Film Review: Ace Ventura. When Nature Calls.

Release date: November 10th 1995.

Story: Having failed a mission to save a racoon, Ace has left the detective business and has joined a Tibetan Monastery. But then a British correspondent visits him to ask for his help. It seems that a sacred animal of an African tribe has been taken just before a wedding is to be taken place. And if the animal is not returned, the tribe will be at war with an neighbouring tribe. Ace then takes the job and soon is traveling across Africa in order to find the missing animal. But things soon start to turn on the uncertainty side when Ace finds out what the sacred animal actually is... an albino bat

My thoughts: Not as funny as the first one but still a great film. It parodies the movie Cliff-hanger in the first part (where Ace unsuccessfully tries to rescue a racoon from a cliff face). And also some of the movie isn't even filmed in Africa. But one thing that I didn't get is Ace's fear of bats. Even though he is supposed to like all animals, yet is horrified by the near mention of bats. But still it is a good film to put on one evening.

My score: Three stars.

Film Reviews: Ace Ventura. Pet Detective

Release date: February 4th 1994.

Story: Jim Carrey stars as Ace Ventura. An over the top, eccentric, and unorthodox private investigator who specialises in animals. So one day, he gets hired to try and find out who had kidnapped a dolphin who is the living mascot for an American football team. But as he descends deeper into the investigation, he realises that there is more than meets the eye.

My thoughts: I like this film. Jim Carrey is his over the top self and the jokes do get laughs out of everyone. The only thing I didn't get is the fact that an American football team has a living animal that they use as a mascot. I'm sure that brakes a lot of animal care rules. This movie spawned a sequel, a cartoon show, and a straight to dvd sequel. Overall, it is a good movie and I would recommend it.

My score: Four stars.

Film Review: The Nutty Professor

Release date: June 28th 1996.

Story: Eddie Murphy stars as an overweight scientist Sherman Klump. Who has invented a serum that will turn anyone who drinks it into a slim ladies man. So he test it on himself and it turns him into Buddy Love. But soon things start to go wrong as he starts to develop a split personality.

My thoughts: I don't like this movie. I never found the jokes funny and most parts (the dreams especially) I found unsettling. There was a sequel to this but I'm not going to review it. Mainly because it looks worse than this one.

My score: One star.

TV Review: The Simpsons.

Release date: December 17th 1989 - present (30 seasons, 662 episodes).

Story: The many comedic happenings of a suburban family living in the fictional American city of Springfield and the people around them.

My thoughts: This was one of the first animated sitcoms to be created (the first being the Flintstones). And I have mixed feeling about this show. On one hand I like it and on the other hand I don't. There were parts that of the show that I found funny and others that I was like "Seriously why did you do that?".  The characters are ok and there are some good emotional moments and morels that can be found in it. But one of it's many flaws is that it been going on for far too long. It has thirty seasons and it is going to go on for another two. Everyone has said that the show started to go down hill by the 9nth season (with it's second episode 'The Principle and the Pauper' being one of the most hated episodes) and that the show feels like it is on it's last legs. Still this show has spawned games, a comic series, a movie, tons of merchandise, and has even created internet phenomenon's (the many incarnations of Steamed Hams sketch for example).

My score: Three stars.

YouTube Review: Turnabout Storm.

Type of video: My little pony/Ace Attorney crossover, court room drama, mystery.

Release date: 2011 - 2013 (five parts in six episodes).

Story: Rainbow Dash has been accused to murder and she is facing huge consequences if she is found guilty. It is up to the great defence attorney/investigator Phoenix Wright to prove her innocence in a court of law. Will he be able to do it? Watch and find out.

My thoughts: I found out about this when I was watching a review of this by the Mysterious Mr Enter. I then managed to find the series and give them a watch. And it is good. There are twist and turns that no one could see coming and there is some great suspense. And there is some comedy as well. If you are a fan of either My little pony or Ace Attorney, then I would give this a watch. But the episodes (apart from the first) are around one or two hours long. Just to tell you.

My score: Four stars.

Gaming Reviews: Asterix & Obelix. XXL2

Release date: June 30th 2006 (original PlayStation 2 release). November 29th 2018 (remastered PlayStation 4 release).

Type of game: Beat them up, adventure, comedy, cartoon.

Platforms: Originally release on the PS2 and Windows in 2006, it was later remastered with new graphics for the PS4, Xbox one, Nintendo Switch, and Windows (only through Steam).

Story: A rouge Roman spy named Sam Shieffer tells Asterix and Obelix that their druid friend Getafix has joined with the Romans and had helped Julius Caesar capture three other druids. Asterix doesn't believe Sam saying that Getafix wouldn't do such a thing and so he sets off with Obelix and Dogmatix to rescue him and the other druids. Who are all located at this new city that the romans have nearly finished building. A city that is centred around fun and games... named Las Vegum.

My thoughts: I never thought that there was a video game based on the Asterix comics until I found the original PS2 version in a used game section in a cheap shop. And I like it a lot. The idea of an ancient roman Las Vegas is quite interesting. They based the casinos on places that the Romans have conquered. Lutetia (the capital of ancient Gaul), Little Venetia (a parody of Venice), LuckSore (ancient Egypt), WCW, Pirate Island, and finally SeizeUs Palace. Also the Roman soldiers are dressed up as classic video game characters (including Mario, Sonic the hedgehog, Pac-man, Rayman, and there is also a centurion named Larry Craft).

Gameplay: Your mission is to visit every place in Las Vegum and rescue the captured druids. You will also have to face a final boss which is a gigantic super soldier (which the druids were forced to create). You can also collect helmets and use them to buy character upgrades and extra stuff. And also Asterix can use the magic potion which gives you extra abilities.

Any dislikes?: The fact that you'll have to fight off seemingly endless waves of enemies can get annoying. Also when you die, you'll loose every single helmet that you had collected. This is worse in the boss battles when you had collected every item available in the arena, yet get killed and you've lost everything and there is no way that you can get it back. Another annoying thing is that the Mario soldiers shoot water that can force you backwards. Which is frustrating when you are also surrounded by enemies.

My score: Four stars.

Film Review: Blackadder Back and Forth.

Release date: 6th December 1999.

Story: On New Years eve 1999, Lord Edmund Blackadder invites Archbishop Melchett, Archdeacon Kevin Darling, Major George, and Lady Elisabeth for the celebrations. Where he tells them that he and Baldrick have invented a working time machine. And places bets on which historic item that his guests would like to have. But in reality, it is a con in order for Blackadder and Baldrick to get some money. But things become weird when it turns out that Baldrick had indeed invented a real time machine.

My thoughts: I like this tv movie. It is great to see the current incarnation of Blackadder and Baldrick traveling through time and encounter historic characters. Only for them to act themselves and, after returning back to their time, to find out that they have seriously altered history in a bad way. So if you like time travel comedies, then I would recommend giving this a watch.

My score: Four stars.

TV Review: Blackadder's Christmas Carol.

Release date: 23rd December 1988.

Story: In a parody of the Charles Dicken's story, Ebenezer Blackadder is the most kind and generous man in Britain. And sadly everyone keeps taking advantage of him. Until one night, he has a visit by the Spirit of Christmas, who tells him about his past incarnations and what horrible people they were. This then sets in motion that will change Ebenezer Blackadder forever.

My thoughts: What I like about this Christmas special is that Blackadder started off as a kind person. But then changed into a bad and selfish man that we all know. Which is a complete reversal of the original character in A Christmas Carol. Also there is an interesting part where Blackadder asks to see the future. And we are shown where if Blackadder is bad, his descendances will rule the entire universe. But if he remains good, they'll just ends up being a slave to Baldrick's descendant. Also Robbie Coltrane is great as the spirit of Christmas.

My score: Four stars.

TV Review: Blackadder. The Cavalier years.

Release date: 5th February 1988.

Story: In 1648, King Charles the first has lost the English civil war, and is in hiding at Blackadder hall. Where Lord Blackadder and his assistant Baldrick remain loyal to him. But Oliver Cromwell soon finds him and takes him to the Tower of London.

My thoughts: This 15 minute one off was a special created for the first ever Comic Relief day. Stephen Fry based his interpretation of Charles the first on the current Prince Charles. And it is interesting how Blackadder quickly change his plans from rescuing King Charles to how to get his hands on his money and wealth.

My score: Three stars.

TV Review: Blackadder goes fourth.

Release date: 28th September - 2nd November 1989.

Story: Captain Edmund Blackadder commands a group of British soldiers in the trenches of World War one. Though he would rather avoid the big push (when they finally go over the top). Along with Private Baldrick and Lieutenant George, Blackadder has to put with constant attacks from the enemy lines and having to deal with his superiors Captain Darling and General Melchett.

My thoughts: This was the first Blackadder series I have ever seen. It may still be a comedy, but this series throws some realism into it. The last episode is the best remembered. Mainly due to the fact that Blackadder and co finally go over the top. Which, with the slow motion, a minimal and downbeat piano version of the theme tune, and then the scene fades to a poppy field with birds chirping, has become not only one of the most remembered finals in tv show history, but a great tribute to all those who have served their countries during the war.

My score: Four stars.

TV Review: Blackadder the third.

Release date: 17th September - 20th October 1987 (six episodes).

Story: In this reincarnation, Edmund Blackadder is the butler to the Prince of Wales George the fourth. And shows what life is like in late 18th century Britain with his sidekick Baldrick.

My thoughts: This is my favourite series in the Blackadder series. Even though they mention historic events in the wrong order (such as the case in the whole run of the show), it is both funny and witty.

My score: Four stars.

TV Review: Blackadder two

Release date: 9th January - 20th February 1986 (6 episodes).

Story: The many happenings of Lord Edmund Blackadder during the reign of Queen Elisabeth the first.

My thoughts: This second Blackadder series is where the creators change many things. Blackadder is now the sly and cunning one while Baldrick is now the stupid one. And along with Percy, new characters were introduced. Including Queen Elisabeth the first, her advisor Lord Melchett (played by Stephen Fry), and her former nanny Nursie. And The idea of putting each series in a different time period is a cool idea.

My score: Three stars.

TV Review: The Blackadder.

Release date: 15th June - 20th July 1983 (6 episodes).

Story: In an alternate reality, Richard the third won the battle of Bosworth field, yet was killed accidently by the second son of his nephew (Edmund). Because of this, Richard's nephew (also named Richard) became Richard the fourth of England. And Edmund became the prince of the realm. And so he decides to give himself a new title. And so with his two sidekicks (The idiot Percy and the scheming Baldrick), Edmund strives forth as Prince Edmund Blackadder.

My thoughts: This was the very first Blackadder series. And it is very different from the others that will follow. Edmund is more of an idiot in this series and Baldrick is the schemer who has all of the ideas. This will change in the later series. Brian Blessed is great as Richard the fourth and the other characters are ok. And the theme music and song is one of the most recognisable in television comedy history.

My score: Three stars.

Film Review: Batman vs the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Release date: June 4th 2019.

Story: Batman encounters the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as two of their deadliest enemies join forces in order to bring chaos to Gotham city.

My thoughts: This is a good film. It is based on the six issue comic book series of the same name. And it is great to see these two series meeting each other. But there are somethings that I didn't like about it much. One thing was the fact that the TMNT world co-exist with the Batman world. There was no "Interdimensional travel" to be found here. Also there was the mutagen or ooze. In the TMNT lore, when you come into contact with the ooze, you'll be transformed into the animal that you've been in contact the most. Yet in this, you just transform into any random animal (and in one case a plant). But apart from those, it is a great film with a lot of comedy and action.

My score: Four stars.

TV Review: The Green Green Grass

Release date: 9th September 2005 - 5th March 2009 (4 series. 32 episodes).

Story: In this spin off/sequel to Only Fools and Horses, Boycie, Marlene, and their son Tyler move from Peckham to Oakham, Shropshire. Where Boycie decides to become gentlemen famer after purchasing a farm. But things are not easy with a dim witted staff and having to settle down in different place.

My thoughts: This is a great show. I like the characters (well some of them) and the comedy is top notch. The only thing I didn't like about it is the reasoning why Boycie and co left Peckham. It was because Boycie was going to give evidence in court about a drug and illegal immigrant smuggling being managed by two local gangsters. And realising that him and his family's lives are in danger, he flees the airer overnight. This was something that I didn't like. If it had been a different reason (Boycie loosing his job and then decides to become a famer after something that he read in a magazine for instance) then I wouldn't have mind. But apart from that, it is a good show and I would recommend it.

My score: Four stars.

TV Review: The Addams Family

Release date: September 18th 1964 - April 8th 1966 (2 seasons. 64 episodes).

Story: The many happenings and adventures of a macabre family named the Addams family. Whose family members include Gomez, his wife Morticia, their children Pugsley and Wednesday, Uncle Fester, Grandmama, their butler Lurch, and the mysterious unseen Thing.

My thoughts: This show was based off the newspaper cartoon strip by Charles Addams. It has been often mistaken for The Munsters (a similar comedy show about a family of monsters) and they even share the same musical clips. The cartoon strip later spawned two animated shows, four movies, a musical stage show, another tv show, and loads of merchandise. The theme song is widely known all over the world and it is one of the best known tv theme songs. If you like comedy shows like the Munsters then I would give this a watch.

My score: Three stars.

TV Review: The A Team.

Release date: January 23rd 1983 - March 8th 1987 (Five seasons. Ninety eight episodes).

Story: In 1972, a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn't commit. These men promptly escape from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire... The A Team!

My thoughts: Arguably one of the best shows to ever come out of the 1980's. The characters are enjoyable, the theme song is highly recognisable, and there is a good blend of good action and comedy. Most of the shows are basically someone is trying to live their lives, yet they keep being menaced and threatened by local jerks, and the A Team gets hired to help them out. The team consists of John 'Hannibal' Smith (the teams leader who has a hunger for danger and life threatening situations. And has the catchphrase "I love it when a plan comes together"),  Templeton "Faceman" Peck (a suave ladies man who is also a con artist and scrounger), H.M. "Howling Mad" Murdock (a helicopter pilot who is either mentally unstable or is just pretending to be), and Bosco Albert "B.A" Baracus (the team's mechanic and mussels. Played greatly by Mr T). Other characters include Amy Allen (a intrepid reporter who sometimes joins the team on cases) and Colonel Lynch (who keeps trying to recapture the team). Like I said this is a great show and I would recommend that you check out a few episodes.

My score: Five stars.

TV Reviews: A bit of Fry & Laurie

Release date: January 13th 1989 - April 2nd 1995 (4 series. 26 episodes).

Story: A comedy sketch series starring Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie.

My thoughts: This is a funny show. Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie are on top form and there are a lot of great moments in the show. From Stephen making his cocktails and the "Please Mr Music, will you play?" to the 'People in the street' sketches. If you like comedy sketch shows then I would recommend this. But just to warn you that there is a lot of adult humour in the show so it is only for 15 year olds and up.

My score: Four stars.

Film Review: Back to the Future. Part 3

Release date: May 25th 1990.

Story: After the events of the second film, Doc is trapped in 1885 (the wild west era). So Marty travels there in order to rescue him. But things aren't easy when the DeLorean runs out of juice and you are stuck in a time period where gasoline isn't yet available. And also when you run foul with an outlaw.

My thoughts: This is the third and final part of the trilogy. The movie was shot back to back with the previous film and was released six months after the previous film. Again they recycled some jokes from the other movies and there are some parts that I didn't like. But it was nice to see Doc get a love interest and the wild west setting is cool. Would I want to see a possible fourth film? Properly. But only if everybody else wants to.

My score: Three stars.

Film Review: Back to the Future. Part 2

Release date: November 22nd 1989.

Story: After a trip into the future (October 21st, 2015 actually), Marty and Doc discover that their world has changed badly. And after discovering what had caused it, they realised that they must travel back to 1955 in order to changed things back to the way they once were.

My thoughts: This was a good sequel. I will admit that it was funny what they had predicted will be around in 2015 (hover boards, self tying shoes, flying cars, Jaws 19) yet they predict some things as well (unmanned drones, video chat systems, talking hologram billboards, wearable technology, widescreen flat panel televisions, head mounted displays, hands off video games, and tablet computers). One of the downsides of the film in my opinion is that they recycled some of the jokes. Yet it is a good film and I would recommend it.

My score: Three stars.