Reviews

... By mediocre scores or disgruntled purists pining for a canon that was shattered before the original series even ended it's first run. Star Trek has always been escapist fun with an added layer of social awareness. It never became "woke" - it was "woke" back when we called "woke" people hippies and it never changed (with the notably shameful exception of S01 of TNG). It's enjoyable, Trek flavoured comedy with added in-jokes for nerds. The older (and nerdier) you are, the more of those in-jokes will hit home. As a 50 year old, lifelong Sci-fi fan I really enjoyed the 1st episode and look forward to more.

Broadcast over Christmas on the BBC, Worzel Gummidge was the highlight of holiday TV. Faithful to the spirit of the books the character came from and beautifully realised by Mackenzie Crook to produce something truly magical. Free of the cynicism of the modern age, Worzel is a character that recharges the batteries of a tired soul. The stories so far are imbued with a charm and innocence that made this middle aged reviewer feel like a child for an hour. All the performances are worthwhile, the child actors playing Worzel's two friends are credible and the other scarecrows we meet along the way are entertaining and imaginatively designed. CGI is used sparingly and to superb effect, when it could easily have been overdone. As someone who's staple television diet is science fiction and hard-hitting drama, I never expected to be so thoroughly transported away to a gentler, more pastoral world over Christmas, but I'm very happy to have spent those couple of wonderful hours in Scatterbrook Farm.

We only watched this because it stars Evan Peters who we think is one of America's most talented young actors, and he doesn't disappoint in this one bit. Neither of us really enjoys heist scenarios as a rule, but this stylishly directed and darkly humourous tale surpasses the expectations that come with the genre. Very good, believable performances all round, clever editing, well chosen music and a bizarre true story at it's core made this a great night's entertainment with textural echoes of "Trainspotting" and "Baby Driver". If you're umming and aahing over whether to watch "American Animals" then give it a go - you may find yourself surprised too!