Reviews – Frankenstein Chronicles, The Terror, Legion, Resident Evil. Plus Ant-Man Trailer, TV Trivia, and Other Movie News.

Shows and Movie Reviews

The Frankenstein Chronicles
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 Terror
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
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.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter
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.

Monty Python musical Spamalot getting movie adaptation.
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!

Don’t forget that Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime is now out!

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.

Available now:

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?