Monday 31 December 2012

OJ Reviewing: 2012

My first review this year is the movie 2012!
  OK, so right now most people have put this film in the comedy section but I've just re-watched it and here is my view. 2012 is obviously about the world ending on the Mayan date of December 21st (I remember; it was a Friday) and it revolves around one man and his family surviving. So the bad parts; none of it came true, the acting was a little shabby and was just a mash up of heavy CGI. But when you actually watch it as just a disaster movie and forget the dates at the bottom of the screen or the stupid reasons its all happening and just watch it, its not half bad. The whole impossibility is fun to watch and the awesome CGI is enjoyable to see as it is not rubbish at all. Also the characters you sometimes actually wanted to survive and emotional scenes feature a lot. It may be an hour or 30 minuets to long but by the end you feel like, well, you just watched the end of the world. So just go and sit down to watch this and view it as just a full on disaster movie and 2 & a half hours of fun CG effects.

By the way, even though this post says it was published on 31st December 2012, I can tell you I wrote and posted this review in 2013; so you can either see this as my last review of 2012, or first review n 2013 - either way I don't mind.

Sunday 30 December 2012

OJ Reviewing: Wild at Heart - Finale Special

 I admit, I only started watching from Series 2 but this is a good show.

  The finale. The end of ends. The last ever episode, feature-length and stand alone. This episode concludes the six years we've known the Trevanion's living in Africa. As with most episodes it has a main plot and a small plot, but the difference is, they swap around; the small plot becomes what the whole episode was heading for while the big plot became just a last adventure story for the fans. It deals with the many struggles of each character and defiantly shows off the signature animal surgery scene. With a few references here and there this last episode became a roller-coaster of emotion and by the end you'll need your tissues. Some revelations occur with very happy parts as well was the very sad. The finale special of Wild at Heart is truly a fitting end to the wonderful show.

Saturday 29 December 2012

OJ Reviewing: Signs

Gibson, Phoenix, aliens...

  I didn't know much about M. Night Shyamalan when watching this, and yes, I did see The Village before this, so my opinion of his films are..... not that bad. Against popular opinion I quite like his movies; admittedly I've only seen 3 of them, but they are good. And out that I think Signs is the best and a very good, clever and unnerving film. The premise is an ex-priest who's wife was killed and so he lost his faith; 6 months later and strange things are happening to the town and his cornfields. Now this film isn't your usual alien invasion film; it doesn't have the military  or the space-tech or any of that, it literally gives you the view of an unfortunate civilian living with his family. The whole film is basically set inside a house giving you the almost claustrophobic feeling, and then there's the eerie shots and quick flashes of 'something' that really scares you and freaks you out. Let me tell you, after watching this on a dark night you won't be turning the lights off for a while, or sleeping for that matter. This film is also very funny. The dialogue is very humorous almost relaxing you before the scene of terror comes;  there is a lot of suspense and thought provoking ideas that leave you wanting more. So go see it and tell me your thoughts on Signs.

Monday 3 December 2012

OJ Reviewing: Jurassic Park The Game

Jurassic Park is my probably my all-time favourite movie and now they have a game!

  So I liked Operation Genesis, but this is an actual story, set inside the events of Jurassic Park the film and after. I've never played a game like this before and I really enjoyed it. The graphics were good and the storyline definatly had a few twists. As you play you sometimes expect things and sometimes you don't which is really good. It is split up into 4 Episodes and each episode is like a film of its own with all the credits coming up at the beginning on the screen with Director's names and things that made it feel like you were watching a movie. The characters you start to like and get along with and watching them is fun and then if you are too slow (like me) you get to see them being eaten. The dinosaurs I really liked; they had all the classics from the first film and along with some awesome new ones ans I especially like the places they take you; some parts you never knew existed. The game play was good as well, sometimes there are trick controls and you have to be really quick using the arrow keys (if on PC version) and you have to look for things in some scenery and you may have to do things in a certain order which is good. So overall I really liked the game, probably as much as the movie and will go back through some of he scenarios to get Gold medals as sometimes you get Gold, Silver, or Bronze if you do well.

Tuesday 13 November 2012

OJ Reviewing The Reader's Choice


Hey readers (if I have any) I can't at all think what to review right now so I'd like YOU to tell me what you would like me to review. It can be any genre or film, book, TV Series, or game you want - if I've seen it that is. For some help on knowing what I've seen, here are a few links:

Every movie I have seen ever - http://www.imdb.com/list/RZUoR110mjc/?start=1&view=grid&sort=title:asc&defaults=1&lists=RZUoR110mjc&scb=0.13227104488760233

Every TV show I have watched or still do for at lest 1 series - http://www.imdb.com/list/uRZm_JSc-3Y/?start=1&view=grid&sort=title:asc&defaults=1&lists=uRZm_JSc-3Y&scb=0.24702493473887444

Every book I've read. (I mean every) - http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/8179465-oliver?format=html&shelf=read

Tuesday 6 November 2012

OJ Reviewing: The Village

I wasn't going to reviews this movie because it was an old one and not a very big one after the brilliant Skyfall but it was so unlike anything I've ever seen before I just had to do it.

 With The Village you can't actually describe the film without spoiling it in some way. It has so many secrets and strange concepts that you can't quite believe it. It is directed by a man called M. Night Shaymalan who has done many secret-surrounded films that can be dark and thus very good; I haven't seen many of his other films so this was a bit of a first and I really enjoyed it. Some people will find the beginning or the whole story a bit boring as it takes a bit to get going for it is very secretive as I said. But I liked it myself and some elements really gave you, not so much a scare, but when you put yourself in the characters' situation. So I can't really say much about it if you ever see it but it is one of the most interesting concepts I've ever seen and I don't recommend it to everyone as it is not a 'feel-good-film' but some people will defiantly not like it and others probably don't know. But after everything I enjoyed it.

Sunday 4 November 2012

OJ Reviewing: Skyfall

My first ever James Bond film; yes, I really haven't seen any others.

 Wow. Skyfall. My first step into the Bond world was amazing so lets start with the beginning. A lot of the first scene was in the trailer and it was the most action-packed, edge of your seat beginning I've ever seen, and then just as that finishes you get the famous Bond intro which I'd never seen anything like it before so this was really strange but also fascinating and went on longer than I expected. So after that you start the film Skyfall.
  I have to say the whole plot to Skyfall was exceptionally good, a few parts I knew I'd seen in other things but I wasn't expecting them and that was good, I liked the way they set up the villain with all these people who fear him and so you defiantly smell a "rat". The film itself was 143 minuets so you defiantly have a bit to take in and you get a bit of background story to quite a few characters and learning about that was enjoyable. The special effects in this film were very good and a few things they did were very clever and I imagine there were some references to the past. The comedy wasn't as funny as  expected but I just looked over that when  I think of the movie as a whole.
  So, my first Bond film is Skyfall - and  really enjoyed it. One of the best films I've seen this year and recommend it to not only Bond fans but also to the others, like me, who have had little experience because you will enjoy it.

Thursday 1 November 2012

OJ Reviewing: The Amazing Spider-Man

A big film review coming up this weekend so to quench your thirst until then I have this.

 So. The reboot of Spider-Man. I actually enjoyed the original trilogy and thought it was pretty good - until I watched The Amazing Spider-Man. Wow, this film is so much better with the characters, background  comedy, and overall plot. It exceeded my expectations and I most certainly will watch it again. Unfortunately I didn't get to see it in 3D which now I wish I had as some scenes you can see would look fantastic in 3D; especially the parts where the camera is looking through Spider-Man's eyes because they do that a lot and it looks great. One of the only things people might not like about the movie is that it takes a bit of time to get going, the beginning lasts a bit but I liked watching it though others may find it boring or lagging. So apart from that the movie is an absolute awesome film and is one of Marvel's very best.
   If any of you saw it in 3D please tell me what it was like and which scenes stuck out.

Monday 22 October 2012

OJ Reviewing: War Horse (novel)

Well, I've seen the movie which I reviewed here: http://theojreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/oj-reviewing-war-horse.html.

After seeing the movie I was interested of how the book went as it had come out first. It is a Michael Morpurgo book and I had read some of his other ones and I really liked them, no naturally I was looking forward to War Horse. Now, when you're reading you can definitely see it is meant for younger people, say 7-13 or something. I liked how it was done but it was all very simple and changed from one thing to another quickly whereas in the film they blended one scene into another. I didn't realise how much the film changed; parts that look maybe 2 days in the book took five minuets in the film and I think they missed out a whole week from the book. I don't know if my review would be different if I'd read the book first but this time I'm not as keen on it as Morpurgo's other books which I think are brilliant. So for me I prefer the film but the book does give a little information on the horse and background to the rest of the world.

Saturday 20 October 2012

OJ Reviewing: The Magic of Belle Isle

Don't you dare say you don't like Morgan Freeman! LOL.

 The Magic of Belle Isle, sounds a bit cheesy doesn't it? Well, it's not. It has a disabled Morgan Freeman who gives up on life until finding a single mother with three girls. You think it will be predictable but not as much as you think; I thought it had a really good story and enjoyed it the whole way through. I loved the humour in this movie because who doesn't like a good laugh and the jokes in this film will make anybody laugh. I like the ways the characters were brought out and some really good ones that taught you about life and stuff.  So I really would recommend this to everyone as it is good family entertainment which you don't get to often, so forget the rubbish you're going to watch tonight and see The Magic of Belle Isle.

Wednesday 17 October 2012

OJ Reviewing: Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

Yemen is country? He He, I knew that...

 Meh, I wasn't particularly bothered about this film and didn't really care if I saw it but my family stuck it on and I watched some salmon fishing, in Yemen. It's pretty much a romance story/comedy-ish/life lesson film. It wasn't too bad; there were a few funny bits, there were a few sad bits. It was better than I expected and would probably watch it again if it was on TV or something. I don't think everyone will get some of the British references like I did (cause I'm from UK) but without that you can still like it. This is a very short review because I don't really have many thoughts on it; it was an okay film and you will enjoy it if you like that sort of thing.

Tuesday 9 October 2012

OJ Reviewing: Classic Battleship Movie Edition

"I wanna be the aliens!"

The Battleship game is back with higher stakes and bigger ships! I remember playing Battleship years ago and quite liked it and then I saw the movie and thought some scenes where very much like it and finally I got the Battleship Game with alien spaceships! I really like the detail on the ships, they have like wooden decking and the turrets with windows and stuff and then on the alien vessels you have minute detail even on the bottom! On the top where you out all your misses and hits you have a picture behind of a Navy Radar which looks really good and then some metallic-like strips on the side and then for the aliens it shows the alien scanning tech which you see in the film and that looks awesome too. Also with this game you can have 3 ways of playing, you can have the classic Battleship and then you can also play with special cards which (1) makes the game go faster and (2) makes it that bit more enjoyable and exited; the cards do awesome things to make you win much easier as well. The third way to play is that you only have as many shots as you have afloat ships which is alright. So I really enjoy playing this game and can arrange your ships in sort of attack modes and fun stuff and I recommend it to old Battleship fans and people who think its is boring because it actually gets better.

Monday 8 October 2012

OJ Reviewing: Prometheus

Yes, I don't go to the cinema everyday and have to wait for the DVD release, so what?

Anyway, Prometheus. Hmmm, what can I say about this film. Well, it was very interesting. It wasn't as scary as I would've thought but more philosophical. The plot was defiantly interesting and there was a twist or two. I liked the CGI, that was fantastic and the creatures great and had some awesome scenes but then I can see where people get a little confused. This film gives out a lot of questions all the way through but then it only answers, like, 2 or 3. You literally have no idea why most of the events are happening. Its a fun movie to watch if you like sci-fi, aliens and thriller-like concepts but for the people who think about the story arc and look into it, you mostly base your views on theories. The end was one of the best parts and it defiantly sets up a sequel. So, I don't quite know who I'd recommend it too; sci-fi fans defiantly, an people who don't care about the story lines, but also people who do because you want to know which makes you keep watching and yearn for a sequel, so; tell me what you think and give me your best theories.

Saturday 6 October 2012

OJ Reviewing: The Avengers

Yes, where I come from it's Avengers Assemble, but lets go with the rest of the world.

Well, finally! The big one! They all come together and assemble! Iron Man, Hulk, Thor and Captain America come together with Hawkeye & Black Widow to take down Loki. I saw this at the cinema (not in 3D) and I really enjoyed it. The way I put the trailer clips together into a story in went completely a different way which I was glad of. I enjoyed how they did it and how they brought them together and how they disagree and then find out they need each other. There are a few twists in this that I really wasn't expecting. The dialogue in this movie absolutely awesome and so funny, more jokes and hilarious quips than I expected which were really good. I'm glad it wasn't really bad and it was the complete opposite as there are no origin stories and it's just The Avengers. Even people who haven't seen the rest of the MCU I think will enjoy it as there isn't much depth and a lot is explained like why the Hulk is why he is and how they found Cap alive; so with very slight back stories and awesome plot I will get this DVD and everyone else needs to too! YES, right now! Go!

Friday 5 October 2012

OJ Reviewing: Captain America: The First Avenger

The First is the Last.

So, I have to tell you now, this is my favourite ever Marvel film. It is brilliant. It tells the story of Steve Rodgers who is a little person who is defiantly not strong but because he has a good heart he is chosen by an eavesdropper to take part in a military experiment known as: The Super Soldier program!, sound familiar? Well they did mention it in The Incredible Hulk. From then on it is really good with awesome action sequences and one of my favourite villains. The best thing about this film I think is the humour; Tommy Lee Jones is hilarious and some some of the scenes in this film will have you in stitches. I loved every moment watching it. The special effects where really good and the tech was awesome which was powered by the Tesseract which appeared in the post-credit scene of Thor and then the end defiantly said it all; Nick Fury appears and says that line about being "asleep for almost 70 years" and then Steve seems to take no reaction and just states that he had a date. So I do recommend this film to everyone and it is a really good adventure and I really hope the Red Skull makes a come-back because he didn't really die did he?...

Thursday 4 October 2012

OJ Reviewing: Thor

Heimdall is an awesome character! No questions asked.

Thor. Initially I didn't want to see this movie because I thought it was all about magic and stuff which I hate but when I learnt it was in the Marvel Cinematic Universe I thought I'd see what it was like and to my surprise it is mostly Sci-Fi with elements of fantasy. I liked the outer space setting and different planets and that was really good; I liked the humour in this film as it is very good in most MCU films. The other characters where great and Phil Coulson was awesome giving us an Iron Man mention, and then Dr. Selvig references Hulk so that was interesting that they could tie it all together. There were a lot more special effects in this movie as there are aliens and wormholes and all that kinda thing which I like. So in the end It was a good film with brilliant special effects and an okay story.

Wednesday 3 October 2012

OJ Reviewing: Iron Man 2

His last enemy was in a robot suit! But this enemy IS..........in a robotic suit. I'm starting to see a pattern.

Iron Man 2! The only sequel in Phase 1 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Everyone knows who Tony Stark, everyone wants the  Iron Man suit, and some Russian guy is out for revenge. I have to say this is my least favourite of the MCU so far mostly, I think, because you've pretty much seen it before, with the first film; he is still a big-headed billionaire who saves people and he wears an awesome suit (which is nothing bad) but your not surprised by much, you know what tom expect. The story line wasn't bad though, it goes into Tony's past and we get to see his dad (who actually appears in Captain America: The first Avenger) and we get to see Agent Coulson again, Black Widow, Nick Fury, and even Cap's shield! The villain was a little predictable but I liked it and it was the movie where War Machine begins so he can help Iron Man in the final battle and that was really good; but like I said, the reason most probably don't like this much is that you've seen quite a lot of the elements before.

Tuesday 2 October 2012

OJ Reviewing: The Incredible Hulk

"Don't make me hungry"

The Incredible Hulk is the second MCU film and brings on Bruce Banner to the mix who has a disturbing past and is now in hiding from the government. The beginning of this film is really good and shows exactly who Bruce Banner is and what happened and what normal life is for him and that was really good and then the government find him and he has to go on the run again so he heads of to America to confront some old memories and to get answers; The Hulk itself wasn't bad at all either and the graphics were really good and then I liked how they referenced Captain America with the Super Soldier serum which created the Abomination which is just was scary, ugly, bad looking guy. I enjoyed this film a lot when I first saw it and when I saw Iron Man I never stopped after the credits so I had no idea about the crossover films until I saw Tony Stark walk into that bar at the end and thinking to myself "So, is Iron Man 2 next or Hulk 2?" I really had no idea when it came out but now I can see it fits in well with the Cinematic Universe and The Consultant just brings it together nicely too.

Monday 1 October 2012

OJ Reviewing: Iron Man

YES! The I am reviewing the Marvel Cinematic Universe!

  Iron Man starts it all off with a genius billionaire known as Tony Stark played by the brilliant Robbie Downey Jr. He gets taken and learn some life lessons which turns him into a superhero! He is my favourite my Avenger mostly because his film and persona seems the most realistic. I really like Probable Science Fiction and I love the film Iron Man. I have no knowledge of the comics but I really enjoy the movies and this one is my second favourite MCU film. I enjoyed the enemy, the story was fantastic and it is very funny in some places. 1 or 2 references hint a bigger universe and then you see the post-credit scene and your amazingly hyped for everything Marvel. So Iron Man is the beginning of a franchise like no other and it really delivered. It's really enjoyable and you'll love the characters so get out there now and watch it! I don't care if you already have it on DVD just watch it again!

Sunday 30 September 2012

OJ Reviewing: The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists

Or is it the Band of Misfits?...

The latest addition to the Ardman collection has been made! Starring a number of voice actors who are very
well known - to people in the UK. It has the story-line of a not-so-brilliant- Pirate Captain trying to get gold so he can win a trophy. I thought the comedy in this film was very good and some things I didn't expect, the whole film was jam-packed with British Cultural references so the rest of the world won't have a clue whats going on. I really liked it all and the characters were funny. The way things were done were very interesting and the whole premise was enjoyable to watch. Not quite a cinema film but do watch it if you happen to see it on because it has a little bit for the older audience than just the kids.
  Oh yes, did you spot the Blue Peter badge?

Tuesday 25 September 2012

OJ Reviewing: Doctor Who series 6

A mid-series break!.........................Oh goodie.

 Series 6 is all about one thing: RIVER SONG - that's right, the used-to-be-good mysterious person who knew the Doctor who has now become an annoying story arc that will confuse many and infuriate more. Which category am I? The former. The series was okay but every episode just had something linked to River's life, I liked her reference to Series 4 in the first episode but she did get a little annoying, another story arc (which still links to River) is the strange eye-patch woman in the first half and then the Doctor's death in the second. 'A Good Man Goes to War' is a really good episode and I love all the creatures and past characters but then what followed was just a complete episode about what the entire first half was all about - anyone who hadn't seen Doctor Who before would see that and not have clue whats going on and would probably never watch it again. So I prefered the first half to the last but even that was a bit choppy. Now for the finale, oh yes, 'The Wedding of River Song' was yet again another complex conundrum about a parallel universe that had been made in one second, it wasn't as bad as others but I still wasn't keen because that would mean the Teselecta can fake regeneration? Anyway the series very bad dip in Doctor Who and that's without the pointlessness of the Christmas special which is to horrid to review.

Monday 24 September 2012

OJ Reviewing: Doctor Who series 5

Well thank you very much for the hits I had on my last review, I'm glad you liked it.

  Series five introduces Matt Smith and Karen Gillan as the new TARDIS crew. The first episode 'The Eleventh Hour' was very good and is considered the best of Smith's stories. It had the Doctor meet a little girl called Amelia and then the Doctor comes back years later making Amy Pond the only companion to know the Doctor since being a child. It was interesting with the story arc through the series and it was fun to see each crack. I liked many episodes in this series ans the monsters have been great along with quite a lot of emotion that is quite popular in DW since good ol' Series 4. 'The Pandorica Opens' is an absolute awesome episode with loads of aliens, references and even made the Cybermen scary again; the cliffhanger was great and you desperately wanted to see the next one which...... was a disappointment -  big one. You know I haven't liked the finale's of Doctor Who since series 2 but 'The Big Bang' has to be the ultimate worst, it felt like a quick getaway from the one before and I still don't get the whole "rebooting the universe" thing so if you could explain that to me I would be very thankful. So apart from the very last episode it was really great and the Christmas special was the first one that wasn't set on Earth and I didn't mind that too much but anyway, I like Matt Smith and he is my favourite incarnation.

Sunday 23 September 2012

OJ Reviewing: Doctor Who 2009 Specials

I'm reviewing 3 special episodes of Doctor Who leading up to David Tennants demise!......

Planet of the Dead

Doctor Who's first ever Easter special but you can't really tell it is apart from the chocolate egg at the start. I like this episode because it brings in UNIT a lot more than they have done, they brought back a character from series 4 and a new hilarious character played by the funny Lee Evans. The plot to this story was really good about wormholes and deserts and metal stingrays. The Tritovites were awesome to and was kinda sad they had to die (oh, erm, SPOILERS,). Now the companion stand-in is some snobby know-it-all who is a thief. Meh, not really sure about that and she got a bit annoying; there were some funny parts in it though and I love the concept of the stingrays so all round I'd say it's quite a good episode.

 

The Waters of Mars

Yes! One of the best ever episodes and my second most favourite of NuWho. It's on Mars, it has a robot, and water is the enemy! Such a cool premise, the plot is great and I love the humour, K-9 reference, Dalek tie-in and most defiantly: the villains. The water virus is awesome, the creatures with the cracked mouths are awesomely freaky and I love watching this episode.

The End of Time

Right at the end of the whole Tennant era it boils down to a bit of radiation - but for a really good cause because its what the Doctor does best, and that is sacrifice himself for others. The emotion was very good and I liked most of the plot and I'm glad they brought alien-looking aliens into it. The thing I don't like: Raising the Master, hmm, how? I think that is very impossible, wouldn't the Time Lords do that to everyone? Anyway, that's all I didn't like but I did think it was funny that it takes forever for him to die; it was great to see all the old companions and creatures and stuff and I imagine that his final scene made people cry. So a great episode and an awesome end to the tenth Doctor.

  Now for the era of the Smith!

Friday 21 September 2012

OJ Reviewing: Doctor Who series 4

Ha Ha! The return of the Tate!

One of the best companions ever, Donna returns after being in a Christmas special and now she's a companion and she is absolutely great with David Tenneant. They delivered some real great lines and scenes. The episodes were really good and my 3rd most favourite NuWho episode is in this series; they had monsters never seen before and would never have even heard of, which were great. It brings in the mysterious River Song where she is not annoying and confusing and the Doctor witnesses her death. I like to call this series "Blast from the Past" because lots of past things come back such as: Donna, Rose Tyler, Ood, Martha Jones, UNIT, Sontarans, Davros, flashbacks to series 1! I really enjoyed the references to and it was building up really well and I loved The Stolen Earth and then......... I'm sorry, but, yes, I didn't like the ending; it was okay but I don't think that the meta-crisis Time Lord/Human hybrids was the best idea, it would probably be confusing to some but I guess they didn't want Rose to be lonely, so apart from that the series was great and I love the monsters and some scenes have really good emotion and awesome plots.

Thursday 20 September 2012

OJ Reviewing: Doctor Who series 3

Is it just me, or is this series a little darker?

 Hmmm. My line above is a reference to the plots, it just felt like it had a darker tone, like The Family of Blood and then the Dalek-Human Hybrid. I liked it all but it just felt they upped the target audience a little, which I enjoyed because it also made it that little more scary and fun. I watched Blink for the first time and no way could I sleep that night. Martha Jones is the companion for this series and I think how she and the Doctor met is really good, we learn a little more about the Doctor and the Time War and then as the series revolves around knowing a little more about the Doctor it turns out we've been missing the "Vote Saxon"s and now we have brought back The Master! I think this Master is much more like the one that met Paul McGann when he was the Eight Doctor than any in the classic series. I thought this one was a bit weird but creepy. The very end I didn't like very much, the whole plot was great but then the resolution was just that bit too unbelievable and wasn't quite explained I think. But the series as a whole was good it brought us the Weeping Angels which are awesome (until series 5, but that's another story...)

Wednesday 19 September 2012

OJ Reviewing: Seizure

I've just finished it; sorry I had to review it in the middle of the "Doctor Who only for 7-Days".

  The middle book in the Kathy Reichs trilogy; it follows a few months after Virals and the gang need money bad - so, the obvious way to do it is go treasure hunting! The story may not be original but with this book I didn't mind, some things you felt like you've heard it all before as the complete first half feels like The Goonies, then moves to Indiana Jones for a bit and then there is quite a few surprises near the end; I wasn't expecting them but unlike the first book I did actually like these ones. It is a much bigger adventure and they explore a bit more of their powers and learn something new by the end. One antagonist from Virals even appears now has an ally which was interesting. One or two tiny bits were unrealistic but I liked the plot overall and after reading an excerpt from the last book, Code, I can't wait to read the finale!

OJ Reviewing: Doctor Who series 2

David Tennant begins!

  Series two changed the main actor completely! OK David Tennant is considered to be one of the best Doctor's in NuWho and sometimes in Who history. He was very good as then Doctor and I enjoyed his episodes; 2 of my favourite ever are Tennant eps. Series 2 made everything new and brought stranger aliens and even went into paranormal again which I really don't like, just stick with the aliens, its much better. They brought back the Cybermen from the classic series and made them in a parallel world, those story's were great and I loved them, series 2 also brought out one of the most disliked episodes ever: Love and Monsters; I myself don't see the problem, it can be nice to see a civilians point of view, my dad loves this episode because he loves ELO. The series finale is my favourite so far because it didn't have any confusing and contradicting endings, It was a brilliant end with a great battle and a sad loss. Defiantly the best ending.
  The Christmas special was also quite good starring the funny Cathrine Tate and a great story, the villain I wasn't so struck on but I liked it anyway. So I like the Tennant series and he had a range of companions including Martha Jones who appears next!

Monday 17 September 2012

OJ Reviewing: Doctor Who series 1

Well finally! I'm doing the amazing and iconic show known as: Doctor Who!

 I'd never seen it before, I'd never heard of it; my dad probably said something about Jon Pertwee in the 70's, but when I watched a tiny episode called 'Rose', boy I knew I had something good. I'd never seen anything like this; what an awesome series. Now I realise this show is a legend I love every moment I watching it.
  Series 1 of this show introduces The Doctor played by Christopher Eccleston and he is a mysterious alien who stops invasions and is always there when bad things happen. As the series went on it had great episodes with everything you ever wanted in it. My favourite alien is in this series and my first ever Doctor I saw. The villains were great and the finale was........ Hmmm. Okay. Moving on. The Christmas special is my favourite Christmas special and I love the whole set up and everything. I can't wait to review the rest of series' and I hope you Whovians enjoy them!

Friday 14 September 2012

OJ Reviewing: Primeval series 5

Finally, a T-Rex!

I thought that last series ended on a cliffhanger? Well it sure didn't seem that way. Episode 1 of this series was just an average episode, it had nothing to do what had happened. It carried on the story arc still but it was different to last series. The plots are getting very different to what they've done before and every episode is leading up to the final 2 which I think they could have made a little better. They did bring back a few old creatures and even a Tyrannosaurus Rex finally made an appearance. The finale was a little disappointing but there was a suspense scene that was pretty good. The last scene created a huge mystery and lots of questions which I don't at all think was needed and a 6th series is not looking very likely.

Thursday 13 September 2012

OJ Reviewing: Primeval series 4

Different is an understatement.

So, it was cancelled, for a whole year we had no Primeval. That is until until it came back but instead of being filmed in London it's now Ireland. It starts off a year since the epic ending of last series and there is a new team, a new base, and most defiantly a different atmosphere. The creatures have gotten a bit better and they've once again added a story arc but I liked this one, it all revolved around new leader Matt Anderson. His character is very mysterious and interesting. A few more characters are introduced too and the humour is still there. The story arc did keep me going though most of the time you felt it was really rubbish because it is completely different to the first 3. There are a lot of changes and you can't quite get used to them until the end and even then your not sure. So it was a bit of a let sown to the others but like all every series I have it on DVD and I intend to get each one that comes.

OJ Reviewing: The Karate Kid (1984)

Wax on the cheese!

 I sat down and watched this for the first time last night. I'd heard of it before and I've already seen the remake so I wanted to watch this expecting it to be some 80's rubbish but I was actually surprised. This movie is really good even now. The character of Daniel is great and you hate when he gets beat up and you want him to win and that makes you smile when you see Mr. Miyagi the old man beating up 4 teenagers in skeleton costumes. I like how it was done and it has some memorable scenes and good morals. So the plot was predictable and a few of the lines were a bit cheesy but its a fun movie to watch and when I see the 2010 remake again I will review that one.

Wednesday 12 September 2012

OJ Reviewing: Primeval series 3

Bigger creatures, bigger losses and bigger DVD case!

Series 3 of the Primeval franchise is longer, scarier and downright awesome. A brilliant come back from the wasn't-needed story arc of series 2. A big twist in episode I was not expecting. The creatures really do get bigger and the future plays a big plot in this series. It's always fun to see the past creatures like Giganotosaurus and the Diictodon but when you see the future then you really want more. They introduce a new character called Danny Quinn who is awesome and he helps a lot. They did something they've never done before in Episode 5 which is really good and the they also had quite a creepy episode that you haven't quite seen since series 1; and that was great. This is my all time favourite series of Primeval, I love the new characters, huge events happen in the final episode which leaves you on an epic cliffhanger and along with all the others I own this on DVD too.

Tuesday 11 September 2012

OJ Reviewing: Primeval series 2

A story arc if I ever saw one.

  This series follows the amazing cliffhanger left by series 1 and it did something I wasn't expecting at all; they introduce some new characters, a new base, and of course new creatures. I have to say this is the least favourite of the series and I think its because it feels like a series on its own, I was expecting more explanations for last series cliffhanger but it felt like it just deals with that scene as quick as it could and went back to fighting creatures, and this series doesn't end on a cliffhanger like all the others. It was all about conspiracy and having to power to rule everything so you didn't really learn anything new about the anomalies and it looked as if it told you what series 1's last episode was all about but it didn't. I still watch it, though, and have it on DVD along with the rest. So, not my favourite of the series but the creatures are much better, and they give another one from the future!

OJ Reviewing: War Horse

If Forrest Gump was a horse...

 I haven't read the book before watching this so I didn't quite know what the plot was apart from a horse in World War I. So I watched it and it wasn't quite as I had expected; from the trailer you expect this boy to lose his horse then it has both sides of their story but no, its all about the horse; I thought there would be a main human character but I don't even think Jeremy Irvine's character could be classed as one. And talking about that when watching this don't get attached to any characters because almost ever owner of the horse dies or it is taken off them, I was expecting more screen time of Tom Hiddleston at least and Bennedict Cumberbatch probably just scraped through as an extended cameo. The story, though, was great and I liked where it went and I will defiantly be reviewing the book as I think it is actually written from the horse's point of view.

Monday 10 September 2012

OJ Reviewing: Primeval series 1

The creators of Walking With Dinosaurs goes drama!

  This is totally my kind of thing; I remember loving back in 2007 and I still do now. The story is that a team of people find 'anomalys' in time so things from the past and future come through. The design for the anomalies are very good; it's like broken glass floating in and out of each other becoming a portal. The CGI is fantastic and the creatures are superb. The characters are really good and you take a liking to them. The whole story of series 1 is mostly introducing the premise but with a little mystery in there. It's only 6 episodes which isn't very many for a TV Show but it's worth it; the very last episode is considered the best of all time and I agree. It doesn't really have any famous or well-known actors in it other than Ben Miller (who's character is great) that many British people may know as he is a comedian. I defiantly recommend it to sci-fi lovers and what I like the most about Primeval is that it doesn't use well known creatures. Actually in series 1 there are official dinosaurs. All the creatures occur before or after the dinosaur era ("after" meaning Dodos - yes, they can be pretty deadly). I have it on DVD keep watching it every now and again.

OJ Reviewing: John Carter

Disney? Come on!

  John Carter is the story of a man from the past who transported to Mars (yes, the planet) where people can breath but their density of their bones is different so the gravity doesn't effect them. Now the character of John was kind of cool, he was okay. The design for the aliens weren't too bad but it wasn't realistic; the plot is a little confusing and you don't quite know whats happening; there was a little humour but it was mostly sci-fi and special effects. The end was screaming for a sequel but I don't think it will happen at all. It didn't explain why they could breath or how they got there. If they do do a second one then I hope they expand on the history maybe. So the beginning was okay the middle was "meh" and the end was much better. Actually all the Earth scenes were the best. a disappointment for people who were looking forward to it I think. I don't particularly want to watch it again but that's just me.

Thursday 6 September 2012

OJ Reviewing: Jurassic Park Operation Genesis (PC)

Dinosaur Digs Upgraded!

One of my favourite films ever is Jurassic Park, its an awesome trilogy. I heard there was a game out but I never saw it in shops but then I found it on holiday and I have lots of fun playing. The graphics aren't bad at all and the different modes are really fun; the missions can be quite hard and going around Site B is extremely enjoyable. Normal game play is okay with you building that park and having to earn stars and money but when you just wanna built a great park without the waiting I use the cheat codes, because there are many and they do some pretty helpful things. Site B is where you can have a bunch of Dino's of your choice and can make as many of them as you can on a deserted island and watch them go about naturally (or put a T-Rex in a herd of Gallimimus). A really fun play and it's much better than Zoo Tycoon's Dinosaur Digs.

OJ Reviewing: The Forgotten Echo

The final book in the Remarkable Adventures of Tom Scatterhorn

  The biggest adventure yet. This book brings everything you ever learnt about The Museum's Secret and The Hidden World together and it makes sense! Thinks you didn't even think were important become linchpins! This novel references lots of things from the first two and it reveals many things and answers lots of questions that the last book should do. It felt a little more fantasy than sci-fi and historical than futuristic but its a very good adventure and absolutely non of it will make sense if you haven't read the first two. A brilliant finale to the Remarkable Adventures but I don't know if its just me there are 1 or 2 parts that confused me a little, Henry Chancellor is a great writer though and as I've said before his settings are outstanding. Now there the end; some people are going to really like it and then there are those who really don't, I personally didn't mind the ending, I quite liked it. But that's just me so what did you think? Was the ending a good finale or should never have been written? Comment below and tell me!


Wednesday 5 September 2012

OJ Reviewing: The Hidden World

Great sequel; bigger, and badder.

 An awesome sequel to The Museum's Secret; it has been a year since Tom Scatterhorn's adventure and now he's back at the museum and there is a new exhibit that takes him into other worlds... I love the storyline of this book and some parts made me laugh and I like when books do that. There were even some creepy scenes that you didn't get in the first novel and they were good and then there a few mysteries and great descriptions of the creatures that you are really thankful don't exist. It is a much bigger adventure than the first which can sometimes take the realism away from it but I don't mind that because the whole plot is just great and it sucks you in all the way to the end. I still prefer The Museum's Secret but this is a Remarkable novel and I'm looking forward to future Henry Chancellor young adult novels.

OJ Reviewing: The Museum's Secret

The first book in The Remarkable Adventures of Tom Scatterhorn.

  I looked at the back of this book and the blurb didn't really quench my thirst or sound interesting but boy I couldn't have been more wrong. This plot is the most fantastic, bizarre and unpredictable story I've ever read. Tom Scatterhorn is a boy who goes to live at his Aunt and Uncle's museum and some strange things start to happen. The plot is told very well with a bit of suspense, humour and definitely mystery; even the first chapter your riping the book to get to the next page! I go along with Tom all the way and genuinely want to know what happens next. It's Henry Chancellor's first young adult book and he has done very well. One of my favourite books ever by far. I have to say as well that this I think is the most realistic (as it can be) out of the trilogy - I'm not saying the others are rubbish because they really aren't its just that I really like this one. The visuals that Chancellor gives you are outstanding and you can definitely feel the emotion and atmosphere. A very enjoyable read for sci-fi fans, mystery, adventure and just a tiny bit fantasy.

OJ Reviewing: Falling Skies season 2

W O W. Give me season 3 NOW!!!!


  I thought season 1 was brilliant and had an awesome concept and the cliffhanger left me wanting more, and boy did it give more. Season 2 was much more scary, more action packed the storyline going in places I never thought of. The characters progressed a lot and we learn a LOT more about the Skitters along with their overlords which are named in the last episode! I thoroughly enjoyed it all the way through and even gave a few surprises. And if you thought the cliffhanger of season 1 was out of this world (pun intended) then wait until you see this one! It expands the whole Falling Skies universe in a different way where Season 3 could go absolutely anywhere. Definitely looking forward to Season 3 and if you loved season 1 then you have to watch this! You may find out something frightful about the harness'...

OJ Reviewing: Falling Skies season 1

 My first TV Show review!

   Falling Skies season 1. This show is nothing like I've ever seen before. The story is that it opens up 6 months after an alien invasion on the entire planet; the aliens have destroyed all the military and all communications; it's like those films where you see an alien invasion come and start and everything and this series is like 6 months after that; I really liked that. The characters in this series are great, as are most Spielberg ones are, and you did or didn't want things to happen to them. Each episode always brings something new that you didn't know, and it brought up questions about the aliens that you never thought of watching the series. The CGI in this show is OK; I have seen better but this obviously isn't a film; the close ups though were good because they had animatronics and the design for "the Skitters" was quite interesting. The last ever episode left you on a huge cliffhanger and you really were hungry for Season 2. So if you like aliens and you love a bit of action along with mystery then you go and watch Falling Skies, because Spielberg doesn't do TV series often, but when he does they're pretty good.

Tuesday 4 September 2012

OJ Reviewing: Real Steel

Who isn't a fan of Steven Spielberg?

  Well I remember ages ago I was watching random trailers on YouTube and I found a film title called Real Steel. The film trailer tells you it's about robots boxing and a little robot called Atom comes and is really good; well, that's sort of the back story, or the second plot if you will. The main storyline is about Hugh Jackman bonding and becoming friends with his son which makes that storyline predictable but you don't really care because it's set in the future and you've got awesome robots, deserted zoos and great tech! This movie couldn't really get mush better; I think Jackman's character is going to be one of my favourite characters of all time, the boy (Dakota Goyo) is a really good actor too and it's an all round fun movie to watch. The one thing I have to say though - which is very petty - is that it supposed to be Robots boxing each other but up until the last fight is looks more like wrestling; that's fine though and I have nothing else bad to say about the film. Go watch it if you love sci-fi and you don't feel like a sissy watching father/son bonding time.
  Spielberg rules!

Monday 3 September 2012

OJ Reviewing: The A-Team

  In the original series no one died at all!

I watched possibly 5 or 10 episodes from the 80's series because I really did enjoy them. When I heard there was a new film being made i really didn't at all want to see it as I hate film reboots. But this film wasn't half bad - unless you class it as non-fiction. Yes, The A-Team does some pretty impossible stuff but you like it and it is fun to watch. I loved Mr. T as BA but I'm not as keen on 'Rampage' Jackson although he was funny. Liam Neeson is an awesome actor so I like every film in this and I liked his character. The storyline is an interesting one with a twist I didn't expect. It has nothing at all to do with the original series so I watch it as a film on  it's own. I would defiantly watch it again and recommend it but as I said there are a few unrealistic scenes. So how do you compare the 80's TV show to the 2010 film? Comment below!

Sunday 2 September 2012

OJ Reviewing: Puss In Boots

What is the plot to this movie?!

   I really didn't want to see this movie so I didn't see it at the cinema. So I've waited for the DVD and it wasn't even my choice to see it but I had nothing else to do at the time so I sat down and watched it.
  The beginning of this movie is an origin story and it becomes a story within a story for a short time and then you think you know how it's going to go and it changes so you have a new version in your mind and the it's not until the last 15 minuets you realise what it was; some movies I like that but this wasn't great; it confused me a lot and then some of it didn't make sense. So apart from the plot being choppy what I did like about this film is it wasn't all for kids; I saw a few scenes for the parents too, the humour was funny and the animation was very good. I was hoping for a Shrek reference but that never came but overall apart from how the plot went I did enjoy the character's and settings. Not at all like a Shrek movie and you could watch it on its own without seeing the entire Ogre franchise.

OJ Reviewing: Hot Wheels Track Attack (Wii)

Never played a Hot Wheels video game before...

  As a Hot Wheel collector I saw this game on eBay and thought it looked quite fun. I rarley played HW games on the compter so I decided to try this game for Nintendo Wii. I was kind of expecting it to be like Mario Kart but it is a little more realistic than that. Te steering was much harder and the graphics wern't the best but the backgrounds are fun to look at. on each level there is something that supposed to block your path (e.g. Shark, Turrantular, Robot) but they are easy to evade. Along the way you have to unlock the different Hot Wheel cars you can drive which are pretty easy apart from the last F1 car; you also have to collect blue "Tokens" which are the most fun part; the tokens give you power ups for design, speed or something else. I wouldn't recommend it for people who love racing and Wii games but it's fun to look at the cars if you are a Hot Wheel fan and collector.

Saturday 1 September 2012

OJ Reviewing: Battleship

Whats wrong with people? I don't follow their view.

  No matter what others say I actually enjoyed the film Battleship. Some say that it doesn't resemble the game at all but IT DOES! There is one scene where it's almost exactly the same! The humour was great and I loved the alien tech - especially those ball things with tails that just destroys everything. Okay, the character development wasn't great but it was a fun movie to watch; you wanted to know what happens next and enjoyed it. I wouldn't at all call it predictable and the special effects were awesome! The design for the aliens weren't the best but they explain why and the alien suits remind me a bit of an Iron Man/Transformer armour; and talking of Transformers, lots of people say it looks like Transformers, its a spin-off, a spoof and it didn't at all feel like a Transformers movie, maybe they borrowed a few sound effects but apart from that I can't relate anything to them.
  There IS a post-credit scene that supposed to set up a sequel but it doesn't look promising, but that's my view; comment because I wanna know how you see it.

Friday 31 August 2012

OJ Reviewing: Virals

First time writing a teenage book; might need a little more practice.

  SNAP! So Virals is a Young Adult book written by Kathy Reichs who is responsible for the TV show Bones (which I've never heard of). It's about a group of kids and a dog (sound familiar?) and they have contracted some sort of virus which effects their body's. I suppose it's trying to be scientific version of a werewolf but I didn't class it was that kind of book because I hate that paranormal rubbish. I did like the science element of it and I thought the characters were portrayed very clearly and realistic but in some cases they really weren't and a few parts you thought "that wouldn't happen". I thought the beginning was a little slow but when the plot got going it was really good and a few surprises got be by surprise and then there was the ending; there was a big twist which I didn't really like; I was expecting something else but then I read it and thought "oh, well I guess that's that then. Pretty predicable from here on". I would have expected a better ending; so next time I think Kathy should spend more time on the end than the beginning.
  So, I have read better books but I didn't mind this one and will be reading the sequel and probably the whole trilogy.

OJ Reviewing: Mario Kart Wii

My first experience with Mario Kart: here we go!

  I've had Mario for a while now and I've played it a lot. It was my first gaming experience with Mario - I mean I used to play the computer games but that was different - now was racing! Car racing on the Wii I love; so Mario Kart gave me a lot of joy, I liked trying to unlock the different levels and then got really exited when it said I got a new character. I also like how each character and each vehicle have different strengths instead of them all being same speed and stuff. So my favourite car has to be the B-Dasher Mark II,  and favourite bike is defiantly Torpedo Bike. But as you always do with a Wii you play for ages and ages and then you don't and it lessens to maybe one game a month or something. But I still play when I can and I still can never unlock that blasted Mii Outfit B!!
  I think it's brilliant and recommend it to all gamers out there.

Thursday 30 August 2012

OJ Reviewing: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Wow. What a crazy and random film.

  I love sci-fi, I love comedy, and I love Martin Freeman. So this film is a faveourite of mine. It's based off a book series by Douglas Adams which I have to admit I have never read. I did hear of the TV Series but I don't know much about it. But this film I think is really good. Very funny, cheesy and sci-fi packed; the mind of Adams is very random judging from the film and my faveourite ever thing in the movie is the Improbability Drive. Lol, that's hilarious. It's a British-American film which I think can be very good. I suppose it could have been a film series but I don't think it'll happen (what do you think?). I would always watch it again and I'm going to put it as a candidate on my Top 10 Fave Film list.