REVIEW: Halloween Kills

Review by Jon Donnis

Michael Myers is back! Sadly he is back in a paint by numbers, generic cash in of the Halloween franchise.

Nothing is added to the story of Michael. The kills are nothing special. It's not very scary.

You'll watch it once and forget about it.

Poor 5/10

Synopsis

Minutes after Laurie Strode (Curtis), her daughter Karen (Judy Greer) and granddaughter Allyson (Andi Matichak) left masked monster Michael Myers caged and burning in Laurie's basement, Laurie is rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, believing she finally killed her lifelong tormentor.

But when Michael manages to free himself from Laurie's trap, his ritual bloodbath resumes. As Laurie fights her pain and prepares to defend herself against him, she inspires all of Haddonfield to rise up against their unstoppable monster.

The Strode women join a group of other survivors of Michael's first rampage who decide to take matters into their own hands, forming a vigilante mob that sets out to hunt Michael down, once and for all.

Evil dies tonight

Michael Caine will receive this year’s Raindance Icon Award

Academy Award, BAFTA and BIFA winning actor Michael Caine will receive this year's Raindance Icon Award as part of the 29th Raindance Film Festival. It's a double cause for celebration, as the festival is set to open 27 October with the gala UK theatrical premiere of Michael Caine's latest film, BEST SELLERS (dir: Lina Roessler, Canada), in which he stars alongside Aubrey Plaza as a cranky retired author who reluctantly embarks on a final book tour to help out a young publisher. Best Sellers will have a Raindance gala screening at Curzon Mayfair, followed by a party at The Dorchester.

Born in Rotherhithe, south-east London in 1933, Michael Caine is a bona fide film legend. He's one of just a handful of actors nominated for an Academy Award for acting in five consecutive decades, winning Oscars for Hannah and Her Sisters and The Cider House Rules. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in the 2000 Birthday Honours List in recognition for his contributions to the cinema.

Full Details at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2021/10/michael-caine-will-receive-this-years.html

REVIEW: Happenlance on PC (Steam)

Happenlance is a pole-vaulting, jousting, climbing, fighting game.

When you first start to play Happenlance, your first thought will be that this is just another climbing game, using your jousting lance to pole vault yourself and get as high as possible, and yes that is a major part of the game, but as you complete levels you will realise that there is much more to the game than just reaching as high as possible.

As well as climbing mountains, and buildings, you will also face traps that need to be avoided, seemingly impossible climbs that will need you to pick up or throw objects like boxes or balls, which you can then use as a base to fling yourself up high. You will also come across enemies trying to shoot arrows at you, a nice firm stab with your pole will take care of them. You can even defend yourself from the flying arrows by using your pole to knock them out of the air.

Read More at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2021/10/review-happenlance-on-pc-steam.html

REVIEW: Journey - PS4

Journey is a hard to describe game, but "Indie-Adventure" seems to be the common description used. Co-developed by Thatgamecompany and Santa Monica Studio, it was originally released on PS3 back in March 2012, and then re-released in July 2015 for the PS4. It has since been ported to Windows and iOS in 2019.

You play as a mysterious robed figure, you find yourself in a huge desert, the only thing you know to do is head towards a mountain in the distance. You will see other players also on their own journey, but you can't communicate with them. As you play you will soon figure out that you need to "activate" seemingly dull pieces of cloth, into vibrant colourful ones. You will collect things that will allow you to jump, and almost fly for short periods, you will run along desert landscapes, and then find yourself almost surfing down the other side of a hill. When I say it is hard to describe, it really is.

Read More at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2021/10/review-journey-ps4.html

Doctor Who series 13 guest actors and monsters revealed

The trail for the show's thirteenth series, entitled Doctor Who: Flux, has revealed a first look at the guest actors and monsters that will feature across the six-episode serial.

Joining cast members Jodie Whittaker, Mandip Gill, John Bishop and Jacob Anderson are:

Robert Bathurst (Cold Feet, Toast Of London, Downton Abbey), Thaddea Graham (The Irregulars, Us), Blake Harrison (The Inbetweeners, A Very English Scandal, World On Fire), Kevin McNally (Pirates of the Caribbean, Designated Survivor, Downton Abbey), Craig Parkinson (Line of Duty, Intergalactic, The English Game), Sara Powell (Unforgotten, Damned), Annabel Scholey (The Split, Britannia), Gerald Kyd (Cold Feet, Britannia) and Penelope Ann McGhie (The Crown, Harry Potter).

The trail also offered a preview of returning monsters - Sontarans, Weeping Angels, Cybermen, and the Ood, as well as a range of new monsters, one of whom is named Karvanista.

Matt Strevens, Executive Producer, says: "I can't wait for the audience to come on the Flux ride with us. It's our biggest adventure yet with so many brilliant new characters to fall in love with. We had a blast making it."

Robert Bathurst says: "People say Doctor Who is science fiction. Fiction? No it's all real, and it's as scary to do as it looks. Great to be part of it."

Thaddea Graham says: "The whole cast/ crew welcomed me with open arms into the iconic Doctor Who family of which it is an absolute privilege to be part of. It's a real honour to share the magic of this universe with them and, of course, our wonderful audience this October!"

Blake Harrison says: "It's a pleasure to be a part of this huge show that has such a passionate fan base! I hope all the Doctor Who fans enjoy the new series and my role in it."

Kevin McNally says: "I am thrilled to be helping the Doctor put the universe to rights in the latest season of Doctor Who."

Craig Parkinson says: ''I feel tremendously lucky to have joined the Doctor Who family this season. Chris' scripts are witty, intelligent and full of light and shade, making my job as an actor extremely enjoyable! My son loves the show and as long as he gives me his seal of approval I'll know I've done it justice!"

Sara Powell says: "A role in Doctor Who is top of any actors wish list. To say I leapt at the chance is something of an understatement. Working with Jodie Whittaker - an iconic Doctor and actor - was also on my list. She was a legend. As were the cast and crew: indoors, outdoors, in winter, in Wales in the rain and mud, everyone wearing masks and being tested every 5 minutes: I loved stepping onto their ship and riding with them for a while."

Annabel Scholey says: "I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the 13th series of Doctor Who. It was a lot of fun to film and I enjoyed every minute I spent with the amazing cast and crew...Halloween will be that little bit more spooky this year!"

Gerald Kyd says: "I absolutely adored being a part of such an iconic show. There's nothing like it. The history, the stories, the utter devotion of the fanbase. I am honoured to now count Doctor Who as a credit. Oh, and the highlight amongst highlights was working with the wonderful, hilarious and irrepressible Jodie Whittaker."

Penelope McGhie says: "Doctor Who was a total joy to work on. Everyone was so welcoming and generous that I really felt part of the team. Having watched the show from behind the sofa over fifty years ago, and then again with our daughter when the series was revived, I can't believe how lucky I am to be part of the adventure!"

Watch Trailer at

http://www.jonn.co.uk/2021/10/doctor-who-series-13-guest-actors-and.html

REVIEW: World CHAMPIONS: Decathlon

Back in 1983 we were introduced to a game called Track and Field. Fast forward to 2021 and we have World CHAMPIONS: Decathlon. A true homage to not only Track and Field, but all of the Olympic type sports arcade games of the 80s.

The graphics are full retro style, and the sounds are as if you were stood in an arcade in the 80s.

We are back to button bashing greatness.

There are ten events to choose from, which you can take part in one at a time, as well as all ten in succession in the Decathlon mode.

You have...100 metres, Long jump, Shot put, High jump, 400 metres, 110 metres hurdles, Discus throw, Pole vault, Javelin throw and 1500 metres.

Read More

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2021/10/review-world-champions-decathlon.html

REVIEW: Super Kickers League on PC (Steam)

Super Kickers League is a fun, arcade style football game. This is about as far from FIFA as you can get, this is not in any way a simulation, this is an arcade game, there are no referees to give you a yellow card, there are virtually no rules, other than who scores the most goals wins. This is the kind of old-fashioned arcade football game you could imagine playing for 10 minutes in an airport, or in an arcade on the side street of your town, (when they still existed). These days you can download them off the internet in a few minutes.

Read More

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2021/10/review-super-kickers-league-on-pc-steam.html

Last Night in Soho - Poster and Trailer

In acclaimed director Edgar Wright's psychological thriller, Eloise, an aspiring fashion designer, is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s where she encounters a dazzling wannabe singer, Sandie. But the glamour is not all it appears to be and the dreams of the past start to crack and splinter into something far darker.

Director: Edgar Wright

Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Thomasin McKenzie, Matt Smith, Terence Stamp, Diana Rigg, Rita Tushingham, Michael Ajao, Synnøve Karlsen

In Cinemas 29th October 2021

Watch Trailer

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2021/10/last-night-in-soho-poster-and-trailer.html

Michael Sheen & Anna Lundberg to join the Celebrity Gogglebox sofa for Stand Up To Cancer

The multi award-winning Gogglebox returns once again with a very special celebrity edition for Stand Up To Cancer. Actor Michael Sheen and his partner Anna Lundberg will be sharing the famous sofa as part of Channel 4 and Cancer Research UK's Stand Up To Cancer spectacular on Friday 15th October.

This very special edition of the ever-popular TV review programme will see Michael & Anna join other famous faces as they pass judgement on a vast array of TV goodness. Between their own cutting remarks, tears and laughter will be the views of Britain's favourite opinionated viewers; the regular Gogglebox households including best friends Jenny and Lee, Blackpool brother and sister Pete and Sophie, South London partners Marcus and Mica and the Siddiqui family.

Michael Sheen & Anna Lundberg said, "Supporting a brilliant cause like Stand Up To Cancer means such a lot to us both. The fact that we can sit on the sofa and watch TV – some of it slightly questionable – is a definite bonus. We had such fun filming and are delighted that we can join the Gogglebox families in playing our part this year."

Gogglebox: Celebrity Special for Stand Up To Cancer is on Channel 4 on Friday 15th October from 8.30pm  

DECRYPTED - New Trailer and Poster - Starring Sophia Myles, David Hoflin and Amanda Abbington

You won't be able to keep this a secret... The all-star, outrageously dark, comedy feature DECRYPTED is getting its world premiere on 1 November 2021 courtesy of Bright Spark Productions.

Get ready to go underground and delve deep into the world of cryptocurrency and unscrupulous government agencies in this provocative film from father and son writing/directing duo Mick Sands and Tom Sands and producer Phil Harris, the team that that brought us Rupert, Rupert & Rupert and The Holly Kane Experiment.

When an extremely mismatched team of National Security Agency operatives take on a covert mission to kidnap the creator of Bitcoin – Satoshi Nakamoto – to extract, by any means necessary, the information they need to destroy cryptocurrencies, things go wildly wayward in this raucous romp.

The botched NSA interrogation forces together a homophobic field agent, a feminist technical adviser, a transgender asylum seeker, a crypto-anarchist, a racist Brexiteer and an inclusionist MI5 agent. Of course sparks start to fly when their opposing beliefs clash in major way. But a truth drug reveals a newfound honesty with riotous consequences…

Decode the devilishly debauched Decrypted, it will crack you up.

Released on digital Monday 1st November

Starring Sophia Myles, David Hoflin, Amanda Abbington, Kevin McNally, Clive Francis, Talisa Garcia, Akie Kotabe, Don Gilet and Sophie Barker.

Watch Trailer at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2021/10/decrypted-new-trailer-and-poster.html

Dune - Official Final Trailer (2021) Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac

A mythic and emotionally charged hero's journey, Dune tells the story of Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet's exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence—a commodity capable of unlocking humanity's greatest potential—only those who can conquer their fear will survive.

Starring

Timothée Chalamet

Rebecca Ferguson

Oscar Isaac

Josh Brolin

Stellan Skarsgård

Dave Bautista

Stephen McKinley Henderson

Watch Trailer at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2021/10/dune-official-final-trailer-2021.html

REVIEW: Effie on Nintendo Switch

Loading up Effie I suddenly felt transported back to the time of the Nintendo 64, and some of the classic 3D action-Adventure games of the day. The kind of game that you could just play without needing to think too much, just a fun easy playing experience.

Now despite the game being called Effie, she is in fact your daughter (or granddaughter, not sure), and you are telling her the story of what happened to you. How you were cursed by a witch when you were young, cursed with old age, and all because you never helped the witch out, mainly because you were lazy and then how you went off on a quest to recover your youth, by getting rid of all the black magic.

Read Full Review

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2021/10/review-effie-on-nintendo-switch.html

REVIEW: Lake on Xbox One

Lake is what I would call a pallet cleanser game. It is a story driven game, whereby you play as Meredith Weiss, a graduate from MIT who has come back to her hometown of Providence Oaks, Oregon in 1986 to help out her father while he is on vacation. And how do you help out? well, you take over his job for a few weeks as postman (Mailman/Mailwoman) to the town that surrounds the lake.

From working in the big city at a software company, to a sleepy town, driving a mail truck, and talking to the locals. That is the game.

Read full review at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2021/10/review-lake-on-xbox-one.html

Famous fugitives confirmed for return series of "Celebrity" Hunted for Stand Up To Cancer

Celebrity Hunted, will return to Channel 4 next year for a brand-new fourth series as eight more famous faces go on the run as fugitives, hoping to evade capture by the Hunters.

The celebrity fugitives taking part in the series for Stand Up To Cancer are confirmed as:

Olympic silver medallist Iwan Thomas and two-time Paralympic gold medallist Richard Whitehead

Made in Chelsea stars Ollie and Gareth Locke

Actress Chizzy Akudolu and queen of UK garage Lisa Maffia

Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne and international reality TV star Chloe Veitch.

The eight celebrities will attempt to stay off the radar and remain at large for two weeks as a new crack team of hunters try and hunt them down. With former police officers, intelligence, and army personnel hot on their tail and faces recognisable across the UK, will they be able to remain undetected?

The celebrities will be taking part for Stand Up To Cancer, the joint national fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.

REVIEW: Struggling on XBOX One

Struggling is one of the more bizarre games I have ever played, instantly memories of the disgusting failed experiment in the original "The Fly" film comes to mind.

You play as "Troy" a deformed monster created from Hector and Achilles, two heroes who were horribly conjoined, so two separate arms connected to a head. That is your character. Each arm is controlled independently, and to move, you throw one arm out and grab on to a surface, and then drag yourself along. This game can be played as a two-player game, but I played it only in one player mode. And to say the controls take some getting used to is an understatement.

Luckily if one arm is torn off, you can grow it back. This is a physics-based platformer, and you really need to learn the method of movement to progress at all in this game, from within the first moments of play you will be screaming at the game, it is incredibly frustrating, it is a huge "Struggle" I guess.

Read full review at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2021/09/review-struggling-on-xbox-one.html

First Look image released from Save The Cinema, a Sky Original

Sky today unveiled a First Look image of Samantha Morton in the Sky Original film Save The Cinema. Inspired by the extraordinary real-life events sparked by tenacious hairdresser Liz Evans (Samantha Morton), Save The Cinema illustrates how the resolve of a small Welsh town, inspired by the magic of cinema, was able to bring Tinseltown to their doorstep.

The sleepy town of Carmarthen in Wales is not exactly the first place to spring to mind when thinking of Hollywood blockbusters. But this changed in 1993 when the town council made the unwelcome announcement that The Lyric Theatre – the town's much-loved but financially stricken cinema – would be demolished so a shopping centre could be built in its place.  

It's down to Liz Evans, hairdresser and linchpin to the local community, to stand up for the ailing cinema and stop the bulldozers. As she and her friends barricade themselves in the theatre, she reaches out to postman turned town councillor Richard (Tom Felton) for help - and they come up with a grand plan.  

To revitalise the cinema and stop the council taking the heart of the community away, a desperate Liz persuades Richard to write to Hollywood to ask for a helping hand. One late night phone call later and one of Hollywood's most legendary filmmakers throws The Lyric a monster-sized lifeline and a premiere Carmarthen will never forget. But will this be enough to save The Lyric?  

Save The Cinema features an all-star cast including Samantha Morton (Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them), Tom Felton (Harry Potter), Jonathan Pryce (The Two Popes), Adeel Akhtar (Enola Holmes), Erin Richards (Gotham), Owain Yeoman (Emergence), Susan Wokoma (Enola Holmes), Colm Meaney (Gangs Of London), Rhod Gilbert (Have I Got News For You) and Keith Allen (Kingsman: The Golden Circle).  The film is directed by Sara Sugarman (Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen) and co-produced by Sky and Future Artists Entertainment in association with Head Gear Films, LipSync and Ffilm Cymru.  

Save The Cinema, a Sky Original will be released on Sky Cinema and in cinemas from 14 January 2022. The film will also be available on streaming service NOW via the Sky Cinema Membership.  

Davina McCall, Alan Carr, Adam Hills & Maya Jama to host a glittering night of live TV as Stand Up To Cancer returns

On Friday 15th October, Davina McCall, Alan Carr, Adam Hills and Maya Jama will host a glittering night of live TV as famous faces from the world of sport, film, music and comedy come together to Stand Up To Cancer.

Joe Lycett will be putting his Maths GCSE to good use, totting up the totaliser throughout the night and explaining how the money raised will be spent on life-saving cancer research.

Leading a rallying cry in the fight against cancer will be Usain Bolt, Olivia Colman, Liam Payne, James Blunt, The Jonas Brothers, Rosie Jones, The Derry Girls, Liam Gallagher, Jack Black, Stephen Mangan, Sigrid, David Oyelowo, Martin Freeman, Peter Crouch, Jamie Oliver, Tom Parker, Roman Kemp and Dermot Kennedy, who will all be making appearances on the show across the evening.

The ever-popular and multi-award winning Gogglebox will also return for a special celebrity episode as some very famous faces join Britain's favourite opinionated viewers to pass judgement on a vast array of TV goodness.

Tributes will also be paid to those we have lost recently, and those still fighting. 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime. All of us can support the research that will beat it.

Stand Up To Cancer is a joint national fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 that brings the UK together to speed up progress in life-saving cancer research.

REVIEW: Arcade Action Wrestling on Xbox One

Arcade Action Wrestling is an old fashioned, over the top (literally) arcade wrestling game. Think the old Wrestlefest game and you get the idea.

Originally known as Chikara Action Arcade Wrestling, but since Chikara closed down, it is no longer associated with the game.

AAW has all your classic moves, Clotheslines, Piledrivers, Body Slams, Shoot Lasers, Wield Lightsabers, yes, all those classic wrestling moves you are fond of.

Read Full Review at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2021/09/review-arcade-action-wrestling-on-xbox.html

GamesMaster is set to make a return to E4 later this year

It's been off our screens for 23 years, but the iconic series, GamesMaster is set to make a return to E4 later this year, in partnership with Oculus Quest 2 from Facebook

In this new E4 Digital Original Commission co-produced by Barcroft TV, a Future PLC company and Alaska TV, the 3x60' series will premiere on E4's YouTube before a linear TX on E4. It is the first fully cross-platform branded entertainment deal of this type from 4Studio.

The series will see celebrities, gaming stars and super fans all take part in challenges, races and epic fights. Through virtual battles across a range of games, the competitors will try everything in their power to claim a legendary Golden Joystick Trophy. But whilst they play, they'll be watched over by the all-knowing GamesMaster, famously portrayed in the original by Sir Patrick Moore.

To introduce GamesMaster into the modern era of gaming, E4 has partnered with Oculus from Facebook to showcase Oculus Quest 2, a VR headset that will elevate the players experiences and break out of the two dimensional.

GamesMaster, a Future PLC brand, launched in January 1992 and ran for seven series. The series was the first British show dedicated to gaming and across the run, became a cultural phenomenon with names such as Ian Wright and Zoe Ball as celebrity guests and a young Simon Amstell as a hopeful contestant.

Sacha Khari, Head of Digital Commissioning at Channel 4 said: "GamesMaster was a household name back in the 90's and this new revamped version for social and E4 retains the elements that made this show so special, whilst also bringing it bang up to date, improving game quality and bringing in fresh and current names to tackle the trickiest GamesMaster challenges yet. "

All episodes will premiere on E4's YouTube, followed by a linear play on E4. Further information on the casting, including the face of the GamesMaster, will be revealed in due course.

The partnership with GamesMaster and Oculus Quest 2 from Facebook was brokered by 4Sales working with Mindshare Invention and also includes a digital ad campaign for All 4.

Trailer released for A Boy Called Christmas, a Sky Original

Christmas comes early with the launch of the main trailer for Gil Kenan's (Monster House, Ghostbusters: Afterlife) live-action magical adventure A Boy Called Christmas, a Sky Original.

The film boasts an incredible ensemble cast including newcomer Henry Lawfull as protagonist, Nikolas, Toby Jones (Infamous, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water, Paddington 1 & 2), Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids, Wonder Woman 1984), Michiel Huisman (The Haunting of Hill House, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society), Zoe Colletti (Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark), Stephen Merchant (Jojo Rabbit, Fighting With My Family, Logan) Jim Broadbent (Paddington 1 & 2, The Iron Lady) and Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey, Harry Potter) and Indica Watson (Gold Digger, Radioactive).

In A Boy Called Christmas, an ordinary young boy called Nikolas sets out on an extraordinary adventure into the snowy north in search of his father who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of the elves, Elfhelm. Taking with him a headstrong reindeer called Blitzen and a loyal pet mouse, Nikolas soon meets his destiny in this magical, comic and endearing story that proves nothing is impossible…

Ol Parker (Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) and Gil Kenan adapted the screenplay from the bestselling book by Matt Haig, the first of 5 books in the acclaimed series, all of which are published by Canongate Books. The film is produced by STUDIOCANAL with Graham Broadbent and Pete Czernin of BAFTA and Academy Award® winning Blueprint Pictures.

The film will be released on Sky Cinema, on streaming service NOW and in cinemas on 26 November.

Watch Trailer at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2021/09/trailer-released-for-boy-called.html

PREVIEW: Fling to the Finish on PC (Steam)

As always let me start by stating this game is Early Access, so it is not finished, so my opinions are based on that, and not any finished article.

Fling to the Finish is a co-op game, whereby you and a friend race through obstacle courses, the gimmick here is that you are connected to each other via a stretchy rope. Use the rope to your advantage and you will zoom through courses, but whereas the rope can be your greatest advantage, it can also be your biggest hinderance.

There are over a dozen characters to choose from that fit your mood, lots of levels to complete.

So, the question is, in its early state, is it any good? Well, the answer to that is yes. Ok there are problems, the graphics can be a bit glitchy at times, the online matchmaking isn't the best, and the single player mode can be tricky to get the hang of. But the general idea is a good one, and hopefully as the game makers further develop the game and fix the bugs, the game can only improve.

Read More at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2021/09/preview-fling-to-finish-on-pc-steam.html

REVIEW: Orbibot on Xbox One

Recently we seem to have been spoiled with the release of various ball-rolling physics puzzle type games.

The latest to make its way to the mainstream is Orbibot, you control a ball shaped robot, and you have to reach a certain point to complete a level.

Sounds simple right? Wrong! As you play you will have to hit buttons, switch on or off lazers, move barrels or metal balls and open doors to reach the end of the level, which is a teleportation device.

Full review at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2021/09/review-orbibot-on-xbox-one.html

Channel 4 confirms psychological suspense drama, Close To Me, starring Christopher Eccleston, Connie Nielsen, Susan Lynch and Leanne Best will air in the autumn

Close to Me is the 6 x 60' story of Jo Harding (Connie Nielsen), a woman who seems to have it all – a beautiful house in the country, a loving family and Rob, her devoted husband (Christopher Eccleston). But following a fall, an entire year suddenly vanishes from Jo's memory. As she struggles to piece events together, Jo discovers that her life wasn't quite as perfect as she imagined – and that someone will do all they can to keep a terrible secret from her. Close to Me is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by author Amanda Reynolds.

Their children, Finn and Sash, are played by Tom Taylor (Us, Doctor Foster) and Rosy McEwen (The Letter Writer, The Angel of Darkness). Jo's best friend Cathy is played by Susan Lynch (Save Me, Unforgotten), while Leanne Best (Young Wallander, Cold Feet) stars as Rob's co-worker Anna. High-profile Danish actor Henning Jensen (When the Dust Settles, Countdown Copenhagen) features as Jo's father Frederik, while Ellie Haddington (Enola Holmes, Motherland) plays her neighbour Wendy. Ray Fearon (Da Vinci's Demons, His Dark Materials) plays Jo's boss Nick and Nick Blood (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Strike) stars as Sash's boyfriend Thomas. Jamie Flatters (Liar, So Awkward) plays Owen and Lorraine Burroughs (Hard Sun, The Five) stars as Helen.

Julia Davis, Charlie Cooper and David Avery to guest star in season 3 of Channel 4 and Roughcut TV's Stath Lets Flats

Filming has wrapped on Channel 4's critically acclaimed and triple BAFTA-winning comedy Stath Lets Flats, from the award-winning Roughcut TV.  The series is written and created by Jamie Demetriou, who returns in the lead role of Stath. Season three will feature some stellar guest stars, including Julia Davis (Nighty Night) who appears in one episode as Kris, Carole's belittling and snobbish sister; David Avery (We Are Lady Parts) plays Bambos, Stath's flash barber cousin …and Charlie Cooper (This Country) plays Gregory - a lettings agent who is passionately devoted to his wife and runs a rival agency called Live Love Lets.

The returning cast includes Natasia Demetriou (What We Do In The Shadows), Kiell Smith-Bynoe (Ghosts), Katy Wix (The Windsors), Ellie White (The Other One), Al Roberts (Feel Good) and Christos Stergioglou (Dogtooth) as Stath's father, Vasos. Season three will also see the following guest cast back; Emmy nominated Nick Mohammed (Ted Lasso), David Mumeni (Dead Pixels) and Tom Stourton (Siblings).  The new series will air later this year on Channel 4 and will be available on All 4.

The third series will pick up where the second finished with a shocking cliff-hanger as incompetent letting agent Stath (Demetriou) is faced with rescuing the family business, Michael & Eagle, and his relationship with Katia (White), while expecting his first child by Carole (Wix). Meanwhile his sister, Sophie (Natasia Demetriou), and best friend, Al (Roberts), deal with the fallout of finally declaring their feelings for each other.

Jamie Demetriou commented: "Times are the worst they have been in living memory, but fear not, a sitcom about a lettings agency is back for a third series! All the characters (bar a few who had availability issues) are back and saying stuff aaaall over again! Get ready to hear what they say! Listen closely and you might even hear a thing or 2 from some new celebrated guest stars. Did somebody say…. the whole England football team?? No, it'll be comedy actors!"

Sky reveals first look and premiere date for highly anticipated documentary Hawking: Can You Hear Me?

California 1974. Family photograph. Copyright Hawking Estate

Sky has today revealed an exclusive first look image, a never-seen-before family photograph, for highly anticipated Sky Original documentary Hawking: Can You Hear Me? The 90-min theatrical documentary, which explores the remarkable human story of Professor Stephen Hawking through unprecedented access to his family and their private archives, is set to premiere on Sky Documentaries and NOW on Monday 20 September.

This never-seen-before family photograph features Professor Stephen Hawking with his then wife Jane, son Robert and daughter Lucy on their California estate in 1974.

The world-famous cosmologist, Stephen Hawking, died in March of 2018. Now his family, friends and colleagues speak candidly, for the first time, about the unseen world behind Hawking's rise to the status of gilded genius and international icon. What was the true human cost – to himself and those around him – of his genius? This documentary explores the incredible life of this iconic physicist, but also the untold human story.

This is the story of Stephen Hawking's life told not by historians, biographers or commentators, but by the people who were there at the time; the people in the room with him. Scenes from critical and defining moments in his life are told by the people who were present as the events and discoveries unfolded, and who were directly impacted by his triumphs and tragedies.

Contributors include Stephen's children Robert, Lucy and Tim, and his first wife Jane, alongside a raft of renowned scientists who consider him an inspiration, a role-model, a peer, and a friend, for a fascinatingly well-rounded portrait of the scientist, the family man, and all the facets of Stephen's life.

REVIEW: Deadly Days - Xbox

Deadly Days is the latest rogue-lite game from Pixel Split Games. You play within a zombie apocalypse, because, well, why not. You are in charge of a group of survivors and you have to try to stop the catastrophe, survive and play through procedurally generated cities and missions.

The basic gameplay consists of controlling your characters around the map, looking for loot, while at the same time fighting off waves of zombies. Once you collect everything an area has to give, you return to your base to drop off everything you found.

To loot a building, a character will by targeting to enter, while other characters will remain outside to defend against the zombies. The defending and fighting of the zombies is done automatically, think of the game more as you managing a group of characters, as opposed to you actively controlling their actions.

Did I mention apples? These are of upmost importance, you will use apples to level up your characters, keep them well fed, and so on.

Full Review at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2021/08/review-deadly-days-xbox.html

The Real Dirty Dancing to be hosted by Ashley Roberts and Keith Lemon

Ten celebrities are in for the time of their life as they're transported back to the swinging 60s for an immersive and nostalgia packed dance experience like no other – The Real Dirty Dancing (W/T), produced by Thames (a Fremantle label) is coming to E4 in 2022.

Co-hosted by Dirty Dancing superfan Keith Lemon and Heart FM showbiz host and Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, across eight episodes, The Real Dirty Dancing (W/T), will follow 10 famous faces as they move into a stunning Lakeside location reminiscent of the original Kellermans resort, where their dance moves will be well and truly put to the test. In couples, they'll compete as they take on challenges and dance routines based on iconic scenes from the classic film. Each couple has one thing in common – they all want to be the last Baby and Johnny standing.

The celebs will need to prove themselves as they take part in entertaining challenges that'll require them to embody the characters from the cult classic, as they work around the clock to discover their inner Johnny or Baby. There'll be no spaghetti arms as they attempt to learn and perform routines inspired by iconic moments, from 'Hungry Eyes' to the jaw dropping Mambo dance, but can they muster the strength for the lake lift, or the elegance required to balance on a fallen log? One thing is for sure, watermelon carrying skills are essential.

The celebrities will be dancing with various partners throughout the course of the show. Inspired by the Australian series of the same name, The Real Dirty Dancing (W/T) will culminate in the showstopping finale where the top two couples take on the moment every fan dreams of – the last dance of the season, with that gravity defying lift! The remaining six celebrities will become backing dancers in this one-off celebratory performance.

Keith Lemon said: "Dirty Dancing is such a good film and of course I've been Baby myself! Twice now! Once for Let's Dance for Comic Relief and once when we did it on The Keith & Paddy Picture Show. So yeah I was chuffed to be asked to host this show! And to be hosting with me mate Ashley! It's gonna be so fun! Ya can tell how excited I am, look how many exclamation marks I've used! Can't wait!"                                                                        

Ashley Roberts said: "I LOVE Dirty Dancing, the film literally had a huge impact on my life, and I couldn't be more excited to be involved in this series. I'm going to be on hand to help out the celebs with their Johnny and Baby moves and look forward to being reunited with Keith. Wish me luck! It's going to be a lot of fun."

Channel 4 adds late-night topical discussion show Unapologetic to The Black to Front Project line up

A late-night topical discussion programme, Unapologetic, has been added to Channel 4's The Black to Front Project content line up. Produced by SBTV and Cardiff Productions, the 1x60 programme will be hosted by DJ and presenter Yinka Bokinni and social media star and presenter Zeze Millz.

In a world where you can be cancelled at a moment's notice, Unapologetic is a show where guests will be encouraged to say what they want to say without apologising for it. This isn't a show about Black people, this is the show where Black people talk freely about everything. It will offer new views on existing subjects as well as bringing new subjects and voices to the table.

Featuring guests from the worlds of politics and popular culture as well as the people who've been at the heart of controversies themselves, the programme will challenge ideas of what Black people are allowed to say and what is off-limits. Tackling topics such as Black Lives Matter, football, racism, colourism, and what's making news on social media, Unapologetic won't hold back.

PREVIEW: Glitchpunk Early Access

Before I start let me make it clear that the game is Early Access, for those who do not know, that means it is not finished, and often nowhere near finished, it means the game is barebones, something that the developers can release that lets people play the game, and in turn help them find bugs, get ideas, improve gameplay and so on.

It is a bit like releasing the first chapter draft of a book you are writing, so please keep all of this in mind any time you play an Early Access title.

Onto the game itself, Glitchpunk is a top-down action game, think the original GTA games but in a dystopian future. I really hate the word dystopian; everything has to be dystopian these days! come on guys, be original!

Full Preview at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2021/08/preview-glitchpunk-early-access.html

Spencer - First Teaser Trailer

The marriage of Princess Diana and Prince Charles has long since grown cold. Though rumours of affairs and a divorce abound, peace is ordained for the Christmas festivities at the Queen's Sandringham Estate. There's eating and drinking, shooting and hunting. Diana knows the game. But this year, things will be a whole lot different. SPENCER is an imagining of what might have happened during those few fateful days

SPENCER will be released in UK & Irish cinemas later this year following its World Premiere at the Venice Film Festival on 3 September

Watch Teaser Trailer at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2021/08/spencer-first-teaser-trailer.html