Friday 19 August 2011

Summer Reads in Sixty(ish) Seconds

I love the summer holidays because you can sit and read a whole book in one sitting and not feel bad. Except for the inevitable numb bum, but it's sort of an okay pain.

First up this summer;
Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller
My rating: ***** 5 stars

I'd been recommended this book for a long time. Perhaps my friends all think I need to get my priorities sorted! Anyway, as much as I'd love to prove them wrong, they totally hit the nail on the head. This is a challenging and very very readable book, asking us to take a look at the things in our lives which all too often take the focus away from God - the only God who deserves our time, money, enthusiasm, respect, pursuit, dedication and love. Keller deals with all the main contenders for our attention; money, relationships, status, approval. And it's an eye opener.

Next to be curled up in a beach bag and filled with sand;
Mud, Sweat and Tears by Bear Grylls
My rating: **** 5 stars

Make no mistakes, I am a big big fan of Bear Grylls, but I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I picked up his autobiography. Would it be all about his rise to fame as an extreme survival expert, or a how-to-survive book? Actually, I was pleasantly surprised as I read a very honest, sometimes very funny account of Bear's childhood and formative experiences growing up. From tales of evading a lashing at school, to climbing on rooftops, failing at getting girls and travelling on the long and painful road back from a serious spinal injury, this book is jam packed with stories and lessons which completely explain how Bear Grylls can do what we see on our TV screens today. The guy is a nutter, a gentleman and a true inspiration.

And finally, for a change of direction;
Running Wild by Michael Morpurgo
My rating: **** 4 stars

Yep, it's another kids book. You'd be silly to think it's an easy read though. Morpurgo has done it again - successfully writing a children's book that had me enthralled from the start and sobbing by the end. Inspired and shocked by the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004, the Iraq war, and the rising problems of deforestation and illegal animal trade, Morpurgo tells the story of one boy who finds himself at the centre of all of these huge issues. The jungle comes alive through his brilliant descriptions, and the characters (including that of the wonderfully maternal Oona the elephant) are vivid. For me, the ending came too abruptly, though I understood why he did this, and that is certainly not enough to put me off recommending this book to Morpurgo fans and newbies!

And that's all my summer reading so far. Just over 2 weeks left, and I'm sure I'll fit some more in!

Films: 127 Hours (2010)

Dir: Danny Boyle
Cast: James Franco

Who doesn't love a movie based on the real life story of a triumph of the human spirit over adversity? Remember the Titans, Freedom Writers, Chariots of Fire. They're all great. Now, for me, 127 Hours joins that esteemed hall of fame.

Franco is joined by a handful of other actors throughout the film, though none gets more than a few moments of screen time. After all, the majority of the film is spent in one place - with Franco's character, Aron Ralston, wedged between boulders in a Utah canyon. Despite this, the film does not become boring or 'samey'. Under Boyle's direction, Franco is charismatic, likeable, and completely three dimensional. He goes through the full gamut of emotions from anger, to sadness, disbelief and deep regret.

Now, those who know about the story will of course know how Aron Ralston eventually freed himself and returned to civilization. It is not pretty, but it really happened, and Boyle pulls no punches. So, though graphic, it certainly conveys Ralston's desperation to survive and willingness to do so at any cost.

My rating: **** 4/5 stars
Recommendation: If you liked Tom Hanks in Cast Away, or Colin Farrell in Phone Booth then you'll love this!

For Aron Ralston's own story go to his blog here.

Tuesday 2 August 2011

Films: The Eagle (2011)

Dir: Kevin McDonald
Cast: Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell, Donald Sutherland

It's a swords and sandals road movie. Of course!

In a nutshell, this film is about the treacherous journey which two young enemies undergo in order to regain lost honour. The men must cross Hadrian's Wall into the unknown and unforgiving northern territories of Britain in search of the lost golden eagle standard of Rome.

What I loved about this film was that it didn't try to be Gladiator, 300 or Ben Hur. Yes, there are some incredibly intense and 'epic' battle scenes. And yes, the guys all run around in skirts and sandals. But at it's core, this film is about the relationship between the two protagonists and it is wonderfully applicable and contemporary.

Tatum and Bell are two incredibly talented young actors and they hold your attention for the entire film. Their relationship is gripping, tense, uncertain and eventually very heartwarming. They both deliver incredible combat sequences as well as poignant emotional moments perfectly. And, lets face it, they both look great on screen too! Accompanied by some breathtaking landscapes, and a smattering of kooky characters speaking rustic languages, the film has a a great authenticity about it. McDonald made a conscious decision to limit the use of CGI and I think it really paid off.

My rating: **** 4/5 stars
Recommendation: A gripping and heart-felt movie about respect, honour and friendship, that takes itself a little too seriously at times, but just about gets away with it.

Films: Limitless (2011)

Dir. Neil Burger
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Abbie Cornish, Robert DeNiro, Anna Friel

We have all imagined what our lives could be if there was just one quick fix to sort out all of our problems. And that is exactly what Eddie Morra finds in a mysterious clear pill called NZT. The drug instantly activates the entire brain, spilling out facts, numbers, details and knowledge that would otherwise be lying dormant. It makes Eddie a very rich, very powerful man. However, he soon discovers that there is a very dark and deadly side to this life enhancing drug and finds himself on the run from some unsavoury (yet disappointingly stereotypical) underworld characters.

The film uses a lot of choppy, fast paced sequences, designed to mimic the effects of NZT on its addicts. However, this is often disorientating and prevents the story from flowing. Similarly, the first half of the film plays out very much like a typical action thriller, with a bit of flashy camerawork and photography thrown in. As Morra delves deeper into the world of addiction, however, the heart pumping action moments are replaced by some fairly gratuitous bloody fight scenes. Of course, we are being shown the seriousness of the situation, and the lengths to which NZT addiction will take its users, but it just didn't seem to fit the rest of the film. I didn't need to see a man being stabbed in the eye with a syringe!

Bradley Cooper (really the selling point of this movie for me) plays a likeable character, who you just wish manages to free himself of his addiction. DeNiro is intimidating as Morra's boss, but does not make such an impact in this film that you would rank it highly among his other cinematic achievements. And Morra's on-again-off-again girlfriend Lindy (Cornish) is flawlessly beautiful but rather incomplete as a character.

In short, the film is interesting and watchable to the end - which offers perhaps the most cunning and well put together scene in the movie. However, it is slightly clunky and self indulgent in its execution.

My rating: *** 3/5 stars
Recommendation: For a fast paced drug-based thriller, it does the job.

Monday 1 August 2011

Films: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 (2011)

Dir. David Yates
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes....

It's the end of an era. I can say that because Harry Potter, whether through books or movies, has been a huge part of my life. It might sound silly, but there is so much good to be learned from those stories. Harry is a true hero. He's a real guy with struggles and a whole lot of issues, who ultimately realises that there is no greater love than to be willing to die for your friends, and even those you've never met.

So, slushy nostalgic and philosophical thoughts aside, lets review this as a film.

I think it's fair to say that the films have been getting better and better which each installment, and this one is quite simply brilliant. The actors, now young adults, have become so comfortable in their roles that the relationships, whether between friends or enemies, are entirely believable.

In brief (for those of you living in some kind of anti-potter bubble), Harry Potter and his two best friends Ron and Hermione return to Hogwarts in an attempt to find and destroy the remaining horcruxes (portions of Voldemorts soul) and ultimately kill Lord Voldemort. Not your average end of term shenanigans for British school kids. Holding the fort in his absence, Neville Longbottom and the rest of Dumbledore's Army have been taking a beating, and welcome Harry back with open arms. All hell breaks loose, however, as a huge and epic battle breaks out within Hogwarts, the outcome of which guarantees that either Voldemort or Harry will die.

It's pretty gripping stuff, from the rip-roaring break-in at Gringotts bank, to the stirring speech given by Neville (My hero! I told you he would have his moment! *swoon*). Yates uses silences really effectively in the film, as he does the special effects which create the stunning final battle. You can't help but be swept up by the struggle between good and evil. As huge spiders and giants storm the castle, and Hogwarts' suits of armour come to life, it seems the whole magical world is involved in the fight.

There is not a single line that is delivered half-heartedly, as though the cast realised that this would be their last chance to ever play these wonderfully deep and well-loved characters. I shed more than a few tears, particularly towards the end in a scene where Harry comes to terms with the number of deaths that have happened in his name. He hates being 'The Boy who Lived,' but he knows what he must do. Radcliffe's performance is excellent and a far cry from little 11 year-old Harry who was rescued from a cupboard under the stairs and thrust into the spotlight.

So, in short, thanks Harry. Thanks JK Rowling. It has been a wonderful wild ride.

My Rating: ***** 5/5 stars
Recommendation: Don't watch this movie until you have watched all the others. Better still, don't watch it until you have read all of the books. Brilliant.

Friday 1 July 2011

Films: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)

I am getting pretty excited about the release of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy in the UK on September 16th. And I'll tell you why...

Cast:
Gary Oldman
Mark Strong
Tom Hardy
Benedict Cumberbatch
Colin Firth
Ciaran Hinds
John Hurt

THAT'S why! Great big British acting brilliance! There is quite literally nothing wrong with that cast. And if you don't know who they are, shame on you. Google them all this instant!

Here's the trailer for you to enjoy...
TinkerTailerSoldierSpy (YouTube link)

Thursday 30 June 2011

Music: Aloe Blacc, Good Things

I like that Aloe Blacc has given his album such an upbeat title. You might even be fooled into thinking that the songs are all about, well, good things. Oh well done Aloe. In fact, with his gorgeous melted chocolate voice, Aloe Blacc speaks his piece on unemployment, homelessness, alcoholism and twisted politicians. Good things!


With the recession still resonating with listeners here and across the pond, the anthemic and tragic single, 'I Need a Dollar,' has been a huge hit all over. It's vaguely reminiscent of an old spiritual - a soulful protest song. 'Politician' is a funky fight song, while 'Hey Brother' features a wicked wah-wah slap bass. Good Things is a sort of homegrown, rootsy old-school funky soul record, which is safe enough not to ruffle too many feathers when you play it in your car.


With all of this in mind, I wasn't tempted to drown my sorrows or crawl back under the covers after listening to the album. Blacc's delicious voice, accompanied by some funky bass, cheerful trumpets and class-A 'shoopers', makes this a joy to hear. If anything, I was moved to utter a few 'amens' in solidarity with Blacc's struggles. He even borrows from Buffalo Springfield's 'Stop Children What's that Sound,' if you're a fan.


My rating: **** 4/5 stars

Reccommendation: Preach it, Aloe! You'll love this if you're a fan of soul, funk or the 50s-esque stylings of Amy Winehouse and friends.

Sunday 26 June 2011

Theatre: The 39 Steps

The 39 Steps
Cast: Andrew Alexander (understudy), Laura Rogers, Dermot Canavan, Sean Kearns

"4 cast members play 139 characters in 100 hilarious minutes!"

This is a gem of London theatre. Full of humour, excellent staging, wonderful voices and brilliant storytelling, this show had me quite literally crying with laughter from start to finish. It really is a ripping ride from London to Edinburgh, jumping from moving steam trains, darting through windows and never consuming more than a thumb of whisky.

Based on the Alfred Hitchcock classic, the unintentional hero, Richard Hannay (who Andrew Alexander plays uncannily like the dashing Cary Elwes in The Princess Bride...swoon!) must travel from his lonely bachelor pad in London to discover the 39 steps, aquit himself of murder and save England from a strange man with four and a half fingers. Hannay is charming, quick-witted, rather athletic and cut from very noble cloth. The other three cast members between them play more than 100 other bizarre and brilliant characters, sometimes simultaneously in one scene!

The dialogue is pacey. The staging is faultless. The sound effects are hysterical. The finale is quite simply ridiculous. I loved it.

My rating: ***** 5/5 stars.
Recommendation: See it. Then see it again. Then see it again. I defy you not to laugh every time.

Friday 20 May 2011

Books: The Alchemaster's Apprentice




Author: Walter Moers

Success! I have now read all but one of Walter Moers wildly imaginative jaunts in Zamonia, and it was a classic. In short, Echo is a Crat (yes, Crat) who, when faced with starvation, strikes up a bargain with a dangerous and sinister Alchemist called Ghoolion; in exchange for abundant and extravagant food and lodging, at the next full moon Echo must be boiled down for his fat. Of course.


The book is, of course, brimming with Moers' brand of description which so seamlessly blends scientific facts and completely imaginary nonsense. The Alchemaster treats the crat to the most wonderful array of the world's cuisine, as well as providing Echo with some out-of-body experiences under the influence of some rather powerful potions. Though the book seems to trundle along, taking in the sights and sounds of the Alchemaster's laboratory, the threads are gently being woven together and the final climactic scene is quite spectacular.


City of Dreaming Books is still my favourite Zamonian tale so far, but this one is pretty close. Funny, intruiging and mind-boggling bizarre, there really is no other storyteller like Moers.


My rating: **** 4/5 stars

Recommendation: As a stand alone this is a great book, not mentioning too much of Zamonia's other stories and anecdotes. Definately start with Captain Bluebear if you want to get stuck into this guy's writing.

Friday 13 May 2011

Films: The Illusionist (2010)

The Illusionist (2010)
Dir: Sylvain Chomet
Cast: Jean-Claude Donda, Eilidh Rankin

The premise is simple. The old world of wonder and illusion is being cruelly overpowered by rock and roll, screaming girls and 'The Industry.' Old is good, new is bad.

The Illusionist is a dying breed and finds himself systematically rejected and chucked out of the grand concert halls of his hey-day and into grimy pubs and garden parties. With his grumpy rabbit, he trundles off to Scotland in search of work. Staying in a cosy pub in the highlands, he meets Alice, a little girl who truly believes in his magic. They set off on an adventure to the big city, where the illusionist is forced to beg and borrow in order to keep his little companion's dreams alive.

The film is simultaneously beautiful and tragic. The characters are over-exaggerated caricatures of reality, but somehow believable. However, it is the artwork in the animations which demands the greatest praise. The scenery is incredibly detailed - almost real in many scenes. The film is virtually silent, with very little dialogue and no soudtrack to speak of. But there is great power and storytelling in the movements, actions, colours and images that play out on screen.

My rating **** 4/5 stars
Recommendation: This is a genuinely engaging animation, but if you are not a fan of ciné or prefer your characters to garble Sorkin-esque dialogue, then this is probably not your bag.

Eurovision, baby!

I should be there. I should be in Dusseldorf right now, drinking some Liebfraumilch and eating Schweinebraten and Spaetzle. But I'm not. No, I am in Hatfield drinking flat coke and eating an Aero lamb. I'm not bitter that at the very we clicked 'Purchase Tickets' some other goon was doing exactly the same thing with, apparently, a milli-second of an edge on us. No, not at all.

And now, just to rub salt in the wound, this is looking to be one of the best Eurovisions for years. Yes, I use the term 'best' lightly. So, for those of you sad enough to care (I am literally like a child going to Disneyland!), here is my list of the top ten to watch out for. Click on the song for a link to the YouTube video. Enjoy:

HUNGARY - Kati Wolf, What about my Dreams?
Kati is very smiley, and she teeters around in a teeny blue dress on big heels. It's a catchy tune, though, and the epitome of Eurovision. Bookies are backing this one!

AZERBAIJAN - Ell and Nikki, Running Scared
Well, the English lyrics are questionable, but the chorus gets right in your head.

ICELAND - Sjonni's Friends, Coming Home
This is a very happy song with brilliant brass and a lot of smiley middle aged men, but actually has a very sad story behind it. No sobbing at Eurovision!

FRANCE - Amaury Vassilli, Sognu
Just for kicks, let's throw a male tenor into the mix! France's answer to Josh Groban seems very sweet and has a spectacular set of pipes, but is Europe ready for opera?

UNITED KINGDOM - Blue, I Can
Things are looking good for the UK because this isn't too bad. I would even bet we'll get more than "nil points!" We can't win, though - we spent all the money on the Olympics and the Queen!

SWEDEN - Eric Saade, Popular
Hello Sweden! It's got a good dance and Eric is, well, beautiful. Completely unsingable tune, though. I'll give him 12 points just if he manages to sing it all in tune live!

FINLAND - Paradise Oskar, Da Da Dum
This cute little eco tune will be on film soundtracks and adverts before you know it. Very sweet and singable, this would be a welcome change from the ESC's usual big hair, big heels, big pyros winner!

ROMANIA - Hotel FM, Change
It's like a new Cliff Richard has risen from the ashes of a Romanian orphanage. No seriously, this band is fronted by a very Northern man called Dave, who moved out there as a missionary (go Dave!!), met his wife and stayed there. It's cheesy, smiley, fun and just made for the ESC.

DENMARK - A Friend in London, New Tomorrow
This is one of my favourites. Not incredibly Eurovision-y but the front man has remarkable hair and it sticks right in your head all day long. It's anthemic pop-rock - what's not to love?!

and finally...
IRELAND - Jedward, Lipstick
I hate that Jedward have tainted Eurovision with their stupid hair, inability to sing, annoying vioces and even more infuriating faces. But, this song was made for the ESC. Dammit.

There you go. I think it's worth pointing out here that there are some other notable acts (Estonia, Russia, Switzerland, Serbia and Georgia all have the legs) ready to camp it up. And, of course, look out for the joke entrants Moldova (wearing enormous hats) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (an old guy and some very suspect dancing). So, get your face paints out, cook up some bratwurst and get ready for the biggest, campest, most star-spangled x-factor bootcamp you've ever seen.

www.eurovision.tv/
www.youtube.com/user/eurovision

Monday 2 May 2011

Films: StarShip

Starship (Star Kid productions)

Dir: Matt Lang

Cast: Joey Richter, Lauren Lopez, Joe Walker, Joe Moses, Dylan Saunders, Meredith Stepien, Brant Cox, Brian Holden...


YouTube gets all the fun. A Very Potter Musical, A Very Potter Sequel and now, Starship.

The show is about a bug called Bug, who has higher aspirations than being a lowly egg-planter or doomed to serve as 'nutrition' for the Overqueen. Bug wants to be a StarShip Ranger, the coolest, most badass guys and girls surfing through space. But he isn't a human. And that's a problem. However, when a group of rangers end up in BugWorld, Bug finds that he has more in common with his StarShip heroes than he thinks.

It is fair to say that StarKid Productions have certainly kicked it up a notch for this show. That's a joke that you'll get when you watch it. The script, staging and music are all better. Not to mention the puppetry which blends perfectly into the action. The new StarKids are all worthy members of the team, particularly Meredith Stepien, who plays super-cyborg Mega Girl.

Massive props must be given to Joey Richter who has risen from his Ron Weasley days a better singer and actor (I know, impossible, right?!) and, my goodness me, even more hot! My absolute favourites in this show though are three StarKid old timers - Lauren Lopez (who is hilarious as a badass mexican), Joe Walker (he's got no balls, but he's got heart!), and Dylan Saunders (who plays both an insanely sweet simpleton, and a terrifyingly sexy evil super villain. And Saunders gets the shows best songs, with the exception of Bug's anthemic 'I wanna be a Starship Ranger!'

The songs and characters might not be instantly as memorable as those from the Potter musicals, but rest assured, Starship is going to reel in some massive hits on YouTube from its dedicated (and in some cases, oddly obsessive) fan base. Go be one of them!



My Rating: **** A few bum choices for singers (seriously, February?!) but over all, a StarKid marvel!

Recommendation: At 3.5hrs it's a commitment but hang in there for some vintage Joe Walker and Joey Richter in Act 2...

You can read about my slightly unhinged dedication to the starkid cause on my other blog, here.

Neville is the new RPatz!

So, it appears Neville Longbottom was a late bloomer. Matthew Lewis, you are a gorgeous northern man! Neville was always my hero throughout all of the books. Right from The Philosopher's Stone when he is awarded house points for courage. And, not wanting to give anything away for those of you who haven't read the books, but Deathly Hallows is Neville's big moment. Eeeek. I am more excited than a kid in a sweet shop!




Step aside Potter, Weasley and you, miss Granger - Longbottom is in the building!

Sunday 1 May 2011

The Starship Has Landed!

Team StarKid (of The Very Potter Musical and Very Potter Sequel, fame) have had a busy few months, writing, performing, filming, editing and building-up their latest musical extravaganza - Starship.



And now the wait is over, because non Statesiders such as you and I can now watch the entire show in all of its glory on YouTube. Yes! Needless to say, I am pretty excited. Joey Richter and Joe Walker in lead roles, with another super-sounding score by Darren Criss. Perfect!


Now I just need to find 3.5 hours spare...hmm...

In the meantime, head on over to the Team StarKid YouTube Channel and get watching. Post up your reviews as comments if you fancy. My review will be up in no time!

Enjoy :-)

Monday 28 February 2011

King Colin reigns!

Well, what a fantastic night for British cinema. I am over the moon to see Colin Firth walk away with Best Actor, and The King's Speech to have won 3 other awards. Very very well deserved. Damn good bloody good job!

For those of you living in some kind of bubble, here's how it went down at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards:

Best picture - The King's Speech
Best actor - Colin Firth, The King's Speech
Best actress - Natalie Portman, Black Swan
Best supporting actor - Christian Bale, The Fighter
Best supporting actress - Melissa Leo, The Fighter
Best director - Tom Hooper, The King's Speech
Best Original Screenplay - David Seidler, The King's Speech
Best Adapted Screenplay - Aaron Sorkin, The Social Network

Well those are the biggies (as it were) although I should mention Inception which walked away with 4 awards, and The Social Network which picked up two others. Toy Story 3 (which I found a little disappointing) won Best Animation. I suppose there wasn't any real competition, but I would have literally jumped for joy if How to Train Your Dragon could have pipped Pixar!

I was a little surprised not to see the Coen's True Grit there. Maybe they didn't understand Jeff Bridges either!

All of that aside, the most important thing is that it would seem that Britain, the Monarchy and speech impediments are still cool. Kate and Wills: The Movie, anyone?...

http://www.oscar.com/

Sunday 27 February 2011

Oscars night!!

Drumroll please...
The winner is...
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Friday 25 February 2011

Films: True Grit (2010)


Dir: Joel and Ethan Coen
Cast: Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Hailee Steinfeld

I found it really hard to even understand a word that Jeff Bridges' character 'Rooster' Cogburn was saying for a good portion of this movie. But the lines I did get were utter genius! All three of the lead characters in the film are portrayed superbly, and major props must be given to little Hailee Steinfeld who is already a superstar, and a complete bad-ass.

The film is shot with the sepia glaze of a Coen brother's romp through the Wild West, and scattered with some completely off the wall, animal impersonating characters. They saved big bucks on soundtrack - featuring delicate little piano renditions of 3 old church hymns throughout - but some incredible production design, and sweeping location shots provide their own beauty to this dark and rugged film.

My rating: **** 4/5 stars
Recommendation: A good old cowboy ride in the mountains. Bridges is excellent. Inintelligible but excellent.

Films: The Social Network (2010)

Dir: David Fincher
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake


I grew up in the Facebook age. I used Facebook right through university and still, four years later, religiously check 'My page' daily. When Mark Zuckerberg invented Facebook (and let's, for arguments sake, say he did), he discovered Atlantis.

I feel like I use the phrase 'pleasantly surprised' too much. It certainly applies to my reaction to this movie. Eisenberg's Zuckerberg is neurotic, arrogant, hilarious, mond-bogglingly intelligent and speaks at an unbelievable rate. British star-on-the-rise, Andrew Garfield, plays his much maligned best friend and colleague, with a gutsy and likeable performance. And, Justin Timberlake? Yeah. Pleasantly surprised. Add the fast paced dialogue (Aaron Sorkin at the helm) and masterful direction, and you have a serious Oscar contender.


My rating: ***** 5/5 stars
Recommendation: Don't sneer at 'the Facebook film.' It's a brilliant film about a once-in-a-generation life-altering invention.

**Later note: That one took me 3 minutes. Is that allowed? **

Tuesday 22 February 2011

Redeem the Time...

I've been challenged by a friend who thinks that I am too verbose and use too many commas in my blog posts. They reckon it should take 60 seconds to review a film, book or CD. 60 seconds cuts out the crap, waffle, and jargon. 60 seconds gives a clear idea of the pros and cons. 60 seconds is long enough to make up your mind about something. If I can't convince you of a film's brilliance, a band's ineptitude or a writer's genius in 60 seconds, it's not worth your while to read it.

So, the gauntlet is thrown.

Stopwatch at the ready...

OSCAR SEASON: Films: The King's Speech (2010)

Dir: Tom Hooper
Cast: Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, Geoffrey Rush

Dang it. I could discuss this film for a whole day, never mind 60 seconds. Still...

There is a very good reason why almost every single person involved in the making of this movie is up for an Oscar this year. It is quite simply an exquisite piece of cinema. From the script, to the music, to the beautiful acting performances and the evocative score, this is a wonderful film.

Following King George 'Bertie' VI whirlwind journey to the throne, the films gives us the story of his struggle to overcome a speech impediment at the time of wireless and World War 2. The country needed a King who could speak with strength, conviction and eloquence. Through the surprisingly funny, tender and normal relationship which Bertie struck up with his charistmatic Antipodean speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Rush), this is just what the country got.

My Rating: ***** 5/5 stars. This will win big at the Oscars. Or I'll eat my stopwatch.
Recommendation: Incredibly moving, witty and sensitive. Even Queen Elizabeth II is rumored to have enjoyed it. We are most definitely amused.

Monday 21 February 2011

It's Oscars Week!

That's right, the countdown has officially begun. The Oscars are in 6 short days and I would not like to be a nominee up against Colin Firth or Natalie Portman right now.

You can get a full list of the nominees in every category over at The Official Oscars Webpage.

Now, I'm not normally the gambling sort but if I was, here's where my money would lie:

Best actor - Colin Firth, The Kings Speech
Best actress - Natalie Portman, Black Swan
Best film - Inception
Best Supporting actor - Geoffrey Rush, The King's Speech

Pretty standard, all. I'd like to see The Social Network get some recognition because it really is an excellent movie, but not enough to defeat King Colin and company! Sorry.

Coming up this week:
Movie reviews - The Social Network (saw it ages ago but forgot to blog), The King's Speech, True Grit
Music Reviews - Gungor, The Shelter (Jars of Clay)
Book reviews - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Alchemaster's Apprentice, Billionaire Boy.

What? It's half term, of course I'll have time for all of these! Well, okay, I'll see how it goes.
Be back soon!

Sunday 20 February 2011

films: Remember Me

Quick catch up blog for y'all..
1. Yep, i'm still still an avid film watcher and part time insomniac.

2. I have just watched Remember Me, and would like to say on record, wow.

Okay, if im completely honest, my only interest in this film originally came out of a desire to catch Twilight heartthrob, Pattinson, not being able to act. Well, i couldn't have been wronger! This film was a total revelation for me. He is charismatic, sincere, natural and effortlessly charming (even when he's terrifying 10 year old school girls!).
On first appearances this film seems like an over analysed piece of self indulgence. However, in reality, it is gritty, painful and unsuspected. The cast of actors is well chosen; natural and likeable. The story builds to a climax which had me literally gasping in shock. Infact, it is so brave an ending that the film almost cannot carry it and, sort of, fizzles out in a sequence of short poignant scenes.
That aside, this is a deeply real and saddening story acted and executed expertly.
British boy Robert can be pleased as punch that there is life after vampirism.

My rating: **** 4/5 stars
Recommendation: Give it a chance - not too much pouting to be seen!
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