Review: Men in Black International

The original Men in Black charmed because of its quirky humour, witty script, intriguing glimpses at a well rounded universe and the odd couple at the centre of it. Men in Black 2 - I can't even remember. But MiB3 injected some new twists and felt like a revival of the magic.

So we come to the number four in the franchise. This time it's the turn of a new duo and they go global trotting in search of various bad guys and a gizmo to save the world. Thompson and Hemsworth have undoubted chemistry, but the script lacks spark and jeopardy which contributes to a feeling of we've seen it all before.

Verdict: The trusty formula is wearing thin.

Review: Life Drawing: A Life Under Lights

For most Doctor Who fans, Martin's iconic performance as a werewolf in the late 80s, is probably the primary attraction for reading this autobiographical graphic novel.  They hopefully won't be too disappointed as there are a solid couple of pages dealing with her work on Who and relationship with John Nathan-Turner.

As a rattle through Martin's career in TV and on stage (a lot of which I didn't know due to being just a little too young) it does the job and there are hints at her tenacious and methodical character. There are also some genuinely moving elements, such as her blossoming relationship with her current partner and various reunions.  But I felt occasionally, I'd have liked to know more ie what does a performer do when the calls stop coming and I'd have appreciated more insight into the actual work of acting.  But it does end on a more satisfying note as she draws parallels with the impact of her mother on her life and developing a new set of creative skills.

Verdict: Depth of insights limited by the format perhaps. 

Review: To reach the clouds

Petit's book is a fever dream of one man's five plus year obsession with wire walking between the WTC twin towers and - spoiler alert - achieving it.  He's an extraordinary and likely very difficult individual and he manages to fully capture his essence in his prose.

Probably the most fascinating elements of the narrative as those relating to social engineering.

Verdict: Highly recommended. 

Review: The summer we all ran away

Parkin's time jumping story is a decently told mystery centred on a manor house and its occupants - and had I not been given it, I doubt I would have chosen it as it probably veers towards chick-lit.  As it is she did just enough to keep me reading in ever greater chunks after initially struggling to settle into it.

Verdict: Light concise prose with a Gatsby-sque feel.