Look Who's back!

Yesterday Doctor Who screamed back onto our screens to the backdrop of a chorus of appreciation that David Tennant, Billie Piper, and John Hurt had signed on for the historic and monumental 50th anniversary special.

"The Bells of Saint John" felt like a new series launch episode in so many ways, even though it is merely the halfway point in the current seventh series. Like so many modern episodes it hurtled along at a pace that Usain Bolt would be proud of. At the same time it provided further introductions to the mystery that is Clara Oswald, and included a surprising and brief appearance from a nemesis that I cannot help but feel may arc all the way into the 50th anniversary special.

The episode itself was largely set in central London which provided a feel that was very reminiscent of the era of the show which catapulted both Tennant and Piper into Doctor Who folklore. With an excellent use of London locations, the episode delivered on it's promise of a modern thriller. In this anniversary year it is perhaps fitting that the nods to the history of the show continue over the next eight episodes. Did anyone else think that the bow tie that the Doctor found in his "wardrobe" could have been that of the second Doctor himself?

When an initial certain amount of disappointment to the news that series seven would be spread over two years rather than one, it has been comforting that this decision has clearly not compromised the quality of the episodes. Every episode of this current series has been focussed and full of quality. However it would be nice to see at least one two-parter for the series that allows the episode to breathe a little, and really build the story and suspense. Very few details of the anniversary special have been revealed as yet, but it would be fantastic if the story could be told over a number of consecutive nights, ending on the anniversary itself.

Very few television shows outside of soap opera are likely to achieve a 50th Birthday, therefore over the coming episodes and months the shows DNA should be celebrated: that it can go anywhere, do anything... and most importantly... that it is going to be fantastic!

Allons-y!

Is Superman in Man Of Steel?

The film that I am definitely most looking forward to this year is Man Of Steel. As a child Superman was my favourite and to this day I regard Superman The Movie as one of my favourite films of all time. Having also loved Lois & Clark, Smallville, Superman Returns, and The Dark Knight Trilogy, I am very intrigued to see what Nolan, Snyder, and Goyer have done with this new iteration of one of the biggest comic book heroes.

Having seen the trailer and heard all the talk that "this Superman will be grounded in reality" and is a more serious take on Superman, this leads me to speculate as to whether Superman will actually be in Man Of Steel.

Having seen the trailer you may think I'm mad... but by this I mean that throughout the film I do not think the man of steel will actually be referred to as "Superman". I mean think about it, the term "Superman" is not mentioned in any of the trailers at all, and Nolan also has previous with this type of thing where in The Dark Knight Rises Catwoman was never referred to as "Catwoman".

The more I think about this, the more likely I think it is. I mean by removing the tag of Superman would seemingly make the character more vulnerable, more human, and more susceptible to normal challenges. Also Nolan's protagonists always seem to have their limitations, which is one thing that Superman has never had previously, except for that troublesome green rock.

Big things have small beginnings...

Welcome to a new blog to review films and digital entertainment.

What has always led me to do this is the excitement, debate and chatter that films, TV shows, games, consoles, phones, and operating systems etc generate. Everything is divisive and everyone has their own opinions on all of these!

As the title and a certain Mr Fassbender would suggest, the intention is to go BIG! Everything must start somewhere, and talking and reading about all of the above is my passion. The aim is to review films old and new as I come across them, as well as other forms of digital entertainment to generate a hive of discussion points for people to join in.

Where we go from here is a choice I leave to you...