Review It Yourself

Sean and Sarah discuss Doctor Who Series One 'Rose' and whether it holds up twenty years later.Discussion Points:-How Sean and Sarah both found the series.-The casting of Billie Piper.-What Christopher Eccleston's second series could have been like.-The break-neck speed of this episode!-The relationship between Rose and her Mam.-The uneven tone in the first few episodes.-THAT 'oner' shot!-Sean and Sarah discuss escapism.-Sarah is perturbed and a 'tad miffed' by the current state of Doctor Who.Raised Questions:-Was this debut episodes successful for both new and returning viewers?-Did the show become a soap opera?-What happened to this kind of natural and organic story-telling?-Have you fallen out of love with Doctor Who?-Was Rose the last working-class companion?-Are Rose Tyler and Amy Pond too similar?-Did Series One struggle to find the correct tone at times?-Did Eccleston struggle with the more comedic moments?-How many times does Sean mention The Sense Sphere?-Is the state of current Doctor Who a result of sheer incompetence or by design?-Does Doctor Who have an attitude nowadays?Chapters:0:14 Welcome to Review It Yourself1:13 Introducing Doctor Who2:37 The 2005 Revival6:11 Nostalgia and Personal Connections7:00 The New Doctor's Introduction9:01 Character Dynamics Explored12:22 The Role of Rose16:07 The Impact of Eccleston18:30 Humour Amidst Darkness21:38 Family Relationships28:09 Grounded Realism in Characters33:09 Connection to the Audience35:09 The Gritty Atmosphere39:18 Accents and Authenticity41:37 Clive and Conspiracy51:38 Balancing Tone and Humour53:53 Character Dynamics Unveiled1:00:01 The Doctor's Alien Nature1:09:29 Humour and Depth in Dialogue1:17:14 The Complexity of Companionship1:27:10 The Essence of Doctor Who1:34:03 Crafting Quality Television1:37:32 Lessons from the Past1:43:24 Reflections and FarewellsShout-Outs:-The Sense Sphere: The Doctor Who Podcast. Find It Here: www.youtube.com/@TheSenseSphereThanks for Listening!Find us here: X: @YourselfReviewInstagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

Preview It Yourself returns!Sean and Sarah discuss the new trailer for the upcoming Final Destination Bloodlines.Is it worth your hard earned money? Listen in to find out.Time Stamps:0:11 Trailer Talk0:50 Trailer Reactions3:03 Franchise Expectations5:04 Spoilers and Surprises6:14 Modern Day Elements6:58 New Perspectives9:58 Anticipation Builds10:27 Plot Insights12:35 Cast and Crew13:37 Inheriting Death14:25 Final ThoughtsThanks for Listening!Find us here: X: @YourselfReviewInstagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

Sarah is back! She and Sean finally discuss one of their oddly favourite films, Prometheus (2012).Discussion Points:-Sean likes this film, but can see it's faults.-Sarah really appreciates the story's set-up and the unusual landscape.-The film's aesthetics and themes versus the execution and uneven tone.-Sarah loves films where people grapple with their faith.-Sarah's recollections of watching the med-pod scene.-The incredibly awful line reads.-Sarah loved the well-rounded character of Doctor Elizabeth Shaw.-Sean and Sarah discuss Alien: Romulus (2024).Raised Questions:-Is this film trying to insult your intelligence?-Does every tie-in with the Alien franchise weaken the direction that Prometheus was trying to take?-Is the script "too hand-hold-y"?-Does the film feel over-edited to you?-Is the crew of 17 too big?-Why does humanity seek answers?-Is the script "too ham-hocked"?-Is David infatuated with Elizabeth Shaw?-Why doesn't Idris Elba's character do anything until the end?-What happens if Archaeologists find the Engineer's robe?Time Stamps:0:06 Welcome to Review It Yourself1:23 The Long-Awaited Prometheus Review7:21 The Film's Opening and Visuals12:38 Themes of Creation and Faith16:18 Exploring the Characters and Their Dynamics20:59 The Engineers and Their Significance25:59 The Unfolding of the Plot29:33 The Role of David and AI Commentary32:41 Critique of Character Development34:51 Action vs. Atmosphere in Storytelling35:50 The Philosophical Questions Raised37:03 The Flaws and Strengths of Prometheus44:43 Love, Relationships, and Their Portrayal49:01 Conclusion: A Mixed Bag of Ideas1:14:10 Character Introductions1:15:23 David's Understanding of Love1:20:58 Quarantine Procedures1:23:42 The Importance of Emotional Reactions1:29:30 The Horrors of Creation1:30:27 Themes of Control and Gender1:37:48 The Nature of Faith1:47:18 The Engineers' Intentions1:52:39 The Final Confrontation1:58:08 The Complexity of Faith2:09:14 A Mixed Bag of Themes2:18:17 The Implications of Scientific Discovery2:20:14 The Value of Long-Form DiscussionsThanks for Listening!Find us here: X: @YourselfReviewInstagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

Sean is joined by Jamie from 'Old Shipping Lines' YouTube Channel to review the Norwegian film, Konvoi (2023), known internationally as The Arctic Convoy.The film appears to be based upon the true story of the 1942 PQ17 convoy, one of the first major Anglo-American convoys of the Second World War. Discussion Points:-Sean needs his nautical fix. -Why this film is one of Jamie's favourite films.-The poor promotional poster.-The fantastic script, sound design and special effects.-Sean was surprised to see RAF Coastal Command.-The importance of the Atlantic and the Artic (Russian) Convoys in the Second World War. -Jamie and Sean were impressed by the depth of characters.-The dynamic between the Captain and the First Mate.-The reasons why this film focuses upon the Norwegian Merchant Sailors, who lost 4,000 lives during the war.-Sean and Jamie empathise with different characters.Raised Questions:-Do you love film recommendations from friends?-Why is this film one of Jamie's favourite films?-Are Norwegian films the best out there right now?-Why do the British always get derided in modern war films?-Why don't you eat pickled herring at your desk?-What is the difference between the words 'disperse' and 'scatter'?-Is the Naval side of the Second World War difficult to translate films?The Norwegian War Sailor's Register (Krigsseilerregisteret):https://www.krigsseilerregisteret.no/enRecommendations:-PQ17: An Artic Convoy Disaster (2014), a BBC documentary, hosted by Jeremy Clarkson.Time Stamps:0:24 Welcome and Introductions2:04 Film Overview: The Arctic Convoy3:07 Personal Connection to Norwegian Cinema8:46 Historical Context of Convoys13:36 Character Dynamics and Interactions17:56 The Captain's Leadership Style21:40 Tension Between the First Mate and Captain25:02 The Battle Scenes and Tactics28:45 Thematic Exploration of Fear and Duty32:31 Emotional Moments and Character Development35:55 The Role of the Radio Operator38:19 Confrontations and Power Struggles46:52 The Plan to Escape49:03 The Icy Challenges Ahead55:31 Recommendations for Similar Films59:55 Closing Thoughts and Future PlansThanks for Listening!Find us here: X: @YourselfReviewInstagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

Stew from 'Stew World Order' joins Sean to try and answer the question:Modern Films, are they flying or dying?Stew believes we're in a golden age, Sean does not...Time Stamps:1:29 Film Debate: Flying or Dying?1:40 Generational Nostalgia6:02 Access to Diverse Films10:48 Voices in Cinema14:41 The Case Against Modern Films17:12 Poor Writing and World Building20:02 Death of Comedy22:38 The Decline of Movie Stars45:24 The Shift in Film Quality1:04:08 Conclusion: Quality vs. Quantity1:08:21 Podcast Wrap-UpThanks for Listening!Find us here: X: @YourselfReviewInstagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

Sean is feeling the pressure this week as he and Sarah review his Auntie's favourite film: What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? (1963).Discussion Points:-What the hell happened to acting and film-making.-The tour de force performances from Bette Davis and Joan Crawford.-Sarah and Sean were surprised by the sheer class of the entire production.-The career of Davis and Crawford.-The golden age of Hollywood.-The outstanding performances of the supporting cast.-Sarah loves a sad and cynical film.-The impeccable sound design.-Sean and Sarah can't wait to watch 'The Letter' (1940).-Whether Award-winning films have become more forgettable.-The death of Hollywood star power and 'learning your craft'.-Sean has nothing personally against Zendaya, he was just making a point about the lack of acting prowess in the "go-to actors and actresses" of today.-The promotional tours the actresses went on.Raised Questions:-Have you ever made up your own words?-Why don't we get films like this anymore?-Why do older films see to be so much better than what we get now?-Did the film make you question your own sanity?-How have the Jane sister's become so isolated from the world?-Are they in a cage of their own making?-Who is the one really orchestrating the situation?-Why doesn't Blanche just shout out of the window?-Why are leading ladies pushed so much in modern-day films and series, when we had amazing actresses like Joan Crawford and Bette Davis in the past?-How amazing was Bette Davis?-Have we collectively dropped our expectations for films?Time Stamps:0:11 Introduction3:43 Film Overview: What Ever Happened to Baby Jane8:34 The Performances: A Masterclass in Acting21:33 The Complex Relationship of Jane and Blanche29:00 Cinematic Techniques: Lighting and Sound Design35:42 The Twisted Backstory Unveiled44:00 The Climax: Tension Builds50:21 The Film's Conclusion: Layers of Manipulation and Resentment52:28 Talent and Resentment59:16 Playing the Victim?1:08:20 Hollywood's Shifting Star Power1:20:37 The Art of Acting1:26:55 Behind the Scenes of Baby Jane1:33:19 The Real-Life Drama1:40:58 A Plea for Quality Modern-Day Cinema1:44:07 Listener Engagement and Future TopicsThanks for Listening!Find us here: X: @YourselfReviewInstagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

Sean gives his initial thoughts to Alex Garland's Civil War (2024).Discussion Points:-Sean was reminded of The Road (2009) and Nightcrawler (2014), with the intent of this film.-Typical American understatement. -Whether this film felt futuristic or not.-The strange sense of normality that people still adhere to, in the midst of a civil war.-Sean goes on tangent about Tesco.-The strange way they marketed the film.-How unexpectedly dark and gritty this film is.-America and foreign intervention.-The film's lack of answers or things to say.Raised Questions:-Did the marketing harm this film?-Where has Kirsten Dunst been?-Did the vague reasons for the war work for you?-Do you like a thought-provoking film?-Did you enjoy the "fantastically-at-odds with the horror" music choices?-Do you think the film fully-commits to the horror?Thanks for Listening!Find us here: X: @YourselfReviewInstagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

Sean welcomes back massive friend of the show Luke, from The Howdy Beans Podcast! to discuss the first Wallace and Gromit film. What follows is a celebration of English television.With the shops shut on a Bank Holiday, A Grand Day Out (1989) sees an inventor Wallace and his pet dog Gromit travel to the moon in their home-made rocket ship, in order to replenish their cheese supplies. Because you can't have dry crackers can you?Discussion Points:-In the preamble, Sean and Luke still don't see eye to eye on Signs (2002), Bruce Willis's later film roles, and Gladiator II.-The genesis of Wallace and Gromit and the labour of love from Nick Park to get this film made. -"Let's bow to the inevitable"-Sean and Luke try to avoid tangents.-The size of Wallace's "door-stop" cheese slices.-Aardman films over the years.-The cooker on the moon and his dreams of skiing on Earth. -The death of Boomerang, CITV and Cartoon Network.-Luke is still disgusted with Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023).-Luke and Sean discuss subsequent Wallace and Gromit films The Wrong Trousers (1993), A Close Shave (1995), The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005), A Matter of Loaf and Death (2008), and Vengeance Most Fowl (2024).Raised Questions:-How many aliases does Luke actually have?-Where's Sarah?-Do you need to describe Wallace and Gromit for the Americans?-Is it ridiculous to call this Wallace and Gromit, the one with the most unrealistic?-How did this film save an entire cheese?-Do you remember surround sound speakers around the room?-Is 'reverse-recency bias' a thing?-Is Moon Cheese just a different variety?Time stamps:0:09 Introduction and Sighs2:09 Signs Discussion5:28 A Grand Day Out Overview10:25 Nick Park and Aardman12:05 Wallace and Gromit Characters16:57 Animation Techniques23:03 Peter Sallis and Voice Acting28:08 Personal Memories of A Grand Day Out30:32 Favorite Wallace and Gromit Films37:49 Nostalgia and British Culture55:14 Ending Reflections1:01:04 Film Length and Experience1:02:53 Aardman's Future and Challenges1:08:15 Podcast Promotion and Closing RemarksNamed TV Shows:-Creature Comforts (1989-Present).-Brum (1991-2002).-Mr Bean (1990-1995).-Open All Hours (1976-1985).-Still Open All Hours (2013-2019)-Come Outside (1993-1997).-Mr Benn (1971-1972).-Pingu (1990-2006).-The Clangers (1969-Present).-Fireman Sam (1987-Present).-Joshua Jones (1992).-William's Wish Wellingtons (1994-1996).-The Queen's Nose (1995-2003).-The Demon Headmaster (1996-1998, 2019).-My Parents Are Aliens (1999-2006).-Jungle Run (1999-2006).-50/50 (1997-2005).-Get Your Own Back (1991-2004).-Cow and Chicken (1995-1999). -The Cramp Twins (2001-2004).-Ed, Edd and Eddy (1999-2006).-Dexter's Lab (1996-1998, 2001-2003).-Recess (1997-2001).-The Powerpuff Girls (1998-2005)-Courage the Cowardly Dog (1999-2002).-Hole in the Wall Game Show (2008-2009).-Shaun the Sheep (2007-Present).Thanks for Listening!Find us here: X: @YourselfReviewInstagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠