Agatha Christie's Marple
5x03 The Blue Geranium
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
The Graham Norton Show
8x09 (24/12/10 edition) [Christmas special]
And tonight, his New Year's special was on. Yup, I'm as up-to-date as ever.
(Though, in fairness, I half watched said special. I shall watch it properly -- and mention it properly -- in the next day or two. Or week. It'll be a week, won't it.)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Just William [2010]
1x01 The Sweet Little Girl in White
Well I thought that was jolly good. Wonderfully cast and played, the kind of mischievousness there's not enough of in kids' TV, and with plenty of humour for the adults too. To call it a "children's comedy", as the BBC insist on doing in all their blurbs, undermines its quality... not to mention that, when adapting such an old series of books and setting them in the '50s, there's every chance there are more nostalgia-inspired adults watching than there are target-audience-aged kids. Still, s'fun for all the family.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Little Crackers
Episode 5 Bunce
More Daniel Roche! Very different part for him, playing an 11-year-old Stephen Fry, but he was still rather good.
New Year Live
Remember last year, when I said that I liked that the BBC had cut this down to just half an hour, and half of that was the fireworks display, rather than the over-long content-free indulgence that it used to be? Still true. Though it does seem to mean they've lost any recognisable presenters. But I did actually rather like this year's fireworks-to-music. Decent job.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Friday, 31 December 2010
Thursday, 30 December 2010
TV
A productive day in front of the telly, as you can see...
8 Out of 10 Cats
10x03 Christmas Special
I love it when a 40-minute panel show is comprised of just two rounds; especially when the host declares the second one to be "the final round" rather than just "round two".
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Due South
2x04 Bird in the Hand [2nd watch]
Just Good Friends
1x05 I Don't Want to See You Again
Little Crackers
Episode 1 The Giddy Kipper
Following last year's 10 Minute Tales, Sky1 again offered up a series of seasonal short films, this lot written/directed/starring a selection of famous comedy faces. This first one is written and directed by Victoria Wood and, despite being produced by 'Sky Comedy', isn't exactly a barrel of laughs. Good though.
Live at the Apollo
6x05 (28/12/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
QI
8x14 Hocus-Pocus (extended repeat) [Christmas special]
I like magic tricks, but those two at the end were a bit pathetic for my taste, a mix of too-obvious mirrors and TV editing.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Upstairs Downstairs [2010]
Part One The Fledgling
Turns out it isn't quite as good as the competition -- a bit too stuck in its own past at times, for one thing, and a tad wasteful of potentially good plots -- but this is still a highly skilled effort. Eileen Atkins is magnificent, cast in a similar position to Downton's Maggie Smith but a completely different role, and it's beautifully shot too. Shame it's only three parts -- the pace things develop at (for instance, Rose taking the whole episode to officially rejoin the household) feels like the start of a much longer series.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
8 Out of 10 Cats
10x03 Christmas Special
I love it when a 40-minute panel show is comprised of just two rounds; especially when the host declares the second one to be "the final round" rather than just "round two".
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Due South
2x04 Bird in the Hand [2nd watch]
Just Good Friends
1x05 I Don't Want to See You Again
Little Crackers
Episode 1 The Giddy Kipper
Following last year's 10 Minute Tales, Sky1 again offered up a series of seasonal short films, this lot written/directed/starring a selection of famous comedy faces. This first one is written and directed by Victoria Wood and, despite being produced by 'Sky Comedy', isn't exactly a barrel of laughs. Good though.
Live at the Apollo
6x05 (28/12/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
QI
8x14 Hocus-Pocus (extended repeat) [Christmas special]
I like magic tricks, but those two at the end were a bit pathetic for my taste, a mix of too-obvious mirrors and TV editing.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Upstairs Downstairs [2010]
Part One The Fledgling
Turns out it isn't quite as good as the competition -- a bit too stuck in its own past at times, for one thing, and a tad wasteful of potentially good plots -- but this is still a highly skilled effort. Eileen Atkins is magnificent, cast in a similar position to Downton's Maggie Smith but a completely different role, and it's beautifully shot too. Shame it's only three parts -- the pace things develop at (for instance, Rose taking the whole episode to officially rejoin the household) feels like the start of a much longer series.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Wednesday, 29 December 2010
TV
Agatha Christie's Marple
5x02 The Secret of Chimneys
This isn't a Marple story originally, apparently, but she seems to slot in perfectly. A rather good tale, I thought. Plus it's a nice change to have a detective who realises Marple's abilities and doesn't just dismiss her as an interfering old fool before being proven wrong.
Despite not having shown a new episode of Marple since August (and before that, January, and so on back in huge leaps), ITV are now -- for whatever reason -- showing three in a week! Another was on tonight, with a third on January 2nd. I think their schedulers might actually be insane... especially as they still haven't broadcast the final episode of the fourth series (shown in the US in July 2009).
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
How I Met Your Mother
6x01 Big Days
Ah, it's good to have this back! OK, it only went away six(-ish) weeks ago, but as E4 showed the first five seasons non-stop it feels like an age.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson
2x06 Christmas Special [season finale]
This thing of having the last episode also be the Christmas special seems to be taking off...
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Top Gear
16x00 Middle East Special
Clearly someone at the BBC must've been listening to me (of course they were!), as their episode guide has 'rebranded' these two specials since my previous comments. Yup, that must be down to me.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
5x02 The Secret of Chimneys
This isn't a Marple story originally, apparently, but she seems to slot in perfectly. A rather good tale, I thought. Plus it's a nice change to have a detective who realises Marple's abilities and doesn't just dismiss her as an interfering old fool before being proven wrong.
Despite not having shown a new episode of Marple since August (and before that, January, and so on back in huge leaps), ITV are now -- for whatever reason -- showing three in a week! Another was on tonight, with a third on January 2nd. I think their schedulers might actually be insane... especially as they still haven't broadcast the final episode of the fourth series (shown in the US in July 2009).
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
How I Met Your Mother
6x01 Big Days
Ah, it's good to have this back! OK, it only went away six(-ish) weeks ago, but as E4 showed the first five seasons non-stop it feels like an age.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson
2x06 Christmas Special [season finale]
This thing of having the last episode also be the Christmas special seems to be taking off...
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Top Gear
16x00 Middle East Special
Clearly someone at the BBC must've been listening to me (of course they were!), as their episode guide has 'rebranded' these two specials since my previous comments. Yup, that must be down to me.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Music
The Christmas Collection by Johnny Cash
I've owned this CD for a few years now, but never actually listened to it all the way through -- I tend to remember around the 3rd or 4th of January, by which time it's of course far too late. A little religious for my usual taste, but still rather good. And who else would begin their Christmas-themed album with a track about being miserable?
Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful? by Paloma Faith
[3rd listen]
I've owned this CD for a few years now, but never actually listened to it all the way through -- I tend to remember around the 3rd or 4th of January, by which time it's of course far too late. A little religious for my usual taste, but still rather good. And who else would begin their Christmas-themed album with a track about being miserable?
Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful? by Paloma Faith
[3rd listen]
Articles
Apologies if you already saw these stories days ago -- I had them ready days ago and forgot to post them. Oopsie.
Trowbridge driver lost for three days
(from BBC News)
What does 2011 have in store?
(from BBC News)
What does the next year hold for us in the realms of security & foreign policy, transport, tourism, fashion and shopping -- a rather random grab bag of topics, I'm sure you'll agree. Still, I always find it interesting reading these prediction articles... I just wish I remembered to revisit them a year later to see if any of it was right.
Trowbridge driver lost for three days
(from BBC News)
A Wiltshire grandfather spent three days trying to find his way home from Gatwick Airport after becoming disorientated in snowy conditions... he failed to return to Trowbridge after dropping his wife off for a flight. Police in Oxfordshire eventually... found he had spent from 23 - 25 December driving, trying to get back.
What does 2011 have in store?
(from BBC News)
What does the next year hold for us in the realms of security & foreign policy, transport, tourism, fashion and shopping -- a rather random grab bag of topics, I'm sure you'll agree. Still, I always find it interesting reading these prediction articles... I just wish I remembered to revisit them a year later to see if any of it was right.
Tuesday, 28 December 2010
TV
Re: Joyce!
Maureen Lipman's one-woman (well, almost) biography-cum-greatest-hits stage show about Joyce Grenfell, filmed for the BBC in 1991.
Maureen Lipman's one-woman (well, almost) biography-cum-greatest-hits stage show about Joyce Grenfell, filmed for the BBC in 1991.
Monday, 27 December 2010
TV
Dirk Gently
I rather enjoyed that. Long time since I read the books so no idea how well they captured the character (the story is, I believe, largely new and/or massively condensed), but it worked by itself. I believe this was acting as a pilot for a series, so fingers crossed one follows.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Pointless
3x50 Pointless Celebrities [season finale]
Neat way of naming your celebrity edition. This is actually quite a fun game show, though massively padded in the way daytime game shows are wont to be. Shame, or I might watch it more regularly.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
I rather enjoyed that. Long time since I read the books so no idea how well they captured the character (the story is, I believe, largely new and/or massively condensed), but it worked by itself. I believe this was acting as a pilot for a series, so fingers crossed one follows.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Pointless
3x50 Pointless Celebrities [season finale]
Neat way of naming your celebrity edition. This is actually quite a fun game show, though massively padded in the way daytime game shows are wont to be. Shame, or I might watch it more regularly.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
Clue (1985)
[2nd watch]
This was #28 in 100 Films for this year, back in March.
Iron Eagle (1986)
[#122 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
You know how sometimes you end up accidentally watching a film on TV against your better judgement? Yeah...
[2nd watch]
This was #28 in 100 Films for this year, back in March.
Iron Eagle (1986)
[#122 in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
You know how sometimes you end up accidentally watching a film on TV against your better judgement? Yeah...
Music
I often forget about music when it comes to doing these updates, so here I am trying to improve...
Back to the Light by Brian May
[2nd listen]
Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful? by Paloma Faith
[2nd listen]
Back to the Light by Brian May
[2nd listen]
Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful? by Paloma Faith
[2nd listen]
Sunday, 26 December 2010
TV
Doctor Who Confidential
6x00 Christmas Special 2010
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Poirot
12x03 Murder on the Orient Express
This seems to have come in for criticism in some quarters due to its focus on Poirot's religious conundrum. While I agree it didn't need to be made so overtly religious, when you're adapting a mystery where the vast majority of viewers know the answer, it's a good idea to find something else to hold their interest, and Poirot's out-of-character moral decision is certainly an interesting aspect of this tale. Personally, I thought it was all very well done -- hard and cold in story and shooting style, and so maybe not really suitable for Christmas Day (probably why it only managed 14th in the day's ratings) but still good.
(And if you don't know the twist, read the book or watch an adaptation, it's worth it.)
(And relatedly, I watched the famed film version close to this time last year. Coincidencetastic!)
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
6x00 Christmas Special 2010
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Poirot
12x03 Murder on the Orient Express
This seems to have come in for criticism in some quarters due to its focus on Poirot's religious conundrum. While I agree it didn't need to be made so overtly religious, when you're adapting a mystery where the vast majority of viewers know the answer, it's a good idea to find something else to hold their interest, and Poirot's out-of-character moral decision is certainly an interesting aspect of this tale. Personally, I thought it was all very well done -- hard and cold in story and shooting style, and so maybe not really suitable for Christmas Day (probably why it only managed 14th in the day's ratings) but still good.
(And if you don't know the twist, read the book or watch an adaptation, it's worth it.)
(And relatedly, I watched the famed film version close to this time last year. Coincidencetastic!)
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Music
More Christmas present-based listening...
Back to the Light by Brian May
Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful? by Paloma Faith
Praise & Blame by Tom Jones
Back to the Light by Brian May
Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful? by Paloma Faith
Praise & Blame by Tom Jones
Articles
10.3 Million watch A Christmas Carol by Marcus
(from Doctor Who News Page)
The Doctor Who version that is, naturally. Makes it the second most-watched programme of Christmas Day! Lovely.
Article also includes the rest of the TV ratings for the day, including the new Murder on the Orient Express in a disappointing 14th.
Why won’t Tom Jones accept me as his son? The illegitimate child from a one-night stand tells of his rage and pain by Aditya Bonda
(from DownloadsEdge)
A bit like a Channel 4 documentary, this: horridly trashy title, surprisingly good content.
(from Doctor Who News Page)
The Doctor Who version that is, naturally. Makes it the second most-watched programme of Christmas Day! Lovely.
Article also includes the rest of the TV ratings for the day, including the new Murder on the Orient Express in a disappointing 14th.
Why won’t Tom Jones accept me as his son? The illegitimate child from a one-night stand tells of his rage and pain by Aditya Bonda
(from DownloadsEdge)
A bit like a Channel 4 documentary, this: horridly trashy title, surprisingly good content.
this week on 100 Films
Despite it being Christmas week, I've still found time to post 4 new reviews to 100 Films in a Year, and they were...
Nanny McPhee (2005)
Rambo III (1988)
Tales of the Black Freighter (2009)
Toy Story 3 (2010)
More next Sunday.
Nanny McPhee (2005)
The primary-coloured sets and costumes work marvellously, a delightful mash between reality and fantasy. It could’ve been garish; instead, it’s vibrant. The effects are properly magical. They don’t overwhelm, always serving the story rather than themselves, which is probably what makes them all the more effective.
Rambo III (1988)
the one Hot Shots! Part Deux really took to task, and not without reason. Having seen that spoof several times since my youth, a few large chunks of this second sequel felt all too familiar... Stallone -- here serving as writer and star -- does leave his character rather open for mockery.
Tales of the Black Freighter (2009)
the short emulates an ’80s Saturday morning cartoon style… albeit in cinematic widescreen, evocative 5.1 Surround Sound, and with horrific R-rated gore. Yes, this probably wouldn’t actually have been shown on Saturday morning TV, even in America.
Toy Story 3 (2010)
Didn’t get Toy Story 3 for Christmas? Pick it up in the sales, then, because it’s bloody good... hilarious, emotional, exciting, scary; a great comedy, a great action/adventure. And Ken’s fashion show sequence is worth the price of admission all by itself.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 25 December 2010
TV
Not much today, as I spent most of the day feeling pretty ill and doing very little. Hey-ho.
Doctor Who
32x00 A Christmas Carol [Christmas special]
Very good, I thought, though I'll need to watch it again to fully appreciate it.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The One Ronnie
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Strictly Come Dancing
8x27 Christmas Special 2010
Doctor Who
32x00 A Christmas Carol [Christmas special]
Very good, I thought, though I'll need to watch it again to fully appreciate it.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The One Ronnie
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Strictly Come Dancing
8x27 Christmas Special 2010
Merry Christmas
to all readers of My Cultural Experience!
It's this blog's third, donchaknow, and in all those years I believe I've stuck to my edict, "updated every day!"
Naturally, the site will be updated as usual today.
It's this blog's third, donchaknow, and in all those years I believe I've stuck to my edict, "updated every day!"
Naturally, the site will be updated as usual today.
Friday, 24 December 2010
TV
Have I Got News For You
40x10 (17/12/10 edition; extended repeat) [2nd watch]
Despite what some listings magazines (i.e. the Radio Times) say, tonight's episode was a new one (well, sort of), not a repeat of this. The extended edition of tonight's (i.e. not this one) is on tomorrow (i.e. Christmas Day).
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Miranda
2x06 The Perfect Christmas [season finale]
How marvellously Christmassy! And what a lovely ending indeed.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
24x10 Episode 10
A good guest host! Good.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
40x10 (17/12/10 edition; extended repeat) [2nd watch]
Despite what some listings magazines (i.e. the Radio Times) say, tonight's episode was a new one (well, sort of), not a repeat of this. The extended edition of tonight's (i.e. not this one) is on tomorrow (i.e. Christmas Day).
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Miranda
2x06 The Perfect Christmas [season finale]
How marvellously Christmassy! And what a lovely ending indeed.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
24x10 Episode 10
A good guest host! Good.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Thursday, 23 December 2010
TV
The Armstrong & Miller Show
3x05 Episode 5
Despite claiming it was on series link 'til Christmas Day, the final episode of this series has disappeared from the TV (and online) iPlayer. Boo.
And for the rest, it's just last Friday night's telly...
The Event
1x10 Everything Will Change
And that's the mid-season finale. It's back in March (in the US, anyway).
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
The Graham Norton Show
8x08 (17/12/10 edition)
The Script again?! At least they were singing a different song... not that it was any good...
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Live at the Apollo
6x04 (17/12/10 edition)
Jack Whitehall again?! On the bright side, though, he had an excellent rant about Robert Pattinson.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Robert's Web
1x04 (17/12/10 edition) [season finale]
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
3x05 Episode 5
Despite claiming it was on series link 'til Christmas Day, the final episode of this series has disappeared from the TV (and online) iPlayer. Boo.
And for the rest, it's just last Friday night's telly...
The Event
1x10 Everything Will Change
And that's the mid-season finale. It's back in March (in the US, anyway).
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
The Graham Norton Show
8x08 (17/12/10 edition)
The Script again?! At least they were singing a different song... not that it was any good...
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Live at the Apollo
6x04 (17/12/10 edition)
Jack Whitehall again?! On the bright side, though, he had an excellent rant about Robert Pattinson.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Robert's Web
1x04 (17/12/10 edition) [season finale]
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Articles
Eleventh Hour tops iPlayer requests by Marcus
(from Doctor Who News Page)
The outstanding Doctor Who series 1, or 5, or 31, premiere was the most-watched programme on the BBC iPlayer this year, by quite some distance. "This year so far", anyway, because some Christmas specials surely stand a chance of a last-minute surge.
This article's also interesting for showing the whole top twenty, which includes an interesting variety of programmes -- among them, Sherlock episode one at #3 and David Tennant's final episode at #9.
(from Doctor Who News Page)
The outstanding Doctor Who series 1, or 5, or 31, premiere was the most-watched programme on the BBC iPlayer this year, by quite some distance. "This year so far", anyway, because some Christmas specials surely stand a chance of a last-minute surge.
This article's also interesting for showing the whole top twenty, which includes an interesting variety of programmes -- among them, Sherlock episode one at #3 and David Tennant's final episode at #9.
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
TV
The Armstrong & Miller Show
3x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again), maybe, on iPlayer.]
QI
8x13 Holidays (extended repeat)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Royal Variety Performance 2010
While watching I thought this was on ITV last year (and I was right). Coming back to the Beeb seems to have upped the overall quality.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Ruth Jones' Christmas Cracker
Having been enjoyed by those of us who bothered to seek it out on BBC Wales last year, Ruth Jones' Christmas chat show gets a nationwide upgrade. Tidy.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
3x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again), maybe, on iPlayer.]
QI
8x13 Holidays (extended repeat)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Royal Variety Performance 2010
While watching I thought this was on ITV last year (and I was right). Coming back to the Beeb seems to have upped the overall quality.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Ruth Jones' Christmas Cracker
Having been enjoyed by those of us who bothered to seek it out on BBC Wales last year, Ruth Jones' Christmas chat show gets a nationwide upgrade. Tidy.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Articles
Preview: Doctor Who: Shadows Of The Vashta Nerada by Matthew Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
By "preview" they mean "somewhat spoilery full game review" (hey, this is Digital Spy -- if you're expecting solid accuracy, look elsewhere), but that only makes it more interesting. Sounds like these games are finally beginning to head in the right direction... maybe I'll bother to play the other three soon...
(from Digital Spy)
By "preview" they mean "somewhat spoilery full game review" (hey, this is Digital Spy -- if you're expecting solid accuracy, look elsewhere), but that only makes it more interesting. Sounds like these games are finally beginning to head in the right direction... maybe I'll bother to play the other three soon...
Tuesday, 21 December 2010
TV
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
24x09 Episode 9
The guest hosts seem to have been much more variable (or just plain bad) this series. See to that, please.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Top Gear
15x07 (21/12/10 edition) [season finale]
I thought this was Christmas Special Pt.1, not just New Series Ep.1 -- though the BBC website is saying it's the 7th episode of the last series (which ended in August), for some reason. Whichever way, it was still jolly entertaining, so that's nice.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
24x09 Episode 9
The guest hosts seem to have been much more variable (or just plain bad) this series. See to that, please.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Top Gear
15x07 (21/12/10 edition) [season finale]
I thought this was Christmas Special Pt.1, not just New Series Ep.1 -- though the BBC website is saying it's the 7th episode of the last series (which ended in August), for some reason. Whichever way, it was still jolly entertaining, so that's nice.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
UK minister declares 'war' on Rupert Murdoch
(from mail.com)
Hurrah for Vince Cable; boo to the Telegraph for blowing it.
(from mail.com)
Hurrah for Vince Cable; boo to the Telegraph for blowing it.
Monday, 20 December 2010
TV
David Suchet on the Orient Express
I've heard this called no more an extended advert for the Orient Express, which I think does it a disservice. It's a casually informative documentary that touches on the history of the service and does a nice job of conveying the feeling of what it might be like to travel on the famous train, for an audience who a largely unlikely to have the opportunity themselves. Suchet makes for a genial host too -- more such documentaries fronted by him wouldn't go amiss.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Miranda
2x05 Just Act Normal
An exceptionally exceptional episode, I thought. Neatly contained, occurring as it did in one location with three characters (more or less) and in real time, but still hilariously funny. Particularly noteworthy is the way it managed to spoof itself... but to say more would spoil it if you've not seen it. Which you should.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
I've heard this called no more an extended advert for the Orient Express, which I think does it a disservice. It's a casually informative documentary that touches on the history of the service and does a nice job of conveying the feeling of what it might be like to travel on the famous train, for an audience who a largely unlikely to have the opportunity themselves. Suchet makes for a genial host too -- more such documentaries fronted by him wouldn't go amiss.
[Watch it (again) on ITV Player.]
Miranda
2x05 Just Act Normal
An exceptionally exceptional episode, I thought. Neatly contained, occurring as it did in one location with three characters (more or less) and in real time, but still hilariously funny. Particularly noteworthy is the way it managed to spoof itself... but to say more would spoil it if you've not seen it. Which you should.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Articles
A Ghost Of Christmas Past
(from Musings of the Ghost Of 82)
Musing on the old days of desperately seeking films on TV or VHS, and how times have changed -- films are more readily accessible today, but is this actually a good thing? A most interesting article.
(from Musings of the Ghost Of 82)
Musing on the old days of desperately seeking films on TV or VHS, and how times have changed -- films are more readily accessible today, but is this actually a good thing? A most interesting article.
Sunday, 19 December 2010
this week on 100 Films
2 new reviews were posted to 100 Films in a Year this week, and they were...
The Outrage (1964)
Star Trek: Nemesis (2002)
More next Sunday (aka Boxing Day).
The Outrage (1964)
remake of Akira Kurosawa's classic Rashomon... the story is as fascinating as ever, not just for the fact it offers different versions of what happened but for what the protagonists feel the need to modify in their accounts -- after all, they're happy to confess to several crimes, so why obscure the facts in other ways.
Star Trek: Nemesis (2002)
The plot doesn't go anywhere fast. Attempts to liven it up with some action sequences often come off as tacked-on asides, while discussions about just who Picard's clone is and what he wants feel hollow -- of course he's a nasty piece of work, otherwise your film is completely villain-free!
More next Sunday (aka Boxing Day).
Saturday, 18 December 2010
TV
Have I Got News For You
40x10 (17/12/10 edition; extended repeat)
Maybe not, then. Super!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Strictly Come Dancing
8x25 The Final Part 1
8x26 The Final Part 2 [season finale]
[Watch both parts (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
40x10 (17/12/10 edition; extended repeat)
Maybe not, then. Super!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Strictly Come Dancing
8x25 The Final Part 1
8x26 The Final Part 2 [season finale]
[Watch both parts (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Friday, 17 December 2010
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
Not much showing this week -- the pre-Christmas slump, where I buy very little in case someone decides to give it to me for Christmas. Plus gotta find money to buy presents from somewhere.
The next update is due on Christmas Eve, but as that's likely to have even less change than this one, I may put it off a day or two and cover my Christmas haul. I'm sure no one will complain.
Number of titles in collection: 1,247 [no change]
Of which DVDs: 1,095 [down 1]
Of which Blu-rays: 150 [up 1]
Number of discs in collection: 3,094 [up 1]
Number of films in collection: 1,320 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 4,472 [no change]
Statistic of the week is having a little rest.
See you next week, faithful reader.
Not much showing this week -- the pre-Christmas slump, where I buy very little in case someone decides to give it to me for Christmas. Plus gotta find money to buy presents from somewhere.
The next update is due on Christmas Eve, but as that's likely to have even less change than this one, I may put it off a day or two and cover my Christmas haul. I'm sure no one will complain.
Number of titles in collection: 1,247 [no change]
Of which DVDs: 1,095 [down 1]
Of which Blu-rays: 150 [up 1]
Number of discs in collection: 3,094 [up 1]
Number of films in collection: 1,320 [up 1]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 4,472 [no change]
Statistic of the week is having a little rest.
See you next week, faithful reader.
Thursday, 16 December 2010
TV
The Event
1x09 Your World to Take
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
The Graham Norton Show
8x07 (10/12/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson
2x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
QI
8x12 Horses and Hunting (extended repeat)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Robert's Web
1x03 (10/12/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
1x09 Your World to Take
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
The Graham Norton Show
8x07 (10/12/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson
2x05 Episode 5
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
QI
8x12 Horses and Hunting (extended repeat)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Robert's Web
1x03 (10/12/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
TV
Band of Brothers
Part Ten Points [2nd watch; final episode]
As I noted at the start, this is the first time I've watched Band of Brothers since it was on TV almost a decade ago. I'm pleased to report that it's still absolutely brilliant from beginning to end. Looks stunning on Blu-ray too.
Coronation Street
10/12/10 edition 1
10/12/10 edition 2
That's the end of their Big Dramatic Tram Crash Week, and so this is where I get off. Probably. That's the thing with soaps, isn't it -- the storylines never stop; you always want to know just what happens next...
[Watch it (again) at the above link.]
Due South
2x03 Witness [2nd watch]
Part Ten Points [2nd watch; final episode]
As I noted at the start, this is the first time I've watched Band of Brothers since it was on TV almost a decade ago. I'm pleased to report that it's still absolutely brilliant from beginning to end. Looks stunning on Blu-ray too.
Coronation Street
10/12/10 edition 1
10/12/10 edition 2
That's the end of their Big Dramatic Tram Crash Week, and so this is where I get off. Probably. That's the thing with soaps, isn't it -- the storylines never stop; you always want to know just what happens next...
[Watch it (again) at the above link.]
Due South
2x03 Witness [2nd watch]
Fiction
Return to the Hundred Acre Wood by David Benedictus
Chapter Three in which Rabbit organises almost everything
The Domesday Book? A Census? This is meant to be Winnie-the-Pooh!
Chapter Three in which Rabbit organises almost everything
The Domesday Book? A Census? This is meant to be Winnie-the-Pooh!
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
TV
Coronation Street
9/12/10 edition
This is The Live One, by-the-by. Well staged.
[Watch it (again) at the above link.]
Live at the Apollo
6x03 (9/12/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Natural World
Panda Makers
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
24x08 Episode 8
Lee Mack's TV domination continues.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
9/12/10 edition
This is The Live One, by-the-by. Well staged.
[Watch it (again) at the above link.]
Live at the Apollo
6x03 (9/12/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Natural World
Panda Makers
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
24x08 Episode 8
Lee Mack's TV domination continues.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Fiction
A fine night and all's well... by Michael Morpurgo
Morpurgo provides a 'ghost' story for the Radio Times Christmas issue. I know this is a family magazine and so the story's going to be kid-friendly, but even still, this is a particularly toothless example. Yes, there's a ghost involved, but it's not even remotely spinetingly. Nor is it Christmassy, really. Oh well.
Morpurgo provides a 'ghost' story for the Radio Times Christmas issue. I know this is a family magazine and so the story's going to be kid-friendly, but even still, this is a particularly toothless example. Yes, there's a ghost involved, but it's not even remotely spinetingly. Nor is it Christmassy, really. Oh well.
Monday, 13 December 2010
TV
Band of Brothers
Part Nine Why We Fight [2nd watch]
Due South
2x02 The Vault [2nd watch]
I'm labelling all of these "2nd watch" because I definitely watched Due South first time round, but I don't think I've actually recognised any of it yet. (Beyond the very basics of the show's setup, that is.) I guess my memory has wiped the mid-'90s pretty thoroughly, then.
The Mentalist
3x08 Ball of Fire
Nearly caught up with Five (and therefore, as of this Friday, the US).
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Sarah Jane's Alien Files
1x05 Episode 5
1x06 Episode 6 [season finale]
I've decided this is very good for wrapping presents in front of. For that reason, wish I hadn't left it so long that episodes three and four got deleted from iPlayer.
Part Nine Why We Fight [2nd watch]
Due South
2x02 The Vault [2nd watch]
I'm labelling all of these "2nd watch" because I definitely watched Due South first time round, but I don't think I've actually recognised any of it yet. (Beyond the very basics of the show's setup, that is.) I guess my memory has wiped the mid-'90s pretty thoroughly, then.
The Mentalist
3x08 Ball of Fire
Nearly caught up with Five (and therefore, as of this Friday, the US).
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Sarah Jane's Alien Files
1x05 Episode 5
1x06 Episode 6 [season finale]
I've decided this is very good for wrapping presents in front of. For that reason, wish I hadn't left it so long that episodes three and four got deleted from iPlayer.
Fiction
Star Trek: Countdown by Mike Johnson, Tim Jones & David Messina
Number Four (of Four)
The last part rattles along, which is a not unwelcome change of pace. Impressively, it also manages to completely wrap up its own story while still providing background and setup for the film. Job nicely done, chaps.
Number Four (of Four)
The last part rattles along, which is a not unwelcome change of pace. Impressively, it also manages to completely wrap up its own story while still providing background and setup for the film. Job nicely done, chaps.
Articles
Author Slams eBook Piracy, Son Outs Her As a Music Pirate by enigmax
(from TorrentFreak)
Headline says it all, really.
Roger Ebert: ‘There Are Only Two Meaningful Ratings: R and Not-R’ by Germain Lussier
(from /Film)
Insightful. Plus, the US film ratings system is often amusing.
Ebert's original piece, to be read before or after /Film's commentary on it, is here.
Toby Ord: Why I'm giving £1m to charity
(from BBC News Magazine)
This is just quite interesting. For instance: "When I was earning £14,000 as a student, I found I was in the richest 4% in the world, even adjusting for how much further money goes in developing countries. Giving away 10% of that, I found that I would still be in the top 5%." See?
The X Factor takes on the world by Sinead Garvan
(from BBC News)
(from TorrentFreak)
Headline says it all, really.
Roger Ebert: ‘There Are Only Two Meaningful Ratings: R and Not-R’ by Germain Lussier
(from /Film)
Insightful. Plus, the US film ratings system is often amusing.
Ebert's original piece, to be read before or after /Film's commentary on it, is here.
Toby Ord: Why I'm giving £1m to charity
(from BBC News Magazine)
This is just quite interesting. For instance: "When I was earning £14,000 as a student, I found I was in the richest 4% in the world, even adjusting for how much further money goes in developing countries. Giving away 10% of that, I found that I would still be in the top 5%." See?
The X Factor takes on the world by Sinead Garvan
(from BBC News)
Perhaps the most insightful - and damning - assessment of The X Factor comes from underground rap artist Dan Le Sac.
"It simply doesn't matter," he says... "I know Joe McElderry won last year, but I couldn't tell you who won the year before. We get rid of it. It recycles itself within a year."
Sunday, 12 December 2010
TV
Band of Brothers
Part Eight The Last Patrol [2nd watch]
The roster of quite-recognisable young British actors in this seems never-ending. This episode, Primeval's Andrew Lee Potts joins the list.
Coronation Street
7/12/10 edition
8/12/10 edition
Whatever I think of soaps normally, there's no denying that this Big Dramatic Tram Crash Week has been incredibly well staged.
[Watch both episodes (again) at the above links.]
Doctors
12x160 The Living Gaylights
Doctors goes Bond-spoof-tastic. Not to everyone's taste, I imagine. You have to wonder what regular Doctors viewers thought if they tuned in without having seen any reviews...
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Due South
2x01 North [2nd watch]
Have I Got News For You
40x09 (9/12/10 edition; extended repeat)
I think this may be the last of the series (with next week's being a compilation). Boo.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
House
7x08 Small Sacrifices
That's it for House until the middle of January. Funny US scheduling antics...
Part Eight The Last Patrol [2nd watch]
The roster of quite-recognisable young British actors in this seems never-ending. This episode, Primeval's Andrew Lee Potts joins the list.
Coronation Street
7/12/10 edition
8/12/10 edition
Whatever I think of soaps normally, there's no denying that this Big Dramatic Tram Crash Week has been incredibly well staged.
[Watch both episodes (again) at the above links.]
Doctors
12x160 The Living Gaylights
Doctors goes Bond-spoof-tastic. Not to everyone's taste, I imagine. You have to wonder what regular Doctors viewers thought if they tuned in without having seen any reviews...
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Due South
2x01 North [2nd watch]
Have I Got News For You
40x09 (9/12/10 edition; extended repeat)
I think this may be the last of the series (with next week's being a compilation). Boo.
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
House
7x08 Small Sacrifices
That's it for House until the middle of January. Funny US scheduling antics...
Films
Verity (2010)
[#118a in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Short student-made biopic about Doctor Who's first producer, Verity Lambert, covering her early days on the series. You can watch it for free in various qualities (though don't bother with 1080p, it isn't) on YouTube, and read my review here.
[#118a in 100 Films in a Year 2010]
Short student-made biopic about Doctor Who's first producer, Verity Lambert, covering her early days on the series. You can watch it for free in various qualities (though don't bother with 1080p, it isn't) on YouTube, and read my review here.
Fiction
Star Trek: Countdown by Mike Johnson, Tim Jones & David Messina
Number Three (of Four)
How many Next Generation characters can they squeeze into this thing?! They should've tried to get all this into the film -- it probably would've flopped marvellously.
Number Three (of Four)
How many Next Generation characters can they squeeze into this thing?! They should've tried to get all this into the film -- it probably would've flopped marvellously.
this week on 100 Films
6 new reviews were posted to 100 Films in a Year this week, and they were...
The Good German (2006)
The Night Listener (2006)
Solaris (1972)
The Special Edition of Beauty and the Beast (1991/2002)
Verity (2010)
The Wolfman: Unrated Version (2010)
More next Sunday.
The Good German (2006)
is this a case of style over substance? Some critics accuse it of just that, saying it concentrates more on the look & feel than the characters. They do have a point, but the style is, if not incidental, then still not the sole purpose. The tale is more about the mystery — indeed, mysteries — than the characters.
The Night Listener (2006)
this is a case of Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction because, though fictionalised, that sequence of events is entirely based on stuff that really happened to author and co-screenwriter Armistead Maupin. The downside is, this “but it happened!” logic seems to allow the filmmakers to get away with not offering adequate explanation.
Solaris (1972)
parts are like an endurance test — Berton’s seemingly endless drive through a future cityscape (actually just ’70s Tokyo), for instance — but, though still glacially paced, most of the film has some discernibly relevant content. Provided you’re not expecting Star Wars, that is, but who in their right mind would be?
The Special Edition of Beauty and the Beast (1991/2002)
Do you need me to tell you how great Beauty and the Beast is? I imagine not. If you’ve seen it, you’ll know. If you haven’t, you really should, and then you’ll know.
Verity (2010)
This nine-minute effort from student screenwriters Thomas Cowell and Joey Guy... focuses on the start of Verity Lambert’s producing career, dramatising the events around her being chosen by Sydney Newman (then the BBC’s Head of Drama) to shepherd his idea for an educational science-fiction children’s drama, Doctor Who.
The Wolfman: Unrated Version (2010)
Despite the “unrated” branding implying “more gore” as per usual, there’s hardly any of that added. Instead it’s mainly character moments of varying degrees of relevance, plus an array of inconsequential tweaks. I appreciate the attempt to bring a slower, creepier style back to modern horror films, but Johnston over-eggs it
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 11 December 2010
TV
The Armstrong & Miller Show
3x03 Episode 3
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Coronation Street
6/12/10 edition 1
6/12/10 edition 2
I don't normally watch soaps (as I'm sure you've noticed), but this is Corrie's Big Dramatic Tram Crash Week -- including The Live Episode -- so I thought it might be worth a go. Turns out, soaps are about as good as I think they are (i.e. not very), but the crash itself was rather good.
[Watch both episodes (again) at the above links.]
The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson
2x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
3x07 Red Hot
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
3x03 Episode 3
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Coronation Street
6/12/10 edition 1
6/12/10 edition 2
I don't normally watch soaps (as I'm sure you've noticed), but this is Corrie's Big Dramatic Tram Crash Week -- including The Live Episode -- so I thought it might be worth a go. Turns out, soaps are about as good as I think they are (i.e. not very), but the crash itself was rather good.
[Watch both episodes (again) at the above links.]
The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson
2x04 Episode 4
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
3x07 Red Hot
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
Fiction
Star Trek: Countdown by Mike Johnson, Tim Jones & David Messina
Number Two (of Four)
See, I hadn't forgotten... I just don't get round to these things very quickly.
Number Two (of Four)
See, I hadn't forgotten... I just don't get round to these things very quickly.
Friday, 10 December 2010
TV
Due South
1x23 Letting Go [2nd watch; season finale]
The Event
1x08 For the Good of Our Country
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
The Graham Norton Show
8x06 (3/12/10 edition)
Ugh.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Robert's Web
1x02 (3/12/10 edition)
I think it's fair to describe the quality of this as "...mixed".
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
1x23 Letting Go [2nd watch; season finale]
The Event
1x08 For the Good of Our Country
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
The Graham Norton Show
8x06 (3/12/10 edition)
Ugh.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Robert's Web
1x02 (3/12/10 edition)
I think it's fair to describe the quality of this as "...mixed".
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
Nearly Christmas now -- which hopefully means a big jump in numbers, of course -- but, me being me, that doesn't mean I've stopped buying things. This week's lot includes another "Complete Series" Blu-ray set, hence the big jumps in discs and TV episodes. Lovely.
Number of titles in collection: 1,247 [up 3]
Of which DVDs: 1,096 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 149 [up 3]
Number of discs in collection: 3,093 [up 43]
Number of films in collection: 1,319 [up 5]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 4,472 [up 120]
Statistic of the week:
Number of titles rated 12:
188
(15.1% of the total)
I've now covered titles rated U, PG, 15, 18 and those unrated, so that only leaves the 12s. (And a bunch of foreign ratings where I only have a handful in each, but shh.) So, job done!
See you next week, faithful reader.
Nearly Christmas now -- which hopefully means a big jump in numbers, of course -- but, me being me, that doesn't mean I've stopped buying things. This week's lot includes another "Complete Series" Blu-ray set, hence the big jumps in discs and TV episodes. Lovely.
Number of titles in collection: 1,247 [up 3]
Of which DVDs: 1,096 [no change]
Of which Blu-rays: 149 [up 3]
Number of discs in collection: 3,093 [up 43]
Number of films in collection: 1,319 [up 5]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 4,472 [up 120]
Statistic of the week:
Number of titles rated 12:
188
(15.1% of the total)
I've now covered titles rated U, PG, 15, 18 and those unrated, so that only leaves the 12s. (And a bunch of foreign ratings where I only have a handful in each, but shh.) So, job done!
See you next week, faithful reader.
Thursday, 9 December 2010
TV
Due South
1x22 Victoria's Secret Part 2 [2nd watch]
Live at the Apollo
6x02 (2/12/10 edition)
Lee Mack's everywhere at the minute: he hosted HIGNFY the other night, he hosted this (which is last week's), and he's the host of tonight's (i.e. not the one below) Buzzcocks. Madness.
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
24x07 Episode 7
Oh my lord, that might just be the worst episode of Buzzcocks ever. Tim Westwood is a horrid person and an appalling host. How does he have a career?!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
1x22 Victoria's Secret Part 2 [2nd watch]
Live at the Apollo
6x02 (2/12/10 edition)
Lee Mack's everywhere at the minute: he hosted HIGNFY the other night, he hosted this (which is last week's), and he's the host of tonight's (i.e. not the one below) Buzzcocks. Madness.
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
24x07 Episode 7
Oh my lord, that might just be the worst episode of Buzzcocks ever. Tim Westwood is a horrid person and an appalling host. How does he have a career?!
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
TV
Due South
1x21 Victoria's Secret Part 1 [2nd watch]
Mad Men
4x13 Tomorrowland [season finale]
Low-key, even by Mad Men's standards. Previous seasons have ended with cliffhangers or big changes; despite Don's sudden engagement, I wouldn't say this had either. Not as enticing for next year as the season three finale was, then, but Mad Men is always worth watching.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Miranda
2x04 A New Low
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Story of England
Part 6 Victoria to the Present Day [final episode]
Taking my usual style of watching at the last possible minute to the extreme with this one: I downloaded it on the last day it was available from iPlayer, then at the end of the 30 days you have to watch a download I played it, in order to buy an extra seven days in which to watch it. Today (of course) is day seven.
Amazing how time flies, too -- doesn't feel like five weeks (or, long enough to re-run the whole series at one a week) since I watched the previous episode.
1x21 Victoria's Secret Part 1 [2nd watch]
Mad Men
4x13 Tomorrowland [season finale]
Low-key, even by Mad Men's standards. Previous seasons have ended with cliffhangers or big changes; despite Don's sudden engagement, I wouldn't say this had either. Not as enticing for next year as the season three finale was, then, but Mad Men is always worth watching.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Miranda
2x04 A New Low
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Story of England
Part 6 Victoria to the Present Day [final episode]
Taking my usual style of watching at the last possible minute to the extreme with this one: I downloaded it on the last day it was available from iPlayer, then at the end of the 30 days you have to watch a download I played it, in order to buy an extra seven days in which to watch it. Today (of course) is day seven.
Amazing how time flies, too -- doesn't feel like five weeks (or, long enough to re-run the whole series at one a week) since I watched the previous episode.
Fiction
Return to the Hundred Acre Wood by David Benedictus
Chapter Two in which Owl does a crossword, and a Spelling Bee is held
While these are quite good, I can't help but feel they're a bit over-written -- Milne's stories weren't quite so lengthily detailed, I swear. Plus, isn't "Spelling Bee" an Americanism? Certainly feels like one. Tsk.
Chapter Two in which Owl does a crossword, and a Spelling Bee is held
While these are quite good, I can't help but feel they're a bit over-written -- Milne's stories weren't quite so lengthily detailed, I swear. Plus, isn't "Spelling Bee" an Americanism? Certainly feels like one. Tsk.
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
TV
Due South
1x20 Heaven and Earth [2nd watch]
Have I Got News For You
40x08 (2/12/10 edition; extended repeat)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
3x06 Pink Chanel Suit
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
QI
8x11 Highs and Lows (extended repeat)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
1x20 Heaven and Earth [2nd watch]
Have I Got News For You
40x08 (2/12/10 edition; extended repeat)
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
The Mentalist
3x06 Pink Chanel Suit
[Watch it (again) on Demand Five.]
QI
8x11 Highs and Lows (extended repeat)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Monday, 6 December 2010
TV
Due South
1x18 The Deal [2nd watch]
1x19 An Invitation to Romance [2nd watch]
BBC Two have taken a break from their Due South repeats this week, for some sport or other, which is fortunate for me because I'm about 8 episodes behind.
1x18 The Deal [2nd watch]
1x19 An Invitation to Romance [2nd watch]
BBC Two have taken a break from their Due South repeats this week, for some sport or other, which is fortunate for me because I'm about 8 episodes behind.
Sunday, 5 December 2010
TV
Due South
1x17 The Blue Line [2nd watch]
House
7x07 A Pox on Our House
The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson
2x03 Episode 3
The Rob Brydon Show
1x06 Centenary Special [season finale]
This may just be the oddest episode of a chat show ever, set (yes, it has a special setting) decades in the future, with a 100-year-old Brydon looking back at his first series all those years ago in 2010. What this means in practice is a few highlights and lots of outtakes from the other five episodes, but it's certainly an unusual -- and, in fairness, entertaining -- way of presenting them.
Strictly Come Dancing
8x21 Week 10 Results (aka Movie Night Results)
More film-inspired routines, hurrah. Also, farewell to the dancer the 2010 series will surely be most remembered for.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
1x17 The Blue Line [2nd watch]
House
7x07 A Pox on Our House
The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson
2x03 Episode 3
The Rob Brydon Show
1x06 Centenary Special [season finale]
This may just be the oddest episode of a chat show ever, set (yes, it has a special setting) decades in the future, with a 100-year-old Brydon looking back at his first series all those years ago in 2010. What this means in practice is a few highlights and lots of outtakes from the other five episodes, but it's certainly an unusual -- and, in fairness, entertaining -- way of presenting them.
Strictly Come Dancing
8x21 Week 10 Results (aka Movie Night Results)
More film-inspired routines, hurrah. Also, farewell to the dancer the 2010 series will surely be most remembered for.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
this week on 100 Films
2 new reviews were posted to 100 Films in a Year this week, and they were...
The History Boys (2006)
Total Recall (1990)
Plus, as you've undoubtedly noticed, it's now December, which means the November update went up this week too.
More next Sunday.
The History Boys (2006)
Nicholas Hytner’s film of Alan Bennett’s play, about a group of unlikely ’80s grammar school boys trying out for Oxbridge, sticks with a Bennett screenplay and the original West End/Broadway cast. However, it succeeds in not being very stagey — to the credit of Bennett’s screen adaptation and Hytner’s direction, I should imagine.
Total Recall (1990)
the joy of Total Recall is in discovering another ’80s blockbuster (ignore the fact it was released in 1990), the kind of thing I grew up watching on rented videos and BBC One Bank Holiday schedules, whose practical effects and general style and tone vividly recalls that era for me
Plus, as you've undoubtedly noticed, it's now December, which means the November update went up this week too.
More next Sunday.
Saturday, 4 December 2010
TV
Colditz
2x12 Death Sentence
2x13 Liberation [series finale]
And so that's that. The title of the final episode probably gives a fair idea of what happens.
And while that's all well and good, the series ends the moment they all leave Colditz -- a fitting final image, maybe, but this is the series that began with three whole episodes set outside the camp. It might have been nice to see some of the characters return home, particularly Lt. Carter, who's spent much of the series missing his wife. With so much time passed (the series began after Dunkirk and ends at the end (more or less) of the war), it would have been nice to spend half an episode or so seeing how things have changed for these men when they get back home. Plus, on a more personal note, I wouldn't've minded a bit more time given to the ending of my favourite character, Hauptmann Ulmann. Can't have it all.
But hey-ho -- these things aside, it was rather good.
Have I Got News For You
40x07 (25/11/10 edition; extended repeat)
Merlin
3x13 The Coming of Arthur Part Two [season finale]
Good finale, I thought. I like that it doesn't feel the need to end on a cliffhanger. They can be effective, but I can't help but feel too many series resort to them. Wrap things up for a bit! Also, nice amounts of the myth cropping up now. I wonder if we'll see Arthur fully installed as King for a season or two before the producers' five-year plan comes to an end...
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Miranda
2x03 Let's Do It
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
QI
8x10 Health and Safety (extended repeat)
XL repeats skip two episodes to come back in sync with BBC One. Just in case you were trying to keep track.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Strictly Come Dancing
8x20 Week 10 (aka Movie Night)
I'm usually in the room when Strictly's being watched, but rarely or barely watch any of it myself. Movie Night's a different beast though, what with being a film fan, and I found it all rather entertaining. Except Gavin Henson. But Matt Baker's Austin Powers was particularly spot-on.
[Watch it (soon) on iPlayer.]
2x12 Death Sentence
2x13 Liberation [series finale]
And so that's that. The title of the final episode probably gives a fair idea of what happens.
And while that's all well and good, the series ends the moment they all leave Colditz -- a fitting final image, maybe, but this is the series that began with three whole episodes set outside the camp. It might have been nice to see some of the characters return home, particularly Lt. Carter, who's spent much of the series missing his wife. With so much time passed (the series began after Dunkirk and ends at the end (more or less) of the war), it would have been nice to spend half an episode or so seeing how things have changed for these men when they get back home. Plus, on a more personal note, I wouldn't've minded a bit more time given to the ending of my favourite character, Hauptmann Ulmann. Can't have it all.
But hey-ho -- these things aside, it was rather good.
Have I Got News For You
40x07 (25/11/10 edition; extended repeat)
Merlin
3x13 The Coming of Arthur Part Two [season finale]
Good finale, I thought. I like that it doesn't feel the need to end on a cliffhanger. They can be effective, but I can't help but feel too many series resort to them. Wrap things up for a bit! Also, nice amounts of the myth cropping up now. I wonder if we'll see Arthur fully installed as King for a season or two before the producers' five-year plan comes to an end...
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Miranda
2x03 Let's Do It
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
QI
8x10 Health and Safety (extended repeat)
XL repeats skip two episodes to come back in sync with BBC One. Just in case you were trying to keep track.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Strictly Come Dancing
8x20 Week 10 (aka Movie Night)
I'm usually in the room when Strictly's being watched, but rarely or barely watch any of it myself. Movie Night's a different beast though, what with being a film fan, and I found it all rather entertaining. Except Gavin Henson. But Matt Baker's Austin Powers was particularly spot-on.
[Watch it (soon) on iPlayer.]
Articles
How to design a Hollywood poster: just add sparks by Ali
(from TheShiznit.co.uk)
It's funny because it's true.
(from TheShiznit.co.uk)
It's funny because it's true.
Collection Count
Collection Count tracks my DVD/Blu-ray collection via a number of statistics every week.
Except last week, which fell apart due to an abundance of real-world commitments and an equal abundance of new titles. And not just any new titles, but a complex array of (mostly last-minute) BD-to-DVD upgrades -- things like a "complete series" set with four seasons replacing the three individual seasons I had; or BD-to-DVD upgrades where I may or may not be keeping the original DVD. For instance, despite the number of titles only going up one, there are seven new titles in my collection this week.
It all sounds trivial -- and ultimately, it is -- but it still required working out.
Number of titles in collection: 1,242 [no change]
Of which DVDs: 1,096 [down 6]
Of which Blu-rays: 146 [up 6]
Number of discs in collection: 3,050 [up 10]
Number of films in collection: 1,314 [up 6]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 4,352 [up 19]
Statistic of the week:
Number of Digital Copies:
Continuing my recap of early stats of the week, here's one from exactly a year ago again.
The number stands at 16, up 6 from last year (actually up 7, but I just upgraded a DVD that had a digital copy for the Blu-ray that doesn't). That means 1.3% of my collection has one, which is up 0.4% on last year -- more digital copies around then, but still hardly a significant number.
See you next week, faithful reader.
Except last week, which fell apart due to an abundance of real-world commitments and an equal abundance of new titles. And not just any new titles, but a complex array of (mostly last-minute) BD-to-DVD upgrades -- things like a "complete series" set with four seasons replacing the three individual seasons I had; or BD-to-DVD upgrades where I may or may not be keeping the original DVD. For instance, despite the number of titles only going up one, there are seven new titles in my collection this week.
It all sounds trivial -- and ultimately, it is -- but it still required working out.
Number of titles in collection: 1,242 [no change]
Of which DVDs: 1,096 [down 6]
Of which Blu-rays: 146 [up 6]
Number of discs in collection: 3,050 [up 10]
Number of films in collection: 1,314 [up 6]
Number of TV episodes in collection: 4,352 [up 19]
Statistic of the week:
Number of Digital Copies:
Continuing my recap of early stats of the week, here's one from exactly a year ago again.
The number stands at 16, up 6 from last year (actually up 7, but I just upgraded a DVD that had a digital copy for the Blu-ray that doesn't). That means 1.3% of my collection has one, which is up 0.4% on last year -- more digital copies around then, but still hardly a significant number.
See you next week, faithful reader.
Friday, 3 December 2010
TV
Colditz
2x11 Chameleon
As the Allies approach and German defeat seems increasingly inevitable, Major Mohn finally gives up hope in the Third Reich and tries to strike deals to save his own skin. Of course, as the most hated man in Colditz, he soon finds he has no friends -- indeed, only outright enemies -- on both sides. A long-awaited tearing down ensues, though it seems he has escaped... for now...
The Event
1x07 I Know Who You Are
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
The Graham Norton Show
8x05 (26/11/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Robert's Web
1x01 (26/11/10 edition)
New Internet-based comedy -- a panel show without any panels, if you will -- hosted by Robert Webb. Do you see what they've done with the title? Do you?
Yes, well, the show itself is better than that.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
2x11 Chameleon
As the Allies approach and German defeat seems increasingly inevitable, Major Mohn finally gives up hope in the Third Reich and tries to strike deals to save his own skin. Of course, as the most hated man in Colditz, he soon finds he has no friends -- indeed, only outright enemies -- on both sides. A long-awaited tearing down ensues, though it seems he has escaped... for now...
The Event
1x07 I Know Who You Are
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
The Graham Norton Show
8x05 (26/11/10 edition)
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Robert's Web
1x01 (26/11/10 edition)
New Internet-based comedy -- a panel show without any panels, if you will -- hosted by Robert Webb. Do you see what they've done with the title? Do you?
Yes, well, the show itself is better than that.
[Watch it (again) on 4oD.]
Articles
Disney will set sail for Pirates of the Caribbean 5 & 6 back-to-back by Drew McWeeny
(from Motion Captured at HitFix)
Because that produced such high-quality cinematic delights last time round. On the other hand, they did make a ton of cash.
(from Motion Captured at HitFix)
Because that produced such high-quality cinematic delights last time round. On the other hand, they did make a ton of cash.
Thursday, 2 December 2010
TV
Colditz
2x08 The Gambler
2x09 Senior American Officer
2x10 Very Important Person
As it heads toward its final finale, Colditz is getting rather addictive (clearly). Still three episodes to go though...
Live at the Apollo
6x01 (25/11/10 edition)
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
24x06 Episode 6
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
2x08 The Gambler
2x09 Senior American Officer
2x10 Very Important Person
As it heads toward its final finale, Colditz is getting rather addictive (clearly). Still three episodes to go though...
Live at the Apollo
6x01 (25/11/10 edition)
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
24x06 Episode 6
[Watch it (again) on iPlayer.]
Films
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
[5th watch]
And finally, Return of the King is calculated much like Fellowship: once in the cinema, once on DVD, the extended twice, and now the theatrical on Blu-ray. Which means I've seen Two Towers more than either of the other two, despite it being my least favourite. But I'm hardly going to watch the first and third and skip the second just to even the numbers up.
[5th watch]
And finally, Return of the King is calculated much like Fellowship: once in the cinema, once on DVD, the extended twice, and now the theatrical on Blu-ray. Which means I've seen Two Towers more than either of the other two, despite it being my least favourite. But I'm hardly going to watch the first and third and skip the second just to even the numbers up.
Fiction
Return to the Hundred Acre Wood by David Benedictus
Chapter One in which Christopher Robin returns
Being the first authorised sequel to A.A. Milne's original Winnie-the-Pooh stories, featuring ten new tales. Thank goodness, it's suitably super.
Chapter One in which Christopher Robin returns
Being the first authorised sequel to A.A. Milne's original Winnie-the-Pooh stories, featuring ten new tales. Thank goodness, it's suitably super.
Articles
Final Doctor Who game ep for Christmas by Matthew Reynolds
(from Digital Spy)
Christmas Day, to be precise, which is a neat idea -- extra Christmas present and all that kind of palaver. It's titled Shadows of the Vashta Nerada which, as any Who fan will surely immediately realise, means a return for the enemy from Silence in the Library (Steven Moffat's weakest story, if you ask me, but a great idea for a monster). Interesting choice.
I've still not played the last two games though, what with the first one being a bit rubbish (never did write that review, did I). I ought to catch up...
Nolan confirms Batman departure by Hugh Armitage
(from Digital Spy)
No no, don't worry, he's still directing The Dark Knight Rises -- but that will be his last Batman film. Probably for the best -- gets to close off a definite three-part story that way, and with lightning already having struck twice it's pushing it to ask for a third, never mind fourth.
Who exec: 'No old monsters in series six' by Justin Harp
(from Digital Spy)
Hm. I can't say I'll miss the Daleks -- we've had plenty of them in the new series for now, thanks -- but it seems a shame not to dig into that rich history at least a little bit. It's worked well so far, anyway, and there are still a few iconic monsters that merit a return appearance.
(The article warns of spoilers, but there aren't any really, just a bit of a plot description for the Christmas special. There is a mildly amusing overuse of square brackets though.)
(from Digital Spy)
Christmas Day, to be precise, which is a neat idea -- extra Christmas present and all that kind of palaver. It's titled Shadows of the Vashta Nerada which, as any Who fan will surely immediately realise, means a return for the enemy from Silence in the Library (Steven Moffat's weakest story, if you ask me, but a great idea for a monster). Interesting choice.
I've still not played the last two games though, what with the first one being a bit rubbish (never did write that review, did I). I ought to catch up...
Nolan confirms Batman departure by Hugh Armitage
(from Digital Spy)
No no, don't worry, he's still directing The Dark Knight Rises -- but that will be his last Batman film. Probably for the best -- gets to close off a definite three-part story that way, and with lightning already having struck twice it's pushing it to ask for a third, never mind fourth.
Who exec: 'No old monsters in series six' by Justin Harp
(from Digital Spy)
Hm. I can't say I'll miss the Daleks -- we've had plenty of them in the new series for now, thanks -- but it seems a shame not to dig into that rich history at least a little bit. It's worked well so far, anyway, and there are still a few iconic monsters that merit a return appearance.
(The article warns of spoilers, but there aren't any really, just a bit of a plot description for the Christmas special. There is a mildly amusing overuse of square brackets though.)
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
TV
Colditz
2x07 French Leave
Due South
1x16 The Wild Bunch [2nd watch]
Mad Men
4x12 Blowing Smoke
Mad Men just goes from strength to strength -- I don't think there's anything else quite so addictive on TV at the moment.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Thorne
1x06 Scaredycat Part 3 [season finale]
I'd meant to watch this last Friday (having watched the first two parts on Wednesday and Thursday); can't remember why I didn't now. Anyway, I saw that twist coming! Go me!
2x07 French Leave
Due South
1x16 The Wild Bunch [2nd watch]
Mad Men
4x12 Blowing Smoke
Mad Men just goes from strength to strength -- I don't think there's anything else quite so addictive on TV at the moment.
[Watch it (again) in HD on iPlayer.]
Thorne
1x06 Scaredycat Part 3 [season finale]
I'd meant to watch this last Friday (having watched the first two parts on Wednesday and Thursday); can't remember why I didn't now. Anyway, I saw that twist coming! Go me!
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