James Bond retrospective 013: ‘Octopussy’ (1983)

There’s a tradition of James Bond films switching styles and generally trying to horn in on the zeitgeist, as seen in Live and Let Die’s ‘Blaxploitation’ and Moonraker’s ‘Space Opera’. There’s also a trend of ‘going back to basics’ to reset the series after any entry that’s particularly over the top, the prime examples being … >

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Top 5 casino movies

When you’re into gambling, it’s great to find movies that focus on a gambler’s story. The story of the gambler has interested filmmakers for over a century now, with a limitless variety of tales to be told. As you sit playing online blackjack or poker, it’s nice to dream about having one of those wins … >

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‘Doctor Who’ quiz: Which generation of Cyberman are you?

Just when Cyberman fatigue was setting in in Doctor Who, it was announced yesterday that the original Mondasian Cybermen – last seen in 1966’s The Tenth Planet (also their first appearance) – would be returning for Season 10’s finale. You’d have to have had your emotional inhibitor chip activated not to be excited about that. … >

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‘Death in Paradise’ Season 6 finale review

As we end our 2017 stay on Saint Marie, things take a decidedly softer pace for this week’s Death in Paradise mystery. Sadly this doesn’t make for a closing episode with much bite. “We’re not in London anymore, Dad. You have to expect things to be a bit different.” The episode does have many redeeming … >

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5 of the most romantic ‘Doctor Who’ episodes

Before 2005, Doctor Who did not spend a lot of time dwelling on matters of the heart. Occasionally the Time Lord’s companions would fall for someone, but the central character remained virtually asexual – despite being a grandparent and therefore presumably a parent too. That’s not to say he has not had his moments though; … >

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‘Apple Tree Yard’ Episode 1 review: Emily Watson is magnificent

“I can’t plead biology. Sex may be an animal pleasure but adultery, I’m discovering, is a human one.” Westminster is a place that has seen many historic speeches, political scandals and let’s be honest, a few extra marital quickies too. It is in these famous halls Yvonne (Emily Watson) meets a confident stranger determined to be … >

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