Connect with us

TV

Transformers One film review: Visuals are clunky and old fashioned – but it’s a fun reboot

Published

on

The Outrun film review: This raw addiction story featuring standout star Saoirse Ronan feels scarily real


TRANSFORMERS ONE

(PG), 104 mins

★★★☆☆

Transformers One takes place in a rebooted universe from the original films

3

Transformers One takes place in a rebooted universe from the original filmsCredit: PA

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

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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).

Advertisement

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).

Advertisement
Ed Sheeran fans left stunned as huge A list actor joins him on stage to play drums

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.

Advertisement

Film news

CHRISTOPHER NOLAN is in talks with Matt Damon to be the lead in his new film.

WILL SMITH and Michael Bay are teaming up on Netflix film, Fast And Loose.

BRIT director Edgar Wright is remaking Stephen King’s The Running Man.

Advertisement

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.

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

3

Advertisement
Stephen King’s classic vampire novel, Salem’s Lot, has been given a terrifying – if disjointed – makeoverCredit: Alamy

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.

Advertisement

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

★★★☆☆

The Terrifier franchise delivers a gruesome Christmas horror experience

3

Advertisement
The Terrifier franchise delivers a gruesome Christmas horror experienceCredit: PA

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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



Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

TV

Big Bang Theory spin-off reveals its cast – but people are not impressed

Published

on

Big Bang Theory spin-off reveals its cast – but people are not impressed


TV viewers are hitting out at the idea of another Big Bang Theory spin-off after the surfacing of new details.

It was reported on Thursday (10 0ctober) that the project, which was announced in 2023, will focus on three characters from the original series: comic book owner Stuart Bloom, his girlfriend Denise and recurring character Bert Kibbler.

Kevin Sussmann, Lauren Lapkus and Brian Posehn are all set to reprise their roles in the series, which is currently being written ahead of an expected greenlight from Max.

Advertisement

Original Big Bang Theory co-creator Chuck Lorre, who also executive produced spin-off Young Sheldon, which ended earlier this year, is returning for the new show.

After more details about the next series set in the Big Bang Theory universe arrived, many were quick to question the necessity for yet another show based on the hit sitcom, which ran for 12 seasons from 2007 to 2020.

The original became a huge hit for CBS and saw its lead stars, including Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki, become some of the highest-paid stars in TV.

Young Sheldon became another hit for CBS, lasting for seven seasons from 2017 to 2024. When the show came to an end, executive producer Steve Holland stated: “This is the right time for this story to come to an end.”

Advertisement

It seems like people have had enough. In response to the new spin-off, X/Twitter has been filled with posts urging them to move on from the idea and create something original instead.

“That’s going to be a hard pass from me,” one person wrote, with another adding: “OR… and hear me out… we green light or revive more original sitcoms that had original characters and an original plot line and haven’t gotten to see the light of day instead of making constant revivals and reboots and spinoffs”

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Advertisement

Try for free

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

One person stated: “Cancel it, I’m begging,” with another asking: “Why? Literally why?”

Kevin Sussmann’s ‘Big Bang Theory’ character Stuart will head up a new spin-off

Advertisement
Kevin Sussmann’s ‘Big Bang Theory’ character Stuart will head up a new spin-off (CBS)

Spin-offs are currently rife in the TV schedules, with new shows based on Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings, The Walking Dead and The Boys either currently on or in the works.



Source link

Continue Reading

TV

Penny Branning quits Walford as shock betrayal is revealed in EastEnders

Published

on

Penny Branning quits Walford as shock betrayal is revealed in EastEnders


PENNY Branning decides to quit Walford as a shock betrayal is revealed in EastEnders.

The character – played by Kitty Castledine – has had a difficult few months after being involved in the club crush horror at Peggy’s.

Penny Branning decides to leave Walford in EastEnders

4

Advertisement
Penny Branning decides to leave Walford in EastEndersCredit: BBC
Amy Mitchell continues to struggle with her recovery after the club crush

4

Amy Mitchell continues to struggle with her recovery after the club crushCredit: BBC
Amy clashes with Penny, which prompts her decision

4

Amy clashes with Penny, which prompts her decisionCredit: BBC

Penny was desperate to prove she could host a successful club night after taking Chelsea Fox’s job, but didn’t realise Chelsea had advertised more tickets than were available and safe to sell as part of her plans for revenge.

It meant that the crowds piled in and when it became overcrowded, people were crushed and injured.

Advertisement

This included Penny’s half-sister Amy Mitchell, who had covertly got into the club despite being under age.

A paramedic told her dad Jack that she had suffered a cardiac arrest, and she was placed in a coma once at the hospital.

When she was later brought round, Amy was devastated to learn what had happened to her and that she also had a broken pelvis.

Now in upcoming EastEnders episodes, Amy continues to struggle.

Advertisement

At the hospital, Amy gets upset at the rate of her recovery and an argument between Penny and Amy breaks out.

Later, Penny makes the decision to leave Walford, and arrives at No.27 as Jack and Denise try to buoy Amy up.

As the situation escalates between the Brannings and Penny, Denise finally reveals the truth – Chelsea was to blame for the crush.

Will this stop Penny from leaving?

Advertisement
Watch as Amy Mitchell is left for dead in EastEnders nightclub crush
But it soon comes out that Chelsea Fox was to blame for the overcrowding

4

But it soon comes out that Chelsea Fox was to blame for the overcrowdingCredit: BBC

EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

TV

Simpsons fans praise ‘unbelievable’ return of surprise character after 27 years

Published

on

Simpsons fans praise ‘unbelievable’ return of surprise character after 27 years


The Simpsons fans have been left blindsided by the sudden return of a character last seen nearly 30 years ago.

One week after viewers were tricked into thinking the show was coming to an end, with an episode deceptively branded its “series finale”, the long-running animated series nostalgically brought back a face familiar to die-hards.

The second episode of season 36, titled “The Yellow Lotus”, saw the Simpson family head to a luxury resort in what was a clear nod to HBO series The White Lotus.

Advertisement

Hammering home the reference was Homer’s discovery of a dead body, an event that leads the Simpsons to come across none other than Sideshow Bob, voiced by Kelsey Grammer.

However, it’s the inclusion of another character that most surprised fans, with some branding the moment “unbelievable”.

*Spoilers follow – you have been warned*

In the episode, it’s explained that the trip was actually orchestrated by someone fans will remember from season nine, which is considered to be a part of the show’s Golden Era: the corrupt salesman Nick Callahan.

Advertisement

Nick Callahan, voiced by Hank Azaria, first showed up in 1998 instalment “Realty Bites”, and the decision to bring him back was revealed to be down to producer Loni Steele Sosthand.

‘The Simpsons’ just brought back season nine character Nick Callahan

‘The Simpsons’ just brought back season nine character Nick Callahan (Fox)

The character’s return arrives after fans

The 36th season of The Simpsons started earlier this month, with a parody episode exploring what makes an effective finale. It was one of the show’s most acclaimed episodes in years, and imagined what the perfect ending of The Simpsons would look like – as written by AI.

Advertisement

Throughout the episode, there were animated recreations of final shots of shows including The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones and Succession.

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

Advertisement

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

But when the title card first appeared on screen announcing the premiere as the “series finale”, viewers quickly jumped to social media to share their surprise at what they believed to have been a well-kept secret.

“IS THIS ACTUALLY THE SIMPSONS SERIES FINALE????” one asked, with another chiming in: “Wait, it’s like not REALLY The Simpsons Series Finale is it!? WTF!”

The meta premiere arrived amid speculation that the series could be preparing for its actual finale. Many believe that the series has outstayed its welcome, and no longer matches the quality upheld from its so-called golden era – from season three to nine.

Advertisement

One viewer theorised that this belief is what might have influenced writers to kickstart the new season with the finale prank, writing: “I love how 20th Century Fox/Disney responded to people complaining about The Simpsons should end and make a parody of a series finale.”



Source link

Continue Reading

TV

‘He’s a pig!’ scream Big Brother viewers as they slam housemate over ‘uncomfortable’ comment

Published

on

'He's a pig!' scream Big Brother viewers as they slam housemate over 'uncomfortable' comment


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.

Marcello and Sarah were chatting in the kitchen

5

Advertisement
Marcello and Sarah were chatting in the kitchen
Sarah told him she wouldn't gravitate towards him in the real world

5

Sarah told him she wouldn’t gravitate towards him in the real world
His response shocked her - and viewers

5

His response shocked her – and viewers

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.

Advertisement

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

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

read more about Big Brother

“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.”

Advertisement

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.”

Advertisement

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.”

Marcello has been branded a 'pig' by some fans

5

Advertisement
Marcello has been branded a ‘pig’ by some fans
Hanah screamed as she watched on

5

Hanah screamed as she watched on

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.”

Advertisement

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

Big Brother continues at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

TV

Kaos creator reacts to Netflix unexpectedly canceling series after one season

Published

on

Kaos creator reacts to Netflix unexpectedly canceling series after one season


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.

Advertisement

“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.”

Advertisement

“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.

Jeff Goldblum leads ‘Kaos’ as Greek god Zeus

Advertisement
Jeff Goldblum leads ‘Kaos’ as Greek god Zeus (Netflix)

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

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

Advertisement

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

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.”

Advertisement

Kaos is available to stream on Netflix.





Source link

Continue Reading

TV

MAFS viewers brand groom ‘heartless’ as he slams bride for ‘acting up to cameras’ and to ‘stop speaking’

Published

on

MAFS viewers brand groom 'heartless' as he slams bride for 'acting up to cameras' and to 'stop speaking'


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.

Holly was left upset after Alex made a beeline to one of the new brides

5

Advertisement
Holly was left upset after Alex made a beeline to one of the new bridesCredit: Channel 4
Alex refused to speak to Holly and shut down the conversation

5

Alex refused to speak to Holly and shut down the conversationCredit: Channel 4
The groom accused Holly of playing up for the cameras

5

The groom accused Holly of playing up for the camerasCredit: Channel 4

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.

Advertisement

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.”

Advertisement

“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.

Advertisement
MAFS groom drops huge hint he’ll be next to QUIT show

“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.”

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement
The couple are at a breaking point

5

The couple are at a breaking pointCredit: Channel 4
Holly was left struggling to voice her opinion

5

Holly was left struggling to voice her opinionCredit: Channel 4



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 WordupNews.com