Shows and Movie Reviews
Inspector John Marlott investigates a series of crimes in 19th Century London, which may have been committed by a scientist intent on re-animating the dead.
Starring Sean Bean, Richie Campbell, Tom Ward, and Ryan Sampson.
This is a favorite time period of mine. Add in a dash of horror and Sean Bean and I was intrigued.
I’m only a few episodes in, but it’s incredibly intriguing. The story line has shot in new directions since the beginning, with many subplots that all twist around Marlott and his investigation.
It’s also great to see Sean Bean in anything. He’s a good actor. His character is very complex and with a troubled past. He’s flawed, but you can root for him.
Two seasons of six episodes each, this UK series is short but packs a punch.
Highly recommended.
The crew of a Royal Naval expedition searching for the Arctic's treacherous Northwest Passage discovers instead a monstrous predator.
Starring Jared Harris, Tobias Menzies, and Ciarán Hinds.
Based on Dan Simmons’ novel, The Terror.
I read The Terror several years ago. And it was officially the last time I slogged through a book I wasn’t enjoying. At almost eight hundred pages, it really needed to be shortened to half that.
The show manages to avoid all of that. It’s also not depressing despite its dark subject matter.
The budget was obviously hefty as it’s a great looking show.
There are a lot of plot threads that really add to the story and the tension. Not so much that you’ll get lost though.
I’m almost at the end of this one – definitely recommended.
Legion, based on the Marvel Comics by Chris Claremont and Bill Sienkiewicz, is the story of David Haller (Dan Stevens), a troubled young man who may be more than human.
The second season is in full swing right now. The first season redefined creative, crazy, bold television making.
This season has taken crazy to a whole new level.
I really have no idea where it’s going. I can’t see any possible conclusion that will bring us back from the edge of madness. (Or kill everyone in the world. David is just that powerful of a mutant.)
If you’re looking for a show unlike anything else out there, you have to check out Legion. It redefines super hero television series. (I can’t watch The Flash or any of those shows anymore – they fall so short.)
Highly recommended.
Alice returns to where the nightmare began: The Hive in Raccoon City, where the Umbrella Corporation is gathering its forces for a final strike against the only remaining survivors of the apocalypse.
Starring Milla Jovovich and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson.
The last movie was okay at best, despite how much money it made at the box office. This one was better. The final chapter? Probably not, but it did bring the story line full circle.
The story is simple. Nothing complex, deep, or meaningful. (After six movies, were you expecting more?) But it’s well executed and self-contained. You don’t need to see the other films to know what is going on.
And Mila can still kick butt.
The zombies created by the Umbrella Corporation’s virus are still there, although they take a back seat in the story. Lots of fights, explosions, and other gory moments. A fitting end to the series, if it is indeed the end.
Fans of the series will dig it. Otherwise, recommended to those who like their zombie movies in the style of Road Warrior.
Movie News
Want a bit more to chew on after Avengers: Infinity War?
Some cool articles from JoBlo:
Joe Russo confirms Soul Stone theory in Avengers: Infinity War
Top 10 Plot Theories and Titles for Avengers 4
Also from JoBlo:
Vin Diesel confirms Justin Lin is directing Fast & Furious 9 and 10.
The ninth movie is set for release on April 10th, 2020.
Diesel confirmed this while promoting the opening of the new Fast & Furious: Supercharged ride at the Universal Orlando Resort. I’ll see the movies but not sure about Supercharged.
According to JoBlo:
MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL is one of the most beloved comedy classics of all time and one that remains as endlessly quotable as it is timeless. As much of a classic as the movie is, the Broadway musical based on the movie, SPAMALOT, has achieved its own level of acclaim and notoriety. Now, it’s time for the stage romp to make its own way to the silver screen, and now 20th Century Fox is fast-tracking a film version into development.
And for those of you who haven’t seen the latest trailer for Ant-Man and the Wasp – oh yeah, it looks awesome!
Ninja News
We need one more co-host for the June 6 posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! If you can help that day (or later in the summer) please leave a comment. Thanks!
Learn more about the book and the authors at the Tick Tock Mystery Blog.
Buy the book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, and Kobo.
Supervillain!: An Unofficial And Unauthorised Guide To The World Of Dr. Horrible’s Sing-A-Long Blog by David Black
An episode guide for Joss Whedon's Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.
Find it on Amazon
I saw this on Twitter last Friday and it made me chuckle:
Trivia
Books to television series – name the book/show based on the author and the star:
1 – Author Laura Ingalls Wilder, starring Michael Landon
2 – Author Craig Johnson, starring Robert Taylor
3 – Authors Richard Hooker & W. C. Heinz and starring Alan Alda
4 - Author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and starring Benedict Cumberbatch
5 – Author Stephen King, starring Mike Vogel
6 – Author James S. A. Corey and starring Thomas Jane
Answers next Monday!
Are you watching any of those shows? Have any other Infinity War theories? Riding Supercharged? Excited about the next Ant-Man movie? Picked up Tick Tock? Know any of the trivia answers?
And who can co-host next month?
85 comments:
I did love Monty Python. And might even have to break my habit of no movies...
Spamalot was one of the first live musicals I saw. I think it'd be good as a movie? Maybe? I dunno, I think there's always this push to make successful musicals into movies but it doesn't always translate as well on screen.
Great news and reviews especially about the Frankenstein Chronicles,
You see the are where I live is very prominated by the Shelley Family.
I once lived in an aprtment in a house owned by Mary and Percy Shelley's son. The family are buried here in Bournemouth.
Yvonne.
Seen Resident Evil a while back, not bad for what it was. Never even heard of the other two, have to check them out. Legion I haven't watched season 2 yet, found season 1 super slow at the start.
Little House on the Praire
ummm
MASH
Sherlock Holmes
Under the very very crappy Dome
ummm
Hi, Alex!
Thanks for the reviews of The Frankenstein Chronicles, The Terror and Legion. All three sound like must see for me, especially if Legion leaves The Flash in the dust. It amazes me that the F & F franchise is still pedal to the metal. After watching the trailer, I am excited to see Ant-Man and the Wasp. Lots of action, thrilling FX and humor - just my style!
Have a great week, good buddy Alex!
Oh, Alex, very disappointed to hear you've given up on the CW superhero shows ;-) I love all the comic book shows in their various forms, but have to agree Legion is in a class of its own.
What you think of Runaways? it's only been going a few weeks here in the UK and I really like it - possibly because I come to it with no baggage, not having read any of the source material.
Thanks, too, for the news about Spamalot. Saw the musical a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it and, of course, Monty Python & The Holy Grail is one of the all-time great comedy movies.
I've also ordered myself a copy of David's Supervillain! as that sounds just like the sort of book I'd enjoy.
The Frankenstein Chronicles does sound interesting, I'll have to look that one up. Also, looking forward to Ant-Man and the Wasp, as well as any Fast & Furious.
I think that The Frankenstein Chronicles is on my watchlist on Netflix...thanks for the reminder!
I'll have to look up The Terror. Thinking I might be able to catch it on Sling (we're somewhat unplugged here).
Thanks, Tim! I'd love to know what you think about it.
I don't love horror but I like mysteries. The Frankenstein Chronicles sounds good.
I really enjoyed the first season of Legion but it got so incredibly complicated that I lost interest. or at least I couldn't keep up. I tried the first two episodes of the terror and it seemed very slow to me. I gave up after that.
Sarah, very true. I'd still like to see it as a musical.
Yvonne, that is very cool.
Pat, four right and the one answer made me chuckle. Give the second season a chance. It really is crazy.
Shady, they are aiming for ten Fast and Furious. Why not, since the movies have made billions of dollars.
Tim, I've not watched Runaways. Too many shows. I would like to see the musical of Spamalot.
Elizabeth, you'll appreciate the mystery elements in Frankenstein Chronicles.
Charles, it picks up, but it does have a slower pace.
Totally agree re Sean Bean and have that on my To Watch List. Same with The Terror.
Most of the way through The Rain on Netflix - excellent!
I got the first trivia question - I hope! - Little House on the Prairie. I also now have the theme music playing in my head....
I saw Infinity War last night, so now I have to go back and fill in the other movies I haven't seen yet. Much to discuss with my co-workers today!
My husband and I saw Spamalot the night we got engaged. We'll definitely have to see the movie version.
I've been debating about watching The Frankenstein Chronicles, and now I'm adding it to my to watch list. Legion is absolutely awesome! It is the one show I watch obsessively each week. I've been watching Lemony Snickett's Series of Unfortunate Events on Netflix. So quirky and an awesome mystery. And while it stars children, it's really dark for a kid audience.
Hi, Alex! I need a clone just to read and another to watch tv. "The Frankenstein Chronicles" sounds great, and Sean Bean is one of my favorite actors. I saw "Spamalot" in Vegas years ago. It is such a fun play, and I love Monte Python. I actually know the answers to some of your trivia. #1 is "Little House on the Prairie." #2 is "Longmire." #6 I haven't seen, but it's got to be "The Expanse Series." Craig Johnson and "James S. A. Corey are fabulous authors. Dan Simmons is one of my favorite authors. It's hard to beat his Hyperion Cantos, his Ilium/Olympos series, "Drood," or "Song of Kali." "Flashback, set in Denver, was a dud (IMHO). Have a great week!
Looks like a lot of good shows. Chronicles of Frankenstein sounds interesting. I'll put that on my long list of things to watch if I ever have time.
I have been curious about the Frankenstein Chronicles but had not checked them out. Might do that now.
I adored the first season of Legion, and have been saving up the second to binge it once it's finished. It's such a fascinating piece of work, from the way they shoot it to their byzantine long term stories.
Madeline, haven't watched that one yet. And you are correct.
Sandra, that's really cool.
Christine, you'll enjoy it. And I never miss Legion.
Fundy, if he's a favorite, then you have to watch. And you got three right.
John - exactly!
I'm hunting down The Frankenstein Chronicles. That series sounds perfect for me this year. I think we can divide the county into two parts, the part that loves Monty Python and the part that doesn't get it. I'm in the part that can't get enough of it. All I have to do is think Holy Grail and I'm in stitches. My family thinks I'm nuts.
p.s. If you need a co-host, put me down. I just did it this month, so maybe later in the summer.
I'd like to see the Frankenstein Chronicles because I love Sean Bean but I have no idea what channel it is on. The Terror looks good and I have seen a couple of episodes. I love the one lead who must be Dracula's brother:) and he is an excellent character actor in many movies. I want to see the Ant man with the Wasp person. hahaaa. OK I need to see the latest Avengers film as well. Now the answers: 1. Little (out) House on the Prairie (Couldn't he build a nicer home??). 2. No clue because I keep thinking of the old film actor of the same name who starred in a western series. 3. MASH-Great show and watch it every day still. 4. Sherlock Holmes-Love Benedict 5. No clue at all
I need to watch The Frankenstein Chronicles. Looks good. I may have to watch Resident Evil since I do like Zombies. Well sort of.
Spamalot sounds fun.
1) Little House on the Prairie
Had to answer that one, because this is the first time I knew one of your quiz answers, Alex.
Have a great week.
Hi Alex - glad to know about the Frankenstein Chronicles ... I'm sure I'll see that sometime. I think I could answer some of the quiz this week ... to my surprise. Thanks for all the recommendations ... cheers Hilary
Hey, Alex,
Is the F. Chronicles on Netflex? Amazon?
Have a great one.
I need to watch Frankenstein Chronicles... I started a few weeks ago and haven't finished the first episode yet. And RE Final Chapter - will it really ever be the final chapter? Doubtful :)
I avoid watching most shows as I don't like to invest my time in them--I'd rather the creators take out all the fluff and recaps and just make a movie. The Frankenstein show sounds interesting though.
I liked the first Ant-Man movie, but I haven't gotten excited about a movie in a long long time. I don't even know what's in the theaters these days.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I saw Spamalot in London. A movie adaptation would be fantastic - can't wait to see it! The Frankstein show sounds quite good and I do like Sean Bean. I'll have to check it out.
The Terror seems nothing can end well. And something including Sean Bean? Oh yes.
DC really just can't do anything right.
Well, I don't know about the present day comics, but their TV and movie offerings are all just so... underwhelming.
I'm looking forward to Legion showing up on HULU so that I can watch season two.
Well, I hope you don't mind, but I posted your Review today on my Show Off Tuesday, GiveAways & Reviews Linky for tomorrow. I'm trying to fill up my Linky so everyone will know it's the place to go to see Reviews & especially GiveAways! Hope you don't mind & if you do I'll take it down as soon as I hear from you! BIG HUGS & GREAT JOB TODAY!.... Enjoy he rest of your week!
Lee, your family is nuts. It's funny stuff!
Birgit, you got three! And Frankenstein Chronicles is on NetFlix.
Robyn, good for you!
Sandra - NetFlix!
Alexia, not since they keep making money...
Ellen, lucky you!
Legion sounds interesting. So does The Frankenstein Chronicles. Hmmm....it's time for me to hit Netflix again (haven't been on there for a few months-gasp!) If you ever need a co-host, feel free to poke me.
Wow, they still have Resident Evil Movies? I also doubt that it's going to be the "final chapter", especially if it makes money.
Great round up of spookies Alex and of course Vin remembers only his Vin no so the whole crowd freaks out, like amazing. What will be neat seeing Antman again spring into action. Hes cool and funny.
Although I say this as a fan of the series in general, I can also say the current season of The Flash has been my favorite. The Thinker has inspired a lot of lucrative creative thinking among the writers!
I'm excited for Ant-Man. My husband and I caught Avengers Infinity War at the theater and I was left saying "DUDE." That ending...
Tonja, thanks!
Tony, I wish I hadn't lost interest in that series...
quite a mishmash of stuff on this post - almost a Frankenstein compilation. I'm always psyched for Vin...he could read the phone book to me. He's not my "type" and yet he's my guilty pleasure. I feel the need for speed.
Ant Man and Wasp look fun. Still need to see new Avengers. Too much yard work has kept us from our Sunday morning "church" service.
I knew it would happen eventually, you shared a movie I really want to see! I am a huge Monty Python and the Hoy Grail fan, so the new one will actually drag me to the theatres when it makes its way to New Zealand.
How do you do this, Alex, find so many cool and fun things. I must check out The Frankenstein Chronicles for so many reasons including your comments...fan of Ant-Man and the Wasp from my comic-days. And Spamalot has to be something to look forward to as a Monty Python fanatic. There are sure to be some watery tarts...
Yup, I'm watching Legion. Where can you see The Frankenstein Chronicles? That sounds fascinating.
I think I need to buy that t-shirt for my brother. He would get a chuckle out of that.
Hmmm. 1. Little House on the Prairie. 2. Longmire. 3. M.A.S.H. 4. Sherlock Holmes (or whatever they're calling the series). 5. Under the Dome. 6. The Expanse.
(Don't be impressed. I cheated.)
An array of highly recommended movies is very generous Alex! And it is good to see Van Diesel makes an appearance!
Hank
Joanne, my wife feels the same way.
Rhonda, awesome!
Roland, we are both just cool.
Liz, but that was a perfect score! And it's on NetFlix.
My wife watched The Frankenstein Chronicles recently (she owns the remote control, I just happen to be in the room sometimes) and it was a good series. I've noticed a trend in Victorian-era detective stories with a lot of the same gritty atmosphere and style of music - the Sherlock movies, Ripper Street, and now this.
I'll be checking out the Frankenstein Chronicles for sure. I also love that time period.
As for trivia, I can only guess Little House on the Prairie and Mash with any sort of confidence.
Hmmm...19th century London has to be one of my top favourite settings...will have to definitely look out for that one.
Time to review Cobra Kai!
I love the t-shirt.
I'd ride Supercharged in a heartbeat.
Mat Pat's Film Theory youtube channel had some fun theories about the soul stone and the movie. I still haven't seen it yet because hubby doesn't want to go over to Canada and I don't want to go by myself.
Ian, The Terror has that same feeling except a little frozen...
Elizabeth, good job!
Nila, you will really appreciate it.
Patricia, drag his butt an go!
You're planning on seeing Solo aren't you?
I saw Spamalot on stage once. It's hilarious but I don't think I need the movie. "Always look on the bright-side of life," is a great song though.
The Frankenstein Chronicles looks intriguing. I really enjoy your TV shows and movie reviews!
I hadn't even heard of the Frankenstein Chronicles, but you definitely make me want to check it out.
And since there's an important Monty Python clue in my novel The Compass Master, I'm of course looking forward to any film version of Spamalot (even though the clue is from The Meaning of Life).
Happy to know more things about the movies:)
Hope the new anthology does well!
Still haven't seen Infinity Wars, but looking forward to it. Perhaps I'll have some theories then.
Sandra, oh sure, I'll go see it!
Helena, very cool!
I must be the only person in the world who hasn't seen any Fast and Furious movies.
The Frankenstein Chronicles looks cool, I'll definitely keep an eye out for it now:)
Ooo, The Frankenstein Chronicles sounds particularly good.
I haven't watched those movies, but I did see two on my vacation. I watched THor Ragnarok and Black Panther. According to my brother, I'm three or four movies behind before I'm allowed to watch Infinity Wars. Ugh...
Fast & Furious 9 and 10?? Come on!! This is crazy! LOL! I'm excited for Ant Man and the Wasp!! I think the Frankenstein Chronicles looks really cool! Thanks for everything Alex!
I watched the first season of The Frankenstein and really liked it. Not sure about season 2 though, it seemed to deviate from the main path.
Read The Terror and enjoyed it, though it was a bit long.
Trivia: Little House on the Prairie, Longmire, Mash, Sherlock, and not sure about the last two!
Speaking of Monty Python...my youngest kid and I watched Life of Brian yesterday. What a classic movie. I forgot just how funny it was. We didn't get to finish it. Hopefully, we will be able to get back to it this weekend.
Elsie
Sandra, none?
Kim, those were the last two, so you're really close...
Marcy, we're just finishing season one. And you got four right.
Elsie, you rock.
None.
I only recognized two in the author to movie Trivia.
Little House on the Prairie and Sherlock.
Wow, it looks like the Fast & Furious series will be continuing until the actors are old, slow & tired.
I totally want to see Spamalot. Monty Python never disappoints.
Yep, picked up Tick Tock... read it, and loved it, too. Another terrific anthology.
Okay, I'll check out the Frankenstein chronicles now. I was on the fence, but you kicked me off it.
Hi! I am going to watch The Frankenstein Chronicles. I am watching Legion and The Terror. Thanks for the advice re: The book The Terror is based on--I was thinking of reading it.
I am happy to hear about The Fast and Furious franchise going forward--I love it!
Jean :)
Avengers was amazing. Wow. Deadpool is next on our list. I'll have to get around to the Frankenstein Chronicles. Dr. Horrible was hilarious.
> Dr. Horrible was hilarious.
M Pax, it's not for me to say, but I hope the book is too.
I'll see Fast & Furious. I have never been to Universal but we have been talking about finally going. Today we're going to go see the new Avengers movie for Mother's Day (finally!). :)
Happy Mother's Day to your mom, Alex.
I have a friend who is watching and loving The Terror. I haven't seen any episodes.
I definitely want to watch the Frankenstein Chronicles now. Looks and sounds very intriguing. Thanks for the introduction!
~Jess
I've been watching The Terror also. I agree with everything you said, and really like it. Well, I liked it right up until they revealed the creature. Surely they could have come up with something better than that! What a letdown.
Legion! I also agree with what you said about this one. I love it.
I've been thinking of looking at The Frankenstein Chronicles. I may check it out.
Legion sounds really good.
I'm with you. I doubt it's the final chapter.
Cool trivia this month. I'll have to look up a few but recognized Little House on the Prarie and Sherlock right away.
Belated congratulations to everyone on the release of Tick Tock!
Ooh, I've been trying to decide whether to watch Frankenstein and the Terror so I'm glad to see your recommendations! Will definitely add both to my watch list for the summer. :)
So did you happen to notice my give-away? it's a DVD about #DaphneVelma on Blu-ray from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment! Ends 6.10 Did you happen to see it? I was wondering if it was a total child-like movie. Oh well, gotta watch it anyways! Thank you so much for stopping by today, and as always you have me mesmerized by your Post once again. How do y ou do all this is beyond me. Hugs and have a great day!
I, too, have abandoned the CW superhero shows. I totally understand. The Terror is fantastic, isn't it. Regarding this months IWSG prompt question, I write fantasy, not SciFi, but I think the two are similar in terms of coming up with names. Gotta steer clear of names from this world, or it diminishes the other world you're trying to create. Thanks for the post, and happy writing to you.
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