ZERO DAY AND NIGHT AGENT

Thinking it was sci-fi I began watching a US series called Zero Day on Netflix.

It wasn't sci-fi but apocalyptic enough for me to carry on and finish the whole series in two nights!

Basically a cyber 9/11, the so-called Zero Day, with a massive slab of US Washington politicking thrown in. 

I kinda like all that DC, POTUS, Speaker of the House, Congress and Senate shenanigans!

I never knew that past US Presidents are still referred to as Mr. President when addressing them! I also didn't know that the CIA cannot operate on US soil itself! Every day's a school day!

Not one for the Missus, despite an aging Bob di Niro starring, I was quite taken aback by the ending, which I won't spoil for you.

Zero Day did fit right into another Netflix series we both saw last week called Night Agent, or was it Action?

This one was about the FBI and the CIA and a batphone called Night Action. In fact we watched two whole series over two weeks. POTUS was the word of the show, being used virtually every five minutes. I reminds me of MOTU [Masters of the Universe!]

We both enjoyed Night Agent and look forward to Season 3 next year.

Have you seen Zero Day or Night Agent readers?

What are you watching?

The Rain... its a Killer!

Like many of you I love Sci-Fi.

But, what can I say about  a show we caught this week on Netflix called The Rain. Well, its a Danish Sci-Fi series about a deadly virus thats in the ...rain! Its a great premise and promised much. Or so I thought.

Seldom have I been so incensed by a TV series opener than this. Within the first few minutes I was shouting at the telly 'how can you be so *ing stupid!' Alas, this was only the beginning and after another half an hour I was hoarse from shouting!

Clearly the writers decided that from the off the two main characters would be called Stupid and Moronic. They make Dumb and Dumber look like geniuses! To add a further layer of sheer annoyingness the two main characters are children, one about 6 and the other ... well, a teenager. Enough said!

Why the writing team had to make the youngster and the adolescent quite so lethally imbecilic I cannot fathom. Within minutes people close to them start dying around them and not because of the viral rain. No, its because of their monumentally selfish decisions. I won't expand on who dies just in case you feel the need to torture yourselves with this ordeal.

Trying to understand my anger towards the two children, especially the teenager, I've come to realise that I don't really like them. Teenagers. The girl in the show is portrayed as incompetent and non-resilient, the epitome of the snowflake generation. But my antipathy seems misplaced. I too was a teenager and no doubt just as selfish and irritating to everyone around me back in the 70's. So why this angry am I? I get equally antsy in McDonalds when the entire outlet is staffed by pubescents. There's just something about them.

I wonder if something is going on with Nature here. After all, I am 63 and retired, officially on the scrap heap of Society. Are OAP's and the teenage generation meant to stay apart, to give each other space to do what needs to be done; The Young carrying the torch, the old, like me, passing it on and basically slowly passing away! Never the twain shall meet [unless you're a teenager's parent or teacher/ teaching assistant like I was for my sins]. 

Yes, I wonder if I'm so peeved by the teenage ineptitude in The Rain because I'm jealous and I want to be an inept teenager again myself?

Evolution theory over, I had to check if I was alone in my outright dislike of this series. After all, I had only watched half of the opening episode and found it so unbearable that I cannot conceive of how there are 3 whole seasons of this dross! Still, this is my personal opinion.

I'm not alone though, thank God. The Rain garners either deep love but mostly intense rage in the many many reviews there are online since it was released in 2020. Some poor souls even watched it all because there was nothing else to do during Lockdown! 

Yes, The Rain is the Marmite of Sci-Fi and I for one can't stand the savoury spread. The Missus put me out of my misery and switched to Travellers, a much more enjoyable and altogether more adult effort.

Rant over.

Have you seen The Rain?

AFTERLIFE, 3 BODY PROBLEM AND THE SIGNAL

 The Missus and me have watched a few bits of new sci-fi of late.

Ghostbusters Afterlife: 

Where do I start. 1984 might be a good place. The Missus and me went to watch the original movie in Llandudno. It was December, Christmassy and our daughter was born the next day. It was such a good film she had to come out to see if there was more. Fortunately Ghostbusters II was nearly as good a couple of years later. 

Alas, like Slimer on a wet slide, the idea went south with the first of the modern re-makes; packed with comedians and totally hopelessly forgettable.

And so to the second reboot, Afterlife, made a few years ago. From the off its clear the team tried hard to respect the spirit of the original and like other 80's homages such as Stranger Things, the whole effort looks good; basked in the cornfield glow of nostalgia and shining in maple-syrup sunshine.

Alas, despite the dusting-off of Ecto 1, Gozer, Keymaster, Gatekeeper, Slimer and finally the ancient original cast themselves, the new hip young actors just don't hold the screen strongly enough to make it all work. Ultimately I felt dissatisfied.

I think its almost inevitable I felt like this though, when iconic films of my youth are rebooted. The original Ghostbusters was a very special moment at the start of the Eighties. The Missus and me were young and lets face it, Ghostbusters was so darn well-made and inspired, why try to remake it at all?

Will Frozen Empire be more of the same? Will I ever find out?

3 Body Problem

This TV series on Netflix was unusual for my Missus as she's not a big Sci-Fi fan. I think it changed for her with the 62 episode Manifest, which we both enjoyed earlier in the year.

First off, 3 Body Problem is really interesting. Its unusualness carries it along and each episode adds to this otherworldliness and ultimately shocking conclusion.

We enjoyed it and look forward to a Series 2, if one is made.

As its new on Netflix I won't spoil anything. The channel spent a ton of money on each episode, so they'll be itching for views. I understand its based on a series of novels, which must be amazing to read.

The Signal

This German entry on Netflix follows the success of The Dark. Its a series about two astronauts on the ISS, who upon returning to Earth, spark global interest, intrigue and change.

Its not as thickly Sci-fi as 3 Body Problem but its there. A completely different take on a similar issue, with a totally unexpected and heartwarming ending.

I won't say anymore as its also current. As with other overseas Netflix entries its available in its native language or dubbed well into English.

Let us know if you've seen any of these or any other films or series of late for that matter.

Down a Rabbit Hole and Out the Other Side

With the Christmas holiday slowly drawing to its natural end some of the box sets we've been watching have ended too.

I know not everyone watches box sets on Netflix and the like but for those that do or are interested then here's a summary of what we've seen without spoilers. Let me know what you thought if you have caught them on the box.

Wednesday: Tim Burton's homage to the Addams Family, this American series has the Addams daughter centre stage and sleuthing her way through some nasty business at her boarding school. High production values and sumptuous sets, Wednesday will bring out the goth in you!

Dark: with the Missus and me coming late to this particular five years-old German party, the set had already spawned several seasons and been lauded across the globe as the 58th greatest Sci-Fi series of all time. It is credited for opening the door to international science fiction for mass worldwide audiences like Squid Game and the like. As for the programme itself, Dark started brilliantly and the dubbing is just perfect but after managing half of the many episodes across all the seasons we faltered and didn't recover. Groundhog Day for Einstein, we may return to it later!

1899: the latest offering from the makers of Dark, one which we persevered with as it wasn't as long as its predecessor. Like Dark, 1899 was beautifully made with high production values and plenty of dosh. Again, like Dark the sets are gorgeous and the imagery of the Titanicesque ocean liner on the high seas is stunning. Alas, it was a cruise we wondered if we should have taken once we reached the end. What was it all for? What did it all mean? Do we care? The final ruse in the closing minutes should have tied it all up with a nice crisp bow but alas it only served to show us what could have been. Perhaps there's a sequel? 1999?

The Boys: I don't know where to start with this American box set. Not one for the Missus, I saw this 'alone' [with headphones on my laptop] and enjoyed every single second of it across three long seasons, around 24 fabulous episodes in total. I was gripped from the get go and one particular character, Homelander, is without doubt the most riveting on-screen character I've seen for years. So unspeakably conceited and foul was he that he made the entire series and propelled it to greatness. Not for the squeamish or easily offended, The Boys is a real hit for Amazon Prime. Imagine the Watchmen crashing into the Long Good Friday and you might get near the Boys. I so hope they make more.

Count Magnus: not really a box set, this latest BBC Ghost Story for Christmas was shown late on the 23rd December on BBC2. The latest in a decades-long and applauded line of seasonal ghostly TV shorts, most often based on the tales of M.R. James, Count Magnus was this year's annual treat. It was brought once again to the screen by the brand's superfan and current custodian, Mark Gatiss, the wunderkind of modern British horror, who studied theatre with his League of Gentleman chums at the now defunct Bretton College, just down the road from Moonbase. If you like half-hour slices of televised M.R.James then Count Magnus is for you, once more pitching an arrogant academic against things that really shouldn't be prodded!

A PUNISHING TV SCHEDULE

Watching telly ain't so simple anymore is it! Hundreds of channels and loads of platforms, a thousand programmes and countless ways to watch them anywhere in the house! It ain't 1969 anymore when Thunderbirds was a no-brainer!

So with so much choice you would think its easy to find things to watch. Alas, I struggle. Things I think will be brilliant turn out not so at all and some random stuff is really quite good.

Take for instance The Punisher on Disney+. It starts with a blisteringly good first episode where the anti-hero Frank Castle says very little but avenges aplenty for a whole hour dropping bad guys in cement by the dozen. If only it stayed that way. The Punisher starts to talk and everyone around him in the series likes to talk a lot as well. Too much gabbing and not enough Punishing has switched me off I'm afraid. Its a shame. Like Moon Knight, I'm done with The Punisher's yakketing.

And so I've moved onto something more random. Not Marvel. Just Jeff Bridges, who's chinny rasping voice always draws me in. His Obadiah in Iron Man was just great - "I'm deeply enjoying the suit!".

Anyway, Jeff Bridges stars in The Old Man on Netflix. He's old and gritty, like Clint in Gran Torino or Denzel in the Equalizer, and he isn't in the mood for faffing about either. 

I'm about three episodes in and despite a lot of CIA folk now rabbiting on old Jeff himself is doing well in the less-chat-and-more-action department. We'll see how it pans out over the next few episodes.

Another series I've started and one that came recommended is The Peripheral. Its on Prime and so far so good. The next episode comes out Friday - the Power of the Rings slot! Starring the new Scarlett Johannsen, Chloe Grace Moretz, its a futuristic Sci Fi ride for sure. I likes it.

As for horror this week, I caught Dr Jekyll and Sister Hyde last night. Starring Ralph Bates, he's always a draw for me for some reason. I think its his lack of facial expression and his brisk clipped speech that I enjoy. I was really sad to learn that he died so young, just 51 years old.

Tonight Talking Pictures TV are showing The Night of the Eagle at 9pm, a black and white slice of suburban witchery and voodoo I've seen a few times before. Renamed Burn Witch Burn in the USA it's based on Fritz Leiber's novel Conjure Wife. I've always liked the 1950's paperback gothic romance-style cover art for it, a sub-genre of books I used to collect.

Friday is another worthwhile rendezvous with endearing Caroline Munro. On the bill are The Outer Limits The Inheritors Part II, The Brotherhood of Satan, the Ghost of Sierra de Cobre and One Body Too Many. 

I don't think I've seen any of those before so it will be interesting. Will you be watching readers in the UK? What's everyone watching around the globe?

THE DEFENDERS

Short of any big new superhero films on Netflix that I haven't seen already, I turned to their catalogue of series [or is it serials?] this week.

I've already tried Daredevil last year and got some way into it. I also had a bash at Luke Cage and Iron Fist last year too but I'm a lightweight when it comes to series stamina. I much prefer superhero films like Man of Steel or Wonder Woman [the exception being Shazam, which was atrocious].

I toyed with Jessica Jones last night [isn't there a January too?] but eventually settled on a series which appeared to mix all the above heroes in one big cocktail called The Defenders.

A Marvel mash-up like the Avengers, the Defenders is not a team I know, although it rings a comics bell - I can picture a couple of covers I think. Anyway, I jumped in.

The initial episode introduces the main players one by one: Daredevil, Luke Cage, Iron Fist with his sword-swinging sidekick and Jessica Jones. Now I'm no expert when it comes to Marvel comics but this motley crew must be one of Marvel's B-teams, of which there are no doubt a few, stoically working hard in the shadow of A-listers like Iron Man, Thor, Wolverine et al in mega-gangs like the Avengers and the X-Men. They must get cheesed off those B-listers.

Having said that Iron Fist was around when I was a Kung Fu nut in the early Seventies and I remember the comics well and Daredevil could well be classed as A-team on a good day. Jessica Jones I'd never heard of and Luke Cage for some reason makes me think of one Power Man, whoever he is!

Another crucial character in the Defenders is the head of resident bad guys, The Han, played by Sigourney Weaver no less, who is always great to see on screen. Her own prodigy and secret weapon, Black Sky I think she's called, is a superfast Katana-wielding ghost girl.

Although Black Sky and Daredevil were impressive in their respective fight scenes, my favourite skirmish had to be first contact between Luke Cage and Iron Fist. Cage is a huge strong he-man and Fist appears to be a weed until his hand glows yellow and then .... Kapow!

And it all happens without the need for any Spandex, which I really do miss! I like to see my heroes in tight-fitting rubberised suits!

I just hope my own stamina lasts and I can carry on with the Defenders this week. If I leave it too long between episodes I will get bored and move on to something else.

Have you watched the Defenders? Did you read the comics? Do you have any collectables?

SQUID GAME

 All youngsters are talking about is a new Netflix sensation called Squid Game.

A Battle Royale-esque Korean 9 part series, Squid Game has taken over their young minds it would seem.

I've seen red figures with a circle on the face made of Fimo. I've seen lots of drawings of a triangle, a square and a circle.

I can see toys appearing the shops at this rate.

Not sure I can personally invest 9 hours into it. Can you readers?

SERIAL BLUES

I've recently re-joined Netflix and have been watching Stranger Things series 1 again. Series 2 is rumbling in the wings but first I thought I'd check out other stuff on there.

I've currently had sight of the series The Punisher, Iron Fist and Luke Cage. I enjoyed episode 1 of the Punisher a great deal where Castle is the grouchy builder, dishing out vengeance aplenty on unsuspecting bad guys. I waded through the overly-chatty episode 2 and gave up in the mire of conversation in episode 3. What happened to the explosive action and sense of brooding in episode 1? Does the real punishing ever start again?

Similarly Iron Fist was a let down. Not really knowing the character that well, apart from vague memories of fabulous comic covers in the Seventies, I expected a tsunami of Kung Fu from the off but again the plot seemed clogged-up by inane chatter and a slew of tedious characters. When does Iron Fist actually start bopping bad guys by the dozen?

I've seen episode 1 of Luke Cage and Dare Devil a few years back but Punisher and Iron Fist's lacklustre performance has put me off watching them again. January Jones has been similarly dowsed.

I may have to either watch Stranger Things 2 again after a gap of 3 years or find a decent DC film like Batman V Superman or Justice League. 

I saw The Joker at the cinema earlier in the week and I was blown away by Joaquin Phoenix's acting. It was truly spellbinding. Its put me in the mood for more DC. My mate has recommended The Killing Joke, an animated movie based on the famous Batman-Joker graphic comic. 

What would you recommend for a Friday night in with a beer and a curry readers?

MIDNIGHT SPECIAL: It Wasn't!

Well, my free Netflix month has ended. I shall miss it but I'll live.

To close proceedings I watched something I had been looking forward to, Midnight Special and I hoped it would fit right into the Stranger Things vibe.

Essentially a film about a young boy and his connection to extraterrestrials, the tag line read something like 'Close Encounters of a New Kind'.

I was hugely disappointed with Midnight Special. It was a complete let down and having promised new encounters it delivered nothing but tedious stops on a pointless road trip filmed at night.

The only decent effect was used throughout the movie to keep it afloat, a Cyclops-like laser beam from the kid's eyes. 

Alas, light-up eyes were not enough to rescue it from oblivion. Annoyingly much of the action was filmed in the dark - presumably the 'midnight' in the title - but the 'special' never came.

I was glad when the kid was finally beamed up. 

Reminding me of Nic Cage's Knowing, Midnight Special was a missed opportunity to say something new and despite name-dropping Spielberg's masterpiece Close Encounters it offered no encounters of any kind whatsoever.

I may be being harsh. I doubt if it spawned any merchandise.

Just my opinion anyway. What did you think of Midnight Special?

MUTE POINT

Well I finished watching Duncan Jones' MUTE last night and I must say that I enjoyed it. 

The comparisons with Blade Runner are unfair and unnecessary though. MUTE is nowhere near as tech-heavy. The defining feature of the lead character - he can't speak - percolates through the whole movie and shapes the film into something wholly different to Blade Runner.

OK, there's a search, a seeking but its more like the boy David's in AI in my opinion. MUTE is certainly not for kids though. Its fully-formed underworld is a dystopia infested with violent people.

Its a huge departure from MOON and is clearly that 'difficult second film'. MOON was just so good and Sam Rockwell's virtuoso performance - he's the only actor in the film -  so well conceived that its hard to follow.

Clearly Jones isn't aiming for a franchise with MOON. MUTE is totally different and in no way connected. Despite having slightly similar sounding names MOON II it ain't. 

I still think that one day Duncan Jones will create a lasting franchise in say the same vein as Scott's ALIEN. He just hasn't found the idea yet.

In the meantime I'm very happy to watch his individual worlds take shape.

I liked his final touch on MUTE, dedicating it to his parents, the Bowies. His dad was David Jones aka David Bowie.

Have you seen MOON or MUTE? What do you think?

MUTE MOON

The countdown is on for my free month of Netflix coming to an end in 5 days.

I've seen some cracking stuff like The Equaliser with Denzel. I tend to watch films as I seem to get bored with Netflix Series as I did with Altered carbon. Its just me.

Tonight I'll carry on watching MUTE, a Netflix movie about a man searching for his girlfriend in a future Berlin. The Missus will be watching the Voice.

MUTE hasn't set the critics on fire, who are comparing it unfavourably to Blade Runner, but I really liked the Director Duncan Jones' last flick MOON so I'm giving it a whirl.

What are you watching at the moment readers?

SCIENCE FLIX: Talking about Altered Carbon and The Cloverfield Paradox

This wasn't easy.

I've recorded some thoughts about the new Netflix originals Altered Carbon and The Cloverfield Paradox. Recording them as audio on my phone was easy.

Getting audio onto here was impossible. I had to add video but at least Blue gets a look in. For this to work I had to split it in half due to size issues. The video that is. Not Blue!

So part 1 is above and Part 2 below.

Enjoy and tell me your thoughts.

DAREDEVIL'S TELLY

I am thoroughly enjoying my free month on Netflix.

I signed up specifically to watch Stranger things, a Sci-Fi serial drenched in Eighties US kids culture much like ET and Super 8. It was excellent.

I then moved onto American Horror Story. I gave it five episodes of Series 1 and ditched it. I understand there are another 4 series! Please tell me that they vary the actors and location! I was bored silly by episode 5.

And so to my current Netflix series, Daredevil. I am well and truly hooked. I loved the Ben Affleck movie version and the series is made very much of the same stuff: gritty, tough, grueling and utterly hypnotic.

Do you watch anything on Netflix readers or perhaps another one of the pay-per-view channels like Now TV in the UK or HBO in the US?