Hell Cats 2
2x05 Reputations Ruined
[Listen to it (again) on Audible.]
Saturday, 2 March 2024
Comics
2000 AD #2362
aka the Christmas Prog 2023. Yes, that's how far behind I still am. On the bright side, I didn't read 2022's Chrismas edition until the middle of May '23, so I'm a couple of months up on last year. Also, as always, this is a bumper-length issue, so really it's like reading three Progs in one go.
aka the Christmas Prog 2023. Yes, that's how far behind I still am. On the bright side, I didn't read 2022's Chrismas edition until the middle of May '23, so I'm a couple of months up on last year. Also, as always, this is a bumper-length issue, so really it's like reading three Progs in one go.
Games
Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars
The original Broken Sword is a game I've wanted to play for decades (I don't know when I first heard of it, but it came out in 1996), but haven't ever got round to it for various reasons. I even bought the Director's Cut version years ago, but still didn't start it. That version doesn't run on Macs anymore (giving you some idea of how long ago I must've purchased it!), so instead I'm finally playing the original version. Today, I played... the first couple of minutes, after spending hours trying to get the darned thing to work (the amount of time I wasted on the Director's Cut before learning it simply doesn't run anymore...)
So, why am I finally playing it at all now? Because there's a Kickstarter for a fully remastered version currently running, and I thought I actually ought to play the darn thing and see if I like it before I go throwing money into that. Of course, I'll have to get further into the game than the opening cut scene and first location before I make any decisions.
The original Broken Sword is a game I've wanted to play for decades (I don't know when I first heard of it, but it came out in 1996), but haven't ever got round to it for various reasons. I even bought the Director's Cut version years ago, but still didn't start it. That version doesn't run on Macs anymore (giving you some idea of how long ago I must've purchased it!), so instead I'm finally playing the original version. Today, I played... the first couple of minutes, after spending hours trying to get the darned thing to work (the amount of time I wasted on the Director's Cut before learning it simply doesn't run anymore...)
So, why am I finally playing it at all now? Because there's a Kickstarter for a fully remastered version currently running, and I thought I actually ought to play the darn thing and see if I like it before I go throwing money into that. Of course, I'll have to get further into the game than the opening cut scene and first location before I make any decisions.
Videos
Critical Role
2x01 Curious Beginnings [2nd half]
The four-hour-long episodes felt like the biggest 'barrier to entry' for me on this (when am I going to find time for that? Especially as there's almost 150 of them just for this one 'season'), but, actually, at the end I was left wanting more. A good sign. (I mean, catching up still feels daunting, unless I want to devote all my free time to just watching Critical Role for the next few months/years (which I don't; I wouldn't want to for anything). Well, I guess I'll get there some day.)
[Watch it (again) on YouTube.]
2x01 Curious Beginnings [2nd half]
The four-hour-long episodes felt like the biggest 'barrier to entry' for me on this (when am I going to find time for that? Especially as there's almost 150 of them just for this one 'season'), but, actually, at the end I was left wanting more. A good sign. (I mean, catching up still feels daunting, unless I want to devote all my free time to just watching Critical Role for the next few months/years (which I don't; I wouldn't want to for anything). Well, I guess I'll get there some day.)
[Watch it (again) on YouTube.]
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
Three new additions this week, all brand new releases, though it only looks like two because Paths of Glory is a straight 4K upgrade from the Masters of Cinema Blu-ray.
Number of titles in collection: 3,246 [up 2]
Of which DVDs: 1,016 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,230 [up 2]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 331 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 7,888 [up 3]
Number of films: 3,989 [up 2]
Number of additional cuts: 358 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes: 9,678 [no change]
Number of short films: 1,128 [no change]
See you next week, faithful reader.
Three new additions this week, all brand new releases, though it only looks like two because Paths of Glory is a straight 4K upgrade from the Masters of Cinema Blu-ray.
Number of titles in collection: 3,246 [up 2]
Of which DVDs: 1,016 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,230 [up 2]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 331 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 7,888 [up 3]
Number of films: 3,989 [up 2]
Number of additional cuts: 358 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes: 9,678 [no change]
Number of short films: 1,128 [no change]
See you next week, faithful reader.
Friday, 1 March 2024
Videos
Critical Role
2x01 Curious Beginnings [1st half]
Yes, I have decided to dive in to the phenomenon that is Critical Role. (If you’ve never heard of it, or have but don’t really know what it is, I’ll spare you my introduction and let you read up for yourself.) (I’ll also spare you my usual long-winded explanation of how I first heard of it and what made me decide to start now.)
What I will say is a bit on why I decided to start here, the beginning of Campaign Two. There’s a lot of episodes of this show, and most run four hours or longer. In total, Campaign One clocks in at 450 hours, Campaign Two hits 565 hours, and there are a few spinoffs and one-shots too. Therefore, I thought I’d start with the currently-running Campaign Three and try to catch up to real-time. Then I realised that campaign is already 85 episodes in, which adds up to almost 352 hours of viewing. Even if you watched one hour a day every day, it would take almost a whole year to watch what’s already happened — by which time there’d be another 160+ hours. Plus, it seems like there’s been some debate and/or controversy about the quality of this campaign compared to previous ones.
All of which made me decide just to dive into the past and start with Campaign Two, which is one of the most-recommended jumping-on points. I just have to accept that, if I like it and keep going, it’s going to be a very (very) long time before I’m caught up…
Oh, and, as I said, the episodes are like four hours long. Ain't doin' all that in one sitting (yet).
[Watch it (again) on YouTube.]
2x01 Curious Beginnings [1st half]
Yes, I have decided to dive in to the phenomenon that is Critical Role. (If you’ve never heard of it, or have but don’t really know what it is, I’ll spare you my introduction and let you read up for yourself.) (I’ll also spare you my usual long-winded explanation of how I first heard of it and what made me decide to start now.)
What I will say is a bit on why I decided to start here, the beginning of Campaign Two. There’s a lot of episodes of this show, and most run four hours or longer. In total, Campaign One clocks in at 450 hours, Campaign Two hits 565 hours, and there are a few spinoffs and one-shots too. Therefore, I thought I’d start with the currently-running Campaign Three and try to catch up to real-time. Then I realised that campaign is already 85 episodes in, which adds up to almost 352 hours of viewing. Even if you watched one hour a day every day, it would take almost a whole year to watch what’s already happened — by which time there’d be another 160+ hours. Plus, it seems like there’s been some debate and/or controversy about the quality of this campaign compared to previous ones.
All of which made me decide just to dive into the past and start with Campaign Two, which is one of the most-recommended jumping-on points. I just have to accept that, if I like it and keep going, it’s going to be a very (very) long time before I’m caught up…
Oh, and, as I said, the episodes are like four hours long. Ain't doin' all that in one sitting (yet).
[Watch it (again) on YouTube.]
Thursday, 29 February 2024
Films
Wild Tales (2014)
[#16 in The 100 Films in a Year Challenge 2024]
"What Do You Mean You Haven't Seen...?" 2024 #2
[#16 in The 100 Films in a Year Challenge 2024]
"What Do You Mean You Haven't Seen...?" 2024 #2
Monday, 26 February 2024
Games
The Leaf Riders of Wrenwood
20–26 February 2024
Once again, intended to catch up with this on Sunday but failed, so am doing it today instead. I think I need to put more of an effort into playing it daily.
20–26 February 2024
Once again, intended to catch up with this on Sunday but failed, so am doing it today instead. I think I need to put more of an effort into playing it daily.
Sunday, 25 February 2024
Films
Dune: Part One 3D (2021)
[2nd watch]
[#14 in The 100 Films in a Year Challenge 2024]
+ several featurettes from the Blu-ray's special features
[2nd watch]
[#14 in The 100 Films in a Year Challenge 2024]
+ several featurettes from the Blu-ray's special features
Podcasts
The Rest Is Entertainment
1x16 The secrets of 'blurb quotes' on books and who is to blame when a guest goes rogue?
1x18 What has happened to sketch shows and what doesn't Richard like on TV?
Stumbled across this on YouTube, in fact (I guess it's a promo tool / extra means of 'reach' nowadays to post videos of your podcast on YT), but I don't know why I haven't heard of it sooner because it's right up my street: behind the scenes insights into the entertainment (mainly TV, film, and publishing) industries. (Turns out it only started in December, so I'm not that out of the loop. Just three months. There's a good review from the Guardian of the first episode that nails why it works.)
These two episodes seemed particularly interesting (hence why they're the ones I listened to) because they're answering listeners' questions, so they cover multiple topics that people wonder about, including me. Some stuff covered I already knew, but some stuff I learnt more about. Great. I've subscribed now.
1x16 The secrets of 'blurb quotes' on books and who is to blame when a guest goes rogue?
1x18 What has happened to sketch shows and what doesn't Richard like on TV?
Stumbled across this on YouTube, in fact (I guess it's a promo tool / extra means of 'reach' nowadays to post videos of your podcast on YT), but I don't know why I haven't heard of it sooner because it's right up my street: behind the scenes insights into the entertainment (mainly TV, film, and publishing) industries. (Turns out it only started in December, so I'm not that out of the loop. Just three months. There's a good review from the Guardian of the first episode that nails why it works.)
These two episodes seemed particularly interesting (hence why they're the ones I listened to) because they're answering listeners' questions, so they cover multiple topics that people wonder about, including me. Some stuff covered I already knew, but some stuff I learnt more about. Great. I've subscribed now.
this week on 100Films.co.uk
1 new review was published to 100Films.co.uk this week...
The Kid Detective (2020)
More next Sunday.
The Kid Detective (2020)
everything I expected it to be and more. It’s a successfully amusing extrapolation of its premise. It kind of has to be a comedy, because the basic idea is too silly to take seriously in the ‘real world’, and it manages that without tipping over into farce. But, somewhat remarkably, it’s also a solid mystery in its own right, with a surprisingly moving conclusion. It’s a balancing act that shows the validity of comedy-drama (aka dramedy) as a tone.Read more here.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 24 February 2024
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
A few additions this week, all of them brand new releases, which is always fun. Well, except for my bank balance. Indeed, my preorder list is looking the lightest it has for many, many months right now — not because nothing's coming out, but because so much has come out that I need to replenish my funds before I can order more!
Number of titles in collection: 3,244 [up 4]
Of which DVDs: 1,016 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,228 [up 4]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 329 [no change]
Number of discs in collection: 7,885 [up 5]
Number of films: 3,987 [up 5]
Number of additional cuts: 357 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes: 9,678 [no change]
Number of short films: 1,128 [no change]
It's also that time of the month again already: a running time update!
Total running time of collection (approx.):
555 days, 2 hours, and 3 minutes.
(Up 1 day, 4 hours, and 9 minutes from last month.)
See you next week, faithful reader.
A few additions this week, all of them brand new releases, which is always fun. Well, except for my bank balance. Indeed, my preorder list is looking the lightest it has for many, many months right now — not because nothing's coming out, but because so much has come out that I need to replenish my funds before I can order more!
Number of titles in collection: 3,244 [up 4]
Of which DVDs: 1,016 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,228 [up 4]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 329 [no change]
Number of discs in collection: 7,885 [up 5]
Number of films: 3,987 [up 5]
Number of additional cuts: 357 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes: 9,678 [no change]
Number of short films: 1,128 [no change]
It's also that time of the month again already: a running time update!
Total running time of collection (approx.):
555 days, 2 hours, and 3 minutes.
(Up 1 day, 4 hours, and 9 minutes from last month.)
See you next week, faithful reader.
Friday, 23 February 2024
Videos
Shuffle Up & Play
4 Rhystic Studies Can Only Afford A Pauper Deck
[Watch it (again) on YouTube.]
Spice8Rack
The Game Design GENIUS of Un-Sets & the Silver Border
[Watch it (again) on YouTube.]
I often struggle to find time to even watch a short feature film, or even TV shows, but I can do almost three hours of Magic the Gathering videos on YouTube? Well, there are reasons for that (don't tell my day job about this...)
It all started because I saw a small clip of the first video (YouTube has a name for those TikTok-esque short excerpts, I'm sure, but I have no idea what it is), then decided to watch the whole thing; and after it was over, I ended up looking up one of the player's own channels, which led to the second video. Frankly, I never expected to watch all of it at that length (I'm not that into Magic), but I did, and I ended up ordering another Magic set because of it. So idle YouTubing cost me almost £35. Thanks, YouTube.
4 Rhystic Studies Can Only Afford A Pauper Deck
[Watch it (again) on YouTube.]
Spice8Rack
The Game Design GENIUS of Un-Sets & the Silver Border
[Watch it (again) on YouTube.]
I often struggle to find time to even watch a short feature film, or even TV shows, but I can do almost three hours of Magic the Gathering videos on YouTube? Well, there are reasons for that (don't tell my day job about this...)
It all started because I saw a small clip of the first video (YouTube has a name for those TikTok-esque short excerpts, I'm sure, but I have no idea what it is), then decided to watch the whole thing; and after it was over, I ended up looking up one of the player's own channels, which led to the second video. Frankly, I never expected to watch all of it at that length (I'm not that into Magic), but I did, and I ended up ordering another Magic set because of it. So idle YouTubing cost me almost £35. Thanks, YouTube.
Thursday, 22 February 2024
Films
Official Secrets (2019)
[2nd watch]
...sort of. Like Sully and Crazy Rich Asians last year, I came upon this on TV and half-watched a significant chunk of it; not really enough to properly count as a rewatch, but too much to ignore.
[2nd watch]
...sort of. Like Sully and Crazy Rich Asians last year, I came upon this on TV and half-watched a significant chunk of it; not really enough to properly count as a rewatch, but too much to ignore.
Wednesday, 21 February 2024
TV
Blackadder II
2x01 Bells [2nd watch]
As I wrote when I started series 1, I first saw Blackadder in the late '90s, starting with series 2... and I suspect that's when I last saw it too, because surely any future rewatch would've included series 1? Hence only "2nd watch" here, despite this all feeling pretty familiar. It's also hilarious — my memory didn't cheat; and series 1 is definitely the lesser. Looking forward to rewatching the rest, plus a couple of special episodes I've also never seen.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
World's Most Dangerous Roads
5x01 Italy
Stumbled across this on TV and got sucked in. Assumed it was an old repeat (because I vaguely remember the series from its original run on the BBC, which was back in the early 2010s, and didn't know Dave had made more last year), but turns out it's basically new (this was a repeat, but it only premiered on Sunday). Not that I'm going to start watching the whole series, but this was quite engrossing and interesting.
[Watch it (again) on UKTV Play.]
2x01 Bells [2nd watch]
As I wrote when I started series 1, I first saw Blackadder in the late '90s, starting with series 2... and I suspect that's when I last saw it too, because surely any future rewatch would've included series 1? Hence only "2nd watch" here, despite this all feeling pretty familiar. It's also hilarious — my memory didn't cheat; and series 1 is definitely the lesser. Looking forward to rewatching the rest, plus a couple of special episodes I've also never seen.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
World's Most Dangerous Roads
5x01 Italy
Stumbled across this on TV and got sucked in. Assumed it was an old repeat (because I vaguely remember the series from its original run on the BBC, which was back in the early 2010s, and didn't know Dave had made more last year), but turns out it's basically new (this was a repeat, but it only premiered on Sunday). Not that I'm going to start watching the whole series, but this was quite engrossing and interesting.
[Watch it (again) on UKTV Play.]
Non-Fiction
The Art of Brevity by Grant Faulkner
Foreword by Megan Giddings
Introduction
Another non-fiction book! This one is subtitled Crafting the Very Short Story, which makes it sound like a writing craft book, though in the introduction Faulkner insists it isn't really. But it also has writing exercises in every chapter, so it also kinda is.
Foreword by Megan Giddings
Introduction
Another non-fiction book! This one is subtitled Crafting the Very Short Story, which makes it sound like a writing craft book, though in the introduction Faulkner insists it isn't really. But it also has writing exercises in every chapter, so it also kinda is.
Monday, 19 February 2024
Games
The Leaf Riders of Wrenwood
12–19 February 2024
Didn't have time to play this over the weekend, as I have been every week so far this year, so I'm catching up today instead.
12–19 February 2024
Didn't have time to play this over the weekend, as I have been every week so far this year, so I'm catching up today instead.
Sunday, 18 February 2024
TV
The BAFTA Film Awards 2024
Looking back through this blog's history, I don't normally bother to comment on the BAFTAs. But I will this year because I think David Tennant was one of the most successful hosts... ever? Now, for me, this is a pretty low bar to clear: for some reason, the opening monologue doesn't normally get many laughs. His did. So, that's a relative success, right? Bring him back next year!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Friends
1x18 The One with All the Poker [many-th watch]
Looking back through this blog's history, I don't normally bother to comment on the BAFTAs. But I will this year because I think David Tennant was one of the most successful hosts... ever? Now, for me, this is a pretty low bar to clear: for some reason, the opening monologue doesn't normally get many laughs. His did. So, that's a relative success, right? Bring him back next year!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Friends
1x18 The One with All the Poker [many-th watch]
this week on 100Films.co.uk
2 new reviews were published to 100Films.co.uk this week...
2024 | Week 3
More next Sunday.
2024 | Week 3
Featuring...Read more here.
- Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023)
- The Best of the Martial Arts Films (1990)
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 17 February 2024
TV
Friends
1x15 The One with the Stoned Guy [many-th watch]
1x16 The One with Two Parts Part One [many-th watch]
1x17 The One with Two Parts Part Two [many-th watch]
1x15 The One with the Stoned Guy [many-th watch]
1x16 The One with Two Parts Part One [many-th watch]
1x17 The One with Two Parts Part Two [many-th watch]
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
A tidy pile of new additions this week, all stuff I ordered almost on a whim that's arrived quickly — even a handful of titles from the US. It's remarkable how quickly stuff can get here even from overseas nowadays, really.
Number of titles in collection: 3,240 [up 5]
Of which DVDs: 1,016 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,224 [up 5]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 329 [no change]
Number of discs in collection: 7,880 [up 6]
Number of films: 3,982 [up 4]
Number of additional cuts: 357 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes: 9,678 [no change]
Number of short films: 1,128 [up 13]
Next week, I've got a mass of titles on preorder due for release the Monday after that update, so it'll be interesting to see how many arrive early — especially as, if they do, it'll be just in time for the monthly running time total.
See you then, faithful reader.
A tidy pile of new additions this week, all stuff I ordered almost on a whim that's arrived quickly — even a handful of titles from the US. It's remarkable how quickly stuff can get here even from overseas nowadays, really.
Number of titles in collection: 3,240 [up 5]
Of which DVDs: 1,016 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,224 [up 5]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 329 [no change]
Number of discs in collection: 7,880 [up 6]
Number of films: 3,982 [up 4]
Number of additional cuts: 357 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes: 9,678 [no change]
Number of short films: 1,128 [up 13]
Next week, I've got a mass of titles on preorder due for release the Monday after that update, so it'll be interesting to see how many arrive early — especially as, if they do, it'll be just in time for the monthly running time total.
See you then, faithful reader.
Friday, 16 February 2024
TV
Death in Paradise
12x01 Episode 1
With series 13 well underway, I finally get to series 12. Will I manage to catch up this year, or am I doomed to be a year out of step forever? Does it even matter?
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Friends
1x13 The One with the Boobies [many-th watch]
1x14 The One with the Candy Hearts [many-th watch]
Sometimes, they nailed the episode titles. Sometimes, less so. I think these two are examples of both...
12x01 Episode 1
With series 13 well underway, I finally get to series 12. Will I manage to catch up this year, or am I doomed to be a year out of step forever? Does it even matter?
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Friends
1x13 The One with the Boobies [many-th watch]
1x14 The One with the Candy Hearts [many-th watch]
Sometimes, they nailed the episode titles. Sometimes, less so. I think these two are examples of both...
Thursday, 15 February 2024
TV
Friends
1x11 The One with Mrs. Bing [many-th watch]
1x12 The One with the Dozen Lasagnas [many-th watch]
Continuing the Friends rewatch started in January. Can't believe it's been over ten years since I last saw these episodes — I swear I went through two or three entire Friends rewatches in the mid 2000s alone (that only one previous watchthrough is logged on this blog suggests maybe it was twice in the '00s and a third in the 2010s, or something like that).
1x11 The One with Mrs. Bing [many-th watch]
1x12 The One with the Dozen Lasagnas [many-th watch]
Continuing the Friends rewatch started in January. Can't believe it's been over ten years since I last saw these episodes — I swear I went through two or three entire Friends rewatches in the mid 2000s alone (that only one previous watchthrough is logged on this blog suggests maybe it was twice in the '00s and a third in the 2010s, or something like that).
Tuesday, 13 February 2024
Articles
The film’s the thing: Ian McKellen’s new Hamlet shows the screen can outdo the stage
by Michael Billington (from the Guardian)
I was interested in seeing this anyway, but this review has swayed me even more. Not sure I'll bother going to the cinema for it though, because there's a Blu-ray out before too long (early April) that's the same price as a regular adult ticket at my local cinema (who don't seem to be showing it anyway).
by Michael Billington (from the Guardian)
I was interested in seeing this anyway, but this review has swayed me even more. Not sure I'll bother going to the cinema for it though, because there's a Blu-ray out before too long (early April) that's the same price as a regular adult ticket at my local cinema (who don't seem to be showing it anyway).
Sunday, 11 February 2024
TV
Image Union
13x13 Halloween Fright
I won't get into the whole thing about what this is (you can read the Wikipedia article if you want!), but the important point is this 1990 episode contains Christopher Nolan's short film directorial debut, Tarantella. I could've just watched that bit, but I put the whole episode on for fun. If you'd just like to see the Nolan short, it starts at 19 minutes.
[Watch it (again) on Internet Archive.]
Would I Lie To You?
17x07 Episode 7
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
13x13 Halloween Fright
I won't get into the whole thing about what this is (you can read the Wikipedia article if you want!), but the important point is this 1990 episode contains Christopher Nolan's short film directorial debut, Tarantella. I could've just watched that bit, but I put the whole episode on for fun. If you'd just like to see the Nolan short, it starts at 19 minutes.
[Watch it (again) on Internet Archive.]
Would I Lie To You?
17x07 Episode 7
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
Ambulancen (2005)
[#13 in The 100 Films in a Year Challenge 2024]
Tarantella (1989)
See today's TV post.
[#13 in The 100 Films in a Year Challenge 2024]
Tarantella (1989)
See today's TV post.
Games
The Leaf Riders of Wrenwood
5–11 February 2024
And so the six 'trial' weeks come to an end. I did enjoy how they began to connect up and overlap a bit — for example, a mysterious guard who you don't see (because they're on the other side of a locked door) early in one week turns out to be the character you play for Week 6. It helps to reduce the feeling of treading water you get for having to 'wait' until the middle of February for the story to start. It also quite neatly and plausibly leads all six potential heroes to be in the same place at the same time to pick up tomorrow. I confess, I assumed it would be six standalone-ish 'taster' weeks, then the story proper begins after you've chosen one. This is a very neat way of handling that.
Scanning ahead a bit, it looks like much of the next week's play is about character management (choosing which of the six to play for the rest of the year; levelling up; getting equipment; etc), so I may well wait until next weekend before playing on again. Indeed, as I said one time before, it is quite nice saving up a whole week's play to go through in an extended session. Defeats the point of this being a calendar somewhat, but makes for a nice play experience.
5–11 February 2024
And so the six 'trial' weeks come to an end. I did enjoy how they began to connect up and overlap a bit — for example, a mysterious guard who you don't see (because they're on the other side of a locked door) early in one week turns out to be the character you play for Week 6. It helps to reduce the feeling of treading water you get for having to 'wait' until the middle of February for the story to start. It also quite neatly and plausibly leads all six potential heroes to be in the same place at the same time to pick up tomorrow. I confess, I assumed it would be six standalone-ish 'taster' weeks, then the story proper begins after you've chosen one. This is a very neat way of handling that.
Scanning ahead a bit, it looks like much of the next week's play is about character management (choosing which of the six to play for the rest of the year; levelling up; getting equipment; etc), so I may well wait until next weekend before playing on again. Indeed, as I said one time before, it is quite nice saving up a whole week's play to go through in an extended session. Defeats the point of this being a calendar somewhat, but makes for a nice play experience.
this week on 100Films.co.uk
1 new review was published to 100Films.co.uk this week...
Barbie (2023)
More next Sunday.
Barbie (2023)
This is definitely a movie primarily aimed at adults, with enough silliness and bright colours on the side to not alienate kids too much. Though by “kids” I mean “teenagers”. Sure, the 12A and PG-13 ratings are permissive enough to take your six-your-old who actually plays with Barbies, but they’re going to be left floundering — or, worse, bored — as the film debates feminism, the patriarchy, and gender roles in general.Read more here.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 10 February 2024
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
Just a couple of new titles this week — it looks set to be a slower month in general, although I do have a mass of preorders waiting at the end of it.
Number of titles in collection: 3,235 [up 2]
Of which DVDs: 1,016 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,219 [up 2]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 329 [up 1]
Number of discs in collection: 7,874 [up 4]
Number of films: 3,978 [up 3]
Number of additional cuts: 356 [up 2]
Number of TV episodes: 9,678 [no change]
Number of short films: 1,115 [no change]
See you next week, faithful reader.
Just a couple of new titles this week — it looks set to be a slower month in general, although I do have a mass of preorders waiting at the end of it.
Number of titles in collection: 3,235 [up 2]
Of which DVDs: 1,016 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,219 [up 2]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 329 [up 1]
Number of discs in collection: 7,874 [up 4]
Number of films: 3,978 [up 3]
Number of additional cuts: 356 [up 2]
Number of TV episodes: 9,678 [no change]
Number of short films: 1,115 [no change]
See you next week, faithful reader.
Friday, 9 February 2024
Films
Fantasmagorie (1908)
The first animated film — a two-minute short of chalkboard-like line drawings morphing into various scenes in a dreamlike stream-of-consciousness style 'narrative'.
The first animated film — a two-minute short of chalkboard-like line drawings morphing into various scenes in a dreamlike stream-of-consciousness style 'narrative'.
Non-Fiction
A City on Mars by Kelly & Zach Weinersmith
Chapters 18–20 + Conclusion [the end]
Altogether, a fun read. It gets deep enough into all the various issues of space settlement that you believe it's been seriously researched and all points have been considered, and you come away having learnt something about them. But it's also light enough to allow room for amusing anecdotes and asides, which regularly raise a chuckle and keep the whole thing in perspective.
To quote from the conclusion of the book itself: “Going to the stars will not make us wise. We have to become wise if we want to go to the stars.”
Chapters 18–20 + Conclusion [the end]
Altogether, a fun read. It gets deep enough into all the various issues of space settlement that you believe it's been seriously researched and all points have been considered, and you come away having learnt something about them. But it's also light enough to allow room for amusing anecdotes and asides, which regularly raise a chuckle and keep the whole thing in perspective.
To quote from the conclusion of the book itself: “Going to the stars will not make us wise. We have to become wise if we want to go to the stars.”
Thursday, 8 February 2024
Wednesday, 7 February 2024
Podcasts
Light the Fuse - The Official Mission: Impossible Podcast
2x34 Revisiting Christopher McQuarrie on "Jack Reacher"
Originally released as episodes 216, 217, and 218 of the 'original' (i.e. pre being made official) Light the Fuse podcast.
2x34 Revisiting Christopher McQuarrie on "Jack Reacher"
Originally released as episodes 216, 217, and 218 of the 'original' (i.e. pre being made official) Light the Fuse podcast.
Tuesday, 6 February 2024
Articles
‘We didn’t expect this phenomenon to last’: France’s comic-book tradition is hitting new heights
by Phil Hoad (from the Guardian)
Interesting 'profile' of the state of the comic book (aka bandes dessinées) industry in France. It's always been a fairly significant artform there (at least, more respected than it has been in the anglosphere), but has gone to new heights during and after the pandemic.
by Phil Hoad (from the Guardian)
Interesting 'profile' of the state of the comic book (aka bandes dessinées) industry in France. It's always been a fairly significant artform there (at least, more respected than it has been in the anglosphere), but has gone to new heights during and after the pandemic.
Monday, 5 February 2024
Films
The Kingdom of the Fairies (1903)
Georges Méliès fantasy short, watched on YouTube (and reviewed on Letterboxd, for now).
Georges Méliès fantasy short, watched on YouTube (and reviewed on Letterboxd, for now).
Sunday, 4 February 2024
Games
The Leaf Riders of Wrenwood
29 January – 4 February 2024
I'm still intending to switch to playing this as intended (i.e. daily) once I get through the initial period of "try each character for a week" (this was week 5 of 6 for that), but it is quite fun saving it up and playing a whole week in one go of a Sunday — I may end up doing that instead, long-term.
29 January – 4 February 2024
I'm still intending to switch to playing this as intended (i.e. daily) once I get through the initial period of "try each character for a week" (this was week 5 of 6 for that), but it is quite fun saving it up and playing a whole week in one go of a Sunday — I may end up doing that instead, long-term.
this week on 100Films.co.uk
A new month began for 100Films.co.uk this week (also for everyone else, but, y'know), and so it was time to look back at January — first, with the usual monthly review...
...then, with all (or, at least, many of) the films I'd failed to watch...
More next Sunday. And, this year, I actually mean it!
...then, with all (or, at least, many of) the films I'd failed to watch...
More next Sunday. And, this year, I actually mean it!
Saturday, 3 February 2024
Magazines
Doctor Who Magazine Find the 600!
DWM published its 600th issue this week, and alongside the main mag was this special 16-page supplement of... well, it's a funny one. There's a potted history of the magazine, focusing on just a handful of specific issues from throughout its history; then a spot of silliness in a photo-based comic strip about the creation of the cover (sort of); and then a bunch of random quotes from the 15 'main' Doctors. In the rich history of Doctor Who-related magazine supplements, I'm not sure this is going to be remembered as fondly as, say, the Radio Times ones...
DWM published its 600th issue this week, and alongside the main mag was this special 16-page supplement of... well, it's a funny one. There's a potted history of the magazine, focusing on just a handful of specific issues from throughout its history; then a spot of silliness in a photo-based comic strip about the creation of the cover (sort of); and then a bunch of random quotes from the 15 'main' Doctors. In the rich history of Doctor Who-related magazine supplements, I'm not sure this is going to be remembered as fondly as, say, the Radio Times ones...
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
I thought this week was going to be a completely dead one, but then a small pile of titles turned up this morning, bringing with them all of the following increases...
Number of titles in collection: 3,233 [up 3]
Of which DVDs: 1,016 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,217 [up 3]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 328 [up 1]
Number of discs in collection: 7,870 [up 4]
Number of films: 3,975 [up 5]
Number of additional cuts: 354 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes: 9,678 [no change]
Number of short films: 1,115 [up 5]
See you next week, faithful reader.
I thought this week was going to be a completely dead one, but then a small pile of titles turned up this morning, bringing with them all of the following increases...
Number of titles in collection: 3,233 [up 3]
Of which DVDs: 1,016 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,217 [up 3]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 328 [up 1]
Number of discs in collection: 7,870 [up 4]
Number of films: 3,975 [up 5]
Number of additional cuts: 354 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes: 9,678 [no change]
Number of short films: 1,115 [up 5]
See you next week, faithful reader.
Friday, 2 February 2024
TV
Blackadder: The Lost Pilot
I think I was expecting the first half of this to be some fluff to pad it to an hour, but it’s a surprisingly good little documentary, both as a history of the pilot and how it was transformed into the series, and as analysis of what does and doesn’t work, etc. Such a shame they ballsed up the rights (or whatever happened) and couldn’t include it on the complete series Blu-ray.
As for the pilot itself, it’s kind of bizarre how much it’s like series 2, considering how much series 1 isn’t like series 2. It’s as if someone saw the pilot and said, “that doesn’t quite work, let’s change it up,” then it took them an entire produced and broadcast series to realise those changes made it worse, before they went back to the original ideas and discovered, actually, they were perfection.
The pilot was also reworked into what’s probably the best episode of series 1, but I’d argue this actually does the same stuff better; partly because of the tone, partly thanks to some surprisingly elaborate bits of choreography (the play that turns into a farce and a climactic sword duel) which are a lot of fun.
I think I was expecting the first half of this to be some fluff to pad it to an hour, but it’s a surprisingly good little documentary, both as a history of the pilot and how it was transformed into the series, and as analysis of what does and doesn’t work, etc. Such a shame they ballsed up the rights (or whatever happened) and couldn’t include it on the complete series Blu-ray.
As for the pilot itself, it’s kind of bizarre how much it’s like series 2, considering how much series 1 isn’t like series 2. It’s as if someone saw the pilot and said, “that doesn’t quite work, let’s change it up,” then it took them an entire produced and broadcast series to realise those changes made it worse, before they went back to the original ideas and discovered, actually, they were perfection.
The pilot was also reworked into what’s probably the best episode of series 1, but I’d argue this actually does the same stuff better; partly because of the tone, partly thanks to some surprisingly elaborate bits of choreography (the play that turns into a farce and a climactic sword duel) which are a lot of fun.
Thursday, 1 February 2024
TV
The Black Adder
1x05 Witchsmeller Pursuivant
1x06 The Black Seal [season finale]
Well, that did improve as it went on, but I think the overall reputation I mentioned in my post for episode one still stands: this is a poor relation to the genius of the series that will follow. Imagine if the poor reception at the time had put them off commissioning series two (as nearly happened) — this would be some standalone oddity, a footnote in everyone's career (if, indeed, they went on to have the careers they had), possibly beloved by a tiny number of fans... Unless, of course, it's actually me that's aged and my tastes changed, and I won't enjoy the future episodes so much either?! Argh! Well, I'll worry about that for a little bit until I start series two...
[Watch the whole series (again) on iPlayer.]
Brian May's Brief History of 3D
Remember when everyone was so convinced that 3D was going to take off that Sky even launched a dedicated 3D channel? This was one of their original programmes, back in 2011. Thirteen years ago! Christ. Where does time go? The optimism for 3D is still strong, here — as well as a speedy but interesting history of the medium, it also takes time to look to its then-current and future uses. Of course, such optimism was misplaced. Now, it's back to being a hobby for us few aficionados. Yes, I still have a 3D TV, and I watched this on that in 3D — and lovely it was too, including the chance to see some real rarities — but for the mass audience, even theatrical 3D screenings are dwindling (though that does seem to depend on where you live). Can it ever make a comeback again? Who knows. Glasses always seem to be the major barrier for people. If they can make a glasses-less system, maybe things will be different.
1x05 Witchsmeller Pursuivant
1x06 The Black Seal [season finale]
Well, that did improve as it went on, but I think the overall reputation I mentioned in my post for episode one still stands: this is a poor relation to the genius of the series that will follow. Imagine if the poor reception at the time had put them off commissioning series two (as nearly happened) — this would be some standalone oddity, a footnote in everyone's career (if, indeed, they went on to have the careers they had), possibly beloved by a tiny number of fans... Unless, of course, it's actually me that's aged and my tastes changed, and I won't enjoy the future episodes so much either?! Argh! Well, I'll worry about that for a little bit until I start series two...
[Watch the whole series (again) on iPlayer.]
Brian May's Brief History of 3D
Remember when everyone was so convinced that 3D was going to take off that Sky even launched a dedicated 3D channel? This was one of their original programmes, back in 2011. Thirteen years ago! Christ. Where does time go? The optimism for 3D is still strong, here — as well as a speedy but interesting history of the medium, it also takes time to look to its then-current and future uses. Of course, such optimism was misplaced. Now, it's back to being a hobby for us few aficionados. Yes, I still have a 3D TV, and I watched this on that in 3D — and lovely it was too, including the chance to see some real rarities — but for the mass audience, even theatrical 3D screenings are dwindling (though that does seem to depend on where you live). Can it ever make a comeback again? Who knows. Glasses always seem to be the major barrier for people. If they can make a glasses-less system, maybe things will be different.
Wednesday, 31 January 2024
Tuesday, 30 January 2024
Monday, 29 January 2024
Sunday, 28 January 2024
Comics
Helium by Ian Edginton & D’Israeli
So, here's the series I was referring to in yesterday's 2000 AD listing. Glad I bothered to read this, both because I enjoyed it a lot (it's an action-packed pulp 'dieselpunk' adventure) and because I reckon I'd've been floundering about what's going on in the new run without this grounding. Crazy to think it’s taken eight years for the next part to appear — if I’d read this when originally published, by this point I’d probably assume it’d just come to a downbeat, borderline-unique ending, rather than a cliffhanger.
Read Helium for free here.
So, here's the series I was referring to in yesterday's 2000 AD listing. Glad I bothered to read this, both because I enjoyed it a lot (it's an action-packed pulp 'dieselpunk' adventure) and because I reckon I'd've been floundering about what's going on in the new run without this grounding. Crazy to think it’s taken eight years for the next part to appear — if I’d read this when originally published, by this point I’d probably assume it’d just come to a downbeat, borderline-unique ending, rather than a cliffhanger.
Read Helium for free here.
Games
The Leaf Riders of Wrenwood
22–28 January 2024
We're only four weeks into the year? Somehow, it feels a lot more. And also, like it can't be (almost) February already. Perception of time is a funny thing, eh...
22–28 January 2024
We're only four weeks into the year? Somehow, it feels a lot more. And also, like it can't be (almost) February already. Perception of time is a funny thing, eh...
this week on 100Films.co.uk
5 new reviews were published to 100Films.co.uk this week...
Archive 5, Vol.8
More next Sunday.
Archive 5, Vol.8
Featuring...Read more here.
- One Cut of the Dead (2017)
- The Breakfast Club (1985)
- Chopping Mall (1986)
- Dead Man's Folly (1986)
- Wild Target (2010)
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 27 January 2024
Comics
2000 AD #2351
Three new series start this Prog, and one of them they had the kindness to provide the previous run online for free. Fortunately, I downloaded it at the time (though, as of posting this, it's still available anyway), so I think it makes sense to read that first before embarking on series two. Which means I'm gonna let these Progs pile up as not-quite-finished until I do that. Hopefully, I'll bother to do it soon... but knowing me...
Three new series start this Prog, and one of them they had the kindness to provide the previous run online for free. Fortunately, I downloaded it at the time (though, as of posting this, it's still available anyway), so I think it makes sense to read that first before embarking on series two. Which means I'm gonna let these Progs pile up as not-quite-finished until I do that. Hopefully, I'll bother to do it soon... but knowing me...
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
Normally the end of a month feels a bit busier, as it seems to be the favourite release window for all the boutique labels nowadays. No idea why. But my titles from Eureka turned up early, and one from Arrow is coming from the US, so it's just a bundle from Radiance this week.
Number of titles in collection: 3,230 [up 4]
Of which DVDs: 1,016 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,214 [up 4]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 327 [no change]
Number of discs in collection: 7,866 [up 4]
Number of films: 3,970 [up 4]
Number of additional cuts: 353 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes: 9,678 [no change]
Number of short films: 1,110 [no change]
To liven things up, it's also time for the monthly running time update...
Total running time of collection (approx.):
553 days, 21 hours, and 54 minutes.
(Up 1 day, 14 hours, and 17 minutes from last month.)
See you next week, faithful reader.
Normally the end of a month feels a bit busier, as it seems to be the favourite release window for all the boutique labels nowadays. No idea why. But my titles from Eureka turned up early, and one from Arrow is coming from the US, so it's just a bundle from Radiance this week.
Number of titles in collection: 3,230 [up 4]
Of which DVDs: 1,016 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,214 [up 4]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 327 [no change]
Number of discs in collection: 7,866 [up 4]
Number of films: 3,970 [up 4]
Number of additional cuts: 353 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes: 9,678 [no change]
Number of short films: 1,110 [no change]
To liven things up, it's also time for the monthly running time update...
Total running time of collection (approx.):
553 days, 21 hours, and 54 minutes.
(Up 1 day, 14 hours, and 17 minutes from last month.)
See you next week, faithful reader.
Friday, 26 January 2024
Films
Bottoms (2023)
[#8 in The 100 Films in a Year Challenge 2024]
Bottoms (2023)
[2nd watch]
Arguably this belongs in tomorrow's Films post, because most of my viewing was after midnight; but that would obscure an important fact: that after I finished watching Bottoms, I more-or-less turned right around and watched it again. That's only the second time in my life I can remember doing that (the last was Serenity, on the big screen at my uni's film society, back in 2006).
[#8 in The 100 Films in a Year Challenge 2024]
Bottoms (2023)
[2nd watch]
Arguably this belongs in tomorrow's Films post, because most of my viewing was after midnight; but that would obscure an important fact: that after I finished watching Bottoms, I more-or-less turned right around and watched it again. That's only the second time in my life I can remember doing that (the last was Serenity, on the big screen at my uni's film society, back in 2006).
Thursday, 25 January 2024
Films
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 3D (2018)
[2nd watch]
[#7 in The 100 Films in a Year Challenge 2024]
[2nd watch]
[#7 in The 100 Films in a Year Challenge 2024]
Monday, 22 January 2024
Films
Steamboat Willie (1928)
The original Mickey Mouse short, which is now in the public domain. Ironically, I watched it on Disney+.
The original Mickey Mouse short, which is now in the public domain. Ironically, I watched it on Disney+.
Sunday, 21 January 2024
TV
The Black Adder
1x04 The Queen of Spain's Beard
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Would I Lie To You?
16x08 Episode 8
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x04 The Queen of Spain's Beard
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Would I Lie To You?
16x08 Episode 8
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Games
The Leaf Riders of Wrenwood
15–21 January 2024
A week introducing Playable Character #3. I didn't think this was a character I'd want to play as, but I had more success than with either of the other two so far. Of course, that's partly just the luck of dice rolls. Several more to go yet before I have to make a final decision about the rest of the year.
15–21 January 2024
A week introducing Playable Character #3. I didn't think this was a character I'd want to play as, but I had more success than with either of the other two so far. Of course, that's partly just the luck of dice rolls. Several more to go yet before I have to make a final decision about the rest of the year.
this week on 100Films.co.uk
Can you believe it? I barely can! But it's true: last week, I published 8 new reviews on 100Films.co.uk! They were...
2024 | Week 2
The Return of Archive 5
More next Sunday.
2024 | Week 2
Featuring...Read more here.
- Lift (2024)
- Only Yesterday (1991)
- Jackass Forever (2022)
The Return of Archive 5
Hey, look what else is back! Almost a whole year on from the last instalment in the series, I’ve finally managed to rustle up a new Archive 5. Featuring...Read more here.
- The Mummy (1932)
- So Dark the Night (1946)
- The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)
- A Brief History of Time Travel (2018)
- Misery (1990)
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 20 January 2024
TV
Blood Actually: A Murder, They Hope Mystery
Can’t tell if these are getting worse or if they’ve always been this bad and it’s only now getting to me.
Can’t tell if these are getting worse or if they’ve always been this bad and it’s only now getting to me.
Comics
2000 AD #2350
Having just caught up (er, four months ago), now I've fallen well behind again! Oops. Another casualty of my Doctor Who focus towards the end of 2023. I had intended to try to catch up again in December, during the period when the bumper Christmas issue was on shelves meaning no new Progs until January, but it didn't happen. Hopefully I'll get to that Christmas issue before too long — it's always going to be unseasonal now, but the sooner the better.
Having just caught up (er, four months ago), now I've fallen well behind again! Oops. Another casualty of my Doctor Who focus towards the end of 2023. I had intended to try to catch up again in December, during the period when the bumper Christmas issue was on shelves meaning no new Progs until January, but it didn't happen. Hopefully I'll get to that Christmas issue before too long — it's always going to be unseasonal now, but the sooner the better.
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
A goodly haul this month — a mix of January sales & offers (including one DVD-to-4K upgrade, a quality jump that always tickles me) and a handful of new releases (technically out over the coming fortnight) from Eureka.
Number of titles in collection: 3,226 [up 7]
Of which DVDs: 1,016 [down 1]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,210 [up 8]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 327 [up 3]
Number of discs in collection: 7,862 [up 12]
Number of films: 3,966 [up 8]
Number of additional cuts: 352 [no change]
Number of TV episodes: 9,678 [up 8]
Number of short films: 1,110 [no change]
See you next week, faithful reader.
A goodly haul this month — a mix of January sales & offers (including one DVD-to-4K upgrade, a quality jump that always tickles me) and a handful of new releases (technically out over the coming fortnight) from Eureka.
Number of titles in collection: 3,226 [up 7]
Of which DVDs: 1,016 [down 1]
Of which Blu-rays: 2,210 [up 8]
— of which Ultra HD Blu-rays: 327 [up 3]
Number of discs in collection: 7,862 [up 12]
Number of films: 3,966 [up 8]
Number of additional cuts: 352 [no change]
Number of TV episodes: 9,678 [up 8]
Number of short films: 1,110 [no change]
See you next week, faithful reader.
Friday, 19 January 2024
Thursday, 18 January 2024
TV
The Black Adder
1x03 The Archbishop
It does seem to get better with each episode. Still nowhere near the level of later series at their best, though.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x03 The Archbishop
It does seem to get better with each episode. Still nowhere near the level of later series at their best, though.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Non-Fiction
A City on Mars by Kelly & Zach Weinersmith
Introduction
Subtitled Can We Settle Space, Should We Settle Space, and Have We Really Thought This Through?, this popular science book reportedly offers a thoroughly-researched alternative to the well-popularised view of certain tech bros that we're merrily off to colonise space in the next decade or two.
And yes, that's right: me, who barely manages to read anything most of the time (certainly a lot less than I'd like) is attempting a science book! Well, I heard good things, and the subject matter is up my street. Plus it's "popular science", so I figure it should be accessible and not, like, a textbook. Makes a change from fiction, too; in that, although I don't read as much fiction as I'd like, it is almost all I read when I do read. So there.
Introduction
Subtitled Can We Settle Space, Should We Settle Space, and Have We Really Thought This Through?, this popular science book reportedly offers a thoroughly-researched alternative to the well-popularised view of certain tech bros that we're merrily off to colonise space in the next decade or two.
And yes, that's right: me, who barely manages to read anything most of the time (certainly a lot less than I'd like) is attempting a science book! Well, I heard good things, and the subject matter is up my street. Plus it's "popular science", so I figure it should be accessible and not, like, a textbook. Makes a change from fiction, too; in that, although I don't read as much fiction as I'd like, it is almost all I read when I do read. So there.
Monday, 15 January 2024
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