Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022-) Ad Astra Per Aspera Review

Ad Astra Per Aspera” provides a welcome breather from the fast pace of the season opener, focusing on a trial and drawing parallels to real-world issues. Number One’s experience cleverly resonates with various struggles, without being too preachy and in your face, such as people hiding their identities or individuals unable to live openly. While the episode offers a just resolution for Number One, it acknowledges that the larger issue is not fully resolved and that Starfleet still has work to do.

It may not be Gene Roddenberry’s space wagon action episode but probably explores Roddenberry’s original vision of a modern society of the future more than most.

Overall, writers and director Valerie Weiss offer a wonderfully crafted and shot court room-type episode while the cast particularly Mount, Peck, Romijn and Chong are outstanding offering emotional depth.

Renfield (2023) Review

 

Dracula's henchman Renfield embarks on a quest to break free from the clutches of the Count and his relentless demands, amidst a backdrop of bloodshed and Mob chaos in the modern world.

In this homage to classic and 1980s vampire movies, director Chris McKay masterfully utilises the talents of Nicolas Cage and Nicholas Hoult, while writer Robert Kirkman injects Renfield with a delightful blend of wacky horror-comedy. McKay treats offers a beat-'em-up action reminiscent of Buffy and Blade, complemented by great special effects and gore-splattered scenes.

The performances of Cage as Dracula and Hoult's Renfield are nothing short of brilliant, delivering genuine tension and emotional depth at times. Amidst the horror-filled chaos, moments of levity arise, with Awkwafina's portrayal of Rebecca, an aggressive traffic cop, providing some funny quips. The chemistry and exchanges between the leads are a true highlight, with Cage's captivating performance and Hoult's likability shining through.

Renfield's story arc is engaging, particularly with the inclusion of a romantic subplot involving Rebecca. With its cartoonish action, nostalgic voiceovers, and clever utilisation of Dracula mythology, Renfield offers 93 minutes of well crafted, mindless entertainment.

Overall, Renfield is undeniably entertaining offering a quirky take on the vampire genre.