FlashForward
1x08 Playing Cards with Coyote
Funny, I assumed all the men had the three-star tattoos from the get-go, making that a total non-twist. Ho hum, nothing out of character for FlashForward in that.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
The Graham Norton Show
6x08 (23/11/09 edition)
Yes, last week's -- the 'Welsh Special'.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
How I Met Your Mother
3x07 Dowisetrepla
Monday, 30 November 2009
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Articles
The Art of Gaming by Mark Langshaw
(from Digital Spy)
A gamer once again tries to claim gaming is an art form on a par with novels, poetry, films, and so on.
Once again, they ignore what I think is one of the key factors: accessibility. Never mind the notion of having to learn controls and all that (while the others only require basic life skills, like sight, hearing, the ability to read) -- none of the other forms halt your progress if you haven't fully understood/completed the preceding section, unlike games.
This 'barrier to completion' is a major count against them in my view -- a film you can just keep watching, a novel keep reading, a painting stare at for as long as you like, but a game's over the moment you're incapable of completing a level/mission/etc. That inability to easily experience the work entire is a major obstacle to the medium's wider acceptance as Art, in my view.
Comedy writers 'no longer taking risks' by Marc Settle
(from BBC News)
Despite the insistence of BBC bigwigs later in the article that things are OK, it's clear they're not. And it's all the fault of busybody moaners, like Daily Mail readers or idiots from Sky like James Murdoch.
(from Digital Spy)
A gamer once again tries to claim gaming is an art form on a par with novels, poetry, films, and so on.
Once again, they ignore what I think is one of the key factors: accessibility. Never mind the notion of having to learn controls and all that (while the others only require basic life skills, like sight, hearing, the ability to read) -- none of the other forms halt your progress if you haven't fully understood/completed the preceding section, unlike games.
This 'barrier to completion' is a major count against them in my view -- a film you can just keep watching, a novel keep reading, a painting stare at for as long as you like, but a game's over the moment you're incapable of completing a level/mission/etc. That inability to easily experience the work entire is a major obstacle to the medium's wider acceptance as Art, in my view.
Comedy writers 'no longer taking risks' by Marc Settle
(from BBC News)
"Jokes aren't true - they're lies, they're exaggerations, they're distortion, they're imbalance, they're having a go, they're bullying, they're insulting," says The Thick of It creator Armando Iannucci. "Of course the intention is to cause offence." [He] is one of a number of leading figures who fear the rules of comedy writing in Britain are changing.
Despite the insistence of BBC bigwigs later in the article that things are OK, it's clear they're not. And it's all the fault of busybody moaners, like Daily Mail readers or idiots from Sky like James Murdoch.
new review at 100 Films
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is out on DVD and Blu-ray in the UK from tomorrow.
There are currently 18 feature films and one short in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
it’s like an uncomfortable amalgamation of Saturday morning cartoon and more adult-orientated action-comedy. On the one hand you’ve got a top-secret organisation with a semi-plausible acronym for a name (NEST) that sees soldiers and good giant robots travelling the world fighting bad giant robots... On the other, you’ve got whole sequences about drug use, almost brutal fight scenes, and lad’s mag-level slow-mo shots of girls running, changing and having their short dresses hiked up... In other words: if you’re an average 13-year-old boy, this is the Best. Movie. Ever.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is out on DVD and Blu-ray in the UK from tomorrow.
There are currently 18 feature films and one short in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Saturday, 28 November 2009
TV
Gavin & Stacey
3x01 Episode 1
Simply, brilliant. Gavin & Stacey blows away almost every other comedy currently in production, and a fair few dramas too. Witness, for example, the pair of gags relating to the cheese and pineapple sticks. Most dramas dream about that level of subtlety.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
House
6x08 Teamwork
How I Met Your Mother
3x06 I'm Not That Guy
The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson
1x03 Episode 3
Yes, last week's.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
QI
7x01 Gardens
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wallander [Swedish]
1x03 Bröderna (aka The Brothers)
Grim, but quite possibly the best episode so far.
3x01 Episode 1
Simply, brilliant. Gavin & Stacey blows away almost every other comedy currently in production, and a fair few dramas too. Witness, for example, the pair of gags relating to the cheese and pineapple sticks. Most dramas dream about that level of subtlety.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
House
6x08 Teamwork
How I Met Your Mother
3x06 I'm Not That Guy
The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson
1x03 Episode 3
Yes, last week's.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
QI
7x01 Gardens
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wallander [Swedish]
1x03 Bröderna (aka The Brothers)
Grim, but quite possibly the best episode so far.
Fiction
Dr. Horrible #1 (preview)
6-page preview of issue one of the Dr. Horrible comic, available to read for free online. It's a nice little origin story fully contained within these preview pages.
6-page preview of issue one of the Dr. Horrible comic, available to read for free online. It's a nice little origin story fully contained within these preview pages.
Articles
The "I'm Not That Sad" Quote Of The Week by Dave Golder
(from SFX)
Sky trials 3D broadcasts at the O2 by Andrew Laughlin
(from Digital Spy)
Long-ish article with more details on Sky's ever-developing plans for 3D TV, if you're interested.
(from SFX)
You can almost hear actress Tamzin Outhwaite hissing “I'm not THAT sad” between her teeth as she joins an esteemed list of actors in abject self-denial about appearing in sci-fi. Here she is on Teletext, talking about her role in Paradox: "Initially I thought it was a sci-fi project. Then I read the script and realised it wasn't. It's about police officers trying to work out whether there is a worm hole between two time zones."... Sorry, love, but by using the phrase, “a worm hole between two time zones” you've just defeated your whole argument.
Sky trials 3D broadcasts at the O2 by Andrew Laughlin
(from Digital Spy)
Long-ish article with more details on Sky's ever-developing plans for 3D TV, if you're interested.
new review at 100 Films
Watchmen: Director's Cut (2009)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
Watchmen: Director's Cut is out on Blu-ray in the UK from Monday.
There are currently 20 feature films and one short in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
I wouldn’t be inclined to say it’s vastly different to the previously seen version. There are some obvious new scenes and extensions, especially if you’re familiar with the original novel, but ultimately I didn’t find the additional 24 minutes created a vastly different experience. Most of the flaws still remain... By the same token, none of the great bits are ruined, while some are enhanced.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
Watchmen: Director's Cut is out on Blu-ray in the UK from Monday.
There are currently 20 feature films and one short in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Friday, 27 November 2009
TV
Argumental
2x12 (17/11/09 edition)
Last episode... except for two clips show specials.
Russell Howard's Good News
1x05 (19/11/09 edition, extended repeat)
The stand-up in this episode was so rubbish, I've deliberately tried (and succeeded) to forget his name. Which is a shame, because now I can't avoid him in future.
[You can (still) only see the shorter version on iPlayer.]
2x12 (17/11/09 edition)
Last episode... except for two clips show specials.
Russell Howard's Good News
1x05 (19/11/09 edition, extended repeat)
The stand-up in this episode was so rubbish, I've deliberately tried (and succeeded) to forget his name. Which is a shame, because now I can't avoid him in future.
[You can (still) only see the shorter version on iPlayer.]
Films
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
[#80 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
On Blu-ray, which isn't out 'til Monday. I (still) always love it when this happens.
[#80 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
On Blu-ray, which isn't out 'til Monday. I (still) always love it when this happens.
Articles
Corduroy Skirts are a Sin by Julie Z
(from fbomb)
A wonderful protest (it's infinitely more important, and clever, than that title suggests). It would take too long to summarise, so, just go read it.
(from fbomb)
A wonderful protest (it's infinitely more important, and clever, than that title suggests). It would take too long to summarise, so, just go read it.
Collection Count
For those keeping count (ho ho), this is now the sixth week of Collection Count, which tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics.
The big acquisition this week is the latest Star Trek on Blu-ray, accompanied by bargain purchases of Ian McKellen's King Lear, Zodiac: Director's Cut and Dark City: Director's Cut to boost my BD numbers. But as I owned the last two of those on DVD -- Dark City twice, in fact -- their DVDs have now been discounted from the list (soon to be found on eBay), which does funny things to the DVD numbers. By which I mean that, though I've bought three new DVDs this week, the ultimate result is "down 2"!
Oh, it's a complicated malarkey, this DVD listing business.
Number of titles in collection: 1,087 [up 3]
Of which DVDs: 1,045 [down 2]
Of which Blu-rays: 42 [up 5]
Number of discs in collection: 2,669 [up 9]
Number of films in collection: 1,133 [up 8]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,716 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Titles with audio commentary/ies or PIP tracks:
666
(61.3% of the collection)
See you next week, faithful reader.
The big acquisition this week is the latest Star Trek on Blu-ray, accompanied by bargain purchases of Ian McKellen's King Lear, Zodiac: Director's Cut and Dark City: Director's Cut to boost my BD numbers. But as I owned the last two of those on DVD -- Dark City twice, in fact -- their DVDs have now been discounted from the list (soon to be found on eBay), which does funny things to the DVD numbers. By which I mean that, though I've bought three new DVDs this week, the ultimate result is "down 2"!
Oh, it's a complicated malarkey, this DVD listing business.
Number of titles in collection: 1,087 [up 3]
Of which DVDs: 1,045 [down 2]
Of which Blu-rays: 42 [up 5]
Number of discs in collection: 2,669 [up 9]
Number of films in collection: 1,133 [up 8]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,716 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Titles with audio commentary/ies or PIP tracks:
666
(61.3% of the collection)
See you next week, faithful reader.
Thursday, 26 November 2009
TV
Children in Need Rocks the Royal Albert Hall
Star-studded gig in aid of Children in Need. With a line-up full of Today's Hot Pop Acts it's inevitably a mixed bag, dependent on your tastes, but it's all for a good cause so you can't complain too much.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
How I Met Your Mother
3x05 How I Met Everyone Else
Ah, the semi-inevitable 'how we all met' episode, a staple of any long-running sitcom. Luckily, this ep is worthy of that grand tradition.
The Sarah Jane Adventures
3x11 The Gift Part One
3x12 The Gift Part Two [season finale]
Guest starring (the voices of) big-name actors Miriam Margolyes and Simon Callow! Just goes to show how well SJA does for itself.
It's a relatively low-key season finale, despite the guest stars and a world-threatening plot -- there's very few locations, lots of standing around nattering, and a ton of CGI, which is presumably where the story's budget went. Not the best SJA story then, and feeling more like a low-budget mid-season effort than a grand ending, but entertaining enough.
Fingers crossed for a fourth series...
[Watch part one and part two (again) on iPlayer.]
Star-studded gig in aid of Children in Need. With a line-up full of Today's Hot Pop Acts it's inevitably a mixed bag, dependent on your tastes, but it's all for a good cause so you can't complain too much.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
How I Met Your Mother
3x05 How I Met Everyone Else
Ah, the semi-inevitable 'how we all met' episode, a staple of any long-running sitcom. Luckily, this ep is worthy of that grand tradition.
The Sarah Jane Adventures
3x11 The Gift Part One
3x12 The Gift Part Two [season finale]
Guest starring (the voices of) big-name actors Miriam Margolyes and Simon Callow! Just goes to show how well SJA does for itself.
It's a relatively low-key season finale, despite the guest stars and a world-threatening plot -- there's very few locations, lots of standing around nattering, and a ton of CGI, which is presumably where the story's budget went. Not the best SJA story then, and feeling more like a low-budget mid-season effort than a grand ending, but entertaining enough.
Fingers crossed for a fourth series...
[Watch part one and part two (again) on iPlayer.]
Bernard Cribbins is marvellous
Bernard Cribbins talks Who return by Neil Wilkes & Chris Allen
(from Digital Spy)
I've said it before, I usually prefer transcriptions to video interviews -- they're quicker and easier to skim -- but Bernard Cribbins is so fantastic that it's a joy to spend 5 minutes and 10 seconds listening to him speak.
Go on, watch it. He's lovely.
(And in answer to Wilkes' question under the video: it's just you. And anyone else who clearly wasn't paying proper attention. Or, alternatively, too much attention, as the comments show.)
(from Digital Spy)
I've said it before, I usually prefer transcriptions to video interviews -- they're quicker and easier to skim -- but Bernard Cribbins is so fantastic that it's a joy to spend 5 minutes and 10 seconds listening to him speak.
Go on, watch it. He's lovely.
(And in answer to Wilkes' question under the video: it's just you. And anyone else who clearly wasn't paying proper attention. Or, alternatively, too much attention, as the comments show.)
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
TV
The Force
Episode 2 (of 3)
The second episode of this excellent documentary series takes a look at the UK's first dedicated rape unit outside London, an "experiment" given six months to prove itself as a concept that should be rolled out nationwide. As stated near the start, rape is second only to murder in seriousness in the opinion of the British public, but is one of the hardest crimes to prove and consequently has one of the lowest conviction rates. Ultimately, the unit is shut down -- though it's given a last minute reprieve, once most of its staff have already been reassigned. Effectively, it's deemed as not cost effective despite impressive statistics, though just about allowed to continue... for the time being.
All in, it makes for an engrossing documentary on the way rape is and could be investigated, and commentary on the (perhaps hypocritical) difference between the opinion of rape in general, i.e. second only to murder, and the opinion on specific cases, i.e. unsolvable -- something the work of this unit categorically disproves. To date, no other force has established a similar unit, while last year 15,000 rapes were reported in the UK, leading to just 955 convictions.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
It's Only a Theory
1x08 Episode 8
Marcus Chown, again! And yet they still pretend they don't know him. Come on guys, treat your viewers with some intelligence!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
23x08 (18/11/09 edition)
Yes, last week's.
Martin Freeman does a good job in the guest host chair, though I couldn't see him doing it regularly (should they return to that route). One of the great things about the Buzzcocks guest hosts, incidentally, is that most of them seem to be having a whale of a time; unlike on HIGNFY, where they mostly seem nervous as hell.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Episode 2 (of 3)
The second episode of this excellent documentary series takes a look at the UK's first dedicated rape unit outside London, an "experiment" given six months to prove itself as a concept that should be rolled out nationwide. As stated near the start, rape is second only to murder in seriousness in the opinion of the British public, but is one of the hardest crimes to prove and consequently has one of the lowest conviction rates. Ultimately, the unit is shut down -- though it's given a last minute reprieve, once most of its staff have already been reassigned. Effectively, it's deemed as not cost effective despite impressive statistics, though just about allowed to continue... for the time being.
All in, it makes for an engrossing documentary on the way rape is and could be investigated, and commentary on the (perhaps hypocritical) difference between the opinion of rape in general, i.e. second only to murder, and the opinion on specific cases, i.e. unsolvable -- something the work of this unit categorically disproves. To date, no other force has established a similar unit, while last year 15,000 rapes were reported in the UK, leading to just 955 convictions.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
It's Only a Theory
1x08 Episode 8
Marcus Chown, again! And yet they still pretend they don't know him. Come on guys, treat your viewers with some intelligence!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
23x08 (18/11/09 edition)
Yes, last week's.
Martin Freeman does a good job in the guest host chair, though I couldn't see him doing it regularly (should they return to that route). One of the great things about the Buzzcocks guest hosts, incidentally, is that most of them seem to be having a whale of a time; unlike on HIGNFY, where they mostly seem nervous as hell.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Magazines
Radio Times 30 November - 6 December 2009
Christmas must be getting close -- here, RT have their (first of several, I'm sure) preview of what's to come over the Christmas holiday, while the next issue is out on Saturday (rather than the usual Tuesday), a schedule change that only happens in the run up to making way for the double-length Christmas issue.
Of course, the Big Day itself is just one month from today...
Christmas must be getting close -- here, RT have their (first of several, I'm sure) preview of what's to come over the Christmas holiday, while the next issue is out on Saturday (rather than the usual Tuesday), a schedule change that only happens in the run up to making way for the double-length Christmas issue.
Of course, the Big Day itself is just one month from today...
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
TV
How I Met Your Mother
3x04 Little Boys
Mastermind
for Children in Need [2009 special]
In which Mark Watson scored the highest (celebrity?) score ever... only to have it beaten within a few minutes by Lucy Porter. Poor Mark.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Misfits
1x02 Episode Two
Continues to be surprisingly good, applying a welcome sci-fi twist to any of the Skins-like drama it feels the need (or the budget constraints) to include.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Russell Howard's Good News
1x04 (12/11/09 edition, extended repeat)
[You can only see the shorter version on iPlayer.]
3x04 Little Boys
Mastermind
for Children in Need [2009 special]
In which Mark Watson scored the highest (celebrity?) score ever... only to have it beaten within a few minutes by Lucy Porter. Poor Mark.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Misfits
1x02 Episode Two
Continues to be surprisingly good, applying a welcome sci-fi twist to any of the Skins-like drama it feels the need (or the budget constraints) to include.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Russell Howard's Good News
1x04 (12/11/09 edition, extended repeat)
[You can only see the shorter version on iPlayer.]
new reviews at 100 Films
Three reviews of the films in Channel 4's 3D Week, went up at 100 Films the other day. They were:
Flesh for Frankenstein (1973)
Friday the 13th Part III (1982)
Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert (2008)
There are currently 19 feature films and one short in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Flesh for Frankenstein (1973)
The best thing about the extra dimension is that it provides some genuinely impressive visuals throughout, and not in the gimmicky, thrust-stuff-into-the-audience way — naturally there are some of those shots, but… there are also shots that demonstrate why 3D could be genuinely valuable, to visuals if not necessarily to storytelling.Read the full review at 100 Films.
Friday the 13th Part III (1982)
They have a whale of a time shoving stuff out into the audience for almost no reason — just like the stereotype of 3D films, of course. That’s part of the fun of trashy 3D movies so I’m not criticising it, but what sadly doesn’t work is the ColorCode 3D system chosen by C4.Read the full review at 100 Films.
Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert (2008)
The only real exception is the 3D — being a very recent production, that was flawless.Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 19 feature films and one short in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Monday, 23 November 2009
TV
The Graham Norton Show
6x07 (16/11/09 edition)
Yes, last week's.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Greatest Ever 3D Moments
The centrepiece of Channel 4's 3D Week purports to countdown the top 10 3D moments of all time. In reality, it uses the list format to recount the history of 3D, albeit in jumbled-up fashion thanks to this countdown structure. And it seems as if the top moments were dictated as much by what clips could be found and/or licenced as what is genuinely good 3D. And they were of course discussed by not-very-funny wannabe-famous specialist-knowledge-lacking young comedians, though thankfully the odd expert did show their face. Not a total waste, then, but it was a good idea that couldn't quite be pulled off. Like a lot of 3D week, as it turned out. Or 3D in general.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
6x07 (16/11/09 edition)
Yes, last week's.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Greatest Ever 3D Moments
The centrepiece of Channel 4's 3D Week purports to countdown the top 10 3D moments of all time. In reality, it uses the list format to recount the history of 3D, albeit in jumbled-up fashion thanks to this countdown structure. And it seems as if the top moments were dictated as much by what clips could be found and/or licenced as what is genuinely good 3D. And they were of course discussed by not-very-funny wannabe-famous specialist-knowledge-lacking young comedians, though thankfully the odd expert did show their face. Not a total waste, then, but it was a good idea that couldn't quite be pulled off. Like a lot of 3D week, as it turned out. Or 3D in general.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Sunday, 22 November 2009
Films
Friday the 13th Part III in 3D (1982)
[#77 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Once again courtesy of Channel 4's 3D week. Lots of fun 3D silliness in this, which is good because the rest of it is by-the-numbers slasher flick tosh.
Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert in 3D (2008)
[#78 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Ugh. The only thing worse than Hannah/Miley is the Jonas Brothers, who unfortunately turn up for a song or two.
Wanted (2008)
[2nd watch]
This was #46 in 100 Films 2008, where I gave it a fairly harsh write-up in reference to the trailer containing all the best bits. 16 months on, I find myself able to enjoy it in its own right. Distanced from said ubiquitous trailer, all the cool bits that gave away are fresher again, making it easier to appreciate the other great things about the film, such as it's wonderful sense of humour. If I wasn't about 20 reviews behind I'd consider re-evaluating it.
Watchmen: Director's Cut (2009)
[#79 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Ahead of the UK Blu-ray release in 8 days (I'll try to have a review up before then), and while the Ultimate Cut is winging its way to me across the Atlantic, it's more than time I got round to watching Zack Snyder's definitive version of this year's most-talked-about superhero movie. The theatrical cut, incidentally, was #9.
[#77 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Once again courtesy of Channel 4's 3D week. Lots of fun 3D silliness in this, which is good because the rest of it is by-the-numbers slasher flick tosh.
Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert in 3D (2008)
[#78 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Ugh. The only thing worse than Hannah/Miley is the Jonas Brothers, who unfortunately turn up for a song or two.
Wanted (2008)
[2nd watch]
This was #46 in 100 Films 2008, where I gave it a fairly harsh write-up in reference to the trailer containing all the best bits. 16 months on, I find myself able to enjoy it in its own right. Distanced from said ubiquitous trailer, all the cool bits that gave away are fresher again, making it easier to appreciate the other great things about the film, such as it's wonderful sense of humour. If I wasn't about 20 reviews behind I'd consider re-evaluating it.
Watchmen: Director's Cut (2009)
[#79 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Ahead of the UK Blu-ray release in 8 days (I'll try to have a review up before then), and while the Ultimate Cut is winging its way to me across the Atlantic, it's more than time I got round to watching Zack Snyder's definitive version of this year's most-talked-about superhero movie. The theatrical cut, incidentally, was #9.
DVD Extras
Alternate Opening on Wanted (Blu-ray)
This is a rather impressive sequence, which would've added to the mythic quality the film refers to but doesn't really embrace. It also clearly involved a lot of time, effort and, to be blunt, money, which makes it almost amazing it was cut. But it would've been information overload at the start of the film, particularly as it's relatively unrelated to what follows, and so cutting it out seems a wise decision. By itself it's great though, so hurrah for the age of DVD/Blu-ray that allows us to see it.
This is a rather impressive sequence, which would've added to the mythic quality the film refers to but doesn't really embrace. It also clearly involved a lot of time, effort and, to be blunt, money, which makes it almost amazing it was cut. But it would've been information overload at the start of the film, particularly as it's relatively unrelated to what follows, and so cutting it out seems a wise decision. By itself it's great though, so hurrah for the age of DVD/Blu-ray that allows us to see it.
Saturday, 21 November 2009
TV
Children in Need 2009
Being the post-midnight stretch, which as ever included a lot of repeats from earlier in the evening. A few new things too though, including musical numbers and an amusing (despite never having seen either show) Rebus/Taggart team-up/piss-take.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Comedy Showcase
2x01 Campus
Being "from the creators of Green Wing" inspired me to watch this episode of C4's series of comedy pilots. Three of the six from the first season went to full series; so far, one from this batch has already been commissioned. Not this one though. Probably because it's not that good. Some funny bits, to be fair, but some's just crass for the sake of it. (What else is new, eh?)
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Harper's Island
1x13 Sigh [series finale]
Nearly everyone's killed and everything's brought together and explained as the series-length slasher movie reaches its conclusion. It's been a fun ride -- not always the best-written show on TV (well, never the best written, but you know what I mean), it's kept itself rattling along with fun deaths and copious suspense. Shame more people didn't get on board its slightly unusual style ("unusual" being a euphemism for "not always that well-written", really), not that there'd've been a second series anyway.
Still hoping for a Blu-ray. Not all of the series looked as good as episode one, but that alone would be worth it.
Harper's Island Solved
Effectively 'Part Two' of BBC Three's episode eleven accompanier Harper's Island Unsolved (see what they did there?), looking at the final reveal of the killer -- he was always the case for the writers, apparently, and the actor knew since episode eight -- as well as the deaths in the final few episodes, including everyone's most-memorable, Cal and Chloe's. Despite Fearne Cotton's slightly irritating BBC Three-styled narration, it's a surprisingly interesting and information-filled documentary. Well done BBC.
Being the post-midnight stretch, which as ever included a lot of repeats from earlier in the evening. A few new things too though, including musical numbers and an amusing (despite never having seen either show) Rebus/Taggart team-up/piss-take.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Comedy Showcase
2x01 Campus
Being "from the creators of Green Wing" inspired me to watch this episode of C4's series of comedy pilots. Three of the six from the first season went to full series; so far, one from this batch has already been commissioned. Not this one though. Probably because it's not that good. Some funny bits, to be fair, but some's just crass for the sake of it. (What else is new, eh?)
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Harper's Island
1x13 Sigh [series finale]
Nearly everyone's killed and everything's brought together and explained as the series-length slasher movie reaches its conclusion. It's been a fun ride -- not always the best-written show on TV (well, never the best written, but you know what I mean), it's kept itself rattling along with fun deaths and copious suspense. Shame more people didn't get on board its slightly unusual style ("unusual" being a euphemism for "not always that well-written", really), not that there'd've been a second series anyway.
Still hoping for a Blu-ray. Not all of the series looked as good as episode one, but that alone would be worth it.
Harper's Island Solved
Effectively 'Part Two' of BBC Three's episode eleven accompanier Harper's Island Unsolved (see what they did there?), looking at the final reveal of the killer -- he was always the case for the writers, apparently, and the actor knew since episode eight -- as well as the deaths in the final few episodes, including everyone's most-memorable, Cal and Chloe's. Despite Fearne Cotton's slightly irritating BBC Three-styled narration, it's a surprisingly interesting and information-filled documentary. Well done BBC.
Films
Flesh for Frankenstein in 3D (1973)
[#75 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Courtesy of Channel 4's 3D week, though it's films like this that demonstrate why 3D has never taken off before.
Jumper (2008)
[#76 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
[#75 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Courtesy of Channel 4's 3D week, though it's films like this that demonstrate why 3D has never taken off before.
Jumper (2008)
[#76 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Friday, 20 November 2009
TV
Children in Need 2009
Highlight of the night is unquestionably the Doctor Who clip from The End of Time, Part One -- can't wait for that.
More CiN tomorrow, of course.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Derren Brown Presents The 3D Magic Spectacular
Read my thoughts on this programme here.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Harper's Island
1x12 Gasp
Having finally got my hands on both of the final episodes in HD, I can finally finish watching this (it's six weeks since I watched ep11).
So, good twist at the end of this episode... though I guessed it about halfway through the series, but that was mainly because I thought it'd be a good twist.
Highlight of the night is unquestionably the Doctor Who clip from The End of Time, Part One -- can't wait for that.
More CiN tomorrow, of course.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Derren Brown Presents The 3D Magic Spectacular
Read my thoughts on this programme here.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Harper's Island
1x12 Gasp
Having finally got my hands on both of the final episodes in HD, I can finally finish watching this (it's six weeks since I watched ep11).
So, good twist at the end of this episode... though I guessed it about halfway through the series, but that was mainly because I thought it'd be a good twist.
Articles
The 10 Worst SF & Fantasy TV Shows Of The Decade by Dave Golder
(from SFX)
I'm sure there've been worse shows than some of these... But then, everything has its fans, so...
[Doctor Who Christmas Special] Title Revealed!
(from Doctor Who official site)
oh.
Review of The Twilight Saga: New Moon by Roger Ebert
(from rogerebert.com)
Ebert lays into the latest bit of drivel to disgrace our cinema screens.
Royal flush: five of the best play Queen in new film by Tim Lusher
(from guardian.co.uk)
But there were only four people in the band.
Oh, wait, that Queen...
Webby Awards name top 10 Internet moments of the decade
(from Yahoo! Tech)
Interesting and generally correct, I think, though the inclusion of Craigslist shows something of a US bias -- the rest are global (even the US election, as that sadly effects all of us), but Craigslist has only really taken off in the US.
(from SFX)
I'm sure there've been worse shows than some of these... But then, everything has its fans, so...
[Doctor Who Christmas Special] Title Revealed!
(from Doctor Who official site)
oh.
Review of The Twilight Saga: New Moon by Roger Ebert
(from rogerebert.com)
Ebert lays into the latest bit of drivel to disgrace our cinema screens.
Royal flush: five of the best play Queen in new film by Tim Lusher
(from guardian.co.uk)
But there were only four people in the band.
Oh, wait, that Queen...
Webby Awards name top 10 Internet moments of the decade
(from Yahoo! Tech)
Interesting and generally correct, I think, though the inclusion of Craigslist shows something of a US bias -- the rest are global (even the US election, as that sadly effects all of us), but Craigslist has only really taken off in the US.
Collection Count
We're into the fifth week of Collection Count now, which tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics.
I've made the wholly arbitrary decision that, once a month, the Statistic of the Week will be the same -- namely, the running time of the collection -- thereby providing a sporadic look at one of the more interesting things (relatively speaking, of course) I actually have to share in these posts. ("Once a month" in this case means "every four entries".)
Number of titles in collection: 1,084 [up 6]
Of which DVDs: 1,047 [up 4]
Of which Blu-rays: 37 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 2,660 [up 11]
Number of films in collection: 1,125 [up 4]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,716 [up 20]
Statistic of the week:
Total running time of collection (approx.):
183 days, 2 hours, and 50 minutes.
(Up 3 days, 9 hours, and 57 minutes from last month.)
See you next week, faithful reader.
I've made the wholly arbitrary decision that, once a month, the Statistic of the Week will be the same -- namely, the running time of the collection -- thereby providing a sporadic look at one of the more interesting things (relatively speaking, of course) I actually have to share in these posts. ("Once a month" in this case means "every four entries".)
Number of titles in collection: 1,084 [up 6]
Of which DVDs: 1,047 [up 4]
Of which Blu-rays: 37 [up 2]
Number of discs in collection: 2,660 [up 11]
Number of films in collection: 1,125 [up 4]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,716 [up 20]
Statistic of the week:
Total running time of collection (approx.):
183 days, 2 hours, and 50 minutes.
(Up 3 days, 9 hours, and 57 minutes from last month.)
See you next week, faithful reader.
new review at 100 Films
Ripley's Game (2002)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 17 feature films and one short in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Roger Ebert saw fit to include it in his Great Movies list, though other critics are less favourable (the Radio Times, for one handy example, rate it just three out of five). While Ebert is in my opinion overselling the film by including it in a list of the best films ever made ever, it’s certainly an above average, consummately made and constantly entertaining Euro-thriller.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 17 feature films and one short in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Channel 4's 3D Week - initial impressions
Having finally got hold of some appropriate 3D specs, I can finally begin to watch the bits of Channel 4's 3D week that I've been recording. This up first: Derren Brown Presents The 3D Magic Spectacular, a selection of (quelle surprise) magic tricks and illusions. Some are presented in 3D for good reason, others... well, just cos. Most are spectacular in one way or another, others impressive in themselves but rather obscured by the weak 3D effect (in particular, the man-escaping-from-a-sky-diving-cage one). As for a pair of 'play along at home' tricks (a pair of genuine ones, that is -- Derren's doesn't count), one thoroughly failed on me. Ho hum.
As for the 3D system chosen by C4... well, it's an anaglyph one, so of course it's far from perfect, but I also feel I've seen better examples -- I've watched a bit of Coraline in 3D on Blu-ray, for example, which uses a different system, and it seemed superior. The glasses I've got are also rather dark (they're not ones issued by C4 via Sainsbury's, though they are of the right type (ColorCode 3D), so their own might be better... but I wouldn't bet on it); luckily, I can whack up the backlight on my TV to compensate a bit.
Anyway -- this just goes to prove why anaglyph-based 3D films and TV have never really taken off. It remains to be seen if the new wave of supposedly-more-effective 3D that's on the way over the next few years (and already all over cinemas, of course) finally has any staying power.
As for the 3D system chosen by C4... well, it's an anaglyph one, so of course it's far from perfect, but I also feel I've seen better examples -- I've watched a bit of Coraline in 3D on Blu-ray, for example, which uses a different system, and it seemed superior. The glasses I've got are also rather dark (they're not ones issued by C4 via Sainsbury's, though they are of the right type (ColorCode 3D), so their own might be better... but I wouldn't bet on it); luckily, I can whack up the backlight on my TV to compensate a bit.
Anyway -- this just goes to prove why anaglyph-based 3D films and TV have never really taken off. It remains to be seen if the new wave of supposedly-more-effective 3D that's on the way over the next few years (and already all over cinemas, of course) finally has any staying power.
Thursday, 19 November 2009
TV
Friday Night with Jonathan Ross
17x11 (13/11/09 edition)
This! Is! Wossy!
*ahem*
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
How I Met Your Mother
3x03 Third Wheel
The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson
1x02 Episode 2
I hope this is doing well in the ratings, because it deserves to be a success.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
17x11 (13/11/09 edition)
This! Is! Wossy!
*ahem*
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
How I Met Your Mother
3x03 Third Wheel
The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson
1x02 Episode 2
I hope this is doing well in the ratings, because it deserves to be a success.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Chris Addison records part in Skins by Mayer Nissim
(from Digital Spy)
"You are always aware when watching it that it's Not Meant For You."
FACT.
Ferrell named Hollywood's most overpaid star by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
"Will Ferrell is Hollywood's most overpaid actor"
DOUBLE FACT.
(from Digital Spy)
"You are always aware when watching it that it's Not Meant For You."
FACT.
Ferrell named Hollywood's most overpaid star by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
"Will Ferrell is Hollywood's most overpaid actor"
DOUBLE FACT.
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
TV
Generation Kill
Part 7 Bomb in the Garden [final episode]
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Have I Got News For You
38x05 (13/11/09 edition; uncut repeat).
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
It's Only a Theory
1x07 Episode 7
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
23x07 (11/11/09 edition)
Yes, last week's, with Tim Minchin -- yay! Not nearly enough of him though. And as I think I've 'reviewed' every guest host this series, let me say that Mark Watson was definitely an above-average one, which is super.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wallander [Swedish]
1x02 Byfånen (aka The Village Idiot)
Part 7 Bomb in the Garden [final episode]
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Have I Got News For You
38x05 (13/11/09 edition; uncut repeat).
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
It's Only a Theory
1x07 Episode 7
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
23x07 (11/11/09 edition)
Yes, last week's, with Tim Minchin -- yay! Not nearly enough of him though. And as I think I've 'reviewed' every guest host this series, let me say that Mark Watson was definitely an above-average one, which is super.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wallander [Swedish]
1x02 Byfånen (aka The Village Idiot)
new review at 100 Films
Wallander: Before the Frost (2005)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 18 feature films and one short in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Kurt is something of a guest star in the first episode of his own series, but we still see enough of Henriksson to get a feel for his Wallander. Where Branagh is soul-searching, constantly staring silently into the distance, occasionally with a few tears for company, Henriksson is just a guy trying to do his job; struggling to be a good dad and maybe struggling with his health, but still a regular guy. Maybe the introspection and crying come later.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 18 feature films and one short in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
TV
How I Met Your Mother
3x02 We're Not From Here
Misfits
1x01 Episode One
You don't get much more E4 than this: Heroes meets Skins -- with extra ASBOs. Naturally, this being E4, you'd expect it to err towards the latter two elements, thus making it distinctly less... how shall I put this... good. Surprisingly, however, there's a pleasantly strong dash of the former. In fairness, this may just be because it's the first episode, meaning extra time is devoted to the setup, but we can keep our fingers crossed it continues in this vein. It's also genuinely funny, rather than the usual funny-if-you-have-no-brain level 'humour' churned out for this intended audience. A nice surprise; one worth keeping an eye on.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Wallander [Swedish]
1x01 Innan Frosten (aka Before the Frost)
BBC Four have been showing the original Swedish series of Wallander for a while now. It's rather different to the British version: more normal drama, less slow-paced coldly-shot faux-Swedish. There's also a greater focus on his daughter -- based on this episode alone, she seems to be more the main character than he is! Different, then, but still good.
[Due to its original theatrical release, this also counts as #74 in 100 Films in a Year 2009. Read my full review here.]
3x02 We're Not From Here
Misfits
1x01 Episode One
You don't get much more E4 than this: Heroes meets Skins -- with extra ASBOs. Naturally, this being E4, you'd expect it to err towards the latter two elements, thus making it distinctly less... how shall I put this... good. Surprisingly, however, there's a pleasantly strong dash of the former. In fairness, this may just be because it's the first episode, meaning extra time is devoted to the setup, but we can keep our fingers crossed it continues in this vein. It's also genuinely funny, rather than the usual funny-if-you-have-no-brain level 'humour' churned out for this intended audience. A nice surprise; one worth keeping an eye on.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Wallander [Swedish]
1x01 Innan Frosten (aka Before the Frost)
BBC Four have been showing the original Swedish series of Wallander for a while now. It's rather different to the British version: more normal drama, less slow-paced coldly-shot faux-Swedish. There's also a greater focus on his daughter -- based on this episode alone, she seems to be more the main character than he is! Different, then, but still good.
[Due to its original theatrical release, this also counts as #74 in 100 Films in a Year 2009. Read my full review here.]
Monday, 16 November 2009
TV
FlashForward
1x07 The Gift
FlashForward in good episode shocker! Finally, an answer... of sorts. Still had more than its fair share of dodgy moments though.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
House
6x07 Known Unknowns
Sky1 catches up with the US showings this week, apparently, so I guess we're headed for a Christmas break too now. Which just reminds me that 24 Day 8 must be starting in January, and I've still not seen Day 7. Oops.
1x07 The Gift
FlashForward in good episode shocker! Finally, an answer... of sorts. Still had more than its fair share of dodgy moments though.
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
House
6x07 Known Unknowns
Sky1 catches up with the US showings this week, apparently, so I guess we're headed for a Christmas break too now. Which just reminds me that 24 Day 8 must be starting in January, and I've still not seen Day 7. Oops.
Sunday, 15 November 2009
TV
Three hours of fantastic HD entertainment this evening, courtesy of the BBC...
Doctor Who [new]
4x16 The Waters of Mars [special]
An absolutely excellent episode -- scary, funny, surprising, heartbreaking... the adjectives could go on. If DWM had waited to do The Mighty 201, I'm sure this would've come right near the top. (And if it hadn't, there'd be something terribly wrong with the world. Or Doctor Who fans, anyway.)
Only bad thing... where was the next episode's title?! (The End of Time is the next-but-one. Unless reports which say as much have been wrong?)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Doctor Who Confidential
4x17 Is There Life on Mars?
Now in HD! Yay! (Also, the first Confidential I've watched in a bloody long time.)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Top Gear
14x01 Episode 1
Now in HD! Yay!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
And in regular old SD...
Charley Boorman: By Any Means - Sydney to Tokyo
Part 5 (of 6)
Part 6 (of 6)
Hurrah, got to the end! As did Charley, of course.
Doctor Who [new]
4x16 The Waters of Mars [special]
An absolutely excellent episode -- scary, funny, surprising, heartbreaking... the adjectives could go on. If DWM had waited to do The Mighty 201, I'm sure this would've come right near the top. (And if it hadn't, there'd be something terribly wrong with the world. Or Doctor Who fans, anyway.)
Only bad thing... where was the next episode's title?! (The End of Time is the next-but-one. Unless reports which say as much have been wrong?)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Doctor Who Confidential
4x17 Is There Life on Mars?
Now in HD! Yay! (Also, the first Confidential I've watched in a bloody long time.)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Top Gear
14x01 Episode 1
Now in HD! Yay!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
And in regular old SD...
Charley Boorman: By Any Means - Sydney to Tokyo
Part 5 (of 6)
Part 6 (of 6)
Hurrah, got to the end! As did Charley, of course.
Saturday, 14 November 2009
TV
Argumental
2x11 (10/11/09 edition)
Rather good edition, including a nice debate on religion and a funny bit on old people.
Charley Boorman: By Any Means - Sydney to Tokyo
Part 3 (of 6)
Part 4 (of 6)
Bit of a rush to catch up, as all six episodes disappear from iPlayer at 10pm tomorrow.
[Watch parts three and four (again) on iPlayer.]
2x11 (10/11/09 edition)
Rather good edition, including a nice debate on religion and a funny bit on old people.
Charley Boorman: By Any Means - Sydney to Tokyo
Part 3 (of 6)
Part 4 (of 6)
Bit of a rush to catch up, as all six episodes disappear from iPlayer at 10pm tomorrow.
[Watch parts three and four (again) on iPlayer.]
Magazines
Doctor Who Magazine #415
Russell T Davies' Production Notes column has been a mainstay of DWM for over six years now, and the final edition will be in next month's mag. It's disappointing that a once-great column, often the highlight of the mag thanks to all the next-series teasers it would share, has limped to a weak finish, filled with nothingy columns about post-production schedules and unrelated topics, when we should have been reveling in Steven Moffat's next-series teasers. Next month's finale has the feel, less of a grand goodbye, more of having a beloved but now critically ill pet put down. Hopefully Moffat's new pup will be suitably entertaining.
Little else to say about this issue. Despite a Waters of Mars preview and Lindsay Duncan interview, it's clear that the real meat is to come in the next two bumper-length issues. DWM leaves us twiddling our collective thumbs again, then.
Russell T Davies' Production Notes column has been a mainstay of DWM for over six years now, and the final edition will be in next month's mag. It's disappointing that a once-great column, often the highlight of the mag thanks to all the next-series teasers it would share, has limped to a weak finish, filled with nothingy columns about post-production schedules and unrelated topics, when we should have been reveling in Steven Moffat's next-series teasers. Next month's finale has the feel, less of a grand goodbye, more of having a beloved but now critically ill pet put down. Hopefully Moffat's new pup will be suitably entertaining.
Little else to say about this issue. Despite a Waters of Mars preview and Lindsay Duncan interview, it's clear that the real meat is to come in the next two bumper-length issues. DWM leaves us twiddling our collective thumbs again, then.
Articles
Brand says Sachs row was 'funny'
(from BBC News)
The headline is slightly misleading, I think, because Brand does have a point:
(from BBC News)
The headline is slightly misleading, I think, because Brand does have a point:
"I apologise for the thing I did wrong to the person I did it to but the whole subsequent scandal was funny," he said.
new review at 100 Films
Ashes of Time Redux (1994/2008)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
Film4 are showing Ashes of Time Redux tonight at 1:05am.
There are currently 17 feature films and one short in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Despite apparently being an Eastern action movie — it’s in the wuxia genre, which, for the uninitiated, also covers the likes of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and House of Flying Daggers — Ashes of Time isn’t what one would typically expect from such a billing. Reviews talk about it being a confusingly-plotted art film — and those are the positive ones — which, coupled with my relative dislike of Chungking Express, meant I didn’t really expect to like it a great deal. But I found myself surprised, because I really enjoyed it.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
Film4 are showing Ashes of Time Redux tonight at 1:05am.
There are currently 17 feature films and one short in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Friday, 13 November 2009
TV
Collision
Part 4 (of 5)
Part 5 (of 5)
The Radio Times were quite critical of the ending. Personally, I liked it -- it was a nice little twist that tied together most things appropriately, not ridiculously. Plus I thoroughly support its ultimate moral message ("all insects should die because they cause this", clearly).
[Watch parts four and five (again) on ITV Player.]
Friday Night with Jonathan Ross
17x10 (6/11/09 edition)
Yes, last week's.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Sarah Jane Adventures
3x10 Mona Lisa's Revenge Part Two
Another fun story for SJA. Last one next week -- shame.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Part 4 (of 5)
Part 5 (of 5)
The Radio Times were quite critical of the ending. Personally, I liked it -- it was a nice little twist that tied together most things appropriately, not ridiculously. Plus I thoroughly support its ultimate moral message ("all insects should die because they cause this", clearly).
[Watch parts four and five (again) on ITV Player.]
Friday Night with Jonathan Ross
17x10 (6/11/09 edition)
Yes, last week's.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Sarah Jane Adventures
3x10 Mona Lisa's Revenge Part Two
Another fun story for SJA. Last one next week -- shame.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
John Simm: 'My Master is unhinged' by Mayer Nissim
(from Digital Spy)
No no no, it's too soon to be getting excited about the Christmas specials! We've got the, er, 'Autumn' one to come first. Still, Simm does make some amusing/insightful comments about his incarnation of the Master.
Russell T. Davies planning Torchwood 4 by Dan French
(from Digital Spy)
He doesn't say it's definitely a go, but does say he hopes to start work in January. Considering the success of the last series, they'd be foolish not to want more.
(from Digital Spy)
No no no, it's too soon to be getting excited about the Christmas specials! We've got the, er, 'Autumn' one to come first. Still, Simm does make some amusing/insightful comments about his incarnation of the Master.
Russell T. Davies planning Torchwood 4 by Dan French
(from Digital Spy)
He doesn't say it's definitely a go, but does say he hopes to start work in January. Considering the success of the last series, they'd be foolish not to want more.
Collection Count
We're into the fourth week of Collection Count now. For those who've missed the start, this series tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics. For the last time, here's a link to my initial post.
Once again, all the numbers are on the up...
Number of titles in collection: 1,078 [up 6]
Of which DVDs: 1,043 [up 6]
Of which Blu-rays: 35 [no change]
Number of discs in collection: 2,649 [up 16]
Number of films in collection: 1,121 [up 4]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,696 [up 43]
Statistic of the week:
DTS soundtracks:
Just 185 of my DVDs have a coveted DTS soundtrack, which is under 18%. Of the Blu-rays, 37% have one.
See you next week, faithful reader.
Once again, all the numbers are on the up...
Number of titles in collection: 1,078 [up 6]
Of which DVDs: 1,043 [up 6]
Of which Blu-rays: 35 [no change]
Number of discs in collection: 2,649 [up 16]
Number of films in collection: 1,121 [up 4]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,696 [up 43]
Statistic of the week:
DTS soundtracks:
Just 185 of my DVDs have a coveted DTS soundtrack, which is under 18%. Of the Blu-rays, 37% have one.
See you next week, faithful reader.
Thursday, 12 November 2009
TV
Collision
Part 3 (of 5)
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Defying Gravity
1x05 Rubicon
The scheduling of this is arguably more interesting than the plot (a two-week break before the next episode, says voiceover lady, though the schedule suggests the next ep is on late-night this Saturday). That said, it was good to see Goss finally getting a dressing down from someone over what happened on Mars (or, indeed, anything).
Incidentally, it turns out the series has been cancelled (seems this was known the best part of a month ago; guess I should've paid more attention), so we'll never get to see the whole mission. Yeah, the show's a bit rubbish, but it's mainly a shame they wasted such an excellent idea.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
FlashForward
1x06 Scary Monsters and Super Creeps
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
How I Met Your Mother
3x01 Wait For It...
E4's super-speedy catch-up rolls straight on into season three. I hope at the end of this we won't have a long wait for season five...
The Sarah Jane Adventures
3x09 Mona Lisa's Revenge Part One
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Part 3 (of 5)
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Defying Gravity
1x05 Rubicon
The scheduling of this is arguably more interesting than the plot (a two-week break before the next episode, says voiceover lady, though the schedule suggests the next ep is on late-night this Saturday). That said, it was good to see Goss finally getting a dressing down from someone over what happened on Mars (or, indeed, anything).
Incidentally, it turns out the series has been cancelled (seems this was known the best part of a month ago; guess I should've paid more attention), so we'll never get to see the whole mission. Yeah, the show's a bit rubbish, but it's mainly a shame they wasted such an excellent idea.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
FlashForward
1x06 Scary Monsters and Super Creeps
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
How I Met Your Mother
3x01 Wait For It...
E4's super-speedy catch-up rolls straight on into season three. I hope at the end of this we won't have a long wait for season five...
The Sarah Jane Adventures
3x09 Mona Lisa's Revenge Part One
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Comedy Twitter feed lands TV deal
(from BBC News)
Yep, those one-liners sound ready made for a sitcom. Could be good. Could be.
Fox cancels Dollhouse
and
Whedon reveals Dollhouse disappointment
by Dan French (from Digital Spy)
Ever-falling ratings and relatively low critical standing? Why, I thought it would be around for years!
No, I think this wins the award for Least Surprising TV-Related News Of The Year. Perhaps even The Decade. Or just Ever.
Scott's Monopoly film inspired by Alice by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
Finally, some idea about how Ridley Scott intends to bring board game Monopoly to the big screen.
Xbox gamer 'gutted' after cut off
(from BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat)
Serves him bloody right. I urge you to read it -- the lack of sympathy you'll feel is quite astonishing, and likely quite opposite to what he expects.
(from BBC News)
Yep, those one-liners sound ready made for a sitcom. Could be good. Could be.
Fox cancels Dollhouse
and
Whedon reveals Dollhouse disappointment
by Dan French (from Digital Spy)
Ever-falling ratings and relatively low critical standing? Why, I thought it would be around for years!
No, I think this wins the award for Least Surprising TV-Related News Of The Year. Perhaps even The Decade. Or just Ever.
Scott's Monopoly film inspired by Alice by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
Finally, some idea about how Ridley Scott intends to bring board game Monopoly to the big screen.
Xbox gamer 'gutted' after cut off
(from BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat)
Serves him bloody right. I urge you to read it -- the lack of sympathy you'll feel is quite astonishing, and likely quite opposite to what he expects.
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
TV
The Armstrong and Miller Show
2x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Collision
Part 2 (of 5)
More intrigue, more potential cliches. Can Collision overcome them? I fear we'll have to wait til part five to find out.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Generation Kill
Part 6 Stay Frosty
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
How I Met Your Mother
2x22 Something Blue [season finale]
Well, that was inevitable. They did have some fun with it though, in typical HIMYM time-bending fashion -- hurrah!
It's Only a Theory
1x06 Episode 6
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Spooks
8x02 Episode 2
In which the good guys spend most of the episode being the bad guys, morally. A bit of a return to form after last week though.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
2x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Collision
Part 2 (of 5)
More intrigue, more potential cliches. Can Collision overcome them? I fear we'll have to wait til part five to find out.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Generation Kill
Part 6 Stay Frosty
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
How I Met Your Mother
2x22 Something Blue [season finale]
Well, that was inevitable. They did have some fun with it though, in typical HIMYM time-bending fashion -- hurrah!
It's Only a Theory
1x06 Episode 6
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Spooks
8x02 Episode 2
In which the good guys spend most of the episode being the bad guys, morally. A bit of a return to form after last week though.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
new review at 100 Films
High Anxiety (1977)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 16 feature films and one short in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Mel Brooks pays comedic tribute to Alfred Hitchcock, but those unfamiliar with the Master of Suspense’s output need not apply... I can’t remember many laughs that didn’t spring from a Hitchcock reference of some kind. Indeed, whole chunks pass by without a laugh. At other times, bits that are clearly meant to be funny just don’t hit home, while some gags are almost reassuringly familiar
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 16 feature films and one short in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
TV
Collision
Part 1 (of 5)
ITV muscle into BBC territory with a five-part thriller showing every night this week. It's rather epic and with a ridiculously star-laden cast (cries of "oh it's him/her!" abound throughout), but already threatening to tip over into cliche. If Dean Lennox Kelly is smuggling drugs or David Bamber turns out to be a paedophile, or every person in the crash turns out to be somehow connected, I'll be most disappointed at the thorough lack of twists and reasonable logic.
(I realise it started last night -- I'm 24 hours behind, cos this way I can fast-forward the ads. Hurrah!)
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
The Graham Norton Show
6x06 (9/11/09 edition)
David Tennant! Hurrah! Revealing nothing significant about the remaining eps of Who, of course, and giving the usual answers to the usual questions, but he's always entertaining and it's worth watching if you're a fan.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
How I Met Your Mother
2x21 Something Borrowed
Part 1 (of 5)
ITV muscle into BBC territory with a five-part thriller showing every night this week. It's rather epic and with a ridiculously star-laden cast (cries of "oh it's him/her!" abound throughout), but already threatening to tip over into cliche. If Dean Lennox Kelly is smuggling drugs or David Bamber turns out to be a paedophile, or every person in the crash turns out to be somehow connected, I'll be most disappointed at the thorough lack of twists and reasonable logic.
(I realise it started last night -- I'm 24 hours behind, cos this way I can fast-forward the ads. Hurrah!)
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
The Graham Norton Show
6x06 (9/11/09 edition)
David Tennant! Hurrah! Revealing nothing significant about the remaining eps of Who, of course, and giving the usual answers to the usual questions, but he's always entertaining and it's worth watching if you're a fan.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
How I Met Your Mother
2x21 Something Borrowed
Magazines
Radio Times 14-20 November 2009
Two very good articles this week (not counting the Who one on p17-18, that is, which is always excellent): Stephen Poliakoff espouses on the ludicrous BBC Safeguarding Trust (It's time to set writers free and trust the viewers, p12) and both of Alison Graham's pieces (so I guess that's three then), one about the way documentaries are now over-directed (Stand still, calm down and just let 'em speak, p49) and one about the disappointing guessability of most modern thrillers (Crime dramas need subtlety, also p49).
There's also a feature on Channel 4's so-called '3D Week' (3-D TV, p24) that rather highlights how lacklustre it is. With one two-part programme, one other programme, and two films, it's less a Week and more a Night someone thought they could string out. There's not even an attempt to make it last all week, with Wednesday and Thursday featuring no related programming and Friday being mainly a repeat (and one of the films). Disappointing, C4.
Two very good articles this week (not counting the Who one on p17-18, that is, which is always excellent): Stephen Poliakoff espouses on the ludicrous BBC Safeguarding Trust (It's time to set writers free and trust the viewers, p12) and both of Alison Graham's pieces (so I guess that's three then), one about the way documentaries are now over-directed (Stand still, calm down and just let 'em speak, p49) and one about the disappointing guessability of most modern thrillers (Crime dramas need subtlety, also p49).
There's also a feature on Channel 4's so-called '3D Week' (3-D TV, p24) that rather highlights how lacklustre it is. With one two-part programme, one other programme, and two films, it's less a Week and more a Night someone thought they could string out. There's not even an attempt to make it last all week, with Wednesday and Thursday featuring no related programming and Friday being mainly a repeat (and one of the films). Disappointing, C4.
Articles
First pic of David Tennant's last Who story by Neil Wilkes
(from Digital Spy)
This has to be the must underwhelming 'first pic' ever. Honestly, it could be from almost any Tennant story -- the only requirement would be he was wearing the brownish suit.
(from Digital Spy)
This has to be the must underwhelming 'first pic' ever. Honestly, it could be from almost any Tennant story -- the only requirement would be he was wearing the brownish suit.
Monday, 9 November 2009
TV
Ghosts in the Machine
Documentary about the supernatural on TV.
The Graham Norton Show
6x05 (2/11/09 edition)
Yes, last week's.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
House
6x06 Brave Heart
Russell Howard's Good News
1x03 (5/11/09 edition, extended repeat)
Why don't they put the extended one on iPlayer, hm?
[You can only see the shorter version on iPlayer.]
Documentary about the supernatural on TV.
The Graham Norton Show
6x05 (2/11/09 edition)
Yes, last week's.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
House
6x06 Brave Heart
Russell Howard's Good News
1x03 (5/11/09 edition, extended repeat)
Why don't they put the extended one on iPlayer, hm?
[You can only see the shorter version on iPlayer.]
Magazines
Inside Empire
Special edition of Empire celebrating their 20th anniversary. Yes, you're right, they did a 20th Birthday issue earlier this year (guest edited by Steven Spielberg, no less. I still haven't read it.) This issue focuses in on the magazine itself, however.
That might seem a little self indulgent, but Empire is an internationally respected magazine (c'mon, Spielberg guest edited it!) Perhaps because they already did a birthday issue, but at times it feels a little slight -- the list of regrettable mistakes (e.g. giving Attack of the Clones five stars, or Pearl Harbor four), for example, only manages 20 entries, which after some 246 issues seems unlikelily brief.
Other features fail to live up to their promise: What Might Have Been... doesn't present as well-realised an alternate history of the last 20 years in movies as you'd've hoped, for instance, while the focus on the 'directors who define Empire' are just old quotes (though some at least are interesting), and the profile of the readership is as silly as you'd hope but at just two pages feels lacklustre. Several articles merely relive former glories in a watered-down version, such as the six pages dedicated to the Lord of the Rings photo supplement they did in 2003.
It's not all bad -- some of the features are worth a read, like the editors' reminisces or the summary of the Real World in the last 20 years (not as thorough as could be, but wins points for noting Doctor Who was 2005's most defining TV series and GoldenEye 1997's most defining game. Some of the album choices are thoroughly suspect though -- if I've not even heard of them, how defining can they really be?)
Perhaps the 20th birthday issue was a more worthy celebration. I really ought to read that...
Special edition of Empire celebrating their 20th anniversary. Yes, you're right, they did a 20th Birthday issue earlier this year (guest edited by Steven Spielberg, no less. I still haven't read it.) This issue focuses in on the magazine itself, however.
That might seem a little self indulgent, but Empire is an internationally respected magazine (c'mon, Spielberg guest edited it!) Perhaps because they already did a birthday issue, but at times it feels a little slight -- the list of regrettable mistakes (e.g. giving Attack of the Clones five stars, or Pearl Harbor four), for example, only manages 20 entries, which after some 246 issues seems unlikelily brief.
Other features fail to live up to their promise: What Might Have Been... doesn't present as well-realised an alternate history of the last 20 years in movies as you'd've hoped, for instance, while the focus on the 'directors who define Empire' are just old quotes (though some at least are interesting), and the profile of the readership is as silly as you'd hope but at just two pages feels lacklustre. Several articles merely relive former glories in a watered-down version, such as the six pages dedicated to the Lord of the Rings photo supplement they did in 2003.
It's not all bad -- some of the features are worth a read, like the editors' reminisces or the summary of the Real World in the last 20 years (not as thorough as could be, but wins points for noting Doctor Who was 2005's most defining TV series and GoldenEye 1997's most defining game. Some of the album choices are thoroughly suspect though -- if I've not even heard of them, how defining can they really be?)
Perhaps the 20th birthday issue was a more worthy celebration. I really ought to read that...
new review at 100 Films
Alone in the Dark (2005)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 16 feature films and one short in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
I could go through every scene in the film describing what’s wrong, but no one wants to suffer that. Suffice to say it only gets worse — none of the initial flaws improve, but are compounded by more weak performances (Tara Read as some kind of scientist?) and the story entirely vacating proceedings... It's laughable for all the wrong reasons. Sadly, none of it’s laughable in a charming way — this is not So Bad It’s Good territory.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 16 feature films and one short in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Sunday, 8 November 2009
TV
Charley Boorman: By Any Means - Sydney to Tokyo
Part 2 (of 6)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Have I Got News For You
38x04 (6/11/09 edition; uncut repeat).
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
It's Only a Theory
1x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Part 2 (of 6)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Have I Got News For You
38x04 (6/11/09 edition; uncut repeat).
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
It's Only a Theory
1x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
The AristoCats (1970)
[2nd watch]
The World of Tomorrow (1998)
[#69a in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
The short that led to the commission of Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. Not necessarily that good in its own right, but as an extended trailer / proof of concept it works nicely.
[2nd watch]
The World of Tomorrow (1998)
[#69a in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
The short that led to the commission of Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. Not necessarily that good in its own right, but as an extended trailer / proof of concept it works nicely.
Saturday, 7 November 2009
TV
How I Met Your Mother
2x19 Bachelor Party
2x20 Showdown
Merlin
2x06 Beauty and the Beast Part 2
The cast and crew clearly had a ball producing this episode, which makes it great fun to watch too.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance
On at the same time as The X Factor. Oh ITV...
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
2x19 Bachelor Party
2x20 Showdown
Merlin
2x06 Beauty and the Beast Part 2
The cast and crew clearly had a ball producing this episode, which makes it great fun to watch too.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance
On at the same time as The X Factor. Oh ITV...
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
Alone in the Dark (2005)
[#69 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
The first Uwe Boll film I've seen. I can now confirm that he certainly lives up (or, rather, down) to his atrocious reputation.
[#69 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
The first Uwe Boll film I've seen. I can now confirm that he certainly lives up (or, rather, down) to his atrocious reputation.
Articles
Comedy Central orders Onion pilot by Mike Moody
(from Digital Spy)
The Onion: The Series? Sounds like a great idea, considering how funny the videos on the ONN are. So it's a shame to learn it's focusing solely on sports.
Tarantino: 'Kill Bill 3 will be out in 2014' by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
Read the article -- that's not really what he said.
(from Digital Spy)
The Onion: The Series? Sounds like a great idea, considering how funny the videos on the ONN are. So it's a shame to learn it's focusing solely on sports.
Tarantino: 'Kill Bill 3 will be out in 2014' by Simon Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
Read the article -- that's not really what he said.
new review at 100 Films
Pushing on with yet another review this week at 100 Films...
The Apartment (1960)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 17 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
The Apartment (1960)
It begins almost as a farce, with Jack Lemmon playing up the near-misses inherent in lending your apartment to adulterous men, and though this comedic vein never goes away the film also develops a dark side. Alongside the affairs and underhand dealings — in which our hero is closely involved — there’s an attempted overdose, discussion of other suicide methods, and respectable men getting divorced.
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 17 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Friday, 6 November 2009
TV
The Armstrong and Miller Show
2x03 Episode 3
A brilliant return for "kill them".
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Friday Night with Jonathan Ross
17x09 (30/10/09 edition)
It seems that Christopher Walken makes for an awkward interview, but his spoken word rendition of a Lady Gaga song was TV gold.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
House
6x05 Instant Karma
How I Met Your Mother
2x18 Moving Day
The Sarah Jane Adventures
3x08 The Eternity Trap Part Two
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
2x03 Episode 3
A brilliant return for "kill them".
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Friday Night with Jonathan Ross
17x09 (30/10/09 edition)
It seems that Christopher Walken makes for an awkward interview, but his spoken word rendition of a Lady Gaga song was TV gold.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
House
6x05 Instant Karma
How I Met Your Mother
2x18 Moving Day
The Sarah Jane Adventures
3x08 The Eternity Trap Part Two
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
Avatar Trailer 2
I was thoroughly underwhelmed by the first Avatar trailer -- as were many, despite the media's insistence that it was the best thing since someone invented moving pictures. This, on the other hand, actually looks quite good... but you have to ignore the hype. The CGI doesn't look completely lifelike, as we've been repeatedly told it will, but it is very good CGI; and overall it looks like a potentially entertaining sci-fi action/war movie, but not The Greatest Most Important Movie Ever Made Ever, as some are still insisting. So if you ignore all that -- don't take it on its own terms, as it were -- it looks like it might be quite good.
Still keep thinking of this though.
Exiled (2006)
[#68 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Sherlock Holmes Trailer 2
Feels less like a trailer and more a semi-randomly assembled series of clips. But they're really cool clips. No, it's not 'proper' Sherlock Holmes, but it does look like a great big entertaining action/adventure film, and that's fine by me.
I was thoroughly underwhelmed by the first Avatar trailer -- as were many, despite the media's insistence that it was the best thing since someone invented moving pictures. This, on the other hand, actually looks quite good... but you have to ignore the hype. The CGI doesn't look completely lifelike, as we've been repeatedly told it will, but it is very good CGI; and overall it looks like a potentially entertaining sci-fi action/war movie, but not The Greatest Most Important Movie Ever Made Ever, as some are still insisting. So if you ignore all that -- don't take it on its own terms, as it were -- it looks like it might be quite good.
Still keep thinking of this though.
Exiled (2006)
[#68 in 100 Films in a Year 2009]
Sherlock Holmes Trailer 2
Feels less like a trailer and more a semi-randomly assembled series of clips. But they're really cool clips. No, it's not 'proper' Sherlock Holmes, but it does look like a great big entertaining action/adventure film, and that's fine by me.
Articles
How Scary Should Kids Movies Be? by Helen O'Hara
(from the Empire Blog)
An excellent point -- essentially, that a bit of a scare is good for kids. It's certainly the ethos that Doctor Who operates on, and that's just one of the reasons it's so good.
Ian McKellen has read The Hobbit! by James White
(from Total Film)
The screenplay, that is, not the book. Though he's probably read the book. But that's not news, is it. Of course, this is barely news, because he can't actually say anything about it. Still, it's exciting that it's getting closer.
Kick-Ass Character Posters Now Online by Chris Hewitt
(from Empire)
Much coolness.
(from the Empire Blog)
An excellent point -- essentially, that a bit of a scare is good for kids. It's certainly the ethos that Doctor Who operates on, and that's just one of the reasons it's so good.
Ian McKellen has read The Hobbit! by James White
(from Total Film)
The screenplay, that is, not the book. Though he's probably read the book. But that's not news, is it. Of course, this is barely news, because he can't actually say anything about it. Still, it's exciting that it's getting closer.
Kick-Ass Character Posters Now Online by Chris Hewitt
(from Empire)
Much coolness.
Collection Count
It's the third week of Collection Count, tracking my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics. If you don't know what this is you can read my initial post here.
Another week of increases here, and a very adult statistic of the week...
Number of titles in collection: 1,072 [up 6]
Of which DVDs: 1,037 [up 6]
Of which Blu-rays: 35 [no change]
Number of discs in collection: 2,633 [up 8]
Number of films in collection: 1,117 [up 15]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,653 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Number of titles rated 18:
171
(15.9% of the collection)
Any particularly anal readers may like to note that as my collection includes discs from around the world, I have 154 titles without a BBFC classification, some of which are/would be rated 18 if I had the UK edition.
See you next week, faithful reader.
Another week of increases here, and a very adult statistic of the week...
Number of titles in collection: 1,072 [up 6]
Of which DVDs: 1,037 [up 6]
Of which Blu-rays: 35 [no change]
Number of discs in collection: 2,633 [up 8]
Number of films in collection: 1,117 [up 15]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 3,653 [no change]
Statistic of the week:
Number of titles rated 18:
171
(15.9% of the collection)
Any particularly anal readers may like to note that as my collection includes discs from around the world, I have 154 titles without a BBFC classification, some of which are/would be rated 18 if I had the UK edition.
See you next week, faithful reader.
new review at 100 Films
Stranger on the Third Floor (1940)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 17 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
so imbued with the recognisable calling cards of noir in its cinematography, characters and plot points that it feels more like an entry in a well-established genre than a formative inclusion. At only just over an hour it is, on the one hand, too brief to dig into its characters or complicate its story, but on the other, it rattles past quickly enough that the good bits impress and the weak bits are only briefly registered
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 17 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Thursday, 5 November 2009
TV
Argumental
2x10 (3/11/09 edition)
Defying Gravity
1x04 H2IK
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
How I Met Your Mother
2x16 Stuff
The episode I accidentally skipped. Not that it matters, and it seems this links more directly into the next one anyhow.
The Sarah Jane Adventures
3x07 The Eternity Trap Part One
Ooh, spooky! Some kids'll be having nightmares tonight.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
2x10 (3/11/09 edition)
Defying Gravity
1x04 H2IK
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
How I Met Your Mother
2x16 Stuff
The episode I accidentally skipped. Not that it matters, and it seems this links more directly into the next one anyhow.
The Sarah Jane Adventures
3x07 The Eternity Trap Part One
Ooh, spooky! Some kids'll be having nightmares tonight.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Buffy creator bids for Terminator
(from BBC News)
Ah Joss, funny as ever. It's sometimes hard to tell if the journalist writing the article has twigged it's a joke...
(from BBC News)
Ah Joss, funny as ever. It's sometimes hard to tell if the journalist writing the article has twigged it's a joke...
new review at 100 Films
Babel (2006)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 17 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
The quickest way to assess Babel is to say that it is about something — or, About Something. The plots, such as they are, aren’t really the point; nor is how they connect, or what chronology they actually occurred in... Naturally, because it is About Something, the Something it is About isn’t made blindingly clear, though there are many contenders
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 17 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
TV
Charley Boorman: By Any Means - Sydney to Tokyo
Part 1 (of 6)
No detail on the preparation? No running vehicle count? No Russ accompanying? Have to say, so far, series two is lacking some of the first's charm.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Generation Kill
Part 5 A Burning Dog
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
23x06 (4/11/09 edition)
Winkleman's a poor host, of course, but this episode did manage to pick up once it got going.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Ross Noble's Australian Trip
Part 6 (of 6)
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Spooks
8x01 Episode 1
Over-written, over-directed, over-acted, and over-wrought -- makes for a distinctly underwhelming return for the spy series. Must do better, or the whole show should be retired.
(Incidentally, with episode titles now turning up on Wikipedia, I've updated all my entries for series 7. And, as predicted here, this is the first time I've watched an episode of Spooks on its first broadcast since 1x02 in May 2002.)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Part 1 (of 6)
No detail on the preparation? No running vehicle count? No Russ accompanying? Have to say, so far, series two is lacking some of the first's charm.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Generation Kill
Part 5 A Burning Dog
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
23x06 (4/11/09 edition)
Winkleman's a poor host, of course, but this episode did manage to pick up once it got going.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Ross Noble's Australian Trip
Part 6 (of 6)
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Spooks
8x01 Episode 1
Over-written, over-directed, over-acted, and over-wrought -- makes for a distinctly underwhelming return for the spy series. Must do better, or the whole show should be retired.
(Incidentally, with episode titles now turning up on Wikipedia, I've updated all my entries for series 7. And, as predicted here, this is the first time I've watched an episode of Spooks on its first broadcast since 1x02 in May 2002.)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Gibbons Gabs
and
Gibbons Galore
(from WatchmenComicMovie.com)
Nice interview with Watchmen co-creator/illustrator Dave Gibbons. In part one he discusses the film, its reception and the various cuts, while part is a general grabbag of broadly related topics.
and
Gibbons Galore
(from WatchmenComicMovie.com)
Nice interview with Watchmen co-creator/illustrator Dave Gibbons. In part one he discusses the film, its reception and the various cuts, while part is a general grabbag of broadly related topics.
new review at 100 Films
Eastern Promises (2007)
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 18 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
director David Cronenberg widened his appeal somewhat with the excellent crime thriller A History of Violence. Here he reunites with star Viggo Mortensen for another grim tale, switching the bright searing heat of the American Midwest for the rain-drenched nighttime streets of our fair capital. But despite some similarities in plot and theme, Eastern Promises failed to engage me in the same way as the earlier effort
Read the full review at 100 Films.
There are currently 18 films in the review pipeline at 100 Films. As ever, updates here as and when they're posted.
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