Wonder Man (2026) Review

Amongst all these massive projects that Marvel Studios are releasing, I think that this show fell a bit under the radar. But today, I got the chance to watch all of the episodes of Wonder Man and here is my review for the show. The premise of the show sees two down on their luck actors faced with the chance to get the roles of a lifetime. 

Main Character

Yahya Abdul-Mateen plays Simon Williams and he is fantastic in his performance. This is probably the best I have ever seen him, there is a real depth and nuance to this character. He isn't perfect and has plenty of flaws but you do root for him and you really want to see him succeed and this is one of the great television performances you will see all year. 

Supporting Characters

Not to be overshadowed is the great Sir Ben Kingsley who reprises his role as Trevor Slattery and he gives so much humanity and development to this character. He is amazing and the relationship between Simon and Trevor is what carries the show and Kingsley really commits to giving a wonderful performance. 

To be honest, the rest of the cast aren't as important and feel like afterthoughts compared to our two main characters. But the main ones are X Mayo who plays their agent and is a lot of energy on screen that works well with them. The other being Arian Moayed who reprises his role as Agent Cleary, he is probably a bit more sinister but he fits the character well. 

Story

The story of Trevor and Simon is so well handled that it is one of the best stories amongst the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a whole. The relationship between the two of them is so well done and feels like something that you really want to root for. The only slight issue with the show is that the other elements of the story don't work quite as well, especially the stuff to do with Damage Control. Also the ending is pretty abrupt and seems to be setting up future seasons of the show. 

Script

The show is really well written. There is a fantastic balance between humour and drama and it just makes these characters feel well written and well realised. The writing is quick when it needs to be and slows it down when it needs to and it is just so good. 

Style

The style of this show is interesting, there are barely any superhero moments or action scenes but I was never bored and was fully engaged with what was going on and that is down to the shorter episodes having great pacing. 

Overall

Overall, Wonder Man is a Fantastic Show and a true success for Marvel Studios. This isn't your typical superhero show and if you love Hollywood then this is a must watch. Give it a go and I am sure you will love it like I did. 

Rating - 9/10

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026) Review

After 28 Years Later was released last year, we knew that a sequel was set to come out the following year. That film came out earlier this month and now I have found the time to watch the sequel The Bone Temple. After watching the film, here is my review. The premise of the film sees Spike facing the problem with the gang that he met at the end of the last film, while Dr Kelson attempts to find out a discovery that could save the world. 

Main Character

Ralph Fiennes reprises his role as Dr Kenson and he is so much fun in this film. He gets way more to do and that shows off more of his personality and he is easily the most charming part of the film.

Jack O'Connell as Jimmy also has way more screen time in the film and he gives a wacky and deranged performance that he rises above and makes the most out of, too make a pretty memorable character. 

Supporting Characters

Alfie Williams reprises his role as Spike and he actually has way less to do in this film but he still gives a strong performance. He is really stuck amongst this group of bad people and you really want to see him get away from the situation and he is still a great young actor. 

We get to see way more of the Alpha, who has a name now of Samson and his story arc is really important. The dynamic between him and Kenson was the highlight of the film and it was really cool seeing some new dynamic towards the infected. 

However, the rest of the cast are pretty dull. This pretty much is the rest of the Jimmy gang, the main one is played by Erin Kellyman who was in Solo & Falcon & Winter Soldier but her character offers very little and the development felt really rushed. 

Story

The story is decent, it really focuses on these two different things and both are handled well. The relationship between Kenson & Sampson was well done and it provided some lighter notes in this dark film. Also seeing the misdeeds of the Jimmy Gang shows how humanity can also be just as dangerous as the infected. But, similar to 28 Years Later the story is a bit all over the place and doesn't feel overly connected until the last 15 mins which are pretty good. Also, this is another major cliffhanger ending which is just their to set up future films. 

Script

The script is really well written. There are so many good character moments in the film and we see real development with these people and how they impact the world. There is more humour here that had me chuckling mixed with some well done emotional work. 

Style

The film does look really good and has some wonderful cinematography. Also, some of the stranger camera techniques are gone and I am happy to see that as it made the film feel more realistic. I guess, my main problem is that pacing and the fact that the two stories don't really come together till really late in the film. 

Overall

Overall, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is a good film and an improvement on 28 Years Later. I think if you are a fan of the Zombie genre and this franchise then this is a film to watch.

Rating - 7/10

Steal (2026) Review

In January, we usually get new shows that are meant to grip us to the numerous streaming services on offer. Prime Video have their offering in Steal, a show that has Game of Thrones Alumni Sophie Turner in the lead and I have watched all 6 episodes and here is my review of the show. The premise of the show sees a financial robbery involved in a heist which changes the lives of the majority involved. 

Main Character

As mentioned, Sophie Turner plays Zara and I thought she was great in the role. She plays the character of Zara really well and I thought there was quite a lot of depth to the character and isn't necessarily the nicest person in the world but Turner does make you care and this is one of her better roles for sure. 

Supporting Characters

Jacob Fortune-Lloyd plays DCI Rhys Kovac and he is the detective that is put on the case and again I think he does a really good job in the role. He has his own personal demons and it contrasts really well with Zara and makes them two interesting characters. 

Archie Madekwe plays Luke and he is the best friend of Zara. He really sells the shock of the situation that he is and the fallout from the heist and he does a great job of playing this role. He is a pretty unlikeable character, but I thought that was what the show was going for. 

To be honest, they are the main characters and they have way more screen time then anyone else. But everybody does a great job in the acting department and offers plenty to the show. 

Story

The show has a pretty good story, the first episode in particularly is one of the most intense and gripping episodes of television that I have seen in a long time. It has twists and turns, with well performed and written beats. However, I did think the show did struggle to keep the pace and twists going throughout and led to a slightly disappointing ending that left me asking if that was it and I was probably just expecting more. 

Script 

The script is pretty well written, it had some real intensity to it and characters that are really damaged but not in a silly over the top way. Though, as mentioned above, I do think the writing of the ending wasn't particularly satisfying and felt a bit out of left field. 

Style

The show has a great style to it. It really conveys tension well and builds suspense, especially in that first episode that I think was pretty perfect and had me hooked. It kept me invested throughout and I thought the overall pacing was good. 

Overall

Overall, Steal was a great show and I had a really fun time watching this. It isn't perfect but is just a really easy watch that keep me invested throughout and if you have the time, you should watch it too. 

Rating - 8/10

28 Years Later (2025) Review

I am finally going to see 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple next week, so I thought I should at least find the time to watch the previous film in the franchise and the lead up to the new film in 28 Years Later. So I watched the film today and here is my review. The premise of the film is set in a world where humans are dealing with living with the infected, however a father and son go on an expedition that will change both their lives. 

Main Character

Alfie Williams plays Spike and this young man has a real bright future as he is excellent in this film and really is the one who carries the film. He has emotional range and gives a performance that really makes you care about him and want to see him succeed. 

Supporting Characters

Aaron Taylor Johnson plays his Father Jamie and he is really good. I really like the dynamic between them for the first part of the film. He is a good dad and he does want to see his kid succeed despite some tough love. It is just a shame that he disappears for the majority of the 2nd and all of the 3rd act of the film. 

Jodie Comer plays Spike's Mum Isla and she is also great in the film. She clearly has her problems and you really see how she is suffering and how the humans are struggling alongside the infected. But similar to Johnson, she isn't really in the first act of the film and is thrust into a leading role in the final act. 

Ralph Fiennes plays Dr. Kelson and he is great on this smaller but important role. He isn't in the film a huge amount but he does shine and shows his real acting quality to provide an interesting character that does stand out. 

Story

A real problem for this film is the story that is put on screen. It feels like a Frankenstein of a film and that there were two major ideas presented and instead of picking one, they just decided to mash them together. I really enjoyed seeing Williams and Taylor Johnson on their hunt but I found the journey of Williams and Comer to be more boring and it really killed this film in terms of its pacing. Also, I can't fail to mention how ridiculous the ending is and how offensive it comes across being something that just seems to be there for shock value instead of something with actual depth. 

Script

There was a few dramatic scenes that were well acted and well written. I cared about Spike and his personal journey throughout the film but that was mainly down to his acting. There is no doubt, that it doesn't always work and some scenes feel contrived and misses the mark, mixed with some really poor storytelling in the film. 

Style

The film has some great shots here, it looks great and really fit the feel of the franchise. It has some exciting action scenes and did keep you on the edge of your seat and that is mainly all in the first act. There are some strange editing choices and ways of portraying the action and it made it feel quite jarring at times. Also, as mentioned above, the pacing is all over the place and that is due to the story which feels all over the place. 

Overall

Overall, 28 Years Later is an Above Average Film that has some decent acting but is let down with its lacklustre storytelling and its only okay instead of being a great film that it had the potential to be. 

Rating - 6/10

 Lynley (2026) Review

At the start of every year, it seems like the BBC always release a police or crime show that is a relatively quick and easy watch. This year, we have a remake of Lynley and I have watched all of the 4 episodes and here is my review for the show. The premise of the show sees a detective move to Norfolk and attempt to use his unique skills in order to solve crimes. 

Main Character

Leo Suter plays DI Thomas Lynley and he is just fine in the role. He does have a real physical presence and he is very believable in his role. It is just that he is quite bland and there isn't much to make me care about him or his work. He has flashes but overall, I think he lacks the proper charisma and that just makes him an okay lead instead of someone who is really memorable. 

Supporting Characters

Sofia Barclay plays Barbara Havers and she is also fine in her role. She is clearly a determined detective and Barclay does a decent job. However, I think some of the writing for the character made her quite annoying at times and made her come across as a bit whiny. 

Daniel Mays plays DCI Brian Niles and he is good here, he is the biggest name on the show and I thought he did a pretty good job as the firm police captain. It is probably not his best work but he adds some star power here. 

Because of the nature of this series, there are only a few characters that are in more then one episode but most of the characters are well acted if lacking a little bit of substance. 

Story

The story of this show, doesn't really have much of a through line. Every episode sees the detectives on a new case which has no connection to the previous one. They are all pretty well handled and done, but I can't help but feel like it gets a bit repetitive and every episode feels very similar to the last. The couple of stories that take place over the 4 episodes don't really go anywhere and are maybe set up fr possible future episodes. 

Script

The script is decent and shows a lot of promise. The drama is certainly there in the cases and they feel pretty brutal. There is plenty going on in each episode and it did feel like one of the writers watched a lot of Midsomar Murders as it feels very similar. There is some decent banter from Lynley and Havers but it isn't on show enough and I feel like, if this show gets another chance then I hope this is shown more. 

Style

The show has a pretty dark style to it. It is dark, gritty and violent and that really does work for this detective show. It keeps you guessing throughout the episodes and in terms of reveals it does give that short term high of trying to work things out. However, each episode is 90 mins long and sometimes they really do drag and as I said above it can get quite repetitive with the way things go. 

Overall

Overall, Lynley is an Average show that shows some potential but overall falls flat. If you are a fan of shows like Midsomar Murders then you might like this, but it does very little to stand out and is overall a forgettable experience. 

Rating - 5/10

Spartacus: War of the Damned (2013) Review

It has been a lot of fun, going back and watching the seasons of Spartacus in preparation for watching the newest tale of the franchise. I have now got to the fourth season of the show War of the Damned and it is the final season before this new spinoff show and I have watched it all and here is my review. The premise of the season sees Spartacus recruit a larger army of slaves which sees Rome go to great lengths to stop him, leading to an inevitable final confrontation. 

Main Character

Liam McIntyre gets to play Spartacus again and he is great. I really feel this season is where the character had huge development and really grew as a leader of these slaves and see them get more then just revenge against Rome. Overall, it probably wasn't easy for McIntyre to step into this role but he nails it and is truly worthy of this epic role. 

Supporting Characters

Manu Bennett is back as Crixus and he is great. He really steps up this season as a leader of the slave army. But as this progresses there does become some friction between him and Spartacus but it is done so well that it doesn't make him a villain but just another protagonist with a different opinion. 

Dustin Clare reprises his role as Gannicus and he is such a great character and his more laid back entertaining manner is really fun and something different with the other characters. However, he has more character development this season and it is handled really well. 

With pretty much all of the villains being killed off over the previous 3 seasons, we are introduced to these new villains with the main one being Simon Merrells as Crassus and I loved this character. Sure, he is a bad guy but he has true honour and respect for the opposition. He isn't as cartoony as previous villains and is a truly worthy foe. 

Another new villain is Julius Caesar played by Todd Lasance and he adds plenty of charisma and is the more cartoony villain which I think was necessary. His arc over the show is one of the most interesting and entertaining from a bad guys perspective. 

There are so many people in this show and everybody is fantastic, so many great performances and characters that get time to really shine. 

Story

The story of the show has really evolved and I really like where it went this season. Seeing the slave army really try and take the fight to the Romans is really fun but it is equally matched by the interesting things taking place amongst the Romans. The characters are given well written story arcs and it culminates in one of the best finales, I have seen that really felt worth it for fans of the show. 

Script

This show is really well written, as I have mentioned the characters are given great character arcs that felt worthwhile for our protagonists. There is real emotional drama, especially towards the end of the show mixed with bits of humour to make these characters that are larger then life feel more human. 

Style

The show carries on the feeling of sex and violence and glorifies it in brutal nature and that really helps make the show stand out. There are some truly horrific moments with great action, but I can't stop in my slight complaints on the over use of slow motion and how it became just too repetitive and took away from these great performers. 

Overall

Overall, Spartacus: War of the Damned is a fantastic show that culminates the story of Spartacus incredibly well and delivers a series high in terms of quality. It is this show at its best and I am really glad that they nailed the ending of the show. 

Rating - 9/10

Spartacus: Vengeance (2012) Review

After the terrible passing of lead star Andy Whitfield, the future of Spartacus was in balance, that was until a recasting was decided on in order to continue the story in all of its glory. I have watched this season of the show Vengeance and here is my review. The premise of the season sees the former slaves led by Spartacus on the run from the forces of Rome, while they attempt to free other slaves to join them in there cause. 

Main Character

As mentioned above, we have a new actor playing the titular character and that is Liam McIntyre and he is great in the role. He doesn't try and just copy Whitfield but adds his own part to the role and really delivers. This is a character who is more of a leader and has to focus on more then the arena and winning and McIntyre takes over the role admirably and as good as anybody could. 

Supporting Characters

Manu Bennett is once again playing Crixus and it is nice to see him and Spartacus actually get along unlike the majority of the previous season. Manu is just a great actor and he really nails the mix of aggression and sadness in the character. 

A character who has been in all of the previous seasons but I haven't mentioned is Ashur played by Nick E. Tarabay and he is just delightful here. He is so evil and slimy that he totally revels in it as Ashur once again attempts to worm himself into a position of real worth. 

Dustin Clare is back as Gannicus, he was the lead character in Gods of the Arena but he plays a supporting role here and he is so much fun. It is great fun to see him interact with the characters in the current timeline and he is once again so cool and Whitty that makes him such a great addition. 

Craig Parker reprises his role as Glaber and this is the season that he is most frequent and he does a good job in taking over the main villain role with a wonderfully over the top evil performance and I did have fun watching him here. 

The rest of the cast are all great with Lucy Lawless and Peter Mensah once again giving great performances in there roles. 

Story

The story is very different to the previous seasons, it is away from the arena and the training of gladiators and basically sees two sides waging war. It is handled well and it shows real progression in the main heroes and how they have progressed throughout the show. However, because of this there is so much going on and I think there was quite a bit, especially in the first half of the season that I found a bit dull and questioning whether it was really needed. Though, I must say this is probably my favourite finale of the three seasons so far. 

Script

The script is good, it still has that dramatic dialogue that you would expect as the different personalities clash on both sides of the war. There was probably a little bit of more humour in this series and when it is sprinkled in, I think it works. 

Style

No surprises that the style of the show has a lot of violence, politics and sex and it delivers it in abundance which keeps it standing out from most shows as something that is really visceral to the eyes. However, the pacing isn't at its best here as I mentioned above that there is just so much going on that it doesn't always feel developed. Also, I feel like there was way more slow-mo used to possibly hide weaker choreography of the action. 

Overall 

Overall, Spartacus: Vengeance is another great season of this show and makes it incredibly consistent and enjoyable. If you weren't a fan before, this won't bring you in but if you have already started then this will see you well before future instalments. 

Rating - 8/10