Alien Isolation (Video Game 2014)

In search of answers about the disappearance of her mother: Ellen, after the incident of the Nostromo, Amanda Ripley, takes matters into her own hands in this first-person survival/horror video game. Hoping to find out what happened to her fifteen years previously, Amanda travels to Sevastopol Station, a deep-space base in orbit of a massive gas planet along with her colleagues, Samuels and Taylor, to recover the flight recorder unit of Ellen's ship. However, things are not as they seem. There, hostile synthetics and humans are the least of her worries, as a powerful adversary, an invincible Xenomorph, is lurking in the shadows, ready to strike on the slightest disturbance. Now, armed only with a flashlight, some ineffective weapons and her will to survive, Ripley has no other choice but to do everything in her power to outsmart the alien. Will she find closure, get out of the crippled base, and live to tell the tale? This is hands down one of the best games ever, especially when it comes to the Alien franchise. It feels like the first film in video game form and you are the one now surviving the horror. This game is not for the faint of heart as it has to be one of the scariest games I've played through and, despite being completely terrified, I loved it. If you're not convinced as to how scary this game is - the developers were scared when making and play testing it out. Yeah, it's THAT scary. The Xenomorph is 100% the scariest thing in this game as the A.I constantly gets smarter throughout your playthrough, making it appear as if the alien is learning like a real creature would. It doesn't help that the game's code makes it so it always knows where you are, but only the vicinity, it must then hunt you from there. Any sound you make will alert it, you can't outrun it, you can't kill it and hiding is only a temporary solution. Sounds fun doesn't it? There was one time in my personal play of the game when the alien dropped down from a vent whilst I was crouched behind a counter and it walked right up to me. As I started to back away, by some stroke of luck, it didn't see me and moved on. I can tell you now my heart was pounding! I have put that encounter down below as a video you can watch. This game also looks phenomenal with some stunning visuals, which I have to say is kind of amazing for a 2014 game as it looks like it was released today. All the characters are really investing and props to all the voice actors who brought this game to life because although the visuals and gameplay are big criteria in the gaming world, the story and characters are just as important. I love the story of seeing Amanda take off to space searching for her mother and her development over the course of this adventure is a truly thrilling experience. The location, Sevastopol Station, feels like it fits right into the franchise having that 70s/80s sci-fi feel to it which I am a huge fan of and this nailed it. It makes for some great exploration and setting with parts being pristine and clean to damaged and wrecked. Set between the events of the films: Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986) this game is an amazing addition which puts you in the shoes of Ripley's daughter, Amanda, letting you take control and technically engage in your own story in this universe. I would highly recommend watching the first two films before playing this game as the second film introduces us to Amanda in the special edition and is then a good bridge to go on to play this game and see what she did and the attempts to find her lost mother. It also gives you a good idea as to how the alien universe works and sees a peak into the evolution of the world's advancements during the 57 years of Ripley's disappearance. Overall, this is a must-play for fans of the films. If you are unable to play it, you should certainly check out a full gameplay walkthrough, like the one I linked below and you can watch it like a very long film. Alien Isolation is truly a gaming masterpiece that is sure to have you jumping at every sound and movement. If your heart isn't racing then there must be something wrong! Definitely, a game to play during the Halloween season.

Platforms: Android / IOS / Nintendo Switch / PlayStation 4 / Xbox One

Developer: Creative Assembly

Publisher: SEGA

Genre: Horror / Sci-fi / Thriller

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Video Game Trailer:

My encounter with the Xenomorph:

My Xbox Edition:

Aliens (1986)

Ellen Ripley, the sole survivor of the alien attack on the mining ship Nostromo, awakens 57 years later when she is found by a salvage vessel. The welcome given to her by the Company officials is far from warm since they refuse to believe her discovery of alien existence and revoke her flight officer's licence. Much to her horror, Ripley also discovers that the moon LV-426 where her crew had encountered an alien species for the first time, is now colonised by the Company. But when all contact from the moon is lost, Ripley is called back into action again as an advisor to a team of tough space marines with a great deal of firepower. To get rid of her recurrent nightmares about the alien creature, Ripley prepares for a final battle with the monsters; however this time, there are hundreds of them out there. Aliens has to be one of the best movie sequels ever. It is certainly up there with Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) in delivering a grand follow-up to an already incredible film, which both launched into a franchise. Aliens is one of my absolute favourite films ever, alongside its predecessor: Alien (1979) for quite the same reasons, being an old sci-fi that uses such amazing real effects to produce such a marvellous-looking product. This is can be seen through the use of model ships/creatures and how they manage to make them look so realistic and grand in size, which I find so cool and fascinating as to how it is done. There is a special edition with added scenes that overall make the film even better, like the scene where Ellen finds out her daughter passed away whilst she drifted into space for years. This scene makes her relationship with Newt (the girl she finds alone on the base) more significant as she feels the need to protect her as she didn't get that chance to with her daughter, Amanda. But if you want to find out a bit more about her to what she was doing whilst her mother was lost in space, check out the extraordinary Alien Isolation (Video Game 2014). The setting for this film is without a doubt science fiction worthy from every little detail to the big in the halls and rooms of the abandoned colony base to the interior of the Sulaco spaceship. It meets all my expectations for a futuristic space film. There's something about a horror movie set on abandoned space stations/planets that I enjoy above all other horror films. Having it take place in space is just a thousand times cooler to me. James Cameron, the director, also flipped the genre to that of the first film, a survival horror, delivering an action horror to the Alien franchise. Not only that but he created some of the most exciting and coolest action scenes in this film. It will never get old seeing all those marines and Ripley shooting up Xenomorphs in so many unique and epic ways. I love how they even remember to acknowledge the alien's acid blood which manages to injure and kill marines who shot them at close range, making the fights all the tenser. The ending is also so iconic with Ripley using a power loader to take on the Xeno queen, which was just so exciting and just goes to show how badass Ripley is. Not only in her physical actions but with her dialogue, "Get away from her, you bitch!" Her character has grown so much after her first encounter with one of the creatures and now she goes in all guns blazing to take them all out, becoming a proper fighter and leader. Overall, I adore this film for plenty of reasons. The characters feel so real and have friendships and banter with one another, even when fighting among themselves, they have loyalty and care for one another, making it all the sadder when one dies. Furthermore, the character development for Ripley is outstanding, and the futuristic sounds and visuals used are so aesthetically pleasing to look at, in my opinion being a sci-fi nut. I cannot stress enough how much I adore this film. It is easily one of my all-time favourite sci-fi adventures to ever exist. It is a must-watch and gets my seal of approval so what are you waiting for? Go watch it! You won't regret it. For more viewing from the franchise check out the next instalment in Alien 3 (1992).

Runtime: 2h 28min

Director: James Cameron

Genre: Action / Adventure / Horror / Sci-fi / Thriller

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Movie Trailer:

My DVD Boxset:

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)

In 1850, in the Oregon Territory, Adam was the eldest of seven brothers who went to town to find a wife. He convinces Milly to marry him that same day. They return to his backwoods home. Only then does she discover he has six brothers all living in his cabin. Milly sets out to reform the uncouth siblings, who are anxious to get wives of their own. She promptly begins teaching the brothers proper behaviour, and most importantly, how to court a woman. The six brothers go to a party where each of the brothers falls in love with a girl and from there, their new teachings come into play. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is such a charming film. It is bright, colourful and has great musical numbers with large beautiful sets and landscapes. I adore the western genre especially when it comes to all the older films. Westerns were very popular during the 1930s-1960s, which has given us so many amazing gun-slinging action that makes you want to be a cowboy. This film, however, isn't like most westerns with its quick draw guns fight showdowns and is a bit of a breath of fresh air with a more light-hearted, happy mood kind of film with dancing, sing-along songs and colourful, bright outfits. I adore the music for many reasons. I like how there are songs for each kind of mood with there being upbeat happy songs, tender and reflective songs, calm and romantic, this film has them all. What makes them each so good is the singers who do some magnificent vocal work which, undoubtedly, is the reason for their enjoyment. Another highlight is witnessing the many seasons change throughout the film which leads to new songs, challenges and key plot points. Both the weather and season we see are presented magnificently, from the winter snow to bright sunny spring, they manage to make them all look so alive and real. Each of the seven brothers are equally my favourite individuals in the film as they work very efficiently together, have each other's backs no matter what and partake in plenty of banter. They even manage to frequently get into fights, which leads me promptly to my favourite scene. The barn-raising scene is arguably the finest part of this movie in which loads of town members (in groups of four) have to help build a barn as quickly as they can. The first to finish their side wins a prize cow; however, when the other members start abusing the brothers they fight back and it turns into an all-out brawl. It is so much fun with great stunts and set pieces. The music is so invigorating in this sequence that has some hilarious scenes mixed with dangerous feats, especially with some of them fighting on wooden beams atop the building. Things are just as dangerous later when the whole structure starts falling and breaking around them during the fight. The choreography in this film is simply incredibly done with some amazing dancing and stunts that are very impressive to watch, again accompanied by some very energetic music. These awe-inspiring stunts must have taken so much time to perfect and the end result is nothing short of fantastic. The dancing is just as impressive whilst matching the stunts in being just as fast passed and energetic. Despite taking a somewhat shaky start to their marriage, the romance between Adam and Milly develops throughout the course of the film to the point where, by the end, they truly love one another. To solidify her contentedness, the film ends with Milly's dream coming true of all the brothers getting happily married so they can set up homes nearby. Seeing all of her hard work to sort out the brothers by helping them with their manners and learning to dance, all worked out was a really great payoff, especially with them all living merrily at the end. Overall this is a feel-good movie with lots to offer from beautiful bright sets, costumes and musical dance numbers. I saw this many times growing up thanks to my mother's love for it and it is a film I return to again and again.

 

Runtime: 1h 42m

Director: Stanley Donen

Genre: Comedy / Drama / Musical / Romance / Western

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Movie Trailer:

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Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

Bandit and Cledus 'Snowman' are two truck-driving southerners who accept a dare from big-shots Big and Little Enos to pick up a truckload of beer from Texas and illegally ship it to them in Atlanta in under 28 hours. Picking it up is simple enough, but as they are leaving Texas, Bandit unwittingly picks up Carrie, a hitchhiking bride-to-be who just left her groom, Junior, at the altar. Junior, however, is the son of Sheriff Buford T. Justice. And when Buford and Junior discover what has happened, they go on a "high-speed pursuit" across the Southeast to catch the bandit. This is just a phenomenal adventure and an easy go-to happy film I watch for a good laugh. If you are a huge car fan and love some good old crazy hijinks then this movie is the one for you! The film will blow you away with its delightful action that goes all out with cars crashing, being sliced in half, and leaping over great heights, which leads to chasing police cars to follow into a ditch or being destroyed in some hilarious scenes. Buford T. Justice's car suffers the most, getting completely and utterly battered. They get damaged so much to the point where they lose the entire top half of their car, leaving him and his son, Junior, driving around in half a police car for the remainder of the chase. Buford has to be the funniest character in the film, alongside the Bandit, with some incredibly funny lines to his son Junior, who is so simple and stupid that he constantly causes trouble for his dad whilst on his high-speed pursuit. Buford would frequently throw amazing quips at him like: "There's no way, *no* way that you came from *my* loins. Soon as I get home, the first thing I'm gonna do is punch yo mamma in da mouth!" All of their scenes together are extremely hilarious notably because of how riled up he gets with him. Buford has a love-and-hate (but mostly hate) relationship with his son, constantly putting him down for his silly comments and inability to do even the simplest of things and making idle talk that gets a wittier remark from Buford. I also love the friendship between the Bandit and Snowman. The quips they make over the radios on their race to Atlanta are brilliant showing how great they are as friends as well as a team which contrasts with Buford's relationship with his son. That is probably why our heroes prevail as they work together on this mission. Snowman's interactions with his basset hound: Fred who comes along for the ride are equally entertaining as he is the most loveable dog I have ever seen and steals the show. Carrie and the Bandit's scenes are really funny too and I like how they develop feelings, becoming a kind of couple as they grow attached on this crazy adventure. Seeing Carrie get swept up in the adventure is also enjoyable, which is seen in my favourite moment where they do a really large jump and she loved it that much she wants to go again. She even gets a chance at the steering wheel which is just as fun. The most entertaining sequence is when other truckers and drivers are radioing the Bandit and offering help to evade the ever pursuing, Smokey. Some of the funniest parts of this film are seeing all the people chipping in to help out the legendary Bandit. From stopping and delaying all following police cars to hiding the team amongst loads of trucks. They are a big help in getting them to their destination unscathed. The Bandit drives a 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, which was made very iconic by this film and looks super cool, definitely making it up there as some of my favourite cars in film history. The music is super catchy with the amazing 'West Bound and Down' which is a great joyful song to get you dancing along, bringing a smile to my face every time I hear it. Overall, I have a real fondness for this film as it is very energetic and so good with plenty of action, car chases, memorable comedic quips and loveable characters making it a perfect film, especially for some summertime viewing. Two more films were made in the trilogy with the follow-up film: Smokey and the Bandit II (1980).

Runtime: 1h 36m

Director: Hal Needham

Genre: Action / Adventure / Comedy

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Movie Trailer:

My DVD Boxset:

Tom and Jerry (TV Series 1940-1967)

Tom and Jerry is an American cartoon series about an unfortunate cat's never-ending pursuit of a clever mouse. Tom is the scheming cat, and Jerry is a courageous and determined mouse. The series was driven entirely by action and visual humour with plenty of timeless slapstick. The characters rarely spoke except for a few times and of course the bountiful screams that mostly came from Tom who had the best yelps ever recorded. Tom and Jerry is an amazing show that is still enjoyable even 80-plus years since its first release. It manages to entertain people of all ages and it is a true testament to the show in its ability to generate the same reactions from people today as it did back in the 1940s. Slapstick humour is some of the best forms of comedy out there and Tom and Jerry do it superbly. If you love the kind of slapstick on display here then definitely check out the Home Alone series that shares this comedic style. The show went through many years and with each, it altered the designs of the characters and artistry. These periods are The Hanna-Barbera Era (1940-1958), Gene Deitch Era (1961-1962) and the Chuck Jones Era (1963-1967). The characters and animation went through many changes but the heart and soul of the show never changed, nor did the humour. The Hanna-Barbera Era has to be my favourite, especially in the 1950s as I love the look of the animation. I would also pick this era because of the particular episodes that are easily some of the best-loved that the show has ever produced, which brought their most iconic depictions to life. Some of the earlier versions of the characters were very close to reality in their looks and as time passed, they became less life-like and more their own animated versions. Those versions of the characters became their base look for all future projects like movies, which continue to come out as recently as today! They have had many films over the years from their own wacky adventures to movies where they meet iconic characters such as Sherlock Holmes. There was even one where they are part of The Wizard of Oz (1939), featuring in the adventure. For a show dating back as far as the 1940s to have movies and shows made many years later (and still going strong) is quite an impressive feat. There are also episodes set during seasonal occasions from Halloween to Christmas, making the show great viewing for the whole year round, no matter the time. I have always loved hand-drawn animation as the time that's clearly been put into it and the flowing movement just looks incredible and witnessing the final product makes it all the more impressive. Such intricate detail was put into making these episodes that will always blow me away with how stunning it all looks. Some of the best episodes, and my favourites, are when the two get along, helping one another out being kind and friendly despite their constant rivalry and attempts to get back at the other. Their rivalry/friendship is so iconic and we, the audience, just can't help but love them with all the crazy shenanigans they get into. There are so many creative and hilarious ways that they get at each other from bowling balls falling on Tom's head to Jerry landing on a cactus spike, there are some incredible expressions and screams that will have you howling with laughter. All of Tom's screams and shouts are so iconic that you can easily recognise them from this show since after all he has a great variety. They are extremely hilarious and a guaranteed laugh in my case. There are also many other supporting memorable characters. There is Spike the bulldog and his son Tyke, Nibbles (Tuffy) the baby grey mouse, Quacker the little duckling, Mammy Two Shoes, Butch the cat, Droopy the basset hound and many more. Each one is just as funny and entertaining, showing up now and then in some episodes over the years. Overall, this is such an iconic show with two of the most memorable characters in pop culture history. With heaps of slapstick to keep you chuckling frequently this makes for ideal viewing for those days when you just need a good old laugh.

Seasons & Episodes: 1 Season - 161 Episodes

Creators: William Hanna / Joseph Barbera

Genre: Animation / Comedy / Family

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Series Intro:

Series Clip:

Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

The world needed a hero - it got an extraterrestrial hedgehog. Powered with incredible speed, Sonic embraces his new home on Earth after fleeing peril in his world. That is, however, until he accidentally knocks out the power grid, sparking the attention of uncool evil genius Dr Robotnik. Now, it's supervillain vs supersonic in an all-out race across the globe to stop Robotnik from using Sonic's unique power to achieve world domination and will stop at nothing to get it. Based on the global blockbuster video game franchise from Sega, Sonic the Hedgehog is an adventure comedy movie that's fun for all the family that sees that iconic blue speedy hedgehog to life. It's so funny to think back to the first-ever trailer for this film with that creepy and disgusting version of Sonic set to feature in a movie doomed to fail. A super realistic Sonic with human-like features and human hands was instantly a frightening sight and to think it was passed off as okay in creation is kinda scary. Later dubbed as ugly sonic, the internet hammered the trailer and was quickly acknowledged leading to a delay whilst the film was reworked. What we got was surprisingly good. Finally looking like the Sonic from the games we got a pretty accurate live-action depiction of the character which is miles better. Just goes to show how the internet can bully a corporation into changing a movie in a huge way that paid off and saved a franchise before it was released. I thoroughly enjoyed this film and was extremely happily satisfied with the change to the design. Sonic, voiced by Ben Schwartz, and Dr Robotnik, played by Jim Carrey, are definitely the highlights of this movie, delivering fabulous performances and giving me countless laughs. There are also some great jokes and comedic scenes in this film, with most coming from Sonic and Robotnik. Sonic racing with a tortoise in hand at super speeds was so brilliant and I loved the superb nod to the fastest superhero with Sonic reading comic books of the Flash. Robotnik has some killer dance moves and Carrey delivers his usual level of humour and line deliveries we are all used to and enjoy. The other human characters are entertaining but ultimately the film is at its best when they move away from them, not that they are irritating but we are here for a space hedgehog and mad scientist at the end of the day. The film has enough for long-time fans and new to enjoy and is some good fun for regular movie-goers. I really enjoyed how they incorporated all their references and tie-ins into the source material and games. Not only that but they have some other amazing references to alternate movie franchises, like Sonic referring to his guardian Owl, Longclaw, as Obi-Wan Kenobi from the Star Wars franchise. My favourite sequences in the film all involve moments where Sonic moves so fast we see time slow down around him but if I had to pick one, it would be the rooftop missile chase scene. Sonic deflecting bullets and missiles back to Eggman's drones was so cool. It was funny, creative, had great visuals/graphics, was action-packed and had some high stakes. One of the downsides to this film is that it doesn't feel exactly like the video games since after all we do spend a lot of time on Earth and not Sonics home planet and Robotnik doesn't exactly resemble that of Dr Eggman but these are matters corrected in the sequel, which sees even more source material brought to the movies. There are also some after-credit sequences at the end, which hinted at this sequel and introduced more fan-favourite characters to life. Overall, this is a great movie that everyone can find something to enjoy. It isn't a bad adaptation of the video game variant, mostly thanks to its change before release. Sonic the Hedgehog is a film the whole family can sit back and relax to, that is full of gags and is so delightful with some superb voice acting and some spectacular visuals that brings the beloved speedy hedgehog to the big screen. If you enjoyed this movie then why not race over to the follow-up adventure Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022), which sees an exciting continuation of the story whilst bringing in some other iconic figures from the Sonic universe.

 

Runtime: 1h 39m

Director: Jeff Fowler

Genre: Action / Adventure / Comedy / Family

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Movie Trailer:

The original trailer featuring 'ugly' Sonic which led to the internet getting the character design changed:

My DVD Copy:

K-9 and Company: A Girl's Best Friend (TV Movie 1981)

It is the year 1981, and some years have passed since journalist Sarah Jane Smith ended her adventures in time and space with The Doctor, resuming her career as an investigative journalist. Days before Christmas, Sarah Jane Smith arrives at the home of her Aunt Lavinia in the cosy village of Moreton Harwood only to find that Lavinia is nowhere to be found. However, a large and heavy mysterious box has been left behind. Upon opening it she finds out the Doctor has left her a parting gift in the form of a robot metal dog: K·9 Mark III. With the help of K-9 and Lavinia's young ward Brendan Richards, Sarah Jane starts investigating her aunt's disappearance. In the process, they discover that Moreton Harwood is home to a coven worshipping the pagan god Hecate and preparing for a human sacrifice. Originally intended as a spin-off series, this show was to follow Sarah Jane after her departure with the Doctor and return to Earth. Unfortunately, the pilot episode didn't do well enough to grant it a series and is now classed as a TV movie. The film is still part of the world of Doctor Who, with the story being a part of the canon. We know this because we later see Sarah has K-9 in an episode of the amazing show Doctor Who: The Classic Era (TV Series 1963-1989) - The Five Doctors. This episode was a celebration story marking the 20th Anniversary of the series, where many characters returned for a huge event. Sarah and K-9 returned in Doctor Who: The Revival Era (TV Series 2005-2017) in the episode - School Reunion, even getting a new series: The Sarah Jane Adventures (TV Series 2007-2011). This series was far more successful and made up for the failed attempt of K-9 and Company. Although we are never told which incarnation of the Doctor sent K-9 I believe it was Tom Baker's incarnation of the 4th Doctor who sent him as a gift since he was the last version of the Doctor Sarah met before her departure. In my opinion, despite only being one episode, I thought the short story was fine, although nothing special. I enjoyed K-9 being back and the new friendship he made with Sarah, which would be explored further in their later revival show and Doctor Who episodes. Sarah moves into her Aunt's town for the Christmas holiday but little did she know there were strange occurrences taking place. With most of the town believing in witchcraft, we are left with a great deal of mystery as to whom we can trust since the mysterious goings-on involved pagan god worship. Most of the time Sarah would call on the help of other townfolk, but we would later find out they are involved. From kind older gentlemen to even policemen, everyone appears to be part of it. I do find it to be quite an unusual and brave first choice for an episode pilot, especially for a Christmas one targeted at the younger audience and then having some rituals worshipping the devil. My favourite part of the entire episode was when K-9 mentions the Doctor to Sarah. As he starts talking about him, we hear his theme from the show played, which genuinely gave me goosebumps. It was extremely cool. Even just seeing Sarah's reaction to hearing his name and seeing the amazing gift, is sure to make any fan smile. The intro is quite catchy too, giving off those very 80s vibes. Watching it simply makes me wonder how this whole concept could have turned out as a running Doctor Who spin-off series. Overall, K-9 and Company is a fun addition to the Whoniverse and if you are a fan of all things Doctor Who, especially Sarah Jane and K-9, this is a nice instalment to check out. With only being a 50 minutes episode, it makes for some quick viewing even if it is likely to be a one-time viewing as it can get a bit boring. Also, being released and set at Christmas this short can be viewed during the festive season or all year round.

Runtime: 50m

Director: John Black

Genre: Mystery / Sci-fi

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Episode Intro:

Episode Trailer:

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