Single-Handed
1x02 The Stolen Child
In which there are lots of pretty shots of the countryside, a decent twist in the whodunnit, and Gerry Driscoll gets his much-deserved comeuppance. Hurrah!
(The series was original screened in Ireland as three two-parters in January 2007, January 2008 and April 2009, but ITV are showing them all as one series of three films.)
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Monday, 31 August 2009
Articles
Doctor Who Exit Interview: David Tennant + Russell T. Davies by Richard Metzger
(from boingboing)
OK, it's a video, not an article, but it's journalism so that's kind of the remit of this section. Anyway, this is a nice nearly-20-minute piece interviewing Tennant and RTD together about their feelings and experiences as they leave Doctor Who.
I'm normally annoyed by video interviews online -- I'd much rather skim through a transcription thanks -- but these two are so personable, and have such a great rapport when put together, that it's a joy to watch. Some good questions are asked, though there are several that are sadly absent (for example, Tennant is asked if he'd return in the future, but RTD isn't asked if he'd like to write for the show again).
(from boingboing)
OK, it's a video, not an article, but it's journalism so that's kind of the remit of this section. Anyway, this is a nice nearly-20-minute piece interviewing Tennant and RTD together about their feelings and experiences as they leave Doctor Who.
I'm normally annoyed by video interviews online -- I'd much rather skim through a transcription thanks -- but these two are so personable, and have such a great rapport when put together, that it's a joy to watch. Some good questions are asked, though there are several that are sadly absent (for example, Tennant is asked if he'd return in the future, but RTD isn't asked if he'd like to write for the show again).
new review at 100 Films
A Few Good Men (1992)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 15 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
courtroom dramas primarily depend on two things, even more so than most films: the quality of the writing and the quality of the performances... Camerawork, editing, music and the rest still have their part to play, but without the underpinning of good writing and good performances the technical attributes are merely fighting to cover for significant shortcomings. Fortunately, A Few Good Men has those underpinnings.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 15 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Sunday, 30 August 2009
TV
As Seen on TV
1x07 Episode 7
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wildest Dreams
Part 5 (of 7)
What a poor show -- on the part of the makers, not the contestants. They were constantly, repetitively criticised for not "spotting the signs" and "seeing the story". How the hell were they meant to? They had two days, they're not familiar with the region or the animals, and their guides had obviously been told not to tell them anything -- it was only when they directly asked precisely the right question that they finally owned up. And throughout this we had to suffer one of the biggest tits on TV, Nick Knowles, taking the moral high ground. As if he would've noticed if he didn't have two -- two -- experts guiding him round and pointing it all out to him.
I'm severely disappointed to the point of anger with this edition, the only solace being that the contestants were evidently better at their jobs than they had any reason to be and all spotted the signs just in time. But it was pathetic, mean-spirited and unfair to expect them to get there any quicker in the way the task was presented to them, and for this stupidity the show loses serious marks in my book.
[Suffer it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x07 Episode 7
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wildest Dreams
Part 5 (of 7)
What a poor show -- on the part of the makers, not the contestants. They were constantly, repetitively criticised for not "spotting the signs" and "seeing the story". How the hell were they meant to? They had two days, they're not familiar with the region or the animals, and their guides had obviously been told not to tell them anything -- it was only when they directly asked precisely the right question that they finally owned up. And throughout this we had to suffer one of the biggest tits on TV, Nick Knowles, taking the moral high ground. As if he would've noticed if he didn't have two -- two -- experts guiding him round and pointing it all out to him.
I'm severely disappointed to the point of anger with this edition, the only solace being that the contestants were evidently better at their jobs than they had any reason to be and all spotted the signs just in time. But it was pathetic, mean-spirited and unfair to expect them to get there any quicker in the way the task was presented to them, and for this stupidity the show loses serious marks in my book.
[Suffer it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
A Few Good Men (1992)
[#38 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
The final half-hour, finally. Could I handle the truth? Well, yes.
[#38 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
The final half-hour, finally. Could I handle the truth? Well, yes.
Articles
Ofcom regulation "astonishing", says Murdoch
and
BBC hits back at Murdoch criticism
and
BBC's Peston questions Murdoch's rationale
(all by James Welsh, from Digital Spy)
James Murdoch clearly thinks he's making some intelligent, if controversial, points. In fact, as the BBC's reasoned response only highlights, he's just having a whiney rant.
"The BBC are bigger than us, it's not fair, wah wah wah!"
and
BBC hits back at Murdoch criticism
and
BBC's Peston questions Murdoch's rationale
(all by James Welsh, from Digital Spy)
James Murdoch clearly thinks he's making some intelligent, if controversial, points. In fact, as the BBC's reasoned response only highlights, he's just having a whiney rant.
"The BBC are bigger than us, it's not fair, wah wah wah!"
Saturday, 29 August 2009
TV
The Cube
1x01 Episode 1
ITV1's latest Phillip Schofield-fronted game show, which started last week. It's sort of almost good, but, let's be honest, it's just a bit too ITV.
That said, some of the slow-motion camera work was appropriate and impressive -- a rare thing, especially for a game show.
And that said, The Body is a shameless attempt at creating a Stig clone. Tsk tsk.
See here for an interesting article on the making of the show.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Mock the Week
7x08 (27/8/09 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x01 Episode 1
ITV1's latest Phillip Schofield-fronted game show, which started last week. It's sort of almost good, but, let's be honest, it's just a bit too ITV.
That said, some of the slow-motion camera work was appropriate and impressive -- a rare thing, especially for a game show.
And that said, The Body is a shameless attempt at creating a Stig clone. Tsk tsk.
See here for an interesting article on the making of the show.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Mock the Week
7x08 (27/8/09 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
The X Files: I Want to Believe - Director's Cut (2008)
[#44 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Please look here for my review of this film.
[#44 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Please look here for my review of this film.
new reviews at 100 Films
Three new reviews today -- a brand-new one, plus two I forgot to mention when they went up. First, a film that's on TV this evening...
The X Files: I Want to Believe - Director's Cut (2008)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
And secondly, those forgotten reviews...
Flags of Our Fathers (2006)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
The Lady from Shanghai (1947)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 16 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. Updates here as and when they're posted.
The X Files: I Want to Believe - Director's Cut (2008)
The idea that I Want to Believe was a bit rubbish and thoroughly disappointing is as much (if not more) the fault of those viewers and reviewers who expected a different kind of film and didn’t get it. On the surface, it's a standalone low-key supernatural thriller... but one that also tackles issues of moving on, obsession and belief, and how they can impact on a relationship
Read the full review at 100 Films.
And secondly, those forgotten reviews...
Flags of Our Fathers (2006)
Eastwood’s two Iwo Jima films make good companion pieces. In no serious way do they present Part One and Part Two of a story, but instead two vastly different perspectives on the same events. The points of crossover between the two are neatly used, occurring naturally rather than forcing “you’ll understand this later”-style mysteries upon the viewer, but mainly they explore the way two very different cultures reacted to the same battle.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
The Lady from Shanghai (1947)
Every key sequence provides something genuinely worth looking at while still relating the intricate plot, though the cruise offers many of the best bits — the hot, sweaty foreign climes are conveyed brilliantly, aided by sumptuous location photography, and these sunny scenes contrast nicely with the noir plot.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 16 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. Updates here as and when they're posted.
Friday, 28 August 2009
TV
The Tudors
3x03 Dissension and Punishment
3x04 The Death of a Queen
The Duke of Suffolk may just be the best character in The Tudors -- note his development over the past three seasons from womanising wideboy to morally conflicted husband-and-father. What a gift to almost-Bond Henry Cavill this part must be.
[Watch both episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
3x03 Dissension and Punishment
3x04 The Death of a Queen
The Duke of Suffolk may just be the best character in The Tudors -- note his development over the past three seasons from womanising wideboy to morally conflicted husband-and-father. What a gift to almost-Bond Henry Cavill this part must be.
[Watch both episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
Thursday, 27 August 2009
TV
Doctor Who: Greatest Moments
Part 1 The Doctor
Part clip show, part retrospective, from the team behind Doctor Who Confidential, looking back at memorable moments and themes from the revived version of the series. Plenty of clips, plenty of musings from the cast (interestingly, only one crew member... and he was a cast member too) -- it's pretty lightweight, but it's quite nice.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Would I Lie To You?
3x03 (24/8/08 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Part 1 The Doctor
Part clip show, part retrospective, from the team behind Doctor Who Confidential, looking back at memorable moments and themes from the revived version of the series. Plenty of clips, plenty of musings from the cast (interestingly, only one crew member... and he was a cast member too) -- it's pretty lightweight, but it's quite nice.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Would I Lie To You?
3x03 (24/8/08 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Five, Sky, ITV2 rule out Big Brother bid by Dan French
(from Digital Spy)
"Five, Sky1 and ITV2 have ruled out bidding for Big Brother when it becomes available in 2011"
After yesterday's announcement, some more good news.
Review of Sita Sings the Blues by Adrian Smith
(from Retro Ramblings)
This sounds like a very interesting film, not least because it's available for free (legally, that is) in a variety of formats (including full 1080P high definition).
(from Digital Spy)
"Five, Sky1 and ITV2 have ruled out bidding for Big Brother when it becomes available in 2011"
After yesterday's announcement, some more good news.
Review of Sita Sings the Blues by Adrian Smith
(from Retro Ramblings)
This sounds like a very interesting film, not least because it's available for free (legally, that is) in a variety of formats (including full 1080P high definition).
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
TV
Dragons' Den
7x07 Episode 7
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Taking the Flak
1x06 Big Beasts
1x07 Enter the Lion [season finale]
And, in a surprising twist, I achieved my goal. Hurrah!
All in, this turned out to be a rather good series, so here's hoping for another round.
[Watch both episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
7x07 Episode 7
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Taking the Flak
1x06 Big Beasts
1x07 Enter the Lion [season finale]
And, in a surprising twist, I achieved my goal. Hurrah!
All in, this turned out to be a rather good series, so here's hoping for another round.
[Watch both episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
First up, just to highlight it:
“They sucked his brains out!” - Starship Troopers (1997) by primus
(from The Ark)
A nice, lengthy review of Starship Troopers, in which the author aims to "present my case for inducting Starship Troopers in to the Sci-Fi Cinema Hall of Fame (if such a thing were to exist)."
He's got me convinced. (Now I just need to watch the thing...)
And now, some damn fine news...
Big Brother axed by Channel 4 by Mark Sweney & Leigh Holmwood
(from guardian.co.uk)
Hurrah, hurrah, the day has finally come!
Though don't rejoice too much -- it's likely it'll just move to another channel. Damn.
And elsewhere...
Disney 'hints at Cars sequel title' by Tim Parks
(from Digital Spy)
" the studio registered several domain names in conjunction with [Cars 2], including cars2-worldgrandprix.com, cars2worldgrandprix.com, carsworldgrandprix.com and worldgrandprix-movie.com. The sequel to the 2006 animated movie is reportedly likely to be called Cars 2: World Grand Prix."
And the award for Worst Stating Of The Bleeding Obvious goes to...
Iannucci used LA experience for Loop by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
""The BBC sold [the concept of The Thick of It] to the highest bidder rather than the best bidder," he noted. "I really wanted to go to HBO but they took it to ABC which is one of the main family networks run by Disney. Already you knew it was going to be a disaster.""
New Nolan third installment of his Batman Saga rumor... by Harry Knowles
(from Ain't It Cool News)
That it will all be shot in IMAX, apparently (The Dark Knight famously had a few sequences shot that way). It's only a 'maybe' because it would be both expensive and time consuming, but the results could be stunning -- not only would it look great on IMAX, but it increases the resolution so much that it looks better on ordinary film and Blu-ray too. That said, it would still be damn annoying for those of us without convenient IMAX screens.
“They sucked his brains out!” - Starship Troopers (1997) by primus
(from The Ark)
A nice, lengthy review of Starship Troopers, in which the author aims to "present my case for inducting Starship Troopers in to the Sci-Fi Cinema Hall of Fame (if such a thing were to exist)."
He's got me convinced. (Now I just need to watch the thing...)
And now, some damn fine news...
Big Brother axed by Channel 4 by Mark Sweney & Leigh Holmwood
(from guardian.co.uk)
Hurrah, hurrah, the day has finally come!
Though don't rejoice too much -- it's likely it'll just move to another channel. Damn.
And elsewhere...
Disney 'hints at Cars sequel title' by Tim Parks
(from Digital Spy)
" the studio registered several domain names in conjunction with [Cars 2], including cars2-worldgrandprix.com, cars2worldgrandprix.com, carsworldgrandprix.com and worldgrandprix-movie.com. The sequel to the 2006 animated movie is reportedly likely to be called Cars 2: World Grand Prix."
And the award for Worst Stating Of The Bleeding Obvious goes to...
Iannucci used LA experience for Loop by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
""The BBC sold [the concept of The Thick of It] to the highest bidder rather than the best bidder," he noted. "I really wanted to go to HBO but they took it to ABC which is one of the main family networks run by Disney. Already you knew it was going to be a disaster.""
New Nolan third installment of his Batman Saga rumor... by Harry Knowles
(from Ain't It Cool News)
That it will all be shot in IMAX, apparently (The Dark Knight famously had a few sequences shot that way). It's only a 'maybe' because it would be both expensive and time consuming, but the results could be stunning -- not only would it look great on IMAX, but it increases the resolution so much that it looks better on ordinary film and Blu-ray too. That said, it would still be damn annoying for those of us without convenient IMAX screens.
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
TV
Taking the Flak
1x04 The Past is a Different Colony
1x05 Unfriendly Fire
[Watch both episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
Wildest Dreams
Part 4 (of 7)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x04 The Past is a Different Colony
1x05 Unfriendly Fire
[Watch both episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
Wildest Dreams
Part 4 (of 7)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
Inception Trailer
The new film from Christopher 'The Dark Knight' Nolan. Little/nothing is known about the plot, but it does look rather cool. On the other hand, it also looks a little bit Matrixy -- but hopefully not too much, because obviously that's a decade old now. Brilliant cast too, incidentally.
The new film from Christopher 'The Dark Knight' Nolan. Little/nothing is known about the plot, but it does look rather cool. On the other hand, it also looks a little bit Matrixy -- but hopefully not too much, because obviously that's a decade old now. Brilliant cast too, incidentally.
Articles
Loophole over DVD age rating law
(from BBC News)
"Retailers who sell violent video games and 18-rated DVDs to children cannot be prosecuted because of a legal blunder 25 years ago."
Oops.
Robin Williams keen to play Susan Boyle in film biopic by Ben Child
(from guardian.co.uk)
"The comedy actor, who donned drag and assumed a Scottish accent in Mrs Doubtfire, has expressed a wish to play the Britain's Got Talent star in a biopic".
I've not bothered to watch any of the Susan Boyle footage (not any of it), but that I'd watch.
Smith's Hancock sequel finds writers by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
Well well well, I didn't see that coming. Of course, I'd only heard the poor critical reception -- I didn't realise it had done so well at the box office. As ever, money beats quality.
(from BBC News)
"Retailers who sell violent video games and 18-rated DVDs to children cannot be prosecuted because of a legal blunder 25 years ago."
Oops.
Robin Williams keen to play Susan Boyle in film biopic by Ben Child
(from guardian.co.uk)
"The comedy actor, who donned drag and assumed a Scottish accent in Mrs Doubtfire, has expressed a wish to play the Britain's Got Talent star in a biopic".
I've not bothered to watch any of the Susan Boyle footage (not any of it), but that I'd watch.
Smith's Hancock sequel finds writers by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
Well well well, I didn't see that coming. Of course, I'd only heard the poor critical reception -- I didn't realise it had done so well at the box office. As ever, money beats quality.
Monday, 24 August 2009
TV
From the Earth to the Moon
Part Five Spider
Please look here for my thoughts on this episode.
The Last Volunteer
A tribute to Henry Allingham, one of the last survivors of the First World War, who died last month aged 113. Despite his age, he was clearly still young at heart with a twinkle in his eye, attending events and speaking in schools about his experiences in the War, now almost a century ago.
A Poem For Harry
Broadcast at the same time as the Allingham tribute, this documentary (filmed in early 2008) follows then-Poet Laureate Andrew Motion as he tried to write a poem about Harry Patch, the last man living to have fought in the trenches, who also died just one week after Allingham. The film interviews Patch and investigates his life along with Motion, as he gains insight and inspiration for his poem, meaning that when he reads it publicly for the first time (shown at the end of the programme) we know where all the various references and allusions originated. Perhaps it's the fault of the documentary making sure to explain every nuance of the poem, but it seemed a bit too on-the-nose for me.
Taking the Flak
1x02 Black Gold, Code Red
1x03 Cursed is the Country
Hastily catching up on this before it disappears from iPlayer on Wednesday.
[Watch both episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
Part Five Spider
Please look here for my thoughts on this episode.
The Last Volunteer
A tribute to Henry Allingham, one of the last survivors of the First World War, who died last month aged 113. Despite his age, he was clearly still young at heart with a twinkle in his eye, attending events and speaking in schools about his experiences in the War, now almost a century ago.
A Poem For Harry
Broadcast at the same time as the Allingham tribute, this documentary (filmed in early 2008) follows then-Poet Laureate Andrew Motion as he tried to write a poem about Harry Patch, the last man living to have fought in the trenches, who also died just one week after Allingham. The film interviews Patch and investigates his life along with Motion, as he gains insight and inspiration for his poem, meaning that when he reads it publicly for the first time (shown at the end of the programme) we know where all the various references and allusions originated. Perhaps it's the fault of the documentary making sure to explain every nuance of the poem, but it seemed a bit too on-the-nose for me.
Taking the Flak
1x02 Black Gold, Code Red
1x03 Cursed is the Country
Hastily catching up on this before it disappears from iPlayer on Wednesday.
[Watch both episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
From the Earth to the Moon - Part 5
The fifth part of HBO's From the Earth to the Moon jumps back in time to the beginnings of the plans to go to the Moon to cover the development of the Lunar Module, the craft that would actually put men on the Moon's surface.
Such a change of pace, structure and -- for most of the episode -- cast continues this series' unusual approach to serial storytelling, where the only constant is Tom Hanks' slightly awkward opening monologues (always a minute or two of apparently-unrelated but actually thematically-relevant anecdotes that convolute themselves to conclude with a sentence ending "...from the Earth to the Moon").
Writer Andy Wolk also manages to inject some levity into the series, the amount of humour bringing a subtly different tone to this episode. It works especially well here, considering the story is essentially about a group of engineers designing a piece of machinery. As for actual space missions, Apollo 9 (the first test of the Module in space, where it went by the call sign "Spider" -- yep, this episode's title) gets a bit of a look-in in the second half, while Apollo 10 is relegated to no more than two minutes at the close.
Of course, the Module's greatest test is still to come. Next stop, the Moon...
Such a change of pace, structure and -- for most of the episode -- cast continues this series' unusual approach to serial storytelling, where the only constant is Tom Hanks' slightly awkward opening monologues (always a minute or two of apparently-unrelated but actually thematically-relevant anecdotes that convolute themselves to conclude with a sentence ending "...from the Earth to the Moon").
Writer Andy Wolk also manages to inject some levity into the series, the amount of humour bringing a subtly different tone to this episode. It works especially well here, considering the story is essentially about a group of engineers designing a piece of machinery. As for actual space missions, Apollo 9 (the first test of the Module in space, where it went by the call sign "Spider" -- yep, this episode's title) gets a bit of a look-in in the second half, while Apollo 10 is relegated to no more than two minutes at the close.
Of course, the Module's greatest test is still to come. Next stop, the Moon...
Sunday, 23 August 2009
TV
As Seen on TV
1x06 Episode 6
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Jam & Jerusalem
3x03 New Beginnings / Ladies in Lavender [season finale]
A nice ending to a too-short series. Hopefully there'll be more, but if not this serves as a nice little ending.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Rules of Film Noir
A nice overview of the genre for BBC Four's Film Noir Weekend. Not much new to learn if you're decently aware of the genre, but for those who have just heard of it or never delved into it this was a more-than-decent primer and spot of analysis. Nice work BBC.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x06 Episode 6
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Jam & Jerusalem
3x03 New Beginnings / Ladies in Lavender [season finale]
A nice ending to a too-short series. Hopefully there'll be more, but if not this serves as a nice little ending.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Rules of Film Noir
A nice overview of the genre for BBC Four's Film Noir Weekend. Not much new to learn if you're decently aware of the genre, but for those who have just heard of it or never delved into it this was a more-than-decent primer and spot of analysis. Nice work BBC.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Channel 4 announces 3D programming week by Dan French
(from Digital Spy)
"Channel 4 has announced a special week of 3D programming to celebrate 3D footage. This autumn, viewers will be invited to don 3D glasses to watch the programmes -- broadcast in ColorCode 3D -- which include previously unseen footage of the Queen during her Coronation year. The two hour-long episodes, titled The Queen In 3D, tell the story of two young men who filmed a 3D colour newsreel they named Royal Review...
The special week will also see the transmission of Derren Brown's 3D Magic Spectacular, The Greatest Ever 3D Moments and several 3D movies."
(from Digital Spy)
"Channel 4 has announced a special week of 3D programming to celebrate 3D footage. This autumn, viewers will be invited to don 3D glasses to watch the programmes -- broadcast in ColorCode 3D -- which include previously unseen footage of the Queen during her Coronation year. The two hour-long episodes, titled The Queen In 3D, tell the story of two young men who filmed a 3D colour newsreel they named Royal Review...
The special week will also see the transmission of Derren Brown's 3D Magic Spectacular, The Greatest Ever 3D Moments and several 3D movies."
Saturday, 22 August 2009
TV
Mock the Week
7x07 (20/8/09 edition)
A clips & outtakes edition, unusually placed halfway through the series. Although it started out weakly with a huge chunk of repeated material, it steadily improved, in the end almost inadvertently giving a real sense of what it must be like to watch a recording of the show rather than the tightly edited highlights package that each week's edition amounts to.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Would I Lie To You?
3x02 (17/8/08 edition)
Brilliant turns from Reginald D Hunter and Stephen Mangan this week.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
7x07 (20/8/09 edition)
A clips & outtakes edition, unusually placed halfway through the series. Although it started out weakly with a huge chunk of repeated material, it steadily improved, in the end almost inadvertently giving a real sense of what it must be like to watch a recording of the show rather than the tightly edited highlights package that each week's edition amounts to.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Would I Lie To You?
3x02 (17/8/08 edition)
Brilliant turns from Reginald D Hunter and Stephen Mangan this week.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Do You Wanna Date James Cameron's Avatar?
It's always fun to mush news stories together for potentially comedic effect*.
So when I heard, on the same day, of the expected success of the trailer for James Cameron's Avatar -- or, as I've taken to calling it, Phantom Menace 2: This Time Everyone's Jar Jar -- and the surprising success of The Guild's music video for (Do You Wanna Date My) Avatar... well, I couldn't help seeing what would happen were the two to collide...
* I'll leave it to you to decide if this example is successful.
So when I heard, on the same day, of the expected success of the trailer for James Cameron's Avatar -- or, as I've taken to calling it, Phantom Menace 2: This Time Everyone's Jar Jar -- and the surprising success of The Guild's music video for (Do You Wanna Date My) Avatar... well, I couldn't help seeing what would happen were the two to collide...
* I'll leave it to you to decide if this example is successful.
Friday, 21 August 2009
TV
From the Earth to the Moon
Part Four 1968
Please look here for my thoughts on this episode.
The Tudors
3x01 Civil Unrest
3x02 The Northern Uprising
Mm, HD! Thought it seems the BBC are intending to show this season in double bills, burning through it in just four weeks (though the series' BBC website says it has six episodes, so maybe they're abandoning it from episodes five). It works quite well in such big chunks, actually -- I certainly didn't spot the join, and a whole lot actually happened.
A bit like Desperate Romantics, The Tudors is historically dubious but an awful lot of fun. It's nice to have it back.
[Watch both episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
You Have Been Watching
1x07 (18/8/09 edition)
"They gone done fell in the water!"
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Part Four 1968
Please look here for my thoughts on this episode.
The Tudors
3x01 Civil Unrest
3x02 The Northern Uprising
Mm, HD! Thought it seems the BBC are intending to show this season in double bills, burning through it in just four weeks (though the series' BBC website says it has six episodes, so maybe they're abandoning it from episodes five). It works quite well in such big chunks, actually -- I certainly didn't spot the join, and a whole lot actually happened.
A bit like Desperate Romantics, The Tudors is historically dubious but an awful lot of fun. It's nice to have it back.
[Watch both episodes (again) on iPlayer.]
You Have Been Watching
1x07 (18/8/09 edition)
"They gone done fell in the water!"
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Articles
Cult web series tops iTunes chart by Mark Savage
(from BBC News)
"A music video by the creators of cult web sitcom The Guild has gone straight to number one in the UK iTunes chart, beating Black Eyed Peas and Beyonce.
(Do You Wanna Date My) Avatar was written to promote the third series of the show, about a group of people who play an online role-playing game... More than 1.5 million people have watched the video on YouTube since it was uploaded on Monday, while the song itself is currently number two in the Amazon US download chart."
Hurrah for Internet geekdom! Well done one and all.
(from BBC News)
"A music video by the creators of cult web sitcom The Guild has gone straight to number one in the UK iTunes chart, beating Black Eyed Peas and Beyonce.
(Do You Wanna Date My) Avatar was written to promote the third series of the show, about a group of people who play an online role-playing game... More than 1.5 million people have watched the video on YouTube since it was uploaded on Monday, while the song itself is currently number two in the Amazon US download chart."
Hurrah for Internet geekdom! Well done one and all.
From the Earth to the Moon - Part 4
Part Four of HBO's From the Earth to the Moon is simply titled 1968 -- and for good reason.
For the first 20 minutes, writer Al Reinert (director of the 1989 documentary For All Mankind, as well as writer of Apollo 13) broadens the scope of the series to put the Moon missions in the context of news events at the time. It seems the titular year was a particularly poor one for America: mass casualties in Vietnam, violent protests against the war taking place worldwide -- not least in America itself -- and the crushing of dreams and hopes with the assassinations of, first, Martin Luther King, Jr., and then Bobby Kennedy.
And amongst all this, the Russians became the first to send an unmanned flight around the Moon and back to Earth.
In response, NASA wanted to best them -- of course -- and so in the days leading up to Christmas 1968, Apollo 8 headed for the Moon, and on Christmas Eve entered orbit -- ten times! -- before eventually returning safely to Earth. Naturally it's this that the majority of the episode focuses on, although the opening section feels longer, so densely packed is it with news footage (both real and faked) covering the events of that year. It perhaps shows Reinert's documentary roots that it so precisely evokes and retells history.
While it's good to cover the details of the missions themselves, the context is also very important -- not just because it's interesting to see these events in the light of what else was going on at the time, but also because they directly impacted on it. Were it not for Kennedy's promise that America would put a man on the moon before the end of the decade, for example, they might not have strived so hard to do it so quickly. Numerous other examples abound throughout the series.
And, as one telegram to the astronauts on Apollo 8 put it, they "saved 1968".
For the first 20 minutes, writer Al Reinert (director of the 1989 documentary For All Mankind, as well as writer of Apollo 13) broadens the scope of the series to put the Moon missions in the context of news events at the time. It seems the titular year was a particularly poor one for America: mass casualties in Vietnam, violent protests against the war taking place worldwide -- not least in America itself -- and the crushing of dreams and hopes with the assassinations of, first, Martin Luther King, Jr., and then Bobby Kennedy.
And amongst all this, the Russians became the first to send an unmanned flight around the Moon and back to Earth.
In response, NASA wanted to best them -- of course -- and so in the days leading up to Christmas 1968, Apollo 8 headed for the Moon, and on Christmas Eve entered orbit -- ten times! -- before eventually returning safely to Earth. Naturally it's this that the majority of the episode focuses on, although the opening section feels longer, so densely packed is it with news footage (both real and faked) covering the events of that year. It perhaps shows Reinert's documentary roots that it so precisely evokes and retells history.
While it's good to cover the details of the missions themselves, the context is also very important -- not just because it's interesting to see these events in the light of what else was going on at the time, but also because they directly impacted on it. Were it not for Kennedy's promise that America would put a man on the moon before the end of the decade, for example, they might not have strived so hard to do it so quickly. Numerous other examples abound throughout the series.
And, as one telegram to the astronauts on Apollo 8 put it, they "saved 1968".
Thursday, 20 August 2009
TV
From the Earth to the Moon
Part Three We Have Cleared the Tower
Please look here for my thoughts on this episode.
The Mentalist Finale Night
The Mentalist Revealed
Inside The Mentalist
And so Five chooses to close out the first season of its enjoyable House replacement with three hours of programming devoted to it. First up, two behind-the-scenes half-hours that feature the same narrator and cuts from the same set of interviews. Why isn't it just a single one-hour programme? God only knows.
They hardly dig deep into the production, characters, or anything else, but with a fun lightness about them ("Crowie and Kidders"!) they were perfectly in keeping with their subject matter. Lightweight, then, but enjoyably so. Nice work Five.
And they were of course followed by...
The Mentalist
1x22 Blood Brothers
1x23 Red John's Footsteps [season finale]
A slightly disappointing finale in my book, being rather too much like any other episode. (And, of course, ep22 was just any other episode, though Five did their best to convince people otherwise in promoting Finale Night.)
I do hope Red John doesn't get dragged out interminably, although once he's dealt with it'll leave Jane entirely nemesis-less (and any potential replacement couldn't possibly carry the same weight). Of course, seeing what happens to a Man With A Cause once he's fulfilled it -- is there fulfillment? -- could be very interesting if treated right.
[Watch episode 22 and episode 23 (again) on Demand Five.]
Part Three We Have Cleared the Tower
Please look here for my thoughts on this episode.
The Mentalist Finale Night
The Mentalist Revealed
Inside The Mentalist
And so Five chooses to close out the first season of its enjoyable House replacement with three hours of programming devoted to it. First up, two behind-the-scenes half-hours that feature the same narrator and cuts from the same set of interviews. Why isn't it just a single one-hour programme? God only knows.
They hardly dig deep into the production, characters, or anything else, but with a fun lightness about them ("Crowie and Kidders"!) they were perfectly in keeping with their subject matter. Lightweight, then, but enjoyably so. Nice work Five.
And they were of course followed by...
The Mentalist
1x22 Blood Brothers
1x23 Red John's Footsteps [season finale]
A slightly disappointing finale in my book, being rather too much like any other episode. (And, of course, ep22 was just any other episode, though Five did their best to convince people otherwise in promoting Finale Night.)
I do hope Red John doesn't get dragged out interminably, although once he's dealt with it'll leave Jane entirely nemesis-less (and any potential replacement couldn't possibly carry the same weight). Of course, seeing what happens to a Man With A Cause once he's fulfilled it -- is there fulfillment? -- could be very interesting if treated right.
[Watch episode 22 and episode 23 (again) on Demand Five.]
Films
Avatar Trailer
Just as overhyped as we all should have expected.
The CGI is very good, true, but it's no better than that: very good CGI. It does not look real. That journalist who said s/he knew the Big Blue Aliens couldn't be real but they certainly looked it was either a fool or just very gullible. And better CGI has been seen too, such as Davy Jones in Pirates of the Caribbean 2 and 3.
Of course, if the story's good then this won't necessarily matter, but it's already harming it's chances in my book.
Just as overhyped as we all should have expected.
The CGI is very good, true, but it's no better than that: very good CGI. It does not look real. That journalist who said s/he knew the Big Blue Aliens couldn't be real but they certainly looked it was either a fool or just very gullible. And better CGI has been seen too, such as Davy Jones in Pirates of the Caribbean 2 and 3.
Of course, if the story's good then this won't necessarily matter, but it's already harming it's chances in my book.
Music
No Line on the Horizon by U2
I'm not the biggest U2 fan, though I quite like them, but I couldn't resist this rather lovely edition at Amazon's reduced price (for this week only, I should add).
As for the album itself... it's not bad.
I'm not the biggest U2 fan, though I quite like them, but I couldn't resist this rather lovely edition at Amazon's reduced price (for this week only, I should add).
As for the album itself... it's not bad.
Articles
50 Greatest Movie Sequels
(from Empire)
I like lists, and this is an interesting (if long) one.
Guy Ritchie Talks Moriarty Rumours by Owen Williams
(from Empire)
""Some kind of appearance is probably the best way to describe it," says the director, replying "I believe not" when asked if anyone is officially named as the Prof in the credits. "All will be revealed. I'm afraid I have to be slightly ambiguous, but you'll understand when you se the movie.""
Ah, crystal clear.
Will The Hobbit Be A Trilogy? by Owen Williams
(from Empire)
Answer: we don't know. Obviously -- if we did, there'd be no question in the headline.
(from Empire)
I like lists, and this is an interesting (if long) one.
Guy Ritchie Talks Moriarty Rumours by Owen Williams
(from Empire)
""Some kind of appearance is probably the best way to describe it," says the director, replying "I believe not" when asked if anyone is officially named as the Prof in the credits. "All will be revealed. I'm afraid I have to be slightly ambiguous, but you'll understand when you se the movie.""
Ah, crystal clear.
Will The Hobbit Be A Trilogy? by Owen Williams
(from Empire)
Answer: we don't know. Obviously -- if we did, there'd be no question in the headline.
From the Earth to the Moon - Part 3
21 months on from the Apollo 1 disaster (depicted in Part Two of From the Earth to the Moon), NASA is preparing for the launch of Apollo 7 -- the first manned mission attempt since the fire. This episode's title -- We Have Cleared the Tower -- should give away its success.
Once again, FtEttM (a catchy acronym if ever I saw one) uses an unusual structure to tell it's story. Here, a young documentary crew follow the preparations for Apollo 7 -- while the mission is obviously real, the documentary crew are a fictional creation. On the one hand it works quite neatly, allowing characters to explain technical details and expand on their feelings in a way that would be unrealistic in a standard dramatisation. The major downside of this is that it occasionally feels like a documentary being performed by actors, rather than a genuine piece of drama.
The primary benefit of this, on the other hand, is to emphasise the effect of Apollo 1: it features ominously in the thoughts and words of the astronauts, ground crew and the media, the potential for a similar incident constantly hanging over them. So tangible is the memory of the accident that this episode almost feels more like a continuation of the Apollo 1 story, rather than the tale of Apollo 7. Certainly, by choosing to end the episode with the successful launch -- thus ignoring what occurred during the 11 days the men spent in space -- the story makes its focuses whether NASA can overcome the legacy of Apollo 1 rather than what Apollo 7 contributed to the space program.
It's the creation of this feeling that makes Part Three another successful episode of From the Earth.... As a series, it's finding new angles from which to tell the story of the Apollo missions, rather than just rehashing other films and documentaries. If it wasn't for this it would inevitably repeat itself with episode after episode of similar experiences in space, and while those tales are likely fascinating, a lot of other things went on around the program that are worthy of retelling too.
Once again, FtEttM (a catchy acronym if ever I saw one) uses an unusual structure to tell it's story. Here, a young documentary crew follow the preparations for Apollo 7 -- while the mission is obviously real, the documentary crew are a fictional creation. On the one hand it works quite neatly, allowing characters to explain technical details and expand on their feelings in a way that would be unrealistic in a standard dramatisation. The major downside of this is that it occasionally feels like a documentary being performed by actors, rather than a genuine piece of drama.
The primary benefit of this, on the other hand, is to emphasise the effect of Apollo 1: it features ominously in the thoughts and words of the astronauts, ground crew and the media, the potential for a similar incident constantly hanging over them. So tangible is the memory of the accident that this episode almost feels more like a continuation of the Apollo 1 story, rather than the tale of Apollo 7. Certainly, by choosing to end the episode with the successful launch -- thus ignoring what occurred during the 11 days the men spent in space -- the story makes its focuses whether NASA can overcome the legacy of Apollo 1 rather than what Apollo 7 contributed to the space program.
It's the creation of this feeling that makes Part Three another successful episode of From the Earth.... As a series, it's finding new angles from which to tell the story of the Apollo missions, rather than just rehashing other films and documentaries. If it wasn't for this it would inevitably repeat itself with episode after episode of similar experiences in space, and while those tales are likely fascinating, a lot of other things went on around the program that are worthy of retelling too.
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
TV
Dragons' Den
7x06 Episode 6
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
From the Earth to the Moon
Part One Can We Do This?
Part Two Apollo One
Please look here for my thoughts on these episodes.
7x06 Episode 6
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
From the Earth to the Moon
Part One Can We Do This?
Part Two Apollo One
Please look here for my thoughts on these episodes.
Articles
Davies has future Torchwood plans by Mayer Nissim
(from Digital Spy)
I actually noticed this story yesterday on a Who fansite, but as they don't have links to individual news stories this makes for a better link. Anyway:
"Davies said: "I could write you scene one of series four right now. I know exactly how to pick it up. I've got a shape in mind, and I've got stories. I know where you'd find Gwen and Rhys, and their baby, and Jack, and I know how you'd go forward with a new form of Torchwood... If the BBC asked for another 13 one-part stories, that's what we'd do... but I think it works well as one continuous story.""
Deayton 'to return for HIGNFY milestone by Daniel Kilkelly
(from Digital Spy)
Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah!
Scoop on those final Who specials by Dan French
(from Digital Spy)
It's not really all that much of a "scoop" -- it's just a brief, largely unrevealing interview with guest star David Harewood (most recently seen as Friar Tuck in Robin Hood (which I've still not seen the final two episodes of, incidentally)) -- but will still be of interest to fans (obviously).
U2 explain Spider-Man 'opera' by Greg Cochrane
(from BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat)
U2 do have some good songs/albums, but they really are a bunch of... well, I try to keep this blog family friendly, so let's say "twits".
(from Digital Spy)
I actually noticed this story yesterday on a Who fansite, but as they don't have links to individual news stories this makes for a better link. Anyway:
"Davies said: "I could write you scene one of series four right now. I know exactly how to pick it up. I've got a shape in mind, and I've got stories. I know where you'd find Gwen and Rhys, and their baby, and Jack, and I know how you'd go forward with a new form of Torchwood... If the BBC asked for another 13 one-part stories, that's what we'd do... but I think it works well as one continuous story.""
Deayton 'to return for HIGNFY milestone by Daniel Kilkelly
(from Digital Spy)
Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah!
Scoop on those final Who specials by Dan French
(from Digital Spy)
It's not really all that much of a "scoop" -- it's just a brief, largely unrevealing interview with guest star David Harewood (most recently seen as Friar Tuck in Robin Hood (which I've still not seen the final two episodes of, incidentally)) -- but will still be of interest to fans (obviously).
U2 explain Spider-Man 'opera' by Greg Cochrane
(from BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat)
U2 do have some good songs/albums, but they really are a bunch of... well, I try to keep this blog family friendly, so let's say "twits".
From the Earth to the Moon - Parts 1 & 2
From the Earth to the Moon is HBO's 1998 miniseries from the team behind Apollo 13, which dramatises NASA's attempts to reach -- and, ultimately, various missions to -- the Moon.
Part One, titled Can We Do This? and directed by executive producer (and, of course, film star) Tom Hanks, covers the broadest spectrum of time, going from the Soviet's first spacewalk in 1961 to the end of the Gemini program in 1966 -- essentially, it's setup for what's to come: the Apollo missions to the Moon. As a summary of this period it's a slightly unusual mix of real contemporary footage, fake contemporary footage, and dramatised scenes. It still functions as a narrative, but it does enhance the feeling that it's a summary to get viewers up to speed for the real meat of the series -- the Apollo missions.
Part Two is simply titled Apollo One. As its title suggests, it covers the tragedy of Apollo 1: during a routine test, a fire broke out in the command module and killed three astronauts. Though more of a standard dramatic narrative than Part One, the episode still makes use of flashbacks to convey what the crew were like while moving forward with an investigation that could potentially shut down the entire space program.
With their different feels and self-contained stories, these opening episodes suggests how this miniseries will play out: not a twelve-hour story divided into twelve segments, but rather a series of twelve one-hour stories, each with their own focus and style, that build up into a chronological telling of NASA's attempts to reach the Moon. If they all maintain this level of quality, it'll be a pretty fine series.
Part One, titled Can We Do This? and directed by executive producer (and, of course, film star) Tom Hanks, covers the broadest spectrum of time, going from the Soviet's first spacewalk in 1961 to the end of the Gemini program in 1966 -- essentially, it's setup for what's to come: the Apollo missions to the Moon. As a summary of this period it's a slightly unusual mix of real contemporary footage, fake contemporary footage, and dramatised scenes. It still functions as a narrative, but it does enhance the feeling that it's a summary to get viewers up to speed for the real meat of the series -- the Apollo missions.
Part Two is simply titled Apollo One. As its title suggests, it covers the tragedy of Apollo 1: during a routine test, a fire broke out in the command module and killed three astronauts. Though more of a standard dramatic narrative than Part One, the episode still makes use of flashbacks to convey what the crew were like while moving forward with an investigation that could potentially shut down the entire space program.
With their different feels and self-contained stories, these opening episodes suggests how this miniseries will play out: not a twelve-hour story divided into twelve segments, but rather a series of twelve one-hour stories, each with their own focus and style, that build up into a chronological telling of NASA's attempts to reach the Moon. If they all maintain this level of quality, it'll be a pretty fine series.
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
TV
As Seen on TV
1x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Desperate Romantics
Part 4 (of 6)
Largely inaccurate, a bit barmy, and utterly silly -- and brilliant because of it. There's nothing on TV right now that's quite as much fun as Desperate Romantics.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
16x25 (24/7/09 edition) [season finale]
Despite this edition being nearly a month old, it featured Tarantino promoting Inglourious Basterds -- released tomorrow. The interview with the Dragons was a tad uncomfortable, but Tarantino and Denzel Washington were both excellent.
1x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Desperate Romantics
Part 4 (of 6)
Largely inaccurate, a bit barmy, and utterly silly -- and brilliant because of it. There's nothing on TV right now that's quite as much fun as Desperate Romantics.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
16x25 (24/7/09 edition) [season finale]
Despite this edition being nearly a month old, it featured Tarantino promoting Inglourious Basterds -- released tomorrow. The interview with the Dragons was a tad uncomfortable, but Tarantino and Denzel Washington were both excellent.
Articles
Review of Inglourious Basterds by Chris Hewitt
(from Empire)
Talking of Inglourious Basterds... It does sound rather good.
Square Eyes; Bullets, Broads…and BBC 4 by John Hodson
(from From the Cheap Seats)
Just to draw your attention to this:
"The redoubtable BBC 4 is running a short film noir season this coming weekend with six movies shown Saturday and Sunday and no less than five screenings of a new hour long documentary presented by Matthew Sweet, The Rules of Film Noir."
(from Empire)
Talking of Inglourious Basterds... It does sound rather good.
Square Eyes; Bullets, Broads…and BBC 4 by John Hodson
(from From the Cheap Seats)
Just to draw your attention to this:
"The redoubtable BBC 4 is running a short film noir season this coming weekend with six movies shown Saturday and Sunday and no less than five screenings of a new hour long documentary presented by Matthew Sweet, The Rules of Film Noir."
Monday, 17 August 2009
Articles
Pitt to play Holmes villain Moriarty? by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
At first this sounds like one of those random, baseless casting rumours that always does the rounds but never comes to pass, but if you read the details in the article it begins to sound surprisingly definite.
Robert Downey Jr to play vampire Lestat? by Marcell Minaya
(from Digital Spy)
This, on the other hand, is just rumour-tastic.
Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman
(from The Digital Bits)
While sadly incomplete (and based on the "page created: 12/19/03" and "updated: 6/13/06" labels, it shall forever remain so), this is a nice overview of the Japanese Zatoichi film (and TV) series -- kind of a Japanese James Bond... in that it's a long-running popular series about one character, not in that it's a contemporary spy action/thriller.
(from Digital Spy)
At first this sounds like one of those random, baseless casting rumours that always does the rounds but never comes to pass, but if you read the details in the article it begins to sound surprisingly definite.
Robert Downey Jr to play vampire Lestat? by Marcell Minaya
(from Digital Spy)
This, on the other hand, is just rumour-tastic.
Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman
(from The Digital Bits)
While sadly incomplete (and based on the "page created: 12/19/03" and "updated: 6/13/06" labels, it shall forever remain so), this is a nice overview of the Japanese Zatoichi film (and TV) series -- kind of a Japanese James Bond... in that it's a long-running popular series about one character, not in that it's a contemporary spy action/thriller.
new review at 100 Films
Stand By Me (1986)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 15 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
it’s a paean for childhood, with the adult perspective and the ‘lost age’ setting of the ’50s succinctly highlighting the nostalgic spirit. To be precise, it’s not so much reflecting on “childhood” as on “growing up” — the choices that are open when young that either disappear with time or, for whatever reason, become closed off.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 15 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Sunday, 16 August 2009
TV
Jam & Jerusalem
3x02 Dinner Party / Missing Persons
A much better episode, though this time it was even more distinctly two Sellotaped together. Unfortunately this almost served to rob the first half of its surprising power, not allowing time for it to be digested before racing on to the next. Fortunately, the second half was a belter, so all was (almost) forgiven. Indeed, as a pair, they certainly make up for the weaker first part.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wildest Dreams
Part 3 (of 7)
"There can be only one," Nick Knowles says at one point this episode (well, almost -- what he said was near-identical and you can hear he was stopping himself), inadvertently nicking the catchphrase from something entirely different. I bet he wishes they were having deciders with swords though.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
3x02 Dinner Party / Missing Persons
A much better episode, though this time it was even more distinctly two Sellotaped together. Unfortunately this almost served to rob the first half of its surprising power, not allowing time for it to be digested before racing on to the next. Fortunately, the second half was a belter, so all was (almost) forgiven. Indeed, as a pair, they certainly make up for the weaker first part.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wildest Dreams
Part 3 (of 7)
"There can be only one," Nick Knowles says at one point this episode (well, almost -- what he said was near-identical and you can hear he was stopping himself), inadvertently nicking the catchphrase from something entirely different. I bet he wishes they were having deciders with swords though.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Saturday, 15 August 2009
TV
Grand Designs
2x03 Surrey: The Regency Villa
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Louis Theroux: The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Mock the Week
7x06 (13/8/09 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
2x03 Surrey: The Regency Villa
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Louis Theroux: The City Addicted to Crystal Meth
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Mock the Week
7x06 (13/8/09 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Friday, 14 August 2009
TV
Would I Lie To You?
3x01 (10/8/09 edition)
This has been rather buried in a late-night-Monday slot, which is a shame because it's a rather good show with broader appeal than that. Why not pair it with As Seen on TV on a Friday evening?
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
You Have Been Watching
1x06 (11/8/09 edition) [2nd watch]
3x01 (10/8/09 edition)
This has been rather buried in a late-night-Monday slot, which is a shame because it's a rather good show with broader appeal than that. Why not pair it with As Seen on TV on a Friday evening?
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
You Have Been Watching
1x06 (11/8/09 edition) [2nd watch]
Films
District 9 Trailer
District 9 hit US cinemas today, so I figured it was about time I watched the trailer. It's a bit hard to tell what it's like from this, but it certainly has potential.
Fantastic Mr. Fox Trailer
And this just looks surprisingly old-school, but in a kinda endearing way.
District 9 hit US cinemas today, so I figured it was about time I watched the trailer. It's a bit hard to tell what it's like from this, but it certainly has potential.
Fantastic Mr. Fox Trailer
And this just looks surprisingly old-school, but in a kinda endearing way.
Thursday, 13 August 2009
TV
Breaking the Mould: The Story of Penicillin
Surprisingly engrossing film about the people who really made penicillin possible: yes, Alexander Fleming discovered it, but without Howard Florey, Ernst Boris Chain and their team it would just be a little curio of no real use -- and Fleming (and others) more or less exploited their work for personal gain.
Desperate Romantics
Part 3 (of 6)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
1x21 Miss Red
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
The Prisoner Comic-Con Trailer
A nine-minute trailer for the forthcoming remake of The Prisoner. It looks suitably intriguing, and with Ian McKellen in the cast it must be good on at least some level.
Surprisingly engrossing film about the people who really made penicillin possible: yes, Alexander Fleming discovered it, but without Howard Florey, Ernst Boris Chain and their team it would just be a little curio of no real use -- and Fleming (and others) more or less exploited their work for personal gain.
Desperate Romantics
Part 3 (of 6)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
1x21 Miss Red
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
The Prisoner Comic-Con Trailer
A nine-minute trailer for the forthcoming remake of The Prisoner. It looks suitably intriguing, and with Ian McKellen in the cast it must be good on at least some level.
Articles
Charles Dance blasts ITV2 over Hilton by Daniel Kilkelly
(from Digital Spy)
"Charles Dance has criticised ITV2 for keeping his new show off air in favour of Paris Hilton's British Best Friend. The veteran actor revealed that university drama Trinity was pushed out of the schedules to make way for Hilton's reality programme at the beginning of the year... "We're putting too much energy into junk and reality television. This show was going to be shown in January or February. But they shelved it until September to put you know what in its place? Paris Hilton's British Best Friend, which is possibly the most execrable piece of television I've ever seen in my life."
You tell 'em Charlie!
(from Digital Spy)
"Charles Dance has criticised ITV2 for keeping his new show off air in favour of Paris Hilton's British Best Friend. The veteran actor revealed that university drama Trinity was pushed out of the schedules to make way for Hilton's reality programme at the beginning of the year... "We're putting too much energy into junk and reality television. This show was going to be shown in January or February. But they shelved it until September to put you know what in its place? Paris Hilton's British Best Friend, which is possibly the most execrable piece of television I've ever seen in my life."
You tell 'em Charlie!
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
Articles
Brazil TV host 'ordered killings' by Gary Duffy
(from BBC News)
"Police have accused a TV presenter in Brazil of being involved in organised drug trafficking and ordering killings to get rid of rivals and boost ratings."
If it was a film you wouldn't believe it!
Kids' top searches include 'porn'
(from BBC News)
"Kids today!", eh? Or, in reality, "nothing changes."
The legend of the Witch lives on by Kev Geoghegan
(from BBC News)
A feature on the creators/directors of The Blair Witch Project, a decade on from its release. Whatever you think of it, it was undoubtedly a major event in terms of low-budget filmmaking and internet/viral marketing. The pair have barely done anything since, but it seems they have something in the pipeline... and yes, it's another Blair Witch project.
Translation appeal on video game
(from BBC News)
"A company behind a popular computer game based on Celtic mythology is appealing for Welsh speakers to help translate it. Rhiannon: Curse of the Four Branches is based on the medieval Welsh folk tales The Mabinogion, and has been translated into German, French and Russian. But Arberth Studios said a limited market means it cannot justify £16,500 Welsh translation costs."
Not only could you not make it up, but it's always nice to see adventure gaming making the headlines.)
(from BBC News)
"Police have accused a TV presenter in Brazil of being involved in organised drug trafficking and ordering killings to get rid of rivals and boost ratings."
If it was a film you wouldn't believe it!
Kids' top searches include 'porn'
(from BBC News)
"Kids today!", eh? Or, in reality, "nothing changes."
The legend of the Witch lives on by Kev Geoghegan
(from BBC News)
A feature on the creators/directors of The Blair Witch Project, a decade on from its release. Whatever you think of it, it was undoubtedly a major event in terms of low-budget filmmaking and internet/viral marketing. The pair have barely done anything since, but it seems they have something in the pipeline... and yes, it's another Blair Witch project.
Translation appeal on video game
(from BBC News)
"A company behind a popular computer game based on Celtic mythology is appealing for Welsh speakers to help translate it. Rhiannon: Curse of the Four Branches is based on the medieval Welsh folk tales The Mabinogion, and has been translated into German, French and Russian. But Arberth Studios said a limited market means it cannot justify £16,500 Welsh translation costs."
Not only could you not make it up, but it's always nice to see adventure gaming making the headlines.)
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
Articles
Bond Bombshell by Nev Pierce
(from the Empire Blog)
Empire suggest a female director for the next Bond film. More intelligently reasoned than that headline might suggest.
Facebook in challenge to Google by Maggie Shiels
(from BBC News)
It might not sound like it when you read the story, but apparently this is a Big Development.
John Hughes Documentary Picked Up by Owen Williams
(from Empire)
"Matt Austin-Sadowski's Don't You Forget About Me, a modest documentary about a road-trip in search of the reclusive John Hughes was, until last week, attracting scant attention. But the sad news of Hughes' death prompted a sudden flurry of interest in the independently produced Canadian film, and a large US distribution deal is in the offing,"
Ah Hollywood -- tactful and quick to cash in as ever.
Leterrier's dream: An Avengers epic told in four films over one summer by Geoff Boucher
(from Hero Complex at the Los Angeles Times)
An interesting interview with the Incredible Hulk director, who has some unusual ideas about what to do next at Marvel.
(from the Empire Blog)
Empire suggest a female director for the next Bond film. More intelligently reasoned than that headline might suggest.
Facebook in challenge to Google by Maggie Shiels
(from BBC News)
It might not sound like it when you read the story, but apparently this is a Big Development.
John Hughes Documentary Picked Up by Owen Williams
(from Empire)
"Matt Austin-Sadowski's Don't You Forget About Me, a modest documentary about a road-trip in search of the reclusive John Hughes was, until last week, attracting scant attention. But the sad news of Hughes' death prompted a sudden flurry of interest in the independently produced Canadian film, and a large US distribution deal is in the offing,"
Ah Hollywood -- tactful and quick to cash in as ever.
Leterrier's dream: An Avengers epic told in four films over one summer by Geoff Boucher
(from Hero Complex at the Los Angeles Times)
An interesting interview with the Incredible Hulk director, who has some unusual ideas about what to do next at Marvel.
Monday, 10 August 2009
Films
In the Shadow of the Moon (2007)
[#40 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Only 20 behind where I should be now. (Madness!)
The Lord of the Rings Blu-ray Trailer
Oh my, it looks beautiful! I know I should hate this release -- it's theatrical cuts only, with extras confined to normal old DVDs -- but it looks so pretty that I may find it hard to resist. Maybe a rental then.
On another note, I haven't watched the films for years, and seeing what is effectively a seven-minute highlights reel from all three has just reminded me how amazing they are. It may be time for another all-day marathon...
(This trailer is available on Warner Bros.' US BD-Live service, hence the lack of a link. Sorry.)
[#40 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Only 20 behind where I should be now. (Madness!)
The Lord of the Rings Blu-ray Trailer
Oh my, it looks beautiful! I know I should hate this release -- it's theatrical cuts only, with extras confined to normal old DVDs -- but it looks so pretty that I may find it hard to resist. Maybe a rental then.
On another note, I haven't watched the films for years, and seeing what is effectively a seven-minute highlights reel from all three has just reminded me how amazing they are. It may be time for another all-day marathon...
(This trailer is available on Warner Bros.' US BD-Live service, hence the lack of a link. Sorry.)
Articles
Did We Land on the Moon? A Debunking of the Moon Hoax Theory by Robert A. Braeunig
(from Rocket & Space Technology)
This is very, very long, but is also a thoroughly comprehensive overview of why those who claim we never went to the Moon are wrong. Even if you're not interested in all the details, the opening and closing statements summarise well, and if you've ever had any specific questions about the science of the Apollo missions and Moon landings you'll likely find an answer in there.
(from Rocket & Space Technology)
This is very, very long, but is also a thoroughly comprehensive overview of why those who claim we never went to the Moon are wrong. Even if you're not interested in all the details, the opening and closing statements summarise well, and if you've ever had any specific questions about the science of the Apollo missions and Moon landings you'll likely find an answer in there.
Sunday, 9 August 2009
TV
Five Minutes With
Alistair McGowan
"Celebrities and news-makers are grilled by Matthew Stadlen in exactly five minutes in a series for the BBC News website."
Sounds interesting, perhaps? And it is, in places, but McGowan looks understandably uncomfortable and Stadlen is an atrocious interviewer -- not only does he rattle on through his list of prepared questions without paying any heed to McGowan's answers (a fault too common in interviewers these days), but he frequently cuts McGowan off mid-answer, failing to notice clearly jokey responses as he motors on. He's not just too weak an interviewer to follow things up, he literally isn't listening to the answers.
Should you still want to watch this, you can do so online here.
Jam & Jerusalem
3x01 Easter / Working From Home
Jam undoubtedly still has its moments, but this episode felt distinctly over-long (it seemed clear that the episode was two half-hours spliced together) and light on laughs. Perhaps they're aiming more at Comedy-Drama than Comedy now.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
You Have Been Watching
1x05 (4/8/09 edition) [2nd watch]
Iron Chef America: "Ready Steady Cook as directed by Michael Bay." And that's why it looks amazing.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Alistair McGowan
"Celebrities and news-makers are grilled by Matthew Stadlen in exactly five minutes in a series for the BBC News website."
Sounds interesting, perhaps? And it is, in places, but McGowan looks understandably uncomfortable and Stadlen is an atrocious interviewer -- not only does he rattle on through his list of prepared questions without paying any heed to McGowan's answers (a fault too common in interviewers these days), but he frequently cuts McGowan off mid-answer, failing to notice clearly jokey responses as he motors on. He's not just too weak an interviewer to follow things up, he literally isn't listening to the answers.
Should you still want to watch this, you can do so online here.
Jam & Jerusalem
3x01 Easter / Working From Home
Jam undoubtedly still has its moments, but this episode felt distinctly over-long (it seemed clear that the episode was two half-hours spliced together) and light on laughs. Perhaps they're aiming more at Comedy-Drama than Comedy now.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
You Have Been Watching
1x05 (4/8/09 edition) [2nd watch]
Iron Chef America: "Ready Steady Cook as directed by Michael Bay." And that's why it looks amazing.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Saturday, 8 August 2009
TV
As Seen on TV
1x04 Episode 4
I swear Sally Lindsay and Jo Joyner are the same person.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Single-Handed
1x01 Natural Justice
Irish police drama, currently showing on ITV1 in the UK.
It's quite reminiscent of the BBC's recent Wallander adaptations in tone and style (though this predates those by a year or two), which leads me to believe ITV bought it in the wake of their success, especially as its slow pace and grim beauty seem atypical of their usual output. I hope it's successful though, because on the evidence of this first film it would be good to see more.
(The series was original screened in Ireland as three two-parters in January 2007, January 2008 and April 2009, but ITV are showing them all as one series of three films.)
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
1x04 Episode 4
I swear Sally Lindsay and Jo Joyner are the same person.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Single-Handed
1x01 Natural Justice
Irish police drama, currently showing on ITV1 in the UK.
It's quite reminiscent of the BBC's recent Wallander adaptations in tone and style (though this predates those by a year or two), which leads me to believe ITV bought it in the wake of their success, especially as its slow pace and grim beauty seem atypical of their usual output. I hope it's successful though, because on the evidence of this first film it would be good to see more.
(The series was original screened in Ireland as three two-parters in January 2007, January 2008 and April 2009, but ITV are showing them all as one series of three films.)
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Articles
Review of Alien Nation by Roger Ebert
(from rogerebert.com)
Ebert is always an entertaining writer. This review is 21 years old but feels like it could've been written yesterday (and that's a good thing). Though with quotes like, "Alien Nation feels like a movie made by people who have seen a lot of movies, but don't think the audience has", it automatically feels like one is reading a classic.
Review of Moon
(from Slate Scrawl)
A promising sci-fi film that perhaps doesn't quite deliver. One to catch on DVD/BD for me, especially as it's not showing round 'ere.
(from rogerebert.com)
Ebert is always an entertaining writer. This review is 21 years old but feels like it could've been written yesterday (and that's a good thing). Though with quotes like, "Alien Nation feels like a movie made by people who have seen a lot of movies, but don't think the audience has", it automatically feels like one is reading a classic.
Review of Moon
(from Slate Scrawl)
A promising sci-fi film that perhaps doesn't quite deliver. One to catch on DVD/BD for me, especially as it's not showing round 'ere.
Friday, 7 August 2009
TV
Mock the Week
7x05 (6/8/09 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11
I watched the ITV edit, which apparently was cut from the original 91 minutes (without ad breaks) to just 69 minutes (again, without ads). To be honest, this was probably no bad thing.
While the drama had its moments -- and it certainly had a surprisingly starry, high-quality international cast (the lead astronauts were played by an Aussie, a Yank and a Brit, not to mention the various nationalities in the supporting roles) -- the quality was more like a drama/documentary that was short on documentary footage and voiceover narration than a fully-fledged feature-length dramatisation of what is undeniably an incredible moment in human history. With that fact being inescapable, the drama (as I said) managed a few good bits, but it was a bit disappointing overall.
See also today's Articles for a behind-the-scenes piece that's barely more interesting than the film itself, but at least answered my queries of how they filmed the weightless bits.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
7x05 (6/8/09 edition)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11
I watched the ITV edit, which apparently was cut from the original 91 minutes (without ad breaks) to just 69 minutes (again, without ads). To be honest, this was probably no bad thing.
While the drama had its moments -- and it certainly had a surprisingly starry, high-quality international cast (the lead astronauts were played by an Aussie, a Yank and a Brit, not to mention the various nationalities in the supporting roles) -- the quality was more like a drama/documentary that was short on documentary footage and voiceover narration than a fully-fledged feature-length dramatisation of what is undeniably an incredible moment in human history. With that fact being inescapable, the drama (as I said) managed a few good bits, but it was a bit disappointing overall.
See also today's Articles for a behind-the-scenes piece that's barely more interesting than the film itself, but at least answered my queries of how they filmed the weightless bits.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Articles
10 Films That Saved Their Franchise by Christopher Campbell
(from Spout Blog)
A film-related Top 10 list not from Total Film?! What is the world coming to? (It's good though.)
Behind the scenes of Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 by David Bentley
(from the Geek Files at the Coventry Telegraph)
A brief piece, mainly of interest in how they faked weightlessness. It looked so poor on screen that I just thought they'd had the actors bob up and down a bit, but it appears they sadly attempted something more complicated. Wasn't worth the effort then.
See today's TV post for my thoughts on the programme itself.
Web attack blogger blames Russia by Jonathan Fildes
(from BBC News)
"A blogger who was targeted in a co-ordinated attack against websites such as Facebook and Twitter has told the BBC he blames Russia for the assault."
The Writer's Tale - New edition by Paul Hayes
(from Doctor Who News Page)
Russell T Davies and Benjamin Cook's book The Writer's Tale is a phenomenal must-read for any Who fan or wannabe TV/film writer, but it's a shame that the "300 pages of new material" in this new edition ("detailing the conclusion of Davies's time on the programme, culminating in the final special episodes to star David Tennant") aren't in a new volume, instead forcing us to buy the book all over again for the new stuff.
On the other hand, it's not like a separate sequel would be much cheaper, so why not? (Though, from the publisher's point of view, they'd get even more sales if it were two volumes -- maybe they're trying to be fan-friendly after all.)
(from Spout Blog)
A film-related Top 10 list not from Total Film?! What is the world coming to? (It's good though.)
Behind the scenes of Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 by David Bentley
(from the Geek Files at the Coventry Telegraph)
A brief piece, mainly of interest in how they faked weightlessness. It looked so poor on screen that I just thought they'd had the actors bob up and down a bit, but it appears they sadly attempted something more complicated. Wasn't worth the effort then.
See today's TV post for my thoughts on the programme itself.
Web attack blogger blames Russia by Jonathan Fildes
(from BBC News)
"A blogger who was targeted in a co-ordinated attack against websites such as Facebook and Twitter has told the BBC he blames Russia for the assault."
The Writer's Tale - New edition by Paul Hayes
(from Doctor Who News Page)
Russell T Davies and Benjamin Cook's book The Writer's Tale is a phenomenal must-read for any Who fan or wannabe TV/film writer, but it's a shame that the "300 pages of new material" in this new edition ("detailing the conclusion of Davies's time on the programme, culminating in the final special episodes to star David Tennant") aren't in a new volume, instead forcing us to buy the book all over again for the new stuff.
On the other hand, it's not like a separate sequel would be much cheaper, so why not? (Though, from the publisher's point of view, they'd get even more sales if it were two volumes -- maybe they're trying to be fan-friendly after all.)
Thursday, 6 August 2009
TV
Desperate Romantics
Part 2 (of 6)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Kevin Bishop Show
2x01 Episode 1
I decided to give this ago because, a) I'd heard good things, and b) it also features Karen Gillan, the new Doctor Who companion. It's a sketch show, which these days is short hand for "at least some of it is entirely unfunny and goes on far too long", but overall it's relatively fast with some well-observed sketches (Gritty BAFTA is excellent) -- though it occasionally can't avoid the well-mined easy targets (when Top Gear itself has made jokes about how they're always on Dave it's a bit late to still be trying it on a sketch show).
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
The Mentalist
1x20 Red Sauce
A rather ludicrous episode... but then this is The Mentalist, so that makes it one of the best episodes. The show's really seen a return to form as the series heads towards its climax (only three more episodes to go).
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
You Have Been Watching
1x05 (4/8/09 edition)
As beautifully cutting as ever, especially about the dreadful Casualty season finale that I happened to mention the other day. Iron Chef America looks like pure genius though.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Part 2 (of 6)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Kevin Bishop Show
2x01 Episode 1
I decided to give this ago because, a) I'd heard good things, and b) it also features Karen Gillan, the new Doctor Who companion. It's a sketch show, which these days is short hand for "at least some of it is entirely unfunny and goes on far too long", but overall it's relatively fast with some well-observed sketches (Gritty BAFTA is excellent) -- though it occasionally can't avoid the well-mined easy targets (when Top Gear itself has made jokes about how they're always on Dave it's a bit late to still be trying it on a sketch show).
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
The Mentalist
1x20 Red Sauce
A rather ludicrous episode... but then this is The Mentalist, so that makes it one of the best episodes. The show's really seen a return to form as the series heads towards its climax (only three more episodes to go).
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
You Have Been Watching
1x05 (4/8/09 edition)
As beautifully cutting as ever, especially about the dreadful Casualty season finale that I happened to mention the other day. Iron Chef America looks like pure genius though.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Articles
Mad Men: So Wrong It's Right by Helen O'Hara
(from the Empire Blog)
A nice piece on what makes Mad Men so brilliant (beyond the surface niceties of "good writing, good acting", etc).
The Top 10 Ridiculous Movie Face-Off Titles by Kim Newman
(from Empire)
Make sure to read the "Kim Newman explains his choices..." sidebar too. I always miss those bits.
(from the Empire Blog)
A nice piece on what makes Mad Men so brilliant (beyond the surface niceties of "good writing, good acting", etc).
The Top 10 Ridiculous Movie Face-Off Titles by Kim Newman
(from Empire)
Make sure to read the "Kim Newman explains his choices..." sidebar too. I always miss those bits.
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
TV
Arena
Harold Pinter: Celebration
Concluding part of Arena's acclaimed 2002 documentary/biography of the famous playwright.
Although it's very much a Part Two, not a second programme on the same subject, a shift in focus explains why it's not just one two-hour piece: it continues the first's chronological run through Pinter's life and works, but it is less straightforwardly biographical and a little more analytical, and turns away from Pinter's inspirations and internal life to discuss his public persona and the perception of him -- ironically, this in turn perhaps reveals more about the man than the first half managed.
It's an unusual documentary -- almost self-conscious, certainly more complex than an average biography or surface analysis -- but all the better for it. Certainly, I have a greater understanding of and interest in Pinter and his works than I did before viewing.
Dragons' Den
7x04 Episode 4
Clearly they've run out of Exciting Final Pitches, at least for now.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wildest Dreams
Part 2 (of 7)
I fell asleep a couple of times during this. I blame Nick Knowles. Though, to be fair, bees and bats hold absolutely no interest for me.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Harold Pinter: Celebration
Concluding part of Arena's acclaimed 2002 documentary/biography of the famous playwright.
Although it's very much a Part Two, not a second programme on the same subject, a shift in focus explains why it's not just one two-hour piece: it continues the first's chronological run through Pinter's life and works, but it is less straightforwardly biographical and a little more analytical, and turns away from Pinter's inspirations and internal life to discuss his public persona and the perception of him -- ironically, this in turn perhaps reveals more about the man than the first half managed.
It's an unusual documentary -- almost self-conscious, certainly more complex than an average biography or surface analysis -- but all the better for it. Certainly, I have a greater understanding of and interest in Pinter and his works than I did before viewing.
Dragons' Den
7x04 Episode 4
Clearly they've run out of Exciting Final Pitches, at least for now.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wildest Dreams
Part 2 (of 7)
I fell asleep a couple of times during this. I blame Nick Knowles. Though, to be fair, bees and bats hold absolutely no interest for me.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
The Lovely Bones Trailer
This looks brilliant -- a great director, a great cast, and stunningly beautiful too. Can't wait.
This looks brilliant -- a great director, a great cast, and stunningly beautiful too. Can't wait.
Articles
How is Merlin faring in America? by Ben Rawson-Jones
(from Digital Spy)
Interesting. Well, almost.
How the euro crept into Britain by Marie Jackson
(from BBC News)
Bloody Europe.
How vital were Cold War spies? by Gordon Corera
(from BBC News)
Answer: "Quite. Well, maybe. Depending on your point of view." So, definitive then.
And one piece that doesn't begin "How"...
Radiohead: Harry Patch (In memory of)
(from Today at BBC News)
"World War I veteran Harry Patch will be buried tomorrow. The former plumber, who fought at the battle of Passchendaele in 1917, gave a memorable interview to Today in 2005. Thom Yorke, lead singer of Radiohead, was moved by the interview to write a tribute to the veteran. The song can be downloaded from the Radiohead website -- all profits will go to the Royal British Legion."
Surprising. But good.
(from Digital Spy)
Interesting. Well, almost.
How the euro crept into Britain by Marie Jackson
(from BBC News)
Bloody Europe.
How vital were Cold War spies? by Gordon Corera
(from BBC News)
Answer: "Quite. Well, maybe. Depending on your point of view." So, definitive then.
And one piece that doesn't begin "How"...
Radiohead: Harry Patch (In memory of)
(from Today at BBC News)
"World War I veteran Harry Patch will be buried tomorrow. The former plumber, who fought at the battle of Passchendaele in 1917, gave a memorable interview to Today in 2005. Thom Yorke, lead singer of Radiohead, was moved by the interview to write a tribute to the veteran. The song can be downloaded from the Radiohead website -- all profits will go to the Royal British Legion."
Surprising. But good.
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
TV
Arena
Harold Pinter: The Room
The first of a two-part documentary/biography of the famous playwright, originally screened in 2002 and recently repeated as part of a 'theme night' on BBC Four. While I can't say I've ever got on with Pinter's work, it is interesting, and this documentary is occasionally enlightening, and occasionally just as frustratingly obtuse as the man's plays.
As Seen on TV
1x03 Episode 3
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Top Gear
13x07 (2/8/09 edition) [season finale]
I've been put off Volkswagens for life by how irritatingly humourless those two ad men were. Jeremy's car ads, however, were among the best I've ever, ever seen.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Harold Pinter: The Room
The first of a two-part documentary/biography of the famous playwright, originally screened in 2002 and recently repeated as part of a 'theme night' on BBC Four. While I can't say I've ever got on with Pinter's work, it is interesting, and this documentary is occasionally enlightening, and occasionally just as frustratingly obtuse as the man's plays.
As Seen on TV
1x03 Episode 3
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Top Gear
13x07 (2/8/09 edition) [season finale]
I've been put off Volkswagens for life by how irritatingly humourless those two ad men were. Jeremy's car ads, however, were among the best I've ever, ever seen.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
David Twohy Talks Riddick 3 by Owen Williams
(from Empire)
Vin Diesel's super-duper keen to star, apparently, but the size of his salary is one of the biggest potential problems. About as bright as he looks then, eh?
Review of Comrades DVD by Gary Couzens
(from DVD Times)
A nice review of the BFI's new DVD, mainly for the interesting perspective and history on the film and director Bill Douglas.
(from Empire)
Vin Diesel's super-duper keen to star, apparently, but the size of his salary is one of the biggest potential problems. About as bright as he looks then, eh?
Review of Comrades DVD by Gary Couzens
(from DVD Times)
A nice review of the BFI's new DVD, mainly for the interesting perspective and history on the film and director Bill Douglas.
Monday, 3 August 2009
TV
Elementary My Dear Viewer
Documentary examining the history of Sherlock Holmes. Nothing too revelatory, but it has its moments of interest.
The Mentalist
1x19 A Dozen Red Roses
The Mentalist takes aim at Hollywood in another particularly good episode. OK, the actual mystery plot wasn't that amazing, but that's only half the fun in a series like this.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
The Secret Millionaire
4x01 Kevin Morley
The true state our country is in can be really shocking. At the same time, when people like Morley do something to make a difference, it's incredibly heartwarming. Perhaps that's the charm of The Secret Millionaire: it makes you thoroughly depressed at how awful the world is for half the programme, then spends the second half building to a momentous and uplifting finale. Which I suppose is rather cynical of me, actually...
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Documentary examining the history of Sherlock Holmes. Nothing too revelatory, but it has its moments of interest.
The Mentalist
1x19 A Dozen Red Roses
The Mentalist takes aim at Hollywood in another particularly good episode. OK, the actual mystery plot wasn't that amazing, but that's only half the fun in a series like this.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
The Secret Millionaire
4x01 Kevin Morley
The true state our country is in can be really shocking. At the same time, when people like Morley do something to make a difference, it's incredibly heartwarming. Perhaps that's the charm of The Secret Millionaire: it makes you thoroughly depressed at how awful the world is for half the programme, then spends the second half building to a momentous and uplifting finale. Which I suppose is rather cynical of me, actually...
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
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