pmullan-54285 Reviews

Doctor Who: The Moonbase: Episode 1 (1967) Season 4, Episode 23

Upon the Moon

[7/10 · 1 December 2016]

The ever sought after 4th Season of Classic Doctor Who is filled with some stories that are better than others and yet hardly any of them exist. This is one of the lucky few that has half of its episodes in their entirety and I can safely say that it's very enjoyable, even with the missing episodes.

Patrick Troughton is stereotyped as being very lost in his role, at this point in his tenure and struggling with creating a new persona for the Time Lord, yet, I always find his performance in every tale to be very engaging. He plays minimal comedy with brilliant ease and he works off of his companions very very well. I love his giddy jumping for joy in several scenes and his serious takes, too. He can be very playful and chipper and yet dark and motivational, when he wants to be. This story is a must see, for Troughton lovers.

Polly is one of the Doctor Who girls that I am less familiar with, due to her lack of a complete era, on film. And while she is very easily scared of the Cybermen, she is smart enough to whip up her infamous Polly Cocktail, using her own nail varnish to attack them. This is one of her better stories, seeing as how underused she is in some of her other tales.

Ben is rather badly sidelined here, which is a shame, since I love the character who has proved to be very smart, witty and aggressive, but in all the right ways. He only really chips in with the odd line, here and there, in this story, but he is at least active, if not anything else. I did like his chummy relationship with Jamie and even the competition that the two share over Polly, but it's all in favour of just some padding, as they never have this kind of a fight again. His and Polly's want to get outside and jump around on the moon is also quite nice, but he is fairly under used, in most of the story.

Jamie is the one I sympathise with the most however, as he sleeps throughout the first 3 episodes and even then all he does is walk around for half of Episodes 3 and 4. He was rather badly sidelined in The Underwater Menace, too, but he was still active and making genuine helpful moves, throughout, whereas here, he just lies down and makes the odd comment. His weakest story, by far.

The Cyberman are much creepier here, since there is much more build up towards their appearance and they feel more like omniscient threats that bigger physical ones, like they did in The Tenth Planet. I like the base-under-siege idea in the story. I even like the atmospheric ambient noises that are filled into the medic bay scenes.

A must see, for viewers who love Troughton and the Cybermen, but as for the companions and supporting cast, it's a bit weak.

Wonder Woman: Wonder Woman Meets Baroness Von Gunther (1976) Season 1, Episode 1

A Fall From Awesomeness

[7/10 · 2 July 2016]

"Wonder Woman Meets Baroness Von Gunther" I didn't think it was possible, but this is only the second episode to star Lynda Carter as the eponymous heroine, and she feels like an afterthought in the whole episode. This would later be corrected in later episodes of the first Season and more extensively in Seasons 2 and 3. I have no idea how WB thought that dumbing down the character would be of any use to the viewers. She is given simple dialogue and spends a good chunk of the tale tied up until the last few minutes. I don't see how the strong woman who was able to survive with no money and obvious capability, even in naivety, is side-lined in this episode. The only time I felt like she was being given something worth it was the last scene with the Baroness. That scene only lasts about a second and then it's back to bland Diana Prince who smiles and looks sexy, that's all that WB wanted out of Lynda at the time.

This, thank God, would be corrected when Lynda stood up for herself and the character when she felt that the company had no idea who the character of Wonder Woman was. I completely agree with her on this. Throughout this episode, she's just the poor man's Batman from the 1960's. No wit, no charm, just one funny line and that's it. Granted, the performance out of Lynda is still very gentle and her face at the end when she takes the Baroness away in the lasso is just hilarious. So, it did take them a while to pin her down, but luckily, Lynda was on hand to show just why we love the Amazon princess so much.

As for everyone else, ironically enough, Steve Trevor is the most stale piece of eye candy that has ever been placed on the screen alongside one of the most iconic characters. He is always captured and proves to be as useless as icing on toast. Lyle is doing the best he can with the role, but he is given nothing to work with that at some points in the show, he just becomes an annoyance to get rid of. He's okay here, but he'll leave you wondering how he was considered to be the best soldier in his rankings.

The villain is alright, the supporting cast are okay. Just an okay episode, but an insulting stab at the main lead, by not giving her any persona and just throwing her into the tale like she is just a damsel. Things can only get better from here.

7/10

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

Batman Vs Superman and the Dreadful Plot Holes

[3/10 · 27 June 2016]

"Batman Vs Superman: Dawn Of Justice" This should be a great film. Heck, it probably wanted to be, but the butchered script and incoherent mess of a tale that is inside of it prevented it from actually being a good film.

Ages after the destruction of Metropolis in 'Man of Steel', which is being directly addressed here, this is actually one good front for the film as one of the biggest issues that people had with the last film was the overly loud amounts of violence that had occurred, Batman (played by Ben Affleck) is out to get Superman after his destructive rampage on the city that killed many innocents.

Okay, this is the motivation that Batman has for fighting Superman. But what is Superman's reasoning? He thinks that Batman is a vigilante. But Superman is also one. He answers to no high authority either, at least, not in this or the last film. Huh? So, the main reason for the actual fight in this film makes no sense. That's a good start.

Diana Prince/Wonder Woman (Played by Gal Gadot) is also on the scene, she is trying to steal some interesting equipment that holds info on Superman and even begins looking into Lex Luthor. This sub-plot is given very little screen-time and might as well have just been throw in at the last moment when the script was written. There are sop many other plots and ideas running around in this film that it makes this slightly important one look even more pointless. The inclusion of WW is more than enough and I can't see why they need to involve her in the convolution that is this movie.

Lex Luthor (Played horrendously by Jessie Eisenburg) is getting up to his wacky adventures and proves that this casting choice was the worst idea since George Clooney as Batman in "Batman and Robin". His delivery is OTT and the dialogue is overly annoying and far too cartoony. His motivations even make no sense, he wants Superman and Batman dead because their superheroes and yet he goes and makes one later on. He tries to get Superman killed, but he puts him up against Batman for.... reasons. No solid explanations are given for what he wants to achieve and his hypocrisy is beyond agitating.

Jeremy Irons as Alfred is actually a pretty darn good casting choice and his speeches and big moments are the highlights of the film, but he isn't given a whole lot to work with. No wonder he was displeased with how the film came out.

Lois Lane does..... nothing worth talking about. She tries to prove that Luthor is the bad guy, but we all know that he is from the moment he steps on screen. She just gets captured a lot and.... that's it.

Every other character is either pointless or forgettable throughout the movie and that show just how poorly thought this whole project was.

Batman and Superman only actually fight for about 5 minutes and it's an okay fight, but it could've been so much better. The final fight with Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman up against Doomsday is actually an okay fight, but WW is the highlight of the fight and Gal Gadot proves that she can kick some ass in the costume. The plot and motivations of the characters are slapdash and make no sense. Superman is a broody idiot throughout and acts like nothing that is remotely in keeping with the character. He lets all innocent people die around him, despite that being the focal point of the last film. He blows more things up than Batman and his hypocrisy rivals that of Luthor.

The WW theme song is awesome, but that's the only music that I liked. Gal shows promise as the eponymous heroine and I look forward to Wonder Woman next year than I ever did this film and I hope it has an easy plot and story. Ben Affleck is actually really cool as Batman, but he is just a broody jerk throughout, not given anything worth getting into. Henry Cavill looks bored beyond belief in every scene he is in, a real step down from his performance in 'Man of Steel', which was mediocre at best.

Overall, a real mess that has to be seen to be believed.

Robin Hood (1973)

The Foxy Version of Robin Hood

[9/10 · 27 June 2016]

"Robin Hood"

I love the old animated Disney films. Even the lesser known or poorer ones such as "Oliver and Company" or "Aristocats". The charm to Robin Hood is his persona and his relationships off of the other characters. His rapport with Little John is heart-warming and I do like the sense of camaraderie between them. His love/romance with Maid Marian is sweet, though I do wish that more time was devoted to it. In fact, Maid Marian vanishes in the third act of the film and only appears at the end of the films during their marriage. Where did she go? Was she just sitting in the forest and waiting for the action to pass her by? She displays some ferocity and bravery when she throws a pie in a guard's face during the action sequence in the middle of the film (Which is a hilarious and greatly done set piece). I am a sucker for romance and I do love the chemistry that the two foxes share, it's something that you can all sit down and enjoy. The supporting characters are enjoyably fun and memorable. The one thing that old Disney films (and some newer ones) can do so well is the side characters. You remember them all and you love seeing them get their way. King John and Hiss are OTT and it sounds like the actors are having an absolute ball with their roles. I can't say I didn't like them, as even if they're are evil, they provide some hysterical lines. The kids didn't annoy me here, as I thought they would. They're adorable and I did like their enthusiasm of following after Robin Hood. The action is great and the final climax is bundles of fun. I would say more, but the charming main character, the adorable romance and the fun side-characters provide a good 80 minutes of fun filled fluff.

Zootopia (2016)

The Dynamic Duo

[10/10 · 27 June 2016]

"Zootopia/Zootropolis"

A bunny (don't call her dumb) is dreaming of becoming a cop, but no one believes her and she wishes to prove all of them wrong. So, when she is placed in the ZPD (Zootopia Police Department), she seeks out help of a sly fox under the name of Nick Wilde, to find a helpless otter who has gone missing and hopes that she can solve the case and prove that anyone can be anything.

So, the last Disney film that I saw in the cinema was "Frozen", as you can guess, I loved it. I hadn't seen "Inside Out", but when the film came to DVD, I adored it as well. I was hesitant towards Zootopia (It's called Zootropolis in my country), as the trailers looked okay at best and the advertising gives little away in the way of plot and story for the film. Is this a smart move or is this false advertising?

Let's talk about the characters. Judy Hopps (the aforementioned bun-bun) is out to prove that she can be a cop. She is sick of being pushed to the side and stuck with the bum deals, she wants to get stuck in the action and kick some crime out of her way. She proves so, by actually being intelligent and optimistic about the chances she has and tries to keep herself going in the city. She is always beaten down by someone, but she beats them at their own game and is always on top of Nick's arguments. I love the interactions that she has with Nick, the two form a strong and lovable bond by the end of the film and the affection is obviously there in the last proper conversation that the two have before the films ends. She shows off her brains and actually works outside of the box to get her way around the case. Needless to say, I love animals and I was routing for her because of her likable strife that she endures throughout the film and she is practically on the level of Anna from "Frozen" in terms of character and likability.

Nick Wilde is a fox. I love this animal. He speaks in the calm and cynical way that many of his type do and he is actually like this in terms of character because of a deep and dark past, but he prefers to keep that memory six feet under his conscience. He clearly grows fond of Judy by the end of the film and he seems to form a connection that not only softens him, but makes him a better person. He had the wise cracks and wit that only someone like he would have and you like him just as much as you do Judy. The double act that they form is hugely memorable and cute.

You could make every argument under the sun about whether the two are actually in love with each other or not, I would be lying if I said that I didn't see the relationship. The two are practically meant for each other, the wit and humour that is uttered when they are both on screen is adorable and quick. The actors behind the microphone are clearly having fun here and I can bet that the two were going for more than just the 'best buddies' angle on the two.

Regardless, the story is strong and interesting enough to keep you guessing and the city of Zootopia looks mad, but impressive. Having a mature moral that is present in this films is good-hearted and I like that the film is coming out at a time like this. The moral is obvious and it incorporates itself into the characters as well as pop in at the last minute. Gladly, I liked the angle it went for an I'm glad that the message was hammered in a little. This is a time when no one is listening and I think that getting the message across is better than just subtly plopping it in.

It's my favourite film of the year and I hope you guys enjoy it as well.

Wonder Woman: Phantom of the Roller Coaster, Part 2 (1979) Season 3, Episode 24

The Finale

[9/10 · 22 June 2016]

"The Phantom of the Roller Coaster Parts 1 and 2"

I had no idea what to expect with this episode. Since it was a two-parter, I knew it would be slower and allow for a lot more character development, so I was happier for that. I'd have hated for the finale to be just a 45 minutes rush as the end of possibly one of the best TV shows ever (That is just my opinion) It's scary to see Lynda Carter play her iconic role for the last time and since the show was never allowed to have a proper swansong, it feels off not to give her and Lyle Waggoner their own farewells. But, alas, the show wasn't really cancelled, more allowed to die off peacefully, which I suppose is a sign that the network didn't want to cut the show short or get rid of it definitely. Regardless of the choice made, the character of Wonder Woman has a legacy after Lynda left her mark on the role and made the character more popular as a result. Good on you, girl. Anyway,the story is about a supposed phantom that lurks in the bowels of an amusement park and a businessman is hoping to exploit this, he wantsthe owner to give up rights for the park so that the newer businessman(A man called Fynch) can take over. Of course, the IADC have been on his case for three years and are on the verge of snuffing him out. Diana heads into the zone and searches for clues as to where he might be and who the mysterious phantom is. It's better that this is a two-part story, as it feels like it needs to be this long and flesh out its story. It never feels padded or trying too hard to impress, in fact, the villain is a little hammy, but he's played by someone who takes the role seriously and it feels serious. Serious Wonder Woman over silly is usually give or take (Sometimes the ham is so OTT that I just give up and let loose my expectations, which often gives way to more enjoyment) but I think this is still very fun to watch. Lynda looks fabulous in her WW gear for the very last time and I genuinely got a little teary when the story ended. It may have been the end of the show, but Lynda will always be Wonder Woman. Part 1: 7/10 Part 2:9/10 Overall: 10/10

Wonder Woman: The Man Who Could Not Die (1979) Season 3, Episode 22

The New League

[7/10 · 21 June 2016]

"The Man Who Couldn't Die"

So, this is an example of what the 4th Season of Wonder Woman would've been more like, had the show not been allowed to run out of time. Lynda is still on top from and never shows any sign of tiring out in the role. That is what I admire about her in the show, no matter what story she is landed in, she always looks happy and pleasantly ready to tackle it with finesse and earnest. Even here, the whole story involves her having to keep natural when a monkey is running around the episode and she just smiles, keeping a straight face. I would never be able to do that. The rest of the episode is honestly fine. I don't see how this new line up of regular characters couldn't have worked. They're all fine replacements and I'm glad that we don't get smug Steve Trevor smirking the whole time and getting himself locked up or tired up. The idea of an indestructible sidekick is okay, but it feels a little forced. Maybe it was best that he was left as just a side character. Overall, an okay tale of a new Man Of Steel. 7/10

Maleficent (2014)

Wicked, but with Maleficent

[9/10 · 21 June 2016]

"Maleficent"

Angelina Jolie is Maleficent, but she is no longer the nasty and sophisticated demon that was considered to be one of the best villains that Disney ever made, but she is now a misunderstood fairy who had been robbed of her wings and shoved into the battle that man brought upon her. But, it turns out that, when she curses the Princess Aurora on the day of her birth, she grows to like Aurora (Played by Elle Fanning) over the 16 years that she watches her. The three fairies are considered to be too thick to look after her and so Maleficent looks after the girl and even raises her. Okay, this is one of my biggest issues with the film, couldn't there be another way around Maleficent looking after Aurora than just having the fairies be thick? Couldn't she just talk to her or look after her when the fairies let her walk around the place, like in the original? There are so many ways around this topic, but they went the silly route. Negatives aside, I quite like the film. Angelina Jolie is not an actress that I'm familiar with, but she enlightened me in this movie. She looks the part and sounds the part, but the sympathetic approach can turn some people off when the original Maleficent is taken into account. No doubt, I love the original, but the new is also very good for me to see. I guess I like both original and new. Princess Aurora is considered to be one of the worst aspects of the original Sleeping Beauty, but I have been an Aurora fan since day one. I loved how she was portrayed here and it kept true to the original while giving something new. If you don't like new twists on old tales, then this ain't for you, but if you're open to some new ideas, then look no further.

Wonder Woman: The Fine Art of Crime (1978) Season 3, Episode 4

Wonder Woman Vs Very Bad Weeping Angels

[7/10 · 18 June 2016]

"The Fine Art of Crime"

This is an interesting one to talk about. It has a very cheeky Wonder Woman (her sassiness is adorable now), an idiot and an interesting story that is actually very engaging. There is plenty of Wonder Woman for the family to gape at and the villains are more than just money hungry blackmailers, they actually plan out and successfully carry out their plans. Heck, even Steve Trevor is given some good lines here, he still plays no part in the story whatsoever, but he gets some funny lines, at least and that is better than seeing him get stuffed into a crate and left there for WW to go and save. I like the villains plot here, to use real people to turn into statues and manipulate their movements to steal precious items. That's actually quite clever for the time period. I think it is because "Hot Wheels" was so dreadful and "The Deadly Sting" was good, but nothing spectacular, that I appreciate this one a little more. Season 3 of the show itself is very good, but there are a string of indecent episodes among some gems. If you didn't like "Hot Wheels" then tune in for this one, it's worth a watch. I give it 7/10.

Wonder Woman: The Boy Who Knew Her Secret: Part 2 (1979) Season 3, Episode 21

Could she forget 3 whole seasons of it?

[10/10 · 18 June 2016]

"The Boy Who Knew Her Secret Parts 1 and 2"

This is basically inspired by "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and tries to act like it isn't. It's not a bad story on its own merits, but there are some influences that are obviously not original. What works about this tale, is not only is it better as a two-parter, but has a good mystery and some good moments that make it very enjoyable. The final fight is brilliant and seeing Diana Prince forget that she is Wonder Woman is quite gut-wrenching. It isn't done for very long, but it still works. Lynda is effortless in her dual-role by now and she handles the drama and action so well. She works off well with everyone in the cast and I did like the short relationship that she had with Skip (Of course, he would never appear again in any other episode or form of media). It's an interesting idea to have someone work out who Diana Prince is and seeing her finally get herself back up on her feet is very inspiring. It's not hard to see why this was one of the final episodes written for the end of Season 3. It's an enjoyable and solid two-parter that keeps you guessing and makes Season 3 worth a few duds to get to the gems like this one. Part 1 8/10 Part 2 10/10 Overall 10/10

Wonder Woman: Amazon Hot Wax (1979) Season 3, Episode 16

Wonder Woman Vs The Sound of Music

[9/10 · 13 June 2016]

"Amazon Hot Wax"

I have no idea why the episode is called this, but boy is it a cool title. In fact, this episode seems to be a fan-favourite amongst many Wonder Woman fans, and I would be lying if I said that I didn't see how it is a classic.

I like the idea of Diana Prince letting her hair down a bit more by singing (Also physically doing so makes her look absolutely beautiful, without the tiara) and does Lynda Carter have a great singing voice? Yes, she does! She sings two songs here, but I'm glad that they're not the focus of the episode, just a helpful hint to tell the story.

The real point of this blatant product placement of two songs on Lynda's album at the time, is to show that Diana will go under cover to find out why an album seller is being extorted. That's right, the music industry is being attacked by evil doers. No plot is too ridiculous on this show.

With the aid of some old band members and her super powers, Wonder Woman is able to uncover some mysteries at work in the music industry, rescue some loons and stop some loons in the one story. It feels like a fun ride, while watching it, it really did. The music may be brilliant, but it's only a small part of the tale and Lynda is just unstoppable as a more serious Wonder Woman in one of the better episodes in this season.

I also like that the ending of the story hits a good bit of realism. Whenever Diana has to reveal that she's been under an alias the whole time and fooled someone that trusted and grew fond of her, the story hits a few heartstrings and pulls.

Speaking of Lynda's singing voice, she's still a pretty darn good singer, though, she clearly has the potential to be a great Goddess of smooth music. Steve Trevor isn't really all that prominent again, so you can see that he still has nothing to do, yet. It has just enough Wonder Woman and a fun feel to it. It's, by far, my favourite episode of Season 3.

I give the tale 9/10.

Wonder Woman: The Girl from Ilandia (1978) Season 2, Episode 21

The Lost Girl

[9/10 · 13 June 2016]

"The Girl from Ilandia"

I never thought that I would come across an episode that is actually quite as mature and new as this one. It's odd to see this kind of story, as when I was watching these episodes on TV and on DVD, I was just expecting a good adventure with some laughs and cool moments, but I got a story about a lost child who is forced to stay in the real world, a lot like Wonder Woman herself and has to deal with her loss. We never see Tina go home in the Series and this is her only appearance, so I guess that she was quickly forgotten, but having an episode like this shows off just how mature Wonder Woman can be and her speech at the end of the episode is perfect writing and Lynda Carter plays it off beautifully. I couldn't have picked another episode to call my favourite in the Series.

The New Original Wonder Woman (1975 TV Movie)

Wonder Woman!!!

[10/10 · 13 June 2016]

How can you not get excited in the opening moments of this Pilot? The opening theme storms in and gets you excited, just ready for the awesomeness that is Wonder Woman. Fabulously played by Lynda Carter, who makes the role her own (She basically is Wonder Woman)and provides so much personality that could've been discarded had she not been in the role. She is young here, but she will be a bovine babe by the time Season 2 comes along and she proves to be so fluffy and adorable as she is heroic, sassy and cheeky. She kicks absolute ass throughout the whole tale and her charming naivety is more than fun to watch. Seeing her get used to the real world is only ever really seen in this pilot, but it is very fun and enjoyable to watch. It's obvious that Lynda is having fun in the role and she would go on to prove that her character is more than just a sex icon. She is brimming with enjoyability and so is the pilot. It's the best pilot to sit down and have fun with, I won't say anymore.

Wonder Woman: The Deadly Toys (1977) Season 2, Episode 12

Two Wonder Woman? Oh my!

[9/10 · 13 June 2016]

"The Deadly Toys"

What can you make out of a title like that? Honestly? I was expecting it to be silly and overblown, but I was very wrong. It actually proved to be a very fitting episode, especially since it is set at Christmas. Lynda Carter just looks beautiful at this point (her luscious locks play a big part in that) and her cheekiness when she is sauntering around the episode is so enjoyable (Throughout Seasons 2 and 3, she became very sassy and it's so fun to watch) to watch. Having two Wonder Woman is nothing all that new, but the hilarious tussle that the two have is worth watching. Lyle Waggoner is given a total of two scenes per episode at this point and it was far too obvious that he was pretty much useless by this stage. I feel sorry for him, he is drafted such a bland character and he really isn't all that necessary in any story that he features. But, he isn't being tied up every five minutes as much at this point, so be thankful for small mercies. Anyway, a very fun and enjoyable moments that make a great episode. 9/10

Doctor Who: The Web of Fear: Episode 1 (1968) Season 5, Episode 23

"We're the flies, all right. But where is the spider?"

[10/10 · 16 June 2015]

The Web Of Fear is a story I have admired for many years. I knew it was considered a classic and rightfully so. But, I never quite came to appreciate it when it was found and released to the world in time for the 50th anniversary! I loved every minute of it! I can't say much more. You must see this Doctor Who story! Almost all of the story is intact and ready to be viewed. It's a great thrill ride with enough mystery and action to keep you interested. Patrick Troughton is on the top of his game and so are Frazer Hines and Deborah Watling. They aren't given as much to do here but are still fantastic to watch. I'd recommend to anyone.

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls - Rainbow Rocks Animated (2014)

It's taco tuesday!

[10/10 · 14 May 2015]

This film really did surprise me. I was a fan of the first movie for a while but it left me feeling underwhelmed. I was expecting a bit more for the first film in the series to be made. But this was the fun action adventure film I was waiting for! To start off, the villains of the film are great! Adagio Dazzle (Voice by Kazumi Evans is a great main villain and a very hypnotic presence, Aria Blaze (Voiced by Diana Kaarina) is a very moody and downbeat, yet still likable and fun character. Sonata Dusk (Voiced by the legendary Maryke Hendrikse) is a tonne of fun to watch! She gets great lines and the dizty-ness is just too cute! Sunset Shimmer is given much more of a character and an arc in this one and is sooooo likable! The songs are great! It's just a great film! Watch it and you won't be disappointed.