135: Total Eclipse of the Moon

TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE MOON (2013, Wolfblood)

Louisa Connolly-Burnham can sing! And I thought I couldn’t love her any more! This is another great story from James Whitehouse & Hannah George, and the scenes with the wolfbloods cavorting about in the woods are so cute. There are some good effects too, but Harry Averwood’s a rubbish character. 8/10. 50 words.

 

 

 

TOMORROW, we see in 2014 with classic The Seeds of Doom, reviewed in 50 words...

 

 

WHAT A YEAR: 133 fifty-word-reviews, 2 hundred-word-reviews, 28 episodes of Wizards vs Aliens, 6850 words in total of reviews, 18 episodes of Wolfblood... and next year will be even better...

134: Kinda

KINDA (1982, Fifth Doctor, Nyssa, Tegan & Adric, Doctor Who TV)
Doctor Who Magazine proclaimed this as one of the best Doctor Who stories. Almost right. This is very impressive, albeit one where Nyssa, the best of the three companions, is side-lined. Simon Rouse delivers a stunning performance, the sets are impressive, as is Nerys Hughes, and the writing is exceptional. 9/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/doctor-who-store/doctor-who-mara-tales-dvd/invt/bbcdvd2871

TOMORROW, to finish off the month - and the year! - it's Wolfblood's Total Eclipse of the Moon, reviewed in 50 words...

133: Voyage of the Damned

VOYAGE OF THE DAMNED (2007, Tenth Doctor & Astrid, Doctor Who TV Xmas)
Doctor Who does a full-on disaster movie! Maybe this story slips into that genre a bit too well, but it’s populated with believable characters and fantastic sets. Kylie Minogue is brilliant. It’s an adrenaline-filled disaster movie that’s really entertaining to watch. Plus, it’s got Duke from Tracy Beaker in it. 8/10. 50 words.



Sorry, forgot to put this up yesterday. Also, on the 'News' page you can find out the schedule for next year's reviews, since I've run out of Wizards vs Aliens and I'm adding some different Doctor Who-related series to the roster.


BUY VOYAGE OF THE DAMNED AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-Voyage-Christmas-Special/dp/B0010TG1SA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1388416996&sr=8-2&keywords=voyage+of+the+damned

TOMORROW, 1982 classic Kinda, reviewed in 50 words...

(image credit: BBC)

132: The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe

THE DOCTOR, THE WIDOW AND THE WARDROBE (2011, Eleventh Doctor & the Arwells, Doctor Who TV Xmas)

Oh dear. This got massively bad reviews upon transmission. I was laughing my head off at the whole frantic “hammocks!” section, and there’s a brilliantly-realised forest, with interesting wooden villains, and Claire Skinner needs a spin-off, but there’s not much of a story, some dilly-dallying, and it doesn’t come together. 4/10. 50 words.

 

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/doctor-who/doctor-who-the-time-of-the-doctor+other-eleventh-doctor-christmas-specials-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3884

TOMORROW, Voyage of the Damned, reviewed in 50 words... merry Christmas!

131: The Christmas Invasion

THE CHRISTMAS INVASION (2005, Tenth Doctor & Rose, Doctor Who TV Xmas)
It’s the first Christmas Special for the new Doctor Who team, they’re still finding their feet, and they still manage to deliver a nice festive treat. David Tennant finds his feet well though the Doctor doesn’t do much, but there’s Camille Coduri, a convincing spaceship and a nice old swordfight. 7/10. 50 words.

 

BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-Series-Volume-DVD/dp/B000ESSTB0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388145004&sr=8-1&keywords=the+christmas+invasion

 

TOMORROW, snow is falling, all around, merry christmas, everyone, as TDTWATW (The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe), reviewed in 50 words...

130: The Time of the Doctor

THE TIME OF THE DOCTOR (2013, Eleventh Doctor & Clara, Doctor Who TV Xmas)

Well, that really was something, wasn’t it? The most spectacular regeneration ever, hundreds of dangling plot threads resolved, and fantastic work from the costume, hair & make-up sections. There’s good direction of a decent if unspectacular script, and Matt Smith, Jenna Coleman and Orla Brady are fantastic. Oh, and KIDNEYS! 8/10. 50 words.

 

PRE-ORDER AT: http://www.bbcshop.com/doctor-who/doctor-who-the-time-of-the-doctor+other-eleventh-doctor-christmas-specials-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3884

DID YOU NOTICE that Clara apparently lives in the same block of flats as Rose Tyler? They're both on the Powell Estate! Well, we go back to the Powell Estate itself tomorrow, for The Christmas Invasion, in 50 words...

129: The Snowmen

THE SNOWMEN (2012, Eleventh Doctor & Clara, Doctor Who TV Xmas)
After two absolutely horrendous Moffat Christmas specials, this time he’s got it 100% right. Jenna Coleman presents Clara as the best companion since Donna, in a script packed with adventure, drama, humour and charm. Strax in particular is hilarious, the Ice Queen is realised well, and Saul Metzstein is God. 10/10. 50 words.


PRE-ORDER AT: http://www.bbcshop.com/doctor-who/doctor-who-the-time-of-the-doctor+other-eleventh-doctor-christmas-specials-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3884

TOMORROW, The Time of the Doctor - the Fall of the Eleventh and the Rise of the Twelfth, reviewed in 50 words...

128: A Christmas Carol

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (2010, Eleventh Doctor, Doctor Who TV Xmas)

Confession: I don’t like this story. Unashamedly ripping its title and plot off Charles Dickens, this story just doesn’t feel special. It’s nice and snowy and Christmassy, and there’s a great CGI shark, and Michael Gambon, but Abigail’s an awful character and the plot is too stolen to be entertaining. 2/10. 50 words.

 

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/doctor-who/doctor-who-gift-set-a-christmas-carol-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3545

TOMORROW, it's Christmas Day! and I'll be reviewing last year's Xmas Special "The Snowmen", in 50 words only...

127: The Runaway Bride

THE RUNAWAY BRIDE (2006, Tenth Doctor & Donna, Doctor Who TV Xmas)

Packed with humour, this story must be awarded a high rating right from the beginning. Why? Catherine Tate, that’s why! Donna is a breath of fresh air, a spiky contrast to Rose, and a remarkably well-rounded character. Drama and comedy go hand in hand in this exciting adventure, directed fabulously. 10/10. 50 words.



BUY IT AT: http://www.bbcshop.com/david-tennant/doctor-who-the-runaway-bride-dvd/invt/bbcdvd2380

TOMORROW, our Christmas Specials week continues with "A Christmas Carol", reviewed in 50 words...

126: The Wrong Doctors

THE WRONG DOCTORS (2013, 6^th Doctor, 6^th Doctor, Mel, Mel, Doctor Who Audio)

The opening Big Finish main range release of 2013 is a really complicated one. True, there are some really funny moments and exciting dramatic moments, but the story is really based on being unimaginably complicated. Sound design and music is fantastic, but this requires multiple listens to understand it. Average. 6/10. 50 words.

 

 

BUY IT AT http://bigfinish.com/releases/v/the-wrong-doctors-703

TOMORROW, it's the beginning of the Christmas week at 50 Words Who (or whatever), and we kick off with 2006's The Runaway Bride, reviewed in 50 words only...

125: The Empty Planet

THE EMPTY PLANET (2010, Sarah Jane, Clyde & Rani, Sarah Jane Adventures)
This is a creepy story to begin with, and it’s got a wonderful, if ‘haven’t I seen this before?’ premise. The Robots are brilliant, and Gavin is the worst character in the world, acted terribly. It’s a mixture, with fine writing and monsters, but production not just up to par. 7/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/science-fiction/the-sarah-jane-adventures-series-4-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3503

TOMORROW, the Sixth Doctor, Mel, the Sixth Doctor and Mel... in The Wrong Doctors, reviewed in 50 words only!

124: The Ice Warriors

THE ICE WARRIORS (1967, Second Doctor, Jamie & Victoria, Doctor Who TV)
ONE begins promisingly, with some funny-ish moments, average acting and good sets. But I can sympathise will all those who hate this story; from TWO onwards, there’s little action, with the story mostly full of Clent debating about things. It’s boring, dull stuff, though the Ice Warriors are marvellous creations. 2/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT: http://www.bbcshop.com/doctor-who/doctor-who-the-ice-warriors-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3558
TOMORROW, The Empty Planet, reviewed in 50 words...

123: The Revenants

THE REVENANTS (2012, First Doctor, Ian & Barbara, Doctor Who Audio)
Spooky and atmospheric, this Companion Chronicle, originally just a download with Doctor Who Magazine, is performed well by William Russell and Sharon Small. The sound design in particular is to be commended. The story has several twists – particularly the Part One cliffhanger – but is generally, like the sparse music, unspectacular. 4/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT: http://bigfinish.com/releases/v/the-light-at-the-end-limited-collector-s-edition-860

TOMORROW, chilly plodder The Ice Warriors, reviewed in 50 words only...

122: All Out War!

ALL OUT WAR! (2013, Wizards vs Aliens)

Blimey, Russell T Davies really knows how to write an epic! This is an engaging, action-packed script, with an interesting set-up and some great writing, even though there are a few little bits which feel tacked on to the main piece. Acting and direction has never been better. Go Lexi! 9/10. 50 words.

 

 

 

TOMORROW, audio release The Revenants, reviewed in 50 words only...

121: Grave Consequences

GRAVE CONSEQUENCES (2013, Wolfblood)
Wolfblood manages to show the entire range of what it can do in an impressive chunk of half-hour drama. The comedy, supernatural, dramatic elements that the show excels in are all joined seamlessly in a massively enjoyable episode. Acted fantastically, this is the show’s finest episode yet, and something brilliant. 10/10. 50 words.

TOMORROW, it's  All Out War! in my final Wizards vs Aliens review...

120: The Girl Who Waited

THE GIRL WHO WAITED (2011, 11^th Doctor, Amy, Amy & Rory, Doctor Who TV)
This story was only a back-up story to begin with, but you can tell that Tom MacRae’s put a lot of work into this emotional script – it’s Series Six’s ‘pack a punch’ story. Acted and directed well, the plot is thin and it does become a little bit boring. Sorry. 5/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT: http://www.bbcshop.com/doctor-who/doctor-who-the-complete-series-6-dvd/invt/bbcdvd3430
TOMORROW, Grave Consequences for Jana, Maddy, Rhydian, Shannon and Tom - it's a new Wolfblood review in just 50 words...

119: The Web Planet

THE WEB PLANET (1965, First Doctor, Ian, Barbara & Vicki, Doctor Who TV)
The first episode, while creepy in places, is just 25 minutes of dilly-dallying. From then on, the story picks up, maybe not deserving its 2½-hour run time, but delivering memorable aliens in the forms of the Menoptera (in terrible costumes) and Zarbi. It’s well-made but I doubt it’s anyone’s favourite. 6/10. 50 words.


BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-The-Web-Planet/dp/B0009WT5BY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387099167&sr=8-1&keywords=web+planet

TOMORROW, we wait 36 years for The Girl Who Waited, reviewed in 50 words...

118: From Raxacoricofallapatorius With Love

FROM RAXACORICOFALLAPATORIUS WITH LOVE (Sarah Jane, Clyde, Rani & Luke, Sarah Jane Adventures TV Comic Relief)

This story is just a little stupid silly scene, but to be honest that’s what it was meant to be, right? Ronnie Corbett is a great casting coup for the show, and the regulars are all brilliant, but its lack of substance means it can’t really be taken too seriously. 6/10. 50 words.

 

 

 

 

TOMORROW, `60s story "The Web Planet", reviewed in 50 words only...

117: Doctor Who

DOCTOR WHO (1996, 7^th & 8^th Doctors & Grace, Doctor Who TV Movie)
It’s some sort of holy myth: you’re not a Doctor Who fan until you’ve mocked the TV movie. To be honest, I quite like it. Yes, there are car chases and an American Master and lots of non-Doctor-Who-like things, but there’s Paul McGann, a great score, and a not-awful script. 8/10. 50 words.

TOMORROW, short scene "From Raxacoricofallapatorius With Love" reviewed in 50 words...
BUY IT HERE: http://www.bbcshop.com/doctor-who/doctor-who-revisitation-boxset-volume-1-dvd/invt/bbcdvd2806

116: The Girl in the Fireplace

THE GIRL IN THE FIREPLACE (2006, 10^th Doctor, Rose & Mickey, Doctor Who TV)

Sophia Myles makes an excellent guest star, cavorting about exquisite sets and locations with David Tennant, in one of his finest performances. One of Steven Moffat’s finest scripts ever, it combines humour, romance and drama, with a blast of charm, making it one of the most impressive Doctor Who stories. 10/10. 50 words.

 

 

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/david-tennant/doctor-who-series-2-box-set-dvd/invt/bbcdvd2122

 

TOMORROW, Doctor Who (the movie, not the whole show), reviewed in 50 words...

115: Endless Night

ENDLESS NIGHT (2013, Wizards vs Aliens)

Phil Ford’s latest script has an intriguing premise and offers some memorable moments and comedy from Randal Moon, who is wonderful as ever. Annette Badland gives her all, as does the fantastic Brian Blessed, in a well-directed story. While a step down from the preceding tale, this is nonetheless good. 7/10. 50 words.

 

TOMORROW, The Girl in the Fireplace, tomorrow, reviewed in 50 words...

114: The Girl From Nowhere

THE GIRL FROM NOWHERE (2013, Wolfblood)

Debbie Moon’s script is, as ever, absolutely wonderful in every single respect. This tale is an interesting one for all the characters involved, with new character Jana being an intriguing character; Leona Kate Vaughan is the best actress possible for the role, bringing humour and charm to it. Directed well. 9/10. 50 words.

SORRY: Internet went a bit haywire yesterday, couldn't put this review up
NEXT, it's last week's Wizards vs Aliens story, "Endless Night"...

113: Resurrection of the Daleks

RESURRECTION OF THE DALEKS (1984, Fifth Doctor, Tegan, Turlough, Doctor Who TV)

This tale basks in its ‘gloriously gritty’ premise; maybe the violence is taken too far? Backed up by a cast of underdeveloped supporting characters, this story does relish in its utter Davrosness. Terry Molloy, Janet Fielding and Peter Davison are great in a story that doesn’t fully embrace its potential. 6/10. 50 words.

 

 

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/doctor-who-store/doctor-who-revisitation-boxset-volume-2-dvd/invt/bbcdvd2956

TOMORROW, Wolfblood action in "The Girl From Nowhere"...

112: Dark Eyes: The Great War

THE GREAT WAR (2012, Eighth Doctor & Molly, Doctor Who Audio: Dark Eyes)

The renowned and respected Dark Eyes set begins with aplomb in an interesting and evocative story. With an accurate recreation of what World War One must have been like, Nick Briggs introduces some intriguing characters and a new side to the Doctor. Paul McGann’s brilliant, even if Ruth Bradley isn’t. 9/10. 50 words.

 

BUY IT AT http://bigfinish.com/releases/v/dark-eyes-792

TOMORROW, the gloriously violent "Resurrection of the Daleks", reviewed in 50 words only...

111: The Mark of the Berserker

THE MARK OF THE BERSERKER (2008, Sarah Jane, Rani, Clyde & Luke, Sarah Jane TV)

This story is directed well, if not written brilliantly. The writing’s average, with an unusual central plot which sort out flops out along its two episodes. Elisabeth Sladen gives her all in a great performance, and there are several memorable-ish moments in an average tale. It’s average, but not special. 5/10. 50 words.

 

 

BUY IT AT: http://www.bbcshop.com/childrens/sarah-jane-adventures-the-complete-2nd-series-dvd/invt/bbcdvd2919

BEHIND-THE-SCENES: Today's review was meant to be "Day of the Clown". I had a whole 50-word review written, about how Anjli Mohindra created a likeable character and there are memorable moments and everything... and then realised yesterday that I'd already reviewed it.

TOMORROW: The first part of the mega-popular "Dark Eyes" is reviewed, in 50 words...

110: The Ark

THE ARK (1966, First Doctor, Steven & Dodo, Doctor Who TV)

Steven and Dodo are the worst companions ever. The sets are gorgeous. The acting is average, and William Hartnell is fabulous. The music’s interesting but not noteworthy. That sums up this story. Interesting, and good, but not noteworthy or brilliant. It does get a bit boring in the middle, though. 5/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.bbcshop.com/doctor-who/doctor-who-the-ark-dvd/invt/bbcdvd2957
TOMORROW, Mark of the Berserker, reviewed in 50 words...

109: Urgent Calls

URGENT CALLS (2007, Sixth Doctor, Doctor Who Audio)
Eddie Robson has created an fascinating idea. It’s perfect. A story told pretty much entirely out of phone calls between the central character, the Doctor, and other minor characters. The idea of a virus going through phones is interesting, and the story is directed and performed so it never bores. 9/10. 50 words.




LISTEN FOR FREE AT: https://soundcloud.com/big-finish/doctor-who-urgent-calls
NEXT, it's back to the 1960s with "The Ark", reviewed in 50 words...

108: The Thirteenth Floor

THE THIRTEENTH FLOOR (2013, Wizards vs Aliens)

This script is absolutely beautiful. It’s the deepest thing Wizards vs Aliens has ever attempted, and you can see what bits would have changed for The Sarah Jane Adventures. The characters change for the better, miraculously, and Paul Murphy’s direction is superb. Jessie Cave is great, though Ursula is underused. 9/10. 50 words.

TOMORROW, Urgent Calls....

107: Leader of the Pack

LEADER OF THE PACK (2013, Wolfblood)

This is an affective opener complimenting the previously released mini-episode, directed with aplomb and a nice sense of style. The cinematography is superb, the acting even better. Kudos to Alun Raglan for creating a truly menacing villain. A perfect script, realised perfectly. What more could you want? This is great. 9/10. 50 words.

TOMORROW, take that magical ride in the lift, as The Thirteenth Floor is reviewed in 50 words...

106: The Rescue

THE RESCUE (1965, First Doctor, Ian, Barbara & Vicki, Doctor Who TV)

This story was only made to introduce Vicki the new companion, not to be great. But it is. Vicki, contrary to later appearances, is actually bearable, William Hartnell gives his finest performance, there’s a shocking, unexpected reveal, and it’s a great example of the show making do with few resources. 9/10. 50 words.

BUY IT AT http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-The-Rescue-Romans/dp/B001MYKYOU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386012348&sr=8-1&keywords=romans+rescue+who
TOMORROW, Wolfblood Series 2's opener "Leader of the Pack", reviewed in 50 words...

105: The Abominable Snowmen

THE ABOMINABLE SNOWMEN (1967, 2nd Doctor, Jamie & Victoria, Who TV)

What a great central idea there is in this story: robotic Yetis in Tibet. That’s just brilliant! And the Yetis themselves are fabulously designed, great villains. The monks aren’t awfully-acted as well, and there are interesting developments within the Det-Sen monastery. But six parts is too much. It gets boring. 6/10. 50 words.

 

TOMORROW, back to the early years of Doctor Who again with "The Rescue", reviewed in 50 words...