When you create an earth-shattering film, iterating on that concept can be daunting. So much so, in the days before multipart mega franchises, it was hardly done. In 1996, Roland Emmerich brought the human stories to a continent-spanning epic of alien apocalyptic adventure. Called Independence … Continue reading Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)
While it seemed hard to top the initial success that was the first Austin Powers, trying to one-up The Spy Who Shagged Me is going to be even more daunting. As the swinging sixties move further away and the disco-tinged 70s taking up the same … Continue reading Groove is in the heart, baby! Part 2: Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002)
Austin Powers captured hearts by bringing those swinging 60s spy tropes to the end of the century, a fine place to end things. But with an audience clamouring for sequels, how can you possibly top where the film left off? In 1999, Austin proved that … Continue reading Groove is in the heart, baby! Part 1: Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)
With all the killing, gambling, and other activities, it is easy to forget that the mob is just a business. One that must worry about cash flow, employees, customer relations, amongst other headaches, even operating outside the law. Yet it still retains a slight allure … Continue reading Omerta – City of Gangsters (2013)
Chicago was a hotbed of criminal chicanery in the 30s. Murderous personalities like Al Capone, massacring thousands of competing mobsters, law enforcers, and civilians alike. Despite the bloodshed, their tales still live on with the likes of Bugsy Segal to Bugsy Malone, providing the Chicago … Continue reading Chicago 1930 (2003)
Doctor Who has become a surprising emblem of Britishness. A time-travelling eccentric alien, who is quick-witted and utilises his pacifistic solutions to save the day for almost 60 years. The art of regeneration allowing the character to live on, although different, meaning generations of fans … Continue reading Doctor Who: Destiny of the Doctors (1997)
W.C.W. was a wrestling promotion that famously butted heads in the 90s with the W.W.E. The two brought out the best in each other by encouraging each other to push the envelope, creatively and technically. Only one could dominate, and due to W.W.E.’s inventive use … Continue reading Ready to Rumble (2000)
The Wrestling boom of the turn of infected everywhere, from young to old. Especially on the playground where the costumed theatrics captured the imaginations of all ages. Taking the excitement to said playgrounds was a desirable proposition, one that many wrestling promotions were willing to … Continue reading ECW Hardcore Revolution GBC (2000)
There is an underlying certainty in sports, things change; players get better or retire, change teams. In professional wrestling, this is exemplified, with expanding gimmicks, or long-lasting injuries, so a yearly upgrade is to be expected. In 2000, right after the release of their debut … Continue reading ECW Anarchy Rulz (2000)
Popular culture has an affinity with crime, often fiction romanticises the outlaw, the thief, and even the murderer. Yet the crimes in real-life would earn scorn from the community. Even fiction has dabbled in scenarios to eliminate crime, even if their methods proposed, while possibly … Continue reading The Last Days of American Crime (2020)
