Hello readers! Apologies for the incendiary title of this post. The simple answer is no, obviously not. The likelihood of Steven Spielberg having read my book is effectively zero, even if I have sold more copies of than I ever expected. So, rather than using this post to launch some grand conspiracy with potential legal … Continue reading Disclosure Day (2026): Did Spielberg steal my story?
Tag: films
Project Hail Mary (2026) is heartfelt and fun
Hello readers! A few days ago I went to see Project Hail Mary, the new science fiction block-buster starring Ryan Gosling. To sum up my verdict in a single sentence: I loved this film, and I think everyone should see it when they get the chance. I can easily see it becoming a comfort film, … Continue reading Project Hail Mary (2026) is heartfelt and fun
The feasibility of floating in a bubble
Hello readers! Wicked: For Good came out last week, and since then, I’ve been pondering the physics of Glinda’s bubble. For those of you that haven’t seen the film – don’t worry. I won’t spoil anything in this post that hasn’t already been spoiled in the trailers. The reason that Glinda’s bubble has been bothering … Continue reading The feasibility of floating in a bubble
Frankenstein (2025) is not for fans of the book
Hello readers! Last week I watched Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, which released on Netflix on the 7th of November. The film has received very positive reviews from audiences and critics alike – but now that it has breached containment and is reaching people beyond the del Toro fanbase, I am sensing a shift in opinion. … Continue reading Frankenstein (2025) is not for fans of the book
Amazon’s War of the Worlds: so bad it’s good advertising
Hello readers! I’m a bit late to the party on this one, so I suspect that many of you are already familiar with this cinematic travesty… But, for those of you who dwell outside the YouTube and Letterboxd bubbles, it is with deep regret that I must inform you about Amazon’s recent film adaptation of … Continue reading Amazon’s War of the Worlds: so bad it’s good advertising
Clayton Calculates: The feasibility of a hedgehog running over water
Hello readers! This week’s post is a response to a reader request. Harry (aged 27) has asked me to investigate the feasibility of a hedgehog running over water, if that hedgehog could run very fast. Some of you may have already guessed the inspiration for this enquiry, as it relates to a franchise that is … Continue reading Clayton Calculates: The feasibility of a hedgehog running over water
Van Helsing (2004) is worse than I remembered
Hello readers! Do you remember the film Van Helsing, from 2004? It starred Hugh Jackman as a legendary vampire-slayer, and also had Kate Beckinsale in it. Count Dracula was the main villain, but there were plenty of other enemies. Frankenstein was in it. So was the Wolf Man. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde had a … Continue reading Van Helsing (2004) is worse than I remembered
Film review: Dune (1984)
Hello readers! This week I watched the original adaptation of Dune from 1984, directed by David Lynch. The film is divisive, to say the least. Reviews at the time were overwhelmingly negative, and it was a commercial catastrophe, recouping only $30 million of its eye-watering $42 million budget. David Lynch refused to discuss the film … Continue reading Film review: Dune (1984)
Film review: Damsel
Hello readers! This week I watched Damsel on Netflix, mostly out of morbid curiosity after seeing the trailer. To my surprise, I didn’t hate it – but I didn’t really like it either. Damsel is a “dark fantasy” film about a young woman (Millie Bobby Brown) trying to escape a dragon’s lair. It styles itself … Continue reading Film review: Damsel
