Alien Romulus provides a gutsy back-to-basics revamp for the Alien franchise. Evil Dead (2013) director Fede Álvarez’s new addition to the Alien saga is an interquel set broadly between the events of Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986), with a taut scrip co-written by the director and Rodo Sayagues. The core themes of the original movies loom large in Alien Romulus, with downbeat anti corporate satire, the ragtag crew, and a meticulous recreation of set elements that all combine strongly to resonate with the past. There are plenty of Easter eggs from other chapters of the Alien franchise as well. Álvarez wisely keeps a tight rein on the callbacks to earlier instalments though, giving us just enough to heighten the atmosphere, but never slavishly crossing over the line into excessive fan service.
Cailee Spaeny impressively embraces her role as Rain, who is scraping by on a meagre wage. she lives with Andy (David Jonsson), an android “synthetic”, programmed by her late parents to help her at all times. Their close sibling-like bond also forms a key part of the movies plot and narrative – especially once Andy gets an unexpected system upgrade. Set on a grim mining planet, Rain is friends with a bunch of young rebelsscavengers who have set their sights on a nearby derelict space station, and plan to use its cryo-freeze equipment and fuel to escape to a new life. Andy is also seemingly compatible with the software that will allow them to breach security and reach the station, but once they arrive Rain and her friends quickly make a horrifying discovery about what has been sealed up on board.
Following this brooding start Alien Romulus kicks into high gear and the Xenomorph action begins in earnest! Álvarez engineers some brilliantly tense and standout jump scares, plunging Rain and her friends into a hellish nightmare that gradually closes in around them. There are two startling set-pieces involving face huggers that will genuinely make you squirm, an ingenious use of zero gravity to great effect, and of course the obligatory frenetic build up to a grotesque chest bursting sequence.
Another standout point of Alien Romulus is its seamless fusion of practical, CGI and model special effects. It’s always a difficult balance to strike. Here though director Fede Álvarez has pitched it just right, and the result is a stunning feast for the senses. Finally we have the Alien itself. This Xenomorph design is pure HR Giger inspired and a joy to behold as a result. We’ve seen countless versions of the Alien over the years in films, comics and video-games, but few can hold a candle to the classic vibe that Alien Romulus delivers with its own menacing Xenomorph.
While perhaps not quite as original and groundbreaking as we might’ve hoped, Alien Romulus is still a triumphant return to the franchises horror roots. Álvarez’s stylish direction immerses you in the nerve-jangling tension, while the fine cast of young guns step into the breach, and Cailee Spaeny excells in her Ripleyesque role for a new generation.
Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS5. You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook
Marvel Studios Deadpool & Wolverine hits the ground running with a gratuitously violent opening fight sequence, sowing seeds of the madcap mayhem to come, before embarking on a multiverse spanning smackdown of epic proportions. Yes, the team-up of the Merc with the mouth and our favourite Adamantium clawed Mutant is finally here at last bub! When the Time Variance Authority (from the LOKI Disney Plus series) snatches Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), who is enjoying a quiet life after leaving his mercenary days behind him, and sends him on a mission that teams him with a variant Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) to save the multiverse from Cassandra Nova (The Crown’s Emma Corrin) – the evil twin sister of the X-Men’s Professor Charles Xavier.
Directed by Sawn Levey from a screen play he wrote with Ryan Reynolds, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, and Zeb Wells this third Deadpool film is both a sequel to the first two Deadpooll films and Logan, and a crossover to merge the universes of the MCU and the Fox Marvel movies. Incidentally Deadpool & Wolverine also retains the same R rating as its Deadpool and Logan predecessors, making it the first MCU movie with an R rating.
The plot of Deadpool & Wolverine is stretched paper thin in places. But let’s face it, we’re all probably here to see this movie because we know it’ll be a wild ride anyway, Hugh Jackman make a welcome as Wolverine as well, and this time he’s sporting the iconic yellow comics accurate costume we’ve all been clamouring for. Ryan Reynolds is at his crotch grabbing outrageously over the top best as Deadpool, and the superhero bromance Reynolds and Jackman bring to the screen is a joy to behold as these brothers from another multiverse carve up the screen, their opponents and each other with visceral glee!
While the wacky multiverse story doesn’t hold up to close scrutiny, Deadpool’s fourth wall breaking satire and Wolverine’s grizzled swagger doesn’t shy away from poking fun at everyone and everything. Nothing is off the table for the films raucously in-you-face self-awareness, the misfortunes of recent MCU movies and TV shows, stereotyping, and even the lives of its two leading men are all up for grabs with merciless abandon. Deadpool & Wolverine isn’t quite the game changer you might’ve expected though. Sure, it’s a fantastic crossover that bridges two huge cinematic franchises, but the amalgamation of these properties in doesn’t exactly set out any clear definition of where things will go from here. Deadpool & Wolverine is a nostalgia filled love letter to the 20th Century Fox Marvel films, and a wickedly subversive kitchen sink mash-up of conventional cinematic superhero tropes.
Director Shawn Levey works wonders with this ultra violent superhero team-up buddy movie. The incredible choreography of the fight sequences alone are brilliantly dazzling, and cued to soundtrack beats that punctuate the narrative sublimely. There are surprise cameos galore to enjoy as well. The cameos are sure to delight fans and some will totally blow your mind as well. Then there are the variants. Don’t get me started on the variants, or we’ll be here all day!
Deadpool & Wolverine is rip-roaring fun from beginning to end. What it lacks in plot it more than makes up for with its anarchic blend of wildly orchestrated violence and goofy foul-mouthed silliness. It’s easily one of the best Marvel films I’ve seen in a long time and certainly the most fun as well.
Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS5. You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook
Here’s a Doctor Who sketch of Sutekh, from Pyramids of Mars, that I did recently. Sutekh also ended up making a surprise return in the new series of Doctor Who as well, so that was good timing! I love drawing classic Doctor Who monsters like this Not posted much recently as I’ve been off enjoying watching Wimbledon, tennis is my favourite sport, and I always take a break to see it. Thank you so much for all the support and encouragement that you’ve given to the sketches I’ve posted, I’m so happy you enjoyed them. All of my artwork is in the new category Art by Paul Bowler on Sci-Fi Jubilee – so everything’s all in one place now. Enjoy the summer and I look forward to sharing more drawings with you soon.
Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS5. You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook
A new era of Doctor Who begins with an-all-new “Season One” of the BBC’s flagship Sci-Fi show, made in a mega-budget co-production and streaming on Disney + and BBCiPlayer worldwide simultaneously. We also have a new Doctor played by Ncuti Gatwa and his new companion, Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson, embarking on their new adventures fresh from the events of the Christmas Day 2023 special: The Church on Ruby Road. The majority of this season has been written by the current Doctor Who showrunner Russel T Davies, with former showrunner Stephen Moffat writing episode three, and writing duo Kate Herron and Briony Redman providing episode six. There are a galaxy of guest stars lined up for this new season as well along with returning faces Jemma Redgrave as Kate Stewart, Michelle Greenidge as Carla Sunday, Angela Winter as Cherry Sunday, Ruth Madley as Shelly-Anne Bingham, Yasmin Finny as Rose Noble, Bonnie Langford as classic companion Melanie Bush, and Anita Dobson as the mysterious Mrs Flood.
The build up to the release of the new season hasn’t all been plain sailing though. Ncuti Gatwa and Russel T Davies have both ruffled feathers with their outspoken views in the media over concerns about the new direction of the series, and a new release schedule proved somewhat controversial in some fan quarters as Doctor Who attempts to step up with “the big hitters” of the streaming platforms. All that kerfuffle aside, you probably noticed I’ve done an overview of the new season instead of my usual individual episode reviews. This was a choice in part because a dear friend of mine sadly passed away at the beginning of May after a long illness. I’m sure you can understand reviewing Doctor Who wasn’t a priority for me at the time, so I decided to jot down a few of my thoughts about each episode instead. So, let’s dive in shall we?
SPACE BABIES
Space Babies provided a bright and breezy start to the new season. The story is simple and straightforward enough, with the TARDIS arriving at desolate space station for Ruby’s first trip into the future, our new time travelling duo find a Baby Farm that’s run by the sci-fi tots themselves, and the Doctor and Ruby must protect them from whatever nastiness is prowling the lower decks. With a minimal cast, including Brigerton’s Gold Rosheuvell, Gibson and Gatwa’s chemistry lights up every scene, and we are left with no doubt that this season is indeed going to double down on the Timeless Child change in the status quo. Whether that proves for better or worst remains to be seen. It’s clear however with Space Babies that Russell T Davies was going for exactly the same reboot vibe and signposting of Whovian tropes to appease both long-term fans and welcome newcomers as he did with 2005’s initial revival of Doctor Who, although for me personally I found the slapstick silliness of Space Babies a little too much.
THE DEVIL’S CHORD
The Doctor and Ruby travel back to the swinging sixties on the day The Beatles recorded their first album, Please Please Me, at what would become known as the legendary Abbey Road Studios! The Doctor and Ruby are on a fun jaunt to see The Beatles make their new album, even Cilla Black gets thrown into the mix, and RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon also stars as the god-like Maestro, what could possibly go wrong..? Goodness me, where to start? I hate to say it but I thought The Devil’s Chord was dreadful. London might’ve become a battlefield for the Doctor and the Maestro with humanities future hanging in the balance, but the real battlefield was between the threadbare script and cringe inducing musical numbers. The Maestro was touted as being the most powerful threat the Doctor has ever faced, but Monsoon’s ridiculously camp and over-the-top super villain just made me want to switch off. Intriguing foreshadowing aside The Devil’s Chord quickly became an incoherent symphony lost in its own paradox. To be honest, I’ve always been more of a Stones fan really anyway.
BOOM
When the Doctor and Ruby find themselves caught in the middle of a war on the planet of Kastarion 3, the Doctor becomes trapped when he stands on a landmine, and is unable to move for fear of setting it off. Ruby must face untold danger if she is to save the Time Lord, and soon they will meet someone who may well end up changing their lives forever. Now this is a bit more like it! Penned by former showrunner Steven Moffat, Boom is a masterclass in suspense and tension. Having spent the majority of the first two episodes explaining the concept of Doctor Who for its new Disney + audience, Ncuti Gatwa finally gets a script that really lets the 15th Doctor shine as the Time Lord runs a gauntlet of emotions while confronting the knife-edge of jeopardy he faces. Millie Gibson also gives a stelar performance as Ruby must really step up to the plate to help the Doctor. Moffat is firing on all cylinders with Boom, despite a somewhat convoluted third act and syrupy so-so ending. The visuals effects in Boom are stunning as well, most notably for its first use of in-camera VFX to create the episodes impressive alien landscape – a similar process that’s been used in Star Wars TV shows to great effect. Intriguingly. we also got a surprise debut from Varada Sethu as Anglican soldier Mundy Flynn on Kastarion 3. Sethu is set to join the Doctor’s adventures in the second season, however it remains unclear why she’s shown up early like this, but it certainly adds an air of Impossible Girl-like mystery into the mix!
73 YARDS
The TARDIS lands on the west coast of Wales where a chilling mystery awaits the Doctor and Ruby. One where the locals in a nearby pub are fearful of the seeming manifestation of an ancient legend. When the Doctor goes missing, Ruby must confront dire warnings of doom alone as a bizarre mix of myth and magic closes in of her. Whatever power has awoken in this foreboding landscape 73 Yards certainly provides a huge tonal shift for this series. Writer Russel T Davies weaves haunting themes of Welsh folk-horror into the narrative and director Dylan Holmes Williams crafts a haunting atmosphere for this unusual Doctor-lite episode. It’s a great showcase for Millie Gibson as Ruby as we witness her life unfold while stalked by a mysterious woman, Dame Siân Phillips certainly doesn’t disappoint either as Enid, and Aneurin Barnard is very convincing as Roger ap Gwilliam. Jemma Redgrave also returns as Kate Stewart in a tense scene that provides a very effective and much needed bit of world building for this new era of Doctor Who. Oddly enough this episode almost feels like a supernatural retread of Boom. In the end though 73 Yards ultimately falters somewhat because of the frustrating ambiguity of its premise. Davies tries to do too much with too little, and this curious episode doesn’t quite stick the landing as a result.
DOT AND BUBBLE
The blissful world of Finetime in Dot and Bubble hides a skulking terror which preys on the unsuspecting population. However, this high-tech utopia provides Russel T Davies with the perfect backdrop in which to set this stark analogy of digital media addiction. So, with the Doctor and Ruby trapped outside the colony, the episode is fronted instead by Callie Cook who delivers a great performance as Finetime resident Lindy Petter-Bean – a likeable character with a Sally Sparrow vibe about her. So, the circumstances of this Doctor and Ruby-lite episode means Lindy becomes the main focus of this story. The technical wizardry that brings the colony of Finetime to life is impressive to say the least, as are the monstrous slug creatures that stalks the unsuspecting population. Davies parks Doctor Who’s tanks well and truly on Black Mirrors lawn for this cleverly crafted, yet oddly paced story. A brooding sense of pessimism and dark social commentary pervade throughout, but after an impressive start the plot and its shock resolution doesn’t really pay off.
ROGUE
Doctor Who goes Bridgerton with considerable style in Rogue, written by Kate Herron and Briony Redman (Loki, Sex Education) and Briony Redman (Point Brek, Forget-Me-Not), and stylishly directed by Ben Chessell (The Great). The Doctor and Ruby have come to 1813 to enjoy the Duchess of Pemberton’s ball, the highlight of Georgian society. But a hidden shape-shifting alien evil has ingratiated itself and guests are being murdered. Rogue is probably one of the series’ most romantic and flirty episode ever. The Doctor’s rushed romance and same sex-snog felt more like an exercise in box-ticking mind, and a cannon busting Next Doctor-like holographic montage of past Doctor’s got shoehorned in as well. With sumptuous sets and huge attention to detail lavished upon this love-letter to Bridgerton we even got Bridgerton’s choreographer Jack Murphy to craft the classic historical dance sequences. Ncuti Gatwa and Mille Gibson clearly have a ball with this jaunty sci-fi-historical come-murder-mystery, along with the all-star guest cast featuring India Varma as the dazzling Duchess of Pemberton and Jonathan Groff (Glee and The Matrix Resurrections) as the enigmatic bounty hunter Rogue. This episode was both oddly satisfying, in part no doubt to its historical setting, and yet strangely devoid of being anything even closely resembling Doctor Who at all really – despite its emotionally charged resolution.
THE LEGEND OF RUBY SUNDAY & EMPIRE OF DEATH
The Legend of Ruby Sunday kicks off Russell T Davies’ densely plotted two-part season finale with the Time Lord reuniting with UNIT at their HQ in modern day London. Here, the Doctor delves into the secrets hidden in Ruby’s past since she was abandoned as a baby on Christmas Eve – via UNIT’s Time Window. There’s also the mysterious Triad Technology to contend with, and the alien cyborg known as the Vlinx from The Giggle shows up too. Gatwa and Gibson are on fine form as the Doctor and Ruby, their UNIT friends Melanie Bush (Bonnie Langford) and Kate Stewart (Jemma Redgrave) also get a good slice of the action, with guest stars Anita Dobson as Ruby’s nosey neighbour Mrs Flood, Ruby’s adoptive mother Carla Sunday played by Michelle Greenidge , and Yasmin Finney as Rose Noble also featuring. The significance of recurring guest star Susan Twist is uncovered at last (the woman they keep seeing throughout time), appearing this time as Susan Triad, and to top it all off the seasons big-bad is finally revealed as Sutekh, God of Death – voiced once again by Gabriel Woolf, having originally voiced the role in 1975’s Pyramids of Mars. Empire of Death goes on to deliver an epic showdown for the Doctor as he battles the ultimate evil of Sutekh. It was great to see Bonnie Langford become a key player as Mel in her classic companion role in this episode as well. The resolution unfortunately proved anticlimactic with Sutekh conveniently vanquished, Ruby’s underwhelming reunion with her mother, a tearful farewell, and an ominous festively tinged coda from Mrs Flood. Of course the Doctor will be back at Christmas, but I have a feeling the cataclysmic events of Empire of Death will be felt for a long time to come…
So, what’s my verdict on this series you might ask? As you can see, I’ve found this season to be rather a mixed bag. I’m disappointed I didn’t enjoy this new season as much as I thought I would. The fact the Doctor and Ruby are both foundlings though does given them a unique bond and dynamic which we’ve never seen before in Doctor Who. Personally I found the pace of the season was too rushed, however I did like the way it’s focused more around the supernatural and fantasy elements rather than all-out sci-fi. Sadly I think the potential set up in the 2023 Christmas special was squandered and Russel T Davies relied too much on familiar tropes and recycled plot devices. Ncuti Gatwa still feels like he’s finding his feet in the role, he’s at his best when he dials it back a little. For me Millie Gibson has been the star of the season as Ruby Sunday, especially in the quirky 73 Yards. As I’ve already said this season of Doctor Who hasn’t exactly been a priority for me. The series got off to a shaky start, it gradually picked up despite some dud moments along the way, and just about got its act together for a rather average finale. For now my conclusion remains as mixed as my initial impressions. While Disney Who might be bigger and flashier, it has also become a more generic sci-fi show as a result, and consequently a shadow of its former self.
Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS5. You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook
Here’s a Doctor Who sketch of a Dalek that I did over the weekend. I enjoy drawing classic Doctor Who monsters so much and it’s always a nice way to while away a lazy Sunday afternoon. This time I thought I’d try to capture the powerful look of the modern Daleks and the creepy way their eyepiece seems to have such a penetrating gaze when it looks at you. The response to the sketches I’ve posted have been amazing and so encouraging. I’m so happy that you’ve enjoyed my humble attempts at art and have welcomed this new feature on my blog. I’ve also added a category Art by Paul Bowler on Sci-Fi Jubilee now so you can find everything in one place. Thank you so much for all your support and I look forward to sharing more with you soon.
Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS5. You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook
Get set for another monster smackdown with Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, the latest entry in the Monsterverse franchise. This blockbusting sequel follows on from the explosive showdown in 2021’s Godzilla vs Kong with an adventure that pits the mighty primate Kong and the titanic apex predator Godzilla against a deadly new threat hidden deep within the Earth itself – one that will challenge both their existence and our own! This new chapter of the Monsterverse delves even further into the vast histories of these mighty Titans, exploring their origins, as well as the mysteries which forged these incredible beings and ultimately bound them to humanity forevermore.
Make no mistake, the titans are the stars in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire! This sequel delivers another thunderous face-off of epic proportions between Godzilla and Kong, continuing Legendary’s Monstervese that began with 2014’s Godzilla and 2017’s Kong Skull Island, before setting these alpha titans on a destructive collision course with Godzilla Vs Kong and now culminating in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. So, seeing how Kong and Godzilla eventually saw these cinematic behemoths set aside their differences to battle Mechagodzilla in Godzilla Vs Kong, it was perhaps inevitable director Adam Wingard would take these two iconic monster movie franchises the next level by making Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire the ultimate monster team-up!
Yes, rivals become more like tag-team buddies in Wingard’s unashamedly spectacular over-the-top sequel Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, which has our titular titans confronted by the power-mad super-ape Skar King, who seeks to escape the confines the uncanny Hollow Earth biome to unleash havoc on the surface world. The digital special effects action is off the scale, perhaps excessively so at some points, but there is no denying the spectacle of it all is breathtaking. The colossal onslaught of the monster showdowns hardly lets up for a moment, with landmarks such as the Colosseum in Rome, the Egyptian pyramids and the statue of Christ the Redeemer are all being decimated or swept aside in the CGI carnage, with humanity very much becoming the endangered species as the battles rage on.
This sequel is still great fun and pure popcorn fodder; plain and simple. The plot is serviceable enough, if a bit ramshackle in places, but it does what it says on the tin and the monsters definitely get the major share of the screen time this time around. As for the human cast, well, what there is of it gets sidelined in all the monster mayhem really. Sure, we have Jia (Kaylee Hottle) who has a unique bond with Kong and now lives with her adopted mother (a returning Rebecca Hall). Hall is perhaps the best served as the exposition delivering Doctor Ilene Andrewsin, while Dan Stevens and a returning Brian Tyree Henry both get lumbered with the comedy moments.
If you’re looking for the same impactful examination of the human lives caught up in the monster action like the Japanese blockbuster Godzilla Minus One, I’m afraid you’ll find none of that here. By comparison Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is a sensational monster mash that doesn’t pull any punches, but it doesn’t give a jot about characterisation or any semblance of plot that gets crushed underfoot either.
Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS5. You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook
We’re going to rock though time! The latest trailer for showrunner RussellT.Davies and series stars Ncuti Gatwa (Fifteenth Doctor) & Millie Gibson‘s (Ruby Sunday) brand new series of new Doctor Who adventures has arrived. Check out the new DOCTOR WHO Season 1 Trailer!
The new season of Doctor Who premieres on BBC iPlayer in the UK 11th May and Disney+ 10th May
Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS5. You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune Part 2 continues the award-winning directors adaptation of Frank Herbert’s acclaimed sci-fi novel, Dune, with this stunning sequel. Dune Part One’s epic deep dive into the arid world of Arrakis and its desert-dwelling people the Fremen set the scene, and now with Dune Part 2 we will witness the ascension of their prophesied messiah – Timothée Chalamet’s enigmatic Paul Atreides. Picking up directly from the somewhat abrupt ending to the first film, Dune Part 2 charts the rise of Paul Atreides to power as leader of the Fremen and inspires an army to strike back against the evil Harkonnen forces who attacked House Atreides in the first chapter.
Timothée Chalamet’s performance as Paul Atreides is outstanding, and the refined nuances he brings to the character this time around as we watch him grow into the fabled warrior leader of the Fremen people is mesmerising to behold. Indeed, Paul finds his calling in the desert, and eventually becomes every bit the formidable fighter the Fremen prophesied.
As well as teaming up with the Fremen of Arrakis, including Fremen leader Stilgar (Javier Bardem), who believes Paul could be the ‘Lisan al-Gaib’, a fabled prophet in their religion), Paul also grows closer romantically to the warrior Chani (Zendaya), Paul’s mother Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) has sworn vengeance against Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgard), the grotesque leader of House Harkonnen responsible for the death of Paul’s father, Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac, from Part 1), and Josh Brolin returns as Gurney Halleck, the grizzled former military leader of House Atreides and Paul’s mentor who survived the Harkonnen invasion of Arrakis. With the Harkonnen stranglehold on Arrakis slipping the scheming Barron enlists his ferocious nephew Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler), the younger brother of Dave Bautista’s Glossu brutish Rabban, to kill Paul Atreides and secure Arrakis’ precious spice reserves for the Harkonnen’s once and for all.
Dune Part 2 features a wealth of new cast members: including Lea Seydoux as a mysteriously powerful Bene Gesserit, Christopher Walken as the all-powerful emperor, and Florence Pugh as his daughter Princess Irulen. The standout addition to the cast though is Austin Butler, whose performance as the psychotic Feyd-Rautha is genuinely chilling, and this ruthless enforcer delights in tormenting and stalking his foes.
Everything builds towards Feyd-Rautha’s showdown with Paul during third act, where the heir to the Harkonnen empire squares off against Paul in a dazzlingly choreographed fight sequence that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Dune: Part Two is even grander in scope and scale than the first movie. Villeneuve masterfully directs with board strokes from the canvas of the screenplay co-written with Jon Spaihts, based on Herbert’s novel, to craft a vast, sweeping epic with Dune Part 2 that expands on the narrative of the first film on practically every level. The sandbox of quasi-religious iconography and political allegory resonates even more powerfully than the first instalment. Greig Fraser’s stunning cinematography and Patrice Vermette’s incredible production vividly gives the Dune saga a suitably otherworldly feel, with its harsh environments gloriously awash with endless deserts, huge coliseums, uncanny spaceships and jaw-dropping sunsets. Villeneuve brings a stark visual clarity to every scene, crisp in detail, rich in characterisation, breathtakingly intense battle sequences are up-close and personal, the sandworms are an increasingly majestic presence throughout and Hans Zimmer’s rousing score punctuates every narrative beat perfectly.
Director Denis Villeneuve’s visionary approach to bringing Herbert’s classic novel to the screen is profound, the weightier themes are sublimely handled, while character arcs meticulously interspace the bombastic set-pieces as the world building and visual flare Villeneuve wields puts Dune Part 2 right up there amongst the greatest sci-fi sequels of all time.
With a run time of 168 minutes, the film is available in both the regular and IMAX formats. There are spectacles of awe inspiring set-pieces that are a seamless fusion of digital magic with practical effects and stunts. No expense seems to have been spared on the production design and huge battle sequences either. Dune Part 2 is cinematic beast of a movie that’s truly worthy of being seen on the big screen; where moments like the hazardous Fremen attempt to sabotage spice harvesting machinery and the highly anticipated scene were Chalamet’s fugitive Paul Atreides finally rides a sandworm across the dunes pf Arrakis provide adrenaline pumping high-drama. Paul Atreides’ mythic journey in Dune Part 2 ultimately sees him embrace his destiny as the Fremans chosen one and as the conflict races towards its conclusion their revenge against the Harkonnen’s brings a heartrending choice to advert a future that only Paul’s spice-visions can foresee.
If you were swept up in the drama of 2021’s first instalment, prepare to be blown away by the explosive desert warfare on display in this blockbusting sequel. With so much story to cram in Dune Part 2 hits the ground running and doesn’t let up for a moment. Denis Villeneuve’s dedication and skill in brining Herbert’s novel to the big screen by splitting it across two movies is a phenomenal achievement. Even so, there is undeniably a middle chapter vibe about to this film that will leave you wanting more – especially given a wacky plot thread involving a psychic foetus that ominously builds as events unfold. Fingers crossed the much mooted third movie set around the sequel novel Dune Messiah gets the green light and makes this a proper trilogy. Nevertheless, Dune Part 2 provides an exhilarating finale to the story arcs established in the first film and fans are sure to enjoy their return to Arrakis for this exceptional sequel.
Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS5. ou can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook
Thought I’d share this Batman drawing I did over the weekend. Batman has always been a favourite comic book character of mine, so I did this piece as I whiled away a lazy Sunday afternoon. This is the time of the week I like to draw or paint the most as I find it very relaxing. It’s been great to make these art posts a more regular feature on my blog alongside my usual reviews of films, tv and comic books. Thank you so much for all the encouragement you’ve given me and I look forward to sharing more with you soon.
Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS5. ou can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook
In the aftermath of discovering what led to the death of Kilowag, Green Lantern #8 sees Hal Jordan’s adventures taking an even bolder direction. DC Comics Green Lantern is really hitting its stride now with this latest issue. Jeremy Adam’s writing has already firmly reestablished Hal’s life back on Earth as both a pilot and a Green Lantern. Now with the welcome addition of Razer (from the Green Lantern Animated Series which ran for one season) the spotlight falls on the emotional spectrum of the Blue Lanterns once more, and there’s also the growing menace of the United Planets consolidating their power via insidious means.
Adam’s uses this break in the action between story arcs to great effect with this issue. We get to observe the fate of Odium, the destruction of the Blue Power Battery, the implications for the Emotional Spectrum, and the aggressive power grabs of the United Planets are making across the cosmos. At the heart of it all is the complicated.relationship between Hal and Carol Ferris, who was once a Star Sapphire herself, and I’m excited to see how Adam’s will continue to build on her role moving forward.
Guest artist Amancay Nahuelpan works with colorist Romulo Fajardo Jr. to bring a vibrant and concise rendering of events for an issue crammed full of explosive devastation, emotional turmoil and in-your-face action. With the Guardians gone, Earth’s sector quarantined by the United Planets and Hal’s new ring seemingly preventing him from leaving Earth things are compounded even further when members of the United Planets Corps ambush Green Lantern and Razer!
The back up story is a pure nostalgia trip for fans as Ron Mars and Dale Eaglesham deliver up a heartfelt adventure with Kyle Rayner. Kyle has always been my favourite Green Lantern, sorry Hal, and seeing a story framed around the earlier times of Kyle’s tenure as Green Lantern was a pure delight. Kyle’s heart-to-heart with his former love, Alex De Witt – a construct crafted by his own power ring – allowed for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, while also broadening the scope and scale of everything being set up in the main storyline.
It’s a great time to be a Green lantern fan right now. This new series has diligently focused on everything that makes the character so special. Green Lantern #8 is certainly a good jumping on point as it bridges two story arcs so seamlessly, and it also highlights a creative team that’s firing on all cylinders. The narrative in this issue offers tantalising hints perhaps of what’s still to come, especially the clock face on the cover, so with the 30th anniversary of Kyle Rayner and having Ron Marz back for his back-up story and a green tinged mystical explanation about Hal’s new ring about to be unveiled we have potential game-changing events waiting in the wings as well!
Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS5. You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook
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