Let's Start With This One...

Good Morning Lovelies,

With many of us seeking the comforts of something familiar to watch during lockdown, the idea of a classic show being remade left many wondering if it would work. 

Yet, All Creatures Great & Small delivered a new take on a British hit incredibly well. Now, returning for a second series, the success of the first continues. Making today’s release on DVD and digitally even more worthy of being watched. 

Nicholas Ralph returns as the lead, to give both familiar and unfamiliar viewers of the old show, a new and exciting second series, featuring the now famous vet. Someone who we could all get on board with. 

Each episode provides an inside look into each character, whilst providing us with a soothing piece of art to watch. 

It may be a short series, but it is one that will leave you feeling comforted. Something we all need right now. Especially during the winter months and the lead up to Christmas.

4 Stars

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

News of cases surround domestic violence caused concern, outrage and campaigns galore during the pandemic. And rightly so. Yet, it also caused many TV series to be created from it to. Something that needed to be done right in order to affect audiences in the correct manner. However, new series, Angela Black, out today on DVD and digitally, failed to do just that. 

With a fantastic performance from Joanne Froggatt being the only reason to watch, this six-part series continuously causes problems, as it’s script lacks the justice it needs. Froggatt plays Angela, a woman suffering at the hands of her husband, Oliver. Although the violence is never displayed on screen, only provided through small hints, such as a bloody tooth on the floor, the script fails to show audiences the real horrors that come with cases like Angela’s. 

As stated before, Froggatt is the only real reason that the show is worth watching. There is a huge amount of power in her performance. An element we often see with her. She adds the emotion. She gives the series its feelings. Without her, it simply wouldn’t be a show that would be impactful in anyway. 

Whilst the show is a drama and will in no way not be, it has in many ways been over dramatised. The characters and their actions are problematic for reasons that don’t come from the storyline they are portraying. It is simply from the intense nature of how the plot has been made out. Froggatt deserves an award for her role and performance, but ultimately the show should be faded out of the TV world, due to its failure to tackle its subject well. 

2 Stars

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Christmas is just around the corner and with it comes the endless list of foods and drinks that are brought to celebrate. A list that can be hard to narrow down, if you have to provide for those with different tastes. Yet, luckily, thanks to a few brilliant brands and trials, I may have just found the solution. 

A few weeks ago, Amazon told me about the amazing Levivo Sparkling Water Drinks Maker. Much like a Soda Stream, but at a more reasonable price, the machine, which I reviewed in rose gold, changes water into a sparkling concoction that can later have syrups or juices added to it. Meaning you can make all your favourites for less, whilst having fun. 

Easy to set up, we placed the machine in our kitchen, put in the gas cylinder, and added the water. After a quick few minutes spent button pressing, we had soda water. Ready for the next brand I had to try. 

As someone who doesn’t drink and is trying to open up more to alternative drinks, Strykk is the perfect option for me. Creating alcohol free products, such as no-gin gin, vanilla vodka and rum, the company allowed for me to try one. Something that I thought would be perfect to do with the machine, as it would allow for me to put both flavours to the test. 

After a bit of a confusion, I was kindly gifted the Strykk Gin to try. A fab base for soda water. Taking it from the machine and placing it in the glass, we mixed the gin and water together, before adding in a few pieces of fruit. All of which making a glamorous glass, fit for the Christmas table. 

Having been someone who used to drink alcohol, I knew what the gin was meant to be like. This bottle left a crisp, refreshing taste that lifted the water to another level. Coming in a fantastic size too also helped, as it meant that a good helping could be added too. 

Great for both Christmas Day and New Years Eve, both the maker and the gin are going to be out this year in our house. I am obsessed with how the machine can make so many litres of fizzy drinks for less than the shops charge. Whilst the gin is the perfect find for someone like me who doesn’t drink but wants something special. I couldn’t recommend them enough. 

It is also amazing to know that Strykk are also working to help the Movember cause this year. Currently they are running a fundraising prize draw with the chance to win a trip to IBIZA, plus 100s of other prizes. To find out more about it, head to the website: https://www.uk.givergy.com/strykk/.

Christmas 2021 is going to be incredible! I can already sense it lovelies! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Days before I wrote this review, the fourth series of Star Trek Discovery was pulled from the Netflix schedule. Fans were incredibly upset and it was easy to see why. Season three had been epic. Something you can see from today, as the show is now out on DVD, Blu-Ray and digitally. 

Unlike the previous series, this one is launching audiences further into the future. 900 years to be exact. Learning to deal with the new, whilst coming to terms with the past, the crew on board the infamous Discovery ship, find it hard, as they discover life without The Federation. 

Star Trek remains a much loved series. Whether it is watching the classics or revisiting the world brought to life in it with the new, fans have built a comforting trust with it. However, with familiar faces putting in appearances now, such as Spock, it was always going to have to be done well. Not a factor that was always achieved. 

Yet, the creators of the third series have managed to do it. Placing the show 800 years ahead of any previous series, to allow a new storyline and base for the characters to develop on. Providing a new sense of excitement that audiences can enjoy without having to think of what they have already seen before. 

All kicking off from the start of the series, there is tension, fun, chaos and character building that even non fans will appreciate. In fact, if you have never been a Trek fan, you will be after watching this series. The new characters will excite all and the ability to use them as storyline builders will have you appreciating the franchise.

Ultimately, the third season is in a league of its own. A brilliant one at that. The strongest out of all the new bunch, it works on every level. New characters, stories and ships will make a Star Trek fan out of anyone. Even those who have never liked it before. Fingers crossed the fourth series gets sorted soon. 

4 Stars

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

So many shows nowadays are trying to work out how Game of Thrones became so popular and copying the formula for their own pieces. With its war filled scenes, book matching plot lines and likable characters, it is easy to see why they are trying to do this. However, in an attempt to match up to the ratings that GOT gives them, Sky Atlantic’s drama Britannia, which releases its third series today on DVD and digitally, doesn’t quite live up to it.

Portraying the Roman takeover of England, the show captures those within the battle and those being affected by it. With comical undertones and bloody wars, there are a lot of similarities to GOT, but there is something about this that doesn’t quite stick. Maybe it is the comedy or the way in which the storyline is played out, but over the course of the first season, you may find yourself drifting off.

It is a show that never has a focus. When you think that you have got to grips with what the show may be trying to achieve it completely flips it. One minute you are seeing the serious sides of the war before a comical element drops in and ruins what could be the gem in the show.

The cast is, however, a great team, with David Morrissey, Fortunato Cerlino and Kelly Reilly all leading the way with their superb acting. Yet, they can’t save the chill that is not only spread on the screen but off the screen too. There is however one very beautiful thing about this show and that is the female leading characters. Whilst the men head to war, the women in the show, scheme and plot their own takedown in epic fashion.

Britannia has a lot of faults within it, which could be easily solved, but for something to enjoy whilst you wait for GOT it might do the trick. Girl power is fantastic and it will make you smile, but it doesn’t compare to other shows of recent times.

2 ½ Stars

Blog Soon, 

Joey X 

Having been around my little nephew, I am familiar with Chase and his fellow Paw Patrol crew. Sweet little dogs, who work to save the world from the evils they face. After becoming hugely successful around the world, the cartoon has now branched out into the world of film, with Paw Patrol: The Movie, coming out in cinemas and now on DVD, Blu-Ray and digitally. 

Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes at 79% and with some huge stars lending their voices to the characters, including Kim Kardashian and Jimmy Kimmel, the film allows for the pups to move into a new world. 

As a team, the Paw Patrol group are a diverse and fun mix, who all work together to provide a safe world for all to live in. Parents either love them or hate them. One thing is for certain though, this film will hook the entire family in. 

With the evil, Mayor Humdinger, causing havoc for them again, the film sees new pup Liberty call the team in to try and save the city before he destroys it. With Chase on the case, Liberty hopes to work alongside him and the team to solve it. Leading to a meeting with lots of new characters and familiar faces. 

If you are looking for a feature to curl up with on a cold Sunday, this is the one. Nothing truly bad comes from it and even as an adult, you can try hard not to get pulled in, but you will be. The plot is actually a really clever mix of adult humanity and child innocence, causing for a truly creative film mixture. 

Parents will enjoy the way that this film will

Show their children or the young people in their lives how to view the world. Not everything and everyone is perfect, yet a little bit of peacemaking, as demonstrated by Chase and the team, shows that imperfections lead to perfection. 

Innocent and sweet, but also powerful with its message, Paw Patrol: The Movie works a charm. 

4 Stars

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

Sometimes a franchise needs to be rebooted to renew our faith in it. Other times, it needs to be left behind and forgotten about. The G.I Joe series being one of them. When news broke that Henry Golding would be revising a classic character in Snake Eyes: G.I. Origins, some were excited. However, sadly that was short lived, which many of you will find out from today, as it comes out on DVD, Blu-Ray and digitally from today. 

After saving the life of one of the biggest heroes in the G.I. Joe world, Golding’s cage fighter Snake Eyes is invited to join the G.I. Joe ninja world. Yet, as he learns to come to terms with his new home, he discovers that members from his past haunt it and he can’t hold back from seeking revenge. 

Golding brings his A game to the film, yet the lack of thrills within the two hour feature makes for a boring viewing. Working to entertain all family members mean vital fights, key plot points and character building is all stripped back. 

There is no solid form. It all just seems rushed and over the top with moments then cut sharply to stop younger audiences being upset. However, it some ways they could have kept them in and made it all work well. 

The film uses influences from its previous franchise features and gives hints to future ones. Yet, regarding Snake Eyes, it either needs to be rebuilt or the character should be left to rest again. It’s a sad thing when so much could have been done with the character. 

2 Stars

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

What do you think of when you think of Leonardo Da Vinci? Famous paintings and statues? The history that he left behind? Or maybe even Italy? Whatever it may be, there is something for all to think of. No matter what age you are. However, something that you might not look into is his rise to the top. An element that has become the main focus of the new series, Leonardo, out today on DVD and digitally. 

Starring Aidan Turner, the Amazon series, which was first aired in Italy, captures the stories behind his most famous works and how they came to be, during a series of questions from the police, who suspect him of murder. Turner captures the artist at his most self-critical, highlighting the torment and troubles that he faced, as he comes to terms with things going wrong and trying to work to make them right. 

Made up of eight episodes, the series highlights the importance of each painting and stature in one hour each. Yet, viewers will be seeking for their length to be even longer. You want them to go on and merge more into one. With the beauty of the home release, you can binge the entire box set. However, if you watched this as a single episode, weekly, series, then you would have been left in utter torment. 

Of course, there are many changes from what really happened within Da Vinci’s life, but it doesn’t stop you enjoying the show. In fact, it compels you more to find out the truth. Sitting with your phone or on the internet afterwards trying to discover what really did happen and how it left a mark. A clever formulation by the makers of the series. One that has led to an announcement that a second series is going to be made. 

Ultimately, the series is a truly clever mix of history and make believe, that will teach all who watch it something about not just the paintings we know but the man behind them. Da Vinci has been captured perfectly by Turner. He deserves to win a number of awards for his turn as the artist in fact. History is no longer boring with this adaptation of realism. 

4 Stars

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

With everyone discussing the world and how we can help it, I am seeking new products that can help me make a positive change. So, when I heard about Earth Breeze, a new laundry product, I couldn’t wait to find out more about them. 

Lightweight and wrapped in compostable envelopes, each packet includes 40 loads. All that is leaving a great change in the world. Easily dissolvable when placed in hot or cold water, the sheets have been made to deal with the toughest stains, including the dirty one that plastic is leaving on the planet. Plus, they are free from any nasty chemicals, making them cruelty free and vegan too. 

I had never heard of the brand before speaking to the team about the product, but upon discovering more, I wanted to delve into the world of washing to see if they really work. Happily I am able to say that they do. Only costing 20p per wash, the sheets are simply thrown into the washing machine drawer, instantly getting down to the job. 

With two scents available, one fragrance free and the other made to embrace the aroma of fresh air, the smell that comes off the clothes when finished is incredible. Imagine just embracing your clothes when they have come in from outside, having been on the washing line. That is the smell that you get in fact. Something I think we can all get on board with, when the sheets are helping not only make you smell good but charities and non-profit organisations too. 

I am someone who also suffers with very sensitive skin. I struggle to use lots of products, due to having Raynaud's on my hands, which can be painful and split open. Using a sheet meant that I didn’t have to deal with harmful chemicals loading the machine. I could either put the sheet in the liquid tray or the main drum itself. Simple, fast and soothing. The product also didn’t upset my skin upon wearing the washed item. 

Ultimately, with so much changing in the world, this new way of washing our clothes is brilliant. Made to help people make a positive change, it is also great for people like me, who are not the best when it comes to washing. Affordable, fast and impactful, I couldn’t recommend it enough. Earth Breeze is really a breeze and I will be using it more in the future.

Discover more about the brand, their ethos and how you can try the product on their website now. And do let me know if you do try it, as I want to know what you think too! 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Last week, I was at my brother’s home in Blackpool. During my time there, we got up to lots. From Madame Tussauds to shopping and seeing the sights, there wasn’t a day that wasn’t busy. However, when it came to the evenings, we stayed in and got cosy. 

Snuggled up as a family on the sofa, me and my nephew Leo, decided to delve into the world of his Nintendo Switch and try a few new games during that time. Ones that I thought would be fun for him to review. Starting with The Addams Family: Mansion Mayhem. 

With Halloween having just gone by, this new terrifying game allows for you and the whole family to come together to help the most haunted family of all time. Based on the new animated feature film, the game's story is in a 3D platform, as you must work to help save their mansion. 

Discover what my nephew, who is six, thought of the game, after playing it with his dad:  https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/ugQ7qj8vQXEw9H3P8

The next game was a bigger success. After telling me he didn’t want to play it, Leo finally caved in and downloaded Ben 10: Power Trip. A game he later told me that he absolutely loved. Again, made in a 3D manner, the game allows players to solve puzzles and mini games, to try and defeat the evil forces who threaten Ben 10 and his family. 

Find out what Leo thought here: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/3t1v9ZRvFg5nibWJ9

I will continue to try and get Leo to play Nintendo Switch games in the future, as it was super fun to all come together and get reviews out of him. He also found discovering features and content he wouldn’t normally play interesting too. What games would you recommend or like to see him have a go at? 

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Any family who was faced with a loved one being in a care home or hospital during Covid, will know how hard it was for them to be there. To not be able to see their relatives. To not be able to even hold their hand when they needed them. All something that Jodie Comer and Stephen Graham capture so fantastically in Channel 4 drama Help. Out now on DVD and digitally. 

Based in a care home for the elderly and those with mental health matters, the show begins with Comer’s Sara, earning a new role within it. There she meets the residents, including Graham’s Tony, who is suffering from the early signs of dementia. The pair soon bond, even when faced with tough issues and moments from other residents. 

Yet, when Covid begins spreading through the home at a rapid rate, they are soon faced with the unsettling reality of how much the government let down those within homes. Both those living and working within them. 

It is a gripping one-off drama that will have you in tears, angry and not able to hold your emotions in at all. It is raw. Nothing is forgotten. The acting doesn’t appear like acting. There is too much talent from the stars that make it seem like another Channel 4 real life documentary. Each member of the crew has made sure to work hard to show audiences what life was really like. 71 minutes of pure TV. 

Help is an important and vital TV viewing for all. It may be hard to relive what we have all just been through over the past two years. Continuing to do so in many ways. But it is key that you do. It will make you appreciate the workers who helped others even more. It will leave your heart raw. It is simply a vital TV drama that you have to see. 

5 Stars

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Many of you will know that I adore Christmas. Every little thing about it. I can’t wait for the festive seasons to begin. I start in July with my birthday and will continue until the following one aha! So, when it comes to Advent Calendars, I am always on the lookout for something new and interesting to uncover and discover. 

After putting a call out on social media, I was sent one of the most amazing calendars this year. Created with the love and care that we all seek in the festive season, the Little Elves Advent Calendar was made by Katie. Someone who loves Christmas as much as me. Having been inspired by memories from her childhood and the ones she now makes with her own, Katie has made an advent calendar, featuring all of Santa’s elves from the 1st December until the 24th. 

Based online, the calendar has a video for every day of December, which the whole family can enjoy from the 30th November, when the advent key must be left out for the little ones or Christmas lovers in your home must find. When they do, they will discover a QR code on it, which will tell them all about what they are about to begin doing and their first challenge of advent. A kindness one in fact. 

Then each day they will be introduced to one of Santa’s elves in a new video, which will welcome them to the North Pole, how to write a letter to Santa, the origins of Christmas cookies and lots more fun. All ideas that will inspire them to do something creative and fun during the winter month. 

As the children/adults watch the videos, you will be able to hide something special, that they can then find and enjoy. A chocolate coin. A little packet of sweets. A Christmas joke. The choice is yours lovelies. 

I had never seen an advent calendar like this before, but it is perfect. With so many of us spending time with our little ones watching where Santa may be on Christmas Eve, it slots in with the idea and festive journey perfectly. You feel like you are getting more for your money and the Christmas spirit is truly alive with it. Whilst, your child will be given five minutes of pure festive beauty that they can enjoy easily and each segment of it can be adapted to fit in perfectly with your lifestyle. It is truly easy to enjoy magic. 

If you are still looking for a new advent calendar for the whole family to enjoy this year, do head to the Little Elves Advent Calendar lovelies. You will find out so much more and get the opportunity to see how special it is. You will honestly not be disappointed. I can’t recommend it enough. 

Joey X