(courtesy IMP Awards) SNAPSHOT“Executive produces of Stranger Things welcome you to a new community.” In the sun-drenched expanse of the New Mexico desert lies The Boroughs, a picturesque retirement community promising its residents the time of their lives. But for new arrival Sam Cooper (Alfred Molina), paradise feels more like Continue Reading
TV
Death in the cheery sunshine … Thoughts on Blue Murder Motel
(courtesy IMDb) It’s all in the name. When I first came across the idea of “cosy crime”, the name didn’t seem to make sense – how could something so terrible be even remotely warm and lovely? But then I thought back to the days of Murder, She Wrote, and yes, Continue Reading
An unwelcome visitor … or the start of healing? Thoughts on Homebodies
(courtesy Random Management Instagram) So much is left unsaid when you’re a queer person coming out to your parents. You may have rehearsed the conversations a thousand times in your head, imagined how the discussion might go, good or bad and hoped that everything you authentically are will be far Continue Reading
Finding your (unexpected) people: Thoughts on Dog Park
(courtesy IMDb (c) ABC TV) When life begins to resemble a faint sparkle of its former sparkling promise and glow, the natural reaction is to withdraw from the people around you. It makes sense in one way; life has become too much to handle, and since people make up much Continue Reading
Oh my, see how they grow! Final thoughts on Star Trek: Starfleet Academy S1 (E4-10)
(courtesy IMP Awards) As I wrote the review for the first three episodes of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, I was impressed by how sophisticated a show it was so early in the piece. There are a great many shows that wobble and stumble in their first season, showing promise and Continue Reading
A 165-million year journey: Thoughts on The Dinosaurs
(courtesy IMP Awards) While time has moved on for this reviewer in many emphatically life-altering ways, one thing that hasn’t changed is the boisterous love my inner-five-year-old has for dinosaurs. Like many millions, likely billions of people across the globe, I am as fascinated by these prehistoric creatures now as Continue Reading
“The most important thing is to be yourself.” The endearing trailer for The Other Bennet Sister
(courtesy YouTube (c) BBC) SNAPSHOTThe first part of the series follows the events from Pride and Prejudice from Mary Bennet’s point of view, before the story departs to follow Mary as she travels to London & the Lake District. The overlooked sister from the big Bennet family has a romantic Continue Reading
It’s time to move on … Thoughts on Shrinking S3, E1-6
(courtesy IMP Awards) I am lucky to have a wonderful family. Well, “Congratulations you!” might well be the response from most people but what on earth does this have to do with a review of the first six episodes of Shrinking third season? As it turns out, quite a lot Continue Reading
Come on a wild adventure at camp … thoughts on Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
(courtesy First Showing (c) AppleTV+) If you’re of a certain age, you will be well acquainted with how good Peanuts specials are for your heart, your mental health and your general sense of glowing wellbeing. Three of the most well-known of the 52 animated specials in existence are A Charlie Continue Reading
Dark, dangerous and hilarious … Thoughts on How to Get to Heaven From Belfast
(courtesy First Showing (c) Netflix) Think tightrope walkers have a challenge on their hands? Surely a greater feat is balancing comedy and drama in a show like How to Get to Heaven From Belfast – the title alone is redolent with quirky humour and melancholic longing, all in perfect unison Continue Reading