The latest tale from Doctor Who writer Gareth Roberts (‘The Lodger’, ‘The Unicorn and the Wasp’) may feel like a retread for its opening ten minutes or so, as if a reminder to the audience of just what Wizards Vs Aliens is all about, but there’s a treat in store after the familiarity.
There hasn’t been a Wallace & Gromit animation since 2008’s A Matter of Loaf and Death movie, and yet even after 5 years off our screens (not counting the repeats that TV law commands must be shown every Bank Holiday), the man and dog duo are as popular as ever with kids and adults – as was demonstrated earlier this month when an auction of 81 Gromit statues in Bristol raised £2.3million for charity.
Coming after three very solid weeks, Episode 4 of Ripper Street’s second series marked a slight dip in quality. Though still undeniably enjoyable fare, this week’s story was let down by its over-exaggerated villains, hastily-resolved ending and watery subplot involving newbie Constable Flight.
Sky1’s Yonderland maintains its high quality levels this week with a high gag-success rate, gratuitous nudity, and the inspired concept of the Monks of Old John, who must always tell the truth, and end up offending Negatus as a result. Debbie attempts to lead them to safety, avoiding those hunting for the reward of bringing them in dead or alive, including goblins and bounty hunters.
After the broader scope of Ariadne’s royal fortunes and Jason’s fate in the ring, this was a more intimate, family tale.
‘Tis some weeks until Christmas, but here’s something shocking;
You can buy this odd gift for a keen Trekkie’s stocking.
A book of Kirk’s foes: Klingon seasonal fun,
We’re about to review it, set your phasers to stun.’
Yonderland – Sky1’s new comedy series from the makers of Horrible Histories – really kicks into gear this week, launching promptly into the adventure and being all the funnier for getting to spend more time with all the one-off, incidental characters.
There is, as with many comedies, a lot more fun to be had once the setup of Yonderland – Sky1’s new comedy series from the makers of Horrible Histories – is over and done with.
Michael Fassbender leads a stellar cast in The Counsellor, a confused, sluggish, drugs-and-diamonds thriller directed by Ridley Scott from the first original film screenplay by Cormac McCarthy (No Country for Old Men, The Road).
For life-size science action figure Professor Brian Cox, the concepts of Time and Space are more exciting than the prospect of whatever Steven Moffat has planned for the world on 23 November this year. In the context of the entire universe, he’s probably got his priorities right.