The Star Beast, first of three special episodes marking the 60th Anniversary of Doctor Who, is a joyous and thought-provoking hour that reunites the winning team of perenially popular favorites David Tennant and Catherine Tate. From the opening scene (which comes after a brief recap of The Tenth Doctor and Donna's history together,) director Rachel Talalay perfectly hits the right beats and tone that bring us right back to the fun and feeling of fifteen years ago.
The plot is a 'typical' Doctor Who story complete with goofy-looking British aliens, explosions and quips. There are scenes and moments that bring us into the modern day, some which might be problematic to a few viewers who consider themselves 'traditionalists' in both entertainment and sociopolitical issues. Most however should find that The Star Beast opens the door to the universe even wider, with new and intriguing characters and concepts.
It LOOKS fantastic - the cinematic quality and special effects are masterfully handled (with a few missteps now and again, none worth mentioning; they do not detract.) Murray Gold's musical score incorporates snatches of familiar melodies and feelings and the new version of the title theme is tremendous (as is the opening title sequence!) David Tennant's Fourteenth Doctor benefits greatly from the years of work the actor has put in since last playing The Doctor; just as we watched him grow as an actor back in his Ten days, we see his growth here as well, still stunning, still hyperkinetic at times, and with even more feeling in his haunted/regretful aka serious moments. Catherine Tate steps back into Donna Noble as if she'd never left, and her growth as an actor is noticeable as well. The rest of the cast are all on point, and the energy and cohesion in the ensemble scenes is perfectly matched to one another.
There are standout scenes that will have you tearing up, laughing out loud, or shouting excitedly like a Doctor seeing their new (amazing, if a bit bare right now) TARDIS for the first time.
The leadup to the end may make you think 'patented Disney fairy tale,' but then so did the first reunion of this Doctor and this Companion. It's not uncomfortable to let yourself go with it and just enjoy. Fan service? Only in the very best way.
The plot is a 'typical' Doctor Who story complete with goofy-looking British aliens, explosions and quips. There are scenes and moments that bring us into the modern day, some which might be problematic to a few viewers who consider themselves 'traditionalists' in both entertainment and sociopolitical issues. Most however should find that The Star Beast opens the door to the universe even wider, with new and intriguing characters and concepts.
It LOOKS fantastic - the cinematic quality and special effects are masterfully handled (with a few missteps now and again, none worth mentioning; they do not detract.) Murray Gold's musical score incorporates snatches of familiar melodies and feelings and the new version of the title theme is tremendous (as is the opening title sequence!) David Tennant's Fourteenth Doctor benefits greatly from the years of work the actor has put in since last playing The Doctor; just as we watched him grow as an actor back in his Ten days, we see his growth here as well, still stunning, still hyperkinetic at times, and with even more feeling in his haunted/regretful aka serious moments. Catherine Tate steps back into Donna Noble as if she'd never left, and her growth as an actor is noticeable as well. The rest of the cast are all on point, and the energy and cohesion in the ensemble scenes is perfectly matched to one another.
There are standout scenes that will have you tearing up, laughing out loud, or shouting excitedly like a Doctor seeing their new (amazing, if a bit bare right now) TARDIS for the first time.
The leadup to the end may make you think 'patented Disney fairy tale,' but then so did the first reunion of this Doctor and this Companion. It's not uncomfortable to let yourself go with it and just enjoy. Fan service? Only in the very best way.