Distant Love (Part 88)

The next day all the plans had been put in place. Derek shakes at the thought of what he is about to be involved in. He had thought that his role in the plot would be at an end after he had hacked into the system, but now they wanted more. A trickle of sweat rolled down the side of his face as the suns rays belted down on him.

markswritingcorner.blog

Fukushima: Heroic Stories from the Nuclear Disaster

My dear readers, if you are someone who suffers from anxiety, then best to give this a miss. On the other hand if you love learning about disasters, then this is a show for you. Fukushima: A Nuclear Nightmare is a gripping, meticulously crafted HBO documentary that stands as one of the most compelling and human accounts of the 2011 triple disaster in Japan.

markswritingcorner.blog

Review of Special Ops: Lioness

My dear readers, I do hope you are unwell. Wondering what to watch next? I think I have found a gem. In truth, I had forgotten I had access to Paramount at my parents house. Silly me, I knew my life was missing something. Special Ops: Lioness on Paramount+ is a gripping, high-stakes thriller that delivers intense action, sharp writing, and powerhouse performances in equal measure.

markswritingcorner.blog

My Grandfather: Charles Manson Hits the Spot

It was my pleasure to watch this documentary on Netflix, about a week. It is definitely not for the faint-hearted. My Grandfather Charles Manson is a raw, intimate, and unexpectedly compelling documentary that turns a shocking personal discovery into a thoughtful exploration of identity, family, and the weight of inherited history. Directed by Sophia Maddox, the film follows her journey after a genealogy test reveals that her unknown grandfather was Charles Manson.

markswritingcorner.blog

Why Goodfellas is a Timeless Crime Classic

I was recently flicking through the TV when I came across this film. It's up there with my favorite films of all time and I recommend you watch it if you have not already done so. Goodfellas is a masterclass in filmmaking—a relentless, exhilarating, and brilliantly crafted immersion into the seductive, brutal world of organized crime that remains one of the greatest American movies ever made.Martin Scorsese’s 1990 adaptation of Nicholas Pileggi’s nonfiction book Wiseguy follows the rise and eventual unraveling of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a half-Irish, half-Sicilian kid from Brooklyn who grows up idolizing the local mobsters and eventually becomes one of them.

markswritingcorner.blog

Celebrating Record Views and Future Goals

My dear readers, this is a special post to thank you all for your support. This has been a record-breaking month for the website with 686 views this month. With a bit of luck, it might even reach 700 by the end of the day. That is an average of 22 views per day beating the previous average of 18.

markswritingcorner.blog

Gomorrah: The Origins – Captivating Storytelling in 1977 Naples

This is a new Series on Sky that I recently started watching. It is a prequel to the much vaunted Gomorrah, a series that I absolutely loved and was hoping for more of the same. Gomorrah: The Origins is a stylish, atmospheric, and compelling prequel that deepens the world of the original series while standing strongly on its own. Set in 1977 Naples, the six-episode series traces the early years of a young Pietro Savastano (Luca Lubrano), a street-smart kid from the impoverished Secondigliano neighborhood.

markswritingcorner.blog

Unfiltered Look at Kylie Minogue’s Life and Career

You would be correct in thinking that I would never have been the biggest Kylie Minogue fan. Still, there were some of her tunes I liked so I gave this Netflix series a watch. Kylie is a joyful, intimate, and genuinely moving celebration of one of pop’s most enduring icons. This three-part Netflix documentary series (2026) follows Kylie Minogue as she opens her personal archives—home movies, photos, and private footage—to reflect on her journey from Neighbours soap star to global superstar.

markswritingcorner.blog

Mortal Kombat II (2026) Review: A Nostalgic Action Sequel

The Mortal Kombat franchise always brings warm memories to the fore of when I was much younger, It was too difficult for my hands to use the controller but my friends and brothers did. They all got so animated at times. So, there was a touch of nostalgia when I flicked onto the latest film in the franchise. Mortal Kombat II (2026) is a gleefully brutal, crowd-pleasing sequel that delivers exactly what fans of the franchise want: spectacular fight choreography, over-the-top fatalities, self-aware humor, and deeper dives into the lore.

markswritingcorner.blog

I Will Find You: A Must-Watch Netflix Thriller

I had a few hours to spare during the week, so I decided to give Netflix a try. A good series would do the thing. Then I found just the thing. I Will Find You is a gripping, pulse-pounding Netflix thriller that delivers pure Harlan Coben excellence. From the moment it opens, this eight-episode limited series locks you in and refuses to let go.

markswritingcorner.blog

The Odyssey (2026) Review: A Cinematic Masterpiece

Hello everyone, yesterday I went to see my first film in years. Cinemas have changed quite a bit over the years. Using smartphones to book seats. How strange! All the posters to say what was on were no more. It was mostly teenagers; they must have wondered what the auld fella was up to. But what did I think of the film?

markswritingcorner.blog

2026 World Cup Highlights: Spain’s Triumph and Record Attendance

Hello readers, I don't know about you but I thoroughly enjoyed the World Cup. Okay, it helps that I won 150 euro with Argentina at my work draw. And the actual final was a bore fest. Still, The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, was an unqualified triumph—the biggest, most attended, and one of the most thrilling editions in the tournament's history.

markswritingcorner.blog

The Magic of Brazil’s 1994 World Cup Team

There was a time when you felt excitement and wonder as a Brazilian team took to the field. They played with flair and imagination that other countries could rarely match. This 1h 26m Netflix documentary, called USA 94: Brazil's Return to Glory and directed by Luís Ara, brilliantly captures Brazil’s dramatic journey to their fourth World Cup title in 1994—the moment A Seleção ended a 24-year drought and reclaimed their place among football’s elite.

markswritingcorner.blog

Liverpool’s Istanbul: A Miracle Documentary Review

Untold UK: Liverpool's Miracle of Istanbul is not just another documentary about that legendary 2005 Champions League final—it's the one fans have been waiting for. Streaming on Netflix, this 78-minute film captures the drama, emotion, and sheer improbability of Liverpool's comeback from 3-0 down at half-time against AC Milan with a freshness and intimacy that makes it feel brand new, even two decades later.

markswritingcorner.blog

Wheelchair Wars: Addition to Chapter 7 Part 6

Audrey leaned over and gazed into his eyes. "You are my everything." Her deep, blue eyes dazzled him. They kissed. "Keep it somewhere safe on your battle, and if you ever need to sell it, do. I'll buy you more. I love you." "I love you, too. Will I do that thing you like?" Timothy nodded. Audrey began to kiss his chest, then moved lower as his heart raced.

markswritingcorner.blog

Wheelchair Wars: Addition to Chapter 7 Part 5

They entered the residence where they were staying. It was quiet. Timothy shuddered at the thought of his fallen comrades. His dad waited for him in his room, sitting on a sofa, reading a magazine. "Have a good time?" Timothy nodded. "A fantastic time." "I'm glad to hear it. The two of you deserve it after everything you have been through." He tapped Timothy's shoulder.

markswritingcorner.blog

Wheelchair Wars Addition to Chapter 7 Part 4

"That sounds lovely," Audrey commented as she looked down at the menu once more. "I'll go for it." "Yes, me too," Timothy added. "Great." The waitress smiled and took back the menus before heading to the kitchen. The delivery of the food was fast. Audrey helped Timothy to eat. It tasted unlike anything he had before. Different flavors swirled in in his mouth.

markswritingcorner.blog

Wheelchair Wars Addition to Chapter 7 Part 3

Timothy had never seen anything like it before. It was full of cuisines with long, indecipherable names, from a slew of languages. Audrey looked at him perplexed. Timothy smiled. “I guess we’ll be taking a recommendation.” They were positioned close to kitchen doorway of the kitchen giving them a good whiff of the aroma of the food. It sure does smell good.

markswritingcorner.blog

Wheelchair Wars Addition to Chapter 7 Part 2

A few hours later they entered the Uisneach Beag Restaurant. Timothy wore a suit for the first time ever. His dad had insisted on him looking good for Audrey. Audrey wore an immaculate pick dress and top. She looked suave and smelled of the best flowers of the planet Assisi. Timothy's eyes had lit up on seeing her. The restaurant itself was small, only able to accommodate forty patrons.

markswritingcorner.blog

Wheelchair Wars Addition to Chapter 7 Part 1

Dear readers, I need to build the relationship between Timothy and Audrey. All feedback welcome. Their swords clashed once more. "You really need to mix things up," Audrey scoffed. "I know, but I like keep you on edge, can't be showing you all my moves. What happens if we meet in one of the arenas?" Audrey smiled. "You die, that's what." She drives her chair forward, catching Timothy off guard, who powers backwards."

markswritingcorner.blog

Wheelchair Wars: Luke’s Story Section E Part 7

Their dead bodies had almost reached the ceiling. Still, they continued onwards, slithering through the gaps. Luke tried to put the thought of the guns jamming again out of his mind. A few minutes later, Lisa shouted out, "Stop firing!" Luke took in a deep breath. Then rhey listened. There was no sound. The attack is over. "They sat." "What now?" Lisa asked.

markswritingcorner.blog

War of the Worlds: A Stellar Sci-Fi Series Review

My dear readers, it has been some time since I last did a review. I've been working away on Wheelchair Wars, which I hope to finish this year. In the meantime, I recently started streaming War of the Worlds. (TV Series). It stands tall as a smart, haunting, and emotionally resonant reimagining of H.G. Wells’ classic. This multi-season international co-production (originally airing on Canal+ in Europe and Epix in the US) shifts the action to contemporary Europe and delivers a slow-burn apocalypse that prioritizes human drama, mystery, and creeping dread over nonstop action.

markswritingcorner.blog

Wheelchair Wars: Luke’s Story Section E Part 6

They hurried behind the sandpacks and readied their weapons. The thunderous noise made it apparent in what direction they were coming. Still, he told John to keep an eye on the rear. In an urban warzone like this, you need to think three-dimensionally. This time, there was no subtlety to their assault. It was full frontal and continuous. The plan worked perfectly.

markswritingcorner.blog

Wheelchair Wars Luke’s Story Section E Part 5

Lisa turned to her dead friend. “We did it, Yvonne.” The stench of dead Alachin bodies filled the air. Luke tried to wipe some green blood from his arm. “We should clear the bodies away from the fortification and instead put them to the sides to ensure we have a clear line of fire. A perfect kill zone” John set to work.

markswritingcorner.blog

Wheelchair Wars Luke’s Story Section E Part 4

Lisa lifted up Yvonne's blood-soaked head and cried. John's eyes welled up. Luke's hands covered his face. She didn't deserve this. An Alachin shriek brought Luke back to the present. It was standing on the bodies of its fallen brethren, a large monster even by Alachin standards. More appeared behind it. Lisa put Yvonne's head back down and turned to face the enemy, her facial muscles tensed.

markswritingcorner.blog

Wheelchair Wars Luke’s Story Section E Part 3

They ran down one corridor, then another hurtling towards the action, before coming to an abrupt halt. An Alachin in a crouched position lay between them and the Troopers. It hadn't noticed them, focused on the fortified position in front of them. Luke nodded at John, taking a few steps to the left to put some distance between them. They lifted up their machine guns and opened fire, splaying green blood onto the floor,

markswritingcorner.blog

Wheelchair Wars Luke’s Story Section E Part 2

They sneaked out when everyone in the room was focused on a megaton nuclear strike. Luke had to fight a strong urge to wait and see its effectiveness. Outside, the sound of screams and machine gun fire echoed through the narrow corridor. They rushed forwards. Every second matters. The reached the militia position that Luke had passed earlier. Slain soldiers were drooped over the machine gun.

markswritingcorner.blog

Wheelchair Wars Luke’s Story Section E Part 1

The floor shook as Luke watched the holographic display.  Fighting across the planet was intense. Most of the time though, he concentrated on viewing positions in and around the huge city he was in. The Alachins had breached the outer two defensive lines leading to some of their forces reaching the soft underbelly of the metropolis, huge residential areas where humans were forced to fight with their hands, feet and teeth.

markswritingcorner.blog

Wheelchair Wars Luke’s Story Section D Part 6

One of the last lines of defense. Luke hurried to the other side of the hall and down a small tunnel before he reached a metallic door that swung open after the security device scanned his retina. A cacophony of sound. The centre was buzzing with people running back and forth. He saw John, who appeared to be admonishing those around him, and made his way over to the squadron.

markswritingcorner.blog

Wheelchair Wars Luke’s Story Section D Part 5

They put their clothes back on in a frenzy, knowing that every second could prove critical. "I have to go back to my apartment and get something. I hope to see you after the battle." She kissed him on the lips and walked out the door. Please survive. Luke looked at himself in a mirror and waved some of his hair over to the left.

markswritingcorner.blog