Helen Brewis

A sequel that eclipses the original game. I appreciate that ‘Alan Wake’ is thought of as one of the best games of all time, but I believe that the developers built on a strong concept and made the game far more intriguing as a result. Whilst I found the first to be repetitive with its gameplay and levels, this sequel corrects those levels. The taken provide increasing levels of difficulties to challenge players. The limit number of resources available also forces you to play economically, which sees you in far better stead in the final draft replay. The story is absolutely complex and confusing but entirely worth sticking with.

I have just left the cinema after viewing Stan and Ollie and feel obligated to post about how wonderful the experience was. Coogan and Reilly couldn’t have been more perfectly cast, everything about them is right; from accents to mannerisms to tiny little neuances that only seasoned Laurel and Hardy fans may notice. The tone is perfect throughout, and the emotional end left myself and my whole family in tears, unable to look at each other until the credits had fully rolled. Do not expect a biopic that covers the entire history of the duo. Instead, appreciate the intimate look into the pair into their twilight years on tour in the UK and Ireland. Absolute mastery of film making. The finale of clips during the credit roll only makes you appreciate the stelllar performances of Reilly and Coogan even more, along with supporting cast members and even extras. I would sincerely love for the pair to be nominated for Best Leading Actor at this year’s academy awards to give them the recognition for their phenomenal work that they each deserve. My plea to the Academy would be to please make an allowance and give both actors the award as, to quote Stan and Ollie, “you can’t have Laurel without Hardy”.