Articles written by Steven Cookson
All 192 articles written by Steven Cookson
Film Review – The Men Who Stare At Goats: Comedy Starring George Clooney and Ewan McGregor
Category: Comic Films
A bizarre but funny comedy based on the non-fiction book by Jon Ronson telling the secret experiments by the US army into creating psychic spies. more...
Jim'll Fix It, Jackanory and Jonathan Creek: The Best British Dramas and Children’s TV Shows
Category: British TV
A selection of the most important and influential British TV shows beginning with the letter J. more...
The Great Escape – The Reckoning, on Channel 4: Investigation of the Executed Stalag Luft III POWs
Category: British TV
The Reckoning is an interesting documentary about the fallout of The Great Escape plan, but unfortunately suffers from over-use of reconstruction footage. more...
Russell Howard's Good News on BBC Three: Mock The Week Regular hosts Topical Comedy Show
Category: British TV
Russell Howard steps away from the Mock The Week panel to give his own satirical and positive spin on the week's events in a surprisingly good BBC Three comedy. more...
The Thick of It on BBC Two: Episode 1, Series 3 of Armando Iannucci’s Brilliant Political Satire
Category: British TV
Rejoicing all around as one of the best sitcoms of the last 10 years throws its satirical light on more government department mishaps in a slightly sub-par opening. more...
ITV's New Drama Murderland: Three-part Murder Mystery Starring Robbie Coltrane
Category: British TV
Murderland is a compelling drama telling the story of a brutal killing from three different perspectives. more...
Category: British TV
A new reality series for the BBC's "yoof" channel where lazy teens are forced to live with strict families in the hope of learning discipline. Opinion: it's a bit rubbish more...
Harry Hill's TV Burp on ITV1: Series 9, Episode 1 of the Television Satire Show
Category: British TV
Saturday nights have been saved thanks to the return of Harry Hill's TV Burp where the comedian casts a satirical eye over the week's television. more...
It's Only a Theory on BBC Four: Panel Show with Andy Hamilton and Reginald D. Hunter
Category: British TV
Yes, another BBC panel show but this time presented by Andy Hamilton and Reginald D. Hunter based on approving theories suggested by guest experts. more...
Never Mind The Buzzcocks on BBC Two: Series 23 of the Beeb’s Music Panel Show
Category: British TV
Series 23 of Never Mind the Buzzcocks kicks off with a poor guest host attempt by James Corden but regulars Phill Jupitus and Noel Fielding keep the pace up. more...
Category: British TV
A selection of the most important and influential British TV shows beginning with the letter H. more...
Masterchef The Professionals on BBC Two: Series 2 of the BBC Cooking Competition Pro Spin-off
Category: British TV
The new series of the Masterchef for professionals that's okay and not less entertaining than the standard version. more...
The Love of Money on BBC Two: How the Global Credit Crunch Happened
Category: British TV
The second part of the BBC's brilliant series explaining how the governments and bankers managed to caused the biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression. more...
Derren Brown: The Events (Channel 4): Psychological Magician Reveals how to Win the Lottery
Category: British TV
Derren Brown's new Channel 4 series begins with his method on how to cheat one of the most mathematically impossible gambles: winning the lottery. more...
Blackadder Rides Again on BBC One: Rowan Atkinson and Co. Reminisce about Historical Sitcom
Category: British TV
In the 25th anniversary of the show Blackadder Rides Again looks back at the best and worst moments of the much admired historical comedy. more...
Category: British TV
A selection of the most important and influential British TV shows beginning with the letter G. more...
BBC Two's The Frankincense Trail: Kate Humble Walks to Centuries Old Incense Trade Route
Category: British TV
Kate Humble charts the journey that old frankincense traders made to sell their good to the western world, and also dabs in a little socio-religious politics on the way. more...
Saw Horror Film Series: An Interesting Film Idea turns into a Money Making Franchise
Category: Horror Films (general)
Saw was a good, low-budget horror thriller with a nice concept but it has now become a bloated franchise where gory violence has replaced any substance. more...
The Duchess on the Estate, ITV1: Sarah Ferguson aims to Restore Community Spirit in Manchester
Category: British TV
The Duchess of York aims to improve the lives on people on the Northern Moor estate in Manchester. more...
TV Review – We Are Klang on BBC Three: Comedy Trio Greg Davies, Steve Hall and Marek Larwood
Category: British TV
BBC Three's latest sitcom We Are Klang is a genuinely funny TV comedy from a likeable and talented trio. more...
TV Review – Would I Lie To You?: Celebrity Fact Panel Show gets Third Series on BBC1
Category: British TV
Rob Brydon takes over from Angus Deayton as host for the third series of the brilliant celebrity truth or lie panel show. more...
Who Do You Think You Are? on BBC One: Comedian and Writer David Mitchell Traces his Roots
Category: British TV
David Mitchell travels to the north of Scotland to discover his ancestors' roots in sheep farming and religion all without shedding one tear. more...
The Kevin Bishop Show – Channel 4: Episode 1 of the Second Series of the TV Sketch
Category: British TV
Star Stories man Kevin Bishop kicks off his new series of his sketch show with a mixed but overly positive outing that spoofs politically correct comedy and David Beckham more...
Knowitalls on BBC Two: Gyles Brandreth Hosts New Knowledge Quiz Show
Category: British TV
A BBC quiz show "without questions" that gives its contestants the chance to share their knowledge about a range of subjects. more...
Gun Crime Drama Gunrush for ITV1: Tim Spall as a Dad out for Revenge on Daughter’s Murderer
Category: British TV
New ITV1 single drama Gunrush tells the story of a father out for revenge in a London plagued by gun crime. more...
PS3 Game Review – inFAMOUS: PlayStation 3 Exclusive Good or Evil Superhero Adventure
Category: Action Games
A superhero game for the modern age as inFAMOUS is a fun action adventure that allows the player to choose whether to be good or evil. more...
Series 7 of Dragons' Den on BBC Two: Episode 1 of the New Outing for the Investment Show
Category: British TV
Series 7 of the BBC's premier investment show sees two Dragons gain a stake and more crazy ideas pitched in the Den. more...
TV Review – Monday Monday on ITV1: ITV’s New Comedy Drama as Bad as the BBC's Awful Personal Affairs
Category: British TV
Monday Monday is ITV's attempt to rival the BBC's latest office comedy-drama Personal Affairs. And it does, it's equally as empty and awful. more...
Review of Five's The Hotel Inspector: Episode 1 of the Fifth Series of the Renovation Show
Category: British TV
Series five of The Hotel Inspector starts by going to The Crown Inn at Lewes by cleaning up and adding a lick of paint but is not very interesting. more...
Film Review – Crank 2 High Voltage (2009): Jason Statham Has his Heart Removed as Chev Chelios
Category: Action Films
The sequel to the 2006 hit "cranks" up the insanity, surrealism and offensive material for what it is a completely over-the-top but rather fun action film. more...
Category: British TV
A selection of the most important and influential British TV shows beginning with the letter C. more...
Drama Desperate Romantics Coming to BBC Two: Fact-based Series about the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood
Category: British TV
Another BBC Victorian period drama Desperate Romantics, this one focussing on an influential art movement called the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. more...
Category: British TV
Former Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie hosts an investigation into the press reporting of the Ripper case but treads on very familiar ground as other documentaries. more...
Category: British TV
Series 13 of Top Gear starts with the identity of The Stig, sort of, and a race to Edinburgh. Meanwhile James May investigates the first manned trip to the Moon. more...
Category: British TV
A selection of the most important and influential British TV shows beginning with the letter B. more...
TV Review – Kingdom on ITV1: Episode 2 of the Third Series of the Comedy Drama
Category: British TV
Crop circles and alien invasion await Peter Kingdom and his team in the second episode in the third series of the well acted but average ITV comedy-drama. more...
Yasmina Siadatan Wins The Apprentice 2009: The Fifth Year of the BBC’s Business Series Concludes
Category: British TV
Restaurateur Yasmina Siadatan has won The Apprentince, snatching victory away from Kate Walsh in a very close final task. more...
Category: Role-Playing Video Games
Simple and straightforward tactics on how to defeat the Emerald and Ruby Weapon bosses in Final Fantasy VII. more...
Category: Action Games
Link's latest adventure sees him travel the seas to stop an ancient evil force in a well crafted game which puts the DS touchscreen technology into good use. more...
Ladette to Lady on Nine Network/ITV1: The Australian Take on the Self-improvement Etiquette Series
Category: British/Australian TV (general)
The Antipodean version of the bawdy women to proper lady transformation series that's just as uninteresting and intelligence insulting as the British original. more...
Best Bits of Have I Got News For You: Top Moments from the BBC’s Current Affairs Quiz
Category: British TV
In its two decade history Have I Got News For You has seen the host shamed in sex scandal, Play Your Iraqi Cards Right and a certain Tory MP make a fool of himself. more...
The Chaser's War on Everything (ABC1): Third Season for the Kings of Australian Satire
Category: Australian/NZ TV
Comedy satire team The Chaser continue their War On Everything with the third and maybe last season of their hit current affairs spoof. more...
Category: British TV
The League of Gentlemen co-stars Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton come up with a bizarre comedy series to rival their own famous creation. more...
Category: British TV
The Battle of Hastings is one of the most famous conflicts in history and this fact-based docu-drama tells the plight of ordinary English men on the frontline. more...
Jonny Greenwood – There Will Be Blood OST: The Radiohead Guitarist’s Second Film Score
Category: Instrumental Music (general)
Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood gripping and powerful score to accompany Paul Thomas Anderson's critically acclaimed masterpiece. more...
TV Review – Top Gear Australia (SBS): Season 2’s First Episode of the Motoring Show
Category: Australian/NZ TV
The second season of Australia's Top Gear opens with an Evolution X review, a coast-based race and new co-host James Morrison replacing Charlie Cox. more...
The Apprentice Series 5 – Week Eight (BBC One): The Teams Rebrand the Sea Side Town of Margate
Category: British TV
The task this week was the rebranding of the glamorous town Margate which put a family friendly approach against targeting the gay market. more...
Category: Prime Time Sitcoms
Animated comedy series South Park is now in its 13th season, so what better way to celebrate than a lazy list of the best episodes to date? Note: this is opinion not fact more...
Category: British TV
A well produced DVD package containing the special episodes of the BBC's award-winning comedy series let down slightly by some of the extra features. more...
Category: British TV
A fun and interesting travel series about the remote islands of Britain that is TV to make you smile. more...
TV Review – Good Game (ABC2): A Fun Show Made for Gamers by Gamers
Category: Australian/NZ TV
A rare treat as Good Game is a very entertaining video game news and reviews program that is actually shown on television. more...
BAFTA Television Awards 2009 Results: The 56th Annual Ceremony for the Best in British TV
Category: British TV
The full list of the winners at the 2009 BAFTA TV Awards, with a report of the main categories of the ceremony. more...
The Omid Djalili Show (BBC One): The Second Series for Iran’s Funniest Comedian
Category: British TV
The first episode of Omid Djalili's new series has some funny routines but falls at certain points due to overdone jokes and a tired structure. more...
TV Review – Beat The Star Series 2 (ITV1): Ordinary Folk take on Famous Faces to Win £50,000
Category: British TV
Harmless and fun Saturday night entertainment that is actually broadcast on a Sunday, a move which makes about as much sense as the incomprehensible scoring system. more...
TV Review – The Speaker (BBC Two): A Talent Show giving Teenagers a Chance to be Heard
Category: British TV
The Speaker is a new twist on the talent show format by providing a platform for youngsters who want to be public speakers but the embarrassment is hard to watch at times more...
Category: British TV
James counts himself lucky again as his big mouth threatened to see him sent away from the fifth series of The Apprentice but it was "passenger" Majid Nagra who went. more...
Category: British TV
A four-part Channel 4 documentary series that opens up the mind of Britain's tyrant monarch and see what makes him tick starts in tremendous style. more...
TV Review – Genius (BBC Two): Dave Gorman's Television Version of his Radio Inventor Show
Category: British TV
Stage and screen actor Jonathan Pryce joins Dave Gorman in assessing the latest collection of bizarre ideas on this mediocre comedy gameshow. more...
TV Review – Cops with Cameras (ITV1): Another Pathetic Entry into the Reality Cop Show Genre
Category: British TV
ITV's new reality cop show tries to bring the audience on the front line with cop mounted cameras but fails to add anything new to the fledging genre. more...
Category: British TV
A new Channel 4 science documentary series that aims to uncover the anatomical secrets behind some of the animal kingdom's most extraordinary species. more...
The Apprentice Series 5 – Week One (BBC One): The UK Version of the Job Interview from Hell Begins
Category: British TV
The fifth year of the BBC's BAFTA winning Apprentice gives us a host of ego driven, cocky characters starting off the competition with their own car cleaning companies. more...
Category: Documentary Films (general)
An engaging feature length documentary debut by Mark Hartley chronicling the rise of exploitation films that are a million miles away from Baz Luhrmann's Australia. more...
Category: British TV
The latest entrants on conveyor belt for business "experts" waiting to be fired by Alan Sugar in the BBC's superior version of The Apprentice. more...
Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle (BBC Two): The Despondent Comic Targets Bad Books and their Writers
Category: British TV
In his first commissioned television series for over 10 years this is a fantastic return for the man once described by Ricky Gervais as the best stand-up comedian ever. more...
Category: British TV
The full five season run of television's greatest ever show is to be broadcast for the first time on a British terrestrial channel later this year. more...
Category: British TV
Holloway is a soon to be aired ITV documentary series that tells the story of the woman who are incarcerated in this prison and the staff who come into contact with them. more...
Category: British TV
Despite being wrongly described as a comedy-drama, the BBC's new monster show is a rather admirable six hours of television that rarely had a low point. more...
The Rise of the Superchef (BBC Two): A Boring Documentary revealing Nothing new about Famous Cooks
Category: British TV
A mind numbingly dreary behind-the-scenes doc that spent more time trying to sell you stuff than it did attempting to delve into what makes a successful celebrity chef. more...
Category: British TV
In March 2009, ITV launches Bookaboo on its CITV Channel. It's similar to the BBC's Jackanory about a rock star puppy that aims to help youngsters to read. more...
Category: British TV
The BBC has announced that Robin Hood will reappear in the spring with 13 new episodes of the successful but far from authentic version of the popular rogue hero. more...
Category: British TV
The news is out that Garry Hobbs is set to return to Walford after seemingly committing suicide but he isn't the first so here's more "undead" soap characters. more...
Moving Wallpaper Returns to ITV1 with Series 2: The Hapless Production Team get another Shot at TV
Category: British TV
Echo Beach has gone but eccentric producer Jonathan Pope and his team are given a second chance with a zombie-themed apocalypse feature. Will their vision come together? more...
Category: British TV
At the end of February the BBC will air this made-for-TV film following the final days of perhaps the most dominant British leader of the 20th Century, Margaret Thatcher. more...
The New Minder Series on Five: A Review of the First Episode of the Comedy Drama Remake
Category: British TV
Remakes and comebacks are all the rage these days and now it's the loved drama Minder's turn to be transported to the 21st century. Too bad no-one told the writers. more...
Piers Morgan on Dubai (ITV1): Britain’s Smuggest Man Visits the World’s Fastest Growing City
Category: British TV
The disgraced former tabloid editor rubs shoulders with the mega rich all in the name of factual TV but looks like an excuse for him to get a nice holiday in the sun. more...
TV Review – Being Human (BBC Three): A Well Written Drama, not a Spoof Comedy-Drama
Category: British TV
A ghost, a werewolf and a vampire move into a flat together and try to be normal despite their unusual, supernatural setbacks. Sounds funny right? Well, not quite. more...
TV Preview – Whitechapel (ITV1): A Tense Thriller about a Jack the Ripper Copycat in Modern London
Category: British TV
To mark the 120th anniversary of the Jack the Ripper murders in London's East End, this new three-part serial promises to take a contemporary twist on the unsolved case. more...
Batteries Not Included (Dave): Gadgets, Games and a Grinning John Cleese
Category: British TV
A Dave original that takes an outlandish and occasionally comedic look at the world of gadgets, but it's hard to tell who the show is supposed to be for. more...
The Curse of TV List Shows: The Laziest Form of Journalism Gets New Life on the Box
Category: British TV
Lazy, ill-informed and overkill; whatever you call them TV lists are everywhere these days but if they're such indolent form of television how are they still around? more...
Category: British TV
After whittling down the best the UK has to offer (or the best of the bunch that turned up) it's up to the public to decide who will represent them for Eurovision 2009. more...
Top Gear – Vietnam Special (BBC Two): Clarkson and co. take a Two-Wheeled Route Through the Country
Category: British TV
To mark the end of another series and to deliver their own form of festive motorised based fun the Top Gear guys travel through Vietnam, but who said it had to be by car? more...
Category: British TV
As the story is about to be Americanised with a retelling and a big Hollywood budget this article remembers the importance and impact of Paul Abbott's original series. more...
Christmas on British TV (2008): Festive outings on the Beeb, ITV and Channel 4
Category: British TV
Christmas is a time for family, sharing, time off work, waiting for it to snow and also spending a ridiculous amount of time gawping at the idiot box. So, what's on? more...
Jack Dee's Lead Balloon (BBC Two): Britain’s most Miserable Man and his Complex Life
Category: British TV
After two episodes the third series of Jack Dee's sitcom of comedy misunderstandings and embarrassing situations is still on fine form. more...
Category: British TV
Five weeks down, five more to go and the competition for Last Man Standing is still an exciting nail biting free-for-all. more...
DVD Review – Charlie Brooker's Dead Set: E4’s Much Hyped Zombie Horror Lives up to Expectations
Category: British TV
Sweary TV producers, vacuous housemates and the undead; Charlie Brooker's satirical but gory homage to the zombie genre gets a fantastic instant DVD release. more...
Dragons' Den: The Dragons' Stories (BBC Two): The Rags to Riches Tales of the Cantankerous Investors
Category: British TV
To follow on from the sixth series of Dragons' Den, the BBC's surprise investment gameshow hit, this is a five-part spin-off chronicles the rise of the "Dragons". more...
Last Man Standing (BBC Three): Six New Sportsmen Line up for TV’s most Violent Reality Show
Category: British TV
Six more athletes from the US and UK push themselves to the limit and compete against each other in some of the world's most brutal tribal sports. more...
Category: British TV
After a four year absence from our screens, Bolton's own Peter Kay pays a very accurate tribute to the never ending stream of talent contests that have overtaken TV. more...
Natural Born Sellers (ITV 1): ITV’s Latest Answer to The Apprentice
Category: British TV
Starting this week ITV 1 air Natural Born Sellers, a six-week reality contest based on sales that's a little too similar to that well known BBC hit The Apprentice. more...
Category: British TV
With the new series of QI set to hit the screens is one of TV's longest running formats, the panel show, still worth the airtime it gets? Or is it now a gimmick too far? more...
Category: Action Films
A character analysis explaining why Harvey Dent is the heart of this summer's biggest blockbuster. Warning!: This article contains spoilers. more...
DVD Review – Batman Gotham Knight: A Worthy Addition to Nolan's Franchise or a Pointless Cash In?
Category: Animated Films (general)
As everyone is falling over themselves to see The Dark Knight, DC unleash a Batman version of The Animatrix to keep the punters amused. more...
Category: British TV
Journey's End had the potential to be the TV event of the year but in true British fashion, this episode somehow fell at the first hurdle. more...
The Music – Strength In Numbers: Rob Harvey and Co. Release More Dance Infused Rock
Category: Modern Rock Music
The Music have been one of the forgotten bands of this decade. But after a notable 4-year absence, the lads from Leeds have embarked on a much needed comeback. more...
The Apprentice UK – You're Hired: Was the right candidate chosen as Sir Alan’s apprentice?
Category: British TV
After twelve entertaining weeks, the fourth series of The Apprentice UK saw Lee McQueen win the opportunity to work for Sir Alan Sugar. However, was it the right choice? more...
Category: British TV
Channel 4 mockumentary/drama set in a fictional world where rock star Gary Glitter is sentenced to death in Britain that's too real for its own good. more...
Peter Kay – Raider of the Pop Charts: Channel 4 Documentary on Amarillo Charity Video
Category: British TV
Part one of a so-so documentary about the input comedian Peter Kay has had to the UK music charts. more...
ITV1 Police Serial Drama Collision: Five part Series Written by Anthony Horowitz
Category: British TV
A solid cast lead this ITV crime drama, written by Anthony Horowitz, about a massive car crash and the people it affects. more...
The World's Greatest Money Maker on BBC Two: Evan Davis Meets Self-made Billionaire Warren Buffett
Category: British TV
An informative documentary about likeable and successful Warren Buffett, revealing how he made his billions and the details of his unglamorous lifestyle. more...
Category: Fantasy Films
Terry Gilliam's latest film stars Heath Ledger in his last role and is also visually brilliant but flawed in its storytelling. more...
Inspector Morse and I'm Alan Partridge: The Work of John Thaw and Steve Coogan
Category: British TV
A selection of the most important and influential British TV shows beginning with the letter I. more...
The Force on Channel 4: Police Documentary Series Filmed in Hampshire
Category: British TV
Channel 4 continue their knack for riveting documentaries with a Hampshire police investigation into the murder of a woman. more...
When Piers Met Sir Cliff on ITV1: Morgan Interviews Pop Legend for Life Stories Special
Category: British TV
TV's Piers Morgan interviews a man he calls "the biggest selling recording artist ever" in what was a decent one-off special for his chat show series. more...
Category: British TV
New interviews and unseen clips make up this documentary to celebrate 40 years since the first broadcast of Monty Python's Flying Circus. more...
Category: British TV
TV reviewer Charlie Brooker presents a video game version of Screenwipe series, looking at the main genres and demonisation of the growing industry within the media. more...
Cha'mone Mo'fo'selecta! on E4: Leigh Francis Bo’ Selecta! Michael Jackson Tribute
Category: British TV
A surprisingly decent attempt by the Bo' Selecta! team in telling the story of Michael Jackson in their own surreal and foul-mouthed way. more...
Peep Show Series 6 on Channel 4: First Episode of the Long Running POV Sitcom
Category: British TV
Channel 4's best sitcom since Spaced returns for a sixth series that, on the evidence of episode one, continues to be consistently funny and inventive. more...
Daredevils – The Human Bird: Channel 4 Series About Those who Take Life Threatening Risks
Category: British TV
An interesting insight into Jeb Corliss's latest BASE jumping attempt down the Matterhorn in Switzerland for this entertaining Channel 4 series. more...
Media Watch on ABC1: Australian Show Investigating Mistakes and Unethical News Coverage
Category: Australian/NZ TV
A brilliant and often hilarious Australian news programme that puts lazy and disreputable media reports under the microscope. more...
Jamie's American Road Trip on Channel 4: The Naked Chef Samples Food Cultures in the USA
Category: British TV
Jamie Oliver treks to Los Angeles for some real Mexican food in his new series and somehow confuses himself as Louis Theroux along the way. more...
The Cube on ITV1: New Saturday Night Game Show with Host Phillip Schofield
Category: British TV
A new ITV game show with Phillip Schofield that's okay as throwaway Saturday entertainment but fails to makes a clear plastic box look intimidating. more...
TV Review – Shooting Stars on BBC Two: New 2009 Series of Vic and Bob’s Comedy Panel Show
Category: British TV
Vic and Bob return for a brand new series of their once successful and popular surreal panel show Shooting Stars. more...
Fawlty Towers, Father Ted and Fast Show: John Cleese Sitcom Leads a List of British TV Comedy Greats
Category: British TV
A selection of the most important and influential British TV shows beginning with the letter F including the best sitcom ever made, Fawlty Towers. more...
Wuthering Heights Serial for ITV1: New Adaptation by Peter Bowker of the Emily Bronte Novel
Category: British TV
Emily Bronte's novel of love and revenge has been adapted for a new two-part serial on ITV1 by Peter Bowker starring Tom Hardy, Charlotte Riley and Sarah Lancashire. more...
EastEnders, Emmerdale and Edge of Darkness: Popular and Acclaimed British TV Dramas and Soaps
Category: British TV
A selection of the most important, influential and in one case awful British TV programmes beginning with the letter E. more...
The Funny Side of…TV Talent on BBC Two: First Episode of Clive Anderson’s New Series
Category: British TV
Clive Anderson's new series examining modern culture turns its sights on the TV talent show. more...
The Gadget Show on Five: Channel 5’s Technology Review and News Programme
Category: British TV
Series 12 of Five's technology show opens by entering a remote control car into a real race, comparing touch screen phones and swimming with computerised penguins. more...
Category: British TV
An admirable but overly dull BBC dramatisation of the discovery of penicillin by a team of scientists lead by Howard Florey. more...
Category: Horror Films (general)
The 28 Days/Weeks Later is a British horror franchise that is not only incredibly gory and brilliant but also has important messages about modern society. more...
TV Review – Grimefighters on ITV1: Fly-on-the-wall Series about British Clean up Teams
Category: British TV
Grimefighters is a decent and occasionally interesting documentary series on ITV that's best watched while not eating. more...
Doctor Who, Dad's Army and Dispatches: Sci-fi Genius and Home Front Sitcom on British TV
Category: British TV
A selection of the most important and influential British TV programmes beginning with the letter D. more...
You Have Been Watching – Channel 4: Charlie Brooker’s TV Based Comedy Quiz
Category: British TV
You Have Been Watching is Charlie Brooker's new TV venture which sees him talk about his favourite subject with a few of his showbiz pals. more...
Mock The Week Series 7, Episode 1 of: New Outing for the BBC’s other News-based Panel Show
Category: British TV
It's business as usual for a new series of Mock The Week as Michael Jackson's death and the other big news stories are thoroughly "mocked". more...
Category: British TV
The Torchwood team investigate why all the children in the world have suddenly stopped while evading government attack in this electrifying series opener. more...
Bear Grylls Born Survivor on Channel 4: The New UK Chief Scouts Tackles the West Coast of Ireland
Category: British TV
Bear Grylls ventures to the west of Ireland instead of the usual jungle wilderness for another enjoyable outing for his Born Survivor series. more...
7/7 The Conspiracy Files on BBC Two: Alternative Theories of the London Bombings Investigated
Category: British TV
Another fine and interesting entry into the Conspiracy Files as claims made about the 7/7 London terrorist attack are scrutinised. more...
Game Review – Terminator Salvation (PS3): John Connor + Evil Robots - Fun = Terrible Spin-off
Category: Action Games
Like the Terminator Salvation film this is a pointless, drawn-out and boring addition to the legacy and one of the worst games released this year. more...
Film Review – Memento (2000): Christopher Nolan’s Memory Loss Psychological Thriller
Category: Independent Films (general)
Nolan's neo-noir thriller impresses with its non-linear storytelling and fine performance from lead Guy Pearce as a man with memory problems finding his wife's killer. more...
TV Review of BBC Two's Psychoville: Comedy Thriller from Half The League of Gentlemen Team
Category: British TV
A creepy and atmospheric comedy thriller that's short on laughs but has the aesthetics expected from The League of Gentlemen boys. more...
Torchwood – Children of Earth for BBC One: New Five-Part Serial of the Doctor Who Spin-off
Category: British TV
The third series of the popular Doctor Who spin-off will be a five-part story arc as Captain Jack Harkness and co. take on an alien invasion targeting children. more...
Category: British TV
A small selection of the most important and influential British TV shows over the years beginning with the letter A. more...
Category: Role-Playing Video Games
Emerald and Ruby Weapon are the toughest fights in Final Fantasy VII and a great deal of preparation is needed beforehand in order to beat them. more...
Category: Role-Playing Video Games
Breeding a gold chocobo is a long and annoying task but this guide has everything needed to create the elusive bird-like creature. more...
TV Review – Paul Merton in India (Five): The Comedian Continues his Tour Across Asia
Category: British TV
A rather fun addition to the always expanding genre of celebrity travel shows where Merton joins a blind cricket team and racketeers with a group of eunuchs. more...
Album Review of Dave Gahan's Hourglass: Second Solo Release from the Depeche Mode Frontman
Category: Electronica (Music)
A jumbled yet interesting second release from Dave Gahan which sees the Depeche Mode man move into the familiar territory of dark electronic music. more...
Film Review – Drag Me To Hell (2009): The Most Recent Horror by former Scaremeister Sam Raimi
Category: Horror Films (general)
Sam Raimi's scary new horror drags his protagonist and the unsuspecting viewers down to the pit of hell. more...
TV Review – Going Postal (BBC Two): Documentary about American Workplace Massacres
Category: British TV
An interesting documentary that aims to explain just why workplace massacres, or "going postal", have occurred in the USA in the last 20 years. more...
Category: Modern Rock Music
Showbiz is an energetic yet somewhat flawed debut album from the current darlings of modern progressive hard rock. more...
Film Review – Timecrimes (2007): Spanish Time Travel Mystery Thriller, also called Los Cronocrimenes
Category: European Films
Nacho Vigalondo's feature length debut plays with the conventions of the time travel genre with a smart and occasionally scary thriller. more...
Game Review – God of War II (PS2): Spartan Warrior Kratos Seeks Revenge against Zeus
Category: Action Games
God of War was a PlayStation 2 exclusive that pushed the benchmark for action adventure gaming. The sequel is a perfect mix of fun and mythical storytelling. more...
Lost Season Five Overview: The Penultimate Year of ABC’s Prime Time Hit Show
Category: Prime Time Dramas
ABC's popular series Lost moves near to the end and despite huge plot points in season 5 there is still much to learn for the final year. WARNING - contains spoilers. more...
Richard Hammond's Blast Lab (BBC One): A Review of the Hamster's Latest Venture Outside of Top Gear
Category: British TV
Top Gear's Richard Hammond puts his name to an unsuccessful attempt to make science cool and funny for the CBBC audience. more...
Category: British TV
Television and radio presenter Tim Shaw hosts one of those overdone surgery make-over thingies but due to his self deprecation this is somewhat watchable. more...
Film Review – Endgame (2009): A Dramatised Event of the Secret Meetings to End Apartheid
Category: British Films
An engaging political thriller that drags out at times but is a well shot film with strong performances from the talented cast including William Hurt and Chiwetel Ejiofor more...
More of the Worst British TV Comedy Shows: From Love Thy Neighbour to Max and Paddy to Coming of Age
Category: British TV
Another list of British comedy shows that should be seen here and then never spoken of again. WARNING - contains strong opinion some people may find offensive. more...
New Series of Spooks and The Thick Of It: BBC Commission New Episodes of Critically Acclaimed Shows
Category: British TV
New series of Spooks and The Thick Of It have been confirmed by the BBC to be shown on TV late in 2009. more...
Five British TV Comedy Shows to Avoid: From Horne & Corden to My Hero to Keeping Up Appearances
Category: British TV
A list of five British comedy shows that will only improve and enhance your life if they are evaded at all costs. WARNING - contains extreme hyperbole. more...
Film Review – In The Loop (2009): The Big Screen Adaptation of the BBC’s Comedy The Thick of It
Category: British Films
Armando Iannucci's feature length directorial debut is a well crafted political satire about the lead up to war and is so far the main contender for comedy of the year. more...
Category: British TV
The Horrible Histories series moves to TV with an educational show that fuses facts and comedy into a decent and entertaining children's tea time programme. more...
Category: British TV
The cult sci-fi comedy gets a disappointing comeback on British TV after more than 10 years with a subpar story that bares resemblance to League of Gentlemen's Apocalypse more...
Hell's Kitchen UK Series Four on ITV1: Marco Pierre White leads another group of hapless Celebrities
Category: British TV
Another week and another cooking show gets a new series on television, this time it's ITV's tantrum ridden and occasionally controversial Hell's Kitchen. more...
Shooting Stars Returns to BBC Two for 2009: Reeves and Mortimer’s Crazy Game Show gets New Series
Category: British TV
Following on from their Christmas special, Vic and Bob's anything goes panel show has been given a new series. But is this just another example of misjudged nostalgia? more...
Ashes To Ashes Series Two comes to BBC One: The Second Outing for the Life On Mars Spin-off for 2009
Category: British TV
The second series of the popular Life On Mars sequel tackles police corruption and a new arrival makes Alex Drake question what is going on. Contains series one spoilers. more...
Category: British TV
Channel 4's long running series exposes the contradictions and problematic decisions behind the scenes of Boris Johnson's first year in office. more...
TV Profile – Armando Iannucci: The Multi-award Winning Writer, Producer, Director and Performer
Category: British TV
A profile of one of the most important people in British television comedy of the last 20 years, responsible for The Day Today, I'm Alan Partridge and The Thick Of It. more...
The Secret Millionaire (Channel 4): The Mega Rich go Undercover to Help the Poor and Needy
Category: British TV
The new series of Channel 4's reality television show where self-obsessed, wealthy business types transform into caring, sharing do-gooders for impoverished communities. more...
Category: Horror Films (general)
Four years later and with a second film on the way soon, Neil Marshall's thrilling monsters-in-the-dark horror is still as chilling as the day it was released. more...
Category: British TV
Inspector Morse's former sidekick Lewis is back on the small screens for more new episodes in the third series of ITV1's top-rated drama of 2008. more...
Comic Relief Does The Apprentice (BBC One): Ten Celebrities Design Toys to Raise Money for Charity
Category: British TV
This year's celebrity outing of TV's top business-based reality competition was the best yet, mainly due to the hilarious contributions from Jonathan Ross and Jack Dee. more...
Category: British TV
After two and a half series of well-written family friendly drama the team behind one of TV's best programmes unleash this absolute gem of an episode. more...
Heston's Victorian Feast (Channel 4): The Mad Hatter of Cooking’s Wonderland Themed Dinner Party
Category: British TV
Britain's most inventive chef takes inspiration from a classic children's novel to create weird and wonderful dishes for some rather lacklustre dinner guests. more...
Category: British TV
A TV adaptation of David Pearce's novel series - The Red Riding Quartet - set in Yorkshire during the 1970s and 80s haunted by the Ripper case and police corruption. more...
Category: British TV
It has been almost 12 years since the BBC had the broadcast rights to Formula One season but their new line-up of pundits of presentation is like they've never been away. more...
DVD Review – Dead Man's Shoes (2004): Shane Meadow’s Tale of Revenge in a Small Midland Town
Category: British Films
Before This Is England Shane Meadows made this captivating yet disturbing film following one man's quest for vengeance within a small community. more...
TV Review – Freaky Eaters (BBC Three): The Third Series of the Strange Food Phobia Show
Category: British TV
Another collection of nutty noshers need diet help on this new series on the BBC's harmless but rather dull self-improvement programme. more...
Karn8 – Of All The Strange Things: Review of the First Album by the Hard Rock Three Piece
Category: Modern Rock Music
This debut album from Hampshire-based trio Karn8 doesn't reinvent the wheel that is rock music but certainly goes towards validating its existence. more...
Category: British TV
A disgusting piece of trashy television that says if you're ugly but want to get ahead in life you should cut up your face with expensive cosmetic surgery. more...
TV Review – The Old Guys (BBC One): New Sitcom From the Creators of Channel 4’s Peep Show
Category: British TV
The BBC's new so-so sitcom about two old men on opposite sides of the scale might not be the most original concept ever created for a TV show but it does have its moments more...
Category: British TV
Despite having great visual dynamics and a terrific cast, the first episode of ITV's much-publicised thriller is ruined by a super fast pace and predictable characters. more...
Category: British TV
Long before one became a national treasure and the other a sarcy but brilliant American doctor, Fry and Laurie produced this highlight of early 90s BBC sketch comedy. more...
Category: British TV
Michelle Ryan will guest star along with comedian Lee Evans in the forthcoming BBC One Doctor Who Easter special that has just began filming in Cardiff. more...
Big Chef Takes on Little Chef (Channel 4): Heston Blumenthal Tries to Spice Up an out-of-date Menu
Category: British TV
To launch the Great British Food Fight season on Channel 4 this three-part doc follows an attempt to radically introduce a range of foods to help re-invent the company. more...
Million Dollar Traders (BBC Two): Eight Beginner Brokers take on the Credit Crunch
Category: British TV
As part of the BBC's City Season a rich trader gives a million dollars of his own money to stock novices to prove that anybody can master the market. more...
TV Review – Hustle (BBC One): Series 5 of the Beeb’s almost Ocean’s Eleven Comedy-Drama
Category: British TV
A reduced cast and a change of pace leaves the masters of the long con falling a little flat and short changing viewers with a rather uninspiring comeback. more...
Celebrity Big Brother 2009 (Channel 4): The Who’s Who of “Who They?” is Back to Take Over our Lives
Category: British TV
Just when you thought it was safe to turn on your televisions after a great week of Christmas TV, Channel 4 unleash a new series of their "controversial" reality series. more...
TV Preview – Demons (ITV1): The Light Channel’s New Drama that Sounds Strangely Familiar
Category: British TV
Life on Mars star Philip Glenister leads the cast of a new ITV1 drama series to air in January that sets the legacy of Bram Stoker's Dracula in modern-day London. more...
Category: British TV
Year one of the BBC's fun and surprisingly consistent take on the Arthurian legend gets a tense and exciting finale. more...
The Return of BBC's QI in December: TV’s Best Panel Show moves to BBC One Prime Time
Category: British TV
After five years on BBC Two, QI (Quite Interesting) is set to move to a main slot on BBC One from the New Year when it returns for its sixth (F) series. more...
Category: British TV
Following on from his rather brilliant zombie horror Dead Set on Channel 4, Charlie plods on with a new series of his frank but often hilarious in-vision TV critic column more...
Karn8 Single – Where The Fires Play: Could Hampshire’s Blues Rockers set the World Alight?
Category: Modern Rock Music
Three-piece Karn8 have changed their style more times than Cher's had face lifts but with songs like this they could be England's latest answer to Kings of Leon. more...
Come Dine With Me (Channel 4): C4's Dinner Party Contest gets a new Prime-Time Slot
Category: British TV
To kick off the new prime-time series of Come Dine with Me, Channel 4 gives us a "celebrity" version of the dinner party bickering and bitterness. more...
TV Preview – Sharpe's Peril (ITV 1): Sean Bean is Back as the War Torn Army Hero
Category: British TV
After rebooting the series two years ago, Sean Bean's eponymous British soldier Richard Sharpe returns to the screen with another bash at Napoleonic-era heroics. more...
TV Preview – Dead Set (E4): Charlie Brooker’s Big Brother-themed Zombie Horror
Category: British TV
Guardian TV critic by day, writer of twisted TV shows by night; here Charlie Brooker unleashes more morbid darkness from his mind. more...
Category: British TV
One of Britain's best loved entertainers and writers takes a trip around a country that he could very nearly have called home. more...
TV Review – Merlin (BBC One): The Beeb’s Smallville-style Re-imagination of the Arthurian Legend
Category: British TV
To follow in the success of family programmes like Doctor Who, the BBC's Saturday night take on the story of a young Merlin lives up to expectations. more...
Category: Heavy Metal
Once regarded as a nu-metal freakshow resorting to scary masks and loud, sweary anthems, Slipknot have now become part of the "new metal" establishment. more...
Category: British TV
Here's a rundown of the top five episodes from cult sitcom Red Dwarf's eight series'. Note tht this is not fact but merely opinion. more...
How To Buy Radiohead Albums: A Handy Guide For Those New to Oxford’s Favourite Quintet
Category: Modern Rock Music
If you're thinking of starting a Radiohead collection but have no idea where to begin then look no further than this short but informative how to. more...
Category: Modern Rock Music
Old Trafford cricket ground is usually home to Lancashire's finest sportsmen but it was Thom Yorke not Freddie Flintoff pleasing the crowd on this sunny Sunday evening. more...
Metal Gear Solid – The Movie?: Why a Film Based on the Famous Video Game Series is a Bad Idea
Category: Action Films
The news of a Metal Gear Solid movie is both exciting and nauseating. It might be good to see Snake and co make it to the big screen but is such a transition worth it? more...
Lost Season Four Overview: A Brief Look into Lost's Most Exciting Year to Date
Category: Prime Time Dramas
Season Four was Lost's best and most compelling season to date. A lot happened in its shortened year, so here's a look at the main developments. more...
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