there’s an issue we can talk between us,” she told him, promting him to repeat, “You’re acting up for cameras”.

“Are you joking me? Why are you assuming that’s the case?” said a frustrated Holly.

Instead of responding, Alex repeated the phrase “I’ve asked you to stop speaking to me” over and over.

Finally defeated, Holly agreed to chat back at home, and asked him for a hug.

“I’m not there yet. I’m being honest,” he responded.

Fans weren’t best pleased with Alex’s behaviour, and took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their anger.

“Alex is scary. He just wants to be able to do whatever he wants without consequence or taking his wife’s feelings into my consideration. Like even Adam understands her point?” wrote one.

“How is leaving Holly alone and clearly upset better for Alex in the eyes of the group?,” added a second. “Surely a quick conversation with her to resolve the issue would be better. This has made it look worse.”

A third said: “Alex’s gaslighting is on another level. He chats up another woman all night but Holly has to shut up because she’s ruining the evening by being upset by it!?!?”

“Alex’s manipulative and abusive tendencies are jumping out again, nasty man,” said another.

A fourth wrote: “OMG Alex is next level toxic,” while a fifth said: “Alex is such a d**k. F**king hell man. This mean is HEARTLESS!!!”

Married At First Sight UK continues weekdays at 9pm on E4.

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Netflix has officially renewed its top series, Nobody Wants This, for a second season.

The news was announced on Thursday (October 10) via the streamer’s companion site, Tudum, in an article titled “Nobody Wants This Is Returning for Season 2, Because You Wanted It.”

The renewal comes two weeks after the hit romcom about a rabbi and an agnostic sex podcaster (Adam Brody and Kristen Bell) who fall in love despite their marked differences debuted on the streamer.

“Creating Nobody Wants This will forever be a career highlight for me,” series creator Erin Foster told Tudum.

“The incredible cast, crew, producers, and executives all made this into the show it is today, and to experience viewers’ reactions to this series now that it’s out in the world has been more than anything I could have dreamed.

“I’m so lucky to be able to continue this story,” she added, “and to do it alongside Jenni Konner and Bruce Eric Kaplan, who I’ve been such a fan of since Girls. … Justice for healthy relationships being the most romantic!”

TV writers Jenni Konner and Bruce Eric Kaplan, best known for their work on HBO’s hit Lena Dunham-led comedy Girls, have joined season two as executive producers and co-showrunners.

Nobody Wants This initially debuted at No 2 on Netflix’s weekly Top 10 Most-Watched list with 10.3 million views.

It has since risen to the top of the list, with 15.9 million views as of October 8.

Speaking to IndieWire ahead of the official renewal announcement, Foster teased what she’d want to expand on in a potential season two.

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“The story in season one unfolds really slowly. So I think if there is a season two I would want to just kind of pick up where we leave off and continue to take it slow, because I don’t want us to get too far ahead of ourselves.”

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Addressing the season one cliffhanger ending, Foster explained that she wanted Bell’s Joanne to seriously consider converting, but to not do it this early in the relationship.

“I fully understand some people who make the artistic choice to not give the audience what they want, but I don’t think this is that kind of show,” Foster said.

“I don’t want people walking away frustrated or annoyed. I think this is the kind of show where you want to get the thing you’re there to get and I wanted to give people that moment of, ‘We choose each other, but everyone knows we’re giving up a lot to choose each other, so how are we gonna do it?’

“And that, to me, felt like a realistic but still satisfying ending still with conflict, so you have somewhere to go.”

Nobody Wants This has delighted critics, with The Independent’s Katie Rosseinsky calling it “devastatingly relatable” and “laugh-out-loud funny” in her four-star review.

Season one of Nobody Wants This is available to stream on Netflix.

A COUNTRY music star will travel between the worlds of music and acting as she makes a special appearance in Emmerdale.

Twinnie-Lee Moore is a 37 year old actress, singer, and songwriter from York, who also happens to be a country star, but she is hanging up her microphone for the time being to appear in the Yorkshire-based soap tonight.

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She plays ambitious and ruthless boxing promoter Jade. 

With Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) already drawn into the dark world of unlicensed boxing, Jade’s arrival will put pressure on him to continue this dangerous trade.

But Jade has an agenda and Billy’s safety is not on it.

He’s tempted by Jade’s offer and the financial promises that comes with it, but he’s also aware of the dangerous consequences it may bring.

Over the coming months, will Billy come to regret his association with callous Jade or has he already put his family in grave danger?

You may recognise Twinnie from Hollyoaks where she played Porche McQueen.

However, she took a brief break to focus on her career as a country music singer.

She has worked with greats such as Bryan Adams and is due to go on a tour with Keifer Sutherland.

But Twinnie will make a special appearance on the soap around her music commitments.

Speaking about her new role, Twinnie said: “My life has been a bit crazy recently juggling music and acting with lots of back and forth between Nashville and Yorkshire but I’ve been loving it!!

“I’ve loved being back on screen, especially as the show is shot in Yorkshire, being able to be home with family and go to work on such an iconic show has been nothing short of amazing!

“The whole team has been so welcoming and really supportive. My character is so much fun to play and I can’t wait to see how the audience reacts to her.”

During a previous appearance on Lorraine, Twinnie revealed that music has always been her lifelong passion, growing up in a musical family.

“Music my whole life,” she gushed.

” I’ve been on stage since the age of four and my first concert was Gilbert O Sullivan’s.

However, she pursued acting as her first love until a co-star persuaded her to explore her other talent,

She said: “I think what attracted me to country music is their ability to tell good stories, which is what I have tried to do in my songwriting.

“I have spent lots of time in Nashville, it is so intoxicating, I have several friends who are like family there. If you’ve never you should.”

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Watch out for her on Emmerdale, which airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.