2025: Year In Review

My last blog of 2025 and of course, it was going to be a look back at some of the shows I've watched.

Doctor Who (BBC1): Ncuti Gatwa's time as the Fifteenth Doctor might have been abrupt but at least he got to met the Rani and regenerate into Billie Piper.

The War Between The Land And The Sea (BBC1): Our first spin-off in the Whoinverse had Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw embark on an interspecies romance in the midst of a global conflict.

Monster: The Ed Gein Story (Netflix): 2025 hasn't been Ryan Murphy's year but his continued foray into true crime still gets an audience and a hell of a performance from Charlie Hunnam to boot.

Peacemaker (HBO Max): Season 2 might not have stuck the landing with it's ending but for the most part, I do think it was actually a good follow up from it's first season.

Pluribus (Apple TV): A late entry for me but this sci-fi hive mind show with a lesbian protagonist absolutely warranted the hype it received.

The Last Of Us (HBO): Season 2 only went and killed Joel off and a good portion of it's audience. It still managed to produce some good moments in spite of that.

Adolescence (Netflix): The most talked about miniseries this year tackling the issue of knife crime and a star making performance from Owen Cooper.

Big Boys (Channel 4): Series 3 marked a poignant final outing for Jack Rooke's vastly underrated show. It ended on a lovely note.

Only Murders In The Building (Hulu/Disney+): Season 5 might have been weaker compared to past glories but there was some fun to be had and moving to London next season opens up some great casting possibilities.

The Traitors - UK/Irish/Celebrity Versions (BBC1/RTE1): The biggest reality show on television and one that continued to expand with even the Irish being able to hold up its own. 

The Bear (FX/Disney+): Season 4 might have shown signs that this show can't go on forever but it still gave us that wedding episode with Brie Larson.

It - Welcome To Derry (HBO): Talk about a redemption arc for Andy Muschietti. This eight part prequel series for Pennywise might have been one of the best horror shows of the year.

Heated Rivalry (Crave/HBO Max): Who would've thought this adaptation of two rival hockey players falling in love would've gripped everyone in the last month? I didn't see it coming.

Harley Quinn (HBO Max): Season 5 saw a relocation to Metropolis, Brainiac at his most sympathetic, Harley and Ivy nearly at odds and sibling rivalry with Lex and Lena.

Daredevil: Born Again (Disney+): While this sequel series didn't quite hit the heights of its Netflix predecessor, it was a nice reminder of how brilliant Charlie Cox is in the title role.

Towards Zero (BBC1/BritBox): Unfairly hated by some, I actually found this three episode adaptation fairly enjoyable. Oliver Jackson-Cohen's hairy chest alone was a highlight.

Yellowjackets (Showtime/Paramount+): The third season killed off both Lottie and Van, made Shauna even more psychotic and revealed Melissa to be alive. Misty and Taissa almost seemed normal by comparison.

Dexter: Resurrection (Showtime/Paramount+): While the really prequel got renewed and then cancelled, this sequel produced some of the best since the original show's fourth season in 2009. What a glorious comeback for the character and Michael C. Hall.

The Sandman (Netflix): Season 2 brought one version of Dream to an end while issuing in the arrival of another. It was truly a family affair for this show's last outing.

The Death Of Bunny Munro (Sky TV): Matt Smith proving yet again that he's an incredible actor with this brilliant adaptation of Nick Cave's book of the same name.

And Just Like That (HBO Max): Several characters were lost, Carrie dumped Aidan and the show just ended. 

All's Fair (Hulu/Disney+): Sarah Paulson's venomous Carrington Lane was everything good about this messy show.

EastEnders (BBC1): The 40th anniversary was undoubtedly a highlight in a divisive run.

Toxic Town (Netflix): That other Jack Thorne miniseries that might have gone under the radar. Give it a go if you haven't already.

The White Lotus (HBO): While not as strong as the first two seasons, the move to Thailand still managed to be as chaotic and bloody as ever.

Prime Target (Apple TV): Leo Woodall as a cute and gay maths expert could've worked in a much better paced and sexier show than this one.

Mid Century Modern (Hulu/Disney+): A gay version of The Golden Girls was never going to work but this show at least tried.

House Of Guinness (Netflix): Steven Knight's on one of Ireland's most famous of families was certainly something to behold.

SAS Rogue Heroes (BBC1): Watched both seasons and loved Jack O'Connell's performance as Paddy Maybe.

Big Brother UK (ITV2): The 25th anniversary gave us a deserving winner among some horrible and mediocre housemates.

Boots (Netflix): This eight part military themed show with a gay protagonist and a lot of hunky guys fell victim to cancellation. It deserved better.

Overcompensating (Amazon Prime): Benito Skinner served some 2010s nostalgia with this mostly fun comedy series.

Stranger Things (Netflix): Season 5 has been rocky but here's hoping tonight's episode will end it on a high note.

Juice (BBC3): Mawann Rizwan's zany show came back for a second series with Russell Tovey as the more straight laced boyfriend again. Some sexy stuff in it.

Wednesday (Netflix): Wasting Lady Gaga to one side, I did like this second season. The new characters mostly worked as well. 

Poker Face (Peacock): Season 2 might have been it's last but it certainly upped the guest stars and their rapport with Natasha Lyonne.

That's it for 2025. Yes, there's some shows like Severance and The Pitt that I missed out on but in general, I did watch a lot and even caught up with some older shows as well. Here's to 2026 and the TV moments it'll bring.

My Review of One Battle After Another (2025)

 

Written And Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson

Bob: "I don't get mad. I don't get mad about anything anymore."

Going to end this year with one more movie review of a 2025 release and I picked an award contender that quite frankly, I didn't care for it. I get that this movie's become a favourite over the last few months but not for me.

A clumsily handled and needlessly political thriller meets satire (because some scenes are just outright ridiculous), you've got Leonardo DiCaprio (an actor I normally like) in a rather unconvincing performance as a burned out and paranoid revolutionary named Bob Ferguson. Years ago he was also known as "Ghetto" Pat Calhoun.

Early in the movie, Bob and his pregnant lover, Perfidia Beverly Hills (Teyana Taylor) were a part of the group, French 75. They were freeing immigrants and Perfidia took delight in humiliatingSteven J. Lockjaw (Sean Penn). Let's just that Perfidia and Lockjaw would have a very messed up relationship.

Anyways as time progressed, both Bob and Charlene/Willa (Chase Infiniti) settle into a normal life with new identities while Perfidia abandoned her family for more revolutionary antics, got caught and sexually blackmailed by Lockjaw and ended up fleeing into witness protection.

The movie itself focused on Bob's paranoia coming to a head when Willa got herself captured by Lockjaw and it turned out that the latter was her real father. I'll give the movie credit because a relative newcomer like Chase Infiniti held her own in scenes with seasoned actors like Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn and Regina Hall's Deandra.

Saying that, it didn't stop this movie from being totally off kilter at times, laboriously too long for it's own good with time or even the whole Christmas Adventurers plot fot Lockjaw, which ended in his deserved demise. If there's an upcoming award contender that would've benefitted from a shorter run time, it's this one.

- Benecio del Toro had a decent supporting role as Sergio St. Carlos. I liked him a little more I did Bob.

- Bob was the only person to have a 1G phone that wouldn't have worked in the time period. Of course Willa kept her phone secret from him.

- Standout music: Jon Brion's Bunker Bumper.

- Chronology: Sixteen years passed during the movie. Willa ended up going to a protest in Oakland.

Sometimes you just know when a movie that everyone likes will be a movie that you won't connect with. For me, One Battle After Another was that movie. I knew I wasn't going to like it. I found myself getting increasingly bored as it dragged on and I was relieved when it ended.

Rating: 5 out of 10 

DCU Blog - December 2025 Edition: TBII/MOT Major Casting, Supergirl Promo Begins

And to end this year for DC fans, we've got a slew of exciting information. Assuming nothing else gets announced before tomorrow night.

Scarlett Johansson has been cast in an undisclosed role for The Batman - Part II (October 1st 2027). She'll film her role after working on Mike Flanagan's upcoming The Exorcist movie. Filming begins in May.

Clayface (September 11th 2026) will feature Batman in some capacity.

The Brave And The Bold is still currently being written and Andy Muschietti is still attached as director and we still don't have an actor for DCU Batman.

Recent rumours have indicated that Ana Nogueira was told to prioritise Wonder Woman script over Teen Titans. Fingers crossed that casting is imminent.

Lars Eidinger has been cast as Brainiac for Man Of Tomorrow (July 9th 2027). A female warrior is also being cast. Filming begins from April 2026.

Superman (2025) is on the shortlist for Best Visuals at the Oscars.

DC Super Powers will feature Guy Gardner, Tula, Jessie Quick's Flash, Terra as well as Martian Manhunter and Mr Terrific.

The first trailer for Supergirl (June 26th 2026) was released this month. Seth Rogan has also been cast in a role while David Corenswet's Superman will also appear. Ramin Djawadi will score the movie.

Superman (2025), Peacemaker and Harley Quinn (HBO Max) have all been nominated for Critics Choice Awards.

Although not officially confirmed, we should be getting upcoming seasons of both Batman: Caped Crusader and My Adventures With Superman in 2026.

Captain Atom will appear in the second season of Creature Commandos. James Gunn won't be writing for the show.

HBO recently showed clips of Lanterns when promoting their 2026 slate of shows. A release date will confirmed in due course.

The Jimmy Olsen spin-off will begin filming shortly after the completion of Man Of Tomorrow.

For now, it appears that Netflix have won the battle for Warner Brothers. James Gunn and Peter Safran have had their contracts extended. 

That's a wrap for 2025. Here's hoping 2026 kicks off in style for DC.

My Review of Aztec Batman: Clash Of Empires (2025)

 

Written by Ernie Altbacker And Juan Meza-León

Directed by Juan Meza-León

Yohualli: "A wise man told me once, fear can kill you or inspire you to action."

This movie was released a few months ago with little fanfare but some criticism for perpetuating the use of anti- Spanish "Black Legend". It's also another Elseworlds look into Batman. This time with Aztecs and Conquistadors front and centre of things.

Our Batman in question was a young man named Yohualli Coatl (Horacio García Rojas). He grieved the loss of his mother, questioned the gods and occasionally disagreed with his well meaning father, Toltecatzin (Jorge R. Gutiérrez) on certain things.

The arrival of Hernán Cortés (Álvaro Morte) would soon unsettled Yohualli's community as Cortés didn't take long to show his true intentions and neither did his right hand man, Pedro de Alvarado (José Carlos Illanes) with Toltecatzin becoming a casualty in Cortés greed for gold.

This did lead our hero right into working under  King Moctezuma II (insert) and trying to warn him about Cortés true intentions when the latter made himself known. It didn't help that Yoka (Omar Chaparro), while under the influence of Huitzilopochtli (Luis Burmudez) was also giving the King some genuinely terrible advice about the Conquistadors that had severe consequences for everyone involved.

As Yohualli gained assistance from an Alfred variation and Jaguar Woman (Teresa Ruiz), he also had spiritual encounters with the Forest Ivy (Maya Zapata) and essentially became the much feared Bat God. On the other hand, Cortés became Two-Face and Yoka became the Joker.

The rest of the movie became something of an expected bloodbath with both Aztecs and Conquistadors fully trying to wipe one another out. There's nice nods to previous live action Batman movies, a sacrifice of sorts for the Bat God and the promise much more evil to come.

- Pedro was a variation of Azrael while Jay Hernandez and Raymond Cruz provided English dubs for Yohualli and Yoka.

- The mid credit scene introduced a variation of the Penguin as a Plague Doctor and the design looked fantastic.

- Standout music: There's a subtle use of a certain theme and it's used at the right time.

- Chronology: Set in the 1500s of the Aztec Empire.

I actually enjoyed Aztec Batman: Clash Of Empires. It's a really good Elseworlds story and I certainly wouldn't object to a sequel, though I don't anticipate we'll get one. It's worth a watch if you haven't already seen it.

Rating: 7 out of 10 

How To Keep Carol Happy And Other Matters

Tomorrow, I'll be doing an overview of the many shows I've seen and noting a few I need to catch up on. For now though, a final TV Jumble Blog.

All's Fair: The power of hate watching a show can certainly prove to be it's strength because this one managed to get a second season, in spite of it being universally panned. The second half of the season went through Allura/Chase's divorce, torpedoed Liberty's own nuptials, had Milan mostly in the background and Emerald briefly at odds with Dina before Carrington destroyed the latter. Carrington remained the consistent highlight of this show. Give Sarah Paulson all the awards.

Pluribus: I almost didn't watch this show. I felt maybe the overhype would leave me disappointed but I caved in and you know what, I get it now. I mean the first episode didn't blow me away but the more I kept with it, the more I found myself gripped by Carol Sturka. A lesbian romance novel writer who found herself being one out of thirteen people not taken over by an alien virus and who spent most of the season trying to reverse what happened to humanity. The dynamic between Carol and her chaperone, Zosia also added a complicated romantic element. Rhea Seehorn is fantastic.

SAS Rogue Heroes: Why yes, I did blitz through two series of this Jack O'Connell from Steven Knight. I'm convinced that man is the busiest writer for UK drama and this show was an absolute delight to watch. World War II era with O'Connell as volatile Northern Irish soldier Paddy Mayne and a brilliant supporting cast including Connor Swindells, Sofia Boutella and Dominic West. I'm glad it's been renewed for a third series, which is currently filming.

Stranger Things: With just one more episode to go, I have to admit that this fifth and final season, it's been a mixed bag. That whole coming out scene we got with Will should've been a big character moment but instead it became a source of mockery. I'll admit Ive enjoyed certain moments this season but I do think if maybe the show waiting too long to come back and the split season format has worked against it. I'm hoping the finale sticks the landing.

• FX's The Beauty, starring Evan Peters and Rebecca Hall will premiere with a triple bill from January 21st.
• Sarah Paulson has been confirmed to play Aileen Wuornos in Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story.
• Pluribus has become one of Apple TV's biggest hits and has been renewed for a second season.
• Filming for the second of A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms has begun. The first season premieres on HBO from January 18th.
• Young Sherlock, starring Hero Fiennes Tiffin in the title role will be released on Amazon Prime from March 4th.
• Imperfect Women, starring Elisabeth Moss and Kerry Washington will premiere on Apple TV from March 18th.
• NCIS Tony & Ziva has been cancelled by Paramount+ after one season.
• Both Olympo and Boots have been cancelled after one season each by Netflix.
• Disney+ have dropped their gender swapped pilot for Holes.
• PONIES, starring Emilia Clarke will premiere on Peacock from January 15th.
• MGM+ have ordered an adaptation of The Magnificent Seven to series.
• The Elizabeth Olsen series Seven Sisters has been picked up by FX.
• Vanished, starring Kaley Cuoco and Sam Claflin will premiere on MGM+ from February 1st.
• The fifth and final season of The Boys will premiere on Amazon Prime from April 8th.

My Review of Hook (1991)

 

Written by Jim V. Hart And Malia Scotch Marmo And Jim V. Hart And Nick Castle

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Wendy: "So... your adventures are over."

Peter: "Oh, no. To live... to live would be an awfully big adventure."

Before New Year's Day, I may slip in one or two more Christmas themed movies and I had to include this one. Yes, it's another childhood favourite and if there was a great live action sequel of sorts to Peter Pan, it's this one.

Now it's not actually a sequel to the 1953 Disney classic (I'll review that sometime next week) but for a long time, it certainly felt like one. I may have even seen this one before that movie or close enough to it.

Anyways, Peter Pan was now Peter Banning (Robin Williams) and he's become the boring adult that he never wanted to be. He married Wendy's (Maggie Smith) granddaughter, Moira (Caroline Goodall) and due to his work commitments, he's a terrible father to both Jack (Charlie Korsmo) and Maggie (Amber Scott). He's also forgotten about Neverland.

Of course he's reminded of Neverland when a vengeful Captain Jack Hook (Dustin Hoffman) had Jack and Maggie brought to Neverland. It wasn't long before Hook was pretty disgusted by the older Pan. That led to Tinkerbell (Julia Roberts) having to get Peter back into shape to rescue his children.

Peter's reunion with the Lost Boys now led by Rufio (Dante Basco) was one of the best ways to get Peter to remember his former life and reconcile it with the man he's become. While that was happening both Hook and Smee (Bob Hopkins) were doing a number on turning Jack against his own father.

The movie certainly had it's moments. Jack's anger issues towards Peter, Tinkerbell's feelings for Peter, Rufio's death, Peter finally stepping up for his children, Wendy's motives for moving on and Hook's demise. The latter did get a rather fitting demise here.

- In one of her first acting roles, Gwyneth Paltrow appeared as a younger version of Wendy while Glenn Close was also a pirate who got on Hook's bad side.

-Nick Castle, one of the writers for this movie played Michael Myers in Halloween (1978).

- Standout music: We Don't Wanna Grow Up, When You're Alone, Pick 'Em Up and Take Me Out To The Ball Game.

- Chronology: The present day scenes were in America and England while the majority of the movie was set in Neverland.

I have fond memories of watching Hook (1991) as a child. It's an excellent sequel with Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman on excellent form as Peter Pan and Captain Hook alike.

Rating: 8 out of 10 

My Review of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025)

 

Written And Directed by Rian Johnson

Fr. Jud Duplenticy (to the flock): "Here's what's gonna happen: Benoit freakin' Blanc and I are gonna ask you all some questions, and you all are gonna answer them and we're gonna get to the bottom of who killed Monsignor Wicks and why and then... that's it!"

I was hoping to catch up with this over the Christmas and while it's definitely not a festive themed movie, it did make for a delightful viewing experience. I've really grown to love the world of Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) that Rian Johnson created.

However in this third entry, the focus really did pivot towards former boxer turned priest, Father Jud Duplenticy (Josh O'Connor). I'd argue this was more his movie than it was Benoit's, who almost felt like a supporting player this time around.

I'm not even complaining because not only do I highly rated Josh O'Connor as an actor but Jud might be one of the most compelling movie characters this year. He's a beautifully complex character to watch and went through the absolute ringer in his new parish.

Being transferred by his own ally, Langstrom (Jeffrey Wright), Jud ended up assisting Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin) in Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude. Wicks was established as a rather awful Monsignor who weaponised fear and anger in order to retain his dwindling flock and didn't particularly care for Jud's attempts to change things for the better. It's also of no surprise that Wicks would be the victim here, albeit an unsympathetic one.

Now, let's look at the dwindling flock in question. There was the ridiculously devout Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close) who was Wicks's right hand woman as well as the lover of groundskeeper Sam Holt (Thomas Haden Church). Martha also had history with Wicks's mother Grace (Annie Hamilton) and grandfather, Prentice (James Faulkner). This would be even more relevant as the movie progressed.

Keeping with the flock there was a burned out lawyer named Vera Draven (Kerry Washington) who played "mother" to spoiled political wannabe influencer, Cy (Daryl McCormack). The latter would get worse along the way but let's also throw in a creatively spent writer named Lee Ross (Andrew Scott), the alcoholic Dr Nat Sharp (Jeremy Renner) and former cellist, Simone Vivane (Cailee Spaeny) in the mix. 

With that lot, you've got a good list of suspects, even more so when it was revealed that Wicks intended to ruin his congregation before looking for a diamond that would've given him the fresh start he wanted. Of course, everyone assumed that Jud did the deed, including Jud himself and especially the semi competent police chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis).

With the first half of the movie setting up Jud beautifully as a character, the second half was a dream team up of both him and Benoit Blanc. To say that Josh O'Connor and Daniel Craig played off each wonderfully would be an understatement. They're absolutely magnetic together. I need Jud to come back for the inevitable fourth movie.

As for the killers themselves, the reveal made perfect and it worked thematically with what the movie was attempting to convey. There was moments where it felt like Benoit might have been out of his depth until he wasn't and as for Jud, it was nice to see the man get his faith back by the end of this one.

- I have to give a massive shout-out to Bridget Everett as Louise. She gave a very heartfelt performance during one particular moment. 

- Jud killed a man in the boxing ring because he had hate in his heart. One of Wicks killers had a similar motive.

- I know his time in the world of Star Wars was divisive but I did like Rian Johnson referencing the franchise as well.

- The movie was shot out of order with Josh Brolin shooting his scenes last.

- Standout music: Warren Zevon's Wanted Dead Or Alive and Tom Waits Come On Up To The House.

- Chronology: Took place in a dwindling parish in Upstate New York. The last scene also took place a year later. Good Friday was when Wicks was killed.

I really enjoy the heck out of Wake Up Dead Man. In fact, this has now become my favourite movie in the Knives Out franchise. A good take on the matters of faith and one of the best double acts this year with Daniel Craig and Josh O'Connor. How could I not love this one?

Rating: 9 out of 10

My Review of Heated Rivalry: "The Cottage"

 

Written And Directed by Jacob Tierney 

Ilya: "Your family is here. Your boyfriend is here. You're good here."

Shane: "My boyfriend?

Ilya: "I mean, yes. I think so. Probably."

After last week's stunning penultimate episode, I'd say the expectations for this one were astronomical. Could it really stick the landing as a finale? Oh, it certainly did and then some.

The episode opened with Scott Hunter accepting an award a few months after hard launching his relationship with Kip Grady. Scott thanked everyone for his career success, including Kip for making him a better man. It was a lovely way to open the episode.

Then the episode delved into the cottage itself. Shane collected Ilya in secret and the two promised to be honest and relaxed with one another before heading to the titular location. This was a promise they managed to actually keep with one another.

Shane and Ilya at the cottage was just everything you could've wanted. They were goofy with one another, they were playful, they bickered a little like an old married couple and they also had some genuinely tender, truthful and even sexy moments. The writing could not have been more perfect for them.

Then we had the arrival of Shane's parents at the cottage and things continued to take an interesting turn. Of course Shane's parents suspected a little that he was gay but his relationship with Ilya still took them by surprise. I also loved how Ilya was with them.

I sound like I'm gushing too hard here but again those final moments when Shane realised he had a boyfriend with Ilya and both of his parents support, that genuinely was touching to see. Not to mention the last scene with Shane and Ilya driving away while holding hands. Absolutely beautiful.

- Shane and Ilya decided to set up a youth charity tackling suicide prevention. Ilya talked about his mother committing suicide.

- I did laugh at Ilya being disruptive during Shane's phone call with Hayden and playing as him in a video game. 

- I wish we had seen that scene between Ilya and Scott. That would've been nice. 

- Chronology: July 2017 and mostly in Ottawa for this episode.

The Cottage marked a brilliant end to a fantastic first season. Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams have been consistently brilliant throughout but these last two episodes truly saw them bring their A game. It'll be a while for the second season but hopefully both lads get some great gigs off the back of this show.

Rating: 9 out of 10 

Doctor Who - Christmas And New Year Specials Ranked

Today marks the 20th anniversary since Christmas and New Year's Specials became something of a thing within the Doctor Who Universe. As we're not getting one today (a genuine missed opportunity), I thought I'd rank the ones we already have. Best to worst of course.

1: The Christmas Invasion (2005)

The debut of David Tennant's Tenth Doctor really set the bar high for these specials as Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) had to get used to her friend looking different during the Sycorax invasion.

2: The Snowmen (2012)

The Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith) in Victorian London meeting up with another version of Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman), the Paternoster Gang and the Great Intelligence (Richard E. Grant).

3: A Christmas Carol (2010)

The first Christmas special for the Eleventh Doctor and while Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) and Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill), it gave us memorable guest performances from Michael Gambon and Katherine Jenkins.

4: Last Christmas (2014)

The Twelfth Doctor's (Peter Capaldi) first Christmas special had him and Clara on a base in the Arctic with a parasitic creature and freaking Santa Claus (Nick Frost).

5: The End Of Time (2009-2010)

A two part event that saw the exit of the Tenth Doctor being teamed up with Wilfred Mott (Bernard Cribbins) while facing off both the Master (John Simm) and Rassilon (Timothy Dalton). Add in a lot of cameos and this marked a great exit for David Tennant.

6: Revolution Of The Daleks (2021)

The Thirteenth Doctor's (Jodie Whittaker) second encounter with the Daleks during the New Year was actually better than her first one. It was certainly bigger with the departures of Graham O'Brien (Bradley Walsh) and Ryan Sinclair (Tosin Cole), the return of Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) and tension with Yasmin Khan (Mandip Gill).

7: The Time Of The Doctor (2013)

The exit of the Eleventh Doctor on Trenzalore made for a rather satisfying and emotionally charged final performance for Matt Smith. It also put Clara through the ringer as well.

8: Voyage Of The Damned (2007)

The most blockbuster Christmas special of them all. A spaceship named the Titanic, a cringey Cyborg baddie in Max Capricorn, Heavenly Hosts, Russell Tovey as a fit Midshipman Frame and of course Kylie Minogue's Astrid Peth.

9: Resolution (2019)

The first Dalek story for the Thirteenth Doctor and unfunny jokes about UNIT and the internet being down to one side, I think it's aged pretty well. Also focusing on one Dalek worked in it's favour.

10: The Next Doctor (2008)

Okay, it's false advertising as most of us would be guessed that David Morrissey wasn't going to be the next Doctor. It didn't stop him and David Tennant being a fantastic double act, Dervla Kirwan being a delight as the sadistic Mercy or the Cybermen being used well enough.

11: The Husbands Of River Song (2015)

While I'll always associate River Song (Alex Kingston) with the Eleventh Doctor, Amy and Rory, there's no denying how much chemistry she had with the Twelfth Doctor. Alex Kingston and Peter Capaldi were magical together.

12: Twice Upon A Time (2017)

While not my favourite regeneration story, it's one that I've grown to like a little more over time. It's more small scale with Peter Capaldi playing well with David Bradley's First Doctor and Mark Gatiss as another Lethbridge-Stewart. Not to mention a nice final return for Bill Potts (Pearl Mackie) and cameos from Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman) and Nardole (Matt Lucas).

13: The Runaway Bride (2006)

Ah, the debut of Donna Noble (Catherine Tate). She took some getting used to in this second special but what a double act with her and David Tennant. Also points to Sarah Parish for the scenery chewing as the Empress of the Racnoss.

14: The Church On Ruby Road (2023)

I might have highly rated this one upon initial viewing as now certain elements didn't age well (singing goblins) but it's a strong debut episode for Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor and Millie Gibson's Ruby Sunday.

15: Eve Of The Daleks (2022)

The final Dalek story for the 13th Doctor and Yaz but also including Dan Lewis (John Bishop). The repetitive timeline was fine enough but it's the weakest Dalek story for this particular era.

16: Joy To The World (2024)

The second special for the Fifteenth Doctor and it's one where Steven Moffat could've done more with the Time Hotel concept. It loses points for wasting Nicola Coughlan's Joy Almondo.

17: The Return Of Doctor Mysterio (2016)

A superhero themed special following the antics of The Ghost (Justin Chatwin) in New York. It's easily the weakest special from the Twelfth era but there's a special even weaker than this one.

18: The Doctor, The Widow And The Wardrobe (2011)

One of the few times in which schmaltzy was taken to extremes with this show attempting their own take on Narnia as the Eleventh Doctor was paired with Madge Arwell (Claire Skinner) and her children. Of course it's dead last in this line up.

As for everything else, well here's an honourable mentions round up. I quite enjoyed the use of Christmas and New Year's Eve in K9 And Company (1981) and Doctor Who: The Movie (1996). There's also The Feast Of Steven (1965) as well as the brief flashes of Christmas in episodes such as Turn Left (2008), The Power Of Three (2012) and The Pilot (2017) to name but a few.

Next year will see the show return with another Christmas special, which will be written by Russell T. Davies. Will it serve as a good ending to a rather divisive second era? Time will tell.

Merry Christmas Doctor Who fans. I hope you reading this as I did writing it.

My Review of Love Actually (2003)

 

Written And Directed by Richard Curtis

Billy Mack (to Joe): "It's a terrible, terrible mistake, Chubs, but you turn out to be the fucking love of my life. And to be honest, despite all my complaining, we have had a wonderful life."

I've got to admit that I've only ever watched this film at least twice in my life and it's a movie that in recent years seems to have something of a divisive reputation. Some really love it and a lot of people really hate it. I think I'm more in the like side of things.

Richard Curtis might have quite a reputation with romantic comedies but this one might be one of the most varied one of all. Instead of one love story during the Christmas period, why not several of them? Albeit, some of them are better handled than others if we're being completely honest here.

First off all, there was the decision to cast Hugh Grant as an affable PM named David. His love story involved a maid named Natalie (Martine McCutcheon) and it's a rather moving enough story that's the most fairytale of them all. It oddly worked better than expected.

David's sister, Karen (Emma Thompson) on the other hand wasn't having the best romance this Christmas. In fact it seemed like her marriage to Harry (Alan Rickman) was on the rocks thanks to him being foolish with his secretary Mia (Heike Makatsch). It also didn't help that a Joni Mitchell CD isn't the best way to show your wife you love them.

Then there's the love triangle between newlyweds Juliet (Keira Knightly) and Peter (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and the latter's best friend, Mark (Andrew Lincoln). It's complete with a rather cringe love declaration that's rightfully rejected to boot. Saying that, it's pretty damn memorable scene to watch.

As for the other stories, there's a grieving father and stepson duo named Daniel (Liam Neeson) and Sam (Thomas Brodie-Sangster). It's the airport with Sam being in love with his classmate, Joanna (Olivia Olson). Oh and Daniel got a date with Carol (Claudia Schiffer). As you do during the holidays.

Going through the other stories, there's an affecting love between writer Jamie (Colin Firth) and Portuguese housekeeper Aurélia (Lucia Motiz) and a cute one between two stand ins named John (Martin Freeman) and Judy (Joanna Page). 

The remaining stories engaged enough. There was Sarah (Laura Linney) and Karl (Rodrigo Santoro), which was slightly complicated by the corner's mentally brother, Michael while Colin (Kris Marshall) and Tony (Abdul Sallis) had some with American girls. The most amusing story though was at the expense of washed up singer Billy Mack (Bill Nighy) and his manager Joe (Gregor Fisher) with the former trying to revive his career with a Christmas cover version.

- At the time, I did find it odd that we got no gay themed love stories but apparently there was a lesbian one that got cut for timing. We lost out on Anne Reid and Frances de la Tour.

- Other actors/celebrities who popped up in this movie included Rowan Atkinson, Elisha Cuthbert, Billy Bob Thornton, Ant &Dec, Jo Whiley, Shannon Elizabeth, Denise Richards and Michael Parkinson to name but a few.

- Standout music: Bill Nighy's Christmas Is All Around, Sugababes Too Lost In You and Girls Aloud Jump. It's a movie with a great soundtrack.

- Chronology: Christmas time in London with an epilogue set a month later.

You know, I really do like Love Actually. Yes, as a Christmas live story movie it could be a little bit more diverse and it certainly would if we were getting it today. Saying that, it's moving, funny and romantic in all the right places and I'm glad it exists as a movie.

Rating: 8 out of 10 

My Review of The Wizard Of Oz (1925)

 

Written by Larry Semon And L. Frank Baum, Jr.

Directed by Larry Semon

Title Card: "Know ye all, that Dorothea is the rightful ruler of The Kingdom of Oz and on her 18th Birthday she shall ascend to the throne... .. to Rule until the Great Master calls."

Prior to a month ago, I had no idea such a movie existed. I mean, I did know that there were versions of The Wizard Of Oz that predated the 1939 movie. Why am I now reviewing this one? Because it's a 100 years old, that's why.

Earlier versions of this were of course in black and white as well as sepia and other colours, etc. It's also silent but there's music in the background and many, many captions to help forward the plot along.

The movie started with a toymaker reading the story to his granddaughter. In the Land of Oz, there were the following ruler - Prime Minister Kruel (Josef Swickard), and he's aided by Ambassador Wikked (Otto Lederer), Lady Vishuss (Virginia Pearson) and the Wizard (Charles Murray). Then there's Prince Kynd (Bryant Washburn), representing the discontented citizens of Oz and demanding the return of a missing baby.

Then there's the events of Kansas. Dorothy Gale (Dorothy Dwan) lived with her Aunt Em (Mary Carr) and her Uncle Henry (Frank Alexander). Em's nice but Henry isn't and it's not long before Dorothy ended up in Oz and befriended the likes of the Scarecrow (Oliver N. Hardy) and Cowardly Lion (Curtis McHenry).

Throw in a love triangle between Dorothy, the Scarecrow and Prince Kynd, Kruel trying to force Dorothy into marriage and a reveal about Dorothy's real origins and this definitely isn't the type of adaptation that I expected. If anything it barely resembled anything that came close to the source material itself.

- You can watch the movie for free on its official Wikipedia page and YouTube among other places.  I'm impressed you can do that with certain movies.

- The Scarecrow, Tin Woodsman and Cowardly Lion are actually disguises from the farmhands in this movie.

- Standout music: The movie was originally orchestrated by Louis La Rondelle, conducted by Harry F. Silverman, featuring Julius K. Johnson

- Chronology: Mostly set in Oz and Kansas as per usual.

While I didn't love this adaptation of The Wizard Of Oz, it's certainly worth a watch. It's a very removed from the source material version that you can get. I'm unlikely going to ever watch this again though.

Rating: 6 out of 10 

My Review of The War Between The Land And The Sea: "The End Of The War"

 

Written by Russell T. Davies

Directed by Dylan Holmes Williams 

Barclay (to reporters): "Tell them we won the war."

Victory really didn't come in the greatest form here. I know, I know. There had to be a return of status quo of sorts but even I felt bad for Homo Aqua a bit here and that's in spite of that reprehensible thing that Tide did at the start of the episode.

After so much talk of Severance in the last two episodes, it turned out to be a virus. One that the Prime Minister (Vincent Franklin) signed off on being injected into Barclay, who then passed it to Salt and who then inadvertently doomed hef own species.

It was cruel, it was callous and it worked all too well. In some respects, I'm actually shocked that Barclay and Salt themselves didn't die. As for their love story, kind of funny that RTD decided to mirror both Doomsday and Journey's End, only minutes apart from each other.

It looked like the Sea Devils/Homo Aqua's near extinction also nuked any chance of Barclay and Salt being together. Then it turned out that RTD wanted Barclay to be a sexy Gill-Man and those two lovers ended up being together. I desperately wanted Barclay to survive this miniseries and I'm glad he did. I'm still mixed about him and Salt as I do feel their relationship needed to be fleshed out more.

In fact so much needed to be fleshed out. Severance itself could've been better explained. Tide as a more antagonistic member of Homo Amphibia could've been better utilised. The public turning on Barclay also could have been better handled and even the human villains could've done with being anything other than one dimensional. There's a lot of could haves here.

Then there's Kate Lethbridge-Stewart. I do think these last few episodes have cemented just how great an actor Jemma Redgrave can be with the right material. Kate really went through it with Ibrahim's death and while she helped Barclay get his happy ever after, she clearly needed help herself. Blackmailing her therapist certainly wasn't it and nor was that credit scene.

- The credit scene was Kate pointing a gun at a man for littering. I would've removed that scene.

- Barbara and Kirby really added nothing as characters to the show. What was the point of Salt being able to assume a male form? We could've had bisexual Barclay.

- This episode certainly accentured Russell Tovey's physique. I'm not complaining one bit about that.

- Shirley's husband was named Lawrence, Ibrahim appeared in flashbacks and Tide had his kind eat dogs. Definitely could've done without that scene.

- Standout music: Lorne Balfe and Alison Goldfrapp's version of Heroes.

- Chronology: Various locations in this finale. 

Overall, The End Of The War marked a mixed ending for something of a mixed series. For the most part, I did enjoy this miniseries with Russell Tovey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Jemma Redgrave all giving excellent performances. Writing could've been stronger and cohesive in parts.

Rating: 7 out of 10 

My Review of Trading Places (1983)

 

Written by Timothy Harris And Herschel Weingrod

Directed by John Landis

Louis: "Listen, do you have any better ideas?"

Billy Ray: "Yeah. You know, it occurs to me that the best way you hurt rich people is by turning them into poor people."

Coleman: "You have to admit, sir, you didn't like it yourself a bit."

I'm still on a Christmas movie catch up and I have to admit that I've never watched all of this movie in one sitting. I've seen bits over the years but last night, I decided to watch the movie in it's entirety. I'm glad I did.

It's a movie with a straightforward concept. Take two very different men. In this case, a street hustler named Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy) and a commodities banker named Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd) and show what would happen if their lives were reversed.

That was the idea of Louis's bosses - brother duo, Randolph (Ralph Bellamy) and Mortimer Duke (Don Ameche). They had a bet that both Billy and Louis would fall into their preconceived notions of what would happen if things were different for each other. It was an experiment that almost worked. Until it didn't.

For Billy, getting to live in Louis's house with the latter's butler, Coleman (Denholm Elliott) and working Louis's job certainly has it's advantages. It turned out that Billy's quite shrewd on the stock market, much to the annoyance of the Duke brothers. Both of them showed their racist selves pretty quickly.

On the other hand, being poor didn't quite suit Louis. He lost his job, home, annoying fiancée Penelope (Kristin Holby) but on the other hand, he did gain a friend in Ophelia (Jamie Lee Curtis). Actually it was more than that as Louis and Ophelia became a couple by the end of the movie.

Having Louis, Ophelia and Billy team up to get back at the Duke brothers definitely had the type of comic mishaps you couldn't get away with today. Those scenes did have me laughing out loud and it was satisfying watching the Dukes lose everything.

- There's minor roles for Ron Taylor, J.T. Turner and Giancarlo Esposito in this movie along with Avon Long.

- At the time, there was hesitation in casting both Dan Aykroyd and Jamie Lee Curtis in this movie but fortunately we got both.

- Standout music: Sylvester's Do You Wanna Funk and The Silhouettes Get A Job.

- Chronology: 1980s New York during the Christmas season.

Now that I've properly watched it, I got to say that I really liked Trading Places. It's not very Christmassy as other movies I e watched this month but it's certainly enjoyable. Both Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy are on terrific form.

Rating: 8 out of 10 

My Review of Silent Night, Deadly Night (2025)

 

Written And Directed by Mike P. Nelson

Billy (to various victims): "Naughty."

My journey ending towards this horror franchise continued with the latest instalment, released in theatres last week. I can't believe I'm about to say but I actually liked this one. I'm being serious.

The movie opened with a young Billy Chapman (Logan Sawyer) witnessing the death of his parents by a homicidal Santa Claus. Years later and now played by Rohan Campbell, Billy's taken on the killer mantle himself, albeit with a twist.

For some reason, this movie wasn't interested in Billy being a villain but instead, it went down the Dexter (2006-2013) route into making him a rather sympathetic antihero. He's even got a "dark passenger" of sorts named Charlie (Mark Acheson) to make sure that Billy only kills deserving victims. 

In terms of changes, I think this worked well to the movie's direction. Ending up in a small town named Hackett, Billy ended up working in a gift store run by Mr. Sims (David Lawrence Brown) and fell in love with the latter's daughter, Pamela (Ruby Modine). Pamela had a bit of a dark side of her own and an unlikeable ex-boyfriend named Max (David Tomlinson).

Throughout the movie, we got to see Billy and Pamela's relationship development rather nicely. We also got to see Billy kill some horrible people, including an entire party of Nazis. At no point are we meant to not root for Billy. 

There's also a subplot involving a serial child kidnapper named the Snatcher that had Billy and Pamela working together. Again, this might be the most sympathetic version of Billy we're ever going to get and while the ending was predictable, I did find it satisfying enough.

- Billy's parents murdered his grandfather before they were killed themselves. Pamela could later "hear" Billy after his death. His bloody advent calendar was an interesting thing to have.

- There's some Easter Eggs to past movies in this franchise as well as Black Christmas (1974).

- Standout music: Kandy Korn's Saint Bitchless.

- Chronology: Billy's parents died when he was eight. He was in his twenties during this movie.

This has never been the strongest of horror franchises but I genuinely liked this version of Silent Night, Deadly Night (2025). Rohan Campbell turned out to be a great choice for Billy Chapman and this modern take worked a treat.

Rating: 7 out of 10 

My Review of Heated Rivalry: "I'll Believe In Anything"

 

Written And Directed by Jacob Tierney 

Ilya (to Shane): "I'm coming to the cottage."

Wow, what a hell of an episode. I can only imagine for book fans what it must have been to see the events of this episode play out onscreen. As a non book fan, I genuinely think this topped Hunter as my favourite episode.

That's twice this season that Scott and Kip have pushed the show into a positive. The exploration of their love story was incredible but a win for Scott having him out his relationship with Kip so publicly. Yes, it veered into fantasy wish fulfilment territory but it was so well handled.

Especially when you consider that Scott and Kip only appeared at the end while Shane and Ilya were recovering from their own injuries. Scott and Kip really are the bar that have been set for Shane and Ilya. Will they make their relationship public in the finale? We'll see.

Things got a lot more emotional for the two with the more steamy of scenes being parked in favour for it. In this case, that's not a criticism. It was nice to see both men being vulnerable with one another. Shane admitted he had real feelings for Ilya and Ilya also had to cope with the loss of his father.

There's a beautiful but long conversation on the phone between Shane and Ilya with the latter spoke Russian throughout. It was a great way for Ilya to offload his issues and for Shane to be a positive sounding board for him.

Then there's the cottage. It's the title of the finale and Shane invited Ilya to spend time there, which the latter was reluctant in doing so. Of course with the ending of this episode, Ilya had a change of heart on the matter.

- Shane's coming out scene with Rose was beautifully handled. Every gay guy deserves a friend like Rose. 

- Shane's mother might know her stuff about hockey but she definitely didn't see the Scott/Kip kiss coming a mile off.

- UK/Irish viewers will be able to watch this show from January 10th. 

- Chronology: Late 2016 to May 2017. Boston, Moscow and Montreal.

I'll Believe In Anything was absolutely brilliant. Longer than earlier episode (though still under an hour), this was a great culmination in Scott/Kip's story and a brilliant way to really move things forward with Shane/Ilya.

Rating: 9 out of 10 

My Review of Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983)

 

Written by Burny Mattinson And Tony L. Marino And Ed Gombert And Don Griffith And Alan Young And Alan Dinehart

Directed by Burny Mattinson

Marley: "Tonight, you will be visited by three spirits. Listen to 'em. Do what they say, or your chains will be heavier than mine. Farewell, Ebenezer. Farewell..."

I had to get in at least one more version of A Christmas Carol in before the big event next week and this popped up on my social media feeds due to it's anniversary this week. It's been forty two years.

Now we all know the story but let's have the Disney version. In this one we get Scrooge McDuck (Alan Young) as Ebenezer Scrooge and it's true to form. He's not particularly enthusiastic about Christmas and wasn't best thrilled that his long suffering employee Bob Cratchit (Wayne Allwine) aka Mickey Mouse wanted time off for Christmas Day. 

On top of that, Scrooge also had a way of rationalising not giving money to the poor and being openly scornful of his cheery nephew, Fred (Clarence Nash) aka Donald Duck. The only person that Scrooge seemed to admire was his deceased partner, Jacob Marley (Hal Smith) aka Goofy. There's a lesson to be learned from the former Jacob Marley as Scrooge was about to find out.

The lesson came in the form of three Ghosts - Christmas Past/Jiminy Cricket (Eddie O'Carroll), Christmas Present/Willie the Giant (Will Ryan) and of course, Christmas Future/Pete (Will Ryan). This meant getting glimpses of Scrooge's past, including a lost love named Isabelle/Daisy Duck (Patricia Parris), the potential death of Tiny Tim (Dick Billingsley) and his own demise.

Of course it did end as these adaptations normally do. Scrooge had a change of heart, rewarded the poor while promoting Bob Cratchit and giving toys to Tiny Tim and his siblings. It's a very sweet ending to a rather brisk adaptation of the most popular Christmas story.

- Minnie Mouse appeared as Mrs Cratchit while the Weasels were gravediggers. Ratty and Moley collected for the poor.

- This was released with a reissue of The Rescuers (1977).

- Standout music: Oh, What A Merry Christmas Day used at the start and end of the film.

- Chronology: 1800s Christmas Eve and Day. 

It's been a long while since I've seen Mickey's Christmas Carol but for a movie that's shorter than half an hour, it's a lot of fun. Great use of the characters, some funny lines and a heartwarming ending.

Rating: 8 out of 10 

My Review of Cinderella (1950)

 

Written by William Peet And Ted Sears And Homer Brightman And Kenneth Anderson And Erdman Penner And Winston Hibler And Harry Reeves And Joe Rinaldi

Directed by Wilfred Jackson And Hamilton Luske And Clyde Geronimi

Fairy Godmother: "Oh, now, now, now, now, now, just a minute. You must understand, my dear: On the stroke of twelve, the spell will be broken, and everything will be as it was before."

Cinderella: "Oh, I understand, but... it's more than I ever hoped for."

There are two reasons why I'm now reviewing this movie. First of all, it's turned seventy five this year and secondly, the upcoming season of Bridgerton will be very influenced by this story. There's also the fact that I happen to like it as well.

One of the earliest Disney movies that I watched as a child, Cinderella focused on the titular character (Ilene Woods) who lost both her parents and got made into being an unpaid skivvy for her mean spirited stepmother, Lady Tremaine (Eleanor Audley) and petty stepsisters, Drizella (Rhoda Williams) and Anastasia (Lucille Bliss).

Between the three of them, Cinderella's pretty keeping the house barely together but on the other, her best friends are mice and she did manage to keep them safe from Tremaine's spoiled cat, Lucifer. In return, they also help to create a nice dress for her.

A dress I should point out that Tremaine manipulated her awful daughter's into tearing to pieces, just so Cinderella couldn't go to the ball and meet Prince Charming (William Edward Phipps). Luckily there's a Fairy Godmother (Verna Felton) on hand to make sure that Cinderella could go to the ball.

Yes, Cinderella got a very nice dress, horses and a pumpkin carriage. She also got to meet Prince Charming and fall in love with him. She also had midnight working against and left a glass slipper behind. At least the prince had something to go on in order to find her.

It's almost a silly way as the Prince should have been able to recognise her but it was an amusing plot to have Tremaine try and fail to marry off one of her daughters. Of course Cinderella ended the movie going from servant to princess. 

- There are two animated sequels and a live action remake that was released in 2015. I'll tackle them all next year.

- Apparently this film took six years to make and it has about eight writers and three directors. I'm surprised it turned out so well.

- Standout music: A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes, Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo and So This Is Love.

- Chronology: It's based on Charles Perrault's 1697 tale.

Cinderella might not pass a certain test but it's a delightful Disney movie with some good songs, helpful mice and a mostly helpful Fairy Godmother. Is it in my Top 10 Disney movies? No, but it's certainly a good watch nonetheless.

Rating: 8 out of 10