Film Review: Enola Holmes

The tale of the infamous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes is one that has captivated the world since Sir Arthur Conan Doyle first put pen to paper way back in the 1800s. Ever since countless adaptations and spin-offs have been released, covering books, films, TV shows, events, and much more. It seems we can't get enough of Sherlock! 

However, Enola Holmes, the latest release to feature the great super-sleuth, leaves Sherlock as a supporting character. Instead, this film focuses on the adventures and exploits of Enola Holmes - Sherlock's younger sister.

Review: The Umbrella Academy Season 2

The Umbrella Academy has swiftly become a cult hit since the first series landed on streaming giant Netflix in 2019. With millions of viewers around the world left wanting more - especially with the last episode of season one ending on such a cliffhanger - it was a long wait for many until season two was finally released on July 31st 2020.

So, nearly a month later, what was season two's reception? Many eager fans have already headed online to read up about the show and beg for a speedy release for series three, but just how good was season two? Did it manage to live up to the high standards set by the first series?

Film Review: The Kissing Booth 2

The Kissing Booth 2 is a fun teen rom-com movie and the sequel to 2018's The Kissing Booth. This film is the perfect antidote to counteract the washout that is summer 2020. It has plenty of humour, excitement - and, kissing, of course - in-store and ready to offer you a fun-filled escape from reality.

So, if you're in the mood for a little romance, buckle up! The Kissing Booth 2 is the film for you this summer!

Film Review: Eurovision The Story of Fire Saga

Sadly, this year's Eurovision Song Contest had to be cancelled due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. However, all is not lost for Eurovision fans as a brand new movie is here to fill the gaping hole left by the absence of Eurovision 2020!

With an explosion of fun and crazy antics, enter Eurovision Song Content: The Story of Fire Saga. 

5 Reasons Why Thor is the Best Avenger

Marvel comics have been around since 1939 and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) now features 23 films, a global fanbase, and a whole host of unique characters. With so many characters across all those movies, how can you possibly pick out a favourite?

For me, the answer was simple. Look to the Avengers, arguably the MCU's biggest success story, and then go from there! Now that the universe has drawn to a natural conclusion following on from the events of Avengers: Endgame, it only felt right for me to look back and reflect on the film series that accompanied me through my teenage years and into adulthood.

Thor has always been my favourite Avenger - here's why.

Theatre Review: Les Miserables - The Staged Concert

While the Queen's Theatre, the West End home of Les Miserables, undergoes renovation work, the show has moved a few doors down Shaftesbury Avenue for a limited 16-week run at the Gielgud Theatre.

Billed as an all-star staged concert, this short run brings together some of the biggest and most noteworthy names who have been associated with the show over the years. However, it's not all massively successful stars, as some new names and potential stars of tomorrow have also joined the cast for these unique performances in the intimate surroundings of the Gielgud.

I'd been looking forward to seeing this show for months, but did it manage to live up to my expectations?

Album Review: Happiness Begins by Jonas Brothers

As you can probably tell from the above image, I'm a massive fan of the Jonas Brothers and have been for over ten years. I was 15 when they were in their heyday and since then, they've always been one of my most favourite bands - even after they split up.

So, as anyone who knows me can attest, I was over the moon earlier this year when the brothers announced that they were getting back together. I eagerly bought tickets in the pre-sale to see them when they tour the UK next year, I signed up to Amazon Prime just to watch their Chasing Happiness documentary, and I fell in love with their music all over again when Happiness Begins dropped through my letterbox on release day.

Oh my Jonas (OMJ), I was hooked. Now, just under a month down the line, I'm ready to share my thoughts on the album with you.

"Come back to me, baby, I'll come back to you."

Film Review: How to Train Your Dragon 3 - The Hidden World

Weighing in as one of my most highly anticipated films of the year, How to Train Your Dragon 3: The Hidden World promised to be a fantastic tale and a worthy new addition to a much-loved animated movie series. 

I had purposely avoided watching teasers and trailers in the run-up to the film’s release, as the last thing I wanted was to end up inadvertently spoiling a major twist or key plot point for myself before getting a chance to see the movie in full. Luckily, I managed to succeed, and after watching the film last Friday evening, I am especially glad that I did!

Theatre Review: War Horse at the Milton Keynes Theatre

Last Updated: 25 October 2024

I have wanted to see the stage production of War Horse for years, ever since I first heard that it would soon be coming to the West End. I watched the film (a definite must-watch, by the way) and was lucky enough to attend the War Horse-themed prom at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall a few years ago. So when I heard that the production was doing a UK tour and was coming to Milton Keynes, I knew it would be rude not to go along!

Theatre Review: School of Rock The Musical

Last Updated: 19 October 2024

As regular readers of The Writing Greyhound will doubtless already know, I am a big fan of both theatre and musicals. In the last few months, I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to see several shows - some for the first time, others for another visit. So, when I headed down to London to catch my latest theatrical experience, I was understandably looking forward to the night ahead!

#KeeptheSecret - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Last Updated: 16 October 2024

First things first, if you are looking for a review of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child that is full of spoilers, then you've come to the wrong blog. Theatre reviews may be the usual fare on The Writing Greyhound, but on this occasion, I've got the tricky task of writing about a production without really sharing much about it at all. Unquestionably a difficult task, but since seeing Cursed Child for the second time, I really can't put off writing about it again!

Film Review: Incredibles 2

When Pixar released the original Incredibles film, I was 10 years old. Now, 14 years later, the animation studios have unleashed the sequel on the world and given countless people like me the perfect opportunity to relive a classic childhood movie. So, when I finally went to watch the film a few weeks ago, I was full of expectations and couldn't wait to get back into the world of the Incredibles!

The story continues on from the events of the original film, catching up with all our favourite characters while introducing some great new ones. Of course, the Incredibles themselves are back, along with popular fan favourites like Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson) and E (Brad Bird). This reintroduction of familiar characters and crime-fighting scenarios helps to create a feeling of continuity, bridging the 14-year gap between Incredibles and Incredibles 2.

When it comes to the plot, action and adventure are top of the bill, yet there is also a healthy dose of suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. With the high-tech, fast-paced action sequences perfectly juxtaposed against the comparatively routine mundanity of everyday home life, this film manages to perfectly encapsulate both worlds and spread a message highlighting the importance of family.

In addition, the scriptwriters for Incredibles 2 had a clear series of messages and morals in mind during the writing process. From the importance of maintaining strong family relationships and keeping a healthy work-life balance to highlighting the risks associated with the modern world's increasing reliance on technology, it seems as though the film contains a little bit of everything. However, we can't move on without making time to mention one of the biggest themes of the movie - equality.

While individual viewers will always take different messages from films, for me, one of the biggest themes tackled in Incredibles 2 was equality and the role of women in society. Of course, it's no secret that women are traditionally portrayed as housewives and mothers - women whose main role is to support the hero of the story. Incredibles 2 takes that stereotype and completely turns it on its end - here, it is the women who take charge and it is the women who absolutely steal the show. Elastigirl (Holly Hunter), Violet (Sarah Vowell), Evelyn (Catherine Keener), Voyd (Sophia Bush), E... the list of strong, independent women goes on. In 2018, who says a woman can't be a great superhero?

Sure to be a big hit with children and adults alike, Incredibles 2 is a breakneck ride and a real rollercoaster of action. Pixar's animation is flawless and faultless as always, while the storyline happily lives up to the high calibre set by the original movie. Offering the perfect way to escape the summer heat, Incredibles 2 is a fun-filled family-friendly film that certainly won't disappoint - no matter how much you loved the first film!

Have you seen Incredibles 2 yet? Share your thoughts with me in the comments below!

Theatre Review: Matilda the Musical

Last Updated: 07 October 2024

As a musical theatre lover and a long-time Roald Dahl fan, I've been wanting to see Matilda the Musical for quite a while. So, when the UK tour was announced, I immediately snapped up tickets!

On 30th June 2018, I headed along to Milton Keynes Theatre to catch the show - super excited to finally get a chance to see it! So - did Matilda live up to my high expectations?

My First Experience Watching Anime

Last Updated: 07 October 2024

Confession time - up until very recently, I didn't know the difference between manga and anime.

(For anyone else reading this who is unsure of the difference, anime is an animation whereas manga is usually a comic or graphic novel).

My tastes are usually pretty varied when it comes to entertainment (for instance, just look at the sheer variety of books I read and genres of music I enjoy) but when it comes to film and TV, there are certain genres that I know I enjoy and therefore don't often stray from.

Gig Review: Ed Sheeran at Wembley Stadium 2018

Last Updated: 04 October 2024

With three chart-topping albums under his belt and an MBE to his name, Ed Sheeran is arguably one of the biggest musicians in the world right now. Coming to his Divide tour straight off the back of the album of the same name, Suffolk-raised Sheeran has every right to be pleased about his musical success - something which is certainly not showing any signs of slowing down any time soon!

Film Review: Avengers Infinity War

Last Updated: 25 September 2024

Regular readers of The Writing Greyhound will most probably already know that I am a big Marvel movies fan. Although I don't read the comics, I enjoy watching every instalment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe when released and accordingly, joined fans across the world eagerly awaiting the latest and most intense film yet - Avengers: Infinity War.

Interview: Leapfrogtown

Last Updated: 23 September 2024

Leapfrogtown is all about distinctive diversity - who said all music had to be the same? I sat down for a quick catch-up with Christopher Guard from the band to find out what their unique sound is all about.

Film Review: Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle

Last Updated: 19 September 2024

Before I get stuck into my review, cards on the table - I've never seen the original Jumanji film.

Of course, I knew about it; it's a classic, after all. However, as the majority of my regular readers will doubtless already know by now, my education is significantly lacking when it comes to classic movies. I have my favourites and, with very little free time (or money) available to watch films or go to the cinema, I have to pick what I want to watch very carefully.

5 Things Cheaper Than a Cinema Ticket

Last Updated: 27 August 2024

Over recent years, the price of the average cinema ticket has seen a massive hike. While going out to the movies is still a popular activity, this popularity is gradually dropping as people give the big screen a miss in favour of watching their films on DVD or streaming services.

Introducing Almost Autumn

Last Updated: 27 August 2024

When the weather is cold and Christmas songs are played on repeat almost everywhere you go, sometimes, all you want is something fresh, exciting and a little different to listen to. Luckily, I have the perfect antidote to cure your winter music blues - say hello to Almost Autumn.