Doctor Who Series 6 Episode 11

A hotel room that uses your greatest fear to feed off of your faith. That's the premise of the latest chapter of Doctor Who, as the doctor and the Ponds (or Williams, but not as nice a ring to it) land themselves on an intergalactic hotel room. We encounter the typical band of quasi-interesting throwaway characters. Most of this episode felt like a Tennant-era one-timer. I think Moffat has made me so used to interconnecting, arc-based stories that I don't find one-timers as enjoyable. This one had some good stuff in it, though. We know that the doctor has a great fear, which appears to be a person; of course, we weren't shown that off screen. The weeping angels also played a small role, although how they were that weird alien's greatest fear is kinda beyond me.

The best part was once they left the hotel. The doctor realized he had to leave Amy and Rory behind for their own sake. And Amy was made to realize that the doctor wasn't a hero, but just a regular madman with a box. I was surprised that the doctor left the Ponds at the end, but it makes sense, I suppose. I'm not sure where "The Wedding of River Song" is going to take us, exactly, but in order for the future doctor to do all the fancy stuff we saw in the first few scenes of the series 6 premiere, he was likely alone. Is that where he goes after his cybermen detour next week?

And I rewatched the series 6, part 2 trailer. It seems that the final episode will feature Madame Kovarian, an eye-patched River, some weird relics, and the silence (referring to the aliens, not the cult, though they're linked). And, if the cover for the part 2 blu-ray is indicative, we're going to Egypt with the pyramids. Fantastic; I can't believe the mystery of the doctor's demise is almost about to be solved, hopefully. I do find it somewhat sucky that the finale isn't a two-pater. This second part of the series has been somewhat mixed, to me, almost like a sine wave. We started high with "Let's Kill Hitler," had a low point with "Night Terrors," reached another high with "The Girl Who Waited," and I feel like we're on a downslope with this week's chapter. Next week seems fun, with Craig Owens and the seemingly true return of the cybermen to Moffat's era ("The Pandorica Opens" featured some lame cybermen action). But I really hope "The Wedding of River Song" lives up to its name, and isn't a disappointing finale. The good news is that it seems that the doctor's back to WWII England for the holiday special; is that why Churchhill was in the part 2 trailer? Or maybe that's something for next week.

Anyway, this week was a decent chapter. I still think the strength of this Moffat era is not even the detailed, fascinating plot, but the relationship between the Ponds and the doctor. Especially the doctor and Amy. I love Amy as a companion, and her long relationship with the doctor makes it that much more special. Add the fact that she's River's mom, and it pretty much forms the glue that holds these last two series together. Plus, Rory definitely grew on me over time; it'd be hard to imagine the show without him now. I'm definitely excited (yet sad) for the end of this series, but I look forward to a new and full series next year. But let's not jump the gun.... how did the doctor die back in Utah?

Next time: Craig returns to face off against some cybermen!

The Return Of The Lion King

Hakuna matata! The Lion King roared back into theaters, banking nearly $30 million, 92% of that from 3D screenings. Was it earned? Most certainly. The 3D effects were stellar; that shot of Zazu flying to Pride Rock at the film's opening was stunning. Just was with pixar's 3D films, the 3D in this film wasn't in your face, but also was present enough to add a true depth to the film. As a result, you got twice the bang for your buck: a nostalgic return to the original film, with a twist to make it feel slightly new.

This film ages well. It's odd seeing a cartoon on the big screen, in the age of pristine CG animation. However, the characters, plot, and music carry this film as it did back in 1994. Scar's takeover, the intro to Timon and Pumbaa, and Simba's return was a joy to watch on the big screen.

The Lion King has a special place in my heart. I remember my father coming to pick my up from my cousin's home in Waterbury to go see the movie. I can't recall who saw it with me aside from him, but I remember it being a big enough experience for me, that my love for the film carries through to this day. The epic storyline, much moreso than other recent disney movies (or most pixar films, as well) especially appealed to me. The coup of a government and it's eventual return to glory is a classic theme among many movies; for me, The Lion King and Star Wars appeal to me for that same basic plot. Rafiki is Yoda; Simba is Anakin without the whole dark side deal; Threepio and Artoo are Timon and Pumbaa. Jar Jar thankfully isn't quite in The Lion King.
It's not totally comparable, of course, but there are definite similarities.

I remember seeing the broadway show many years ago, when it was still on that main block of Times Square. The animals moving through the aisles, Rafiki singing out the beginning of "Circle of Life," young Simba switching into old Simba right before the intermission; it was a thrilling experience. I saw it again about a year ago, in it's new location a bit more north on Times Square. I didn't enjoy it nearly as much, probably because I had seen it before. But that first time was stellar; probably the best broadway experience I've ever had. If I recall right, my uncle was supposed to see it with us that day, but I think there was a problem with the number of tickets or something, so all I remember is my mom, sister, and I being there. Maybe someone else was there too. Either way, it's a memory I definitely cherish.

I feel like The Lion King has been with my my entire life, and unlike other things which I grew up with but outgrew (especially Power Rangers, also TMNT), it still appeals to me so much to this day. I'm glad I was able to see it in theaters, and I can't wait to experience it on blu-ray.

Doctor Who Series 6 Episode 10: The Girl Who Waited

For a girl who waited her entire childhood, having to wait decades again for the doctor and Rory is sad. That was the focus of this episode, centered around the doctor making promises he can't quite keep, and the consequences of that. This was interesting right from the start, with a two-stream hospital that allows dying patients to live their last 24 hours in peace and enjoyment, while their family can watch their entire lives via a mirror. Amy gets trapped on the speedier side of things, and when the doctor tries to save her, he's 36 years too late.

The makeup work on older Amy was stellar. Almost to the point where I felt like they cast a different actress. I should watch confidential later on, to see how they did that. And I like how they focused more on Amy's love for Rory. I wondered why she liked him so much, and seeing how an older Amy, with decades of reflection, still had a deep love for him, definitely strengthened their bond. I'm so glad Moffat kept Rory and Amy together in the TARDIS. Rory definitely grew on me since "The Eleventh Hour."

The locales were beautiful too, from the pristine white hospital to the giant garden, reminiscent of something out of "Alice in Wonderland." The crux of the story was Amy's decision and love for Rory, though, and it reached its high point at the end. The doctor closed the door on older Amy, and left the tough choice in Rory's hands. Older Amy ended up making the final decision, giving her life to allow Rory and her to live together. And Amy's robot Rory was reminiscent of Wilson from "Castaway," although with much more affection imbued therein.

Wonderful episode, a definite highlight of this series thus far.

Next week: Clowns, dummies,and yaks, oh my!

Doctor Who Series 6 Episode 9: Night Terrors

The creepy dolls! Amy, Rory, and the doctor travel to a little boy's room after the TARDIS intercepts a psychic house call summons. Once there, they discover the boy is actually an alien who needs acceptance, and transfers his fears into a dollhouse in his closet. The episode itself doesn't delve much deeper than that, but showcases some terrific costumes and a nifty horror-esque story.

I really liked the costume work on those dolls. Especially once someone gets converted into a doll, it was quite creepy. And singing little kid's voices are always good for the tone. Especially when they mention the doctor's death. That little computer screen with the doctor's death is like the crack in the wall last series.

I thought the bit with the father protecting the son was a bit too much drama. And the old lady was annoying. Overall, a decent episode, with good costumes and tone, but likely the weakest episode of the series thus far. Like last year's "The Lodger."

Next week: Amy waits in wonderland?

The End Of Entourage: Only The Beginning?

For the series finale of a show all about a journey, it sure offered many new beginnings. The beginning of a new chapter in the life of Eric and Sloane, Vince's new life as a soon-to-be married man, Ari's newfound love for his wife, Turtle's newfound fortune, and Drama's rising success in his career. It was an enjoyable journey, one I watched for many years, since my 2nd year of college, give or take a year.

I enjoyed "Entourage" for one main reason, and that was the inside look at Hollywood. We saw agents making deals, actors trying to make it higher and higher, and how life in that realm functions. Over time, we have gotten attached to Vince, E, Drama, and Turtle. We saw Vince start off as a B-list actor, rise to fame with Aquaman, fall hard with Sasha Grey and drugs, and finally start back on his path to fame, but with his priorities finally set.

This season of "Entourage" has been somewhat of a mixed bag. E and Sloane were about to be married last season, but in the season premiere, they inexplicably broke up. Ari suddenly lost his wife; we've seen Mrs. Ari's frustration for years, so that's a bit more understandable. But the way things closed seemed somewhat rushed. Just last episode, Ari and Mrs. Ari were totally against each other, yet now they're back in love. Vince just met Sophia, yet now they're about to be bethrothed. E and Sloane getting back together (maybe) was believable to some degree, as both were not truly happy since they broke up, it seemed.

This finale wasn't quite a finale. It felt like a step in a new direction. This is no longer the "Entourage" we used to watch. These guys grew up. Vince became more mature. Eric realized what he needed to do to be there for his son. Ari finally realized what mattered most to him in his life. And Drama and Turtle? I guess they're the constants through the years. And all seemed like too much of a gift-wrapped happy ending, until that post-credits scene with Ari. An offer of a lifetime, and we saw a glimpse of the old Ari back again. Will we see what happens in a feature length "Entourage" film? I surely hope so!

Doctor Who Series 6 Episode 8: Let's Kill Hitler!

For an episode titled "Let's Kill Hitler!," there was very little of said dictator. Instead, we have an almost entirely River-focused episode. We now know that River regenerated after "Day of the Moon" into an African-American toddler, who went on to find Rory and Amy, and spend much of her childhood with them. She helped them see their love for each other, and she herself got into lots of trouble. I didn't feel like Mels was forced into the story per se, but seeing her previously during series 1 would have made the story more cohesive, I think. Anyway, I was surprised when she regenerated into the River we know.

This also means that the doctor and River aren't seeing each other in strictly reverse order. River did say that she was in impressionable young girl, and that the doctor knew everything about her when they first met. Was that now? Or the next time they meet? It was somewhat annoying to track the timelines between the doctor and River before, but now it's going to be just plain confusing, I feel.

Now we know why she studied archeology. We don't know when her and the doctor get closer, but maybe that's what the series finale ("The Wedding of River Song") will be all about. And as for her sleeper mode, I guess the torture she went through somehow deleted that from her mind? She seemed to be much more in control after that. And why couldn't the doctor take River along with them after that? Why did she have to find her own way?

I feel like Moffat answered a big chunk of questions this time, as promised. We even got some tidbits about the silence: they aren't a species but more of a religious sect, and they helped brainwash River, along with eyepatch lady's organization. Out of fear of the doctor, presumably, but we have no real idea why they feared him that much. And what's the deal with the oldest question in the universe? And did River really use all her regenerations? How does the doctor know? It's a moot point anyway, since her body dies in "Silence in the Library." And finally, what's up with the doctor's new jacket?

Next week: the cool child monster thing episode!