Mark Donaldson
@markdonaldson
Freelance writer about movies, Star Trek and Doctor Who, lapsed cinema manager, cinema programmer for ARC Stockton. Co-host of @onthetimelash.bsky.social
The Strange New Worlds season 4 embargo has lifted, so here's my two (spoiler free) cents on the first 5 episodes: There's still fun to be had with all the genre riffing, but a S4's 1st half feels a bit directionless in terms of the larger arcs for our SNW originals and future TOS heroes.
Was thinking about my four favourite comedy writers, and it's probably these guys. Such a mastery of plot and payoff. Who are yours?
Strange New Words returns next week! Me, sort of reviewing, sort of riffing upon themes but mostly rambling about each episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 4! You can subscribe here: markmywords1985.substack.com
The tagline for this is: "Innocent men don't run. They drive" and, well...
Followed this up with Postcards from the Edge, which was utterly brilliant. Resonated with me more than I care to admit* *unless you follow me on letterboxd where I DID admit the resonance
Watching Mike Nicholls and Nora Ephron's Heartburn and....Kevin Spacey jumpscare!
I'm aware my brain is cooked by all the booze and archive telly but... ....is it just me, or...
Watching The Claws of Axos. Absolutely adore the idea that whoever provided Chinn with the top secret folder all about UNIT, the Master and the Doctor chose this cutesy bubble font for the front page.
Have a belter mate! Sorry to miss it, but I'll catch you at the wedding!
"BASTARDS!" Managing the transition from our rented house to the house we're buying next week is making me go Full Meldrew
The Invite! Delighted that Olivia Wilde is back doing one crazy night movies, trading Booksmart's teenage coming of age antics for midlife ennui and sexual frustration. Funny, filthy, but also emotionally raw and desperately sad. Really liked this.
Sat in the garden, reading David Renwick's (brilliant) 2016 reimagining of One Foot in the Grave. Half expecting this fella to pop his head over the fence.
Getting a train and a bus to catch Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie this evening. Such is my commitment to an 18 year old webseries I only started watching a fortnight ago.
Hit "Tin Man" on my TNG rewatch. Enjoyed an episode focusing on a lad named Tam and a spaceship that looks like a frightened hedgehog.
Had a shite day in a rough week, so have added Two Doors Down into the mood lifting telly playlist. Elaine C Smith's delivery of Christine's description of the Harry Potter franchise made me howl.
I feel like Captain's Holiday was one of those TNG episodes I glazed over when I was a kid. There's kissing and Jamaharon, and Picard's just trying to read a book. Now? It's a witty, sexy romantic comedy with archaeology and time travelling aliens, like Star Trek does Romancing the Stone. Great fun.
Tonight has been about celebrating 250 years of America and 100 years (tomorrow) of Mel Brooks.
"You like serious bits? Here's serious bits. You like funny bits? Here's funny bits. You like explosions? We've got explosions! Monsters? Monsters. Pretty people? Pretty people. We've got everything just fling it at the screen it's..."
For a movie about the power of play, Toy Story 5 is really a game of two halves. There's a lovely message about turning the screens off for a bit and interacting in-person. However, the layers of contrivance to get us there are really clunky, making for a slightly leaden and lifeless first hour.
Christopher Eccleston enjoying a pint of Guinness on stage as we all try to figure out The Name of that Song
If there's a theme to my #LetterboxdFriday it's Freudian nightmares and furniture. #LastFourWatched
Just watched The Buffet episode of Nirvanna the Band, and I reckon it's time I finally sat down and watched Autumn Sonata and My Dinner with Andre
Just getting ready to record the Legend of Ruby Sunday/Empire of Death episode of @onthetimelash.bsky.social with special guest, Sutekh