fandomreviews

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THE DOCTOR’S DAUGHTER IS BACK!

JENNY IS BACK AND DOING AN AWFUL LOT OF RUNNING!

Doctor Who fans have had their prayers answered as it has been revealed that the Doctor’s Daughter, Jenny, will be returning in her very own audio series from Big Finish!

Georgia Tennant will return to the role. The actress, of course, has a long history with Doctor Who as she is the real-life daughter of Fifth Doctor, Peter Davison and the wife of Tenth Doctor, David Tennant whom she met while filming the show.  

Jenny first appeared in 2008 during the fourth series of Doctor Who in the aptly named episode��“The Doctor’s Daughter” where the Doctor produced a daughter after having DNA forcibly removed from his hand. Jenny fought alongside the Doctor, and his companions Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) and Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) while trying to bring peace between two warring factions before being shot and killed by the evil General Kobb. However, the Doctor and his friends left in the TARDIS before the half time-lord came back to life and sped off into the stars like her father.

Jenny: The Doctor’s Daughter will also star Sean Biggerstaff as Jenny’s companion Noah and she will come face to face with the Ood in four brand new adventures

Stolen Goods by Matt Fitton

Prisoner of the Ood by John Dorney

Neon Reign by Christian Brassington

Zero Space by Adrian Poynton

Jenny: The Doctor’s Daughter is available on the Big Finish website and will be released in June 2018!

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THOR: RAGNAROK - REVIEW!

THE GOD OF THUNDER RETURNS!

*****

Directed by - Taika Waititi 

Starring - Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Tessa Thompson, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Mark Ruffalo, Karl Urban with Anthony Hopkins & Benedict Cumberbatch 

Thor returns in the next instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and this is by far the most hilarious film the studio has ever released, even surpassing the comedy of Guardians of the Galaxy. 

This film sees the god of thunder and his sinister brother Loki face off against their sister, Hela, the Goddess of Death. Hela is a great villain, played brilliantly by Cate Blanchett, who manages to hit right notes when moments of comedy and villainy are called for. 

Hemsworth and Hiddleston create an almighty double act in the film, particularly in the scene featuring Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange. Thor and Loki find themselves on a planet controlled by the brilliant Jeff Goldblum who played the Grandmaster who takes Loki as a best friend and forces Thor to battle his “Champion”. 

You would wonder who the Champion was if it hadn’t been heavily advertised that the Incredible Hulk, played by Mark Ruffalo would be returning in this film. This is the longest time we have actually spent with the Hulk since his solo film back in Phase One. Ruffalo is perfect and shows that he can play an incredible Hulk as well as an incredible Bruce Banner. 

Tessa Thompson joins the cast as Valkyrie, a goddess from Asgard who serves not only as Thor’s new love interest, after the disappearance of Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster but as a heroine in her own right. Valkyrie’s mission of revenge is every bit as important as Thor and Loki’s vendetta. Valkyrie also serves as Marvel’s first LGBT hero. 

One of the standout characters of Ragnarok is, of course, Korg, the lovable rock warrior who befriends Thor. Korg is voiced by director Taika Waititi who is a comedian in his own right and provides a stellar comedic performance especially in the closing battle which is the most doom and gloom part of the entire film but with Korg’s one-liner separates it from every other superhero battle. 

With Waititi at the helm, it is clear to see why some fans favour the colourful and vibrant films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to that of the failing DCEU. Each film in the MCU has been different with series spanning across different genres with the action-packed war movie of “Captain America: The First Avenger”, Sci-Fi spectacular of “Guardians of the Galaxy”, Spy flick “The Winter Soldier” and now verging into comedy with Ragnarok. Waititi provides a new voice and vision for the MCU, one I hope will continue to be heard as the series heads to a new beginning after the highly anticipated “Infinity War” next year. 

[fandomreviews]

STRANGER THINGS 2 - REVIEW!

IS IT WORTH IT TO HEAD BACK TO THE UPSIDE DOWN?

*****

Created by - The Duffer Brothers

Starring - Millie Bobby Brown, Winona Ryder, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, David Harbour, Natalie Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery with Sean Astin & Paul Reiser

Stranger Things, that hit Netflix series of 2016, has finally launched the dreaded second outing. So does Stranger Things 2 live up to the epic first instalment of the 80′s nostalgic science-fiction drama? 

Abso-freaking-lutely!

The series picks up almost one year after the events of the first series with Mike (Wolfhard), Lucas (McLaughlin), Dustin (Matarazzo) and Will (Schnapp) trying to move on with their lives after their experiences with the Demogorgon in the Upside Down. 

Will, still having moments of the Upside Down merging into the real world struggles with trying to face his fear but when a new danger presents itself, it’s going to take all of his family and friends to save him and defeat the monster. Noah Schnapp, who was absent for most of the first series gives a stellar performance of the possessed Will, one that even the most accomplished of actors would be envious of. 

Dustin and Lucas return in fine comedic form, competing for the affections of new girl Max (Sink). Max is a welcome addition to the team and adds a feisty element to the group as well as an added emotional story when we discover her abusive family situation. 

As for Mike, he is pining for the missing Eleven (Brown). However, we quickly discover her altercation with the Demogorgon sent her to the Upside Down before she quickly made her way back only to be discovered by our favourite Cheif of Police, Hopper (Harbour) whom she is adopted by and hidden away for her protection. Mike and Eleven as kept apart for most of the series but when their reunion does eventually happen in episode 8, it packs an emotional gut punch. 

Eleven is given a backstory this season as we discover more about how she was brought into Hawkins’ Lab, the failed rescue attempt her mother made and the introduction of her sister number 8. This is a fun little side story to the main event in Hawkins and gives Bobby Brown a chance to shine and show more of what made her lovable in series one. 

For Nancy (Dyer), Jonathan (Heaton) and Steve (Keery), their love triangle is quickly put to rest as Nancy and Jonathan finally become a couple which sadly for Steve mean he takes a bit more of a back seat this series. However, Steve goes from loving boyfriend to loving big brother, forming a bond with Dustin and securing his place as part of the Upside Down busting team. Nancy continues her quest to get justice for the ill-fated Barb in series 1 along with Jonathan which is achieved by the series finale. 

Winona Ryder gives another blinding performance as Joyce Bryer especially now with the addition of her boyfriend Bob, played by Goonies legend Sean Astin. Astin is a lovable doofus who gives Will some pretty bad advice on how to deal with his Upside Down visions but redeems himself in a pretty epic and brave sacrifice in episode 8. Also the fact that Astin is playing a character we grow to love makes the characters fate much more heartbreaking. 

Overall the series takes the right next step in the story by developing such a large number of characters even further than we’ve seen previously and the inclusion of characters like Max and Bob we are shown the Duffer Brothers haven’t run out of ideas. Stranger Things 2 ends on the perfect note and serves a brilliant self-contained story. However, I would hate to think that this is the last we’ve seen of the Hawkins’ gang but if it is, the Duffer Brothers have created a perfect two-part epic adventure filled with humour, heart and more 80′s nostalgia than you could shake a stick at! Stranger Things 2 is nothing more than perfect.

[fandomreviews]

OLIVIA COLMAN WILL REPLACE CLAIRE FOY IN THE CROWN!

THE BROADCHURCH STAR WILL ASCEND THE THRONE IN SERIES 3!

It has been confirmed today that Broadchurch star, Olivia Colman will take over the role of Queen Elizabeth II from Claire Foy when the series returns for its third series in 2018.

The Crown which broadcasts on Netflix is a series spanning the life of the longest and current reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, Elizabeth II. 

The series began last year to critical acclaim and saw Claire Foy and former Doctor Who, Matt Smith play the roles of the young Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. 

Foy and Smith will return for a second series this December, however, when the show returns for its third series in 2018, Colman will make her debut in the series. 

The Crown, Series 2 will broadcast all episodes on December 8, 2017, only on Netflix and you can stream all of Series 1 right now! 

[fandomreviews]

EASTENDERS ANNOUNCES CHARACTER RETURN!

SHE’S BACK!

Yesterday, Eastenders teased a huge announcement, and tonight we discovered Tamzin Outhwaite will be returning to the soap, 16 years after her departure. 

Tamzin played the character of Mel Owen and it has been reported that she will begin filming soon and the character will make her onscreen appearance early next year. 

Outhwaite had some big storylines in her time on the show including a feud with Phil Mitchell and being one of Ian Beale’s many wives. 

This comes as part of new producer John Yorke’s new plan for the series.

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LAURIE BRETT OFFICIALLY LEAVES EASTENDERS IN SHOCK SCENES!

JANE BEALE IS GONE FOR GOOD!

After three years, Jane Beale has left Albert Square for good as the character made one final attempt to stop Max Branning’s (Jake Wood) evil schemes. 

Actress Laurie Brett returned to the role of Jane in 2014 as part of the Lucy Beale murder storyline, however, Jane could not outsmart Max and the Weyland & Co gang as she was forced to leave the square against her will. 

Jane discovered Max’s plan to destroy Albert Square as punishment for wrongfully accusing him of killing Lucy Beale but when Max manipulated Jane’s stepson, Steven (Aaron Sidwell) into starting a fire and locking her in, Jane survived and slipped into a coma while Steven, unfortunately, was killed as a result of Max pushing him.

However, when Jane awoke Max threatened the life of her son Bobby Beale (Elliot Harrington) so Jane left her husband Ian (Adam Woodyatt) and fled the square but not before leaving a warning message for Ian. 

Tonight, as Ian heard the message he began to search for his wife but as Max caught wind of Jane’s plan, he struck fear into the wife as he threatened the life of Ian. 

Defeated, Jane left the series with the only thing she could think to do and warn the one person Max would never hurt, Stacey Fowler (Lacey Turner). With Stacey now informed about Max, how will she help stop the plan to destroy Albert Square?

Eastenders returns tomorrow at 7:30pm on BBC One

[fandomreviews]

DOCTOR WHO UNVEILS NEW COMPANIONS FOR THE 13TH DOCTOR!

IT’S GOING TO BE A VERY BUSY TARDIS!

After months of waiting it has finally been announced who will be joining brand new Doctor, Jodie Whittaker in the TARDIS when series 11 kicks off in 2018!

First up we have Hollyoaks actress, Mandip Gill who will be playing Yasmin. Then after all the speculation, it is confirmed that Chase presenter and entertainer Bradley Walsh will be taking on the role of Graham and finally Star Wars: The Force Awakens actor, Tosin Cole will playing the role of Ryan. 

The Doctor, Yasmin, Graham and Ryan will all jump aboard the TARDIS in 2018, when the eleventh series of Doctor Who will begin. 

It has been confirmed that Series 11 will consist of 10, 50-minute episodes with a one-hour series premiere. This series will be the first to be executive produced by Broadchurch creator, Chris Chibnall. 

It was announced back in July that Jodie Whittaker will be the first women in the 54-year history of the show to play the title role and she will make her first appearance in this year’s Christmas special, “Twice Upon A Time” which will see current Doctor, Peter Capaldi regenerate. 

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STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI TRAILER IS HERE!

AND IT’S EPIC!

The moment had finally arrived, the trailer for Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi has officially landed and it’s amazing.

Accompanied by a brand new poster which you can see above, the trailer featured our favourite characters like Rey (Daisy Ridley) in the middle of her Jedi training with Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) as well as a closer look at the new planet Crait, the new creatures like the Porgs and some amazing space battles. 

Don’t take our word for it thought, check out the brand new trailer below!

You can see the full movie when Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi hits cinemas on December 15!

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BIG CHANGES AHEAD FOR DOCTOR WHO!

SERIES 11 IS LOOKING TO BE A LOT DIFFERENT!

Times they are-a-changing over at Doctor Who when Series 11, hits our screens next year. Of course, one of the biggest changes is the arrival of Doctor number 13, Jodie Whittaker, but what kind of series will Whittaker be stepping into?

New reports today, October 9, suggest that series 11 will, in fact, be dropping its usual 12, 45-minute episode format for a 10, 60-minute episode series. 

This will not be the first time, Who has changed its episode format since the series returned in 2005 as series eight in 2014 dropped the traditional 13 episode series it had maintained throughout the first seven series in favour of a 12 episode run. 

Also as standard with the arrival of a new Doctor comes some redecorating. It has also been reported that Jodie Whittaker will receive a brand new TARDIS with both the inside and outside changing its current look. 

It is rumoured that the new TARDIS exterior will be a darker shade of blue than it currently is and a bit slimmer, similar to the TARDIS, eighth Doctor, Paul McGann piloted in the 1996 film. 

No word yet on the new interior, but the model which has remained essentially the same since 2012′s Christmas special “The Snowmen” will be updated for the new Doctor. 

Whittaker will apparently also be getting her hands on a brand new sonic screwdriver. The iconic gadget used by the Time Lord has received a couple of re-designs since 2005, with ninth and tenth Doctor’s, Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant sharing a model while eleventh and twelfth Doctor’s Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi received their very own versions.  

Fans will also be treated to a brand new logo and title sequence which again with the change of era in producers and cast is quite normal for Doctor Who. 

The current logo is again a slight variation to the one that was unveiled when executive producer Steven Moffat and Matt Smith stepped aboard the TARDIS in 2010, with receiving just a few minor tweaks throughout the years. 

As for the title sequence. The current one was inspired by a custom-made sequence created by fan Billy Hanshaw and has been in use since Peter Capaldi’s first series back in 2014. 

With filming for series 11 expected to begin in late October, more information such as Whittaker’s costume will probably be released very soon. As for the new companion rumours of Bradley Walsh’s casting don’t seem to be dying down, nor do the rumour of multiple companions. However, fans won’t have to wait that long to find out. 

Jodie Whittaker will make her debut as the 13th Doctor at the end of this year’s Christmas special, “Twice Upon A Time”, which will also see Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor team up with the First Doctor, played by David Bradley, before leaving the role after three successful series.

“Twice Upon A Time” will air on Christmas Day on BBC One.

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THE WALKING DEAD ANNOUNCES CROSSOVER EVENTS!

BUT FANS ARE WONDERING HOW?

It has been announced at this weekend’s New York Comic Con that the hit AMC zombie series, “The Walking Dead” will, in fact, crossover with its prequel series “Fear the Walking Dead” later in this years season.

The announcement was made by both series’ creator and executive producer Robert Kirkman and it was also revealed that one particular character will help tie the two series together.

However, the announcement, as well as exciting fans of the franchise, were also confused as “Fear the Walking Dead” is a prequel to the main show and do not share a linear story arc. 

It is entirely possible we could see a future version of a “Fear the Walking Dead” character or possibly an earlier version of a “Walking Dead” character. Storys that could be explored are possible to relations to various characters between the two shows but it is safe to say a time travel plot is out of the question as although the show is about zombies, the world has always been very grounded in this reality. 

Fans will just have to wait and see what unfolds when “The Walking Dead” returns on October 22 and has promised us “All Out War” in the series. 

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STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI TRAILER IS COMING!

AND IT’S SOONER THAN YOU THINK!

Finally! The moment everyone has been waiting for has arrived. It has been announced that the trailer for Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi, will debut tomorrow, October 9, during Monday Night Football in the US. 

This means if you’re in Europe it will hit at some point in the early hours of the morning. 

It has been an agonising wait but we’ll be bringing you the brand new trailer right here at Fandom Entertainment when it hits the web.

To whet your appetite until then, why not take another look at the teaser trailer for the movie which dropped earlier this year at the Star Wars Celebration. 

Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi will be released December 15, 2017.

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GRAND ADMIRAL THRAWN SET TO RETUN IN NEW NOVEL!

AND THIS TIME HE’S NOT ALONE!

It has been announced that Star Wars Rebels villain Grand Admiral Thrawn will be getting an all-new sequel to the best-selling 2017 novel “Thrawn”. 

Author, Timothy Zhan who wrote “Thrawn” and created the character will write the new book which is currently titled “Alliances” and will see the evil Admiral team up with the iconic Sith Lord, Darth Vader. 

This will be a monumental moment for fans as this will be the first time the two villains have shared the universe. 

The character of Thrawn has an interesting history with the character first appearing in the Timothy Zahn novel “Heir to the Empire” in 1991 and was the main antagonist in the “Thrawn Trilogy” which includes “Heir to the Empire”, “Dark Force Rising” and “The Last Command” which were at the time the official sequels to the original Star Wars trilogy. 

However, when Disney bought the franchise and wiped out the expanded universe in order to create their own “canon” story. This meant the Thrawn trilogy and subsequently, the character no longer existed in the Star Wars universe.

That was until 2016 when Star Wars Rebels gave the character a brand new story and returned him to the canon as the main antagonist in the third season of the series. 

Thrawn’s new origins were explored in the 2017 novel and the character is due to return this October in the fourth and final series of Star Wars Rebels. 

Star Wars: Thrawn - Alliances is expected to be released Summer 2018 and written by Timothy Zahn. 

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EMMERDALE KILLS OFF CHARACTER IN SHOCK TWIST!

THE FAN FAVOURITE BOWED OUT IN TONIGHT’S EPISODE!

ITV soap Emmerdale shocked fans tonight as they killed off fan favourite character, Finn Barton, in tonight’s episode as he succumbed to injuries from his gunshot wound.

It was such a shock to viewers as it had not been announced that Joe Gill, the actor who portrays the character was to leave. However, this exit had in fact been planned since February.

Finn was mistakenly shot by his mother Emma Barton in Tuesday’s cliffhanger but it was only tonight’s episode when it was revealed Finn was the unlucky victim of Emmerdale’s killer week!

Gill had stated it was “fitting” that Emma was the one to take Finn out as Finn was key in bringing Emma into the series.

Fans will have to wait to see how Finn’s death impacts the residents of Emmerdale Farm and of course the Barton family, especially Emma who as we know from spoiler pictures will contemplate suicide.

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IS DOWNTON ABBEY ABOUT TO GET A MOVIE?

SOMETHING BIG IS HAPPENING AT DOWNTON!

Downton Abbey is about to make a big announcement, but what could it be?

The official Downton twitter page released the above picture earlier, however, this tweet has since been deleted. 

Downton Abbey was a very successful ITV Sunday night drama, which ran for six series between 2010 and 2015. 

It launched the career of many actors and actresses including Dan Stevens who played the Beast in this year’s live-action remake of Disney’s Beauty & the Beast. 

Downton Abbey also starred Hugh Bonneville and Dame Maggie Smith and have both been rumoured to have been in talks for a big screen sequel to the television series. Let’s hope all will be revealed soon!

[fandomreviews]

HARRY REID TO LEAVE EASTENDERS!

ANOTHER SHOCK EXIT IN ALBERT SQUARE!

Eastenders have officially announced that Ben Mitchell actor Harry Reid is to leave the BBC soap. 

Reid is the fifth actor to portray the character when he joined the series in 2014. He will be shooting his final scenes in the coming months and his exit storyline will air before the end of the year. 

Ben, has been a pivotal part of some of Eastenders biggest storylines since Reid took over the role, such as Abi Branning’s fake pregnancy, the homophobic murder of Ben’s boyfriend Paul Coker and Phil Mitchell’s alcohol addiction. 

In recent weeks, Ben was seen to be entering a relationship with Wilmott Brown’s son Luke; Wilmott Brown famously raped Ben’s mother Kathy and has returned recently with his family and Max Branning to help bring down Albert Square and its inhabitants.

Reid is the fourth actor to announce his departure in recent months following the exit of Aaron Sidwell as Steven Beale and the upcoming exits of Jacqueline Jossa and Lorna Fitzgerald as Lauren and Abi Branning who will leave towards the end of the year. 

Eastenders airs Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday on BBC One

[fandomreviews]

STAR TREK DISCOVERY: EPISODE 2, REVIEW!

A STEADY START AFTER A BORING BEGINNING!

Battle at the Binary Stars: Written by Gretchen J. Berg & Aaron Harbets

Starring: Sonequa Martin-Green, Michelle Yeoh, James Frain & Chris Obi

Kicking off immediately after “The Pilot, “Battle at the Binary Stars” shows the beginning of the conflict between Star Fleet and the Klingons. 

This episode was a lot better than episode one. There was a lot more fast-paced action, more shock factor; like the sudden death of one of Burnham’s officers as he attempts to free her from the brig. 

The story also made Michael Burnham, played by Sonequa Martin-Green, a lot more likeable than she was in episode one. The audience understood why she was going against her mentor and friend of seven years, Captain Georgiou, played by Michelle Yeoh, which in the pilot seemed odd and ruined the relationship the first 20 minutes of the episode was setting up. However, episode two, helps us understand that Burnham was acting with the intention to protect both her captain and her crew. 

This episode had some amazing visuals as well, one that definitely stood out was Burnham’s leap into space as she leapt across the destroyed parts of the USS Shenzhou in order to survive. 

Of course, the big shock came at the end of the episode as Captain Georgiou was killed at the hands of Klingon chief T’Kuvma, who also perished, leaving Burnham without her friend at the end of a war she initially caused. 

This gives Burnham a lot of depth to her character as we move forward in the series. 

Episode three will see a time jump occur for Burnham and us as an audience so it will be good to see how her actions and time has changed the character who was imprisoned for mutiny and stripped of her rank as commander at the end of episode two. 

“Battle of Binary Stars” improved upon the imperfections of ‘The Pilot” and was actually a lot more fun which was what I was wanting from the Star Trek series as it reminded me a lot of the recent Star Trek trilogy of film. Will this fun continue into the rest of the series? I for one certainly hope so!

Join us next week for our review of Discovery, Episode three!

[fandomreviews]

LADY GAGA: FIVE FOOT TWO, REVIEW!

FROM JOANNE TO THE SUPERBOWL!

*****

GAGA: FIVE FOOT TWO: Directed by Chris Moukarbel

Starring: Lady Gaga

Gaga: Five Foot Two is a documentary film about the life of singer/songwriter Lady Gaga in the months before the release of her album “Joanne” and her performance at the Superbowl Halftime Show. 

Five Foot Two is an absolutely beautiful work of art that shows the hard work and dedication Gaga; real name Stefani Germanotta puts into the music and projects she does.

The documentary witnesses some of the hardest moments in Gaga’s life during the time period in which we follow her. We see the breakdown of her relationship with her ex-fiance, actor, Taylor Kinney. You witness her comfort her friend who is suffering from a brain tumour and in one of the most touching moments of the film, she lets her grandmother and father hear the titular song from her album “Joanne” which is about the passing of her aunt. 

The film captures the creative process behind the album and the conception of various songs, such as “A Million Reasons”, “Joanne” and “Perfect Illusion” as she works in the studio with producer Mark Ronson. 

We see the struggles of being an artist with a very full plate, as Gaga struggles with producing her album and balancing her work on Ryan Murphy’s “American Horror Story: Roanoke” in which she played the role of Scáthach.

The film culminates in a very epic way as Gaga rehearses and performs her now legendary Superbowl Halftime Show in 2017. The show in which she famously jumped from the roof of the Superdome and descended into the arena at the beginning of her set. 

Five Foot Two is a very personal story in which Lady Gaga gives her fans an in-depth look at her family life, the breakdown of her engagement and the creative process behind her creative vision. Fans of Gaga will love it as will fans of the documentary genre.